Melvin and Bette get up and head back towards the hotel lobby. Bette gives her father a hug and kiss and watches as he gets on the elevator. On the drive home her mind begins to wonder what it is that has made her father suddenly want to spend time with Kit, especially after all these years. She also thinks back to his comment of Kit and her having each other to lean on. She finally comes to the decision that it must be an age thing. He must be thinking about how much longer he will be around and is trying to make an amends. She thinks back to how smooth lunch had gone. It was actually rather amazing. Her father had handled things so differently than the Melvin Porter she was accustomed to. Maybe people can change this late in life. She hoped dinner would go as smoothly as lunch. This was the first time that she actually felt her father was making an attempt with Tina rather than just his normal tolerance. She decided she was going to hope for the best.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bette walked in the house and found her two favorite girls on the sofa. Tina had been reading to little Katalina.

Tina: Hey, babe. So how did things go?

Bette: Unbelievably well. I think Kit actually enjoyed herself. Her and daddy actually held a conversation with one another, without anyone raising their voices. I was rather amazed.

Tina: So why the surprise visit?

Bette: I havent figured that out yet, T. All daddy said was that he wanted to see his two girls. Can you imagine that? I think maybe hes just worried about getting older and wants to make up for some of the lost time with Kit. It was as though he had forgotten all about the bad times and just wanted to insure that his family was capable of getting along. He invited us all to dinner tonight at the Planet. He wants to check out Kits new business. He seemed genuinely intrigued.

Tina: All as in?

Bette: You, me, Katalina and Kit.

Tina: So you told him about the baby. How did that go?

Bette: Well, at first I thought he was going to do his usual routine of just completely ignoring the subject. But once he got talking about how important family was and I told him that you and Katalina were my family which made you both part of our family, he actually seemed to come around. I guess hes mellowed some. I dont know T, but I get the impression that he is at least trying this visit.

Tina: Im glad baby. I know how much your father means to you.

Bette looks over at the baby.

Bette: How long has she been up?

Tina: For awhile. She nursed and then weve just been sitting here having our own little conversation. Shes been staying awake a little more lately. Why dont you take her before she gets tired again? She hasnt had much time with you today.

Bette came over and picked up little Katalina and held her close.

Bette: Hows my little girl today? You are growing up way too fast for your mommies. You need to slow things down a little sweetie.

Bette spent time with Katalina until she fell fast asleep. She then took her in and laid her down in her crib and came out to sit by Tina.

Bette: So how are you feeling baby?

Tina: Im feeling good babe. Just a little tired. Maybe we should try to lay down and get some rest while shes sleeping. It could be a long night.

Bette: Actually, daddy looked a little tired this trip. I dont think ***** be wanting to stay out very late and he wanted to get an early start. Were supposed to meet them at the Planet at 6:00. Kit is going to pick him up. She wanted to make things easier on us with the baby.

Tina: Well, we can make that work babe. Six actually works much better with Katalinas schedule. I can feed her before we go and she should be on her best behavior for awhile. So what do you say about that nap?

Bette: Only if you can keep your hands to yourself. Im getting really tired of taking cold showers, baby.

Tina: Cant we at least cuddle?

Bette: Only if you promise no funny business.

Tina: You drive a hard bargain Ms. Porter. But I guess I can be good if you can be good.

Bette: Thats what worries me.

The rest of the day went by rather quickly. Due to the excitement of her father seeing little Katalina for the first time, Bette actually managed to keep her desire for Tina in check. Before they knew it they were on their way to the Planet. Bette was kind of glad that her father had wanted to get an early start. This way they could spend some time together before the rest of the gang made their usual nightly appearance. Bette chose a table off to the back corner that would give them a little more privacy once the place began to fill up. She sat Katalinas carrier in a chair between her and Tina. Katalina was wide awake and looking all around. It wasnt long before Kit and Melvin arrived. Kit gave her father a quick tour and then they headed over to join Bette and Tina.

Bette: Hi daddy. Did you get some rest this afternoon?

Melvin: As a matter of fact I did.

Tina: Hello, Melvin. How are you?

Melvin: Hello M(Melvin caught himself as he remembered Bettes words from earlier that day) Tina, Im doing very well, thank you.

Tina smiled at Melvin as Kit came along side her to get a look at the baby.

Kit: Theres my precious little niece. Oh, I dont believe it. You are awake.

Kit looks over at Bette and then at Tina.

Kit: Is it okay if I pick her up?

Tina: Of course, Kit. She is always happy to see you.

Kit: Come here and let Auntie Kit get a good look at you. You are growing so fast little girl. Come with me so I can show you off, you little cutie.

Melvin is sitting back watching the interaction between everyone. He sees the happiness beaming from Bette who is clearly very proud of what she considers her family. He sees how Kit has already become attached to this little girl. Kit walks around the table with Katalina in hand and takes the seat next to Melvin.

