"Oh fuck," Alex moaned as Casey thrust into her wife's waiting wet entrance, pausing for a minute to let her adjust; Alex started to squirm letting the redhead know she was ready.

"Case, please move. Fuck me baby!" Alex begged, she was near tears waiting for Casey.

"Tell me how you want it, Alexandra," Casey husked. Alex's mouth was too dry to speak, her body needed the release so badly she couldn't think straight. Her wife had been teasing her for the last twenty minutes and her body was about to explode. Casey raised her hand back and slapped Alex's ass, jolting her forward in shock causing her to moan. "I said, tell me how you want me to fuck you. I won't ask again."

"Fuck," Alex cried out, "Fast, hard, please baby!" she screamed and Casey complied pulling out then thrusting back in hard and fast, just as requested. Casey kept a rough and fast pace, "Oh god yes! Fuck, babe! Please don't stop, don't fucking stop!"

Casey ran her hand up Alex's bare back and wrapped her wife's blonde hair through her fingers pulling it back roughly. Alex couldn't verbalize her pleasure, just screams and ragged breaths. Casey felt herself getting close too, fighting off her impending orgasm until she felt it become harder to pull the cock out of her wife. Knowing her wife was clenching around her, she flicked on the vibrator and pulled Alex flush to her—loving the moans when she changed their positions she pressed it to her wife's swollen clit. Alex let out a scream as her orgasm rolled through her, her long legs shaking violently.

The visual stimulation from Alex's orgasm and the twitching that she could feel from the strap on sent Casey over the edge and she came husking in her wife's ear, "Fuck Lex you're so damn tight—oh god you're such a slut for my cock baby."

In return, Alex came again—fuck I love when she talks dirty to me the blonde thought to herself as she came down from her third orgasm of the night. Casey lowered her wife's body down on to the bed, and laid down next to her, "I love you, Lex."

Alex hummed in response and turned around to face her wife, cupping her face and pressing their lips together conveying her feelings. When she pulled back she said, "I love you too, Case." Alex brought one hand under her own head so she could lay on it and put the other hand on Casey's chest, a little lower than her heart closer to the top of her breast because, duh, and locked eyes with the woman she loves more than anything in the world.

"Thank you for tonight," Alex said.

"Don't thank me, honey. All I did was ask your parents to watch the girls," Casey laughed.

"Well, yeah but you planned it all babe. Plus we've never missed a bedtime before with the twins and I know you weren't sure if you were ready for that yet," Alex said, already regretting bringing it up again. She looked down not wanting to meet Casey's eyes.

Casey lifted her chin so green bore into blue, "Lex, we talked about it at dinner and it's fine. We got through it together right?" Alex nodded then Casey leaned in to kiss her. "I had an amazing night—however, I had an even better time when we got back here," she signaled their bed, and winked.

Alex hummed and captured Casey's lips, "Mmm, me too. Although, eating at our restaurant never gets old. The food is just too good. But I agree, I know we've been able to catch up on the 6 weeks of missed sex after you gave birth but somehow…" she trailed off not wanting to sound like a terrible mother.

"It's never enough," Casey finished and Alex nodded. "I know. Don't get me wrong, I love our girls more than anything—but we got interrupted many, many times up until they were about 3 months old. So yes, I agree one hundred percent." They stayed in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Casey spoke again, "You're so beautiful, Lex," Casey said, cupping Alex's cheek.

Alex kissed Casey again, her tongue seeking permission into her wife's mouth which was granted moaning when she felt the redhead's hands travel down her body. Casey pulled Alex on top of her, the blonde's hands quickly finding their way to her wife's breasts squeezing them—their thumbs tracing over her hardening nipples. Casey's fingers grazed down Alex's back cupping her ass, down her hips, inner thighs, then used her forefingers to spread her wife's sex and a thumb to brush over her clit.

Alex bucked her hips at the motion and broke the kiss, "Oh fuck!" She moved her body lower so she could press her center against her wife's, clit against clit, as they ground together.

Casey wrapped her arms around Alex's body, grabbing her ass as she lifted her hips to meet her wife's thrusts into her own body as the blonde kissed her feverishly—her hand tugging into red locks, the other squeezing one of Casey's breasts as they both panted. "Yes, oh god, fuck right there!"

"Together, I want to go together!" And that's exactly what they did—the two were so in sync with each other, chanting each others name like their lives depended on it. Alex crashed into Casey's body, the redhead holding onto the blonde—not caring they were sticky, smelt like rounds of sex mixed with perfume, hairspray, hell even spit up from a few days ago.

Of course they shower every day, even washed their hair before date night tonight—but their bedsheets weren't changed today and they've been rolling around in them for at least two and a half hours, there's probably some type of baby or toddler something in there. Neither woman cared though—this is their life, and they are happy with it. Together, forever: with each other, and their girls.

