"Bette honey, I think that would be wonderful, a dream comes true but I just don’t think I can…."

Bette had leaned in a gentle smile on her face as her fingers had come up to silence her objections.

"Who said anything about you T?"

"Bette what are you talking about??"

Bette’s deep, heart felt chuckle, the one that had always melted her heart had filled the fragrant morning air as she had answered,

"There are two of us here capable of bearing children you know T."

Full realization of the significance of Bette’s words had hit her like a fast moving train.

"Bette, you have so much going on right now with the gallery, teaching…"

Pulling her chair around to beside Tina’s Bette had drawn her in and lifted her head so their eyes met.

"Tina, I’ve thought a lot about this. Really I have. It’s not like I am going to have to stay away from the gallery or teaching. Neither is exactly what you would call physically strenuous. Before you say another word I know that I will have to cut back my hours and learn to delegate but I want this T. I want us to make another baby. What do you say?"

Despite her initial reservations about Bette wanting to carry a baby for them she had found herself a victim to Bette’s usual persistence when she set her sights on something. True to her word Bette had monitored her stress levels– provided it had been a joint effort– a little reminder here and there had definitely been necessary and had worked till the 2nd last week before Austin’s birth. Austen James Kentor had been born a healthy 8lbs 2 ounces six months ago. Their decision to use a white donor had resulted in a beautiful baby boy with blond hair like herself but with Bette’s deep brown eyes.

To her surprise Tina felt a flash of desire rip through her as she thought of how quickly Bette had regained her stunningly fit figure. We’ll have to do something about that she thought happily to herself as she continued to sip. Kit had agreed to take the children for the night. The last few weeks had been extremely hectic as Bette had been trying to pull the finishing pieces together for her gallery’s up coming show and the production schedule for the studio’s latest venture had been one problem after another. Finally all the fires appeared to be out at the studio and Bette had promised to be home tonight early.

Tina’s plans were interrupted by the ringing of the phone she had set on the side table. Looking at the call display Tina was surprised to see Bette’s number.

"Hello baby, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you this early in the day. Can’t say that I mind it though"

"Tina I’m calling to let you know that I won’t be home till at least 8 tonight. I know that I said I would be home sooner but the fucking press is all over this next showing and the censorship vultures are at it again. I can’t fucking believe this!!

Panic long buried surged through Tina as she listened to Bette. Fuck it’s been so long since I heard her like this I’ve forgotten what it was like! Tina thought to herself. Told you the other shoe was going to drop but you just wouldn’t listen would you and now you have two children not just one to think of. Tina’s inner voice continued. Mustering all the inner strength she possessed Tina responded,

"Bette, do you hear yourself?"

"Of course I hear myself Tina. What kind of question is that? I just wanted to let you know to go ahead with dinner and I will try to be home as soon as I can. I’ll call you later."

The metallic click that followed Bette’s last comment echoed through Tina’s soul as an unbidden tear traced its way down her cheek. I’m not doing this again Bette Porter I love myself, our children and you too much to let this go.