I'm sorry for the delay, we've had a very busy month. Everyone is healthy we're just busy between dance and gymnastics for three out of my five girls but it's a good busy.

When they got downstairs Cassie was the one to open the door as that's what she always does and has since they were living in NY. Swinging open the door Cassie smiled at Judy before looking at the little blonde cutie in her mommy's arms—Quinn had the cutest little pigtails, green eyes and a huge smile on her face as opposed to Rachel who buried herself further into Shelby like she did with anyone new.

"Hi Judy," Cassie said, then looked at the toddler, "And you must be Quinn—"

Before Cassie could continue, Quinn said, "Yup that me! Twinn!"

The adults laughed and Rachel took this time to quickly sneak a peek at her new friend before hiding again. "Well come on in you two," Cassie said, backing up to let them come in as Shelby did the same.

Shelby was cooing in Rachel's ear that everything was okay, this was her new friend, that she was safe, things she typically did when her daughter met anyone new especially in her own home. Shelby always wanted Rachel to feel safe at home: that was very important to her.

They had cut up some fruit and vegetables beforehand along with making sure they had plenty of drinks to offer which both women were very grateful for because it was a great distraction and way to begin the playdate when the girls didn't know each other yet. It was after Rachel's first nap which meant before lunch but a few snacks would be okay, and if Rachel didn't eat much of her actual lunch that would be fine.

As they made small talk walking into the kitchen, Cassie getting the Fabray's some lemonade along with herself while pouring some water for Shelby and Rachel, the baby's with flavored anxiety drops, Cassie realized she was also grateful they had sippy cups for all ages. Rachel still used the sippy cups that were closer to a bottle with two little handles while Quinn most likely didn't seeing as she grew up differently.

None of the Corcoran's like saying 'normal' because what is normal really? But it's true, Rachel's first few years of life were not normal meaning she didn't grow up the way most others do. That being said, everyone avoids the word normal completely and says 'differently'.

Once everyone was settled with drinks, they moved to the breakfast nook for some snacks and let the anxiety drops kick in for Rachel. She was now cradled in Shelby's arms as opposed to Quinn who was sitting on Judy's lap reaching for more fruit.

Cassie had cut up some fruit for Rachel however, the little one didn't seem very interested. She was studying Judy and Quinn, the little bubbly blonde talking away the way Rachel does when she's comfortable but you could understand her easier than the baby which made sense.

Rachel understood everyone—some things didn't make a lot of sense but she understood what they were saying when the words were directed at her and weren't strictly for adult ears. She herself knew how to say a lot more words than before living with mommy but they just didn't always come out the way she wanted them to. Mommy said that's okay though because learning takes time and she's always proud no matter what.

Watching Quinn and listening to everything being said Rachel realized she wasn't really like her cousins because she was smaller and the blonde seemed to like the same things she did which made her excited. A lot of things made Rachel excited but having someone almost her size and like the same things she did was extra exciting to her.

While Quinn was snacking she also took the time to look at Rachel—she has 'friends' her age, at least that's what her mommy and her big sister says. Quinn doesn't really know what a friend is per say, just that you play with them so she believes she has lots of friends from playgroup along with Santana who is her 'bestest' friend. Frannie says so, and she's a big girl so she must be right according to Quinn.

The adults were talking while the little ones were studying each other—Shelby had let Judy know beforehand this is something Rachel does with anyone new and Judy agreed to go along with absolutely anything seeing as she knew a bit more about the baby's history.

Quinn finally turned around and interrupted the adults, her body language showing how anxious she was to say what was on her mind. Judy, recognizing the look, instantly made eye contact with Quinn who held in her thought for what felt like forever until her mommy said it was okay to speak.

"Dey bof in da picure! You show me mommy member?" Quinn said, pointing to Shelby and Rachel.

Shelby understood immediately knowing it was from the statement she had put out and the article that went in magazines all over but Rachel had no idea what she meant. Normally mommy shows her pictures of people so she knows them beforehand, why didn't mommy show her Quinn?

Before Rachel could question this further, Shelby responded after Judy mentioned the magazine to fill her little one in, "We did take lots of pictures together, didn't we love bug? Do you remember mommy wrapping you up in a blanket and us smiling at my phone you little silly monkey?"

Rachel put on her best thinking face that caused Cassie to stifle a laugh and Judy to want to just eat her up because she was so adorable and then the baby's eyes lit up. Rachel's big brown doe eyes locked with Shelby's green and she nodded, "Me an mommy an bankie an tissies."

