A/N: This is the last one before the epilogue, mega thanks to all who have read, and or reviewed. I'm glad this rewrite has been so well received. I'll reworking the sequel to this 'I wanted it to be me.' very soon, I hope you'll stay along for the ride.
We only had about a month left of school then it was a break till after New Year. Things at school were good I had formed a great friendship with Mike and Sam from my music class we had even started a little band and played on campus, when we all had time. I was surprised to find out that both Mike's and Sam's families, lived not too far from Lima, Mike was from Cleveland and Sam was from Cincinnati.
I was having so much fun, yeah, I was busy all the time, but still had time to find a part time job teaching the drums a couple of evenings a week, it worked out well cause the nights I was teaching, Rach was working in a coffee shop not far from our favourite park a couple of blocks from home. Kurt and Blaine had been able to get part time jobs as well, Kurt was working at a clothing store, and Blaine had managed to find an opening as a waiter in a trendy restaurant in the popular area where a lot of the college kids hangout, we must have made good impressions on our bosses, because they all guaranteed we would still have our jobs after going home to Lima for Christmas.
We had done most of our gift shopping in New York, so it was just last-minute things we needed to get, Rach had volunteered to again help Mom with the food I was so happy they had bonded so well, I felt the same about dads, we were just one big happy family. Rach and I went for a walk around our neighbourhood Christmas night after dinner to see the lights and watch the stars from our favourite bench it was all so pretty and peaceful, the park was fresh and clean not like New York, because of all the traffic and people the snowy ground always turns to a dirty slush, plus it is never quiet, I love living there but it is just nice to be able to sit and take in the quiet and solitude of Lima. I told Rach we should buy a house in Lima for when we come home with our kids in the future, as it was a great place to bring up a family and this time of year was extra special. She looked at me with the softest look and just nodded and kissed me lightly on the lips then snuggled closer into my side.
We had been running about to get things ready for our New Year's Eve party, with all our friends; I even invited Mike and Sam. Sam asked if he could bring his cousin Brittany, as she was visiting his family for the holiday, I said of course, we had plenty of room, so I told them to all stay overnight and save the late drive back, they were looking forward to meeting the National's winning glee club I often talked about.
I even rang Mr Schue, who said he and Miss Pillsbury would love to come.
It was going to be a blast. Mike was the first to arrive about 7 then Sam and Brittany.
When Puck walked in I was so happy he turned up. It was great to see him looking so grown up, oh, he had the Mo-hawk still but his whole attitude seemed much more mature, we had a few minutes to catch up before more people arrived, I heard a squeal then loud giggles when Mercedes and Tina came through the door with Rach sandwiched between them, all three of them trying to talk at once, I introduced them to Brittany and within about 10 minutes they were all chatting and giggling like old friends.
Artie was next wheeling through the door and gave me a high five and bro hug, a few of the younger kids from glee had even made it and when Mr Schue came in hand in hand with a smiling Miss Pillsbury, followed by Coach Beiste, it was like we were all back in the choir room at McKinley high.
The party was a blast! Someone had put on a CD of the songs we had sung as members of New Directions, Mike and Sam were blown away and said no wonder we had won all the competitions, we were too good, I said we had to give credit to Mr Schue for some of it. Kurt had brought out his karaoke machine and we all took turns. I was just sitting listening to Kurt and Blaine singing, looking around at everyone and noticed with a smile, Mike and Tina in a corner sitting rather close, heads bent chatting quietly, the same seemed to be for Artie and Brittany who was sitting in Artie's lap sideways, he had a beaming smile on his face, Brittany obviously isn't bothered by the chair. As well as Sam and Mercedes who were standing by the food table looking very comfortable with each other, it was so great to see all my friends happy and I was hopeful their friendships would turn into more.
Speaking of more, my eyes scanned the room and locked onto a pair of deep chocolate brown ones, belonging to a petite brunette angel and followed them across the room until they were close enough to lean down, and with the softest sweetest pink lips, attached to the most perfect body in the world, they made contact with mine. I pulled her onto my lap and took note of the time it was 11:55. Kurt I think turned the music down and started the count down.
