“You mentioned that you’re doing favors in the art world, but aren’t working.”

“Right now I’m looking for that perfect job that speaks to my passions, that will have some meaning and really give me a sense of purpose, in my career as well as making a contribution to the art world and society at large.”

“That’s lofty, but what about your contribution to this extraordinary family of yours?  It doesn’t look like the baby’s mother is going to be doing anything anytime soon.”

Bette stared into Collie’s eyes before answering.  “I know th-that you said legally I’m not Angelica’s mother, but in my eyes, in Tina’s eyes, in the eyes of our family and friends, I’m this baby’s mother, too.  But, to answer your question, I’ve been offered a number of things, but I do have the luxury at this time to be a bit choosey about the offer I accept.”

“How is that, Bette?  From what I read in your original application, you were paid in full through the end of your contract at that little museum you were fired from.  With a new baby and your roommate, excuse me, your domestic partner in here, I would imagine that your money is already running low.”

Bette smiled.  “We have insurance and my father passed away recently.  His estate was rather substantial.”  Bette didn’t go into how things were set up.  Her mind hadn’t completely wrapped around some of the things her father had done.  Daddy had left her wordless when she learned of his eleventh hour deeds.  The night before her father had moved into Bette’s house, he had sent for his lawyer, Julian Abernathy.  Abernathy took the late flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles with the requested papers in hand.  Melvin Porter had his attorney add a codicil to his Will as well as setting up a Trust Fund.  Both provisions involved “the child of Tina Kennard.”  Daddy had refused to acknowledge Tina as Bette’s significant other until his very last moments on earth, but at some point he realized the importance of this unborn child in his own daughter’s life.  She couldn’t help but be reminded of two of her last conversations with her father.  The first one, she reiterated that although he might be ashamed of her due to the life she was leading with Tina, she was his daughter and proud of the person she had become.  The second conversation, Bette had thought Melvin lucid, but he was hallucinating—thinking he was talking to his former wife and begging her to take care of his little girl, Bette.  Bette wanted to believe that the supplement to his Will and the Trust Fund were her father’s attempt at doing the right thing for her child, the way he had done with David, Kit’s son.  Even if he strongly disapproved of Bette’s relationship with Tina, he knew it was honorable to acknowledge the place the child would have in his own daughter’s heart.  If nothing else, Melvin Porter was a thinking man and could be persuaded by his intellect to do what was right.

“And your insurance ends when?”

“My agreement with the CAC keeps me and my domestic partner insured through the calendar length of my last contract.”

“Then what happens, Bette?  What are you going to do when you’re no longer covered?”

“COBRA—Continuation health coverage.  I’ll buy into that, pay for it.  Ms. Collie,” Bette began, shaking her head, “I-I really don’t think that this has anything to do with the second parent adoption process.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.  It does.  The County of Los Angeles needs to know that the household can indeed take care of this child.”

Angelica began to cry and Bette bounced her lightly in her lap.  Her focus turned from Collie to her daughter and she kissed her fingers and the top of her head and then her fingers again.

“I can assure you…” 

Collie shook her head and pointed at Angelica.  “Can you put her down?”

“Where do you suggest I put her?”

“No crib.”  Collie frowned.  “Assurances.   Frankly, Bette, I can do without your assurances.  You seem to be walking through life with rose-colored glasses on.”

“I beg to differ.  I’m more than aware of the current situation.”