“Oh my god Bette that’s incredible.”

            “I’m really hoping this one will work out.”

            “I’m sure it will. You have nothing to worry about. CU would be lucky to have you.”           

            Before they know it they have arrived at Bette’s intended destination. Tina slips out of the car and takes in the familiar scenery.

            “Are we where I think we are?”

            “Where do you think we are?”

Bette grabs Tina’s hand and leads her down a street lined with weeping willows, large oak trees, and story book homes.

            “Butterfly Beach.”

            “Surprise.” Bette says softly. Tina slips her arm around Bette’s waist and smiles.

            “It’s been years since I’ve been here.” Tina sadness clearly shone in her eyes. ‘Why haven’t I come back here?’ She wonders to herself as the scenery of blue green ocean and sand unfolds before her. Memories begin to fill her.

            “Bette today is the first day of the rest our lives together. I promise to help build a home and life that will withstand anything thrown at it. I promise to love you and cherish this bond that we have shared and will continue to share in our futures. I promise to listen patiently, to be honest, to be kind. I love you with every fiber of my being Bette. I am lucky and honored that you have chosen me as your life partner. Thank you for this life we’ve only begun to create. I give you this ring as a symbol of the promises I have made and as a symbol of the love we share like the ring it is endless.”

            Tina slips the ring onto Bette’s hand. She looks into Bette’s brown eyes watching as the tears cascade softly down her caramel skin. The rings they picked for each other are simple bands each with the quote: I carry your heart, I carry it in mine.

            “Tina you have made me the happiest woman in the world today. You entering my life has been the single greatest thing that has ever happened to me. And today I promise to give myself to you entirely, to be a shoulder to cry on, to be the strength you need in times of trouble. I promise to help build a home and life that will reflect the love we have shared and will continue to share. I love you more than words can describe. I carry your heart Tina I carry it in my hands and promise to handle it with care for it is the most precious gift I will ever receive. I also give you this ring as a symbol of the promises I have made and as a symbol of the love we share like the ring it is endless.”

            Bette slips the ring on Tina’s awaiting hand. They look into each others eyes committing this moment to their memories forever. A distant voice cues them to share a kiss, which they happily do.

            “Really?”

            “Not since the last time we were here for our 3^rd anniversary.” Tears begin to form in Tina’s eyes.

            “It’s okay T. That anniversary was the last time we’d been here together. Why did we stop coming here to celebrate?”

            “We got busy?” Tina says hesitantly. Bette nods her head how far had they strayed. “When was the last time you were here Bette?”

            “After that night… when you left I couldn’t sleep so I drove up here. I have been driving up here almost every week for the last six months.” Tina stills their movement and wraps her arms around Bette. She holds on for dear life.

            “I love you.” She whispers.

            “I love you too T more than anything.”

They make their way onto the beach and Bette lays out the blanket she has brought for them to sit on. Tina sits between Bette’s legs leaning on her for support, staring out into the ocean. The sky was a bit overcast this day though the suns rays could be seen peaking out from behind the fluff. The water tumbled over the shore there was no one else on the beach. Bette wraps her arms around Tina feeling goose bumps upon her silky skin.

            “Are you cold T? We can go if you want.” Bette says softly as she caresses Tina’s arms.

            “I’m not cold.” They sit again in comfortable silence watching the clouds traverse the sky above them then as suddenly as their morning union small drops of water begin to fall from the sky.