AN: Hi, everyone! After I posted my new story, I received multiple messages regarding Life as a Hudson. I do not plan on updating that one again, but because you all took interest, I've decided to remove the new story, and turn it into this. It will be very similar – very cheesy and family oriented – just like the last, and I also have some drama/plot twists up my sleeve. The chapters will be shorter, so that you get them faster, and as always, I own nothing. I hope you enjoy!
"Rach?"
Finn summons his wife into the master bedroom, desperately seeking her guidance.
"Have you seen my-"
She appears in the doorway, keys dangling from her finger, and he can't help but sigh in relief. His Rachel – she thrives on organization. Labeling all the cabinets, making lists, color coding their crazy cat calendar… It's like her hobby. And every item they own has a designated spot. So, the fact that she's already on top of this situation, doesn't surprise him in the slightest.
"What would I do without you?"
"Now, that-" She responds. "-you're never gonna find out."
They share an amorous grin, meeting for a prolonged kiss on the lips, and it isn't until their daughter obtrudes, that they pull apart for some very much needed air.
Liliana Belle Hudson graced the pair with her presence, the night before Finn graduated from college with a degree in fire science. He and Rachel were young (and naïve), and had been living paycheck to paycheck in a shoebox sized apartment at the time. However, adoption wasn't open for debate. She was the result of their reckless behavior, and a total blessing in disguise. And no, they couldn't afford name brand onesies and top of the line products, but they could spoil her with their love. They had each other and their beautiful baby girl, and that's all that mattered.
"Daddy," She murmurs. "Are you leaving us again?"
His heart nearly shatters.
This is by far, the hardest part about being a lieutenant and trained emergency medical technician – saying goodbye – because the moment is so bittersweet. He feels guilty, for as a married couple, he and Rachel are supposed to share the responsibilities, and she's constantly forced to handle them all. And he misses her, and the little family they've created, but at the same time, he's finally satisfied with his career.
"I'm afraid so."
Her face suddenly crumbles, and Lily starts to cry.
"Don't be sad," Rachel coos, picking the six-year-old up. "He'll only be gone a few hours."
Her husband is too proud, so she'll never admit this aloud, but she hates his choice in occupation. It's nerve-racking on her part, and it's extremely dangerous on his. They're often unable to see, or reach him for long periods of time, and she's always jumping to the worst conclusions. Teaching, though he did find some pleasure, just hadn't been the right fit either.
"I don't want him to go."
"But daddy needs to work," Rachel explains. "He needs to make money, so that we can buy food and pay for the house."
"And from what I hear, mommy has a very exciting day planned. You're going to get your nails done, get a haircut, and you even get to go see the baby - make sure that he or she is healthy and strong."
She merely sniffles, a fresh wave of tears rolling down her cheeks, and he takes this moment, to wipe them away.
"I'll be the least of your worries."
"That's not true," Rachel replies. "We always think about daddy, right?"
Lily nods.
"And we sleep with your pillow."
"Is that why I keep blowing glitter out my nose?" Finn asks, placing both hands on hips. "Because you two are spreading your girly dust?"
"No."
She giggles softly, and the sound is like music to their ears.
"He's only teasing," Rachel says, kissing her on the temple. "But he should be on his way to the station. So, let's go wake your sister, and then we'll head downstairs for breakfast, okay?"
She nods once more, being placed on her feet, and together, they then make their way across the hall.
Ava Claire Hudson made her entrance into the world, the morning after Rachel was nominated for best leading actress in a musical. She arrived earlier than expected, weighing only a couple pounds at birth, and as a result, suffered from respiratory distress syndrome, due to her lungs being underdeveloped. She was tiny, and her immune system was very weak. But despite all the grueling setbacks, she still managed to capture both of her parents' hearts.
"Rise and shine!"
Upon hearing her father's voice, the toddler stirs, stretching her tight limbs, and Finn can't resist the urge to tickle her on the belly. She giggles in response, opening her eyes, and he briefly wonders just how he got so lucky. His wife is undoubtedly the light of his life, and out of all the daughters that currently exist, he's fortunate enough to call the two most adorable, his own.
"Are you ready to get up?"
She motions to be held, and he takes that as a yes, quickly hoisting her body up onto his hip. They then follow Rachel down to the kitchen, where a mysterious package waits on the counter. It's addressed to the Hudson's, wrapped in sparkly red paper, and Lily is completely caught off guard.
"Where did it come from?"
"I-I don't know."
Finn plays dumb - for in just a few short hours, they're really leaving to go on vacation. It's an attempt of sorts, to not only reunite with their friends from high school, but the world outside their busy (but perfect) little bubble. And to make their experience even more unforgettable, he and Rachel planned to surprise their daughters, with the news.
"Did you get us a kitten?"
Lily stands on her toes, reaching for the package, and he can't help but frown in response.
"We're not adopting an animal."
"Says you."
Rachel provides her assistance, before turning to glare at her husband.
"You're currently outnumbered."
"The baby doesn't count," He argues. "It isn't even here yet."
She rolls her eyes.
"Either way, we still have you beat."
He puts Ava down, biting his tongue – because there's no way in hell, he's testing those hormones – and together, the girls open their package. On the inside, they then find their tickets into the parks (magic bands – blue for Finn, pink for Lily, purple for Ava, and yellow for Rachel).
"What am I supposed to do with this?"
"You're supposed to wear it-," Rachel explains, hooking Ava's on her wrist. "-and use it to get in."
"Get in where?"
"Where do you think?" Finn asks, crouching to their level. "Look at your band."
Lily does as she's told, and there's a small Mickey head engraved in the side (dead giveaway), but she still fails to guess correctly. He sighs in frustration - for at this point, he and his wife are both very anxious, and they know that Ava won't have a clue. She's much too young to understand, and merely plays with the paper instead.
"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?" Rachel questions. "You've been asking daddy and I to take you here for months, but we always said no because of work."
She shrugs.
"It starts with the letter D…"
"Disney?" Lily answers, turning to look at Finn. "We're going to Disney?"
He nods.
"Your wish is finally coming true!"
Her face suddenly crumbles, and Lily starts to cry (again). But this time, they're happy tears, and Rachel is relieved. They did not want to have to cancel their reservation – not after all the money they spent. For it just so happens, that the most magical place on earth, is also the most expensive.
"You're just full of emotion this morning, huh?" Finn questions, pulling her into his arms. "You have a lot to express."
"I'm sorry."
Liliana sniffles, and Ava – in her two-year-old language – complains that she's hungry (like father, like daughter). She has no interest in what they're discussing, so Rachel peels her a banana, to keep her distracted.
"Don't apologize, honey."
"Besides-" Finn continues. "-we're going to meet the princesses... Who wouldn't be excited?"
The six-year-old giggles.
"Can I bring my new polaroid?"
"We'll discuss that later," Rachel replies. "Let's just get to where we need to be, do what we have to do, and come back home. I still need to pack, finish cleaning, and drop Grimsby (their fish) off at the neighbors."
"Okay."
She runs away, in search of her backpack – for she needs a pencil and paper, to make a list of items she wants to bring on their trip – and Ava follows behind, her sticky hands in tow. Finn stands up straight, checking all of his pockets, and he's about to file a claim, when Rachel throws him, his keys.
"Seriously, what would I do without you?"
Her head shakes in disbelief, and he gives her one last kiss on the lips, before heading out the door.
"I'll see you in a bit!"
AN: Your reviews let me know that you're reading, and they also encourage me to write more. So, please feel free to tell me your thoughts! And because you've made it all the way to the end, here's a little sneak peek of part two: Rachel puts Finn to the ultimate test!