Hello, my lovelies. New chapter coming at ya.

I do not own the song "It's Not Too Late"

Mitchie and Alex watched out of the glass door to the kitchen as Shane, Sam, and Caitlyn tossed a football back and forth. Sam fumbled with a catch from Caitlyn, but ultimately caught it and smiled widely at his success. Then he threw it to Shane, but it went a little high. Though Shane jumped to catch it, it soared over his head, and landed into the salt-water pool behind him. Alex laughed as she watched Shane sigh, then go over to the pool and use the net to fish the ball out for the fifth time since they'd been spying on them.

"You'd think he would learn to move away from the pool at this point," Alex commented.

"It's Shane," Mitchie said with a shrug. "He's only an evil mastermind, not a genius."

"Thank god Sam got your brains," Alex said with another laugh.

"No kidding," Mitchie said. She watched as Caitlyn began to jog over and opened the door for her.

"Shit, it's hot out there," Cailyn said, relishing in the AC as soon as she was in the kitchen. She put her sunglasses on top of her head and went over to the fridge, taking out a bottle of water.

"Hey, I finally came up with a comeback for earlier," Alex said, smirking.

Caitlyn raised her eyebrows as she took a big swig of water. "Do tell," she said and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"You're as bad as Harper." Alex crossed her arms over her chest and smiled mischievously at her friend. She was referring to, of course, her own best friend's irritating habit of barging into her family's apartment unannounced, even after Alex and Mitchie moved into their own place.

Caitlyn didn't bat an eyelash. "I like Harper, so I take that as a compliment."

"Awe, come on!" Alex said in exasperation. She sighed. "You know she moved into my old bedroom after Mitchie and I got married?" She shook her head. "She still lives there. When Mitchie and I visit, we have to sleep in Justin's old room, and Sam bunks with Max."

"With Max?" Caitlyn's eyes widened. "Sam has all his tetanus shots, right?"

"Of course," Alex said. She sat at the bar island and put her elbows on the counter, resting her chin in her hands. "But do you know how disturbing it is to sleep in the bed my brother probably lost his virginity in?"

"Harper sleeps in the one you lost yours in," Mitchie said with a grin as she sat beside Alex.

"She chose that knowingly, though," Alex said, casting her eyes at Mitchie and smirking. Her mind flashed back to that night, and she became lost in her memories of her and Mitchie's first fumbled adventure under the covers.

"I think we've lost Alex," Caitlyn said with a laugh when she noticed the far-away look on the Latina's face.

The back door opened, and Sam and Shane walked in, their faces red and glistening with sweat. Sam immediately went over to the fridge and pulled out a soda, ready to crack it open and chug its contents immediately.

"Samuel James," Mitchie said sternly, raising her eyebrows at her son. He sighed and rolled his eyes, putting the soda back in the fridge and taking out a bottle of water instead.

"Dad lets me have soda whenever I want," he said with a sniff as he opened his drink.

Alex reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She opened the notes and started typing. "No soda whenever he wants," she said as she typed. When she was done she handed her phone to Mitchie. "Might as well get started on this list now. Anything you want to add?"

Mitchie took the phone thoughtfully. "Let's add something about mandatory fruits and vegetables too."

"Moms," Sam said with a groan and looked to Shane. "Do something, Dad," he pleaded with his father.

"Sorry, dude," Shane said and shrugged. "They're the bosses."

"And don't you forget it," Alex said, squinting her eyes at the man.

"Never." Shane nodded. "Anyway, I'm gonna take off. I have a lot of stuff to take care of now that I'm back. I'll see you tomorrow morning." He patted Sam on the shoulder. "Walk me out?"

Sam pouted, but nodded and grabbed Shane's hand, leading him out of the kitchen.

"Tomorrow?" Caitlyn asked with raised eyebrows when Shane and Sam had left the room. "I know Shane told Sam you said they could spend more time together, but so soon?"

"He's just doing school pickups and drop-offs for now," Mitchie said. "Nothing big."

"Still, I'm surprised. I didn't expect Shane to ever want that, or for you two to agree to it." Caitlyn chewed her bottom lip.

"Trust me, Cait, no one's more surprised than me," Alex said, gazing over at Mitchie.

Mitchie reached out and took Alex's hand, giving her fingers a squeeze. She knew Alex was still on the fence about this, but Mitchie had a good feeling about it. Besides, if it was something Sam wanted she didn't want to say no and risk him resenting her. So, she said yes and hoped deep down she'd made the right decision, despite Alex's hesitance.