Their breathing evened out, Alex shifted so she wasn't fully on top of Casey but now laying on her chest instead, then the couple fell asleep in each others arms.


Blayke and Avery woke up at 6:30am causing both Alex and Casey to groan; "I'll go, honey," Casey said, pulling Alex's limbs off of her body and giving the blonde a kiss. Alex didn't get drunk by any means the night before, but she did have a few glasses of wine; Casey didn't drink because she's breastfeeding—although studies suggest it is safe to have a single drink if you're not planning on feeding your baby in the following 2-3 hours after, or pumping them dumping, Casey didn't feel comfortable with the idea. She quickly put on some clothes and brushed her teeth then went into the nursery and saw both girls sitting up and smiling at each other.

Over the past 6 months their personalities have really started to shine through. That being said, they were still so identical that even Liz, Alexander and Emily (who spent 4 days a week with them) still had a bit of trouble telling them apart if they didn't have different colored bows on, or a onesie with their name on it. The rest of their family and friends had absolutely no idea who was who, even if you told them specifically at a family gathering 'Blayke has on the pink bow, Avery has on the blue bow' it didn't matter they'd still mix them up. The grandparents and Emily could tell the difference if they focused—from the back there was no way any of them could tell (unless you were Casey or Alex) but from the front, the three of them could figure it out—most of the time they always got it right, and if they didn't Charlotte would call them out of it. Charlotte picked up on the little things her mommies saw in her sisters which impressed Casey and Alex; she's always been extremely intuitive, they probably should have given her more credit. Harper well, it took a little time for her to realize 'B' only stood for Blayke as Avery was a whole other person—but she seemed to understand when it turned into 'B' and 'E'.

The twins schedules synced up right away which made it extremely easy for the mothers, napping, feeding, sleeping, changing, anything. They did the same thing as they did with Harper—continuing to keep the schedule they had as much as possible; after Charlotte got out of preschool, the family would go to the park everyday together, even take little outings on Wednesday's as a family of six and on the weekends with the grandparents. Once they got home from their outings on the weekend, the grandparents would watch the twins while Alex and Casey spent time with Charlotte and Harper making sure they had plenty of mommy-momma and me time without the babies. Liz and Alexander loved how much time Casey and Alex spent with their girls, no matter how tired they were (and they could only imagine) they'd never turn down extra time with them.

At 6 months old, Blayke Alexandria was already turning out to be a bit of a daredevil; she's already trying to pull herself up to crawl, knocking Avery down in the process, pulling her hair, taking her toys, anything to 'cause trouble'. But on the other hand, she loves to snuggle up, make silly faces, and get into everything her big sisters are playing with.

Avery Lennox is an observer, she's very calm, smiley, loves to cuddle, and is extremely keen on learning anything and everything from Charlotte. Avery is also close to crawling, Casey could tell as much—but she's holding herself back; she did the same exact thing when she was ready to sit up, but once she realized Blayke was doing it, Avery did it with no problem.

It's adorable to see their little personalities forming each and everyday—but when they are in the same room being held, or even playing side by side, to someone who isn't their mother Casey and Alex can understand how it would be difficult to tell them apart.

"Good morning babies," Casey smiled, walking up to their cribs. "Did you two have good sleeps? Mommy and I missed you so much last night. Did you have fun with grandma and grandpa?"

Casey leaned down press a kiss to both of their heads and then lifted Avery out of her crib to go change her. It was their typical morning routine. Here we go—3,2,1 Casey said to herself before Blayke started crying as she continued to change Avery, "I know Blayke, you're okay."

She and Alex did it this way every morning because of Blayke's personality; Avery was content to be changed then put back in her crib as her mother changed her sister before they got fed—but Blayke hated it. She wanted out, and she wanted out now! "Avery, what are we going to do with her, huh?" Casey said, zipping back up her pjs.

Casey lifted the baby back up, then put her back into the crib and grabbed a crying Blayke, "Okay little miss—you need to calm down." The second she was in her mothers arms, Blayke was fine.

Once they were both changed and comfortable in the rocking chair together, Casey started reading them a book. It was the second part of their morning routine unless they were extra fussy, which they weren't this morning. Halfway through the third book, Avery's hand started pulling at Casey's shirt and she knew the babies were hungry. She shifted their little bodies so she could pull up her shirt exposing her breasts and they both latched right away. Casey protectively wrapped her arms around them, and kissed the tops of their heads, "I missed you so much last night, I love you babies."


Alex rolled over in bed and realized her wife had told her she was getting the twins, oh shit, I should have gone with her. She quickly sat up and winced, Ow my head…how much did I drink last night? God am I getting old, or has it been that long since I've had alcohol?

