Chapter 9

August – Age 16 – pre-junior year. Charlotte 5.5 months

"Come on Kurt!" Finn called out. "Quit adjusting her dress. She's five months old, she's gonna get it all messed up by the time we get to the church."

"I can't help it. I want everything to be perfect," Kurt protested. He carried Charlotte down the stairs and handed her to her father.

"I can't imagine that she's going to remember this at all," Finn pointed out. "She's only close to 6 months."

"But we're gonna remember," Kurt stressed. "I'm gonna get a whole bunch of pictures."

"That's your sacred duty as godfather," Finn said smiling down at his daughter. "Come on, you're driving."

Finn, Charlotte, Kurt, Burt, and Carol all piled into Kurt's navigator. They drove the short distance to their church across town. Mercedes met them outside the church. "Give me my goddaughter," she insisted.

Finn dutifully handed Charlotte to her godmother. They all walked into the church and took seats near the front. All of the glee club and a few football players had been invited to see the ceremony and the reception after. Puck was a bit miffed as he wasn't godfather, but Finn was quick to remind him that Charlotte wasn't Jewish, and that prevented Puck from officially qualifying. That really wasn't going to stop him from being the best Uncle Puck ever. Everyone they had invited had actually showed up. Finn was shocked. Even Mr. Schue, Miss Pillsberry, Coach Bieste, and Coach Sylvester showed up.

They pastor gave a lovely message. Everyone promised to love and surround Charlotte Amelia as she grew up. Finn did feel sad that Charlotte's mother couldn't be there to experience all of this with them. But then he looked out at his extended family. They meant the world to him. Finn was man enough to admit that he got teary eyed as his daughter got blessed. Everyone at church offered their joy and congratulations on the happy occasion.

Everyone headed from the church to the Hummel house. Their house was bigger and Kurt had way more fun planning the party than Finn would have. Charlotte got quite a few gifts for her Christening. She also got some money; meaning that Finn would be heading out first thing in the morning to the bank to open a savings account. Finn was having such a good time that he didn't notice that Burt had disappeared for a short while.

"Hey, Finn," Carol called. "Burt said he could use a hand out front."

"Sure," Finn called back. Of all people, Santana had Charlotte. "Hey San, are you okay with her?"

"Go see what Burt wants," Santana said, smiling. "We're fine." Finn nodded and made his way out front.

"What do you need Burt?" Finn asked, stepping off the front porch.

"I need someone to own this SUV back here," Burt said, patting the black SUV behind him. "You think you're up for it?"

"What?!" Finn asked dumbly.

"You're going to need a way to get Charlotte to and from daycare and school," Burt explained. They party began to trickle out from the house onto the porch. "This is my Christening present to you and Charlotte." Finn was a complete and total loss for words. Burt ambled over to Finn. There were tears on the young man's face. "Finn, you okay?"

"I have some money, I'll pay you back. I promise," Finn choked out.

"There's no need to pay me back," Burt said, putting a hand on Finn's shoulder. "This is a gift. You've been doing a great job and you deserve this." That was Finn's undoing. He grabbed Burt in a hug and openly sobbed.

"Thank you so much," Finn sobbed. Burt gave a chuckle and hugged Finn back. Carol had tears falling down her face. She knew about this but it still tugged at her heart strings when Finn broke down.

"Finn, you deserve this car now pull yourself together and go look at her," Burt said. Finn pulled away and roughly brushed the tears out of his face.

"I can't thank you enough, Burt," Finn said, still a bit choked up. They walked over to the car and Burt went back over to the spectators.