Is This God's Way of Testing Me?
Epilogue
Recap of the story: Beca and Chloe have been married for two years when Chicago comes back into the picture, threatening to file a custody suit for Sophie, the daughter he fathered with Chloe. Beca and Chloe disagree on how to handle things; Beca takes matters into her own hands, and Chicago is arrested for coercion (aka, offering to sell Sophie to Beca). The trial starts but is dismissed abruptly, and the military arrests Chicago for desertion.
It has been six months, and Beca has been trying to put Chicago's trial behind them, but she couldn't stop worrying that he could still somehow manage to come after Sophie again. Chloe's assurances did nothing to stop the thought of losing Sophie from her mind.
Beca was reading Sophie a bedtime story when Chloe came into the room. Chloe pulled out her phone and opened her camera, snapping a picture of Sophie sitting on Beca's lap with the book opened in front of them.
"What are you doing, Chlo?" Beca asked.
"Mama, read," Sophie said, slapping at the book.
"Just a second, Soph," Beca said, looking up at Chloe.
Chloe snapped another picture, and Beca glared at her.
"Taking a picture to show what a softie you are," Chloe responded.
"Don't you dare put that on any of your social media sites," Beca said, glaring at Chloe.
PING!
"Too late," Chloe said, laughing at the look on Beca's face. "Now finish the story so we can tuck Sophie in."
"Read, mama," Sophie said again, looking at Beca. "Please?"
"Sorry," Beca said, smiling at Sophie. "Where were we?"
Sophie pointed to the page Beca was reading from, and Beca began reading again.
Ten minutes later, Beca read the last word of the story. Chloe put a finger to her lips to keep Beca from speaking since Sophie had fallen asleep in Beca's arms.
Beca and Chloe worked together to put Sophie to bed.
Beca gently held onto Sophie as Chloe took the book from her and laid it on the table. Then, Beca slowly stood with Sophie in her arms and made her way to Sophie's bed. Chloe made her way over and pulled the blanket back. Beca bent slightly to lay Sophie on her bed and kissed her forehead.
"Sweet dreams, Sophie," Beca whispered as Chloe gently pulled the blanket up to cover Sophie.
Chloe kissed Sophie's forehead and whispered a goodnight standing and wrapping her arms around Beca. The two mothers then stood looking down at Sophie, both wearing soft smiles. They turned as one and left the room, with Beca following Chloe downstairs and into the living room.
"Do you want some wine?" Chloe asked.
"That sounds good," Beca said.
Chloe continued to the kitchen as Beca took a seat on the sofa.
Chloe returned a few minutes later and held a glass which Beca took, muttering, "thank you."
"Brey left me a message earlier," Chloe said as she sat next to Beca.
"Oh," Beca said. "What did she say?"
"She invited us over to dinner tomorrow," Chloe responded. "I haven't called her back yet because I wanted to check with you first."
"I don't have anything planned," Beca said, sipping her wine. "We haven't seen them in almost a month. But, it will be good to see her and Stacie, and I'm sure Sophie will love to see Bella."
"I'll call her now and tell her we'll be there," Chloe said, pulling her phone out of her pocket.
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
"So, I heard from the clerk with the family law court yesterday," Aubrey told Beca and Chloe over dinner. "Since Chicago was found guilty for desertion and got the maximum penalty, they had no issues with terminating his parental rights to Sophie. I should receive the paperwork within a few days."
"Does that mean we can move forward with Beca adopting Sophie?" Chloe asked.
Beca's brows raised in surprise. She and Chloe hadn't talked about her adopting Sophie since the trial. Of course, Beca wanted it, but since Chloe hadn't mentioned it, she thought Chloe may have changed her mind or thought it wasn't necessary since Beca's name was on Sophie's birth certificate.
"Yes," Aubrey said. "I've got all the paperwork together and just need you two to sign it so I can file it with the courts."
"More milk, mama?" Sophie asked, holding her cup toward Beca.
"I'll get it, sweetie," Stacie said, standing and taking Sophie's cup. "Bella, would you like more milk, too?"
