Tim smiled and met her gaze. Me.

Tina looked at Bette, speechless.

Bette, remember when I said that I wanted to do something to help someone else – something selfless? Well, this could be it. I mean, I see you two and how happy you are, and I know a child could only add to your happiness, and how much you both want one. Youd both be wonderful mothers. And I honestly cant think of a better home for a baby to grown up in. The only thing standing between you two and the happiness of a family together is just some sperm, and Ive got that. Im fertile, healthy, and willing, if you two are.

Tim, are you sure? Tina asked.

More than sure. Ive given this a lot of thought, and Im willing to do whatever it takes to help you guys. Im ready when you two are, just give me the word and Ill be there for you. I recently had a physical and Im healthy as a horse. No diseases, no family history of anything, nothing.

Excuse us a moment, Bette said, pulling Tina aside. What do you think, Tee?

Why not? Hes a good friend, and hes healthy, smart, athletic, and handsome. I dont know how artistic he might be, but Tim seems to have all our requirements for a donor covered. But wait – what about the race thing? Did you still want a bi-racial baby? Tims not black.

Bette glanced at her, deep in thought. I suppose its not that big of a deal. It would still be our baby, even if it didnt match our own racial backgrounds exactly. Besides, remember what Alice said that time? Im only half-black, so a baby that was half-black wouldnt even actually match our backgrounds. Like Alice said, it would have to be less than half.

Tim, who had overhead Tinas last comment, couldnt resist saying, Im not black?! Well, you find out something new every day. After the woman both laughed, he added, Who knows, I probably had a black great-great-great grandmother or something. Does that count?

Bette paused, stroking her chin thoughtfully. Were not too concerned about the race issue anymore. Tim, what about the responsibility? Can you handle not being the father to your child?

Its no problem. Im not ready to be a father just yet. Maybe one day, but not now. Ill leave that responsibility up to you two. Ill just be proud to be Uncle Tim.

Oh, of course you can be Uncle Tim, Tina said, nearly melting at his words and the power of his gesture. Wed be proud to have you as our babys uncle. Id like for him or her to have some sort of positive male influence.

Tim grinned. Someone will have to teach the little rugrat how to play some sports, and I certainly cant see Bette playing softball in her power suit and heels.

Bette punched him on the shoulder good-naturedly. Tim, we accept your offer. And thank you.

She and Tina both enveloped him in a hug, Tina sniffling softly with tears of joy. Bette was surprised to realize she felt herself tearing up, and as she looked closely at Tim, she noticed his eyes were shining as well.

*********************************************

Its Marina Day! Alice yelled happily, flinging crepe paper haphazardly into the air.

Shane cringed. Damn, Al, its too early in the morning to be so loud.

I cant help it. Im happy! Alice said, spinning around in a small circle.

Why are you so happy? Tina asked, helping Lara carry in platters of steaming, delicious-smelling food.

Alice perked up even more at the sight and smell of the food, trying to steal a taste as Tina slapped her hand away. Because were going to make Marina happy. And, here she paused before finishing smugly, I went out with Dana last night.

So? She and I hung out the other night, Shane told her disdainfully, carefully unfurling the banner.

Alice looked disappointed. Say, where is Dana, anyway? Bette asked, setting up a stepladder.

Here I am, Dana said breezily, sweeping into the room with the cake.

And here I am, Tim said, coming in behind her, lugging a large speaker, Brandy trailing behind him carrying a bunch of extension cords. Where did Kit say to put this?

Over there, Bette pointed, as she held the stepladder steady for Dana to ascend. When Dana stood securely at the top, Shane handed her one end of the banner. She then helped Tina onto another ladder with the other end of the banner.

Move it up some, Bette instructed, standing back as she watched them unsteadily position the banner.

Up more, Alice added, after they had done so. Dana sighed and glanced at Tina as they moved it up once again.

Up a little on the right, Tim added helpfully, coming over to stand beside Alice.

Up it went on the right.

Lara squinted her eyes, and then said, Down some on the left.

No, up on the left, Shane interjected.

Dana nearly lost her balance as she and Tina quickly moved the banner back and forth. Which one? she nearly shouted.

Up, said Tim, Shane, and Brandy, just as Bette, Alice, and Lara all replied, Down.

