Bette didnt hear her wifes footsteps on the jetty, her mind had found its way back to the office well before she had physically left the lake. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the beauty of her immediate surrounds. She choose to focus on the present, the office could wait until Monday. It wasnt until Tinas arms slid around her waist and clasped together over her abdomen that she became aware she wasnt alone. She smiled as the comforting sensation of Tinas warm body pressed into her back.

What are you doing out here? Tina asked, her head resting on Bettes shoulder.

Bette turned around, her steady gaze coming to rest upon Tinas gentle face. Over the years Tina had learnt that every unspoken truth could be found in her wifes expressive eyes. They gave away all the things Bette could never bring herself to say. The fear, the hurt, the joy, the gratitude, all of it was there, you just had to know where to look.

I was justthinking that Im glad we came here An easy smile graced Bettes features as she ran her thumb over Tinas cheek

Me too Tina admitted, her eyes dropping from Bettes briefly as her mind wandered back to the day they arrived and her confusion then. Only five days ago she had arrived here feeling like a trapped animal. Five days ago this happy ending was inconceivable and that was still a little unsettling. A small part of her still wondered if it wasnt too good to be true.

Did you want to get going? Bette asked, certain that she had been sought out so they could head back to L.A.

We probably should Tina tentatively offered while her head and heart still battled with the notion of returning to their daily existence

Its gonna be OK, T Bette tried to reassure her seemingly pensive lover

Huh? Tinas eyes found their way back to Bettes

When we get home, itll be OK Bette continued as she placed both her hands firmly on Tinas shoulders Well take it one day at a time and well be all right

Tina nodded hesitantly.

How did you know? She asked, caught off guard by her wifes sudden spell of intuition.

Because Im nervous too Bette confessed.

Doesnt sound very promising Tina smiled, while her expression was hopeful her tone held less confidence.

Its healthy Bette replied, smiling gently at her hesitant partner It just means that we know better than to take what we have for granted.

I just dont feel like were ready to leave hereto go back Tina admitted, surprised by how attached she had become to their little cabin on the lake.

Bette reached out and took a lock of Tinas blonde hair and twirled it around her index finger, her eyes focused on the task.

I love you Bette said, her tone denoting the sincerity of her statement. Her eyes found their way back to Tinas, searching her face.

And I love you Tina responded.

Bette shifted closer and rested her forehead against Tinas, dropping her hand to her wifes narrow waist.

And thats how I know that were ready Bette stated simply as she leaned in to gently kiss her wife before wrapping her in a snug embrace. The nearness of Bettes body provided the reassurance that Tina longed for Youve got a lot going on with starting back at work next week

Uh-huh Tina sighed as she rested her chin on Bettes shoulder.

Were both going to be really busy again Bette continued.

Yep

Remember how it was in the beginning? Bette asked, the question rhetorical The gallery was really taking off and you were working crazy hours at the studio

Is this supposed to be helping? Tina questioned

Somehow we still found time to be with each other Bette said, laughing quietly at Tinas comment Thats how we started out, it wasnt easy but we made it work. We managed it then, well manage it now.

Tinas mind projected into the future, imagining how the next few weeks and months would be. This would be a major departure from their routine of the past year. She wasnt sure if it was a move back to the way things had been before she quit her job of if they were moving forward into something new altogether.

Plus Ive decided to cut back a little at the CAC Bette added

Babe, dont feel like you need to

I want to Bette interrupted before quietly continuing I want to be home to have dinner with you, I want to lie in bed with you all day on Sunday if thats what we feel like doing

We havent done that for a while Tina mused, her heart skipped a beat at the thought of how those lazy Sundays had a habit of playing out.

We havent been up to Big Sur for a while either

Tina pulled back to look at her wife, Bette saw the excitement that lit up her eyes.

No we havent Tina replied, as her smile widened.

You wanna go away for a weekend sometime soon? Bette asked Long spa baths, massages, walks on the beach, long nights alone with

No cell phone reception Tina interjected

That too Bette laughed What do you think?

I think that Id love to go away with you to Big Sur Tina leaned in and kissed Bette lightly. This was the attentive lover she had promised to love for the rest of her life. This was the woman who loved to plan romantic getaways, who looked at Tina like she was the most precious thing on earth.

Why dont we give you a couple of weeks to settle in at work and then well go Bette suggested Ill look in to making a reservation next week

God, Ive missed you Tina whispered Ive missed the woman who wants to spend the entire day in bed with me

She got a little busy focusing on her dumb ***** job Bette sighed Maybe I should take a leaf out of Shanes book

Tina frowned and then smirked.

I cant really see you as a hair stylist, Babe Tina laughed at the absurdity of the notion.

Bette just shook her head and smiled.

For the recordyour wife, she never stopped loving you, wanting you Bette swallowed a sudden pang of guilt before continuing She just got so caught up. She lost sight

It doesnt matter, Im just glad to know you still want those things too Tina replied her expression serious once again as she reached out and ran her hand down Bettes arm.

Absolutely Bette smiled, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, things were right between them and she silently vowed to make sure that was the way things remained We should go She nodded back towards the shore, her eyes not leaving Tinas

Yeah Tina sighed Lets go.

Bette reluctantly released her arms from around her wife and offered her hand. Tina took it in her own and together they headed back along the wooden jetty to make the journey home.