Cassie spent another full day and another night at the Corcoran residence—Rachel was getting more and more comfortable with the blonde which was absolutely amazing and Shelby wanted to continue their bonding time. The baby even let Cassie feed her a bottle of breastmilk before her nap, although, she only made it halfway through the bottle before reaching for her mommy to nurse instead as she fell asleep.

Rachel wasn't completely ready for Cassie to put her down for a nap, but she did try and enjoyed the time she spent in the blondes arms with a bubba. However, because Rachel knows the comfort she's given by nursing and the safety she feels while doing so, she needed her mommy to actually go night-night. The kiss on her temple and the 'I love you baby girl, close those beautiful eyes for mommy' is what Rachel needs even though she does feel comfortable with her Tassie.

Cassie was also able to put Rachel in her pjs after her tubby the night before—slowly, Rachel was letting the blonde in more and more. She sat on Cassie's lap multiple times, loved dancing around with her, playing with her toys, and feeding her the same way she feeds her mommy.

Shelby was thinking how Cassie being there all day/night was an amazing way for her daughter to become comfortable with the blonde who she made an immediate connection with. I wonder if she should move in with us? It's not as if we've never lived with each other before—granted I have Rachel now…would that freak Cassie out if I asked her?

Her parents were flying back today, heading over to their new apartment to get settled in and Shelby was wondering if she should ask them about it; April and Holly would be all for it so she didn't bother asking them. Her parents had better insight about these types of things—she could always call Addie, her sister would tell her if she was making a mistake by asking and 'totally fucking up', which was Addie's go to saying.

Shelby had been in contact with her siblings over the past week—not as much as she normally was, but she's been texting with them, sending them pictures while avoiding anything heavy via text. Her siblings understood she wanted to keep the conversations light and happy while also knowing Shelby wouldn't necessarily respond right away because of Rachel. They were honestly just happy to hear from her, especially during the month they typically had no contact with her.

Jeremy got back to Shelby regarding the houses she had sent him stating the two that she and Cassie loved most were available and he could get them (technically Shelby) a much better deal on either of them. The brunette told her brother it didn't matter but Jeremy was never good at listening when it came to negotiating better deals, especially for his family.

Addie and Jeremy had already toured both houses sending Shelby multiple pictures even though she and Cass had taken the virtual house tours online; Jeremy and Addie being who they were didn't hesitate to give Shelby their opinions. Leave it to her siblings to like the opposite house—they did agree both houses were beyond amazing and they were 'totally' jealous already however, each liked the opposite house for their own reasons.

In the end, it's her decision along with Cassie's—she just needed to let Jeremy know which one she wanted. After speaking with Cassie, she made an offer even though it wasn't necessary considering Jeremy said she'd get the house.

They decided on the house with the huge chefs kitchen, gorgeous countertops, open concept into the dining and living room, along with a breakfast nook; five stunning bedrooms with beautiful natural light, seven bathrooms, two of which were half baths (the one on the first floor and the one in the finished basement).

The master bathroom had hers and hers sinks, a claw foot tub along with a gorgeous shower with multiple spouts—the closet was as big as another room so there would be plenty of room for all of Shelby's clothes along with Cassie's as well.

The bedroom closest to the master would be Rachel's nursery/toddler room; it was a big room, perfect for her to grow into eventually with her own en-suite which wouldn't be used until she was much older.

Downstairs there was a separate room off the kitchen which would make the most extraordinary playroom for Rachel—Shelby wanted her to have everything and anything in there that she could ever want. Not only did she want it to be painted and decorated beautifully, she wanted Rachel to have all the toys she could ever want.

The finished basement had two large separate spaces—one where Shelby would put a piano and all her music binders, the other is where they would build a mini dance studio for Cass along with a little trampoline and foam pit for Rachel considering the space was huge.

The backyard was stunning; plenty of room for a playset, sandbox, a ton of room to run around in the grass along with a fenced in pool and hot tub as well. Shelby was so excited and Cassie was equally excited not just about the fact her girlfriend was happy, but that Rachel was going to have everything she deserved. Cassie just wanted her Corcoran's, her family to be happy.