Make up your minds! Dana shouted, beads of sweat popping up on her brow as she struggled to keep her arms steady in one position. Tina nodded in agreement, the muscles in her arms beginning to scream in protest and agony.

Thats good. Just leave it, Shane told them, so Dana and Tina secured the banner where it was and then left their perches to observe their work.

I think its crooked, Dana noted.

It looks fine, Tina said diplomatically, not planning to get back on that stepladder any time soon. She glanced around. The decorations look nice.

Crepe paper was draped festively about the room, and several rainbow flags hung from the walls, as well as balloons. The tables were adorned with rainbow tablecloths, candles, flowers, as well as paper plates, cups, and plastic silverware. All rainbow-themed, of course. The others, most notably Shane, had not been happy with Alices idea of individually dying each part of every flower using food coloring, but yet they had stayed up all night doing so. Now they had rainbow roses, each one a beautiful array of the seven colors of the rainbow. Roy G. Biv, Shane thought wryly, surveying the room as she rubbed a purple-tinged thumb over an orange knuckle.

Lucy came barking across the room, crepe paper trailing from a back paw. Tina grabbed her and removed it.

Everybody watch her. Make sure she doesnt eat any crepe paper or jump in the cake or something, Bette told everyone as her cell phone rang. It was Kit, saying she and Ivan had picked up Marina and were on their way.

Quickly everyone finished the last details of setting up, and Alice ran around the room placing party hats on everyone. Bette and Shane both grumbled and glared, but left them on. Everyone then hid in various places of the room and waited.

Moments later, they heard murmured voices and then heard the door open. Alice, who was behind a large plotted plant, glanced over at Tina, who was peeking out from under a table, and they both smiled in anticipation. Marina came into view, and the overhead lights flicked on.

Alice looked around, discreetly hissing, Now.

Surprise! they all shouted, leaping from their hiding places.

Marina stood stock-still, a look of shock on her face. What? she finally said.

Alice ran over, planting a hat on both Kit (who griped and gave her a look remarkably similar to the one Bette had given her not ten minutes ago) and Ivan before grabbing Marina in a big bear hug. Surprise! Its Marina Day!

Marina looked even more confused.

Its your day. A celebration of you and how great you are! Tina explained, throwing an arm around Marinas shoulders.

Marina stared around the room. Its beautiful. A tear slowly slid down her face. You guys didnt have to do this.

We wanted to, Shane explained with a broad smiled, taking Marinas arm and leading her over to the special chair they had prepared for her. Theyd decorated it to look like a queens throne…a rainbow-colored throne, of course.

Dana made a big production of placing a cardboard decorated crown on Marinas head as everyone jokingly bowed.

Bette looked suspiciously at the thin crown, noticing something familiar under the dried glue and crepe paper on it. Wait, is that a Burger King crown? she whispered to Tina.

Yes, Tina murmured back.

I didnt know they even made them anymore, Bette mused softly.

I dont think they do, Tina informed her quietly. It came from Alices personal collection, whatever that means.

Overhearing their whispered conversation, Alice glanced over with a tooth grin.

Weirdo, Bette mouthed to her.

Dork, Alice mimed back.

Now, you just sit right here. Your meal is about to be served, Kit instructed Marina.

Tim and Ivan carried a long table over and set it down in front of Marina as Brandy elaborately lit candles and laid elegant silverware and a cloth napkin in front of Marina.

Dana, Shane, and Lara, whod slipped away to get the food and prepare themselves for their jobs as waitresses, trooped single-file into the room, each wearing a white tuxedo shirt, black vest, and a black bow tie. Each had a cloth draped over her arm and was carrying silver platters of food. Marina burst out laughing as she realized all three women had drawn a thin, black
“mustache” onto her upper lip with an eyebrow pencil. They ceremoniously set the platters onto the table and lifted the lids with a flourish, revealing mouth-watering gourmet dishes.

Tina set a wine glass onto the table and held it steady while Bette carefully filled it with an expensive French wine.

Oh my Goodness, Marina gasped. This is too much.

Nonsense, Ivan admonished as he unfurled the cloth napkin and laid it in Marinas lap with a gentlemanly smile.

