Shelby was extremely grateful Alex was correct in what she initially said, 'the trial should only last three days, it's unlikely we will need anymore time than that'—and damn was she right.

Not only that, but the jury came back within a half an hour with a guilty verdict on all charges including the attempted murder of Shelby, which Alex was definitely reaching on. That being said, the jury didn't see any reach and found Hiram guilty.

Hiram was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility of parole which the entire Corcoran family were relieved to hear, especially Shelby. It was as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders when Thomas called her immediately after sentencing—he didn't wait until he made it back to Shelby's before letting her know the good news, she deserved to know right away.


After the phone call she quickly relayed the information to Cassie along with her sisters and mother before scooping Rachel up from playing with her toys and taking her upstairs. She needed a minute alone with her little angel and luckily, the baby didn't mind one bit that she was taken so abruptly from her toys because she was with mommy.

Shelby took her into the nursery and sat down in the rocking chair snuggling Rachel extra close to her body breathing a huge sigh of relief knowing it was truly over. Her baby was completely safe and would never have to worry about Hiram ever again.

Rachel was chest to chest with her mommy and even though it wasn't nap time, decided that she wanted some extra comfort just like mommy seemed to—Rachel's comfort was a bit different than mommy's however, Shelby didn't stop her. After a tug on her shirt, Shelby smiled and lifted it up completely, unclipping her nursing bra and giving her baby exactly what she needed.

Rachel nursed for a while as Shelby sang to her and they relished in the moment of it being just the two of them. Nobody downstairs was going to protest Shelby needing that special time with her baby and it also gave them time to feel their own feelings of relief. It was over: the piece of scum was gone forever.


The detectives, Amanda and Olivia especially, were also very pleased with the outcome although the blonde more so than anyone. Olivia knew she took this case to heart which didn't happen much with Amanda so she was personally relieved for her detective as well.

At first, she was a bit worried if she was truly honest with herself; being the Lieutenant, you need to make sure your detectives are okay to do the work however, she quickly realized Amanda was more determined than ever and used that to figure out parts of the case nobody else would have.

Wednesday was a great day for all—except Hiram who would now become someone's play toy in prison; very deserved on his part. The key to his cell was forever thrown away after locking him in there leaving an extremely deserving family and special little baby girl to be able to move on from a terrible past, creating a wonderful future.


The next two days turned out better than Shelby expected. Rachel was extremely nervous and fussed at first when each of her uncles came over however, within a half hour of them being there and talking to mommy and Cassie while she played in mommy's lap, seemed to spark something in the baby.

Rachel recognized their voices, and their faces when she eventually made eye contact with each of them—mommy was right, they were on her phone just like when she FaceTimed with her aunties or nana and papa.

The baby also took in their looks and realized not only did they look like papa with nanas eyes, they looked a lot like mommy; that in itself made Rachel feel better and she opened up a bit. Neither uncle was acknowledged by name (which they assumed would be the case anyways) and although they didn't get a hug, they were able to 'talk' with the baby and see multiple smiles and hear lots of giggles.

Rachel always felt safe when she was in mommy's arms and when her Tassie was there—somehow she just knows they will always protect her which helped tremendously when meeting Jake and Jeremy. Rachel was able to play with her toys with mommy and Cassie and didn't mind that what mommy called an uncle was there as well.

Jake and Jeremy were honestly just happy to be there and see their niece in person; even though it made their anger flare again, especially after being in court for the last three days hearing and seeing everything that their niece and their sister had gone through—they truly enjoyed being there. Each brother 'compared notes' on their visits and couldn't wait to see the baby again.


The brothers each held back their tears seeing how small Rachel is and focused on how amazing it is seeing their baby sister as a mother. Both of them remember when their parents sat them down while Shelby was practically sitting on their fathers lap telling them, along with Addie, (Lexie was too young) about what Shelby had gone through: being a surrogate.

They remember the pain in their sisters eyes, the tears streaming down her face, the fact they had a niece out there somewhere that they couldn't get to know, and realizing that Shelby was the one to save their father all at the same time. It was a lot to take in as a family and it caused the brothers especially to be even more protective over Shelby.

When they got the phone call that Shelby somehow ended up with her baby Thanksgiving night, they were truly speechless. Of course hearing what Shelby knew at the time was devastating, however, the fact that Rachel would now be in their lives was absolutely amazing.