Monday morning Alex woke up before the alarm, already growing anxious, knowing Shane would be coming to collect Sam soon. She got out of bed carefully, trying not to wake Mitchie in the process.

Downstairs she busied herself with making coffee and starting breakfast. By the time Mitchie came downstairs herself there was a full spread of blueberry muffins, sausage, and scrambled eggs on the table. Alex handed her surprised wife a cup of coffee and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning," she said, smiling at the singer.

"Someone's been busy," Mitchie commented. "You made muffins?" She went over to the table and picked one up off the plate, examining it.

"Just from a box," Alex said with a shrug. "I was in the mood for them."

"I am, too, now," Mitchie said and took a bite. They were still warm.

"Sit down, eat," Alex instructed her, pulling out her wife's usual chair. Mitchie obeyed, and Alex kissed the top of her head. "I'll go wake Sam."

At quarter to eight the doorbell rang. Sam immediately tried to jump up from the table to go answer it, but Mitchie pushed him back in his seat.

"Finish breakfast," she instructed. "I'll get it." She stood from the table and exited the kitchen. T-Rex, who had been watching them closely in case they dropped food, started to follow her, curious to see who was at the entrance to the house. He stopped short of the door, though, and went back under the table. Food was more important.

"Sam, do you want an apple or a banana for lunch?" Alex said from the counter, where she was busy packing Sam's lunchbox for the day.

"I want cookies," he told her and shoveled the last bit of eggs in his mouth.

"Yeah, no, I don't think so," Alex said, rolling her eyes. "Apple it is." She grabbed one from the fruit bowl and added it to the bag, which contained a sandwich, carrot sticks, a bottle of water, and a leftover muffin from breakfast as well.

Shane and Mitchie appeared in the doorway, and Sam hopped up, going over to Shane and hugging him around his midsection.

"Hi, Dad," he said, looking up to Shane.

"Hey, bud," Shane said with a smile. "Ready for school?"

"No," Sam said, shaking his head and releasing Shane.

"Yes, he is," Alex corrected, walking over with Sam's lunchbox and handing it to Shane. "Here's his lunch. Don't let him forget it in your car. He likes to do that." She gave Sam a playful glare.

Sam's face reddened. "I'm gonna go get my bag," he muttered, leaving the room.

The three adults made their way to the foyer, where Sam was picking up his schoolbag from by the door and shouldering it. Shane took his keys out of his pocket and jingled them.

"Let's get going," he said. "Don't want to be late."

"I want that," Sam said honestly.

"You're just as bad as Alex was," Mitchie said with a laugh. She kissed the crown of Sam's head. "Have a good day. Don't forget to write down your assignments."

"I won't," he told her as he went over and hugged Alex. "Dad's coming get me, too, right?" He looked at the man expectantly.

"Three o'clock sharp," he said with a nod, then looked to Mitchie. "Right?"

"Three o'clock," Mitchie said, nodding as well. "But get there a little early. The pickup line is ridiculous."

"Gotcha," Shane said, and swung the door open. He and Sam walked out into the bright sunlight, and he gave Alex and Mitchie a small, appreciative smile before closing the door behind him.

Alex stared at the door, her heart panging. She and Mitchie always drove Sam to school together, it was part of their routine. She hated getting up early, but that time with Sam was something she enjoyed. Sometimes life got so busy school drop-offs and family dinner were the only time they all got together.

"We should clean up breakfast and get ready to go to the studio," Mitchie announced, causing Alex to be torn from her thoughts, reminding her of their other responsibilities. "That third album's not gonna record itself."

Alex had remained Mitchie's drummer, something Mitchie insisted upon when it was time to go on tour. For the first album they'd had a professional come in and do the drumming during recording, but when it was time for tour and to get a band together, Mitchie refused to do it unless Alex was behind the drumkit every night. Caitlyn was her keyboard player, and after Connect 3 broke up shortly after Mitchie's second summer at Camp Rock, Jason came on board as lead guitar. As for bass, they rotated a few people in and out before finally finding Regan, a short, spunky young woman with a blonde pixie cut and several facial piercings. She was positive and bubbly, bringing new energy Mitchie appreciated. Harper had come along as well as Sam's official babysitter while his mothers, godmother, and uncle took the stage, but had returned to New York after the tour ended.

