Chapter 16
                    “The Wedding”

 Maria had done as she promised to do. Three days before the wedding she, Anthony and their children showed up on Bette and Tina’s door step. Tina was in awe when she answered the door and saw the small family standing there. The group of friends gathered out by the pool for lunch. They reminisced about the adventure Italy had brought. And Maria was thrilled to see Bette and know she was in good health. She had gone to see the Doctor the day before they arrived. And Dr. Spalding felt Bette was only overwhelmed by all that was taking place. After all Bette Porter had always been in good health. She thrived on it. Living right was like a drug to her. And it was because of such good health, her body had recovered. The next evening Bette and Tina were sent away separately. Tina was lucky enough to stay with Alice and Bette enjoyed all the comforts her sister’s one bedroom had to offer. Kit thought it was a good idea if they had no contact at all. Well except for the letters she had asked them each to write one another.

 Bette sat alone on the sofa in Kit’s apartment and Tina paced the floor over at Alice‘s. They were like two little children waiting on Christmas. And it was only Dec 19^th. Christmas was a wonderful holiday, always warm and fun in the Kinard/Porter household. This year would be, however one of the best ever experienced. This would be the first Christmas they would share after their wedding. In all the time Bette and Tina had been together, a commitment ceremony never seem to have its place in their life. Bette had given Tina a ring after being together ten months and that became their own declaration of being together. This time around it was the full out, no holds barred kind of deal. Not just the exchange of rings, but the exchange of vows and a promise of commitment. As these two women sat separate for one night, plans were being made to bring them together for a life time. Love is blind, it does not see color it does not see religion and it does not see gender. It merely looks inside the soul and witnesses the pureness two hearts can share. It binds us together, coupling us like wings. It wills us all to go ahead with yet another day. It is powerful enough to bring families together from far away places. It grounds us and teaches us that the sun will rise up again with love all around. As Tina thought these things, she opened her letter from Bette sat in the window and began to read.