TDAD Book 4: Star Light, Star Bright

by TheSojournReader

I wish I may, I wish I might...make it through the darkest night. Rachel has to fight; for her dreams and for her health. But no one said she can't have a little fun along the way. This is the fourth book of my To Dream a Dream series.

20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

"Rachel?" Kurt cautiously gets her attention.

Frowning, Rachel looks up from brushing Yero. Her dog is shedding heavily in preparation for summer and she's trying to help it along by brushing him. Plus he really likes the attention of being brushed.

"Is something wrong?"

Her brother smiles slightly, contradicting his red rimmed eyes. "No. But you need to see this."

They're supposed to be packing. The school year ended and they'll be heading to Ohio tomorrow. She's ready to go, but wanted to brush Yero one final time before packing his brush. She also left out his service animal vest. Tomorrow, he'll ride next to her on the plane as he always does. The airline doesn't need to know it's not longer necessary. Rachel refuses to crate him and have him with other animals in a cargo hold. Now, she sets the brush down in mild concern. Her brother's red rimmed eyes mean one of two things; either he cried really hard and waited until his face was no longer blotchy to come get her or something upset him enough to make him start to cry but not bring full on tears. Either way, she's concerned.

"Alright."

She pops up and follows him to his room. She rolls her eyes at all the stuff still neatly stacked on his floor but not in his suitcase. Instead, he clearly got distracted by his computer. He has her sit on his bed and places his computer on her lap.

"I've been so busy that I've only been checking my vlog messages like once or twice a month unless I'm posting something. So it's been a while. And we'll be busy prepping for the benefit, so I decided to check it now. Read the message I was sent the last week."

She does. As she reads, her eyes widen and she swallows hard.

"Hi Kurt and Rachel. My name is Catherine. My son, Myron, is 12 years old and has leukemia. I only bring this up because my sister found this vlog and shared it with me. I've spent the past couple weeks watching all of your videos; especially the ones about Rachel's battle with Danton's Aplastic Anemia. After watching them all, I shared them with Myron. He's had a really hard time dealing with his illness and how it has changed his life. He hates missing out on things and being treated differently than his friends. He hates how awful he feels. But watching your videos on this vlog has helped him deal with it all better. Seeing you battle your own life threatening illness as a teenager and stay positive despite the challenges gives him the courage to do the same. He's keeping his head up more. The fact that you suffered so much and came so close to dying so many times and yet never gave up…..it gives him hope for himself. He's hopeful in a way he hasn't been since his diagnosis. The fact that you kept your head up and faced everything as you have and have lived and are living the life you want happily now makes him believe he can do the same. He's fighting back. He's less afraid. Because of you, Rachel. You've inspired him. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that. And thank you Kurt for sharing your story online like this. On a less serious note, he also enjoys the videos of you two (and your friends) singing. Myron has always loved singing and performing, so he felt a connection with you two right from the start."

Kurt handed her a tissue half way through. She uses it to wipe away her tears. When she finishes she half laughs and half cries. She leans into Kurt, needing a hug. He embraces her and lets her get her emotions out.

"He's so young." She says.

Kurt gives her a look. "You were only two years older."

"Almost three." She argues before dropping it. "I had no idea your vlog would have such an impact on people."

"Honestly, neither did I. I started using it to share your battle as a way to….to almost journal it. It was a way for me to vent and deal with everything. A way to cope. But I'm glad it helped someone."

"Thank you for suggesting we use your vlog to talk about my illness from the beginning. Clearly your vlog is inspiring people and that's wonderful."

Kurt is already shaking his head. "Rach, it wasn't my vlog that inspired Myron and possibly others. It was you. Your fight."

She sniffles and sits up. "If suffering as I did was able to help inspire even one person to keep fighting their own battle, it was worth it."

She grabs his computer and starts typing a reply. When she finishes, she turns it to Kurt to read. He finishes and smiles widely.

"Perfect."

She presses the send button.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finn downs his second cup of coffee and walks over to a trash bin to throw away the styrofoam cup. He debates getting a third but doesn't want to be jittery. The cheapest flight they could find was a nighttime flight. It's late. They're all tired. They're going to fly to Columbus, take a taxi to the Corcoran house, and crash there until a reasonable hour. Then their families will come collect them tomorrow. He heads back over to the section of chairs they've claimed as their own at their gate. Rachel is stretched out on a row of seats, her head on Yero, fast asleep. Brittany is asleep with her head on Santana's lap and the Latina looks like she's struggling to stay awake. Finn smirks down at his girlfriend. The only thing that sucks about summer is not getting to live with her. Which also means not getting as much private time with her. They'll find a way, they always do. Still, they made a point of spending the evening in bed. He thoroughly wore her out and is quite proud of himself. Then again, considering he had two coffees and is still tired, she wore him out, too. She'd fallen asleep on him and he'd had to wake her to shower before they left. Hearing the boarding call, he sighs. Finn debates what to do; let her sleep and just carry her onto the plane or wake her up and let her sleep later. Making up his mind, he kneels next to her. He brushes her hair back off her face and lightly kisses her.

"Rach." He nudges her. "Rachel."

She groans and tries to turn her face further into Yero. The dog lifts his head and lets out a low warning growl. Finn pets him. "She has to wake up, Yero. I'll let her sleep later, I promise."

As healthy as she is, there are still times that she struggles to wake up. Especially when she's this tired. He feels guilty for wearing her out, but reminds himself that she literally asked him. Actually, she didn't ask so much as lock her door and jump on him. Still, he feels bad that she's so tired. He lifts her up in his arms, intending to carry her onto the plane. The motion is enough to rouse her. She blinks blearily before looking around. Then she kisses his cheek.

"I'm awake. I can walk."

"You sure? I don't mind carrying you."

"I'm good. And already attracting stares."

She's not wrong. Yero, wearing his service animal vest, already tends to draw some attention. Her sleeping on him drew even more speculative glances. Finn carrying her has nearly everyone in their vicinity at least glancing at them. She got used to it while sick, but she never liked it and isn't sick now. Knowing how much she hates being stared at when she's not performing, he sets her down. She immediately kneels down and coos over Yero, making sure he's okay and ready for the flight. She kisses his head, takes hold of his leash, and leads him onto the plane.

A couple hours later, Finn smiles watching his girlfriend squeal excitedly while running over to hug her grandparents. Yero follows and dances happily around them, waiting his turn for pets. He accepts his own warm welcome, then leads Rachel inside while the others greet the elderly Corcorans. They're directed to different rooms and couches, where they crash for the remainder of the night. Finn didn't expect to get to sleep with Rachel, so he isn't upset that he's directed to the couch in the living room. Rachel and Kurt share the bedroom Rachel usually stays in when she comes here. The others are crammed together in the large attic room, which has two beds and it's own couch. Finn, alone in the living room, wonders if her grandparents will start letting them share a room once they're engaged or if they'll make them wait until they're married. Once the room with his girlfriend and stepbrother goes silent and dark, he sits up. He rifles through his bag and pulls out a black velvet ring box. His heart thuds in his chest and excitement bubbles inside him.

Soon.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rachel stands on the stage addressing the audience, both physical and virtual. They're already well into the benefit. Her mom and the others had been thrilled when she and Kurt had announced the changes they'd be making to today's line up.

"This benefit has always been about raising money for a cure for aplastic anemia. Yes, it started for my own benefit. My loved ones want me to be cured. I want to be cured. I'm thrilled that I'm still in remission, going on two years." She pauses for the applause she knew was coming. "But in doing so, we're not just raising money. We're raising hope. That hope is apparently spreading to other people who suffer different life threatening illnesses. Please welcome a very special guest; Myron."

The young boy, bald and pale but smiling eagerly, bounces onto the stage. He stops beside Rachel and smiles up at her. Between messages and phone calls, they arranged for this to happen in a short time. Myron lives in South Dakota. Rachel paid for him and his parents to fly to Ohio to join them on stage today. Not only did Rachel want to meet Myron in person, but she wanted to fulfill his wish to sing on stage with her. She'd been very flattered when she'd learned that fact. Just from the videos he'd seen on Kurt's vlog, Myron became enamored with her voice. So, Rachel suggested he come and sing on stage with her. He'd been really excited and his parents thanked her graciously.

Rachel takes his hand. "I know what it's like to be a kid struggling just to live. Wanting a normal life and not getting it. Now, sadly, Myron is going through the same thing. He has leukemia. So today, while this benefit is still for raising money for aplastic anemia, a portion of the funds from today will go towards a leukemia foundation."

There's a wave of applause and whistles. Rachel nods to Myron. He's nervous, but agreed to talk. "Hi. I'm Myron. I'm 12 years old and like Rachel said, I have leukemia. I've been really sad and scared about it. I've hated how my life has changed for the worse. But then my mom found Kurt's vlog and all the videos following Rachel's health and everything she went through. It gave me hope. I also like the singing videos 'cause I love music and singing."

There are some chuckles.

"I'm still scared. But…..I'm gonna do what Rachel did and keep my head up and stay positive. No matter what."

