"It certainly is." Bette said never taking her eyes away from Tina. She squeezed her hand to get her attention, Tina turned to face Bette and noticed that her face was full of worry. Her brow was crossed and she looked almost anxious about something.

"Sweetheart, What’s wrong?"

"Nothing. nothing at all. I was just thinking about how much…" She sighed, "How much I love everything about you. I uhh, I was going to bring you here at the end of the night, but i can’t wait for this to sort it self out in my head all night. I brought you here to ask you to marry me." Bette saw Tina’s face jump and her brow go up in surprise. "But I know that day is a long way away, but I want you to move in with me. I love having you in my home when I get there, I love knowing that no matter what you’ll always come home to me.  I do realize that this is a big surprise and you don’t have to answer me right now. Bt I’ll understand completely whatever you decide, okay?" Bette said now bending her head to capture Tina’s eyes that were planted on the soft sway of the gardenia petals at her feet.

She nodded her head and felt Bette’s lips gwntly caress hers. Bette turned with her hand still in Tina’s to leave, but Tina tugged her back a little bit. Bette looked back at her outstretched arm still connected to Tina who was still standing in the same spot. Her eyes were still lost and she didn’t speak at first until she felt Bette relax and turn back towards her.

"Baby…"

"What if…" she stopped and smiled wide, "What if I wanted to ask you to marry me?"

Bette considered the question for a moment then spoke, "Tina you don’t have to…"

"I know I don’t have to. Believe me when I say I’m not feeling pressured in the least bit." Tina smiled as she took Bette’s other hand in hers. She looked at her shoes as she was nervous trying to put a voice to what was bursting through her trying to get free. "The fact that you considered my feelings when you made that decision is one of the many things I love about you. Your generosity is astounding at times. You took everything into account and put my feelings ahead of your own. Your heart is so big and giving it amazes me sometimes. And your so gentle and understanding at times when I know that’s something that I need in my life forever.  So Sweetie I’m asking you, Bette Porter Will you give me your hand and be my wife?" 

TBC…………..