"Yes, please, mommy," Bella said, holding out her cup.
Beca turned to Aubrey, saying, "I can't believe the military tried and convicted him so quickly. It took them less than a month from start to finish; we had to wait over six months to go to court for his trial on the coercion charges."
"Are you complaining?" Chloe asked, turning in her seat to look at Beca.
"No, absolutely not," Beca said, holding up her hands. "I'm just glad everything worked out the way it has so far. But, you haven't mentioned the adoption, and I was beginning to think you had changed your mind."
"Beca," Chloe said as tears stung her eyes. "Of course, I haven't changed my mind. I didn't say anything about it because you hadn't said anything."
"Here you go, girls," Stacie said, placing their cups in front of the two young girls.
Each girl mumbled a thank you as Stacie took her seat.
Beca smiled as she reached over to wipe the tears from Chloe's eyes with her thumb.
"I guess we haven't been doing a good job of communicating with each other, have we?" Beca said. "And, for the record, I'm looking forward to legally and officially adopting Sophie. It will make me feel better knowing we have legal papers, so we don't have to worry about someone trying to take her away from me, away from us."
Chloe smiled at Beca and pulled her into a kiss.
"I love you," Chloe murmured just as their lips touched.
"I love you, too," Beca said as she pulled away.
"I'm so glad we used an anonymous donor to have Bella," Stacie said. "We don't have to worry about anyone coming to try and take her away."
"I know what you mean," Beca said. "We'll be going the anonymous donor route with our next one."
"Are you ready to talk about that now?" Chloe asked, smiling at Beca. "About having a baby?"
"Yeah, I think so," Beca responded, nodding.
Chloe squealed and pulled Beca into a kiss. "I can't wait to have a baby with you."
"You mean another baby," Beca murmured against Chloe's lips.
"What?" Chloe asked as she pulled away from Beca.
"We'll be having another baby together," Beca said. "I was there for almost the entirety of your pregnancy with Sophie, remember? And I am listed as her parent on her birth certificate. Plus, I've always considered her my child, so we already had a baby together. So the next will make it another baby we will have together."
"You are so cheesy," Stacie said, causing her and Aubrey to laugh. "And so whipped."
"Ignore her," Chloe said, teary-eyed again as she pulled Beca into a heated kiss. "I love you so much."
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
Later that night, as Beca and Chloe prepared for bed, Beca brought up the idea of having another child.
"Do you want to start looking into having another baby?" Beca asked as she lay on the bed.
"I'd like to," Chloe said, snuggling into Beca's side. "Sophie's four now and will be five by the time they are born. Of course, that's if I get pregnant on the first try."
"You're okay with carrying the baby?" Beca asked.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "Unless you want to? I'm good either way."
"I don't think I want to be pregnant," Beca said after a moment. "But I would like to use my egg if I'm able. That way, they would be a part of both of us."
"I'd like that," Chloe said, kissing Beca's shoulder. "I'll ask Brey what clinic they used and see if we can make an appointment to get started."
"Sounds good," Beca said, stifling a yawn.
"Goodnight, babe," Chloe whispered as Beca drifted off to sleep. "I love you."
"Love you, too," Beca murmured.
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
The next three weeks were busy for Beca and Chloe. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and they were sitting around the dining room table having coffee with Aubrey. She had received the paperwork showing that Chicago's parental rights had been terminated. She brought the adoption papers and had Beca and Chloe sign them.
"I'll file these first thing on Monday," Aubrey said. "The adoption should go through without any issues."
"How long will that take?" Beca asked. "You know, to become final?"
"There are special circumstances in play, so I don't think it will take more than a month, two at most," Aubrey responded.
"That's good news," Chloe said, smiling from ear to ear. "Speaking of good news. Beca and I have an appointment at the fertility clinic next week. We are going to be tested to make sure everything is okay for me to get pregnant. We're also going to see about using Beca's eggs."
