“Watch it Kit, I’ll tell the story of your first date and how Daddy made the young man synchronize his watch with his and had him write an minute by minute itinerary of what he planned to do with you that evening and what he was not to do.”  Bette laughed.  “I still can’t get over the look on your date’s face when Daddy talked about needing help feeding the snapping turtle collection he had.”

            “Wait, wait what about the time… they shared stories and memories until they were all talked out.  Bette, Kit and David lit candles and Kit sang one of their Dads favorite songs.  It was a peaceful healing afternoon.

            After David left they sat around the living room with Kit and Angus on one couch and Bette, Tina and Angelica when she would stay, on the other couch.  Angus rubbed his hand across Kit’s belly where there was the smallest of evidence of the child growing inside.  Kit looked over at Bette and said.  “You would think that I’m the first woman ever to have a baby the way this man carries on.”

            “It’s our first.” Angus protested.

            “It almost feels like the first time for me too, in some ways it is.  I get so scared when I really think about it.”

            “This is the second time you’ve said that Kit.  Is there some problem with it being a change of life baby?”  Bette leaned forward her brows knitting in concern.

            “No, Dr. Marks says I’m fine physically and the baby is growing normally.  I didn’t raise David as you know and I wonder about being a mother.”

            “You’re great with Angelica.” Tina piped in. “I think you’ll be a great Mom and Bette and I will help you and Angus.”

            “Thanks.”  Both Kit and Angus replied in unison. 

            “I ran out on David and I know that’s got to affect him.  How do I know that I won’t run out on this child too?”

            Bette suddenly became very still.  Tina narrowed her eyes and noted that Bette’s breathing had become irregular. 

            “You ok Babe?” Tina asked in concern. 

            Bette did not respond.  “Babe?”  Tina placed a hand on Bette’s thigh.  Still no response.  Tina then put her hand on Bette’s back and she shook her head as if shaking off a sudden chill.