Tina arrived back at Alices apartment all ready to go, she just needed to pick up the suitcase she had packed. After tonight she had no intention of ever returning to Alices to sleep.

Tina: (Walking into the apartment)Alice are you here?

Alice: (Coming out of the bedroom)WOW! Tina you look stunning. If Porter says no, Ill marry you.

Tina: (Swatting at Alice)Alice.

Alice: (Giggling)Just joking TKBettes going to be putty in your hands.

Tina: (Blushing)I hope so.

Alice: I know so.

Tina: I just stopped by to pick up the suitcase I packed. Ill be back sometime to get the rest of it.

Alice: No hurry Tina. You know Im gonna miss having you around every day.

Tina: (Giving Alice a hug)Me too Alme too.

Alice: Hey, today is not supposed to be a sad daytoday youre gonna get your woman back!

Tina: Damn straight!

Alice: WellI wouldnt go that far.

Tina: (Swatting at Alice)Very funny!

Alice: Now get out of here, you dont want to keep Ms. Porter waiting. You know how she hates tardiness.

Both women look at each other and bust out laughing.

Tina: (Still giggling)We know how punctual Bette is.

Alice: Yeahand Im straight. Now get out of here.

Tina: See you there, dont be late.

Alice: (Giving Tina a sly smile)A good journalist is never late.

Tina: (Shaking her head)Bye Al.

Tina pulls into the driveway Breathe Kennard breathe! Take a deep breath, count to five, then slowly let it out. Ready or not Bette Porter, here I come!

Bette: (Yelling from the other room as Tina walks in)Come in T, Ill be out in a minute.

Tina: Babe, you said youd be ready by 5:30.

Bette: Im just finishing up, besides, we dont have to be there until 9/9:30. Whats your hurry?

Tina: I uhI want to go somewhere before we meet Kit.

Bette: (Still yelling from the bedroom)What do you want to do?

Tina: I want you to take me

Before Tina could finish her sentence, Bette emerged from the bedroom.

Tina: (Shocked)WOW! You look amazing babe!

Bette: So I didnt disappoint you and pick out the wrong thing to wear?

Tina: You look absolutely perfect. In fact, thats the very shirt I was going to pick out.

Bette is wearing a white in white pen-striped pant suit with a pastel pink button down shirt. The shirt is unbuttoned just enough to make your imagination work overtime. Her hair is swept up in a sideway type bun and her make up is flawless. [Imagine the white pant suit from the pilot episode coupled with the pink shirt and hair do from the Faye Buckley debate.]

Bette: T, you look gorgeous. I dont know if I want to share you with the world tonight.

[Tina is wearing a white v-neck shirt with big, random, red roses and a pair of khaki pants. Her hair is slightly curly and her make up perfect. [Picture exactly how she looked when Bette came home and found the pregnancy test on the table.]

Bette leaned in and placed the softest kiss upon Tinas lips. Tina felt her legs go weak but managed to keep her composure long enough for Bette to pull away. How does she do that? thought Tina.

Bette: Where did you say you wanted me to take you?

Tina: (Looking into Bettes eyes and connecting their love)Babe, I want you to take me to the pier, to our spot.

Bette: Tina, thats 30 minutes away, not to mention completely the opposite direction we are going.

Tina: (Placing her hand on Bettes cheek)Bette, I need you to take me there… tonight.

Bette: T, whats so important at the pier that we need to go tonight? Besides, the suns starting to go down.

Tina: Baby, please trust me when I say I need to do this. I need you to do this.

Bette: (Slightly moving away from Tina)T, we are going to be late to Kits gig if we go to the pier.

Tina: Babe, Kit will understand. Besides, were always late.

Bette: What do you mean by that?

Tina: Nothing babejust that youre not always punctual to events and gatherings.

Bette: (Slightly irritated)Tina, I am never latethat would be unprofessional.

Tina: (Trying to overt an argument)Bette, it doesnt matter. Please do this one thing for me.

Bette: T, why is it so important that we go to the pier tonight?

Tina: Bette, we are about to take a big step in our relationship… in rebuilding our relationship completely… and I want to go to the place were it all started.

Bette: (Trying to lighten the mood)T, it started at the gallery, not the pier.

Tina: (Not too enthused about that comment)Humor me!

Bette: Tina, we have reconnected in ways that we never really connected before. We are building a solid foundation to our relationship. Why go back to a place that only holds sadness, heartache, and sorrow?

Tina: (Turning all serious)Bette, the pier was our spot. It was the one place I could go to and know you were with me. It was the one place I knew I was safe. When the wind would come up off the ocean, I felt like it was a hug from you letting me know you were there. Yes, the pier reminds me of our past, but it wasnt all bad. Before I move forward completely, I need to lay that part of me to rest, and I need you with me.

Bette: (Pulling Tina in for a hug)Ok Tina, well go to the pier.