Tim slipped a CD into the player and adjusted the volume as soft jazz slipped out of the speakers as filled the room.

Everyone sat down and all began to eat, complimenting Laras cooking skills between bites, causing her to blush. Lucy sat patiently, moving around the room to alternate whos feet she would sit at while she stared up at them adorably, hoping for a share of food or a dropped morsel, whichever came first. Surprisingly, Shane was the first to give in, sneaking small bites to the puppy when Tina wasnt looking. Alice did the same until Tina finally noticed and scolded her for possibly ruining Lucys dinner.

Marina leaned back and patted her mouth with her napkin. Wow, Im stuffed.

Hope you saved room for cake! Alice shouted, walking into the room with the huge chocolate sheet cake that was lit with candles. Blue candy roses were in each corner, and the words We Love You, Marina! were written across the top in blue frosting. Alice would have preferred to have it match the rooms rainbow motif, but Bette had already ordered it before the decorations were bought and put her foot down, refusing to change the order later. Alice set the cake down on the table, the soft glow of the candlelight illuminating Marinas face radiantly.

Ooh, wait! Let me get a picture! Tina shouted, scrambling for her trusty digital camera. She first took a picture of the cake from above, and then of a smiling, crowned Marina posing behind the cake.

Marina took a deep breath, preparing to blow out the candles. She exhaled. Nothing happened. She looked puzzled, then tried again. The candles all still remained lit.

Everyone glanced at one another, bewildered. Leaning forward, Alice experimentally blew on a single candle. The flame didnt even flicker. Okay, which one of you jokers bought the trick candles that dont go out? she demanded loudly.

She was met with silence. Who was in charge of getting candles? Kit asked, trying a different tactic.

Dana bit her lip and looked away guiltily.

I knew it! Alice crowed.

Im sorry! Dana burst out, hiding her face in her hands, her words muffled. It was an accident. I sort of forgot to buy the candles, so I found those in your kitchen last night when you were in the bathroom, Al. They were in the cabinet next to the rice and the whoopee cushion.

Tim gave Alice a sidelong glance. You have a whoopee cushion in your kitchen cabinet?

Alice shrugged. You never know when one might come in handy.

Marina was giggling. Its perfectly alright, Dana. I love them.

Soon they were all laughing, Dana keeping her head down before finally joining in as well.

It was an innocent mistake, Ivan reassured her between laughs.

Yeah, that will teach you to never trust something you find in Alices kitchen, added Kit, her curls and party hat shaking as she laughed heartily.

Now, lets eat this puppy! Lara broke in.

Lucy seemed to glance up at the word puppy. They all laughed again. Oops, sorry, not you, Lucy, Lara corrected, patting the golden retriever gently on the rump.

They all let out little sighs of delight as they dug into the rich, chocolate cake.

When she was done, Alice jumped up, knocking her hat askew. Now lets dance!

Brandy laid her head on Tims shoulder. I wish I had friends like this, she murmured into his ear.

Tim smiled, shyly taking her hand in his own as he looked around the room fondly. They are pretty great, arent they?

They sat quietly a moment, observing as Alice slipped in a new CD and loud dance music blared from the speakers. She threw her arms above her head and shimmied. Come on, everybody, dance!

Tina grabbed Bettes arm, dragging her to the floor despite her protests of being too full to dance. They first began dancing with the beat, but soon had begun to slow dance closely, oblivious to the loud, upbeat music and ignoring the world around them.

Alice rolled her eyes at Dana, grabbing her to dance.

Ivan held out a hand to Marina and politely asked, May I have this dance, beautiful?

Marina smiled broadly and put her hand in his. He gently kissed the back of her hand, and then led her to the other couples to dance. Kit was surprised at the flicker of jealousy she felt at the sight.

Tim and Brandy had now joined the other dancers, and Lara had quickly said she didnt feel like dancing as the moment when Shane glanced at her. Shane took in the redheads exhausted, drawn look and felt a moment of worry. She looked over at Kit. Looks like its you and me, Kit. Wanna dance?

Kit smiled and stood up with her. Sure, but dont try getting fresh with me, Casanova. Im straight, she said with a laugh.

Shane grinned back. Alright, no funny business, Miss Kitty Cat. You know me too well. I must say, Im disappointed. But let me know if you change your mind… She raised an eyebrow, giving Kit her come hither look.

