”I’m listening” 

”Well, I thought that after the repeated vows, there should be a second honeymoon … so, how about mountains, huge waterfalls and chalets with stunning views?”

”I like the way you think” 

”I knew you’d like it, so on Monday morning we’re going to Switzerland, or rather to the fabulously beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley”

If Tina’s gaze had been calm and gentle before, now her eyes lit up,

”Wow, baby, I can’t believe you remembered that!”

Couple of weeks ago, Tina accidentally mentioned in some conversation that she would like to visit the Lauterbrunnen Valley someday. It wasn’t a hint of a trip or a specific intention to do so, just a random thought that was immediately forgotten. The fact that Bette had noticed that phrase and remembered it was another quality that now made their lives better. Attention to every word, focusing not on yourself, your needs and problems, but on what and how the partner speaks. Tina was incredibly pleased that such a small thing was noticed.

Bette smiled broadly at Tina’s delight and surprise. They were still standing in the middle of the room, no longer dancing, but still touching.

”But what about the job? I have so much to do right now, I can’t just leave…”

”It’s all settled. Your bosses were much more amenable than I thought” 

”What, my bosses? Gosh, Bette! This is crazy! And Angie? How long will we be gone?”

”Only a week. She wishes us a great trip. Shane and Al will visit her sometimes,” Bette said it like a prepared text, because she knew that these were the questions Tina would ask.

”So you planned it all in secret?”

”Yes. We will have the fastest and most comfortable flight, the most incredible mountain villa and the most stunning lovemaking”

Tina smiled and kissed Bette.

”It’s unbelievable . Thank you, baby,” she said it a little quieter and calmer.

”Not just for that. For everything… thank you. I’m so happy to have you. So so happy”

Bette brushed her hair back from Tina’s face with one hand, stroking her cheek and looking her straight in the eye. At that moment, Tina saw that there were tears in Bette’s eyes that hadn’t been there a few seconds ago. She didn’t ask too many questions about whether Bette was okay, because she could see that she was fine. They were happy tears. There was a lot in Bette’s eyes right now, and Tina could see it unmistakably.

Admiration, adoration, reverence, tenderness, care, awe, trust, infinite gratitude and something else that cannot be expressed in words, that can only be seen in the eyes of a person who unconditionally and endlessly loves you.

They continued to look at each other, silently expressing all the feelings that fill them now. It was such a powerful eye contact, such an emotional outburst, a declaration of love that was felt in every cell of the body. A conversation of two hearts, when any words are superfluous.

A minute later, they hugged each other tightly and stood there for a while, motionless, in silence, in the middle of a dark room, despite all the trials of fate – together, unable to exist without each other.