:: CHAPTER 13 :: THE HEART GETS ::
Everything that happened over the course of the next few hours took place in a frenzied blur. They knew a certain amount of multitasking would be required to make the rest of the day a success. As they walked hand in hand out of Central Park, they each started putting their next steps in motion.
First, they told their parents. Bringing all of them up to speed on the complete one-eighty that was their lives now seemed kind of paramount – especially if things were going to work out according to the new plan. All four parents were jubilant and sounded extremely relieved (particularly Rachel's fathers).
She asked her fathers to talk the Rabbi (whose schedule should've been clear, since he was meant to attend her now-failed-wedding reception) into meeting them in the park under their oak tree at 5 pm.
Meanwhile, Finn listened as his mom cried (happy tears, of course) and squealed excitedly into the phone – then made him put Rachel on speaker so she could continue crying while telling her how much she loved her and how happy she was for the both of them and how it was SO about time.
Finn finally managed to get both of his most beloved women off the line so he could speak to Burt for help with the most important part: an expedited marriage license. Since Burt was close friends with the borough's City Clerk, it was a matter of calling in a favor on a Saturday.
Next, they hailed a cab to Rachel's (soon-to-be former) condo, asking the driver to wait while she changed out of that ridiculously large, poofy (and rather uncomfortable) tulle ball gown. While he waited for her to come back outside, Finn sat in the cab and contacted Kurt for help with a special task, one requiring his particular expertise: his own new wedding attire.
Finn decided he was NOT about to say I do to the girl of his dreams in a tuxedo rented for the purpose of seeing her marry another man. During a brief (but slightly heated and sometimes ear-piercing) phone discussion, he tasked Kurt with finding a suitable new outfit for him, giving only a few explicit instructions (no top hats, tails, feathers, frills or cummerbunds, and nothing glittery, overly formal or stuffy). Kurt insisted he knew the exact perfect FINN look for an in-the-park nuptials event, and departed with Blaine in tow for a quick trip to Nordstrom's.
While Kurt and Blaine tackled the groom's attire, Finn and Rachel made two more stops.
One was to the first open jewelry store they found to purchase wedding bands. Although Finn had really wanted to get her that big diamond he was eyeing, she'd insisted it was unnecessary today, citing that he already had his finances tied up in the bar and she wouldn't allow him to splurge on something so expensive and frivolous on her behalf – although she loved him for the sentiment. Besides, she'd already fallen in love with a matching set of infinity bands which Finn also agreed was perfect for them.
The next stop, however, came as quite a shock to Rachel. Seems while she was changing out of that dreaded ball gown, Finn made one other call ahead of their arrival to their second destination. That must've explained why, as they walked through the door, their original sales attendant Zoe greeted them with a loaded garment bag brandishing the signature Kleinfeld's logo and a tag labeled HUDSON hanging from it on a rack beside her.
Rachel's wide eyes focused suspiciously on the tall handsome man clinging to her left hand. "Finn... exactly what did you do?"
His endearing boyish grin said it all as he tugged her closer to him. He brushed the hair away from her deep ebony eyes as he gazed lovingly into them. "Bite-Size, I could turn you loose in here and wait twenty minutes while you go pick out a new dress if that's what you really wanted, but we both know the one you are supposed to wear today – the one I know you secretly wanted and were hoping to wear." He leaned closer and added with a wink "And now I know it just wasn't him you really wanted to wear it for... Besides, you already know my opinion of you in that dress."
Rachel's heart skipped a beat. She felt the heat of blush along with her coy smile spread across her face as the memory of their last shopping trip here flooded her mind; her best friend and amazing fiancé (her fiancé!) knew her oh so well. Still, she couldn't help but worry about that old wives' tale. "But you've already seen me wearing it, Finn, it's bad luck!"
"I don't buy into those superstitions, Rach... the future is what WE make it, babe. Besides, that was months ago and it wasn't our wedding day then."
While he might have a point, it still didn't quell the guilt she felt about Finn spending so much money on her, especially at the last minute. "But that gown is so expensive Finn, it's just–"
"Worth every last fucking penny to see my sexy bride in it," he muttered huskily in her ear as he stole a few nibbles from her neck in between his words. "Baby, it's like that dress was made especially for you..." he whispered between small kisses under her ear "and for me to peel you out of it, like the best wrapping paper EVER made."
She cleared her throat and took a small step away from his heated advances to try and shake the lust-filled Finn fog she was drifting in. "Right, we'll take the lace Pnina Tournay mermaid gown please," Rachel announced hurriedly with a bright smile to Zoe, who just smiled back warmly at the couple.
"I'm pleased to hear that, especially since the gown is already paid for, Miss Berry. Was there anything else you needed assistance with today?" Zoe asked.
Rachel turned her slack-jawed expression back to Finn, who simply brought the back of her hand up to brush against his lips as he spoke against her skin, "It was always meant to be yours, Rach... Just like me." Finn's sweet words caused the return of her megawatt smile and her already fluttering butterflies to take flight wildly once again.
Looking at Finn and thinking about all the ways she intended to show her gratitude to him later, she suddenly remembered seeing one particular item back in the bridal negligée section on her last trip here that she'd thought Finn would especially appreciate. Wanting to reward him with a surprise of her own, she gave him a chaste kiss on the lips, asking him to load the gown into the truck and wait for her there.
As Zoe rang up Rachel's impromptu purchase, she couldn't resist commenting "I think you've made an excellent choice, both with the gown and the groom. Congratulations Mrs Hudson, and best of luck to you both."
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
With those few last-minute preparations complete, Finn dropped Rachel and her newly obtained purchases at his parent's home, where Santana, Britt, and Quinn were all awaiting her arrival.
After an unknown number of minutes locked in an endless goodbye kiss (which was only broken when Tana threatened to dump ice water on them both), Finn rushed back to his place to meet Kurt so he could also change, locate his passport, and quickly pack two suitcases and a travel duffle.
Kurt and Blaine were already waiting inside Finn's condo, zhuzhing and steam-pressing their recent acquisitions in preparation for the groom-to-be's arrival.
"Finn Hudson, you owe me big time, for I, Kurt Elizabeth Hummel, have just pulled off nothing short of a MIRACLE!"
"Oh yeah? Think I'll have to be the judge of that. Let's see what you came up with."