When it hit 12 midnight I wound my arms around Rach and kissed her deeply "Happy New Year baby, I love you."
"I love you too Finn so much, just think this is my last New Year's as Rachel Berry this time next year I'll be Rachel Hudson."
"I can't wait till you are Rachel Hudson" I said softly and kissed her again.
xxxx
Before long it was time to go back to our lives in New York, our wedding details were finalized, all we had to do now was wait till June, we had sent the invites out by the end of January with the R.S.V. P's for the end of April. We settled back into the routine of college, work, and practice. My coach was really pleased with my progress and had made me the quarterback of our college team, we were on a good winning streak, I was coping well with my other classes as well, so my scholarship was safe. The band the guys and I had formed was doing well at college functions, we even got regular gigs at the coffee shop where Rach works, it was funny being on stage with screaming girls all yelling my name and over hearing the comments they made about the hot sexy drummer and what they would like to do with me in private, the look on Rachel's face was amusing, so every show I made a point of dedicating our song, Faithfully, to her. She knew the girls had no chance with me or any of us for that matter, as the guys were both taken, Mike and Tina had hit it off at New Year's, and Sam and Mercedes were happy, both guys were struggling with long-distance relationships but seemed to think it was worth it. I found out the last time I was on Facebook, that Artie and Brittany had got together as well. It made me happy knowing my friends were as happy as I was in a relationship.
It was May, the last month before our Freshman year was all over, we all had had exams and had been a bit grumpy with each other at home, but the tension soon cleared as the exams finished. The end of the school year also meant our wedding was very close now, all the RSVP's had come back in the affirmative, Det. Jackson whose name is Ben is making the trip with his wife Sarah, I was starting to get a little nervous, not about marrying Rach, but in case something went wrong like the weather, or traffic or some other problem. When I explained my worries to Rach she just held my hand and kissed me telling me that everything will be fine, and even in the off chance something did happen it wasn't going to stop her becoming Mrs Rachel Hudson.
And freshman year was done! Exam results had come back with good scores in all areas, Rach was surprised with her dance results, considering she didn't think the teacher liked her. It was now summer and the final details for our wedding in two weeks were sorted, Rach had had the last fitting for her dress, Tina and Mercedes had arrived and were also having the last fittings for their knee length deep purple bridesmaid dresses, myself, Kurt and Blaine had been for our final Tux fittings, Mom and Burt along with Hiram and Leroy arrived about the same time, Mom kept bursting into tears every time she saw me, saying how she couldn't believe her baby boy was getting married. I told her to chill out I would always be her baby boy and she would always hold a special place in my heart, which was maybe the wrong thing to say because she promptly burst into tears again.
Rach and I had decided months ago on our favourite spot in central park near the lake, for our wedding ceremony, it was a perfect day, all our Glee mates had made the trip even Puck who had brought his girlfriend Rebecca, whom he had met at college. I was happy to hear he had taken Rachel's advice and was studying music education at The Lima university, he had decided he wanted to teach, he had also picked up my spot at Burt's tire shop to help pay for college, and had proved to himself finally and everyone else he was better than the Lima loser he was always expected to be.
Ben Jackson and his wife Sarah, Mr Schue, Miss Pillsbury, Coach Beiste and all our Glee club friends, were sitting in the chairs wrapped in white satin with dark purple satin bows. Mom and Burt were in the front row. Mom had a never-ending stream of tears running down her face. Burt was just holding her close whispering calming words in her ear. I was waiting under the wedding canopy at the end of the aisle, strewn with mixed pink, white and purple rose petals. Standing with Kurt as my best man and Blaine as groomsman. The music started and my attention was immediately focused on the movement at the other end of the aisle. Mercedes walked slowly down the aisle looking lovely in her dark purple gown, Tina was next looking just as lovely, their bouquets of purple and white roses with white ribbons looked fantastic against their dresses.
