DAY 16 - SURPRISE FROM SANTA
Prompt from FanFiction Users Aalderman2027 and Guest: Military AU fic. [See the end for the full prompt from both].
A/N: Since these were both similar ideas, I have combined them to make this one fic.
"I know mom," Chloe said, holding the phone between her shoulder and her ear. "Beca tried. It just isn't in the cards for her to make it home for Christmas."
Chloe was bouncing her 11-month-old daughter, Sophie, in her arms as she spoke to her mother.
"I know, but this is Sophie's first Christmas," Charlotte Beale said. "The army should make exceptions in cases like this."
Chloe chuckled. "The army doesn't work like that, mom. Besides, we'll be spending Christmas with you and dad. Sophie will have a wonderful Christmas and birthday in Tampa."
"I can guarantee that," Charlotte said. "Your dad has already ordered ponies for a pony ride and a bouncy house for Sophie's birthday party."
"I'm glad we can have so many of the family there for that," Chloe said.
"What about the Mitchells?" Charlotte asked. "Are any of them coming?"
"Warren and Sheila won't be able to make it," Chloe said. "They had already had plans to travel to New Mexico to be with Sheila's family."
"What about her mom?"
"She won't be there either," Chloe said. "She leaves on the twenty-third to meet her sister for a Christmas cruise."
"That's too bad," Charlotte said. "There won't be any Mitchells to celebrate Sophie's birthday."
"She'll have one Mitchell there," Chloe said. "I am a Mitchell and will represent her mama proudly."
Charlotte chuckled. "I stand corrected. And the Beales will be represented fully. Your brother and sister are both coming for Sophie's birthday and Christmas. It will be a full house. Plus we'll have your aunts, uncles, and cousins who live nearby. They're all coming to Sophie's birthday party."
"It will be good to see them all," Chloe said. "It's been a while since we've all been together."
"It will," Charlotte said. "Give Beca our best the next time you talk to her."
"I will," Chloe said. "Sophie and I will see you in two days on the twenty-third. Don't forget our plane gets in around two-thirty your time."
"Your dad and I will be there," Charlotte said. "We love you."
"Love you, too," Chloe said, ending the call.
Chloe quietly put the phone down and took Sophie to her room. She had finally fallen asleep and Chloe laid her in her crib.
"Goodnight, sweet Sophie," Chloe said, softly rubbing Sophie's back. "Mama and mommy love you."
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Chloe had been sleeping for a short time when the ringing of her phone woke her. She jolted up to a sitting position as she grabbed her phone and quickly answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, babe," Beca's voice came through the phone. "I'm sorry I woke you, but I had a chance to call so I took it."
"Don't ever apologize for calling," Chloe said, her voice raspy from sleep. "I love to hear your voice any time I can."
"God, I love you," Beca said.
"I love you, too," Chloe said. "Are you okay? You sound tired."
"I'm okay," Beca said. "Been a rough couple of days, but everything's quiet for now."
"I miss seeing your face," Chloe said quietly.
"Me, too," Beca said. "That's actually another reason I called. I am going to try and Skype you on Christmas day. I'm not sure what time, but I'll call you first."
"That's wonderful," Chloe said, smiling. "I'm sure Sophie will love seeing her mama."
"How's our baby girl doing?" Beca asked.
"She's doing well," Chloe said. "We kiss your picture goodnight every night before we go to bed. She recognizes your pictures around the house, too."
Beca sniffled and wiped a tear from her eye. "I miss you two, so much."
"We miss you, too," Chloe said, holding back her tears.
A muffled voice came through the phone's speaker and Chloe could hear Beca saying something but couldn't make out the words.
"Babe, I have to go," Beca said. "I'll call you on Christmas and let you know about the Skype call."
"Be safe, my love," Chloe said. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Beca said. "Always."
"And forever," Chloe added before the call ended.
Chloe put her phone back on the nightstand and laid back on the bed. She reached a hand out to Beca's side of the bed. Even with Beca gone for so long, Chloe couldn't bring herself to sleep on that side. She let out a heavy sigh and turned to her side, falling asleep in minutes.
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Two days later, Chloe was glad the flight was over. Sophie did rather well but the last fifteen minutes of the flight she had soiled her diaper and Chloe wasn't able to change her since they were so close to landing.
Chloe finally made it to the baggage claim and found her mother and father. Charlotte immediately took Sophie and scrunched up her nose.
"I know," Chloe said. "I couldn't change her because we were so close to landing. I need to find a changing room."
"I'll take care of her," Charlotte said. "Give me her diaper bag and you and your dad go get your bags. We'll meet you back here when we're finished."
"Thank you!" Chloe said as her shoulders sagged. She loved her daughter, but traveling with her was no picnic.
