Wow! I can't believe the reactions to the first chapter. I warned you there would be angst, but in between, there will be some fluff. Just bear with me.

PS - Thanks for the reviews, follows, and faves.


Beca had a very restless night and not much sleep. She doesn't know how long she laid there staring at the ceiling before she decided to get up and dressed. Once she was ready, she left the guest room and went into Sophie's room. The young girl was just stirring when Beca walked in. She smiled when she saw Beca.

"Mama," she squealed and jumped out of bed. She ran over to Beca and Beca scooped her up in a hug. "I'm glad you're home."

"Me, too, baby girl," Beca said and kissed Sophie on the cheek. "Why don't you go potty and brush your teeth while I check on Dylan."

"What about mommy?," Sophie asked.

"We're going to let her sleep in," Beca said. "We'll go make pancakes, and you can wake her up when they're ready. How's that sound?"

"Pancakes, yum," Sophie said.

Beca let go of Sophie and left to check on Dylan. He was still sleeping so she let him. She went back to Sophie's room to find her pulling clothes out of a drawer.

"Need some help?," Beca asked.

"Nope," Sophie said. "I got it."

"Okay," Beca said. "I'll be down in the kitchen getting breakfast started."

"Okay," Sophie said and continued doing what she was doing.

Beca smiled and left Sophie's room. She looked at her and Chloe's bedroom door with a heavy sigh before she went downstairs. She went into the kitchen and preheated the oven. She then started gathering the ingredients for the pancakes. The oven was ready, so she put the bacon in and set the timer for twenty minutes. She had just pulled the eggs out of the refrigerator when Sophie came in.

"Can I help make the pancakes?," Sophie asked.

"Absolutely," Beca said.

"Mommy's up," Sophie said as she climbed up onto the stool next to Beca. "She said she'd be down in a few minutes."

"Thanks," Beca said.

Beca was nervous. She knew Chloe was upset with her and she had every right to be. What she didn't know is what was going to happen when she saw Chloe.

"Do you want to help break the eggs?," Beca asked Sophie.

"Yes," Sophie said.

Beca got a small bowl and grabbed an egg. She stood behind Sophie and gave Sophie the egg. She put her hands on Sophie's and helped her crack the egg and put it into the small bowl. They then dumped the egg into the pancake batter. They do the same with a second egg.

"Great job, Soph," Beca said and smiled. "You're getting good at that."

Beca and Sophie have all the ingredients for the batter in the bowl, and Beca is helping Sophie mix the batter.

"Perfect," Beca said. "Let's start cooking."

Beca takes the bowl over to the stove, and Sophie moves her stool so she can help. Beca takes the ladle and hands it to Sophie. "Small scoops remember," Beca told her.

"Got it," Sophie said and lifted the ladle out of the batter and dumped the batter into the heated pan.

"Whoa," Beca laughed as the ladle dripped across the counter. "Let's move the bowl a little closer."

Beca and Sophie were laughing as they watched the pancakes cook. "I see bubbles," Sophie squeals. "Time to flip."

"Let me do that part," Beca said and lifted the first pancake out of the pan.

"Something smells good," Beca hears Chloe say behind her. Beca turns quickly, and the pancake she was flipping slid off the spatula and onto the floor.

"Mama!," Sophie squealed.

Beca blushed. "Sorry, Soph. I'll clean that up as soon as I flip the others so they don't burn."

"I got it," Chloe said and grabbed some paper towels.

"You don't have to do that," Beca said.

"It's okay," Chloe said and continued to clean up the mess.

"Thanks," Beca said and turned back to the stove. She let out a sigh and plated up the pancakes.

Sophie poured more batter into the pan and watched them until they bubbled. Beca flipped them, and the stove's timer went off.

"I'm going to need you to move Sophie," Beca said grabbing some pot holders. "I have to get the bacon out of the oven."

Sophie climbs down and moves away from the stove. Beca moves the stool and gets the bacon out setting it off to the side.

