I knew she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. No second thoughts, no hesitation when I proposed on our second date. The stunned look on her face when I got down on the traditional one knee, taking her hand and laying all my cards out for her to read was priceless. For the first time in my life, I wasnt trying to impress a woman I wanted an honest relationship.

Tina, I know that youve speechless right not.

That earned me a laugh.

If I were in you position, I would be, too, I chuckled, but this is very important to me. You are very important to me. From the first time I laid eyes on youI felt myself falling in love with you.

Her eyes grew wide.

Even after the wine spewing across the table incident at the gallery dinner, I smiled, I couldnt stop thinking about you. Believe me Ive tried. Not because I wanted to, dont think that, I quickly recovered, But because the thought of your sweet smile and voice was stopping me from finishing long overdue paperwork. Tina, I sighed, I want to wake up to you. I want to fall asleep with you. I want to make love to you.

That garnered a surprised oh look on her face.

I want to raise my child with you. Maybe have more with you.

I paused and noticed that she was looking down, at our intertwined hands. I took a deep breath and prepared to give her my heart.

Tina, will you marry me?

And just like I hadnt hesitated, she didnt either with her reply.

Yes.

I jumped up from my kneeling position and swept her lips into a kiss.

Babe, babe, she tried to interrupt.
Hmm?
We have an audience.

I pulled away a few inches from her face and cautiously shifted my eyes looked back and forth.

Uh, yeah.

She laughed and then turned serious.

In order to make this work, Bette, I think I need to meet her.
That might help I laughed with a shoulder shrug.

Tina

To say that I was nervous was an understatement, I was terrified. I thought accepting Bettes hand was all I could handle that night, but I knew if I was going to be with her, all of her I had to conquer my greatest fear. Meeting my future daughter. I didnt know much about her or her parentage. (I would ask about that later.)