"This is the weirdest thing," Cooper announced, placed on the couch between Kurt and Blaine. "You guys were so close and you never met."
"It's even more weird that Kurt almost went to Dalton," Blaine said. "Can you imagine how different things would have been?"
Kurt stared at the yearbook in Cooper's hand. A picture from Regionals sat on the page. The New Directions stood beside the Warblers. Kurt stood holding Rachel's hand in anticipation and Blaine stood three feet away in a Dalton blazer with a hard, concentrated expression on his face.
What if he had gone to Dalton? Would he be with Blaine today? Would he have been in the Warblers? Would Blaine have befriended him at all? Would it have been worth leaving his friends at McKinley? "I guess we weren't meant to meet each other yet," he decided.
"That was our junior year," Rachel explained from the other side of Kurt. "I met Blaine the following year at Regionals and started talking to him."
"I can't believe you never told me," Kurt poured.
"Well, it's not like we were dating. I was with Finn," Rachel said, grabbing Kurt's hand. "I wasn't going to turn this into another Jesse St. James situation. I would have ended up with Blaine breaking an egg on my head."
"There's some in the fridge if you want me to," Blaine chuckled.
"I'm good, thanks," Rachel shook her head.
"I'm glad we didn't meet back then," Kurt admitted. "We both had our struggles but we had to go through those struggles to get to where we are now."
"Yeah, we might not have lasted if we met in high school, and I can't imagine that," Blaine smiled at him.
"And now here we are getting ready for your wedding," Cooper sat back, closing the yearbook. "It's amazing what a few years can do."
Blaine laughed, "You know, if someone came up to me on that stage and told me that in a few years I'd be marrying the boy that stood three feet from me, I would've thought they were crazy."
"You wonder how many times we really were near each other," Kurt said thoughtfully.
"I came to the Lima Bean and the mall from time to time. Who knows? Maybe you were there too," Blaine took the yearbook from Cooper and stood up. "But we'll never really know. What's important is that we're here now."
"You guys are about to be dads and husbands, Mercedes leaving for tour this week, Sam having a steady modeling career, and me fat and jobless," Rachel made a sour face.
"Rachel Barbra Berry, do not talk like that," Kurt snapped. "You are not fat, you are beautiful and pregnant. You're doing Blaine and I a great favor and it doesn't make you worthless."
Blaine set the yearbook on the coffee table and moved to the kitchen. "Honestly, Rach, you are going to get right back on your feet when this is over. You'll find a better Broadway job than Funny Girl."
"I guess," she sighed heavily, slouching back on the couch.
"Do you guys want to go over to Sam's on Wednesday? He's doing a farewell dinner for Mercedes before her tour kicks off," Blaine said, carrying a glass of water back toward the couch and sitting on the arm of it.
"Yeah, that sounds like fun," Rachel said.
"I can't believe she's going leaving the state right after the wedding," Kurt said bitterly. "I was really hoping she'd be around for the reception."
"She can't change the schedule though. She's just the opening act," Rachel replied.
"I know but- "
A loud banging on the front door cut Kurt off and they all stared at the door with wide eyes. Cooper and Blaine's bodies tensed. "She's here," Blaine mumbled.
"I don't want to do this," Cooper mumbled, wiping his hands on his pants. Standing up, he followed Blaine to the door.
"Hi mom," Blaine greeted his mother, giving her a quick hug.
"Hi Blaine," she smiled. "Cooper," she nodded at her eldest son.
"Mother," Cooper said curtly.
"Hi Kurt," Pam waved. "Rachel, you look lovely."
"Oh, thanks," Rachel grunted, attempting to pull herself off the couch. In the end, Kurt grabbed her hand and helped pull her to her feet.
"How's the wedding preparation coming?" Pam asked timidly.
"We've certainly been busy," Blaine stated. It was an awkward tension and for a moment no one said anything else.
"Do you have a little time now?" she asked, breaking the silence. "I was hoping maybe you and Cooper could show me around this big city."
Blaine and Cooper exchanged glances, and then Cooper nodded, "Okay, sure."
"Yeah," I'll get my jacket," Blaine agreed. He went to the coat rack and grabbed a jacket. "Shall we go?"
"See you guys later," Cooper said to Kurt and Rachel.
"Bye babe," Blaine walked over and kissed Kurt's cheek. "Love you."
"Love you too," Kurt replied. "Have fun."
