Bette got in and cuddled with Tina as tears flowed down her cheeks. Tina soon felt the dampness on her shoulder.

Tina: Babe, are you okay?

Bette: Yea, T. Ive just missed you so much, Ive missed this. I have been so lost without you.

Tina: Awww Baby, but you found your way back to us and now the three of us will find the rest of the way together. What do you say?

Bette: I hope so Baby, I really hope so.

Bette held on to Tina as she drifted off to sleep wondering if they would really be able to get past all the pain and hurt that they had both endured over the last year. She knew she loved Tina, but would love be enough.

Meanwhile, Tina questioned the emotions that were going through Bettes mind. She had no doubt that Bette loved her, she could see it in her eyes. But along with the love she also saw a distance, an uncertainty. Would they really be able to close the enormous gap that seemed to engulf them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Bette and Tina slept like babies in each others arms. Neither of them having felt this content since they had split. That is until Katalina decided to stir. She had been awake in her crib for awhile, waiting for some attention. When it didnt seem to come, her hunger took charge and she began to wail. Both Bette and Tina were quickly brought around by the sounds of little Katalina.

Bette: Wow, shes got some set of lungs, T? Ill get her before she wakes the whole nursery.

Tina: Shes probably hungry again. What time is it anyway?

Tina asked trying to figure out how long they had been asleep. Bette looked over at the clock.

Bette: Wow, that cant be right. It says 7:30, but theres no way we could have slept for over three hours, could we T.

Just about then a nurse comes in.

Nurse: Well, I see everyone is finally awake. You had some visitors earlier, but no one wanted to wake you. They said you all looked too peaceful. But they did say they would stop back later with some real food, so I didnt bother to wake you for supper. I hope thats okay with you.

Tina: No, thats fine. We obviously were in need of some rest. I cant imagine how long we would have slept if it hadnt been for little Katalina getting hungry. I cant believe she held out for as long as she did.

Bette changes the baby and hands her over to Tina. The nurse steps back out and gives them their privacy.

Tina: Awww, there you go sweetie. Mommy is sorry she made you wait so longHow are you feeling, Babe? Did you get enough rest?

Bette: Im good T. I just cant believe we slept so long.

Bette sat back and quietly watched as Tina fed the baby. She was still feeling overwhelmed with the days events. There was still so much that they needed to talk about, but she knew the gang would be there shortly. Besides, she wasnt real keen to getting into a real heavy conversation just yet. She would just follow Tinas lead, as she was afraid to assume anything at this point. She watched Tina as Tina smiled down at little Katalina. God how she had missed that amazing smile. She couldnt believe how just a smile could light up her heart inside. And Tinas beauty seemed to have intensified with motherhood. As Bette gazed at Tina, she got lost in her beauty.

Tina: Hey you, are you sure youre okay? Youve been so quiet since we woke up.


Tinas question startled Bette, as it brought her back from her reverie.

Bette: Yeah, I guess Im still taking everything in. This day just seems so surreal. I guess part of me is just waiting to wake up only to see that its all been just a beautiful dream.

Tina: Awww, Baby. Come over here with us. Its not a dream, Babe. We are right here and we are not going anywhere without you.

Bette gets up from the chair and goes over towards the bed.

Bette: Dont forget to burp her, I dont need a repeat of last time.

Tina: Here, why dont you take her and burp her Babe?

Bette: Oh, I see. You dont want her spewing all over you.

Tina: No, thats not it at all. I just want to make sure that you feel like a part of this. I hadnt realized that you had felt left out of the first pregnancy until you opened up on the video and I just want to do whatever I can to make sure that you dont ever feel that way again.

Bette takes little Katalina and walks her around while she tries to get a burp out of her. Katalina is not real happy as she is still hungry.

Bette: Its okay, sweetie. You just need to give us a little burp so your tummy doesnt explode again. The quicker we do this, the quicker you can get back to mommy. What do you say? Can I get a little cooperation here?

Tina was just getting ready to critique Bettes technique when Katalina ripped off a big burp.

Bette: Now see sweetie. Doesnt that make you feel so much better?

Bette walks back over to Tina and gives the baby back to her. She is smiling ear to ear having successfully completed her task.

Tina: I knew you would be a wonderful mother, Bette. You are so good with her. I am so proud of you and I am so happy that the two of you have bonded so easily. Just the way things were meant to be.

It wasnt long before the gang arrived. Tina had just finished nursing the baby and Bette was once again walking her around in an effort to get her to burp.

Alice: Well, well, look who decided to crawl out of bed. Youre showing your age Porter, sleeping all afternoon. I dont know how youre going to keep up with the little one there.

Bette: Dont worry about me Al, Ill do just fine.

