BPOV-
''Mom? What are you doing up this early,'' I walk into the kitchen, noticing that it's only a little after five in the morning.
It's the morning of Thanksgiving. Cooper and Danielle are staying at a hotel with Ryan, and Carole and Burt decided that would be best for them, too. My mom has a hotel room, but has still spent a majority of the nights here, insisting on sleeping in the living room so she can be up if the kids need anything.
''Beginning dinner. Since Carole and Burt are at the hotel, she won't be here until seven. And Danielle and Cooper are bringing Ryder at noon. We'll never be done by four if I don't get started.''
''Mama,'' I put a hand on her shoulder ,''Relax. You don't have to do all of this.''
''I want to,'' she smiles ,''Christmases and Thanksgivings when you and Cooper were younger were the highlights of these colder months for me. Now, I have grandchildren to spoil. Besides, I know you and Cooper love the apple pies.''
''Apple pie,'' I raise an eyebrow, instantly changing my mind ,''Oh, well, if you want to. I'm not going to stop you.''
Mom laughs, continuing to peel the apples.
''So. Your dad is going to be in town. He comes tomorrow, because his flight was delayed due to a storm. Have you talked to him,'' she questions as I help her.
''Yes. He wants to see his grandchildren, and talk to me. Kurt agreed we should invite him over for a while, because it's not like we don't have the room. But if he says something about my family, mom, then he has to leave. I won't put up with that.''
''That is reasonable. I am just glad you're giving your dad yet another chance,'' she reaches up her hand, patting my cheek ,''You're a good son, Blaine. Now wipe your mouth, and stop sneaking pieces of the apples.''
It's true. She does have eyes in the back of her head.
''So Carole is making the turkey and dressing, Danielle is making the green beans and mashed potatoes, and Kurt insisted on making the spaghetti. Sugar and Blair want to help, too, and even Rory. But I think they should just enjoy the day. Too many cooks in the kitchen,'' she shrugs, picking up another apple, ''How are my two oldest grandchildren anyway?''
''Rory is doing very well in school, and will probably be on the Dean's List. Again. He and Sugar are great parents for the twins, considering how busy they both are. They're schedules don't usually align, but they try to do what's best for Wendy and Finn. Ryder is taking photography classes starting in January, and he is working with a professional photographer. Blair and her dance partner, Jacob Puckerman, will be featured in NYADA's winter showcase.''
''That's wonderful,'' she reaches for the last apple ,''And the younger ones?''
''Jacob and Grace are only in first grade and preschool, but they're doing well. Very well-mannered, and helpful. Jade is doing very well, and involved in two academic teams, the drama club, a book club, and she helps with all of the fundraisers and charities that she can. Liam is in the top half of his class, and will be running for the track team in March.''
To say that Kurt and I are proud of them would be a massive understatement
''I'm proud of you. You have a great job, a wonderful husband, and beautiful children,'' she begins to make the pies ,''And your dad is proud of you, even if he doesn't say it as often as he probably can.''
He sure has a funny way of showing it.
Then again, mom and dad are polar opposites on this issue.
''He's never been good at showing affection. At least not the way that you and I see it. I know it seemed like we put more effort into Cooper, but we love you both the same. I'm not saying that we can right years of wrongs now, but-''
''Mom. I forgive you, alright? Being a parent isn't easy. I have no idea what I'm doing sometimes.''
Especially when I was raising Blair, because we were both learning.
''I feel guilty, honey. I never should have-''
''You're fine, mom,'' I wrap her in a hug ,''I love you, okay? Thank you for being here for me.''
Better late than never, right? And maybe dad will come around.
''I love you, too. Now, help me finish getting these pies ready for the oven.''
I do as she says, humming to myself the whole time.
This is nice. After not talking to my parents for years, it's nice to have a relationship with at least one of them.
Maybe that's the reason I have been trying so hard to spend more time with each of the kids, especially individually. Maybe it's why I was so overprotective of Blair, and why I was always sure to let Rory know he could come to me for anything.
