Part VIII: This Is Full Blown Love

They say you forget the pain of childbirth the moment you hold your baby in your arms.

That's bullshit.

Admittedly, the intensity of the physical pain that Quinn had experienced with Beth had gotten all muddled up with the emotional pain of giving her up before being buried under thirteen years of regrets, so the memory hadn't been quite as sharp as it should have been when she'd signed up to do it all over again. And her sixteen year old body had certainly been in much better shape than her nearly thirty year old one is now, free from the remnants of the car accident that had left her back and leg forever weakened. But she doubts that she'll be forgetting the excruciating pain of this experience anytime soon. It feels like someone reached up inside of her and ripped out her spine and all of her internal organs with a claw.

You don't forget.

You're just far too distracted by the miraculous little person in your arms to focus on the pain anymore.

Holding Beth for that one brief, moment had only caused Quinn even more pain, knowing that she wouldn't be keeping her, but now—

Oh, God. Now!

Doctor Barnes lays this impossibly tiny baby on her belly where her hospital gown is pushed up to expose bare skin, and she's warm and wet with fluids that Quinn would rather not think too deeply about and still connected to Quinn through her umbilical cord, and the pain dulls into background noise the moment Quinn's shaking hands curve around her perfect little body. "Oh, my God. Hi, baby," and she's surprised that her voice even works at all with the massive lump wedged firmly in her raw throat. "I'm your mom." And God, that feels amazing to say. She's a mom.

She's finally meeting the daughter that she gets to keep and raise and love unconditionally for the rest of her life—the daughter she shares with the woman she loves.

Her eyes roam lovingly over the baby, counting fingers and toes and looking for traces of her wife in the miniature features. She's sure that she can already see Rachel in their daughter's cheeks and mouth—and certainly in her impressive vocal capacity. It's like she's trying to tell them in no uncertain terms that she's not happy about being ripped away from her warm, quiet haven inside of her mother and thrust into this bright, noisy room, but Quinn is incredibly happy that she's here. "Oh, Rachel. Look what we made."

Her gaze drifts up to her wife for the first time since their daughter had made her appearance, and her breath catches at what she sees. Rachel has always worn her heart on her sleeve for all the world to see—it's in her eyes and the curve of her lips and every line of her face—and right now all Quinn can see is blinding, unwavering love and devotion. It's everything that Quinn has dreamed of for so long.

"She's perfect," Rachel breathes out as she touches a careful finger to their daughter's cheek and nose—the one that's noticeably more petite than Rachel's is—and Quinn thinks she notices a flash of relief in her wife's expression.

"Oh, Quinnie. She is," Judy gushes, and Quinn briefly drags her gaze away from Rachel to glance at her mother, relieved to see the genuine joy on her face. She has to admit, she'd been a little nervous about her mom's reaction when they'd told her that they'd used Rachel's egg, but she doesn't think she has anything to worry about now.

And Rachel—well, Rachel is still completely lost in their daughter, gently placing a shaking hand on her tiny body as she introduces herself with an awed, "Hello, little star." The baby quiets almost instantly and Quinn smiles, imagining that she already recognizes her mama's voice and can't help but listen with rapt attention. "I'm your mom too. I know that's probably a little confusing for you right now, but you'll catch on in no time."

Quinn laughs at that, touching Rachel's hand where it curves protectively over their daughter, and her own hungry gaze is drawn back to those perfect little features. She can barely believe that she's finally holding the little person who's been living under her heart for the last nine months. She'd felt so empty after giving birth to Beth, but right now she feels full to bursting with love and contentment.

There's nothing that Quinn wants more than to ignore the rest of the world and focus only on her little family, but of course, there are still medical matters to attend to—a fact they're reminded of when Doctor Barnes clamps off the umbilical cord and asks Rachel if she wants to do the honors of cutting it.

Rachel looks mildly terrified as she eyes the scissors being offered to her, but she takes them with trembling fingers and (with a nervous squeal) cuts right where Doctor Barnes tells her to. "Good job, Mom," their doctor praises, and Rachel beams with pride—whether from the compliment or her new title, Quinn can't be entirely certain.

