Disclaimer: I don't own Glee only Maci.

This chapter is shorter but still jammed pack with everything! Enjoy my lovely readers, thank you for every single review and for putting this story under your favorites and alerts. xo

I would also like to give a HUGE thank you to joyofrediscoveringyou for editing this chapter, you're the best! Thank you! Without you working your magic my poor grammar skills would totally kill this story, you rock!

x.

"Leave me alone." Finn swatted at his brother as they walked through the party supply store, gathering up last minute things for Maci's upcoming birthday. Her birthday party being in three days meant last minute arrangements on Finn's part because that's just who he is.

"You had Rachel sleep over, Finn I can't let that go and you know that." Kurt tried to stand in front of his brother to get his attention but as Finn would reach out for plates, he completely ignored Kurt.

"What about something girly like this, Maci will like this don't you think?"

"You are so infuriating!" Kurt shook his brother nearly swiping the plates from his hands "Will you just answer me you big oaf? I want to know right now or I won't give you any of my advice."

"I don't even know myself Kurt." The tallest brother sighed putting the plates into his cart

"She slept over, how could you not know?"

"It was one night and she was sleeping in the spare bedroom. We went out for dinner which we didn't even finish and then went out to a bar for a few hours. We got drunk, there was a little kissing but that's it. I'm serious, it wasn't even that much of a kiss because some fans interrupted it before it got too deep."

"How did she end up at your house?" His hands planted on his hips as if he caught him in a lie

"She was nearly passed out by the time we got to the taxi, I had to come home to get Maci what I was supposed to do? Let her drive in some taxi all the way home? I'm not some asshole Kurt." Throwing matching plastic silverware into the cart as well as napkins and plastic cups, Finn turned the corner without another word.

"Get a grip!" Kurt nearly stomped his foot as he turned the corner making Finn look back with raised eyebrows

"You're acting like my five year old right now, you do realize that right?" Finding some streamers they could use to decorate the penthouse with.

"You two have chemistry! Rachel is perfect for you, I literally played matchmaker without knowing it." Kurt was smug as he thought about how well he paired his brother up with the perfect woman for him. "You just need to man up and call it was it is."

"It's nothing yet! It was one night Kurt..."

"That's where you are wrong, Quinn and I had a very long talk the other night..."

"Oh great, you and Quinn had a talk. That just sounds like a bunch of trouble." Turning around, Finn stopped Kurt from talking anymore. "I like Rachel and if anything is going to happen it's going to happen on our time and on our terms. I have a little girl to think about Kurt..."

"Who adores Rachel."

"I know that. That's what's holding me back. What if we decide to act on our feelings and things don't work out between us? Then Maci will be upset because lets just be honest, things would be too awkward for Rachel to stay as Maci's nanny. I don't want to do that to my little girl Kurt, she loves Rachel too much."

"You're overthinking it way too much Finn. Just go for it, you deserve to be happy to you know? Rachel does too and you both together is what is going to make you both happy. In weird way you two are perfect for eachother, you cancel one each other out to make both sort of sane."

"We'll see where it goes."

"Finn I swear on my Prada scarves that if you don't do something quickly I will take matters into my hands."

"How about you let me deal with my own life and you deal with your own fear in telling Blaine how you truly feel?" Finn gave a look mocking Kurt's from moments ago before pushing the cart brushing past him. "That's what I thought."

xx.

"My birthday is soon you know." Maci informed Rachel as they walked home from her ballet practice

"I know you're going to be like hundred or something right?" A teasing tone hidden in her voice, leading Maci to giggle.

"No silly, I am going to be this much!"

"Oh my you're going to be a whole handful of fingers, that makes you as old as I am"

"No you're like ten handfuls."

"Now who is silly?"

"Still you, I was serious!" Looking up Maci ran up the stairs to the apartment building quickly, laughing all the way up. Realizing that she couldn't get in without a key, Maci gasped then looking back at Rachel who was dangling the key in front of her.

