First of all, sorry for the delay. My twins have started crawling which means I've been a little bit busier seeing as they don't stay in one place anymore besides nap time or bedtime. Joys of being a mother, but gosh do I love it more than ever. Thank you for your patience.
3 weeks in the Corcoran household flew by for everyone. Cassie's apartment was now sold, Katherine and Thomas had flown back to help the siblings with some of the boxes Shelby and Cassie had already shipped, most being Rachel's clothes and toys considering there were so many of each and the women had done a lot of packing.
That being said, Rachel didn't quite understand why there were so many boxes and kept asking 'me oo mommy?'. At first, Shelby thought Rachel wanted to help put things in boxes so she asked the baby if she wanted to put some of the extra toys she didn't play with in the box however, quickly learned Rachel was asking if she was coming with mommy and Tassie.
Shelby's heart broke at the realization and was fast in reassuring her daughter she would always come with mommy; no matter what, the baby would always come with mommy everywhere. That is, until she was obviously old enough and comfortable enough to go to preschool—not to mention she understood what was happening which is was obvious wouldn't be for a while.
They were flying in three days time and because of this, Shelby spoke with Arizona who told her about mommy's bliss, organic baby bedtime drops which would be helpful for flying or sleep in general. Normally, Arizona wouldn't 'prescribe' over the counter anything for mothers for flying however, she knew the baby's anxiety and because of this knew it was necessary.
Sure, Shelby may only use the medication for flying because it wasn't needed any other time however, it was great to have for the plane. Not to mention Arizona told Shelby about the baby drops and not the one for kids which started for age 3 and up due to her size meaning, they are completely safe.
It made Shelby feel much better about flying knowing that if Rachel woke up during the flight, the baby wouldn't be able to see anyone else due to the seats they had—Shelby could breastfeed her, keep her occupied with toys they packed in the carry-on, and they would have some juice for her with more drops in it which thankfully could be mixed with her anxiety drops so she'd be back asleep when they landed.
Unless she slept the entire time considering it was less than a 2 hour flight and only a bit of time at each of the airports—because the drops are used for bedtime though, it wouldn't be uncommon for the baby to sleep through everything, even until getting to their new house. Either way, they were prepared for anything and everything.
The last few boxes were going to be packed up and sent in the truck that was being driven those 8 and a half hours to their new house by none other than Joe and Mike, Shelby's security guards. They were doing the driving to make sure nobody followed them considering they knew how to avoid any crazies and would be extra man power to bring the boxes inside.
The women were bringing two suitcases with the last of their outfits, one bag was going to hold the pjs from the night before wrapped up in a little baggy with some of Cassie's, Shelby's and Rachel's outfits to pick from to wear the day before and for the flight itself.
The other bag would hold the rest of Rachel's most played with toys that were luckily allowed to pass through airport security that way the women would know exactly where they were when they got to the new house.
Rachel was pleased with the fact her room, besides most of her toys, along with every other room in the house was staying the same seeing as Shelby and Cassie picked out all new furniture for the new house. Well, besides Rachel's room which would be a replica of her room in New York apart from the size considering her new room was much bigger in Akron.
Shelby and Cassie were leaving some of their clothes in the penthouse; granted they were taking most of their clothes, but enough that they'd have plenty to wear and not have to pack their suitcases so full when going back to the city. Shelby also left some of the bigger clothes she had for Rachel in her closet as well knowing the baby wouldn't fit into them anytime soon.
Once Shelby had the baby convinced she was coming with them, especially mommy, Rachel thought kissing each toy before placing it in the box with mommy's help was really fun. 'Me hava tiss em mommy, doe dey no mis me,' is what she said to Shelby—the mother thought it was way too cute for words. You'd think those toys wouldn't be seen for years when it was only two days. Too damn cute.
Everything was packed up and sent off with the boys on Thursday and today was the day.
Friday morning: the day they were flying to Akron for the next chapter of their lives was now here, and it was a little bittersweet for both the women.
As much as they loved the city, this move was for Rachel as much as it was for Shelby; being close to family, away from the craziness of the city, paparazzi, constant fans stopping her on the street, along with providing Rachel a more stable life, a bigger home with so much fun inside and backyard that was much better for her to play, was much more important that any job she had or may have had in the future.
