FLASH FORWARD… hope you all enjoy! I know its been awhile but I'm trying to update all of my stories! Please REVIEW it really helps… I like to know what you guys are thinking and if its even worth going forward! Love ya'll… hope Mark gets to sing Sweet Caroline in the 100th ep!
And of course, I don't own Glee … sad face.
'Daddy!' The little girl screamed as she ran full speed down the hallway, causing her little red shoes to squeak across the tile.
'Hey Lily Bug…' Puck dropped down to his knees and opened his arms wide for his daughter. 'How was school?' She skidded to a stop before reaching him and instead gave him a huge smile that reminded him of her mother.
'It was soooo cool!' She exclaimed and did a little dance that caused him to laugh.
'Come here!' She looked up quickly as if she had forgotten that he was her destination, smiled again and jumped into his arms. 'I missed you like crazy!' He squeezed her tight and rocked her back and forth playfully until she laughed and tried to push him away.
'I missed you too daddy! You would have had fun with us today… we made you and momma presents but we can't tell you what they are and we can't bring them home until tomorrow because the glue has to dry first and we get to paint them and then that has to dry and we played House and we colored these cuuuuute little bears for a long time and then Mrs. May read to us and we had graham crackers and then we sat on the floor, then we started to learn the calendar and then we came home.' She was out of breath by the time she finished her list. All Puck could do was smile proudly at her. She was definitely her mother's daughter and she had him wrapped around her tiny finger. 'I missed Ethan though… and Sister!'
'I know for a fact that Sister missed you too… she wasn't very happy to have to play dress up with me instead of you.' Puck joked causing Lily to cover her mouth to hide her laughter. 'What? I made a very pretty princess…' He joked just so that he could hear her laugh spill over. Sure enough, her little hand couldn't hide it anymore and she fell into a fit of giggles.
'Princesses are girls… you're a Prince daddy!'
'Ohhhh that's why I looked so funny in the dress…' Her giggles grew and it warmed his heart. 'Come on, let's go pick up Ethan and then we'll go get Stella.' He stood up but kept her on his hip as they walked down a few doors to the other Kindergarten classroom.
'Mr. Puckerman, I'm assuming you're here for little Ethan… let me go find him.' The frazzled, red headed teacher greeted.
'Find him? Shouldn't they like… be all together?'
'Oh yes, they are Mr. Puckerman, don't you worry… Ethan just tends to… well he hides a lot.' She took off towards a little reading nook. Lily looked at Puck, her eyes full of confusion, which he returned. Ethan had never been one to shy away from people. The teacher walked out of the reading area a few seconds later with a brooding little boy following behind her. As soon as the boys hazel eyes fell on the two matching sets that were waiting for him, his whole attitude changed.
'Daddy! Lily!' He cheered and ran to them, wrapping his arms around his father's legs and threatening their balance.
'Hey Little Dude…' Puck bent down and picked him up in the arm that wasn't around his daughter. 'How was your day.' Ethan shrugged and laid his head down on Puck's shoulders instead. Something didn't go well… but instead of asking his son while they were still in the room, he decided to wait until they were back in a familiar, comfortable place. 'Let's go pick up Stella and then… we get to go see Mommy at work!' The kids looked at him excitedly. It was rare that they were allowed to go drop in for visits, but when they did they always had a ton of fun. Plus, both of them missed their mom.
The daycare was only a mile or so from the Elementary so they pulled up in record time. They had their usual routine of getting out of their van down pat so Puck waited by the door while Ethan and Lily unbuckled themselves and then helped them each down.
'I thought you played dress up with Stella?' Lily asked, holding Puck's hand as they walked toward the door. Ethan chuckled at the news.
'I did… this morning. Mommy had a doctor's appointment so I stayed home from work this morning and then after the appointment we dropped her off here before Mom and I went to work. That's why we have to go pick her up… she had Glee so I left work to get you guys.'
