“Just keep producing your wonderful art and that will be thanks enough.”

Peggy and Francesca walk up to Bette and Val. “Valerie I told you they were going to love you. Congratulations to the both of you. Bette you did it again.”

“Thank you Peggy, but I was just lucky to find her. She did all the work.”

“Bette you are too modest. Valerie’s work is fabulous but the way you showcased it was simply amazing. I will learn a lot working with you and James. Valerie I will call you tomorrow about those pieces we spoke about.” Francesca was very impressed and looking forward to her internship at the Porter Gallery.

“Yes. Thank you Francesca. I look forward to it.” Valerie answered.

“Bette Peggy has offered me a ride home. It’s been wonderful but I am a bit exhausted and Marcus wants to hang out with the boys for a bit. Do you mind?” Francesca asked of her hostess.

“Not at all. I will be home soon as well. I think the girls have plans to go out later but I’m pretty exhausted myself. I’ll walk you out.”

Eric and Tina approach as Peggy, Bette and Francesca start to walk out. “Bette thank you for a lovely evening. I’m glad that I could stay until the end. I really enjoyed it. I’ve seen Valerie’s work before but never like this. It was an amazing showcase.”

“Thank you Eric. I’m glad you were able to stay to appreciate the entire show. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” They all walk out together. Peggy’s car and driver is waiting for her and Francesca. Eric gives his ticket to the valet to retrieve his car. Peggy and Tina hug and kiss on the cheek. Tina shakes hands with Francesca and Eric shakes hands with Francesca and Peggy as they say their goodnights. Bette and Peggy embrace then she helps her into the car. Bette hugs Francesca and puts her hands on her belly for a minute as she talks to the baby.

“Good night little one.”

In the past couple of days since making her decision to adopt the baby Bette had gotten into the habit of talking to Francesca’s stomach. The pregnant woman thought it cute and encouraged it because it appeared that Bette’s talking to the baby sometimes did have a calming effect. “Tell him to settle down so I can get some rest tonight. He has been moving around a lot lately.”

Bette complied then helped Francesca into the car and closed the door. By this time Eric’s car has been brought up to the front. Bette gives Tina a hug and kiss on the cheek and shakes Eric’s hands as she says goodnight and walks back into the gallery realizing that she never had a chance to tell Tina about the baby. With everyone’s help Bette and James are able to put everything in order and they lock up and leave the gallery about 30 minutes later.

***

When Bette and Kit get home they find Francesca in the kitchen having a cup of tea. The baby was still restless. Bette helped Francesca to bed and gently rubbed her back and legs to help her relax and soothe some of the discomfort. She eventually doses off to sleep. Bette turns out the lights and closes the door.