“All ready something in common” Tina said making them both laugh “that’s great.”

“Well it started when I was little, I would ask Dad questions about you but he always just brushed me off, ‘I’ll tell you later’ he’d always say.  He never talked about you and Grace at all.”  Lydia had a distant look before continuing “I think it was his way of dealing with the loss.  So I started my search before he passed away” she saw the shocked look on Tina’s face. She kicked herself mentally for the slip.

“How” Tina asked in a shaky voice tears streaming down her face.

“Heart attack” Lydia said her own tears began to flow.  “Three years ago.  One of the maids found him in his study” she looked at Tina with sorrowful eyes “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay” Tina reached for the box of tissues on one of the stands and offered it to Lydia before grabbing a handful for herself.

“Thank you” Lydia smiled gratefully.  Bette returned from the kitchen carrying a tray of coffee mugs and a sippy cup for Angie.  She noticed Tina and Lydia crying then sat down with concern after placing the tray on coffee table.

“I’m okay babe” Tina smiled as Bette clasped their hands together “I just found out my father died three years ago” she explained the sudden change in mood.

“I’m so sorry baby” Bette comforted.  Angie stood between her parents and took a tissue to wipe Tina’s face.  The toddler held the tissue to Tina’s nose and encouraged her to blow.  This made everyone laugh and lightened the mood a bit.

“You have a beautiful family” Lydia complimented.  “I came out to him after I graduated from college” she waited for Tina and Bette to absorb the information.  They looked at her and smiled and this comforted the brunette Kennard.  “He was more accepting of me” she looked down at their joined hands “and he regret more than anything not doing right by you.”  She looked at Angelica and smiled “I know he’d have a hard time resisting her.”

“After Bette and I got together, LA has been the only family for me.  Mom was gone and Dad and Gracie had disowned me, I had no one else.”  Tina told Lydia.  It gave her great peace of mind to know that someone cared enough to come and find her and witness the happiness she was swimming in.