'Ohhhhh…' Puck laughed at his daughter and opened the door for them to go inside.
'Hello Mr. Puckerman, Stella's been an angel today like always!' A young brunette greeted. 'Wow, and you brought Ethan and Lily in today! Hey kiddos…'
'Hi Sandra!' They greeted back. They had gone to this daycare since they were little and Sandra had worked there the whole time. They were like a little daycare family. She gave them each a hug and then headed to the back.
'Daddy!' A high pitched voice screamed and just like her sister; little Stella came flying down the hallway. This time Puck barely had enough time to reach down before she was in his arms and had hers wrapped around his neck tightly.
'Hey Baby Girl… did you have fun with Sandra today?'
'Yes! I misseded you… where is Sissy?' She asked looking around, her little curly pig tails bouncing.
'Down here silly goose!' Lily answered happily. Stella looked down and giggled when she realized her mistake. She scrambled against Puck so he would put her down and nearly knocked her sister over in excitement once she was free. 'Calm down Sister.' Lily laughed. Stella shook her head and then ran over and did the same to Ethan. The kids weren't used to being away from each other and today was the just the start. Lily and Ethan were in Kindergarten now (which caused an ache in Puck's heart) and Stella wasn't too far behind… but far enough.
The twins each grabbed one of Stella's hands and looked up at Puck for the okay to head back to the car. He grabbed Ethan's free hand so that they formed a little train and they headed back to the parking lot. The twins helped three year old Stella into her 'Big Girl' Car seat and then buckled themselves up.
'Who's ready to go see mommy?' He asked once they were pulling out and heading towards McKinley High School.
'I am!' They all yelled together causing him to laugh.
'We sing!' Stella cheered and they all laughed but did as they were told.
'What do you guys want to sing?'
'Katy Pe-wy.' Stella answered without doubt.
'Yeah, Katy Perry is always fun!' Lily joined.
'Fiiiiiiirewooooork!' Ethan belted causing them all to laugh. That's his boy; no shame. The four did in fact listen to Katy Perry all the way to the high school and sang as loud as they possibly could. They pulled up after only Firework and California Girls but the songs had the girls dancing around the parking lot and Ethan humming all the way into the choir room.
'If we keep this up, we have a good chance of taking Nationals this year… Marley, you just need to work on putting more of your personality into the performance, Kitty you have plenty of personality but more control over your feelings will really help with your breath control; Ryder, we need to work on your dance skills… apparently Finn… I mean, Mr. Hudson, gave you some tips on how he managed to get through the dance portion of Glee but believe me… he's not a dance teacher for a reason.'
'Mommy, quit being mean to them!' Lily ordered as she walked into the choir room. Everyone turned and watched as Lily, Ethan and Stella ran to their mother. Rachel already knew what kind of force the three of them were when together so she took a seat on the piano bench before they could tackle her. She welcomed them onto her lap and gave them all hugs and kisses, forgetting about the group of teens waiting for her instruction.
'Hellllo Mr. Puckerman…' Kitty greeted Puck in an obviously seductive way as he followed his kids.
'Miss Wilde…' He replied, his attention on his family and not on the blonde. She huffed in annoyance and went back to tormenting her fellow students.
'How was school?' Rachel asked once the greetings were all said.
'I don't like it.' Ethan answered and snuggled against her.
'I loved it.' Lily stated at the exact same time.
'Alright, one at a time… Ethan, what happened baby?' She asked running her hand through his unruly hair.
'I put my glasses on and the kids started laughing at me.' He answered sadly. All of the teens made sounds of sympathy but they were lost on the little boy, he was too busy enjoying the feeling of safety in his mom's arms. Puck looked up at the group and they each started reaching into their bags and pockets; most of them pulling out their own set of glasses. Puck reached into his own pocket and pulled out his dark rimmed glasses then went over and squatted in front of his little boy.
