Tina reached tentatively for the gift.

Right now?

Yeah, right now, open it, Bette said impatiently.

Tina quickly tore off the paper and opened the small box.

Its aminiature hour glass? Tina was clearly perplexed at Bettes choice of gifts.

Bette laughed. Ok, let me explain. It represents my commitment to spend more time with you, because regardless of what things we give each other, we need to be together to build this relationshipto build our family.

Tina melted a little inside. Sounds like you took my little tirade to heart.

Thats why Im home so early. AND, of course I wanted to hear about your meetinghow was Helena Peabody?

Well to begin with, this is the best apology youve ever offered, so let me say youre truly forgiven, Tina took Bettes hand and led her to through the living room, then turned to face her. This has got to go, Tina helped Bette off with her suit jacket and placed it over the arm of a chair before they sat on the couch. She had changed into casual slacks and a t-shirt as soon as she arrived home.

To make a long story short, we got the funding, Tina smiled with the delivery of the news.

Tee, thats so great, Bette drew her into a hug, I knew you would work your magic on Helena Peabody, she couldnt resist you
So you knew? Tina asked.

Knew what?

That Helenas a *****?

Youre kidding, how did THAT come up during your business meeting? Bette asked.

Tina related the phone call that led to the conversation with Helena in the boardroom.

It just reminded me that we have to get started with the adoption processto make sure you have some protection, especially if something happened to me. Tina concluded.

Tina dont even say that, Bette brushed her wifes wavy blonde hair from her eyes and let her hand linger on her cheek.

I know its not a nice thing to think about, but we have to be prepared. Ive done a little research and I think Ive found a lawyer for us to use for this. Her name is Joyce Wischnia.

Ive heard of her. Shes quite the proponent of ***** rights causes.

Why not go with the best thats available? Tina shrugged.

Just set up the appointment and let me know when it is, then.

You are Bette Porter, right? The same person Ive been living with and loving the last seven years? Youre being awfully agreeable

Bette covered Tinas mouth with a smoldering kiss. As they separated she spoke, but she continued to caress Tinas jaw line with her fingertips.

I meant what I said about being here for you. And for our baby. No one has ever been on their death bed and wished they spent more time at the office.

You are just full of insights today, arent you. Tina stroked up Bettes forearm as her wifes fingers lightly grazed her face.

Bettes eyes lit up. My greatest insight today is regarding the fact that we have a pool in the back yardit is an unseasonably warm dayand Im home earlyand Ive earned your forgiveness

This time, Tina stopped Bettes words with her mouth. Then, without warning, she used Bettes knee as a push off point as she rose quickly from the couch.

Last one in buys supper tonight. called Tina over her shoulder as she ran from the living room, removing her clothes as she went.

Bette stood from the couch and followed Tina to the back yard where she watched her remove the last of her clothes and dive in.

I really am leading a charmed life, she thought to herself as she unbuttoned her blouse.