I'm sorry for the delay. My twins had RSV and it's been a bit of a hectic nightmare over here lately. They are now better and I have been working on my own story, aka New Beginning which tells my story using characters from SVU. Anyways, thank you for your messages and here's another chapter.


The week flew by and Rachel was back to her little personable self—it was evident she just needed a day with mommy and Tassie to reset which was absolutely fine. Shelby had explained everything to Addie who agreed her sister made the right call instead of forcing a relationship that was bound to happen anyways seeing as they're family.

Shelby and Cassie took Rachel out a few times during the week and things were going really well—what the women were truly impressed by was the fact that Rachel loved learning. No matter what they were teaching her about, she truly enjoyed it.

Shelby was so proud of her little one—she came to Shelby barely piecing together any words at all, the mother trying her hardest to understand and make out what was being said and now even the grandparents can understand a lot of what the baby says.

Of course there are some words that just don't come out the way Rachel wants them to, or pronunciation of words that aren't correct, but that's a part of learning. Plus, every child goes through the same stage so all in all, Shelby is extremely proud each and everyday, loving the fact the she is the one who gets to teach her daughter.


The weekend came meaning Addie and her family tried again, and this time, Rachel had a blast. At first, she was extremely shy just like meeting the rest of the cousins, and it was evident she was trying to figure out why Lily and Anthony were smaller than the rest of the cousins.

She didn't process that all her cousins weren't the same age and because of that, they were all different sizes. This time Greg was able to come which again threw Rachel for a loop at the beginning—he didn't really interact with Rachel all that much but it was great knowing she was able to continue to play and just be while he was there.

The cousins were really great with Rachel and besides one phrase mishap just like when Callie said daddy, things went well. After Anthony said daddy, Shelby took Rachel upstairs as they were in the playroom when it happened and the baby calmed down while Addie, Greg, nana and papa tried their best to explain the same way they did to Callie about why Rachel had that reaction.

Rachel was able to come back downstairs for lunch after the little mishap and seemed to bounce back pretty quickly. Shelby had been in contact with a few different child psychologists who suggested Shelby talk with Rachel alone about families and how they are all different to try and get her in the mindset that not all daddies are bad.

Even though it made Shelby nervous to say the least because she didn't want to be the one to cause Rachel any sort of distress, she thought it was a good idea. Shelby decided that would be something they did during the week when it was just mommy and baby time, usually a bit before/after naptime or when Cassie went down to dance while Shelby spent some alone time with Rachel.


Addie's family didn't stay for dinner that night, but they would definitely be back—the kids loved the playroom almost as much as Rachel along with the trampoline and foam pit; Amanda and Lily were quite taken with Rachel while Anthony was more into the toys. He did say she was 'cute and little' which was adorable seeing as he's still a little boy as well.

Like the rest of the cousins, nobody received a hug goodbye from the baby directly, but did get a hug in the sense of Shelby was holding Rachel when she gave goodbye hugs to her nieces and nephew. All in all, meeting the family for the first time went really well.


Rachel still talks about the cousins she's met which Shelby and Cassie agree is a good sign because it means she is okay with them and wants to see them again. Shelby had to explain to Rachel that they go to school during the week which was harder than she thought seeing as Rachel still has a difficult time with knowing how long the week is and the hours of the day—but that's to be expected seeing as you typically don't learn about that until kindergarten anyways.

Plus, Rachel was learning a lot of new information and was not only learning it but processing and storing it as well so the last thing Shelby was going to try to do was force her into knowing about days and time when there were other things more important.


Shelby was curious to see how Rachel would interact with Quinn seeing as when she met Addie's kids she was quite confused as to why they were smaller—not as small as her, but smaller than the rest of the cousins.

She decided to give Judy a call and scheduled a playdate for Rachel and Quinn the following week to see how things would go. Shelby didn't explain everything to Judy regarding Rachel when they first met, but did give her a little more information while on the phone seeing as she didn't want Judy to be startled when she saw how small the baby is.

She also wanted to give Judy a heads up as to how Rachel might react because Judy had described Quinn as a very energetic three year old who loved to meet new people especially now that both the girls were thriving seeing as Russell was no longer in the picture.

They agreed to see how it goes and take it from there—Quinn is always very intrigued and willing to learn so Judy mentioned how she would be able to explain why they had to leave early if need be.