She quickly got dressed, brushed her teeth and walked towards the nursery stopping when she got to the doorway and leaned against it smiling at the sight she was met with. 7am, not only have I slept in an extra 30 minutes which doesn't seem like much, but to a mom of four, it's everything, but now I walk into our twins nursery to find her breastfeeding them. How did I get so lucky? How is this really my life? I used to be this workaholic, grocery store snob who got excited to go home, take a bath on a Friday night, and had way too many hookups with woman whose names I didn't even ask for…god that's an awful thought…my anxiety was too high to ask for their name, I just needed the release. High stress job, I needed sex, so I got it. I was unhappy, high strung, and a nervous wreck. Then somehow, this gorgeous redhead appears, out of nowhere— it's like she was sent to save me. She's my whole world and I don't even know how she turned out so amazing with the life she had. Oh my heart aches for everything my wife has been through, it isn't fair—yet she still makes me feel so damn safe and protected. She truly saved me, and we've created the best life for ourselves, together, forever. Somehow a pretty one-sided conversation in an elevator four years ago turned into the most incredible marriage, and four amazing baby girls!

"Hey beautiful," Casey smiled, looking up from the twins.

"H-hi," Alex stuttered, oh god it's like she can read my mind and knows what I was thinking.

"We're you having a nice daydream?"

"Y-yeah," Alex shook her head to clear her thoughts then winced remembering her head was still pounding. "How much did I drink last night?"

"Two glasses of wine, but you haven't had anything since," Casey looked up to think, "I don't remember, maybe New Years Eve?"

Alex's jaw dropped open, "Oh my gosh! No wonder why I'm suffering. I thought I was getting old."

Casey laughed, "If you're getting old, then I'm getting old too, Lex. And I'd like to think I'm still young. We were awake pretty late last night," she winked.

Alex blushed and found sudden interest in the floor, "Mhm. That, umm, yeah, that." They both heard Harper from the monitor in the blonde's hand and she used it as her excuse. "Gotta go!"

Casey just shook her head, and looked down at the twins, "Mommy's so silly."


"Hi sweet girl!" Alex smiled as she walked into Harper's room. She was still in a crib, and even though she was adamant about being like her big sister and getting a 'bidirl bed' she was still too little. The only reason Charlotte got a toddler bed at two years old was because Casey spoke to numerous trusted psychologists and doctors about it. They all suggested she pick out something she might like, and if the little girl liked it, use it. Of course the women made sure they were toddler beds all framed the same way, essentially putting the mattress on the floor but had the bedframe around it with a built in safety gate—she ended up picking one that looked like a 'house' but all white so they could put fairy lights for her. Charlotte ended up loving the bed when it came in, and although Casey did buy a crib just in case, she returned it.

With Harper, they weren't quite ready to give her the freedom to run around her room at night—Charlotte would stay in bed at night. Charlotte didn't like to get out of bed once her mothers tucked her in (unless she had a bad dream or in the mornings), but now that Harper was older she was more adventurous and definitely tested her limits more often: hence, keeping her in the crib a bit longer.

"Mommy!" Harper stood up and made grabby hands at the woman.

Alex lifted her out of the crib and gave her a big kiss, "I missed you so much last night, did you have fun with grandma and grandpa?"

"Ya fun!" Harper clapped, then sunk into her mothers embrace.

"I bet you had so much fun. Let's change your diaper then we can go see momma and your sisters," Alex said, going over to where they kept the diapers.

"No iaper mommy!" Harper said, squirming in her mothers arms. Every morning, you're just as bad as Blayke.

"Yes little miss!" Alex said, booping her nose. The minute she put Harper down on the floor she took off out the door of her bedroom squealing leaving the blonde pinching the bridge of her nose. Luckily the baby gates were in place and Charlotte if not awake and already in the nursery with Casey by now, would be up any minute anyways; however, this was doing nothing for the pounding in her head.

"Harper Elizabeth," Alex said from the little redheads doorway, hearing another squeal.

Charlotte rounded the corner of the nursery door and smiled at her, "Hi mommy."

Alex smiled, "Hi baby, good morning." Charlotte came running up to her and jumping into her arms. She scooped her up and Charlotte instantly find solace playing with her necklace. "Did you have fun with grandma and grandpa?"

"Mhm but I missed you," the strawberry blonde said, burying her face into Alex's neck further.

"I missed you too sweet girl," Alex squeezed her little body tighter, then saw Casey carrying a twin in each arm, with Harper behind her legs. She shook her head in her wife's direction, and rolled her eyes.

"Missing this one?" Casey asked, and looked between her legs to where Harper was now peeking out from the floor, crawling around as if she was hiding. Casey heard the squealing, then her wife calling out for her little mini—Harper came running into the nursery telling her she was hungry and nothing more.

"I am actually—she needs a diaper change," Alex said, it wasn't the first time their little fire cracker tried to get out of a diaper change.

"No!" Harper called out from the floor.

"Can we have cwepes momma?" Charlotte asked, spinning around to face Casey her green eyes sparkling bright.