The whole band was in the studio, sitting in the mixing booth listening as Mitchie put the last of the vocals on her newest song, which they'd been hard at work on all week. It was called "It's Not Too Late," and it was about her second summer at Camp Rock, when Alex found out about Shane, Shane found out about Sam, and it felt like her whole world was collapsing in on itself.

"I never meant to let you all down. Now I've got to try (got to try) to turn it all around (all around)," Mitchie sang into the mic, hands placed on the overlarge headphones covering her ears. "And figure out how to fix this. I know there's a way, so I promise (promise). I'm gonna clean up this mess I made." She locked eyes with Alex on the other side of the glass, who gave her a thumbs up. "Maybe it's not too late… Maybe it's not too late."

She finished, smiling widely at her friends clapping in the control room. "How was that, Jack?" Mitchie asked the producer sitting behind the board.

"Great, Mitchie," he said, pressing the button that allowed him to talk to her. "I think we got it. Why don't you come on out?"

Mitchie nodded and removed her headphones, setting them on the stand in front of her. Alex was waiting at the studio door when she exited, immediately wrapping her arms around the singer.

"That was beautiful, Mitch," Alex said, releasing her wife and smiling brightly at her.

"You've heard me sing it at least a dozen times by now, Lex," Mitchie said, rolling her eyes, though she was smiling as well.

"Mitchie, I'm like, in awe, seriously," Regan said as she walked over. "Your voice is just amazeballs."

"People still say amazeballs?" Caitlyn quipped from her spot on the recliner. Regan stuck out her tongue at the keyboardist in response.

Jason sat in the rolling chair next to Jack, sniffling and wiping his eyes. "Mitchie, that was so gorgeous," he said and took a tissue from the box on the side table.

"Awe, Jason, why are you crying?" Mitchie asked, going over to pat his back.

"Because it was so pretty and emotional." He blew his nose into the tissue.

"You guys ready to hear the finished product?" Jack asked, glancing over his shoulder at all of them.

Mitchie took a deep breath. "Let's hear it."

Shane had expected there to be a line for student pickup because Mitchie had warned him, but he didn't think it would be two complete city blocks long by the time he got there (which was over a half hour early). And since he'd gotten in line it had only gotten worse. There were cars behind him stretching as far as he could see. Thankfully they'd started moving right at three, though, and he was nearly to the front. He could see teachers ushering kids into vehicles and directing traffic. When it was finally his turn he rolled down his window to talk to the teacher on duty.

"Child?" she asked, clipboard in hand.

"Samuel Torres-Russo," he answered.

The teacher frowned at him. "You're not Mitchie, Alex, or Caitlyn. Who are you?"

Shane resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Seriously, they knew Caitlyn, but they didn't know him? He was Shane Gray.

"His father," he said, sliding down his sunglasses. "Shane Gray, of Connect 3?"

She stared at him, recognition briefly crossing her features. Finally, she flipped through her clipboard and glanced at the paperwork.

"Ah, Mr. Gray, yes, I see here that you're an approved pickup person," she said.

"I should hope so," he muttered.

The teacher turned and called out Sam's name, which was repeated by a teacher just inside the building. Sam rounded the corner and walked out, a huge smile on his face when he saw that Shane had kept his word and picked him up like promised. The woman opened the door for Sam, and he climbed in. She helped Sam with his buckle and closed the door, waving Shane off so the next car could take his place.

Alex and Mitchie had been home from the studio for not even twenty minutes when Shane showed up with Sam. They gathered in the living room, Sam seated in between his mothers on the couch. The young boy began animatedly talking to his mothers about his day, while Shane watched from the armchair, listening with amusement. He'd heard the whole story on the car ride over.

After Sam was finished Shane surprised both women by offering to stay and help Sam with his homework. Alex immediately took him up on his offer, pulling Mitchie up and off the couch before she had a chance to disagree. They headed upstairs, where they changed into their bikinis. On the way out to the pool they offered their thanks to Shane, who was sitting with Sam at the kitchen table, schoolwork spread out in front of them.

"You know," Alex commented as they dropped their towels on the deck chairs, "as much as I hate to admit it, maybe you were right about this Shane thing. It's nice to get some of the afternoon to ourselves."

"Alex, are you saying you were wrong?" Mitchie asked, raising her eyebrows from behind her overly large sunglasses. "I never thought I'd hear the day that those words came out of your mouth."

"Don't get used to it," Alex said with a smirk. She winked at Mitchie before jumping into the deep end of the pool. When she surfaced she waved to her watching wife. "Come on, get in."