Kit burst out laughing as she began to bop to the music. You flirt. Girl, you are too much.

Shane grabbed a surprised Kit and twirled her around dramatically. I hear that a lot. Usually just not in those exact words though, if you know what I mean.

The song changed and Dana, noticing Lara by herself, excused herself from Alices eager clutches to go force Lara to dance with her. Alice followed the two with her eyes a moment, refusing to allow herself to be affected by the sight. She bopped over to Tim and Brandy, dancing with them as Tim took turns spinning each girl and dipping her close to the floor. If you drop me, youre dead, Alice warned as he dipped her very low to the ground. Tim smiled and pretended to let go, quickly catching Alice in his strong arms and pulling her back upright. He was rewarded with a smirk and a hard punch on the shoulder.

Dana and Lara were close to one another, barely moving to the music. Lara, how are you doing? Dana asked her seriously, concern evident in her voice.

Lara sighed and looked down at Danas shuffling feet, both of which seemed to be left ones at the moment. I have good news and bad news.

Dana grasped her hand. Good news first.

I slowly seem to possibly be getting better. Its not a recovery yet, but the doctors no longer think Ill be dead anytime this year.

Thats good…right? Dana said encouragingly.

Yeah, but now for the bad news. I lost my job yesterday.

How? Why? Dana asked, stunned. Thats it, Im going over there to straighten things out right now!

Lara softly pushed Danas chest, keeping her in place. No, Dana, its okay. Its probably for the best. I lost the job because I had to miss too many days of work. They didnt fire me, but they treated me like ***** until I finally quit, which is just what they wanted. Now they can get someone healthy there who can be there every day.

Thats wrong! They cant do that! Do you want me to call my lawyer? Well sue the country club. Danas voice was angry.

Whoa, there, Tiger. Its okay. Ill deal with it, Lara replied with a vaguely sad smile. Thanks for your concern, Dana. Youre all Ive got right now. Thanks for being my friend and for being there.

Always. Whatever you need, just call me. Im always here, and Ill do anything, Dana promised, softly hugging Lara.

Lara looked into Danas blue eyes, a suspicion creeping into the back of her mind. Could Dana have been the mysterious benefactor who paid for her medical care? She certainly had the means to pay for it. Lara vowed to look into this further, perhaps with Alices help, if she could just get Alice to stop glaring at her all the time. Alice could solve the mystery; no one was nosier than she.

Alice stared at Dana and Lara locked in their embrace, her heart in her throat. She danced over to Shane, who was now dancing with Marina as Ivan had come to claim Kit for a dance earlier. She was hoping to find a common ally in Shane to complain to. Sure, they were competing over Dana, but maybe they could unite against Lara, Alice figured.

Boy, Lara looks like *****. She should take better care of herself if shes trying to get her clutches back into Dana, Alice said snidely to Shane.

Marina overheard her, her jaw dropping open at Alices uncharacteristically mean comment.

Man, that was ***** harsh, Shane told Alice, coldly, immediately stopping her dancing. Man, she has ***** cancer, okay? Thats why she doesnt look so good right now.

Alices mouth dropped open and she hung her head in shame.

Marina looked sad. Well, she still looks beautiful to me.

Shane smiled sadly at Marina before turning back to Alice. Dana, just leave the poor girl alone. She doesnt want Dana back or anything. Dana is all Lara has right now.

Now shes not, Marina corrected softly. She has all of us now.

Alice kept her head down as hot, shameful tears cascaded down her face. Oh my God, Im so sorry. I didnt know. Why didnt Dana tell me?

Shane eyed her steadily. Maybe she had her reasons. Practically everyone else knew.

Why didnt I know? Alice asked, rubbing her face.

Maybe she thought you were too immature to know. Grow up, Alice, Shane said bitterly.

Alice let out a strangled cry. Marina quickly grabbed her shoulder. Its okay, Alice. Sometimes love and jealousy take over our minds and make us say things that we dont mean and would normally never say; things we later regret.

Alice ignored her and shrank away, visibly upset.

Shane, you were too hard on her. She had no way to know. How could she? She didnt mean anything, Marina reminded her.

