A/N 1 - Rah Rah Sish Boom Bah! Let's roar! Let's Caw! - lol. Just a little cheer I made up
A/N 2 - Sophomore year is almost over - just 2 more chapters
A/N 3 - hope everyone is enjoying this story!
CHAPTER SIX
(chapter title - Rachel's Turn)
Rachel was at cheerleader tryouts with about a dozen other girls. She smiled as she saw Gretchen and Barney watching from the stands. If she looked closer, she could see the car seat that contained Cassandra, who was sleeping peacefully.
"Okay girls" the head cheerleader - Jenn - said, "do the routine I emailed each of you, give a mighty Griffins cheer, then do a back handspring. After that, you're free to go."
You've got to be kidding me! Rachel thought to herself.
Each girl did the routine, and now, it was Rachel's turn.
Rachel ignored Jenn's green eyes as she performed the routine perfectly.
"Go Griffins Go!" Rachel cheered. She then did a back handspring, landing in a split.
Jenn raised her eyebrows, impressed.
Rachel went to change into her street clothes before joining Barney and Gretchen outside, along with Cassandra.
"She is getting cuter by the day" Rachel said, smiling down at Cassandra.
"She's a love bug" Gretchen said, taking in the fall air.
"Speaking of bugs, my parents have been bugging us to spend Thanksgiving with them" Barney told Gretchen.
"I thought you weren't talking to them" Rachel and Gretchen said in unison.
"I wasn't, but mom said dad isn't doing well and he wants all of us to be together" Barney said.
When Barney's parents found out that Barney and Gretchen were going to be parents, Barney's family had paid Gretchen to get an abortion, which she refused.
The two of them had used the money to help Hannah pay some bills and get some supplies for Cassandra.
"I don't want to spend Thanksgiving with your parents" Gretchen said to Barney that night as they got ready for bed.
"I know, but it's only one day, sweetheart and it would mean a lot to me" Barney said, kissing Gretchen's cheek.
"Is my mom invited or is it just the three of us?" Gretchen asked, putting her hair in braided pigtails.
"Your mom is invited too" Barney said, getting into bed, patting the spot next to him.
Gretchen smiled and turned off the overhead light before joining Barney in bed, closing her eyes as he kissed her gently.
Thanksgiving Break had arrived.
"A few days? Honey, I thought your parents said a day - tonight and tomorrow" Gretchen said as she packed the diaper bag, getting everything Cassandra would need.
"I know - I'm sorry" Barney said as he packed a suitcase for him and Gretchen, "which dress do you wanna take for Thanksgiving dinner?"
"Um the long green one, cause the short green one has a spit-up stain on it" Gretchen said.
"Okay" Barney said.
Hannah was giving Cassandra a bath. The baby was not happy and cried the whole time, only stopping when Hannah got her out of the bath and dried her off before putting a clean diaper and onesie on her.
"Where's the diaper rash cream?" Gretchen asked.
"In your hand, dear" Barney said, going over to Gretchen, "are you sure you're okay?"
"Positive" Gretchen said, kissing Barney's cheek, "I'm just tired."
"Okay" Barney said, kissing her forehead.
The four of them got into Barney's new car. Barney drove while Gretchen sat in front. Hannah sat in back to keep an eye on Cassandra.
Cassandra slept the whole way to Barney's parents house, as did Gretchen.
"Is your brother gonna be there?" Hannah asked.
"Yup, along with his partner, Michael" Barney said, keeping his eyes on the road.
By the time they reached Barney's parents house, it was close to three in the afternoon.
Loretta smiled as the car pulled into the driveway, "where's my grand baby?"
You mean the one you didn't want in the first place? Gretchen thought to herself as she got out of the car and got Cassandra in her car seat.
"Hi to you to, mom" Barney said, kissing Loretta's cheek.
"The boys are inside" Loretta said, smiling at Gretchen as she walked by, getting a glimpse of Cassandra, who was fast asleep, "she's beautiful."
