Protecting the Heart

Disclaimers: I do not own any part of Glee or its characters. This is purely for pleasure I get nothing else for this. Want to give a special thanks to Niekie for helping proof read this story for me. She's all kinds of awesome and an amazing author herself. Check out her Glee fic too.

Chapter 4

The girls shared a look and got out. Santana rounded the front of the car coming up next to Rachel beside the Agents car. "You can't be serious." She said in exasperation. "You brought a lesbian couple to some back water town. Are you trying to get us killed? She's pregnant and we have the baby in the backseat."

Rachel put a calming hand on her back when her voice rose. "I have to agree. This doesn't feel like the safest place for us to be."

Carlson held up her hands. "Look, this is a secure location and the owners of the diner are a gay couple that the town loves. Trust me you are more than safe here. Besides, if you drive about 45 minutes in the direction we took to get here we'll be in Richmond."

Donavon stepped forward. "We are also staying here with you and will be taking trips into the city to get things in order for the move. We also have a doctor's appointment set up for Ra… I mean Maria for a checkup to make sure all of the travel and stress isn't causing any problem."

Santana looked to Rachel who just shrugged and looking to her expertize here. "Whatever you think Ana."

She sighed rubbing her back of her neck. "Fine, but those doors better have some hefty locks on it and I want a rifle."

Donavon nodded, "Already done. There are deadbolts on all doors and they are solid. You have a rifle in your spare tire compartment and there is a concealed carry license for you in the paper work I gave you and registration for the rifle and your pistol."

Santana nodded satisfied but Rachel looked uncomfortable. "I'm not sure I like that many guns in the house with Teddy."

Turning Santana pulled the nervous woman into a loose hug. "I promise that the bullets will be locked up separate from the rifle and that my pistol will either be on my person or locked in a lock box where he cannot get it but I need these weapons to keep us safe. If these people find us there will be no reasoning with them or talking our way out of it. We will have to fight but I will do everything in my power to keep you all safe and teach baby boy gun safety and to never touch a gun but we have to have them."

Rachel sighed melting into her. "Ok but please help me make sure he's safe."

"I promise you I will."

With one last nod she pulled out of Santana's arms and turned back to the Agents as Carlson started talking again. "Ok, we need to unpack the cars then head either into town or into the city to get some food."

Rachel looked back to the SUV to her now awake boy who was watching them curiously then to Santana. "Can we just go into town for now? It's a shorter drive and I'm just exhausted and he's going to be tired of being in the car for so long."

Santana nodded moving to let him out. "Hey buddy, this is where we are staying for a little while. We are going to unpack the cars then go to the grocery store. Do you want to help and bring in your backpack so we can find your room?"

He smiled brightly nodding vigorously. "Yes Mami I'm a big helper."

She chuckled at his exuberance and kissed his forehead before setting him on the ground and handing him his bag. He reminded her so much of Rachel. "Ok mijo go with mama and I'll get the other bags."

He ran off to stand with Rachel and she smiled at Santana. "I can help too."

Santana turned to Donavon. "Are there any bedrooms on the first floor?" he shook his head and she turned back to Rachel. "No. I won't have you falling down the stairs with an awkward bag or something. Please just grab your purse and my little backpack."

She sighed but conceded and moved to do as asked while Santana and the Agents unloaded into the house. After a quick look at the three bedrooms upstairs Rachel picked the one she wanted and stuck her head out the door as she heard Santana on the stair, "First door on the left for baby boy and the one across the hall for us Ana."

With a nod she led the boy into his room and set down the bag of his clothes looking around at the room. It had what looked like a new twin bed along one wall and a dresser in the corner but was otherwise bare. "Alright mijo, mama says this is your room so get out the toys from your backpack and play in here for a bit while we finish unloading the car. Mama or I will come get you when it's time to go. When we get back from the store we will explore the house a little bit and maybe tomorrow we can take a look around outside."

"Ok Mami," He said as he climbed onto the window seat and started taking out his dinosaurs.

She smiled at him for a moment then crossed the hall to find Rachel sprawled across their bed that also looked new. "You look exhausted."

Rachel looked over when she heard Santana come in. "I'm fine, just resting for a minute. First thing we do is buy some sheets, pillows and blankets. I didn't find any in here or in the linin closet in the hall. Where's my boy?"

Santana nodded setting down Rachel's bag on the bed beside her. "He's playing with his dinosaurs in his room until we leave. We can look in town for that stuff when we go. I'm sure we'll find something that will work until we can get into the city. It's still pretty early in the day so the stores should all be open. Here's your bag, I'll be right back. I need to grab mine too and the few things we have in the car."

Rachel nodded getting up and opening her bag. Santana went downstairs and when she came back she and Agent Carlson had the rest of their things. Santana looked around finding Rachel in the closet hanging her things. "We got the rest of our stuff out of the car, it's on the bed. I'm going to help get the stuff out of Uncle Joe and Aunt Sara's car."

