The big day had at last arrived. Alice had delegated the job of sorting the garden to Kit, and Bette was truly grateful as it meant Alice had the time to help her get ready. She sat in front of the mirror in her dressing gown applying her make up. Her hand shook visibly as she went to do her eyeliner.

“Let me do that” Alice took the pencil from her hand.

“Thank you” Bette smiled gratefully as Alice did her eyeliner.

It was once her make up was sorted that Shane arrived to do her hair.

“How’s she doing?” Shane asked Alice quietly.

“Honestly? I’ve never seen her so nervous” Alice confided.

“It’s to be expected, it is her wedding day after all” Shane reasoned.

Shane walked over to Bette and started to rearrange her hair. The curls seemed to be behaving themselves, and they were soon fixed perfectly. Shane placed a reassuring hand on Bette’s shoulder.

“You’re gonna blow her away” she said softly.

Bette smiled up at Shane as she went to leave.

“Send my love to Tina” she called.

“I’ll do nothing of the sort” Shane grinned and left.

Bette slipped off her robe and stood in front of the mirror. Her new underwear was white and lacy, and stood out brightly against her mocha skin. She slid on her white tuxedo, and it fitted perfectly. It clung to her curves and accentuated her colouring. She turned to face Alice.

“Well?”

There was a tear in Alice’s eye “you look incredible”

Bette took a deep breath and headed downstairs to greet the guests.

Meanwhile Shane had arrived back at her apartment where Dana had just helped Tina apply the finishing touches to her make up. With Shane’s help they started to create a tousled look with her hair.

“How’s Bette?” Tina asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“You’re not getting round me that easily” Shane frowned at her.

Tina groaned “I just want to know how she’s doing”

“You’ll just have to wait and see” Shane stepped in front of Tina and moved a piece of her hair “there, perfect”

“Thanks Shane”

“Now it’s time for the dress” Dana clasped her hands together excitedly.

Tina exhaled deeply before pulling on the floor length white dress. It was cut to show a little cleavage, but not too much, and had white flowers round the neckline. Her curves fitted the dress beautifully as Dana zipped her up. She turned slowly to face Dana and Shane.

“Wow” Dana breathed “you are so beautiful”

“Tina, you look amazing” Shane smiled.

“Thanks guys. Now, shouldn’t you be going?” Tina smiled nervously.

“Yeah, right” Shane picked up her stuff and indicated for Dana to follow her.

Dana squeezed Tina’s hand and walked out to Shane’s car. She and Shane passed Robert on the way out, and showed him the way upstairs, before driving off to do their duty as usherettes.

Dana and Shane had done their job of seating the guests, and Bette now waited nervously at the top of the garden with Alice by her side.

“You okay?” Alice squeezed Bette’s arm.

“I’ll be fine when I see her”

The music struck up and the guests stood. They’d chosen to go for a less traditional song for Tina to walk down the aisle to, and the piano played the opening chords.

“Good luck” Alice whispered.

For I can stand a thousand trials
The strong will never fall
But watching stars without you
My soul cries

Tina appeared at the end of the aisle linking arms with Robert. The sight of her literally took Bette’s breath away. She was so unbelievably beautiful. The way she carried herself inspired both awe and want.

Leaving home is full of pain
Oh, oh, the aching
But I’m kissing you
I’m kissing you

Tina’s gaze met Bette’s. Both tried to smile but were overtaken by the emotion of the situation. Tina took in the incredible sight before her. Just looking at Bette made her ache. She gripped her father’s arm tightly as she neared her destination.

Touch me deep
Pure and true
Give to me forever
Coz I’m kissing you
I’m kissing you

As she reached the top of the garden, Tina turned to her father. She kissed him on the cheek and he embraced her briefly.

“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart” he whispered.

Tina held back her tears as her father took his seat. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face Bette.