He gets a standing ovation for that. He blushes and looks up at Rachel. She grins at him. The music starts and the two sing "Break Free". For the final half of the song, the other members of the New Directions, old and new, join them on stage and sing with them. Rachel even drags Mr. Schue and Sue on stage to finish the song with them. When the song is finished Rachel and Myron are front and center holding hands. The young boy is positively beaming. The audience is on their feet applauding.

It was only when rehearsing this song yesterday with Myron that Rachel had realized he has real talent. She'd also turned to Kurt with a grin and said "He's a younger you!" Her brother had laughed but nodded in full agreement. Myron is flamboyant in an adorable way, just like Kurt was. Kurt is still flamboyant, but in a calmer and subtler way now that he's maturing. After meeting and rehearsing, Rachel had pulled Myron aside for a personal talk. First, she told him that she understands feeling ill and how suddenly you can not feel well. She made it clear that she expected him to be honest with her and it'd be okay to delay their song if he didn't feel up to it. Even mid song, it'd be okay to stop singing and they'd redo it later in the day. She'd understand because she's been there herself. Then she'd given him her personal email and phone number.

"I don't want this to be the only time we really talk. You have two different ways to reach me now. If you need to vent or have questions about how to deal with stuff, reach out. I'm happy to listen to you rant or offer advice. I know your illness is different than what I had, but they were actually quite similar. I sort of know what it's like to go through. Not the chemo, but other stuff. You can talk to me or ask me anything. Got it?"

Chin wobbling, he'd thrown himself into her, hugging her tight. She'd hugged him back just as tightly.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As always, the benefit was a hit. There was tons of solos, duets, small group numbers, and large group numbers. Not only were there members of the New Directions (old and new), but they still get members from the Warblers to join them. Even though every year there are less members that Blaine recognizes, he always sings at least one song with them. And since Rachel's mom is back to helping out with Vocal Adrenaline, she has some of them performing as well. As an added bonus, both Elliott and Lydia were able to join this year. They had games, games with audience participation, and sing-a-longs. Just like they've done in years past, those donating over a set amount could request specific songs. Those who donate even more could even request who sings it. So a bunch of the original crew (and Rachel's Mom and Mr. Schue) were roped into singing specific songs at donor's requests. Other than Myron's presence and song, they did one other new thing this year.

Blaine had had the idea to perform a well known musical but using a mash up of modern songs instead of the traditional songs. And to tell the whole story of the show in under twenty minutes. Which meant not singing full songs, but clips of them. Intrigued, the others agreed. They then spent any free time they had working on it. Which is how the friends ended up on stage dressed like characters from the Wizard of Oz. Rachel played Dorothy, Finn played the Scarecrow, Kurt played the Tin Man, Sam played the Lion, Blaine played the Wizard, Brittany played Glinda, and Santana played the Wicked Witch. Noah said he'd help with choosing songs, but didn't want to be a part of it. Even Yero participated, by playing Toto. That made everyone laugh. They got help from Elliott, Artie, Quinn, Mercedes, Mike, and Tina on choosing lines from modern songs that they could mash together to retell the Wizard of Oz. The only thing Rachel demanded was that they begin and end with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because she insisted it's just not the Wizard of Oz without it. She and Blaine argued over it for a while before he finally agreed that it's a good idea. And, once combined with the other songs, it actually sounded really good. Rachel tried not to be too smug about it.

They performed it at the benefit and it was a huge hit. They had fun performing it and the audience had fun following along with the well known musical but being surprised by the lines from modern songs they used to retell it. It earned them a standing ovation. Mr. Schue eagerly asked if they'd do the same thing with a different musical next year. The friends shrugged and said maybe. If they can. For a lot of them, it's their senior year of college. They expect to be busier than ever.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You did what?! Rachel! How could you!"

Shelby stares in shock at her daughter's exposed skin. They're going swimming at the lake and Rachel put on a bikini. At first, Shelby had been admiring the cute bikini and wondering if Rachel would be mad if she got a similar one. She'd also been trying not to get emotional over how healthy Rachel is. She's tanned and has curves. Shelby is so happy with her daughter's continued health and was trying to keep her emotions under control when she spotted the bit of ink on her daughter's exposed flesh.

"Not just me! Kurt got one, too!" Rachel immediately defends, yanking a shirt on to cover up the tattoo.

"Leave your brother out of this! I'm talking about you and your choices!"

When Shelby moves closer to inspect it again, Rachel moves out of reach looking perturbed.

"It's just a small tattoo! You don't have to freak out over it!"

"Just a tattoo?!" Shelby shakes her head in disbelief. "First of all, tattoos are permanent. Second of all, you are planning on having a career where you're on stage being stared at! You'll be expected to pretend to be a character, not yourself. How can you play a character, pretending to be a different person, when you have a tattoo you can't get rid of?"

Her daughter looks at her like she has two heads. She responds by speaking slowly. "Mom, there is a special type of make up designed to cover up tattoos. There are also special skin colored patches for covering up tattoos. There are ways to cover it up. It's also why I got a small tattoo and why I chose a location that's not obvious! It's low on my waist! It'd only be visible if wearing low cut bottoms and a high top." Her eyes move like she's considering something. "Or no top, but I would try to avoid topless scenes."

That is not a conversation she wants to have with her child right now, so she ignores it and focuses on the tattoo. "Okay, I'll admit I didn't know about the ways to cover them. That's a relief."

Rachel rests her hands on her hips and frowns at her. "Did you really think I'd make a major decision like this without considering all angles?"

Feeling guilty, Shelby immediately backs down. "No. You're right. I should have realized you would never do something without thoroughly planning it out first. Of course you'd look into how it'd affect your career."

"Then why are you so upset about this?" She grabs a glass from the cabinet and fills it with water.

"Because you're still a kid! Making a life changing decision! I just…..I wanted to make sure you really thought it through. I should have realized you would have. I'm sorry."

At this, Rachel slowly sets her glass down and turns to face her again, her expression incredulous. "Still a kid?"

That's something Shelby won't back down from. "Yes! You're twenty! You're still technically a child! My child! Even legally speaking, you are not yet an adult."

Rachel's jaw actually drops. However, instead of responding to her, she grabs her phone off the kitchen table. Shelby's eyes narrow. Her daughter presses a few buttons, then lifts the phone in front of her. Shelby can tell she put it on speaker, meaning she intends for her to listen to the call. When her own mother's voice answers the call, Shelby is immediately on edge.

"Hi, Rachel!"

"Hi, Nana! I just had a quick question."

"Sure thing, pumpkin."

"So, I know Mom has a tattoo…."

Her stomach sinks.

"Yes, she does. What about it?"

"How old was she when she got her tattoo?"

Shelby closes her eyes, bracing herself.

"She was eighteen."

Rachel's resulting grin is sardonic. "Thank you, Nana. Love you!"

"I love you, too!"

She ends the call and stares at her. When Shelby just stands there silently, the grin drops. Rachel glares at her and turns away, walking out of the kitchen.

"Hypocrite." She mutters on her way out.

Shelby winces, knowing she's right. Scott walks in with a big smile.

"I found my goggles!" He spins sideways to make room for Rachel to storm past him. "Whoa. Rach? Everything okay?"

Shelby settles into a chair, realizing they won't be leaving any time soon after all. Scott sets his goggles down and looks at her in concern.

"What happened?"

"Our daughter got a tattoo."

His eye bug out of his head. "She did?! Of what? Where?" Then he frowns. "Why? And why is she upset?"

Shelby bites her lip before responding. "I yelled at her. I pointed out that she's still a child and it's a big decision." The look on his face is telling and her stomach twists even more. He obviously knows about her tattoo and the story behind it. Including how old she was at the time. "I know, I know! I don't need you saying anything about it!"

Scott grabs a powdered doughnut from the box in the center of the table and shoves it in his mouth. He then shrugs, turns one hand up, and uses the other to wave at his stuffed mouth. "Eh-cn-ay-munyfmin."

Her lips twitch. Now he can't say anything. Smart man. But then she blows out a breath. "I need to apologize to her properly. I'll let you know if we're still going to the lake."

He nods.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Her door isn't locked. It's not even shut. Shelby takes that as a good sign. Rachel is sitting on her bed texting on her phone. She doesn't even look up when Shelby enters.

"If you're just gonna berate me some more, please leave."

"I'm not. I'm going to apologize."

"Dad loves Kurt's tattoo, by the way. So does Carole."

Shelby's heart twists. She'd realized a while ago that Rachel only refers to Burt as "Dad" at certain times. In this particular moment, it most likely means she's feeling lost and/or hurt and wants to be loved and accepted. That also matches why her door was still open, even though she's upset with her. Despite all the love and support she's had in her life, the couple years she had with an absent, abusive, alcoholic father traumatized her. It left her needing more obvious acknowledgment of love and support than most kids her age. Not always. But sometimes. Like now, clearly. Her heart twists again. She braces herself and settles on the end of the bed.

"I'm sorry, Rachel. You were completely right. I was being a hypocrite."

She finally sets her phone down. "Why, though?"

Shelby could give her daughter a short, simple explanation that's still honest. And normally she would. However, given that Rachel seems to need a little more love right now, she decides to go with the longer, more emotional explanation.