Rachel stuck her head around the door and smiled. "Ok honey, just be careful and don't hurt your shoulder."

Santana looked at her in shock then almost laughed at the slight eyebrow raise and the look begging her to challenge her new term of endearment. "I'll be fine sweet cheeks I'll be careful."

Not giving Rachel a chance for a rebuttal she quickly left the room with a smirking Agent Carlson following behind trying not to laugh at the look of distain on the little diva's face. It didn't take long to get everything out of the Agent's SUV and when she came back she had an arm full of sheets and blankets.

"Hey, where you at?" she said as she set the stuff in her arms on the now empty bed.

Rachel poked her head out of the closet. "I'm in here."

"I figured you'd be done putting up your things a while ago and have Tony's done too."

Rachel smiled and pointed to the closet floor where their empty bag now sat. "I got mine and Tony's done then I did yours." Santana looked shocked and went to speak but Rachel held up a hand. "You brought it all up here and I put it up. It's done so just drop it. What's all that on the bed?"

Santana smiled and handed her a set of sheets with cars on it and a comforter to match. "Uncle Joe picked up a set of sheets and blankets for each room. Why don't we fix our bed then Tony's before we head to town? Joe and I figured since the grocery store closes at 8:00, we should have time to stop at the diner for dinner then grabs some groceries. I'm starved and I figured you both would be getting hungry too. Joe picked up some pots and pans with the sheets so we are ok to cook breakfast in the morning."

Rachel nodded smoothing out the sheet helping her put it on the bed. "That's fine then tomorrow I think we need to make a list of things we need. Sara said that we have to buy everything that we need for the new house during this month we are getting used to everything. We have to furnish a three bedroom house that has a living room, dining room, kitchen, and small office. She has the floorplan so we know what size furniture to get. We need a plan of attack."

After finishing the bed Santana stood straight, "Sounds good. We'll look at the floorplan tomorrow then write down how big each room is than go shopping. We'll need to check out some consignment stores and find some really nice used stuff. We can't show up with all new everything, it's not realistic. We can get some stuff and some bedding then once we get settled if you want then we can decorate each room and buy some new stuff then. The only room that will be all new stuff will be the baby's room."

She thought for a moment unconsciously rubbing her still flat stomach. "Do you really think that this will last long enough for me to have the baby?"

"I don't know. I know we are hoping this to all to happen really fast but realistically it could take longer and it would look odd if we didn't plan for the baby in our new house."

"Yea, you're right," she said walking to the window looking out with a sigh.

Santana walked up behind her wrapping her good arm around her and rested her chin on her shoulder. "What's wrong sweetie?"

Rachel shrugged lightly. "I didn't even get a chance to tell my dad and daddy that I was having another baby and now they think that we are dead. When I had baby boy, after the initial shock my dads were so happy. They were there with me every step of the way. They actually moved to New York to help me. Dad got a job at a Mercy Hospital and Daddy stayed home to help me watch the baby while I finished school and started working. They were so wonderful and it looks like I might not have them at all with this one for a long long time. It just makes me sad."

Tightening her arm she kissed her cheek. "I know it does but I promise you that you are not alone. I will be here for you and we will see this through. I will be the best wife and Mami I can be I swear it to you."

Rachel turned in her arms and buried her face in her neck choking back a sod. "Thank… you Ana… I just…"

"I know honey. It's ok, we got this." She said kissing her temple.

Rachel just nodded into her neck trying to calm herself. After a few more minutes she gave Santana one last squeeze and a lingering kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, you have no idea how much it means to me to have you here this time."

Santana blushed lightly and took her hand. "It means a lot to me too. Come on, let's go fix little man's bed and get loaded up to eat and shop."

With one last nod she allowed Santana to pull her out of their room across the hall to Teddy's room. When they entered he was still sitting on the window seat but he wasn't playing anymore. He was looking out the window. "Hey mijo, we got some sheet and a blanket for your bed. What ya doin?"

He looked up to her and Rachel and smiled. "I was lookin out da winow and see'd a swing. Can we swing later?"

Rachel looked out the window to see what he was talking about and frowned slightly. "I don't know baby, it might not be safe for you."

"I'll take a look at it tomorrow and see if it is sturdy. If not I'll take it down and get you a new one that's safe for you. How's that sound?"

He clapped happily and she just smiled thinking that he looked so much like Rachel just then. "That's sounds good."

Rachel looked to her concerned. "Just be careful. Your shoulder is hurt."

She just shrugged. "I'll have Joe help me. I'll be fine, I promise."

Satisfied she nodded and they moved to fix the bed. Once they were done they went down and found the others and headed off to town. Dinner was nice and the food at the diner was surprisingly very good. After dinner they went to the grocery store that was actually like a miniature Walmart having a little of everything so they got groceries, cleaners, some toiletries and a few odds and ends they figured they may need before they got to the city.