"That is good news," Aubrey said. "My one piece of advice is don't get discouraged if it doesn't work the first time. Stacie had to undergo the procedure three times before becoming pregnant with Bella. I was ready to try myself if she hadn't gotten pregnant. "
Beca stopped listening as Chloe and Aubrey chatted a bit more. Her thoughts were on what it would mean for them if Chloe couldn't or didn't get pregnant. Chloe really wanted to be pregnant, but what if, for some reason, it didn't work for her? Was Beca willing to be the one to get pregnant if Chloe didn't? Or couldn't? Beca was suddenly frightened at the idea that she would have to carry their baby.
"I'm going to go for a walk," Beca said, suddenly standing and causing Chloe to look at her.
"Are you okay?" Chloe asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Beca said. "I just need some fresh air."
"Then I guess I'll say goodbye to you now," Aubrey said. "I need to get home to help with dinner."
"Thanks for everything," Beca said, giving Aubrey a quick hug. "I'll see you later."
Chloe's brows were furrowed as she watched Beca leave the house.
"Is she okay?" Aubrey asked after Beca was gone.
"I, um, I don't know," Chloe said. "She seemed fine a minute ago. And, she hasn't said anything to me about anything bothering her."
After stepping through the door, Beca stood on the porch, looking around; what she was looking for, she did not know. The only thing she knew was that she loved Chloe and Sophie. She smiled as she thought of possibly carrying her and Chloe's child. Her smile grew wider as she realized that her carrying the child was nothing to be frightened of after all. She laughed at herself and went back into the house.
Aubrey and Chloe were standing in the living room; both looked at her in surprise. Beca smiled, practically ran over to Chloe, and pulled her into a searing kiss. It only took a second for Chloe to kiss her back with just as much passion. Beca finally broke the kiss and looked Chloe in the eyes.
"Not that I'm complaining," Chloe said. "But, are you sure you're okay?"
"If it's okay with you, I want to get tested to see if I can carry our next child," Beca said.
"You want to carry our baby?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I do," Beca said. "I mean, you can try first, but if that doesn't work, I'll try. I really want us to have another child, and I don't want there to be anything to stop that from happening."
Chloe smiled brightly and pulled Beca into another passionate kiss. They only pulled apart when Aubrey cleared her throat. It was quite obvious they had forgotten she was there.
"Sorry, Brey," Chloe said.
"It's okay," Aubrey said, smiling at the couple. "I have to go, but I'll call you later, okay?"
"Okay," Chloe said.
Beca grabbed Chloe into another kiss as soon as she heard the door click closed behind Aubrey. They both stopped, trying to catch their breaths. Beca had just leaned in to recapture Chloe's lips.
"Mama! Mommy!"
Chloe jumped back from Beca, her face flushed. "I forgot Sophie was taking a nap."
"I'll go," Beca said, taking a deep breath before leaving a breathless Chloe at the bottom of the stairs.
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
The following week Beca and Chloe were tested to see if one or both of them would be able to carry a child. Two days later, they were back to get their results. Beca was bouncing from nervousness, while Chloe was shaking with excitement as they waited in the waiting room to be called.
"Beca and Chloe Mitchell?" a voice called out.
"We're here," Chloe said, jumping up.
Beca stood as well. Then they followed the nurse to the back where they were seated in the doctor's office.
"The doctor will be with you in a moment," the nurse said before exiting the room.
Chloe grabbed Beca's hand and squeezed it. "I'm so excited."
"Yeah," Beca said. "Me, too."
"Good afternoon, ladies," Dr. Maxwell said as he entered the room and walked around his desk to sit across from the couple.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Maxwell," Chloe said with a big smile.
"Hey," Beca said, giving a small wave with her free hand.
Dr. Maxwell opened the folder he had been carrying and looked at some papers. Then, he smiled and looked up at Beca and Chloe.
"Your tests look great," Dr. Maxwell said. "The only question now is, which one of you wants to be pregnant?"
"We both do," Beca said. "But Chloe is going to try first. Oh, and we want to use my eggs."
"We can do that," Dr. Maxwell said, nodding his head. "We'll have to get you started on some medication used for ovarian stimulation for the egg retrieval procedure. Then in about 10-14 days, we can retrieve the eggs and fertilize them."