"Looks like I got the keys to get in." Rachel poked Maci's stomach playfully who flinched, hiding her stomach. Her infectious giggle making Rachel give in. "I'll let it go this time but next time, I'm bringing the the tickle monster and she's not as forgiving."

Unlocking the door Maci ran to the fridge to grab a water bottle from such a 'demanding' practice as she puts it. It amazed Rachel that after only two short months with Maci she seemed to pick so much of Rachel's vocabulary and actions.

"What would you want to do for the rest of the night?" Rachel called out to Maci as she placed her keys on the table in the hallway coming in.

There was no answer except for a squeal coming from the living room. Turning the corner Rachel sees the little girl being lifted into an older woman's arms as she also sees a man with a baseball cap smiling at her.

"Oh, hello." Rachel smoothed down her dress, instantly recognizing the man and woman to be Maci's grandparents from the pictures either Finn or Maci had shown her. "I am so sorry we weren't here sooner, Finn didn't tell me you guys were coming in today."

"You must be Rachel!" Carole smiled placing Maci on the ground going over to the younger lady pulling her into a hug. "I have heard so much about you from my Finny."

Trying not to blush too much, Rachel waved off the comment as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Likewise."

"It is very nice to meet you Rachel." Carole smiled warmly at Rachel as she let go "This is my husband, Kurt's father, Burt."

"Very nice to meet you Mr. Hummel."

"Oh please as if my balding head was enough of a reminder of how old I am." He chuckled holding out his own hand to shake hers. "Please call me Burt."

"Oh yes and me, Carole. Mrs. Hummel makes me sound so old." Carole picked Maci up hugging her close. "I have missed you so much!"

"I missed you too grammy!" Maci laid her head down on the older woman's shoulder. Rachel thought it was sweet, Maci's whole family seemed so sweet and nice. But as she watched the reunion she knew she should let them have their time together.

"I was just going to make Maci some dinner, she was in ballet practice and didn't get a chance to eat yet. Would you like me to make you all something as well? It's probably been a long day at airports and airplanes. Here let me go make something."

"Nonsense, no I will not make you cook for us." Carole looked back at Burt who nodded, agreeing fully. "We can go out, that is if you want to join us."

Rachel doesn't have much people to hang out with especially anyone motherly, the sole fact that this woman was so open and warm hearted stole Rachel's heart. Nodding, Maci smiled knowing that Miss Rachel would be joining them.

"Yes, thank you. I would like that."

"Great, let's get going I am starving!" Burt patted Rachel's shoulder giving her a polite smile as he walked to the door.

"My belly is growling!" Maci exclaimed as she put a hand it to exaggerate her point. Rachel laughed grabbing her coat.

"Well let's go get some food!" Opening the door for the three who walked out, Rachel followed close behind as Maci grabbed for her and Carole's hand. It sort of hit Carole how much Maci truly thought of Rachel and how much Maci cared for Rachel. Almost just as much as family.

If not the same and Rachel knew Maci was her family.

xxx.

Waking up from a long night of meetings Finn walked out to the living room and was hit with the aroma of pancakes. Hearing chatter he remembered that his mom and stepdad were in for a few days, two days early, but still they were in his apartment.

"Hey mom, Burt." Finn yawned sitting down on a bar stool, looking around for his daughter he noticed she wasn't there.

"She is in the bathtub, it was the only way I could convince her to let you sleep in." Carole turned from the stove "I'm making you and Maci's favorite, blueberry pancakes."

"You rock mom!" Finn yelled as he walked into the back where his daughter could be heard singing in the bathtub. Peaking around the corner Finn smile at the sight of Maci with bubbles covering her from head to toe. Stepping in Finn sits on top of the toilet. "Good morning birthday girl."

"Good morning daddy!" Maci kneeled in the tub giving Finn a kiss on the cheek leaving a few bubbles. "Oops!"

"Does it make me look like Santa?"

"No silly, Santa is fatter than you."

"You mean chubbier?" Finn didn't like that word, it sounded too cruel. He once knew this girl who got teased the entire time in high school and instead of saying something he let it happen. The least he could do now that he's a grown man is to teach his daughter the right way to put things and the wrong ways. Because one thing's for sure, he would never let his kid grow up to be like his friends .

