The combination of sea air and a late afternoon run through the Big Sur redwoods had left Tina blissfully content as she lay soaking in the oversized tub.

She heard the sound of Bettes feet on the floor and slowly opened her eyes.

Hmmthanks Tina smiled lazily as Bette placed a glass of wine on the bath edge.

You look comfortable Bette commented as she kneeled at the edge of the bath.

This is perfect, thank-you Tina said quietly before taking a sip from her glass.

Bette reached out and tucked a loose lock of hair behind Tinas left ear before tracing a finger down the length of her lovers neck. Her progress halted at the foamy waterline a couple of inches below Tinas neck. The rest of her wifes body was hidden beneath thousands and thousands of bubbles.

Do you want to join me? Tina offered, as her eyes closed again.

Bette hesitated as she weighed her options.

No, you enjoy She replied.

Without looking Tina reached out and ran her warm, wet fingers over the soft skin of Bettes cheek.

Are you sure? Tina asked.

Bette captured Tinas left hand in her own, her gaze immediately fell to the gold band that adorned her wifes ring finger.

After her ultimatum at the Getty everything seemed to fall into place with relative ease.

The idea of a formal ceremony was quickly ruled out. They both believed that this was a private event to be shared only with each other. Tina wanted it to be simple, heartfelt. She didnt want a spectacle for all and sundry. With the ground rules laid Tina agreed to let Bette surprise her with the time and place. In her minds eye Bette instantly saw their favorite beach at Big Sur. She could feel the sand between her toes as she envisioned herself placing Tinas commitment ring back in its rightful place.

Despite her best laid plans the moment chose them well before they ever made the trip north. It was a Saturday in early November. A warm, sun drenched day which Tina declared was too good to waste in the city. They had driven to Santa Barbara for a late seafood lunch on the harbor followed by a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. As the afternoon wore on they reluctantly set out for home.

Looks like half of LA agreed with your good idea Bette said as the traffic ground to a halt some 20 miles north of the city.

The 101 is probably just as bad, Babe Tina mused. She had suggested taking the Pacific Coast Highway home instead of the freeway. The narrow road wound its way around the cliffs just above the ocean and offered spectacular scenery that the freeway could never match At least we can enjoy the view

Looking in her rear view mirror Bette knew theyd just passed a left turn into one of the canyons. She considered this as an alternate route home.

She gazed out to the ocean. The sun would soon be setting and the view would be lost. Looking at the scattered cloud she had a feeling it was going to be a spectacular sunset. In an instant her decision was made and it had little to do with beating the traffic. Without warning Bette turned the car around and they sped off to the north.

What the!? Tina exclaimed Where are we going now?!

Youll see Bette replied, smiling to herself.

Bette made a right turn onto a smaller road which immediately began to wind its way up into the Santa Monica mountains. Tina accepted Bettes decision to take the canyons home without comment. She simply knew that her impatient wife would rather drive twice as far than sit in traffic for any length of time.

It did come as a surprise when Bette pulled off the road into a small dirt parking lot and stopped.

Bette cut the ignition and there was nothing but silence. She breathed a sigh of relief that there werent any other people at the lookout, they were completely alone.

Something wrong? Tina asked.

No, T Bette replied as she smiled reassuringly at her wife Everythings perfectly fine

Bette unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car Come with me She urged.

Tina wordlessly complied, still unsure of what they were doing in the middle of nowhere. As soon as she stepped out of the car and turned she saw it.

Wow! She exclaimed, her mouth hung open as she took in the beginnings of what Bette knew would be a particularly memorable sunset.

Bette smiled as she watched her wifes reaction to the show that Mother Nature was throwing for them. From their vantage point they had a clear view for miles up and down the coast.

My God, its beautiful Tina whispered, amazed at the vista before her. Bette wrapped her arms around her lovers waist before kissing Tinas cheek.

Worth the detour? Bette asked.

Definitely Tina whispered.

They stood and silently watched for a few minutes. Tina happily leaned back into Bettes embrace and watched as the sun was finally claimed by the ocean. The show was just beginning as brilliant oranges faded into mauve hues and the clouds glowed with the suns last rays.

This isnt what I planned but I saw the sunset and thought it was perfect Bette whispered as she released her hold and moved to Tinas side. She retrieved their recently redesigned rings from her jacket pocket and rested them on an open palm.

Tinas heart skipped a beat as she looked down and saw what Bette held before her.

Its perfect Tina agreed before kissing Bette softly.

They stood together high above the ocean and professed their love anew. Promises of love and faithfulness for a lifetime were declared with broken voice as tears of joy fell uncensored. Just as Tina had wished it was a simple, heartfelt moment in time, where their union was made whole once again.

Returning from her reverie Bette ran her thumb over the shiny ring, removing a few bubbles from its surface.

Dont stay in there too long She said We have reservations for 6:30 She leaned in and kissed her partners flushed cheek before standing to leave.

Tina gripped her wifes hand a little tighter Can you pass me a towel? She asked before releasing Bettes hand.

Tina lifted herself out of the water and stepped from the tub as Bette retrieved a towel from the rack.

As Tina reached out Bette drew the towel just out of reach. Tina smiled faintly and raised an eyebrow in question.

Bette took a step back and held Tinas gaze.

You want this? Bette asked, barely staving off a grin as she held the towel a little higher in the air.

Yes Tina responded quietly.

Turn around Bette instructed.

Just give me Tina protested.

Turn around Bette interjected, her tone clearly indicating that resistance was futile.

A small part of Tina told her to take three steps and retrieve another towel for herself. The rest of her recognized that look in her wifes eyes. Without further protest she turned away from Bette.

A small shiver passed along her spine when she felt the soft cotton brush against her lower back as Bette gently removed the remaining water and bubbles from her skin. Bette took her sweet time, thoroughly drying her lovers body. Occasionally instructing Tina with a Lift your foot, Baby or Give me your hand to which Tina wordlessly complied.

When Bette was finished they stood face to face. Tinas arms rested over Bettes shoulders as they silently held each others steady gaze.

I love you Bette whispered as her fingers gently slid down the side of her partners neck. As her touch skimmed across Tinas collarbone Bette knew she craved more. Lowering her eyes to her hand she told herself that she was only looking to tease as her fingers traveled lower and grazed over her wifes breast. She was merely giving Tina a preview of what lay ahead upon their return from dinner. Bette felt her pulse quicken as she looked up into her lovers eyes and realized shed overstepped the mark.

Bette felt Tina draw her in for a kiss and yielded as Tinas tongue slid over her own. Everything outside that sensation was briefly pushed from her mind.

Bette finally broke away and shook her head We have reservations She said sheepishly.

Call up and cancel Tina stated simply as she leaned in seeking her lovers mouth again.

T, we cant Bette replied just before Tina silenced her protests with another kiss.

Fine, then well just have to be late Tina said Were not leaving until you finish what you started

Bette swallowed hard as she recognized the uncompromising tone in her wifes voice It was just a little tease Bette replied, in a weak attempt to feign innocence.

I cant go anywhere like this Tina whispered directly into Bettes ear Im on fire

Bette closed her eyes as a shiver passed through her. She took a deep breath in a hopeless attempt to quash her rising desire. Starting at her lovers ear Tinas lips began a slow journey south. Bette felt her resolve crumble as Tina made her way to a particularly sensitive place on her neck. She soon realized that she was defenseless against her wifes desires. Tina was right, they would be late.