"I did give you kisses," Shelby kissed the baby's cheek and everyone heard a squeal, "just like that right?"

Rachel nodded again and felt better about everything. Shelby had a copy of all four different magazines that printed the article which she showed Rachel but they also had two of the pictures taken that day framed and hanging in the master bedroom.

Suddenly the baby reached her neck up higher and Shelby knew what she was trying to do so she lowered her ear letting Rachel whisper, "Mommy me pay?"

Shelby could tell her daughter had studied Judy and Quinn enough and was now ready to move along; she was getting antsy and it was time to play. Shelby smiled and pressed a kiss to Rachel's temple, "That sounds like a great idea baby," she whispered.

"How about we go into the playroom?" Shelby then said looking at Quinn specifically but Judy as well.

"YEAH!" Quinn said with such enthusiasm Rachel was clearly a bit startled. Shelby held her close and pressed another kiss to the top of her head as the baby held one of her mommy's fingers very tightly signaling she was a little nervous.

Loud noises still bothered Rachel but she was getting better especially when there was warning; without the warning, she still became a bit nervous however, the anxiety drops helped a lot with that. Judy could see Rachel's expression and felt badly, reminding Quinn to use her indoor voice.

Rachel didn't know what that meant because mommy never told her that, but she did hear her Auntie Addie and Auntie Emily say the same thing to her cousins. Maybe one day she'll know what it means but right now she really just wanted to play—and play is exactly what they did.

Shelby was seated at the mini table per usual when they were in the playroom while Cassie and Judy sat on the couch—Rachel still needed that little bit of extra 'safety' of knowing mommy was literally right there as opposed to just seeing her in the room which was completely fine especially when meeting new people. Shelby knew from talking with the three different children's psychologists Rachel would grow out of it when the time was right for her.

It was absolutely adorable watching the two interact; you could tell Quinn knew Rachel was someone special and not because of who her mother is seeing as she's a toddler and doesn't know those types of things—she just knew Rachel was different than Santana and her other little friends at playgroup but she still loved the same things which was awesome.

Quinn, in her own little mind, was loving every minute of the playroom—her mommy was in the process of making a better playroom for her but because her daddy always said it was 'too much clutter' to have so many toys, she didn't have the same type of playroom as Rachel.

Santana also had a great playroom with a lot of boys toys along with her own because of her brothers but that was okay, they always had a fun time. Rachel's playroom though, Quinn absolutely loved—and to think they haven't even been downstairs to the trampoline and foam pit yet.

The girls were lost in their own world, Shelby periodically 'checking' on Rachel with a slight touch, running her fingers through her hair, making sure both little ones stayed hydrated, little things to know mommy was right there; she was also talking with Judy and Cassie getting to know not just about Judy's life but the neighborhood as well which was nice.

They have been on plenty of walks but that doesn't really count as 'getting to know the neighbors' so having Judy give them insight was great. It was evident they were the youngest family there which didn't surprise either of them seeing as they knew they were young—that being said, both had a lot of life experience and honestly fit right in besides their age, having multiple children, and being married.

That would come in time—well, not the multiple children part as they have had the conversation many times and even though their lives were just 'coming together' as them officially being a couple, buying a house, having Rachel with them and making sure she is the most settled and happy as possible, it didn't look like it was in their future.

Cassie didn't want to carry a baby and Shelby…they know Rachel still needs all hands on deck and even though it won't be like that forever, she doesn't feel the need, at least right now in her life, to have another baby. Who knows what the future holds though is the moral of the story and the point they were making to Judy who asked if they wanted more children in the future.

After playing for a while Quinn was the one who, even though ate plenty of snacks beforehand, was hungry and made sure to tell her mommy right away. Shelby knew Rachel wasn't hungry, she had a full plate of fruit along with some avocado slices which would keep her full for a lot longer than anyone else.

That being said, Cassie asked Quinn what she would like giving her plenty of options the same way they do with Rachel and a BLT sounded the best to her because she loves bacon the way that Rachel loves strawberries.

Judy said she didn't have to go through all the trouble but Cassie didn't mind at all—they truly loved to cook and this was quick and easy. She made four and a half, the half being for Rachel with a half of a PB and J as well in case she didn't like it. Shelby wasn't the biggest fan of BLT's and it's been proven that Rachel has followed in dislikes.