For Cassie, she loved the city because she found Shelby along with an amazing set of lifelong friends, and a steady job—although, she can truly dance anywhere. Her heart belongs to wherever Shelby is, and that has been true for years; if Cassie is being truly honest with herself, her heart has belonged to Shelby since the night she told her about her baby girl. Now, they are moving with that baby girl who now has a name and she couldn't be happier.
Due to the amount of time it takes for the medicine to work, on the way to the airport after saying 'bye-bye' to the penthouse, Rachel was given her sleepy drops and was out like a light by the time April's security guards opened their doors at terminal 5. While April's security got the two suitcases, Cassie grabbed the carry-on along with the diaper bag as Shelby bundled Rachel up.
Shelby quickly made it through security with Rachel as Cassie checked the bags knowing Shelby wanted to get out of the public eye as fast as possible; she had made a phone call to not only get them the front seats on the plane, but a special room where they'd be able to be alone right near the gate. 'Perks of fame I guess' Shelby had said to Cassie, although this time she truly was grateful.
Shelby was thankful for the fact she was traveling with Cassie, a huge pair of glasses and a blanket to cover the sleeping baby in her arms because they were able to make it onto the plane without anyone but the pre-flight check-in woman and the two flight attendants knowing who Shelby and Rachel truly were.
The flight attendants were quick to assure them they wouldn't be bothered unless they needed anything—thankfully Shelby packed plenty of snacks for Rachel in case she woke up, her sippy cup as well, and Cassie bought both she and Shelby waters before boarding.
Due to the fact Rachel is so small, she didn't need her own seat and was comfortably sleeping in mommy's arms the whole flight. She briefly woke when they landed however Shelby was able to coo her back to sleep easily which the mother was grateful for.
They waited until everyone was off the plane before exiting themselves knowing if someone saw Shelby they'd want much more than she could or would be willing to give—pictures, autographs, to talk with her, see her daughter; Shelby didn't want the baby to wake up, or for people to notice her considering the plane left from New York meaning people were bound to know who she is.
Cassie once again got the suitcases while Shelby walked closer to the exit where Thomas was waiting for them. Katherine met Shelby and Cassie inside to take the diaper bag and carry-on stating she'd wait with Cassie while her daughter brought her granddaughter to the car. Thomas would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy driving one of the brand new Range Rovers that already had Rachel's car seats installed—he loved it.
The baby woke up to the voices of not only mommy who was sitting next to her, but to Cassie, nana and papa; the baby didn't completely understand how nana and papa were there because she remembers saying bye-bye to them then not seeing them anymore.
She didn't care though, she was so excited. Well, she was excited after slowly waking up and stretching out her little body. Shelby suddenly stopped listening to the conversation as she saw movement next to her and took one of her daughters little hands in her own while rubbing her finger over the baby's cheek gently.
"Hi baby girl, did you have a nice nap?" Shelby asked.
The car became quiet besides the soft music playing as Shelby spoke. Rachel's only response to her mommy's question was stretching a little more causing Shelby to chuckle and kiss her temple. "You have so many big stretches in you, don't you love bug?"
"Mommy," Rachel smiled and waited for her typical wake up kisses. One Shelby peppered kisses to her face the best she could, the baby was more than up to talking. Because Shelby was blocking the view of Cassie who was sitting next to her, the baby got nervous.
"Ware Tassie mommy? See no ere?" Rachel questioned, her voice sounding quiet and uneasy.
Cassie moved forward in her seat and Shelby pushed herself back so the baby could see her which was easy to do because Rachel's car seat faced the back due to her size.
"I'm right here princess," Cassie reached over grabbing her little hand while smiling at Rachel.
A slight squeal and all was right in the baby's mind. It was then when she saw nana staring back at her and she squealed again, "Nana ere, mommy wook!"
Shelby smiled and placed another kiss to her daughters temple, "I know baby girl, and papa too. They came to bring us to our new house. Nana and papa are going to stay with us for a few days because they just missed you so much."
"That's right sweet pea, we did miss you so much right papa?" Katherine smiled, questioning her husband.
"We definitely have missed seeing your bright smiles and hearing your giggles these past few days pumpkin," Thomas responded.