Pam lowered her gaze and sucked in her bottom lip. She waited until Cooper grabbed her arm, before she quickly went out the door.
"Do you think they're going to be okay?" Rachel asked, leaning her head on his shoulder when the door shut behind them.
"I think they're going to be just fine," Kurt replied.
"Dad!" Kurt bolted across the baggage claim area at the airport. He threw his arms around Burt Hummel's shoulders and his father lifted him off the ground, spinning in a circle. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," Burt said, setting him on the ground.
"Oh Carole!" Kurt exclaimed, hugging her tightly.
"Hi honey," Carole beamed. "It's so good to see you! How's Blaine? How's Rachel? Any sign of that baby coming yet?"
"Not yet and I'm hoping she doesn't make an appearance this week," Kurt shook his head, taking Carole's bag from her.
"Maybe she wants to see her grandpa while he's in town," Burt joked.
"Dad, no. There's too much going on this week," Kurt objected.
"I know, sport. I'm giving you a hard time," Burt placed his arm around his son's shoulder, as they made their way out to catch a cab.
"Did Pam make it okay?" Carole asked conversationally.
"Yeah, she came Monday. You'll be staying in the same hotel as her," Kurt explained. "You'll see her soon though. Sam is hosting a dinner tonight. Sort of a farewell dinner for Mercedes and a celebration for me and Blaine."
"You guys aren't even married yet," Burt offered, shaking his head.
"I know but all our family is here and Sam wanted to do something special," Kurt said. "Come on, dad, I really want you to come."
"Kurt, that sounds wonderful. We'll be there," Carole said and Kurt hugged her again.
Burt and Carole unpacked at the hotel and got ready for dinner, which would be at six sharp. Kurt went with them to spend a little alone time with them.
Kurt arrived with Burt and Carole ten minutes to six. There was no sign of the Andersons yet. In fact, Kurt hadn't heard from Blaine since he took off with his mom and Cooper that day. This had been day three of touring the city and things seemed to be going well for them.
"Do you think everything's okay?" Mercedes asked.
"Yeah," Kurt nodded. Blaine hadn't said much about his trips with his mother and brother. It meant that either it was going well and Blaine felt no need to dwell on it, or it wasn't going well and Blaine was retreating with his emotions, like he often did when he was upset.
"We'll wait until they get here, even if they are late," Sam said.
"Until then, I want to ask you why you're tour starts days before my wedding," Kurt poked Mercedes in the arm.
"It starts in New York though. I'm playing here tomorrow and Friday night. I'll play New Jersey Saturday night, so I'll have time to be in the ceremony and split," Mercedes told him. "I wish I could stay, boo. I want to see everyone from glee club."
"It's okay. We understand," Kurt grabbed her hand. "I'm just glad you'll be standing up there with me."
"Yeah, we understand," Rachel replied. "You can't really skip a show to hang out with losers like us."
Mercedes gently brushed Kurt's cheek and said, "Well, I'm glad y'all feel that way. It makes me feel better about ditching."
"I'm more upset that I'm not going to see your show," Kurt made a sad face at his friend.
"I think you'll make it," Mercedes laughed. "I'm just glad Rachel's moving in to help keep Sam company. It makes me feel better about leaving him."
Sam shifted uncomfortably and gave Rachel a weak smile, "Me too."
A knock came on the front door and Sam quickly rushed to welcome the Anderson family into his home. "Nice to see you again, Cooper," Sam fist bumped Blaine's brother.
"Just in time," Kurt mumbled in his fiancé's ear, as Blaine embraced him.
"Long day," Blaine answered wearily.
Kurt took Blaine's hand and led him to the table. Taking a seat between Blaine and Rachel, Kurt looked around the table and smiled at the family around him. His heart felt so light and happy. He couldn't believe how well things were working out for them. Blaine had his brother and mother back. Kurt got to spend a few days with his family. Mercedes was going on tour. Blaine finally knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, things were going well for Kurt at Vogue. And in the next few weeks, he'd be gaining a husband and a daughter.
"Are you okay?" Blaine slipped him a napkin and grabbed his hand.
Dabbing his tear-filled eyes, Kurt whispered. "Yeah. Just having a moment like you did the other day."
"Everything's pretty overwhelming, huh?" Blaine squeezed his hand.