Shelby doesn't like chips, neither does Rachel; BLT's are not her favorite, we'll see how that goes. Sandwiches with lunch meat, neither like. They both prefer sweet mashed potatoes over regular mashed potatoes, the list can go on for a while because Cassie and Shelby have given Rachel the opportunity to try many different foods.

It was actually very cute to see the different faces Rachel makes when she doesn't like something seeing as Cassie has watched the same face appear on her girlfriend over the years when trying something new as well.

Cassie cut up some more fruit for the girls, put out the fruit and veggie platter for the adults and that was that. Soon enough, everyone was sitting down for lunch, Rachel no longer needing to be on mommy's lap because she felt comfortable with her new friend and loved that mommy brought over her table top chair from the breakfast nook and clipped it onto the kitchen island next to hers for Quinn to sit in too.

Shelby and Cassie exchanged a look as to say, 'she's doing so well, they are so cute together, and it looks like the table top chairs will get a lot of use seeing as Quinn was much bigger than Rachel'.

Rachel watched as Quinn dug right into her sandwich and then looked at mommy who was eating the same thing…she saw Quinn's mommy eating the BLT and Tassie too so she decided to try it but when she picked it up, Shelby saw the instant mess that was about to take place and stepped in.

Any meal that you have to pick up, or really just in general because they were still working on using a fork and spoon, ended up everywhere so to try and salvage the shirt before it was filled with something Shelby was pretty certain Rachel wasn't going to like, she took the sandwich in her hand made sure to smoosh it down and fed the baby a bite.

Quinn missed it because she was chowing down on her own but the adults all saw the typical Rachel face she made when she didn't like something and bit back their laughter. "You don't like it do you love bug?" Shelby whispered.

Rachel shook her head, "Ipty mommy, no, no."

"It's okay angel, Cassie made you a PB and J…do you want some of that? Or just some fruit and your puffs?"

Rachel considered her options and decided to have a few puffs and two bites of her PB and J. At least she is eating something, Shelby thought to herself.

Judy watched the interaction with such admiration—she herself along with the Lopez's have seen Shelby perform and she was absolutely star struck when she came to the door a few weeks ago but seeing her as 'just' a mother, especially to Rachel who she knows a bit about was so special.

She couldn't imagine being in Shelby's shoes, not just being so young but dealing with everything that has happened and they've overcome or are working on—it took dedication, patience, understanding, and a lot of love which you could see each and every time Shelby looked at Rachel.

Lunch went by and while the girls went to play again in the playroom with Shelby to digest before jumping around on the trampoline, Judy and Cassie did the dishes. Cassie insisted she'd take care of everything but Judy felt it was the least she could do as they've already done so much in her eyes. She has been so used to doing everything because of her ex husband it's hard to break the habit.

When the dishes were finished and the girls, more so Quinn, had digested enough they all went downstairs. To say Judy was once again star struck seeing Shelby's Tony Award in the piano room was an understatement but then seeing the dance studio, foam pit, and trampoline in the next room she was completely blown away; she also knew Quinn would never want to go home.

Luckily Quinn still takes a nap midday so she'd wipe herself out and have a great nap in a little while but for now, the girls were free to bounce. Quinn's eyes went wide seeing the trampoline and immediately asked her mommy if they can have one too.

Even though the houses in the neighborhood all look the same and are pretty much designed the same, their interiors are obviously very different depending on the styles of the home owners. Judy is still redoing the playroom to make it a better place for Quinn but a trampoline seems to be a bit much.

She told Quinn maybe they'd get a small one and maybe a big one for outside when it gets a little warmer to which Quinn accepted especially when Shelby said they could come back over to play often. She said often knowing right now visits from anyone besides nana, papa, along with her aunts and uncles took a lot out of the baby.

Rachel was used to seeing nana and papa during the week, an aunt or uncle certain days too because of their work schedules but not her cousins all the time and not her new friend. Shelby kept reminding herself nothing happens overnight and Rachel has made so much progress already and continues to daily.

Shelby loved watching the girls interact—she was very surprised when Rachel let Quinn take her hands as they bounced and made sure Cassie was snapping pictures as once again, she didn't know where her phone was. Possibly upstairs on her nightstand, maybe in the bathroom from when they were getting ready earlier and listening to music, either way she didn't have it on her.

The giggles, squeals and laughs were music to the adults ears. Judy would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous to come over knowing how loud and enthusiastic Quinn can get especially when she's excited which she was for today; her worries faded when the girls started to play together in the playroom and completely dissipated as the day went on.

