Bette clears her throat and thinks of something to change the subject but… has nothing… the waiter comes up just as the silence was getting awkward.

~~~~~~~~

The following week Brie and Carl leave for their trip. Tina and Bette see them off Bette gives Carl an encouraging hug.

Four days into their trip Brie calls Bette at work but it was night where she was. She tells James that she wishes not to be disturbed.

Mom how’s the trip going, Bette was holding her breath hoping the call was what she thought it was.

Bette! can you hear me!.. Bette pulls the phone from her ear.

Yes Mom but you don’t have to scream, I can hear you just fine. Is everything ok?

Yes.. well I think so.

You think?

Well I think so but ….

But what Mom? .. Bette is worried now that her Mother didn’t give the answer that Carl wanted.

Well dear uhmmmm Brie clears her throat… Carl and I were out at the nicest little restaurant tonight and there was music playing we danced and … she got quiet..

And what mom? Bette knew what she just didn’t know the answer she gave.

Well Carl asked me to marry him Bette.. I….

Please tell me you said yes mom! .. Bette blurted out not able to wait for her mother to find her words and thinking how crushed Carl would be if she said no and the trip would be over before it got started.

Of course I said yes dear…. I just wasn’t sure how you would take it.

Me? Mom I love Carl, he’s a good man most of all he loves you very much and I think you have dragged him on far too long. The fact the man has chased you for years shows his dedication to you.

Well I thought you might not wish for me to remarry.

Mom where did you get that idea? I have always wanted you to find someone and be happy you just never seemed interested.

I was taking care of you, you needed me after your father passed, you had no signs of letting go.

Mom I am so sorry you felt you had to postpone your life because of me if I had known Carl was in the picture I would have encouraged you to live it. I was fine mom. Yes I did fall apart after daddy died but only..