Peggy steps in with a baby blanket draped over her arm, deftly unsnapping the top of Quinn's hospital gown before helping her move the baby from her belly to her chest. She drops the blanket over the both of them before stepping away, and Quinn's eyes fill with tears all over again as she gazes down at her daughter in wonder, catching her breath at the sight of tiny eyelids fluttering open for the first time to reveal hazy, dark eyes looking curiously up at her. If Quinn had thought she looked like Rachel before, the resemblance is undeniable now. Except for her nose, she looks almost exactly like the baby pictures of her wife that Leroy had once spent hours showing her.

"She's so tiny. Just like you," Quinn jokes tearfully, glancing up at her wife.

Rachel worries her bottom lip at the comment, glancing anxiously to their doctor. "She's not too small, is she?"

Doctor Barnes chuckles, shaking her head. "She's fine. We'll get an official weight and measurement once you've had some time together, but I've delivered enough babies to confidently say that she's well within the normal range for newborns, and she's a very healthy Apgar nine."

Rachel frowns at that. "Why isn't she a ten?"

Quinn had done her research about the Apgar scale right along with Rachel, and she strongly suspects that Rachel is asking less because she's concerned there could be a problem and more because she's mildly offended that their daughter didn't get a perfect score.

Doctor Barnes isn't fazed at all by the slight note of accusation in Rachel's voice. "Her hands and feet are still a bit bluish, but again, that's perfectly normal right after birth," she's quick to assure them. "They should pinken up in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Don't worry," she adds with a grin, nodding towards the baby. "You did a good job with this one."

Quinn couldn't agree more.

"Have you finally settled on a name for her?" Judy prods with an arched brow, clearly eager to know how she should address her granddaughter.

Gazing up to Rachel, Quinn is fairly certain that they're on the same page. They've been mostly settled on the name at the top of their list ever since Quinn had suggested it—they've only been waiting to meet her to be sure it feels right. Rachel's soft smile and nod tell her that they're in agreement even before Rachel opens her mouth.

"Calliope," she proclaims with confidence.

Quinn smiles, loving the name even more now that their daughter is here to answer to it. "Calliope Alice."

"Alice?" Rachel questions with a small frown.

Quinn arches a brow, meeting Rachel's gaze in challenge. She knows full well that Rachel is about to argue for Lucy—and with Quinn's mother standing right there, Quinn might have no choice but to finally give in. "How many hours was I in labor, Rachel?"

A faintly pained expression crosses Rachel's features, and she sighs in resignation. "Calliope Alice," she agrees, finally letting go of her hopes for Lucy.

Judy presses a hand over her heart, and her eyes glisten suspiciously as she smiles down at the baby. "That's a lovely name for a lovely girl."

Quinn thinks so too. Calliope Alice Fabray. Her daughter.

"I hate to interrupt the moment," Doctor Barnes cuts in, "but we still have a little bit of work to do before you're officially done with labor."

"Ugh," Quinn groans, knowing exactly what she means. She still needs to deliver the placenta. "I hate this part too," she grumbles.

"Do you need me to stay, Quinnie?" her mother asks kindly. "Or would you like me to call Hiram and Leroy and give them the happy news?"

"Would you?"

Judy nods, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Quinn's ear. "Of course, sweetie." She glances at Rachel in deference. "If that's alright with you, Rachel?"

Rachel nods. "Let them know I'm taking care of Quinn and Calliope, and I can't wait until they meet her."

"I will, dear," Judy agrees. "I'll have them call my cell when they get here, and you can let us know when you're ready for visitors again."

Quinn imagines it would take a nice long nap, a hot bath, and at least thirty minutes with a mirror and her makeup bag to make her truly ready for visitors, but she supposes she'll have to settle for being cleaned up with all her private parts fully covered. She's grateful to her mom, though, and she says as much, thanking her for all of her support and causing them both to shed a few more happy tears before Judy finally exits the room.