Dr. Maxwell stopped when he noticed Beca and Chloe looked lost as he was explaining the process. "Anyway, we should be able to implant the fertilized eggs into Chloe in about a month. Have you selected a donor?"
Beca and Chloe looked at each other; both were remembering their conversation about what they wanted to look for in a donor.
"I have an idea about our donor," Beca said as she and Chloe were getting ready for bed. "Please hear me out before you say no, okay?"
"Um, okay," Chloe said.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think we should find a donor that resembles Chicago," Beca said, causing Chloe's eyebrows to raise into her hairline. "I know, I know, surprised me, too. Anyway, I was thinking that if the donor looks like him, then chances are the baby will also look more like Sophie, especially since you'll be the one pregnant first. What do you think? Is it too wild an idea?"
"Actually," Chloe said. "I think it's a good idea. We'll go through the book of donors tomorrow and find one. How does that sound?"
"That sounds good," Beca said.
Beca turned toward Dr. Maxwell and said, "We've made a selection. It's donor number 07031960."
"Good," Dr. Maxwell said, making a note of the donor number selected. "Let's get things started, shall we?"
"We're ready, doctor," Chloe said.
Beca sat there smiling and nodding.
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
Two weeks later, Aubrey let Beca and Chloe know that the adoption papers for Sophie had been approved. They were to go to the Court House to attend a small signing ceremony with the Judge in charge of the adoption.
Beca, Chloe, and Sophie got dressed up and met Aubrey, Stacie, and Bella, outside the courtroom where they were to meet the judge.
"You all look nice," Stacie said as they approached.
"We thought we'd go out to celebrate after we're done with the judge," Chloe said.
"Okay, everyone," Aubrey said, taking Bella's hand. "Let's go in."
The two families entered the courtroom, and the judge called the Mitchells forward. After a few minutes, they walked out with adoption papers in hand.
"Well, that was rather anticlimactic," Beca said as they stepped outside the doors. "I thought it would be more, I don't, exciting."
"But, it was worth it, right?" Aubrey asked with a smile.
Beca looked down at the papers and then over to Sophie.
"Absolutely, worth it," Beca exclaimed. "Let's go celebrate with lunch and ice cream."
Sophie and Bella both squealed and started chanting, "Ice cream! Ice cream!"
~~ Is This God's Way of Testing Me? ~~
Six weeks after the adoption was finalized, Beca was pacing in front of the ensuite bathroom door. She was waiting for Chloe to come out so they would know whether Chloe was pregnant.
Beca froze in her tracks when the bathroom door suddenly opened. She looked up to see Chloe smiling at her with tears in her eyes.
"It worked?" Beca asked. "You're pregnant?"
Chloe just nodded and held up the pregnancy test to show Beca.
Beca grabbed Chloe around the waist and spun her around. "Oh, my God. This is the most amaz-"
The doorbell suddenly sounded and stopped Beca from finishing her thought. She gently placed Chloe back on her feet.
"Were you expecting anyone?" Beca asked.
"No," Chloe said. "I was going to ask you that same thing."
The doorbell rang again, and Beca started for the door. "We'll have to continue our celebration later."
"Okay," Chloe said as they both left the bedroom and headed for the stairs.
"Mommy," Sophie cried out from her room.
"I'll get her while you get the door," Chloe told Beca.
"Okay," Beca said and continued down the stairs just as the doorbell rang again. "I'm coming," she called out as she stepped off the last step.
Beca opened the door to find a woman she didn't recognize, nervously shifting from foot to foot.
"May I help you?" Beca asked.
"Um, yeah, sorry," the woman stammered. "I was looking for Chloe Beale."
"And you are?"
"Um, is Chloe here? It's a rather personal matter."
"I'm her wife, and I won't let you see her until you tell me what it is you want of her?"
"Oh, um," the woman said, looking around before looking back at Beca. "I'm Sharon Walp, Chicago's mother, and I was-"
"Let me stop you right there," Beca said, holding up her hand. "Chicago is in a Federal prison where he belongs. Chloe has nothing to do with him anymore, so you're wasting your time trying to get us to feel bad for him."