With a flick of his hair, Kurt tsked. "Fine, but let me just assure you, Finn, there is positively nothing you can possibly complain about here. I went for a little Johnny Depp chic as inspiration, somewhere between Sweeney Todd and Grindelwald but with a modern twist. I merely subtracted the puffy from the vest and the plaid from the flannel and VOILA! We have Finn Hudson semi-formal yet elegant comfort. And may I also remind you, I pulled this task off in under an hour AND was lucky enough to find said suitable attire in your absurdly large T-Rex-sized measurements OFF THE RACK?"
Looking over the very stylish matte black vest with heather gray tweed undercoat and designer button-down charcoal gray dress shirt with black cuffs and lapel, Finn had to admit he was begrudgingly impressed. The pinstriped black cuffed-leg tailored trousers were also aces and Finn could immediately see what Kurt's vision was all about. After all, he'd always secretly admired Johnny Depp's personal style – although he didn't remember ever sharing that nugget of info with his fashion-obsessed brother.
"This is awesome Kurt, seriously. Yeah, you're right. You did a great job. Thanks, little brother."
Kurt couldn't hide his smile. "Well... You're welcome. It's not every day I get to see two of the most cherished yet FRUSTRATING people in my life decide to finally admit their feelings for one another and O-M-G decide to just UP and get married! I'm very pleased that you like the outfit though. You'll note, I also got you a wallet chain – very rockstar-esque; and while you're no Johnny Depp, I still think you can pull it off. Oh! You can even roll up the sleeves on the shirt to three-quarters if you choose – I'd actually recommend it."
Finn pulled his brother in for a tight bear hug while Blaine stood off to the side, chuckling quietly at the sight of the brothers.
"This is cool dude. You're the rockstar here though, Kurt. I think Rach is really gonna like this outfit... A lot."
"Yes... High praise indeed, coming from the knee-socks and animal print-wearing crowd. Mmmm... speaking of the blushing bride-to-be – TAKE TWO – what have you done with her, and what in the name of Eartha Kitt will she be wearing?"
Finn rolled his eyes slightly at his brother's jabs at Rachel's fashion sense. "Rach is getting ready in her new dress at mom and dad's place with Tana, Britt, and Quinn. So stop getting your designer briefs in a knot. She's gonna look sensational. And anyway, those knee socks of hers were hot."
"Right. Well, especially on the basis of that last remark alone, I know you don't think I'll simply take your word for it, Finnegan. SO. I hope I can trust you to dress yourself. I should be off attending to the bride now."
Finn was still looking over everything Kurt's shopping spree had yielded when added, "Uh...sure, cool. Just know that I'm not wearing this scarf thingy."
Kurt's brow crumpled as he folded his arms across his chest. "It's not a scarf Finn, it's a cravat – and you do not need to tie it; just let it hang loosely around your neck under the shirt collar."
"And that's different from a scarf, how, exactly?"
"UGH! It just IS okay? Really Finn, just this once please do as I say, lest I have to waste precious time explaining to you the importance of accessorization – especially for the sake of the photographs we will all be seeing for the rest of our lives!"
Blaine decided to step in before the entire history of neckwear in men's fashion could come spilling out of the Encyclopaedia Kurt-annica. "Kurt, sweetie, cut the man some slack. He's already had a trying morning and he still has a long night including an international flight to get through."
Finn flashed a brilliant smile. "Thanks, Blaine. And hey man, I wanted to say thanks for taking care of that other stuff with Rachel for me this morning. That was really cool of you, and I'm glad you were there for her."
"Of course, Finn. You know I adore Rachel, and I was honored you entrusted me with the task – even if I had no idea what was happening until it happened."
"Yeah, sorry if I put you in an awkward spot there. I really wasn't sure what was gonna happen either til it happened. Seems like everything worked out in the end, though. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your help."
Finn hugged Blaine, then promised Kurt he would at least TRY the stupid scarf on first, then bid a temporary farewell to his brother and (hopefully) someday brother-in-law.
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
"So Rocket, I thought you and I should have a little girl talk before you take my sloppy seconds and climb Groot like the goofy clueless tree-man that he is."
Rachel frowned at the Latina who'd come up behind her in the mirror unexpectedly. "Hey! Finn is not goofy or clueless! But I really don't think that's necessary, Tana. So... um, thank you anyway?"
Tana rolled her eyes, "Well I do... And you're right. Sorry... I just... I wanted to tell you what a good guy you're getting. Maybe the best of them. Maybe even the BEST of the best of them."
"Yes, I already know that; hence why I am about to marry him."
"Okay Dwarf, I know you know that much."
Santana paused, appearing to be searching for words to say something more, and as Rachel considered the fact that she was talking to Finn's ex-fiancée , a thought suddenly occurred to her. She hesitated before saying what was on her own mind.
"Is it weird, San? I mean, Finn and I, and this... this really fast and unexpected turn of events. It's very sudden I realize... Is it weird for you? Or for your relationship with him?"
"Fast? You think you and Finnocence are moving FAST?" the brunette Latina practically snorted a belly laugh, "Oh honey. I've watched grass grow faster in the desert than the time it's taken the two of you to figure out how to get your shit together and make this thing happen!"
"So then, it's not weird for you? I mean, just a month ago you two were about to be married, so I would understand if–"
"No. It's not weird at all. In fact... truth is, I feel like I maybe owe you an apology, and maybe an explanation."
Rachel's eyes widened. "Whatever could you possibly feel the need to apologize to me about, San?"
Santana looked sincerely at the petite diva and sat both of them down on the end of the bed. "Well, for one thing, for the way I treated you when we were kids. I was kind of a total bitch to you most of the time... well, no, actually I WAS a complete bitch pretty much ALL the time. And you really didn't deserve that. But also, for um... for purposefully interfering with you and Finn."
"Well, thank you, I suppose, for the first part of that... but what do you mean you purposefully interfered?"
Tana let out a long exhale before beginning. "Rachel, I knew you two had feelings for each other all along. Hell, practically everyone knew... But I was selfish and jealous and I used what I could to win him over. I especially feel bad for taking advantage of him that night at Karofsky's post-game victory party. If Finn hadn't been so drunk that night, he might even remember calling me Bite-Size and Rach while I snagged his v-card. For a long time now I've felt like maybe, if I had just left things alone, you two might have ended up together a lot sooner than now."
