Bette came out of the bathroom moment later dressed in blue-striped silk pajamas, her Valentine gift from Tina. “Tina…” her sentence stopped short noting a lump on the bed shaking lightly under the sheet. Bette smiled that sweet and understanding smile approaching the lump. She sat down on the bed and tried to lift the sheet but found it was clutching tightly against her attempt.

“Tina?” Bette softly called and gently rubbed the outline of Tina’s back under the sheet, trying to coax the obviously embarrassed woman to her view. Tina resisted and continued to cloak.

“It’s okay baby. I love you.” Bette consoled the disappointed lump and earned herself an invitation to join as she felt the tight hold on the cover loosened and the sheet lifted. Bette quickly shimmied under and pulled Tina into her arms. Fortunately, Tina did not resisted the move but still unable to face Bette as her back being spooned from behind.

“I’m sorry” a soft mumble against her chest letting Bette know that she was right about Tina’s disappointment. Bette rubbed along the side of Tina’s arm and placed gentle kisses on her exposed long neck. The gliding of fabric on Tina’s arm made Bette realized that the daring negligee Tina had on earlier had been ditched for a long-sleeved nightshirt. Bette couldn’t help but smile gratefully for the innocence of her love and realized that her future is forever beholden to this woman.

“Don’t be sorry baby” Bette brushed Tina’s ear with her gentle words and found her voice lost between her lips and the skin on Tina’s neck. “We have all the time in the world. I have all I need and want right here.” Gentle kisses were lovingly placed along Tina’s neckline causing her to sink deeper into Bette’s hold. Tina slowly turned around to meet the warmth of Bette’s eyes filled with compassion and love. She nestled closer in Bette’s arms and cried in relief and embarrassment.

Bette’s heart ached hearing Tina’s cries of uncertainty. With gentle strokes and comforting voice, Bette mollified her sullen lover. Tina’s cry subsided into a few hiccupping sniffs. Her tenseness gradually subsided by the tender effort of the brunette loving caresses. Bette breathes a sigh of relief, sensing a returned peace to Tina’s body as tears give way to calmed rest. The strain of a long workday along with what almost happened finally caught up with Bette. Gradually, her breathing matched the steady rhythm of Tina’s as it evened out, reuniting two lovers in their wondrous dream of love.