"Of course we can honey," she smiled. "You come with me—Harper you need to stay with mommy and get your diaper changed," Casey said.

"No," Harper wined. Alex put Charlotte down and she ran over to Casey, but before they could go downstairs, Harper cried out again, "No, MOMMA!"

"The faster we change you, the faster we can go downstairs baby," Alex said.

"Momma!" she clung onto Casey, so instead of fighting it the redhead passed the twins over to her wife and said she'd meet them downstairs in a minute. Five minutes later, there was a fresh diaper on the little girl and the family was downstairs making breakfast 'together'.

Charlotte loved to help—Casey bought her an enclosed 2-step toddler step stool so she could help her in the kitchen, Harper had one as well but she didn't use it as much. Charlotte loved to learn from Casey, albeit cute to watch because she was still so teeny tiny. The family sat down to eat breakfast and then continued on with their day which, because it was summer for Charlotte, went pretty similarly for the Novak's. Breakfast, playtime, naptime for the babies while Charlotte and Harper get to play outside in the backyard, lunch, nap for Harper, park while the twins nap in the stroller and the girls get special time with mommy and momma, dinner, baths, story time, bedtime. Of course there are many things in between, but that's the general summary of their days as a family—today being Saturday, they will do something extra special as well.

Alex and Casey made a decision together regarding work soon after the twins were born, and then talked it over with Branch, who agreed right away—it truly worked out perfectly for them. It was much harder going from two babies to four, and Branch felt lucky to be getting Casey and Alex back in any capacity. They would be going back to their two-two at first, two half days in the office, two half days at home, giving them three day weekends with their family; if there were trials, it would be taken care of because they'd both be briefed in each others cases. Alex told Branch it would most likely be her taking any trial that came up until Casey felt comfortable leaving the twins, as she's the one breastfeeding, but Casey didn't want that to be the case. That's why she was pumping, plus they waited until month five to go back for a reason, already a month longer than with Harper because there's two of them.

Abbie was their temporary replacement but Branch also brought in Gillian again because he knew Serena's pregnancy hasn't been the easiest on Abbie, and she's Casey's best friend. Casey was very appreciative of Branch giving Abbie so much leniency, and giving her the extra body in SVU. Three days before Charlotte started preschool, Serena gave birth to baby Madison—Abbie was there the entire time, and they officially became a family of three; Serena realized Casey was right, all the pain felt during pregnancy didn't matter when you hold your baby for the first time—it's the best feeling in the world. Abbie was so excited to have a little 'butterball' as she called her daughter, and knew she'd have four best friends in the Novak girls just like she had in Casey growing up. When she moved from Texas to Seattle in 9th grade, Abbie had no one, naturally—but Casey was the first one to reach out and really 'pushed' to be her friend; she wouldn't take no for an answer. Casey hated the fact Abbie was trying to isolate herself. Little did Abbie know, it was because Casey felt isolated in her own life because of what she herself was going through, but they became the best of friends ever since. The squad was happy for the Carmichaels, still not a fan of Gillian, but was the most excited when the Novak women started back at work at the five month mark of the twins lives—even if it was only part time, they'd take one day a week over not seeing them at all. Nothing beats having Casey and Alex in the office, they are irreplaceable.


Today their little girl was starting kindergarten: Charlotte is 5, looks three on a good day, loves to snuggle, is sweet as can be, extremely protective of her sisters, obsessed with the color pink, strawberries, and rainbows, loves to dance, learn new things, playing with her dolls, cuddling with Gray in her teepee and 'reading' him books while her sisters nap, loves bows and fun hair-do's, and wants to be like momma and mommy when she 'gets big'.

Charlotte naturally chose a pink dress for her first day of kindergarten, it only made sense to wear her favorite color. They took her shopping about a week before to get some new outfits for the first few weeks even though she had plenty of unworn clothes in her wardrobe. Due to the fact their little girl had yet to grow much, Charlotte still had clothes in her closet with tags on them—but they did want her to be able to pick out some new outfits for school.

Liz and Alexander were going into work late this morning, wanting to wish their granddaughter well before she left with Casey and Alex for her first day of school—Emily was staying with the girls as the mothers wanted to be able to focus solely on Charlotte without having three little ones fighting for their attention. Even if Emily, Liz and Alexander came with them, it would still be too much—it was easier to have a nice family breakfast with everyone, then take their little girl off to school. Casey and Alex were both fighting back tears as they got Charlotte ready for the day; yes they had successfully sent her to preschool and even made it to full days as of halfway through the year, but it's still emotional. She's so smart, so sweet, it's just…she's their first baby. Liz, Alexander, and Emily got there at 7:30am to help with the kids—Alexander volunteering to make breakfast while the women helped get the girls ready and play with them. Casey and Alex spent a little extra time with Charlotte that morning, reading her a few stories, practicing her numbers and letters, and talking about what she was excited for.