'Ethan, there is nothing wrong with wearing glasses… only cool people wear them. Look, I have some…'
'You're not cool, you're my dad…' Ethan said scrunching his face in confusion. Puck chuckled because seriously… he had officially lost all of his badassness.
'Dads can be cool son… plus, look at all of them. They're football players, cheerleaders, actors and actresses… and look at all the glasses. What you wear isn't what makes you cool… it's your attitude. If you think you look awesome in your glasses then everyone else will think you look cool in your glasses.'
'Yeah?'
'Heck yeah, you're a really cool kid Ethan Puckerman and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.' Ethan hopped off his mom's lap and ran into his dads arms.
'You're cool too daddy… even if you are my dad…'
'Thanks kiddo… now, I think that we should all go to the auditorium and jam out… if that's okay with Mrs. Puckerman.' He looked up at Rachel and she gave him a soft smile.
'Let's do it… everyone could use some fun!' She replied and the teens cheered and headed for the auditorium. Ethan, Lily and Stella ran after them, not needing their parents to lead them when they had a whole group of friends to hang out with. Puck lingered behind with Rachel, helping her off the bench and pulling her into his arms.
'I missed you today.' He whispered before kissing the spot behind her ear. She moaned softly and wilted into his embrace.
'I missed you too Noah…'
'Can you believe our babies are in Kindergarten? It's freaking me out.' He admitted, leaning his forehead against hers.
'Me too, they keep growing so fast… and Stella… she's going to be starting school before you know it… I don't want them to grow up. Can't they stay little forever?' She whined.
'I wish… of course then we'd have four babies in diapers soon and we know how difficult that was with two.' He grinned and rubbed her expanded stomach.
'That's true. Speaking of, we should set up the crib tonight. I feel the need to nest.'
'If you're already nesting we should probably get the bassinet set up too… and get the overnight bag ready… and you should probably take an early nap so that you're as rested as possible.' He added. Rachel was already well into her final month of pregnancy with number four and he knew the signs of impending birth. The first sign is a lack of appetite; he'd been practically force feeding her all week but she honestly just wasn't hungry. When she had been pregnant with the twins, it was the thing that had scared him the most; prior she had been a vacuum and couldn't eat enough, and then suddenly she just stopped; he was scared that if she didn't eat then she would be too weak to have the babies. Of course, she ended up having a c-section anyway and was in perfect health before and after; but it still scared him. Then when it happened again with Stella he realized that it was just what her body did. The second sign was the nesting… she had to make sure everything was perfect. The nursery had to look just right; all of the baby clothes had to hang in just the right order and every toy had to be in a specific place. She'd work for a few hours and then she'd be ready for a nap… sign three. After a couple hours of sleep she'd wake up with the lower back cramps and within 24 they had a brand new, snuggly, crying baby in their arms. It was clear that today was the day and it wouldn't be long before their second son would make his grand debut. Rachel sighed and let him hold her tighter. She rubbed her large belly and then moved her hand to hold her lower back.
'I don't think this boy wants to follow the rules either… my back is already cramping.'
'How long have you been cramping?' He asked and rubbed his hand in hard circles on her back to try and help with the ache. Her face looked guilty.
'Since about two o'clock this morning.'
'Holy shit Rachel, why didn't you tell me? We went to the doctor this morning and everything.'
'I know; I'm sorry… I just know that between you and Dr. Wu I wouldn't have been allowed to come in to work today and I had a lot to do before I have to leave them.'
'How far apart are the cramps?' He knew better. She wasn't having cramps, she was having contractions.
'They're about ten minutes apart. There's still plenty of time.'
'Alright, let's go watch our kids sing and then we'll drop them off with your dad and go get you in bed.'
'That sounds lovely.' They walked hand in hand down the hall of their old school, enjoying the last bit of time they'd have alone together for awhile. They entered the auditorium and the sound of music hit them immediately. The kids must have been waiting for them.
What would you do
If I sang outta tune
Would you stand up
And walk out on me?