"Thanks" Gretchen said, stepping inside with Barney, being careful not to show anyone her engagement ring.
Hannah was over the moon for Gretchen and Barney - she and Gretchen's dad hadn't married and she promised to help Gretchen get whatever she wanted or needed for the wedding.
Gretchen kicked off her shoes and put on her giraffe print slippers, watching Barney go to his childhood room with the suitcase.
Cassandra kept sleeping as Gretchen, Hannah, Barney and Loretta walked into the house.
"Is this my granddaughter?" Stephen asked from his favorite chair.
"Yup" Gretchen said as she sat down and got Cassandra out of her carseat, holding her gently.
"May I hold her?" James asked.
"Of course" Gretchen said, "please put hand sanitizer on first."
James nodded and put some sanitizer on before gently picking up Cassandra, "hello beautiful princess."
"I wanna see" James' partner - an Asian man - Michael - said.
James nodded and sat down next to Michael so they could fawn over Cassandra.
"Remind me of her name again" Loretta said.
"Cassandra Hannah Stenson" Barney said before Gretchen could say anything.
"And how'd you come up with that name?" Stephen asked.
"Cassandra was my grandmother's name and Hannah's my mom's name" Gretchen answered.
James held Cassandra in his arms, watching her sleep.
"The next one you'll name after someone on our side of the family, right?" Loretta asked.
"Um yeah - if we have another one. She's only four months old" Gretchen said, feeling Barney hold her hand.
After conversation was had, Gretchen set up Cassandra's fun chair while Barney, James, Michael and Hannah set the table.
Cassandra started crying loudly.
"Um, is there somewhere I could nurse her?" Gretchen asked.
"Up the stairs, third door on the left is the nursery" Loretta said.
"Thanks" Gretchen said, going upstairs and found the room where Loretta said.
Gretchen sat in an armchair and took off her shirt and bra so Cassandra could nurse. As the baby nursed, Gretchen looked around the room.
In Cassandra's nursery, Gretchen and Barney had done a Wicked theme. Chance to Fly was above the changing table in stencils and the walls were painted green and pink. The crib was white and the mobile played a soothing version of 'Dancing Through Life'.
This nursery, however, was the ugliest shade of pink Gretchen had ever seen. It was like every shade of pink had a fight and the ugliest shade won.
The only thing that wasn't pink was the crib and the mobile on top - little bunnies and chicks hung down low over the crib.
"Dinner's ready - oh my God" Barney said, coming into the nursery, "what in the Glinda?"
Gretchen let out a giggle, "I know, right?"
Barney came over and sat on the arm of the armchair, watching Gretchen finish nursing Cassandra.
Barney picked up Cassandra while Gretchen put her bra and shirt back on.
The two of them headed down the stairs and joined Barney's family at the dinner table.
Gretchen ended up sitting between Barney and James.
"What are you two doing after high school?" James asked, putting some food on his plate.
"Going to college" Gretchen said, "I want to be a teacher."
"Same" Barney said, "only I don't know what I wanna do yet, but I wanna make a lot of money."
"I was actually going to offer you taking over my firm when I retire next year" Stephen told Barney.
"Dad, I'll be a junior in high school next year" Barney said, putting some food on his plate.
Gretchen was quiet as she ate her food, joining in the conversation when she felt the topic was appropriate.
"So, are you two gonna get married at all?" Loretta asked as the family sat around having dessert.
"Eventually" Gretchen said, twisting her engagement ring around her left ring finger.
"If you need anything, let me know" Loretta said.
"Thanks" Gretchen said, picking at her slice of pie.
After dessert, Barney and Gretchen headed upstairs.
Barney kept Gretchen company as she nursed Cassandra. He kissed Gretchen's forehead and cheek.
Gretchen smiled a tiny bit, feeling Barney's arms wrap around her.
There was a soft knock on the door. Barney put Gretchen's nursing blanket on her and went to the door.
"Who is it?" Barney asked.
"It's mom and dad" Loretta said, "can we come in?"
"Yeah" Barney said, opening the door.
