Hey everyone, this is only part one of the Christmas portion of the story. I was really trying to focus on Charlie's relationship with his family in this part and then on his relationship with Rachel in the next part. If you have suggestions on something else you would like to see happen now or at any other point in this story then please feel free to share your thoughts with me. Thank you all for sticking with this story for as long as you have. You all are wonderful.

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Glee.

Chapter 17 - A Christmas Vacation

The rest of the time until Christmas flew by for Charlie. There hadn't been anymore Finn incidents and Charlie was extremely relieved because of that. The last thing he wanted was a Finn induced fight with Rachel before Christmas.

Rachel's birthday was a relatively small affair. The Berry's and the Fabray's all went out and enjoyed a nice dinner together at a very fine vegan restaurant in Dalton County. After dinner Charlie gave Rachel her present which was wrapped in a rectangular box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. When Rachel opened the box her brow creased in confusion as she saw it was only a folded up print off of something. She unfolded the paper and smiled widely when she realized that it was her itinerary for their trip to Tennessee for Christmas. Charlie had also spent several nights at the Berry's for Hanukkah. He loved that they made him feel like part of the family and took the time to explain why they had certain traditions and what they meant. On the last night of Hanukkah Charlie had giving Rachel a black and white framed portrait of Barbra Streisand which now hung proudly in her room.

Now it was currently 6:00am and Charlie huffed as he stuffed the last of their baggage in the back of his Tahoe before he climbed in the back seat with his sister.

"Let's roll Pop. I finally got all seventeen of Mom's suitcases in the back." Charlie joked as he patted the back of Judy Fabray's seat.

Russell chuckled and patted his wife's hand over the console, "I think you packed your whole closet Judes. We're only going to be gone a couple days sweetheart. Did you really need all that?"

"Excuse both of you. I only had three bags, thank you very much. Quinton, sweetheart, why don't you call Rachel and let her know we are on our way. We're going to need to hurry to Cleveland so we won't have to run through the airport."

" Yes ma'am, I already texted her. She's said she's all ready to go." Charlie told his parents as he read Rachel's last text.

Charlie leaned back against his seat and rubbed his palms against his jeans nervously. He couldn't wait to get back home to Tennessee, but he was super nervous about Rachel meeting his entire family. He was fairly confident that they would all like her, except for Savannah, who he already knew only tolerated her because of him.

"What's the matter, baby? Aren't you happy to go home?" Judy asked him from her place in the passenger's seat.

"Yeah, Bubba, aren't you happy to be going home? I can't wait until we get to Mamaw's house. I know she's going to have cookies for me, and I can't wait to see Marshall and Dallas again. I know they've missed me bunches." Ashley piped up from her place next to Charlie, "I hope Savannah has been feeding them." She added as an afterthought.

Charlie grinned at his little sister, "I'm sure she's been taking care of them just fine, Squirt. If it's not too cold maybe we'll take a ride, what do ya say?"

Ashley gasped and clasped her hands together and bounced in her seat a little, "Oh please, Mom can we? Can we please?"

Judy shared a look with her husband before smirking and turning back to their youngest child, "Weeeellll I dunno. What do you think Russ?"

"Hmmm I guess that depends on if you're good when we get to your Mamaw's house or not." Russell said, eyeing in daughter in the rearview mirror.

"Daddy, I'll be good I promise. Charlie please tell them I'll be good." Ashley said, looking desperately at her big brother.

"I think she'll be good y'all. We'll see how things play out when we get home, okay? We'll be sure we go for a ride before we head back here though I promise." Charlie told the little blonde beside him.

Ashley smiled widely; showing off all the gaps that she had where are adult teeth hadn't grown in yet. "Thank you Bubba. You're the best."

"Yeah yeah yeah, you just remember that the next time to try to squeal to Mom and Dad about something huh?" Charlie teased her while he rubbed her head.

"I don't squeal." Ashley told him with a huff.

"Sure you don't, Kido." Charlie told her, "It's the third house on the left up there Daddy. I'll run in and help her get her things."

Russell pulled Charlie's Tahoe into the Berry's driveway and turned off the truck.

"Russell go pretend to help or something, it's rude if we both just sit here." Judy told him as she looked up from her Ipad she had just pulled out of her beach bag size purse.