"I've loved you your entire life. I hated that I wasn't a part of your life for the first fourteen years. Then, when I finally got to have you in my life, I found out how you'd been treated. It crushed me. I was furious and heartbroken. Those men were supposed to put you first and give you everything. And Leroy didn't. Then we found out how sick you were and I was scared and even more heartbroken. I spent years building a relationship with you while simultaneously watching you get more and more sick. Baby girl, I was watching you waste away. It was killing me. I made myself be strong for you. Then you started getting better and even went into remission. It didn't last long. You got sick again and it was physically easier on you but emotionally harder. At first, at least. Then it switched, becoming harder physically while you were doing beautifully emotionally. I was still scared, but so proud."

"Mom, what does this have to do with my tattoo?"

"I'm getting there. I promise. If you think you're dramatic, just remember that you come by it honestly."

Mother and daughter share a short laugh.

"I know you got better. I know you went into remission a second time and have been in remission for two years. I know you've been healthy for two years. I know you want to put your illness behind you, but I can't." When Rachel frowns, Shelby takes her hand. "Honey, every time I talk to you or look at you, all I can see is how far you've come. From the neglected and abused child, the sick and….." she takes a shuddering breath "….and dying girl…..to the strong, healthy, incredible woman you have become. I see it all in a glance. Your incredible growth. Your resilience. Your bravery and courage. I see it and I love it but I still remember your suffering. I still see my little girl. I still want to wrap you in my arms and take it all away like it never happened."

"Even though it made me stronger? Made me who I am today?"

"Yes. Even then. Rachel, you are my baby girl. There will be no point in our lives where I won't see you as my baby girl. No matter how old we are. So while I can see the incredible woman you are, I also still see my baby girl that I want to cuddle. When I saw that tattoo…"

She trails off. Rachel understands.

"You only saw your little girl. Not the woman I am becoming."

"Yes. And I know that getting a tattoo hurts and you've suffered enough."

Rachel grins slightly. "I chose this, though."

"I know. But I'll always hate anything that causes you any sort of pain."

She quirks an eyebrow. "You'll hate your future grandchildren?

Shelby laughs and pulls Rachel into her. "No. That's the one exception."

"Good to know. This also helped me cross off a bucket list item."

That gives Shelby pause. She hadn't thought about Rachel's bucket list in a while. Since she went into remission, if she's being honest with herself. "That's right. I'm happy for you. Can you forgive me?"

Rachel gives a one shoulder shrug. "You knew I was going to."

Her lips twitch. They can't stay angry at one another. She loves that about them. "So, can I see it?"

Finally looking excited, Rachel stands and pulls her shirt up. Shelby leans closer to get a better look.

"It's your ring! Your promise ring!"

"Yeah. Finn refused to give it back and I wanted it. This was the best I could do to replace it. It was also sort of my promise to him."

"Your promise?"

"To never give up on him. To never throw us away. I can't throw this at him when I get angry."

Shelby chuckles. "I suppose not. That's a wonderful tattoo. Honestly, putting aside my earlier feelings, I really love it. I'm sorry I overreacted. But did you know before you called your grandmother that I got my tattoo when I was younger than you?"

"Yes."

"So why didn't you just say that? Why bring my mother into it?" She sees the look her daughter gives her. "Oh. Good point."

"To be fair, it was Uncle Mark who told me how old you were."

"Of course it was him." She grumbles.

"I just wanted Nana to confirm it in front of you. So I know you have three stars on your hip. And I learned a few years ago that you got it when you were eighteen. What do they represent?"

Shelby laughs. "The answer I gave my very angry mother at the time was that the stars represented me, Kelly, and Mark. Making it about family calmed her down."

"And the truth?" She asks with an amused grin.

"Past, present, and future. Each star looks a little different. The past, present, and future are all beautiful in different ways. I wanted that represented in a tattoo. And I love stars."

Rachel frowns slightly. "Why didn't you tell me about that when I first saw it? You just said you had a thing for stars and wanted to be a big star one day."

"That's true. It just wasn't the complete truth."

"But why? The real reason is beautiful."

"Rachel, at the time, I had already faced a past without you. And I was facing the possibility of not having you with me in the future. I wanted to focus on the present, not past or future."

"Oh. Okay."

"So, can we go to the lake are you still too mad at me? I'll respect your decision either way because I know I didn't handle the tattoo well."

"We can go to the lake. I'll be down soon."

Shelby kisses her cheek and heads downstairs. Her husband is cleaning up the kitchen.

"How'd it go?"

"Good. She forgave me."

"Of course she did. But is she still mad?"

"No. And I think she was more hurt than mad. I think I made up for it. I hate upsetting her."

"What'd you tell her about your tattoo?"

"What it really represents."

Scott hesitates, shifting uncertainly. "Did you—did you tell her what you would have done if—"

"No." She cuts him off. She doesn't want to hear it and doesn't want to risk Rachel overhearing it.

The truth is, if Rachel had died, Shelby would have carved the "future" star off her fucking body. Or maybe covered it with a tattoo directly related to Rachel somehow. Something other than a star, obviously. She's already a star.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Tink, you about ready to go?" Kurt calls out as he walks into her house.

Her eyes flick to her mom, curious how she'll respond to him now that she knows he has a tattoo as well. As soon as Kurt enters the living room, her mom is putting her book down and getting up. Her brother looks like he's walking up to her for a hug until her mom points at him.

"Let me see it."

Kurt halts and his eyes widen. "Um….."

"I already know about the tattoo. Let me see it."

"Dad likes it!"

"I'm not Dad."

Rachel lifts her own book up higher to hide her grin. Kurt's eyes move to her nervously before looking back at her mother. Realizing he has no choice, he pulls off his shirt and turns around.

"On your back?! Kurt! Are you serious? You and your sister lost your minds!"

Now Rachel knows for sure her mom is purposely overdoing it. Not just because of the talk they had, but because she heard her on the phone with Aunt Kelly gushing over how perfect her tattoo is. Figuring she was making sure she gave "both" of her kids the same treatment, Rachel sits back and enjoys the show.

"It was her idea!" Kurt rushes to say, pointing at Rachel.

"Thanks!" Rachel says sarcastically.

"It was!"

"You didn't have to bring that up!"

"To be fair, the moment I saw her tattoo she immediately dragged you under the bus with her." Her mom points out.

"Mom!"

Her mom shrugs and Rachel realizes she's better off staying quiet. The woman frowns at Kurt, arms folded. "Look, I get the thrall of getting a tattoo. I really do. But on your back? Rachel told me about the ways to cover tattoos, and she's able to cover her own. You can't reach your back! What if you have to take your shirt off for a scene?"

Kurt's eyes widen. "Um…uh…..I'll have help!"

"So you're going to give someone else extra responsibility because you wanted a tattoo? That's not very considerate of you, Kurt. You're relying on other people."

Kurt is defenseless. All he can come up with is a mumbled "I don't think they'll mind."

"We can only hope. Now, let me actually read it. I saw words but got distracted by their location."

Reluctantly, he turns around again. Her mom steps closer and reads the words. "It gets better."

Rachel watches her mom's face soften. The woman turns Kurt around to face her and cups his face. "I love it."

She shakes off the irritation that her mom didn't jump to that feeling with hers until after a long, heartfelt talk. Kurt got it almost immediately. Rachel sighs and picks up her book again, ignoring the sweet hug going on between the other two in the room. Kurt, shirt back on, plops on the couch next to her, making her shift. Looking up, she finds him glaring at her and her mom no longer in the room.

"What? She was kinder with you about it than she was with me. Stupid favorite son."

"Oh, don't give me that. You're everyone's favorite. I can't believe you threw me under the bus!"

"Like you didn't do the same thing at your first opportunity?"

"Knock it off, you two!" Her mom calls from the kitchen.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So…..I had an idea."

"Good for you." Sue doesn't look up from her paperwork.

"But I need your help with it."

That makes Sue finally look at her. The woman sees how serious she's being and sets her work down. She leans back in her chair and clasps her hands on her stomach.

"Alright. Let's hear it."

"It won't just be you. I wouldn't put it all on you. I'm going to help as much as I can and I'm going to have my mom help out, too. But I honestly thought you'd be best at parts of it."

"Still waiting to hear it." Sue gently prompts.

Rachel looks out the window and bites her lip, worried this is a bad idea. She was so excited when the idea came to her, but she held off telling anyone right away. She wrote it out to make sure it sounded good, started thinking over how to make it happen, and got stuck. Her first instinct was to ask her mom for help. Then she realized it'd be too much for even just the two of them. And while both she and her mother are great planners, Sue has a special talent for the type of thing she's hoping to make happen.

"Please tell me honestly if you don't think it's a good idea. Or if you think it wouldn't be possible. Or would be too hard or time consuming. Or—"

"Rachel. Look at me." Sue waits until she makes eye contact. "I will be honest with you. But you need to take a breath and calm down. You're very tense."

"I just…I really want to make this happen, but I realize that it's not very likely to be possible."

"It's clearly important to you, so I'll do my best. But first you have to tell me what it is."

"Right."

Rachel self-consciously brushes her hair behind her ear. She takes a breath and tells Sue her idea. The woman listens intently, her face betraying no opinion one way or the other. When Rachel finishes explaining her idea, Sue clears her throat and leans forward.

"I think that is a wonderful idea."

