Cassie came over the next day with a bag in hand even though she truly didn't need one considering she and Shelby had shared clothes more times than not in the last three years—either way, due to the fact Rachel was completely devastated when she left yesterday, Shelby asked if she wanted to stay the night the following day. She would have suggested it the night before however, Shelby wanted a little alone time with her baby considering they have had constant company for the last week.
Shelby wanted to spend plenty of time with Cass before going back to make sure she felt comfortable going back before leaving Rachel in the care of her girlfriend without her. If Rachel woke up during the show and Cassie couldn't settle her alone, things could be bad. Shelby spoke with David and he agreed that for every show, they would have Shelby's understudy dressed and in full makeup just in case Rachel did wake up and couldn't settle with the blonde.
David was being absolutely amazing to Shelby—she knew it helped that she was a Tony winning actress who anyone would be lucky to have and David knew he could literally lose her if she got out of her contract now that Rachel was back in her life. Shelby Corcoran was now a mother first, and he respected that completely. He was going to extend her contract however, he knows Shelby will unfortunately turn him down as she has something much more important to tend to: her daughter.
Being a father of two himself, even though they were much older than Rachel, understands and would never push Shelby into signing another contract. He will let her know she always has a place with him after her last show though—he'll be extremely sad to see her go, along with the rest of the world, but knows she's making the right decision for her daughter.
Cass showed up right before nap time and to say she was a bit shocked when Shelby answered the door while Rachel was attached to her boob was an understatement. Shelby smiled, leaned in for a chaste kiss, and turned back around knowing Cassie would follow her into the house locking the doors before they sat down together.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I'd be disturbing pre-naptime nursing," Cass whispered.
"You're fine—we were a little fussy this morning so nap time is a bit earlier today. She'll be sound asleep soon," Shelby whispered back, getting comfortable again on the couch. She looked down at her daughter seeing Rachel fighting sleep and smiled, "Go to sleep baby, mommy's right here."
Cassie watched in awe. Sure she saw Shelby breastfeed Rachel yesterday before her second nap however, today she saw Shelby in another light. Here she was answering the door, moving around with such ease as Rachel nursed as opposed to sitting in the rocking chair—it seemed like she had been doing this for years, not just a week. Shelby was a natural mother.
Shelby stroked Rachel's cheek knowing her poor little angel was trying so hard to stay awake, "Sleep baby, close those beautiful eyes. Mommy loves you so much." And with that, Rachel finally succumbed to her sleepy state.
Shelby wiped the corners of her mouth where the excess milk was gathered and slipped her pacifier between cute pouty lips—she kissed her temple and smiled. She truly didn't believe there was anything better than knowing she's the one who can soothe her child in a way that nobody else can, while providing her comfort and nutrients in the process.
Covering herself back up, Shelby kept Rachel in her arms for a bit while she and Cass had a little conversation before excusing herself to lay the baby down. Rachel's nursery/toddler room had everything needed for the baby however, Shelby had yet to paint the room or put anything together. Her father said he'd put the furniture together when they came back and Shelby said that was fine, she was in no rush.
Not knowing what the future held for them, Shelby wasn't sure if she should paint Rachel's room pink before her father put the furniture together—then she realized even if they do move, she wasn't going to sell the penthouse, so she hired painters to come in for the baby's room.
After Rachel was settled in the big bed, Shelby came back downstairs knowing she and Cassie were going to have a serious discussion. They decided it was time to talk about everything even though Shelby's contract wasn't up yet.
Taking a deep breath, she went into the kitchen to get them some iced tea then came back into the living room taking a seat right next to her girlfriend.
"There's no reason to be so nervous babe," Cassie assured the brunette, putting a hand on her thigh in effort to calm her down. "No matter what you decide to do, I'm going to be there. Hell, even if you make the decision to move to Hawaii and raise Rachel as a beach baby, I'll be there. I'm not sure how many job opportunities there are there but hey, I can learn to hula dance right?"
