Beca rushes home on Thursday and finds Ashley and Amanda in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner. Chloe is upstairs with Emily and Beca goes looking for them. She finds Chloe in their room studying while Emily plays on the bed
"Hey, gorgeous," Beca says walking into the room.
"Mommy," Emily squeals and jumps into Beca's arms.
"Hey, babe," Chloe says.
Beca leans down and kisses Chloe. She then kisses Emily on the cheek.
"Dinner should be ready in about 15 minutes," Beca tells Chloe. "I'll take the munchkin so you can a little bit of work done."
"Thanks, babe," Chloe said. "Just let me know when it's actually ready."
"Will do," Beca said. "Love you."
"Love you, too," Chloe said and goes back to her books.
Beca puts Emily down and takes her hand. They walk out of the bedroom and head down the hall.
"Hey, Em," Beca said. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes," Emily says.
Beca stops at Denise's door and knocks.
"Yeah," Denise calls from inside.
"Dinner's almost ready," Beca tells her.
"Thanks," Denise said. "Be right down."
Beca and Emily continue and walk downstairs to the kitchen. Beca puts Emily in her high chair and asks Ashley if she can help with anything.
"You can get the plates and glasses," Ashley tells her.
Denise walks into the kitchen just as the food was being put out.
"Mm, something smells good," Denise said.
"Where's Chloe?," Amanda asks.
"I'm here," Chloe said as she enters the kitchen.
She walks over and gives Beca a kiss and they all sit down to eat.
"Ashley," Denise asked. "How'd the doctor's appointment go? Are you having a girl?"
"Or a boy?," Beca asked.
"After dinner," Ashley said. "I'm having my own gender reveal. So, you'll just have to wait."
"Okay," Beca says with an exaggerated sigh. "But, seriously. Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Ashley said. "Everything is perfect."
"Good," Beca said.
The girls finished eating and Beca and Denise offered to clean up and do the dishes. The others could hear Beca tell Denise all the things she wanted for dinner the next week when Denise lost their bet. Denise could be heard laughing and promising not to dent Beca's Mustang while she was driving it for the week. The two girls hurried to complete the task and went into the living room. They found Ashley holding a black balloon and Amanda, Chloe and Emily sitting around waiting for them.
"What's with the balloon?," Beca asked.
"This is going to tell us what the baby's sex is," Ashley said. "Inside is confetti in either pink or blue. I'll pop the balloon and then we'll know."
"This is exciting," Amanda says.
"Okay, here we go," Ashley said taking a needle and reaching to pop the balloon.
The balloon popped and pink confetti came flying out.
'Yesssss," Denise yelled.
"Nooooo," Beca yelled.
Denise started doing a little happy dance around Beca.
"I get to drive the Mustang," Denise sang as she dance around Beca.
Ashley and Amanda laughed, while Emily danced around with Denise.
"Congratulations, Ashley," Chloe said giving the girl a hug. "Now you just need to come up with a name."
"I've actually have a name that I like," Ashley said.
"What is it?," Amanda asked.
"Shelley Anne Matthews," Ashley says. "I looked up Shelley in the baby names book and it has a couple of meanings including truthful and pretty. I liked it."
"It's a nice name," Chloe said.
Sunday came and the girls were having their weekly family dinner. Beca handed the keys to her Mustang over to Denise.
"Please be careful with it," Beca said.
"How come Denise gets to drive the Mustang?," Jesse asked. "I've asked to drive it dozens of times and got shot down every single time."
"She lost a bet," Denise said pointing at Beca.
"I could've sworn it was going to be a boy," Beca said shaking her head.
"What?," Jesse asked.
"They bet on the sex of Ashley's baby," Chloe said.
Mama B and Lily both squealed at hearing Ashley was having a girl. Ashley told them she was naming her Shelley and that everything was progressing nicely.
"Speaking of progressing," Mr. B said. "You girls all ready for your wedding? And the reception next weekend?"
"Can't wait," Beca said with a huge smile, giving Chloe a kiss and a hug.
"Everything is all set," Chloe said. "I don't have classes on Tuesday and I already talked to my Professors and got out of class on Wednesday. Beca and I are staying at the Four Seasons in Atlanta for our wedding night. We'll go someplace for a honeymoon during my winter break from school."
"Yeah, Jesse," Beca said. "Don't forget I'm staying with you tomorrow night. I'll just bring my stuff with me to work tomorrow."
"Okay," Jesse said. "Are we picking up Ashley and Amanda on Tuesday?"
"No," Ashley said. "I'll be driving Chloe and Charlotte. You two will pick up Amanda from school."
"Okay, cool," Jesse said. "What about after?"
"After," Beca said. "We're all coming back here for a family celebration and Chloe and I will leave from here."