Kit: So what do you think of this little one, daddy? Isnt she the most precious little girl you have every seen?

Melvin thinks back to the conversation Kit had with him the last time Bette and Tina had told him they were expecting a child.

You should be careful not to take your anger over what happened between you and me out on Bette. She’s been hurt enough by that. All she wants is your blessing. Why would you deny her that? For biology? Don’t turn Bette away from you because you can’t find it in yourself to accept her situation. She thinks the world of you. You reject her and Tina’s child and that’s just what you’ll be doing. Do you really wanna do that?

Bette is watching her father intently, waiting for his reaction. Tina is doing the same not realizing that she has been holding her breath, while wondering what god awful response this man was going to have that would most likely leave Bette in shambles. Kit, however, being all the wiser, decides to use the pureness of this one little precious baby girl to reach into the depths of an old mans cold and distance heart and work her special magic that she had already done on the others. As Melvin looks at the baby in Kits arms a tear begins to trickle down his cheek. He then surprisingly reaches over and lets this remarkable little girl take a hold of his finger as he looks back at Bette and Tina and smiles.

Melvin: You, know Bette, she looks just like you did when you where a baby, doesnt she Katie.

Kit: Yes, she sure does daddy. The resemblance is uncanny.

Tina takes a deep breath as Bette reaches over and takes her by the hand. Tina is somewhat stunned by Melvins response, but at the same time she is extremely overjoyed as she knows how much this means to Bette. She looks over at Bette, who now has tears flowing down her cheeks. As their hands are intertwined, Tina gently lifts them up and places a kiss on the back of Bettes hand and then gives Bette that loving smile of hers. For a moment they get lost in the love that is pouring out of their souls, until they are brought back by the sound of Melvins voice.

Melvin: So, what made the two of you decide to name her after Katie?

Bette: Actually, it was Tinas idea, daddy.

Tina: Well, when Bette and I were having problems and struggling with our relationship, Kit was really there for me. I dont know what I would have done without her. I couldnt have asked for a better sister-in-law than Kit. She went beyond the call of duty. I just wanted to do something to let her know how special she was to the both of us. And for her middle name we chose Elyssa, a form of Elizabeth, because I wanted Bette to forever have a special closeness with our little angel.

Melvin: Well, I think it is a lovely name. Now Katie, why dont you hand me over my little granddaughter so I can have a chance to spoil her.

Kit gently places little Katalina into Melvins arms as Bette reaches over and places a soft kiss on Tinas lips. Tears are flowing down both Bette and Tinas cheeks as they sit back and watch Melvin Porter bond with his grandchild. This was definitely a milestone with one Melvin Porter. Dinner is then spent with Kit and Melvin fawning over the baby as Bette and Tina sit back and watch with pride. It wasnt long before Shane, Alice, Dana, Jenny and Carmen all made their appearances as they also made over the baby. Melvin was amazed at how close this little group seemed to be and how much love seemed to flow amongst them. He could especially see how much they all loved his little granddaughter as she was passed around between them. However, the excitement of the evening soon became too much for little Katalina as she lost the battle to keep her eyes open. Tina was getting ready to place her in her carrier to let her sleep when she heard Melvins voice.

Melvin: I could hold her if you would like. If that would be all right?

Tina: I am sure she would love that. She likes to feel someone close to her.

Tina smiles at Bette and walks over and places Katalina back into Melvins arms as he smiles down at the little bundle. The girls all decide to go dance as Tina looks over at Bette.

Tina: Would you like to dance, baby?

Bette: T, I dont think that is such a good idea.

Melvin: Oh, nonsense. You two go out there and have some fun. Katie and I will keep an eye on this little one.

Kit: Daddys right. The two of you havent been out forever. It will do you some good.


Tina gets up as she grabs Bettes hand and pulls her along with her to the dance floor.

Bette: T, I really dont think this is such a good idea. Remember our talk about boundaries. This is by far a clear violation of those.

Tina: Ah, baby. Come on. It will be fun. We havent been out dancing forever. Just one dance baby. I promise I will be very good. Besides, what could happen? Your father and your sister are right over there watching us. Its not like we could get into any trouble. Just one simple dance, babe. Ive missed dancing with you.

Bette: Okay, T. Just remember, I tried to tell you that this wasnt such a good idea.

Bette reluctantly goes out on the dance floor as Tina wraps her arms around Bettes neck and they begin swaying to the music. Bette tries to stay focused on the fact that her father is less than fifteen feet away holding her daughter, hoping that this will keep her hormones under control.

Tina: Your father seems to really be taken with Katalina. I am so glad he has accepted our little girl. I bet you are exploding with happiness right about now, babe.

