So here is the last part of the Story! Thank you all for the reviews and support, I cherish every single one of them. I hope you al like this chapter!:)


.

.

..

PART III

..

.

(Five Years Later)

.

"Now the assignment is that you bring a picture to class of the person who is your hero. It's like a show and tell, you'll show us the picture and tell us why this person is your hero," Ms. Wallabee explained.

Beth licked her lips nervously and her eyes darted to the clock on the wall. She looked back at her kindergarten teacher and then back at the clock, it was almost time. She continued to stare at it helplessly.

"Elizabeth Lopez."

Beth whipped her head around to stare at her teacher. She had her brows furrowed with her hand in her hips.

"Yes Ms. Wallabee?" Beth asked innocently.

"Are you paying attention to what I am saying?" the teacher scolded.

Before Beth could answer, the bell rang and that was her queue. Beth immediately grabbed her pink backpack and darted out of the room like a rocket. She ran down the hallway, not caring if her teacher called her name behind her. She pushed her way through the 1st and 2nd graders as fast as she could until she reached room 23.

Beth hurried into the classroom, she was hoping to find the class room empty but pouted when she saw that there was still a boy talking to his teacher.

"So I could use my fingers to count the addition problems?" the boy asked his teacher.

"If it's easier for you I don't see why not."

Beth grunted in frustration making her presence known as she approach the pair.

"Thanks, you're the best Mrs. Lopez," the boy smiled and gave his teacher a quick hug.

"You're welcome Seth, and don't forget to do your homework," Quinn smiled.

"I will," The boy called out on his way out.

As soon as the boy was out of the room Quinn turned to Beth. "And you young lady, what are you doing here? You know you're not allowed to leave your classroom without an adult," Quinn scolded, "Just because I teach here too doesn't mean you can get away with things. I am going to have to call Ms. Wallabee and let her know you're with me."

"But, mommy, it's Monday!" Beth exclaimed. "We have to hurry and get home!"

Quinn pursed her lips, "You're right it's Monday."

Quinn immediately packed up all her papers and folders into her messenger bag. "Let's lock up."

Beth knew the drill. As her mom packed her stuff, Beth quickly shut the windows and turned off the lights. Quinn grabbed her bag and then took Beth's hand in her other hand. She locked the room to her classroom and then she and Beth rushed to her car.

As they were rushing down the hall, Ms. Wallabee was coming towards them at an opposite direction.

"Mrs. Lopez if I could please have a word with you," Ms. Wallabee began.

"Can't. It's Monday," Quinn said as they walked right past her.

Both blondes quickly ran to the parking lot and got in the car. Quinn began to drive and head their way home, she could tell that Beth was really anxious.

"Faster mommy," Beth pleaded.

"I'm trying baby," Quinn huffed.

After what seemed like forever, they finally reached home. Quinn didn't even bother parking the car in the garage, she just parked it right outside. As soon as Quinn opened the door Beth rushed inside and straight into the den, Quinn was not far behind her.

"Mommy hurry!" Beth urged.

Quinn rushed to the seat near the desk, she pulled Beth on her lap and opened the laptop. Beth hummed impatiently as Quinn surfaced the web.

"Can we now?" Beth asked.

"Hold on a sec," Quinn hushed.

Quinn felt her heart beat as she pressed the final click. And then a screen took over the webpage, and Santana appeared.

"Mami!" Beth squealed in delight.

Santana smiled, "Hi baby girl! My goodness, don't you look pretty in those pig tails!"

Beth giggled, "Mommy did them for me."

Santana's eyes shifted from Beth and landed on Quinn, a goofy smile spread across her lips, "Well your momma's looking mighty fine."

Beth giggled as Quinn chuckled. "Hey babe," Quinn smiled. "How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm good, you know, just missing you guys...a lot," Santana said. "But tell me, how are you guys? How's the teaching going? How are the classes?"

"Teaching is going well, it feels like I finally found my piece of the sky," Quinn smiled.

"I bet," Santana beamed before turning to Beth, "How about you, little Q? How's your class?"

Quinn cleared her throat, "Someone left their class again without an adult."

Beth pouted, "But it's Monday...and Monday's are the days we Skype with Mami at 3 and I didn't want to be late."

Santana gave her a sad smile, "I promise that I will always Skype with you on Mondays, doesn't matter time okay. Stay out of trouble will ya?" Beth nodded. Santana stared into her screen, staring at both of the girls that she loved with all of her heart, she couldn't help but have a sad smile. "I wish I could touch you guys," Santana said as her hand reached out for the camera.