Rachel took the sultry Latina by the hands. "Oh, no... No, Tana, you can't possibly owe me an apology for the choices Finn made; those were HIS decisions. We each made our own choices – myself included. I never revealed my true feelings to Finn back then either; I played as big a part in our journey as anyone else did. And anyway, I am a firm believer that what's meant to be will be and that things happen as they were always intended. So please don't feel like you owe me anything."
"Que sera sera, huh? Okay, I guess that's fair."
"Yes. But, um... one thing I have been sort of wondering if you don't mind my asking – although you are not at all obligated to answer, is... why exactly did you and Finn call off your wedding? He only told me you both decided you were better off as friends."
Santana found herself a little shocked to learn that weeks later, Finn had still kept her secret – even from his very best friend. She smiled a little to herself thinking what an incredibly loyal, caring friend and standup guy Finn Hudson truly is.
"Right. And he didn't lie to you there. We really do work better as just friends. But I guess I can share with you the real reason why – which also might tie into that earlier apology for the way I treated you. It was because of me ... see, recently I figured some things out about myself, things I was questioning and that I'd been battling within myself, things I was feeling about–"
"About Brittany?" Rachel asked quietly.
Santana looked at Rachel with surprise. "Yyyeah, ah, how'd you know?"
Rachel giggled softly and shrugged one shoulder. "Maybeee... gay dads, gay best friends? Honestly though San, even without that exposure and awareness, I could see it for myself. Anyone paying attention could, really. It's not that much of a surprise."
"Wow. I guess I was the last one to figure it all out, or at least to accept it for myself."
"You know San, I wish we'd been closer, that you would've felt comfortable talking to me about it sooner. But I'm glad you're telling me now. And I'd really like us to be better friends in the future. I mean, I know Finn cares very deeply about you, therefore we'll always be in each other's lives, so..."
"Yeah. I'd like that too, Dwarf. You're not so bad sometimes," Tana said as she bumped her shoulder into Rachel's.
The girls shared a laugh and a hug then Tana added "By the way, this new dress? Yeah, it's WAY better than the last one, like I'd give it a five outta five g-strings rating... like really, muy caliente! Like your groom, it's a 100% total upgrade. And DAMN girl, you've been hiding one SMOKIN' hot little bod under those gawdawful animal sweaters all this time, haven't you? Now I see why Puckerman always called you sneaky hot."
"Oh my god."
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
Kurt and Blaine arrived at the Hudson-Hummel house bearing news. Blaine just hoped Rachel wasn't going to completely freak out when they shared this latest turn of events.
"Diva, honey, we have something to tell you but we need you to remain calm."
"What? Please don't tell me Burt couldn't get the marriage license today?"
Blaine smiled softly. "No, darling that's not it. It's about the Rabbi. Um, he is unwilling to perform your ceremony in the park today."
"What?! Oh no! Why not?"
Blaine reached out and took her hand. "Well, sweetheart, he felt conflicted that you were planning to marry one guy this morning and then a different guy this afternoon, so..."
"Oh god! Well... when you say it like that, it does sound so horribly seedy and scandalous! I should've guessed Rabbi Gerstenfeld would take issue with this request... But Blainey, what are we gonna do? Finn will be so disappointed! He and I really wanted to–"
"RACHEL!" Kurt interjected, "Honey, please just calm down and let Blaine finish!"
"Sweetie, I wouldn't dream of simply bringing you new problems today without also offering solutions. And we have one."
"You do?"
"Yes. How would you feel about me officiating for you and Finn today?"
"Seriously? But.., Blaine, how is that possible?"
"Um... well actually, Burt's City Clerk friend helped out. Turns out it's just a matter of completing a simple form to get ordained, plus a $15 registration fee. And so... The power of New York State now flows through me, Diva," he chuckled then took a bow.
Kurt explained further "Yes, we overheard your dads discussing the Rabbi's refusal to officiate so I quickly looked online to see what the process was to have someone ordained. The process looked simple and Blaine volunteered, so I called my dad and he took care of the form with his friend in the clerk's office."
Rachel squealed and threw her arms around her friend, giddy with laughter. "Oh my gosh, are you serious? Of course, I'd be honored! That is, we BOTH would be – I'm quite sure Finn would agree, too... So, oh my goodness YES Blainey, we'd be so happy to have you marry us today! Thank you – both of you! I love you guys so much!"
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
"Do you, Rachel Barbra Berry, take Finn Christopher Hudson to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"From the bottom of my heart and without a doubt, yes yes YES! I absolutely DO!"
"And do you, Finn Christopher Hudson, take Rachel Bar–"
"HELL YEAH! I've been waiting to say that ever since I first kissed her in that closet!"
Blaine snickered along with all their Glee friends, not missing the slightly confused faces of the four parents in attendance, then cleared his throat and proceeded. "Ahem.. well okay then. So I guess since both of you are in agreement, this is the part where I say that it is with great pride and pleasure by the power recently bestowed upon me on this day by the great state of New York, to finally and officially pro–"
"You're taking too long, man. Get over here, wife!" Rachel giggled blissfully as Finn quickly swooped his large arms around her tiny waist and lifted her off the ground in a soul-scorching, toe-curling kiss.
"-nounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Finchel Hudson!" Blaine finished his statement as the small group around them – including several passers-by who'd stopped to witness the event – laughed and cheered.
Rachel locked her arms around Finn's neck and they both deepened the kiss quickly. After a while, the whistles and catcalls finally got their attention and Finn spun them around twice, finally – yet reluctantly – breaking the kiss as he returned his wife's feet to the ground.
As she beamed a million-watt pearly smile at him, Finn kissed the back of Rachel's hand, smiled his signature half-smile, and leaned down to her ear. "We're married, baby... how does it feel, wife?"
She gazed up at him seductively from under hooded eyes. "I'll be sure to show you my answer just as soon as we're alone, husband."
Finn's eyes darkened and he made a low, part groan, part whine noise in the back of his throat. "Hold that thought..." Then he turned to their friends and family and announced "Rach and I just wanna say a huge thanks to you all for helping us throw this together so quickly today. We'll meet everyone back at The Bite-Size Bar in a little while for refreshments and a quick celebration before our flight. Puck has the keys, feel free to head over there now. Oh! Can someone stop by Pete's Panini shop to pick up the order I called in?"
