Chapter 14

“Oh, no…believe me…you’ve made yourself crystal clear.” Bette spoke sternly into the telephone.

“That’s what it’s always been about isn’t it…as long as I did everything according to plan, your plan, things were ok…now that I’ve deviated from your plan…” Bette’s words trailed off as she listened.

Bette was angry, “She has a first name you know. It’s Tina, Daddy, Tina!” The word ‘Daddy’ caught in Bette’s throat. She was still his little girl – she hated it. “And, she is the person I’m spending the rest of my life with…Tina and our babies. At this point, I don’t really care if you accept the ‘whole thing’ or not.”

Tina couldn’t help but overhear the exchange Bette was having with her father. She hadn’t seen Bette’s temper flare like this in quite a while. She knew Bette well enough to know that she was as hurt by her fathers rejection as she was angered. Probably even more so.

“I just thought that maybe…just maybe…you could be happy for me – for us. But I guess that’s too much to ask for – isnt it? Now I see exactly what Kit’s been going through all these years. God, I’ve been so blind.”

“Do whatever the ***** you want – hang up – I don’t care. I have to live my life for my family – this family – Tina and the babies. If you ever pull your head out of your *****…” There was a click – Melvin hung up the phone.

Bette sat on the couch, put her hands to her face and began sobbing. Tina sat next to her and put her arms around her.

“I’m sorry Baby.”

“I’m sorry you had to hear that Tina. I just don’t get it. If I heard him call you ‘Miss Kennard’ one more time, I was going to really lose it. Hes such an *****.”

After all these months, the guilt over her affair with Candace surfaced again. Bette quietly said, “I guess I get the ‘*****’ gene from him. I guess I really am ‘Daddy’s little girl’.

Tina looked at Bette, “What are you talking about?”

“I’m just thinking about what I did to you – to us – that was exactly what my father did to Kit’s mom. Exactly! God – I’m such an *****!”

“Bette – youre not like your father. Yeah, what you did with Candace really sucked. But Bette, that’s all over and done with. Candace is out of the picture. It was really a bad time for us – I’ve forgiven you. When are you going to be able to forgive yourself? I know you love me – that you’re in love with me – God Bette…you’ve really changed. I was in love with you before, but now – I can’t even explain it.”

Through tears Bette said, “I guess I’m at a point in my life right now where I can, and have, chosen my family.” She managed to smile at Tina and gave her a quick pat on the belly.

“That doesn’t make it any easier to let your other family go Bette. I just want you to know that I’m here for you. And don’t forget about Kit – she’s one of your biggest fans. And then there’s always these two. Tina pointed to her belly. They are always going to be there for you.”

Bette put her head in Tina’s lap. Tina rubbed Bette’s shoulders. She was tense. As Tina caressed Bette’s shoulders, all the tension seemed to melt away. Bette let out a heavy sigh.

“Hey Babe – it’s a nice night. Wanna go skinny dipping with a pregnant lady?”

“Yeah sure – do you know one?

Tina ran her hand through Bette’s hair – “Oh gee Babe I don’t know! I guess Ill go out to the bars and see if I can find one for you.”

The two stood up. They looked into each others eyes. Tina kissed away the tears that remained on Bette’s cheeks. “Ok – strip Porter!”

“Only if you do first!”


Bette couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Tina looked in the moonlight. She stared into Tina’s eyes. This is the woman who gave her strength and comfort when she needed it most. She honestly didn’t know where she’d be if it weren’t for Tina. Bette kissed Tina long and hard – so much love…so much passion.

“Tina – I need to say something. This is the last time I’m going to say it.” Tina waited.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you Tina…so sorry.”

Tina put her arms around Bette’s neck and pulled her toward her. She put her lips to Bette’s ear and whispered, “I know you are Babe…I know…and for the last time – I forgive you Bette…I forgive you.”

They shared a kiss.

Tina wrapped her legs around Bettes waist and held on tight.



Bette kissed Tina’s neck. She went on to kiss her collar bone. Her face came to rest between Tina’s *****. She felt very safe there. Instinctively, Tina held her close. Tina wanted nothing more than to make love to Bette – but she knew that wasnt what she needed. There was plenty of time for that.

Tina whispered down to Bette, Are you ok Baby?

YeahIm ok. Just hold me Tpleasejust hold me.

Ive got you – Im not letting go.