"…and Awyla me and Ewlie getta sit next to each otwer too!" Charlotte said, bouncing on Casey's lap. Alex couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips, Ayla and Ellie are Charlotte's 'bestest friends' and the way they say each others names—it's the cutest thing. The letters of their names don't roll off their tongues very well—Charlotte's own name doesn't roll off her tongue yet 'Charwitte', but hey, it's adorable.

"You will get to sit next to each other, baby! But you'll also get to meet other friends too," Casey said, looking down at the little girl in her lap. "There will be 12 other kids in the class for you to be friends with, right? What does momma always say?"

"Be fwiends wif eberybody," Charlotte said, looking up into Casey's eyes so green bore into green.

Well…not exactly—but at your age, yes. Casey winked at Alex and squeezed Charlotte a bit tighter. "Yes, baby, always treat others with respect—be kind which mommy and I already know you are, be yourself because we know you're smart, honest, a little bit silly," she tickled her sides, "and a lot a bit amazing! Charlotte Rayne, mommy and I love you so much. We are so proud of you, do you know that?" She asked, cradling the little girl in her arms.

Charlotte nodded and Alex scooted even closer and leaned over placing a kiss to her cheek, "We love you so much, sweet girl," the blonde said, then sat back up and put her head on Casey's shoulder as she tickled Charlotte's tummy.

Charlotte started squirming around and squealing, "Mommy! Stop," she squealed, kicking her little legs, giggles filling the air. "Mommy! Momma get her."

Casey couldn't help but laugh at Charlotte's plea but the sound of her daughters giggles were too precious. Alex pulled her hand away and Charlotte was able to calm down—Liz had been standing in the doorway unable to break up the tickle party, but breakfast was ready and she knocked on the door, "Breakfast is ready," she announced, and left the room.

"Thanks mom," Alex smiled. It was really nice of them to come help this morning and want to wish their granddaughter well before her first day of school. She wondered if they'd do this before all their first days—of course they will, it's her parents; they are 'those' grandparents. That being said, she wouldn't have it any other way. Especially because Casey feels awful about the fact their girls missed out on a second set of grandparents because of her—the Cabot's have definitely made up for that though, they are the best grandparents their children could ever ask for.

The family had a great breakfast together, and an emotional goodbye; not for the adults as they wouldn't let their tears show…yet, but for the girls. Harper got used to having Charlotte home for the summer and didn't want her to leave causing her to cry, then the fact Casey and Alex were leaving as well to bring Charlotte to kindergarten only made it worse. Avery got upset when Charlotte gave her a hug goodbye and started to walk away, and because of this, Blayke started to cry as well: twin problems.

Casey and Alex felt badly leaving the three adults with two fussy babies and one screaming toddler, but it had to be done—Charlotte needed to get to kindergarten. They all said to go, it would be fine—and it was: once the three were out of the house, Emily took Harper into the other room to settle her down while Alexander and Liz stayed with the twins, Blayke and Avery relaxed better together. Soon enough the girls were calm and playing in the toy room, Liz and Alexander went off to work, and Emily was left there like any other day. All was back to normal in the Novak home.


Casey lifted Charlotte out of the car and Alex grabbed her backpack—even though there were other parents letting their children walk into the building, they weren't going to. Call it an irrational fear, being an overprotective parent, knowing the dangers of the world because of what they do, or the fact their daughter is so small—whatever it was, they were going to carry her. Alex grabbed Casey's hand and they made their way to Miss Allison's room, class of 15, with two helpers.

"Are you ready, sweet girl?" Alex asked as they walked into the school.

"Mhm, but you gonna pick me up right?" Charlotte said, fear evident in her voice.

"Of course we will baby; mommy and I are both going to be here to pick you up, I promise," Casey assured the little girl just as they reached the wooden cubbies outside the classroom. She noticed Charlotte's cubby had a pink star with her name on it—when they came in to meet Miss Allison the week prior she asked what some of Charlotte's favorite things were to get to know her student better. Clearly the teacher used this information to design the cubbies, making them perfect for her little ones starting this year—Charlotte's was the only one with a pink star; there were purples, blues, greens, reds, yellows, but she was the only pink. There was something special about that fact to Casey.

"Otay," Charlotte said, wrapping her arms tighter around Casey's neck. The redhead could tell she was getting anxious about the prospect of them leaving her there, but she didn't voice it.

Alex could sense it as well and frowned at her wife; she didn't want this to be a repeat of her preschool drop-off, but at least she'd be her this time. The blonde saw the cubbies as well and smiled, "Look Charlotte, I see your cubby."

The strawberry blonde picked her head up off of Casey's chest and looked at what Alex was pointing to, "Pink star, mommy."

"You're right, there is a pink star. Can you help me put your backpack away?" Alex asked.