Relief fills her. "You do?"

The woman nods. "What'd your mom say?"

"She hugged me and cried. But she's also a little biased."

The coach laughs. "A little." Sue picks up her pen, flips to a blank page in her notebook, and begins taking notes. "Here's what we'll have to do first."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finn waits until his stepbrother leaves the house to meet up with Mercedes. His parents are in the living room watching tv. He takes a deep breath, nods to himself, and walks in.

"Can I talk to you both?"

"Always, honey." His mom says immediately.

Burt shuts off the tv. "What's up?"

Finn removes the black velvet ring box from his pocket and sets it on the coffee table. His mother gasps, one hand flying to her mouth while they other flies to Burt's knee.

"Finn, son…..is that what I think it is?" The man asks.

"It is."

"Are you sure?" Burt asks seriously.

"Burt, I know you're my stepdad. But you're Rachel's dad in all the ways that truly matter. So I'm coming to you first to ask for your blessing. I'm asking you for your daughter's hand in marriage."

His mother is shaking and breathing hard. But he can see the excitement in her eyes. Her eyes keep jumping between Finn, the ring box, and Burt. Finn waits a moment, but when Burt doesn't say anything, he gets nervous and starts talking.

"I love her. I love her more than I love anyone else in my life. More than I love myself. I will always put her first. I will always provide for her. I know she's already got more money than me and that her job means she'll always make more than me, so I don't have to worry about providing for her with my meager teacher salary, but I'll still make sure she has everything she wants and needs. I will treat her with love and respect. As an equal. I will listen to her. I will talk to her. We will face everything in life together, side by side. I know she's stubborn, but I'll do my best not to let her go to bed angry or upset. I will never raise a hand to her. I will never be cruel to her. I will support her in everything she does. You have my word. Now…..do I have your blessing to ask her to marry me?"

Burt swallows hard and clears his throat. "Blessing? Not permission?"

Finn falters for just a moment. He thinks the right thing to do is to change it to permission, to make the man happy. But he decides to follow his heart and be honest. "Correct, sir. I am asking for your blessing. Not your permission."

"So you'll ask her even if I say no."

Finn squares his shoulders. "Yes."

Burt finally smiles. "Good. She needs a man strong enough to stand up to everyone else in the world for her. To be honest, if you had caved in and changed it to permission, I'd have doubted your conviction a little."

"So…."

"Yes. You have my blessing."

Finn feels faint with relief. He laughs and accepts his mother's hug. Burt stands, shakes his hand firmly like a man, then hugs him like a father.

"I'm proud of you, son. And I'm happy for you."

"But you'll hurt me if I hurt her?"

For a split second, the look in Burt's eyes promises brimstone and fire. Then he relaxes and smiles. "I get the feeling I won't have to."

"I can't believe you're gonna get married!" His mother hugs him again, the steps back, wiping her tears. "You're not even old enough to drink yet!"

"Mom, we're not getting married right away. First, she has to say yes."

The parents share a look, then laugh. "Honey, if she says no, we'll be shocked. If she says no, she has a damn good reason. She loves you. She wants you."

That reassures him. He thought the same, but it's nice to hear it from someone else. "Good. But still, she has made it very clear that she doesn't want to get married until after she graduates college. I'm hoping she's okay with being engaged before graduating. But the wedding won't be until after we graduate."

"So…..she might say no and make you wait to ask until after you guys graduate?" His mom asks with a grin.

"It's a possibility. But I'm willing to risk it."

Burt nods. "Then you'll get married after college, huh? That's good. That means we have at least a year to plan the wedding."

"Right. I don't care about planning it. Whatever Rach wants, she can have."

"Smart man." His mom chuckles.

"You said you asked me first. Are you going to ask Scott for his blessing?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"In about an hour. I know that Rachel will be out of the house to hang out with Tina, Santana, and Quinn. And that Mr. Matthews doesn't work today."

"You planned this well."

"I want it to go perfectly."

"Honey, you're marrying the woman you love. That's already perfect. The rest, frankly, doesn't matter."

Finn smiles. "You're right. Hey, do you think you could pass that message on to Rachel? I have a feeling she's gonna freak out at some point while wedding planning about 'getting everything perfect'."

She chuckles. "Sure."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He knocks on the Matthews' door. Shelby answers and smiles warmly.

"Hi, Finn!"

"Hi Mrs. Matthews."

"I'm sure you know Rachel isn't here, so how can I help you?"

"I wanted to talk to you and your husband."

Her eyebrow raises. She takes in his body language and her eyes begin to sparkle. "Scott! We have a visitor."

Scott comes in from the garage, wiping his hands on a rag. "Oh, hey Finn. I was just gonna call your stepdad. I think a part I need for the lawnmower can be replaced with a car part and want his opinion on it."

Curious, Finn asks. "Oh yeah? What part?"

The men get distracted talking car parts and lawnmower compatibility for several minutes before Finn remembers why he's there.

"So, you wanna come check it out for yourself? See what you think?" Scott offers.

"Uh, yeah, but in a minute, I actually came for a different reason."

"Right, right. Let me go wash my hands, then we can talk."

They all settle on chairs in the living room. "I want to marry your daughter."

They don't react at all. They seem to be waiting for something else. "Yes, honey, we know that. We've known that."

"If it helps, we know that she wants to marry you, too."

"It does." Finn admits with a grin, "but it'd help more if I had your blessing." He gives them the same speech he gave his own parents. When he finishes, Shelby is blinking away tears and swallowing hard. Scott is grinning.

"Well you have my blessing, Finn." Scott says. "Of course, if you hurt her, we'll be having a very different and far more serious conversation. Got me?"

"I got you. Though I'm pretty sure that if that happens, that talk will either be with my corpse or my mangled body after Burt is finished with me."

He bursts out laughing. "He said that to you?"

"He…..he actually didn't have to say a word. It was all body language." Finn admits.

That gets Shelby laughing. "Only if he can get to you before me."

"I think he knows that."

"I know you probably only came for Scott's blessing, but if it means anything to you, you have my blessing as well."

"It really does."

Shelby hugs him tight. "You're going to make her so happy."

"Or you're going to be so dead." Scott jokes.

Shelby kicks him in the leg.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It feels good to be back at their spot. On a warm summer night, with no clouds and lots of stars, and the fire going, it's absolutely gorgeous. They don't get to do this often enough. Having everyone together, especially in this place, makes Rachel extremely happy. The older they get, the more booze they bring. Rachel sets down her third wine cooler before she drops it. She and Mercedes are tipsy and laughing hysterically over the boys' antics. Rachel is leaning into Mercedes and the bigger girl wraps her arms around her to help them both stay up. They have tears of mirth rolling down their cheeks. On the log next to them, Tina and Quinn are doing the same thing. Across the dying fire from them, Blaine has his shirt off, his bow tie in his hair, and is doing a ridiculous dance. Sam started out attempting to mimic him, but ended up just flexing his muscles. Finn and Santana, the designated drivers of the night, roll their eyes. Mike joins in, doing much better with the dancing, and Kurt is leaning on Brittany from laughing so hard. Noah is drinking beer and watching with a smile. Artie is replicating the dance as best he can in his wheelchair, his motions loose and clumsy from his own beer. Quinn and Tina stand to join the boys in dancing. They pull Rachel and Mercedes up to join in first, then the others. It becomes a battle of who can do the most ridiculous dance. Later, when they've calmed down and are sitting around the fire, Finn brings up an idea.

"We should go on a vacation together this summer. I mean, this is it. This is probably our last chance for all of us to go together."

"What do you mean?" Mike asks. "We have another year of college."

"And most of us live together." Sam points out. "Or at least nearby."

"Yeah, but then we'll be diving into our careers. We might not have time to go next summer 'cause we'll have jobs. This one is it. Our last summer young and free."

That sobers them. They stare around at one another, their expressions falling.

"Way to bum everyone out, dude." Noah chides.

Finn scowls and opens his mouth to defend himself. Rachel beats him to it. "No, he's right. Some of us already have jobs. The rest of us will either have jobs or interviews or internships or auditions lined up. It's highly unlikely that we'll have time to go on vacation together. Finn is right. This is our last summer young and free. We should take advantage of it."

Finn looks at her gratefully. "So now we just decide where."

They toss out ideas for a couple minutes. Then Kurt stands up. "We're going to the Grand Canyon."

"And why is that?" Quinn arches an eyebrow.

"It's on Rachel's bucket list."

"Which is nearly completed, by the way." Rachel says with a happy smile.

"And it's got awesome sights." Sam points out.

Everyone agrees, but then Artie tentatively raises his hand. "Um, not to be a downer, but that means I can't go."

"Not true." Rachel points out. "I researched it before adding it to my bucket list. First of all, there are options for getting down into the canyon other than hiking. There are horses or donkeys to ride, or a helicopter can drop you off. Besides, you still have your rugged chair, right?"

"Yeah?"

"The path down is long and winding, which sharp turns, but it's basically a ramp. Your arms and core will get an excellent workout." She grins.

He smiles back. "Okay, then. Grand Canyon it is."