"Yes, chubbier." Maci nodded laying down in the tub to get the soap out of her head. "What are we doing today?"

"Well..." Finn smiled "I made reservations to a very cool place that I put lots of thought into."

"And where would that be?" Finn turned to find his mom leaning against the door.

"I was going to tell you." Finn nervously ran a hand through his hair. "I sort of made plans with Maci today because you said you weren't going to be here until tomorrow for the party. I would tell you where but it's a surprise and the place reserves up fast or else I would add you both to the list."

"It's no problem." Carole smiled "Maybe I'll go out with Rachel and Kurt for lunch. Rachel is a very beautiful woman and sweet. Very sweet Finn, just a fantastic woman."

"Rachel?" Finn asked suddenly a whole lot more curious "You've met Rachel?"

"Oh yes, we all went out for dinner last night when they got home from Maci's ballet practice. We had a wonderful time, Rachel is lovely."

"Finish up okay? Then get out something to wear on your big birthday surprise." Finn stood up leading his mom out of the bathroom and down the hall. Just as he was about to say something Carole grabbed her son's shoulders.

"Son, you never mentioned how truly amazing that woman is. I mean you praised her to the moon but boy she is perfect for you."

"Geez mom, seriously? Just how much have you been listening to Kurt?"

"Enough." Carole brushed the comment off. "You've got yourself a darling woman Finn, I approve."

"You've met her once mom and you barely know her."

"I know enough to know she is just what you need. Honestly honey, she is your perfect match." His mother was practically beaming, Finn chuckled squeezing one of her hands on his shoulder.

"I'm working on it mom." And with that he walked away "I'm going to go get some pancakes, thanks again for breakfast by the way. It's... darling."

"Oh hush" Carole smacked the back of his head playfully "I can't help it if you've lost your country touch."

"I guess everything good happens for a reason." He teased rubbing his step dad's bald head. "Hey Burt, when you gonna grow some hair?"

"When you gonna lead up to the Super Bowl?"

"Touche" Finn chuckled grabbing himself a plate. Hearing running come down for the hallway Maci had on grey leggings, a black sweater and her little black boots as she came into the kitchen. Holding out a brush for Carole to use, Maci asked with her large eyes if she could brush out the knots.

"Wow look at your little girl growing up." Burt commented taking a sip out of his coffee "Soon she'll be wearing dresses."

"I do wear dresses!" Maci turned her head to address her grandpa but that seemed to only make the pain worse as the knot got stuck in the comb.

"Sit still baby." Carole tried to pull it out gently.

"Rachel was actually the one to get Maci wearing dress, kind of made Kurt a little pissed off but whatever." Finn shrugged offering Maci some pancakes as she sat down there getting her hair combed.

"Is that so?"

"Yep, I love wearing dresses." When Carole was finished, Maci didn't say anything else just ran into her bedroom. Looking over at Burt who just shrugged, continuing reading the newspaper and drinking his second cup of coffee, Finn rolled his eyes when he caught his mom's stare.

"Don't give me that look."

"What look?" Picking up Maci's plate she threw it in the sink.

"You know exactly what look I'm talking about." Carole said nothing more "Well I am going to go give your brother a call, see if he wants lunch. I'll talk to you later sweetheart, I'll make birthday dinner so be back in time."

"You saw that look too right?" Finn turned to ask his step dad but instead he was ignored with a smile. Throwing his plate into the sink, Finn knew what he saw. His mom was never going to let this go.

xxxx.

Putting out some food for her cat, Rachel started to tidy up the place. Feeling as if her apartment had sort of been neglected for a while. Straightening up her bathroom, folding some laundry Rachel felt as if she were finally getting things accomplished.

Even going down to pay her rent a few days early. Grabbing some ice cream from the freezer, feeling she's deserved the right for a little treat for her hard work, she relaxed on the couch.