With that, Finn turned back around to Rachel and swiftly scooped her up bridal style, carrying her off to a horse and buggy that was sitting on standby to lead them out of the park.
As they made their way across the short distance to the waiting carriage, Rachel began kissing Finn's neck and he muttered under his breath "Oh Mrs Hudson, do I ever have plans for you," earning soft giggles and a deep purple love bite over his pulse point from his new wife.
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
The Central Park carriage ride deposited the newlyweds at the park's entrance where Finn's truck was waiting. Once inside the truck and after another long passionate kiss, they departed for Rachel's condo to collect her luggage which had already been packed in preparation for a honeymoon trip to Paris. She just needed to collect her carry-on bag and gather toiletries and other wait til the last minute items that still needed to be packed.
Before luggage and travel concerns took precedence, however, they both had other much more important matters to attend to... other much hotter, steamier, eleven years in the making important things that just couldn't wait not one second longer.
The moment they were inside the condo, Rachel locked the door and suddenly found herself pinned flush between it and all six feet three inches of her new husband, who was already reaching behind her to undo the lace corset of her gown while pressing hot wet kisses along the column of her neck.
"Turn around," he ordered. "I don't wanna ruin this pretty dress by ripping it off you since I think we're gonna have lots of use for it in the future." She blushed and giggled but did as he commanded.
Rachel reveled in the feel of Finn's large rough fingers as they unlaced the corset with painstaking care and his warm lips that pressed tender kisses onto each new inch of exposed skin on her back. As his right hand worked the laces loose, he slowly moved his left hand around her side, sliding it up her ribcage and coming to a stop over her left breast. Rachel felt the heat pulsing out from her core as tingles danced through her entire body. She reached her left arm up behind her and clutched at his shoulder until he finally reached the end of the ribbon and gently tugged down the zipper below it.
While still standing behind her, he carefully helped her free her arms from the sheer sleeves and peeled the delicate material down her torso, exposing her braless chest. He took a moment to drag his tongue along her bare shoulder, nipping and softly kissing his way back up the side of her neck while cupping both breasts in his large warm hands, kneading the soft flesh there and enjoying the sounds of her breathy moans as his calloused thumbs tapped and tweaked at the stiff peaks they found there.
As Finn's hot mouth found the junction of her neck and shoulder, Rachel's right hand reached back to his muscular thigh, allowing her palm to slide upward to the source of the hardness that was pressing against her backside. Her fingers moved along his rigid length searching for the button and zipper enclosing it while his bites along her neck became more urgent.
"God Rach, baby... I need you... Now." he growled in her ear. She whimpered back, "Then take me, husband, I'm all yours." With one last gentle tug from Finn and a little help from Rachel, she shimmied the rest of the way out of the lace and satin barricade til it pooled at her feet, then turned around to face him. He instantly reached down with both hands to grab her by the backside and hoisted her off the floor. Her legs automatically tied around his waist, strappy white stiletto heels digging into his buttocks at the same time as his lips crashed hungrily down on hers. "Guest room" she muttered between deep kisses.
Without hesitation, Finn carried her to the smaller bedroom down the hall. While her fingers worked on undoing the buttons of his shirt, Rachel's tongue licked a stripe across his collarbone, up along his neck, and across his jawline to find his earlobe. She already had his shirt half-pushed off his shoulders by the time they reached the doorway. Once over the threshold, he kicked the door shut behind them, then took the last few steps to gently drop her down on the waiting queen-size bed.
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
"Sooo, Finchel knows they're supposed to make an appearance here before they fly away tonight, right?" Mercedes asked.
Brittany cocked her head slightly. "Finchel can fly?"
"No sweetie... She means before they leave for JFK," Tana corrected.
"Oh. Isn't he dead though?" Britt whispered to Tana.
"As a doornail, Britts." Upon seeing the blonde girl's still-confused face, she added "I'll explain later."
Mercedes shook her head and giggled at Britt then looked back to the collective group. "All I'm saying is, we've been waiting here over an hour. This is Finn's bar after all, and we did go to all the trouble of decorating it up for them on the fly."
Britt looked at Cedes intently and remarked, "I didn't decorate any flies... In fact, I haven't even seen any. I think they're already hibernating for winter now that it's colder outside."
Santana just shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Oh, honey. No. Just no."
Artie laughed, "Aaaanyway ... to address the original concern... they're not really that late yet, Cedes. I mean, give them a break. Like, this is a MAJOR deal, guys. Think about it. They've gone for years in denial leading up to this very moment. We're talking over a decade of repressed feelings coming uncorked. No doubt they've already started the honeymoon, yo!"
He reached out to slap Mike's waiting high-five, who added "Right! I know that's exactly what I'd be doing if I were Finn!"
That remark earned Mike a slap to the back of the head by Tina. "Hey! These are our friends we're talking about! You know, we should actually be taking bets on the number of visible hickeys they'll show up with."
"Asian Number One, you are by FAR my favorite Asian!" Puck chimed in with a fist-bump to Tina. Ignoring Mike's frown, he added "I've got $10 on six – my man Huddy is like a human Hoover."
"I'll attest to that," Santana held up her beer in a mock toast, then side-eyed Puck. "A bit interested in how you'd know that little nugget of intel though, Puckerman."
Puck shrugged, "I've seen his past handiwork on you back in the day."
"Dammit Puck! What's wrong with you?" Quinn punched him in the arm. "Anyway I was gonna go with six... so I guess I'll take lucky number seven instead."
"Think I'll go with two... and one of them might end up being a slap mark. I don't think our pristine little Diva will approve of being marked up like that," Mercedes chuckled.
"You shitting me, Cedes? Don't you remember her drunken basement trainwreck extravaganza senior year? Girl gets all grab-ass-y when she's happy and horny." Puck retorted.
"And drunk; you forgot drunk, Puck – which, right now, I sincerely doubt she is yet," Cedes corrected.
"Sure she is. She's drunk on Hudson's sweet sweet lovin'," Puck cackles, earning another punch from Quinn. "Ow! Dammit Q, cut it out!"
"No, YOU cut it out! I mean really, do you have to behave like that constantly? Our child is going to end up scarred for life or in military school before kindergarten at this rate."
"Hey, that's gotta be better than juvie, trust me," Puck winked at his wife, who simply rolled her eyes.