I don't fully understand why my parent's did what they did, but it's not my place. What's important is the here and now.
And the present definitely looks pretty great.
KPOV-
''Dad, that'd better be nonfat,'' I glare at the dip he's scooping on his chip.
''Kurt, it's Thanksgiving,'' he tries to reason with me.
''And you'll be eating enough food high in sodium, okay? Drop it,'' I point at the plate.
''Alright, fine. That seems like a compromise to me,'' he hands it to Grace, who happily eats the chip.
''Thank you, Kurt,'' Carole smiles, taking a break from cooking while the turkey is in the stove ,''It's nice to have reinforcements.''
''It would be nice to have you around in California, too,'' Danielle speaks, looking at Cooper, ''He has a new movie, and he's been trying to get in shape, but he keeps eating mostly unhealthy food.''
''I'm telling you, Ryan ate those cookies,'' he points at his son, who is coloring with Grace and Jacob.
''Ryan's not even tall enough to reach up there,'' Mrs. Anderson scoffs, ''I know you keep them on the refrigerator.''
''Can't teach an old dog new tricks,'' Danielle laughs when Cooper glares at her.
''Especially if those tricks involve cookies,'' Blaine mutters, loud enough for only Cooper and I to hear.
''I am not old,'' Cooper teases, ''You're all just jealous. You wish you'll look this good at fifty.''
''Fifty?,'' Blair feigns a look of innocence as she walks behind his chair, coming to join us after pressing a kiss to her uncle's cheek ,''You don't look a day over forty.''
''And that's why you're my favorite,'' Cooper high-fives her.
''Have you two told them the good news,'' Blaine speaks to Ryder and Blair, who are sitting on the floor with the kids.
''That we're getting me a new car?,'' Liam jokes.
''Or letting me go to the concert after all,'' Jade smirks.
''Okay,'' I roll my eyes ,''Liam, your car is fine. Jade, that concert is too adult for you. Ryder and Blair, it's your turn.''
''We're getting married in May,'' Ryder smiles proudly.
''I thought we agreed she wasn't allowed to grow up,'' Cooper looks at Blaine ,''What happened?''
''That tends to happen,'' Blaine snorts ,''Thank goodness we have years before Jade and Grace gets married.''
''Where's the ceremony going to take place,'' Carole questions.
''At the courthouse. We can't really afford much else,'' Ryder explains ''My mom and dad have agreed to take care of the reception for us.''
Blair winces at the mention of Ryder's mom, but keeps her eyes on braiding Jade's hair for her.
Blaine and I promised we'd help, but they refused, saying we have enough to worry about with raising the kids
''Please, let us help,'' Carole smiles ,''Think of it as a present.''
I can see where she's coming from, I guess. Blaine and I took care of most of our own wedding, and Sugar and Rory's wedding.
She never got to help plan her son's wedding, and I guess she wants her chance.
Blair must see that, because she quickly agrees ,''Would you like to go dress shopping with me as well?''
''Please,'' Carole nods ,''We can start looking after Christmas. I'll be in New York more often, looking for apartments.''
''Perfect,'' Blair grins ,''Thank you so, so much.''
''It's no problem,'' Carole leans back into the couch.
''Look,'' Jacob beams, holding up the picture that he drew of himself,''I drew a self… self...''
''Portrait, honey,'' Mrs. Anderson supplies ,''And it is very, very handsome. Just like you.''
''Thank you,'' he crawls into her lap, so she can see the picture better.
''What are drawing there, Grace,'' dad asks, smiling at his youngest grandchild.
''My family,'' she points at each ,''That's you, grandma, grandma Anderson, Uncle Cooper, Aunt Dani, and Ryder. Then that's Blair, Jade, Liam, Jacob, Noah, Ryan, Wendy, Finn, Sugar, and Rory.''
''And what about these two handsome stick figures,'' Blaine smiles at the ones who are obviously us.