A pint of strawberry ice cream later and halfway through a repeat of 'Housewives' and she was ready to fall asleep. With it only being three in the afternoon there was no way she was going to let herself go to sleep. But all the other errands she had to run involved leaving the house.

Across the room her cell phone laid, ringing. Groaning she got up, walking over to see an unknown number calling her. Sliding her finger over her phone she then brought it up to her ear.

"Hello, this is Rachel Berry."

"Rachel hello sweetie this is Donna Darla from over at NYADA how are you doing."

"Great how are you?" Rachel sat at her table listening fully to what the woman wanted, there was no way Donna would call her unless it was some news.

"I am doing fantastic, well listen I actually called you to invite you to dinner this evening at five. I have some news for you and I cannot wait to share it with you."

"Sounds like a plan..."

"Lovely, I will meet you at our spot in two hours." Donna smiled through the phone as she hung up.

Slowly putting down her phone, Rachel couldn't believe the call out of nowhere. Literally she hadn't even thought of Donna in so long since they drifted apart after college. Donna had been Rachel's vocal coach all through college, helping Rachel score every role. Hearing from her now only meant one thing.

"Oh, my god!" Rachel covered her mouth in excitement running into the bathroom to get ready.

Two hours later, twenty hot curlers, skinny jeans, white sweater, black pumps and Rachel's signature star necklace she was walking through the door.

Going in she easily spots Donna sitting at the bar drinking her mojito for which has always been her drink preference. Just as she was walking over her cell phone started to ring. Turning around outside the doors again, Rachel answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey it's Kurt, my mom, Burt and I were just heading out to dinner and they wanted to know if you wanted to join us?"

"I'm actually catching up with Donna Darla, can I have a raincheck? Or maybe we can go out for dessert afterwards, would that be better?"

"Wait a minute, Donna Darla as in your old vocal coach?"

"Yes and I'm running late, so is dessert good?" Rachel peered into the bar and saw Donna sitting there in the same spot chatting with the bartender.

"Duh, get in there and go. Good luck, you know it's good news! Text me about afterwards, bye!" Trying not to psych herself even more, Rachel agreed before hanging up. Fixing her hair Rachel opened the doors once more before going up to Donna placing a hand on her shoulder. The older woman turned around giving a brilliant white smile to Rachel.

"Oh look at you!" Donna announced standing up. "Come over here and give me a hug. You look just as short and adorable as I remembered."

"It's so nice to see you again." Rachel squeezed her waist before letting go to sit down on a stool next to her, motioning to her old instructor, Rachel tugged some hair behind her ear. "You look so good, honestly I wouldn't have recognized you without knowing you were here."

Leaning forward with her glass in hand Donna whispered. "It's this new shot my dermatologist has me one, it's working wonders right?"

"Couldn't tell a thing!" Rachel smiled as a glass of wine was being placed in front of her. "Wow, I'm impressed you remembered my favorite wine!"

"Of course, I remember everything." Donna encouraged her to drink as she drank her own glass. "Okay so let's just get the point, shall we?"

"Does this mean a congratulations are in order?" Rachel smirked raising her glass slightly

"Oh you remembered as well! Oh yes this means a huge congratulations is in order."

"So they finally turned your work in a show, I'm assuming."

"Honey it is just not going to be a show it is going to be the show. They are giving me a spot on Broadway and I am a part of all the decisions. You know what that includes right? Well let me tell you, that includes the final decision in who is going to be my Wendla."

"That is so great!"

"Oh don't be so modest you and I both know you are my first choice. You've been keeping up with your practices correct? How about auditions how have you been doing with those?"

Suddenly embarrassed by her failed auditions Rachel took a long sip of her wine.

"My auditions weren't taking me where I thought I would be after four years in one of the most prestigious broadways schools in the country. I decided to take a short break to save some money so I'd be able to afford to continue on my road to stardom. I'm working as a nanny right now."

"Oh we've got to fix this, a woman with your talent should not be taking care of a child. You are coming to this audition, you will nail it and I will make you my star. We will be in it for the long run my child, you and I will take on broadway together."
"Are you serious?" Rachel was breathless, this was the break she needed. This is the break she's been waiting for.