"Okay, Soph," Beca said. "Let's finish up so we can eat."

"Where's Dylan, mommy?," Sophie asked Chloe.

"He's still sleeping," Chloe said. "He had a busy day yesterday. I'll go wake him up since breakfast is ready."

Chloe left the kitchen and Beca set the table and poured coffee for her and Chloe. She poured milk for Sophie and Dylan. She had just sat at the table across from Sophie when Chloe came in carrying Dylan.

"Mama," Dylan said and held his arms out to her.

"Hey, buddy," Beca said standing and taking him from Chloe. "Did you sleep well?"

Dylan squealed and clapped his hands. Beca put him in his high chair. Beca cut up a pancake and added some syrup. She placed it on the tray in front of Dylan. She looked at Chloe who was helping Sophie. Sophie looked at her and smiled; Beca smiled back.

Breakfast was quiet except for the occasional squeal from Dylan or Sophie talking about going to the park. After another bout of silence, Beca spoke up looking at Sophie.

"Hey, Soph," Beca said getting the young girl's attention. "After breakfast I want you and Dylan to go to the family room and watch a movie. Mommy and I need to talk before we go to the park."

Sophie's smile immediately changed to a frown. "Are you going to yell?"

"No," Beca said giving a side glance to Chloe. "But, mommy probably will."

Chloe lets out a little snort at this and Sophie looks at her. "Are you going to yell at mama?"

Before Chloe can respond, Beca jumps in. "Yes, she will. But, it's okay because I deserve it. I promise everything will be okay. Understand?"

Sophie nods her head and looks down at her plate. Beca gets up and kneels next to Sophie. "Soph, look at me please." Sophie looks up at Beca with a tear in her eye. "I know I've broken a lot of promises lately, but that it is one I will not break. Mommy's going to yell at me about all the promises I've broken to you and Dylan, and to her. I deserve to be yelled at for breaking them. But, when the yelling is done, I'll still be here. And so will mommy. I promise that I'm going to be the mama that keeps her promises again. Okay?"

"Okay," Sophie said with a small smile.

"Can I get a hug?," Beca asked, and Sophie threw herself into Beca's arms. Beca tightened her arms around her daughter. "I love you, baby-girl."

"I love you, too, mama," Sophie said.

Beca let go of Sophie and Sophie sat back in her seat. Beca stood and went back to her chair. Breakfast went on as it had before Beca and Sophie's talk. Once everyone had eaten, Beca looked over at Chloe.

"Kids or dishes?," Beca asked.

"I'll take the kids," Chloe responded. She stood and removed Dylan from his high chair. "Come on, Soph. Let's get you guys cleaned up."

"Okay," Sophie said and followed her mother out of the kitchen.

Beca cleared the table and scraped the plates. She decided to hand wash everything to keep her mind from overthinking what she knew was going to be a serious talk with Chloe. She heard Chloe bring the kids downstairs and take them into the family room. After a few minutes, she heard the sound of whatever movie Sophie chose to watch. She finished the dishes and was drying the last plate when Chloe came into the kitchen.

"Would you like some more coffee?," Beca asked.

"Yes, thank you," Chloe responded.

Beca poured them each a fresh cup of coffee. She added cream and sugar to both and handed Chloe hers. Chloe was sitting at the end of the counter, and Beca took the seat to her left.

"Before you say anything, I know I've broken a lot of promises over the past year," Beca said looking down into her coffee cup. She glanced up at Chloe as she continued. "And I know whatever promises I try to make now will sound hollow. But, I want you to know that, although it hasn't seemed like it, you and the kids are my number one priority. And I'm going to talk to a lawyer about Khaled ordering me to go to the studio on Saturday when my contract prohibits that practice. I'm also going to set up meetings with Sony and RCA to discuss options for going to work for one of them."

"Sony and RCA?," Chloe asked.

"Yeah," Beca said. "I've had reps from both putting feelers out about my availability. My contract with Khaled is up soon, and I have to decide if I want to sign with him again."