"Right. Be back in a jiff Hun." Russell said as he climbed out of the Tahoe. "Why in the hell is your son's truck so high off the ground?" Russell complained as the jumped out of the vehicle.

"That's what those nifty steps are for Sweetie, it's not less masculine in you use them." Judy told her husband without looking up from her Ipad.

"I know Daddy, I know. I have my pepper spray and my rape whistle. I am prepared to use either as needed. Stop worrying, and you need to stop watching The First 48 every time it comes on T.V." Rachel said as she, the Berrymen, and Charlie all filed out of the house.

"It's obviously a very dangerous city Rachel and I-" Hiram started.

"Daddy, I'm going to be living in New York City in just a little over a year and half, I don't think you need to worry about me just being in the airport in Memphis for goodness sake." Rachel said, cutting him off.

"Afternoon Russell, all set?" Hiram said, shaking the blondes offered hand.

"I think so, just got to get Rachel's bags squared away and we're good to go. Son." Russell said as he gestured for Charlie to put Rachel's bags in the back.

Charlie reached hesitantly for the biggest bag from Leroy who unhanded it and held out the smaller bag for him to take as well.

Charlie was able o just fit all their bags in the back of his truck before he shut the trunk.

"Okay, sweetheart, have a really nice trip. Be safe and call if you need us for anything, okay, day or night." Hiram said as Rachel hugged her tight.

Russell and Hiram exchanged goodbyes before Russell doing the same with Leroy and excusing himself to the warmth of the truck that Judy had already started back up.

"Don't worry Mr. Berry, I'll take good care of her." Charlie offered to Leroy, trying to ease his nerves a little.

"Not much you can do to protect my baby against a drive-by or a drug deal gone bad." Leroy pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Mr. Berry, we-we don't, we don't actually anywhere near Memphis so I think you have to worry about any of that." Charlie told him sheepishly.

"Even still. Rach?" Leroy cooed, opening his arms up so he could hug his daughter goodbye.

"Have a safe trip Charlie." Hiram offered as he gave him a hug and a pat on the back.

Charlie tensed a little, surprised as the sudden affection. He patted Hiram on the back awkwardly before stepping back and his eyes meeting Leroy's. Charlie's eyes widened at the thought of getting a crushing hug from the taller man. Crushing, literally. Charlie figured he had better chances of making it out of a hug with a boa constrictor.

Charlie cleared his throat and offered Leroy a hand shake before giving Rachel a moment alone with her parents. Charlie occupied himself with admiring the Berry's Christmas decorations until Rachel was in front of him with her perfect bottom lip tucked between her teeth.

Charlie smirked before he sent one last wave to the Berrymen and opened the truck door for Rachel before she hopped in.

"Oh fellas!" Judy called out the window from the front seat, apparently just realized what was going on around her. "Lunch, next Saturday?"

"It's a date girlfriend!" Hiram called.

"As long as you join us for some antiquing afterwards Judy. I swear I think you will love it." Leroy added.

"Sounds like a plan, boys. Smoothes." Judy said before she waved her fingers at them and rolling up her window.

Charlie's face scrunched in confusion. How could a guy who goes antiquing be so damn intimidating?

Rachel, who had been watching his face, giggled and buckled her seatbelt.

"Hi, Rachel! Are you excited? I'm excited. I love plane rides." Ashley told her as she bounced in her seat a little again.

"Yep, very excited." Rachel said with a beaming smile. "Speaking of, I would like to say thank you very much Mr. and Mrs. Fabray for allowing me to partake in your family vacation and Christmas festivities. It is quite an honor."

"Oh don't thank us just yet Rachel, you're in for an interesting trip my dear." Judy said casually as she once again became immured in what she was reading, a romance novel no doubt.

Rachel smiled nervously after the comment. "Don't' worry darlin, they'll love you." Charlie cooed softly in her ear before planting a soft kiss just under it.

"Mom! They're kissing again!" Ashley whined.

"Hey!" Charlie chastised, "I thought you said you weren't a squealer, Squirt!"

Ashley just stuck her tongue out at her brother before going back to the game she was playing on her own Ipad.

