A/N- Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Your support and kind words throughout this fic have been so wonderful and I am beyond grateful. This is the final chapter and I truly hope you enjoyed it. Special thanks to Erica and Redambition for the behind the scenes support.
Disclaimer- I do not own Glee, it's characters, or any of the music or lyrics used. As mentioned, this story is based on Red Rag Top by Tim McGraw.
Summer-
"And that makes three." Rachel placed the shiny new trophy on the mantle between the two others and delicately turned the medallions, arranging them on the shelf as Finn watched on.
"They look good up there babe."
Only three hours ago, Rachel was sitting in one of her favorite theaters as her name was being announced from the stage as the best actress in a musical. Rachel was happy, as happy as she was the first two times, this time though as she looked to her husband in the audience, she felt incomplete. She loved him, there was no doubt about that, but she felt that maybe their family of two was ready to be a family of three. The notion plagued her thoughts since and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the desire. More importantly, she's wasn't sure that she wanted to.
Their life in New York had been good to them. Three years ago, Rachel was able to perform on stage with her cast at the Tony's and the whole incredible night was topped off when Finn proposed. They were married later in the year and went to the next years Tony's as husband and wife. That was also the year she won her first (and second) Tony. The next year hadn't been as kind to Rachel in the way of awards, but it turned out that she still had plenty to be proud of.
Finn's NYU store had done so well that he was able to open the second music store in Midtown New York. The stage and practice space had made both stores a big hit for musicians in the area, making them a lucrative New York City business. Finn had become the manager that all the employees looked up to and he was extremely well respected, just as Rachel knew he would be.
Their success had made it possible for them to purchase a two bedroom apartment in Lenox Hill earlier this year. They weren't looking for an apartment at the time, but a real estate friend had seen it and said it reminded her of the couple. Knowing that their lease was up soon, she suggested they take a look. A week later they were putting in an offer and six weeks after that, they were moving in.
"What are you thinking about? You have been uncharacteristically quiet tonight; especially for someone who just won a third Tony."
Rachel felt Finn's strong arms wrap around her from behind and his warm breath tickled her bare neck as she admired the trophies. "I'm happy. Very happy." She turned in his arms, the full skirt of her dress ruffling and making it difficult to stand as close as they normally would. "I've just been thinking…"
"Thinking?" Finn watched Rachel closely. Whenever her thinking caused her to go silent, it meant that whatever was occupying her mind was big. And anything big enough to keep her silent at the Tony awards, had to be huge. He tried to read her features, hoping that this was the good kind of thinking. "What are you thinking about?"
Rachel leaned up and kissed him sweetly, pulling back with a smile. "I love when you worry like that." She kissed him again. "I think this is a good kind of thinking."
"Good thinking, okay, go on." Finn tightened his hold on Rachel's waist, bringing her as close to him as her dress would allow.
Rachel took the untied material of Finn's pink tie between her fingers and toyed with it lightly. "I was thinking… You are a great husband."
"Yeah…"
Her eyes stayed focused on the silky material of the tie and she continued. "I was thinking that maybe, maybe it's the right time for us to start a family."
Finn's eyes went wide as the words she said found his ears. "A family?"
"We have already achieved so much and I think we are ready."
He didn't need convincing. Rachel was right, they had achieved so much already. They had a home, income, love; there wasn't any reason not to. "Are you sure?"
"I love you and I'm ready. We are ready." That's all Finn needed to hear. He scooped Rachel up bridal style, making sure to collect the entire bright pink shirt, and raced to their bedroom. She giggled as he tossed her on the bed, her hair fanned out around her. "Finn I have to return this dress."
Finn stilled as he looked at his wife splayed on their bed. The sequins on the top of her gown were reflecting throughout the room and she was smiling at him like he hung the moon. He would never get over how much he loved her. Finn tossed the skirt up and ducked his head inside, his muffled words coming from underneath. "Not until tomorrow."
"This isn't how babies are made Finn."
He licked the inside of her thigh, slowly pulling the lace panties off her legs. "I gotta start somewhere."
That was the last thing Rachel heard before her mind went blank.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
Rachel paced in her and Finn's bedroom while the timer on her phone counted down the minutes. It had only been four months since her and Finn had decided to try and have a baby; she stopped taking her birth control the day after she brought it up and they set to work immediately. They did it whenever they could, wherever they could.
