Tina eagerly arrived home at half past six hoping that Bette wasnt home yet. She had been thinking about their fight all day and she wanted to apologize to Bette for what she said last night. Her plan was to cook dinner and shower Bette with love and affection hoping to prove that she trusted her. Tina walked into the house and when she saw that Bette was not home she was pleased. Tonight would be a turning point in their relationship and she hoped that Bette would be able to forgive her.

Meanwhile, Bette sat behind her desk literally overrun with paperwork. There were stacks and stacks of proofs to go over and she had to handle all of the details for the party at the end of the week. She was having a hard time concentrating however, because her mind kept drifting to the fight she had with Tina the night before. I cant believe after everything thats happened she still doesnt trust me, thought Bette as she threw down her pen. In her heart Bette knew that Tina was justified in her lack of complete trust, but it hurt nonetheless.

Bette sighed as she reached for another set of proofs to look over when her phone rang. She glanced at the clock and after seeing how late it was she wondered who could be calling her this late at work.

Bette Porter.

Hey its me.

Bette sat back in her chair when she heard Tinas voice on the other end. Bette didnt have time to get into another fight and she was still a little hurt that Tina had made her feelings about Bettes lack of control so known.

Hi.

Tina gripped the phone tighter as she heard the resistance in Bettes voice. She knew why Bette was being so short with her and she decided to let it go before another argument broke out between them.

I was just wondering what time you were coming home.

I dont know. Probably late. I have to finish sorting through these proofs for the next show thats taking the place of Provocations.

Okay, well do you think youll make it home in time for dinner?

Probably not Tina. Between the Provocations farewell party and the arrival of the next show I could work for the next month without any dinner.

Tina frowned hearing Bette so irritated. She knew that they were on unsteady ground right now and she didnt want to push it.

Okay, well I was just wondering. Dont work to hard and Ill see you when you get home.

Okay. Bye.

Bette hung up and stared at the phone. She wanted this fight to be over but she didnt know what else she could do to make Tina believe that there was nothing between her and Candace. As if the fates had heard her, Candace walked into her office at that exact moment.

Hey.

Hey Candace, hows it going out there?

Could be better, but weve got most of the designs laid out. We should have most of the displays ready by Thursday and we can get them set up on Friday for the party.

Great.

Bette leaned forward and rested her head on one of her hands. She knew she was in a dangerous situation and she hoped that this time it would pass without anything happening. Candace could see that Bette was stressed about something and she just assumed it was her. She didnt know if she was out of line in asking Bette what was wrong but she truly cared for Bette and didnt want to see her upset.

Bette, is everything okay?

Bette looked up at Candace and was surprised at what she saw. The sincerity in Candaces eyes made Bette feel a little better but she still didnt think it was right to discuss Tina with Candace. She decided to turn the conversation to other things and sidestep Candaces question. She motioned to the proofs on her desk as she continued.

Just a lot going on.

Candace gave her a knowing look and decided to let it go. Obviously Bette was having issues with Tina because Candace knew that Bette would never look this concerned over work. She turned to leave but when she reached the door she decided to give Bette some advice, even if she didnt want to hear it.

She trusts you Bette. She wouldnt have taken you back if she didnt.

Bette stared at Candace who was walking back out to the main gallery and sighed again. She knew that Candace was right and suddenly Bette wanted to run home and be with Tina. She grabbed the proofs off of her desk and threw them into her shoulder bag. She had just told Tina she wasnt coming home, but she figured it would be a nice surprise and maybe they could spend the evening together. As Bette ran out of the office she decided to stop and pick up some roses for Tina, figuring it would be a nice touch to her apology.

Bette arrived home twenty minutes later and was surprised to see the house was empty. I wonder where Tina went, thought Bette as she set the flowers down on the table. She sighed and looked around trying to figure out where on earth Tina could have gone considering she called her and asked if she was coming home for dinner. She walked to the bedroom to change and she quickly threw off her work clothes and put on her pajamas. She walked back into the living room and was about to spread her work out and try and get through the proofs when she noticed the side door was open.

Walking into the backyard she saw Tina sitting with her feet in the pool. Bette felt a sadness wash over her as she watched Tina sit there and cry. Bette couldnt hear her crying, but she could tell by the way Tinas body shook a little that she was crying hard. Bette walked outside and sat behind Tina pulling her into her lap.

Tina was startled at Bettes embrace and this caused her to stiffen up and push Bette away. Bette didnt know what to make of the situation so she reached for Tina again, hoping she would let her hold her. Images of the last time Tina shoved her away were racing through Bettes mind as she tried to hold on to the woman she loved so much. This time Tina let Bette pull her into her arms and when she realized it was Bette, she let herself relax completely in her arms. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Bette whispered in Tinas ear:

I love you so much.

Tina felt the tears flow down her cheeks again as she took in everything about Bette. The touch of her arms, the smell of her perfume, the feel of her breathing on her neck. Tina knew that Bette wasnt mad at her and she felt foolish for thinking the worst about Bette. She shifted slightly so that she was leaning to one side and looked up at Bette with love in her eyes.

I love you too baby. And Im sorry for what I said. I trust you, I really do. I know its over with Candace but I couldnt help but feel a little jealous last night. We were finally getting things back the way they should be and she shows up in our lives again.

Bette smiled down at Tina and felt her heart swell with Tinas every word. Bette didnt have to respond, as Tina knew exactly what Bette was thinking. She knew that everything would be okay and that Tina had fully forgiven Bette for what happened. As they sat there in each others embrace Bette couldnt believe how lucky she was. This is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and Im never letting her go, Bette thought to herself as she placed light kisses on Tinas face. Tina smiled into Bettes playful actions and she suddenly stood up and held out her hand.

Come on, I was going to surprise you with dinner.

They walked back into the house hand in hand and Tina saw the flowers sitting on the table. She gave Bette a curious look and playfully asked,

Well what are these for?

For the most amazing woman I know.

Bette pulled Tina into her arms and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Tina melted into the kiss and she slowly wrapped her arms around Bettes neck. Bette could feel the heat rising within her so she decided to stop before things went too far. She pulled away from Tina and gently pushed her towards the kitchen.

Dessert later baby, I think you said something about surprising me with dinner?

Tina smiled as she walked into the kitchen and began cooking. Bette turned and pulled out the proofs she brought home with her and got to work. An hour later dinner was on the table and Bette had actually gotten a lot of work done. They ate quickly and Bette could see the hunger in Tinas eyes. She smiled to herself knowing that Tina was ready to get a little more physical and she was going to enjoy making this as slow a process as can be. Youre mine tonight Kennard, Bette thought to herself as she finished eating. The turning point that Tina had hoped for would happen tonight and it would set the foundation for them to rebuild the rest of their lives.