..Twenty eight years later.

Rosie pulled the ribbon off the large square package and tore the paper.

Tina laughed; Rosie was so impatient to get on with life, just like Bette.

Wow, photo albums, I wondered what youd been up to Mom she looked Tina in the eye Its great – thanks.

We wanted you to have something to look back on Tina tapped the first album then pulled the second one out from underneath and something to put your new memories in as you move forward.

Rosie moved quickly from her seat and pulled her mother up from her chair. She had Tinas hair and eyes and smile but Bettes height so now she needed to lean over to wrap Tina in her arms Thank you, thank you she said exuberantly and then twirled and hugged Bette as well Both of you.

Bette pulled both Rosie and Tina into a big hug. Youre welcome. Were still paying for the wedding and the new kitchen but we wanted you to have this now.

Rosie smiled, it was typical of her parents, Bette with the grand gestures and Tina with the small but precious ones. She loved them both – what more could a girl ask for than being loved and wanted and always made to feel special.

Im putting the coffee on said Bette when it was clear that they were about to take a long journey down memory lane anyone else for a cup?

They sat at the table drinking coffee and watching Rosie flip through the album.

Oh, I love this one Rosie said pointing at the photo of her parents that had sat on the bookshelf all her life Oh and this one and she pointed at the photo that Bette had displayed in her office showing them all together for the first time; Rosie a tiny baby in Tinas arms and Bette protectively gazing down at them both, an adoring expression on her face ..And this one.

Tina laughed and Bette broke into the low throaty chuckle that still made Tinas body tingle. The sound of their mingled laughter made Rosies heart skip a beat, she knew that sound would always make her instantly feel loved and safe.

Wow said Rosie as she examined an early photo is THAT Aunty Shane?

Yep said Tina before she became so conservative and successful. Shed have been younger than you are now when that picture was taken, didnt even own her first salon not alone the whole chain.

Rosie looked up at Bette I bet youre glad you got in on the ground floor of that business deal.

Bette raised her eyebrows, she hadnt been aware that Rosie knew about her co-signing the loan for Shanes first salon.

Aunty Shane told me all about it. She wanted to let me know how generous you were with my college funds Rosie said lightly.

Honey, your college funds were never in jeopardy Tina patted Rosies hand.

Its OK Mom.. I know. How could they be when I had two Moms who were so successful in their own right?

Rosie looked into their happy faces Youre not disappointed Im marrying a guy are you?

Oh honey said Tina you know how much we love Josh.. and as long as youre happy together and you love each other..were happy for you.. .

Bette added softly You could never disappoint us Rosie. Were so proud of you …

Besides said Tina laughing hes around here so often we feel like were gaining a son rather than losing a daughter..dont we Bette?

Rosie looked at them both You know its a little intimidating for a girl when her parents are still so in love after so many years.. how many people find that in their life?

Bette and Tina held hands across the table and looked at each other. Yeah..I sure am lucky said Bette How many people of our age can say they still make love as often as we do? Bette looked into Tinas eyes.

Rosie held up her hand Ive told you Mom – too much information and they all laughed and wiped away the tears from their eyes.

Bette and Tina had managed to find the right balance of caring and support and acceptance in bringing up Rosie – a wonder since neither had that from their own parents. Somehow the combination of their personalities and temperaments had evened out to just the right balance and that coupled with their obvious love for each other had created a safe and loving place for Rosie to grow.

And now even the wedding preparations were proving to be successful; Bettes contacts and Tinas organizational ability were ensuring they were progressing smoothly.

So this was my naming ceremony then said Rosie.

You know it is.. youve seen pictures of it a thousand times said Tina.

But not this one Rosie murmured.

Your Aunt Kit took it – she was so proud to be there that day..she said she felt her life was beginning again.. Bette said quietly.

I wish she was still with us..I would have liked her to be here for my wedding ..she could be so much fun..maybe I could even have persuaded her to sing.. Rosie said wistfully.

Bette leant over and took Rosie in her arms and hugged her close Shed have been so proud to have been there..and if anyone could have persuaded her to sing it would have been you.. you had her wrapped around your little finger from the moment you were born.

Tina smiled a watery smile It was so hard to stop her taking you out of your bassinette ..Id turn around and there youd be in her arms and shed be singing to you..we even put up a sign ..I cant remember what it said ..something about tired mothers and not disturbing the baby..but of course Kit always believed that was for someone else..

They gave a collective sigh; saddened by the loss two years before of someone who had been such a big part of their lives.

Rosie said Im glad Josh agrees with me that its fitting to walk down the aisle to one of Kits songs rather than one of those traditional wedding onestheyre not really me anyway she paused and looked off into the distance I wish he could have met her

They sat there, all thinking their own thoughts about Kit and being grateful for the opportunity of knowing her; eccentricities and all.

