Tina: And yet, we are together more now than we have been in our entire life.

Bette: I know. But I’m very attached to you.  Maybe it’s just a phase I’m going through and it will go away soon. At least I haven’t played hooky from school and just come home. If I start to do that, then I would say I have a problem and may need some professional help.

Tina: Well, just remember. I’m not home. I’m doing my painting and you cannot come to see me there unless I invite you.

Bette:  Yes, I know…. I love you, Tina. Kiss me and lets’ go to sleep.

Tina:  Oh Babe. I love you too. Good night.

The next few days went by and the family were back into their routines. Jim sent a security specialist out to talk to Bette and Tina on Tuesday evening to get an idea on what kind of security measures they wanted, the camera arrangements, the computer access and the automatic locking doors. Bette and Tina agreed with Jim to allow him to wait on the powder room/study renovation until spring. The family would be out of the house and would not be bothered by the dust and noise the contractors were bound to make. Jim would have some security bolts installed on all the doors leading to the pool area which could be accessed by adults but not by children. This made Bette feel better about James and Lisa’s children for the upcoming visit. It meant that they could put the Preston family in the cabana for the night.

On Wednesday, the massive Ribbon Sculpture was delivered and on Thursday morning, Tina help place the it in the corner of garden. She really loved how it was so simple yet so elegant and gave what she believed was a symbol of Bette’s free flowing love for Tina. She then had the smaller one place in the front yard in view of the dining room windows.

Mary and Margaret planned an afternoon and evening out on Friday. Mary had planned to get her California driver’s license and a few other errands. She and Margaret were going to dine out at their favorite ocean view restaurant and then walk on the beach. It was Daniel’s turn to go to the Wilkins so Bette and Tina would have the house to themselves. Tina thought perhaps she could arrange for Bette’s expressed wish to go skinny dipping in their own pool might be fulfilled. So, she asked Mary and Margaret not to return to the house before 10 PM. She and Bette could have a candlelight dinner on the patio and then go for a swim and be in bed before their housemates returned home. Mary and Margaret decided to go to the movies and then go to a coffee shop afterwards rather than go for a walk on the beach. They would definitely not be home before 10 PM.