“This is for Preston Hills” Tina looked up at Bette then smiled “you’ve been doing preschool research without me.”

“Well, I figured I’ll do the hard work of checking out the schools and collecting brochures for us then see what you think of them.”

“Are there any other schools you’ve checked out?”

“Yes” Bette reached under the table for another brochure “These are from Bristow Academy and um” she hesitated before stating “Baldwin” she tried to hide under a cough.

“Baldwin” Tina arched a brow “as in the preschool version of Yale, Baldwin?”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“Do you now.”

“Okay, but I know what you’re going to say, and before you say no I would like to plea my case.”

“By all means plea away.”

“Okay” Bette got up from the table and started pacing.

“While you’re deliberating your opening statement, I’m just going to enjoy this wonderful dinner that you picked up” Tina chuckled as she uncovered her tray to find a chicken alfredo with steamed vegetables “Mmmm” she eyed the bottle in the middle of the table and held her glass up “will you do the honors.”  Bette quickly reached for the bottle of white wine and filled Tina’s glass before filling her own.

“I’m glad you’re not flipping over this right now.”  Bette placed the bottle back on the table then took her glass in her hands “a toast.”  She raised her glass to Tina’s.  “To us.”

“To your plea, may it be as sweet as this wine and short as this table” Tina toasted then placed her glass down to feast on her entrée while waiting for Bette to begin.  “Mmm so good.”

“PLEASE, PLEASE CAN ANGIE GO TO BALDWIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”  Bette got down on her knees by Tina’s side and held on to her arm nearly causing the blonde to choke on the morsel she had bitten into.

“Jesus Bette!”  Tina put her fork down and placed her hand over Bette’s mouth “you’re going to wake Angie.”

“If Angie were awake she’d be down here begging with me.”  Bette removed Tina’s hand long enough to say.

“Look, you know why I don’t like that school” Tina kept her hand over Bette’s mouth who could only nod in response “and you know how I feel about putting that kind of pressure on our daughter” Bette nodded again the Tina removed her hand “now you’re your voice down.”