Bette smiles, “I love calling our kids by their names….it’s more and more real now, T.”  Bette attempts to move over in the bed and Tina frowns.

“What are you doing?  Let me call the nurse to help you get comfortable in the bed, babe…be still for a moment.”

“The nurse can’t help me, baby….you’re the only one who can make me comfortable.  Come get in bed with me again.”  Bette grins and looks at Tina.

Tina laughs, “If you weren’t hurt, I’d slap that dirty mind of yours, Bette!  I’m not climbing into bed with your right now.  You need to be comfortable and it’s probably against the rules.”

Bette gives her the look Tina can never resist. “T, we’ll just lie here….I need to be close to you…please.”

Tina shakes her head and climbs in beside Bette, “If our kids learn that look from you, I’m in for a lifetime of manipulation.”

The 2 lovers snuggle against each other and quickly fall asleep. 

(30 minutes later)

It was noon and there was a buzz in the hospital atmosphere.  They awoke to hear a bustling outside the door and then it opened.  In walked William Kennard and Peggy Peabody……with Helena right behind them.

“Daddy!”  Tina looked up, red faced, at her dad from the bed.  “I’m so glad you’re here!”

Peggy and William give each other knowing looks. 

Helena slides over to Bette while William helps Tina out of the other side of the bed and whispers, “You’re such a dog, Porter.’ 

She walks back over to her mom before Bette can respond.

William helps his daughter out of the bed and hugs her tightly, “I wouldn’t be anyplace else, Buttercup.” 

He looks over to Bette, “How are you holding up, Cupcake?”

Bette tries to sit up in the bed, “I’m doing well, sir.  I’ll be good as new as soon as they let me out of here!”

Peggy speaks up, “You’ll not leave until we are sure it won’t set back your recovery.  There is nothing more important that your health and getting you back on your feet.”

Helena smirks as she looks at Bette.  “I’m so glad she has someone else to boss around.  It takes her sole focus off of me.”

Peggy ignores the sarcasm and looks around the room.  “Tina, darling….I’ve arranged for a larger bed to be placed in here.  I can’t imagine that you’ll go home and rest.  And I can’t imagine how badly your back feels right now.  So, it’s done.”

“Thank you, Peggy.  And you’re right about me not leaving.  I’m not going anywhere!”  Tina walks back over to Bette and caresses her face and hair. 

Bette smiles at Tina then looks at Peggy and William.  “Thank you both for everything you’re doing.  The nurses, doctors, and all the staff have been so kind and accommodating.  I’m so glad Tina will be more comfortable tonight.”

Tears begin to well up in Tina’s eyes again.  “Daddy, do you know anything about this accident?  I haven’t seen Sam since last night…..is it true that she’s investigating what happened?”

Before William could answer Tina’s question, Sam walks in with Shane and Alice close behind her.

“Yes it’s true.  And I was right.  This wasn’t an accident.” 

Sam looks at Peggy and William.  “We need to put guards on this room.  I know who’s behind this, but I’m still working on the proof.”

PS I"m not from anywhere near Cleveland…I just didn’t like the way that whole deal went down.