"I wish you were here," Quinn said softly. "We really miss you San."

"I know baby I know," Santana sighed, "but you know I have to be over here for a couple more months and then I can get discharged. I promise once I'm home for good I will spend every second with both of you."

"When are you coming home?" Beth perked up, "My birthday is next week."

Santana chuckled, "Yeah and you're going to be an old grown up, huh? How old? 6?"

Beth nodded eagerly, "Uh huh. Mommy is making a party for me and all my friends are going! There's going to be her and Auntie Rachel, and Uncle Kurt, and Uncle Mike, and Auntie Tina, and Auntie Cedes! Even Uncle Finn and Uncle Puck!"

Santana nodded and smiled at her little girl, "Well if you must know I had your mommy get you a present from me. You'll like it a lot, kid."

Beth's brows went up in confusion, "You're not coming?"

Santana cleared her throat and sighed sadly, "I'm sorry baby girl."

"But-but you missed thanksgiving and Christmas, you have to be here for my birthday!" Beth pouted, her lip began to quiver.

"Beth honey, you know Mami doesn't get to choose when she comes home," Quinn tried.

Tears were now running down Beth's cheeks and she began to sob quickly.

That broke Santana's heart.

"Beth if I could be there I would. I'm so sorry baby girl."

"I don't want a party then," Beth cried. "I just want you to come home!"

"I promise I will come home soon," Santana said.

"No! You always promise that but you never do! You always break your promises," Beth cried and got off Quinn's lap and ran out the room.

Santana let out a defeated sigh and tried to control her tears from spilling.

"I'll talk to her, Santana," Quinn said.

"I always do break my promises don't I?" Santana ask quietly.

"Hey don't worry about that okay? Focus on coming home to us safely," Quinn said firmly.

"Tell her I'm sorry babe, let her know that I love her," Santana pleaded.

"Of course I will," Quinn said with a small smile. "She loves you too you know."

Santana didn't say anything for a moment she stared at Quinn for a few seconds. "You look beautiful," Santana said.

Quinn come feel herself blush, even after all this time Santana still managed to get a reaction out of her.

"I love you."

Quinn smiled and reached for the camera as if she were to touch Santana, "I love you so much, Santana. Please come home to us soon."

"I promise I will... And that's a promise I will keep," Santana said softly.

Quinn heard in the background some call Santana and figured that her time was up. Santana turned back to the camera and Quinn knew she had to go.

Quinn blew a kiss to Santana, "I love you, baby."

Santana pretended to catch it, "I'll call tomorrow night and every night just like I always do. I'll Skype with you next Monday at 3 like always... I love you and Beth."

Quinn smiled, "Be safe."

Santana flashed her one last smile before she exited out of the screen. Quinn let out a shaky sigh and tried to contain her tears. She shut the laptop instead and went to go find Beth. She made her way through the house and found her lying down in her room, she was wrapped around one of Santana's Raiders jackets. She knew that Beth's loved that jacket, she loved it since the second Santana first wore it at an Oakland Raiders game.

"It feels like you never take off that jacket," Quinn commented as she entered the room and went to go sit on the edge of the bed.

Beth snuggled herself more into the jacket but didn't respond.

"Mami told me to tell you that she loves you," Quinn began.

"Is she mad at me?" Beth cried softly.

Quinn wrapped her arms around her daughter. "No of course not. Santana understands why you're upset but you also have to understand that it's not her choice when she can come home. If it were up to Santana she would be home with us all the time...but it's not baby. So I need you to be a little understanding."

"I didn't get to say goodbye," Beth pouted.

"Well how about we send her a picture of you and you can send her a small message apologizing?" Quinn proposed.

"Will she get it?" Beth asked.

"Hopefully," Quinn said with a small smile.

The rest of the afternoon went by like normal, of course after Beth sent Santana a picture of herself in the baggy jacket with an apology for yelling at her. Quinn helped Beth with her homework. Right now Quinn was looking through the photo albums. She was looking for a picture of Santana for Beth. Beth chose to do her hero on Santana and had asked Quinn for a picture of her.

Quinn smiled as she went through the pictures, there were some of Santana and her, Beth, and Santana, Quinn, and Beth. Quinn couldn't help but reminisce when she came to a stop at a certain picture. She was on Santana's back and a one year old Beth was hugging on tightly to Santana's leg. Santana had just come back from AirBorne School and gave Quinn the surprise of her life.