Shelby tickled Rachel's little belly and smiled, "Hear that sweet girl, nana and papa can't wait to spend time with you."
"Me miss dem too mommy!" Rachel exclaimed, looking directly at her mother with a lopsided grin.
The family listened to a lot of the baby's babble along with some they could understand as Thomas drove them to their new home which wasn't a very long drive at all; it seemed to fly by for all of them. Shelby was also extremely grateful to her parents who stocked the fridge seeing as she heard her little ones talking tummy and knew she'd be ready to eat soon enough.
A little over 30 minutes of a drive later, Thomas pulled into the driveway most of the Corcoran family has seen besides the family actually moving into house. Rachel's car seat is on the passenger side meaning Cassie got the first view of the house considering when Thomas pulled into the driveway, the house was on the left.
As Cassie's jaw dropped open seeing the house for the first time, Rachel squealed seeing the house next door. Not all the houses were the same however, they were similar in nature seeing as it is a gated community, recently updated, with all the best security, in a brand new development.
The houses were built within the last two years meaning anyone who moved in there recently was still new to the 'community'. Shelby preferred it that way seeing as the security was top of the line, the gateman were always there and trained security professionals, actually better than she had in the city, and more importantly, kept her daughter safe.
Shelby smiled at both their reactions—Cassie was completely shocked even though she grew up in houses similar and Rachel just seemed overly excited which was too cute for words. Shelby put her hand on top of Cassie's bringing her out of her shocked state and when the blonde turned her head towards her two loves her smile was bigger than ever.
Shelby then looked at her daughter, "Are you ready to go see your new home baby girl?"
Rachel looked up at her mommy with her head tilted slightly, "Tampwine wite mommy?"
Shelby brushed some of Rachel's hair back and smiled pressing a kiss to her temple, "Yes baby, the trampoline is inside. Should we go see?"
She knew her daughter would want to see the trampoline first so they'd be heading to the large, beautifully renovated basement first which didn't bother her in the least. Of course she and Cassie wanted to see the house itself in person for the first time however, the little princess gets what the little princess wants.
As Thomas brought in the suitcases and Katherine grabbed the diaper bag and carry-on, the women walked into their house for the first time. Rachel's grasp on her mommy tightened as they entered, something she did whenever they went somewhere knew until she saw the entryway which was beautifully decorated.
A huge rectangular mirror with a long table underneath was the first thing they saw; a few decorative pieces, one being a bowl which Shelby assumed her sister put there so the women could put their keys—smart idea, but Shelby would prefer to use it as decoration instead. Addie and Shelby had somewhat similar taste, however they typically did things a little different than each other.
The grand foyer was gorgeous and that's all they've truly seen so far as the women took it all in. They were pulled from their thoughts when Rachel spoke up again, "Tampwine mommy, pease!" She asked, squirming her little body in excitement in Shelby's arms.
"I know baby," Shelby cooed, bouncing Rachel slightly. "Let's go see it."
She knew the layout of the house from watching the virtual tour numerous times with Cassie and Rachel; because of this, she carried Rachel a little further into the house trying not to pay attention to the parts of the they could see—they quickly found the door leading to the basement and off they went.
Katherine and Thomas entered the house and heard their granddaughter asking to find the trampoline so they let them all go see for themselves—Thomas went upstairs with the suitcases so his daughter or more likely, Cassie, wouldn't have to carry them herself, while Katherine went to make lunch for everyone after putting down the carry-on and diaper bag on one of the kitchen island stools.
"Alright little one, you ready?" Shelby asked, right before opening the door leading to the mini dance studio, trampoline and foam pit.
"Me mommy me, me!" Rachel exclaimed, a huge smile appearing on her face.
Cassie held back a chuckle seeing how excited the baby was, but to be honest, she was just as excited considering this would be her home studio. She knew Shelby completely bypassed her music room trying her best not to pay attention to it so the baby could see what she wanted first and felt badly about it however, she knew her girlfriend was the greatest mom ever and understood.
Opening the door, they all took the room in slowly—the gorgeous flooring, ballet bar, floor to ceiling mirrors on one side of the room which would be the dance studio portion, then the trampoline and foam pit with carpeting separating them on the other side making up the 'fun' or 'play' portion of the room on the other where they'd be spending a lot of time during the winter months.