Charlie smiled at his little sisters antics before directing his gaze back to Rachel. He pursed his lips and waggled his eyes brows at Rachel suggestively causing Rachel to shake her head a giggle and Charlie pretended to pout before kissing her cheek quickly and giving her a smile so wide it could sure cancer.

Rachel giggled again and took his hand before turning her head to watch Ashley attempt to play Angry Birds on her Ipad.

Charlie had watched the scenery out the window all the way to Cleveland while his two back seat companions snoozed softly beside him. Once they finally got to the airport Russell pulled up into the terminal. Charlie hopped out of the truck and instructed Rachel to get out on the other side. Charlie went around and opened Judy's door before taking her purse and offering her his hand to help her out of his lifted truck.

"Oh, why thank you Sweetheart. Who raised you to be such a gentleman?" Judy teased him.

Charlie scoffed before handing his mother her purse and reaching for Ashley's hand as she jumped down out of the black SUV. She ran over to her mother as soon as her feet hit the pavement and she cuddled into Judy's side.

"Come on baby." Charlie told Rachel as he too helped her down.

"Thank you." Rachel blushed at his term of endearment. It's not that she was surprised to hear him call her a pet name, but it did pleasantly surprise her that he had no qualms about calling her any of the cute names he called her in front of his parents. She had to admit she really liked that.

Charlie hurried around to the back of his truck and started piling out luggage and setting the bags on the curb. After he got everybody their bags and knocked on the passenger side window of his truck and gestured for his Dad to meet them inside.

Charlie pulled the handle on this luggage to extend it. He grabbed one of his mother's bags and placed it sideways on top of his own so it would ride. He looked down at Rachel's bags and frowned when he realized that he wouldn't be able to carry them all. He took his Dad's bag and ushered the ladies inside.

"Let's wait on Dad inside, y'all. It's too cold to wait out here." Charlie told them.

One Russell met them inside Charlie gave his Dad his luggage and grabbed Rachel's big bag from her. He gave her a wink and before they all headed to security.

The rest of their flight to Memphis went smoothly considering the swarms of people that were at the airport. After they landed and got off the plane they headed to baggage claim. Charlie was catching everyone's bags as they came around and as he was hauling Judy's last bag off the luggage carousel he turned to set it on the ground and looked up and saw a familiar blonde headed their way.

Charlie smiled and trotted toward her. "Savannah!"

Savannah squealed and launched her into Charlie arms with a bout of hysterical laughter. "Look at you, arm all healed up and everything."

Charlie hugged her and spun her around once before setting her back down, "Yep, it's getting there. Thanks for picking us up." Charlie told her as he slung his arm over her shoulder and headed back to her family and girlfriend.

Savannah broke away from Charlie and danced giddily over to Judy and Russell. "Ahhhhh, my long lost family," Savannah squealed, "I'm so happy you're all finally back from Narnia. Let me hold you to my bosom."

Judy swatted her arm playfully before adding, "We live in Lima, dear, and it's so good to see you too."

Ashley giggled at her cousin's joke that her mother clearly didn't get as Savannah gave Russell a hug too, "Hey Uncle Russ."

"Hey sweetheart, it's good to see you." Russell replied.

"Hey Squirt," Savannah said as she greeted Ashley, "give me hug girl!"

Savannah hugged her little cousin tight before turning and greeted Rachel. "Hello. How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you." Rachel replied, "It's good to see you Savannah."

"Likewise." Savannah told her before receiving a grateful nod from Charlie.

"Well, let's head out. I know a few other people who are anxious to see you as well." Savannah told them, "Can I help with a bag or something?"

"Yep, sure can. Take this one." Charlie told her as he handed her his bag and took Rachel 's free hand with his own. "Now we're ready, let's go."

Savannah rolled her eyes and led the way out to the temporary parking are to her truck.

"Well good thing it's not raining I reckon." Charlie said when he spotted Savannah's Silverado.

Savannah scoffed, "If you don't want to take a taxi home from here you better get your ugly mug in my truck. Plus, Momma has the Denali so I couldn't use it."

"Quinton, be nice." Judy told him. "We just got here for goodness sake."

Savannah and Charlie shared a smirk before Charlie hopped on the bumper and got into the bed of the truck.

