Vignettes of the Heart – 10

Bette slowly stood and placed Angelica in her crib, gently covering her with her flannel blanket. Tina remained on her knees, simply watching and waiting. When Bette finished tucking the blanket around the sleeping toddler, she extended her hand toward Tina. Their fingers touched and their palms slid against one another until Bette had enough grip to pull Tina to her feet. She led Tina into their bedroom and sat her on the edge of the bed. Kneeling in front of her, Bette positioned herself between Tina’s knees, lay her head against Tina’s abdomen, and wrapped her arms around her waist. Tina gently pulled Bette’s head to her, wrapping her own arms around her dark curls. They stayed that way for a long time, enjoying the closeness without demands or hesitancies.

Tina was the first to speak. "Babe, let’s go to bed. Let’s sleep." Bette looked up and nodded slightly. She followed Tina up onto the bed, where they naturally fell into the same sleeping positions they had maintained throughout their relationship. They faced one another on their sides, Tina on her left and Bette on her right, hands clasped between them. "I love you, Tina." "I love you, Babe." They both drifted into sleep, secure in promise that for the moment, for the future, they were together.

_______________________________________________

Sunlight streamed through the windows, shining on Tina’s face and wakening her. She opened her eyes and smiled at the sight that greeted her. Bette was still facing her, the signs of stress and fatigue had been erased by the peace of having her family back. Tina could not resist brushing back an errant curl from Bette’s cheek, and the soft touch caused Bette to wake. "Good morning, sleepyhead," Tina greeted her. Bette slowly smiled, her eyes lighting up as she realized where she was and with whom. "Good morning," she responded, caressing Tina’s cheek. They were both reluctant to break the spell of their togetherness. Angelica did the honor.

Bette chuckled. "I’ll do the diaper if you’ll cook breakfast," she bargained.

Tina grinned, "It’s a deal." Then she quickly kissed Bette and leaped out of bed, calling "Dibs on the bathroom!" behind her.