Then the one I was waiting for suddenly appeared a tiny vision in white, arms looped through those of her dads; I must have started to move when I felt a hand grab the back of my jacket and Kurt's soft voice in my ear telling me to be patient. When our eyes made contact, all my breath left my body in a puff, I was unable to stop my tears when she walked towards me in a white satin, halter neck floor length gown with the tight-fitting bodice covered in tiny pearls and sparkling diamonds, the rest falling in delicate folds and fixed at her right hip by a diamond heart, her shiny brunette hair gathered on the crown of her head with wispy strands softly curled around the sides. The whole ensemble was topped by a beautiful antique pearl and diamond encrusted Tiara attached to the waist length veil, which was an heirloom gift from her Nana Berry. Her hands were tightly gripping her bouquet, a combination of dark pink orchids, light pink carnations, white roses and purple tulips, their stems hidden by a wide purple ribbon.
As soon as her dads placed her tiny hand in mine, I whispered just enough for her ears, "You look breathtaking, I love you."
In a whisper, she said "I love you too."
We turned to face Rabbi Greenberg as he began the service, when it was time for the exchanging of rings; my hand was shaking slightly as I placed the tiny gold band engraved with the words, Always Yours Faithfully, on her finger, she in turn did the same with my much larger identically engraved gold band. I don't know if I breathed at all during the service but as soon as we were pronounced Man and Wife, I exhaled in a whoosh.
It was time to smash the wedding glass, which took a couple of stomps of my booted foot, Rach's cute giggles making me smile wider, (like that was possible but I did) and I could kiss her, there was nothing that was going to stop me, I lifted her veil, put my forefinger under her chin to tilt her face upwards, and pressed my lips firmly against my beautiful wife's and pulled her close to my body whispering between kisses,
"Thank you Rachel, I am so in love with her now and for the rest of forever."
She looked up at me with moist eyes full of the sincerest love for me and uttered in a soft voice "Ditto and forever sounded like a plan." her own lips finding mine for another intense kiss.
We finally broke away when the crowd of our friends and loved ones, started to cheer, we turned to face them hands entwined, euphoric smiles stretching our faces so wide, and happy tears still falling slowly. As we walked back down the aisle, we noticed that hundreds of gold coloured butterflies had been released behind us and were fluttering overhead.
Our reception dinner was held at the Imperial Hotel's grand ballroom, while Rach and I and the rest of our wedding party and our parents were having our professional photos taken some in central park, some of our favourite ones were taken on Bow Bridge with the city buildings in the background, others by the river at Battery Park. The rest of our guests had gathered at the reception hall.
When we arrived to join our friends, Kurt theatrically made the introduction, "Will everyone please put your hands together to congratulate the newly minted Mr and Mrs Finn Hudson."
Everyone cheered and came over to hug and kiss us both, I didn't let go of Rach's hand the entire time. The rest of the night passed in a blur, although I do remember the toasts and our first dance as Mr and Mrs Hudson it was to our song 'Faithfully' and before I knew it, it was time for my beautiful wife and I to leave for our honeymoon. Rach threw a specially made bouquet over the top of her head and there was a mad scramble on the dance floor by all the single ladies and to my amusement Kurt, to try and catch it, the lucky winner being Mercedes, who threw a soft knowing glance Sam's way, he in turn just smiled back, nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders.
Mercedes and Tina then whisked Rach off to change out of her wedding gown; I went to change out of my Tux into some comfortable clothes for traveling. Rach's gown, bouquet and all our wedding gifts were to be collected and taken home by Kurt, Mercedes and Mom. Our bags were all packed and in the car, we were heading off for two weeks in Hawaii. After another round of goodbye kisses, hugs and thankyou's we were on our way to the airport.
We spent the journey cuddled together in the back of Kurt's car with him driving, not really talking much, I was just thinking to myself and thanking the lucky stars that the beautiful tiny brunette next to me was now my wife, our left hands intertwined, wedding bands clinking as our hands moved, Rach had transferred her engagement ring from her right hand where it had been during the ceremony, to her left where it now sat proudly against her wedding band, I kissed the top of her head , which made her lift her face to me and she said softly,
"Hello husband of mine, have I told you how much I love being married to you today?"
"Now that I think about it no, I don't think you have Mrs. Hudson, I think you should say it again." I said with my lopsided dimpled smile.