Doctor Barnes moves back to the foot of the bed with a calming smile. "Rachel, would you like to hold Calliope for a bit while we take care of Quinn?"

Rachel looks startled by the question—eyes flying from the baby to their doctor and then back to Quinn. "Oh….um…can I?" she asks timidly.

Quinn chuckles softly, shaking her head at her wife's hesitation. "She's your daughter, Rachel. You don't need permission."

Rachel lets out a little huff. "I know. I'm just a little nervous," she admits, fiddling with her wedding ring. "You know that I haven't actually held a baby…a real one, not that wretched doll in our childbirth class," she clarifies with a grimace, "since Leon Jr was born, and that was a really long time ago, Quinn."

Her hesitation is almost endearing. Almost. "I guess you better start getting comfortable." Quinn glances back down at Calliope. "Isn't that right, Calliope? You want Mama to hold you, don't you, baby?" Calliope looks fairly uncommitted either way, but she emits a tiny little gurgle that Quinn is absolutely taking as a yes, so Quinn lifts her eyes to Rachel expectantly. "Get naked and then get down here," she commands tenderly.

Rachel grins, giggling nervously as she hastily unbuttons her blouse to expose her chest. There's a faint blush on her cheeks, but she seems otherwise unconcerned by her nudity courtesy of her time in the theater. The shirt gapes open as she bends down closer to slip her hands beneath Calliope's petite body. "Just don't let me drop her."

"You'll be fine," Quinn promises as she carefully transfers Calliope into Rachel's waiting arms, pausing only to adjust her hand under their daughter's tiny head and making sure Calliope stays covered by the blanket. (And if her own hands follow Calliope's little body up until it's safely cradled against Rachel's chest—well, that's just because she's reluctant to let her go.)

"Oh, wow," Rachel breathes out, wide-eyed and so very careful as she stares down at the precious little person in her arms. "She's so small. How can someone so small already hold such a big piece of my heart?"

Quinn presses a hand to her own heart, drinking in the sight of her wife holding their daughter for the very first time. "She probably inherited that talent from you." Because Quinn has felt that way about Rachel for so long, and now their daughter has stolen the rest of her heart the same way her mother had so many years ago.

"Well, better that than my nose," Rachel quips with a self-deprecating smile.

"I love your nose. I'm kind of sad she didn't get it."

Rachel shoots her an incredulous look before gazing down at Calliope again. "I think your mommy is still a little fuzzy from the pain."

Quinn rolls her eyes. "True as that is, it doesn't change my opinion." She loves everything about Rachel—nose and every beauty mark included.

An appreciative smile curves Rachel's lips. "Your opinion is heavily biased, but I love you."

"I love you too."

Rachel holds her gaze for a long moment, conveying every bit of her love and devotion through her eyes, before she directs that same gaze down to their daughter. "And I love you, Calliope Alice. Yes, I do." She gently bounces the baby in emphasis, but Calliope doesn't seem to appreciate the unexpected motion very much and begins to stutter out unhappy little cries. Rachel's eyes widen in panic and she practically freezes, holding Calliope very still. "Oh…oh, no. Don't fuss," she coos worriedly. "I've got you." There's a faint tremor in her voice, and her eyes are glistening suspiciously. "I promise I'll get better at this."

Calliope's whimpers are already quieting, and Quinn feels her heart swell even fuller. "I think you're doing just fine."

Rachel doesn't look entirely convinced, but she and Calliope both seem to settle after a moment, standing guard over Quinn while Doctor Barnes and Peggy do what they need to do to get Quinn through the final stage of labor, consisting of gross things that Quinn prefers not to focus on. She'd much rather watch her wife and daughter, only giving their doctor the minimum attention required to follow the necessary instructions.

Once she's delivered the entire placenta, Doctor Barnes examines her and makes sure her uterus contracts again before proclaiming her officially done with labor. Peggy helps her get cleaned up with a fresh gown, hospital issued mesh underwear, and a pad, adjusting the bed back into a more bed-like position, while Rachel bonds with their daughter, and then it's finally Quinn's turn to hold her again.

