When she was sure it wasnt, Tina took a step, cautiously, quietly; inside the apartment and out of the corner of her eye she caught a flicker of light. It was then Tina noticed the apartment. She looked around and smiled, noticing the romantic gesture Bette had created and tears began to well in her eyes

A tear escaped and trickled down her cheek as she walked over silently, delightfully to join her family.


Chapter 27

Tina stopped when she got to the couch. Standing right in front of Bette and Jack, her heart was so full of love. and hope, that it felt like it was going to burst.

She didnt exactly know the significance of Bette and Jacks presence at Shanes place .so late at night, but by the state of the apartment and the feeling she had in her gut, Tina thought it had to be at the very least a step in the right direction.

Tina leant down quietly and kissed her son on his cheek; a grin appeared momentarily on his sleeping face, much to Tinas delight, before he rolled over and went back into a deep slumber.

Tina stared at Jack for a few moments, she couldnt believe it, that this amazing little boy right in front of her could be her sonthat her and Bette could be the family she had always dreamt about. after all this time.

Why else would Bette be hereat Shanes place in the middle of the night? And with Jack too?? Tina curiously thought. She couldnt help the smile that was tugging at the corner of her lips.

Tina didnt want to get her hopes up too much though; she had done so too many times before and been disappointed. This time it was Bettes turn, she needed to fight, she needed to tell Tina how she feltthis time it was Bette who was going to have to volunteer her feelings!

Tina turned her attention to Betteher beautiful Betteshe stood there for a moment, staring at the love of her life; taking in the mere sight of her..her natural beauty, that time certainly did nothing but enhance. Tina thought she looked more beautiful now, than ever beforesleeping soundly next to her little boy their little boy, Jack.

Tina subtly moved a stray strand of hair from Bettes face, lightly tracing Bettes facial features with her smooth soft fingers.

Bette began to stir, feeling Tinas familiar, soft touch on her skin, revelling in the sensation she had longed to feel for so long.

Tina could tell Bette was waking up, her breathing was becoming shallower and her other senses were heightening, but Bette still kept her eyes closed; she wanted this feelingthe feeling of Tinas touch on her skin, to last forever.

Tina continued her re-exploration of Bettes face, as Bette slowly, cautiously began to open her eyes.

Bette: (whispering) Tina!

Tina took her hand away from Bettes face, realizing Bette was now awake; but Bette loosely grabbed her wrist, looking into Tinas eyes, (speaking softly) Its been so longplease Tee, just for a few more moments!

Bette bought Tinas hand back up to her face, getting lost in Tinas gentle touch, closing her eyes once more to obtain every last feeling of the incredible sensation coursing through her body. her bodys natural reaction to Tinas loving touch.

Tina smoothed Bettes cheeks with the back of her fingers, and lightly traced Bettes slightly parted lips with her thumb. Bette turned over Tinas hand and kissed her palm, opening her eyes, lovingly smiling at Tina.

Bette: Hi Tee..

Tina had tears lingering in her eyes, a stray one periodically trickling down her cheeks, Hey baby sitting down on the couch, next to Bette, her warm hands finding their way into Bettestheir eyes never leaving each others.

Tina had to ask this next question, she couldnt hold onto false hope, hesitantly, afraid that the answer wouldnt be what she wanted to hear, Bette what are you doing here? Its the middle of the night

Bette put her finger up to Tinas lips, not saying a word; staring into Tinas eyes, seeking permission for what she was about to do..What she couldnt stop thinking about since that morning.

Taking her in her arms Bette pulled Tinas slender frame into her own, stopping when their lips were only centimetres apart.

Tina could feel the familiar stirrings of desire course through her body, being so close to Bette. She could feel Bettes cool breath breezing over her face as she softly spoke and smell the alluring aroma of Bettes perfume mixed with her own unique scent that always drove Tina crazy. God she loved this woman, her emotions were in overdrive and Bette hadnt even kissed her yet.

Bette looked into Tinas teary eyes and almost immediately saw what she was looking for, (seriously, simply, Bette whispered to Tina) TeeIm here because Im IN LOVE with you. gently leaning in, closing the miniscule distance between them, pressing her lips to Tinas in a sweet tender kiss; both womens mouths were slightly parted, the tip of their tongues grazing against each others; the kiss took both womens breaths away.

Tina pulled herself away, breathing erratically, slowly licking her lips, her eyes remaining closed; holding on as long as she could, revelling in the familiar feeling that they both hadnt felt for so long.

No one had ever made Tina.. or Bette feel so much in just one simple kiss.

Tina opened her eyes, a contented sigh escaping her lips; being met with Bettes enticing chocolate brown eyes staring intimately back at her. Bettes face emitted a smile that emanated all the way from her heart, to her lips, through to her eyes. Tina could really see what Bette was feeling.

Before Tina totally lost control, she had to make sure this was what Bette really wantedthat she was what Bette really wanted.

Tina couldnt keep hoping and being disappointed, there was no way she could turn back now, this was going to have to be all or nothing, she had to know, and Tina desperately hoped that Bette wanted it all.

Tina: (hesitantly) Are you sure this is what you want baby?.. It has to be all or nothing BetteI have been disappointed to many.!!

