Knowing that her lover was awake, Tina tilted her head to look into Bette’s eyes. As she returned the gaze Bette whispered through her desire "Let sleeping dogs lie is a proverb you should perhaps consider baby"

"I’ve heard it once or twice but perhaps I like the risk" came Tina’s teasing response.

Bette’s throaty chuckle filled the air between them, "Then don’t complain when you get bit."

Continuing her exploration of Bette’s centre, Tina’s mouth closed on Bette’s. Lips parted and tongues devoured each other for several seconds then as she pulled away Tina whispered her reply, "I wouldn’t be so sure that you are in any position to make such threats Ms. Porter." Moving with unexpected swiftness Bette tilted her hips away from Tina and reached toward the object of her want. "We’ll see about that Ms. Kennard. Yes we will."

Rain continued to beat its pattern against the window pane, but as desire and need expanded between the lovers, it went unheeded as they found their way through the chaotic storm of their passion and found the rhythm that only they had, one that allowed them to share their release once more. As their lovemaking climbed toward its peak Bette felt herself embrace not only her release but also her fear about the future. She was not alone and never would be as long as she allowed Tina in, allowed her to share more than her bed.

Several minutes later, wrapped in each other’s arms, lost in the irrelevance of time that exists between lovers, both women barely registered the tiny voice that cut the darkness, "momma! momma!" Almost simultaneously Bette and Tina reached the door to the bedroom, just steps ahead of T, Bette entered Angelica’s room where their daughter sat crying in her crib. Reaching into the tiny bed Bette held Angelica as her eyes widened at the roll of thunder that rumbled through the night. Although a part of Tina realized that Bette needed to be the one this time who comforted Angelica, the desire to hold the crying toddler made it difficult to not rush in and take her from Bette’s arms.

"It’s only a storm baby. You don’t have to be afraid, you’re not alone, Momma T and I are here. "