Ryder began; his voice deeper than the others made for the perfect stand out moment. Lend me your ears
And I'll sing you a song
I will try not to sing outta key
'Be outta tune'
Marley added, her voice folding perfectly with Ryder's. 'Oh baby high, without no key'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'All I need is my buddies'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'I say I'm gonna get even higher, all I want'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'Whoa-oh whoa-oh, oh yeah'
(Woo-ooo-ooo)
The whole group, along with the three Puckerman babies, sang beautifully. What do I do when my love is away
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
'No-no'
'How do I feel at the end of the day?'
(Are you sad cause you're on your own?)
'l can't, don't even say it no mo'
Unique's soulful voice was a new take on the song but it was beautiful. (By with a little help from my friends) (Do ya need anybody?) (Do ya need any money) 'Baby' (Would you believe in a love at first sight?) (Do ya need anybody?) (By with a little help from my friends) 'Whoa-oh, I'm gonna get on by' 'Thought you were lookin' at the way I feel
'Gonna get by without a friend, with a little tune'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm gonna'
(Try with a little help from my friends)
'People there that I know of'
(Woo-ooo-ooo)
'I need someone to love'
(Could it be anybody?)
'All I need is someone to love'
'Won't you try, oh yeah'
'Some love between your soul, now'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'Say I'm gonna beg you as my friends, with a little help'
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Whoa-ho, I wanna keep on tryin, with a little
(Try with a little help from my friends)
'I'm gonna keep on tryin', now and then'
(Woo-hoo-ooo)
'I'm certain it happens all the time, yeah'
(What do you see when you turn out the light?)
'I can't tell ya, but it sho' feels like mine'
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Don't you know I'm gonna make you a lot happier'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'I'm gonna sing about good-byes'
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Said I'm gonna try and love her too, Lord)
(Woo-hoo-hoo)
'Whoa-ooooh-ooooh, yeah, yeah, yeah'
(Could it be anybody?)
'Oh, it's gotta be someone like you'
'Going to be, but not your lies
Someone better babe, to choose
'Whoa, yeah, yeah'
'Said I'm gonna get by without prayers, little girl'
(Try with a little help from my friends)
'Oh, never want a cheater with lies
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Keep on talking about friends, oh Lord'
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Whoa, you never know it's got no hope'
(High with a little help from my friends)
'I'm gonna keep on trying'
(By with a little help from my friends)
'Gettin' high, I wanna make time, oh Lord'
(Ooo-ooo-ooo)
'Gonna get by with my friends, yeah'
'Yes, I'm gonna get on by, girl'
'I won't sit alone, alone and cry'
'I won't tell you I'm lonely, girl'
'Can't hear me, now'
And the warning sign in my eyes'
'Whoa, I'm gonna take my friends along with me'
'And then away we go'
'Everywhere we go we're gonna be on the same road
Rachel was in tears by the time the group had finished their song and waited with her arms open for all of them to jump down from the stage and give her a giant group hug. Her kids were smashed up against her and she realized that although she'll never take Broadway by storm and have millions of devoted fans; she had more love than she could ever ask for. Her life was perfect.
'Mrs. P, we've been watching you holding your back all day and we could see that you didn't feel well but thank you for being here for us today. Now, go get some rest because I can see the way that Puck is holding you and my guess is that you're going to be having that baby any time now and we want the newest member of New Directions to be here safe and sound.' Ryder stated as everyone backed up. Lily and Ethan's heads snapped up.
'Are you going to have the baby Momma?' Lily asked rubbing her Mommy's tummy. Rachel and Puck smiled at each other.
'Yes baby, we're going to have the baby very soon… as a matter of fact, we're going to go drop you, Ethan and Stella off at Pop's and Popo's house so you can have a sleep over and then hopefully by the time you beautiful angels wake up, we'll have a little brother for you.'
'That's awesome!' Ethan cheered. 'Daddy and I won't be the only boys! We'll be even!'