Deep down they knew that it wouldn't happen overnight, but they would both be lying if they said they weren't hoping for that. They knew that it was going to take time, but each time Rachel started her period, she saw the disappointment in Finn's face and she was sure he could see it in hers. They both knew it hadn't been long enough to worry, but that didn't stop them from starting each month with a renewed and increased attempt to get Rachel pregnant. At this point, they were both enjoying the practice and even though there was a slight disappointment when she wasn't, there was an underlying thrill of being able to sex each other up every chance they got. In this last month, Finn even took a day off so that he could spend the day in bed with his wife.
Rachel figured that day was the reason that she was now waiting with a nervous anticipation for the timer to signal the end of her waiting. She jumped as a loud chirping sounded from her phone; she turned it off and took a step towards her bathroom. She twirled her wedding ring on her finger and made her way to where she laid the plastic stick on the counter, steading her breath as she took it in her shaking hands and lifted it into her view.
Rachel Hudson was pregnant. A smile spread across her face as the tears sprang to her eyes while she stared at the pink plus sign in the window. She was pregnant and she had to tell Finn. Right now.
She shoved the stick into her purse and wiped her eyes, doing her best to keep her light makeup intact. Finn had left for work a couple hours ago, leaving her to sleep in after last night's show. She knew she wanted to take the test alone in case it was negative, but now she needed Finn to know that they were going to have a baby.
Knowing which store he would be at, Rachel took the subway as far as it would take her. She exited the tunnel and took long, deliberate strides in the direction of the store. She rounded the final turn and began to jog as soon as the store came in view. The tears had started to flow again as she pushed open the door. Her eyes scanned the room looking for any signs of Finn while she set off in the direction of his office. She passed by the desk and patted it loudly, making sure Ryder was listening. "Finn. I need to see Finn, where is he?"
Ryder looked a little frightened as Rachel kept moving past him but was clearly waiting for an answer. "In his office."
"Thank you." Her already quick pace increased as she made her way up the stairs as fast as her legs would carry her. She really hoped he wasn't on the phone or in a meeting when she flung open the door to his office. "Finn!"
Finn looked up from the papers on his desk to see his wife breathing heavy in his doorway. He stood when she began walking to him. "Rach, is everything okay? What are you doi-"
Her arms were around his neck and her lips on his before he could finish his question. He wasn't complaining though. This wasn't the first time she had been to his office and kissing him like that. They were trying to get pregnant after all.
She finally pulled back from him, her breathing still labored and her eyes misty. Finn reached his hand up to cup her face, his thumb wiping the tear that had started to roll down her cheek.
"Hey. What's this?" He asked concern in his voice.
She reached up on her toes and kissed him again, a smile on her lips as she softly spoke the words she had been dying to say since she saw the plus sign that would change their lives. "I'm pregnant."
"You're what?" He thought he heard her say that she was pregnant. Finn pulled her close in anticipation while he waited for confirmation.
"Pregnant, Finn. We are going to have a-"
Finn wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, the smile on his face possibly visible from Ohio. "Baby! We are going to have a baby?" He was nearly shouting in his office. "You're pregnant." Rachel nodded in his grip, the tears flowing down her smiling face. "I love you." He kissed her, hoping to keep his own tears from falling. "I love you so much."
"I love you too. So much Finn."
Finn kissed her one last time and set her down on the ground. He took hold of her hand and grabbed his keys before leading her out of his office. "Where are we going?" She watched him lock the door and put the keys in his pocket and before she knew it, he was holding her in his arms again, walking towards the stairs.
"Celebrating." He told her as he descended the stairs.
"Finn, you can't just leave work."
Finn smiled. "I own the place Rach; I can just leave if I want to. And I want to." He stepped off the last stair and kissed her sweetly. "We are having a baby." Finn was glad that Ryder was working today. He was perfectly capable of running the store by himself; he had done it before. Finn passed by him standing behind the counter, Rachel still firmly held in his arms. "Ryder, something came up, I've gotta leave early. Call me if you need anything."
