Tina stretched her arms above her head, loosening her tight muscles. She had been sitting at the dining room table for hours, sorting through several disks and albums of photographs, and her neck and shoulders were stiff from being held in one position for so long. Shed started out looking for a few shots to send to her brother, recent pictures of Jordan to catch him up on the past few months. But her simple task evolved into a trip down memory lane, with one image after another evoking a flood of memories from the past nine years of her life.

She and Bette lounging by the pool, on vacation in Cape Cod, at home decorating the Christmas tree. Hands and arms draped over each other, eyes bright with love and happiness. As she looked at their smiling faces, frozen in time, Tina was surprised by the relatively few physical changes she and Bette had experienced over the years. Hairstyles and fashion had come and gone, but they both looked almost exactly the same as they had when they first met. Given the immensity of the internal changes they had been through, especially in the past few years, Tina found this to be quite ironic.

Quite a project youre working on, Bette said, rubbing her freshly washed hair with a towel as she joined her wife.

It didnt start out that way, Tina said, tilting her face for a kiss.

Bette picked up one of the snapshots, a photo Alice had taken of the two of them several years earlier. They were at an outdoor concert, sitting on a blanket, backs to the camera. Tina was facing forward, completely engrossed in whatever band was playing, but Bette was in profile, smiling, looking only at Tina.

I like this one, Bette said, smiling again. Remember that night?

When we danced under the stars? Tina asked, taking Bettes hand and kissing her palm.

What band was playing?

Youve got to be kidding. That was a thousand years ago.

But you loved them. Whoever they were. You and Alice and that woman she was dating

Linda, Tina filled in the blank.

Right. Linda. The three of you dragged me kicking and screaming to that concert.

You look like you were having an okay time.

Actually, I believe that we had a much better time once we got home that night.

That part I do remember, Tina said, tugging Bettes hand to bring her in for another kiss.

So. You almost done?

Yeah. Im sending that pile to Rick.

Bette rifled through the pictures Tina selected, several of Jordan in all her wide-eyed glory.

You know. While youre pulling together photos, Bette hedged, maybe you could consider choosing a few to send your parents.

I thought you said werent going to push.

Im not pushing. Imreminding.

Tina began gathering the disks and envelopes and albums, putting them in order.

Stop, Bette insisted, sitting down next to her.

What?

What are you waiting for? A phone call in the middle of the night? A doctor telling you he has bad news?

What are you talking about?

Im talking about your parents. As long as theyre alive, its not too late to try and have this be different. But theyre not going to live forever, Bette said gently.

And Im supposed to absolve them in time for their everlasting reward?

Dont do it for them. Do it for Jordan. And us. And yourself.

I dont need Tina started stubbornly.

T, Bette interrupted. Come on. Are you going to try and tell me that youre completely at peace with this situation?

I didnt create this situation.

Does that really matter? Is that going to matter when Jordan asks about her grandparents? Will it matter when theyre gone and its too late to change your mind?

Bette

I realize that my father never gave us the respect or acknowledgment we deserved. But something changed for him at the end. He didnt become a completely different person. But there was a shift. However slight. And I think it was as important for him as it was for me. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t given him one last chance.

Tina squeezed Bettes hand. It was true. Melvins grudging deathbed acceptance of their relationship, however limited it had been, meant the world to Bette. And it was significant for Tina, as well.

I know they hurt you, Baby, Bette said softly. I know that its never stopped hurting. And maybe they still feel the same. Maybe we send photos and they mail them back unopened. If that happens, were not any worse off than we are right now. But if they have changed? If they are ready to at least have a conversation. Think what weve got to gain.

Tina exhaled slowly and looked into Bettes deep brown eyes, full of hope and encouragement. Then, reaching for the photos shed set aside for her brother, Tina removed a picture of the three of them from the pile. She and Bette were standing side by side, her arm wrapped loosely around Bettes waist, as Bette held Jordan close.

Thats an attractive family, Bette said.

You think?

Yes. They seem very happy, too. And you can tell how much they love each other. Look at their eyes.

Tina brushed her fingertips across the faces in the photo. I dont know why Im afraid. It feelsit feels sobig. You know? Going back to them? Asking for their acceptance again?

It is big. Its a second chance. Not everyone is lucky enough to get one. And not everyone is generous enough to give one.

I dont know if I can do it, Bette.

You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. You can.

Are you sure?

I have a question for you. Youve already forgiven a bigger hurt than this. And was that worth it? Bette asked.

Yes, Tina said without hesitation.

Then yes, Im sure.

Tina ran her fingers through the still-damp locks of hair framing Bettes face. Okay.

Really?

Yes. But Im not going to beg and Im not going to apologize. This is who we are. This is our life and our family and Im not ashamed of us.

Good. Because we have nothing to be ashamed of.