Bette: “Sit up for me, babe.”

Tina leans forward. They both close their eyes as Bette softly sponges Tina’s back. Bette continues on washing the rest of Tina, but never opening her eyes. She doesn’t need to because for Bette, Tina’s body is the well traveled road leading home. She recognizes every curve, every twist and turn of Tina’s anatomy.

Bette: “Tina, you are so *****….you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and I am priveleged to have the opportunity to know you, let alone share a life with you.”

Tina:(blushing) “Thank you, but I doubt I’m th most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen….you can’t fool me. I know about your past and all the women you’ve been with.”

Bette: “The’re not you, Tina. No one holds a candle anywhere even close to you.”

A tear slips down Tina’s cheek as Bette brushes it away.

Bette: “Come on…let’s get ready for dinner.”

Bette pulls Tina from the tub and towels her dry. Just as they’re walking out of the bathroom the doorbell rings. Bette kisses Tina and says,”I’ll get that and I laid out something on the bed for you to wear.” Bette jogs to answer the door. Tina looks to the bed and smiles. She slips on one of Bette’s t-shirts from high school. Tina loves wearing these old shirts. They’re so comfortable and she is amazed Bette still has them after all these years. They’re like Tina’s own personal piece of Bette’s history.

Bette calls for Tina as she finishes putting the food on the table, “Tina, dinner’s ready!”

Tina is confused wondering who was at the door and how Bette cooked dinner so fast, but she puts two and two together as she enters the dining room and smells the food.

Tina: “Formaggio’s”

Bette: “Yep, I thought you might like Italian.”

Tina: “What did you get me?”

Bette: “Your favorite, of course.”

Tina carefully opens the container on her side of the table, “Oh my God…..grilled chicken and pesto linguine. You are so wonderful….what did you get?”

Bette: “I got baked chicken canneloni and a side of sauteed zuchini for us to share.”

Tina: “:Thank you….this is so romantic.”

Bette: “Ah just wait…” Bette lights the two candles and pours the wine. She then pulls Tina’s chair out, takes her hand, and helps her take her seat. Tina’s eyes are sparkling in the candlelight as she bashfully smiles at Bette. Bette seats herself across the table, holds Tina’s hand, and raises her glass to toast.

Bette: “To you….to us….to our family. Without your love and support I wouldn’t be half the person I am. You’ll never know how much of an inspiration you are to me, everyday and though, words can not express how much gratitude and love I feel for you, I will spend every moment I breathe showing you just how much you mean to me. My heart is yours as long as you’ll keep it. Thank you, Tina….for you truly are my rock, my guide, and my purpose.”

She then smiles that gorgeous smile and drinks to her toast. Tina’s eyes are filled wioth tears, but she, too, drinks to the toast.

Tina: “Bette, that is the most incredible thing anyone has ever said to me. I am so happy I can make you feel that way because that’s you make me feel.”

Bette kisses Tina’s hand and with a look of understanding says, “I know that you know, that I love you, but sometimes “I love you” just isn’t enough and I know even as secure as we are in our relationship sometimes you just need me to reassure you of what I’m feeling so I wanted to tell you.”

Tina: “Thank you”

Bette: “Are you ready to eat?”

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>