Rachel is clearly reluctant to relinquish her hold on Calliope, but she doesn't hesitate to settle the baby back over Quinn's breast, and Quinn wants to weep from the joy of having her daughter back in her arms again. Rachel refastens her shirt as she carefully balances against the edge of the bed, gaze still glued to Calliope like she can't fully believe that this little person really belongs to them.

"She's so beautiful, Quinn," Rachel says reverently, touching a tiny foot. "Perfect and amazing…and just…everything." She shakes her head in wonderment. "I don't even have the words..."

"I know." The emotions blooming in Quinn's chest are far too overpowering to describe with simple, inadequate words—the unconditional love too boundless—and it's enough to know that Rachel is feeling the same way. "We're moms, Rach," Quinn murmurs in complete and utter happiness, gazing up at her wife.

Rachel's soft, "Yeah," is filled with such quiet wonder. He dark eyes are glittering with love as she leans forward to press a chaste kiss to Quinn's lips, salty with the taste of their mutual tears. "You were incredible today, baby," Rachel whispers when they part. "I'm so proud of you."

"I couldn't have done it without you." At her worst moments, when the pain had been so all-consuming that she'd wanted nothing more than to give up and let unconsciousness claim her, she'd focused on Rachel—on her voice and her face and her hand inside of Quinn's—and found the strength to keep fighting to bring their daughter into the world.

Rachel's eyes glisten with emotion, and she reaches up to cup Quinn's cheek tenderly. "You could have." When Quinn opens her mouth to protest, Rachel silences her with a finger over her lips. "But you'll never need to. I will always be here for you, Quinn." She moves her hand down to gently cup Calliope's head. "For both of you."

It's a perfect moment, made even more perfect when Rachel's lips brush over hers once again before she bends down to kiss their daughter's head. They stay like that, a little family of three, for countless, beautiful minutes before Calliope begins to root around for Quinn's breast, whimpering impatiently as her little mouth opens and closes against Quinn's skin.

"Oh," Quinn gasps softly, staring down at the baby in astonishment. "I think she's hungry." Moisture stings her eyes again, because she'd never had the opportunity to nurse Beth, and she's so very eager to experience this with Calliope.

Peggy has been lingering in the room, tidying up and preparing Calliope's warming bassinet for later, but an eager summons from Rachel has her at Quinn's other side with a soothing smile. "Let's get this little one fed, shall we?" Her steady hands help Quinn position Calliope's body, gently guiding her head to Quinn's nipple. She shows Quinn how to support her breast for the baby, patiently explaining where Calliope's mouth should be and how to encourage her to properly latch on.

It takes a few tries for them both to figure things out, but Calliope eventually latches on the right way, and it's the weirdest sensation. Quinn had thought it might hurt, and it certainly doesn't feel good, but it's not exactly painful either. Calliope seems to be a natural though, and Quinn's heart soars with the knowledge that she's feeding her daughter.

"Oh, Rachel, look," she whispers, wondering if her wife finds this even half as amazing as she does. When she tears her gaze away from her daughter to glance at Rachel, she sees Rachel watching them together in wonder.

"What does it feel like?" she wants to know, curiosity shining in her eyes.

Quinn ponders the question with a tiny frown. "I don't know if I can really describe it. Those first couple of tries felt like having my nipple scraped with sandpaper."

Rachel's grimace is accompanied by a sympathetic, "Ouch."

Quinn nods, grinning wryly. "It's probably going to be really uncomfortable for me if we don't get the hang of that part. But right now, it's mostly just a warm, tingling sensation with a little bit of tugging on my nipple." Her smile softens as she gazes back down at Calliope. "It's weirdly calming."

Rachel sighs wistfully, stroking Calliope's little belly. "I wish I could experience it with you."

"You could have," Quinn reminds her a little peevishly. It's not like they hadn't discussed the possibility of Rachel wet nursing their daughter, "But you didn't want deal with another round of drugs and swollen, sore breasts while you were still performing."

"Oh, right," Rachel recalls with a not-very-apologetic grin. "My loss now, I suppose." Her expression almost manages to appear regretful.

