* * * * *

Theresa pushed a hungry Angelica into Tina’s room around eleven o’clock.  The baby turned away from her earlier bottle, but now she was nearly ravenous.  Bette, dressed in a beautiful outfit of pink and gray, quickly pushed cords and machinery out of the way, readjusted the bed, and grabbed two pillows for support that would surround Angelica on one side and behind her.  A nurse’s aide came in and handed Bette the heated bottle and Theresa took Angelica out of the stroller and gave her to Bette.

Bette walked back to the bed, carefully placed Angelica in the cocoon of pillows, then slid in next to Tina.  Angelica’s head moved to the side, then fell back several times.  Bette had noticed this new stage of development—the lifting of her head, the recognition of her parents over the past day.  As soon as Angelica became aware of Tina, her fidgeting and overall grumpiness subsided.  “Oh, Mama Tee, our little angel knows she’s with her moms now.”  Angelica’s tiny mouth was already moving in preparation of a nipple.  Bette placed the bottle near Tina’s breast and began feeding her.  Theresa was in awe of how devoted Bette was and how obviously in love she was with Tina and their child.

Stephanie rocketed into the room as if she were being chased.  She was making excuses before she was even inside.  “God, the traffic was horrendous.  I should have been dropped off much earlier.  Mom, you should be glad you’re staying on this side of the hills.”

“You’re welcome to stay at my place, too, Stephanie.  There’s room.”  Bette looked up at the frazzled woman.

“Oh, no.”  Stephanie was caught in mid-sentence when she saw her comatose sister in bed with the baby and Bette.  She pulled herself together and poured on the southern charm.  “No, I…I’m having a good time learning all about Peter’s family.  This visit will go a long way with him and his family.”

“Don’t forget your family, Stephanie.”

“How could I?  With all of y’all in my face, how can I forget or miss a thing.”  Stephanie laughed, but it was the most disingenuous laugh Bette had heard in a long time.  Tina, Bette thought was much more like her mother than Stephanie.  Theresa and Tina were nurturing, open, fair, and for the most part non-judgmental.