Charlotte shook her head and clung on tighter to Casey, "No, please no momma!" she looked into Casey's eyes in a panic, green bore into green.

"Hey, you're okay," Casey soothed. "You don't have to—mommy will never make you do anything you don't want to do, you know that, right?" Charlotte nodded, and Casey rubbed small circles on her back.

The little girl turned around and looked at her mother. "I sowy," she mumbled, then reached out to give Alex a kiss. The blonde stepped closer to accept it, loving how affectionate she was, "You don't need to apologize sweetie. I love you."

"Love you mommy."

Alex had already put her backpack in the cubby and the teacher made her way into the hallway hearing people talking. There were 12 children already in the classroom and she was waiting for the last three—the Novak's weren't late by any means, the other parents were just early, had older children and didn't get that emotional at drop off, or had to get to work. All parents were different, and unfortunately, she's seen them all. Miss Allison really loved the Novak mothers when she met them, even from the forty-five minutes she spent with them the week before, she could tell they really wanted the best for their little girl—they were very protective, attentive, their love was undeniable, and even with three other girls it was evident they all got the same amount of attention.

"Hello again!" Allison greeted with a big smile plastered on her face.

"Hi Allison," Casey smiled as well, Charlotte tucking herself further into her mother and Alex wrapped an arm around Casey's waist.

"Hey Allison, busy morning?" Alex asked.

"Very, first day of school always is. And how are you this morning Charlotte?" Allison asked.

Charlotte studied the woman in front of her but didn't want to speak. "Baby, can you say hi to Miss Allison?" Casey asked, tucking a strand of hair behind the girls ear. Casey put her hair in two half pigtails, leaving the rest of her hair down so it wouldn't be in her face, but her beautiful waves would drape over her shoulders.

"Hi," Charlotte said shyly, playing with Casey's necklace.

"We're a little shy right now, but I think once we see some friends, that will change," Casey smiled.

"It's not a problem, nothing we can't handle," Allison winked. "Come on in, let's go see your desk Charlotte—it's right next to your friend Ayla."

Charlotte perked up in Casey's arms after hearing the name of her friend—they followed her into the classroom and the mothers were happy to see Ayla and Ellie were already there. They saw Ayla's mothers leaving as they were walking in, and Ellie's parents worked early meaning her mother needed to bring her for early drop off time which was 8:15am. Charlotte was happy to see both of them, and for a minute, completely forgot about her mothers needing to leave, until they tried to make their exit.

"No please, no momma, no mommy," Charlotte cried, and clung back onto Casey.

Casey lifted her up and held onto her little body, "Shh, shh, shh," she said, as they went to the other side of the classroom away from the other children. They didn't want to leave the classroom because it would only make it harder to go back in; hell, Alex was ready to take Charlotte and go back home—it was too hard to see her upset and begging them to 'take me wif you'.

"Baby you need breathe for me," Casey soothed. "You're going to have so much fun with your friends; and learn new things, do fun arts and crafts, then before you know it, mommy and I will be here to pick you up. It's just like preschool, you loved going everyday last year right?"

Charlotte nodded, then looked over at Alex. "Momma's right babe. You're going to have so much fun and then you can tell us all about it. We'll even go get some frozen yogurt after," she smiled, then winked at Casey.

Charlotte's tear-stained cheeks were breaking her heart and she reached over to wipe them, then gave her a kiss, "Deal?"

"Deal," Charlotte nodded.

"We love you so much," Casey said kissing the top of her head.

"I love you too."


After an agonizingly slow day for Casey and Alex, it was finally time for them to go get their little girl from kindergarten. They drove hand in hand and practically ran into the school and down the hall to Miss Allison's classroom, peeking inside the door to see if parents were welcome yet. Alex took a headcount and realized they were already down two students meaning they could have come earlier to get Charlotte.

She lightly smacked Casey's arm, "Other parents have already picked up their kids, and I'M the impatient one?" Alex said.

Casey pursed her lips, "How was I supposed to know we could come sooner?"

Allison looked up at the door and smiled at the mothers, they were definitely her favorite parents this year, and although she shouldn't have a favorite student it's hard not to when Charlotte is this itty bitty peanut who's so sweet, lovable, cuddly, and so incredibly smart for her age. I guess that's what happens when you have two attorneys as parents, she guessed.

"Charlotte," Allison pointed in the direction of the door.

The strawberry blonde turned around in her chair and squealed, "Momma, mommy!" and ran up to both of them as they squatted down. She attempted to hug both of them, but her little arms didn't reach very well. Allison couldn't help but smile at the interaction, kindergarten is such a fun age.

"Hi baby girl," Casey said, "Did you have a good day?"

Charlotte nodded and was now standing in front of both of them; they moved off to the side a bit in case another set of parents came in, "Oh sweet girl we're so happy to hear that," Alex tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I can't wait to hear all about it. Can you go say thank you, and see you tomorrow to Miss. Allison?"

