After we made love Tina slept in my arms. I laid on the rug looking up at the stars just listening to the creek flow by. I dont know how long Tina slept for but when she woke she snuggled in close. I wrapped both my arms lovingly and protectively around her.

Tina : Baby, we should get going, must be getting late. I picked up the rug and placed it in the car with Tee who was dozing. I went back to collect the candle and say goodbye to this place. I would be awhile before I came back. I walked down to the creek and stood looking out at the hills and the moon, the breeze gently blowing over my shoulders. I made my back to the big old tree, reached up on my tip toes and blew the candle out and pulled the holder down it was in. It was dark, the only light coming from the moon. I patted the big old tree, that had to be at least twice my age and thanked it again for providing me more special memories. I began making my way to the car, I could see Tee sleeping against the window. As I walked up the slight incline I carried my shoes in my hand. I was suddenly flooded with memories of my early childhood, the times my mom and I would come down here. Id refused to think about those times after Melvin threatened to sell this place, my own private revenge. By not acknowledging it I could pretend it didnt matter if he did just that. It was the first time in years Id thought about it, the good times, the laughter, maybe it was because I was here, maybe it was because I was about to be a parent. I silently smiled and made my way to the car.

I drove home and Tina slept all the way. I put her into bed and promised Id be in, in just a minute or two. I knew we had one more night here and that night would be spent on the open water on the yacht. I needed to say goodbye to this place, at least for awhile. I needed to somehow let go of all that had happened between Tina and I and find a way to move forward, leaving behind the pain and regret but not forgetting the lessons learned. This was my last chance, there was no more time to say goodbye. Ironic, when I got here the only thing I had was time and then it mocked me by going oh so slowly. I made my way to the beach with my glass of wine and just sat, looking over the water, the gentle waves lapping in. Across the bay in the moonlight I could see the outline of the trees in the national park. I remember how when I arrived I longed for Tina to call, but that could never happen because there was no phone here and Id left my cell on the kitchen table in LA. Didnt stop me hoping, hour after hour, day after day, I hoped and was disappointed. I thought about how I bought almost nothing with me and how I found ways to fill my time, I thought about how kind the lady baker had been. Mental note to go by and say goodbye tomorrow. I knew she could remember me from when I was a child. I thought about when I first came and all I did was stay in bed, so not to have to face the world. Drink late into the night and sleep the day away. Bit by bit I rebuilt, I structured my day. I found my way back to me. And then one day, not long after Id let go of any hope for us, Tina showed up out of the blue, somehow managing to find me. Id had time to think about if what I really wanted was for Tee and I to get back together. Did I want it because you always want something you have lost or did I want it because I love her and want to spend my life with her. I know I was the latter. I took a sip of my wine and made my way to the water. I reached down and put my hand in, chilly. What the ***** I rolled my pants up and walked along the edge of the water. I could feel my toes sinking into the soft sand, the small shells scratchy on the soft soles of my feet and the water gently splashing on my ankles. I walked a couple of hundred meters, stopped and looked out and made my way back to the shack. As I got closer I could see the bedroom light on and a pregnant Tina looking out. I must have been out here longer than I thought. I wiped away a tear that was both sadness and happiness and waved when I reached the front of the shack. Tina wandered out.

Tina :baby its one am. Is everything OK ?
Bette : everything is fine Tee, I didnt mean to worry you
Tina : Do you want me to sit out here with you ?. I could see Tee looking at me with those big brown eyes. She knew I was saying my goodbyes.
Bette : Sure Tee. Tee put her arm around me and pulled me in.
Tina : whispering I am right here baby, we have a whole future. We will visit, I promise. I snuggled in closer.
Bette : I used to go to the creek with my mom
Tina : Soon baby, you can take your daughter there and make more good memories
Bette : Tee, are you sure this is what you want, since you got here things have moved very fast
Tina : Bette, look at me. I have never been surer of anything in my life.
Bette : lets go to bed Tee. I helped Tee up and held her hand on the way inside. I turned my head and looked out to the sea, the stars, the moon, they have all been my confidant and whispered thankyou. Perhaps Tee heard or perhaps I imagined her squeeze my hand.

I snuggled into bed and into her arms. Tee we should pack tomorrow. I have a surprise for us in the evening. I smiled at the thought of Tee to myself on the yacht.
Tee : Im sure it will be perfect baby. Gentle snores. I gathered Tee up and closed my eyes. Not long now and we are going home. For the first time in a very long time I was truly excited about going home.