Tina leaned in a placed a much needed kiss on Bettes lips. Almost there Kennard, just a little bit longer.

Bette pulls up to the pier at around 6:15 and noticed that the pier was rather quiet for a Saturday early evening. The sun was setting, the wind had died off, the fresh, clean air ready to fill their lungs, and Tina sitting in the passenger seat looking all nervous.

Bette: T, whats wrong?

Tina: (Startled by Bettes voice)huh?oh, nothing. I was just lost in thought.

Bette: What are you thinking about?

Tina: I was thinking about how beautiful it really is here. Remembering the first time you ever brought me here.

Bette: (Smiling)You were the most beautiful thing here… and still are.

Tina: (Turning to face Bette)Bette, I love you.

Bette: I love you too. Are you sure everything is ok?

Tina: Yeah, lets get out.

As the two women approached the actual pier, Tina became very nervous. What do I say? How do I do this? What if she says no? What if she says yes? Come on Kennard! Its just Bette… you know everything there is to know about this woman. You know exactly how she is going to react! Now get it together. Tina reached for Bettes hand as they made their way down pier 13.

The gang is already at the ceremony spot getting everything situated. During this time, Alice cant help but notice that Dana hasnt taken her eyes off her since they arrived.

Alice: Dana, is there something you want to talk about?

Dana: No… why?

Alice: You keep staring at me like I have something in my teeth.

Dana: (Moving closer to Alice)You look great tonight Al.

Alice: Thanks Dana, I think you look breath-taking.

Dana: When the ceremony is over, could I have a danc

Shane: (Interrupting, but not realizing until its too late)Sorry guys. Are you about ready to go on your end?

Alice: (Pulling away from Dana like they were just caught)Yeah, all the candles are in place.

Kit: Do we have everything?

Alice: Lets go over the list. Speechcheck. MusicKit is the music ready?

Kit: Everything is set up and ready to go.

Alice: Flowerscheck. Kennard/Porter Designcheck. CameraShane is the camera good to go?

Shane: Yeah, just checking to make sure everything works.

Alice: I think we have everything we need except the happy couple. What time is it?

Shane: Its 6:30 or so, they should be making their way down here pretty soon. When should we get in our positions?

Alice: Just follow my lead.

Bette and Tina made their way to their bench. Tina motioned for Bette to sit down.

Tina: Baby, please sit.

Bette complied and sat down. Tina knelt down on one knee and picked up Bettes left hand.

Bette: T, what are you doing?

Tina: Bette, we have been down some rocky paths in our lifetime together. But, no matter how rocky, we have managed to pull through. It took a while for me to realize that I cant live without you. I cant breathe without you. I cant even function without you, but most importantly, I cant be without you. I want you in my life forever Bette, not only as my friend but as my wife.

Tina pulls out a jewelry box and slowly opens it up.

Tina: (Pulling out a ring)Bette, will you do me the honor and be my wife?

Bette: (Trying to hold back the tears but in the end she just couldnt)T, I dont know what to say. You are my everything, my all in all, and I cant imagine life without you and now I never will. Yes Tina, I would be honored to be your wife.

Tina places the ring on Bettes finger then pulls her in for a hug. Little does Bette know that this was only the beginning.

Tina: Babe, walk with me hand and hand down the beach. I want to feel the sand between my toes.

Bette: Anything you want T.

Shane: I see something slowly coming this way, I think its them.

Alice: What time is it?

Dana: Its 5 minutes until 7.

Kit: Now Tina is punctual!

Alice: Good thing this wasnt Bettes idea otherwise we would be here all night.

As the women slowly approach, Tina could make out all the stuff the gang had put together. It looks even better than I imagined it.

Bette: (Approaching the gang)Whats going on Tina?

Tina: Be patient Bette, please.

Alice: OK guys, they are close enough, everyone calmly move to their places so the path is open when they arrive.

Everyone went their placesKit to the music then to Bettes side, Dana to Tinas Side, and Shane to get the camera.

The song Secret Wedding by James Horner is softly coming from the speakers as they approach the rose covered walkway.

Bette: (Stopping just short of the walkway and turning to Tina with tearful eyes)T, whats going on? Whenhow did you do this?

Tina: Bette, I want to share the rest of my life with you and I didnt want to wait another minute. We planned this commitment ceremony so you and I can commit and seal our true love for one another.

Bette: T, I dont know what to say. I love you.

Tina takes Bettes hand and slowly walks down the aisle towards Alice who awaits them.

Alice: (Waiting until they got to the right spot and after giving Bette a moment to let it all sink in)Bette… Tina… you are here today on this beautiful beach in front of family to express your love and commitment to one another. Bette, Ive known you a long time. Ive seen your ways, your passion, your fears, but most importantly your love. I never thought I would have seen the day when someone would grace your presence and make you go weak. I knew the first time you met Tina that she would change your life forever. The glow and love that grew in your eyes told me that Tina was The One for you.