Flashback.

"Quinnie, you're pouting again," Judy Fabray commented as they made dinner. "Come on tell me what's wrong?"

Quinn took a deep breath, "I haven't heard from Santana in two weeks."

"I wouldn't worry," Judy shrugged. "I'm sure she'll call soon."

"Will she? What if she forgot about me?" Quinn asked.

"Oh Quinnie, you are the reason she's doing this. She would never forget about you. I'm sure she's just really busy," Judy tried.

"Yeah I guess," Quinn shrugged.

At that moment the doorbell rang.

"Here let me go get that," Judy said.

Quinn just nodded and continued chopping the vegetables. She sighed and finished up, she was gonna go check on Beth, who was asleep in the play pen. When she entered the living room she chuckled at herself when she found Beth awake. Beth's face immediately lit up when she saw Quinn.

"Mama," Beth called.

Beth was standing up in her play pen and was reaching out for Quinn. "Did you have a nice sleep, cutie?" Quinn cooed and Beth giggled. "Are you hungry?" Quinn asked her baby.

"Santa!" Beth cried out and jumped up trying to get out of the play pen.

Quinn gave her a sad smile, "Santana is not here yet, baby."

"Santa! Santa!" Beth giggled.

Quinn was about to answer when she felt a body pressed against her back. Quinn frowned, what the hell was her mom doing? "Mom what are-," Quinn began to ask as she turned around, however she came to a stop.

"Santa!" Beth called.

"You know I find it kind of weird that my girlfriend calls me mom."

"HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" Quinn immediately wrapped her arms around Santana, hugging her tight, "You're home!"

Santana chuckled at Quinn as she hugged her tightly, "I'm home, baby."

Quinn pulled her head back and crashed her lips against Santana's, she kissed her desperately and passionately. She really missed her, she missed her kisses.

"Shit! Shit." Beth giggled.

Quinn immediately pulled away from Santana. "Good job, Q," Santana laughed.

"Beth don't say that," Quinn said.

Beth giggled and reached out her arms, "Santa!"

Santana made a move to go pick her up but Quinn stopped her. "Wait babe. Let me show you something," Quinn said.

She made her way over to Beth and got her out of the crib. She slowly set Beth down so she could stand and it was not long before she was standing on her own. Santana felt her breath quicken as she saw Beth stand for the first time.

"Go to Santana," Quinn smiled. Santana crouched down and opened her arms to encourage the little girl. "Go on," Quinn encourage.

"I'm comin'," Beth said as she took her first step.

"That's right baby girl," Santana said proudly.

"I'm comin'," Beth repeated.

It was just a few more steps before she reached Santana, Santana immediately wrapped her arms around the little girl and pick her up. She hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. "She can walk," Santana mumbled.

Quinn nodded, "She took her first step a few weeks back."

Santana kissed Beth one more time before making her way over to Quinn and pulling her into the hug. "I missed you, both of you," Santana said as she kissed Quinn.

"I'm so happy your home."

..

"Stop making a fool outta me," Santana sang softly.

She was lying down on Quinn's bed with Beth in her arms, and she was softly singing her to sleep. Quinn stood in the door way and watched, she had just finished getting ready for bed. Santana kissed Beth's forehead, just as she was about to pull away she couldn't. A sleeping Beth was holding onto her dog tags tightly. Santana chuckled and removed her dog tags and placed them over Beth's head.

"You look so sexy in that uniform," Quinn commented.

Santana smiled when she saw Quinn. "Have you seen yourself?" Quinn winked at Santana.

Santana made her way over to Quinn and wrapped her arms around her. "You look like a goddess."

"You are such a smooth talker," Quinn mumbled.

"God, Q, you have no idea how much I've missed you," Santana said as she placed a kiss on her cheek.

"How long are you gonna be here for? Where are they gonna send you after your leave is over? Are we gonna go with you?"

"Hey, hey calm down will you?" Santana chuckled as she placed both of her hands on Quinn's face, "Let's just enjoy the moment. I'm finally here, Q."

Quinn leaned in and kissed Santana several times, "I can't get enough of your kisses."

Santana smiled and kissed Quinn again, "I want sexy time with you more than anything, but the squirt is here."

Quinn chuckled, "She missed you, you know."

"Yeah, I missed her too," Santana said, "I can't believe how much she has grown. She can walk now and talk more, it's crazy."