What Addie was calling her sisters new mansion because she's always had a flare for the dramatics, would be 'ready' by the time Shelby finished her contract with Wicked. Within the week, Jeremy would have paperwork faxed over to his sister to sign and then she and Cassie would be able to shop and furnish the house while adding the extras they had already decided on.

Cassie was apprehensive about the dance studio because Shelby was the one buying the house however, Shelby said she'd have it installed anyways for her little monkey face which was true—she just knew her little angel would love to bounce around and eventually want to dance, especially with Cassie in her life.

Cassie knew she had money saved, not the type of money Shelby had though which made her feel a bit guilty and if she wasn't pulling her weight, or being a good girlfriend. She didn't want to be 'freeloading' and living off of her girlfriends money. Because of this, Cassie said she wanted to pay some of the bills and buy the food or do something/anything else to try and make up for the money Shelby was spending.

They had a long discussion about it after Rachel went down for her nap yesterday and Shelby said, 'Cassie, even if you weren't coming with us I'd still buy this house and continue to pay for everything needed. My penthouse has been paid off for over a year now, and I'd be buying this new house either way. So sure, if you feel better paying some bills go for it but I don't want you to feel like I'm forcing you to or you have to because I'd be paying them anyways.'

Cassie thought a lot about that conversation and realized Shelby was right; that being said, she was going to be paying some of the bills because they were a couple and it was the right thing to do. She knew they weren't on the same financial level, for lack of better word, but she wanted to contribute something.

Eventually she wanted to marry Shelby, being a part of her and Rachel's life forever; she wants to be able to provide for her family. Yup, Cassie already saw them as her family and it was amazing to her. Of course she was aware they just put labels on their relationship however, to Cassie at least it feels like they've been a couple for years now.

Right now though, she was excited about the bond she and Rachel were forming—she wanted to be able to prove to Shelby she could care for Rachel while Shelby was on stage. Even if Rachel woke up during the show, Cassie wanted to be able to be the one to comfort her without Rachel needing her mommy because one day, she wanted to be her other mother too…if Shelby allowed that.

Shelby was fixing up some lunch while watching Cassie and Rachel interact—it honestly melted her heart to hear the giggles, see the smile on her daughters face, and see how Cassie is with her baby. Their bond was growing stronger by the minute and it made Shelby feel better about finishing her contract before their move—she had honestly considered getting out of it for the sake of her daughter however, Rachel and Cassie seem to be doing well together: fingers crossed.

Maybe I don't need to talk to my parents about this. Cassie belongs here with us—Rachel will get used to her Tassie going to work once the blondes time off is over, then love having her here with us after work for dinner, bedtime and then head off to the theater with us for me to do my job. It will be…

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing. She saw Det. Rollins name on the caller ID and answered it wanting to know how the case was coming along. There was a movie playing in the background as Rachel and Cassie played so Shelby knew if she kept her voice down, she wouldn't upset her baby girl.

"Hi Amanda," Shelby answered.

"Hey Shelby, how are you? How is Rachel feeling?" the blonde questioned, wanting to see how things were before letting her know how the interrogation went. Shelby was the type of person who wanted to know everything—especially because she knew she couldn't be in the courtroom during his trial due to the fact she could not and would not leave Rachel and bringing her would never be an option.

"Rachel is feeling much better, thank you for asking; and we are doing, well, we're doing the best we can be. How is the interrogation going? I know you said it would most likely take a few 'interviews', do you have any news on the final charges yet?"

"We do, and the interrogation was…I'm not going to sugar coat anything here Shelby, it was awful. We found out a lot of information—information that has given us more to charge him with."

Shelby gripped the kitchen counter, her knuckles turning white as she listened to Amanda. Knowing Rachel would be going down for her nap after lunch, she asked Amanda if she could call her back then. Cassie would be there to support her and she would be able to breakdown knowing Rachel would be asleep. Amanda agreed and said to call anytime.

Shelby also asked when she could have her little 'chat' with the piece of scum herself and Amanda said they would arrange that when they spoke later. The brunette agreed, exchanged goodbyes and then focused back on making lunch willing her emotions away for the sake of her daughter.

