Tina held her breath as she pushed open the door to Bette’s office. The room was dark except for the flickering of two candles in the centre of the desk. She moved closer and saw a note lying beneath the candles.

T,
Your kiss. I live for your kiss. I think without it I’d stop breathing. Your lips set my skin on fire. When I think about the first time we kissed I still get shivers down my spine. All I ever want to do is kiss you.
I love you
Bette x

Tina’s fingers moved to touch her lips. It was almost as if she could taste Bette on them. But she was confused, there seemed to be no further instructions on the note. She flipped the card over and found what she was looking for.

PS Turn around

She turned to find Bette standing behind her.

“Hey” Bette whispered.

“Hey” breathed Tina.

Both women stared at each other, their faces illuminated by the candlelight. They both took a moment to remember how beautiful the other was.

“I’ve missed you” Bette took a step towards Tina.

“It’s only been a day” Tina smiled.

“I know, I still missed you”

“Well I missed you too” Tina stepped so she was closer to Bette.

“I’m sorry about yesterday”

“I’m still kinda confused. Am I gonna get an explanation for all this?”

“Yes” Bette answered simply.

“Well thank you, for everything you’ve said in the notes, for the memories”

“I hope there’ll be many more memories”

“I hope so too” Tina looked into Bette’s eyes.

“Yesterday, I was scared that I’d lost you. So scared, T” the glint of tears shone in Bette’s eyes.

“I’m still here”

“I was scared I’d lost you because of some stupid plan I’d come up with. You know, I asked Alice to talk to you”

“You did?”

“I didn’t tell exactly what to say, and so needless to say she went a bit overboard, but essentially it’s my fault” Bette explained.

“But why?” Tina asked softly.

“I wanted to surprise you, but I needed to know how you felt”

“Couldn’t you just have asked me yourself?”

“That’s what Alice said too. Maybe I should have done” Bette took a deep breath “but I wanted it all to be a surprise. If I’d asked you none of today could have happened. And at least now you know what I used to be like” Bette emphasized the used.

“Well today’s certainly been full of surprises” Tina smiled.

“That’s what I wanted”

“So what’s the big surprise then?”

“Tina Kennard” Bette said seriously.

Bette slowly got down on one knee. She reached into her back pocket and pulled out a small box, which she opened. Reaching up to take hold of Tina’s hand, she stared into her eyes intently.

“Will you marry me?”