That being said, both mothers were hoping for the best and eventually, Santana could join as well—there was also a playgroup that Santana and Quinn attend with 6 other little three year olds that Shelby is hoping Rachel would possibly attend once comfortable with the two girls who live next door.


The weather was now getting warmer seeing as it was March however, it wasn't warm enough for them to go play outside yet because one, Shelby was still concerned about making sure Rachel stayed warm enough and two, it can still snow in March. That being said, they could at least take walks around the neighborhood where Rachel was able to be bundled in the stroller which they found out she loved.

The first time Shelby put Rachel in the stroller she was concerned to say the least—she didn't know how her little one would do not being able to see mommy, facing away, possibly seeing neighbors…Shelby and Cassie have seen a few dogs running around yards when driving through their neighborhood, just things like that.

Surprisingly, Rachel loved being in the stroller because the little shade had a clear part that Shelby left open and anytime Rachel tilted her head back she could easily see Shelby or Cassie depending on who was pushing while the other stayed a little ahead so the baby could always see them.

They did that for the first few walks and eventually, Shelby and Cassie were able to hold hands while walking and Rachel continued to tilt her head back just to make sure mommy was still there on occasion. They also found out Rachel doesn't seem to like dogs—at least not yet, or maybe ever if she's like Shelby who doesn't like them at all.

Besides the dogs, Rachel loves walks; loves how mommy wraps her up with raffy, binky, blankie, and loves being pushed in the stroller and seeing the outdoors. Shelby can't wait for it to warm up a little more so they can play in the backyard for longer periods of time.

A few days when the weather has been in the high 50's almost 60's Shelby and Cassie have taken Rachel out into the backyard to play on the swing set which seems to be a huge hit as the baby constantly talks about it. Rachel doesn't go down the slide by herself yet but that's okay, she will when she's ready.

They also have a baby swing which Rachel can go in by herself but she asks mommy to 'simg wif me' so typically Shelby and Rachel end up in one of the 'big kid' or 'adult' swings together. The sand box has yet to be uncovered seeing as it could still snow, just like the pool, but they have utilized the swing set which is so much fun.

Rachel asks often if they can go 'simg' however, Shelby has to tell her it's too cold outside and explained to her how the weather changes and when it gets warm out, they can go play outside all the time which seemed to satisfy the baby.


Today Grace was over with Vanessa because the twins had a soccer tournament that Jeremy was taking them to along with the grandparents who were going to support their granddaughters. Katherine and Thomas spent a lot of time jumping around between all their grandchildren's sporting events seeing as all of them played at least one or more which they loved.

Shelby could tell there was something going on with Grace even though she was playing with Rachel, she could just sense it but let it play out. When Rachel went down for her nap, Grace came with them to read her little cousin a story then listen to her aunt sing the baby to sleep. Once she was, Shelby took Grace into one of the guest rooms and the smaller brunette began acting all types of anxious/awkward.

"What's going on honey? I can tell something has been bothering you since you and your mother got here," Shelby said, guiding Grace over to the bed so they could both sit down. "Come on, you can always talk to me…what's up?"

"Umm…I—" Grace was never one to stutter or not know what she was trying to say so this worried Shelby.

"Grace, are you okay? Did someone hurt you?"

Grace immediately shook her head no which made Shelby feel relieved—unfortunately because of what Rachel went through her first instinct now was to assume someone had hurt her niece.

"What is it sweetie? You know I'll never judge you for anything right?" Grace nodded in response instead of speaking. "Then tell me what's going on in that beautiful brain of yours."

"Are you going to tell my mom?" Grace asked timidly.

"No, whatever you say here stays here unless you're in some type of danger."

"I'm not," Grace quickly assured her aunt. Looking away, she started to pick off the non existent lint on her jeans not knowing how to start the conversation.

She had been excited to learn she and her mom were coming over today while her sisters played in the tournament because she really wanted to talk to her Aunt Shelly about this but now she was getting nervous.

"Umm, so…I umm haven't told anyone this but I like someone…" Grace looked up at her aunt who encouraged her to continue knowing there was more. "Umm, it's not a boy though and I'm scared because I know my mom and dad love you and Cassie, the whole family does, but what if they're mad at me or something?"

Grace now had tear stained cheeks that Shelby cleared away before kissing her forehead and repositioning them so she was holding her the best she could considering they were both sitting.