''That's you, daddy, and me,'' she continues to color.
''And who is this,'' Jade points at the person next to Grace.
''That's Jordan. He's my boyfriend at school,'' she continues to draw ,''He and his mommy moved here from Texas. His other mommy is going to move here, too.''
''I see,'' I nod.
''Daddy?''
''Yes, sweetie?''
''All of the other kids in my class have a mommy, too. Why don't I?,'' she looks up at me.
Everything moves in slow motion.
Cooper, Danielle, dad, Carole, and Mrs. Anderson freeze, looking at Blaine.
Blaine and Ryder are both looking at Blair, who's breath hitches.
''Honey,'' I pull her into my arms ,''Come on. Papa and I are going to talk to you.''
''I need some air,'' Blair quickly breaks for the bathroom.
''I've got her,'' Ryder rushes after her.
''We'll be back,'' I hear Blaine sigh, following me.
It looks like it's time we explain this to Grace.
BlairPOV-
''You have got to calm down,'' Ryder hands me some toilet tissue, sitting on the floor in front of me, ''You're going to make yourself sick.''
''I already feel sick,'' I take it from him ,''You don't have to stay here with me, you know. I need to be an adult.''
''You are an adult,'' he insists, ''You handle what you can, and I help you through the you are not perfect. You can't handle every single thing on your own. Please, let me help you.''
Sometimes Ryder and I are both too stubborn to admit that we need help.
Other times we come to our senses, just so we don't fall apart.
''Okay. It's just… do you ever feel like we should have kept Grace,'' I look at my fingers ,''She is our baby after all.''
''No,'' he replies honestly ,''Don't get me wrong, I wish we had the money to provide for her. But Grace needs to be taken care of, and we did what we thought was best for her. If we couldn't find a family, I know we would have raised her ourselves. Fortunately, Kurt and Blaine wanted a baby. And they wanted her.''
''I guess you're right,'' I lean forward, laying my forehead on his shoulder ,''Thank you.''
''No problem,'' Ruder runs my arm ,''We knew that Grace would have questions one day. And we'll do whatever Kurt and Blaine think is best. Okay ?''
''Alright.''
Contrary to what anyone believes, I love Grace. Ryder and I did what we considered best for her. Neither one of us were ready for a baby, but we took responsibility, and put her first.
''Come on. I know you're afraid she'll hate us, and I am too. But she won't,'' he stands, reaching out his hand for me., ''We'd better go talk to Kurt and Blaine.''
He's right. We have to figure out what we're going to sit down together, like the adults that we are,and calmly decide what route would be best for her.
''Thank you,'' I stand, following Ryder out of the bathroom.
And into a situation I'm barely ready to face.
BPOV-
''Are you mad,'' Grace asks as I sit on the bed with her and Kurt.
''No, sweetie,'' he moves her hair from her shoulders ,''We are glad that you asked us this question.''
''It's better that we take care of any questions that we can help you with, alright?''
''Alright,'' she agrees with me.
''Now, Gracie, there are different types of families. So, you have two daddies, and Jordan has two mommies,'' Kurt begins.
''And your friend Eliza lives with her daddy, and Daniel lives with his mommy. And you friends Penny and Adam live with their grandparents.''
''The bottom line,'' Kurt speaks, ''Is that there are different families. Now you know papa and I love you very, very much right?''
''I know,'' Grace grins ,''I love you, too.''
''And we love your brothers and sisters. You six mean the world to us,'' I remind her.
No matter how old they get, they're still going to be my kids.
''So, when two people love each other, they have a baby. So a man and a woman fell in love with each other, and had you.''
There. That should help her understand without getting into a talk we shouldn't have to have for years to come.
''But sometimes, they're not able to take care of that baby,'' I look to Kurt, who nods ,''So they give this baby up for adoption.''
''Like Tyler is adopted?,'' she asks.
''Yes. Like Tyler. Grace, honey, you were adopted,'' Kurt speaks slowly, looking for her reaction.
