A/N: Companion to chapter 52, and as an added bonus, I made a little follow-up. Not for any special reason, really. I just figured Rachel's fathers deserved some love.
"Daddy?" Rachel whispered five minutes after he joined her on the porch steps.
"Yes, honey?" Cory nodded. He gave her a supportive smile.
Rachel flushed, looked down, then grabbed one of his hands, squeezing it like she used to do when she was younger. "May I tell you something?"
Squeezing back, Cory dipped his head. "Of course," he smiled again, wanting to let her know that no matter what she told him, it'd be okay.
His daughter's lower lip trembled. "I… Daddy…" her voice hitched, but she swallowed it back. "I… I think I've fallen… In love. With another girl."
Cory washed his dinner plate with a sponge, his eyebrows knit as he thought deeply. Pausing from handing him a bowl, his husband studied his expression.
"Cor?" Jonathon asked, setting the bowl down onto the counter and placing his hand on Cory's arm, "Is everything okay?"
Cory blinked, but smiled at him. "Yeah, everything's okay."
"Mmhm. I'm here if you need me." Jonathon offered, picking up the bowl again. Suddenly, strong arms slid around his waist, and Cory hugged him tightly.
"You know," Cory murmured, kissing his cheek, "Rachel keeps surprising me."
"She's growing up."
Cory chuckled. "She really is."