"Is that what has you so worked up?" Shelby asked and Grace nodded. "First of all, I want to thank you for confiding in me. It was extremely brave of you and I personally know how difficult all of this can be no matter who you like. Can I tell you a story?"

"O-kay," Grace said, and wiped away more tears.

"When I was about your age, I had feelings for one of my best friends who was also a girl and I didn't know what to do because by this point, your dad was married to your mom, Uncle Jake had Auntie Emily and Auntie Addie had Uncle Greg so I thought something was wrong with me. I didn't know who to tell, even though I tell Auntie Addie everything, it didn't feel right so do you know who I went to?"

"Umm my dad?" Shelby shook her head. "Uncle Jake?" Shelby shook her head again. "Well Auntie Lexie is younger than you…did you tell nana or papa?" Shelby shook her head for the third time and instead of making Grace keep guessing answered.

"I went to your mom."

At that, Grace shot out of Shelby's arms and looked at her like she had four heads. "My mom?" Shelby nodded. "Umm, why?"

Shelby laughed lightly, "I went to your mom because if you ever need a push and don't go to your parents who do you talk to?"

"Auntie Addie or Auntie Emily," Grace answered without question, just like Shelby would.

"They are the same way with me, but your mom was always impartial, patient, willing to listen, and gave great advice while never judging. So I went to her—told her I had a massive crush on this girl named Mackenzie and didn't know what to do. Not only that, I was terrified my parents and siblings would be disappointed in me or upset, I was very unsure."

"That's exactly how I feel," Grace said, as if a light bulb went off in her head.

"I know honey, that's why I'm telling you this story. Your mom and I sat down and she spoke with me for over an hour, telling me there is nothing in the world I couldn't tell my parents and siblings to have them be upset with me, especially when it came to loving someone. She told me she was proud of me, just like I'm extremely proud of you—gave me some advice on how to approach my crush," Grace blushed a little at that part but Shelby continued.

"…and then she sent me home to tell nana and papa who hugged me, kissed me, held me, and told me how much they loved me no matter what. Your mom said it perfectly, 'as long as they treat you right, make you happy, and you feel loved, that's all that truly matters'. And she was right. After telling nana and papa I told all your aunts and uncles who accepted me for who I am, told me how much they loved me, and your dad and Uncle Jake also said they'd treat anyone I dated the same as if I found a boy to love and interrogate them."

Grace laughed at that which made Shelby smile at the memories she had of Jeremy and Jake interrogating Mackenzie when they started dating in high school. It was very funny and something Shelby remembers vividly seeing as they did the same thing with Cassie years before they started actually dating.

"Do you think they are going to think differently of me because I'm their kid and you're their sister or like a sister?" Grace knows her mom thinks of Shelby as a sister, she says it so often considering Vanessa grew up with Shelby too because she was always with Jeremy.

"Not at all. Your mother and father will love you, just like the rest of the family, no matter who you decide to date, or fall in love with one day, and if that is the same girl you have a crush on now, or someone you meet later in life it doesn't matter. They love you for you, Grace."

"So I guess I need to tell my mom and dad, huh?"

"Yeah honey, you do. But if you want, it can be our little secret for now. Your mom gave me the same option however, I knew that if I didn't tell nana and papa right away, I would just feel worse on the inside keeping a part of myself from them everyday."

"You're right…I've liked her for a really long time and I think she likes me but I was afraid of what everyone would think."

"Well you always have me to talk to, but telling your mom and dad will be very beneficial for you as well honey. I know it all feels new and scary but trust me, once they know you'll feel so much lighter. And then maybe you can ask this special girl out," Shelby winked and Grace blushed.

"Ooo-kay," Grace said, feeling uncomfortable now. She hugged Shelby and then said, "Thanks Auntie Shelly."

"You never have to thank me sweetie, I'm always here for you whether in person or over the phone." Shelby kissed the top of her head and said, "I love you, Grace."

"I love you too…can we go jump on the trampoline now?"

Shelby laughed and said, "Of course, let's go."


The following day Shelby received a text from Grace that said, 'Thank you Auntie Shelly, you were right. My mom and dad love me and said it doesn't matter who I love as long as they treat me right and love me. I am so happy! My dad also said 'now I don't need to worry about scaring boys away' Ayla is a very nice girl…they already knew I guess? Anyways, thank you so much I love you.'

