Bette could not believe how tiny Angelica was. She was completely mesmerized by this little miracle. She carefully counted each finger and toe.

            “Perfect.” Bette said to herself. The only thing missing in Bette’s eyes was Tina.

            “Please be okay, T. We need you. I need you.” There were tears in Bette’s eyes. She heard a slight tap on the door.

            “Come in,” she replied.

            “Baby sis, they would not let us in for a while, finally Shane managed to flirt enough with the head nurse. Oh my God, look at her. She is beautiful.” Kit said.

            “She is so little, Bette. Look at her Carmen, have you ever seen something so tiny?” was all Shane could muster.

            “Aww, Bette, you must be so proud.” Dana and Alice both remarked.

            “Where is Tina?” Jenny implied.

            “Tina is in recovery, she is going to be fine. She has not even met her daughter yet, but we did decide to name her Angelica. Everyone, this is Angelica Kennard Porter. Angelica, this is your family.”

            The groups of friends were in awe at the presence of the new addition to the Kennard-Porter household. Angelica was quite content to be held and loved on by her family.

            “This is the happiest day of my life.” Bette said through tears.

            The next few weeks were a bit of an adjustment for Bette and Tina. It was a challenge to figure out the routine of one Ms. Angelica Porter. Bette fought continuously with the baby seat. Tina would just smile in amusement as she reached and clipped the seat with little effort. The gang showed up often at the house to witness Angelica sleeping or cooing. She was certainly one of L.A.‘s most popular additions.

            Bette did know, however, that she and Tina had a lot of work to do in their relationship. They had a rough year. Bette was determined to make it work. They had a family now. The stakes were even higher. Bette did little things around the house. Tina noticed them and would acknowledge her gratitude. There were many nights that Tina never even heard the baby cry. She would wake up and notice both Bette and Angelica gone. Getting out of bed, she would tip-toe to the living room and see Bette dancing with Angelica or feeding her. Tina was always amazed at the miraculous change Bette was displaying. Tina, herself was also changing.

            For everything that Bette did, Tina, to spite herself would find a flaw in it. The diapers were to loose. The clothes were too big. She did not burp her enough. The milk was too hot or too cold. Nothing Bette did was good enough. Tina resented that she had to go to work. Bette was doing nothing to find a job. Finally, one day, Tina remarked that Bette would have to be the full time mom. They needed an income.

            “T, I know that. Don’t you think I have been looking? I was an Art director for many years. I will find something. I am worried as well, but I try to focus on the positives.”

            “Well, you focus on the positives, and I will focus on making sure we have enough money to pay the bills.” Tina said with so much venom.

            “Tina, do you resent having to make a living? I did it for years. You stayed home, did whatever you pleased. I never complained, in fact I was happy to be able to make enough money for you to stay home. Now we have a baby, and you are upset because I want to stay home with her?”

            “It is not that. You don’t seem at all concerned about our future.”

            “Tina, I am trying. That is all I can say right now. I am trying. You are being critical of everything I do. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to clean up before the social worker gets here. Did you remember that today was the first interview?”

            “Oh shit. I completely forgot. I will just call Oscar and let him know I am running late.”

            “You forgot? I reminded you last night. I told you I was afraid I would not be allowed to adopt Angelica. I was worried about the money. Did you not hear me?”

            Tina looked at Bette and sighed.

TBC