"I love you Mr. Hudson and I am so, so happy being married to you."
I just kissed her smiling lips and cuddled her closer.
xxxx
Hawaii was fantastic not that we saw a lot of the resort the first couple of days, we just relaxed by the pool and in our room doing quite often, and not always quietly things newly married people did, when we did venture out about the fourth day we just ambled about, picking up small trinkets to take home for everyone. While we were at the resort I spent a lot of time with my shirt off trying to get some semblance of a tan without turning a bright red over-cooked color and be mistaken for a giant lobster, as we were laying together in one of the hammock's surrounding the pool area
"Rach? What do you think about me getting a tattoo, would you like it?"
"Baby what do you mean? You don't need my permission it is your body, though I do think the right one in the right spot is very sexy, but perhaps I'm a little biased because every part of your body is a big turn on."
Sending her a smile I kissed the tip of her nose and said, "Well, I was just thinking that maybe a tribal design around my arm would hide the scar, so it didn't keep reminding me, every time I look at it how close I was to losing you."
Her brown eyes suddenly filled with tears as she remembered that day as well. "I think that's a great idea, why don't we check out the tattoo parlour in town tomorrow, we could use them to make new more meaningful happy memories."
The next morning, we made our way to the clean modern looking tattoo parlour that was funnily enough run by an American from Texas called Mark, we spent some time deciding on the design, I chose a tribal pattern that was designed a bit like a vine but where it joined over the top of the scar I asked Mark to write Rachel*.
Rach wanted a heart made from a treble clef and bass clef with Finn, written in an arch over the top.
As my tattoo was going to take the longest Rach went first, she sat in the chair and I held her little hand in mine, it hurt a bit when Mark first started but after a little while and Mark talking about all sorts of things, and us telling him we were here on our honeymoon, Rach soon forgot about the pain and before long it was done. Mark put some plastic wrap over it and gave Rach a leaflet to read on how to care for her new art work, while he got new sterilised gear ready for mine.
60 minutes later I was done and very pleased with the result Rachel's name was placed right over the scar so unless you knew it was there it was nearly invisible. Mark put a piece of the same plastic wrap around my arm and said as it was our honeymoon he would only charge us half price, we thanked him and left with a tub of cream he said to use in a couple of days once the pain settles down. We made our way back to the resort to lounge around by the pool. We had a fantastic time in Hawaii, we went hiking tried surfing, even canoeing, took heaps and heaps of photos. It was so relaxing but it was time to go home, we were flying to Ohio for the rest of the summer to spend time with everyone.
Mom and Burt picked us up from Dayton airport and we spent the whole drive back answering questions, Rach and Mom chatting excitedly over the photos and scenery Rach was describing. We were shocked when we walked into the house as there was a great big banner across the doorway to the games room welcoming home Mr and Mrs Hudson, and all our friends gathered for a party, the night was great fun we had time to properly talk to everyone making plans to catch up at the lake later in the week. The next couple of days was spent lounging around the house as our parents still had to work it was just the four of us.
"Finn, Honey do you want to go for a walk to the park?"
"Sure Rach, let me just grab my wallet."
It was quite warm out, so we were dressed simply in shorts and tank tops, as we got near the park and grocery store I wanted a drink.
"Babe, I want a drink do you want something?"
"Yes, please husband a water would be lovely."
I went all gooey inside every time she said the word husband, which of course meant I just had to kiss her.
We walked hand in hand into the store, and feeling a bit hungry I grabbed a bag of potato chips as well, we got what we wanted and were waiting in line at the checkout talking quietly to each other and stealing little kisses every couple of minutes, not noticing anything much about the other people in the line until I heard my name yelled out excitedly by a girl with bright pink hair and a ring in her nose, working the cash register.
"Hi Finn, how are you? I haven't heard from you in ages, you look so hot"
My head shot up and I gripped Rachel's hand tighter in mine, rubbing her wedding rings with my thumb,
"What are you doing here?"
"I work here silly, she says with a crazy over bright smile on her face, I knew you would come back to me and Lima. I forgave you ages ago for leaving honey, so pick me up at 5: O'clock for dinner and then we'll get you settled in back at my place just in time for bed, but we won't be sleeping if you get my meaning..."