Each brother left Shelby's place happier than ever the day they got to meet their niece—happy to not only see their sister for the first time in so long but meet the precious little peanut as well. Since Addie and Lexie were still at their parents place, the brothers joined them for two family dinners that Thursday and Friday giving the little family some time to just be.

Shelby took Sunday off from the show after her entire family came to see her that Saturday and decided to take a leap of faith by inviting everyone over for lunch at her place before Addie flew home on Monday.

She knew it would be risky having so many people over considering Rachel easily gets overwhelmed but was hoping for the best. And the best it was—Rachel had a great time; giggles, smiles, and pure excitement after the nerves settled down which didn't take more than a half hour and a brief stint upstairs with just mommy and her booby.

Shelby was beyond proud of her daughter because she was able to handle the 'Corcoran bunch' with such ease, and was actually having a great time.

Yes, she did stay either in Shelby's arms, lap, or near her the entire time, but she interacted with mommy, Cassie, nana, papa, Addie and Lexie. The uncles were even given smiles from the baby and to them, that was enough.

After everyone had left that day, Shelby grew excited for Rachel meeting her cousins when they moved along with her other aunts and uncle (her siblings spouses) seeing as she handled having 8 adults in the house at once—four of whom she truly just met, obviously not having the same amount of exposure to them as she did with nana and papa.

It was a great day for all and Shelby couldn't wait for more. It was evident to the mother that her baby was starting to realize that not all people, men especially, are bad or yell. That made Shelby extremely happy and she felt grateful to her family who she knew would continue to be extra gentle with her little angel until she completely warmed up to everyone—something Shelby was positive would happen in time.


The weeks seemed to go by in the blink of an eye because suddenly, Shelby was getting ready for her last show. The family flew back out, not only her siblings, but spouses along with her nieces and nephews were there as well.

Her last show was on a Saturday making it easy for her siblings to leave after school ended for their children Friday and fly to the city; it was also convenient for the adults whose work week was now over and didn't need to miss a day. Even if they did need to miss a day or a few hours they would have however, nobody did which was great.

Rachel was once again sound asleep, snuggled up in the bassinette in Shelby's dressing room—Cassie was sitting on the couch but instead of reading a book or playing some silly game on her iPad, she was watching her beautiful girlfriend become green one last time.


April's contract length was the same as Shelby's and she decided, after much consideration, to not sign another knowing she wouldn't be able to truly let herself be Glinda without her one and only true Elphaba. The shows that April has done with Shelby's understudy just haven't been the same so tonight was also her last show as well.

That being said, she has already been offered numerous jobs not only on the stage but her beautiful voice in movies as well so she isn't that sad about tonight being her last show. According to the little blonde, 'it's time to spread my wings and do something on my own, because I could never do this show full time without my best friend holding me up'.


Both women were feeling a bit emotional however, each had something better waiting for them. April's offers may not truly be better considering she did win a Tony for her role as Glinda however, they were a new experience giving her more time to spend with her girlfriend which she was very happy about.

Shelby on the other hand had something way beyond better waiting for her: Rachel, her sweet baby girl and her beautiful girlfriend. Not to mention their brand new house, being closer to family, and every day for the next however long Shelby decides to be out of work to spend with her little angel.

Shelby hasn't decided how long she'll spend being a stay-at-home mother yet because even when Rachel is ready for preschool, Shelby doesn't know if she will want to work full time just in case her baby needs her. Maybe something part time, but who knows what her future will hold besides knowing she will always be there for her little one.

Cassie has been amazing at reminding her, 'you don't need to decide anything right this minute, we have plenty of time'. We because Cassie has also decided to take a bit of time off—she has been looking at jobs along with places to buy to open her own studio however, when they first get to Akron, neither women will be working and they are honestly very excited about it.

With money being zero issue, the two are thrilled to be able to spend time getting Rachel adjusted, finding family fun activities to do, along with getting Rachel familiar with her own family so hopefully they can all spend time together—or, at least spend time together one little family at a time if it's too much for the baby.


Their last show was absolutely magical, the best both women have ever given and they were so proud of each other, their friendship, and everything they've accomplished because of Wicked. Cassie was so excited knowing David chose this show to record for Shelby so one day, she can show Rachel when she's old enough.