Shelby laughed which was what Cass was trying to accomplish. She felt really lucky to have such a supportive girlfriend. Her best friends were absolutely amazing and while Cass was more than that, Shelby didn't know how the blonde would handle moving. Although, from all the conversations they've had, Cassie seems on board to go anywhere the Corcoran's went.
"Well I can guarantee you won't need to learn how to hula dance to 'make a living'—not that I'd mind seeing your body move that way," Shelby winked.
"After my contract is up, I think it's best to move back home to give Rachel some type of stability. If we stay in New York, even if I'm not performing anymore, she'll still grow up in the spotlight. And as much as I love my penthouse, I want my baby to have a backyard with a playset, a sandbox, a pool, to learn how to ride a bike somewhere other than Central Park—she needs a true home to make memories in you know?"
"I agree with you. The city is great and with you keeping the penthouse we can always come back here whenever we want to but Rachel should have everything she deserves, all the things you just mentioned and even more. She needs some type of normalcy, which wouldn't be accomplished here because you're a star."
Shelby couldn't help the tears that slipped down her cheeks hearing Cassie refer to them as a family, 'we can always come back here'. She's truly going to follow me anywhere. Shelby didn't want to be the only one making the decision as to where they move knowing Cassie was coming to though.
"I want you to help me find the perfect house—I know how much you're giving up to be with me, and you're already amazing with my baby girl…you should be a part of the decision as well. I don't just want you to be, I need you to be."
"Shel, you know I don't care about all of that, as long as I'm with you two I'm fine." Seeing the look on Shelby's face, Cass back peddled. "Okay, I'll help you look. Do you know where you want to move? Are we looking in Columbus?"
"Honestly, I was thinking Akron. There are not only numerous dance studios there but great school systems for Rachel and myself." Shelby had already looked into this, looking up studios for Cass was a huge part of everything as well. Not to say Cassie couldn't open her own studio which would be amazing, no doubt, she just wanted them to have options.
Cassie was touched that Shelby had thought about her; she was an adult who could obviously handle getting a job herself but Shelby has always helped her anyway she possibly could. Keeping her emotions at bay, she asked, "So you've decided you want to teach then?"
"I think it will be best—it will give me the same schedule as Rachel, once she's in school that is. I'm thinking of taking a year or so off before Rachel can go to preschool to get her settled, adjusted, and continue to teach her myself. I've already missed nearly three years of her life, I don't want to miss anymore."
Shelby started to choke up and Cassie moved closer to her, laying the brunettes head on her chest as she ran her fingers through her gorgeous brown locks. "Shh, shh, I know babe, I know. You have her now though, and with any luck, we'll be able to make up for all the bad—who knows, maybe she won't even remember a time where she wasn't with you?"
"Doubtful," Shelby mumbled seeing how effected Rachel is in new situations. She'd love for her little angel to be able to forget all the horrible things she's gone through but didn't know if it was possible. Maybe? Not likely though…who knows?
Shelby was planning on talking to Arizona to get a list of children psychologists, at least a few who she could speak to and ask questions before traumatizing Rachel even more by bringing her to a new place, meeting another new face. That wouldn't be worth it if they had recommendations for her.
Cassie reached over and grabbed Shelby's laptop that was on the side table and opened it up, loading houses for sale in Akron. "Come on babe, let's see what we can find."
Shelby loved Cassie for trying to get her out of her spiraling headspace. She didn't know what she did to deserve someone like Cass, but she was beyond grateful. Together they were able to come up with a list of must haves for a house and then take multiple virtual tours of houses that fit their needs.
Of course Shelby would contact Jeremy once they found something she and Cassie truly loved considering that's his job, and knowing her brother, he'd try to get them a better deal even though Shelby would say it wasn't necessary. After finding eight houses they liked, five they loved, and two that seemed to check off all their boxes, Shelby sent Jeremy an email with all the details.