Rachel squealed seeing the trampoline; in her little mind, all she could think about was how much bigger it was than the one she has at home, still not completely understanding that they'd now be staying here full time; at least, until Shelby felt her daughter was comfortable traveling and going back to the city for vacations.
Shelby walked over to the trampoline and stood on it before letting the squirming baby down wanting to make sure she felt safe in this big room for the first time. Both Shelby and Cassie sat down on the trampoline and Rachel started bouncing around, squealing and smiling bigger than ever causing the women to do the same: smile at least, not squeal.
Rachel bounced around her mommy, then around Cassie, and back to her mommy whose lap she jumped completely into with a huge 'oomph' from Shelby even though she saw it coming. Her little peanut got her good there.
"Woah baby, you almost took out mommy silly girl," Shelby smiled and peppered kisses all over her face to show she wasn't upset in the least.
Cassie took the time to look around the room as mother and daughter spoke; the room was gorgeous, perfectly designed for her—she couldn't wait to spend time down here not only dancing and jumping around with her loves, but teaching Rachel to dance when she got a little older. She was so grateful for Shelby who put so much thought into this room for her, gosh she was so in love.
When she heard a talking tummy and felt Shelby standing up, Cassie turned around spotting Rachel in Shelby's arms and stood up herself. Gently poking the baby's belly Cassie smiled, "Is your tummy talking princess?"
Rachel squealed and starting giggling, squirming in Shelby's arms as Cassie tickled her—when she was out of breath, Cassie stopped and Shelby intervened, "Okay baby girl, let's go see what type of lunch nana made for us."
If Shelby knew her mother, and she did very well, she was taking over her brand new kitchen; Shelby wasn't complaining though because she was hungry too, not to mention exhausted. They had been up early and the stress of traveling with a baby, her baby…(gosh she never dreamed she'd ever get to say those words together; travel, and her baby), caused anxiety and exhaustion to set in early considering it was barely noon.
She was happy Rachel was so excited about the trampoline though and couldn't wait to see the rest of the house. Honestly, she was thrilled to show Rachel her nursery to see if she recognized the difference in size seeing as it was painted the exact same way as her nursery in the city.
Coming back up the stairs, they were met with two very happy grandparents who Rachel was even more excited to see now that she could hug them—before she was trapped in a car seat not able to reach either of them, only hear them and turn her little head awkwardly to see nana.
Squirming again, Rachel pitter pattered over to nana after mommy put her down; Katherine was already squatting down, arms open ready to accept her hug and give her kisses out to her littlest grandbaby. Shelby in return, was able to hug her father before her little one showed her possessive side reaching out for her papa.
All four adults laughed a bit as Shelby released her father letting him reach out for the baby causing mother and daughter to switch—she then hugged her mother as Rachel hugged her papa. Cassie watched the interactions before giving her own set of hugs as Rachel was back in her mommy's arms.
"Okay, it's lunch time! Who's hungry?" Katherine asked.
"Me, me nana me! Mommy ay talpin tummy," Rachel pointed to her belly causing another round of laughter.
"You're right sweet pea, I heard your talking tummy too when you gave me a great big hug," Katherine smiled.
They all walked into the kitchen, Cassie and Thomas bringing in the plates as Katherine, Shelby and Rachel walked towards the table. Cassie briefly looked around seeing in person for the first time how beautiful Shelby's dream kitchen truly was. My gosh she's going to love it Cassie thought to herself.
Shelby put her daughter into the highchair as food appeared in front of them. Katherine made Rachel's favorite for her, pb and j with a side of strawberries, bananas, and grapes while the adults had sandwiches with lunch meat in them, some fruit and chips.
It wasn't Shelby or Cassie's typical meal however they honestly didn't care what they ate right now—they could eat healthy tomorrow or not, depending on how far her mother goes in taking over her kitchen.
She tended to make hefty meals as she did for her family growing up Shelby's whole life. Katherine's homemade meals were Cassie's favorite anytime she was able to enjoy them and Shelby would never complain seeing as she missed about four years worth. Not to mention Rachel loved when nana cooked too and she needed all the calories she could get.
Over lunch they talked about the coming week, the few days the grandparents were staying so they could help unpack, or play with Rachel if the baby allowed mommy and Tassie to not be in the same room for over a few minutes at a time.