With everyone in agreement, they decide to spend the next few days planning it out. Rachel reminds them that she has access to some of her money, so to not let finances be what stops them. She really wants one last, big, fun vacation with her closest friends before adulthood, like jobs and kids, get in the way.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rachel jumps in the air when a suitcase unexpectedly lands on the floor beside her. Yero had jumped as well. The two whip around to see her mom standing just inside her bedroom grinning.

"What was that for?"

"Pack."

"Where are we going? And for how long?"

"France. Four days."

Rachel blinks in shock, then squeals. "Really?!" Her mom nods, then catches her when she launches herself at her. "Why now?"

Her mom guides them to the bed where they sit, then pulls a folded piece of paper from her pocket. She clears her throat and begins reading. "Go skydiving, swim under a waterfall, visit the Grand Canyon, visit Stonehenge, see an opera, get a tattoo, record my own songs, see the aurora borealis, learn calligraphy, learn sign language, see a castle, be pulled on a dogsled in Alaska, go on a bike ride in a scenic location, have lunch at a cafe in Paris near the Eiffel Tower. So, let's see." Her mom pulls out a pen and starts crossing things off. "You swam under a waterfall, you're going to visit the Grand Canyon next month, you visited Stonehenge, you saw an opera, you got a tattoo, you saw aurora borealis, you learned calligraphy, you learned sign language, you saw a castle, you were pulled on a dogsled in Alaska, and you rode your bike somewhere scenic." Her mom caps her pen, puts it down, and takes her chin in her hand. "This is your bucket list, baby girl. You've done so many things on it already and I'm so happy for you. I want to help you cross every item off."

Rachel hugs her mom tight. "Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome. But, um, I don't suppose you'd be willing to count bungee jumping as sky diving?"

Rachel giggles. "No. Sorry."

Her mom sighs. "I didn't really think so, but I was hopeful. Okay, so you, me, Burt, and Kurt are going to Paris. We're going to let you two eat lunch together at a cafe near the Eiffel Tower. That's on both of your bucket lists, so it'll make you both happy. Other than that, we can explore as we please."

Rachel bounces on her bed. "This is so awesome! Does Kurt know yet?"

"Burt is telling him as we speak. And honey, are you okay with it being the four of us?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, is there anyone else you'd want to bring?"

Rachel tilts her head, thinking it over. "No. This is something Kurt and I want. It'd be most special with him. I'd love to go with Finn, but a romantic trip just the two of us."

"Okay. Now, if you want to go with just you and the Hummel's, that's fine. I won't be offended if you don't want me to go. I know how special your relationship with—"

"No. I want you with us. Yeah, it started just the three of us, but you joined our little family quickly."

"I just wanted to be sure."

"You're the best mom ever!"

"So, after this summer, the only things you'll have left on your bucket list are to go skydiving and to record your own songs."

"That's so weird. I got to do so many awesome things."

"It sounds like you need a new list, with these final two items added to the top. What else do you want to do?"

"Marry Finn." She didn't even have to think about it.

Her mom smiles. "Good. What else?"

"Have his kids. Graduate NYADA, though I suppose I should put that first, huh."

"Yes, please. What else?"

"Land a role on Broadway."

"Obviously. Anything else you can think of?"

Rachel ducks her head. "Yeah, but…..you have to promise not to tell anyone else. It stays between us. I haven't talked to anyone else about it and I'd really have to first."

"Of course. What is it?"

"I—I overheard Kurt and Blaine talking once. Arguing. About having kids one day. About how. They want to use a surrogate but aren't sure who to ask. They agreed that I'd be their first pick, but that'd interrupt my career. And, there's always the risk or AA. So I thought, once I got approval from those two and Finn, I'd talk to my doctor about the possible dangers. Then, if they all agreed, I'd be a surrogate for them."

There's no response. Slowly, Rachel lifts her head. Her mom is staring at her with wide, watery eyes. She pulls Rachel into a hug.

"That is very sweet and thoughtful. Your final bucket list item is not for your happiness, but for others. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, but it wouldn't be until after Finn and I have our first baby. I don't think I could go through pregnancy for the first time just to hand the kid over. I know I'd be a part of their life from the beginning, maybe as an aunt or something, but it'd still be too hard. So if they all agree, it'd be after Finn and I have our first child."

Her mom laughs, but it's a warm, watery laugh. "I think that sounds perfect."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I promise not to say a word. Your new bucket list sounds amazing. Now, pack because we leave the day after tomorrow."

"That soon?!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Paris is beautiful. Packed with people, but beautiful. Kurt and Rachel walk around arm in arm, taking in the sights. They spent the morning waiting in line to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, got to see the city from the top, now they're down on the street trying to find a cafe for a late lunch. A woman stops them in the street and says something in French. Rachel only caught bits of it, since she only knows a little of the language. You? Cute? Kurt bursts out laughing, then responds in French. She catches the word sister. She knows basic French, but she's better at reading it than understanding the spoken word. Especially when they talk fast. Kurt, however, is practically fluent. The woman laughs as well, responds, then walks away.

"What was that about? She called us cute?"

Kurt grins at her. "Yeah, but she said we're a cute couple. I set her straight. She changed it to we're 'cute siblings'. I thanked her."

They find a cafe where they can sit outside with a view of the Eiffel Tower and sit there for lunch. They talk and laugh and take pictures and have a good time. It makes Rachel realize that while they talk constantly, and live together for most of the year, they're rarely alone. This is the first time in a long time that they've truly been alone together. It's nice. And very needed. The tattoo trip was the most recent, but even that was months ago and brief. And they weren't hanging out together, they were experiencing the same thing at the same time, but separately. When they finish lunch they wander the city, exploring at their leisure. They're not expected back at the hotel with their parents for another two hours, so they take their time. They find a beautiful spot for pictures. They pose together and ask a stranger to take it. Then they take turns taking pictures of one another. They laugh when they realize they both immediately did the same thing. Kurt sent Finn the picture of Rachel standing alone in the scenic spot at the same moment that Rachel sent Blaine the picture of Kurt standing alone in the same spot.

"Aaaww, Blaine immediately sent hearts and said I look really good and he's jealous of both me and the camera." Kurt gushes.

Rachel laughs.

"What about Finn? What'd he say?"

She gives him an incredulous look. "Finn? Respond romantically or sweetly via text? No. I'll get either nothing or a 'nice'. But he'll make it his background on his phone or computer without a word."

Kurt snorts. "Yeah, fair point."

He quickly texts something to Blaine, then they continue walking. After a few minutes, Rachel gets a text. She's surprised it's from Finn and more than just a single word. "No matter what country you're in, you're the most beautiful girl there."

Her jaw drops. A blush forms on her cheeks and a smile spreads across her face. Then reality sets in. She looks over at Kurt, who looks…smug. Her smile dims, but doesn't fade.

"What'd you do?"

"Who, me? Nothing! What could you possibly be talking about?"

"You can't lie to me, you know."

Kurt drops the act. "Fine. I may have asked Blaine to….coach Finn a little."

"So these are Blaine's words?" Disappointment creeps into her, though she tries not to let it. At least he sent something.

"Uh…." Kurt looks at his phone, reads a couple new messages popping in, then continues. "….no! Blaine suggested he say something romantic or sweet, like that you're beautiful. Finn responded that you're always beautiful. 'She can be anywhere in the world and she'll always be the most beautiful girl there'. Blaine yelled at him to just say that."

The disappointment is gone. Her smile returns and butterflies dance in her stomach. She sends a heart emoji to Finn's message, then tells him she loves him and misses him. Day made, she practically skips back to the hotel. Finn will be one very lucky man when she gets back to Ohio. The things she's planning on doing to him would make a prostitute blush.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Burt's favorite part of the trip to Paris was when they walked through a park that was having a special event. They just so happened to be walking passed a grassy section holding a 'daddy-daughter dance'. Rachel immediately grabbed Burt's hand and dragged him over there. While the man pretended to drag his feet and grumble, once they were dancing and he was holding his little girl, his face softened into a warm, happy smile. They didn't stop dancing until the last song was over. Shelby snapped a bunch of pictures while Kurt filmed the whole thing, of course. Now, on the flight home, he's going through his pictures from the trip. Kurt and Shelby are holding a hushed conversation. Rachel is asleep against his arm. He looks at one of the pictures Shelby took of the two of them dancing and smiles. His smile grows when he looks down at the sleeping girl. Pretty soon, Finn is going to propose to her. He already showed him and Carole the ring when he asked for their blessing. He didn't show Kurt because the boy can't keep a secret from Rachel. Burt was surprised how choked up he got just looking at the ring and knowing it'll soon be on his daughter's finger, from a man he sees as a son. He loves them both so much and is thrilled they'll be getting married. Carole had hugged Finn tight and danced around the kitchen. She loves Rachel and can't wait for her to officially be her daughter-in-law. For Burt, Rachel will always be his daughter, no matter what. He saw their dance in Paris as a precursor to dancing with her at her wedding. His smile dims. Scott. The man is legally her stepfather and loves her. Rachel loves him like a father. He won't argue or get in the way if Rachel wants Scott to walk her down the aisle instead of Burt. It'll hurt a little, but he'll understand. He just wants her to be happy. She deserves to be happy. And he'll still get to be there and get to dance with her. He contents himself with that.