''Oh,'' she nods, ''So I have a mommy?''
''Yes. Okay,'' I wait for her to look at me ,''Daddy and I love you. We wanted a child, and life graced us with you. Your mommy and daddy, you're biological mommy and daddy-''
''What does that mean?''
''Biological? That means they're your parents by blood,'' I explain as best as I can ,''And then Kurt and I are your adoptive parents.''
''Okay,'' she looks confused, but nods.
''Anyway, your biological mom and dad were very young. They were still in school, and they didn't have a lot of money,'' Kurt says ,''And they were looking for a family, a loving family, to adopt you.''
''And Kurt and I were looking for a baby to adopt. That's you. Do you understand?''
''A little,'' she shrugs ,''Does that mean I get to meet them one day?''
Kurt looks up at me, panic in his eyes.
Honestly? I don't know what to say, either.
We both jump at the knock on the door, quickly allowing whoever it is to come in.
''Hey. Can we speak to Grace when you're done,'' Ryder asks.
''Yeah. We'll meet you in the hall,'' Kurt smiles.
With a nod, he closes the door, and Kurt and I focus our attention on Grace.
''Do you understand?,'' Kurt looks at her.
''So… they didn't want me? That's what Ian said to Tyler when he said he's adopted.''
''Oh honey, no,'' I pull her into my lap ,''Your parents loved you. I know that wherever they are, they still love you. They loved you so much that, since they couldn't take care of you, they found a family that could. They would have taken care of you if they could have.''
''So they would have chosen me like Tyler's family chose him?''
''Yes,'' Kurt takes her face in his hands gently pinching her chubby cheeks ,''Papa and I chose you, like we chose your brothers and sisters.''
''And that was one of the best decisions that we have ever made. We are so glad we chose you,'' I play with her hands.
''Because we love you so, so much,'' Kurt kisses her forehead ,''Alright?''
''Alright,'' she giggles, kissing Kurt's cheek before turning around and kissing my cheek ,''I love you, too.''
She might figure out the truth later on. When she sees she has Ryder's hair and Blair's nose and eyes, when she sees she has his smile and mouth. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
For now, we can just enjoy this small victory.
Because this definitely isn't the first time this conversation will come up.
SugarPOV-
''Shit.''
The positive signs stares back at me, seeming to mock me.
After our conversation, Rory and I agreed that we do want more kids one day. But with him about to get started in his career, and mine finally really taking off, it's not the right time. I've even gotten an offer to be Starchild's personal stylist for his year long tour. And he has recommended me to some more celebrities.
This could be my big break.
So obviously this unplanned pregnancy exactly appreciated.
''Alright, Sugar, calm down,'' I grip the counter in Kurt and Blaine's bathroom, trying to keep my calm ,''It could be false positive.''
After all, there are mixed reviews about this brand. And Blair has had several pregnancy scares.
I'll get another test.
Or maybe I should tell Rory…
''Hey,'' he knocks on the door before peaking his head in ,''You okay, baby?''
''Come here,'' I whisper, sitting on the counter, ''We need to talk.''
''About what,'' Rory closes the door, standing in front of me and resting his hands on my thigh ,''Are you sick?''
''I took a pregnancy test. And it came out positive,'' I run a hand through my hair ,''And it's really frustrating.''
''I thought you wanted a baby,'' Rory smiles ,''Remember what we said? If it is true, we can make it work.''
''It's not that, Rory. The twins are a handful as it is. You'll be graduating in no time, and I have my career to focus on.''
''And we can make it work. We've been making it work,'' he takes my hand ,''And didn't you tell me that you can work with your schedule more than I can work with mine? What's the problem?''
''The problem is that I don't want to depend on my parents to help us out. I want us to make our own livings,'' I try to get to him ,''I've even gotten offers to work with some of the biggest celebrities, and I'd be traveling a lot.''
Perhaps this isn't the best time to bring this up with Rory, considering it's the first time we'll be discussing it.
But there's no going back now.