She didn't pay any attention to Rach standing next to me, as she lifted her hand to rub over my tattoo, "What did you get that for? You know I think tattoos are trashy especially ones shaped like hearts, it is just so sappy and cheap looking."
I pushed her hand away with my left hand, my wedding band clearly showing and glinting in the store lights.
"Come on babe we will get our stuff somewhere else."
Rach just nodded and sent a hard glare in Quinn's direction; we left our stuff on the counter and hurried out of the store, then found our way to the park and our special spot we talked about what had just happened but weren't going to let her spoil our time at home.
Kurt was in the kitchen when we got back to the house angry on our behalf when we told him what happened down town.
"Rach, I need a shower to wash off the feeling of her crazy on me."
"Do you need help washing your back or anything else... Mr. Hudson?"
I just smirked at her and picked her up and carried her over my shoulder to the bathroom, her musical giggles following us, causing one of Kurt's eyebrows to rise, and his smile to widen as he shakes his head when we passed him in the kitchen. An hour later we came down stairs still smiling and glowing from our activities, and were in the middle of making some lunch, when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." Rach said giggling and pulling away from where I had her pinned against the counter, skipping away to answer the door.
"What are you doing here Berry?"
"If it was any of your business Fabray, my name is Hudson, however as it is not, kindly remove yourself from my in-laws' private property and go about your business, we have nothing to discuss with you, goodbye!"
I could hear what was going on so I raced to the door to protect Rach if necessary, I stood a little behind the door as Rach was closing it her wedding rings showing clearly on her left hand as she gripped the side of the door.
Quinn noticed Rach's rings and starts to yell. "Finn come and explain what this lying bitch, is doing in our house,"
She tries to push her way past Rachel, who steps fully into the doorway, preventing Quinn from barging inside, I step out from behind the door, and put my left hand over Rachel's shoulder.
Quinn again starts to yell. "Finn Hudson, I demand to know why Manhands Berry is in my house."
At the blonde's words, I gently moved Rachel to the side after kissing her on the mouth and stood up to my full height glaring down at the woman who has done nothing except cause hurt and upset to everyone she meets. I could not hold back my temper anymore so I let her have it. I felt Rach shaking at my side and vaguely heard Kurt racing up behind us.
"HOW DARE YOU COME HERE AND DEMAND ANYTHING OR EXPECT TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT, ACTING AS THOUGH YOU DONE NOTHING WRONG. DID YOU NOT LEARN ANYTHING BY GOING TO JAIL FOR TRYING TO KILL US FABRAY? GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND FOR THE LAST TIME I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU EVER, RACHEL IS MY WIFE! HER NAME IS MRS RACHEL HUDSON! SO JUST LEAVE US THE FUCK ALONE, OR DO YOU WANT TO END UP IN PRISON AGAIN ON HARRASSMENT CHARGES? GO AWAY AND FIND A LIFE ELSEWHERE, MY LIFE IS NOW AND FOREVER WITH RACHEL!"
I was furious; I pulled Rach away from the door and slammed it shut so hard it made the glass in the picture frames on the wall rattle. It took her about half an hour after my angry outburst to get me to calm down. As much as I loved being home in Lima, I was anxious to get away from all the bad memories seeing her again brought up, I held Rach tightly and murmured I loved her so much and was never leaving her.
She hugged me back and whispered, "I know you love me and I love you and nothing anyone does was ever going to make me leave you."
xxxx
They say time flies when you are having fun well, all I can say to that is the last three years must have been a blast because my beautiful wife, two brothers and I are now college graduates, ready for the next stage in our lives, as fully independent adults. I am so happy with the way my life has turned out so far, I have a great group of good friends, a loving family, a great college education, an acceptance into one of the best fire departments in the country, but the most important and best thing in my life now and forever is I get to spend it with….
MY ONE!
~XXX~
A/N: Well that was the last chapter I hope you enjoyed it and if you've read the original version and been with me since chapter 1 of this rewrite I hope you've found it better and more enjoyable. Thanks again for all your wonderful support.