“What’s that?”

“That we don’t need any complications.”

“Is that what you think this is, a complication?” She asked a bit saddened and slightly agitated.

“No, no, I would never think that. I love you, more than I thought I could anyone after Camille. What we have is amazing and I want a life with you and Naomi.” I must have said something pretty incredible because her facial expression changed almost instantly. Although her eyes at that point were filled with tears I knew she was happy the smile on her face was a give away.

******

TEN MONTHS LATER

“What’s with you today? Its not like she hasn’t slept here before?” Dana said obviously bothered by my frantic behaviour.

“I know, I know, but its their first night here as a family.” I was cleaning the room I had once redecorated for Bette a few months ago. Bette’s divorce was a final and Shane was in the process of getting custody of Naomi back to her. Jeff had no opposition to the proposal Shane presented as the settlement. The infidelity was not used as the grounds for the divorce on the condition that Jeff agreed to give Bette twenty-five percent of his liquid earnings during the marriage. They agreed that Jeff could keep the house and other fixed assets.

“Did you ever tell Naomi about you and Bette?”

“No, we were hoping that we could do that tonight?”

“Do you think she would have a problem with that?” Alice asked.

“I’m hoping not.” I sighed.

“Hey,” Alice offered a hug. “She loves you to death, and she sees how happy Bette’s been since you two met.”

“Yeah,” Dana agreed. “She said so herself.”

“Yeah, well sometimes its easier if you don’t have to deal with it.”

We continued getting the room ready and preparing dinner. We were done, with enough time for us to change before Shane, Bette and Naomi got home. I heard the car pull into the driveway and ran out to meet them. “Tina!” Naomi came running from the car.

She jumped into my arms, “Oh, hey there. I have a surprise for you.”

“You do?”

“Yes I do.” Bette came up to us and placed her arms around the two of us.