Chapter 31

Bette burst through the front door and boldly exclaimed, What a ***** ***** day today was

Tina and Jackie stared at her.

Tina rubbed her hands on her belly and said, Ok babies, cover your ears – Mamas having another meltdown!

Bette heard the comment Tina made – and all of the angst of the day just seemed to melt away. She couldnt help but smile. So – how are my favorite girls on this lovely evening? Bette walked over to Jackie and gave her a kiss on the cheek. You look well – how do you feel today?

Jackie smiled at Bette, Actually, I feel ok. Thank you for asking.

Bette made her way over to Tina. She bent down and spoke softly to the babies, Sorry about that you two – at this rate Ill have you talking like sailors before youre born. But boy did I have a gosh darn, awful, terrible – ***** ***** DAY! Thats French you two – are you paying attention? Youll be bilingual by the time youre born too!

Bette stood up and pulled Tina close to her. Hi Baby – I missed you. How are you?

Im good. For the first time since Tina began dealing with her mothers illness, she had the sparkle back in her eyes. Yes – her eyes were smiling. Having Jackie stay with them had done wonders for Tina and for Jackie. Bette loved knowing that Tina was there for Jackie when she couldnt be and that Jackie was there for Tina when she couldnt be. There was a true sense of family in their home. The amount of love that was present was just phenomenal – incredible. Bette placed her hands on the sides of Tinas face and studied her – she looked into her eyes. God, I love you Tina. Bette kissed Tina – it was a passionate kiss. Tina felt her stomach do flips.

I love you too Baby. Do you want to talk about your day?

Nahsame shitdifferent day! Im better now that Im here with my family. Bette glanced over at Jackie and smiled. I absolutely adore my family! Jackie smiled back – she knew that Bette was being sincere.

Well – dinners just about ready. Bette – do you want to go change before we eat?

Yeah – good idea. Ill be right back. Bette left the room with Jake following her. When she got into the bedroom, Jake jumped up on the bed. Are you going to watch me change Jake? Bette sighed – here she was expecting an answer again. Jake just stared at her. So Jakey – how the ***** was your day? Did you do anything interesting? ***** in anyones shoes? Throw up anywhere? Bette had really developed a fondness for Jake – but they did still like to torment each other. Forget it – the thong stays on! Jake just continued to stare at Bette. Ok – you can stop looking at me dog! Youre making me paranoid again! Jake jumped off the bed and left the room. Bette yelled after him, What is this Jake? You cant have my thong so you leave? Cant handle it huh? Wimp! Bette smiled. In a strange way, Jake made the family she loved so much complete – Damn little flea bag!

Jackie, Bette and Tina shared a quiet dinner. Jackie was tired so she and Jake made another early exit and went to bed. Bette told Tina to go relax – shed take care of the cleanup. Tina went into the living room to watch T.V…

When Bette was finished cleaning up the kitchen, she went into the living room. Tina had fallen asleep. She made her way to Jackies room to check on her. Jackie was sleeping peacefully. Jake stood up and stared at Bette. Bette whispered to Jake – Shhh. Jake. Im just doing my nightly rounds! Please dont bark! Jake cooperated – he plopped back down and let out a heavy sigh.

Bette went back to the living room. She quietly climbed onto the couch behind Tina. She put her arm around her. Tina began to stir. HiBabe.

Hey Sweetie – you fell asleep.

YeahI missed you today Babe.

Im here now T

I knowI know

Bette caressed Tinas belly. Hey T?

Yeah Babe?

I just wanted to say that I love you.

I knowI can feel itin everything you do for mefor momfor the babieseven for Jake.

I love all of you T.

We all love you too.
Bette pulled Tina close – there was no way shed ever let go. She felt closer to Tina than ever before. She would never let go.

Tina drifted off to sleep again. Bette let out a sigh as she let go of the events of the day. This was new for her. She was now acutely aware of what was really important – everything else – she just let go. She felt a certain calm wash over her – and within moments, she too fell asleep with her arm still wrapped around Tina.