Chloe handed over the diaper bag and Charlotte went marching off to find someplace to change Sophie. Chloe's dad looked at her and smiled.
"I've missed you, baby girl," Carl said, pulling Chloe into a hug.
Chloe fell into the hug. Nothing beats a hug from her dad. The carousel beeped and came to life. Carl let Chloe go and they both stood near the carousel to get Chloe's bags.
Carl and Chloe collected the two bags that Chloe had checked and sat to wait for Charlotte.
"So, how are you?" Carl asked.
"I'm doing okay, daddy," Chloe said.
"How's Beca?" Carl asked. "Have you heard from her lately?"
"I did talk to her briefly two nights ago," Chloe said. "She's doing well."
"Good, good," Carl said. He smiled as he looked over at Chloe. "I miss that little ball of sarcasm."
Chloe laughed. "I miss her, too."
"Here we are," Charlotte said as she stopped in front of them. "All cleaned up and smelling like a baby should."
Sophie reached her arms out to Chloe and Chloe took her from her mother. Sophie laid her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Are we ready to go?" Charlotte asked.
"Yep," Carl said. "Got the bags right here."
Carl picked up Chloe's two bags and they walked toward the exit to the parking garage.
"We put the car seat in," Charlotte told Chloe as they walked. "Your dad even took it to the fire station to make sure it was set up properly."
They arrived at the car and Chloe put Sophie in the car seat and buckled her in. Once Carl had put the bags in the back of the van, they left and made the short drive home.
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
It was Christmas Eve, and Chloe was helping her mom cook dinner for the family. Everything was pretty much done so Chloe decided to make a batch of sugar cookies.
"Mom, where are the packages I mailed to you?" Chloe asked. "I want to do a quick check to make sure everything is intact."
"Your dad put them in the garage," Charlotte told her. "He'll be back soon and can help you move them inside."
"Hello, anyone home?" a voice called out from the front door.
"CJ!" Chloe squealed and ran out to greet her older brother.
CJ grabbed Chloe up and twirled her around. "It's great to see you, Chloe!"
"You, too," Chloe said as CJ set her down.
"Chloe!" Charlene called out, seeing her sister as soon as she walked in the door.
"Char!" Chloe squealed and hugged the younger girl.
"Where's my niece?" Charlene asked.
"She's in the kitchen with mom," Chloe said. "Come on."
Chloe led the way into the kitchen. Charlene let out a squeal when she saw Sophie.
"Oh, my gosh, Chloe," Charlene said, picking Sophie up. "She's gotten so big."
"Hey, munchkin," CJ said, kissing Sophie on the cheek. "Hey, Chlo, how's Beca?"
"She's doing well," Chloe said. "She's going to Skype tomorrow so you'll all be able to see her. Well, it will be through a computer screen, but I'll take what I can get."
"I miss that little ball of sarcasm," CJ said with a laugh.
"That's what I said," Carl said, having heard CJ. He stopped and smiled. "It's good to have all our kids home at the same time."
"It sure is," Charlotte said with a beaming smile. "Charlene, please set the table. Use the Christmas plates. Chloe, get the silverware and glasses and help Charlene. CJ, make some of that Christmas Punch."
The kids started bustling around to do as Charlotte said. Carl took Sophie from Charlene and cuddled her to his chest. He blew raspberries on her belly, causing her to giggle.
Chloe pulled out her phone to take a short video of her dad with Sophie. She put her phone away and she and Charlene set the family table.
"Carl, I need you to take the turkey out of the oven," Charlotte said, taking Sophie from him.
"Yes, dear," Carl said, kissing Charlotte.
"If we're having turkey tonight," Chloe said, looking at her mother. "What are we having tomorrow night?"
"Ham," Charlotte said.
"Your mom gave me a smoker for Christmas," Carl said as he lifted the turkey out of the oven. "And I'm smoking the ham for Christmas dinner."
"Sounds delicious," CJ said. "And, voila, the punch is done."
"Set it on the table, please," Charlotte said. "Chloe, can you take Sophie?"
Chloe walked over and took her daughter from her mother.
"Carl, you carve the turkey, while I plate up the rest of the food," Charlotte said. "You kids go wash up. It's almost time to eat."
"Yes, mom," CJ, Charlene, and Chloe said simultaneously, and then laughed.
Everything was on the table and everyone sat down.
"Carl, will you say the blessing?" Charlotte asked.
Carl nodded and they all joined hands. A tear came to Chloe's eye when her father concluded the blessing, saying, "And please keep all our men and women in uniform, both here and abroad, safe. Especially, one soldier who is near and dear to our hearts. And we know you know who that is. Amen!"
"Amen," everyone repeated.
"Thanks, daddy," Chloe said. "That meant a lot to me."
