Wow! Thank you for all the alerts, faves and reviews! I hope you continue to like it as it continues. I am really having fun writing it already. :) So here is chapter 2. Leave your thoughts. I love them all! Enjoy!
Rachel could help herself. She was nervous. She hadn't had butterflies in her stomach for the first time in years. She didn't know what was causing it. She couldn't possibly have something for a footballer. I mean they were large and barbaric. At least that is what she tried to make herself believe. There was just something about the way that Finn acted that got to her.
Rachel smoothed out her skirt as she walked onto the playground. She smiled when she saw Briella and Dayton come running over to her. She smiled and asked, "Hi guys."
Briella said, "Hi mommy."
Dayton shyly said, "Hi Mrs. Berry."
Rachel couldn't get over how cute he was. She told him, "Call me Rachel." Dayton just nodded. She went on to ask, "How was school?"
Briella eagerly said, "Awesome. I get to bring snack tomorrow and be line leader for the class! Miss. Tiffany said that Dayton can stand in line next to me."
Rachel smiled. "That is great. I'll make your favorite cupcakes tonight for you to bring and share with your class."
"Thanks mommy."
Finn came jogging over and said, "I'm sorry I'm late. Are you all ready to go have some fun?"
The kids exclaimed, "Yay!" Finn and Rachel each took their child's hand and made their way to Finn's Escalade.
They had eaten their pizza and the kids were playing the ball pit. Finn and Rachel were sitting close by to make sure that they were safe. Finn asked, "So, what is your story Mrs. Berry?"
Rachel took a sip of her drink and said, "Actually it is Miss. I am a single mom. I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm on Broadway, but I always make time for my little girl. I wouldn't trade her or the five years I have had her for anything in the world. What is your story?"
Finn smiled. He couldn't help but be happy that she was unattached. He told her, "I am a single dad. I do my very best when it comes to taking care of Dayton. I may not be punctual, but I do my best in spending as much time with him as possible. He came with me to every away game since he was born, but I guess that is going to have to change now that he is in school. I think I am not looking forward to it as much as he isn't."
"I'm sure you do a fine job. Dayton is a sweet boy. My Briella is very taken by him. I think we are going to have to get used to each other because I don't see the two of them ending their friendship any time soon."
Finn laughed. "Dayton really likes her, too. I'm having a few friends over tomorrow night. Would you like to come with Briella? Dayton tends to get bored with my friends because he is the only kid. My best friend and his wife just had a baby, but that doesn't do anything for Day."
Rachel chuckled. "I don't think I would mind that. I know Brie will love any chance she can get to see her best friend. I think it is about time that this mom has made some friends of her own. I have tended to stay out of the loop and get close to anyone since Briella's dad skipped out on me."
"Well then you will definitely have to come over. I think you and Quinn will get along just fine. I have to give you fair warning that Kurt is coming with his boyfriend. He may go a little crazy on you. He is like your biggest fan."
Rachel smiled. "That is sweet. I can't wait to meet him. He has to be a very nice man if he comes from the same family as you."
"He is actually my stepbrother, but I don't see it that way. He has been there for me too much. He was there when I needed someone after everything went on with Dayton's mom."
"Then he sounds like the perfect brother. I always wanted someone to look out for me. I was very lucky to have my dads and my stylist, Santana. She has a very …um… interesting personality. Sometimes I wonder how we are even friends."
"Tell me about it. That is the same way I feel about Puck."
"Puck?"
"My best friend. His name is Noah, but he didn't think it was cool enough for him. His last name is Puckerman so he has gone by Puck for as long as I can remember."
"He sounds quite interesting."
"Oh, he is. You will find out for yourself tomorrow. I'm really glad that our kids found each other. I find it hard to find genuine friends because of my career."
"I know how that is. I have had a lovely time tonight. I know the kids have enjoyed themselves as well."
"I agree. You are quite easy to talk to Miss. Berry."
Rachel smiled. "You aren't so bad yourself, Mr. Hudson."
"So, what do you do with yourself when you aren't on Broadway or taking care of Briella?"
Rachel bit her bottom lip and said, "Actually, if I'm not at work I am with Brie. I haven't spent any time away from her that wasn't on stage."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. My only friend here is Santana and I don't trust her to keep Briella for me. She is a horrible role model. My dads are on business a lot and don't have the time to watch her. It is pretty much always the two of us. I won't hire a nanny or babysitter. I want to be the one to raise my daughter."
"Wow. I have so much respect for you. Quinn and Puck keep Day for me one night a month. You should come with me next time. They are really good people. Puck can be questionable, but Quinn is wonderful with kids. She wouldn't let anything happen to your little girl, I promise."
Rachel smirked. "Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Hudson?"
Finn had a look of almost embarrassment and fear put together on his face. He said, "Umm… No, I mean yes. Only if that is what you want to call it."
Rachel couldn't get over how sweet he was being. She told him, "I haven't been out on a date since before Briella was born. Actually, her father was the last date I ever went on. I'm out of practice for sure."
"So, I guess that is a no."
"Actually it is a yes. I would love to go out on a date with you sometime."
"When is the next night you have off from the play?"
"Tomorrow actually, but you already took that day. I don't get another night off until next Tuesday."
"Then that night is mine, too. What do you do with Briella while you are working?"
"She comes with me and stays in my dressing room."
"Why don't you let her stay at my place? The kids can hang out. I can keep an eye on her and it can help you out so you don't have to worry about her."
Rachel smiled. "That is very sweet of you. I think she would have more fun with you and Dayton than she would sitting in my dressing room. There is only so much she can do to occupy herself."
"Then it is settled then. Day and I will be her entertainment."
"Why are you so nice to me?"
"Us single parents have to have someone on our side. It is no easy feat to raise a kid by yourself. I thought I had it rough, but you are literally doing it all by yourself. I want to help you if I can. I don't want you to feel like you have to do everything on your own. You have a friend that will be there for you and your precious little girl."
Rachel absentmindedly wiped at the tears that had formed in her eyes. "That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I see our own friendship going quite far, Mr. Hudson."
Finn smiled. "I would have to agree. I'm glad I met you, Miss. Berry."
Rachel smiled. The two of them spent quite some time getting to know each other better while their children bonded even farther.
The two adults didn't see their children watching from the ball pit with huge smiles on their faces. Briella told Dayton, "I always wanted a daddy."
Dayton nodded and said, "I always wanted a mommy." The two of them laughed and continued to play while stealing glances at their parents ever so often.