"Hand me the bags Daddy." Charlie told Russell.

Savannah got in the truck to warm it up while Charlie got all the luggage squared away in the bed so it's wouldn't slid around the whole way to their Mamaw's house.

One everybody was in Savannah pulled off onto the interstate and headed north. Judy and Savannah sat up front chatting non-stop about everything that had been going on around town while Ashley taught Russell how to play a game on her Ipad.

Charlie then took the time to observe Rachel as her eyes moved frantically trying to take in every single thing around them as they drove.

"Hey," Charlie whispered toward Rachel's ear, "You okay?"

Rachel eyes met hazel before she nodded her head, "Yeah, just a little nervous now."

Charlie nodded in understanding, "If you get overwhelmed at any point just tell me and we'll get away from it all okay? All you have to do is say. Our family is a little...unique, but they're harmless."

Rachel smiled, "Good, I just hope they like me."

"They will. I'm sure of it." Charlie told her before pressing a kiss to her head.

Charlie reached his hand through the gap between the head rest and the seat and pulled Savannah hair to get her attention. Savannah looked at him through her rearview mirror in response.

"Who all is gonna be at Mamaw's when we get there?" Charlie asked.

Savannah smirked, "Oh, the usual."

Charlie hummed to himself before taking Rachel's hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. "I just want to apologize in advance."

Rachel looked worried, "For what?"

"I've never really brought a girl home before and my family...It'll probably be a little crazy at first until the surprise wears off. Until then they'll be like vultures, but like I said, I'll be right there if you need me." Charlie told her with a smile.

An hour later they were pulling down a gravel road that was flanked on one side by a fence and woods and the other by an open field. Half a mile down the road the woods stopped and opened up to the rest of the property.

"There's almost a hundred acres here on my Grandparents place," Charlie told Rachel as Savannah parked the truck next to the other vehicles in the driveway, "It's one of my most favorite places in the world and I want to show you all of it."

"I'd love to see it." Rachel told him with a smile.

Charlie got out of the back seat and hopped up in the bed to grab their bags.

"Well looks like we managed to sneak in because they haven't all herded out of the house yet." Savannah told Charlie with a chuckle.

"I know it. Let's hurry up and get in there before they come out here and we're stuck talking in the cold." Charlie told her.

"Agreed." Savannah said as she took the bags Charlie had handed her.

"Oh Russell, isn't it good to be home? Come on kids, let's get inside." Judy said as she pulled her luggage the house.

Rachel looked around the yard and took in the big white two story house with a complete wraparound porch. The hunter green shuttered compliments the green tin roof and the big rocking chairs and porch swing that were visible from the walk way. There was a large garage attached to the house and a very large barn over to the far right that was nestled near the woods. A pond was over to the left of the house with a large dock that stuck out over the water. There was beautiful log and brick fencing that surrounded the immediate property. Rachel could easily see why Charlie loved it here, it was gorgeous.

"Momma!" Judy called as she opened the oak front door, "We're home!"

There were several different squeals coming from nearby rooms as the Fabrays, Rachel, and Savannah all filed into the front entry hall and Charlie shut the door behind him.

"Judy, oh , my babies, my beautiful babies!" The woman called as she wiped her hands on the dish cloth that was in her hands as she hurried to them followed by another blonde woman.

"Hey Momma." Judy said as she hugged her mother.

"Oh my dear, you look wonderful. Looks like Russ is taking good care of you." The woman said and Judy turned to greet her sister.

"You know I am, Liz." Russell told the woman as she hugged her. "You look pretty good yourself."

"Mamaw! Mamaw!" Ashley called before she hugged her grandmother. "Did you make me any cookies?"

"You know I did, Sugar. Just took 'em out of the oven." Liz told her granddaughter as she tapped her nose. Ashley grinned wide and hugged her tight again.

Liz turned toward Charlie and beamed, "My boy." Was all she got out before Charlie scooped her up in a hug causing the other woman to laugh.

"Hey Mamaw." Charlie said as he hugged her. "I want you to meet someone."

Liz pulled away from her grandson and turned to the short brunette by his side, "You must be Rachel. It's wonderful to meet you. I've heard so many wonderful things about you, Sweetheart."