''I see. And when do you have to make a decision,'' he stares at me, and I feel him trying to keep his calm.
''Starchild wants me to make a decision, and if his friends like what I've done for him, then they may hire me. And-''
''Sugar, you are stalling. Out with it. Please.''
''Tomorrow.''
Rory's breath hitches, and he steps away from me.
''And how long has this offer been on the table,'' he questions.
Here we go.
''Three weeks.''
''Three weeks,'' Rory nods ,''And you'd be gone a lot. You didn't think that I, as your husband and the man you have a family with, had the right to know that?''
''I didn't know how to tell you, Rory. What was I supposed to say? 'Hey, sorry, I won't be here to help you with our two young children while you hold down a job and finish school'?''
''Anything would have been better than you waiting until the last damn minute to come to me,'' he snaps ,''And what if you are pregnant? What are we going to do then?''
''I don't know, okay? One thing at a time, please. Can we not do this now,'' I hiss, ''You're trying to make me feel guilty.''
''Whatever, Sugar. I deal with rumours leaked about you and celebrities you have been photographed with, saying you're cheating. And I don't believe them. I help out at home and with our kids as much as I can. I support you and everything you want to do. If you believe that, then you don't know me at all. And I guess I don't know you. Because the girl I married never would have said that,'' he storms out of the bathroom.
I crossed the line. And I knew it when I did it, but I still went ahead and did it.
I have to fix this. I refuse to let Rory and myself end up like my parents. He'll be mad. Furious, in fact. But we have to make it work.
Because anything worth working is worth fighting for.
RyderPOV-
''Do you understand now,'' Blair asks Grace.
''Yes.''
''So your mommy and daddy love you so, so much that they wanted to do what they thought was best for you,'' I explain when Grace looks at me.
''And they would be so, so proud of the caring, smart, beautiful girl you're growing into,'' Blair kisses her head.
''Really?''
''Really,'' I agree, shifting so I can kiss her forehead ,''We love you, too, Alright?''
More than you'll know.
''I love you, too,'' Grace kisses my cheek as Blair pulls her into a hug.
''Come on,'' she takes Grace's little hand ,''Let's go get ready for dinner.''
Kurt and Blaine don't want Grace to know everything just yet, and we have to respect their wishes. We'll figure out something later if Grace asks more questions, but it seems to be resolved for the moment.
''You guys okay,'' Blaine asks as Blair lays her head on his shoulder after dinner.
''We're fine,'' she shrugs.
''We'll tell her one day,'' Kurt reassures us ,''Just not now.''
''We understand,'' I sit on the floor next to Noah, and Blair joins us, smiling at our son.
We really do. As a parent, you'll do anything to protect your child.
Even if it hurts you.
RoryPOV-
''There you go, you smart, beautiful girl,'' I kiss Wendy's cheek after zipping her coat up.
''Daddy,'' she giggles out, and I purposely pull the hat down over her eyes.
''What? Is this not how you wear it?,'' I readjust the hat ,''There we go. Now your turn, Finn.''
Finn looks up at me, handing me his shoe.
''Thanks, buddy,'' I begin to put his shoes back on ,''We have to go home and get some sleep. You have a playdate with your cousin Noah tomorrow.''
Since Ryder and I both have to work, Blair and Sugar are going to watch the kids together.
''So,'' dad sits next to me, pulling Wendy into his lap ,''You two okay?''
He doesn't have to say her name. We both know who he means.
''I don't know. Did you know about the job offer,'' I look to him.
''Yes. But it wasn't my place to tell you. That's between the two of you, as husband and wife,'' he explains ,''Like it would have been between Blaine and myself.''
I guess that makes sense.
''It's just… how could she wait so long to tell me, dad? We could have started working this out,'' I groan ,''Now we don't even have enough time to make a decision.''
''Look, you two have got to talk it out like the adults that you know you are. It's not like you're going to get a divorce from this,'' he says ,''But you know that it isn't good to go to bed angry if the problem can be solved.''