"We were wondering if we could see our granddaughter before she goes to bed" Stephen said as he and Loretta entered the nursery.
"We're about to put her to bed" Gretchen said, "but I guess that's okay. She's almost done nursing."
Loretta and Stephen turned away so Barney could help Gretchen put her shirt and bra on. They turned around and saw their four-month-old granddaughter.
"Barney, she's beautiful" Loretta said as Gretchen placed Cassandra in her arms.
"Thanks. I think so, too" Barney said, wrapping an arm around Gretchen's shoulders.
Once Loretta and Stephen took their turns holding Cassandra, they left the nursery.
"Family football game at two, family picture at four, dinner at five and dessert at six" Loretta said as she and Stephen walked down the stairs.
"Thanks mom" Barney said, closing the door to his and Gretchen's room, turning to the woman he loved.
Gretchen was in the middle of putting her pajamas on. She watched Barney come over and kiss her neck and shoulders, "baby, as much as I love this, I'm exhausted and she's gonna be up in a few hours."
"Okay" Barney said, helping Gretchen get ready, "we have bottles, right?"
"Mhm" Gretchen said, getting into bed.
"I'll care for her tonight while you get some sleep" Barney said, getting into bed with Gretchen.
"Thanks" Gretchen said.
Barney kissed her cheek, "any time."
It seemed like both Barney and Gretchen had fallen asleep when Cassandra woke up crying.
"I gotcha" Barney said, going across the hall to the nursery and turned on the lamp next to the crib and gently picked up Cassandra. He felt her bottom and walked to the changing table, "diaper change" he unsnapped her onesie's pants and got a clean diaper, wipes and diaper rash cream out, keeping a hand on Cassandra's belly. He changed her diaper and picked her up, gently rocking her in the rocking chair until Cassandra fell asleep.
Barney kissed her forehead and put her in her crib before going to the bathroom and washed his hands throughly before going to his childhood bedroom, smiling as he saw Gretchen fast asleep. He carefully got into bed with her and kissed her forehead.
The following day, everyone had breakfast together while Gretchen sat in a chair nursing Cassandra.
Barney sat next to Gretchen, "so, at two, we have our family football game. Usually, it's me, mom, dad and James that play. You, Michael and Hannah are more than welcome to play or you can watch."
"I think I'll watch" Gretchen said, looking under the nursing blanket at Cassandra.
"Okay" Barney said, kissing her forehead.
Gretchen put Cassandra for a nap after she was done nursing and turned on the baby monitor, hearing Cassandra's soft breathing fill the air.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Gretchen asked, washing her hands.
"No, dear - we're having dinner catered" Loretta said, pouring herself a glass of wine, "would you want one?"
"No thanks" Gretchen said, getting herself a bottle of water and went to sit down.
At two, everyone headed outside to the large backyard.
"Okay, who's playing?" Loretta asked.
"Me!" Barney, Stephen, James, Hannah and Michael said in unison.
Gretchen smiled as she and Cassandra sat in the shade, far away from where the football game was gonna be.
Michael, Hannah and Barney were on one team and James, Loretta and Stephen were on the other team.
Barney's team ended up winning - 6 to 0.
Everyone headed inside to take showers and get ready for the family photos.
Barney helped Gretchen get ready for the family photos.
"You're so beautiful" Barney said, helping Gretchen into her green dress.
"Thanks" Gretchen said, standing still, since the clasp was tricky on the dress. She closed her eyes as he kissed the nape of her neck.
"You're welcome. Is Cassandra ready?" Barney asked, letting Gretchen style her hair.
"Yeah - she's asleep in the nursery" Gretchen said. She turned to Barney, "it's been eight weeks since she's been born. We can totally do it tonight."
"Excellent" Barney said, kissing her hand before the two of them went to the nursery and smiled at their sleeping baby.
The photographer arrived and had everyone except Gretchen, Hannah, Cassandra and Michael be in the family photos.