Alice: Well, just incase youre in need of some rejuvenation, we brought you guys some real food. And dont worry T, Dana made sure we got something that you would be able to eat without causing the little one there to much distress.

Tina: Thanks, guys. I actually am kinda hungry. Hey Babe, why dont you give the baby to one of the girls and come over here and eat with me.

Bette: Which one of you would like the honor of holding this precious one first?

Bette looks around and notices that Shane has kept back out of the way.

Bette: Auntie Shane, I think she would like you to take her.

Shane was a little nervous about the whole baby thing. She wasnt quite sure how to maintain her cool persona and relate to a baby at the same time, which was why she had stood back. She had hoped the others would jump in and swarm the baby so that no one would really notice she wasnt.

Bette: Awww, come on Auntie Shane. She wont bite. Not yet anyway. And dont worry shes already burped so she shouldnt spit up on you. Besides, I think she likes to save that for me.

Bette walks over to Shane and hands her little Katalina as she whispers in her ear. Dont worry Shane, youre a natural. Once you hold her in your arms youll have a whole new perspective on life. Shane takes the baby and holds her close. She is amazed at the emotions this little one causes her to feel. Bette goes over and sits with Tina as she watches Katalina do her magic on Shane.

Alice: So did you guys figure out a name for this little one or was it more important for you to curl up with each other in bed all day?

Bette smiles at Tina, looking for the go ahead to let them all in on the name they had chosen.

Tina: Well, Babe, why dont you tell them what they are so eager to hear?

Bette: Well, Alice, for your information we did not spend the whole day curled up in bed. We did decide on a name for our little precious one. So Aunties, I would like to introduce you all to Katalina Elyssa Kennard-Porter.

Shane: Awww, that is so beautiful. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful little girl. You guys are so lucky. I mean she is just so precious.

Bette: I told you she would get to you.

Shane: Yeah, she is definitely going to be a real heartbreaker when she gets older.

Tina: Oh my God, please lets not rush things. Shes not even a day old and you have her breaking hearts already.

Bette: Yeah, shes going to be just like her mother. Once she takes your heart, there will be no getting it back.

Bette smiled at Tina as she entwined hands with her.

Tina: Aww, Baby. That works both ways.

Dana approaches Shane as she wants to be the next to hold Katalina.

Dana: Come on Shane, you cant keep her to yourself all night. Give the rest of us a chance to hold her.

Alice: Yeah, Shane. We would all like to see her before she falls asleep again.

Shane prepares to hand the baby off to Dana. The protectiveness has already kicked in.

Shane: Okay, guys, but you need to be really careful. She is really tiny and you have to make sure you support her when you hold her. Bette and Tina sit back and proudly watch their friends make over the baby. As they watch them interact they both know that they will never have a shortage of babysitters, as Katalina has already cast her spell on them. The girls stayed about an hour and after giving congratulations and hugs all around they were on their way. They knew Bette and Tina could use some time to themselves and they were all hoping the best for them. Once they left, Tina turned her focus back to Bette.

Tina: Babe, you didnt eat very much.

Bette: Im okay, T. I guess I wasnt as hungry as I thought.

Tina: Baby, you have got to eat. You have lost too much weight already. You need to take better care of your self.

Just then Kit walked in. Kit: I hope I am not too late. I tried to get away earlier, but things have been so busy. Hows my little niece?

Bette: Hey, Kit. Im glad you made it. You just missed the girls. They passed Katalina around for an hour until she crashed on them. Shes sleeping now, but you can hold her if you want. Shes been such a good girl.

Kit picks up the baby and takes her to the rocking chair where she sits and rocks her.

Kit: And how are the two of you doing?

Tina: Well, I for one, have never been happier. I couldnt ask for anything more than I have right here with me now.

Kit was glad to see Tina happy again. She knew first hand how long Tina had been wanting and waiting to get her family back. As Kit looked over at Bette she could sense an uneasiness in her.

Kit: And how are you doing, Baby Sis? How is your first day of motherhood?

Bette didnt want to get into anything deep with Kit, so she decided to answer the second half of her question in hopes to avoid discussing her own feelings.

Bette: Motherhood is amazing Kit. I cant believe how one tiny little beautiful girl can change a persons whole outlook on life. Nothing is more important than being here with my family and taking care of them. I just want to make sure that they will have everything they will ever need. I hope that I can give them that without letting them down again.

Kit: Well, getting yourself here today was definitely a good start.

Bette: I hope so. I really want to make this work.

Tina: Baby, we can do anything as long as we work at it together. Just dont be afraid to talk to me.