Calliope doesn't actually nurse for very long that first time. Peggy had informed her that would probably be the case for a while since a newborn's stomach is still very small so it doesn't take long for them to feel full. Quinn does feel a brief stinging sensation when Calliope lets go of her breast—like getting her nipple caught in a zipper—but it passes quickly. She hopes that doesn't happen every time.

That first hour passes much too quickly for Quinn, and at the end of it, Doctor Barnes and Peggy reappear to officially weigh and measure Calliope. Quinn frowns when Peggy lifts her daughter away from her, feeling the loss acutely despite the fact that she's only right across the room. She silently reminds herself that no one is taking Calliope from her. Not ever.

"It's just a routine exam," Rachel assures her, obviously reading the distress on her face. "She'll be back in your arms in no time."

Quinn nods, brushing away an errant tear. "I know." It's silly. She'd been perfectly fine when Rachel had been holding her. "I just want to keep her in my arms forever."

Rachel smiles, stroking her hair. "Me too. But that's not entirely feasible. I mean, we will need to sleep eventually," she points out with a grin.

Quinn chuckles at that. "Calliope might have other ideas about that."

"All the more reason for us to catch naps whenever we can."

"God, I feel like I could sleep for a week," Quinn admits. She's sore in places she didn't even know existed and utterly exhausted, and all she wants (other than to hold her daughter forever) is to fall into her own bed to sleep without worrying about her baby bump getting in the way or her bladder waking her up every hour. She'll have Calliope to do that now.

Peggy brings the baby back after a few minutes, wrapped up in a blanket now, and transfers her back into Quinn's arms, and Doctor Barnes pronounces her in perfect health. "All seven pounds, twelve ounces, and eighteen inches of her. Definitely not too small," she reassures Rachel with a grin.

"She felt a lot bigger than seven pounds when she was coming out of me," Quinn grumbles good-naturedly, smiling now that her daughter is back in her arms where she belongs.

Doctor Barnes laughs. "I hear that a lot." She congratulates them both again before bidding them goodnight and exiting the room.

Peggy lingers for a moment to offer some final instructions, informing them that her shift is over but the evening nurse will check in on them later. "Don't hesitate to call her if you have any problems breastfeeding tonight or have any concerns at all. You should continue to practice the skin-to-skin whenever you can, but you do have some visitors waiting now if you're ready to see them."

Part of Quinn wants to keep the rest of the world locked out of this room and lie here in the safety of Rachel's embrace while Calliope sleeps in her arms, but their parents are waiting outside to meet their granddaughter, and she can't very well turn them away. They're her family, and she's so incredibly grateful that her daughter will have them in her life.

As if sensing the direction of her thoughts, Rachel touches her shoulder. "Do you feel up to letting them in now?"

Quinn smiles wryly. "Your dads drove all the way here." And she can tell by the expression on Rachel's face how eager she is for her fathers to finally meet their granddaughter, so she turns to Peggy and tells her, "You can send them in. And thank you, for everything," she adds, smiling gratefully at their nurse.

She'd never met the woman before today, but she can certainly see why Peggy has a reputation for being the best. She was calm and supportive without being invasive, and when it had come time for action, her knowledge and skill working alongside Doctor Barnes was unmistakable. Quinn truly appreciates everything she'd done for them today.

"You're very welcome," Peggy returns kindly before slipping out of the room.

"I could have asked my dads to wait a little longer if you needed me to," Rachel informs her once they're alone again. "You and Calliope are my priority now."

It's said so simply and with such sincerity that Quinn finds herself rapidly blinking back a fresh batch of tears. "I really do love you."

With a soft grin, Rachel lifts her hand to affectionately tuck some hair behind Quinn's ear. "That's very convenient, because I really love you too. More now than ever before." And then she leans in for a sweet kiss that Quinn happily reciprocates. It only lasts a few seconds, and she's barely pulling away when they hear the knock.

They both look towards the door in time to see it inch open before Leroy hesitantly pokes his head inside. "Is it safe to come in?" he asks, voice overflowing with excitement and anticipation.