After dinner was done more discussion followed about the wedding and reception. It wasn't much longer after that they decided to call it a night. After saying goodbye to Mama B and Mr. B, Chloe went upstairs to do some homework.
Beca took Emily and gave her a bath and got her ready for bed. She put the toddler in her bed and Emily got fussy. Beca picked her up and sang to her until she fell asleep. Once she ws sure Emily was sleeping soundly, she crossed the hall to her and Chloe's room. Chloe was sitting up in the bed reading a text book.
"Are you about done studying?," Beca asked with her back to Chloe.
She opened the dresser and pulled out some pajamas. Chloe had put the book down and was walking up behind Beca. She took the pajamas Beca had just taken out and dropped them back in the drawer. Beca looked at Chloe in the mirror and noticed that Chloe was naked.
"You won't be needed those tonight," Chloe said quietly, looking at Beca in the mirror. "I figure since you'll be staying with Jesse tomorrow, this would be our last night to have singles sex."
"I like the way you think, Beale," Beca said as she turned and pulled Chloe into a heated kiss.
On Tuesday, Ashley took Amanda to school and notified the office that she needed an early dismissal for 1:30. Denise drove off for her classes promising to be at the court house before 2:00. The rest of the morning moved by slowly for Chloe. Around noon Charlotte helped her start to get ready. At 1:00 Ashley showed the caterers where to set up for their celebration dinner. It was 1:30 by the time the three girls and Emily were ready to go. Ashley drove and they made it to the court house about 15 minutes later.
Beca was ready and had to wait for Jesse to finish dressing. She had opted to wear an off-white pant suit in lieu of a dress. Her blouse was a light blue to match the dress they had picked for Emily to wear. They were a little behind schedule when Jesse was finally ready. They hurried to pick up Amanda and made it the court house with five minutes to spare.
Denise and the Beales came in close behind Chloe and Charlotte. Chloe was getting anxious because Beca wasn't there yet. It was almost 2:00 before Ashley said that Jesse texted and they were in the court house. Chloe, Charlotte, Mr. B, and Emily were to stay inside a small room while the others gathered in the area designed for the ceremony.
Charlotte walked in first, carrying Emily. Once they reached Beca the doors opened and Mr. B walked in with Chloe on his arm. Beca's heart practically stopped when she saw Chloe walk in. Chloe was wearing a sleeveless white lace dress that came to just above the knee. Papa B walked Chloe up to Beca and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He went to stand next to Mama B.
The officiant performed the standard wedding ceremony and Beca and Chloe exchanged rings. After the ceremony was over and the wedding certificate was signed by the two brides and the witnesses, Beca saw Mr. Stapleton standing by the doors.
"Excuse me for a sec," Beca told the group.
She walked back to where Mr. Stapleton was standing and had a quick conversation with him. She walked back over to her family.
"There's something up with Amanda's adoption," Beca told them. "We need to go see Judge Franklin. Mr. Stapleton said we could all go."
Beca looked at Amanda's face. She looked crestfallen.
"Hey," Beca said making Amanda look at her. "I'm sure everything is fine."
Amanda nodded her head. Beca picked up Emily and grabbed Chloe's hand and followed Mr. Stapleton out the door. The rest followed.
"Come up here, please," Judge Franklin said as the group entered his court room. "I understand congratulations are in order Mrs. and Mrs. Mitchell."
"Yes, thank you, your honor," Beca said.
"Now I've asked you here to discuss something very important," Judge Franklin said coming down from behind his bench. "Amanda will you come forward with Beca and Chloe."
Amanda looks at Beca and Beca nods her head. Amanda walks over and stops in front of the Judge. Beca and Chloe walk up and stand behind Amanda.
"And who is this little cutie?," the Judge asked smiling at Emily.
"This is our daughter, Emily," Beca said as Emily giggled.
"Nice to meet you Emily," the Judge said. "Now, Beca, Chloe, and Amanda, I need to swear you in."
Judge Franklin then swears the trio in and Amanda throws a questioning look at Beca. Beca just shrugs her shoulders and smiles.
Mr. Stapleton then asks Beca and Chloe to introduce themselves for the record and has them express their intention for the adoption to continue. And to provide a safe and stable home for Amanda. They both give an adamant yes.
Mr. Stapleton then looks at Amanda and asks if she wishes the adoption to proceed. Amanda gulps as nods her head.
"We need you to say it out loud, sweetie," the Judge says kindly.
"Yes," Amanda says.
"Okay, then," Judge Franklin says. "Congratulations, Mrs. and Mrs. Mitchell, it's a girl!"
Beca and Chloe laugh. Amanda looks over her shoulder at them, confused.
"Ladies and gentleman," Judge Franklin says, taking Amanda by the shoulders and turning her around to face Beca and Chloe and the rest of the group. "I'd like to introduce you to Amanda Mitchell."
