Youre so much like me Madison it scares me sometimes because I can see the problems you are going to face before you do. Anyway, these women meant nothing to me. My career was everything. I wanted to be the best and thats what my life was centered around. Even my friends and family took a back seat to it. Women were just a diversion, a way to release pent of energy, and have a good time for a while. Thats it. As soon as one of them would start to get close Id end it. I had no time in my life for anything permanent.

Were you lonely? I mean, there is always someone there so youre not alone, but didnt you have a sense of loneliness, the need to share your successes with someone.

Bette smiled, realizing that Madison was talking about herself.

I didnt realize that until Tee came into my life. From the moment I laid eyes on her something changed. Every fiber of my being screamed to be near her, to see her, to touch her, to talk with her. I never ever had those feelings of need for anyone before. It wasnt just a physical attraction it was emotional as well. On every level we connected. I guess you could say she swept me off my feet, except for the fact that she was straight everything was perfect. I learned to have patience because of her Madison. I learned to place her before my career, before my own needs. I had an epiphany. God I was so happy.

What happened?

I never gave a thought to another woman until your mom and I hit a rough patch. Somewhere along the line I forgot how to cherish her and put her first. I let all the little things that happen in life, at work especially, build up and put distance between us. And then we lost our baby.

Madison gasped, what?

We had been together for 7 years and decided it was time to start a family. Your mom miscarried in the third month and I felt like I was a failure. I failed to protect her, the baby. I held everything inside, trying to be strong for your mom until I was ready to explode. I needed a release. I needed to feel alive again and let go of the pain. I thought back to the old days, before your mom. So instead of going to your mother I went to someone else. Not realizing by doing so I wasnt being strong, nor was I protecting Tee. She couldnt stand the sight of me after she found out and I couldnt blame her. She left and I didnt see her again until that day you and Jake were playing in your backyard. Tina took my breath away that day and I vowed to myself right then and there to get her back. Little did I know that she had the same plan.

You know I panicked at one point during our reconcilliation. I almost backed out, afraid that if something went wrong again I couldnt live through another breakup. Your mom convinced me to have faith in us, believe that we would get through it this time.

You have, you two are just so awesome together. I guess thats why I reacted so strongly early. But I can see now I was wrong. You two never stop loving each other; it makes me believe I can find that love too.

So you and I, we are okay?

Yeah, I love you mom, and Im sorry about before.

What do you say we go see if there is any of your mothers famous cherry cheesecake left?

There better be, its my favorite!

We stood up and walked out of the office. I realized then that my love and respect for my two moms had grown that night. Yes, momma B had made a terrible mistake but she had paid the price and now lived every day of her life trying to make it up to my mom. And how strong was my mom? To realize she couldnt forget, couldnt live her life without the woman that broke her heart. How much strength did it take for her to put her heart on the line one more time? My thoughts turned to Zoe. She was my Tina. My epiphany. I hoped we would be able to get through the good and bad times together and build a life as wonderful and full of love as my two moms had.