Bette was sitting at the table looking around happily at her friends. It had seemed like forever since they were last together and Bette truly missed these times. She had felt like such an outsider after her and Tina split up again and she didnt ever want to feel like that again. Bette smiled as Tina reached for her hand and Bette took in the sight of the ring that was once again on Tinas finger. She brought Tinas hand to hers and kissed it gently while Tina just smiled at her and blushed a little. They had been dating for one month now and Bette felt the tingles again. The tingles are usually only felt during the beginning stages of a relationship, but for some reason Bette was feeling them again. She knew it was because her and Tina were kind of starting a relationship again, and Bette loved how happy and content Tina seemed. Tina still hadnt moved back into the house yet, but Bette was okay with that. She knew that she was the only one in Tinas life and she wasnt going to push her to take any more steps. Bette realized their entire relationship had been based on pushing and pulling, fighting for control and lack thereof and Bette wasnt going to do it again. She realized that she never had to fight with Tina and that if she just put a little faith in them everything would be okay.

Tina looked at Bette and felt a warm sensation engulf her body. She had been so happy ever since Bette was back in her life and she knew she had a twinkle in her eye. Their friends were constantly teasing them about being goofy in love again but they didnt mind. In fact Tina relished the thought of taking the first steps with Bette again and rebuilding their lives on a concrete foundation. Tina smiled again as Bette kissed her hand softly again and she knew that all the months of separation and being true to finding herself had paid off. Tina and Bette had grown separately but together and it was the outcome was better than either could have expected. Tina was suddenly pulled out of her thoughts by Alice who once again had something to say.

So Tina, is everything back the way it should be?

Yeah Alice it is.

Tina gave Bettes hand a squeeze and Bette just smiled at her. Shane was watching them and she had a small smile on her face.

Well I have to admit it guys. After seeing everything you went through I think I have to give love another shot.

You cant find love overnight Shane.

I know Alice, but sometimes you just get lucky.

They all laughed as Shane went on to give some insightful theory on how she would be able to open her heart and love again. Dana was practically sitting in Alices lap in one of the chairs and she was distracting Alice by playing with her hands. Bette and Tina were seated on the couch with Tina leaning on Bette and Shane was sitting next to them leaning on the other arm of the sofa. Kit was sitting in the other chair and she was watching the festivities with a big smile on her face. The family was finally back together and she hoped this time it would last forever. Just then the phone rang and Kit picked it up since she was the closest.

Hello.umlet me see.

Kit motioned for Bette to pick up the phone but she grabbed her arm and looked her in the eye before handing the phone to Bette.

I dont even want to know why shes calling here.

Bette gave Kit an annoyed look as she picked up the phone.

Hello?

Hey Bette its Candace.

Hey Candace, whats up?

I just wanted to let you know that I got offered a job in San Diego and Im moving down there for a while.

Oh, well congratulations and good luck with that.

Thanks. And Bette?

Yeah?

Im sorry again for everything.

Its okay Candace. Take care and have fun in San Diego.

Bette hung up and looked at the phone strangely. She didnt know why Candace had called her to tell her she was moving but nonetheless Bette was glad that she was getting on with her life. To think just a few months ago I probably would have tried to stop her from going. Bette shook her head as she sat back down in Tinas lap.

Who was that babe?

Candace.

What did she want?

She told me shes moving to San Diego, she got some kind of job down there.

Hmm.

Bette looked up at Tina and expected to see anger in her eyes but when she didnt she was surprised. Tina looked calm and just smiled sweetly down at Bette. Alice noticed the exchange and she had to know what was going on.

Geez, are you two going to make those eyes at each other all night or what?

Alice

Bette smiled as Alice gave her and Tina a youre so gross look and went back to playing with Danas hands. Alice had certainly had her share of moments to make fun of them but thankfully she was picking and choosing the ones she did carefully. Tina shifted a little and wrapped her arms completely around Bette.

You know Alice, sometimes its nice to be in love.

Yeah I know.

They all started laughing as Dana managed to turn a bright shade of red and Alice placed an exaggerated kiss on her cheek. Dana pretended to be grossed out by this and tried to wiggle out of Alices lap. Alice pulled her back in tighter and Bette and Tina were laughing so hard at the two of them struggling that Bette almost fell off the couch. Kit turned to Bette and gave her a knowing look and just shook her head and smiled. Bette quickly stood up and went into the kitchen to get some wine and Tina followed her. Bette was surprised when she turned around because Tina was standing right behind her. Tina smiled as she leaned in and gave Bette a soft kiss before running her tongue over Bettes lips. Bette smiled into the kiss and opened her mouth letting Tinas tongue explore it. Tina slid her hand down between them and rubbed Bette gently through her pants. Bette momentarily forgot about their friends who were sitting in the other room and was lost in the sensation of Tina being so bold and so aggressive. She forgot about them that is until Alice yelled from the living room.

BETTE, WHERES THE WINE? AND YOU TWO BETTER NOT BE HAVING ***** IN THERE!!!

Tina laughed as she pulled herself off of Bette but not until she let her tongue run over Bettes lips one more time. She gave Bette a ***** wink and a smile before turning to head back out to the living room. Bette stood there wide eyed and slack jawed as she followed Tina with a goofy grin on her face. She handed everyone a wine glass and filled them one by one. When she got to Alice she couldnt help but tease her just a little.

Al, for your information we werent having ***** in there, but I cant say as much for where your sitting right now.

Alice jumped up and practically threw Dana off of her as she pretended to be grossed out. Dana looked extremely confused and Bette, Tina, Shane and Kit were laughing so hard Tina started crying and Shane was rolling around on the floor holding her stomach. Bette gave Alice an I told you so look as she finished pouring the wine. Everything was back the way it used to be and Tina couldnt be any happier. As she looked around she realized once and for all this was where she was meant to be. She not only loved Bette and wouldnt give her up for anything, but she also loved her friends, her family, and they meant the world to her. They had been the ones to get her through the bad times and they were the only ones she wanted to share the good times with. Tina looked up at Bette with tears in her eyes from laughing so hard and for a split second Tina felt time stand still and everyone else disappear. I guess thats what happens when youre in love, and if that love ever goes astray sometimes it is worth fighting for.





***Authors Note***
Just wanted to say THANKS AGAIN to everyone who took time to read this and either post a comment or send an e-mail. Your support has made writing this long ***** story worth it and you ladies are amazing for continually showing interest and providing ideas to make this story what it was.

Now that this one is FINALLY done I am open to ideas as to what I should write about next. I’m thinking about adding some more twists and turns to New Love, but I thought I might start another story on the side. So any ideas are much appreciated. Seven got any suggestions? Hehehe.. thanks again ladies!!