"As a heart attack, now the audition is tomorrow. I would have given you more notice but you are a difficult child to get a hold of. Will you be able to prepare yourself from now until then?"

"Yes I will be there."

"Perfect." Donna smiled "Now tell me about your life sweetheart."

Rachel tried to catch the breath caught in her lungs, nodding at every word Donna was speaking. Trying not to make a fool out of herself as she wanted to just burst with happiness.

This was her moment.

xxxxx.

"You get up there and show your ass, you hear me Rachel? You get up there and make every single one of those men and women who turned you down wish they'd ever done it. You are a star Rachel Berry go up there and prove them wrong. You deserve this!"

Kurt's words repeated through her head as she stood backstage waiting on her turn. Her heartbeat running wild, her ears rushing with blood.

She's stayed up until midnight singing her audition song over and over again until she had perfected the notes. Her neighbors might not have enjoyed the singing so much but this was her possible career break, six hours of nonstop practicing was something that could not be questioned.

Picking out her outfit was simple as she chose something innocent, word of wisdom from Donna. Thanks to her, Rachel had this audition in the bag. All she had to do was no upchuck her light breakfast consisting of oatmeal.

Locking herself up in a bathroom to calm her nerves Rachel leaned against the sink, taking in her appearance.

"You are a strong woman Rachel, who has overcome many challenges to get you to this point." Taking a deep breath she nodded at herself "You can do this, go out there and show those people that you are damn cool. You are worth their time and you are going to prove them wrong! I deserve this."

A rushed knock startled Rachel out of her pep talk. Opening the door Rachel was pushed to the side as a hysterical girl made her way to the toilet, puking her brains up. Horrified at the sight Rachel was suddenly feeling queasy herself.

The blonde looked up from the toilet with red rimmed eyes. "They are horrible!"

Those were her last words before finishing out the rest of her meal for the week. Completely disgusted and now extremely nervous Rachel backed out of the bathroom and into the waiting area.

Wanting to just leave with the memories of all her auditions of the years Rachel just wanted to run far away from the audition. She would much rather be at Finn's helping him prepare for the party that starts in just about a half hour, but she had already called him and explained the whole situation to him letting him know she'll be about a half hour late.

Another woman came out of the audition room with a disgusted look on her face. Stopping in front of the rest of everyone waiting "Never have I ever been so embarrassed in my life!"

Collecting her coat from the rack she gave one of the men coming out from the audition room a glare as she busted out of the doors.

"Number fifty seven, Rachel Berry you are next."

Oh shit. Rachel gulped standing up slowly, focusing on just herself as she walked through the doors.

This is make it or break it Rachel, you can do this.

Standing in front of the panel she put on one of her brightest smiles imaginable.

"Hello my name is Rachel Berry and I will be singing 'Don't Rain on My Parade'"

xxxxxx.

"This party is stupid." Maci mumbled crossing her arms across her chest, watching as her cousins Beth and Christine ran around the penthouse with balloons.

"Are you kidding me, this party is awesome!" Finn pumped his fist in the air. "Totally awesome."

"Totally lame, where are the cool stuff dude. My kid had a clown at her birthday party." Puck boasted shoving dipping chips into his mouth.

"Yeah daddy where is my clown?" Maci looked up putting her hands on her hips. "I like clowns."

"You're five, Beth is older."

"So? I still would want a clown. You didn't even invite my friends from ballet daddy. I have friends who like clowns too."

"Are you really complaining right now?" Finn leaned down giving her the stink eye.

"Yes because I like presents." Rolling her eyes she hopped onto the stool in the kitchen. "When is Miss Rachel going to get here? I want her to come soon."

"I already told you baby, she'll be here as soon as she can. Miss Rachel had a few things to do that came up."

"This birthday sucks." Maci mumbled picking at her vegetables in the plate.

"What have I told you about using that word?" Finn ran a hand over his face just wanting this day to be over, seriously between his mom on his back with Kurt who have bonded over the thought of Rachel being 'perfect' for him. He just wanted this day to be done with.