Either way, they'd figure something out—that being said, Rachel wasn't used to not being near mommy all the time so everyone would have to see how it goes. She could always stay in mommy and Cassie's bedroom playing with toys as the women unpacked—time will tell. Plus, the extra sets of hands unpacking never hurt.
After lunch they started to take a tour of the house while Katherine and Thomas cleaned up. Rachel realized this place looked a lot like what mommy showed her on the 'wa-pop' or in other words, laptop. Her little mind was playing catchup to what her mommy and Tassie already knew to be their new home.
Their first stop once upstairs was the nursery where Shelby's siblings and her parents had already set up to look exactly the same, along with adding the toys she had in her previous nursery.
The baby squealed in excitement when Shelby said, "This is your room baby girl."
"Me mommy it me," she looked up and saw her mother nodding, Cassie behind both of them nodding as well.
Rachel was all smiles at first; looking around the room taking it all in, seeing her toys, the same toddler bed even though Shelby was still convinced she should be in a crib once she was ready to be in her own room—the only reason Shelby didn't buy a crib was because she didn't want Rachel feeling trapped like the room she was held in when Hiram left her alone.
Her bassinette was different because it had different settings that bounced or swayed, but was also only used for naptime—not to mention mommy was always there to get her out of it before she completely woke up.
Her crib would be the same in the sense that Shelby would be there right away but the baby could physically see mommy's bed in her bassinette, something she was so familiar with and associated with being on top of mommy which she wouldn't have in her own room, in a crib, leaving her essentially trapped.
Rachel's smiles diminished once she thought about bedtime, and because she hasn't seen mommy's room yet the baby didn't know she could still stay with mommy at night. Shelby picked up on the shift in her daughter immediately as the baby clutched Raffy tightly, her bottom lip quivered and tears welled in her eyes.
Shelby scooped her up immediately and asked, "What's wrong baby, tell mommy."
She gently rocked Rachel rubbing circles on her back, kissing her temple over and over. Eventually, she calmed down enough to essentially tell mommy what was going through her little mind.
"Me se-ep wi-wif mo-mm-y an Tas-sie pe-ase," Rachel hiccupped through all her tears that Shelby was trying to wipe away.
Shelby's heart nearly broke seeing how distraught her daughter was. "Of course baby, you're sleeping with mommy and your Tassie—you're still sleeping right on top of mommy, just like at our old home," she assured.
She refrained from using our other home because she knew Rachel wouldn't and didn't understand that part yet. Right now, her only concern was proving to her baby that nothing would change at nighttime; sure there were a lot of changes due to the difference in house size, looks of certain rooms, new and extra rooms, and activities that were actually inside the house, but not bedtime.
Shelby walked with a tearful Rachel into the next bedroom, Cassie following, and when she opened the door was happy to see her parents or siblings, maybe both, put their boxes in the closet leaving the bed and bassinette visible; the bedroom was set up the same way it was in the city just like Rachel's, and was much bigger in size as well.
"Look baby, look at where we will go night-night and take naps." Shelby turned her body, Rachel settled against her chest so she could see what her mommy was talking about.
Rachel saw what looked to be the same bed, same little bed where she woke up from her naps that didn't realize was called a bassinette, the same rocking chair where she got 'mommy milp', and quickly settled down. Her tears turned into small hiccups and Shelby decided to sit down in the rocking chair.
Even though Rachel slept for about three and a half hours and woke up not too long ago, Shelby knew she was overtired and completely thrown off. They had a strict schedule in the city and today was very different from their normal schedule—the baby didn't understand why because she slept through the plane ride, she just knew it was not the same.
After a small tug on her shirt, Shelby lifted it up and unclipped her nursing bra knowing her sweet little angel just wanted some comfort—and comfort is what she got. Rachel nursed for about ten minutes before her eyes fluttered, fighting sleep completely.
"Close your eyes baby girl, mommy's right here," Shelby smiled at her, stroking a little cheek and wiping the milk away from the corner of her mouth she could reach.
Rachel slowly closed both of her eyes, her little hand still placed on Shelby's breast as she eventually unlatched—Shelby was able to wipe the other side of her mouth as Cassie handed her a pacifier and the mother gave it to the baby as she continued rocking.