Rachel's first playdate was such a success and everyone was beyond happy. Cassie and Shelby truly enjoyed Judy's company and vice versa; they were excited the girls seemed to be so close already especially with Rachel's shy nature and couldn't wait to do it again.

Cassie played with the girls in the foam pit and Rachel watched as Quinn jumped in without a fear in the world, not waiting to make sure Cassie would catch her. She knew she wasn't ready for that but thought one day it would be fun because her new friend can do it. They then went back to the trampoline and bounced around until Rachel threw herself into Shelby's arms and rested her head on mommy's shoulder.

Quinn wasn't far behind although she didn't throw herself like Rachel did, she just slowed her bounces and Judy was the one to scoop her up with zero protest. The girls had completely worn themselves out which was too cute.

A quick goodbye wave from each girl later, a proper goodbye from the adults and the Fabray's were off, crossing the street back to their home for naptime as Rachel tugged on Shelby's shirt because gosh forbid she have nap time without mommy's milp.

That being said, Shelby knows the benefits, nutrients, and safety of nursing and will honestly be very upset when they eventually stop; however, that doesn't seem to be anytime soon which makes Shelby feel better.

As Rachel nursed, Cassie read a story and then Shelby sang the baby to sleep once the story was over and her eyes fluttered shut. One last picture was taken by Cassie to make sure the entire first playdate was properly documented which Shelby thought was adorable. Cassie seems to be taking her photography to the next level along with her picture books to make sure they don't miss anything.

"Goodnight princess, have sweet dreams," Cassie said with a kiss to Rachel's temple.

"I love you baby girl, mommy is so proud of you," Shelby smiled giving Rachel a few kisses before putting her in the bassinette.

To say Rachel's first playdate was magical would be underplaying how amazingly well it truly went—she had such a great time with her new friend Quinn and it was absolutely adorable to see them interacting together.

It also seemed to really help Rachel learn even more which was great; not that Shelby was trying to use another toddler to teach her daughter, but it comes with the territory when little ones interact, they learn from each other. More so Rachel learned from Quinn but that's to be expected.

Judy had already sent a thank you text expressing not only her gratitude but how much fun they both had which was very sweet. Apparently Quinn was sound asleep before Judy even opened her front door, the little one had wiped herself out just like Rachel did.

While Rachel was sleeping it gave Cassie and Shelby some alone time where they made sure everything was put together in the house even though it was never messy to begin with and then watched an episode of mindless TV to relax.

Shelby was getting much better with having new people over because as much as it took out of Rachel, Shelby also felt it in a different way due to how the baby reacted and the strength she needed to help her daughter through it.

Even with her family it was tiresome because the first time meeting anyone was hard for the baby—Rachel was getting better though and because of that, Shelby didn't feel so drained afterwards.

Relaxing with Cassie was great though and it definitely refueled her energy for when her little peanut wakes up; they suspect nap time will be longer than usual though because those two girls truly tuckered themselves out.

While relaxing, Shelby's phone rang—she had found it on the nightstand when they put the baby down for a nap and luckily took it downstairs as the volume was on.

Seeing Detective Rollins name pop up on the caller ID made her a bit nervous. It's true they have texted multiple times since the move and Shelby has spoken with Arizona as well but Amanda usually just sends a text so this was different.

"Hey Amanda," Shelby answered a bit hesitantly.

"Hi Shelby," Amanda greeted. "How are y'all doing? How's the little cutie?"

"We're doing well and Rachel is truly thriving which makes me very happy. How are you, not working too hard are you?"

Amanda laughed a little, "Well, you know me. The work never ends but I'm doing well. The reason I'm calling, actually, before that is this an okay time to talk? Is the baby with you or is she down for a nap?"

"She's sleeping, Cassie is here with me though should I put the call on speaker phone?" Shelby asked, Cassie now worried as well hearing her girlfriends voice change a bit in demeanor scooted even closer.

Knowing the two shared everything Amanda said that would be for the best and once she and Cassie exchanged their own hellos, she shared the news. "I have been keeping up with your case…even though it's closed," Amanda was glad she couldn't be seen because for some reason she felt herself blushing at that statement; typically she closes a case and that's it but this case really stuck with her.

"I found out this morning that Hiram was involved in a prison riot," Amanda paused when she heard two gasps. "It seems the riot broke out because multiple prisoners found out what he was in for and that resulted in his death."

"Oh gosh," Shelby breathed out. Honestly she didn't really know what else to say at the moment.