Hopping down from stool, Maci walked into the living room to play with her cousins. Kurt came into the room with a smile on his face and cell phone out.

"Guess who is on her way?" Poking Finn in the stomach playfully.

"Will you shut up?" Finn glared moving around his brother to see his mom holding up her thumbs but he ignored her too. Turning around to face them both he made his point very clear. "I like Rachel, don't ruin this for me. Leave it to happen on its own, in fact just leave it to me. Okay so are we finished with this conversation? Great, now can you try and get my kid happy. Maybe play a game with the kids, mom you got a game that will possibly make my daughter happy?"

"Happy, got it.." Carol snapped a picture of her son "Come on sweetie let's get happy, your daughter has made it five years! You've done well sweetie."

"I know, just please go make her happy. Please I'm begging you just go make the kid happy."

"Who wants to play hide and seek?" Kurt could be heard in the next room, Finn sighing in relief when he heard the kids yelling all agreeing the play the game. Carole laughed at Finn's more relaxed expression, placing a hand on his shoulder. Walking into the living room to help Kurt find the girls Finn finally having two seconds to himself.

Grabbing a beer from the fridge Finn joined the rest of everyone else in the living room.

"Just the football man we were looking for." Burt had the tv down low as they watched the recap of the game played the night before "How you feeling about your game coming up soon? You gonna keep your straight scores down the line., no losing right?"

"That's how I would like to keep it." Resting his feet on the coffee table in front of him, Finn watched some recaps as he listened to Kurt yelling in the background. Something about not messing up his leather shoes, honestly who knew. Finn was just glad that Maci seemed to be enjoying herself now and wasn't constantly bugging him every minute.

"So Burt how's the shop?"

"It's going good, more customers since they know what hot shots my boys are." The older man smirked "But I think I can do more business if I were to put up a banner announcing your win at the Super Bowl. I'm pretty sure that would win over a few fans of the team."

"He's already planning the party for game night." Carole joined in the conversation 'Food listings has already been given to me but I've been warned that it has the possibility to change over time."

"That positive that we're going to win?" Finn raised an eyebrow at how confident his step dad was.

"I'm rooting for you son."

"That and he has to win because he put in a thousand dollars to a bet going on with his boys down at the bar." Carole rolled her eyes eating some dip and salsa.

"Oh I see, well then I guess I better win."

"You better damn well try your hardest." The front door wiggled opening as a bright and smiling Rachel came through the door holding Maci's gift in hands. Placing his beer on the table Finn stood up going over to her to grab the gift from her hands to help her get through the door as she too had her duffle bag from her audition.

"Thank you." Setting her bag on the coat hanger "I had that audition today like I called you about last night and I didn't want to be later so I just didn't go home."

"Yeah, I don't care. So how did your audition go?" Finn asked but the cry out for Rachel from his now five year old daughter seemed to outweigh the question.

"I'll talk to you later about it." Rachel squeezed his hand before catching Maci as she jumped into her arms. "Hey birthday girl I am so sorry I didn't get here earlier!"

"I missed you so much Miss Rachel." Maci hugged Rachel closer to her. "My birthday was so boring without you."

"Now I'm offended." Finn mumbled ruffling Maci's hair "I thought you liked our day yesterday?"

"Come on Miss Rachel I'll tell you all about it." Maci smiled mischievously as the two went into the living room. Greeting the everyone Rachel sat down on the couch with Maci on her lap.

"Hey guys!" Rachel greeted them as Maci grabbed Rachel's cheek moving her head to look at her.

"No, I'm the birthday girl and I want to tell you all about my day with daddy yesterday." Maci made sure she had Rachel's full attention before going into full detail. "He took me to American Girl doll and let me have lunch there!"

"No way." Rachel's eyes widened with excitement. "Did you have fun?"

"Laci had lunch with us and it was so good! Then we went downstairs and he let me pick out three things that I could have for my birthday and then we went and got a cupcake. Mine was a mint chocolate chip one it was so good! We should go there one day they have your kind that you eat!"

