~

An hour later, at Kit’s house…

“I should be going.” Bette started, “I’ve got to get Angelica into bed.”  She watched as Angelica crawled around on the floor.  Angus had dropped her off earlier.

“Why don’t you let me keep her?  I feel like spoiling my niece.”

“What do you say, Angie?  Want to spend time with your auntie?”

“Yay!  Auntie Kit!”

“See, everybody loves me.” Kit said, opening her arms to Angelica.  Angelica ran into her aunts arms.

“Love you!”

“Okay, than it’s settled.  I’ll see you later, baby cakes.”  She kissed her daughter’s forehead, “You got everything you need for her?”

“Yep, I have everything.  Try to have a good night, sis.”

“How can I?”

“Have faith in your wife.  She just might surprise you.”

Bette hugged her sister, kissed her daughter one more time, and left.  She hopped in her car, though Tina didn’t want her driving.  To hell with Tina, she thought.  She pulled up to her home.  She saw Tina’s car in the driveway.  Unlocking the door and opening it, she smelled something good.  Italian.  Tina’s Italian.  There was a huge sign in the doorway that said “LOOK DOWN!”

There was a piece of paper and two violets on the floor.  The paper read:

Do you remember our first date?  I do.  I remember you taking me to the beach and we set up a picnic.  The beach was private—it was the property of one of your artist friends.  I never felt so in love as I felt the moments we spent together on that date.  I knew you were the one for me after that day.  To hell with what everyone else thought; you were the end for me.  On the ride home, you stopped the car to pick wild violets off the side of the road that had caught your eye.  I kept them until they crumbled.

Bette smiled and sat the letter down.  As she made her way into their living room, there was another large sign.  It said, “LOOK TO YOUR LEFT”.

On the coffee table were a sea shell and another note.

Before Angelica was born, I was so angry with you.  I continued to be angry with you, and for that I apologize.  But for a moment, I saw you for the real you.  The vulnerable you.  When I told you I wanted to date you again, I saw your eyes light up.  The same kind of light I see in your eyes when you see Angelica.  Our first date before Angelica’s birth, we went to a state fair.  They were selling painted sea shells that were made by a preschool class.  You told me then that you wanted our children (yes, you said children.  I think you knew that we’d have more) to go to a school with an art program.  I saw your passion and it drove me wild.  It still does.

She continued into the dining room where there was a final note waiting for her.  It was a post-card.  On the back, was written:

What I did was wrong.  I can’t begin to tell you why I did that, especially after fighting for you so vehemently.  I love you, Bette.  I love you more than my life and I want to be the other mother to our son.  I gave up on you once.  I won’t do that again.  You never really gave up on me.  Don’t do that now, Bette.  I want us to be the picture on this postcard.  Old as hell, and still in love.  Please.

Bette wiped her eyes.  She forgave Tina the moment she saw the first note.  She looked up to see Tina in the doorway the led towards the kitchen.

“Bette…”

“Tina…”

“I’m so sorry.  That was so stupid.  I want you to know that I would never ever give up you and Angelica and Kalen for Kate.  You are my family.”

“You’re forgiven.”  She leaned in and pecked Tina’s lips, “You were forgiven practically from the moment I stepped through the door.”  Tina wrapped her arms around Bette and held her close, “Now, I’m eating for two.  Let’s eat!”