At that point Blaine and Kurt joined the group, having just arrived behind Kurt's parents. Blaine smiled and looked around the table suspiciously. "Hey guys! So.., what are we doing?"
"We're betting on the number of visible love bites on Finn and Rachel – if they finally ever get here," Quinn says with a smirk.
"EW gross! That's my BROTHER, not to mention my newly minted sister-in-law you're talking about! I'm out!" Kurt plugged his ears as he spun on his heel and headed back to help Carole unbox the wedding cake they'd just picked up from Beistial Bliss Bakery.
Blaine snickered at his retreating boyfriend. "Yeah, ah, I should probably go see to him and get the karaoke machine out of the car," then turned back to the group and whispered, "but put me down for four."
Santana finished her beer and then sweetened the pot. "I'ma throw down an extra $10 says Lurch is the one covered in the visible hickeys while the Hobbit's will be in less than noticeable places. I trained Finnocence well before I returned him to the wild, and I think after all this time Berry'll wanna mark her territory – well."
"Wanky!" Tina laughed.
"And exactly how are we supposed to confirm hickey placement, whether visible or not – more specifically, the not?" Sam asked with a waggle of his brow.
"I have my methods, Trouty; don't you worry your pretty little bleached head about it. A girl never reveals her secrets." Tana replied as she blew him a kiss.
"You're gonna follow Rachel to the ladies' room and peek over the stall while she's peeing, aren't you," Tina giggled.
Puck grimaced. "Well, I sure as hell ain't volunteering for Finn patrol if that's the method, just letting you know now."
"NOT IT either!" Sam called out.
While Artie started drawing up a chart for the pool, Sam leaned over and said "Put me down for five, all on Finn. I'm betting Rachel's pretty wild in the sack."
"Hey, I've got another $10 that says Princess will be walking funny when she gets here, any takers?" Puck said, throwing his extra cash down in the center of the table.
"Wanky! But seriously? You're a sucker if you take that bet." Looking around at all the deer-in-the-headlight faces staring back at her, Santana clarified, "What? Finn's packing the goods, all I'm sayin', so a little hitch in the Hobbit's giddy-up is an inevitability."
"Well damn, this conversation seems to be taking quite an awkward turn... think I'll go help Blaine with the karaoke machine," Sam said.
"Yeah, thanks for the overshare, Tana. Hey Sam, wait for me!" Mike called out, running to catch up.
"Wimps! What'd I say? Hell, you guys spent how many years naked in a locker room together. S'not like this is classified information or anything."
"Wanky!" Britt smiled.
"The Finnster isn't really all that, Lopez," Puck scoffed.
"Pfft! You forget, I've seen how the sausage is made, Puckerman. Literally. You really wants me to draw you a diagram and start making explicit comparisons? 'Cause trust me, I KNOWS ya don't! And believe me, that whole BIG FEET saying? It ain't a myth. Say, what's your shoe size again, Puck?" Tana smirked.
Tina, Mercedes, Britt, and Quinn all sat in silence while visibly shaking from suppressed laughter.
"Aw screw you guys. I'm gonna go help Porcelain and Mama H-squared in the kitchen," Puck said as he sulked away, calling back over his shoulder "And for the record I have big feet for my build!"
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
With their chests still heaving and breath still ragged, his spent body slumped into her shoulder. He inhaled deeply just enjoying the combined smell of her shampoo and perfume and sweat. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and she tightened her arms and legs around him, preventing his withdrawal from breaking their connection. "Stay," she breathed out. "Forever," he murmured into her skin and tightened his grip around her.
After a few beats, breathing more evenly, he balanced his weight on his elbows and lifted his head from the crook of her neck to place sweet kisses all over her face, then stopped to gaze into her dark loving eyes.
"I've dreamt about this day for so long... I swear, you're the most amazing, beautiful woman I've ever seen. I love you so much, Rachel Hudson. Thank you for today, for taking a chance on me, on us. I'm gonna spend the rest of my life loving you and making you as happy as you make me."
With tears collecting in her eyes she wiped the sweat-dampened hair from his brow with the palm of her small hand and beamed at him. "Oh Finn... baby I feel like the luckiest girl alive. Today my dreams came true, too... I got to marry my best friend and the sexiest man on the planet. I love you, Finn Hudson, so so very much. I can't wait to start our future together."
After another fifteen minutes of cuddling in their afterglow, Rachel looked at the clock and groaned. "We really need to get going, honey... everyone is waiting for us and we have a flight to catch later. Let's get a quick shower and change. You go first, I have a few things I still need to pack."
"Y'know, we could save time if we showered together," he said, waggling his brows lasciviously.
She giggled "No way mister, we'd end up missing our party! Save it for Paris, baby. I promise it'll be worth the wait." He pouted but kissed the tip of her nose and headed off to the shower alone.
Meanwhile, Rachel headed to the master bedroom and gathered up the last few essentials. She knew the daunting task of clearing the rest of her belongings from this apartment was going to have to happen once they returned, but she and Finn still needed to decide on their final living arrangements too. Until they could find a new place that was theirs together, for now, they decided she would move into Finn's apartment.
Rachel's thoughts of packing and house hunting were interrupted by a ringtone she didn't recognize, nor did she remember bringing her phone into the master bedroom. Following the sound, she realized it must be Jesse's phone that he'd somehow forgotten here. Seeing an international number flash on the caller ID, she decided to answer the phone.
An automated message played in a French accent. "Allô! This is Clinic Genolier calling to confirm the appointment of Madame Rachel St James for Tuesday at 10 am for consultation with Dr Letessier. Please bring any reference photos for desired results with you. To confirm this appointment please press 1, to cancel press 3, to reschedule please contact our office at..."
Doctor's appointment? Reference photos? For HER?
What. The. Hell.
Rachel immediately reached for the laptop on their desk and logged into Jesse's account. She hoped she was wrong but this phone call seemed to prove otherwise. Her suspicions were soon confirmed when she typed the clinic's name into the search bar of a web browser, finding that they specialize in plastic surgery. In Switzerland!
She then quickly logged into Jesse's email account, finding a number of emails exchanged with the clinic. In addition to these, she found emails between Jesse and the investors, the director, and the playwright for the West End project. As she skimmed through message after message her blood pressure crept higher and higher.
"Are you fucking serious?" she muttered to herself, then repeated it once again in a scream, not realizing Finn had appeared right behind her, clad in only a towel wrapped around his waist and now completely panic-stricken.