Kurt nodded. When everyone was seated, he blurted out, "I'm just really glad you're all here to share this week with me... and with Blaine. It means so much to me, and I've never been happier."
Blaine's thumb gently rubbed the back of Kurt's hand and he smiled, "Me too."
Casual conversation filled the room. Carole and Pam began telling stories from when the boys were younger. It was more Pam's take on things, since Carole could only go back a few years. But the gesture was sweet and Kurt felt gratitude toward her effort. Rachel and Mercedes had begun discussing tour, while Cooper and Sam discussed Cooper's movie, which would be released in the early Spring of the following year. It left Kurt and Blaine to discuss last minute wedding details.
"I made dessert," Sam announced from the kitchen some time after everyone finished eating. "I'm not much of a cook, so I hope it's good."
"It'll taste fine," Mercedes rolled her eyes at Rachel. "He's a good cook. He's so modest."
"Hm," Rachel hummed, glancing down at the table.
"Have you guys picked out a name for the baby yet?" Sam asked, changing the subject.
"No," Kurt sighed. "Blaine refuses to name the baby ahead of time. He wants to look at her and just know. I can't convince him to change his mind."
"Like you're just going to know?" Mercedes raised an eyebrow.
"I told him to name her Barbra," Rachel offered.
"No!" Kurt, Burt, Blaine, and Sam all said at once.
"Just a joke," Rachel said awkwardly, taking a drink of water.
"No but um... I do have a condition," Kurt turned to face Blaine. "You want to pick her first name and that's fine but I've thought a lot about this and... I want her middle name to be Rachel."
"What?" Rachel choked out, water dribbling down her chin. She set her glass down and wiped a napkin across her face.
"You're her mother and I want her to have a connection with you," Kurt shrugged.
"You mean other than the fact that I gave birth to her?" Rachel raised an eyebrow. "I think that qualifies as a connection."
"No, I think Kurt's right," Blaine agreed. "It narrows down how many names might go with her middle name, but I like the idea of naming her after you."
"But you still refuse to pick a first name?" Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Yes," Blaine said flatly.
"Well, I'm very touched," Rachel said sweetly. "Thank you so much."
"Anything for you," Kurt smiled.
"Okay. Will you do something for me?" Rachel took a deep breath. "Will you be available around noon tomorrow? I have someone I want you to formally meet."
Hiram and Leroy Berry were followed into the coffee shop by Rachel and a woman Kurt had not seen for years.
"Hi guys!" Rachel called to Kurt and Blaine. She led her group over to their table and made introductions. "Shelby, this is Kurt and Blaine. You briefly know Kurt as one of the kids from glee club but I never introduced you to my ex-boyfriend of three years. Blaine, this is my mom."
"Hi," Blaine stood up, shaking Shelby's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Shelby took a seat between Rachel and Leroy. "I do remember you, Kurt, but I still feel like I don't really know you."
"I understand," Kurt nodded. This was the most he had spoken to Shelby. She had been so caught up with Vocal Adrenaline and then with the trouble tones, she never really noticed Kurt.
"Rachel told me about the baby and how you're adopting her," Shelby smiled. "It takes me back to when I got pregnant with Rachel."
"I never thought I'd be in the same shoes as my mom," Rachel glanced down at her belly. "I used to resent her for not hanging around... Now I see how complicated life can be."
"We're not going to let you slip away though," Kurt replied.
"That's what we think is so incredibly sweet of you," Hiram said. "We don't want to see our little grandchild be motherless the way Rachel was. It was hard on her."
"We would never do that," Blaine shook his head.
"In fact, we want you to consider her your grandchild... you too, Shelby. Rachel is family and that makes you family," Kurt smiled.
"Thank you, Kurt," Shelby replied, brushing her hair behind her shoulders..
"You are more than welcome to come to the wedding tomorrow," Blaine added, twirling his coffee cup between his hands.
"As long as I can bring my daughter Beth? I can't find a babysitter on such short notice. She loves parties," Shelby mentioned.
"She's gotta be seven or eight now, right?" Kurt glanced at Blaine. "You know, we technically don't have a flower girl. We could buy Beth a nice dress and have her be in the wedding... If you don't mind, Shelby?" He added, carefully watching her reaction.
"I think that would be wonderful," Shelby beamed, she seemed pleased and that was enough for Kurt. "I can't wait to tell her."
"You don't have to do that," Rachel hissed across the table. "You've already arranged everything."