Santana had talked to Agent Donavon about the swing and he told her that is wasn't sturdy at all so she picked up a prepackaged tool kit and she actually found a swing kit complete with a sturdy safety coated chain and a plastic seat. Teddy was so happy when he saw it and Agent Donavon promised to help Santana hang it tomorrow. After spending over an hour in the store they finally had all they thought they needed for now and headed home.

The farm house was fully furnished and clean since Agent Donavon had come to make sure it was livable before bringing them here. After they unloaded everything and put it all away per Rachel's instructions she took Teddy up and bathed him before putting him to bed.

Santana went up to check on them but stopped and just stood leaning against the doorway listening as she sang to him. After all these years it seemed that the little diva just got better with age. Santana had missed hearing her sing and this was even better than she remembered. When she was done Teddy yawned and looked over to Santana with a little grin. "Mama say'd you sing too. Can you sing for me, please?"

She smiled moving into the room sitting on the opposite side of the bed as Rachel. "It's been a while since I've sang but I'll try. What do you want me to sing?"

He thought for a moment then shrugged. "Um… I dunno… You pick."

She looked toward the window trying to think of something then smiled remembering a song her parents used to sing to her. "I got one but you have to promise to get some sleep after I sing." He just nodded happily and burrowed into his pillow waiting for her to start.

She stared out the window for a moment then turned back with a smile looking at Rachel. "Will you sing with me?"

"What song?"

"The Prayer. My Mami and Papi would sing it to me every night when I was little. Mami sang the English part and Papi would sing the Italian part. I loved it." Santana said with a blush looking away trying to control her emotions.

Rachel grabbed her chin gently pulling her to look at her. "I love that song and I'd love to sing it with you again. It's been way too long."

Santana smiled and nodded for her to start.

Rachel/Santana/Both

I pray you'll be our eyes
and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise
in times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer
when we lose our way
Lead us to the place
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

Teddy looked up at Santana and beamed at her as she started singing in Italian. Rachel just watched in awe and echoed her in English.

La luce che tu hai
I pray we'll find your light

Nel cuore resterà
And hold it in our hearts

A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night

Eterna stella sei
Ohoh ohooooh

Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer

Quanta fede see'è
When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

As they started singing together Teddy had a silly little grin on his face and his eyes were starting to droop. They shared a look over him smiling softly to each other and continued on.

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità

La forza che ci dà
We ask that life be kind

È il desiderio che
And watch us from above

Ognuno trovi amor
We hope each soul will find

Intorno e dentro sé
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer

Just like every child
Just like every child

Need to find a place,
guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salver

When they finished Teddy was out and they turned to soft clapping in the doorway. Rachel smiled and Santana blushed profusely. "Um… we were just singing him to sleep." She said shyly getting up. She kissed his head softly and grabbed Rachel's hand after she kissed him as well.

Once out of the room Donavon smiled. "Do you two want to sing me to sleep too? That was really amazing."

Carlson shook her head at him. "I knew you could sing," she said looking to Rachel. "But I had no idea you could or that you could do it in Italian." She motioned to Santana.

Santana shrugged. "There was a reason I was assigned to the family for my undercover op. I could speak fluent Italian and Spanish. The singing is just for fun. Have you locked up for the night?" She asked diverting attention from her.

The agents let it go and nodded. "We just came from doing a full perimeter search and check. All windows and door locks are secure and the alarm is set. We're heading to bed and were just coming to tell you goodnight."

Rachel grabbed his hand and squeezed softly. "Thank you, we were headed there ourselves after putting my little man to bed. Goodnight."

They all said another round of goodnights and Rachel pulled Santana into their room and started getting ready for bed. "I knew that you could speak Spanish but when did you learn Italian?"

Santana climbed under the covers with her good shoulder toward the middle and get settled waiting for Rachel to join her. "My Mami is half Italian half Spanish. Papi is Spanish. When they got married Mami didn't know Spanish and Papi didn't know Italian so they taught each other than when I was born they taught me. Knowing three languages has become pretty handy over the years."

Rachel smiled turning off the light and settling in beside her. "I know Spanish and Yiddish. Teddy knows Spanish as well and knows some Yiddish but doesn't really like to speak it. You can talk to him in Spanish anytime you like and just a forewarning, he does totally understand it so watch what you say around him."

Looking to her shocked Santana rolled to face her. "Why did you teach him Spanish so young?"

"The younger you start a second language the better for children to grasp it." She leaned up on an elbow excitedly. "Can you teach us both how to speak Italian? That would make us able to speak four languages. What would that make us, quadlingual?"

She laughed shaking her head amusedly at the other woman. "Yes, I'll teach you both but only if you teach me Yiddish so you and the boy can't talk behind my back."

Rachel giggled a laid back down, "deal."

They both settled completely and fell asleep fairly quickly. It didn't take long for them to gravitate together in their sleep and wrap the other in their arms. The next month or so would be challenging and stressful trying to get it everything ready but they were no longer as worried now that they had each other.

A/N: Here's my latest creation. Let me know what you think.

The song is The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrew Bocelli