Savannah rolled her eyes and scoffed under her breath.

Liz hugged Rachel, much to her surprise, "We're so happy to have to you here."

"Thank you, Mrs. Smith, I'm happy to be here." Rachel replied.

"Oh dear, call me Liz. That Misses business makes me feel old." Liz told Rachel.

"Oh, well then, thank you Liz." Rachel said with a smile. "You have a beautiful home."

"Thank you." Liz said, "Come on in yall and makes yourselves at home."

"Aunt Jen, I want you to meet girlfriend. This is Rachel Berry." Charlie told his Aunt as they all headed toward the living room. "Rachel this is Savannah's mom, Jennifer Maddox."

"It's nice to finally meeting Rachel. We're so glad you could join us this year." Jennifer told her.

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here with all of you." Rachel responded.

Rachel's eyes widened as they entered the living room. The ceiling was a high vaulted ceiling with huge rich dark wood beams that ran width of the room. There was a brick fireplace with a fire going against one wall right next to a big bay window that allowed a nice view of the back yard and the pond. The furniture in the living room was dark brown and a huge area rug covered the area between the couches and the large flat screen that hung on the way.

"Yall can go put your things away in the guest room if you like. I'm going to fix us all some lunch." Liz told the group.

"Do you know which room I'll be staying in Charlie?" Rachel asked.

"Uhhhh, we'll find you one. Come on baby." Charlie told her as he took her hand.

"This one work? I'll be right across the hall." Charlie asked her as he opened the door to the bedroom.

Rachel nodded and Charlie flipped on the light.

"You can sleep on this bed. Savannah sleeps in that one all the time so...Are you okay sharing with her?" Charlie asked Rachel as he sat her luggage on the bed.

"Charlie, don't worry. I think it'll be an important bonding experience for us. I'm looking forward to it." Rachel assured him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Charlie nodded, "Okay. If she's rude and you need to switch just give me the word."

"Deal." Rachel agreed.

Charlie slipped his hand behind her neck and angled her head so he could easily lean down to capture her lips. Rachel sighed and took his bottom lip between her own sucked lightly before releasing it and Charlie took the opportunity slip his tongue into her mouth and caress hers with his own.

"Oh for God's sake, I am not watching this for three days. Break it up people." Savannah told them as she entered the room. "Chuck, I took the liberty of telling Mamaw and Momma that your girl is vegan so I hope she wants a salad for lunch. Also, how's your shoulder feeling?"

"Thanks, good lookin' out, and it's fine. Why?" Charlie replied.

"Good. Go split some wood so we can keep our pretty little fire going." Savannah instructed. "And Rachel, you can hang up anything you need to in the closet. There is the bathroom that we'll be sharing towels, wash clothes, etc. are already in there. If you need anything else just ask."

"Thank you." Rachel replied.

Savannah smiled lightly and nodded before pointing her finger at Charlie, "Wood, if you would please."

"I'm on it. Just gotta change first." Charlie told her before she exited the room.

"Okay darlin, I'm gonna get changed and get that wood. If you need me just holler. Love you." Charlie told her before he gave her a sweet kiss and headed across the hall.

Rachel exhaled deeply before she grabbed her cell and sent her parents a text and let them know she made it safe and sound before she unpacked her luggage and put away everything that needed to be put away before she wandered out in the kitchen with everyone else.

"Hello Rachel dear, we have lots of fruit and veggies around here. Is that okay for you to eat for lunch?" Liz asked as she chopped up lettuce for a salad.

"Yes ma'am, thank you. Is Charlie still outside?" Rachel replied.

"Ummhmm, he's right there." Liz replied, pointing out the window with her knife.

Rachel looked out the window and saw Charlie talking to a lean blonde man wearing overalls and camouflage coat. Charlie had his foot propped up on a piece of wood leaning against an ax handle while he listened to the blonde man talk about something. The man must have said something funny because burst into laughter before looking at the ground with a big smile and shook his head.

Rachel smiled at how adorable he looked in his black flannel shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a white long under wear shirt pushed up to the same spot, his cheeks all red from the cold and his blonde hair swept to the to the side out from under a black toboggan with a orange 'T' on the front of it. His perfect grin and beautiful hazel eyes shining seeming completely in his element made him look the most handsome that Rachel had ever seen him.