After lunch they all settled on the couch watching Cinderella knowing the baby was tired and snuggly per usual after her small lunch. Rachel was curled up in Shelby's arms, Cassie sitting right next to them letting the brunette rest her head on the blondes shoulder. Eventually, Rachel became fussy and they both knew she was ready for her nap.

The baby was feeling very impatient, her mommy was taking too long for her liking as she continued to tug on her shirt; Rachel didn't understand that Shelby had to physically lift her shirt up, not pull it down the way that the baby was trying to do so she could nurse.

Through the tears that were starting, Shelby was able to shift enough to lift her shirt and unclip her bra while trying to settle her baby, "Shh, shh, shh, you're okay love bug." Rachel's tears were preventing her from realizing her booby was ready and waiting for her.

"Rach baby, look—mommy's milk is here and waiting for you," Shelby said in a gentle voice, rubbing her back trying to calm her down. When Rachel heard 'mommy's milk' her tears turned into little hiccups and she was able to focus on what was right in front of her.

She latched on immediately and calmed down completely—there was nothing better than being able to feel her mommy's skin while she nursed and her hand claimed her booby begging for more even though her eyes were already fluttering.

Rachel loved to fight sleep when she was nursing; Shelby wasn't completely sure the reasoning however, she didn't always try and 'force' Rachel to go to sleep right away either knowing she needed the nutrients for her little body. Right now though, Shelby could tell her baby was absolutely exhausted and needed rest.

"Close those beautiful eyes for mommy baby, it's sleepy time," she said, stroking Rachel's cheek gently.

Cassie continued to watch again in awe; Shelby could fool anyone into believing Rachel had been with her since birth if anyone saw the way she was with her. Shelby was a freakin' rock star of mother in Cassie's eyes—she always knew exactly what Rachel needed, most of the time before she needed it, and could calm her down so easily. She is a natural mother.

Rachel succumbed to her sleepy state and Shelby continued to stare down at her perfect little angel. She knew once she brought Rachel upstairs, her emotions would be absolutely everywhere so basking in the feeling of her little baby in her arms was something she needed right now. She was trying to mentally prepare herself for everything by taking an extra few minutes to enjoy all the amazing feelings she felt just by looking at her daughter.

"Mommy loves you so much," Shelby kissed her temple and then brought her upstairs.

Cassie also knew the minute Shelby came back downstairs, the happy bubble they've been in for the past three days would burst. The blonde knew right now she needed to support her girlfriend so she continued to take some deep breaths, closing her eyes to prepare herself for the horrible and horrific information they were about to find out.

"Child abandonment, child neglect, threatening the life of another, stalking, reckless endangerment, assault of a minor, assault of a police officer, forging legal documents, wrongful adoption, and we're also going to try him on premeditated attempted murder…" Amanda listed off Hiram's charges before getting into the details she knew Shelby wanted but didn't want to give her knowing she didn't deserve to hear what he said.

Shelby had her cellphone on speaker so she and Cassie could hear everything knowing she wouldn't be able to repeat it—Cass held Shelby in her arms trying to comfort her the best she could while self-soothing herself in the process. This was a lot to take in.

"What did he say? I know you're holding back, please tell me…I need to know Amanda," Shelby pleaded.

Cassie didn't like the idea of Shelby knowing either however, she knew it was Shelby's stubbornness combined with the fact she wouldn't be able to attend the trial and her family would be there. She wanted to know everything they were going to hear—this is her daughters life along with her own they were talking about.

Amanda took a deep breath and started relaying the information, "Shelby, I want you to know he will be getting life in prison, and even though he deserves more than that, nothing he said about you is true—you're also not responsible for what happened to Rachel before…" Amanda trailed off knowing Shelby knew what she was talking about.

Everyone knew Shelby blamed herself for what happened—how would she know the contract was forged or the men wouldn't let her be in Rachel's life once she was born like they agreed on? How would she know her baby wasn't treated the way she should be? None of that mattered to Shelby though, she should have known—at least, that's what she told herself.

"Just tell me, please Amanda, please."