It also meant Cassie would be able to see Shelby's last show once her girlfriend was given the DVD—not to mention the family could watch it anytime as well. Cassie had the most beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered before they even got to the theatre as did her parents and one from her siblings as well; Cassie's were Shelby's favorite though.

The Corcoran's also sent April flowers, along with Holly's beautiful bouquet for her—both actresses were beyond grateful. David sent them a special bouquet that was being delivered to their houses the following day because he was so grateful to those women for everything they've done.

And after the women took their bow together, their fellow actors/actresses handed each of them another bouquet. Shelby felt like she was drowning in flowers and was trying to figure out mentally where to put them all once they left the theatre.

Before that though, both Shelby and April stood on stage after their fellow actors left, each with a microphone in hand to say a special farewell and thank you. April explained how she was moving on knowing they each had wonderful replacements, however, told the audience how she truly couldn't deliver the show properly without her best friend.

Shelby wiped her tears, gave April a hug and then said her own thank you. Hers was much longer than April's, and the blonde could barely contain her tears after Shelby had spoke to their ever growing friendship, drowning a lot of it out by accident.

"…being on this stage for the last two years, even though I've been green the entire time—" that earned a laugh from everyone in the audience before she continued, "has been the second best experience of my life and I'm honored to be a part of such an incredible show with the most amazing cast and crew. I will never forget my time as Elphaba, but I'm leaving on a high note knowing I have my beautiful baby girl who needs her mommy just as much as I need her; she is my whole world and deserves everything life has to offer. We're moving on: together."

A round of awe's followed by the biggest applause either women has ever received as Shelby and April stood on stage hugging. After one final wave, the recording of the show that Shelby wasn't aware of ended, and they walked off stage together as the curtains closed.


Shelby and April held hands as they walked to their dressing rooms after plenty of pictures were taken—they had actually come in early to take some pictures in their 'natural habitat'; April in her floating bubble, Shelby up in the air like when she sings Defying Gravity, the two of them on Elphaba's bed before her 'makeover', and many others.

Cassie was going to make each of them a scrapbook of the pictures that have been taken over the years together along with the pictures taken on their last day—it was something the blonde found surprisingly relaxing and enjoyed doing. She learned that little tidbit after making the scrapbook she gave Shelby for Christmas of Rachel.

When the women reached their dressing rooms that were across the hall from each other, they held hands as they each took a step towards their own door as one last picture was captured and they said without words what they were each trying to express to one another.

'I love you forever', 'this may be the end of our stage journey together, but our friendship will always remain', 'you deserve to be completely happy', 'you have so much ahead of you', 'you'll always be my best friend: forever'.

And with that, they entered their dressing rooms with tears in their eyes. Luckily for each of them, their girlfriends were there, and Shelby also had her beautiful baby as well. They recovered quickly knowing together they were going to do their final stage door—Shelby gave Rachel a quick kiss gently brushing a finger over her little cheek and off she went.

The stage door was absolutely wild that night—not only were fans who attended the show out there, but fans who knew it was their last performance were there as well which made for a crazy ass time.

Shelby and April signed as many playbills as their hands would allow in the allotted time they gave themselves, took pictures with the tiny humans because that's what they always did, then blew kisses as they went back inside.

"Holy fuck that was insane," Shelby breathed out, looking at her best friend with wide tired eyes.

"What did you expect pookie, it was our last show together," April smiled and nudged Shelby.

The brunette rolled her eyes at the nickname but wrapped her arms around the small blonde and kissed the top of her head as payback knowing April hated it just like she hated being called pookie.

"I can't wait to get in the shower."

"Awe, you don't want to stay green?" April teased.

"If you count the amount of shows we've done along with the hour it takes to turn me green that makes…" Shelby paused and tried to do the math in her head. "I'm way too tired to do that math right now, but no, I do not want to stay green," she laughed.

"I can't say I blame ya, Holly always gets on me about getting all the glitter off myself before getting into bed because if I don't, we have to change the sheets. I swear I end up with glitter in places I didn't even know existed on my body."

They both laughed as they made their way down the hallway for the last time considering their cars pick them up out back to avoid the lingering crowd. As they continued down the hallway, they spoke about their first performance compared to their last and how much they've learned regarding cleaning themselves up after (special face washes, body washes, etc.) and smiling at how far they have come together.