Rachel giggles, nodding as she stands from the bed to greet them. "It is." With that, Leroy opens the door the rest of the way, revealing Hiram right behind him. "Come meet Calliope," she urges, waving them into the room with a proud smile.

"Oh, I've been waiting for this moment," Leroy gushes, seizing Rachel's invitation and hurrying inside with Hiram on his heels. Judy glides in after them, lingering at the edge of the room to allow the men their first opportunity to see the baby.

It's a testament to how excited Leroy is to meet his granddaughter that he barely pauses to deliver an exuberant kiss to Rachel's cheek before focusing completely on Quinn—or rather the precious bundle in her arms. Quinn gently pushes the edges of the blanket away from Calliope's face, shifting her enough to give her grandfathers a better view. "Here she is."

Leroy's hand flies over his heart as he gazes down at Calliope with glistening eyes. His other hand blindly reaches for Hiram, finding his wrist and tugging him closer. "Oh, Hiram. Look."

Hiram slips his arm around Leroy's waist, pulling his husband close as he smiles adoringly at the baby. "I'm looking, Leroy."

"Oh, my," Leroy whispers in awe, briefly pressing a hand to his mouth as he struggles to compose himself. "Oh, she's gorgeous."

"A vision of perfection," Hiram agrees, barely managing to tear his eyes away from Calliope for even a moment to acknowledge Quinn's mother. "Judy, your description didn't even begin to do her justice."

Judy, who's taken a position on the small loveseat by the window, smiles graciously. "I don't know any words that could, Hiram."

They've developed an odd sort of rapport over the years—not quite a friendship, per se, but something more affable than merely in-laws. Quinn suspects they might actually have become friends if they still lived in the same city. Once Judy had gotten past her awkwardness over how she should act around Rachel's dads, she'd discovered them to be quite entertaining, and now they all get along fairly well whenever they find themselves drawn back together. It's a very good sign for the family gatherings to come in the future.

Leroy moves then, seeking out Rachel, who's been watching them from the foot of the bed with a pleased smile. "Oh, baby girl," he exclaims, enveloping her in his typical bear hug and kissing the top of her head. "She's beautiful. I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, Dad," she mumbles into his chest, smiling tearfully up at him when he releases her. "I'm so glad you're here." Her eyes drift to Hiram. "Both of you."

It's Hiram's turn to open his arms then. "Come here, my little Rachelah," he urges, embracing her with slightly less fervor but no less love. Before he lets her go, he runs a fatherly hand over her hair, telling her, "You done good."

Wet laughter falls from her lips, and she gives his chest an affectionate pat as she steps back, brushing away a joyful tear. "Quinn did all the hard work," she acknowledges, sending Quinn an adoring smile.

"Labor sucks even more than I remembered," she complains affably before her eyes fall down to her daughter once again, "but God, it was so worth it."

"Unquestionably," Hiram agrees, adjusting his glasses as his gaze returns to her. "Though you hardly look any worse for the experience." A charming smile settles on his lips. "In fact, you look absolutely radiant, my dear."

Quinn laughs, shaking her head. "You're a terrible liar, Hiram." Her hair is a mess, she needs a shower, and she's positive that whatever makeup she'd put on this morning has long since been washed away by sweat and cool compresses. She's certain she must look an absolute fright right now. "But thank you."

Hiram nods in acknowledgment, smiling until Leroy laughingly pats his shoulder and says, "Oh, he is. You know Rachel had to get it from somewhere."

"Hey!" Rachel protests in tandem with Hiram. Quinn only laughs again, because it's true. For being such an amazing actress, her wife can't outright lie to save her life. Quinn still hasn't figured out how she'd managed to keep the baby shower a secret.

"But he's not lying now," Leroy continues with a fond smile, touching Quinn's shoulder. "Motherhood looks wonderful on you, my darling girl, just like I knew it would," he observes tenderly, leaning down to kiss the top of her head the same way he had with Rachel.