"Beca, this is all great, but it doesn't change what has already happened," Chloe said. "I could forgive you for everything except yesterday. It was Dylan's first birthday, and you promised you'd be back before the party started. You missed the whole thing."

"I know that," Beca said with tears in her eyes. "It's killing me to know I missed his party. I know that it's my fault because I kept giving in so easily to all the stupid demands of Blaze. I should have come back home when she wasn't in the studio when I got there. I know my apology won't mean anything, but I am truly sorry for missing the party and for breaking so many promises to you and the kids. I'm just so-" Beca sat there as the tears fell. "I'm so tired of hurting you guys."

"Becs," Chloe said quietly. "Look at me please." Beca wipes her face and looks at Chloe. "I love you. The kids love you. I believe you when you say you're sorry. But, I do need you to make me one promise and not break it."

"Whatever you want," Beca said, nodding her head.

"I need you to show me, to show us, that we really are your number one priority," Chloe said. "I'll give you two months, and I want to see a noticeable change in those two months. No working on the weekends, no more broken promises, and no staying at the studio beyond six on weekdays. I know sometimes it can't be helped, so I'll ask that during those times you not stay later than ten o'clock, AND you call or text me that you're going to be late. Can you promise me that?"

"Yes, I can do that," Beca said and took a deep breath and let it out. She put her hand over Chloe's on the counter. "I promise. Thank you. For giving me a chance I probably don't deserve. For not leaving me or taking the kids. I love you all so much."

Chloe reached over and gently wiped the tears from Beca's cheeks using the pads of her thumbs.

"Beca, you screwed up," Chloe said. "It's not something worth leaving the love of my life over."

"I love you," Beca said.

"I love you, too," Chloe said. "I think we'll put the yelling portion of our talk on hold for now until we see how things go. What do you say we keep your promise to the kids and take them to the park?"

"I can't think of anything else I'd rather do," Beca said.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Beca smiled as she sat on the park bench watching Chloe pushing a laughing Dylan on the swings. She was also keeping an eye Sophie who was playing on the slide with some other kids. Her smile faded when she thought back to earlier that day when she went to get Sophie and Dylan to get them ready for the park. Sophie was sitting on the sofa with her hands over her ears.

"Soph, what's wrong?," Beca asked as she kneeled in front of her daughter and gently pulled her hands away from her ears.

"I didn't want to hear mommy yelling at you," Sophie said sadly.

"Oh, sweetie," Beca said and pulled Sophie to her in a hug. "Everything's okay. Mommy didn't yell at me. I'm sorry I scared you by saying she was going to."

She knelt there on the floor with Sophie in her arms long enough that Chloe had come in to see why they weren't upstairs getting ready. Chloe stopped in the doorway and put her hand to her chest when she saw Beca comforting Sophie. Beca looked up and Chloe could see tears in her eyes.

"She didn't want to hear you yelling at me," Beca told Chloe.

Chloe closed the space between them in two strides and wrapped Sophie and Beca into a hug. "I'm sorry, Soph," Chloe said. "Mama and I talked; everything's going to be okay. No yelling. We promise."

Sophie pulled back a bit and looked at her two mothers. "You both promise?"

"I promise," Beca said.

"I promise, too," Chloe said.

"Okay," Sophie said and smiled. "I know if you both promise it will be okay."

"Mama! Mama!" Sophie yelling broke Beca out of her thoughts. She quickly looked around to see Sophie on the swings.

"Not too high, Soph," Chloe told her.

Beca walked over and got behind Sophie to keep her from going too high. "Good job, Soph," Beca said when she saw how well Sophie was making the swing move on her own. It was one thing that used to frustrate Sophie.

"I want to stop," Sophie said.

"Stop moving your legs," Beca said and Sophie held them straight out in front of her. She slowed down and Beca timed it so she could grab Sophie around the waist and help her come to a complete stop.

"I got you," Beca said and grabbed Sophie off the swing when it stopped.

