She grasped Tina’s hand, shifting both boxes that Kara had given her to one arm, as she stepped aside to let the guests in, saying, “Tina, you know Kara…and Kelly.”

“Hi,” Kara said warmly, “Thanks, again, for your’s and Bette’s thoughtful invitation.  When you came by
earlier this week to kindly invite me, I was sure I was going to spend Thanksgiving at my brother’s, as I’d explained to you at that time.  But it turns out I’ll have to leave for China tomorrow, instead of one of the other associates, so I couldn’t squeeze in a flight to my brother’s place in Chicago.”

Tina was waving off her apologies, as Kara continued to explain, “Then Kelly showed up about an hour ago, and I told her about your kind invitation….so here we are.  I’m sorry if this is sooo last minute,” her voice trailed off.

Tina responded, “Oh, don’t worry about it Kara.  As you can tell by the horde of people in here, we’ve been surprised by various other friends, also, who’ve all suddenly showed up, too.  The more, the merrier, I guess!”

They all shared a laugh.

After a few seconds, as they quieted, Tina turned to Kelly, “How are you, Kelly?”

“I’m fine, Tina,” Kelly answered coolly, and then leaned forward to kiss the other blonde’s cheek.  “By the way, congratulations on your wedding!”

Tina and Bette looked at each other, sharing a smile.  “I read about it in the New York Times, and Kara here told me that she’d heard from Jacques and Joel that it had been one of the most beautiful ceremonies they’d ever attended, and that the whole thing had been quite lovely.”

Bette smirked, pursing her lips in a half-frown, half-smile, and pulled on Tina’s hand halfway around her back.  Then she glanced down at the boxes housing the wine bottles Kara had handed her. And dropped her mouth open.

“Oh my gosh…Kara, these bottles are too much!,” she exclaimed.

Kelly chuckled as Kara nodded, “Kelly’s idea. And, although they’re from the both of us…"

Bette turned to Kelly, mouth still agape, “These are too…”

Kelly cut in, briefly caressing Bette’s bare forearm as she spoke, “Please, Bette.  Accept them as our
Thanksgiving gift to you.  And to Tina.”