Amanda looks back at the Judge.
"Really?," Amanda asks.
"Really," the Judge says with a wink.
Amanda takes two steps forward and falls into Chloe's arms. Beca hugs the two and Emily is clapping and giggling.
The rest of the family join them and Chloe has her dad take pictures of the Judge signing the decree of adoption, as well as several photos of the Mitchell family. The Judge has his clerk make three certified copies of the adoption papers. One will be filed with Mr. Stapleton and and the other two will go home with Amanda's new parents.
Beca thanks Mr. Stapleton, who offers his congratulations. Just as they were starting to leave, Amanda runs back and hugs the Judge.
"Take care now, Ms. Mitchell," the Judge tells her patting her on the back.
"Thank you," Amanda says and runs back to be with her family.
Back at the Mitchell house everyone has eaten and the caterers bring out the cake that Mama B made for the happy couple. It is after 7:00 when Beca and Chloe leave to spend their wedding night in Atlanta. Mama B and Mr. B are getting ready to leave with Emily when Amanda stops them.
"Hey, Em," Amanda says reaching for the toddler. "I'm going to be the best big sister ever. I promise. I'll always be there for you, just like my big sister has always been there for me."
Ashley gets tears in her eyes and Jesse pulls her into a hug.
"I love you, little sis," Amanda says kissing Emily on her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Amanda hands Emily back to Mama B. Mama B hugs Amanda.
"You can call me grandma if you want," Mama B tells her. "I'd love it if you did, but no pressure."
"Thanks," Amanda says with a huge smile. "I'll see you later, grandma."
Mama B smiles and kisses Amanda on the top of the head. Papa B gives her a hug as well and the older Beales leave, taking Emily home with them.
"It's been quite an eventful day," Denise said plopping down on the sofa.
"It sure has," Jesse said and looks over at Amanda. "How does it feel to be a Mitchell?"
"I still can't believe it," Amanda said. "Beca never said anything about the adoption being final yet."
"I like what you said to Emily," Ashley told her. "Thank you."
"I meant it, Ash," Amanda says. "You were always looking out for me. And you'll always be my big sister. No matter what our last names are."
Ashley grabbed Amanda in a hug and kissed her on top of her head.
"I love you," Amanda said.
"Love you, too," Ashley said.
"Hey, Denise," Amanda said with a smile. "Can you drive me to school in the Mustang tomorrow?"
"Sure," Denise said. "I have a class at 9:00 so I can drop you off on my way to campus."
"I still can't believe you're driving Beca's Mustang," Jesse said.
On Wednesday, Beca sent a text to Amanda and Ashley letting them know that she and Chloe would pick Amanda up from school. They wanted to get Amanda's name changed on the school records.
Beca and Chloe were a little upset that they weren't able to get the name changed until they received Amanda's revised birth certificate. There was only 15 minutes left in the school day so they asked to have Amanda released to them. Amanda came to the office and the trio left just as the bell ending the school day rang out.
The rest of the week went by in a blur. The girls were getting into a routine and everyone was looking forward to the weekend festivities.
Beca and Chloe spent the first part of the morning at the spa getting pampered. They finished with a massage and headed back home. The part set up was in full swing when they got there. They went up to their bedroom and got ready. Beca was done before Chloe and was wearing a pink denim skirt (Chloe's idea) with a white tee that had Mitchell 1 on the back in pink. She had on pink ankle socks and white keds and wore her hair up in a ponytail. She went to find Emily and Amanda and found them both in Emily's room. She smiled when she saw the two girls. They were both wearing a pink denim skirt with a white t-shirt. On the back of Emily's shirt was Mitchell 4 in pink, and on the back of Amanda's was Mitchell 3. Both girls were also sporting pink ankle socks and white keds.
"Alright, Mitchells," Beca said. "Are you ready to party?"
"Party, party, party," Emily squeals and claps her hands.
"I take that to mean yes," Amanda said with a smile.
"You both look adorable," Beca said. "Chloe is going to flip when she sees you two. I can't believe she talked me into wearing matching outfits."
"Come on, Beca," Amanda said. "It will be cool when we're all together."
"Oh, my God," Chloe squeals seeing her three girls. "You all look so cute."
"Not cute," Beca, Emily, and Amanda say crossing their arms over their chests and grinning.
Chloe took Emily and gave her a kiss on her cheek. She hugged Amanda and kissed her on top of her head. Chloe was wearing an identical outfit like the other Mitchell girls only she had the number 2 on the back of her white tee.
"The guests should be arriving soon," Chloe said. "We should get downstairs."
Chloe put Emily down and grabbed her hand. Beca grabbed the other and Amanda walked ahead of them. When they reached the living room they saw that Jesse, Altman, and Lily were already there.
