Chapter 12

Several months passed by – the trip to Europe had been great and refreshing for both of them. Tina had missed her daughter terribly and whenever they talked to each other on the phone or had an webcam conversation, she cried her eyes out. The renuin was very emotional, as well.

They had had long talks with Shane and finally came to understand her motives. She had only wanted to protect Tina from hurt as she was convinced that Bette’s letters would tell Tina how she had a built a life in New York with a wonderful partner. She had expected this because she thought she knew Bette well enough to know that Bette would have wanted to settle. Shane had wanted to spare Tina’s feelings.

Bette had proposed to Tina in the old-fashioned, romantic way: on one knee and with a ring. And today was their big day; the Wedding.

It was a hot day full of anticipation. Everyone was gathered on the beach where the glamorous couple would exchange their vows.

Bette was nervous – everyone turned to watch her as she stepped out of the white limo and headed down the aisle. A single tear strolled down her cheek as she saw her friends, there with her, sharing the dream she thought she had lost forever.

She stopped halfways down, knelt and wrote her name in the sand: “Ms Bette Porter”. She paused a moment and regarded her name. It would be the last time ever she’d see her name written this way.

As Bette made her way to the front, there wasn’t a dry eye to be found. Everyone knew what these women had been through and couldn’t be happier that after 17 years apart, they had found their way back in each other’s arms, found their way back to the happiness one can only find with one’s soulmate.

As Tina stepped out of her white limo, that was shining in the sun, Bette was watching her. She was breathless, awestruck by the beauty walking towards her.

Tina Kennard on any other day was a sight to be seen, but now, on this day, walking towards her in her gorgeous strapless ball gown, she was a vision divine. Her golden curls were resting on her shoulders and her eyes were sparkling so brightly, so full of love. As Tina knelt down, she let her fingers trail Bette’s name, following the path only Bette had followed, minutes ago. She then wrote her own name in the sand and Bette watched on, falling even depper in love as every second passed.