*****, youre right. I didnt think about it. I just got so angry. Id better go talk to her, Shane realized, excusing herself to chase down Alice. She found her sobbing in the bathroom, sitting on the tile floor with her knees pulled up to her chest. Al, Im sorry. I was mean. You had no way to know.

Alice shook her head, a tear falling off the tip of her nose and landing on her hand. No, youre right. Im stupid and mean and immature. Im never serious.

Shane cupped her cheek gently. No, Al, thats not true. You keep things fun. Wed all be bored as ***** without you. Who else could have come up with Marina Day? Sweetie, youre a good person.

Alice looked up at her pitifully. You mean it?

Shane wiped away a stray tear with her thumb. Yes. She was surprised as Alice grabbed her into a sudden hug, knocking them both over onto the bathroom floor.

Shane, lets not fight anymore, Alice said earnestly.

Sounds good to me. But dont think that means Im just going to let you waltz off with Dana, Shane warned.

Alice nodded her agreement, and they left the bathroom quietly, friends again and a sort-of truce called between them.

*********************************************

Later, they were all cleaning up and Marina Day was officially over. Kit noticed the troubled look on Danas face. What’s wrong, Dane?

Dana looked around, then told her, Lara lost her job.

A gasp came from behind them as they turned around to see Marina. Thats horrible!

Kit looked at Marina. Are you thinking what Im thinking?

I believe so, replied Marina with a nod of confirmation as she walked away.

Whats going on? Dana questioned in confusion.

Dont worry. Lara has a job, Kit told her.

What? Where? Dana went silent a moment, studying Kits pretty features clearly. Ohhh, she said slowly as realization dawned on her.

Yep. Were serving more food now, so it works out pretty well, Kit said.

Marina approached Lara and pulled her aside. Lara, would you like a job?

Lara looked at her. Where? Here?

Marina nodded. Were expanding our food selections, so we need you. How much did you make at the country club?

Fourteen dollars per hour, Lara replied, wondering where this was leading.

Kit and I will give you eighteen an hour, plus unlimited days off and medical benefits. Deal? Marina offered.

Laras jaw dropped. What? Are you serious?

Marina arched a thin eyebrow. Arent I always? Please say yes.

Lara nodded dumbly, too stunned to speak. Wordlessly, she enveloped Marina in a hug.

Group hug! Alice shouted suddenly rushing toward them and throwing her arms around them both.

*********************************************

Marina sat quietly in her office, where shed been banished to by her friends to prevent her from trying to help clean up.

She thoughtfully pulled out a phone book, thumbing through it slowly. Today had been great, but there had been something missing. An idea was hanging on in the recesses of Marinas mind as she debated. She came to her decision, finding the number she was searching for and dialing it before she lost her nerve. Clearing her throat as the line was picked up, she said, Yes, hello, Id like to book a flight…

*********************************************

THE NEXT DAY…

Im ovulating! Im ready! Tina burst out as she skipped into the waiting room at the doctors office. Bette and Tim were both glad no one else was presently in the room beside themselves.

The doctor says everything looks good? Bette persisted.

Yes, yes, Im ready. Nows the time, Tina told her impatiently, her cheeks glowing and eyes sparkling.

I guess this is where I come in, eh? Tim said with a slightly nervous grin.

Yes. Here you go, Stud. I brought you some reading material, said Bette as she handed him a rolled up magazine and discreetly winked.

Tim looked at the cover and frowned. People magazine?

Oops. I guess I grabbed the wrong one, Bette apologized.

Dont worry, the doctor has something to, uh, assist you, Tina chimed in helpfully.

Tim covered his eyes with his hands. This is starting to get embarrassing.

Several hours later, the three walked out of the clinic together, Tina dragging her feet stiffly and barely moving.

Uh, Tina, is something wrong with your legs? questioned Tim in confusion.

No, I just dont want to, uh, you know, spill any or something, Tina replied.

Bette groaned and slapped a hand to her forehead.

Ive always got more, you know, Tim reminded her.

Tina smiled. I know. I just want it to work this time.

Bette squeezed her hand reassuringly. It will, Tee.

Tina kissed her cheek. I hope so, babe.

You two are just sickening together, Tim teased as he unlocked his car door, earning a look and a stuck-out tongue from them both.