"Whoa, Rach, babe what's going on, are you okay?"
"Am I okay? Am I OKAY? No, I certainly am NOT!" Rachel banged her fist into the desk. "That son of a bitch! He actually made an appointment for me to see a doctor at some Swiss plastic surgery clinic!"
Finn immediately felt a surge of rage flood his system. "You're kidding me, right?"
"Oh I wish I were Finn... but that's not the worst of it. There's so much more... and I suppose you were right, too. He's been LYING to me all along! ALL the times he's suggested that the director wanted me to have that breast enhancement surgery? Well, that's all a fallacy, a total machination of his imagination! It's been HIM forcing the idea on me the whole time! In fact, he even asked them to delay the pre-production schedule to allow for my recovery, saying that I wanted to get a few touch-ups before making my big stage debut! But there's an email here from the director asking just how much work I planned to have done and insisting they LIKE my current looks as-is, feeling it will lend more credibility to the character – which by the way, is being written FOR ME to begin with! And... from the looks of this one email exchange here, it seems they didn't even WANT Jesse involved in the play at all. He's been making deals to get himself involved in the project, saying that I wouldn't agree to work with them unless he was included too!"
"What the fuck?! I'm gonna beat the shit out of that little bastard so bad, HE'S gonna need plastic surgery by the time I'm done with him!" Finn growled.
Rachel jumped up from the chair and grabbed Finn's forearm soothingly, sliding her tiny hand down his arm to hold his large one. "No, Finny, please don't. He's just not worth it... besides, if anyone gets to kick his ass, it'll be ME."
Finn chuckled and took her in his arms, placing a soft kiss on top of her head. "That's my beautiful, strong girl. As long as I get to watch."
Rachel snuggled into Finn's chest and took a few deep calming breaths, but after a few beats, she felt hot wet tears slipping down her cheek. "I just can't believe it... I guess he really didn't love me after all, did he? He was only using me. I feel so stupid for ever even–"
"Hey, hey hey baby girl," he cut her off and tipped her chin up to look her in the eye. "To hell with him, Rach. He's not worth the salt in your tears. Frankly, I'm glad he couldn't appreciate what he had. And you are the farthest thing from stupid Rach... He's the idiot. That dumbass just let the most gorgeous, perfect woman in the world escape his grasp, and now thanks to his stupidity I get to call her my WIFE forever."
"God I love you, Finn. You always know just what I need to hear, don't you?"
He chuckled softly and leaned down to place a sweet kiss on her lips. "Not usually, no... but sometimes I get lucky."
"Honey I promise, you'll be getting plenty lucky by this time tomorrow. Over and over," she said as she deepened the kiss.
Finn groaned then slid his hand down her back and rested it firmly on the curve of her ass. "You're killing me, woman. And if you don't move your sexy little hiney to the shower pretty soon I'm gonna have to have my way with you again right here and now, then we'll miss our goodbye party AND our flight. Now get cracking babe!" He swatted her on the rear end and she squealed on the way out of the room.
By the time Rachel finished her shower, she emerged fully dressed in a lovely white sundress with a dark purple cardigan, only to find a half-naked Finn still perched in front of the laptop at the desk. He had managed to get partially dressed but curiosity gripped him and he was still sitting shirtless while reading through the emails Rachel had described. It was pretty clear to him that St Jerkoff was exactly the snake Finn believed him to be from the start. Still, he hated being proven right since it came at Rachel's expense.
As he read through all the emails, not only had Finn seen the evidence of Jesse's breach of Rachel's trust with respect to her looks and the London project, but he dug a little deeper and found something even worse which Rachel still seemed unaware of... Emails between Jesse and his assistant Janelle seemed to be irrefutable proof that Jesse was in fact also cheating on Rachel. Finn felt like throwing up when he read the message to Janelle describing her perky breasts and perfect ass and the taste of her still lingering on his tongue.
Rachel's self-esteem was already in such a fragile state thanks to this douchebag's constant harping on her about her appearance and her talent; how on earth would she handle knowing this last bit of horrific betrayal?
Finn was still debating internally about telling Rachel what he'd found when he felt her presence followed by her touch. Rachel quietly sidled up behind him, sliding her hands along the plane of his broad smooth shoulders before he spun around in the chair and pulled her onto his lap, losing himself in her languid kiss. They were lost so deep, in fact, that they hadn't heard anyone else enter the apartment, and they certainly hadn't heard anyone in the room with them. That is, not until a throat cleared behind them.
"Well isn't this cozy?" Jesse sneered.
They both looked up at the same time to find Jesse leaning in the doorway, arms folded in front of him, just watching.
"Cliché," Jesse scoffed at them. "Dead man" Finn muttered under his breath.
Rachel pressed a hand on Finn's chest. "Honey, why don't you grab the rest of your things and finish getting dressed in the bathroom? If you wouldn't mind loading my luggage and waiting for me out at the truck, I'd appreciate it. I promise I won't be long."
"Rach babe, I don't think I like the idea of leaving you alone here." Finn pleaded.
"I'll be okay, Finny. And I'm not alone. You'll be right outside." She tried to reassure him soothingly and placed a sweet kiss on his cheek as he stood up and grabbed his shirt off the bed.
As he moved past Jesse in the doorway, Finn's eyes locked on the shorter man, his nostrils flared and his jaw clenched along with his fists. This caused Jesse to retreat suddenly and he side-stepped Finn by entering further into the bedroom, allowing Finn a wide berth. When Finn was completely out of sight, Jesse turned to face Rachel.
"Honey? Babe ...? Well. You certainly don't seem to be harboring any remorse for your abominable behavior today. So? What do you have to say for yourself, Rachel?"
"Jesse, listen. I'm so sorry for the way I walked out on you without warning or explanation today, but I'm not sorry that I left. My only real regret is not listening to my own heart sooner. I should have called this whole thing off long ago."
"You're truly an ungrateful little tramp, aren't you? I opened so many doors for you. I've provided a loving, stable home and brought you into my family... and this is the thanks I get?! Finding you and the Jolly Green Simpleton canoodling in OUR BEDROOM? And taking your luggage away... headed somewhere together, are we, you and your quote-unquote best friend?"
"STOP Jesse! I'm warning you right now! You leave Finn alone and you keep him out of this. You're angry and hurt, and it's ME you're upset with, not him, so let's keep this between us."
