Chapter 25. Happily Ever After
Brandon's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the half-darkness of the room. Rachel was born just two days before, and she and Callie had come home from the hospital that morning. They sat up and watched the infant for a long time once evening fell. She made so many little noises, and those noises scared both of them, so they were hesitant to leave her side. But eventually, the baby stopped fussing for a while, and they decided to try and get a little sleep. Callie must have gotten back up once he drifted off, because it was her voice that woke him up now, even though she was speaking very, very softly. Brandon didn't move a muscle, not wanting to disturb Callie. He thought she looked incredibly beautiful, sitting in the rocking chair, bathed in the dim light of the nightlight. She was talking quietly to Rachel as she nursed her. It appeared to Brandon that she was carrying on a one-sided conversation with the baby.
"You know," he heard her whisper. "Mommy didn't have the easiest start in life, but things are gonna be different for you. Mommy and Daddy love you more than anything, and we're always gonna be there to take care of you. You're gonna be happy, and grow up strong and healthy, and do great things someday." She paused thoughtfully. "But don't grow up too fast, okay? Because you're so sweet and little now, and I want to enjoy it as long as I can."
Brandon smiled to himself at the tender moment between Callie and their newborn daughter. It was times like those when he fell in love with her all over again. Callie was right. Her life had never been very easy. But this new life of theirs, though it was just beginning, was her happy ending.
Epilogue: (Mother's Day- five years later)
"Daddy!" Cried Rachel, running into Brandon's arms.
Brandon scooped his young daughter up in a bear-hug. "Hey, Snuggle bug! Is Mommy coming?"
The five-year-old nodded with enthusiasm. "She's almost done with her breakfast." That morning, the two of them had prepared a Mother's Day breakfast in bed for Callie, and brought it to her with a bouquet of flowers. "Daddy?" Rachel asked now, her brow furrowed with concern. "What if I mess up my song?"
Brandon had been teaching her to play You Are My Sunshine with him on the piano, as a surprise for Callie. It was hard to believe their baby was already so grown up, and beginning to play music, which she seemed to have an ear for. "Don't worry about it, Peanut," he said encouragingly. He kissed the tip of her nose. "Remember what you do if you make a mistake?"
Rachel nodded again. "You just. Keep. Going."
"That's right," he agreed, proud of her answer. "And Mommy's gonna love your song no matter what. I promise." He set her down gently, and she raced to the landing of the stairs.
"Mommy!" She called. "Please hurry! Me and Daddy wanna show you something!"
Brandon heard Callie begin to descend down the stairs. "I'm hurrying, baby," she laughed. "Mommy can't get around as fast as she used to." Callie was eight months pregnant with their second child, a boy. Finally, she reached the living room. Rachel took her hand, and led her to the couch, then she joined her father on the piano bench. "What's this?" Callie asked playfully. "Am I going to be treated to a show?"
"I can't tell you," Rachel giggled, cupping her hands over her mouth. "It's a surprise!"
Brandon laughed. "You want to tell her what we're gonna play?" He asked, whispering softly in her ear.
"We're gonna play You Are My Sunshine," she told Callie. They began to play the short song, Brandon guiding her little fingers as they stumbled over the keys. Rachel was a perfect, tiny replica of Callie, with the same chestnut hair, big brown eyes, and round, cherubic face. Right now, that sweet face was the picture of complete concentration, her tongue sticking out, and her eyes focused on the music. Almost immediately, she made a mistake. She sighed in frustration, but kept playing. Brandon looked up at Callie, who was grinning while tears streamed down her cheeks.
That first mistake wasn't her last, but with her Daddy's help, Rachel got through the whole song. When they were finished playing, she looked up at Brandon, waiting for approval. Brandon hugged his little girl. "You did great, Peanut! Go give Mommy kisses."
Rachel scooted off the bench, then ran into her Mommy's open arms, and began showering her with hugs and kisses. "That was beautiful, princess," Callie told her, wiping away her tears. "I loved it. I didn't know you could play a whole song yet! Mommy's so proud of you!" She cuddled her daughter close to her, feeling every maternal emotion possible.
Rachel sat in Callie's lap, and rested her head against her pregnant belly. She took a lock of Callie's hair in her small fingers and held onto it, something she'd done since toddler-hood. "Mommy, I love you," she told her, turning her eyes up. "I'm glad you're my Mommy."
Callie wrapped her arms around her little girl, and kissed the top of her head. "Oh, pumpkin... I love you right back and then some," she said. "And I'm glad I'm your Mommy, too." At that moment, she sensed it was the right time to discuss a concern that had been weighing on her mind. "You know what, though?" She began. "When the your baby brother comes, I'm gonna be your Mommy and his. I know it might be a little hard to get used to sharing Mommy and Daddy at first, but I promise you we'll both love you exactly the same as we do now." She turned her daughter to face her. "How do you feel about the idea of sharing us, honey? Does it make you feel sad, or happy, or both?"
Rachel shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Both." She laid her head back against Callie. "But don't worry, Mommy. There's enough to go around."
The End- Thanks for reading, everyone!
What's next: I feel like I've found my little niche in the world, writing about The Fosters, and I want to continue writing about them. I've decided I'd like to try taking a few requests. So, what do you want to read about? If you have a story idea you'd like me to write, send me a PM or tell me about it in a review, and I might just use it. Thanks again for the support!