If it is meant to be…Chapter 73



Tina turned to her partner. Do you have any idea what you just did for our daughter? She will remember this night for the rest of her life. Tina started kissing Bettes cheeks and nose. I cant believe that with everything you are doing for us, that you also planned this surprise.

Bette cupped Tinas face with her hands, briefly thinking about the promise she made to Nica after her dream the previous night. She winked at her beautiful partner and murmured softly… Oh Baby…this is only the first surprise…and if you liked this, I know you will like the others I have planned.

Tina slowly leaned in and let her forehead nestle up against Bettes. As she spoke, her words were soft, almost reverent…her warm breath caressing Bettes lips and cheeks. You are the most incredible person Bette. Being loved by you, is a gift that I wish everyone on earth could experience. I am so grateful to have you in my life for a second time, and now in my childrens lives.

She opened her eyes and lifted her head up, encouraging Bette to do the same thing. Her voice was even softer now, almost a whisper. Live with me…please Baby. Lets experience again that wonderful treat of being able to wake up next to each other every morning…day in and day out.

Tina gave Bette a lopsided smile, then gave her the best pout she had. Besides, between spending this past week with you, and then Paris and St Barths for the next two weeks, you cant expect me to go back to Seattle all alone…sleeping in that cold bed without you next me…can you?

Bettes soft chuckle floated across the short distance to Tina, surrounding her with its low, ***** rumble…Bette appreciating Tinas ability to bring a little levity into what, up until now, had been the biggest obstacle in their relationship. She took a deep breath, knowing she was about to make the same promise to Tina that she had made to Nica. I promise you T, that I want to be right there beside you every night…waking up with you every morning, and when we get back from St Barths, I am going to make my final choice for manager of the gallery. She stopped for a moment, hoping that Tina could see the sincerity in her eyes. In fact, I already know who I want, I have just been procrastinating.

What Bette didnt tell Tina was that she had in fact known for weeks who she wanted to run her gallery, she just had not been ready to let go. The womans name was Victoria Bernard, and she had spent the last three years managing a well respected gallery in Philadelphia. Bette knew that the gallerys strong reputation was due to the hard work, and the fresh energy of this beautiful Yale graduate. She had been hearing about Victorias flair for opening nights, and had been told over and over again that her ability to pick artists was very similar to that of Bettes. Wanting to see for herself if this young womans reputation was warranted, Bette had made a quick trip to Philadelphia.. She had been very impressed with what she saw there, and had flown Victoria to New York for an interview, where she had surprised herself, when after just ten minutes, she knew in her heart that this was the person with whom she could intrust her precious gallery.

For her part, Victoria had jumped at the chance to interview with one of the most highly respected gallery owners in the country. Everyone in the art world knew who Bette Porter was, at least in the United States, and most of Europe, and Victoria was no exception. In fact, she had been to Kennter Galleries twice before on trips to New York, and had become lost in her own little world while wandering through the gallery, fascinated by the pieces Bette had chosen to display, making copulas notes on how each piece was presented…the lighting, framing, where in the gallery it was positioned, etc. Unfortunately Bette had been out of town on both occasions, but Milaine had spent time visiting with Victoria, and enjoyed her immensely. When the two women finally met during Bettes trip to Philadelphia, Victoria had responded to Bettes strong and vibrant personality immediately. She was mesmerized by her style and beauty, but most of all, it was Bettes passion for not only art, but her fierce loyalty to the artists themselves, that had touch Victorias heart the most. For art was what she lived for. To say that art was her lifes passion, would be like describing a sunset that, as it disappears, drags behind it rivers of reds, oranges, yellows, and magenta…while its reflection outlined mountains in purple and red hues…as pretty. It would just over simplify her love for the creation process, whether created by nature, or manmade… it all received the same amount of respect and awe from Victoria.

Her love affair with art started at a very young age. Her father had been an artist, although no one outside the family knew about his enormous talent. He had always felt that when he painted, it was such a personal and intimate process, that he didnt really want to let others into his private little world…well, except for his lovely wife, and his gorgeous little girl. He loved his family so much, that they were allowed into every facet of his life. However, even though her father didnt want to show his paintings, he loved exploring art festivals, farmers markets, and other small galleries and art shows, wanting to share with his young daughter all different aspects of creation. So from the time she was able to sit on his shoulders, up until her junior year in high school, when her father had died from colon cancer, Victoria had been exposed to talented artists on a daily basis. It had always confused her why her father didnt want people to see his work, and after his death she had promised herself that someday she would be in a position to help unknown artists get that well needed exposure, and help them sell their work. She knew that Bette Porter had the same philosophy when it came to artists, and that is why she leapt at the chance to work for her.



Tina looked at Bette with relief because she had just told her the search was over, but there was also confusion. She already knows who she is going to hire, but hasnt moved forward yet? She knew Bette was having a hard time letting go, but really felt that she had been more than patient these last four months, waiting for Bette to come to terms with the idea of leaving New York. Four months, and Bette was still dragging her feet. Maybe Im asking too much of her. Maybe after all this time she has decided her life here is more important to her.

Bettes admission that she already had chosen a candidate, but hadnt done anything about it, sent Tinas thoughts into a slow tailspin. The part where Bette said she wanted to be with Tina and would take care of it right after their vacation, was totally lost on Tina. All she heard was that Bette had found the right person, but had not wanted to declare her decision out loud…the one decision that was stopping them from being together…the one decision that held the key to Tinas complete happiness…and Bette was still procrastinating, even knowing how much that one decision meant to her partner.

Tina didnt quite know how to react, because she honestly wasnt sure how she was feeling. Either way, she didnt want to say anything right now. This was such a big night for Bette personally, as well as for Bette and Tina as a couple. She knew this was a conversation for later, after the evenings festivities…but still, she couldnt help the tears that sprang into her eyes.

Bette could see the confusion and the tears Tina was trying to keep from falling. Instinctively, wanting to protect her, she tightened her hold on Tinas waist. Baby, whats wrong? Why are you upset…

Before Tina had a chance to respond, she heard a familiar voice coming from behind her…

Youre kidding me with this, right?! Geez, I know it has been fifteen years, but do you think you two could disengage yourselves from each other long enough to at least say hi to your guests?! Good God, some things never change!

Tinas eyes had not left Bettes, and at hearing the distinctive voice behind her, she let out an excited gasp. You didnt?!!

Bette smiled in satisfaction, knowing she had achieved her biggest surprise of the night. Yes…I did.

Tina turned around and couldnt help the squeal that escaped her throat. Alice!!! She started to run towards the woman she had been so close to for so long, but whom she hadnt seen in years. However, before she reached her, Tina stopped in her tracks, seeing for the first time the other women, who were standing with Alice. Dana…Shane?!!!! Oh my God!!!

Tbc