Liz took in Rachel's expression, "He's quite handsome isn't he?"

Rachel nodded, "He's beautiful."

"Yes he is. He's so much like my Quinton was at Charlie's age. There are pictures in the hallway of them, of all of us really. We'll take a look together if you like." Liz offered with a proud smile.

"I would love that actually." Rachel replied before being brought out of her thoughts by a loud thud from outside.

She looked back out the window and saw Charlie picked up another piece of wood and set it on a stump. Charlie swung the ax over his head before bringing the ax down in one swift movement that split the piece of wood in two with ease.

"Okay! Where is this girlfriend that Charlie supposedly has? I won't believe she's not make-believe until I've seen her for myself." The overall clad man from outside boomed at he came in the back door.

"John, you don't have to holler, my goodness. She's over here. You can't miss her. I mean she's the only brunette within a mile radius of this place." Liz teased as she winked at Rachel.

"Well I'll be...you are real. He said that you were so beautiful that it's make you wanna slap ya momma." John teased, earning a loud scoff from Judy. "Only kidding June-bug. I made that part up, but he did say you were beautiful and he wasn't lying. It's a pleasure to meet you Ma'am. I'm John Smith."

Rachel laughed, "The pleasure is mine. I'm Rachel Berry."

"John, don't harass her." Judy told him, "If he gives you any trouble Rachel just tell him to go away, it works most of the time. That's what we do."

"Awww now June-bug, you know you missed me. I'm your favorite cousin." John teased.

"Umhmmm." Judy hummed at the poured herself a glass of sweet tea.

"John, you're everybody's favorite pain in the ass." Jen joked from her place at the kitchen table where she was fixing herself a bar-b-que sandwich.

John covertly flipped her off and Jen sent him one right back with a smile.

"Okay kids, there are children present." Liz said as she looked at Ashley who was currently at the table with Jenn eating her own sandwich and had baked beans smeared across her lips and cheek not paying anyone any attention.

"Wooowe, it's getting colder out there." Charlie said as she came inside. "Mamaw I split enough wood to fill the ring. I'm gonna go ahead and put these pieces here on the fire now."

"Okay, Charlie, thank you sweetie." Liz told him, "Lunch is ready if you're ready to eat, Son."

Charlie nodded and went to deposit the wood he was carrying in the fire. He came back in the kitchen and walked over to the sink to where Rachel was standing and kissed her quickly before washing his hands.

"Oh, bar-b-que! I'm starving." Charlie said before he turned to get a plate out of the cabinet. "Baby, want to eat?"

Rachel nodded and Charlie handed her a bowl. He sat his plate on the table and walked over to the fridge and groaned, "I am so happy to be home." Charlie said as he pulled the tea pitcher out of the fridge and sat it on the countertop. "Rach, what do you want to drink. We got juice, water, lemonade, delicious tea of course, vitamin water, uhhhh and that's looks like that's all we have that you'll drink in here."

"Lemonade sounds good. Thank you." Rachel told him as she fixed her salad and sat her bowel on the table next to Charlie's plate.

"Sit down and relax babe, I'll get it." Charlie told her as he filled her glass with ice.

Rachel blushed slightly and sat down before she realized she had forgotten to grab a fork.

"I got cha." Charlie told her as he sat a fork and napkin down next to Rachel's salad bowl and her glass of lemonade on the cloth placemat. He took a seat next to her and pulled the bag of hamburger buns toward him so he could make him a sandwich. He stopped and frowned slight, "Is it okay if I eat this by you?"

Rachel smiled lightly at his thoughtfulness before nodding and patted his hand, "I'm not the one ingesting innocent animals. I'll be fine Quinn."

"Good. Kiss before I ingest them?" Charlie asked sweetly.

Rachel kissed him chastely before turning back to her meal.

"Yummm, lemony." Charlie said playfully before fixing his sandwich.

Little did the young couple know that all eyes in the room had been watching them interact with each other since Charlie washed his hands. Judy Fabray shared a knowing look with her mother and sister. They knew that this was the real deal for Charlie. Now they just had to figure out if this was the real deal for Rachel as well.

TBC

Thanks for reading. Review if you wish.