The next morning, Rachel woke up feeling extremely refreshed and, if she wasn't pregnant with twins, she would have jumped out of bed and skipped to her bathroom to commence her morning routine. Instead, she gently slid out of bed and hummed as she walked steadily to the bathroom. She brushed out her hair and jumped into the shower, letting the hot water drench her skin.
Like most people, the shower was where she did most of her thinking. This morning's thoughts evolved around one of her many conversations with Puck last night. It was the question of what the babies would call Will. At first she hadn't thought it would have been a problem. Sure, she knew that her mom and Will loved each other but she didn't know that they would get married, even though that was what she was hoping for. Now that this was happening, however, she had to think about other things. Beth would grow up calling Will 'Dad' and it would confuse her if her mom and dad weren't Rachel's babies grandparents. Of course she would know about Quinn and Puck when she was older but she wouldn't know at first. There was also the fact that with Rachel's fathers, the baby would already have two granddads. But the more Rachel thought about it, the more she wanted the babies to be Will's grandchildren too.
Will Schuester had been there for her when no one else was. He'd helped her with her confidence in her sophomore year and he'd taught her the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. She wanted her children to know this lesson and though she could teach them it herself, she would prefer the same man to teach them like he taught her.
When she finally turned the shower off and stepped out, she decided that tomorrow night at the family meal, she would ask him which he would like to be called. However, before then, she needed to know what her dads wanted.
She quickly dried off and blow dried and curled her hair before applying her makeup. She then walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out her favourite pair of light washed skinny jeans and a grey and white woolly jumper. She finished her outfit with Puck's leather jacket that he'd given her months ago and a pair of sturdy boots that would not only keep her warm, but make sure she didn't fall on the ice that lingered on the sidewalks.
As she arrived downstairs, she saw that her fathers and Carly were in the kitchen. Hiram was stood by the stove cooking pancakes again and Carly and Leroy were sat at the breakfast bar already tucking into some that had already been cooked.
"Good morning, Princess," Hiram greeted when he saw Rachel walk in.
He stepped away from the stove and hugged her, kissing her forehead when she leant back.
"Morning, everyone," she said generally.
She then sat in between Leroy and Carly at the breakfast bar and started to pour sugar and lemon onto her pancake and topped it off with whipped cream before starting to eat it. Hiram soon joined them at the breakfast bar with his own pile of pancakes and the Berrys and Carly ate their breakfast.
"I have a question," Rachel announced a few moments later as she poured syrup onto her second pancake.
"And what is that, my love?" Leroy asked.
"When the babies are born, what do you want to be called?"
"Well seeing as I'm dad, I'd like to be called Granddad," Leroy replied. "It seems most appropriate."
"But if we went with that, I'd be called Granddaddy and that sounds ridiculous," Hiram groaned.
"What about Grandpa?" Carly suggested. "That's what I used to call my mom's dad."
"Grandpa Hiram?" Hiram mused, "I like the sound of that."
"Then it's settled," Rachel replied.
They paused the conversation as they all either took another bite of a pancake or had a slurp of their tea or milkshake.
"Why did you ask?" Hiram pondered.
Rachel then explained about her dilemma in the shower this morning but as soon as she'd said it, she wished she hadn't. She hadn't thought that her fathers would take it badly that she wanted to include Shelby's soon to be husband.
"He's going to help guide them, though," Carly added. The three Berrys looked at her. Rachel smiled in thanks and the older Berrys shared looks of confusion. "I mean, I want my son to call you both Granddad and Grandpa."
"That's lovely," Leroy said fondly. He then paused and realised what they girls were saying. He and Leroy weren't Carly's parents therefore, they aren't Carly's son's grandparents but if it was her wish that they were to be called that, then she would get her wish. This was the same for Rachel. Shelby was Rachel's mother now, even though technically she always had been, so it was only fair that she and her soon to be husband were also to be grandparents to the twins. This is what he said to Rachel and Hiram pondered if for a moment and then agreed with his husband.
"Yes, Leroy, you are correct," Hiram said.
Just as Leroy was to reply, a honk from a car was heard and Rachel quickly walked to the window and saw Puck sitting in his truck looking towards the door. He then saw her in the window and waved before blowing a kissed towards her. Rachel pretended to catch it before waving back and returning into the kitchen.
"Noah's here," she murmured.
Leroy and Hiram kissed both girls on their foreheads and picked up their bags for them to put on their shoulder before they rushed out to the trunk on their driveway.
Rachel jumped into the front seat as Carly got into the back. Puck leant over and kissed Rachel in greeting before saying, "hey girls."
"Hey baby," Rachel replied smiling.
"Hey Puck," Carly said from the back.
Puck then set off and the three discussed the matter that had been on Rachel's mind the last day. Puck agreed with Leroy and Hiram and was glad that everyone was in agreement. He echoed Rachel's excitement about telling Will about it when they went out for their dinner the following day.
Due to heavy traffic, when the three arrived at school, there was barely anytime until the bell was due to ring. Carly quickly went to the choir room to meet Finn and walk to Health Class with him and Rachel and Puck went in the opposite direction to American history, the only class that they shared together. It was the most boring lesson but the fact that the other was there always passed the time better.
oOoOo
That afternoon when the New Directions met in the choir room as usual for glee, they all had smiles gracing their faces. There had been no drama during the day, it was two weeks until Christmas break and they were happy that Mr Schuester had finally found the right woman for him. Of course Rachel was delighted that it was her mom he was marrying. The only thing that made it slightly awkward for her was the fact that she once crushed heavily on Mr Schuester, something that Santana and Puck liked to tease her about. Rachel just hoped that her mom would never find out about that.
