She studied Bette’s countenance hoping to see understanding. 

“It never fails to stop my heart, Bette…still,” her expressive hazel eyes glistened, “I’ve forgiven a lot of things because of it,” she admitted, pursing her lips as if chiding herself for the weakness.  “And as long as I live I will wake up every morning hoping to see what belongs only to me, knowing I’m the only person in the world who owns the full measure of your smile.” 

Bette’s heart broke with the depth of Tina’s confession, mystified that she should ever deserve a woman like the one who stood before her.  Sighing with relief that she had not done something to cause Tina pain, her posture relaxed slightly.  She knew she’d probably never fully understand her wife’s emotional response to something as esoteric as a smile, but she’d learned to believe in the truth of the emotion.   In a way that must have been deeply meaningful and personal to her, Tina was expressing her love for Bette.  It had taken a long time and countless misunderstandings on her part, but she had come to recognize the language of Tina’s love.   Sometimes she got it and sometimes she didn’t.  The important thing was that she finally realized its complexity.  Tina loved her profoundly, completely, perhaps in a way she would never truly comprehend.  At least she’d grown enough to know that, she mused gratefully.  For all her faults, she was not the emotional cripple she’d once been, thanks to Tina.   

 Instantly overwhelmed by the generosity of her wife’s heart in giving her so many “second chances,” she pulled Tina close and whispered in her ear, “I love you too, Baby… I love you to the moon and back, now and forever.”  It was corny, but she meant it.   Tina squeezed her tightly, closing her eyes seemingly secure in the knowledge that this time Bette got it.  They were finally in the same place, feeling the same things. 

“Happy Anniversary, my love,” Tina said against her cheek, her warm breath raising goosebumps on Bette’s skin. 

“I haven’t given you your gift yet…” Bette smiled into her hair, breathing in the familiar scent of her, content to stay in those arms forever. 

“But you will,” Tina purred, sticking her tongue in Bette’s ear.  Bette jumped in surprise, her hips insistently pressing against the blonde’s body, craving their connection, “later…” Tina finished the sentence.