The photographer got photos of Barney and his family, Gretchen, Barney, Cassandra and Hannah, and a few pictures of Barney, Cassandra and Gretchen. They even shot a few pictures of Michael and James.
Once the photographer left, everyone went to change into comfortable clothes.
Gretchen stood still as Barney did the clasp on her dress, "thank you."
"Any time" Barney said, kissing Gretchen's back as she got out of the dress, stuffing it into her suitcase. She then grabbed sweatpants and a blue T-shirt.
Once Gretchen was dressed, she went across the hall to nurse Cassandra before going downstairs for dinner.
After dinner, Gretchen put Cassandra to bed and went across the hall to Barney's room.
"Cassandra is down for the count" Gretchen said, smiling at Barney.
"Good" Barney said, looking into Gretchen's eyes as the two of them kissed passionately.
The two of them wasted no time undressing each other and got under the covers.
Barney kissed Gretchen everywhere his lips could touch, holding her close.
Gretchen relaxed under Barney's body, enjoying this moment between them.
The following morning, Barney, Gretchen, Cassandra and Hannah left after breakfast.
Hannah drove, Gretchen sat in the front while Barney sat in the back with Cassandra.
"I'll watch Cassandra while you two go for a ride" Hannah said.
"Mom, I'm too tired to do anything ever" Gretchen said, getting the diaper bag and suitcase out of the car while Barney got Cassandra.
"Agreed Mrs. Wallace" Barney said, "plus, we have homework to do before the break is over."
Hannah nodded, "I completely understand."
After break, Gretchen and Barney got back into school things. Gretchen had auditioned for Beauty and the Beast and got the role of Belle.
It was now opening night and the audience was entering the auditorium, including Barney, Cassandra, Hannah, James, Michael, Stephen and Loretta, who sat towards the front. Sitting around them were Lily, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, Robin, Tiana and Ted.
The first act ended and now it was Act 2.
Gretchen looked at the Prince (aka Marshall) as they sang Beauty and the Beast (Reprise) before kissing him passionately. During rehearsal, Gretchen pretended Marshall was Barney, which made the kiss easier.
Marshall and Gretchen took their bows together before walking off stage with the large ensemble, which included Joey as LaFeu.
The director smiled, "all of you were wonderful! Go change and meet your families and friends - I'm so proud of all of you!"
Gretchen went to her dressing room, carefully getting the 60 pound dress off and put on her street clothes. She then went to find her family and friends.
"Gretchen!" Barney called, kissing her cheek as she came over to him, "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks" Gretchen said, smiling as her mom placed a bouquet of red roses in her arms.
The cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast went out to dinner before going home.
The following morning, Gretchen slept cuddled into Barney, not hearing Hannah enter her room.
"Happy birthday Gretchen" Hannah whispered to Gretchen.
"Hpy brfdy Gtn" Gretchen mumbled, turning on her side, feeling Barney's arms wrap tight around her torso.
Hannah giggled and looked at the time - it was 4:00 AM. She went to the nursery as Cassandra started crying.
"Granny's gotcha" Hannah soothed her granddaughter as she got Cassandra out of her crib and put her on the changing table, changing her diaper and gently rocked her back to sleep. Once Cassandra was asleep, Hannah washed her hands and went to make Gretchen her favorite breakfast.
Barney sat up as he smelled delicious food being cooked. He gently kissed Gretchen's bare shoulder, "happy birthday."
Gretchen moaned and curled into a ball, taking most of the blankets with her.
Barney chuckled and moved the blankets off Gretchen, pulling her onto his lap as he kissed her neck, shoulder and collarbone, his hands gripping her hips.
Gretchen smiled and shut her alarm off when it went off. She looked at Barney, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall.
"Happy birthday" Barney said, kissing her passionately.
"Thanks" Gretchen said, smelling something cooking, "mom's making breakfast" she got out of bed and went to her closet to get dressed, feeling Barney close behind her.
"Since it's Friday, after school, I have a surprise for you" Barney said, kissing her spine and neck as Gretchen got ready for school.
