“You might have had snob tendencies “ Tina kissed Bette on the lips. “I love you regardless “

Bette returned the kiss and stroked Tina’s face “So you are set on talking to her today ?”

Tina nodded “Yes –  its going really well with my parents “

“I think you have done very well to put a lot of the issues behind you all “

Tina picked the tea towel up again and started drying a bowl

“I have spent so many years feeling sorry for myself and hard done. I can see now that they have suffered as well “

“I think your mom having a drinking problem really threw you “

Tina shook her head “It did – I know what drove you to it and mom’s story about how she was alone and so scared about what was happening to dad and knowing that Louise was going off the rails and not knowing how to keep her from being so angry “

“Does she know about you being in your parents life ?”

“She’s working away at the moment but mom has told her that they have seen me and you “

“Bet that went down well “ Bette said dryly

Tina shrugged “She didn’t say anything “

Bette reflected that Mary Kennard was so thrilled about having Tina back in her life that she wouldn’t necessarily pass on anything that might pour cold water on the relationships that were being re-built. Bette finished washing up and cleaned the sink and rubbed the taps. By the time she had finished Tina had put all the plates and cutlery awake.

“You want to talk to her now ?” Bette asked

“Yeah “

Tina looked anxious – Bette pulled her close

“She will be fine – she loves and trusts us. You and I would never do anything that we didn’t know was in her interests and getting to know her grandma and grandpa is the right thing for her and for them and us “

Tina kissed Bette on the lips “I am so thankful for having you in my life “

“I am thankful for what a amazing woman you are and what a truly special daughter we have “

“Okay “ Tina said after they had held one another for a few gloriously peaceful minutes “Lets go talk to our daughter “