Bette and Tina pulled up to the store to find Alice, Dana, and Shane waiting for them. Bette was surprised, Tina wasnt.

Tina: I hope you dont mind Bette but the Aunts wanted to be here so that could buy presents.
Bette: I think its a great idea T. Im just surprised thats all. This should make for a very interesting shopping experience.

Tina: Oh yea!

They both got out of the car and walked up to their 3 friends. Hugs and kisses all around.

Alice: So Porter, ready to unload that baby?

Dana: Alice, what a way to talk. How are you feeling Bette?

Bette: Like Im ready to explode, and yes I am ready to unload this baby. I cant sleep, I spend too much time in the bathroom and most importantly I cant hold Tina around like I want to.

Tina: Hey we do okay. Dont we?

Bette: Of course, its just Im frustrated not being able to hold you around. My belly gets in the way.

Shane: Guys, while this discussion is fun and everything shouldnt we be inside shopping?

Alice: Once again, Yoda brings us back to the task at hand. Lets go! Whats first on the list?

Bette: Car seat.

They all walked over to the car seat section. There must have been 25 models to choose from.

Bette: Okay, Ive done my research. We have 2 options here: a car seat that snaps into a matching stroller or just a stand-alone car seat.

Shane: Bette, you know if the baby falls asleep in the car you can transfer her to the stroller without waking her up if you get the matching stroller.

Everyone turned to stare at Shane. Alice of course voiced what they were all thinking.

Alice: Where the heck did that come from? How do you know?

Shane: Hey man, Im Yoda. No really, I was in many foster homes growing up and I always volunteered to take care of the babies. They were so little and fragile and I connected with them somehow. So I know a lot about this stuff.

Bette reached over and gave Shane a hug: Im glad someone here has experience. Tina and I can use all the help we can get. Lets do the car seat and matching stroller. Consumer reports rates the Graco brand one of the best. Lets look at them.

They settled on a green and yellow Graco stroller, with added cup/food holders.

Tina: Next on the list is clothes, and blankets. I think the clothes are on the other end of the store.

Bette: Any words of wisdom Shane?

Shane: Dont buy too much one size because babies grow like weeds. Shell be out of the newborn size in no time.

Tina: Okay, just enough so we dont have to do laundry everyday.

Shane: Youll do laundry everyday anyway. Trust me, the stuff just sneaks up on you. The baby could spit up 3 times in one day, so youll go through 3 outfits. Also, get lots of burpies.

Bette: Burpies?

Shane: Its a cloth that you put over your shoulder so when you burp the baby and she spits up it doesnt go on your clothes.

Bette: Got it. Wouldnt want to ruin my overalls and tank tops.

They found the clothes section and thats when all the ooohing and ahhhing began.

Dana: Will you look at how tiny these clothes are? How could somehting be this small? Oooh, look how cute this one is!

Alice: We need to get lots of pinks and yellows. Look at the matching bibs for this outfit. Ahhh.

They spent almost 3 hours in the store. In the end they got everything they needed, included furniture that would be delivered in 6 to 8 weeks. They found a bassinet that they really liked and that was available to take home with them.

Bette: Im exhausted.

Tina, Dana, Alice, Shane: Us too!

Tina: How about we go back to the house and order in some food?

Bette: Sounds like a plan.

They put all their purchases into Shanes truck and started home.

Tina: Shane always amazes me. She doesnt let you see it very often but beneath that exterior beats the heart of a warm, gentle soul.

Bette: T, I think Shane might be the perfect godmother. I know Alice might be upset but I think Shane would be wonderful and it would give her a chance to really be apart of a family. Give her a sense of belonging. Id like for us to give her that.

Tina: Thats a wonderful idea Bette. Shell be great. Do you want to talk to her when we get back to the house?

Bette: Yes. Thanks for today babe, and thanks for including the gang. They made it fun.

Tina: Well, here we are, home sweet home.

Tina jumped out of the car and went over to Bettes side to help her with the few packages she had in her lap. As Bette got out of the car a sharp pain hit her like a tidal wave. She stepped back and fell back into the car seat. She felt wetness between her legs.

Bette: T, my water broke. *****, this is too early!

Tina: It will be fine Bette, youre just a few weeks out.it will be okay.

As Shane pulled into the driveway, Tina ran over.

Tina: Its time guys, Bettes water just broke. Follow me to the hospital. Oh, Alice can you call Dr. Wilson?

Tina got back into the car and started the drive. She looked over at Bette, who was now white as a sheet.

Tina: You okay babe. Take deep breaths to relax.

Bette: Im scared T, I dont feel right. I think something is wrong.

TBC
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Imagine my surprise one day when I found my story mentioned on the TwoP Forum. I have been lurking there almost from the beginning and I know that some of you here participate on the board(you know who you are!). My hats are off to you folks. intelligent dialogue on the show that has somehow continued well after the show has completed its first season. Keep it going, I find the posts so entertaining. By the way, I love the sprack.