“I would find a way to fight for my baby.”

“Maybe you would but it could take years and what about the child? What if this biracial child although loved and cared for doesn’t blend into this white family? What if everyone assumes that Tina and Henry are Mikey’s natural parents but the baby she gave birth to is adopted; perpetuating the otherness. What happens when Tina is questioned about the baby’s father or the ’donor’ as he might be referred to? Do you think it would be preferable to bring a child into that environment just so he or she could have two parents rather than being a single mom?”

“Those things would never have happened.” Bette’s tone did not carry enough conviction to back up her words. She knew Emma was right. Had she and Tina had a child together under the circumstances as they presented themselves, all those things could very well have taken place.

“Maybe not but judging from what you’ve told me about Tina’s reaction to using Marcus Allenwood’s sperm it’s not out of the realm of possibilities. I’m not presuming to know Tina or what she’s capable of but I think I know something about you Bette. You have so much love to give. If you deny yourself having children just because you feel the need to create this perfect family with two parents you will have regrets. I’m not saying that you won’t find a life-partner to share these dreams with but don’t feel like it’s dependent on it. You’re going to miss out on the joy that children bring to your life but more importantly the children you are meant to have are going to miss out on a great mom and the great life you could give them.”

“So you’re suggesting that I have children even if it means I might be a single parent?”

“I just want you to realize all your dreams Bette. It’s up to you how you make it happen.”

It was conversations like this that made Bette realize that her fortuitous meeting with Emma was the best thing that could have happened. Bette concluded that she needed a therapist to help her deal with her life changes in a healthy way that would allow her to process, heal and move on. She wanted Emma to be that person. Emma would have preferred not to treat Bette professionally since she had a personal interest but Bette insisted.

They settled on a therapeutic friendship. Although intense, Bette’s psychological treatment was not typical in that she didn’t attend scheduled sessions in Emma’s office, instead they spent time as friends. The approach was unconventional but it was the best way to get Bette comfortable enough to really open up to where she would share her feelings, fears and insecurities. Their consultations were informal over a meal, lounging at Bette’s pool, walking on the beach, running in the park or indulging Emma’s two passions; gourmet cooking and playing golf both of which Bette embraced and exceled in.

Bette and Emma got along so well that watching the two together anyone would have thought they were a couple but the times spent were purposeful as Emma led Bette through the different stages of recovery. Bette blossomed under Emma’s care and it wasn’t long before their relationship grew from a caring friendship to a romantic love.

Years later they would still joke about Emma’s cheesy pick up line “I’d rather date you than analyze you”. In the end she did both. In her professional capacity Emma helped Bette to recover from the devastation of her broken marriage and to regain her self-esteem. She showed Bette that she didn’t need someone else to define or complete her. She was whole on her own. What she needed was someone to complement her.

***

Six months after the breakup Bette was ready to give herself fully to the idea of letting someone new into that special place in her heart that she’d reserved for Tina Kennard. Once she let her guard down she was able to give unconditional love without the fear of it not being reciprocated. Tina was in her past and though she would never totally let go of what they shared she could now move on and find happiness with someone else. Most importantly she learned that just because she’d lost Tina it didn’t mean that she had to let go of her life dreams.