Bettes heart was racing as she hung up the phone and bolted out of her office. James. Its time!

James looked at Bette and began to get flustered. Ok. Ok. Do you have everything you need? James began to stutter. Can I do anything?

Ill let you know, Bette called out to him as she raced out of the CAC and nearly ran to her car. She jumped in her car and practically hit someone as she pulled out of her space.

Sorry, she muttered. I got to go.

Bette sped home, running three yellow lights in the process. Her breathing became erratic as she felt the adrenaline pierce through her body. Dear God, let everything go well. She prayed silently to herself.

Running up the steps to her house, she found the door unlocked.

Tina?, Bette yelled out, walking frantically through the house.

Bette. Im in here.

Bette ran to the bedroom and pushed the door open. Tina was sitting on the bed, holding her stomach, and taking in small quick breaths.

Bette. This is it. I know it. This is the real thing, Tina struggled on the bed to stand up as Bette rushed to her side.

Be careful. Let me help you up Bette gently eased Tina up off the bed. Its ok T. Im here now. Everything is going to be ok.

Tina looked up at Bette and began to laugh. Bette. If you look like that when we get there, you will be admitted before me. Tina teased.

What? Bette looked at Tina, wide eyed, still trying to catch her breath, looking panic-stricken.

Its ok babe. There is still plenty of time between contractions. We have time baby. Relax. Tina stroked Bettes arm, trying to calm her down.

Butbut, we need to go T. Jesus, the babys coming! Ive got to get you to the hospital. Our baby is coming. Bette continued to ramble, looking around the room, her hand on her head looking as if she didnt know which way to turn first. T. we need to go. Now!

Bette? Tinas voice grew louder as she gently grabbed her by the shoulders. Bette! Be quiet for a minute. Look at me. I need you to be sure we have everything. Is everything in that pile at the door? Tina looked at Bette, her mouth breaking into a smile. Babe? Are you going to be ok?

Bette looked at Tina, her eyes still wide and showing traces of hysteria. Me? Who cares about me. Its you! You and the baby! We need to get going!

Tina smiled, moved her hands to cup Bettes face and drew her in for a kiss. Her kiss was gentle and sweet and Bette closed her eyes and allowed the kiss to calm her.

Babyeverything is going to be fine. You are right, our baby is coming. Now, take me to the Ouch! Tina let out a scream, as her arms covered her stomach. Thats a contraction for sure.

Argh! Lets go! Now! Bette was practically yelling as Tina began walking out of the house.

Bette held the car door open and got Tina situated in her seat. Its ok T. Everything is going to be ok, Bette was stuttering as she got in the car and started the engine.

Uh. Bette?

Yeah?

The stuff? You know, the pile by the door? Tina raised her eyebrows looking at Bette, while pointing to the house. Baby, get the stuff.

Right. The pile by the door, Bette jumped out of the car and raced into the house. She returned in an instant, threw the pile in the trunk and began the drive to the hospital.

Although Bettes anxiety had reached a fevered pitch, she managed to get Tina to the hospital in one piece. Upon checking in Tina was taken immediately into a room.

Breathe T, breathe, Bettes voice was trying to sound relaxed, but the hint of anxiety was ever present. She held Tinas hand, coaching her to breathe, as they had learned in Lamaze class.

Tina looked up at Bette and laughed. Bette had donned a surgical cap and the sight of her wide eyed with a white crown was too much to bear.

Why are you laughing?

I cant help it baby. That hat. You look so adorab___Ouch! Tina cried out as Bette looked on in dismay.

TBreathe! Breathe! Bette resumed her role as coach, as contractions racked Tinas body.

Hello everyone. Need me yet? Dr. Wilson entered the room, looking calm and serine. It looks like it may be show time huh? Good thing I am not late to the dance. Dr. Wilson smiled at Tina and then Bette.

Bette, are you ok? Youre looking a bit peaked.

Uh, yes of course I am ok. Im fine. Its Tina Im worried about, Bette answered, grasping hold of Tinas hand.

Dr. Wilson quickly checked Tina and determined birth was near. We are going to have a baby and soon. Real soon. she looked up at Tina and then turned to Bette.

Just continue to coach her breathing and when it is time to cut the umbilical cord, you can come over here and use the scissors the nurse will hand you. That will be your role. Are you ready? Dr Wilson continued looking over at Bette, raising one eyebrow waiting for a response.

Bette swallowed hard, YesYes, I am ready.

Contractions came quicker now as Tina began to feel the pain. She cried out several times, gripping Bettes hand like a stiff vice. Bette wiped Tinas brow, coached her breathing and kept firm hold of her hand.

Baby, it will be over soon. Look at me. Keep looking at me and breath. Bette huffed and puffed to the rhythm of the Lamaze technique trying to keep Tina focused.

We see the head, Dr Wilson called out. It wont be long now.

Bette looked on in awe of what was happening. She was watching Tina bring their child into the world. Bette swallow hard, trying to keep her composure as the enormity of the love she felt for Tina filled her and made her weak. She had never felt a rush of love like this and it humbled her.

A final push, a final scream and the sounds of their daughter filled the room.

Bette, come here, Dr Wilson called for her, as it was time to cut the umbilical cord.

Bette quickly kissed Tina and walked over to Dr. Wilson. Here was her baby daughter, a complete and utter mess, but the most beautiful thing Bette had ever seen.

Take these, the nurse handed Bette the scissors and she cut the cord, bringing their daughter into their family. Tears ran freely down her face, as the emotion of the moment overwhelmed her.

Bette immediately went back to Tina and leaned down to look at her. She gently wiped Tinas face, whispering softly in her ear, I love you T, I love you, I love you, I love you.

The nurse brought them their daughter. The baby lay in Tinas arms and both women cried, looking at the face that would change their lives forever.

After a while, Bette walked out to see the gang that had assembled in the waiting room. She walked up to see her family Dana, Alice, Kit, Shane, Marina and Jenny. They all stood to greet Bette, when suddenly Alice burst into a fit of laughter.

What in the ***** is on your head. Jesus, this is a Kodak moment!

Bette quickly removed the white cap she had forgotten about and laughed.

Our daughter is here, Bettes smile was huge, her pride beaming.

The group cheered and hugged Bette as she told them Tina was fine and the baby had all 10s. Bettes face was luminous and everyone could feel the love emanating from her. She passed out the half melted chocolate Godiva cigars she had bought the week before. She had accidentally left them in the car the day before, but she didnt care.She was determined to use them anyway, showing herself as the proud Daddy she is.