"No, Kurt's right. Beth is kind of like family," Blaine agreed. He gently placed a hand on Kurt's thigh and squeezed it Smiling at him, Kurt loved that Blaine was showing his support in this decision.
"You've never even met her," Rachel laughed, shaking her head.
"No, trust me, it still counts," said Kurt.
"Yeah, how many times do you go to family reunions and only know half the people," Blaine offered, raising an eyebrow.
At this, Rachel let out a hard laugh, nearly knocking over the napkin holder nearby. "I-I'm sorry... I just... Is that r-really the best argument you could come up with?"
"Yeah..." Blaine said slowly.
"You guys are so cute," Rachel continued, her laughter growing louder. The people at the closest table to them stared in her direction.
"What's so weird about it?" Blaine asked. "We wanted a flower girl and a ring bearer but there's not many kids in our life and we aren't expecting any for the wedding. We don't have a big crowd coming."
"Beth at least gives us that flower girl," Kurt agreed, watching his friend curiously. "It's not hard to add that to the ceremony. Hand her a basket of flowers and let her go."
It took a minute for Rachel to calm down. When she did, her hand fell to her belly and she said, "Oh."
"What?" Kurt and Blaine asked in unison. Blaine halfway out of his chair.
Wincing, Rachel breathed, "No, I'm fine. You two worry too much." She waved Blaine down.
"Are you sure?" Hiram asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Rachel said. "I'm actually more than fine." She took Shelby's hand and said, "I haven't been this happy in a long time."
"Really?" Kurt cooed.
"When I first offered the idea of adoption to you, I was terrified," Rachel admitted. "But I lived such a good life with my two dads and I just... I have so much faith in you and Blaine. You guys are going to be the most amazing dads, and I believe I made the right decision."
Tears formed in Kurt's eyes. He rose from his chair and came up behind his friend. Wrapping his arms around Rachel, he said, "We love you, Rachel."
"I love you too," she patted his arm. "I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere. I've accepted this family for what it is, I'm gaining a new roommate and I've started looking at upcoming Broadway auditions. I think I'm going to get back on my feet soon."
Blaine stood up and reached for her hand. Helping Rachel to her feet, he said, "It makes me really happy to hear that."
Blaine pulled her into a hug and stretched his arm out to Kurt. He joined their hug, kissing Blaine's cheek. The three of them had found something that worked for them as a family, and it was so nice to finally feel like he belonged somewhere.
"You look so handsome," Kurt," Rachel said, straightening his bow tie.
"I feel like a train wreck. I'm so nervous," Kurt said. He was seated on a park bench with Rachel. Since Kurt didn't have a guy best friend, other than Blaine, Rachel was substituting as his best woman.
"You're going to be just fine," Rachel squeezed his hand.
"What if he changes his mind?" Kurt spoke the words that had been haunting him for days.
"Kurt, who wouldn't want to marry you?" Rachel chuckled. "Hell, I'd marry you if you weren't gay. You're a catch. Blaine is so lucky to have you."
"Aw, thanks sweetie," he pulled her into a hug, gently rubbing her back.
Rachel's phone vibrated in her hand and she glanced at the text message before she said, "Sam just told me that Blaine's really nervous too. That should give you some sort of relief."
"Unless he's nervous because he changed his mind," Kurt readjusted his bow tie. It was sunny and sixty-three degrees but Kurt felt so hot, it could have been ninety degrees.
"Stop. Leave it alone." Rachel placed her hands on his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "Blaine won't change his mind. You are going to be just fine."
"Okay," he whispered.
"Come on, it's time," Rachel led him over to a gardened area and said, "Carole's walking you down the aisle, so this is where I have to go find Sam. I'll see you at the alter," Rachel kissed his cheek and left him standing there, dazed.
"Hey, honey," Carole's voice broke his train of thought. "You look so pale. Are you feeling okay?"
"Just nervous," he gave her a reassuring smile. "But I'm glad you're here to do this with me."
"Well, Beth has already made her way down the aisle and Mercedes and Wes are next. Let's go," Carole looped her arm through his and led him to stand behind Sam and Rachel.
Footsteps came from behind him and his breath caught in his chest. He knew Blaine and Pam had entered the garden and he was too terrified to look. Staring several deep breaths, Kurt focused on a bird singing in a tree nearby.
