The blonde kept her eyes cast downward. She didn’t want to lose control before saying her piece.

“Well?” the silence was getting to Bette.

Tina took another deep breath to still her nerves. “I’m sorry for making things so difficult the past few months.”

“I wasn’t a saint, either,” Bette admitted.

Little Angelica began to fuss; she wanted her Mama B. Trying her best to wiggle out of Tina’s arms, the young Porter squealed in delight when she connected with her other mother.

“Aw, is my Boo ready for her nap?” Bette pulled her in close and kissed her cheek. “I’m gonna go put her in the crib.”

“Can I… can I join you?” Tina knew how much Bette treasured the little things with her daughter, yet she knew she needed all the leverage she can get.

Bette nodded, feeling the woman’s eyes on her as they made their way to Angelica’s crib. Mother and daughter jostled for dominance but sleep was hitting Angelica fast. When the little girl finally fell asleep, the brunette motioned for them to the kitchen.

“I thought it’d be better if we talked here. She won’t sleep if she hears both of us,” Bette explained.

After a few moments of silence, Tina began again. “There were so many things I wanted to tell you, but there would be something stopping me every time.”

“Why?” Bette whispered. “You know you could always talk to me, Tina.”

The blonde frowned a little as she contemplated her answer. “I know. I always knew. But…”

Bette knew she shouldn’t do what she wanted to next, but it was a struggle to watch Tina stumble through it alone. She reached out and grasped Tina’s hand in her own, drawing them close to her.

“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” Bette gave Tina an out.

Tina looked at their joined hands. She huffed out her frustration. Everything just fit so perfectly with Bette, yet it was her insecurities that were too narrow. Gently, she ran her thumb over Bette’s knuckles, reveling in the smoothness of the skin.

Slowly, she brought their hands up, her lips kissing each knuckle with aching precision. Even with all those time apart, her memory of the body in front of her had not faded.