She trusted her siblings, especially Addie and Jeremy to look at the houses in person to make sure they were perfect for their little sister and niece. It's true, Shelby, Rachel and Cass would be more than welcome to stay with Katherine and Thomas while house hunting but Shelby was fine having her siblings tour the houses in person for them. And like Cass said, she honestly didn't care as long as her baby girl and Cass were there.
Granted there were some things Shelby could just not live without, which is why the must have list was extremely large however, she knew as long as she had her baby, Cass and they were safe that's all she truly cared about.
Plus, having the house before they moved would be helpful so they could start buying furniture and having it delivered; then, when they actually got there, it would be livable. Her siblings would do anything for her, including letting in delivery people and setting up the rooms to the best of their ability. Besides, they all knew Shelby would hire a decorator to make things look as similar to her penthouse as possible considering she absolutely loved her penthouse.
After looking at houses, secretly praying Jeremy could work his magic on the two they loved most, Shelby saw Rachel stirring on the monitor. She didn't realize they had spent so much time looking at houses but it honestly made her feel very accomplished.
Shelby wasn't procrastinating by any means, she just wanted to make sure Cassie was okay with everything as well. Even if Cassie wasn't moving with them, Shelby would have chosen those two houses so it was an added bonus that Cassie loved them as much as she did.
"Hi love bug, did you have a good nap?" Shelby scooped Rachel up and snuggled her for a few minutes as the baby woke up.
After a quick diaper change they went back downstairs and Rachel squealed in excitement, "TASSIE!"
Cass turned her head to see an extremely happy baby who was beyond excited to see her. She thought it was the cutest thing that a lot of Rachel's words either weren't complete and, or, certain letters just didn't/couldn't roll off her tongue yet. For instance, the C in Cassie. The blonde was happy to be Rachel's 'Tassie', it made her feel so special.
"Hi cutie!" Cassie said with just as much excitement. Rachel reached out for the blonde and Shelby passed the baby over loving how comfortable her daughter was with her lover. Cass happily accepted the baby into her arms and kissed her temple, lightly bouncing as Rachel snuggled with her.
"Oo ay ere Tassie me n mommy?" Rachel's big brown doe eyes looked into Cassie's green and the blonde was sure her heart could burst.
"Yes my little princess, I'm staying here with you and mommy tonight. Is that okay?" Rachel squealed as she nodded, squirming around in Cassie's arms doing her little 'happy dance'.
Shelby and Cass laughed a little as they heard Rachel's stomach rumble, "Seems like it's time to feed your talking tummy, what should we eat love bug?" Shelby asked, gently tickling her daughters belly.
Laughter erupted in the living room as Rachel threw her head back trying to escape the tickle monster. Shelby let Rachel catch her breath and waited to see if she wanted anything specific. She was trying to give her daughter options any chance they had whether it be meals, the toys they played with, movies they watched, or the color bubbles she wanted that night for her tubby.
Breakfast and lunch Shelby would always ask her daughter if she wanted anything specific after giving her some options. Dinners Shelby typically made whatever; actually, her mother had been making dinners for everyone while she had been there—either way, they were made and if Rachel liked them great, if not, Katherine made sure there were other options.
For breakfast and lunches, Shelby was trying to give Rachel some independence however, it typically didn't work because Rachel would either shrug her little shoulders or ask for 'sabrees' in other words, strawberries. The baby has an obsession with them and Shelby felt as though she's gone through more strawberries since Thanksgiving than she had in her entire life. It was adorable though—Rachel loved them.
Per usual, Rachel shrugged her little shoulders while lifting up her hands, "Me no no mommy."
"That's okay baby girl. Do you want to play with Cassie while mommy makes us some lunch? Or do you want to come help me?"