"Oh, no," Mrs. Walp said. "I agree that he belongs in prison. I'm here because I only found out about Sophie about a month ago. I would have come sooner, but my husband wanted no part of it. So, I left him at home and came here hoping to, um." She paused and ran a hand through her hair. "I know it's a lot to ask, and I would totally understand if Chloe said no, but I was hoping I might be able to meet her. To meet Sophie. To meet my granddaughter."
Beca caught Chloe walking toward her in her peripheral and put her hand up to stop Chloe from moving any closer. Chloe furrowed her brow but stopped and stood watching Beca.
"Would you excuse me for a moment, Mrs. Walp," Beca said, causing Chloe's eyes to widen in shock. "I'll be right back."
Mrs. Walp nodded, and Beca closed the door.
"Mrs. Walp?" Chloe whispered. "As in Chicago's mother?"
"Yes," Beca said. "She wants to meet Sophie. I think we should let her. She seemed really sincere about wanting to meet her and thinks Chicago is where he belongs. It's totally your call, and I'll stand by whatever you choose to do."
"You really think that's all she wants?"
"That and maybe to be a part of Sophie's life. But I don't think that will be a problem as long as she doesn't try to include Chicago at any point."
"I trust your instincts. Let her in."
"Okay," Beca said, kissing Chloe before walking over and opening the door.
Mrs. Walp jumped when the door suddenly opened.
"Would you like to come in, Mrs. Walp?" Beca asked.
"Yes, thank you," Mrs. Walp said with a kind smile.
Mrs. Walp stopped as soon as she saw Chloe holding Sophie. Beca moved past her and went to stand next to Chloe. Sophie reached out for Beca, and Beca took her in her arms. Chloe held out her hand to Mrs. Walp.
"Welcome to our home, Mrs. Walp. I'm Chloe."
"Please, call me Sharon," Sharon said, continuing to look at Sophie now in Beca's arms.
"It's nice to meet you, Sharon," Chloe said. "This is my wife, Beca, and our daughter, Sophie."
Tears came to Sharon's eyes. "She's beautiful."
"You'll get no arguments from us on that," Beca said, smiling at Sophie.
"Thank you," Sharon said, wiping her eyes. "Thank you, both. I'm so, I, um-"
Tears streamed down her face as she stood looking at Sophie. Chloe stepped forward and pulled the woman into a hug. Sharon buried her face in Chloe's shoulder and shook with sobs.
"I'm so sorry for what Chicago did to you," Sharon sobbed. "I thought I raised him to be a better man than that."
"It's okay," Chloe said, patting Sharon on the back.
Chloe waved Beca over.
"Sharon," Chloe said gently as she pulled back from the hug. "Would you like to hold your granddaughter?"
Sharon's head shot up to look at Chloe. "Really?"
"I think Sophie would like a hug from her grandmother," Chloe said, smiling at Sharon.
Chloe took Sophie from Beca. She turned so they could both see Sharon. Sharon smiled at Sophie and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Sophie, sweetie, this is your grandmother," Chloe said. "She needs a hug. Will you give her a super special Sophie hug so she'll stop crying?"
Sophie nodded and held her arms out to Sharon. A small sob escaped from Sharon as she took Sophie in her arms. Sophie wrapped her arms around Sharon's neck and squeezed as tight as she could; Sharon squeezed Sophie back.
Beca put an arm around Chloe's shoulders as Chloe wiped tears from her eyes.
"You're a good woman, Chloe Mitchell," Beca said, kissing the side of Chloe's head.
"So are you, Beca Mitchell."
"Hi, Sophie," Sharon said as Sophie finally loosened her hold and pulled back to look at Sharon's face. "Such a pretty name for such a pretty girl."
"You better?" Sophie asked. "No more crying?"
"I'm much better," Sharon said. "Thank you, Sophie. You're a really great hugger."
"I know," Sophie said, causing the three women to laugh.
Sharon spent several hours with the Mitchells. Chloe put together a stack of Sophie's photos and gave them to Sharon. Beca phoned in an order for delivery so they could continue their visit while they ate.