Bette interrupted, (sincerely) Tina, I am I want it ALLI want youI want usI want my family!! That is all I need and that is all I want! looking from Tina over to her peacefully sleeping son, tears forming in her eyes, That is all I have ever really wanted.. Tee!!

Tina felt like her heart was going to explode, she didnt respond verballyshe feared her words would not do her feelings justice; she smiled, then leaned in and her lips met with Bettes once again.

This time, what started as a slow sensual kiss quickly became something much deeper as Tinas tongue skimmed lightly over Bettes bottom lip, searching, hoping for an opening, which Bette eagerly obliged her with.

Tina explored every inch of Bettes mouth; she wanted to reacquaint herself with the intoxicating taste that was Bette; the taste she had been deprived of for so long. Not to be outdone Bette kissed back just as passionately, wanting to show Tina how sorry she was for all the hurt she caused her and all the stupid decisions she had made since Tina had returned

Hastily breathing became an issue and both women pulled away, only inches from each other, gazing into the others eyes.

Tina had this niggling thought in the back of her mind, what about Kristie? What happened to Kristie?but right now she didnt careshe was right where she wanted to be, in Bettes arms, with Bette professing her love for her. Tina still felt like she was in some sort of a dream.

Bette had the same niggling thoughts in the back of her mind, where Dr Stephanie was and why her Tee was telling her she loved her, but she didnt care either, she was right where she wanted to be too! That could wait!!

Tina had been so consumed with Bette and her own thoughts that she didnt realize how exhausted she was. Her body told her just that, letting out an involuntary yawn.

Tina: (apologetically) Sorry baby

Bette: (concerned) Tee, you need to get some sleepyou are exhausted!

Tina snuggled into Bettes arms, resting her head on Bette’s collarbone. Her eyelids felt heavy and little red specks began to appear in the corner of her eyes; it had been a long and emotional day, (contented) Mmmm I guess I am?

Looking into each others eyes, participating in a silent conversation the two women were the only ones privy to, they both decidedly told each other without even knowing it, that talk could wait till morning..the answers could wait till morning.

Bette didnt want to be presumptuous, she was dying to fall asleep with Tina in her arms, to be able to hold her close all night long, just like she had dreamed of for 5 long years, but Bette wasnt sure if that was what Tina wanted, maybe it was too soon for that? They still had a lot to talk about.

Bette: (considerately) UmTee, Shane wont be home tonight, so why dont you take her bed and Ill stay out here with Jack, if thats okwe can talk in the morning smiling shyly at Tina.

Tina looked at Bette, a look of sorrow and complete disappointment enveloping her face. This was the first ever night she was able to spend with her family and Bette wanted her to sleep in the other room.

Bette recognised the look instantly, knowing she had made a mistake, immediately trying to rectify it.

Bette looked deeply into Tinas eyes, showing all her sincerity, Tee. I didnt want to be presumptuous, (cautiously grinning) but by the look on your face I guess I shouldve been!

Tina: (casually, trying not to show her hurt) Huh?

Bette: I would love to go to sleep holding you in my armsfeeling your body next to mine, not just tonight but every single night for the rest of my life. I just thought it was maybe too soon, we still have a lot of things to figure out!!

Tina: Babywe do have a lot of things to talk about, but I have missed out on so much alreadywe have missed out on so much already. I dont think I could possibly get any rest unless you were right here next to me, holding me in your arms.It seems miraculously we have found each other again(looking intently into Bettes eyes) Bette I dont ever want to let go!

Bette pulled Tina tightly into her, Neither do I baby, neither do I!!

Bette jumped off the couch, promptly walking over grabbing the picnic blanket off the floor and returning back seconds later, to the awaiting arms of the woman that made her life complete.

She wrapped her arms lovingly around Tina, pulling her in as close as she could. Bette laid the blanket across the three of them, ensuring Tina was as comfortable as she could be.

Bette: (grabbing Tinas hand in her own, resting them on her thigh) Are you comfortable Tee?

Tina: (looking at Bette lovingly) I have never been more comfortable.

Bette: (leaning in, whispering in Tinas ear) Good night baby, I love you. You make my life worth living!

Tina: (smiling at Bette’s words) I love you too baby!..Good night! using her free hand to caress Bettes face, gently tracing Bettes lips once more, before leaning in to give her one last tender kiss before she succumbed to her exhaustion. Bette smiled into the kiss.

Not the most romantic way to spend their first night back together Bette thought, but she figured there was something much more important than romanceit was spending their first night back together, as a familya family that was now well and truly complete!!

Bette and Tina drifted off to sleep wrapped in each others warm, caring embrace, for the first time in over 5 years.. It was extremely tight and cramped, three bodies on one couch, but neither woman cared lessthere was nowhere in the world they wouldve rather been..no-one in the world they wouldve rather been with.

There would be plenty of time to talk in the morning, right then, was all about feeling close to each other, felling their love for each otherthe love they were destined (and lucky enough) to find, TWICE, in their lifetime.

When she believed Tina was asleep Bette whispered in her Tees ear, Im going to fight for you baby, if I have to Im going to fight with everything I have!! Your Dr Stephanie, she doesnt stand a chance!

Tina wasnt asleep, but she did drift off a few minutes later, with a huge smile on her facethats exactly what she wanted to hear from Bettewhat she needed to hear!! Bette was prepared to fight for her, even though she never really needed to..

Tbc