Before Ryder could even respond Finn and Rachel were out the door. They had celebrating to do.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
Summer-
"Babe? You in here?" Finn called into the apartment, his arms heavy with the large paper sack of groceries Rachel had asked for.
"In here Finn."
He followed the sound into the living room and immediately saw Rachel lying back on the couch. Her head was resting on the arm rest, her small frame stretched across the cushions while her full size baby bump kept her pinned there. From experience, Finn knew Rachel wasn't very comfortable lying on her back. "Whoa. You okay?"
"If being as big as a house is okay, then yes. For some reason this is the only way I could get comfortable today. Did you get my stuff?" She tried to swing her tired and swollen feet to the side while simultaneously pivoting and using her arm to lift her up. She didn't like asking for help and banned Finn from helping her until she did. Which had become increasingly often.
Finn watched her begin to struggle and moved to set the bag down so he could help her, but he couldn't help looking at the random items inside the bag on last time. "Yeah, I got it. What's with this stuff though? These are weird things to be craving, even for you."
"If you must know…" Rachel grunted and kicked her leg one last time before finally relenting. She held her hand up to Finn, who was already standing next to the couch. "Help me up, please." He helped her up, kissing her lightly when she was on her feet. "Thank you." She smoothed down the grey t-shirt that she stole from Finn's closet and made her way to the bag. "If you must know, these are the things that are going to get this baby out of me."
"You aren't even due for another week?" Rachel turned her attention away from the bag long enough to glare at Finn, effectively quieting him. He held up his hands in defense; he knew better than to argue with her. "Whoa, okay, sorry. How can I help?" He walked to her, stopping directly behind her and peeked over her shoulder into the bag, his hands snaking around to rest on her belly.
Finn was well aware how uncomfortable Rachel was, but he couldn't help to think how gorgeous she was carrying their child. Every time she complained about having to buy bigger pants, he found himself loving her more. He didn't even mind that she had started stealing his t-shirts.
"Start cutting up that pineapple." She pulled the fruit from the bag and handed it to him, barely taking the time to look at him before going back in the bag. "Did you bring the eggplant parmesan?"
Finn smiled and reached in the bag, pulling out the small Styrofoam container. "Here." He kissed her again and set to work cutting up the pineapple as he was asked.
Rachel was done being pregnant. Her doctor had told her in her first trimester that her small frame meant that she was unlikely to reach her due date. She was only five days away from it and still no baby and no signs of her coming out anytime soon.
Her pregnancy had been relatively easy up until about three weeks ago. Unfortunately, summer in New York had taken a turn for the hot then; just about the same time she had decide she was big enough. It seemed pregnancy hit her all at once and almost overnight. She had become uncomfortable in her own body and that just wouldn't do any longer.
She grabbed a spoon and took the small bottle of oil from the bottom of the bag, twisting the lid off immediately. The thick liquid filled the tablespoon and she caught Finn watching her with a look of disbelief. "Tina swears by castor oil." She shrugged and placed the full spoon in her mouth, the oil coating the inside of her mouth and her tongue. She smacked her lips and shuttered, thinking to herself that this better work because that was gross. She swigged from her nearby cup of water and held a hand to Finn. "Ick. Pineapple, please." She took the sweet fruit from Finn's outstretched hand and placed a piece on her tongue, happy that it was helping to cut the oily residue left in her mouth. She popped another piece in her mouth and tried to explain to Finn what she was doing. "Everybody has a different method that they swear works, but I hardly got the same answer twice. Tina mentioned the castor oil and a bumpy ride, so after I finished having lunch with her today, I took the bus home. I even sat in the back where it is extra bumpy."
"The bus? You hate the bus?" Rachel must be desperate and Finn knew it. He saw her plop another of the pineapple pieces in her mouth and thought to himself that it has to be better than the oil. That did not look appealing.
"Extra bumpy Finn." Rachel took what was left of the pineapple and the container of eggplant parmesan and sat at the table. These were each recommendations from people at the theater. It seemed no matter where she went, everybody had their own 'fool proof' method and they were not shy about sharing it. She cut up the eggplant and began alternating it with the pineapple. Something had to work.