"In a minute," Mitchie said. She went over and dipped a toe in, testing the temperature. "Holy shit, that's cold," she said, pulling her foot back out. "And you just jumped in? Are you nuts?"

"It's the quickest way to get over the shock," Alex said, wading to keep herself afloat.

"Ya know, I think I'm just gonna tan," Mitchie said, deciding against getting in the water. "It's only April, after all. I can wait to swim 'til May."

Alex swam over to the edge of the pool and rested her arms on the ledge, watching as Mitchie sat herself in one of the deck chairs and spread out.

"You're seriously gonna make me swim by myself?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow at her lover.

"You're not by yourself. I'm right here. I'm just not getting in." Mitchie leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes, ready to enjoy relaxing in the ever-present California sun.

Alex refused to take that for an answer. She swam to the shallow end of the pool and climbed out using the concrete steps built into the side. Mitchie never saw her coming. It wasn't until she felt herself being lifted from her chair that she opened her eyes.

"Alex, no," Mitchie said quickly, attempting to squirm out of her wife's arms.

Alex ignored her protests, carried her over to the pool, and sent them both tumbling into the water. Mitchie felt like jumping out of her skin the water was so cold. She surfaced, coughing and fuming. Beside her, Alex had surfaced as well. And the Latina was laughing her head off.

"It's not funny, you jerk," Mitchie said, splashing her. "I lost my sunglasses."

Alex responded by diving under the water, retrieving the eyewear. Then she swam back up, kicking off the bottom of the pool. "There," she said, placing them back on Mitchie's face.

Mitchie scoffed and attempted to swim away from Alex, but the former wizard was persistent. She followed her wife to the shallow end, grabbing her wrist when they were able to stand once again, the water just above their shoulders.

"Mitchie, are you seriously mad at me?" Alex asked.

Mitchie sighed and looked to her wife. Alex was giving her a pout, making her lips full. Her wet hair was slicked back, and beads of moisture rolled down her skin. Mitchie followed a drop as it made its way past the mole on the inside of Alex's breast. God, Alex was gorgeous. Why was she annoyed with her again?

"No," Mitchie said, exhaling. She wrapped her arms around Alex's neck. "How could I be mad at you?"

"You really can't." Alex grinned cheekily and placed her hands on Mitchie's waist.

Mitchie pressed her lips to Alex's ear. "Think we can make love in here without them noticing?"

Alex's breathing hitched as she felt Mitchie's teeth nibbling on her ear. She shivered pleasantly and moved her hands to Mitchie's ass, squeezing softly.

"We can sure try," she said in a low voice.

Mitchie pulled away and looked at her, giving her a devilish grin. Alex licked her lips and closed her eyes, then leaned into kiss Mitchie. Mitchie, seeing her opportunity, placed her hands atop Alex's head and ducked her wife under water. Alex was shocked, and she gasped, taking in a little water. She surfaced, sputtering while Mitchie stood beside her, laughing heartily.

Alex pounded herself on the chest, coughing up the last of the water. When she was finished she fixed her still-giggling wife with a glare.

"Now we're even," Mitchie said.

"Oh really?" Alex asked, somewhat hoarsely. "I don't think so. Get over here, Torres."

Alex dove after Mitchie, who pushed off the bottom of the pool and swam away, squealing.

From the kitchen Sam and Shane heard yells and looked out the window to see splashing and thrashing as Alex caught Mitchie and pulled them both under the water. Shane shook his head. At least someone was having fun.

"This is so boring," Sam complained, rolling his pencil back and forth on the table. "Can't I go swimming with Moms?" He looked at Shane pleadingly.

Shane had the urge to say yes. The word almost left his lips. But then he remembered Mitchie and Alex only agreeing to let him see Sam more if he abided by their rules and conditions. And though he didn't have an actual list yet, he knew making sure Sam's homework was done was one of them.

"Sorry, Sam," Shane said instead. "You want to come to my house more, you have to finish your homework." He patted the boy's shoulder. "This way your moms can't say no, though, right?"

Sam sighed and shrugged. "I guess so." He picked up his pencil and began writing his spelling words out again.

Shane swelled with pride. He'd done it. He'd said no, with no backlash. It was a huge moment for him. He smiled to himself, confident Mitchie and Alex were wrong about him. He could handle this. No sweat.

Boom. I would love to know how you guys feel about this so far, so please review if you want to let me know. I know there are some mixed feelings out there. All I can say is: trust me. You guys know me. I always have a plan.

Until next time,

-DF