“What time are we expecting Peggy ? “ Bette asks Helena

“Right on the dot of 8 “

“What tune are you playing ? “ Carmen asks

“”We have been making inappropriate guesses “ Alice admits

“Not like you at all “Helena says with a fixed smile

“We thought something by Shirley Bassey “

“Or Eartha Kitt – maybe Santa Baby “ Alice is obviously about to drop in her very worst Eartha Kitt impression. Lucy slaps her head

“Alice – it was funny when we were driving over here but its not in front of the President and the VP’S daughter “

“Nah – Bette’s cool – do you still do that wicked Peggy impression B ?”

“You do a Peggy impression ?” Carmen says looking at Bette in amazement

“No “ Bette frowns at Alice “ I do not and have never done an impersonation of my Vice President who I admire and respect “

The truth is that Bette does a wicked impression of Peggy and of Alice and also a passable one of me and Dana – she has quite the sense of humour my wife – but its one of her secrets.

“Shane – you remember “ Alice appeals to Shane who shrugs

“I have not had a full nights sleep in what feels like a VERY long time Alice – I’ll be lucky if I remember my date of birth soon “

“You have all this to come Madam President “ Helena smiles at me and Bette “ Nothing decided name wise yet ?”

“We have agreed that we will know when we see her “

Bette and I have agreed that we are keeping her name secret while we both get used to it. But we both love the name though and the more I say it in my head the more I adore it. When Bette talks to her she calls her Ella – its so sweet.

“We better mingle “ Alana says to Helena.

“Okay sweetheart “

“See you later “ Helena smiles and walks off looking about nine feet tall – she is so enjoying being in love.

“If you four are going to talk diapers and pooh we’re off to find some fun people “Alice says looking at Lucy who nods her agreement

“Have fun “ Bette says

“Behave “ I say

Shane and Carmen get up and head off in search of a drink and something to nibble

“So – what do you think ?” Bette leans back and puts a supportive arm around me

“I am not sure what to think of either couple – you ?”

“Helena is besotted “

“Is there any wonder – that was some dress and some rock that Alana was wearing “

“I don’t think after everything that she has gone through that material possessions would bother her “

“You have a point but she’s human – Bette – that ruby was real –that has to be $250,000 worth of gem “

“True “

“You think it was real ?”

“Yes – but Helena isn’t poor either “

“There is comfortably well off and there is wearing ¼ of a million round your neck – big difference Bette. You don’t seem surprised “

“I’m not “

“Is she going to hurt Helena ? “

“No – I know you guys have got her down as a prize baddy but she’s a very good person. She obviously cares for Helena “

There is a silence for a few minutes “Thank you for what you said about Lucy – it was nice of you to praise her in front of the others “

“She has earned it “

“All the same – thanks “

Bette takes my hand “ They could have been wearing gold ingots round their necks – I only have eyes for the most beautiful woman in the room – my wife. The woman who is carrying our daughter – I love you and I love Ella “