“I guess I’m willing to take that chance.” Bette had not thought of an adverse reaction from Tina. “I will never now unless I try.” Her resolve in her idea was now returning, the women surrounding her smile at the return of the Bette they knew. “So, are you guys going to help me?” She asks finally breaking the silence she left behind.

            “Of course.” Kit says the nods of agreement soon follow. 

            The following 24 hours are a whirlwind of planning. Flowers and banners pink and white now fill Bette’s home to the brim. She looks around at the house amazed at the work her friends had done in the last 24 hours. The smile plastered on her face had not left since the first flower entered her home. She had stayed up all night wrapping gifts setting up tables, hanging banners to perfection, ordering balloons, setting up candles, hanging string lights. Kit is handling the food, and Shane the drinks, Alice and Dana the extra details and most of all for picking up her gift to Tina. Now there was  only a few hours left before Tina was to arrive at her home. The ringing of her phone brings her out of her trance.

            “Hello?”

            “Hey Bette, it’s Tina. I was just calling to make sure we were still on for tonight?”

            “Of course I’ll see you at 7?”

            “Perfect see you tonight.”

            “Okay bye.” Bette hangs up the phone and glances at the time t-minus 2 hours. She walks into the house to change and shower. She finishes and begins to apply her make up she’s wearing a black wrap dress and peep toe pumps. She thinks that she may be to dressed up for the occasion but decides that she is trying to impress Tina so does not opt to change her outfit. She looks at herself in the mirror examining the lines on her face when she hears a knock at the door.

            “Bette, you here?”

            “In the bedroom Kit.”

            “I have the food. Shane’s right behind me.”

            “Ok, I’ll be out in a minute.” She puts the finishing touches on her make up and walks out into the living area. Kit and Shane are busy in the kitchen.

            “Jesus Christ Bette.” Alice’s shriek permeates the air causing Kit and Shane to look up quickly. “How hot do you look Porter? Really bringing out the big guns huh?” Alice walks over to Bette and envelopes her in a hug. Dana is following behind.

            “Thanks Alice. Dana did you get it?”

            “Of course Bette. Here it is.” She hands Bette the bracelet box. She opens up the box and spies two gold charm bracelets, one for Tina and one for the new baby girl she is carrying inside of her.  She lets out a sigh and lets a tear fall from her eye.

            “Okay guys she’s going to be here in under an hour. Let’s get this finished.” With that the women begin to light candles set up plates and silverware, place boxes perfectly. Soon they were finished and opening up a bottle of champagne. Each woman holding a champagne flute.

            “I just want to say thank you guys so much for all of the help the place looks amazing. I could never have done it without you.” Bette raises her glass, “To Tina, to us.” They clink their flutes.

            Before they know it there’s a soft knock on the door. “Okay everyone hide. She’s here.” Bette whispers gliding toward the door. She opens it and smiles at Tina.

            “Wow Bette you look…” Tina looks down at her clothes, “amazing.” She finishes the sentence.

            “Tina I’m glad you’re here.”

            “Did you have other plans tonight?” Tina asks before stepping into the house.

            “Nope just having you over.” Tina nods her head curiously before stepping into the house.

            “Why is it so dark?” Tina asks.

            “SURPRISE!” The women shriek. Tina’s face is a mixture of disappointment and shock, and joy.

            “What is this?” Tina manages to stammer out.