Rachel loved to sit on the kitchen island and watch her mommy make breakfast and lunch. She didn't like to be left in the living room alone even though she could still see her mommy in the kitchen because of the open concept due to the fact she hated being alone in any way. If she didn't sit on the kitchen island and watch, she sat on the kitchen floor with some toys as Shelby worked around her.
Shelby assumed this had to do with the jackasses Leroy and Hiram who most likely left Rachel alone and hated that her daughter had to endure that, especially being a baby. Shelby took her everywhere she went in the house, unless she was content to stay with nana and papa who had been there this past week. However, when Shelby would go anywhere besides the kitchen or bathroom on the first level even with nana and papa there, Rachel wanted to go with her.
Upstairs, Rachel would follow her mommy everywhere. To the potty, the shower, the tub, her closet when the mother got changed—privacy was non-existent in the Corcoran household. Shelby didn't care though, she was used to not having privacy being in the public eye so often not to mention her job. Plus, as long as Rachel was content and happy, that's all she truly cared about.
"Me mommy," Rachel reached back out for Shelby who took the baby into her arms and they all walked into the kitchen together. Rachel peeked behind to make sure 'Tassie' was coming too and giggled at the goofy faces the blonde was making at her.
Shelby whipped up some lunch which they ate together at the kitchen island, Rachel content in her attachable chair with mommy and 'Tassie' on either side of her, and then they went into the living room to play.
Nighttime came in the blink of an eye at the Corcoran residence meaning it was time for Shelby and the baby to start their nighttime routine. Cassie wasn't sure where she fit into this as she knew Shelby and Rachel had their nightly bath together before pjs, a story, then a song while Rachel was nursed. Cassie thought maybe she'd go into the guest bathroom to shower so they'd all be clean together however Rachel had other ideas.
She wanted 'Tassie' to be a part of her tubby time too. She made it clear Shelby was her mommy so Cassie couldn't come in the tubby with them, but wanted her in the bathroom while she had her tubby. Rachel saw a few stolen kisses between her mommy and the blonde, however, she didn't 'push' her away the same way she did when nana and papa would kiss Shelby's temple or place a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Cassie was different to Rachel, she couldn't explain it because her little brain didn't know how to but she didn't mind that they kissed. Of course after the few kisses the women shared, Rachel would then give her mommy a slobber kiss on the lips which always resulted in the baby being held over her mommy's head as Shelby peppered kisses all over her face.
Cassie also gave her kisses—not as many as her mommy did but whenever they played together with her toys or she was in Cassie's arms, the blonde would kiss her temple, the top of her head, even her little fingers after she fed her some of her lunch. It was safe to say Rachel really loved Cassie.
Cassie watched as Rachel played with her bath toys, taking time to look away when the baby was distracted to keep her tears from falling seeing how prominent her ribs were. It broke her heart while working her up so much she wanted bash Hiram's face in all at the same time.
Cassie worked with dancers all day, she knew when her students were starving themselves to look a certain way and even though she was a hard-ass, she held weekly weigh-ins. If her dancers were below a specific weight, she had them sit out until they were back to their healthy or recommended weight.
Rachel, although eating at least two full meals a day and nursing four to six times a day depending on the day, was anything but healthy. Cassie knew just like Shelby it would take longer than a few weeks to get Rachel to a healthy weight but seeing it was heartbreaking; she honestly didn't know how Shelby was handling it all.
Eventually, she saw Rachel sprawled out on Shelby's chest as the older brunette rubbed her back soothingly—this was part of their nightly bath time; Rachel would become so sleepy she'd lay on her mommy's chest until Shelby got them out.
Now wrapped like a burrito in a little towel with a pig hood to help dry her hair, Rachel laid against Shelby as the mother got her own towel in place. Cassie honestly had no idea how Shelby managed to do this every night—it felt like the blonde could barely dress herself half the time nevermind get herself and a baby dried off at the same time.