It was nearing Sophie's bedtime, and Sharon said she should probably go. She stood and gathered her purse. Chloe stopped her before she could move toward the door.
"Would you like to help tuck Sophie in?"
"Maybe not tonight," Sharon said. "I'm hoping you'll allow me to visit again before I leave for home on Monday, and I don't want to overstay my welcome."
"You are more than welcome here," Chloe said.
"Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow?" Beca said.
"I'd like that," Sharon said, nodding her head. "I'd like that very much."
"Good, it's a date," Chloe said.
"Sophie," Beca called out, causing Sophie to look up from her coloring book. "Granny's leaving. Come say goodbye."
Sophie ran over and wrapped her arms around Sharon's legs. "Bye, Granny."
"Bye, my sweet girl," Sharon said, reaching down to hug Sophie. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay," Sophie said and ran back over to continue coloring.
Beca and Chloe both walked Sharon to the door. Chloe pulled the woman into a hug.
"Thank you both so much for allowing me to meet Sophie," Sharon said. "You're doing a wonderful job with her."
"Thank you," Chloe said, pulling out of the hug.
"Dinner will be around six tomorrow," Beca said, holding a slip of paper toward Sharon. "I put both our numbers on there so you can call us once you go home."
"Thank you," Sharon said, sniffling. "I would have understood if you had slammed the door in my face after I showed up without any warning. But you're good people, and I do appreciate you allowing me to see Sophie. It means the world to me."
"You're her family," was all Chloe needed to say. "So that makes you our family as well."
Sharon smiled as she turned and started down the porch steps.
"Drive safe," Beca called out as Sharon got into the car.
Beca and Chloe watched as Sharon drove off with a quick wave. Beca and Chloe went back inside, and Beca closed and locked the door.
"Come on, Sophie," Chloe said, walking over to her. "Time for bed."
"Okay," Sophie said.
"I'll help you clean up," Beca said, grabbing the crayons.
Sophie picked up her coloring book and carried it with her as she made her way to the stairs. Beca and Chloe followed.
"Are you going to make an appointment with Dr. Maxwell to confirm that you're pregnant?" Beca as they walked up the stairs.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "I'll call first thing Monday."
"I can't wait to tell my dad and my mom," Beca said, smiling as they followed Sophie into her room.
Beca took Sophie's coloring book and placed it and the crayons on the shelf where they belonged. Chloe grabbed Sophie's pajamas and started changing her into them.
"I know my folks will be excited," Chloe said.
"Mommy, read this," Sophie said, handing Chloe a book.
"Okay," Chloe said, sitting in the rocking chair and pulling Sophie onto her lap.
Chloe started reading, and it wasn't long before Sophie's eyes began to droop. Chloe stopped reading when Sophie yawned and stretched.
"I think it's time for bed, little lady," Chloe said, setting the book on the table next to the chair.
"Mama," Sophie said, holding her arms up to Beca.
"I got you, munchkin," Beca said, picking Sophie up.
Chloe stood and followed Beca over to the bed. Beca lay Sophie down and pulled her blanket over her. She leaned down and kissed Sophie's cheek.
"Goodnight, sweet girl," Beca said.
"Night, mama," Sophie said, yawning again.
Beca and Chloe changed positions, and Chloe knelt next to the bed.
"You had an exciting day, didn't you?" Chloe said as Sophie yawned again.
Chloe smiled and kissed Sophie's cheek. "Goodnight, Sophie."
"She's out," Beca whispered, looking down at Sophie.
"I'm not surprised," Chloe said, standing. "Meeting Sharon was something else."
"I feel kind of sorry for her," Beca said. "I'm glad she came."
"I believe someone said something about celebrating," Chloe said, smiling at Beca.
"I recall that was me," Beca said. "How do you want to celebrate?"
"Oh, I have a few ideas," Chloe said, taking Beca's hand and leading her to their bedroom.
That's it, guys and gals. Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this ride.
I want to again thank anotherbechloeshipper for being an amazing beta. She rocks!