The sun was rising slowly over the Pacific Ocean as night turned to day and the city of LA began to wake up. At The Porter/Kennard residence the 4 girls who were sleeping so peacefully the night before were now running around getting ready. Alice was in the shower, Dana and Shane were setting up the tables and Tina was cooking breakfast. Across town Bette and Kit were having their morning coffee while reading the newspaper, trying to be as calm as possible. The weather forecast promised blue skies and Tina felt it was a good omen. Bette felt rested, yet she couldnt shake a familiar feeling of nervousness as she took her morning shower. Kit was yelling at her to hurry up since they had to be back at the house by 10 and Bette pushed all thoughts of doubt to the back of her mind.

Promptly at 10 Bette and Kit strode into the house and Bette almost had a panic attack at what she saw. The house was in the same state it was in the night before, except for the fact that there were decorations and wedding paraphernalia everywhere. What the ***** is going on here? yelled Bette looking at Alice like she might kill her where she stands. The backyard is still a little too damp to put the stuff out on the tables. Shane and Dana are wiping them off right now. Dont worry, well have everything set up in an hour. Bette looked like she was about to go on a rampage when Tina walked into the living room in nothing but a towel. The sight of Tina made Bettes heart skip a beat and she momentarily forgot what she was so mad about. Its okay babe, everything will be ready for us. Tina flashed Bette a heartfelt grin as she turned on her heel and headed for the shower.

Kit went outside to help Dana and Shane and Alice pulled Bette over to the couch. Are you okay Bette? This is supposed to be your day. Dont let the little things bother you today okay? If not for yourself at least for Tina okay? Bette understood what Alice meant. Alice knew her too well and knew how to get to her. Bette didnt say anything as she gave Alice a hug to let her know everything was going to be okay. Ill be fine, I just have to get through the next 4 hours and Ill be okay. Youll be fine, said Alice as she motioned towards the bedroom, Now go get ready. You have a wedding to be at in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Bette gave Alice a small smile as she grabbed her suit and walked to her bedroom to get changed.

Three hours and forty minutes later everything was in place. The tables were set up outside for the reception and Alice and Dana were playing usher as the guests had arrived. It was going to be an intimate ceremony, only about 20 people total, and their backyard was just big enough to hold everyone. Kit, who had agreed to provide music for this occasion, was showing Marina how to work the music for when Tina walked down the aisle. Bette was standing at the altar near the pool talking to Reverend Sumner, who was a friend of Tinas and had agreed to do the ceremony for them. Kit walked up to Bette and Reverend Sumner and said, Excuse me Reverend, do you mind if I borrow my sister for a second? Of course, replied the Reverend.

So baby sister, are you ready? Bette looked at Kit with a look of contentment and said, I think so. No Yes I am ready. Kit gave Bette a hug as she took her place next to Bette as her matron of honor/best man. At that moment they heard the recessional music play and everyone turned to see Alice walking down the aisle first as Tinas matron of honor/best man. The next thing Bette saw she knew she would remember for the rest of her life.

The guests rose to their feet as Tina entered the backyard escorted by her mother. Tinas father was not in the picture, and upon hearing about the engagement, her mother demanded she be the one to give her daughter away. Tinas hair shone in the sunlight and she looked so beautiful in the white suit she chose for the occasion. Both her and Bette decided they should wear white suits, since they thought two wedding dresses would look a little odd. Bette held her breath as Tina reached the end of the short walk towards her and almost cried when Tinas mother gave Bette a kiss on the cheek and as she gave Tinas hand to Bette she whispered, Take care of my baby.

The ceremony was short and sweet, and the only thing that both women would be able to remember is the vows they exchanged. Bette and Tina had decided to write their own vows and as they spoke from the heart there was not a dry eye in the house.

Bette, there are no words to describe how happy you make me. I feel as though I have been given the greatest gift in the world, and there is nothing on earth that could ever make me give you up. From the moment I met you I knew you were the one for me and no matter what happens from this day forward I know I will be okay because I have you. You are my life and my soul and my heart you will have forever. So here, today, in front of our family and friends, it is my vow to love you and give you everything that I am and treasure you until my dying days.

Tears were flowing down Bettes cheeks as she listened to Tina cast away all her fears and doubts about today. Tina was crying tears of joy as well as she slipped the ring that her and Bette picked out onto Bettes left ring finger. With that simple gesture, Bette finally felt truly complete and she was so overwhelmed with love and admiration for Tina that she had to pause before she continued with her vows.

Tina, my darling, I love you. I have loved you from the moment I met you and I will love you until there is nothing left of me. You are the only thing in my life that I cannot live without, and I will spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me. You are my perfect match in each and every way, and I thank God that I was able to find you. You are my strength, my protector and my inspiration. As we stand here before our friends and family, it is my vow to love you unconditionally and support you in all that you do for the rest of my life.

Smiling Bette put the ring on Tinas finger and following Reverend Sumners instructions, sealed the vows with a kiss. Everyone rose to their feet and clapped as Bette and Tina walked arm and arm down the aisle. The reception was lovely and the highlight of everyones evening was Bette and Tinas first dance.

The sun was just beginning to set as Tina took Bettes hand and led her to the area cleared off by the caterers to make a small dance floor. Kit looked on proudly as she played Ronan Keatings When You Say Nothing at All, which was the song that Bette and Tina had chosen as their wedding song.

***It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart. Without saying a word, you can light up the dark. Try as I may I could never explain what I hear when you don’t say a thing***

Bette and Tina smiled at each other as they moved back and forth to the music. Tina pulled Bette close as they listened to the words and realized how much they loved each other and how much the words actually meant to them.

*** The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me. The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me whenever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all.

All day long I can hear people talking out loud, but when you hold me near you drown out the crowd. Try as they may they can never define what’s been said between your heart and mine ***

Bette sighed contentedly as she leaned into Tina and whispered in her ear, I love you. Tina smiled and whispered back, I love you too baby. I cant believe we actually did it. Bette smiled as she looked at her hand and the ring that symbolized the love that her and Tina shared. Babe, just out of curiosity, what did you have engraved on the inside? Tina smiled as she looked into Bettes eyes and said softly, My heart is yours forever. Bette almost stopped dancing as she realized how in sync her and Tina were about certain things. Youll never believe this, but so did I. They laughed quietly at this realization and around them their friends began taking the dance floor with them.

Softly, Bette leaned in a whispered, Well I guess its official. We really were meant to be together. Tina smiled and gave Bette a kiss and as she looked around she saw Alice, Dana, Shane and Kit surrounding them with a 4 way hug and couldnt help but feel that at last her life was complete. She had a good job, good friends, and a woman who she loved and loved her just as much in return. In these happier times, Tina finally felt like she was home.