"You're making me cry," Quinn accuses when tears spring to her eyes again, and she struggles to wipe them away without jostling Calliope too much.

Leroy gazes down at her through glistening eyes. "Well, then we're even."

Quinn nods, glancing down at the baby. Calliope is blinking up at her, eyes unfocused and dancing around the room. Quinn wonders if she's trying to figure out to whom all the new voices belong, and she looks back up at Leroy, smiling softly. "Would you like to hold her?"

His eyes widen in surprised delight. "Can I?" he asks, quickly glancing around the room. "I don't want to jump the line."

"He absolutely does," Hiram immediately disputes.

"But I won't," Leroy insists before his questioning gaze settles on Judy, and Quinn instantly understands his hesitation. Judy has been at the hospital the longest.

Quinn follows his line of sight to see her mother sitting comfortably on the loveseat. An amused smile plays on her face as she watches them. "You won't hear me object," she assures them, holding up her hands. "I had the privilege of being the first one to meet her. I can wait my turn to hold her."

Quinn is grateful for her mother's polite deferral, though she suspects it has everything to do with the fact that Judy is staying with them and therefore knows that she'll have plenty of prime one-on-one time with the baby over the next two weeks. She's sure that Leroy is even more grateful, regardless of the reason, when his eyes light up. "In that case," he says, turning back to Quinn with a wide smile as he holds out his hands, "give me my grandbaby."

Chuckling, Quinn adjusts her hold on her daughter, carefully lifting her away from her body just enough for Leroy to slide his eager hands securely beneath her. "Say hello to your grandpa Leroy," she coos, passing her into her grandfather's sure arms while Rachel pads around the bed to stand at Quinn's side.

"Oh," he gasps the moment he feels her weight, slowly straightening as he settles the baby safely against his chest. "She's so tiny," he murmurs almost to himself, as if he'd forgotten what it feels like to hold a newborn baby. "Grandpa, huh?" he repeats, briefly darting his eyes between Quinn and Rachel. "Well, we'll work that out," he mumbles, grinning down at Calliope even as she begins to fuss in his arms.

Little sobs teeter just on the edge of a full-blown cry, and Quinn frowns, her heart lurching at the first sounds of her daughter in distress. She's nearly ready to demand that Leroy give her back when he begins to rock back and forth, his voice dropping into a gentle croon. "Don't fret, sweet Calliope. Your mommies are still right here," he assures her, angling his body so the baby in his arms can catch sight of Rachel and Quinn. "See. They're not going anywhere."

Whether it's seeing her mothers, or Leroy's soft, musical voice, or the gentle sway of his body, Quinn isn't entirely sure, but Calliope begins to calm again, no doubt assessing this new person with keen interest. "You're safe and sound with your granddaddy, sugar plum," Leroy promises, staring down at her lovingly.

"Sugar plum?" Hiram echoes bemusedly as he shuffles in beside his husband and wraps an arm around his shoulder. "Did I miss a memo? Is it December already?"

"Oh, hush you," Leroy chides lightly, bumping back against him. "It's because she's so sweet. Just look at her."

"I'm looking," Hiram sighs, resting his temple against the top of Leroy's head.

"She's beautiful."

"That she certainly is."

Rachel sinks down onto the edge of the bed next to Quinn, slipping an arm around her shoulders as she watches her fathers fall in love with their granddaughter.

Looking at them now, Quinn can easily imagine that this is what they were like when Rachel was a baby, minus, of course, a few grey hairs and some wrinkles—though she won't ever mention the wrinkles to Leroy or Hiram. She can already tell they're going to spoil Calliope rotten, and she has a feeling she's never going to try to stop them. If only her own father could be half as doting.

Even the fleeting thought of Russell has her stomach clenching and her heart aching, and she has to blink back the sting of tears that are decidedly less than happy. She's aware that he'd been informed of her pregnancy—her mother and Frannie had both made offhanded comments before quickly (and blessedly) changing the subject—but even the prospect of another grandchild hasn't softened his disdain for her choices, and frankly, Quinn doesn't think she could ever want him back in her life even if it did. She's just sad that she couldn't have had a relationship with her father that's even a fraction as supportive or forgiving as the one she's formed with these two men who have somehow accepted her into their family despite her inauspicious beginning with Rachel.