Bette: I am, T. This whole day with daddy has been so surreal. I just hope he stays this way. I told you he seemed to have mellowed out. Im really glad that hes been treating you better, too.

Tina: Everything is finally coming together for us babe. I couldnt be any happier than I am right now.

Tina leans in and places a kiss on Bettes lips. Bette pulls back and looks into Tinas eyes.

Bette: T, what do you think you are doing? You are violating the boundaries again.

As the song begins to end, Bette takes Tina by the hand.

Bette: Come on, T. Lets go back and sit down with daddy and Kit.

Tina: Awww, come on baby. That was really nice, wasnt it? Just one more dance baby..pleeeeeaaaaaasssse?

Bette: Okay, T, but no more funny business or Im going to put you in the cooler.

Tina: Baby, you just need to relax and have a good time. Doesnt this feel good, baby?

Tina once again wraps her arms around Bettes neck. She is slowly getting lost in the music. Bette is hesitantly responding to Tina as their bodies begin to move in unison. Its not long before they seem to become one on the dance floor and Tina begins to grind her body into Bettes as she whispers in her ear.

Tina: God, baby, you feel so good.

Tina then runs her tongue up Bettes neck and over to her ear as she nibbles on her ear lobe. This elicits a guttural moan from deep within Bette. Bette is still fighting to keep some semblance of control. She leans in and whispers into Tinas ear as her breathing is becoming heavy.

Bette: Baby, that was a major violation. You really have to stop

Bette was interrupted by Tina placing a hot passionate kiss on her lips. That was it, Bette could fight it no longer. Her control was out the window. She returned Tinas kiss with a fiery passion as her tongue fought for access to Tinas mouth. The seduction had begun. Bette grabbed Tina by the ***** and pulled her in close as she began to grind back into Tina. It was Tinas turn to moan at the sensation. Bette once again locked lips with Tina as their tongues battled each other for dominance. Tinas hands began their way up under the back of Bettes shirt as she sent shivers down Bettes spine. Bette pulled Tina in closer yet and slipped her hand into the back edge of Tinas pants.

Kit looked out at the dance floor and saw the heated exchange. She immediately understood why Bette had been hesitant to dance in the first place. She tries desperately to get Alices or Shanes attention as she keeps their father distracted. She needed someone to break those two up quickly before things got any hotter. Just as she was ready to get up herself, she got Alices attention and motioned over to Bette and Tina. Alice looked over at them and couldnt believe what she was seeing. Porter was out there practically having ***** with Tina right in front of her own father. She quickly made her way over to Bette and Tina.

Alice: Ummhey guys.I really hate to interrupt, but do you remember where you are at? Not to mention the fact that your father is right over there watching you Porter.

The sound of Alices voice quickly brings them both back to reality.

Alice: Porter, are you trying to give your old man a heart attack. What the ***** do you two think you were doing? I cant believe how close you were to.

Bette: Okay, Al, we get the picture. T, I told you this was a bad idea. God, I cant believe I let you talk me into this with my father right over there watching us.

Tina: Im sorry baby. I guess I just got lost in the moment. I cant help it if I cant keep my hands off you. Its been waaaaaaay toooooooo long baby.

Bette: I know T, which is exactly why I suggested the boundaries.remember? Come on, lets get back over to the table and hope that daddy was too busy watching Katalina, to notice us.

Tina: You might want to go freshen up a little bit first babe, you know, wipe the sweat off your brow. I could go with you and lend a hand.

Bette: Nice try T, but its not going to happen. Besides, I think your hands have done quite enough for one evening. Now lets go and check on the baby.

Bette and Tina walk back over to the table to join the others. Luckily Katalina still had Melvin under her spell and he had no clue as to what was going on around them. However, one look from Kit and Bette knew that she had seen their display on the dance floor. Tina looks down at little Katalina still sleeping soundly in Melvins arms.

Tina: Wow, I cant believe she is still asleep. As late as it is I thought she would be getting hungry by now.

Kit: Speaking of being late, I should really be getting you back to the hotel daddy.

Bette: And we should be getting home, before she does wake up. Thanks for dinner daddy. It was really nice having all of us spend some time together. I really enjoyed it.

Melvin: You are very welcome. I enjoyed it too and I hope my invitation to come by the house is still open. I would love to come by tomorrow and spend some more time with this little angel.

Bette: Of course daddy. We would love to have you come by the house, wouldnt we T.

Tina: Absolutely. You know you are welcome in our home any time, Melvin and your granddaughter would love to spend some more time with you.

Bette takes Katalina from her father and gently places her into her carrier as they all say their goodbyes. Bette, Tina and Katalina head home as Kit takes Melvin back to the hotel.

Kit: Daddy, I dont know what has gotten into you, but I do know that you made both of your daughters incredibly happy today.