Bette completely forgot to worry, until they cleared the plates.  She and Tina loaded the dishwasher together and Bette grew increasingly silent.  Tina noticed.  When they were done and the dishwasher was evenly humming, Tina turned to Bette.  Im going into the bedroom.  In two minutes, I want you to come in.  Ok?

            Bette was confused, befuddled even, but she agreed.  She half-expected Tina to light candles or dress the room up in some other romantic way, which was fine.  They had done that before.  But when Bette walked into their bedroom there was nothing special there, nothing different.  A few lights were on and Tina sat, Indian-style, fully-clothed, in the middle of the bed, facing the door.  Hi, she said when Bette appeared.

            Hi, Bette answered, smiling in spite of her nervousness.

            Come here, Tina said, stretching her hand out to Bette.  Bette took it and kneeled up in front of Tina.  Tina smiled gently.  I want you to sit in my lap.  Straddle my waist and cross your legs behind me.  Bette obeyed, straddling Tinas lap and crossing her legs behind Tinas back.

            It felt so good to be that close to Tina.  From that position, in the cradle of Tinas hips, Bette couldnt tell where Tina began and she ended.  I havent been this close to you in Bettes voice was barely above a whisper against Tinas neck.  She couldnt remember how long it had been.  Before Tina got pregnant, that was certain.

            Dont talk, Tina urged.  She pushed Bette away just enough to lean their foreheads together, her hands cradling Bettes face, thumbs gently brushing her cheekbones.  Just breathe with me.  Breathe in when I do.  Tina took a deep breath in and Bette took it with her.  Without a word they released it together.  And again.  Before long, they didnt even have to think about it.  They were breathing in perfect time. 

            Bette didnt know how long they sat like that, but she knew the moment it changed.  Tinas thumb slid underneath Bettes shirt, grazing the skin of her back.  At the same time, with Bette still staring into her eyes, Tinas eyebrow arched.  Bette lifted her arms above her head, letting Tina remove her tank top.  If it was possible, and Bette hadnt thought it could be, Tinas eyebrow arched higher.  No bra, babe? she asked.  After tossing the tank top, Tinas hands came to rest on Bettes ribcage.  Her thumbs brushed the sides of Bettes *****.