15 minutes later, Shelby placed Rachel in the bassinette where the baby monitor was already set up perfectly meaning Addie must have been the one to do it seeing as Shelby didn't do it herself and her brothers most likely wouldn't be able to. She grabbed the other part of the monitor and took Cassie's hand and off they went to tour the rest of the house, starting with the rest of their new bedroom.
The bathroom or en-suite was gorgeous—hers and hers sinks on either side of the bathroom with spacious amounts of marble on either side of the sinks with plenty of drawers and cabinets underneath; straight in front of them was a claw foot tub and next to it a glass shower with four spouts: one waterfall and three others, it was absolutely amazing.
Between the shower and one of the ends of marble top spacious sinks was the entrance to the biggest closet either women have ever seen. It could be a room in itself, and right now housed way too many boxes with all their clothes. So that's where everything is Cassie thought to herself.
There was shelves specifically made for shoes, what looked to be like a kitchen island in the middle of it with drawers on either side—and then obvious space to hang everything all the way around on either side meeting in the middle for both women so they could fit everything.
Gosh they could even fit Rachel's wardrobe in there too if they wanted and would most likely put her pjs in there and some of her clothes for now considering their daily routine—it would just make sense. Rachel would surely love it and because they knew she wouldn't be in her room right this second, it wouldn't be a huge deal especially for nighttime considering they already kept her pjs in mommy's room.
Next they went to see the other spare bedrooms which were again beautiful—there was furniture in them because the women had ordered it, however they would do some decorating themselves; right now the only things in there were beds that were made, nightstands, lamps and artwork that wasn't hung because Shelby asked her siblings not to. The en-suites only had shower curtains that were hung, bath mats, along with soap dispensers and toothbrush holders—no artwork again because of Shelby.
They went downstairs next so they could properly look around; the living room was much bigger than the penthouse, the sectional itself seemed like it could fit at least 12 people comfortably and with little children on laps a lot more than that. The built in fireplace was gorgeous and the 85" TV above it would make for great movie nights for the family.
There was also a small play area like they had in NY that matched the living room décor with a few of Rachel's most played with toys—they set that up because you could see the living room from the kitchen and you could not see the playroom from the kitchen.
Shelby wanted to keep things as similar as it was in the city for her daughter at first, until the baby got used to the new house and didn't know if the playroom would be something she would want to be in all the time or if it would overwhelm her so the living room toy area was set up just to be on the safe side.
The playroom was off the hallway between the living room and half bathroom, painted beautifully—the room was painted a light pink, there was a plush rug that matched the light pink walls with gray and white—it had butterflies and patterns in different squares on it and was placed in the middle of the room. Rachel's new little table was set on top of it with her new tea set to make it comfy—new because her old one was currently in the living room just in case.
Along one of the walls was light gray fabric cubes in shelves that held all sorts of toys in them that Rachel had either yet to play with, or didn't play with that much yet. Some of them even held new toys that had been purchased for her by Shelby's siblings for Rachel's birthday and Christmas and placed into the cubes which was very thoughtful and would be fun to look in for the baby.
Along another wall was a true play kitchen from Pottery Barn Kids, all in gray: a refrigerator, an oven/stove, sink and cabinet underneath, along with a little shopping cart and a bunch of play food with a pretend market where there was more food to 'purchase'.
Along the third wall was a comfy couch lined with fluffy pillows where the adults could sit and watch if they weren't playing considering Rachel typically only played with one adult at a time even if there were multiple in the room.
In one of the corners there was a teepee with some stuffed animals, books, and special pillows that were huge and could be sat on and leaned against so Rachel could go in there, most likely mommy, so the baby could be read to if she wanted.
There was also a baby slide in another corner that wasn't too big; the perfect size for Rachel to go on by herself just like at the indoor playground they took her too in the city however this one was white with pale pink stars on it.
"Rachel is going to absolutely love this," Cassie gushed, looking around the playroom.
Shelby was in awe at the way her siblings put everything together—she was so grateful for them, seriously she had the best family. No, they may not have painted the room or paid for everything but that doesn't matter, they organized everything and made it look so beautiful for her daughter.
