“Babe it’s ok… she looks great!”

“Are you sure T? You can take it down if you want to?”

“No babe… it looks great, and she will be much happier with it up.”

“Ya know.. once the drama with the rollers was done and we both calmed down…”

“What babe?”

“Never mind… it’s silly…”

“Babe… tell me…”

“It’s nothing.. I just really enjoyed fixing her hair. I know it’s silly”

“Bette it’s not silly.”

“It’s just one of those things that I never had the chance to do.”

“That’s sweet honey.. I know how you feel. I have those moments with Colin.”

“I hope it never changes!”

“Me to babe… me to…”

“We should get ready… so we can get the kids dressed.” Bette’s voice was almost a whisper. She was relishing the moment and didn’t really want it to end, but didn’t want to be late for the courthouse either.

“We should… you want me to roll your hair babe?” Tina asked… knowing Bette would enjoy it… and it was becoming increasingly tiring for her to do more and more of the everyday things.

“I would like that!”

* * * * *

“You ready babe?” Surprisingly enough it was Tina that was chomping at the bit to get out the door and reaching the point of being considered high-strung.

“Yeah T”

“Alright kids lets get going.” The kids quickly grabbed their packs and lined up at the door for what had become their pre-trip inspection ritual.

“Everyone got their backpacks?” Tina asked. She was met with excited nods from all three. “Alright then, go get in Mommy’s car and get in your seats.” The kids quickly headed out to the car to get settled in. Tina started out the door but Bette caught her arm and pulled her back to her.

“T… the next time we walk through this door we will officially be a family.”

“I know babe.. I can’t even start to tell you how excited I am.”

“T… I just want to tell you how much it means to me. Everything that is happening are things that I thought I would only be able to dream about. You are making it happen, and I love you for it more than I have the words to express.”

“WE are doing it baby. This is all about us, our kids, and the love that we all share. None of it would be possible with out the other…. and Bette as much as you feel like your dreams are coming true so are mine. I never thought I would see the day that I would fall so deeply in love with someone who was just as deeply in love with not only me but my girls. I never thought I would find someone who would be an equal partner in everything I do and everything I love.” The tears were freely flowing down Bette’s cheeks. Tina gently wiped them away and kissed away their trails. “I love you Bette Porter!”

“I love you to T”

“How about we get out of here and start the next phase of our life together?”

“I can’t wait”

“Me either babe… me either.”