Tina, I was very skeptical and protective of Bette when you came into our lives. I had never seen her the way she was with you. Before, Bette was always the charmer, the head turner, but you are the ultimate charmer and head turner because you tamed the beast in Bette. You have a pure heart and a pure love.

We all know love is precious and sometimes it can get lost, but a love like yours is worth all the trouble of trying to find. Hold onto it tightly, its precious and its rare. Ive seen you both during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but one thing never changed… your love for one another.

You cant change the past you can only learn from it to make your future better. That said: (Alice presents Bette and Tina with the jewelry boxes from Manolis), these are a representation of just that. When times are tough and become rocky, simply look at these and allow yourself to be reminded of what you have and what youd lose. Please open your boxes: (both women open their boxes to reveal the Kennard/Porter Design that Tina had made from their old rings.)

Tina had their rings made into necklaces so they could always have their past commitment with them. The necklace was in the shape of a heart pendant with gold filigree in the center connecting their old rings to the heart outline.

Alice: Bette, your necklace has Tinas ring in the center so she will always be with you. Tinas necklace has your ring so that you will always be with her.

Bette: (Crying tears of joy)Tina! When did youhow did you

Tina: (Tearful herself)Bette, I know how much those rings meant to you, I wanted to do something so that they will always be with us.

Alice: (Interrupting nicely)May I go on?

Tina: Can we put them on first?

Alice: Be my guest.

Tina hooked Bettes necklace around her neck then Bette did the same thing.

(Pause) Each grabbed for their necklaces and just held them for a second.

Tina: Were ready now.

Alice: Bette, I know this whole thing has caught you off guard and you dont have anything prepared vow wise, but Tina wrote something special that she would like to share. Go ahead Tina.

Tina: (Turning towards Bette to recite her vows)Bette… my love… I brought us here today because I wanted and needed to show you just how much I love you. We have been down a rough and shaky road, but we came out on top. From this point on when the winds of change blow through our hearts and the world tries to tear us apart, we wont be shaken. When we go through the fire and dont want to try, Ill still believe in you. When forgiveness takes a long, long time, Ill never leave you. We both learned from our past and weve made a vow that our loves gonna last because Im committed to you.

(Pause)

Do you remember that time you told me love was touching souls? Well, you touched mine because part of you pours out of me, and I could never be who I am without you.

(Pause)

I never knew love before, not that kind of love until this moment with you. This love goes deeper than anything Ive ever known. Beyond my heart… deep down to my soul. I never knew what beauty could hold until you looked at me and I could see forever unfold… because you make me whole. I never knew real love until I was loved by you.

(Pause)

I love you Bette and want to spend the rest of my life showing you that love. It would be my pleasure to be your wife, your partner, and your friend from now until the end of our time. I love you Bette. Will you marry me and take me as your wife, your friend, and your partner?

Bette: (Tears steadily run down Bettes cheeks as she tried to form words)ITHow did I get so lucky. I want nothing more than everything you have. Words cant express exactly how touched I am. I would be more than honored to be your wife, your partner, and your friend. I will cherish you always and never let that go. I love you Tina.

Alice: (Jumping in)Bette, Tina, you may kiss and seal this union. By the power vested in me, by the state of California, and the online minister service, I pronounce you forever. Always treasure what you have… not everyone gets a second chance.

Bette leans in and kisses Tina. On that cue, Kit lets the rest of the CD continue to play. The two women turn and walk down the rose covered aisle to an area enclosed my tall pillar like candles.

Bette: Tina, whats this circle for?

Tina: Its a ring of love and its purpose is for us the share our first dance.

Bette: (Grinning from ear to ear)I love you. May I have this dance?

Tina: You may.

Bette takes Tina by the hand and leads her to the center of the circle, once there pulling her in tight while their wedding song I will love you by Fisher plays in the background.

Bette: I cant believe you did all this.

Tina: I had a little help.

Bette: I dont think its possible to love anyone as much as I love you.

Tina: I love you too babe and this song says everything I need you to know.

Til my body is dust

Til my soul is no more

I will love you, love you

Bette: I love you

Til the sun starts to cry

And the moon turns to rust

I will love you, love you

Tina: I love you

But I need to know-will you stay for all time

Forever and a day

Then Ill give my heart til the end of all time

Forever and a day

Bette: T, I am never going anywhere again.

And I need to know-will you stay for all time

Forever and a day

Then Ill give my heart til the end of all time

Forever and a day

Tina: Bette, I need you forever.

Til the storms fill my eyes

And we touch for the last time

I will love you, love you.”

Bette: Tina, I will love you forever and always be by your side.

As the song winds down to just the melody, Bette and Tina slowly and peacefully kiss to the start of their new commitment.





AUTHORS NOTE: I really enjoyed writing this story, thank you for all your comments and I hope you all enjoyed it. I am thinking about writing a sequel to this story but right now I cant fit it in my schedule. Thank you for taking the time to share this experience with me.