“Tina Kennard, get off the pity pot.  Listen to yourself.  If you really want this to work then you have to keep doing what’s right.  You both have to make a commitment to work through whatever happens, to keep talking.  You have to recognize all the things that got you into trouble the last time and you both have to work on fixing them.  That doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes.  It means that you’re willing to make mistakes, you’re willing to look like a fool, you’re willing to risk her breaking your heart, because she’s worth it to you.  Because the relationship is worth it to you.  Is Bette worth that to you Tina?”

Roger looked over and noticed that his wife and daughter had moved about 100 yards up the path where they were deep in conversation. He looked back at Bette. 

“Bette, I like you,” he said.  “You may not believe it, but I like you a lot, more than anyone Tina’s ever been with.  I know that you love my granddaughter and I think you really do love my daughter, despite everything that’s happened between you in the past few years.  So I’m only going to say this one time and I hope that you’ll take it in the spirit it’s intended.” 

Bette braced herself as he continued quietly, “I don’t want you to break Tina’s heart again, so if I’m wrong and you aren’t really serious about fixing this thing once and for all, then do Tina a favor and walk away right now, will you?  Because I don’t want to watch my little girl get crushed again.  She doesn’t deserve it.”

“Roger, I promise you that I am doing everything in my power to see that doesn’t happen ever again,” Bette said solemnly.

Angelica dropped the binoculars from her face and whipped her head around to Bette.

“There are whales!  Mama and baby whales!  Look!”

Bette picked Angie up but she protested and struggled to get down.  “Mama B” she said sternly, “we have to show Mama T!” 

Angie dragged Bette by the hand over to Tina.  Roger followed with a smile on his face.  He couldn’t wait to share his conversation with Liz and to find out what she’d discussed with their daughter.

Angelica took Tina’s hand and began pulling her two mothers back to the lookout point.  Tina’s eyes were on Bette who was trying to make sure that Angelica didn’t trip in her haste.  Tina loved that Bette was so attentive to Angie.

Roger and Liz started walking up the path holding hands.  Bette watched them for a moment and then mused, “Your parents look so great together.  I’m glad they’re going to be living in San Francisco.  It will be nice having them closer, not just for Angie, but for you too.  And I hope that you’ll still hold my hand when we’re their age.”

Angie solemnly handed the binoculars to Tina and pointed to towards the horizon. 

“There are mama and baby whales out there.  Grandpa says they’re going from their winter to their summer home. They go back and forth from their two houses, Mama B, like we do!”  Bette smiled a sad little smile then tried to brighten it for Angie’s sake and looked at Tina.  Tina surrendered.

“Bette, I love watching you with Angelica.  This has been such an amazing trip.  When we get home, let’s talk about taking the next step towards moving back in together.”  Bette’s heart skipped a beat.

“If you think it’s right for you, Tina.  I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure we don’t fuck this up.” 

“I miss you like crazy when you aren’t around.  I love watching the two of you together.  I don’t want to miss another minute.  I’d like nothing more than to live with you and Angelica in our home,” said Tina.

“I like having two houses like the whales do,” said Angelica.

“Oh you do, do you?” laughed Bette.

Tina picked up Angelica, tickled her, and the trio hurried down the path to catch up with Tina’s parents.