Quinn smiled and leaned into Santana's shoulder as she felt Santana's arms hold onto her tightly. She nuzzled her face into her shoulder, taking in her scent. It wasn't until now that she realized how much she had really missed Santana.

"Quinn?" Santana asked softly.

"Mhmm?" Quinn responded from her shoulder.

"Will you marry me?"

Quinn froze for a second but then pulled back to look at Santana. She wasn't sure if she had heard right. "What?"

Santana let go of Quinn and went through the pocket on the shoulder of her jacket. She pulled out a small black box, she slowly opened it and a diamond ring laid inside.

"Will you marry me?" Santana asked. "Do you want to become Mrs. Lopez? Will you do me that honor, Q? Will you allow me to give my last name to Beth?" Quinn stood there speechless. "I want to be a family with you guys," Santana finally said.

Quinn let out a small sob, "Yes! Of course I will!" Quinn pressed her lips against Santana and hugged her. "Yes, I would love to become Mrs. Lopez, and of course you can give Beth your last name... Santana, I don't think you realize how much you've done for us."

"I do these things because I love you," Santana said.

"I love you too."

"Mommy did you find the picture?" Beth asked.

Quinn snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Beth, "Uh, why don't you come and help me find it?"

Beth was looking for a very specific picture of Santana. She wanted the picture where Santana had been promoted to Sergeant First Class. Beth and Quinn had gotten the opportunity to go to the ceremony. Honestly Quinn could not be more proud of Santana, she had made Sergeant First Class in about 6 years which was impressive, she had worked her butt of fore. Santana really deserved it.

When Santana came back from boot camp she got stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. So that's where they moved. Quinn had to admit it was a nice life in Washington. They had a nice house with two bedrooms and Quinn began to go school again. They were there for three years before they sent Santana to Fort Seward. Santana was happier with this location since Oakland was nearby. She almost never missed a home game of the Oakland Raiders, she would always take Beth and Quinn with her.

After that things got a bit more complicated, Santana was sent to Germany for 7 months. Quinn ended up moving back to Washington, back to their old home. When Santana came back on her leave she bought Quinn a house in Seattle, that's where Quinn finally finished college and got a teaching position as a first grade teacher in a school nearby. In the meantime, Santana was all over the place, and currently she was in the Philippines.

"Here it is!" Beth exclaimed.

Quinn smiled at Beth and took the picture out of the album, "Your Mami looks so gorgeous here doesn't she?"

"Mami is beautiful," Beth agreed.

"Yeah she is."


..

..

Friday. (The Day of Beth's Project)

.

"Are both of you going to be there for my presentation?" Beth asked.

"Of course sweetie," Rachel said.

Rachel had flown in a few days prior to Beth's birthday so she could spend time with both of the Lopez's. Right now the three of them were in the car on the way to school. The principal had agreed to let Rachel observe Quinn's class all day because he was such a big fan of all her Broadway work.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Quinn said.

"Quinn could I ask you for a favor?" Rachel asked innocently.

"Sure what's up?"

"After you drop Beth off could I borrow your car? I want to run a few errands?" Rachel asked.

"But, Auntie Rachel, my presentation is today, you won't miss it will you?" Beth piped up.

"Of course not, cutie! I promise I will make it quick," Rachel smiled.

"Yeah of course," Quinn answered Rachel's question as they pulled in the parking lot.

The three of them got out of the car and Rachel hugged Beth goodbye before turning to Quinn. "It's minimum day so things will go rather quick today," Quinn began, "Beth should present in about an hour or so. The principal is letting me leave class for a few minutes to go watch it."

I'll be back by then," Rachel assured. "Oh and before I forget, Beth your mom and I made something for you to wear for your presentation."

Beth's brows furrowed in confusion her mom hadn't mentioned anything about this. Rachel opened her big purse and rummaged through it, before taking out a neatly folded shirt. She smiled and handed it to Beth. Beth took it and unfolded it to see what was so special about it.

"I hope you like it, your mom and I did it last night while you were asleep," Rachel said.

Beth gasped when she finally saw the shirt. It was a white t-shit just her size, and it was decorated with army colors. On the chest and back of the shirt was the lettering. It read "My Mami Is A Soldier".

"I love it!" Beth exclaimed and hugged Rachel and Quinn, "Can I put this on now!?"

Quinn chuckled, "Let's get you to a bathroom so you can change okay?"

