“Yes, that’s all I’m good for. The sex… I know.” T exclaimed.

Chapter 8

“Bette, wait,” Tina urged her dark-eyed beauty. This woman, who stood before her had finally showed her most vulnerable side, had finally showed her the true Bette Porter. She knew that Bette kept a part of her hidden because of what happened in the past, but this person, this woman was Bette Porter unmasked.

Bette searched Tina’s face. “Baby, what it is?”

Tina released Bette’s hand and slowly slid her commitment ring from her left ring finger. “Let me have you ring.” She saw the questioning look that Bette had given her. “Please.”

Bette stood facing Tina. After several tugs of the ring, she slowly eased it off placed it in Tina’s open palm. Bette looked at her bare ring finger, which was slightly swollen now from the tugging. It didn’t feel right to her to be without her ring. She felt empty without it, the ring which was never-ending.

“Now take my ring, Bette.”

Bette took Tina’s ring which she was offering to her and smiled. It finally dawned on her what Tina wanted to do. Her breath caught in her throat and tears began to form in her eyes.

Tina watched as Bette’s eyes began to fill. She took a deep breath and released it. “Bette, you mean so much to me, more than words can say. There are times when I am so overwhelmed by my love for you. Never be afraid to open your heart to me, I will protect and comfort it…” Tina’s throat went dry and her eyes began to fill, but she continued. “Bette, you’re my first, last and forever and here in your most scared place, I pledge myself to you.” Tina slide Bette’s ring back on the left ring finger.

Bette, with her left hand, reached out to Tina’s face and used the pad of her thumb to wipe away the tears flowing freely. Her eyes locked with Tina’s. “I, Bette, promise to be your forever. I love you.” Bette took Tina’s ring and with shaky hands slid the ring back in its proper place. She placed a soft kiss on Tina’s finger and on her lips.