“Well, if you love them then I know that I will, too. I love creating extended family with others. I had a good one in LA until it all fell apart. I look forward to recreating it here in New York. This is my home now and I’m excited about that. You are my home, Eli…”

“Wait, you called me Eli…”

“Yes, well, I’ve been thinking about that nickname of yours, after you shared that story with me when you were younger and on the streets. I really like it as it suits you… Besides, you call me ‘Tee’ all the time, its only fair that I have my special nickname for you, too.” Tina said to her suddenly feeling shy about using the name. She looked down.

Bette took her hand and gently lifted Tina’s chin back up so that she could see into her eyes. She smiled that special smile at her girlfriend. “I like it when you say it. It’s fine that you call me that, as I love calling you Tee. It’s fine, really.”

“Thank you… my heart opens up more each day and pulls you in further, Eli… I feel so content here, being in New York with you, our boys and Shane, along with Peggy. I was so sure that my world would be one of devastation when I arrived here but after a while, I realized that I created my world and I didn’t want that one; I wanted a better one. I know that this, being with you and the boys, was meant to be. This relationship with you is flowing along in ways that I never imagined it would so soon.

I feel as though I’ve known you all of my life, it’s that comfortable. I can talk with you so easily because I feel supported, respected and loved. I so appreciate chatting with you everyday in the many ways that we find to communicate. The boys seem to feel satisfied as well because they laugh and smile and enjoy being with us. That says so much to me about how well we’re doing as a family.

And, Shane fits smoothly into it as well. She loves our little family and all of us being together. She has talked to me about it several times and shares that she loves it here as much as I do. She also has an infatuation with Ozzie as he does with her. Yesterday, she told me that she has never felt so loved as she does in living here in the City and with us.”

“Well, I’m so filled with happiness myself with how well it’s all going with everyone. I love being here across from the Park, thank you for that, by the way. I love being a mom to those two amazing boys and I have this heart filling with a love I could never imagine experiencing with another person. You make me want to be the best me I can be, Tee. I want to work hard each and every day to make this relationship with you, my one and only, a relationship that will last for the rest of my life.

I’m so willing to do what I have to do to make that be so. I’ve always been so shy regarding relationships with others, but I now know the importance of communicating with others in my ‘family’. It’s good not to assume as that has the potential to make such a mess of things.” Bette shared with her as they shared another kiss.

“Me, too, Eli, me too…”