"Okay" Gretchen said as she and Barney exited their bedroom and headed upstairs to the kitchen.
"There's the birthday girl" Hannah said, putting a huge stack of chocolate chip pancakes, fruit, butter, bacon and to drink orange juice.
"My birthday breakfast" Gretchen said, "thanks mom."
"You're welcome" Hannah said.
After breakfast, Barney and Gretchen got ready for school, bringing Cassandra and everything she would need with them.
After school, Barney and Gretchen dropped off Cassandra and drove to the middle of nowhere.
Barney turned off the ignition and helped Gretchen out of the car, bringing her to a cottage.
"What's this?" Gretchen asked as Barney closed the door behind her.
"Our getaway for the weekend" Barney said, "you and I deserve a couple days to ourselves."
Gretchen nodded, feeling Barney right behind her, "what about my birthday celebration?"
"Everyone will be coming in a few hours" Barney said, leading her to the bed near a large window, "for now, it's just you and me."
Gretchen smiled as she and Barney kissed each other passionately. She slipped Barney's shirt off as he took her shirt and bra off, kissing her breasts.
Barney's hands traveled down her hips and under her jeans and undies, fingering her roughly with one hand while the other held her close to him.
"Oooohhhh" Gretchen moaned, taking off Barney's pants and boxers.
Barney smiled as he kissed her sternum, taking off her pants and undies, tossing them to the side, "I'm in control" he purred in her ear, "just relax."
Gretchen nodded, feeling him get on top of her and kiss her with fiery passion. She returned the kisses, wrapping her arms and legs around his torso.
Barney kept kissing her passionately, flipping her onto her stomach as he thrust deep into her, his hands on her back as he massaged her back and shoulders, thrusting hard and deep into her.
Barney flipped them so he was on the bottom, "ride me, cowgirl."
Gretchen nodded and rode him face to face, slowly at first, then picked up the pace.
Barney then gently flipped them so she was on the bottom, his lips never leaving hers. He held her hands as they finished together, sweat dappling both their skin.
Gretchen panted on Barney's left shoulder, feeling him still inside her, "that was amazing."
"Agreed" Barney said, holding Gretchen close. He kissed the top of her forehead, "when Cassandra is older and we're married, do we want more children?"
Gretchen nodded, "I want at least one or two more."
"Me too" Barney said, kissing her lovingly, "we better wash up - our friends will be here soon."
"Okay" Gretchen said, following Barney to the bathroom.
The two of them showered together before changing into some fresh clothes.
"What do you think of this place?" Barney asked, making him and Gretchen some hot chocolate.
"It's quite lovely" Gretchen said, smiling as Barney came over to her.
"What would you think of having our wedding here?" Barney asked.
"We promised our families we wouldn't get married until after we finished high school" Gretchen said, looking out the large window.
"I know" Barney said, giving Gretchen a mug as he stood next to her, looking out the window, "I'm just thinking out loud."
Gretchen smiled, "I would love to have my wedding here."
Barney smiled and kissed her cheek.
By the time they finished their hot chocolate, their friends arrived, along with Hannah and Cassandra.
Gretchen had fun with all her friends, her mom, fiancee and daughter.
Once everyone left, Barney and Gretchen were alone again.
"Let's dance" Barney said, holding his hand out for Gretchen.
"But there's no music" Gretchen said.
"Then we'll have to make some" Barney said, pulling Gretchen close and began singing As Long As You're Mine softly in her ear.
Gretchen leaned into Barney as they slow danced in the cottage.
Sunday morning, they packed up the car and headed back to the house they shared with Hannah.
Gretchen looked out the window, "hey Barney - I just thought of something."
"Hm?" Barney asked.
"We never did choose a godmother & godfather for Cassandra" Gretchen said.
"You choose" Barney said as he drove.
"I was thinking Marshall and Lily" Gretchen said.
"I love that choice" Barney said, smiling at Gretchen as he drove.
Barney, Gretchen, Cassandra, and the others were now at the basketball game on Friday night.