''You're right,'' I smile a bit ,''Blaine is a lucky guy.''
''Yes. Yes he is,'' dad laughs ,''Now, you two go home, and talk this out with your wife. Or go talk now. And let me play with my grandchildren before they leave.''
With his advice, I head off to find Sugar in the kitchen.
''Hey.''
''Hi,'' she looks up at me ,''Are you ready?''
''Hang on, we need to talk. I'm sorry I snapped at you like that earlier.''
''I forgive you. And I'm sorry I accused you the way that I did,'' she takes my hand ,''That wasn't fair to you.''
''No, it wasn't. But we both said things we didn't mean,'' I remind her ,''I shouldn't stress you out with the baby and everything.''
''Actually, I got my period while we were here. So it was just a false positive. Sorry about that.''
''No, don't worry about it. We know that we have to be more careful now,'' I remind her ,''Especially since you'll be traveling so much.''
I don't know how, but we'll make it work, even if I have to leave the kids at their grandparents' places more often.''
''You mean that?''
''Yeah, I do. Look, I know that you think we're going to end up like you parents. I know you said that they stopped supporting each other's dreams, but I would never do that to you. I love you, okay?''
''I love you, too. Thank you, Rory. I promise I'll work something out so I don't have to be away from home so much. And so that I can see you, and see the kids grow up. I'm not my dad. I'm not missing the important moments. We're going to be okay, right?''
''Yeah. You know we will.''
Because we always are.
BPOV-
''This is weird,'' Kurt whispers ,''I don't even know what this move is about.''
It's after dinner, when everyone has gone home and we're spending time with our four youngest kids.
''Shh,'' I laugh quietly ,''They'll be sleep soon.''
''Blaine,'' Jacob asks from where he's sitting between Kurt and I ,''Do you have to go to school soon?''
''Right after winter break. Why?''
''Because I want to go with you. I wanna be in glee,'' he smiles.
''I appreciate that. I'll tell you what: I'll let you come to a few glee meetings.''
''Can I come, too? Brandon said they're nice,'' Liam says ,''I might join, if it doesn't conflict with track practice.''
''I think I want to join, too. Kylie and James said it's fun, too.''
''The more members the merrier.''
''And, if you're lucky, Blaine will lead you guys to another victory,'' Kurt smiles, holding Grace closer.
''I will,'' I tease ,''And we're going to sing every Katy Perry song we can.''
''Here we go. Nothing has changed since we started dating,'' Kurt rolls his eyes as Jade and Liam laugh.
''I remember a certain blue-eyed singer telling me that New Directions song sang every Lady Gaga song. So, no, nothing has changed,'' I tease my husband.
Just like the beginning of our relationship.
It's amazing how far we have come, considering how broken he was when we first met.
''Can we stay up late? It's a holiday,'' Jacob questions.
''Sure. Because you guys will be sleep before twelve anyways.''
''I think you're a sore loser because Jade and I beat you at the board game,'' Liam smirks.
''Yeah, because you cheated.''
''Really, Kurt?,'' I shake my head fondly ,''You are a sore loser.''
''I play to win, Blaine. I'm convinced they cheated,'' he shrugs playfully.
''You question our honor? We demand a rematch,'' Jade gasps teasingly.
''It's on.''
The continue the quiet, playful banter, and I just watch.
Now I know what Burt, Carole and my mom mean: sometimes you just forget the tough moments, because the great moments are even better.
No family is perfect. Not mine, not this one, and not even the Hummel's, no matter how put together they seem from the outside. I've seen this family at their worse, and watch them come back stronger than ever.
We're not perfect. We're human. There are fights and tears, laughs and love. We don't have the flawless family that you see on television.
What we do have is something real, and so powerful that it is nearly tangible.
And that's pretty damn perfect to me.
Next chapter- Kurt runs into an old friend, and Blaine and his dad talk.
Disclaimer- glee belongs to Fox and Ryan Murphy.