"Hiram decided once he knew we had mountains of evidence against him to 'boast' about what he did, and didn't do but wanted to. He left Rachel alone most of the time, would scream at her any and every chance he got just because he was having a bad day, or if she was crying. If she cried for an extended period of time, he wouldn't feed her—sometimes for days," Amanda cringed speaking the words out loud and frowned hearing the sobs on the other end of the phone.

"Before Leroy died and they found out he was the father, not Hiram, Leroy also informed Hiram how much better off Rachel would be with her mother. It isn't clear what Leroy did, but he told Hiram how they weren't cut out to be parents, that he hated being a parent to a child who cried so much and looked exactly like you instead of them. We believe that's when Hiram's anger towards you started; he began to stalk your every move…"

Amanda took a breath before continuing, "We found out a neighbor of the Berry's called CPS multiple times on them however, because Hiram was/is a lawyer, he always found a way to get rid of them. This neighbor would bathe Rachel on occasion when she knew Hiram wasn't home after Leroy died and spend some time with her. At least get her into some new clothes and give her something to eat; the neighbor stated Rachel's single drawer contained three onesies and diapers, that's all."

Amanda paused for a minute letting the women process the information, "This neighbor stated she would do her best to take care of Rachel but after being threatened by Hiram, she stopped because he didn't just threaten her, he threatened her 14 year old daughter. She tried to get Rachel away, there were 8 calls to CPS all by this neighbor and all dismissed because they either knew Hiram or he played the 'picture perfect' father when they showed up giving them any and ever excuse in the book."

To try and give Shelby the tiniest bit of good news, if you can call it that, Amanda say, "The neighbor did say although she knew Rachel wasn't healthy and always fed her the times she did see her before her children were threatened, there were never any other signs of abuse. Not to say starving your child isn't abuse…"

Cassie couldn't help her own tears from falling while holding Shelby as her whole body wracked with sobs—she didn't understand how those dumb ass CPS idiots didn't figure out something was wrong. If they are called in 8 times, wouldn't you be more thorough?

"Did he admit to why he was after me?" Shelby choked out through her tears knowing she couldn't handle hearing anymore about how terrified her baby must have been, and how horrific Hiram and Leroy truly were/are.

"Yes," Amanda really hated this conversation. "He essentially wanted to give you the opportunity to be Rachel's mother before taking you away from her…"

"Taking me—you mean he wanted to kill me?" Shelby pieced together Amanda's words.

"I'm so sorry, Shelby."

Shelby's sobs made it impossible for her to even respond so Cassie did for her, "Amanda, we appreciate your honesty and everything you've told us today. Right now though, a break is necessary. Is there anything else we should know?"

"No," Amanda assured the blonde, her heart breaking more and more as she heard Shelby's sobs. "We can set up a time before the trial starts if Shelby still wants to have her five minutes—please feel free to call me anytime. For anything—I mean it."

"We appreciate that," Cassie said.

Shelby heard her girlfriend and Amanda saying goodbye but couldn't stop all the thoughts from running through her mind. Of course she blamed herself for everything that's happened to Rachel, why wouldn't she?

The rational side of Shelby's mind knew it wasn't her fault—the Berry's treated her like a queen when she was pregnant, if they didn't and she realized something was off, she never would have stayed nor would she have given Rachel to them.

The other part of her mind that housed the devil on her shoulder was beating herself up. How did I miss this? How stupid are you Shelby? My god, look at what you put your daughter through. This is all your fault—she deserves so much better. Can I really be that for her?

Shelby shook her head at the negative thoughts, of course you can be that for her. She is your precious baby girl that you'd do absolutely anything for. Stop being such an idiot and pull yourself together. Your baby needs you—she deserves all the love in the world and that's exactly what you're going to continue to give her.

Cassie let Shelby have her moment—she knew exactly what Shelby was doing; beating herself up while convincing herself she's enough for the beautiful angel sleeping upstairs all at the same time. Cassie knew there was no one better to give Rachel everything she could ever want or need.

Not just materialistic things either, Cassie knew the love Shelby had for Rachel was so strong; she'd always be there to support her, encourage her, teach her, love her, and protect her while giving her the best life possible.