'Yeah we will Little Dude… three against three!' He gave his son a high five and they both ignored the girls rolling their eyes.
'Boys are still stinky.' Lily chimed in causing Stella to giggle.
'Yeah but our boys are awesome aren't they?' Rachel asked and the girls both nodded their heads.
'That is too cute!' Marley squeaked and everyone chuckled.
'Okay, well… I'm feeling another contraction and that is my queue to head out. I need a warm bath and a good solid nap before this little one decides he's ready and Noah needs to set up the crib.' Rachel announced and tried to stand up. It took the help of Ryder and Puck but soon she was on her feet and waddling to the door with her girls each holding her hands and her son in her husband's arms.
'Bye Rachel!' Her Glee kids shouted as she reached the door and she had to fight another wave of tears. It was going to be at least a few weeks before she'd be back for Glee (longer before she'd be back to teach her English classes) and she knew that she was going to miss them terribly.
The Puckerman's loaded up and headed home first so that Puck and Rachel could pack their kids over night bags. They pulled up to the house and the kids ran inside while Puck helped Rachel out of the van; holding her back and her hand. Once everyone was inside and somewhat settled, they went to work packing three small suitcases in case they had to stay for a couple of days… well, Puck went to work packing three small suitcases while Rachel tried her best to relieve the discomfort she was feeling.
'Baby, why don't you go and sit with the kids? I know you want to spend time with them before Ezra's born and this may be the last chance. I can handle finishing this up… I only have to pack their bedtime stuff and then we can head out.'
'You're right, I need to spend some time with my babies before everything changes for them. I know that they don't understand how different everything is going to be and I don't want them to think that I don't love them or have time for them.' She replied sadly. Puck dropped the pair of Power Ranger pajamas he was folding and wrapped his arms around his wife.
'You're the best mom in the world Rach. Things are going to be different but the kids know that we love them and that won't ever stop; even if we're not able to do a lot of the things we used to do… we'll come up with new things.'
'You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better.' She sighed contently. 'You're the best husband in the world and I'm so proud to call you the father of my children.'
'If you're trying to get me to cry…' He started, '… then you're succeeding.' She chuckled and squeezed him tight.
'I told you that you cried more than me…'
'I haven't denied that in a long time.' He laughed and let her go so that she could go into the living room with the kids. He watched as she waddled away, hand on her lower back and hair falling out of her loose bun. She really was the love of his life and every day he thanked God that he had her by his side. He went back to folding and packing clothes, reminiscing about the last five years and all that he had been blessed with. Of course, like all quiet moments in their home, it was interrupted by the sound of his kids screeching. He chuckled and dropped Stella's bunny slippers onto the top of her suitcase and headed to the living room.
'Ewwww… Mommy had an accident Daddy!' Ezra shouted and pointed his finger at Rachel. She was leaning against the archway between the kitchen and living room, bent over with a pained expression and her free arm wrapped around her stomach. There was liquid dripping down her legs and a wet stain on the carpet. Puck rushed over to her and grabbed hold of her arms and walked her to a dining room chair. He carefully lowered her so that she could sit and immediately filled up a glass of water and brought it to her. She grabbed his free hand and squeezed hard trying to ease her pain. He grimaced slightly at how hard she was squeezing and realized that their time was up. Puck pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed the number he had memorized years before.
'Hey Pops… her water broke. Yeah I know… we haven't even brought the bassinet out yet. We were going to bring the kids over but… awesome, thanks so much. See you in a few.' He hung up his phone and leaned down to kiss Rachel's forehead. There was already a sheen of sweat across it but he kissed it anyway… it was only going to be the first of many sweaty kisses. 'Your dads are on their way Sweetheart. They'll stay here with the kids so we can go to the hospital.' Her eyes were still squeezed tight but she nodded in acknowledgement of what he said. He heard a sniffle and turned to see his kids huddled together on the sofa; Ethan's arm protectively around a teary eyed Lily while a crying Stella lay curled in her arms.
