Tina was so nervous Bette would be upset with her. She chewed the sides of her cheek anticipating Bette’s answer.

Gasp.

Bette’s eyes were sparkling. She was in awe of the beauty of the home, but most of all in awe of the woman who had stumbled into her life and made everything suddenly colorful.

As a child, Bette had never seen anything so beautiful. She hadn’t seen or understood what love was up until now. Melvin did not instill a religion in her.

“Our father never celebrated holidays. It was our Uncles and Aunts who had given us those little holidays that took us away from the dry and sad.” Kit said as she peeked from the under the curtains.

“Bette, I remember always had this smile on her face. It’s that smile she’s wearing right now.” Kit eyes were watery.

“Bette?” Tina grew worrisome.

“Tee, this is the best Christmas ever!” Bette jumped in the air.

Tina smiled relieved and held a hand to her chest.

“Baby, are you okay?”

“I am more than okay. You just gave me a heart attack. That’s all.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I thought you wouldn’t like this.” Tina wiped the sides of her eyes. She didn’t realize how anxious she had been until now. Bette replaced Tina’s hands and wiped away Tina’s tears with her hands.

“I absolutely love this and I am so happy.” Bette hugged Tina close, lifting her off the ground. She began peppering kisses all over her face.

Tina giggled.

“Bette stop it! Stop!”

“MMm, but I love you so much, right now I could just….” Bette looked around.

“I could just take you on the floor right now!”

Tina laughed and pushed Bette playfully. “Our friends are inside.”

“They all knew about this? I can’t believe they didn’t tell me. I can’t believe Alice didn’t tell me!”

“They all found out today. Dinner is inside. Let’s go.” Tina reached for Bette’s hand.

“Nuh uh.” Bette shook her head.

“What?”

Bette walked ahead of Tina and crouched down.

“Piggy, climb on my back right now.’

Tina’s jaw dropped.