"Otay mommy," Charlotte said, and went back over to her teacher.

Casey and Alex stood up and smiled at each other, Casey wrapping an arm around her wife. "She's a big girl now," Alex said, tipping her head onto Casey's shoulder.

"I know, our little big girl," Casey laughed, knowing it to be true. Her size was still little, but her personality was anything but.

"Tank you Miss Allsin, see you tamarrow," Charlotte smiled at her teacher who had also squatted down in front of her to make eye contact with the child.

"You're very welcome, Charlotte. You have a good night, sweetie," Allison said, then smiled at her mothers. They've raised the most incredible little girl.

Charlotte waved, then ran into her mothers waiting arms, Alex lifted her up putting the little girl on her hip and off they went after getting her backpack from her cubby. They talked about Charlotte's first day the entire way to get frozen yogurt; 'we did circle time' then she explained what circle time was, 'we singed songs' then told her mommies what songs they sang, 'we painted' but told them she couldn't bring home her artwork yet because it was still drying, 'we did numbers' then explained how she knew how to count the highest and her teacher was 'prided of me', and 'we getta do bringed and show' which the mothers figured out was show and tell. By the time they got to the frozen yogurt place, Alex and Casey were confident Charlotte loved her first day and was excited to go back tomorrow.


Two weeks later Casey was driving Charlotte to school, smiling as she looked into the rearview mirror and saw her head bobbing along to the song playing. "Are you ready for show and tell today?"

"Mhm! I so ecited momma!" Charlotte squirmed in her car seat and squealed. The little girl had been talking about show and tell since Friday when the slip got sent home saying that it was Charlotte's turn this Tuesday. This was the first week of show and tell, as the children were now acclimated with kindergarten and Charlotte was the first child to present. Allison sent home another slip on Monday just in case the Novak mothers needed another reminder considering they had four children and she had sent the first one on a Friday before a weekend—turns out, Alex mentioned Monday morning how excited Charlotte was to present the next day, and they didn't need the second reminder. If only all the parents were like that.

Since starting school, the women made a point to always drop her off and pick her up depending on their schedules—Monday and Wednesday it was Alex, Tuesday and Thursday it was Casey which was opposite of their work schedules, and then on Fridays the women would switch off one would bring her in the morning, one or both would pick her up depending on if they were doing something fun after school as a family.

That weekend, Casey and Alex helped Charlotte put together the little show and tell box that Allison sent home for her; the teacher had the parents purchase a certain sized box with the list of school supplies she gave out at the meeting, one that could be decorated and the first week of school that's exactly what the children did. This was their show and tell box for the whole year, one they got to take home as well. For show and tell, Charlotte knew right away what she wanted to bring—she asked Alex to print out a picture of her sisters so she could show her new friends and placed that in the box, the dolphin stuffy she got when she met Flipper, and her favorite book—not just because her mommies have read it to her every night since she was 2, but because they read it to her sisters as well. Charlotte also snuck a secret surprise into her box that her mommies didn't see…

Casey carried the little girl into school, hung her backpack up, then gave her a kiss goodbye, "Have a good day, I love you baby girl!"

"I love you too, momma."

Casey waved to Allison and off she went. Charlotte ran over to her desk with her show and tell box in hand then opened the lid slowly pulling out one of the items. It looked like a little black book, but then she opened it revealing a gold badge. Most of the children were already sitting down for circle time, and Allison went over to her favorite student, I shouldn't have a favorite, but gosh she's so dang cute.

Allison peered down at what Charlotte had in her hands which she could only assume was what her mothers needed for the office, "Charlotte sweetie," Allison said.

Charlotte immediately closed the book like item and looked up at the women, her green eyes sparkling bright, long eye lashes fluttering as she tipped her head to the side, "Can I do my show n tell …pease?"

"Not yet honey," Allison smiled. "Can I see what you have there?" She lowered herself to the ground so she was eye level with the little girl who wouldn't hand over the badge, but did let her teacher see it. "That's really special to you isn't it?" Charlotte nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, why don't you go sit down with your friends and I'll be there in a few minutes."

Allison stood up, told the helpers in the room she'd be right back then stepped out of the classroom to make a phone call. "Novak."

"Hi Mrs. Novak, this is Allison, Charlotte's teacher—"

Casey wasn't even home from dropping her daughter off from school yet; her heart started racing, and she immediately pulled over. "Is she okay? What happened? I'll be right there!"

"Oh god, no she's fine," Allison said quickly. "Charlotte is perfectly fine! I'm so sorry."

Casey breathed out a sign of relief, "Thank gosh." she took a few steady breaths to calm herself then spoke, "When it comes to my wife and children, I think that will always be my first response. What's going on?"