"They do? no way! Well we should definitely go there and get some cupcakes one day."

"But it would have been so much better if you would have been there. Sometimes daddy gets boring, he wouldn't even get a doll when we went to lunch. He said daddy's didn't play with dolls, I even gave him that look that Uncle Puck would say get me what I want."

"You told my kid that?" Finn looked over from the armchair he was sitting on "Are you serious, she really got that look from you?"

"I figured since Beth and Christine do it to me, it would be funny. Hey look, it is."

"Uncle Puck also told me that I should stomp my feet when I want things." Finn glared at his so called best friend.

"Oh yeah what else did he tell you?"

"He told me to say I'm allergic to the food Miss Rachel makes for me if I don't want to try it." Maci giggled "Like her nasty green cabbage she makes me try."

Rachel gasped glaring at Puck who held up his hands in surrender "I can't help it if the kid listens to me and you fools fall for it."

"Daddy told me to tell you I have a stomach ache if I don't feel like doing something you tell me to." Beth chimed in making Puck go over to her to place a hand over his daughter's mouth before she said anymore.

"Uncle Puck told me that too!" Maci exclaimed nodding along with Christine.

"Cake time!" Puck announced making Maci forget all about the rest of the things her uncle told her and bounced off of Rachel's lap. "Come on let's go sing happy birthday."

The kids ran into the kitchen sitting around the cake as Quinn glared daggers.

"You are so not off the hook." Turning towards the kitchen she walked in before she made a fool of herself and of her husband even more.

"Not cool man." Finn shook his head going into the kitchen to light the candles.

A slight smile raised on Rachel's face as she approached Puck. Thinking that she at least had a sense of humor to the whole situation. But as she turned her smile around Puck tensed as she spoke "Next time you get to try my cabbage."

"I'm allergic." A smirk rising on his face but a slight smack to the back of the head had him turned around to see his wife. "Damn, no sense of humor what so ever!"

"Go sing happy birthday to your niece." Quinn demanded following behind Puck with Rachel next to her. Giving her a sly smile, Rachel knew that they had their own little secret powers of their own.

-

"We're heading to bed." Carole announced bringing Maci into her arms giving her a kiss as the five of them stood in the kitchen after cleaning up from the little party. Christine had started getting fussy around eight leading Quinn and Puck to take the girls home and ready for bed. "I hope you had a good two days celebrating your birthday."

"The best!" Maci kissed her grandma's cheek before wanting to be put down and having Burt lean down to give him a kiss too.

"I'll see you in the morning, don't forget we're going to breakfast since we've got to catch a flight tomorrow back home."

"I'll miss you both." Maci whined leaning against her grandpa

"We'll see each other before we know it!" Carole kissed her cheek once more before grabbing the little girl's hand. "If it's alright with your daddy, grandpa and I will put you to bed."

"Sounds good to me." Finn blew Maci a kiss. "Good night, I'll see you in the morning."

Crossing her arms over her chest Maci gave him a very pointed look. "That's not a real kiss daddy!"

"Well then..." He mocked offense running over bringing her into his arms hugging her tightly to his chest as she laughed. He kissed all over her face before setting her on the counter. "Good night, I love you."

"Much better." She hopped down grabbing both of her grandparents hands "Good night Miss Rachel."

"Sleep tight." Rachel waved as the two adults were being dragged by the five year old. Just when they turned the corner Rachel grabbed for her glass of wine looking at Finn who grabbed another bottle of beer. "So American Girl doll lunch, huh?"

"Busted." Leaning against the counter Finn popped the top off his beverage. "She's been talking nonstop about it since you brought her home with Laci, figured it would be a cool."

"Did you get yourself a doll while you were there?" Her eyes playful as she saw him roll his "Joke, unless you did. Totally understandable those dolls are super cool."

"Totally." Finn then remembered "Your audition!"

"What about it?"

"How did it go?"

