It was two hours before she had received any further word from Shane. By the time the two siblings had returned, Angelica was well into her nap. Bette sat down on the lounge chair closest to the house, the baby monitor on the side table next to her.

Bette motioned them over, watching as Shay eagerly deposited his things and jumped into the pool. Shane, however, chose to lounge next to Bette.

“Angelica asleep?”

“Yeah. I figured if we’re going to go crazy later, at least she’ll be rested up.”

“Are you kidding me? Between Kit and Alice, your daughter’s going to tire them out,” Shane jokingly said.

“And I think Shay will, too,” Bette turned to watch the boy in question. “You’re doing a great job with him.”

Shane scoffed at Bette’s compliment. “Thanks. You know, half the time I don’t even know what I’m doing and that scares the hell out of me.”

“But what a learning experience, huh?” Bette could see the love shining in Shane’s eyes.

“I’m not happy with how it started, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Shane’s quiet admission warmed the older woman. “It’ll be a bumpy ride, but I think we’ll make it.”

Bette reached over and held Shane’s hand. “There’s no point in life if you know what lies ahead.”

“Yeah, take the road not taken and all that crap,” Shane replied.

“Quoting poetry to me, Shane?” Bette quirked an eyebrow. “Are you putting the moves on me?”

“I would never dare.”

“Too old?” Bette teased.

“Too perfect,” Shane smiled sheepishly.

“Well aren’t you a girl’s best friend today,” Bette smiled as she held on to Shane’s hand tighter. “Thanks for being there for me.”

“And Tina, too,” Shane added.

The brunette agreed. “And Tina, too. You truly are a good friend.”

Not used to this barrage of compliments from Bette, Shane shrugged instead. They’ve always understood each other, even though their approach toward life and relationships were polar opposites.

The two women sat in silence after that, waving at the boy periodically but for the most part enjoying the company and the peace. Shane wondered, if the timing was right to talk to Bette about Tina.