Chapter 75


It was twenty-two years later…the same woman…the same reaction. Bette reached her hand down for Tina to take hold of, and helped her step up onto the stage.

Id like you to welcome the woman who captured my heart…twice…my partner, my love, Tina Kennard.

For a moment there was silence, the crowd awed by Bettes words of love…then the gallery erupted with applause and heartfelt cheers of congratulations.

Bette held Tina by both hands, and gently pulled her into her body…their faces only inches apart. I love you Tina, she whispered. She then leaned forward and tenderly kissed her beautiful future…a kiss that, because they had an audience, was short, but it was a kiss that spoke volumes about their love.

Both women then turned and smiled out at the crowd, with Tina feeling a little overwhelmed, not only by everything that Bette had said…God, that woman can knock me off my feet with her words’…but also because of all the attention that was directed at her from about three hundred and some odd number of quests, almost all of whom she didnt know. Bette on the other hand, was feeling extreme happiness at finally being able to introduce to her New York friends and colleagues, the extraordinary love of her life.

As soon as the applause tapered off, Bette looked down at Tinas children, who were all standing at the base of the stage, waiting…for what they didnt know. They were just told to stay there and to have a glass of sparkling cider ready for the toast. Bette waved her hand to them, motioning them to join them on stage. Come on up guys.

Paul looked over a Dani, and grinned. Right on…lets go! He scrambled up the two steps and stood next to his mom, standing as tall and proud as his back and shoulders would allow, while Dani and Alex followed behind him, albeit a little slower. Dani grasped onto Alexs hand, sensing she was feeling a little shy, then guided her so she was right next to Tina.

Bette, understanding that this might be a little overwhelming for Alex, decided to position the children by age. That way Alex being the youngest could stay standing next to Tina, who already had her calming arm around her daughters shoulders. Bette whispered for Milaine to stand next to her, and then Dani and Paul in between Milaine and Alex.

She looked back out to her friends and raised her glass. Please join Tina and I, along with our children, Milaine, Danielle, Paul and Alexandra…in wishing everyone a joy filled New Year. May the fates bless you and your families as they have ours, and may you know love, every day of your lives……Happy New Year!!!

There was a huge roar from the crowd, returning Bettes cheer. Happy New Year!!! For the next minute, all you could hear was the clinking of glasses and individual cheers being shared all around the room. Then, the band leader walked over to Bette and handed her his watch, whispering in her ear. She turned and looked down at Tinas children…smiling.

Hey guys…I need you for the countdown. Will you help me? Paul and Dani both answered immediately. Cool! Right on! Alex was still feeling very overwhelmed, but thought that if she could keep holding onto her Mothers hand she would be Ok. She nodded her head, giving Bette a silent yes.

Much to Pauls delight, Bette handed him the microphone. Ok…ready? She looked at the watch, then motioned with her head to signal the children and started the countdown for them… Ten, nine… The children joined her, and crowding around the microphone, continued counting backwards.

Bette gave a quick look out to the crowd and smiled at her other family standing by the stage. They were all there…counting down along with the kids and the entire gallery…Alice, Shane and Janey, Dana and Lara, Leslie, Kit and Ed, and Susan…Tinas sister. She then looked back and caught Tinas eye…both sharing a smile. Three…two….one!!!!

This time when everyone yelled happy New Year, Tinas children really joined in with the celebration. They clinked their glasses with each other, and then threw handfuls of confetti out onto the crowd from the bags that Bette had somehow slipped to them. Alex finally started to relax, and even let a giggle or two escape her lips, as she sent another handful of the tiny pieces of paper flying. Within seconds the air was filled with confetti…as Bette had placed individual bags at each place setting for those who wanted to have a little extra fun.

Tina moved over and surprised Bette by grabbing her around the waist. Hi Baby…Happy New Year… She leaned forward and was just about to join their lips, when they both felt globs of confetti hit the sides of their faces and go into their mouths. Sputtering, they turned to see who the culprit was. There before them were Tinas children, laughing like hyenas, who up until thirty seconds earlier had all been the epitome of model behavior.

Paul started laughing at the look on the two womens faces…pure surprise. Happy New Year Mom…MaBe! Bette and Tina looked at each other. Tina just shook her head. You cant say a word to them, because youre the one who gave them the stuff in the first place!

Bette burst out laughing. Sorry Tina…but I had to. I mean, how often do they get to celebrate like this? She turned back to the children. Right guys?

All three nodded their heads, and answered Bette. Right! She grabbed a handful of confetti out of Danis bag and threw it up in the air above their heads, laughing and hanging her arm across Pauls shoulders. Come on T…give it a try!

Tina couldnt help but join in the fun…however, instead of throwing the confetti in the air, she grabbed Paul, and tickling him with one hand, started to dump the confetti down his shirt with the other. Laughing and squirming, he was able to wiggle free and danced away from his mother…so she grabbed another handful and went after Dani, who shrieked and took off trying to escape her mothers long arms. Seeing that Dani was now out of reach, she turned to Alex, whose eyes got real wide and a nervous giggle came bubbling out of her throat. Mommy…no!! She tried to escape, but there was no where for her to go since Tina was blocking her way. Tina wrapped her up in her arms and started to tickle her. Mommy…HELP!!! That was all she could get out, as she was laughing too hard. And just when she thought she couldnt take anymore, a hand reached in and pulled her free from her mothers grasp. Here Alex, stand behind me. Still laughing, Alex ran behind Bette, grabbing onto her dress and peaking out to see where her mother was.

Tina looked around to see who her next victim was going to be. She was trying so hard to contain her laughter and look intimidating….but what she saw immediately quelled the giggle just about ready to make its way out of her throat. She started to slowly back up, shaking her head. Ok, guys…come on…this is not fair! She looked out to see every member of her family, and extended family making a circle around her, moving slowly in…all with bags of confetti.

She looked over at Bette for help, but groaned when she saw the mischievous grin on her face. Oh no…

Bette too was trying to contain herself, as she watched the look of dread on Tinas face…a look that said she knew she was going to be picking confetti out of too many places to think about, in about fifteen seconds. But, right when Tina thought she was going to get blasted from all sides, Bette stepped up next to her and brought her into her arms. She whispered into her ear, Happy New Year, T. I love you so much, Baby.

At that moment, all the confetti that Tina thought was going to be launched right at her, was thrown up in the air, and as it rained softly down upon both women, the band started playing Auld Lang Syne

Tina looked into Bettes eyes and felt her own fill with tears. God Baby…this whole night…this whole week has been…well, you make me feel like pleasing me, is all that matters to you.

Bette reached up and gently ran her hand down Tinas cheek and neck. Oh T…we have so much time to make up for… She leaned in and lovingly kissed her, their lips so soft, just melted together, their rhythm that of two people who have danced with each other their whole lives.

When their lips parted, they could hear cheers and singing in the background. Bette looked and smiled, remembering that they still had an audience. Come on T, lets join the party.

Tina gazed into Bettes eyes for a moment longer, hoping that all the love she felt for this unique and dynamic woman will shine through. I love you Bette Porter…now and forever.

And with that, the two women joined their family, their friends and their colleagues in celebrating the New Year……Porter style.

Tbc