Previously…

Bette pulled away from me and looked deep into my eyes. I saw that familiar look of lust and longing, coupled with pure and never-ending love, and knew that I was done for. All promises I’d made to myself to be gentle with her and wait until her body was healed went out the window, and I dove in for the first of many passionate kisses. We spent the rest of the night exploring each other’s bodies tenderly, getting reacquainted with the touches and feels that we’d both missed for so long. I memorized every curve, every dimple, committing it all to memory and vowing to never forget it again. Secure in Bette’s passionate embrace and lulled to sleep by her gentle breathing, I knew that I was finally home where I belonged.

* * * * * * * * * *

The next morning, I slowly awoke as the sunlight poured into our bedroom. I yawned and looked over at the sleeping beauty sharing my bed. Our bodies were entangled in each other, evidence of the merging of two souls into one. A smile crept across my face and I curled up into Bette, feeling the warmth emanating from her body. She slowly stirred to life and tilted her face up to meet mine.

“Good morning, beautiful,” she whispered with a lazy, half-smile on her face.

“Morning,” I replied after kissing her soft lips. “How do you feel?”

“There are no words to describe how I feel this morning,” Bette answered.

“Try,” I coaxed, stroking her cheek.

Bette paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before beginning. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, a second chance with you. I mean, I feel like I’m dreaming or something but you’re real, you’re really here. I can’t even explain how amazing it is to wake up in your arms, T. And last night… it was even better than I remember.”

“It was pretty amazing,” I agreed, smiling at the memories. “You’re amazing, Bette. It feels so surreal to be back here in this place with you. And I feel like I’ve been given a second chance, too. I could have lost you, but you hung on and fought like ***** and it’s that amazing strength that always takes my breath away.”

“You’re the strong one, T,” Bette said softly. “You’re the one that has picked me up and put me back together after this mess, and I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

I leaned down and kissed her gently, trying to convey the depth of my love for her in that one single kiss. I poured all of myself into it, all of my hopes and fears, and knew that Bette would accept every last emotion. The kiss deepened and I felt myself melting into her, melting into that special place that only Bette and I knew. As the moment intensified, I quickly pulled away and looked down at Bette.

“Are you okay?” I asked. “Did I hurt you last night?”

“No, you didn’t hurt me,” Bette replied, her voice gentle and soothing. “Making love to you could never bring me pain, no matter what condition my ugly broken body is in.”

“Your body is definitely not ugly, babe,” I told her, dipping down for another kiss.

“But these bruises, these scars that won’t go away…” Her voice trailed off, and I could feel her tense up in my arms.

“Bette, look at me,” I said firmly, cupping her face in my hands. “You are beautiful. Nothing will ever change that in my eyes. To me, you will always be the most amazing creature to ever walk this earth.”

I could see the self-conscious doubts begin to creep into Bette’s mind, so I decided to show her just how beautiful I thought she was. I brought my lips to her forehead as I pushed her silk curls away from her face. I traveled down to her eyelids and kissed them both, then over her cheek to her left ear, then down her strong jaw line, and finally up to those soft lips that I couldn’t get enough of. I left a trail of kisses down her neck to her collarbone and looked up at her for permission to continue. With eyes half-open, Bette sighed deeply and nodded, allowing me to kiss the most delicate and tender part of her body. Wishing that my kisses would take the pain away forever, I gently ran my lips along her chest, paying special attention to the broken ribs on her right side. I wanted to taste every inch of her, and I began to do just that when we were suddenly interrupted by the ringing doorbell.

“It’s probably the girls,” I whispered, looking up at Bette.

“Yeah,” she agreed, sighing.

“We should probably face the music, huh?” I asked.

“Let’s get it over with,” she said, nodding.

I helped Bette redress herself, being extra careful with her tee-shirt as I slid it over her slender frame. The doorbell rang again as I dressed myself, and I silently cursed the girls for interrupting such a peaceful and serene morning. When I was finally presentable, I left Bette in the bed and stumbled towards the front door. Peering through the window back at me were four familiar faces and one stunningly beautiful woman I could only assume was Carmen, Shane’s dj. I sighed, then opened the door and smiled at them.

“She’s home!” Alice exclaimed, hugging me tightly and barging into the house.

“She’s home,” I repeated with a smile.

“Come on in, guys.” I hugged Dana, who was quick to follow Alice inside.

Jenny came in next, and I pulled her into a deep embrace, grateful to see her again for the first time in so long. She looked genuinely happy with a bright smile on her face, and I really was glad she was back. Shane stood on the porch, waiting to introduce me. Before she got the chance, however, Alice interrupted us.

“Is she back in the bedroom?” she asked impatiently.

“Yeah,” I told her, nodding slowly. “But don’t pounce on her, Al.”

Alice rolled her eyes at me and took off down the hall, probably to pounce. I laughed, hoping she wouldn’t hurt my Bette in her fit of excitement, before turning back to Shane and her guest.

“I’m sorry about that,” I apologized. “You must be Carmen.”

“I am,” the woman said with a smile. “It’s really nice to finally meet you, Tina. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Hopefully good things,” I said, glancing over at Shane.

“I would never say anything bad about you,” Shane spoke up, pulling me into a quick hug

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, too, Carmen,” I said. “Thank you for coming by.”

The two women entered the house and followed me back to the bedroom. Bette was sitting up in bed, propped up against two fluffy pillows with a most-attentive Alice perched next to her. Dana was standing behind Alice, smiling down at Bette.

“Apparently, you have some visitors,” I told Bette, smiling

“Thanks for coming, you guys,” Bette said honestly, looking around the room. “It’s good to be home.”

She winked at me and flashed a beautiful smile, and I gently sat down next to her in bed. Bette rested her head on my shoulder, grabbing my hand and linking her fingers in mine. Jenny took a seat at the foot of the bed while Shane and Carmen watched on at my side. Our whole family was gathered together again, in the comfort of our home, fawning over Bette and welcoming her back home. It was a beautiful moment, and I was happy to share it with the women I loved.

(TBC…)