"It's such a nice night out tonight." Rachel changed the subject going over to the door leading out onto the balcony. Unlocking it, she went out resting her wine on the balcony railing all while looking out into the city. She knew Finn followed her out as she heard the door close and not even bothering to look around she put a piece of hair behind her ear as she watched the city.

No time was better than now to let it out.

"I came here from Ohio with a dream. It's been a dream of mine since I could practically walk and talk to be on Broadway. Nothing less or nothing more was expected of myself other then to be a legend in the theater. My plan has always been to make people cry and the sound of my voice. Sure a theater packed full to see me in Carmel may seem like an accomplishment to many but to me that was the small leagues. Broadway will forever in my heart and my dream." Turning around she sees Finn looking at her, hanging onto every word she was saying.

"I came here with the will to fight for the role I wanted. To be the leading lady in a Tony nominated musical. To have three or four Tony awards on my mantle before the tender age of thirty, maybe even twenty six. The point is that I vowed myself to never give up on that dream because I know damn well that I am capable of doing so. But things didn't work out and I found myself fighting to live in my dream city. You were practically a dream come true when I found out that you were in need of help and I needed the money. I didn't expect to fall in love with that little girl, I didn't expect to depend on you so much. It was supposed to be just a catch up job, something temporary. Now I find myself lost in my decision to stay here or go out there and follow those dreams I've been trying to reach my entire life."

"Maci and I will always be here Rachel, I'm not going to hate you or stop talking to you because you can't be here all the time. We'll figure it out together on what will happen if you get the part." Finn stood when he realized the tears in Rachel's eyes as she physically tried to hold herself together.

"I got the part." She standing there feeling stupid and selfish as Finn pulled her into his arms. "I feel so horrible not only am I letting Maci down but you're going to hate me for leaving."

"I would never hate you and Maci will understand." Holding her out he lifted her chin to look at him. "You have to take this role Rachel. You were put on the earth to sing not to watch my kid for the rest of your life."

"I can't leave you both." Rachel choked hiding her face into her hands "I didn't think I'd feel like this but I do. I'm too attached, I can't just quit you or her."

"Rachel what are you talking about?"

"Oh, my god I am so stupid." Rachel cried out walking across the balcony. "What was I thinking?"

"What's going on, Rachel you are still going to be in our life. What's going on, talk to me."

"When we kissed I thought it meant something different for us. Obviously it's just a one way street, I looked way too far into what I thought I saw for us. What I thought you saw it too but I guess I was just wrong..."

"Whoa, Rachel." Finn stopped her from pacing, placing her hands onto her shoulders holding her still. Keeping her eyes on the a wall she kept there. "Calm down, you are all over the place. You've got to understand that no matter what you chose to do you we'll be here. You honestly have another thing coming if you think you'll get rid of Maci that fast."

Rachel laughed wiping some tears away from her eyes as she blinked more out. Running his hands down her arms he reached for her hands intertwining them together pulling her just a little closer.

"As for me, I like you Rachel. Having you around is like a breath of fresh air and nothing could ever replace that feeling. If you take the role we might have a better chance at taking things farther. There wouldn't be anything separating the professional from what we'll be working towards together to be more."

"You feel it too?" She whispered softly darting her eyes to his.

"Of course I feel it. You're always on my mind Rachel, you're amazing to my daughter and to me. These past few months with you around have been better then I could ask for. This audition could be like some blessing in disguise, it'll give us a chance."

"I'd like that chance."

"Me too." Finn smiled rubbing a thumb over her hands

"What about Maci? I don't want her to be mad at me, she'll be devastated to know that I won't be around all the time and what about you finding another nanny?" Finn placed a finger on her lips to quiet her. "I'm sorry, I'm just freaking out here"

"Let's just focus on one thing at a time, okay? Right now we should probably just work on figuring out how to tell Maci that you aren't going to be her nanny anymore."

A loud gasp could be heard behind the couple as they turned to find Maci standing behind them, Laci in her hands. Maci's lips wobbled as she looked to Rachel with sad eyes.

"You're leaving me?"

Authors note at the top!