As they walked together toward Bette’s car few words passed between Bette and Tina. Both women seemed content to lose themselves in the warm comfort of the other’s presence. Bette found herself caught somewhere between numbness and relief. The confrontation with Monique had been difficult and she had to fight the urge to berate herself for what she perceived as her lack of action. She had been able to stand her ground but in the end Tina had been the one to strike the decisive blow. The depth of Tina’s love could never be clearer after this afternoon and Bette’s could not help thinking what a different perspective could be gained by the passage of time. She distinctly remembered sitting in Dan Foxworthy’s office the afternoon of Tina’s ultrasound after they had made love and how she had felt about Tina’s newfound strength. Dan’s words that the changes in T were good had registered but today they had finally come to full fruition inside of her and rather than being devastated that Tina "didn’t need her anymore" she was grateful that this was true. Tina did not "need her" anymore the way she once had, that was evident but she wanted her and that was so much better.

Arriving at the car Bette moved smoothly to the passenger’s side and opened the door for Tina. The gesture brought a giggle to Tina’s lips as she spoke, "You haven’t done that in a long time. Any particular reason?"

“A way of thanking the strong and fearless woman in my life" was Bette’s quiet reply.

Once Tina was safely inside Bette returned to the driver’s side and slid into the soft leather interior. Carefully she placed the manila envelope between the front seats. As she reached to turn the key in the ignition Bette sensed more that felt Tina’s hand come to rest on her upper thigh. The simple motion was as effective as striking a match and throwing it onto the gasoline of Bette’s blood. The intensity of her reaction to Tina’s touch caused Bette to gasp as her hand halted on the still unturned key. Jesus! One touch is all it takes and I’m a mess. Tina Kennard you have no idea what you do to me The wicked smile of satisfaction that began to creep onto Tina’s mouth told Bette that Tina had some idea.