She didn't realize she was crying until Cassie wiped her cheeks. Cassie was confused at first, she thought Shelby would love this room because it was for her baby girl…
"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong?" Cassie asked, wiping her tears away.
Shelby just shook her head, "Nothing."
After clearing her throat she continued. "I'm just so grateful for my family who took time out of their lives to put this together for my baby; and not just for Rachel but for us, I mean look at this place."
Cassie nodded and agreed with everything she said; she too was beyond grateful and was already trying to figure out how to repay the Corcoran's, although, she knew they'd never want anything in return—it's just who they were. She knew this because she was dating one and Shelby would also do the same thing for anyone she loved.
"I know babe, I know," Cassie wrapped her arms around Shelby and cradled her head pressing a kiss to her temple. "They are truly amazing."
After Shelby dried her tears they took a peak outside at the backyard even though it was very chilly and saw the covered pool, hot tub, playset, sandbox, trampoline and plenty of room for Rachel to run around—not to mention it was all gated and fenced in which was great for safety before getting back inside.
Shelby's parents were watching sitting in the living room now, Katherine reading a book while Thomas was watching TV giving them time to see the kitchen, and breakfast nook. The kitchen had double ovens, the kitchen island was almost double the size of the penthouse, seven stools (the eighth was Rachel's table top chair), double door refrigerator with a pullout freezer.
The marble was stunning—white with gray going throughout; the kitchen island was gray, and the kitchen cabinets were all white: beautiful. Silver appliances, the sink was big enough to bathe Rachel seeing as she was so small, even if she was the size of a true three year old, she could still fit in the sink seeing as it was so large.
The breakfast nook was so adorable; the perfect sized table with two chairs along with a curved bench with pillows along with window overlooking their backyard where you could sit as well. One of her siblings or parents also put another of Rachel's table top chairs next to the chair and bench seat so she'd be next to whomever sat there.
Honestly, Shelby couldn't have picked a better house for her daughter to grow up in—she absolutely loved New York, there was no denying that fact; but it's no place to raise a child, a baby really. Especially when your family is all here, in Ohio—maybe not in this specific town but close enough.
She chose this town for multiple reasons; it's close to all of her family, the school district is amazing, (not just for Rachel but for her possible career in the future), there are many job opportunities for Cassie that her girlfriend didn't even know she was looking into for her, but most of all, the security in this place was the best that she could find.
The three guards in this gated community are all agents of the FBI who retired into the community themselves and take shifts working the booth which made her feel extremely safe; especially with her baby. It's great knowing she was truly protected—even though Hiram is never getting out, you never know who else he may have known considering they are back in Ohio.
It's a risk, but one Shelby is willing to take to provide her baby girl with the best possible life; and that, she will have.
After they finished their tour, the women were about to sit down when Shelby saw movement on the monitor—Cassie sat down to talk with Katherine and Thomas and let Shelby take some much needed alone time with her little one.
Shelby reached the bedroom and opened the door seeing a big stretch for a little one and smiled—there was nothing cuter than seeing hair all over the place, a pacifier still in plump little lips, sleepy eyes that were trying to process what was going on while little limbs stretched as far as they could go.
"Hi baby girl," Shelby smiled, looking down into the bassinette. Rachel had only been asleep for about 40 minutes however, the mother knew her schedule was all thrown off. It didn't matter though, they'd get their schedule back at Rachel's pace.
"Did you have a good nap?" Shelby asked, reaching in to pick Rachel up.
The baby curled into her mommy, her head buried into Shelby's neck as her hand curled around her mothers shirt securing her place. Shelby could tell she was still sleepy so she sat down in the rocking chair keeping her close, snuggled securely.
She kept Rachel chest to chest seeing as the baby didn't seem to want to move and started to rub small circles on her back letting her wake up; once she picked up her little head to look into her mommy's eyes, Shelby asked if she wanted to read a book and that's exactly what they did.
Mommy daughter bonding time is just what Rachel needed in that moment—seeing her new playroom could wait, bouncing on the trampoline again would happen later, spending time with Tassie, nana and papa would come in a little bit, right now the baby just wanted mommy.
And mommy was feeling the same exact way.
I'm not sure if I want to skip ahead a little in the next chapter or if I want to start a sequel here now that they are now in Akron instead of in the city...