Once in her diaper, Rachel stood up on the bed and crashed into her mommy who was still wrapped in her towel. With an 'oomph', Shelby asked if Rachel was okay with Cassie going to take a shower while they finished getting ready for bed. Rachel nodded and Shelby told her girlfriend to use her shower, there was no reason to go into the guest bathroom when her shower was right there.
By the time Cassie was finished and changed into her own pjs she found Shelby sitting in the rocking chair with a onesie clad Rachel as the brunette sat in a t-shirt and panties, her typical sleepwear. Not knowing how comfortable Rachel would be seeing Cassie in the same thing as her mommy, the blonde put on a pair of shorts under her own t-shirt just in case.
She sat on the ottoman of the rocking chair listening to the end of the book Shelby was reading Rachel. Since spending the entire day with Shelby and Rachel, Cassie now understood why her girlfriend had been going to sleep so early; she was thoroughly exhausted and didn't do nearly as much as Shelby had done all day.
Rachel shifted in Shelby's arms so she was now cradling her little body instead of Rachel being laid with her back against her mothers front and lifted her t-shirt knowing what her daughter wanted. Rachel latched on immediately and Shelby started to sing her a lullaby. Once again, Cassie was in awe—motherhood looked better than any role Shelby could ever get cast in on Broadway.
She saw Rachel grab Shelby's other breast letting her mother know she wanted that one next and Cassie stifled a laugh. Damn she's possessive of the girls. Rachel was so content she didn't even realize Cassie placing a kiss to her temple whispering an, "I love you princess," or her mothers kiss followed by an, "I love you so much baby girl."
25 minutes later, Rachel was sound asleep as Shelby continued to rock them. It was now 7:45pm as Shelby always rocks her daughter for an additional 15 minutes after she falls asleep to watch the peacefulness that fell upon on her daughters face. She stood up and laid Rachel down on the bed then walked back to the rocking chair and took Cassie's hands into her own helping her stand.
They shared a passionate kiss then Shelby whispered, "I hope you don't mind sharing the bed."
Cassie was honestly assuming she'd sleep in the guestroom considering she was well aware Rachel slept with Shelby. "I—what? You want me in your bed?"
Shelby quirked an eyebrow, "Where else would you sleep?"
"Umm, the guestroom so I don't disturb you two or scare the baby if and when she wakes up in the middle of the night. Or accidently roll on top of her, or get in the way or I don't know a million other things that could happen…"
"Honey, if this is going to work you're going to have to get used to it. I can't guarantee she'll ever sleep in the nursery while we're here and when we move, she'll be in a new house. It's going to take some time for her to get comfortable with the idea of being in a different room than me and I won't force her before she's ready. That being said, of course I want you with us…unless you'd feel more comfortable in the guestroom?"
"Yes, I mean no." Cassie shook her head to clear her thoughts. "No, I want to be with you too and I know she'll be in our room when we move—I wouldn't want to be alone in a new house and I'm not even a baby. Plus, even if you get her settled in the nursery here, it would go back to the way it is now when we move anyways so, yes. I'll be right here all night unless I'm told to leave by the little princess herself."
Shelby wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck and kissed her again. Cass's arms wrapped around Shelby's waist pulling her even closer, moving her shirt up to feel the newly exposed skin just a little bit—knowing this couldn't go any further right now, Cassie pulled back while keeping a hold on Shelby. "I love you beautiful."
"I love you too." Shelby kissed Cass again then said, "I know it's early but I'm exhausted—do you care if we turn on the TV and lay down?"
"Not at all. I was thinking about that when I was in the shower actually; I felt like I could barely keep my eyes open and I didn't do half of what you did today."
"Oh stop," Shelby shoved her shoulder a bit. "By the way, you don't need those shorts if you don't want them," she winked leaving Cassie alone with her thoughts. Shaking her head of what she wanted to do to Shelby, she watched her girlfriend climb into the bed while taking off her shorts leaving her in the same thing the brunette was in: an oversized t-shirt and panties.
