The storekeeper took a deep, loud breath through her nose as she took the frame. “I wouldn’t know what to charge. I think it’s real silver and it needs to be appraised.” She paused, “I don’t know.” She sighed, how about $50 for the frame and another… say $20 for the postcard.” The storekeeper paused with her mouth set in a firm line. “I don’t want to over charge you, but I honestly don’t know what the frame is worth, let alone the vintage postcard.”

“I’ll give you $100 for both if you sell it to me right now,” Tina said quickly hoping she didn’t sound too desperate.

The storekeeper smiled and nodded her head. “Okay,” she paused, “from the look on both of your faces, it looks like this gift is going to a very special person.” Angie and Tina looked at each other with a satisfied grin knowing that this years Christmas Gift Hunt was extra special and they did well.

“I love our tradition of only the three of us spending time together Christmas Eve,” Angie paused. “I mean, I love Aunt Alice and Uncle Shane, but you and Mom always seemed to make this day so special and it was always just for us.”

Tina smiled hugging Angie as they walked out the door with their annual surprise for the woman that both loved so dearly tucked safely in her purse.

Tina and Angie arrived home a hour later. Tina whispered in Angie’s ear and then smiled as she saw Bette walk into the room wiping her hands with a dishtowel.

“So, what have you two been up to all day?” Bette smiled knowingly at both the women.

“Nothing special, ”Angie said as she took off her jacket. “I’m gonna clean up before dinner. Call me when it’s ready,” she said as she ran up the stairs.

Tina slowly approached Bette entwining her hand with Bette’s and leaning in and giving her a sweet lingering kiss. “How was your afternoon?”

“Fucking Awesome,” Bette paused giving a slow rise smile. “Dinner is almost ready,” Bette said as she pulled Tina into an embrace. She rested her head on Tina’s shoulder taking in the scent that was only Tina. “I missed this,” Bette said as a tear slowly made its way down her face.

Tina could feel the moisture on her neck and wrapped her arms around Bette holding her tight. “So did I,” she paused, “There was so much I missed. There was really no excuse for what I did… leaving you… the divorce…” Tina sighed. Angie doesn’t talk much about it, but I know I hurt her too,” the tears began to well in her eyes. “I love you Bette. I thought, that it mattered, what I said or where I said it after all that had happened. Then I realized the only thing that mattered was that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be. And I’m grateful that you are letting me spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way.”

Bette smiled her head still on Tina’s shoulders. She slowly released Tina. “I love you too. I’m in love with you, I always have been. You’re the love of my life. My every feeling is controlled by the look on your face. I will be the happiest when you are feeling the same.” Bette leaned in and gave Tina a kiss, a kiss that promised more. Bette pulled away and gave Tina a saucy smile, “Tonight my love. We will renew another old tradition.”

Tina gave a knowing smile as they turned and walked into the kitchen.