Once everyone was settled in their usual seats, Mr Schuester called everyone to order.
"So who's next with this week's assignment?" He asked.
Everyone shuffled slightly in their chairs and avoided making eye contact with him.
"No one?"
"We're sorry, Mr Schue," Santana announced on everyone's behalf, "but us who haven't performed yet won't be able to live up to yesterday's performances."
"Yeah," Tina added, "your proposal and Ms C's song to Rachel are things that even we can't compete with."
"Then I'll have to perform something then," Rachel decided. When everyone looked at her in confusion, or in Mercedes and Kurt's cases insanity, she added, "think of it as family competition."
Everyone laughed slightly as Rachel stepped forward to stand before everyone. Shelby smiled proudly at her daughter for multiple reasons: the fact she was brave, in admiration for having many songs already prepared but mainly, it was because she'd openly stated that Will was part of her family already.
"I would dedicate this to someone but it wouldn't put across the right message," Rachel began. "Instead I'm going to say that I hope you enjoy my performance."
With this said, Will dimmed the lights and nodded to Brad on the piano. The intro began and Rachel sang her heart out with one of her favourite songs.
"I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history
I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play
The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's a destiny
I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I'd be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules
The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It's simple and it's plain
Why should I complain.
But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be obeyed
The judges will decide
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always stay in love
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all
I don't wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all"
When the last chord finished, Will turned the lights back on to reveal a fair few people either blinking back tears, hiding their faces or, in Kurt's case, openly crying. Puck then leapt forward out of his chair and wrapped his arms around Rachel sweetly and kissed her temple.
"That was so beautiful, baby," he whispered into her ear.
"Thank you," she whispered back.
Looking over Pucks' shoulder, Rachel noticed that Shelby was also openly crying like Kurt was.
"Was I really that bad?" She asked jokily pulling away from Puck's embrace.
"On the contrary," Quinn answered, "that was so completely beautiful."
"Thank you," Rachel replied, suddenly blushing at the reaction she'd received.
She then took hold of Puck's hand and led them back to their chairs. Rachel was sat next to Santana as usual with Puck sitting on the end next to the drums. Mercedes and Sam were sat behind them with Joe and Quinn to Sam's left.
Will and Shelby stood in the corner decided what they should do, should they let everyone go or should they think of something for everyone to do for the next half an hour of the session.
When neither thought of anything, Shelby stepped forward and announced, "Does anyone want to sing something that isn't from Mamma Mia because we're realised that that assignment is over now."
"A few of us guys have put together a song," Puck announced.
"That's great," Mr Schuester replied, "Come on up."
Puck let go of Rachel's hand and he, along with Finn, Sam and Blaine stepped forward. Finn went to sit behind the drum kit, Sam and Puck picked up their guitars and Blaine sat behind the piano.
"We'd like to dedicate this to our girlfriends," Sam said.
"And my wonderful boyfriend," Blaine added winking at Kurt.
Blaine then played the introduction on the piano and Sam and Puck joined in on their guitar with Finn playing a soft beat in the background.
"Puck: So lately, been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
Finn: When I'm gone you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
Sam: If a greater wave shall fall
And fall upon us all
Blaine: Then between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own?
All: If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
Puck: And maybe, I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
Finn: To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days
Sam: If a great wave shall fall
And fall upon us all
Blaine: Well then I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you
All: If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
Puck with Finn: Run away with my heart
Blaine with Sam: Run away with my hope
Puck with Finn: Run away with my love
Puck: I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time
All: If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way, way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
Blaine: If I could turn back time
Others: I'll go wherever you will go
Sam: If I could make you mine
Others: I'll go wherever you will go
All: I'll go wherever you will go"
As if on cue, when the song ended, Mercedes, Rachel, Carly and Kurt all rushed up and pulled their boyfriends into their arms kissing them sweetly.
"That was amazing guys!" Shelby said honestly, patting Puck on the shoulder. "You almost made me cry again!"
"We don't want that, Ms C!" Sam replied slipping his hand into Mercedes.
"I can see you all want to leave," Mr Schuester said. "Go ahead, we'll see you tomorrow."
Everyone bid each other goodbye and Rachel hugged her mom before taking Puck's hand and walking with to the parking lot. Kurt was going to be taking Carly and Rachel home as Finn and Puck were going to the tire shop for a shift. Mercedes was also going to the Berry house hold and Santana, Tina, Sugar, Brittany and Quinn were following in the car behind. The group where having a girl's night in, with Kurt being an honorary girl. They were going to watch a few movies and gossip like the good old days before studying and pregnancy ruined things.
They night was amazing and everyone loved it. Rachel loved spending her time with Santana and Quinn, not to mention Brittany too, and realised that she needed to make more time for her best friends. The same went for Tina, Mercedes and Kurt. She then promised to herself that when Christmas came she was going to throw another party and invite all of the boys too. All she had to do was convince her dads to do it. She needed to practice her puppy dog eyes.
So guys, what did you think to the proposal in the last chapter, I didn't get many reviews so I don't know if you all liked it or not. I'm worried that it didn't go the way you wanted it to go. I know updates have been a little here and there but as I've said, I have lost of work and I'm on a little break from college now so I've been writing a little more than usual. Please let me know if you don't like this and I'll alter it, but if you do like it, please tell me that too so I know to keep writing in this style with the ideas.
Live I've always said, if you want something to happen or a song to be sung, just leave it in a review or a PM and I'll get to it straight away.
Thanks again, everyone, you guys are amazing and your reviews mean soooooo much! Emss x