Rosie turned a few more pages ..and heres AA ..I know she told me ages ago to call her Alice but I cant think of her as anything else but AAtypical of her to come up with a stupid abbreviation like that..she told me once that anyone she was guardian for would be in need of a 12 step recovery program so it was appropriate.. she looked more closely at the photo I dont remember her as a blond …I thought she was a natural brunette..

Well that was her blond periodit went with freelancing at the magazine ..she wrote such riveting articles as the top 10 places to get your finger nails painted.. Bette said Who knew that after writing so many top 10s shed have the capacity to write books good enough to be in someone elses top 10

Yeah..but how predictable that theyd be light comedy Tina smiled.

I just cant believe there are that many people out there who enjoy that sense of humour – its made her almost unstoppable. Bette turned to Rosie once again Are you really sure you want her to be the emcee at your wedding? You wont be safe once you give her the microphone.

Rosie laughed lightly Sure Im sureshe can be great fun, Josh just loves her anyway Ill make sure someones in the background ready to turn off the sound if she gets too carried away..

Good thinking.. Bette laughed again.

Do you think Aunty Dana will make it back in time for the wedding? Rosie asked for the tenth time. I dont want her to miss it.. I cant believe how patient she used to be trying to teach me how to play tennis..she really is the right person to run that Tennis camp..Im so pleased she bought them out.

Tina reached over again and patted Rosies hand She said shed be here and she will..shes never let you down before..

Rosie looked down at the early photo of Tina then back up at her mother as she was now You know Mom..you really havent aged much..

Bette smiled Its her good genes

..and Shanes excellent colouring job.. Tina smiled and smoothed her hair which was still a natural looking honey blond. She put her hand unconsciously to the fine web of lines at the corner of her eyes; lines which were only ever visible in strong light.

Bette noticed the movement Oh my god..dont start on about those lines.. she laughed If you want us to see them Ill go get my magnifying glass..

Tina grew embarrassed as her wife and her daughter continued to study her Umm..are you both going into the gallery today? Tina asked.

Well someones got to run it while shes away on her honeymoon Bette said so I might as well go in with her and remind them who pays their wages..

Rosie stood up and looped her arm around Bettes waist You know they love having you there..and be honest, you miss it too..I cant believe you manage to stay away for as long as you do..

If you count two days at a stretch as staying away Tina laughed.

Bette looked a little affronted I sometimes manage a whole week..

Yeah..so much for semi-retired.. Tina got up and ran her hands through Bettes salt and pepper hair. It was shorter than it had been when Rosie was born but still thick and wavy.

Tina sighed and patted them both playfully on the bottom Off you go ..give me some peace so I can finish this magazine article on how Bette launched Baz Leers career. She looked up at Bette You know Ive been going over my notes and according to Baz you and he hit if off straight away and have been good friends every since. Tina raised an eyebrow I dont quite remember it that way – do you?

Bette laughed Just dont remind him what an arrogant ***** he was – it took all the Bette Porter charm I could muster to get us through that first show.

Umm and we all know just how charming you can be when you try Tina moved in for a kiss.

Rosie looked at her parents aware that they could be hours if they started to reminisce Come on Mom – lets go..theres no point in taking two cars..I can drop you back here later.

Tina turned to Rosie Are you and Josh still planning to eat here before you head out with your friends..?

Rosie nodded Sure but dont go to any troubleJosh said hed pick something up on his way over a little thank you for all the work youve both put in on the wedding

Tina walked them both to the door. Rosie turned and hugged Tina I love you Mom.. Ill see you later..

Take care..I love you too Tina smiled at Rosie as she skipped down the steps car keys jangling in her hand.

Bette lingered a moment longer. She caressed Tinas cheek with her hands then dropped them around Tinas waist and pulled their bodies close so they touched. She looked into Tina eyes A long time ago Kit told me something that I didnt quite get at the time but I think back on it now and I know its true.

Tina quirked an eyebrow asking without words what Kit had said.

Bette continued She said we had a marriage like God chose us to find each other..and I cant think of a better way to describe how I feel each time I look at you. She ran her fingers lightly over Tinas lips and leant in for a long tender kiss I love you Tina Kennard..

I love you too Bette.. said Tina softly, a loving smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

Oh god said Rosie good naturedly as she peered at them through the open car window Are you two at it again.. come on Mom..lets go before I have to get some ice for you two..and I dont want to hear a word next time you two catch Josh and I kissing..

Tina and Bette laughed, gave each other one more quick hug then Bette moved after their daughter who was gunning the engine impatient to move on with her life.