“Wow, T. This looks amazing. It feels so regal.”

“I can’t see anything.” Tina tried to peer around Bette.

“I’m taller.”

“Not by much.”

“No. But enough,” Bette smirked at the blonde. “I see Helena and Peggy.”

“Oh! I can’t wait to see Helena! I haven’t seen her in so long.”

Bette’s attention shifted focus to her soon-to-be-wife. As she glanced over Tina, studying everything from the barrette in her hair to their matching silver shoes, she squeezed Tina’s hand a little tighter as if to tether herself to the ground. Bette was beyond elation.

“Bette?” Tina shifted her weight from leg to leg, her heels suddenly feeling like a bad idea.

“Yea, T?”

“Do you remember our first ceremony?”

“Of course I do.” Bette fixed the lapel of Tina’s jacket.

“Do you remember everything that led up to that ceremony?”

“Of course I do. Well I think I do. You were much more calm than me.” Bette looked over Tina’s expression. “What’s the matter, T?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” Tina looked down the stone staircase. “I just think I may want to hold on to you a little tighter when we walk down those steps.”

Bette’s grin enveloped her whole face. She knew Tina was remembering having to help Bette climb the stairs of the courthouse. “Of course, my love, anything for my queen.”

“Your queen? Well that’s new! And I like it!” Tina playfully teased, clutching Bette’s hand.

Bette dipped her head shyly and lifted her shoulders. “Well you look like a beautiful queen right now, ready to make her grand entrance.” Bette heard the music change and saw Angie make her way down the aisle to Alice and Shane. She turned back to Tina, “Well it’s now or never.”

“Now. Definitely now.” Tina nodded, holding both her hands around Bette’s.

“You ready?”

“Yes.”

Bette took each step in stride with her long, lithe legs. Tina held Bette’s arm, her steps more cautious, one by one. She could feel her nerves tingling with anticipation. She saw Helena standing at the end of the aisle opposite Shane and Alice. Her eyebrows lifted in a delighted smile knowing that their oldest and dearest friends were by their sides.

Bette and Tina turned to each other as they paused under the tree, lost in each other’s gaze, barely aware of everything around them. Tina reached into her pocket first and took out her vows. She knew she had to focus on Bette’s eyes, those warm, inviting, safe orbs staring at her with the utmost love and affection.