'I-is Mommy going to be okay?' Ethan asked nervously, his little hazel eyes bouncing back and forth between his Dad and his Mom. Rachel let go of Puck's hand and all but pushed him towards their children. He walked over and sat down on the couch motioning for the kids to sit on his lap.
'When a baby is born it hurts… it hurts really bad; but once the baby is born your Mommy loves it so much that she doesn't care that it hurts. I promise that I'll do everything I can to make Mommy comfortable so that we can come home really soon okay?' All three nodded and just sat with them for a moment, holding them close and kissing each one on the head repeatedly. He looked up at one point and saw that Rachel's contraction had passed and she was looking at him with her eyes shining with love. 'Alright kiddos… I think Mommy needs some very careful hugs from her babies.' He whispered and they all jumped up and ran to her.
'I love you so much!' She stated grabbing them and pulling all three into her arms as best she could. 'I'll be okay, I promise and then we'll be home with a brand new brother for you.'
'I love you Mommy.' Lily replied first.
'Me too Mommy, I love you a bunch!' Ethan added.
'Love you Mommy!' Stella added lastly and at the loudest volume; she was definitely never one to be outdone. A knock on the door brought them all out of their family moment. 'I get it!' She yelled and ran towards the door. Puck snatched her mid-stride. She knew better than to answer the door by herself.
'We'll get it together, you know you can't open it by yourself.'
'Sa-wy Daddy… got cited!' He couldn't help but smile at her and kiss her cheek… she was too cute for words sometimes. He let her turn the knob on the door and opened it for her to reveal his father in laws. 'Poppy!' She squealed and squirmed in Puck's arm so that he'd hand her over to her grandfather.
'Hello Stella-Luna… how's my beautiful girl doing today?' Hiram asked as he moved her to his hip so he could give Puck a one armed hug.
'Good! Mommy's having brother!'
'I know, it's exciting huh?!'
'Yeah, it's citing!' Hiram chuckled and handed her off to Leroy so that he could make his way to his other grandbabies and his daughter.
'Hey Lily, hey Ethan… how are my other grandbabies today? Are you guys excited about Ezra?' He squatted down and picked the five year olds up into his arms.
'Yeah but I'm sad…' Lily said; her eyes watery again.
'Why are you sad, Sweetheart?'
'I'm sad because Mommy has to hurt to have him.' She sighed and dropped her head on his shoulder. He rubbed her back in slow circles and looked over at his daughter who was in the middle of another contraction. Her body was shaking as she hid her head in Puck's shoulder; her knuckles white as she squeezed his arms in pain.
'You better get her to the hospital Noah… she's close.' Puck nodded at him then bent down and picked her up out of the seat. Even though she was pregnant, she still hardly weighed anything so he easily carried her towards the door.
'Bye kids, I love you and Mommy loves you… I'll call Pop and Popo tonight before you go to bed.'
'Bye Daddy! Bye Mommy!' The kids yelled in unison as they headed out the door.
'It hurts Noah…' Rachel groaned, her hand knotted in his shirt.
'I know baby… I know.' He put her down gently in the backseat of the car and grabbed the pillow from behind the seat (the trunk area would be McGyver's dream) to put between her thighs. They drove in relative silence all the way to the hospital; the only sounds were the quiet whimpers coming from Rachel when a contraction hit relatively hard. Puck pulled up to the emergency room and practically ran into Finn and Santana. It was obvious that the daddies Berry knew that he'd forget… everything… in this moment. He was supposed to start some kind of Glee tree thing and let everyone know that Rachel was in labor… but honestly… Rachel was in labor; he was having a child and that was way more important than sending a text message to a bunch of nosy people. Well, that might be a bit rude, they were all mostly friends now and he really did care about them… but his mind just wasn't there; luckily his father in laws knew him all too well. He ignored the couple (yeah, that totally happened once Sam realized he was in love with Britt) and reached into the backseat to pull Rachel out. She was in the middle of yet another contraction and he only managed to get her standing before she screamed out in pain and doubled over between him and the car.