Unable to help himself, he scrolls further back, looking at pictures from their early days together. Kurt helped him make albums on his phone to organize his pictures. He has one for each of his kids individually, his wife, all family together, sports, and work. He opens the Rachel album. The oldest picture was imported from his old phone. It's from her first Christmas with them. She was so small and so young. And bruised. Not just her body. Her soul. You could see it in her eyes. He flipped through pictures of her getting more comfortable in their home, to after she officially moved in. Then high school. Then after she fell ill. He doesn't focus on any of those pictures. They tend to make him depressed. The pictures become less frequent after she moved to New York, but there are still plenty. Even if most are ones that were sent to him by the kids. Exploring New York City. Hanging out at the house or on campus. Glancing through the pictures, he sees how much she has grown. How much she has lived. She's a young woman. A woman who will most likely be getting married in the next two years. Part of him still can't believe it. He can't wait to celebrate their engagement. He can't wait to celebrate Rachel and Finn (then Kurt and Blaine) graduating college. He can't wait to participate in their wedding, however they want him to. He can't wait to sit in the front row with Carole, Shelby, Scott, and a bunch of other family and friends, to watch Rachel's opening night on a Broadway stage. They'll all do the same for Kurt's wedding and his own Broadway debut. Imagining his kids growing up and doing this amazing things brings him so much happiness.

He's never been so excited for the future.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The group of friends ended up choosing a four day hike on the Havasupai Trail. They hired a trail guide who would arrange for their equipment to be brought to the campground on donkeys. He'd also set up the tents for them, take them down for them, and lead them on the best hiking paths with the best views while still staying safe. That's the part that calmed the parents. They flew into Phoenix, Arizona, spent the night at a motel, then drove to the pick up point. Mitch, their trail guide, was only a decade older than them and they hit it off right away. He led them down the trail, which is about half a mile of fairly steep paths with many sharp turns.

"Getting to the bottom is the easy part. Getting back out is the hard part. Make sure you're up for it now." Mitch said seriously.

Artie raises his hand. "Um…..is being helicoptered out still an option?"

Mitch laughs. "Yeah, it is. You've got an excuse, no one else does. So we good to go?"

Getting thumbs up from everyone, they start down. The hard part for Artie is not letting his chair go too fast. Mitch insisted on walking in front with Artie right behind him and two strong guys right behind Artie, able to grab his chair just in case. The other guys took turns with that. Mitch was right. Getting to the bottom was easy. Still, they took tons of pictures on their way down alone. At the bottom, the wide canyon was open to them. They would have had no clue which way to go without Mitch guiding them. The jovial man led them to the campground, several miles away. He chose the best spots for breaks and passed out snacks and refilled water as necessary. The friends were taking photos nonstop, both of the scenery and of each other. When they started to get bored of just walking in the afternoon, they began singing. Mitch kept turning around to look at them with wide eyes and a big smile. When they finished their first song, he had to stop and face them.

"You guys sound amazing!"

"We were in glee club in high school."

"And three of us are attending a prestigious university of the arts to help us get on Broadway." Kurt announces slightly arrogantly. Blaine rolls his eyes at his boyfriend.

Mercedes huffs at not being mentioned. "And one of us is looking to make singing a career, just not on Broadway."

Mitch laughs. "Can't say I'm surprised by that. You all sound awesome. Please, keep singing!"

They do. They sang most of the rest of the way to the campground. The group walking a ways behind them even turned off their speakers to be able to listen to them sing instead. It was dark by the time they got to the campgrounds. They helped Mitch setup the tents and make dinner. They ate by a fire under the stars. They were amazed by how many more stars they could see from here. Rachel stared up at the night sky and wished she could get a photo as clear as her eyes could see them. It's breathtaking. They thought Mitch was joking when he said they might hear mice running past the tents during the night. Quinn, Rachel, and Tina squealing during the night confirmed that he was in fact not joking. "Showering" from a plastic water bag hanging from a branch was less than appealing but better than nothing to remove their sweat in the morning. After breakfast, they headed out. He told them that because Artie would not be able to go on one of the trips, they'd break into two groups. One group would go on a simple, safe hike that leads to a waterfall and spot to swim in where they could relax and hang out. The other group would follow Mitch on a mildly dangerous hike that was half hiking and half rock climbing. Then, the next day, they'd swap. So that day, Rachel, Finn, Mike, Quinn, Kurt, and Blaine went with Mitch. Artie, Mercedes, Tina, Brittany, Noah, Sam, and Santana stayed in the area to swim at the waterfall.

It turns out, this hike is more dangerous because you have to go even further down into the canyon by climbing down rock next to a waterfall. That means the rock is slippery. And it's steep. So while there are sections that can be walked on carefully, there are several sections where they had to climb with hands and feet in holes in the rock face or by climbing down narrow, slippery steps, backwards, while holding onto an equally slippery chain nailed into the rock. Being short made this harder for Rachel and Blaine. They had to struggle to reach certain footholds below them that they couldn't see or feel because they couldn't easily reach. Mitch had to guide them more carefully. The taller ones in the group had less difficulty. Luckily, they're all young, healthy, and very fit and strong. They could handle the challenging climb easily enough. Mitch complimented them for it, saying not all of his groups are as physically fit. They hiked further, both on land and through water. There was a lot of climbing over rocks, up boulders, on narrow fallen trees, or hopping over short drops. Rachel decided it's the most adventurous thing she's ever done or probably will ever do. And she's having a blast. They get to a beautiful photo spot and stop to take a break and take even more pictures. Rachel commented that it might be the most beautiful place she's ever been. She swears Finn was looking at her weirdly at one point, with his hand in his pocket, but then he turned away. When she asked him if everything was okay he'd said yes and kissed her. They continued their hike down to another waterfall. This one is shorter but absolutely beautiful. Mitch tells them there are two sections they can swim in; the deeper section by the waterfall, but warns you have to be a strong swimmer because the force of the water causes a strong current that will pull you, or the lower level that's a little shallower but you can still swim and cool down. They stay there for over an hour, swimming and cooling off from the August heat and long hike. Rachel loves kissing Finn in this scenic area and floating in the water.

"This is heaven." She says happily.

Finn smiles and watches her float lazily around him. "Yeah." He says, not taking his eyes off of her. "It is."

A sudden splash of water hits Finn in the face. "Stop drooling over your girl and swim, Hudson!"

Mike is grinning at him. Finn scowls. "Just 'cause you haven't found a girl of your own doesn't mean you have to act like Puck."

Mike looks to Rachel but jerks a thumb in Finn's direction. "What do you see in him?"

She smiles brightly. "Everything."

"Awww, come on, stop being sappy! I just wanna hang with my friends."

"Go swim with Quinn. She left her boyfriend back in New Jersey."

Mike sighs but swims over to where Quinn is sunbathing. Rachel feels guilty.

"This trip is for all of us, not just us as a couple. We should spend time with our friends."

Finn nods reluctantly. "I suppose you're right."

They "uncouple", convince Kurt and Blaine to stop locking lips long enough to do the same, and join Mike and Quinn. To leave the area they're in, Mitch gives them two choices. Either go back the way they came, or go the faster way.

"What's the faster way?" Mike asks.

Mitch smirks and points to the rock wall on the other side of the water.

"You mean….actually rock climb out of the water?" Quinn asks in surprise.

"And sideways to dry land." Mitch confirms.

The friends look at one another. "Rock climbing." They say in unison.

So they do. They swim over to the rock wall and Mitch shows them where to get started, placing their hands in crevices. They don't climb very high, just high enough to get them out of the water. They keep climbing sideways for a couple meters until they're on dry land above the waterfall. They jump up and down and high five or hug to celebrate their success. It takes a while but it's just as fun hiking back to Moony Falls. However, they find that while climbing up Moony Falls is less frightening than climbing down (because they can see where they're going now), it's more physically strenuous. Getting down is a matter of gravity. Getting back up is pure muscle strength. Luckily, they're all up to the task and fairly easily climb out. Mitch laughs, once again praising them.

They meet up with the others to find that they've just started cooking dinner. They eat together, chatting about their days. Hearing how challenging, and somewhat dangerous, parts of it were, Mercedes decides against going. Before going to bed, they sit around a small fire and sing. They start out quiet, being respectful of other campers who may not want to hear them. But they draw a crowd, so they allow themselves to get louder. After the applause, they sing another and encourage everyone to sing along. Once people start wandering away, they decide to do the same and go to bed. Of course, that's not the end of their night. The boys work together to scare the crap out of the girls. They sneak out of their respective tents and tiptoe to the girls' tents. At the same moment, they scrape along the outside of the tents with their fingernails. When the girls are clearly awake and trying to figure out what's going on, they take it up a notch. They begin making weird noises. The girls talk in hushed whispers, trying to determine what creature might be causing the sounds. When they girls start talking about going out to investigate, the boys grab their tents and shake. The girls scream. The boys can't help it. They burst out laughing. Realizing what was going on, the girls run out of their tents and chase after the boys.