April was sad Shelby and Cassie were leaving the city considering they've always been so close however, she understood completely why they were moving in the first place. April also declared one of the guest bedrooms as her own…well, hers and Holly's knowing they'd visit often.

Neither blonde wanted to miss Rachel growing before their eyes and wanted more than anything to be a constant in her life considering they were now with the amount of visits they've had with the baby; neither wanted that to change because they would now be in another state.

Granted they wouldn't be able to visit as much, but between FaceTime and their visits, April and Holly would always be known as Aunties to the baby. Not to mention they'd be able to see their best friends when they visited too.


Shelby's family left the theatre after getting a special meet and greet with all of the cast and some of the crew—the kids were able to get a special t-shirt that nobody else would ever have as it was made for the Corcoran children Rachel included for when she got older, signed by everyone including April and their aunt even though they know April well and obviously their aunt could sign something for them anytime they asked.

The special t-shirt that was designed specially for them was gifted in one child and one adult sized so they could wear it now and would be able to keep the bigger one for later. Rachel's was a little baby onesie which Shelby thought was beyond cute—she told David it wouldn't be a bad idea to start selling onesies at the concessions and he agreed. However, it wouldn't be this special onesie.

After the autographs and getting to stand/run around on the stage, the Corcoran's left knowing the baby was asleep, some of the grandkids were now tired, and everyone in the cast had to head off to the stage door.

The grandkids understood they wouldn't get to see their aunt again until she moved and wouldn't get to meet their cousin while in New York either. Luckily, they also all understood and were very happy that in a little over three weeks, Auntie Shelly would be home for good along with Rachel, and Cassie who everyone loved.


Two showers finished, two women dressed, two women packed up completely, four security guards ready to carry multiple bouquets of flowers, four women bundled up, one sleeping baby snuggled in her mothers arms, and they were ready to go.

April and Holly walked behind Shelby and Cassie, watching as a comforting hand was placed on Shelby's back as she cradled a sleeping baby in her arms—Holly had her hand on April's back as well providing her the same comfort as they watched their friends lovingly.

Joe held the door for everyone as they had already given each other hugs before Shelby picked Rachel up—not to mention the blondes would be coming over multiple times before they left for Akron. And a few minutes later, each couple got into their car and drove off from the theatre for the last time.

It was bittersweet for both Shelby and April however, they were happy with their decisions. April knew she made the right choice and was delighted to start something new; Shelby though, was beyond happy due to the reason she left the show: her baby girl.

Never once did she ever imagine actually getting to be a mommy to the precious bundle of joy she carried for 9 months, gave birth to, and saw for only a few seconds before she was whisked away. Now Shelby is not only getting to raise that precious bundle, she has the privilege of teaching her everything as well considering Rachel is truly like a baby in most every sense of the word.

Shelby didn't realize she was crying while watching her daughter sleep in her car seat until Cassie wiped her tears. The blonde couldn't be sure what was going through Shelby's mind but had a pretty good idea seeing as they could read each other like no other.

"I love you," Cassie said, instead of asking Shelby if she was okay.

The brunette turned her head to look at her girlfriend instead of her sleeping angel and smiled, "I love you too." She then kissed Cassie conveying everything the blonde needed to know through that kiss.

Shelby was better than okay.

Her baby girl would soon have the most beautiful and fun house to grow up in with her mommy always there to keep her safe and love her forever—along with Cassie who one day, may be seen as momma. Shelby knew it was too soon to think about those types of things: proposals, marriage, different monikers, but she could dream about it right?

Little did she know, Cassie was thinking about the same things. She however, didn't want to scare Shelby by asking so soon considering technically, they just started dating even though they've been 'together' for over two years now.

They hooked up before April and Holly did not thinking much about it at the time—that is, until April and Holly actually hooked up and the petite blonde gushed about it to Shelby over the phone one day then said, 'you and Cass should give it a go'. Shelby nearly spit out the tea she was drinking after April said those words because she hadn't told the blonde about she and Cassie thinking it was a one time thing.

