The rest of the evening was spent watching a movie. All three cuddled on the couch and relaxed. Tina enjoyed snuggling with her grown up daughter and Bette held them both close, wondering how she could love two grown women so much but in such different ways. After the movie, Dakota looked at her watch and realized it was after midnight.

“Oh man… it’s late and I have to work in the morning.”

“Stay here in your old room. I’ll get you up in the morning.” Bette yawned.

Dakota shook her head. “I need to get home. Thanks though.”

She grabbed the box and opened the door. Bette and Tina walked her to her car out of habit from when she was younger. As Dakota unlocked her door, she saw headlights pull in next door. Julianne emerged from her car and spotted Dakota.

“Hey there.”

Dakota turned around. “Hi.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I just tried calling you.”

“I missed the call.”

“Check your voice mail.” Julianne winked and Bette and Tina were sure that Dakota was blushing, though they couldn’t tell because it was dark out. Bette grabbed Tina’s hand and squeezed it, letting Tina know how much she loved her. They felt like they were intruding on a private moment but at the same time, as they watched the awkward and curious interactions happening between the two women, they were reminded of their first encounters.

“You heading home?” Julianne asked as she glanced at the box in Dakota’s hand.

“Yeah, have to work in the morning. What are you doing?” Dakota rocked back and forth on her feet, not able to stand still.

“Thought I’d have a drink and chill out. You’re welcome to join me if you want.”

“I’d love to.”

Bette and Tina watched all previous traces of sleepiness leave their daughter. As she followed Julianne, she turned around and said goodnight to her mothers. Soon they were standing alone in the driveway. Bette wrapped her arm around Tina’s waist and pulled her back into the house.

“Please tell me what we just witnessed.” Bette said as she sat on the couch, propping her feet in Tina’s lap.

“I felt like I was experiencing deja vu.” Tina rubbed Bette’s feet.

“What do you think they’re doing over there?” Bette asked as she peered out the window.

“I don’t want to think about it.” Tina squeezed her eyes shut.

“I just hope she’s happy.”

“Who would’ve thought?”

“That’s what people used to say about you.” Bette smiled.

“And now what do they say?”

“Look at that old *****.”

Tina threw Bette’s feet off her lap in mock horror. Bette quickly grabbed her and pulled her on top of her.

“You’re an old pro now, Tina and I love that I’ve been able to watch you progress over the years into who you are now.”

Tina rolled her eyes. Bette leaned forward and kissed her wife.

“It’s true. I love you. I love who you are. I love the children we raised because there are parts of you through them. I love your gray hair and I love your wrinkles. And when I look into your eyes I see parts of myself blended in with you. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

“Where’d all that come from?” Tina grinned.

“I guess watching Dakota and her newness and curiosity with Julianne reminded me of us when we were young.”

“Me too.” Tina squeezed Bette’s hand and snuggled close to her, kissing her neck.

Bette sighed. “And I hope with all my heart our daughter turns out as happy as us someday.”