Shelby smiled as she read the message; during the conversation Grace told Shelby all about Ayla who she actually knew well because they were best friends and had been since the second grade so it wasn't very surprising to Shelby.

She knew best friends were close but she should have known considering those two were always closer than the average best friends. Either way, it didn't matter because her niece was happy, Ayla was a beautiful, polite, respectful girl and it seemed like the two were great for each other.

Cassie thought it was adorable and of course brought up Mackenzie seeing as she knew all about Shelby's first crush and how she went to Vanessa first—Shelby rolled her eyes in response because they dated in high school but chose very different paths in life where she then met Cassie who she knows is her forever.

The weekend flew by and before they knew it, it was Tuesday the day of Rachel's first playdate.


Today would definitely be marked down as a major life event considering Shelby had been keeping a little book 'All About Me' for Rachel—she didn't care if Rachel wanted nothing to do with it when she was older, Shelby would happily look back on it and show it to Rachel's future partner because it included pictures and everything.

All the Corcoran children and grandchildren had an 'All About Me' book. Jeremy's children have seen theirs, Jake's son wanted nothing to do with his where as his daughter was a bit interested but they were all still in progress. Katherine kept going up until high school graduation and that's where the book ended so none of the books were complete yet for the grandchildren.

Even though Shelby didn't have much of anything from birth to age 2 for Rachel, she was able to fill in some of the information along with add some pictures that she didn't personally take.

Detective Amanda Rollins along with Sargent Tutuola flew to Ohio to visit the Berry residence as a part of the investigation and Amanda being Amanda collected some of the pictures she found of baby Rachel that she assumed Leroy took and kept hidden as they were in the back of the closet and gave them to Shelby.

The mother was beside herself with gratitude for Amanda and was able to see Rachel as a newborn besides those few seconds they locked eyes after Shelby gave birth, along with multiple other pictures from her time with the Berry men where it was clear Leroy was the doting parent while Hiram clearly wasn't who Shelby thought he was.

Even though it wasn't much, Shelby still had a few pictures and that made her heart swell knowing she missed out on those memories and was able to fill some of the void she felt. Plus, she has a whole lifetime with her daughter now.


Today Rachel was dressed in an adorable red long sleeved onesie with ruffles on the shoulders that tucked perfectly into the cutest pair of jeans with little roses on embroidered on the pockets and a red bow in her hair. She was determined today required 'ipip' which Shelby said was okay causing a squeal of excitement.

Her lipstick, otherwise known as baby safe chapstick, was typically worn on special occasions but seeing as Rachel asked for it more times than not, Shelby figured they'd need to buy more; she also assumed she had a little girly girl on her hands. Rachel was just like Shelby in every way.

While Shelby was finishing getting Rachel ready, Judy was putting the finishing touches to Quinn's outfit as well. Even though Russell preferred everything to be perfect, for the girls to always be in dresses and look their 'very best because that's what the world sees', Judy has a different approach and put Quinn in a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt so she's comfy like she should be as a little one.

Quinn was very excited to meet another little girl just like her; she and Santana have 'played' together their whole lives, or existed together their whole lives at least because Frannie knew CJ from school meaning they were always very friendly. Quinn was born two months before Santana which meant the mothers were able to talk about their pregnancies together and such.

Judy did her best to prepare Quinn for the fact Rachel is a little different than her, Quinn above the learning curve with pretty much everything while Rachel is for the most part just starting out but Quinn knew about that from playgroup too so she didn't think much of it being three.

Plus, how much can you really prepare a toddler anyways? They were going to play it by ear and hope for the best—it will be great having another little one to play with, Judy and Shelby already talking about the pool in the backyard when Judy came over to introduce herself. She was taken with the house, especially the backyard knowing her daughters would love it and also loved that Shelby had nieces the same age as Frannie too.


About fifteen minutes later the doorbell rang and Shelby smiled at her daughter who was in her arms, "You ready to meet your little friend baby girl?"

Rachel smiled and nodded at her mommy; she didn't really know what to expect because describing a friend was easy enough but the concept was very difficult for Rachel to understand being so young. It made sense, she's never had a friend before so everything is new to her.

"Me femd mommy," Rachel said proudly, with a bit of her possessive nature which was just too cute to put into words.

"She is your friend, love bug. Let's go meet her."

And with that, they were off to answer the door, Cassie following right behind them.


I think I'm going to do a little time jump after meeting Quinn in the next chapter so don't be surprised if you see it.