That 'one time thing' turned into a constant thing because neither put labels on it not wanting to scare the other one off. They completely danced around each other for so long it was ridiculous to not only them, but their friends and the Corcoran's who knew all about Cassie. Either way, it worked out for them in the end so it didn't really matter that they never had labels.


When they got home, Shelby carried a sleeping Rachel up the stairs and laid her in the middle of their bed so she wouldn't have to transfer her from the bassinette after the two women changed. Placing two pillows around her tiny frame, Shelby turned around and smiled seeing Cassie standing there with her hand held out.

Shelby took it after grabbing the baby monitor and they closed the bathroom door where Cassie had already turned on the shower. Even though Shelby had taken a shower at the theatre, Cassie wanted to share one with her girlfriend—it was the perfect place for Cassie to not only massage Shelby's muscles while washing her body, but for them to have sex knowing their bed was otherwise occupied.

Cassie celebrated it being her girlfriends last show her own way in the shower—both loving every minute of it. After four orgasms, two each because Shelby refused to let it be all about her, they dried off putting on their typical t-shirt and panties then crawled into bed.

Shelby lifted Rachel's little body and laid her down on her chest, smiling as Rachel moved her hand laying it on top of what was hers as she snuggled in closer to her mommy. It was as if Rachel knew anytime her mommy was close and couldn't get enough of being exactly where she wanted.


Shelby's heart broke thinking about their move in the sense of, once Rachel settled in enough, she would eventually sleep in her own room as opposed to on top of Shelby where they both felt comforted. Shelby knew she didn't feel close to ready for that and knew her daughter wouldn't be ready either.

Cassie had already said to Shelby multiple times how it would most likely take a while before any of them were truly settled in their new home considering it was much different in Akron than the city—no more constant noise of the city that never sleeps, random noises, looking out the beautiful big windows to see Central Park: it would be different for all of them.

There was no reason to stress about it—especially because even if they did get Rachel settled in her own room, she most likely wouldn't stay there all night considering the fact she still nursed in the middle of the night. Arizona said to continue letting Rachel nurse whenever she wanted to help her gain weight as long as she continued eating real food and Shelby was comfortable doing so.

Arizona also assumed Rachel would wake up in the middle of the night when living with her daddy feeling hungry because he didn't feed her which could be a reason the baby nursed in the middle of the night—it could also be a comfort to the baby as well which is something Shelby wouldn't take away from her daughter.

Shelby decided to not think about any of that right now and smiled as she kissed the top of her daughters head—she had the most beautiful little angel in her arms who not only couldn't ever be taken away from her, but who Cassie was head over heels for and loved like she was her own.

That thought made her smile even bigger as she drifted off to sleep, a protective arm wrapped around her daughter, the other holding one of Cassie's hands as they all had sweet, peaceful dreams.


Everyone was excited for the next chapter—Shelby and Cassie had shown Rachel pictures of the house although she didn't want much to do with those; what she did care about was hearing mommy and Tassie tell her about what they would do there everyday.

They explained how they were moving and although Rachel didn't really understand and Shelby didn't want to compare it to being at daddy's house than mommy's, they explained the best they could. Adding the fact they were moving to be closer to nana and papa really made an impact on Rachel though, as if she was somewhat understanding in her own baby way.

The baby remembered when she had to FaceTime nana and papa after they went home to get clothes at their house so they wouldn't be stinky—Shelby quickly realized explaining to Rachel how they would all be moving while continuing to be close to each other made the baby excited.

Shelby was concerned about the flying part due to there being so many people however, because they would be flying out of New York and everyone new her, she was going to use that to get on the plane first—seeing as they were flying first class, Shelby thought sitting in the front row would be best so Rachel wouldn't have to see anyone else.

Honestly, the mother was considering asking Arizona if there were any safe medications that would help Rachel sleep for the flight—when the time got closer, she just might especially because when they were in either airport there would be so many people all crowded together and moving like crazy people.

They did talk to Rachel about an airplane, knowing Hiram had driven the eight and a half hours to get there instead of flying, and the baby seemed excited about being high in the sky with the clouds. Shelby tried to make it sound super fun when in reality it truly wasn't. However, being a baby and especially one who was still learning and got excited to even leave the house, maybe it would be exciting to her.

Time would tell.

And in a little over three weeks time, they'd all be living in their new house in Akron for the next chapter of their life together.


Akron here they come!