Sophie squealed as Beca started tickling her.

"Stop, stop," Sophie told Beca.

"Okay," Beca said. "What's the magic word?"

"Please?," Sophie responded.

"That's correct," Beca said and set Sophie on the ground.

Chloe took Dylan out of the swing and walked over to Beca and Sophie. She gave Beca a quick kiss on the lips, surprising Beca but also making her smile.

"Hey, Chlo," Beca said smiling at the redhead. "Why don't you take Sophie and Dylan home because I want to get some ice cream."

"I want ice cream," Sophie squealed.

"Ice," Dylan squealed.

"You guys want ice cream, too?," Beca asked sounding surprised. "I didn't know you liked ice cream."

"We do," Sophie said seriously. "Can we go to get ice cream with you?"

"Yeah, mama," Chloe said, playing along. "Can't we go and get ice cream, too?"

"I don't know," Beca said acting like she was thinking about it.

"You know what to do, Soph," Chloe leaned down and whispered.

Chloe and Sophie both put on their best pouts and big Bambi eyes. "Pwease, Mama?"

"Put those faces away," Beca said laughing. "Of course we can all get ice cream."

"Yay," Dylan and Sophie squealed.

Beca took Sophie's hand and Chloe took Beca's. Dylan was holding onto Chloe's shirt as he bounced on her hip while they walked. Beca noticed some paparazzi but they were being respectful so she just ignored them. When they got to their car, Beca helped Sophie into her booster seat while Chloe put Dylan in his car seat. They drove to their favorite ice cream shop and went in. A waitress showed them to a table and Beca grabbed a high chair for Dylan.

The waitress took their orders and left the table. Beca looked at Sophie. "Are you excited about starting Kindergarten, Soph?"

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Monday morning found Beca pacing back and forth in her office. Dani knocked and entered.

"Did you get me in to see Khaled today?," Beca asked.

"Yes," Dani said. "His Assistant said he was available in about ten minutes. He has an appointment soon so you'll only have about ten minutes with him."

"Good, good," Beca said.

"Is everything okay?," Dani asked seeing how nervous Beca looked. "Anything I should know about?"

"I promise I'll tell you everything after I talk to Khaled," Beca said.

"Okay," Dani said. "You might want to head up to Khaled's office."

Beca nodded and followed Dani out of her office. She got to Khaled's office and only had to wait a few minutes before she was shown into his office.

"What can I do for you, Beca?," Khaled asked as soon as Beca entered.

"I want to be replaced as the producer for Blaze's album," Beca said. Beca held up her hand to stop Khaled when he started to speak. "AND, I am putting you and the label on notice that if you ever force me to come in on a weekend when my contract strictly prohibits it, I will sue you for breach of contract."

Beca swallowed hard as she watched Khaled process what she just told him.

"Your contract with us is up soon, isn't it?," Khaled asked.

"Yes, it is," Beca said nervously.

"Have you considered whether you wish to renew it?," Khalde asked.

"I've been thinking about it, yes," Beca said thankful that her voice was steady.

"What have you decided?," Khaled asked.

"That all depends on what happens in the next ten minutes," Beca said, standing straighter and feeling more confident.

"Fair enough," Khaled said. "I will have another producer pick up Blaze's album."

"For the record," Beca said. "She's not that good and she walks around like she owns the place. And what other artist is allowed to call you personally? At home? I don't know what possessed you to sign her, but it was a mistake."

"Theo said she had potential," Khaled said. "I'll take a listen to what she's done so far and see where we go from there."

"Good," Beca said.

"As for ordering you to come in over the weekend," Khaled said. He paused and considered his next words. "I apologize. My wife overheard our conversation and reamed me a new one. I shouldn't have given you the ultimatum about coming to the studio or staying home for your kid's party."

"Which I missed entirely by the way," Beca interjected.

"Again, I apologize for all that," Khaled said. "I would like to offer a bump to your salary on your new contract as a good faith measure that it won't happen again."