"Come on," Sam guided Rachel down the short aisle, she gently waddled beside him and Kurt couldn't help but smile.
And then suddenly, Carole was nudging him forward, whispering words of comfort. "Take a deep breath. It's gonna be fine." The small crowd moved by in a blur and then he was standing at the makeshift alter.
He turned in time to see Pam guiding Blaine down the aisle. Tears gently flowed down Blaine's cheeks and Kurt couldn't help but tear up himself. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, with his curly hair perfectly styled. Just the sight of his beautiful fiancé took Kurt's breath away.
"Hi," Blaine whispered, reaching for his hands. He smiled through his tears and Kurt returned his smile. For a moment, they stared into each other' eyes before the Minister interrupted them.
The ceremony proceeded in a standard fashion. Until they reached the vows and Sam pulled out the rings from his pocket, handing each to Kurt and Blaine.
"Kurt," Blaine said, his voice shaking. "I was a boy that hid in the closet for years. I thought I was doomed to a life of marrying a girl and never fully being happy. I loved Rachel, and I knew I'd be happy with her, but it would never be enough. I always thought I'd be standing up here with Rachel, not having someone in between us.
"And then you came along and opened my eyes to viewing love as fireworks instead of sparklers. You showed me that I can be whoever I want to be with no limits," Blaine's voice broke and he steadied himself long enough to take a deep breath. Hazel eyes pouring into blue eyes, Blaine began to cry again, "I was lost and you found me. You gave me the strength I never would have found on my own, and I'm so grateful for that. You saved me from myself.
"I'm still trying to figure out who I am, and so far you've accepted me for my flaws and my struggles. I know that starting this new chapter with you is going to open a whole new world of opportunities for me. I'm giving you my promise that I will do everything I can to learn and grow the best way I can with you. I'm a work in progress, but I fully trust and believe that you will continue to guide me through whatever life throws our way, and I promise that I'll be there to hold your hand every step of the way. I will love you for every flaw and every mistake. I will do my best to give you strength and to pick you up when you fall. I promise to love and to cherish you and all of the time we spend together," Blaine finished, gripping Kurt's hands tightly.
Unsure how he could follow that, Kurt gazed into his favorite hazel eyes and felt the world disappear around him. Taking a deep breath, Kurt started, "Blaine, you brought me out of a low place and gave me a home. I was only convincing myself that I was happy and you showed me how unhappy I was simply by bringing me happiness."
"I still don't know how I found someone like you. For the first time in my life, I feel one hundred percent accepted. I feel like there's nothing that could stop me from being everything I want to be, and I'm looking forward to showing you every little part of me.
"I love you, Blaine, and I'm so thankful that you've given me a home and a family. We don't know what our future holds and I think that's the best part. I once thought I was set in my ways and then I had a stranger buy me a cup of coffee. Who would have thought that one cup of coffee would take me on the adventure of a lifetime? Who would have thought I'd gain a husband and a daughter by accepting a cup of coffee? I took a step in a new direction without knowing it. Marriage is a huge step. It's more like a leap into a new chapter and even though we don't know what that chapter holds, I'm ready to take a leap of faith and be by your side through everything, because I can't imagine my life without you. I promise to give you a safe haven the way you have given me one. I promise to openly accept you the way you have accepted me. I promise to take care of you and to be the best husband I can be. I may not be perfect. I'm a work in progress. But I promise to do my best in everything we do."
Sam handed each of them a ring and the Minister spoke words that Blaine then repeated, "I, Blaine Anderson, give you, Kurt Hummel, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love for you." Blaine then slipped the ring on Kurt's hand and smiled through his tears.
Feeling his heart pound quickly in his chest, Kurt stared into his favorite pair of eyes, as he began reciting the Minister's words. "I, Kurt Hummel, give you, Blaine Anderson, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love for you." He placed the ring on Blaine's finger, before Blaine seized both of his hands tightly.
The Minister announced, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your groom."
Without hesitation, Kurt's lips met Blaine's and he wrapped his arms around Blaine's shoulders, just as Blaine's hand reached up to cup the side of his face. The sound of applause melted away and Kurt felt himself get lost in the sweet sensation of his husband's embrace.
Author's Note:
We still have a few chapters to go, but I'm so excited that we've gotten this far. Thank you so much for your support. It means so much to me. I'm gonna do my best to get these last few chapters up as soon as I can. Xoxo