'Shit… shit… shit…' She cursed over and over again as the pain washed through her. Once she was calm enough to walk, they headed into the emergency room entrance and got her into a wheel chair. The rest seemed like a blur; there were nurses ushering them through random hallways, asking Puck questions that luckily he had memorized during the twin's pregnancy about allergies and family histories. They finally made it into a room and the same nurses helped Rachel into bed. Before Puck's thoughts could clear she was hooked up to monitors and screaming about how much she hated/loved him.
'Alright Mrs. Puckerman, I'm here… let's take a look and see what we have to work with.' Dr. Wu said about fifteen minutes later. He had been in the middle of dinner with his family when he'd received the call and had gotten there as quickly as possible. 'The monitors are showing some troubling signs here… we may not have a choice but to do a cesarean.' He said seriously and stood up to talk with the nurses.
'What the fuck does that mean Wu?!' Puck yelled, upset that the man would say something like that and then walk away without explaining.
'I'm sorry Puckerman, I needed to make sure that they get the OR ready. The baby is breach and Rachel is progressing too fast for us to get him turned around in time. As long as we get her to the operating room within the next few minutes; everything should be fine.' Puck felt dizzy.
'He was turned this morning.'
'I know Puck; I was the one who looked… this happens sometimes. He might have gotten restless and turned.' Puck nodded but he could feel his breathing becoming more and more difficult. This wasn't supposed to happen. Everything had been going smoothly and there was no indication that there would be any problem. He looked up from his hands to see that they were already in the process of prepping Rachel.
'It'll be okay baby, we know the drill don't we… we'll have this little boy in our arms in no time.' He comforted, squeezing her hand and kissing her forehead. She looked scared but she nodded anyway, trying to believe the words he'd just said.
Two hours later Rachel was back in her original room with Puck tucked in the bed next to her as they gazed down at Ezra Nathaniel Puckerman; 8lbs 2oz, and twenty inches long. He was beautiful. He had the same unruly hair as his three siblings, the same hazel eyes but he was all Ezra. His lips were full and curved into a grin that his parents knew meant trouble, his eyes were curious as if he already wanted to know everything and he was quiet… more observant than anything else.
'He's perfect.' Rachel sighed happily, cherishing the weight in her arms as he squirmed trying to get comfortable in his new environment.
'Yeah he is… he's freaking beautiful.' Puck replied kissing his wife's temple. Their moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door that caused Ezra to whimper. 'Shhhh Ezra, its okay…' Puck cooed and the boy settled.
'I think he just wants to know who it is.' Rachel replied with a chuckle. Puck struggled out of the bed and went over to greet their visitors.
'Daddy…' Ethan whispered and ran into his fathers arms. 'He came before bedtime!'
'I know Buddy, he really wanted to meet you.' Puck opened the door so all three of his children could come in, Hiram and Leroy staying in the hallway so that they could have their 'family time.'
'Where is he Daddy?' Lily asked once they were all lined up in the room.
'Mommy's holding him. We're all going to go see him but only one of you is allowed on the bed at a time, okay?' The kids nodded and walked quietly over to the bed.
'I can't see him.' Ethan complained. Puck chuckled before lifting him up and onto the spot he had just vacated. 'Oh wow, he's way too small to play football with me.'
'Right now he is but he'll grow up fast just like you guys did and then he'll be able to play.' Puck replied softly.
'He's pretty cute… he kind of looks like Stella only chubby and small.' He giggled causing his parents to join him.
'He is chubby but I think he looks more like Lily when she was a baby.' Rachel replied.
'I don't remember.' Ethan shrugged.
'Of course you don't Ethan; you were a baby too.' Lily huffed from her spot by the bed.
'Alright E, let's let your sisters have a turn.' Puck lifted Ethan easily off the bed and replaced him with an excited Lily.