Beth nodded, "Thank you aunty Rachel you're the best!"

"You're welcome, munchkin. Now I have to get going so I won't be late for your presentation," Rachel said.

Quinn handed Rachel the keys and hugged her goodbye, "See ya, Rach."

Rachel said goodbye once more before getting in Quinn's black MDX Acura. Quinn stood there with Beth and watched her drive away.

"You excited for your presentation baby?" Quinn asked.

Beth nodded, "Will you record it? I want to send it to Mami."

"Of course," Quinn smiled.


..

..

Rachel arrived at the airport in record time, she parked and got out of the car as fast as she could. Quinn would kill her if she crashed the car for driving like that, but this was a special occasion. She made her way through the people to the gate. She waited impatiently for the people boarding off the plane, her eyes searched each person that was getting off.

"Come on, where are you?" Rachel muttered to herself.

And then finally she spotted the Latina in uniform exiting the gate with a duffel bag in hand.

"Santana!" Rachel called over. Santana's eyes snapped up to Rachel's direction and a smiled spread across her lips. She made her way over to Rachel and wrapped her arms around her.

"It's so good to see you, Berry!" Santana exclaimed as she pulled away from the hug.

"It's good to see you too. And I have to admit, I do miss you and even your snarky remarks," Rachel smiled.

"I miss you too," Santana chuckled, "How's Finn? Is he here too?"

"Finn is in Germany, he's fly out tomorrow so I'm really excited," Rachel beamed.

Finn was still in the army too, he was a 2nd Lieutenant. He and Rachel had gotten married 4 years ago. The special thing about Finn and Rachel's relationship was that they were so supportive of each other and what they did, just like Quinn and Santana. Rachel knew and understood how Quinn felt when Santana was gone, so of course it was obvious why Santana confided in Rachel for this. Santana managed to make the arrangements to come home for two weeks, enough time to see Beth's presentation and be there for Beth's party. So she called Rachel and let her know her plan to surprise her girls, Rachel agreed to it on the spot, and had offered to pick her up.

"Come on we have to leave," Rachel urged, "We need to make it back for Beth's presentation."

"Thanks for picking me up, Rachel," Santana said.

"No problem Sergeant Lopez," Rachel smiled.


..

..

"Now class, in a few moments Mr. Gullart is going to come in here and stay with you guys a little while I got watch my daughters presentation," Quinn said to her class, "It won't be long so please behave and be good, he is our principal after all."

All the little first graders agreed, they all loved Mrs. Lopez.

Just as Quinn was about to assign a new lesson the door to her classroom opened, and Mr. Gullart entered the room, he had a particular smile on his face. Right behind him was Rachel with a small video camera recording.

"Why are you recording?" Quinn asked in confusion. Rachel stepped back in the hall way but said nothing. Quinn turned to her class. "I will be back soon." She thanked the principal and stepped out of the classroom, closing the door behind her. "Rachel, why are you recording?" Quinn asked once more.

Rachel smiled and then began to snicker.

"You make one hell of a sexy teacher."

Quinn froze.

She knew that voice anywhere.

Quinn spun around and there a few feet Santana stood in uniform with a big smile on her face. Quinn let out a sob and immediately ran over and jumped on Santana. She was so thankful she chose to wear slacks today. Santana caught Quinn, and her legs wrapped around her waist.

"You're home!" Quinn exclaimed through tears.

"I'm home," Santana said softly, holding tears back as she hugged Quinn tightly.

Quinn kissed Santana all over the place, she could not believe this. Santana was really here.

"I thought you couldn't come?" Quinn asked and then turned to Rachel, "You knew? Was this your errand? Did you pick her up?" Rachel smiled and nodded.

Santana set Quinn down and then grabbed her face, giving her a proper kiss. She had missed her lips so much.

Rachel cleared her throat, "I don't mean to cockblock..."

Quinn pulled away, "Rachel you're in a school with small children here!"

"Sorry."

Santana laughed.

"But we need to get to Beth's presentation," Rachel said.

"I can't wait to see her," Santana said as she wrapped an arm on Quinn's shoulder.

"She is going to be so happy, babe," Quinn smiled.

Santana smiled at Quinn and wiped away her tears, she kissed her forehead and pulled her close.

"Come on we're gonna be late," Rachel urged.

Quinn gave Santana one final kiss before leading the way.

This was the surprise of her life, and now Beth was going to have one too.

..

