“I know it takes a lot to be ready and to have everything in place.  It will obviously be different for us.  But I can’t help but look forward to making use of that policy too.” 

The blonde exhaled a full breath quietly.  “I can’t wait to have a child.” 

They had talked about family, more specifically, children in passing before.  In conversation with friends – especially with Alice recounting her many acquaintances that she quite carelessly described as ‘knocked up’. 

Of course they had also discussed it in the privacy of their shared personal reflections.  They had been living together for over three years after what some would call an abbreviated courtship. 

In truth the focus was almost completely on each other and their relationship.  Understandably so.  They were enthralled with being together.  Sharing the everyday.

Yet it was there.  In their future.  Each having aspirations with the other always in the picture.  And more…

Smaller hands clasped in theirs, guiding a little one that shared genes and features with one and ideally, also the other.

This was the first time Tina had said anything definitive about having a child. Wanting to have one.  In the framework of their relationship and its assumed longevity. 

“I can’t wait to be a mother.” Tina murmured softly, “I’ve dreamed of it forever.”  Unable to linger, she sank into the serene comfort of her surroundings. The physical and emotional safety she’d wanted for as long as she could remember.

Bette embraced the resting woman carefully. 

Looking up at the closed lids of the fairer skinned woman she loved, Bette placed a delicate kiss on the cheek nearest her lips.  Tina’s breathing slowed while her lover kept her gaze where it lay for considerable time until she herself surrendered to the peace their togetherness engendered.

—

Leaning forward, Bette rested her elbows above where her knees met her thighs.  Her fingers intermittently pressed onto the ones directly opposite.  The tapping motion endearing to the woman who looked at her across the coffee table. 

“When the time is right.  You’ll be a mother.”  Admitting diffidently, “Because that’s exactly what I want too.” 

A child.  Their child.

“That is, to have a family.”  Bette resumed a familiar assured countenance, “With you.”

Tina’s eyes closed delicately as the corner of her lips turned upwards generously.  They would further cement their bond with the miracle of an extension of themselves.  A being that would result from a conscious effort in expression of their love.  Meaningful in countless ways. 

An act of will and devotion.  Inherent in the discussion was the message that they were to spend the rest of their days together watching the baby – their child – grow.

Raising her lids Tina looked at Bette.  Her gaze confirmed agreement that echoed her lover’s thought as she answered,  “Yes. One day.” 

Tina placed the section she had been reading on top of the unread pile.  She reached over, urging Bette to stand and placed her hands on the taller woman’s shoulders. 

Then gently, she corrected an earlier statement.  The clarification coming from the brunette’s own admission.  Confirming their lives were forever linked.  Their future not without the other.  Bette wanting this as much as she did.

“It’s not just my dream then.”  Tina said with deep emotion. “We’ll do it together.” 

With that, she moved forward to kiss the only woman she would want to share that role with.  The only other mother she would want her child to have.

Parting lips for but an instant, Bette linked their hands and gently squeezed.  “I promise.” 

The couple shared another kiss.  Enjoying the delicious feeling of pressing onto one another.  Pondering their shared dream, they melted into their closeness.  The tender moment communicating a future they both desired. 

A promise of love and devotion. 

The commitment to forever.