Jesse's expression was wild with contempt. "Oh sure, defend your precious meathead! Rachel Berry. Grade A little SLUT, aren't you? Just how long have you been sleeping with him, Rachel, hmm?"
"How dare you! First of all, whatever is going on between Finn and myself is absolutely NONE of your business! But even if it were, you don't get to say ANY of that to me Jesse, especially not now that I know the truth! Yeah, the plastic surgeon you expected me to see next week in Switzerland? They called your damn phone. I thought I made myself crystal clear before, but obviously, you missed the memo entirely! And you know what else I know? I know how LONDON doesn't actually want YOU. They only want ME. You're a liar, Jesse!"
"You little bitch! How dare you go through my personal correspondence? Where is my phone Rachel, hand it over NOW."
Jesse lunged toward Rachel and grabbed her by the wrist. "Let me go, Jesse!"
The timing of Jesse's move couldn't have been more unfortunate, since Finn had just come back in for the remaining load of Rachel's luggage, just in time to hear Rachel cry out.
The next thing Jesse knew he was airborne, being ferried by the throat by Finn's hulking hands and slammed into the nearest wall, where Finn continued to press his forearm and all his body weight behind it into the smaller man's larynx pinning him there, while cocking back the fist of his other arm and holding it imposingly in the air, ready to strike.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY WIFE, YOU LYING CHEATING PIECE OF SHIT!" Finn roared through gritted teeth, his own face mere inches from Jesse's.
"Wife?" Jesse choked out.
"Finn!" Rachel shrilled, then reached over and gently touched the back of his shoulder.
Letting her calming touch ease his fury, Finn released his death grip on Jesse, then watched him slide down the wall into a crumpled pile on the floor, coughing and catching his breath. He then turned around to see Rachel with tears in her eyes. Cradling her head gently in his hands he leaned down to eye level with her and kissed her forehead. "Baby, are you okay? I'm not gonna let him or anyone else hurt you ever again."
She reached up and cupped a hand against his cheek. "I'm okay Finny, I promise. He didn't hurt me, he just scared me for a moment. But please, don't get yourself into trouble because of him."
Jesse laughed dryly from the floor. "How chivalrous. You two think you can save each other? Pity it's too late for that though, darling. He's already in trouble. I've only got one call to make and he'll be ruined. So you may just want to reconsider where your true loyalties lie once and for all. I'm willing to give you one last chance to fix this before it's too late. And what the hell is this WIFE nonsense anyway? What, did you two hurry up and get engaged or something? How pathetic."
Finn spun around and leaned forward, his frame looming large over Jesse, and spat at him "No asshole, we didn't run off and get engaged... we ran off and got MARRIED today. So yeah, you heard me right the first time. Stay the fuck away from my WIFE!"
The moment Finn turned toward Jesse, Rachel clamped her hands around his arm, already anticipating his reaction. "Finn, baby calm down please... Let me?" He nodded to her and stepped back.
"Jesse, this is the part where you need to pay close attention. You are NOT going to do anything to disrupt Finn's life, nor mine anymore. Want to know how I know that? Because I now have copies of your emails, including ones where you insulted the director and the playwright in London. Emails where you conspired to make deals for yourself using my good name and reputation. I'll go public with them Jesse, I'll make sure the entire theater world knows how disreputable and underhanded you really are. I'll deny any knowledge, approval, or involvement in any of this. The fallout from the scandal of the great St James name being dragged through the mud – just based on an accusation alone – will follow you for YEARS, perhaps decades! Your family – your mother will be humiliated and disown you. So you're going to take your goddamned phone now and get the hell out of this apartment until I leave. And you're going to STAY OUT of here until I make arrangements to have my things removed from here, which will be happening soon. When I leave the key behind, then you can return if you so choose. Do I make myself clear this time, Jesse?"
"Sure, Rachel. Whatever you say. But exactly what do you think is stopping me from taking Hudon's business down?"
"You are Jesse. You are stopping you. Because you know as well as I do that in show business, even a RUMOR is enough to ruin a person's career. Do you want to test the waters and find out how well you can swim with the sharks?"
After thinking about it for only a moment, Jesse conceded. "Fine. You win. Now where is my phone."
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
"If it isn't about fucking time then it's way past it! Finally decided to come up for air, eh? C'mon man, I need some kinda details," Puck chortled with a devilish grin and wickedness dancing in his obviously drunken eyes.
"Yeah well, you're not getting any, at least not the ones you're asking about."
"Aw Huddy, why so selfish? We're brothers, man , SHARE! At least tell me if it was worth the wait?" he elbowed his buddy as he waggled his brow.
Finn looked across the room at his new wife and felt a familiar spark ignite deep inside him. An impish grin stretched across his face as he breathed out "Definitely."
Puck chuckled and the underlying innuendo of his meaning was plain. "Well it musta been some kind of truly religious experience for you two to be so fuckin' late to your own damn party here."
Finn frowned remembering the events that took place at the condo which actually made them late – and he only wished they were the ones Puck was insinuating; the encounter with Jesse was more like a nightmare than any sort of spiritual experience.
"That's not why we were late, Puck. St Ass-hat showed up. Alotta shit went down while we were gone dude, you have no idea."
"Oh shit, brother. Did you kick his ass? 'Cause I gotta say, even though I don't know that arrogant little wet shit that well I still woulda loved to be in on that action."
Finn proceeded to explain everything about Jesse's backdoor deal with the investors in London, the secret doctor's appointment for Rachel in Switzerland, and the emails he'd found confirming the affair between Jesse and his assistant.
"Damn. He's really been pulling the wool over Berry's eyes huh? What an dick. And who would've guessed that little douchebag had it in him to keep a piece on the side. I don't even understand how he won Rachel over let alone some side action," Puck snorted.
"Yeah well, I'm torn about telling Rach about him cheating on her. She read most of the emails but I don't think she saw that one, at least she didn't mention it. She's already so fragile now thanks to the shit he's been filling her head with for these past few months, plus everything that already went down tonight. I don't know if she can handle one more piece of bad news involving him... although you should've seen her put him in his place tonight, it was totally HOT."
"Berry gave him the beatdown? Atta girl! Yeah, I sure never like being on the receiving end of her fire and brimstone. But uh, as far as the cheating thing... Dude, I think she has a right to know, don't you?"