"Like I said," Beca said. "I haven't made a decision yet. I need to talk it over with Chloe before I do anything."

"Okay," Khaled said. "I would like to continue this conversation but I have to leave for a meeting. May I ask when you might know whether you plan to stay with us?"

"Soon," Beca said. "I've been asked by two other labels if I plan to renew my contract here. I told them both I didn't know and I would make a decision after I saw what all three of you were offering. I am not telling you this as a negotiation tactic. I'm telling you because you took a big chance on me and I do feel some loyalty to you and the label. But this past year has been rough and it has taken a toll on my marriage. My family is my number one priority and I will not let you or anyone else fuck it up. I can do that all on my own."

"Is there anything I can do to help you decide to stay?," Khaled asked.

"Just give me space," Beca said. "I'll give your new offer serious consideration along with the other two labels once I see all the offers in writing."

"I'll get Theo right on it," Khaled said.

"Thank you," Beca said and left the office.

Beca let out a breath as soon as the door to Khaled's office closed behind her. She hurried back to her office and asked Dani to come in with her. Dani grabbed her notepad and a pen and followed Beca into her office.

"How did it go?," Dani asked.

Beca told her about her meeting with Khaled and also about all the stuff that had been happening at home. Dani knew that Beca was in the studio during Dylan's party since she and Jane had attended.

"I need to make a decision," Beca said. "Khaled will be sending me a new contract to read. I will also be looking at offers from Sony and RCA. Both labels approached me to ask about my current situation and have asked me about working for them."

"What are you going to do?," Dani asked.

"I'm going to see what they are all offering and talk to Chloe," Beca said. "In the meantime, there is something I want to ask you."

"What is it?," Dani asked.

"If I choose to go with Sony or RCA," Beca said. "Would you consider going with me? I'll have them put it in my contract that I get to bring you over if that's what you want to do. And, I'll make sure you're taken care of no matter what you decide."

"My immediate answer would be yes," Dani said. "But I should talk to Jane about it. It's a big decision."

"I know," Beca said. "For me, too." Beca stared down at the carpet for a moment. "I have a few things to get through. We can talk once I know what I'm doing. Okay?"

"Okay," Dani said and went back to her desk.

Beca responded to some emails and made calls to the Sony and RCA reps to ask about getting something in writing. They were both going to courier her their offers before the week was over. Beca finally sat back feeling satisfied. She checked the time and it was 11:20. She checked her schedule and her afternoon was free. She gathered her stuff and walked out to Dani's desk.

"I'm going home," Beca said. "You should take the rest of the day off, too."

"Seriously?," Dani asked.

"Seriously," Beca said. "I don't have anything on my schedule for the rest of the day, so let's go home."

"Thanks, Beca," Dani said and started gathering her stuff to leave.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Beca left the studio and decided to grab some lunch to take home for Chloe and the kids. She sent a quick text to Chloe telling her she was bringing food home so Chloe wouldn't make anything. She goes to the little diner they all love and ordered some food for takeout. When the order was ready, she hurried out and jumped in her car.

Beca checked her phone before she started the car. Chloe hadn't texted her back but she wasn't too worried as she figured Chloe was busy with the kids.

~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~

Beca entered the house and heard Sophie and Dylan's giggles coming from the family room. She quietly walked into the family room to surprise them expecting to see Chloe with them. When she made it to the door, she was the one surprised because sitting there on the sofa with Sophie and Dylan was Fat Amy.

"Ames?," Beca said causing the blonde Aussie to look up.

"Oh, hey Beca," Amy said. "I didn't hear you come in."

"Mama," Sophie squealed and ran to Beca.

"Hey, baby girl," Becs said as she scooped her up and kissed her cheek. "Where's mommy?"

"She's at lunch with her special friend," Sophie said playing with Beca's hair.

"I'm sorry," Beca said looking at Amy, a bit confused. "Her special friend?"

"Yeah, I don't know," Amy said. "Chloe just asked if I could watch the munchkins for a couple of hours."

