But they knew why. 

It was hard.  It hurt. 

But they knew exactly why they endeavored to regain the trust that had been broken.  The reasoning was simple in its complexity.  A reason only they needed to believe and aspire for.

Bette was aware that Tina was following.  Her cadence unmistakable as it lagged not more than five or six strides behind.   It soothed her.  Tina’s presence.  That she was here as she attempted to grasp the realities of their past.  Of the implications to their tomorrow.  

The picture of the family professed in earnest included no one else but the two of them and their daughter.

Yes Tina had chosen her.  As she had chosen Tina after her own lapse and everything that followed.  Wanting nothing more than to make fresh memories together.  Both knowing there was little room for any miscalculation with their child’s presence. 

Any risk for less would be forbidden, on that they agreed wholeheartedly.  Angelica deserved the best of what they could offer whether individually or together.  The special little girl placed more influence to each choice and all that lay in between. 

Indeed there were no guarantees.  They’d promised forever to each other before and yet…and still, they collapsed.   But here they were, rebuilding while fortifying what they had.  Keeping a taste of what was past along with something different if not entirely new. 

They just needed to do it carefully.  For themselves.  For their family.  Knowing that amidst the effort was the opportunity to let go.  Perhaps easier in a way because the sting would be immediate but dull over time as acceptance set in.  Sparing them of the kind that resurfaced with intense biting harshness that threatened progress made. 

One could argue it would be easier to just…surrender and not want more.  The hurt would fade eventually.  But so would everything else that meant a chance for a partnership to flourish. 

So today both were here. 

Because they did want a future together and were willing to wrestle through the lingering hurt and place the effort to be in each other’s lives in a way that held most significance.  Because of the love they shared. 

The reason.  Simple in its complexity.

Bette slowed her rate, purposely diminishing the space between them.  With only a small gap separating the women, she reached back to take Tina’s hand in hers.  Confidently Tina strode forward to grasp her hand, bringing them shoulder to shoulder. 

They took steps together.  Sharing a pace of friends, partners and lovers they followed where the concrete path led.

Raising their clasped hands, Tina kissed the back of the brunette’s hand.  Bette breathed audibly with relief.  The sentiment was mirrored in the woman who strode next to her.  Things, even with the current unrest, felt right.

“Thank you for being here with me,” she said kindly. 

Tina smiled.  Mostly because she knew this was exactly where she wanted to be.  Needed to be.  She would be aware.  Now and forever.  As Bette would be too.  That certainty was missing for so long but the sentiment was furiously present today.  

“I can’t exactly pamper you with more right now but wherever you are, I’ll be there.”   

They smiled.  At the fresh memory that promise evoked.  Because the promise was mutual.

TBC