Bette woke with a start wondering whom she was sleeping with. The events of the night crept back into her mind. Tina. She was lying in Tinas arms; her head was resting on Tinas chest. Tinas held Bette tight, almost willing her to stay there forever and not move. Bette listened finding comfort in the gentle rhythm of her former lovers heart as it beat strongly. She wondered what time it was but dared not to move to see the clock. It was still dark out so she had time. Time to think things through now that she had a bit of sleep and felt like she could think straight.

Bette always knew she wanted to get back with Tina. She made Bettes life worth living that is until the kids had come along. Tina might not have been her first sexual encounter but she was her first in so many other ways. First love, first person she wanted to share her life with, first person she told her successes and failures to.the list went on and on until Bette came to the last; first person she cheated on. Bette felt her stomach knot up again. Relax she told herself, stay calm, deep breath. She inhaled deeply and Tina shifted slightly tightening the hold she had on Bette. Even though Bette wanted to be with Tina she was deathly afraid of losing her again. It was this fear that she needed to face and get past. Bette decided to look at it from a different perspective. What would she do if Tina werent there? If she told her good bye today how would she feel? Empty, lost, lonely were the adjectives that came to mind. Not to mention the pain she felt in her chest as she thought about giving up a life with Tina for a second time. With clarity Bette realized she had no option. She needed to take the leap of faith so that her heart could have a chance to be whole again. Not doing so would most certainly sentence her to a life without Tina. A life with no meaning.

Bette took another deep breath, cleansing her mind and soul. She couldnt wait for Tina to wake up so she could tell her what her decision was. She snuggled into Tina again closing her eyes.

When Bette woke the next time she was alone in bed. She stretched her hand out searching for Tinas body but Tina wasnt in bed. Bette started to panic, her eyes popped open and she frantically searched the room for any sign of Tina. She noticed Tinas clothes from the night before still on the couch. Again, she took a deep breath and tried to relax. Next she heard the flush of the toilet and turned just in time to see Tina walk out of the bathroom.

Morning sleepy head! Did you sleep well?

Never better Tina. Thank you for last night it meant the world to me.

Me to. I never thought Id ever get a chance to hold you again Bette. It felt so right.

Come here and cuddle with me please? Just for a few more minutes.

Tina climbed back into bed and took Bette into her arms. They lay facing one another gazing deeply into each others eyes, both searching for answers. Tina reached out and ran her fingers through Bettes curls and Bette reached over to put a strand of Tinas hair behind her ear. Simple gestures yet they held so much meaning for these two women. Bette finally broke the silence.

I love you T.

It was Tinas turn to cry and once the tears started there seemed to be no end in sight.

Hey, why are you crying T? Shhh, dont cry.

Bette used the thumbs of her hands to wipe Tinas tears away and then she stroked the back of her head, letting her fingers walk softly through her hair.

Sorry, I just couldnt help it. Its been so long since I heard you call me T. I never thought Id hear you say it again.

Bette gave Tina, her T her brightest smile. I thought I had lost the right to call you that. That one letter always carried all my love for you. Im saying it now because it feels right. You forgave me last night and today I can see it in your eyes. Im going to take you up on your offer to help me T, I want to forgive myself and move forward with you and Madison. I want us to be a family, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. How does that sound?

Like music to my ears baby. I love you too, with all that I am. Tina placed her lips close to Bettes and softly ran her tongue along Bettes lips. Bette open her mouth and let Tinas tongue gain entry. They lay together kissing and snuggling exploring each others bodies awakening memories almost forgotten. As their hands and mouths were feverishly devouring one another Bettes cell phone rang.

Oh god this better be good. She untangled herself from Tina and went to get the cell phone from her purse. Hello. Alice, for gods sake its 7am what could be so important? What? Oh my god is he going to be okay? *****, yes, Ill stay calm, T is here with me. No its a long story. Yes I said T, as in Tina. Stop with the third degree already, Im beside myself here Alice. Im on the first flight out but that means I wont get there until 1pm. Promise me youll stay with him. Is Lexis okay? Alright, call me with any updates and thanks Alice you really are the best.

Bette sat at the end of the bed next to the spot where she had been pacing. Her shoulders slumped forward and the cell phone fell out of her hand. Tina crawled forward and sat behind Bette, placing Bette between her thighs. She wrapped her arms around Bettes face and leaned forward with her chin resting on Bettes shoulder.

What wrong Bette did something happen with Jacob?

Yes, he tripped on one of Lexies toys and cut his head on another. Carol called Alice and they took him to the hospital. He needed seven stitches but they said he would be fine. They are already home and Alice is going to stay until we get there.

We?

Bette turned herself around part way so she could see Tinas face.

Yeah, is that okay? I need you beside me T. I need your strength to support me. Im so upset that Im not there to be with him.

Bette, this doesnt make you a bad mother. Its just lousy timing thats all. Well be back by 1 and then you can kiss it make it all better.

Youre such a mom!

You too and I love seeing how you are with Jacob and Lexie. They bring out the best in you Bette. Youre a great mom and dont ever forget that.

I wont but I want something more. I want you to say that Im the best wife and that you bring out the best in me. I want to make everything up to you T, I want it to be better this time. Better than it ever was.

Me too baby. One last kiss for the road?

Bette answered by placing a scorching kiss on Tinas lips.