Bettes mind however was filled with an idyllic version of family life and Tinas word did nothing to diminish its desirability Id better brush up on my reading skills… she said with a dreamy smile.

They talked quietly about smaller issues but finally Bette broached the subject shed been putting off raising When do you have to leave? she said; knowing whatever Tina said it would be too soon.

Monday said Tina I wasnt sure what was going to happen..

Can you change your flights.. Bette asked hoping shed stay and they could really get to know each other again, that she could spend some time getting to know Emily.

I can….but lets see what happens shall we? Maybe its better for me to go back and start arranging things from the other end.

They fell into a companionable silence until Tina noticed the time, she sighed Bette, its time Emily and I left….

Dont go.. said Bette holding Tinas hand tightly.

I have to.. Tina replied.

Bette scanned Tinas face. I know Bette conceded; she could hear in Tinas voice that she thought she needed to go and she trusted her to do the right thing for them and for Emily.

She thought for a moment Breakfast?

Tina laughed, Bette had never been an early riser and she doubted that had changed Do you know how early that will be?

I can do that said Bette a determined and hopeful look on her face.

OK.. Tina shrugged and smiled at Bettes eagerness. If Bette was prepared to get up that early she wasnt going to stand in the way of them being together Where?

Here? Bette suggested Ill come and pick you up..

Are you sure? We could get a cab.. Tinas smile widened Itll give you an extra few minutes sleep..

I dont need to sleep Bette replied and then well spend time at the beach or the park, wherever Emily would like to go…

Tinas eyebrow arched, this incredibly beautiful, intelligent woman was turning her life upside down to try and be with them. Youll spoil her..

You both deserve it.. Bette said, and she pulled Tina off the couch and into a hug.

They walked out of the apartment together; Bette carrying the sleeping Emily tucked into her shoulder.

She drove slowly, reluctant to get to the hotel where shed have to let them go.

Tina smiled, aware what Bette was doing but happy for her to delay the inevitable as long as possible.

Eventually though Bette pulled into the hotels turning circle Would you like me to come up with you? I could carry Emily she said hopefully.

Tina leaned over to Bette, brushed their lips together and responded more urgently as Bettes lips parted.

She pulled back and sighed Bette, theres nothing I want more than for you to come up with us but Im not sure whether I could let you go again..

Bette smiled and leaned into Tina, whispered into her mouth I can do that

Tina lightly pushed Bette away Bette..I cant ..

Then breakfast it is. Bette said smiling Seven oclock, here.. OK?

She leant on the car and watched Tina as she walked across the hotel foyer and into the elevator.

She desperately wanted to run after her, take her in her arms and insist that they never be apart again but she contented herself with the thought that if things went right theyd have the rest of their lives to be together.

When the elevator doors closed and Tina was finally out of sight she sighed happily got back into the car and drove to the nearest supermarket to pick up food for breakfast.

She lingered in the aisles trying to find something that would appeal to a three year old. In the end, unable to decide she put one of each of the most popular cereals into her cart. She knew Tina would laugh but she didnt care. Then she wandered into the candy and chocolate aisle and spent another twenty minutes selecting enough treats to be able to stock the candy jar for a month.

As she drove home she dialled a familiar number Alicewhat are you doing about 2pm tomorrow? she said when the phone was answered.