'Oh my goodness, he's so cute!' She whispered happily. 'Hi Ezra, I'm Lily… I'm going to be the best big sister in the whole world. I'll teach you how to write your name and how to make macaroni pictures like Uncle Sammy and then I'll help you beat Ethan at football.'
'You only beat me one time Lil!' Ethan snapped. It was obvious he was still bitter about his sister getting the upper hand.
'Anyway… you have a pretty cool big brother and even cooler big sisters who will help you do all the fun stuff. I love you little Ezzy.' She snuggled her face with his gently and smiled wide when he made a face that almost looked like a smile (it was probably gas but Rachel and Puck were not about to burst that particular bubble). 'I'll let you meet Stella now.' She reached up so that Puck could help her down. Stella was the one that Puck and Rachel were most concerned about. She truly was well behaved but she was the loudest of the three so far and tended to be a bit more… rough than the others (just ask the neighbor's poor kitty cat). Puck sat her down and reminded her that she had to be careful.
'Hi Ezra… you so cute! I want hold you! But you too wittle for me cause I'm too big… I love you…' She reached over and placed a kiss on her brother's forehead before turning to her dad to get her down.
'Good job Stella.' He acknowledged and gave her a raspberry on her cheek that made her giggle.
'He's too wittle… gotta be nice.' She repeated; it was what they'd been telling her for months. Puck smiled and set her down on her feet.
'Alright kiddos, go sit down over on the chair so that we can let Pop and Popo meet Ezra.' They all nodded and ran over to scramble up on the chair. 'Come on in…' Puck announced after opening the door for his father in laws.
'You've done it again Mohawk Boy… gave us yet another beautiful grandbaby to spoil rotten. Thank you.' Hiram said after he'd had a chance to hold his grandson.
'He really is beautiful… you two manage to amaze me each and every time.' Leroy added with Ezra in his hands.
'We do make some pretty amazing kids.' Puck responded, back in his spot next to Rachel on her bed with their three little ones curled up on top of them. They had fallen asleep shortly after their grandparents had come in to meet their new brother.
'Is there room for three more?' A voice chimed from the doorway.
'Of course Santana… you guys can come in… we just have four sleeping babies to watch out for.' Puck called back quietly. Finn and Santana walked in together with Sam trailing right behind them. Leroy smiled at Santana and carefully placed the peaceful Ezra in her arms.
'Wow… he's so chubby.' She said with a smile as ran her finger over his button nose.
'He is… but he's still a handsome little thing.' Rachel added happily as she ran her fingers over Lily's brow.
'Think ours will be this cute?' Finn asked Santana causing everyone to turn and look at them. Her cheeks turned bright red and everyone could see that she was fighting a smile.
'Oh my God, are you pregnant Santana?' Rachel finally asked even though everyone was already thinking it. Santana looked down at Ezra and smiled before nodding.
'I was going to wait to tell everyone… didn't want to take away from this little guy but I guess Finn can't keep a secret to save his life.'
'Congratulations San… Finn…we're really happy for you two.' Puck replied happily. He would have gotten up to give his two close friends a hug but his kids were currently trapping is feet.
'Thanks… we're only about 9 weeks along so we're not ready to make a big announcement yet but you guys are family and after all we've been through together we wanted you guys to be the first to know.' She beamed.
'I can't wait!' Rachel cheered in a hushed whisper. 'Maybe you'll have a little girl and her and Ezzy can be Sweethearts!'
'That would be way too twisted Berry…' Santana replied with a chuckle. She turned and handed the baby to Sam so that he could see him and then went over to wrap Rachel in a hug. 'I'm gonna need your help through all this since you're a pro and all…'
'We are the most badass family in Lima… I think we can help you out.' They all rolled their eyes at Puck's comment but everyone knew deep down that it was the truth. The Puckerman's were the badass family of Lima and their lives were just really getting started…