Finn watched on as his wife ate one of the weirdest combinations of food that he had seen. Each of her hands alternated bringing bites to her lips while she chewed the last and he couldn't help but think back.
"This is going to be cold." The technician squirted the clear jelly on the small baby bump that had begun to form. Rachel sat back in the darkened room, Finn holding tight to her hand as they prepared to see their baby for the first time. "Ready" They nodded and he pressed the wand firmly to her stomach, immediately showing a fuzzy image on the TV screen overhead. The picture was in constant motion, a combination of the baby and the technician's movements, while he explained what they were looking at. "Okay. That's your baby's spine. There's a hand and this is the arm. Oh there we go. Looks like a strong steady heart beat."
The loud steady thumping of their baby's heartbeat filled the small room and the couple watched in amazement as their baby moved on screen. They had heard the heart beat before, and each time it was special, but nothing could have prepared them for seeing their baby for the first time. Even fuzzy and in black and white, theirs was the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. Finn kissed Rachel head as the technician continued moving the wand around, clicking buttons as he went.
"Do you want to know the sex?"
Having discussed this earlier, Rachel answered for them both, "Yes please." There were some days that they wanted a boy and some days that they wanted a girl. They discussed what would make each of them easier, switching opinions at regular intervals. In the end though, the one thing they knew was that they wanted a healthy and happy baby. Gender didn't matter, the love was there regardless.
"Alright, if I just move this right here. Wow. Okay, looks like your daughter is putting on a show for us."
Finn and Rachel looked at each other, tears welling up in Finn's eyes while they flowed freely down Rachel's face. "Daughter?"
"Looks like it. If you look right here," the technician smiled at them and move the wand again, pressing buttons on the keyboard at the same time, "we see an obvious girl. Congratulations."
"A girl…" Finn breathed.
The young man wiped off the wand and placed it in the holster on the bedside cart; he then took a couple paper towels and handed them to Rachel. "Okay. I have everything I need; I'll go ahead and print these out for you and they will be ready when you leave. Take your time." He walked to the door, stopping briefly to congratulate them one last time before he left them alone in the room.
Rachel wiped the jelly from her belly and pulled her shirt down. "Finn?" Finn's silence was starting to worry her. They had both talked about what it would be like to have a baby girl. She always worried that Finn secretly wanted a boy.
"We are having a girl." He repeated. Truth be told, Finn was thrilled. The thought of a daughter who took after her mother filled his heart with joy. Sure, he worried about the things that came with having a daughter, especially a pretty one, but those things took a back seat to his overwhelming joy.
"Are you happy?"
Finn swept Rachel up in his arms, burying his face in her neck as he held her tight. "More than ever."
Since then, Finn wondered if he was qualified to be anybody's dad. What qualifications did he hold? He was terrified of diaper changing and dropping her and dating, he hoped Rachel would be patient with him while he figured it out.
"Finn, are you listening?"
Finn shook his head at the memory, turning his focus to Rachel, still eating her labor inducing snack. "What?"
"When I finish this, you are going to sex me up. There is lots of good evidence that says that sex is a good way to get her to come out."
Finn crossed the room and placed a lingering kiss on her pineapple flavored lips. "Whatever you want. I love you."
Rachel was less than thrilled when none of her methods worked. She was now three days past her due date, the same one she was assured she wouldn't make it to. Each day that passed had become another day that she lost hope of ever having this baby. Each night she went to bed more disappointed than the night before. She was ready to meet this baby and hold her in her arms.
She and Finn had stepped up the quest to name her, knowing that they would need to know sooner rather than later. Every name was rejected for some strange reason or another and now they were (hopefully) days away from meeting their little girl and she had no name. They had stayed up late last night scouring the big book of baby names for ideas, until finally deciding to try again tomorrow.
Finn had fallen asleep almost right away, but Rachel's increasing uncomfortableness kept her up a little later. Instead of lying in bed, tossing and turning, disturbing Finn's sleep, she got up and cleaned out the fridge. It was an hour later when her body finally let her know she could finally sleep.
Now, here it was, four in the morning and she was being woken up what she thought was contractions. She turned on her side, watching the clock as the frequency increased. She told herself that when they got to be eight minutes apart, she would wake up Finn. That just happened to be now. She got out of bed put on one of Finn's t-shirts and an old pair of his sweat pants that she had cut into shorts. "Finn. Finn. Wake up."