"I do.., and yeah, I know she has the right, it's just... look at her over there. She's happy right now. I really REALLY can't stand being the one to take that look off her face."
"Well it wouldn't really be you upsetting her, it's be St Jagoff's own actions."
Finn took a long pull from his beer before adding "I guess that's true. And it's Hudson now by the way, remember? You were there," he said as he jammed an elbow into his buddy's arm.
"Yeah yeah. She'll always be Berry, Hot Jew Babe to me."
"Hey, watch it. That's my wife you're talking about now, Puckerman."
"Yep. You lucky bastard." Both guys chuckled and clinked beer bottles together before taking another swig.
Finn smiled broadly at the sight of Rachel giggling away with his mother and some of the Glee girls across the room. "That I am."
"Finn! Congratulations!" Tina came squealing like a freight train applying its air brakes and pounced into Finn's arms more than a little unexpectedly, throwing him a bit off balance as he caught her. He recovered quickly though as he returned the greeting.
"Uh, thanks, Tina. You seem to be having a good time," he chuckled.
"For sure... hey, looks like you have a little something behind your ear there, c'mere, lemme take a closer look," Tina said as she tugged him down by his collar. She started moving from side to side, examining all the skin above his collar line, at which point Finn looked helplessly at Puck.
"Ah... what's happening right now?"
Puck shrugged. "Some weird Asian freak fetish? Who knows?"
"Shut it Puckerman," Tina threw a death glare at Puck.
"Give it up, Asian Number One. Pretty sure the answers you seek lie below, Chang-Chang. But I ain't about to go confirm that for ya, so don't ask," Puck snorted, grabbing another beer.
Tina huffed, "Well how are we supposed to know who won then?"
"Won what? Guys, seriously, what are we doing here?" Finn asked confusedly.
Just then Rachel came to his side, wrapping herself possessively around Finn's torso and glaring at her friend. "Tina Cohen-Chang, can I ask what exactly you're doing with my man?"
"Rachie! I was just congratulating Finn here... you guys are so cute together. I bet your first dance as a couple was the horizontal Mambo, am I right?"
Tina erupted into a fit of giggles and Puck's beer nearly shot out of his nose. Rachel's face flushed and Mercedes came over to join the small group at the bar.
"Hey white people! ... And Tina. What'd I miss?"
"The best one-liner Chang-Chang's ever thrown down, that's what!" Puck sniggered, "See Tee, that's why you're still my favorite Asian!" He reached out and high-fived her.
"I still heard that," Mike grumbled, joining the group belatedly.
"Did we get a winner yet?" Artie wheeled over with a large fruity-looking drink in hand, complete with a little umbrella.
"A winner for what? What the hell are you guys talking about?" Finn demanded, looking around at all the snickering faces in total confusion.
"Hey Finnessa, do me a solid and drop your drawers for us so I can win the bet," Tana winked.
"WHAT?!" Finn and Rachel exclaimed in unison, "Um, I will not, thank you very much... Now someone tell me what the hell is this bet?" Finn choked out with crimson cheeks.
"Oh, there's several actually," Artie offered, then went on to explain the pool.
Finn and Rachel looked at each other and seemed to be communicating something wordlessly to one another. Finn could tell by the glimmer in her eye, his wife had a plan.
Rachel spoke up first, addressing their group of friends. "So what's the pool up to then?"
"A hundy and sixty-five big ones, baby!" Artie slurred "–but that's just for the hickey count. The side bets are like another fiddy bucks a pop," then he popped a wheelie, nearly spilling his fruity drink on himself.
Finn addressed their already half-toasted friends. "I have two questions. One, how the hell did you think you were gonna confirm the answer, and two, what happens to all that loot when EVERYONE loses?" All the former Glee members looked at each other and shrugged.
Whispering something to her husband and getting his nod of approval, Rachel jumped back in, climbing up on a bar stool with Finn holding her steady. "Listen up, all you miscreants! I will be the judge, jury – and executioner if necessary – in these proceedings."
A collective groan could be heard but Rachel persevered. "While I generally don't condone gambling, as you know, I am still very competitive by nature, and honest to a fault. Would anyone in this room care to challenge me or disagree with these statements?" Seeing all heads in the room either shaking or mumbling a 'no' or ducking out of view, she pressed on. "Good. So we all agree, I have the most fair and trusted opinion in the room. And so, it pleases me to tell you that you ALL lose! Furthermore, since Finn and I were the unwitting innocent subjects of this very rude and intrusive little wager, WE will be collecting the pool from all you losers!" She paused a moment, looking down at her husband's glorious smile beaming back up at her then added, "That is, all except for the $50 take on the side bet that goes to Tana," she winked at the Latina.
"WOOOOO! Suck on THAT, losers!" Santana roared, "See? My Mexican Third Eye never fails me!"
-=xOx=- finchel -=xOx=-
A/N - Sorry for the delay in updates on this one (I'd really hoped to be done with it a month ago!)
The original plan was to end the story on this chapter, but once the writer's block cleared out a little bit, it started getting away from me... so THIS is actually the penultimate chapter of HOF, with one final chapter forthcoming - which is nearly completed - to wrap the story! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE & FOR STICKING AROUND TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY!
Sending all my love and gratitude for the fine beta work of miss SapplingOfaStar, who I still believe is really part robot!
I hope this chapter fulfilled some of your little Finchel fiend cravings; feels like it's been a LONG time coming (and my foggy brain hasn't helped in the wait!) The REAL last chap is very close to finished, the wait for it should NOT be as long, but when it arrives we'll join Finchel on a honeymoon in Paris ... OOO lala! :-D (c'mon now, you really didn't think I was gonna send her off to the City of Love with JSJ did you? LOL)
Also, if you'd like to pop over to AO3 to see them, I've included links and pics of my vision of what Finn's new groom's outfit from Kurt looks like. [bc FFN will NOT allow URLs or phots or even real emojis in their publishing tools - BOO!]
I've heard Cory say in interviews that he'd sort of modeled his own personal style after Johnny Depp (and seriously, can you blame him? JD is WANKY!)... hence Kurt's inspiration in this story. Maybe you'd already caught that little gleester egg ;)
THE FINAL CHAPTER IS COMING... stay tuned little finchelings! XOXO
Thanks for reading & reviewing!