"Thank you for presenting McKinsey," Ms. Wallabee said as the little girl made her way to sit down, "Now our next presenter is Elizabeth Lopez."

The class clapped and turned to Beth. Beth grabbed her picture and adjusted her shirt, she turned back to the door just in time to see her mom and Auntie Rachel walking in, she smiled when she saw the camera. Beth made her way to the front of the class.

"Whenever you're ready," Ms. Wallabee said.

Beth cleared her throat nervously, " M-My h-hero is Santana Lopez, she is my Mami. My Mami is a Sergeant First Class for the United States Army. She is my hero because she is very brave, and saves peoples lives."

Beth was so wrapped up in her speech that she didn't see Santana enter her classroom.

"This is a picture of her," Beth said proudly as she held out the picture, "Mami says she looks smoking hot in her uniform."

There was a chuckle from the class, Quinn knew that that was something Santana would say to Beth.

"But…but I hardly see her now," Beth pouted. "She travels all around the world and that's pretty cool but she can't be home... She misses stuff like Christmas and Thanksgiving but that's okay because she's out saving lives."

Quinn could see Beth's pout getting bigger and her voice was beginning to crack.

"Do you miss her?" Ms. Wallabee asked.

Beth looked down, trying not to cry, she couldn't really talk because she was choking up so instead she just nodded.

"Would you like to see her?" Mrs Wallabee asked once more.

Beth just nodded again.

Santana made her way closer to Beth. "Beth."

Beth's head snapped up, her eyes lit up and she did not waste any time. She ran to Santana. Santana crouched down and spread her arms wide open, just like when she was a little girl. Beth ran into her arms and Santana hugged her tightly, she picked her up. She could feel Beth crying on her shoulder, with each sob Santana hugged her tighter and kissed the side of her head. She couldn't help but let the tears slide down her face.

"Mami," Beth cried.

"I'm here, Beth, I'm here," Santana cried as she kissed her forehead. "You really didn't think I'd miss your birthday day, did ya? I never do."

Beth gave Santana a smile before hugging her tightly. This was the happiest day of her life.


...

..

.

Santana took a drag from her cigarette, "God I've missed this."

It was three in the morning, she laid naked in bed with Quinn snuggled to her side. She had her arm around Quinn, her hand rested on Quinn's left breast.

"Me too, you have no idea," Quinn said as she kissed Santana's neck.

After Santana's surprise appearance, Santana took Beth out of school to spend time with her. Rachel and Quinn stayed in school until it was out. After that they all gather at the Lopez's household for a barbecue. Beth was with Santana at all times and so was Quinn.

Rachel turned in early and a few hours after that Beth finally went to sleep, well she fell asleep in Santana's arms. After Santana set Beth down in her room, Quinn and Santana took full advantage of their time alone.

Santana put out her cigarette on the night stand before turning back to Quinn and kissing her. Santana moaned against Quinn's lips as her hands roamed her body. Quinn clung on Santana's dog tags as they made out.

"You taste like ashes," Quinn laughed between the kisses.

"Yeah I should probably quit smoking, huh?" Santana smiled.

Quinn gave Santana several pecks, "Yeah you should."

"Mhm you taste like strawberries," Santana smirked.

"I'm gonna miss this," Quinn sighed.

Santana smiled and propped her up, "I wanna talk to you about something."

"What?"

"As you know I'm here for two weeks," Santana began, "then I have to head back to Philippines."

"I am gonna miss you too much," Quinn said as she nuzzled her face into Santana's neck.

"Well you won't miss me for too long," Santana mumbled.

Quinn pulled back and frowned, she was confused.

"I'm gonna stand down," Santana finally said.

"What!?"

"I am gonna stand down. It should take about two weeks since my contract is over next week but after that I'm coming home," Santana said, "I miss you and Beth so much, I wanna be here for you and for her. I don't even want to miss another Christmas or nothing like that, baby. I just want to be with you."

Quinn smiled and kissed Santana, "You have no idea how much I love you."

Santana caressed Quinn's face, "You have no idea how much I love you."

"Oh but I do, you joined the army to provide for Beth and I, and you put me through college. You have done so much for me babe, I know how much you love me." Quinn kissed her forehead. "I don't know how I could ever thank you."

Santana smiled, "Just love me forever will ya?"

"Forever," Quinn promised, "Promise to love me forever?"

"Always and Forever," Santana promised as she kissed Quinn.

..

The End