"Babe, we can't name her Barbra."
Rachel giggled and shook his shoulder again. "Get up. We need to get to the hospital."
"What for?" He mumbled into his pillow.
Rachel giggled again and shook him a little harder. "I thought maybe you would want to meet your daughter today."
"Baby?" Finn shot straight up out of bed, barely missing head butting his wife in the process. "I'm up, I'm up. Stay calm okay. I'll get the bag. Breathe, baby, breathe." He ran to the closet and retrieved the pre-packed bag, setting by the door as he turned to see Rachel still standing by the bed. "Come on." He went to stand next to her, ready to carry her out of the apartment if he had to. "Why aren't you following me? I thought you said the baby was coming?"
"She is." Rachel put a hand on Finn's shoulder as she was hit with another contraction, her hand trailed down his arm as she doubled over slightly. When it was over she took in a deep breath and returned to an upright position. "She definitely is. But you need pants on." She watched as his genuine concern faded and he looked down at his bare legs.
"Oh." Finn grabbed the basketball shorts he had been wearing earlier and slid them on. He took Rachel's hand and led her to the bag. "Alright. I'm ready now." He kissed the back of her hand softly, and led her out of the apartment. "Are you okay? How far apart are your contractions?"
"I'm fine. They are about seven or so minutes apart now."
They entered the elevator and Finn placed his hands on Rachel's belly, leaning in to kiss his wife. "I love you." He leaned down and hovered his lips over their unborn child, smiling as he spoke. "I can't wait to meet you."
Five in the morning is not a bad time to travel throughout the city. It wasn't long before they were at the hospital and Rachel was admitted. Labor progressed rather quickly and at 4:01 that afternoon Finn and Rachel were officially parents. Their 7lb 7oz baby girl came into the world, loudly announcing her arrival.
Rachel couldn't believe how much she already loved this person she had only met an hour ago. She had to admit that she was worried that she would not have enough room in her heart for another person, but now looking down at the little girl wrapped up in her arms, she knew she was wrong. Somehow she loved this little girl and her father more than she knew was possible.
"I didn't think I could love you any more than I already did." Finn unknowingly echoed Rachel's thoughts as he sat beside her on the bed, softly stroking the soft dark hair on the baby's head. She was perfect in every way and he was so happy that she graced their lives.
"I love you so much." Rachel turned her head, taking her eyes of the bundle in her arms only long enough to kiss her remarkable husband. "What do you think we should name her?" She asked softly.
Finn smiled while his hand rested over Rachel's. "I have been thinking about it and I may have an idea." He turned to Rachel, then to the baby. "Grace."
"Grace Carole." Rachel smiled. She knew she wanted to Name their daughter after Finn's mother. Rachel loved her and Carole had always been there for them, supporting them when they needed it. "It fits her."
Finn kissed the side of Rachel's head. It meant so much to him that they were naming their first child after his mother. "It does. What do you think Grace; do you like it too." He reached up and wiggled his finger on the blanket. The brunette baby let out a long yawn and Finn and Rachel both chuckled. "I'll take it."
"You want to hold her?" Finn carefully took the baby and cradled her in his arms, holding her close to his chest as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"I love you both so much."
Rachel reached up and caressed the top of Grace's head, completely happy in this moment. "We love you too." She knew now that she was stronger than she had given herself credit for. Though her daughter and Finn would always come first, Rachel knew that she could do this. She could raise her daughter, love her husband, and continue to be the star she had become.
Over the years, Finn and Rachel had endured so much together. They had already known that they were blessed, but as Grace slept peacefully in Finn's arms, he and Rachel truly realized the magnitude of their blessings.
A/N- And that completes it! I really hope you enjoyed it. Fun Fact: Rachel's pregnancy experience closely mimics my own. Castor oil is gross and I do not recommend it, it will make you poop; a lot.
I have started work on a new story and I'm really excited about it. No idea when I'll be ready to post it, but I can't wait to share it with you.
Thank you again for all the reviews, favorites, alerts, and Twitter messages on this and all my other stories. You guys are amazing. Till next time, much love.