"There's Rachel!" Gretchen said, cheering as the cheerleaders came onto the field during halftime.
"GO GRIFFINS GO! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
GO GRIFFINS GO! LET'S TAKE FLIGHT!" The cheerleaders cheered as they did various cheerleading moves.
The audience clapped along as the cheerleaders cheered from the stands.
"Go Rachel!" Gretchen and the others cheered, watching the cheerleaders perform their routine.
Merv the Griffin - the mascot - came onto the court, flapping his wings and getting the audience riled up.
Halftime ended and now, the game was back on.
"Pass the ball. Pass the ball. Pass the ball" Gretchen said quietly as she and Barney watched the game.
The Griffins ended up winning - 65 to 22.
"I've gotta be some sort of good luck charm" Gretchen said as the spectators filed out.
"Or the teams are just really good this year" Barney said, kissing her cheek.
"We should get home - I hear a bubble bath calling my name" Gretchen said as they entered the parking lot.
"That sounds delightful" Barney said, holding Gretchen's free hand in his.
That night, Gretchen soaked in the tub while Barney took care of Cassandra.
Hannah was working late and wouldn't be home until the kids went to school.
"Hun, I have an idea" Gretchen said as she put on her pajamas.
"Hm?" Barney asked, looking up from doing homework.
"What about looking at daycare for Cassandra?" Gretchen suggested.
"I love that idea, but what's wrong with us taking care of her?" Barney asked.
"Well - nothing" Gretchen said.
Barney smiled and kissed her forehead, "for now, we get some sleep."
"Agreed" Gretchen said, snuggling up to Barney.
The following day at school, Barney took Cassandra with him to his classes.
Rachel smiled as she and Barney entered Biology, "awww. Hi Miss Thing."
Cassandra cooed up at Rachel from her carseat.
Barney chuckled, "I think she likes you, Rachel."
"I like her, too" Rachel said as she and Barney sat at their assigned lab table.
The teacher - Mr. Stuart - offered to watch Cassandra while Rachel and Barney worked on dissecting their frog.
Barney concentrated as he and Rachel worked together.
"This is like the game Operation" Barney whispered.
Rachel nodded, "it really is."
After class, Barney took Cassandra to Sophomore English, which was one of his favorite classes.
"Barney, do you want to give your report?" The teacher - Ms. Sanaa - asked.
"Yeah" Barney said, rifling through his bag for his report. He found it and went to the front of the class.
Marshall rocked Cassandra's carseat with his foot, keeping her quiet.
Barney gave his report on his assigned book - Les Miserables. When he was done, he took his seat next to Marshall.
After class, everyone gathered their things and filed out of the classroom.
"Barney, can I talk to you for a moment?" Ms. Sanaa asked.
"Huh? Sure" Barney said, adjusting his backpack, "what's up?"
"I want to talk to you about your last test - a D is not your best grade. You usually get As and Bs in my class. What happened?" Ms. Sanaa asked.
"I was up all night with Cassandra - she had a fever and it broke 45 minutes before my alarm went off" Barney said, "I can retake it, if you want me to."
Ms. Sanaa nodded, "could you stay after school tomorrow to retake it?"
Barney nodded, "I can do that."
Ms. Sanaa smiled, "have a good rest of your day."
"You too" Barney said as he exited the classroom with Cassandra and went to lunch, hearing both his and her stomachs growling, "you're hungry too, huh? I think mommy can do something about it."
As he entered the cafeteria, he spotted his friends at their usual table, but no Gretchen.
"Where's Gretchen?" Barney asked the others.
"She's coming - just running late" Joey said, smiling at Cassandra, "hi sweet girl."
"Could you guys watch Cassie while I get some lunch, please?" Barney asked.
"Sure" the friends said in unison.
Shortly after Barney left to get food, Cassandra started crying loudly.
"I know you're hungry" Lily said, rifling through the diaper bag for a bottle. She eventually found one and smiled at Cassandra, "want Aunt Lily to hold you, sweet face?"
"I think Aunt Rachel would like to" Rachel said in a cute baby voice.