"You will never have to worry about him again Shelby, he's gone. I went and saw the body myself to make sure." Amanda wasn't sure how Shelby would take the news; she has such a kind heart and even though this man put her daughter through hell and back, Amanda wasn't so sure she'd be 'happy' he was dead the way her over protective brothers and father would be.

Cassie could tell Shelby was trying to find something to say but she was also processing a lot of feelings at once. There were tears streaming down her face however Cassie knew they weren't because she was sad the bastard was gone—hell, all the Corcoran's wanted to get their hands on him but Shelby was clearly focused on her daughter and knowing she'd forever be safe was something she couldn't put into words right now.

"Thank you so much Amanda, you're truly an amazing detective and we're lucky to call you a friend," Cassie said as she wiped Shelby's tears away. "Maybe when it warms up a bit you can take some vacation days and visit," Cassie continued trying to change the subject.

They truly did think of both Amanda and Arizona as friends with the help they've provided, the above and beyond lengths they've gone…just everything they have done for Shelby and Rachel. They have spoken with Amanda about coming for a visit because it was evident Katherine had already taken Amanda under her wing; the blonde had opened up a bit about her childhood with the grandparents when Shelby was upstairs with Rachel and Cassie was working.

They shared the story with Shelby and Cassie who already had a soft spot for Amanda and knew she was genuine—it's hard to tell because of who Shelby is, but she's a good one and for that they are very grateful.

Shelby was listening to Cassie and Amanda talk while she composed herself then made eye contact with Cassie letting her know what she was going to do. The blonde already assumed as much but it's nice to be told in their own way. Shelby interrupted quickly, "Thank you so much Amanda, I have to go check on Rachel but we really would love for you to come when the weather is warmer."

Amanda didn't even get a reply in before Shelby went up the stairs. She closed the door to their bedroom and took Rachel out of her bassinette holding her close as she settled in bed with the baby in her arms.

She felt safe since Hiram has been put behind bars but there was always this 'what if' fear she's had and now it feels like another weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Whatever plans, if Hiram made any with someone on the outside would die with him because he has only made calls to his lawyer whom Amanda already did a background check on.

Shelby breathed a sigh of relief—she wouldn't say she's happy Hiram was dead because that just sounds wrong in her mind…relieved, no longer paranoid about the unknown, no reason to fear for her daughters safety again: ever…those would be better ways to describe how she was feeling right now.

Shelby isn't sure what will happen when Rachel gets older—to tell her or not to tell her seeing as she might not remember one day. Also, technically her biological father died when she was just a baby. They have a long time before any of those questions would ever come from Rachel herself anyways; plus, she's extremely content with it just being mommy and her Tassie.

Either way, all Shelby cares about is her daughters happiness.

Rachel woke up from her two and a half hour nap extremely happy and ready to play. She was super excited waking up on top of mommy because she doesn't remember falling asleep like that but it's so much better being in mommy's arms.

Not a second goes by when they are home where she doesn't want to be constantly active and Shelby assumes it's because Hiram didn't let her do anything at all, kept her isolated, and there was nothing stimulating about the room where she was in besides her precious giraffe that often got taken from her.

Shelby peppered kisses all over the baby to shake out the negative thoughts before a quick diaper change and then they were off to find Cassie and play. While walking down the stairs Rachel yelled in the cutest little voice, "Tassie wae ah oo? Tassie? Tassie?"

It was just too precious. Cassie appeared at the bottom of the stairs giving Shelby and Rachel the time they needed together after the phone call with Amanda, more so Shelby, and when the baby saw her she squealed in happiness. "Me Tassie!"

"Here I am princess," Cassie smiled. "Did you have a good nap?"

"N-ap wif mommy Tassie!" Rachel giggled.

"No way! You had a nap with mommy? You're just the luckiest little princess ever aren't you?" Cassie tickled her little tummy as Shelby had made her way down the stairs by now and Rachel threw her head back laughing.

"Pay me Tassie, me an mommy donna pay!"

"Of course I'll play with you two, that's my favorite thing to do!" Cassie winked at Shelby as Rachel's smile widened.

Cassie could tell Shelby had shed a few tears but was composed as ever now that Rachel was awake. Later tonight they'd make a phone call to Katherine and Thomas to let them know the news and then the siblings but for now, it was time to play.

It was drama free, smiles and laughs only time which was an absolute favorite in the Corcoran household.

Thinking of a possible time jump to warmer weather? Also where Rachel is more comfortable with her cousins, Quinn and possibly some other things.