Tina had loved Bette’s simple act of love earlier that day. Receiving the balloon bouquet and reading the quote did indeed bring a smile to her face. She called Bette immediately to let her know that she was thinking of her too.

Bette and Tina sat in the outdoor cabana and daybed enjoying the cool early summer evening. The setting was very romantic with the dim lights reflecting off the pool, and the tiki torches lit to keep the bugs away. They had put Angie to bed a few minutes before and were now relaxing with a glass of wine.

Tina had sensed some distance in Bette that morning, but with their usual hectic routine of getting ready for work and school she didn’t have time to confront her. However she had every intention of doing so this evening, and was glad when Bette made the suggestion that they talk after putting Angie to bed.

“Babe what’s going on? Are you Okay? You seemed so distracted this morning.”

“I’m fine now. I had lunch with Emma. She helped me talk through some things that I had on my mind. I want to talk to you about them too.”

“OK. I’m listening.”

“I guess I was just freaking out about us and all the changes that we’re about to embark on. What with me quitting my job at CU, opening the gallery, moving the family to the beach, and eventually having another baby. I got anxious. All these changes so soon in our reconciliation might be detrimental to what we’ve managed to build over the past few months.”

“I’m not sure I understand. All the things you’re talking about are positive changes that will offer us a better quality of life together. How can that be detrimental?”

“I was thinking about how badly we handled life-changes in the past Tee. More specifically I was thinking about our decisions when we wanted to start our family. How unhappy we both were with the choices and how we just went along with them and never said anything. I was feeling that maybe you were going along now without being 100% behind me. I’m sorry for thinking that. I know I wasn’t being fair to you. I was making assumptions based on past behaviors and not current circumstances. I’m not saying any of this to hurt you, but I need to express what I’m feeling and that’s why I needed Emma’s help before I talked to you.