Wanna do an interview? Caroline suggested.

            Alices eyes widened.  You would make me a hero forever.

            Consider it done, Carrie said simply.  Ill call my publisher and well set it up.

            Conversation continued lightly.  Bettes hands trailed over the back of Tinas neck and through her hair, like they had never been apart.  Tina found herself leaning into Bettes touch and having difficulty preventing her eyes from slipping shut when Bette slid her fingers between her skin and the neck of the shirt she was wearing.  She concentrated on her sister and brother, talking and laughing with her friends like they had known them as long as Tina had.  Even Alice, who had for all intents and purposes been inconsolable of the past month, was laughing and begging for more Tina in her youth stories.  This may have had something to do with the fact that Lara was working in the kitchen instead of present for lunch, and Dana was showing Alice both kindness and consideration rather than the usual pity, but it was a start.  Everyone has perfect moments in their lives, seconds where everything is as it should be in this world.  This was one of those times for Tina Kennard.  Maybe she would ask Caroline to baby-sit tonight

            After lunch Tina hugged her brother.  Thank you.

            Thank you, he said.  I love you.

            Tina reached for her sister and brought both of them into a hug.  Dan lifted them both off of their feet with a loud groan.  My girls! he said.

            When he put them down, Tina held them close.  Would you two want to baby sit Angelica tonight? she whispered.

            Caroline and Danny gave each other a knowing look.  ***** yes, they answered in unison.

            When everyone was leaving, Bette strapped Angelica into her baby seat and when she turned around she found Tina standing very close behind her.  Tina trapped Bette between her body and the car.  

            Hi, Tina said lowly, pressing closer.

            Hi, Bette smiled slowly, after her initial surprise.

            Tina leaned into Bettes ear.  Caroline and Danny are taking Angelica tonight, she whispered and somehow managed to do all of this without touching Bette at all.

            Bette breathed Tina in, feeling her hair brush against the side of her face.  Every inch of her body was alert, waiting for Tina to touch her.  God, can they take her now?

            Tina laughed lowly, not moving away. 

            I need you, T, Bette whispered, her face actually contorting with the need to be with Tina.

            Tina gave in and drew Bette into a comforting embrace.  Bette buried her face in Tinas neck.  I know, baby, she said.  I need you too.  I have to go back to work, though.  I will be home tonight, and the baby will be gone before I get there.  Caroline will pick her up at six-thirty.

            Bette pulled away, looking into Tinas eyes.  Ill order dinner.  God knows I cant cook.

            Tina laughed and kissed Bettes lips lightly.  I love you.  I will see you tonight.