"Hey, Chloe," Jesse said. "Your mom is in the kitchen and asked that we send you in there as soon as we saw you."
"Thanks, Jesse," Chloe said. She picked up Emily and said "Let's go see what grandma wants."
"Chloe," Mama B said as they walked into the kitchen. "You girls look adorable. Where's Beca and Amanda?"
"We're right here," Beca said.
"Good," Mama B said. "I definitely want to get pictures of the four of you before it gets too busy."
"You girls look adorable," Mr. B says.
Mama B gets several pictures of the girls using her cell phone. She promises to send them to Chloe. The doorbell rings and the Mitchells all go to answer the door together. Beca opened the door to find Stacie and Aubrey, as well as Jessica and her boyfriend.
"Come in," Beca said.
The guests are all mingling and having cocktails. Beca gets everyone's attention and lets them now the food is ready and to please help themselves. Beca and Chloe go through the buffet line with Amanda and Emily. They sit at the family table. Everyone is chatting and having a good time. Jesse stands up and taps his glass with a spoon to get everyone's attention.
"When Beca asked me to stand up with her when she married Chloe," Jesse says. "I was honored. She's been my best friend for almost 2 years now and there is nothing I wouldn't do for her. She and Chloe met under some extreme circumstances, but you could tell from day one that there was something special between them. The love they share is has created a family that I a proud to be a part of. They have already been through more in the past 4 months than most people have been in their lifetime and they are still here, still together, and still loving each other. I wish them nothing but love and happiness from this day forward. To Beca and Chloe."
The guests all clink their glasses "To Beca and Chloe" are heard around the room.
Beca and Chloe hug Jesse before he sits down. Charlotte stands up
"I said that if Jesse got to give a speech as best man," Charlotte said. "I should be able to give one as the maid of honor." A few chuckles are heard around the room. " Everything Jesse said is true. Beca and Chloe belong together. I've never seen Chloe happier. So, Chloe, my sister, I love you and I am so happy for you. Beca, you are now my sister as well, and I love you, too. I wish you many happy years together. Congratulations."
Beca and Chloe hug Charlotte before she sits down. Beca and Chloe remain standing. Beca takes Chloe's hand.
"Chloe and I want to thank everyone for coming out today," Beca said. "It means more to us than we will ever be able to say. I want to say that these past 4 months have been a hell of a ride. Many of you know that I adopted Chloe's daughter Emily as my own." Beca walks over and stands behind Amanda, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders. "But what many don't know is that Chloe and I now have another daughter. On Tuesday, the day we got married, we also became the parents of this wonderful young lady. Friends, this is our daughter, Amanda Mitchell."
People gasp and applaud. Beca hugs Amanda. Chloe hugs them both.
"Amanda," Beca said pulling out of the hug. "I make a promise to you, and to Emily, that I will do everything I can to make sure that you both have a happy life. Along the way I will piss you off, I will probably make you hate me, but I will always, always be there for you. I love you."
Amanda, Chloe, and Beca are all crying at this point. They hug one more time and Amanda sits down. Beca take Chloe's hands in hers.
"Chloe, I love you" Beca said looking at her wife. "I fell in love with you before I ever met you. You have brought so much to my life - excitement, chaos, love, family. You've helped to turn this house into a home. So, today, not only do I celebrate our 2 daughters, I celebrate the fact that you are my wife. Thank you for agreeing to share this roller coaster ride called life with me. Thank you for Emily, thank your Amanda, and thank you for your parents, who I am proud to call my parents now. The word in-laws doesn't fit what they have come to mean to me." Beca stops and wipes the tears that have fallen down her cheeks and looks at Mama B and Mr. B. "You welcomed me into your daughter and granddaughter's lives and made me feel like I was a member of the family from day one. And for that I will be forever grateful. I promise you that I will take care of Chloe and Emily until I take my last breath. I love them, and I love you both."
Mama B and Chloe are both wiping tears from their eyes. Beca walks Chloe back over to their seats. She wipes the tears from Chloe's face. She picks up their champagne glasses and hands one to Chloe.
"We raise our glasses," Beca said as she raised her glass. "To our family and friends. We love you guys!"
Beca and Chloe clink their glasses and take a drink. Beca pulls Chloe in and kisses her.
"I love you," Beca tells her.
"I love you, too," Chloe says and kisses her again.
So, there you have it. Beca was a lonely Detective, falling in love with a girl in a picture. Now, she's married to that girl and they are raising two daughters, Emily and Amanda, together. Life is good for the Mitchells.
Yes, readers, all things must come to an end. So, this is the next to the last chapter. The last chapter will be an Epilogue to show how all of our girls are doing 5 years down the road. Thanks for staying on this crazy ride with me.