"Someone feed her something soon - she's getting madder" Ross said.
"Ya think?" Chandler said sarcastically.
"WWWWWWAHHHHHHHH!" Cassandra screamed / cried.
Rachel held Cassandra in her arms as she gave her a bottle, "shhhhh it's okay. Lunch is here" she looked up as Gretchen entered the cafeteria.
Gretchen came over and sat down, "I am so sorry I'm late."
"Lunch is almost over - where were you?" Rachel asked, holding Cassandra in her arms.
"Bathroom" Gretchen said, "I overheard Rosie talking to two of her friends about how they're gonna get Barney to break up with me so Rosie can date him."
Rachel became angry, "that little-"
"Rachel language" Monica said, indicating to Cassandra.
"That little nose picker" Rachel said, making everyone at the table laugh.
Barney came over with a tray of food, "what's so funny?"
"Long story" Gretchen said, smiling as Barney sat next to her, "I'll tell you later."
Barney nodded and ate lunch with his friends and fiancee.
A couple weeks later, it was Winter Break.
Barney and Gretchen spent every moment together, except when Gretchen had a girls night with Robin, Lily, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe and Tiana - they were going Christmas shopping for the special people in their lives.
While Gretchen was gone, Barney had Ross, Marshall, Chandler, Ted and Joey over.
"Just keep it down - I just got Cassandra to bed" Barney told his friends.
The guys nodded and played some board games before watching sports on TV.
At the mall, the girls were having fun shopping for their loved ones.
"Are you and Barney gonna have more kids?" Robin asked as the girls sat in the food court.
"After high school and college, yeah - we're gonna probably have one or two more" Gretchen said, eating her pizza.
"If you have another girl, can you name her Phoebe?" Phoebe asked, making all the girls laugh.
After the girls had their snack, they went to various stores including Hot Topic, Toy Factory, Victoria's Secret and Yankee Candle before calling it a day.
"You guys wanna come over?" Gretchen asked.
"Sure" the girls said in unison.
Gretchen texted Barney as she got in Rachel's car the girls and I finished our shopping spree, so we're coming to the house. Be there in 20
Okay - just be really careful. The roads are bad. Love you and be safe Barney replied.
We will and love you too Gretchen said.
Rachel drove slow on the roads, keeping her eyes focused.
Exactly 20 minutes later, the girls arrived at Gretchen's house.
"Hello?" Gretchen called into the house.
"Hey" Barney greeted from the living room.
The girls put their purchases in Gretchen's room before joining the guys - and Cassandra - upstairs.
Cassandra was in her Pack-And-Play cooing cutely.
"Hi angel" Gretchen greeted her little girl.
The girls and guys hung out for a while before people started leaving, eventually leaving Barney and Gretchen alone.
That night, a horrible snowstorm hit, making everyone lose power.
At the hospital, the backup generator kicked on when the power went out. Hannah was in the emergency room, dealing with a Hit And Run accident that just came through. Luckily, it wasn't anyone Hannah knew and the woman ended up not making it - her wounds were life-threatening.
Everyone stayed at the hospital, since the roads were bad and hadn't been cleared yet.
Gretchen shivered as Barney put more blankets on their bed. She brought Cassandra into the room so the three of them could be warm together.
Cassandra slept in her Pack And Play at the foot of the bed, looking peaceful.
"We don't have anything tomorrow, right?" Barney asked Gretchen.
"Nope" Gretchen said, snuggling closer to Barney.
At four in the morning, the power came back on, making Gretchen flinch.
Barney smirked and kissed Gretchen's cheek, "wake up, sweetie."
"Why?" Gretchen moaned, curled in a ball.
Barney shrugged, "we're on vacation - we can sleep in."
"Mmm" Gretchen moaned, cuddling into Barney.
Cassandra whimpered and began crying.
Gretchen got up and sat in her desk chair so she could nurse Cassandra, "hi sweetie. Are you hungry?"
Barney watched Gretchen from the bed, growing more in love with her than he already was.