Bette and Stevie spent the next couple weeks sneaking to be with each other.  Stevie continued to date other women to keep up appearances but it was very much less then she did previously and she was very much uninterested.  Every night she returned to Bette’s.  Shane was growing suspicious and they were growing tired of sneaking around.

Everyone met at the Planet on Thursday evening to celebrate the launch of Kit’s new web site.  Stevie had taken some great photos and the site looked very professional.  Kit was ecstatic.  Tina showed up with Angelica.  She knew better then to bring Henry.  Bette thought it time for Stevie to meet Angelica. 

Stevie:  “That her?”

Bette:  “Yep.”

Stevie:  “She’s beautiful.”

Bette:  “Want to hold her?”

Stevie:  “Oh no, I don’t know how.”

Bette:  “It’s easy, here just like this.  She’s not so fragile anymore.”

Bette placed the child in her arms.  Stevie held her at almost arms length just staring at the child.  A distant sadness could be seen in her eyes.  As children do Angelica cooed and gurgled making funny noises.  Stevie seemed to acclimate to the child now holding her a little closer and more properly.

Stevie:  “Hi.”

Angelica seemed to light up and placed her head on the woman’s shoulder, nuzzling into her neck.  The biggest and toothiest smile spread across Stevie’s face like wild fire as she looked at Bette in shock.  Bette felt herself fall head over heals at that very moment.

Bette:  “She likes you.”

Stevie continues to play with and hold the child, still being overly careful as she moved and wiggled in her arms.

Bette:  “I think its time we talked to Shane.”

Stevie immediately got serious.

Stevie:  “What?”

Bette:  “We should talk to her.  I’m tired of hiding how we feel.”

Stevie:  “How we feel?”

Bette frowned.

Bette:  “yes.”

Stevie:  “I don’t know how I feel.  How do you?”

Bette:  “I’m feeling like we could have something good. Permanent.”

Stevie flushed.  Permanent didn’t exist in her life.  In her experiences permanent usually marked the beginning of the end.

Stevie:  “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”