"Char, get out your camera," Charlotte said. "I want pictures of Sophie having her first Christmas Eve dinner."
"And make sure you send them all to me," Chloe said.
"On it," Charlene said.
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Dinner was done and the family helped clean everything up before heading into the living room.
"The tree looks beautiful as always, mom," Charlene said.
Sophie yawned and Chloe smiled down at her. "I'm going to put this one to bed," Chloe said. "I'll be down in a bit."
"Can I help?" Charlotte asked.
"Sure, mom," Chloe said. "Char, you want to come, too?"
"I'd love to," Charlene said and jumped up to follow them upstairs.
Once they were in Chloe's room, Chloe pulled out a Christmas onesie to put on Sophie.
"I've dreamt about this," Charlotte said. "Having all the kids here at Christmas, with grandchildren running around."
"Oh, no," Charlene said with an eye roll. "She's starting already."
"Oh, hush, you," Charlotte said, laughing.
Chloe laughed, too. "I guess this year you'll have to be happy having one grandchild crawling around. She's trying to walk but she hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet."
"Does she try to take steps?" Charlene asked.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "She's pulling herself up using the table, the chair, the couch. She then tries to take steps and she does but only while holding onto something."
"That's what each one of you did," Charlotte said. "It's a sign she's ready to start."
Chloe smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. Chloe picked up Sophie and held her to her chest. Her eyes were half-closed and Chloe knew it wouldn't be long before she was asleep. Chloe sat down on her bed, staring at the wall across from her.
"Everything okay, Chloe?" Charlene asked.
"Yeah," Chloe said and sighed. "I'm just disappointed that Beca is missing so many of Sophie's firsts. Her first Thanksgiving and eating turkey, her first Christmas, her first steps, even her first word."
"Is she talking?" Charlotte asked, excitedly.
"Not yet," Chloe said. "But she does say something that sounds an awful lot like mama when she looks at Beca's pictures. I kind of hope I can get her to say it when Beca Skypes tomorrow. That would be a hell of a Christmas gift, don't you think?"
"It sure would," Charlotte said with a big smile. "Looks like this one is ready for bed."
"I think you're right," Chloe said and stood.
Charlotte kissed the top of Sophie's head and whispered, "Sweet dreams, little one."
Charlene did the same, whispering, "Try and say Aunt Char tomorrow, okay?"
Chloe chuckled as she gently placed Sophie in the crib her parents had set up for her. "Goodnight, baby girl. Mama and mommy love you."
The three women walked out of the room together and made their way downstairs.
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
"Wow," CJ said as he flopped down on the sofa. "Playing Santa is exhausting."
"Thanks for all your help," Chloe said, looking around at her family. "Sophie is going to have the best first Christmas ever."
"You might have gone a bit overboard, Chlo," CJ said. "She's not quite one yet. She won't remember any of this."
"I'm not to blame for all of her presents," Chloe said. "I only mailed about ten things for her. The rest is all mom and dad."
"She's our first grandchild," Charlotte said. "I'm allowed to spoil her."
"Are we going to keep our Christmas Eve tradition of opening one gift tonight?" Charlene asked.
"Of course," Charlotte said. "Carl, you get to pick which gift they can open."
"I love this part," Carl said, smiling as he looked under the tree. "CJ, you get to open this one." He handed CJ a gift. "Chloe, you get this one. And, Charlene, you get this one."
He handed the two girls their gifts. "All together now," Carl said. "Go for it!"
The children laughed as they ripped the paper from their gifts. Each had a box and opened it.
"This is nice," CJ said, holding up an off white cable knit sweater.
"You'll look quite dashing in that," Charlene said as she opened her box. "Wow. Mom, Dad, this is awesome."
"What is it?" CJ asked.
"A complete set of Grey's Anatomy DVDs," Charlene said. "I love this show."
"We know," Charlotte and Carl said simultaneously, and then laughed.
"Chloe, what did you get?" CJ asked.
Chloe was holding a quilt. More like clutching it to her chest as tears ran down her cheeks.
"Chlo?" Charlene said. "Are you okay?"
Chloe nodded and sniffled. "Mom, this is the best gift I've ever gotten."
"What is it?" CJ asked.
"It's a quilt," Charlotte said. "With photos from her and Beca's life together so far."
"Can we see?" Charlene asked.
Charlotte helped Chloe open the quilt.
"There's Sophie right in the middle," Charlene pointed out.
"Here's our wedding picture," Chloe said. "The others are pictures of the two of us together, and some of us individually. It's beautiful, mom. Thank you."
Chloe went over to her mother and pulled her into a hug.
"I'm glad you like it," Charlotte said, her voice thick with emotion.
