Tina sat up as well, wrapping one arm around Bette and caressing her face with her other hand. “Impossible,” she murmured, kissing Bette softly once, twice, a third time.  Bette started getting into it, turning toward Tina and about to deepen their kiss, just as their door was pushed open and they jumped apart before a fuzzy-haired Angelica shuffled in, carrying a box of Cheerios and her bowl.

“Beckfust, mommy!”  The box tipped and a stream of cereal began to pool around her feet.

Bette and Tina exchanged a glance. Bette jumped up and extracted the box from Angie’s grasp and plunked the little girl down on the bed.  Kneeling down she scooped the wayward cereal into Angie’s bowl.  She looked up at Tina. “I’m going to get rid of this and see about breakfast. You go ahead and shower, and I’ll get Angie dressed.  Come on, sweetie!” Angie trotted out of the room after her mother.

Tina smiled to herself as she stepped into the bathroom.  She and Bette were communicating, and that was everything. As long as they were honest and open with each other, they would be alright. They loved each other, and that would always be the foundation of their relationship. Tina promised herself that she would keep things in perspective as much as possible and do what she could to reassure Bette and keep her included in every part of this pregnancy.  She finished up her shower, dressed, and made her way downstairs.  Bette was helping Angelica butter some toast.

Once Angie was settled and happily crunching away at her food, Tina wrapped her arms around Bette from behind while she stood at the sink washing her hands.  Bette turned around, holding a towel that Tina took away from her.  Tina took Bette’s hand and placed it over her abdomen.

Bette looked at her solemnly.  “I don’t feel anything,” she said.

Tina leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. “Whether you feel it or not, the baby is there.  Just focus on this person,” she covered Bette’s hand with her own, “and us, and Angie.  This is what’s real, Bette.  Never doubt it.” Bette nodded, and Tina hoped she felt reassured.

“Okay, I’m going to go.  I’m getting out of the house early for once.  Kit should be here to pick Angie up any minute now.” As if on cue, Tina heard her pull up.  She picked up her bag and made for the door.

“Have a good day,” Bette called out to her retreating back.

This time, Tina turned back and kissed her goodbye.