The next day, Tina, Brittany, Noah, Sam, and Santana go with Mitch to Moony Falls. The others find a new trail to hike nearby and follow to yet another waterfall. Rachel had no idea the Grand Canyon had so many freaking waterfalls. They spend the day swimming, suntanning, and relaxing. That night, Rachel is distracted by her friends and doesn't notice Finn pulling Mitch aside for a private discussion. If she had, she would have been more suspicious of his request that night. They're cleaning up the dinner mess and preparing for bed when Finn grabs her hand and pulls her aside.

"What's going on? I don't think there's anywhere we can go that's private enough, if that's what you're thinking." She says bluntly but with a smile.

He smiles. "I was actually thinking of getting away from everyone early tomorrow morning. We're hiking out of here tomorrow. So I asked Mitch about how to safely get back to yesterday's spot. He said he'll help us get down Moony Falls before sunrise tomorrow so we can watch the sunrise together in that spot you said was the most beautiful place you'd ever been."

Rachel's about to clarify that she meant it was the most beautiful place on the continental US she'd ever been, but something holds her back from that. Instead, she smiles. "That sounds wonderful."

His expression becomes an odd cross of excited and relieved. "Yeah? Awesome! Okay, I'll let Mitch know it's on."

They arrange it so that Rachel and Finn are alone in one of the smaller tents for the night (after Santana and Noah both rudely make them promise not to have sex because tents don't block sounds). That way they don't risk waking anyone when they get up before dawn. For that reason, they're also the first ones to bed. Not that the others are long after them. They all have to be up early to hike out. Which is how, predawn, Rachel is following Finn and Mitch in the dark. He lights up a lantern and holds it up high so they can find the handholds and chain in the dark. Moving slowly and cautiously, they make their way down.

"Alright you two lovebirds, enjoy the sunrise but be back here in three hours. I'll be here to help you back up. It'll be easier because there'll be sunlight."

They thank him and start following the same path they took the other day. The two times they became uncertain of which way to go, they pulled out their phones to check their photos. Using their photos for location clues, they find their way to the same spot. The sky is just starting to lighten. In the dark, it's a little chilly, so they find a spot to sit where they can watch the sunrise and Rachel cuddles into him. They talk quietly until the sun slowly makes it's appearance. They go quiet and just enjoy the beauty and peace of the moment.

"Thank you for suggesting this." Rachel says softly.

Finn kisses the top of her head. Once the sun is completely visible and the canyon around them is filled with light, Finn stands and pulls her up. She assumes they'll either begin making their way back early or climb down for an early swim. Instead, he stands facing her, holding her hands. For a long moment, he simply stares at her. He leans forward slowly and kisses her softly. She tries to wrap her arms around him, but he steps away from her. She frowns in confusion. And then, still holding one hand, he drops to one knee. Rachel's mouth opens in shock. Her mind and heart are racing. Is he really…

"Rachel—" He pulls a black velvet ring box out of his pocket. "My—"

"Yes!" Jubilant, she throws herself at him.

He catches her and laughs. "Can I ask first? I've practiced this a lot."

Swallowing back tears, she nods. "Okay. Sorry. I'm sorry. Go ahead."

He looks at her bouncing excitedly, eyes shining, and laughs harder. He has to calm himself before he can try again.

"Rachel. My whole life, I never knew what I wanted to do or be. Not like you. You always knew you wanted Broadway and I know you'll get it. But I never knew. Until I met you. Once I met you, all I wanted was to be with you. Then, after I fell in love with you, I knew I wanted to marry you. Nothing else mattered. I've never wanted anything more in my life than for you to be my wife. Well, that's not entirely true. While you were sick, I wanted nothing more than for you to be healthy. Nothing else mattered. I wanted to be with you, but you being healthy mattered more than that. If there had been a way for me to make you healthy but I had to leave and never see you again, it would have killed me, but I would have done it. Rachel, I want to continue to be your anchor. I want to be your partner in everything. I want to experience everything with you; all the ups and downs of life. With you by my side. You are my guiding star and always will be. Now, will you be my wife?" He opens the ring box, revealing a simple but beautiful diamond ring. It's elegant. Rachel sucks in a breath. "Will you marry me?"

With tears streaming down her face and over her beaming smile, Rachel nods. "Yes. I will marry you, Finn."

His smile is as bright as hers. He slides it onto her left ring finger. Then he stands and kisses her fiercely. Standing in the Grand Canyon, no one else around, the warm sun beaming down on them, a waterfall nearby, an engagement ring on her finger, and wrapped in the arms of the man she loves more than anyone else in the world…this is the most perfect moment in her life. Her tears start up again and he pulls back.

"You okay?"

"I've just….." She sniffles and laughs. "I've never been this happy."

"Me neither." He looks around. "We're still alone. Wanna make love in the water down there? We have a little time before we have to go back."

"Yes." She leads the way down.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mitch is waiting for them when they get back to Moony Falls. His smile grows when he sees how happy they are.

"I guess congratulations are in order?"

"Yes!"

"Congratulations to the future Mr. And Mrs…uh…"

"Hudson."

They laugh and Mitch shakes their hands. "Seriously, congratulations."

"Do the others know, too?" Rachel asks Finn.

"No. I only told Mitch so he'd know why I wanted to take you down here alone for sunrise."

"It was perfect. Thank you."

"Yeah," Mitch begins, scratching the back of his neck, "Uh, your friends think you slipped away for, uh, sex."

Rachel flushes and looks away. Finn swallows back a smirk. "Can we head up now?"

"Yes. Let's."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finn feels like he should have expected it. The moment they rejoin their group at the campground, the teasing starts.

"Oh, did you two get a little nooky nooky?"

"Finally returned from going down under?"

"Did you seriously slip away just to have sex? We're supposed to be leaving." Kurt complains, looking disgruntled.

Rachel sashays over to them, hands behind her back. "Yeah, we had sex." There are groans from their friends and Brittany has to hold back an aggravated Santana. "But that was after he asked me to marry him."

She proudly tosses her hand in front of herself, turned so they can see the ring. There's a moment of dumbfounded silence, then shouts, squeals, and shrieks fill the previously quiet air. Finn smiles, watching everyone swarm Rachel to congratulate her and look at her ring. They're quick to swarm him, too. They hug him and pat his back, congratulating him. Everyone is happily celebrating and chattering.

"Finn," Kurt says after congratulating him, "I've known Rachel longer than literally anyone else. I've seen all her ups and downs."

"What of it?"

"I've never seen her this happy. She is absolutely over the moon!"

Finn looks over at Rachel…well, what he can see of her between the crowd of framily surrounding her. She is glowing. Her shining eyes, ecstatic smile, rosy cheeks, and body language all showing an extreme joy.

"She looked like this at her first remission party." Finn argues.

"Not really. She was thrilled, but not over the moon like now. You mean the world to her. Take care of her."

"I will." He says seriously. "I swear."

"Good. And let me help planning the wedding, please!" Kurt begs. "I have so many ideas. You could—"

Grinning, Finn wraps an arm around his stepbrother and guides him away from the others. He lets Kurt gush out his ideas while they walk. Once they're far enough away, Finn slaps a hand onto Kurt's chest and spins to face him, the smile becoming a stern look.

"Look, I know you'll be awesome at planning our wedding and I truly don't care about any of it. I just want her happy. This is Rachel's wedding. What she says goes. If I find out that you're trying to push for something she doesn't want, I will knock you out of this wedding faster than you can say 'Mary Poppins'. Got it?"

Kurt nods, then tilts his head in confusion. "Why'd you go with Mary Poppins?"

Already walking away, Finn responds over his shoulder. "'Cause you can play literally any role in that show."

Kurt's shoulders droop and he grumbles under his breath. "That's only partially true."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mitch comes to an abrupt halt on their hike out of the canyon. "Wait, you're marrying your stepsister?!"

"NO!" Finn says emphatically. "Not at all."

"But you said—"

Kurt slides between them, grabbing one of Mitch's arms. "I've got this. Once upon a time—"

"The short version, Kurt." Quinn groans.

"Fine. As much as it pains me to admit, Rachel isn't actually my sister. We basically grew up together and my dad had partial custody of her, but there's no blood relation or even marriage connection between us. Our relationship is entirely by our choice and based on our feelings. She is my sister in all the ways that matter most. I love her and she loves me. But, speaking honestly, when it comes down to it, she's just my best friend."

"We really don't see it that way, though." Rachel chimes in.

"Okay." Mitch breathes a sigh of relief. "So you two call one another brother and sister but aren't. So when your dad married his mom, making you two stepbrothers, that had no effect on Rachel or your relationships."

"Correct. But it does get weird to explain at times." Rachel answers, even though it was directed to Kurt. She figures he'd try to start up the longer story if given the chance and wants to cut that off.

Kurt snorts. "There was one Father's Day that we took Dad out to dinner. Dad had already told the waitress that all three of us were his children. We then had to tell Rachel and Finn not to kiss or act like a couple. That'd have been a bit much for the poor waitress."

Mitch laughs. "Got it. So how do the rest of you know one another? You said you were in a glee club, so you were all in high school together?"

"Yes." The group choruses.

"And you're still close three years after graduating?" Seeing their happy nods, he smiles. "That's impressive. How'd you all get so close?"