Shelby climbed into the bed first and lifted Rachel's little body on top of her chest getting them comfortable in the way they've always slept, scooted more into the middle then signaled for Cass to get in too. The blonde gently climbed into the bed and laid next to her girlfriend, kissing her then the top of Rachel's head.
Shelby passed the remote to Cassie who found something mindless for them to watch. It was now 8pm and both women were truly ready to sleep. By the time 9:15pm rolled around, Shelby was fast asleep and Cassie was nearly there as well. She couldn't help but look at her stunning girlfriend while listening to Rachel's little snores through her pacifier. Gosh they look so similar with their gorgeous long eye lashes, brown luscious locks, personality traits, they are truly perfect.
Cassie smiled once more at them before closing her eyes not knowing what to expect her first night with the two of them, but mentally and physically prepared for anything.
The night went better than Cassie expected. When Rachel woke up at 3am crying, Shelby was quick to soothe and nurse the baby back to sleep before falling back to sleep herself. Cassie provided whatever comfort she could to both of them although, Rachel failed to notice she was there as she was focused on getting her 'mommy milp' then going back to sleep. Shelby noticed though and it was nice to have someone there with her.
The next morning, Cass woke up to Shelby whispering and Rachel trying her hardest to keep quiet even though she didn't know why she had to. If she was awake and her mommy was awake, how come Tassie wasn't awake? Rachel didn't understand—every morning her nana and papa were there, they'd always be downstairs before Shelby and Rachel so the baby assumed everyone got up together.
"Cassie is sleeping baby, how about we put on Bubble Guppies and snuggle for a bit?"
"See no seep mommy, see pay me."
"She is asleep baby," seeing the lip quiver Shelby kept talking, "I'm sure Cassie can't wait to play with you too love bug, but for now how about we snuggle for a little while longer?"
Shelby had already nursed Rachel, read her three storys, quietly sang her a few different songs, but all Rachel wanted was for Tassie to wake up too.
The blonde felt movement next to her, or should she say, above her and the next thing she knew, her face was being poked gently by a tiny finger and she heard a lispy, "Tassie," through Rachel's pacifier.
Shelby saw the time and realized even though Cassie wasn't used to being woken up in the middle of the night, she had plenty of sleep and wouldn't be upset that Rachel was ready to play.
It was now 8:15am and the older brunette knew they had both gone to sleep early the night before—Shelby had managed to keep Rachel quiet enough since she woke up at 7:35am not wanting to get out of bed herself yet besides a quick diaper change.
The blonde didn't want to scare Rachel so she slowly opened her eyes and smiled. Rachel squealed when she saw another set of green eyes open—the same squeal she made when she saw her mommy's green eyes open every morning. She was so excited her Tassie was still there; nana and papa never slept with her and mommy but Tassie did and Rachel loved it.
"Good morning princess," Cass rasped out, sleep still evident in her voice.
Shelby rolled onto her side holding Rachel's little body back from jumping on the blonde like she loved to do to her—she didn't think Cassie would appreciate that, at least not their first morning together. Rachel laid her head on Cassie's chest and patted her shoulder, "Me Tassie."
Shelby leaned closer and kissed the blondes cheek then ran her fingers through her daughters hair, "Are you so happy your Cassie is here love bug?"
Rachel up abruptly sat up and bounced on her little knees, loving the feeling of being in between both of them and nodded. Cassie was now added to the list of everything that Rachel considered to be only hers: mommy, mommy's boobies, nana, papa, Raffy, binky, blanky, and now Tassie.
All of this just felt right—not only to Rachel who had absolutely no idea how to express it, but to both women. They have shared the same bed way too many times to count so waking up next to each other was nothing new to them.
Having a baby, her baby in between them and so excited to see both of them though was something Shelby couldn't put into words besides it just being: right. One look into Cassie's green eyes told her the blonde was thinking the same thing.