Allison smiled, Casey and Alex have such a great relationship—they truly are relationship goals, heck they are family goals. "Were you aware Charlotte brought your shield for show and tell?"

"My shield?" Casey thought to herself, only cops carry… "Oh, my ADA badge," she laughed. "If I'm being honest, it doesn't surprise me. She loves to carry it around the house and practice for when she becomes an attorney."

Allison laughed as well, "Well that's just adorable. Do you need it today though?"

"No, Lex is in the office today—I'll be at home no need for it there. As long as I have it tomorrow, I'm fine. Thank you for the concern though, I appreciate it," Casey said.

"Absolutely, have a great day Mrs. Novak."

"You too." Casey hung up the phone and laughed, Alex would get a kick out of this—Charlotte loved taking their badges out of their attachés since she was in diapers, well technically pull ups but still; she's done it ever since—to the point where the mothers found her a mini attaché that she could carry around and pretend to be like mommy and momma.


That day at pick up, Charlotte thought she might be in trouble when she saw her momma standing in the doorway of the classroom. Casey knelt down and motioned for Charlotte to come closer to her which she did, then the redhead wrapped her arms around the little give giving her a big kiss. "I hear you brought something extra to show and tell today, huh," Casey teased.

"I sowy momma," Charlotte mumbled, playing with her mothers necklace, keeping her head tucked in her neck.

Casey pulled back so green bore into green, "I'm not upset with you, baby, because you didn't do anything wrong. You play with our badges all the time and always put them back—it isn't a big a deal, okay?"

"Otay. I love you," Charlotte said, wrapping her arms around Casey's neck.

"I love you too, sweet girl."

When they got into the car, Casey asked, "Can you tell me about show and tell?"

"Mhm! I telled my fwiends about Harps and Bwayke and Awery. Then Fwipper, and how we goed on the jet to Hawiee so we could go in the water wif the dolfins, then I telled my fwiends about you and mommy's and how you put away all the bad guys then Miss Allsin read the book I bringed but she didn't read it the same as you and mommy do."

Casey laughed, show and tell turned out to be a success. "Sounds like it went really well, honey. I'm sure mommy is going to want to hear all about it too."


Alex had taken the last two days off from work this week and was working a half day today as Casey was in court—it was an unspoken part of the agreement made with Branch that when one of the Novak mothers was prepping for a trial and in court, the other would take some time off to be with the girls. They would get some work done while the girls napped and Charlotte was in school, and Jennifer would be able to bring over any paperwork the woman might need from the office.

"Momma come pway me!" Harper said, peeking her head into the home office.

Alex spun around in her chair and smiled opening her arms as Harper ran into them, "Come play with you?" Harper nodded. "What about work?"

"No urk!"

Alex laughed, "How about I play with you until it's time to go get your sister from school okay?"

"YAY!" Harper smiled, wrapping her arms around Alex's neck.

She carried her into the playroom, only to be met with two crazy babies who were rolling around on their backs as Emily laughed at both of them. Emily looked up and made a face, "Sorry, I tried to catch her before she ran off."

"Don't worry about it," Alex waved it off. "We're going to play until we go get Charlotte right?" she said, looking down at Harper.

"WITE!" Harper exclaimed.

And that's exactly what they did—Harper got to go with Alex to pick up her big sister from school and for frozen yogurt which was the second time that week. Was Alex spoiling the girls? Yes. Did she care? No. Casey did the same thing when Alex had her first trial back—it's only fair, right? Plus, they ask for vanilla yogurt with fruit and rainbow sprinkles, what's the harm in that? So maybe they're missing out on the added protein they'd get if they ate a snack at home, it's fine.

Once they got home, Charlotte and Harper went to play and Alex reluctantly went to get some work done—she knew it had to get done, and it would but there's nothing better than spending time with her girls. Alex's mind drifted off to her wife and the case she was working, the murder of a young boy Henry Morton by a neighbor Jake O'Hara—also a young boy. It was eating away at her wife, and she knew it—not just because a young boys life was taken way too soon, but because it's extremely scary to have to worry about a world of not only protecting your children from adults, but also their peers. It's obviously not everyone, and both of them know this, but it happens and it's scary to think about. I mean, Casey knows better than anyone—she came from pure evil, and somehow turned out okay, but she could have gone the other way and nobody would have thought twice about it after learning what she had been through. Casey gave herself a choice though, keep going or die—so she kept going; granted if the beating she got went too far, she could have died, but hey, she's still here so something must have worked right?


Alex had focused back on the work in front of her and was doing well for a while until her phone rang; she shuffled around the files until she fount the ringing device then brought the phone to her ear without checking the caller ID, "Novak."

"Hey Lexie, don't freak out but Casey's going to be late-" the voice said through the phone.

Alex pulled the phone back to check the called ID then put it back to her ear, "Johnathan, how the hell do you know MY wife is going to be late?"

"There was a shooting…"