Everyone looks to Rachel awkwardly. It was annoying for her to realize that just because she's been in remission for two years and is healthy doesn't mean they'll ever forget or stop referencing the years she spent sick. She'd like to put it behind her. Not to ignore it or forget about it, but to not focus on it. It happened. It changed all of them. She survived. All is good. She tries to think of a way to put it casually and vaguely.

"I guess when you spend a lot of time together during and after school, you get close. And if you go through challenges together, it makes your connection even stronger."

"What kinds of challenges?"

Rachel fights down a groan and answers before anyone else can. "All kinds. It doesn't really matter the type, right?"

"True."

Luckily, her friends pick up on her wish to not discuss her rather dramatic history and change the subject. Several stories from high school come up, but Rachel recognizes when they leave out parts that would raise questions from their unaware guide. So much of their high school career involved Rachel and her illness, that telling stories without it being involved is a challenge in itself.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finn grins happily every time he catches his fiancé looking at her new engagement ring. His fiancé. It doesn't matter that he assumed she'd say yes. It was still nerve wracking to actually ask. And hearing her say yes brought him so much joy. The fact that she said yes before he could even ask the question lifted his heart. She was just as thrilled as him. No hesitation, no doubt, just an immediate and jubilant 'yes'. The flight home was long and boring. They complained that they should have planned to fly directly to and from NY, for an easier trip. However, their families wanted more time with them before the school year starts. Those with full time jobs flew to NYC, but the rest rerouted back to Ohio to spend their final days with family. Now, with an engagement to announce, Finn and Rachel are quite happy with that.

Rachel isn't sure if her mom is going to be with her grandparents picking her up at the airport or not. If she's not, she's going to hide the ring, stating that her mom should be the first to know. When Finn suggested just calling her and telling her, Rachel had stared at him like he was a moron. Deciding to just be supportive of whatever she wants to do, Finn stayed quiet. She'd slipped the ring onto her right hand before exiting the plane, though Finn could tell she wasn't happy about it. They grabbed their baggage from baggage claim, then headed towards the pick up point. Being taller, Finn saw her mom first and nudged her. Grinning, Rachel spun the ring around so just the band was visible. At his questioning look, she muttered that she didn't want to announce it at the airport. They greeted those picking them up, a mix of parents from multiple kids. Enough to get everyone home. Most are heading straight back to Lima, but Rachel, Finn, Kurt, and Blaine are spending a couple hours with the Corcorans. It didn't take long for them to get to her grandparents house. Finn, Kurt, and Blaine spent the entire ride trying not to laugh at Rachel, who was vibrating with the difficulty of keeping her big announcement to herself. She talked nonstop about random things about their trip and the boys let her, only adding in a comment or two from time to time.

Back at the house, they sat down for lunch together. Rachel's aunts, uncles, and cousins came, too. They'll be heading back to New York in a few days, so this is their last chance to spend time with her before the holidays. Which is convenient for the newly engaged couple. When lunch was winding down, Rachel gripped his thigh under the table. A look between them was enough for Finn to understand that she wants him to start it. He clears his throat.

"So, uh, we've told you a lot about our trip. It was awesome, highly recommend it. But something else happened. Rachel and I have an announcement to make."

"Finn proposed! We're getting married!" Rachel says with so much enthusiasm that Finn is grinning from ear to ear again. She holds up her hand, proudly displaying the engagement ring for all to see.

There are gasps and one muttered "figured" from her cousin. Rachel's mom is the first to grab Rachel in a hug and congratulate her. The newly engaged couple is swarmed with Rachel's family as they hug and congratulate them both. Finn has always felt welcome here, but now it feels warmer. And they're not even married yet. Finn's heart swells. He's getting an incredible wife and her loving family. Following his train of thought, Abby gets everyone's attention.

"I guess you don't have to worry about getting along with your in-laws, Rachel."

That makes everyone laugh, knowing how close they are. The rest of their time at the Corcoran house is spent between gushing over the ring and asking for more details about their proposal (which inevitably led to more discussion of their vacation and how awesome it was). When questions of when they're getting married pop up, Finn looks to Rachel curiously. He'd make an appointment at a courthouse today if she wanted. His fiancé tilts her head as she considers this.

"We don't have a plan just yet. He proposed this morning, people! Give us a chance to enjoy the engagement before we start planning the wedding."

"But do you want a short engagement, a long engagement, a desired time of year….." Mrs. Matthews questions.

"I don't. Nothing too short or too long."

"Finn, what do you want?"

"I'm already getting what I want. Her as my bride. I'll leave the details to her." He says easily.

That earns him a kiss from Rachel and "aaaww"s from the women. They wrap up their conversation, say their goodbye's, and head back home.

"Well now that your mom knows, can we go tell the other parents before the day is over?" Finn asks. He doesn't bother saying "his" parents, because Burt was her dad before he was Finn's. And his mom loves her just as much.

"Of course!"

"Thank God." Kurt says in relief. Everyone laughs, knowing it'd be hard for him to keep it a secret from his own parents. "Hey, I have an idea!"

Kurt immediately begins going to work on his phone and Finn leaves him to it. It's better not to disturb his brother when he gets like this. They drop off Blaine first. Then Mrs. Matthews drops them off at the Hummel-Hudson house and takes Rachel's belongings back home. Either Finn or Kurt will drive her home later. Thankfully, his mom and stepdad are home. They hug hello and immediately dive into talking about their trip and all the wonderful sights they saw. Kurt connects his phone to the tv and starts sharing pictures and videos he took. The parents marvel at the beautiful sights.

"It looks amazing, guys. Really. I'm glad you had a good time."

"We really did." Rachel grins.

Kurt clears his throat. "And this next picture is from early this morning."

Before hiking out of the canyon that morning, Kurt had asked the newly engaged couple recreate Finn's proposal so that he could see it. They refused. But, they did agree to pose for a photo of Finn kneeling before Rachel holding the ring up to her and both smiling brightly. That's the photo he shows the parents now. Carole leaps from the couch and pulls Finn into a hug, then Rachel, then Finn again. Burt finally gets a chance to pull Rachel into a hug to congratulate her, then Finn.

"You proposed in front of the group?"

"No," Finn explains "I proposed in private at sunrise. But before we left, this romantic maniac made us pose for this picture."

"Are you mad now?" Kurt huffs.

"No, it worked out perfectly and I'm glad to have a beautiful picture to commemorate the moment." Rachel soothes.

Rachel gushes about the proposal to Carole, with Kurt eagerly listening to the story for a third time.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They had to convince all of the parents that they don't need to rush to do an engagement party. They're leaving in a few days. Instead, the two families went out to dinner at a nice restaurant for a small celebration. They did promise that they'll hold an actual engagement party in the fall after they've settled into the school year and have a better idea of when they'll have time for it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

New York feels different. Or maybe it's just him. Finn is at peace in a way he's never felt before. He feels…..settled and content. And excited for the future. He finds himself humming more often. Smiling more than ever. He's happier than ever. He can tell it's the same for Rachel, too. Seeing her so happy and knowing it's because he proposed keeps his own happiness going strong. The only aggravation is that they were told in no uncertain terms that they're still not allowed to live in the same room. Despite this, they're not upset. They'll still share a bed, just not a room. That's fine with them. They'll be married and then they'll have the rest of their lives to share a room.

The day before classes begin, Finn goes for a jog through the city. It took a while, but he has learned the best routes to take to run to limit how many times he has to wait at a light to cross a street. Headphones in, he is able to ignore the annoying sounds of the city and just enjoy the run. He's lost in thought, thinking about the wedding and their future when he steps off the curb to cross the street.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rachel and Brittany are giggling while doing their nails. They're out back so they don't fill the house with nail polish fumes. It became a routine of their to do their nails together frequently over the past three years. Brittany is more willing to try outlandish colors and designs that Rachel is. The blonde enjoys trying to convince Rachel to be more adventurous with her nail colors but is only sometimes successful. The short brunette put her foot down this time.

"It's the start of our senior year, Britt. First impression and all that."

"First of all, everyone on campus already knows who you are and respects you. Same with me." It's true. Rachel is proud of Brittany and happy for her for being recognized for her incredible dancing talent. "Second, only the freshman will be getting a first impression of you and who cares about them? Go with the color you want!"

"And this pale pink is what I want." Rachel insists.

"Fine. Be boring. Is this what being engaged means? Being boring?"

Rachel pokes her with her toes and they laugh again. Nails dry, they clean up their supplies and head back inside. Noah stops them in the kitchen. His countenance is grim and it sets Rachel on edge.

"Noah? Is something wrong?"

"It's Finn."

xxxxxxxxxx

A/N: First, this is the longest chapter I've ever written. No importance, I'm just sharing this random fact because it's mind boggling to me. I've now written over a million words in this series alone. Second, the Wizard of Oz production they do with modern songs is from Pentatonix featuring Todrick Hall, performing "The Wizard of Ahhhs". If you haven't seen it, go find it on YouTube. It's a fun watch. Third, I didn't see the actual episode with Myron, I know nothing about him, but I did see YouTube videos of the songs he sang. Seeing Rachel perform with a much younger boy gave me the idea of adding him into my story as I did. Fourth, the next chapter will be the last chapter of this book. And yes, there will be another book. The fifth and final book of the series will be coming in the future. The final chapter of this book will probably be up in a week or two. As always, let me know what you think!