It wasn't much later when everyone had gone to bed. Chloe took her quilt with her and traced Beca's face as she looked at the photos. She fell asleep with the quilt wrapped around her shoulders.
~ Day 16 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Chrismas morning found Charlotte up early to start breakfast. Carl was close behind since he wanted to get the ham ready and in the smoker.
Charlotte was the first one downstairs when she noticed something.
"Carl!" Charlotte called upstairs. "I need you down here. Now."
Carl came rushing downstairs. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Do you know anything about this box?" Charlotte asked. "It wasn't here when we went to bed."
"I have no idea," Carl said. "Maybe one of the kids put it there."
Charlotte walked over to it and looked at the tag. "It says it's for Chloe and Sophie."
"Go get the kids up," Carl said. "I'll stay here. Something weird is going on."
Charlotte went upstairs and woke her children. CJ was first and he hurried downstairs.
"Mom said a mystery box showed up," CJ said.
"Yep," Carl said, pointing to the box. "It has a tag that has Chloe and Sophie's name on it."
"Maybe it's from Beca," CJ said.
"Maybe," Carl said. "But it wasn't here last night. How did it get in the house and under the tree?"
"What's going on?" Charlene asked.
"And it's for me and Sophie?" Chloe asked her mother as they came down the stairs together.
"Yes," Charlotte said.
The family looked at the box and then at Chloe.
"You should open it," Carl said.
"Should I get Sophie?" Chloe asked.
"I'll get her," Charlotte said. "You guys figure out how to open it."
Charlotte came back a few minutes later, carrying Sophie. Chloe took Sophie and walked over to the box.
"Look, Sophie," Chloe said. "This box is for you and me. Want to help me open it?"
"Mama," Sophie said.
Chloe jumped back. "Did that box just move?"
"Don't be silly," Carl said. "Just open it. We're all dying to find out what it is."
"Is anyone else freaked out at the fact this box just showed up in our home?" Charlene asked. "I mean, how did it get in here? And why didn't we hear anything?"
"Char's right," Chloe said. "It is a little freaky."
"Dad and I will open the box," CJ said. "If there's anything to worry about, we can handle it."
"Okay," Chloe said.
The three Beale women stood back while Carl and CJ stood by the box. CJ looked all around the box.
"It looks as if the box is covering something," CJ said. "I think we just need to lift the box up."
"I think you're right," Carl said.
Carl stood on one side of the and CJ on the other. They both grabbed a side.
"Ready, Dad?"
"Let's do it," Carl said.
They lifted the box to find Beca sitting there smiling at everyone.
"Beca!" Chloe screamed and ran toward her. Beca barely had time to stand before Chloe was throwing her self into Beca's arms.
"Hey, babe," Beca said, kissing Chloe. "Hey, baby girl." Beca kissed Sophie's temple. "Did I hear her say mama?"
Chloe nodded yes.
"I can't believe you're here," Chloe whispered.
"It was last minute," Beca said. "I didn't have time to call you. I love you."
"I love you, too," Chloe said, leaning in and joining her lips with Beca's.
"Mama," Sophie said, causing the two to break their kiss.
"That's the best thing I've heard in a long time," Beca said with tears in her eyes, kissing Sophie's cheek.
Beca took Sophie from Chloe and hugged her to her chest. She then put her arm around Chloe's waist and leaned in for a kiss. They stood there in their own little bubble, enjoying the fact that they were together.
"Do we get to hug you now?" Charlotte asked, finally breaking the silence.
Beca nodded as Chloe wiped the tears from her face. Charlotte and Charlene pulled Beca, Chloe, and Sophie into a group hug.
"It's good to have you home, Beca," Charlene said as she pulled back.
"Thanks," Beca said.
"So, how exactly did you pull this off?" CJ asked.
Beca laughed. "I used the key Charlotte gave me to get in. I found the box in the garage and put wrapping paper on it and then just put the box over myself."
"You've been under the box since last night?" Chloe asked.
"No," Beca said with a laugh. "It was only about 30 minutes. As soon as I heard your mom get up, I got under the box."
"Let's leave them alone for a bit," Carl said. He looked at Beca. "It's good to have you home, Beca."
CJ looked at Beca and Chloe and smiled. "Best Christmas ever," he said before following the rest of the family into the kitchen.
As soon as they were alone, Chloe kissed Beca with all the love she could put into a kiss. Beca moaned and kissed Chloe back.
"Merry Christmas, babe," Beca said, trying to catch her breath.
"Merry Christmas, Beca."
Prompt from FanFiction User Aalderman2027: Military AU fic. Beca isn't supposed to be able to make it home but surprises Chloe.
Prompt from FanFiction User Guest: Military AU where one is a soldier who can't make it home for Christmas. The other is at home with the child disappointed but the soldier is able to surprise them at the last minute.