A Little Reassurance
Chapter Forty-Two



Bette was gonna move to get more comfortable, but a little hand that rested across her chest, told her she wasnt alone. Opening her eyes to the little boy who still kept his closed, she just rested where she was and put her hand over his.

Laying there looking at the ceiling, she tried to clear her mind to fit what she just discovered in there somewhere.

Flashbacks, of Libby not being able to tell her but letting her know by the worried look on her face, raced back and forth in her mind. She didnt think she was mad, but at this point she didnt know what to think.

She was just a little mad at James because they could have been more careful, but she knew he was a good man and that he wouldnt turn his back on Libby, or any of them for that matter.

And then there was Tina. She wanted to surprise Bette, and she was surprised all right. They hadnt really discussed this prior to Jonathan, but if Tina had felt they were ready, it was at least a step forward, a big step forward. She was a little upset that she didnt take part this time, but that didnt matter now, two babies were going to make their way into their home and all she could ask for was that they along with their mothers, be healthy and happy.

Taking her mind of these things, she looked back to the little boy who was beginning to stir from his sleep. That one look at him there lying next to her was all she needed to know that they would eventually be okay.

Opening his little eyes, he saw her watching him, B.B.

Pulling him closer to her, Did you sleep okay?

Yeah, sitting up now next to her, Wheres Libby?

Bette could hear the t.v. on and she knew they were still there.


In the living room, they each sat on the sofa trying to tune into the show, but not being able to.

Hearing some faint whispers and a little boys laugh, Tina got up to go see. There as she stood in the doorway looking in, she saw Bette with the small boy attacking him with her fingers.

She would have kept going, but then Jonathan saw Tina and pointed to her, B.B.

Walking over to sit next to Bette, Youre up, as she tucked the loose strands behind her ear. Putting Jonathan in her lap, Sweetie, why dont you go see Libby,

Pointing to the door, over there.

Yeah, as he set off in search of his sister.

Bette

Patting the space next to her, Come sit with me Tina. Settling in to her rightful place next to Bette, she tried to finish, I

T, when I put that ring on your finger promising forever, I meant it. But I also meant, through the good times, bad times, and even the crazy and unthinkable times. Where ever this takes us, all of this, as long in the end of this you are there with me, then Im fine with what ever is to come our way.

Looking out of their bedroom door and making the same gesture that Jonathan had made towards the living room, then placing her hand on Tinas belly, she continued,

As long as you, with them and the ones to come along are okay and happy and never left wanting, I will be okay.

I dont know what to say Bette, but I do know, I didnt mean for it to be like this.

Tina, here in this very moment knowing what lies ahead of us, are you happy?

Stringing her fingers along with her wifes, I couldnt ask for more. Are youare you happy Bette?

Taking their fingers and holding them tighter together, Yes I am, but I know Im scared too, but Im definitely happy.

A reassuring kiss for them both was all that was left to be given.

Resting her head on Bettes shoulder, You know shes scared dont you.

I know. Do you think she knows Im just as scared as she is?

Why dont you tell her? Looking at Tina for a second then down the doorway and back to Tina. She was about to say something when Tina got of bed and went to get the cane she brought and set by the door.

Handing it to Bette, Theyre waiting.

As they were making the way into the living room, Bette only saw James with Jonathan. Coming into view was Libby as she brought a glass of water with her. Seeing her mother, she froze.

Mom.

I think you should sit Libby.

Bette, before you start

James, please could you just give me a minute. She didnt mean to sound harsh, but her voice was always something more than it meant to be.

I cant say that Im mad, because despite what you think, Im not. I do however think you guys should have been more careful. Other than that,

and taking second to look at Tina to find the strength she needed,

Im scared. For you two, and for us, but Im okay with being scared. I know you guys didnt mean for this to happen, but I do hope that you both continue to carry out your plans that you had made before all of this. I mean Libby I know youll still go to school, and James youll be working with me, and we all have cell phones so we should be okay. Right?

She didnt know where that last part came from, but she wasn’t thinking right, and her breathing was a getting a little too heavy.

Seeing the panic in Bettes eyes, Tina got up from her seat to kneel at her side.

Rubbing her hands together in between hers, Babe, you gotta breathe. Nice and slow. Breathe, there thats it. Steadying her breathing, she saw Jonathan looking at her.

Reaching out her hands, sweetie Im okay, as she gathered him in her hands. Now holding him, it was their turn.

Momma, I, we, didnt mean for this to happen. And we were careful, I mean I dont know what happened and I

Seeing her struggle, James took over,

Bette, Im sorry to have to hit you with all this. But do know I love her Bette. I know it hasnt been that long, but I do want to spend the rest of my life with her. And I have every intention of being there, and wanting to be there for her and the baby. And I want her to finish school as do you, and I promise you that I will help in doing so. I want to do right by her and the baby, Bette, I really do.

Looking at Tina who had tears in her eyes, and back to Libby whose eyes were full as well, James, sweetie, you both have my blessing in this and whatever you two do in the future. Just remember

I know Bette, shes your baby.

Letting a small laugh out, I wasnt going to say that James.

Just remember that we will always be here for you guys.

Yeah to babysit your grandbaby.

James! The other three just erupted into laughter.

Im kidding. Bette Im just kidding.

Joining in the laughter, deciding that if you cant beat em join em right?