As each and every day passed, Bette and Tina grew closer with each other and their daughter. They marveled and were in awe of Angelica’s intelligence and growth. She had developed a lot faster than most babies, her speaking was still in its developmental stage, but when she did speak her words were clear; Momma and Mommy being her most favorite words. Days before she turned a year old, she was already walking on her own, albeit some trips and falls.

Tina had been sending letters and pictures to her brother, one each month for the last ten years, just to say hello and let him know how she was doing. She never got an answer, but she always got cards on holidays and her birthday, they were always signed “Sincerely the Kennards” in her sister-in-law’s handwriting. So at least someone was reading her letters.

She had been sending them pictures of Angelica, hoping that knowing they had a niece they’d come around. But as the months went by they got no phone calls or letters congratulating them on their baby girl. Sometimes Tina wanted to give up but she hoped that they’d eventually come around. Bette knew the importance of her family’s acceptance of their relationship; it had been the same with her father. So when Tina would give up, she’d always encourage her to send it anyway. Even though her father couldn’t find it in his heart to accept them as a family, perhaps one day Tina’s brother and sister-in-law would accept them.

“Babe, do you think one day that my brother, sister, niece and two nephews will come around? You know, for holidays and such.”

“Yeah Tee, I think one day they might.”

“I was Cassandra’s favorite aunt you know,” Tina said smiling to herself as she hung decorations.

“I know, I remember how she clung to you at her fourth birthday party. She had all her aunties there, but she loved you most.”

“Yeah I know,” she said and sighed, she looked at all the decorations they put up for Angie and the twin’s party, “I miss that little booger face, I wonder if she remembers me.”

“Baby, I’m sure she remembers you. Who could forget this face,” Bette said as she cupped Tina’s face and kissed her softly. Tina smiled back, a single tear escaping her eyelid.