"Shel," Cassie said softly, running her fingers through her girlfriends hair feeling the wet spot on her shirt from the tears Shelby had cried against her shoulder. There was no point in trying to convince Shelby none of this was her fault—no words of wisdom to magically take away her pain. All she could do was be there for her girlfriend.

Shelby continued to cry, her tears now turning into hiccups as she wrapped her arm around Cassie's waist holding her close. She wiped her tears, locked eyes with Cass and pressed a kiss to her lips then let her know she was going upstairs to be with Rachel. She needed to be with her baby right now—Cass was more than welcome to join them, she just couldn't stay downstairs without having her little angel near her.

Cassie took a few minutes to compose herself as Shelby went to be with Rachel. She knew Katherine and Thomas were most likely being driven by Mike to their new apartment now meaning they'd most likely be coming for dinner but Cassie wasn't sure if that was the best idea. Shelby couldn't even tell her siblings about Rachel, nevermind everything they both just heard now.

Does that mean I'm supposed to relay the information this time? Fuck I should have asked Shelby about that—I could have called them to meet at their new place…actually, I still can later if that's what Shelby wants. It's completely up to her, although, I think it would be better if the grandparents knew the information before they sat in the courtroom. It's not even my decision, it's Shelby's…so why am I down here trying to figure this out when I could be snuggling with my two loves?

Cassie walked up the stairs and found Shelby laying in bed with Rachel still sound asleep, now on top of her chest instead of in the middle of the bed though. Shelby was rubbing small circles on her back, kissing the top of her head, and whispering over and over, "I love you baby girl, I love you so, so much."

Cassie climbed into the bed, careful not to wake the baby, and kissed the side of her head then kissed Shelby's cheek. "I love both of you so much," she whispered.

Shelby turned to look at Cass and leaned in to kiss her lips, "We love you too."

After about fifteen minutes of comfortable silence, besides the cutest little baby snores coming from Rachel, Shelby turned to look back at Cass and said, "I don't think I can tell my parents about this, do you think…"

Cass cut her off, "Absolutely. I will always do anything and everything for you—both of you. I'm assuming they probably want to come over for dinner tonight, should we cancel?"

The way Cassie phrased her question sparked something in Shelby; she knew it was terrible timing considering they were both crying not even a half hour ago but something just felt right about it. Her and Cass have never done anything 'traditionally' anyways, so why start now? She knew Cassie wasn't going anywhere and thought this would be best for everyone: especially Rachel who loved her Tassie.

"Move in with us," Shelby continued to whisper as to not wake the sleeping baby on her chest.

Cassie quirked her head; I'm pretty sure I was just asking her if she wanted to cancel dinner with her parents…wasn't I? Deciding to follow Shelby's lead with the conversation the brunette was clearly trying to have right now, Cassie smiled and kissed Shelby again.

"I'd love to." And it's true, she really would love to more than anything. The past three days have been the most amazing—being with Shelby and Rachel seemed so right, so perfect.

Shelby smiled, a smile that reached her eyes as well for the first time in the last hour after hearing everything that was going on with the case which made Cassie smile as well.

"I'm sorry, I know you were asking about dinner but I've been thinking about this since you showed up with your silly bag of clothes that you knew you wouldn't wear because you always wear my clothes anyways." They both lightly laughed at that because it was so true.

"Watching you two bond, I, it just feels right. Then you go saying things like, 'should we cancel' and my heart swells even more than I thought it could. I love you Cassandra, Rachel loves you, I love when you say things like that which you have multiple times in the past few days—it makes my heart flutter thinking about the beautiful future we're creating together."

"I didn't even realize I said we, nevermind multiple times, I'm sor—"

Shelby cut off her apology. "Please don't. I liked it, loved it actually. And to answer your question, yes I'd like to cancel dinner tonight—do you think you could…"

"Absolutely. We're in this together babe."

Shelby reached for Cassie's hand and repeated, "Together."

Short chapter, I'm sorry. Next will be Shelby's family finding out what's happening with the case and her first show back after her time off.