Im going to be going back and forth between 2009, the year Bette and Tina meet again through their kids, 2026 when Madison and Zoe first meet, and finally 2029 when Jake and Madison are having their talk. Hope this clarifies things.


The year is 2009, 5 years after the break-up:

Jake and Madison finally relented and let Tina sit up on the ground. The minute she reached out to grab them they ran away leaving her alone with Bette. She looked over at Bette and smiled. Bette smiled back and steeled herself to look into Tinas eyes. She saw nothing but happiness reflecting back at her. No pain from the hurt she had caused. Maybe we have both moved on she thought. Tina on the other hand saw a calm in Bettes eyes that she had never seen before. She took a breath and said So, I guess a lot of things have changed for both of us over the last few years.

Bette smiled and said Tina, I think thats an understatement.

The two women giggled.
I guess so. I never imagined Id ever find you romping on the grass with two four year olds. You look so at ease with them.

I am. I feel so grounded and alive when Im with Jake and Alexis. Wherever they are is home and that is something I have searched for my whole life. I had that once and let it slip through my fingers. I promised myself I would never let that happen again so Ive changed the priorities in my life. I owe you so much Tina. When you left me it was a real wake-up call.

Tina sighed and looked away as she remembered how hard the decision to leave
Bette was. She had loved her despite the infidelity but knew that a relationship without trust couldnt be sustained. It had been the hardest decision she had ever made.

As Tina looked away, Bette regretted her words. Im sorry Tina, if my being here is bringing back too many bad memories. Well get going

Tina snapped out of her reverie No Bette, you dont have to go. I appreciate your honesty. There is a lot we need to say to one another. How about you stay for dinner so we can catch up?

I cant Tina. Ive got a date tonight.
Tina smiled. Well good for you. Is it something steady? She wanted to kick herself for asking but couldnt stop the words as they came pouring out of her mouth. She needed to know.

Very steady, Bette said. She felt a knife go through her heart when a look of despair flashed across Tinas face.

Bette continued Its with my favorite guy.

Now a look of confusion crossed Tinas face.

Huh?

I promised Jake I would go swimming with him tonight. We do laps together and then just goof around in the pool. He loves it and I havent been doing it as much as I would like to because of Alexis. Carol finishes work at 7 and Ive got to be nearby to feed Alexis and put her to bed. Jake has been great about it but I know he misses the time just the two of us spent together. Speaking of Alexis why dont you come over and meet her.

She helped Tina get up and held Tinas hand a second longer then needed. She needed to feel her again like she needed oxygen to survive. Tina noticed Bettes hand lingering longer than necessary and was pleased to know Bette felt the need to touch her. The two walked over to where the nannies were. As soon as Alexis saw Bette she smiled while kicking her legs and raising her hands up and down. Bette reach down to pick her up and said hello my pretty girl. She leaned in and gave her a kiss, something she did whenever she picked up one of her children, then gave her a raspberry under chin. Alexis started to giggle and the sound warmed Bettes heart. Who is my pretty girl? Are you Alexis? Can you clap hands for mommy? Alexis smiled again at Bette and then paused, as if she wanted everyones attention, and then she clapped hands. Hooray for Lexie! said Bette.

Tina watched mesmerized. She always knew Bette would make a wonderful mom but this was too much. She could feel the love radiating from Bette and she had never seen her look so comfortable. It was as if she was born to do this.

Bette turned and faced Alexis towards Tina. Say hi to Tina Alexis. Wave hello. Show mommy how you wave hello. Nothing, Alexis looked at Tina and smiled. Tina moved forward making a beeping noise and gently hit her forehead into Alexis. She did this a few times and Alexis started to giggle. Tina backed up and looked at Alexis. Youre such a happy baby arent you? Alexis smiled and kicked her legs again while she leaned towards Tina with her arms outstretched.

Looks like youve won over another Porter woman Tina.

Tina laughed as she took Alexis into her arms. She is so beautiful Bette. She has your olive skin coloring, but where did the blond hair and steel gray eyes come from? You must have picked quite the sperm donor.

Actually Alexis is adopted. After Jake I had a very difficult time conceiving. I had a few miscarriages and tried invitro fertilization but nothing worked.

Tina reached over and stroked Bettes arm. Im sorry Bette; it must have been very difficult.

It was a hard time, I felt inadequate, not whole. I was also flooded with memories of us, your miscarriage, how I wasnt there for you. It was a difficult time for me but I got through it and focused on the future. I found a wonderful lawyer who helped me give a home to a child whose birth parents wanted more for her than they could provide. Make no mistake; she is mine just as much as Jake is. I love her and Jake with all that I am, as Im sure you love Madison.

Tina just stood looking at Bette, trying to absorb the passion this woman had for her children. Bette had changed tremendously. She was sharing her feelings and innermost thoughts freely, without Tina having to drag them out of her.

Earth to Tina, where are you?

Sorry Bette. I was just thinking about what you said. When did you start sharing your feelings so freely?

The moment Jake was born. You cant hide behind a faade with a baby. Youve got to really be there for them, make sure they feel loved and safe. It just carried over into the rest of my life. Ive changed Tina, for the better. How about you?

Well, I see youre still direct Tina said with a smile. Ive changed, who doesnt after 5 years. If anything, after living and working in New York Im tougher, more secure in who I am. Being a mom has fulfilled me as I knew it would. Listen, I really would like to spend more time catching up. I know youve got to get going but how about we have dinner next week?

Tina, are you asking me out on a date? Bette said coyly.

How about we say two old friends catching up and leave it at that. Calling it a date might make me nervous and I might get cold feet.

Tina, you can call it whatever you want. How about Tuesday?

No good, Ive got a board meeting on Tuesday.

How about Wednesday?

Mmmm, nope. Im in San Francisco on business for the day.

How about you pick a day and let me know. I obviously dont have the busy schedule you do. Im available any night.

No late nights at work?

Not anymore, Im home most days by 5, once in a while 6.

Okay, how about Thursday night. You pick the place. Im sure things have changed since Ive been gone.

Ill have to ask Alice. I dont get out much anymore and when I do its Macaroni Grill and McDonalds.

Tina laughed. Well you decide and make sure its a place that serves wine. I think we might need it.

Okay, let me get going. Jake, its time to go honey.

Jake and Maddie came running over.

Mom, cant we stay longer? Im having fun!

Well, dont you want to go swimming tonight?

Oh yeah, I forgot. Lets go, before its past my bedtime.

Jake turned to Maddie and said Ill see you soon. Thanks for playing with me.

Maddie leaned in and gave Jake a kiss on the cheek.

Yuck, whats that for?

Its a way of saying thanks silly. I like you.

Me to Maddie. Okay mommy lets go!

Bette and Tina had watched this interaction with mild amusement. Tina turned to Bette and said Looks like I need to have a talk with Maddie and warn her about the Porter charm.

Porter charm? Your daughter just kissed my son. Id say I need to warn him about the Kennard charm.