Holding tightly to each other they stood lost in their thoughts. Bette softly ran her hands underneath the bottom of Tina’s shirt caressing the small of her back.  Tina found herself trembling in Bette’s arms and felt the comfort of her embrace tighten around her.  After what seemed like an eternity, Bette loosened her arms from around Tina.  “Baby we need to eat,” she sighed softly looking deeply into Tina’s hazel eyes. 

“I am pretty hungry actually,” Tina laughed kissing Bette on the chin. 

Just as they were finishing their cheeseburgers Liza began to cry.  “I’ll get her Tina,” Bette said as she stood up and headed to the nursery.  Entering the nursery she picked her daughter up and walked to the rocking chair.  Beginning to rock her Bette asked, “Tina do you want me to bring her to you?”

“I’ll feed her in here,” Tina said startling Bette.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” Bette said as she rose from the chair.  She gestured for Tina to sit in the rocker and carefully placed Liza in her arms.  Kneeling beside the chair Bette began to watch intently as her daughter fed.  Gazing in wonder at the beauty before her she rested her chin against the arm of the chair.  Still feeling like she was somewhat intruding on this she had also realized what a special time it was for them.  To watch the woman you love with your child in her arms was the most touching thing that Bette had even seen.  Suddenly she was aware that Tina had begun to shift nervously.

“What’s wrong baby?” Bette asked softly.

“I’m not really sure,” Tina replied, “It’s just the way you are looking at me.  I feel so open and exposed.”

Bette looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“It’s like you are trying to crawl into my heart and it would be so easy for me to let you.  But when I think about my heart I have to remind myself to slow down, then I remember.” Tina whispered quietly.  I remember everything and it starts to hurt all over again.”

Bette sighed softly and stood up.  Looking at Tina indecisively she leaned over and softly kissed her forehead.  “I’ll be in the kitchen when you are finished,” she said as she turned and left the nursery.