Whatd ya think, Ebananas or apple sauce?

Elijah giggled, kicking his chubby legs and stretching his arms in his carrier perched up on the kitchen counter. Tina thought she would dissolve into a little puddle at her sons toothless smile. She put down the two containers of baby food she had been holding up for Elijahs approval and gave him a big smooch on the cheek. I swear its not just because youre mine, but you are absolutely adorable. Elijah gurgled again, blowing a little bubble of spit right into Tinas eye. Alright, hon, is he ready? Bette stepped into the kitchen sporting her black razorback one-piece, legs glistening with chlorine pool water. Tina turned around, hiding Elijah behind herself and pleading with Bette, Baby, you cant be serious, hes too little. Bette shoved Tina to the side and flashed Elijah her thousand-watt smile, Mommys such a big party-pooper, right E? Mamas got you.

Tina: Let me at least give him a little snack before her goes in

Bette: Right, because that wouldnt be counter-productive.

Tina: Can we do this another dayplease?

Bette: But, its beautiful outsidethe sun has warmed the water to perfection!

And with that Bette pulled Elijah out of the carrier. He was already strong enough that he could keep his back straight and his head up. Bette held his bottom in the crook of her elbow and grinned at Tina as Elijah babbled with excitement. Tina couldnt help but smile at Bette, flush with excitement about giving their son his first swimming lesson, and Elijah in her arms, naked as a jaybird and fisting one of his mothers curly locks. Bette leaned forward and planted a kiss on Tinas forehead, then tipped Elijah forward for a last kiss from his birthmother.

Bette babbled in baby talk with every step into the glittering water, and it proved a successful distraction. Elijah was so caught up in watching and laughing at Bettes funny faces that he never realized he was all of a sudden neck high in the water. Tina sat on the edge of the pool, watching as Bette whirled around in the water. After some time, Bette swam over to her with a distressed look, Tcan you just grab him for a minute, I have to pee. Tina smirked, So peehe probably has several times already. Bette used her free hand to splash a hearty amount of water at her partner. Finefine, Tina protested, sliding into the water with a look of defeat. Bette handed Elijah over and scampered of the pool, much to the boys displeasure. He started whimpering and wailing, looking at Tina and then at the quickly retreating Bette with the most adorable frown youve ever seen.

Tina was lucky his favorite bath toy was nearby (Bette had dumped all of them in the pool, Its like a super-sized bath time, she reasoned), so she grabbed it and started waving it around in front of Elijahs face. The big tears stopped instantly as he became entranced with the pink and purplewhatever the ***** it was, but he loved it. By the time Bette came back, Elijah was once again blissful splashing around with Tina. The three of them romped around for another good half-hour. Tina played the overly protective mother shtick to perfection, howling and glaring at Bette every time Elijah was tossed to high into the air or he swallowed a little water. Once he started getting a little fussy, they both knew it was time for his nap. Tina whisked him away into the house, and Bette offered to whip up a quick snack. Bette was done with her sandwich and contemplating taking a nibble off of the one across from her when Tina rounded the corner. What took you so long? Bette asked, glancing guiltily at her empty plate. I rubbing some lotion on himI dont want his skin to dry out. Bette smirked and pointed at the unharmed sandwich, inviting Tina to dig in while she cleaned up.

Bette: I cant believe how strong his legs aredid you see him kicking!

Tina: (chewing) Yeahif someone was hurling me 10 feet into the air, Id be kicking my legs too.

Bette: The needs rough play to develop his gross motor skills, unless you want him to grow up to be a big sissy.

Tina: Gross motor skills? Where the heck did you hear that?

Bette: I read it.

Tina: Where?

Bette: In one of the ten-thousand books on babies and parenting youve bought since we found out you were pregnant.

Tina chewed silently, realizing that shed been backed into a corner. She had to admit; she loved pointing out how, according to all her books, Elijah was so advanced on all of his development milestones. Bette sat back down at the breakfast table, smiling smugly, daring Tina to even think about arguing any more. Thanks for the sandwich, Tina said through a mouthful. Bette winked, gave her a big sloppy kiss on the forehead, and then sauntered off, I think I could use a nap too. Tina finished eating her sandwich, and checked in on Elijah one last time before going to the bedroom herself.

Bette had changed into a tank and some shorts and was curled up on her side, her hair leaving a huge wet spot in the pillow. Bette, youre getting the bed all wet, Tina chided, arms akimbo. Bette glared in return, Youve got this nagging mother thing down, dont you. Tina huffed and disappeared into the bathroom, returning with a towel, Put this under your head please. Bette didnt reach for the towel Tina offered; instead she lifted her head an inch or so, waiting with eyes closed for Tina slip it onto the pillow. Insulted, Tina opted for jumping on top of her and trying to smother her with it. The rolled around for a few minutes until Bette managed to pin Tina down and grab a hold of the towel. I should make you eat this, she panted with an evil grin. I dare you, Tina retorted defiantly. Bette grabbed the towel in her fist, freeing one of Tinas hands, which she then employed to tickle Bettes sides.

Tina now had the advantage and flipped their positions while Bette tried desperately not to squeal. Shhhyoull wake him, Tina said with her lips pressed to Bettes cheek.

*

Fingers weave together, legs entwine as soft moans float on the cool breeze whispering through the windows. Bette pushed the blonde hair aside, sighing in approval of tender lips that caress her skin: first her neck, then her cheek, lastly her ear. I love you. Words as natural and necessary as the breath they travel on, and Bette does not cease to repeat them as she envelopes her lovers lips with her own. Tina savors the kiss, allows Bette to slide her tongue into the recesses of her mouth. Her hands slipping underneath the waistband of Bettes shorts momentarily still as she becomes lost in Bettes mouth. But what is gentle soon flares into heated passion. Kissing is no longer enough: Bette hungrily seeks Tinas *****, squeezing and kissing and nipping until shes had her fill. Tina muffles her cries in Bettes hair, burying her face in the raven curls.

Arms and legs tangle, pawing and touching and caressing until clothes are shed and their burning desire is made bare. Bette slides a hand up Tinas thigh, dips down and touches her core; Tina mimics this action, at long last piercing Bettes very soul with her fingers. They rock together, stroking each others bodies, feeling and touching what only belongs to them. And they become lost in the moment, panting hotly, kissing blindly, holding each other, branding the others skin with the heat of their own. No words are said because their eyes communicate it all: the hope, the desire, the love. And as Tinas body begins to shiver, Bette clasps her neck and pleads breathlessly, Look at me. They writhe together, shudder and moan in concert; a beautiful dance which only they can share.

I love you, Bette.

I love you, T.