Chapter 158

Bette and Tina continued to look into each others eyes.

Bette reached out and touched the tip of Tina’s nose with her finger. She then caressed Tina’s cheek. She smiled “What a perfect gift Tina….what a beautiful gift.” Bette kissed Tina. “I can’t believe you did that. Our family tree…perfectly engraved and with everyone on it. Everyone.”

“It’s a work in progress Baby.” Tina smiled at Bette through her still streaming tears.

“T…you …you….had everyone put on it.” Tears filled Bette’s eyes again.

“Ummmm…yeah…I had to…I couldn’t just forget.”

“It’s such a beautiful gift Tina…and when I saw that…I….”

“I know Baby….after I had it done…I cried every time I looked at that little engraved plaque.”

“Tina…it says….” Bette found it difficult to speak through her tears. “It says…’Our little boy – we’ll never forget’.

“Yeah…that’s what it says…it’s ok isn’t it?”

“Ok? Tina…I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift….and to include our precious baby boy…I…”

“Shhhhh. He’s always with us Baby….he will be. I know we’ll never forget. And now everyone who sees our family tree will remember too. It wouldn’t be complete without him.”

“No…it wouldn’t be complete T…thank you so much for the beautiful gift. I love you.”

“Bette….the ring.”

“Yes?”

“It’s an eternity ring….with a gem stone for everyone in our family….”

“And for our closest friends. It was going to be a mother’s ring…..”

“It’s a family ring.”

“Yes…and each gem stone represents a different person. And rather than go with birth stones….I chose what I thought were the most beautiful colors…each person having their own stone.”

“So which stone goes with which person Baby?”

“This took alot of time and thought ..but I tried to match the stones with the people….like this….

Dad – Onyx – steadfast – he’s become like the cornerstone of the family foundation. Black magic!

Mom – Diamond – beautiful – pure – she gave me you T.

You – for you – Ruby – symbolizing my deep love for you – our committment – our passion.

Me – Fire Opal – for those who enjoy life – powerful and vivid – I love my life.

Our little boy – Aquamarine – blue – for our boy – our first little boy.

Taylor – Rose Zircon – pink – for our first precious little girl – delicate – sweet.

Dylan – Blue Topaz – for our precious little boy. All boy – energetic. So true.

Rene – Opal – beautiful – as I’m sure our little girl is going to be – changing colors all the time – very special.

Sammy – Sapphire – deep blue for him – heavenly – like the evening sky.

Dante – Ametrin – spinning the color purple into gold – a very special little boy.

Kit – Turquoise – a piece of the sky – a fashion statement!

Shane – Mandarin Garnet – for her joy of life and individuality.

Dana – Jade – the Chinese stone of heaven – beautiful – genuine.

Alice – Robelite Tourmaline – for those with a great appreciation of inner life – even if I want to smack her sometimes!

Tim – Topaz – deep and masculine – like sunset.

Jenny – Paraiba Tourmaline – symbolizing energy – hopefully she’ll learn to control some of it!

Marina – Amethyst – royal, deep.

And for all of us:

Peridot – light and free – vivid green.

Green Tourmaline – symbolizing the miracle of life – we’re blessed.

Citrin – yellow and calming – mellow.

Lapis -deep blue – for friendship and truth – our world.

Tina looked at Bette and smiled. “Wow…you really put a lot of time into that didn’t you?”

“I wanted to….for you.”

Tina moved closer to Bette and kissed her passionately. “Baby….I want to make love with you…now…ok?”

“I’d love that T.”

“Before we do….will you please put the ring on my hand.”

Bette slid the ring on the index finger of Tina’s right hand. “And this is where it will stay….for eternity!”

Tina looked at her hand and whispered. “For eternity….for eternity.”