"I see," Beca said. "Well, I brought lunch as a surprise. Do you want to eat with us?"

"Sounds good," Amy said. "I was just wondering what to fix."

"I guess I made it just in time then," Beca said.

Beca set out the food she brought home and she sat and ate with Amy and the kids. After they had eaten, Beca cleaned up.

"Did Chloe say what time she'd be home?," Beca asked.

"No," Amy said. "Just said she'd be gone a couple of hours."

"What time did she leave?," Beca asked.

"About 11:30," Amy said.

Beca checked her phone to see that is was 1:00 and still no message from Chloe.

"Well, Ames, I'm home for the rest of the day so you can go if you want," Beca said.

"I do have plans later," Amy said. "I can go home and rest up before my date." Amy went into the family room. "Come and give Aunt Amy hugs goodbye, munchkin."

Sophie went to Amy and hugged her. Amy went over to Dylan and kissed the top of his head. She gathered up her stuff and Beca walked her to the door.

"Thanks for babysitting, Amy," Beca said as she held the door open.

"No worries, Beca," Amy said. "I'll see you later."

Beca closed the door and stood there with furrowed brows. "Who the hell is this special friend of Chloe's?," Beca asks herself. "And why hasn't she at least texted me back?"

Beca decides to send another text and pulls out her phone.

Beca [12:45 pm] Hey, where are you? Can you talk? Nothing's wrong; just some work stuff I need to talk to you about. Love you.

Beca reads the text a couple of times before pressing send. She puts her phone in her pocket and goes into the family room.

"I'm going to put Dylan down for his nap, Soph," Beca said as she picked him up. "I'll be back in a few minutes. You stay in here until I get back. Okay?"

"Okay, mama," Sophie responded.

Beca carries a half-asleep Dylan up to his room. She changes his diaper and lays him in his bed. She stayed with him until he was fully asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about who Chloe could be having lunch with. If it were Aubrey or even Stacie, she would have told Amy. Maybe it was a parent from Chloe's school or a teacher. But, Chloe always tells her about the people she meets.

Beca sees that Dylan is sleeping so she grabs the monitor and heads back downstairs. She feels her phone buzz in her pocket and checks it. It is a text from Chloe.

Chloe [1:15 pm] I'm doing some shopping. Can it wait until you get home?

"Shopping?," Beca thought to herself. "I thought Sophie said she was having lunch with someone. But Amy said Chloe told her she'd be home in a couple of hours. Maybe Sophie was confused."

Beca [1:16 pm] Yeah, that's fine. Have fun shopping. I'll see you at home.

Beca went into the family room and sat next to Sophie. She watched the movie Sophie had on for a few minutes. She knew she trusted Chloe but something just wasn't sitting right with her. Beca knew she shouldn't but decided to ask Sophie to see if she could clear things up.

"Hey, Soph," Bec said. "Did you say that mommy went to lunch? I thought she went shopping."

"I don't know," Sophie said. "I heard her talking on the phone and she said something about lunch. Then she told me Aunt Amy was coming over while she had lunch with a friend."

And as children are wont to do, she doesn't provide any more information.

"Do you know this friend?," Beca asked.

"I think she was talking to Ally's dad," Sophie said. "They have lunch a lot."

"Ally? Dad?," Beca thought.

"Who is Ally?," Beca asked. "Where did you meet her?"

"She's my new friend," Sophie said. "We were at the park and mommy saw her special friend and Ally was with him."

"So, mommy knew this special friend when you saw them?," Beca asked.

"Yeah," Sophie said.

"Why do you call him mommy's special friend?," Beca asked.

"Because that's what she called him when she told me not to tell you we saw him," Sophie said.

Beca's heart dropped into her stomach. Who the hell is this guy?

"Am I in trouble because I told you?," Sophie asked looking sad.

"No, baby," Beca said. "It's okay. Can you tell me mommy's friend's name?," Beca asked.

"Mommy called him Chicago," Sophie said.