Bette: Im going to try T. Just know that I love you more than life itself. It might take me a little time to wrap myself around this whole idea. I mean, I spent over the last three months believing I lost everything that mattered to me and was trying desperately to figure out how I was going to live my life by myself. Now I am suddenly part of an amazing family. I guess its just going to take a little time to absorb everything. Just please dont give up on me T.

Kit: I dont think that is possible, Baby Sis. Not after everything Tina has been through these last few months trying to figure out where you were. Do you realize that she even hired a private investigator to try and find you? Thank God he was a decent and honest man and didnt milk her for all of her money.

Bette: Im sorry T. If I had only known, I would have come back sooner. I was just trying to do what you had asked of me.

Tina: Bette, its okay. That is all behind us now. We need to focus on the future and how we handle things from here on out.

Just then Katalina decided to wake up again.

Kit: Hey there pretty girl. Do you realize how lucky you are? You have two wonderful moms that love you so much and you have so many Aunts that are here for you whenever you need us. She is just the most precious little thing. You two have been truly blessed with this one.

Tina: Yeah, I think shes been a blessing in many ways, dont you agree Babe?

Bette: Most definitely T. Like I told Shane, she gives you a whole new perspective on life.

Kit continues to talk to little Katalina until her hunger kicks in again at which time she turns her back over to Tina. Since it is getting late she decides to say her goodbyes and let the new family have some time together. She hugs Tina and gives Katalina a kiss on the forehead.

Kit: Now, you three take good care of each other and I will be back to see you all tomorrow. Baby Sis, do you think you could walk me out?

Bette looks at Kit and then over at Tina.

Bette: Is that okay with you T?

Tina: Baby, of course it is. Why would you even ask such a silly question?

Bette: I wont be gone long T and if you need anything you just ring for a nurse, okay?

Tina: Bette, we will be fine. Now go say goodbye to your sister.

Bette gives both Katalina and Tina a kiss on the forehead and walks out with Kit.

Kit: Okay, Baby Sis. What gives?

Bette: What do you mean, Kit?

Kit: You know exactly what I mean. Something is bothering you and you are keeping it all bottled up to yourself. Havent you learnt anything girl?

Bette: Kit, its just been a very long and emotional day.

Kit: Oh, no you dont. Youre not going to get by with that. You know if I can see it then Tina will see it. She may not be picking up on it yet with just having the baby and all, but you guys will be going home soon and there is no way that she is not going to see right through you.

Bette really doesnt want to get into things with Kit.

Bette: Speaking of Tina going home, would it be okay if I stay with you while we are working on things. I mean, I havent talked to Tina yet, so I dont know what her plans are, but Im not going to pressure her into anything that she is not ready for and I dont want her to think that things are moving too fast.

Kit: Baby Sis, you know that you are welcome in my home anytime. But you have completely lost your mind if you think Tina is going to let you out of her sight. That girl has been going crazy without you and she is going to expect you to be coming home with them when they leave this place. So you are not going to have to worry about staying with me. Now will you please tell me what is really going on inside of that crazy head of yours.

Bette: Look, Kit, I dont know okay. This day has just been insane. I mean, I woke up this morning with it finally dawning on me that I wanted to come back here and fight for my life back. To have a chance to be in my childs life and to have the family Ive always wanted and dreamed of with Tina. I was prepared for the long process of proving to Tina that I love her, that I have changed, and that we could make things work if she could just give us a second chance. Then I get here and everything has fast forwarded. Its like the ***** twilight zone around here and I just need a little time to catch up. Is that so much to ask? Is there something so wrong with that?

Kit: No, Bette, there is nothing wrong with that. Just dont make the mistake of pushing Tina away while you are trying to process everything and catch up.

Bette: I am not trying to push her away. We have been talking. I just dont want to overwhelm her. Shes got a lot to deal with too. For Gods sake, she just had a baby. We need to focus on that right now. We can deal with the rest later.

Kit: Baby girl, I know you are trying your best here and I know you mean well, but you really need to open up to Tina and let her know what is going on inside you. She cannot read your mind. That was one of your problems in the past. The two of you never fully opened up to one another and instead were constantly misreading each other. After listening to you on your tape and spending these last few months talking to Tina about her regrets, you both had a lot of the same things stirring on the inside that you just never shared with each other. And it would have been so much easier on the both of you if you had. I just dont want to see either of you make those same mistakes again.

Bette: It is not my intention to keep anything from Tina. We will discuss everything when the time is right.

Kit: The time is now, Bette. You need to let Tina in on what has you so uneasy and distanced. Whether its doubts, fears or whatever the ***** it is, the two of you need to deal with it now, together.

Bette: Thanks for all the confidence, Kit. Im going back to my wife now.

Bette turns around and heads back to Tinas room. She knows Kit is right, she just doesnt know where to start.