Rachel's arm around her tightens, and she's not surprised to see concern shining from brown eyes. "Are you okay?" she asks quietly.

Quinn wipes away another tear on a breathless laugh and nods, banishing Russell Fabray from her thoughts once more. He really doesn't deserve any place in this moment. "Our little girl really is so blessed," is what she says, focusing on all the wonderful, supportive people that Calliope will have in her life.

Rachel's gaze drifts back to her dads, and she sighs happily. "She really is." Leroy and Hiram continue to coo and fuss over Calliope, making (maybe not-so) outlandish promises about ponies and baby grand pianos and yearly trips to Disney World, and Rachel shakes her head indulgently. "She's also going to be so very spoiled."

Quinn pats her leg soothingly. "Well, the pony's a definite no. You just need to show them your PowerPoint on the cruelty of keeping horses in the city."

Rachel laughs at that, shaking her head again. "They'll probably just offer to keep it at a stable in Fairfield."

Quinn shrugs. "I could probably live with that." She'd kind of always wanted a pony when she was a little girl.

Rachel gently pokes her shoulder. "Don't encourage them," she chastises lightly.

Quinn only grins, leaning into Rachel's side as her eyes linger on her daughter. Her gaze eventually drifts to her mother, who's watching the men fondly as she patiently waits for her turn to hold Calliope. "Do you know if Santana is still here?" she asks, only now wondering where their friend had disappeared to after she'd hightailed it out of the delivery room.

"She was when we came in," Judy confirms.

"She was lurking around the nurses' station," Hiram chimes in, lifting his eyes from the baby. "I think they're all too afraid of her to kick her off the floor."

Quinn chuckles, having no trouble whatsoever believing that. "I'm surprised she didn't come in with you."

"She wanted to give you time with your family," Judy explains, tilting her head thoughtfully. "I admit that I've had my doubts about that girl in the past, but now I think I'm glad that you have her in your life."

It's the highest of compliments coming from her mother, and Quinn smiles. "She does have her moments."

Nodding, Judy says, "I can ask her to come in if you'd like."

"Not yet," Quinn responds, deciding that if Santana had offered to wait, then she can wait a little while longer. "This is still grandparent time."

Her mother looks pleased with that. After all, she's still waiting for her turn to hold Calliope, and Hiram had only just managed to steal her away from Leroy a few moments ago.

"Oh," Rachel breathes out, eyes widening. "I need to call Shelby," she exclaims, shaking her head as if she can't believe that she could have forgotten. "And text all our friends. I completely forgot."

"I think they'll forgive you," Quinn tells her with a grin. "You've had more important matters to attend." And her eyes drift back to their daughter.

"Yeah," Rachel agrees with the same breathless awe in her voice that she's had since Calliope had come screaming into the world. "But I really do need to let everyone know." She begins to dig into her pocket for her phone before suddenly tensing up and muttering a nervous, "Oh, no."

"What's wrong?" Quinn asks, frowning.

Rachel doesn't answer, frantically glancing around the room for a few seconds before relaxing noticeably. "Judy, could you please hand me my phone? It's on the window ledge," she directs, pointing to window behind the loveseat as she slides off the bed. "I forgot I'd set down over there earlier."

Quinn's mother obligingly reaches for the phone and passes it to Rachel, who then returns to the bed with a sheepish expression. "More important matters."

"The most important," Quinn agrees with a laugh, leaning into Rachel the moment she sits back down.

She sighs in contentment, alternating her attention between Rachel's dads with the baby and Rachel's phone call to Shelby—short and sweet though it is with the announcement of Calliope's full name along with her time of birth, weight and length, and the assurance that both mothers and baby are doing wonderfully. She can tell from Rachel's side of the conversation that Shelby won't be rushing to the hospital to see Calliope tonight even before Rachel disconnects the call and informs her that, "She offered to wait until tomorrow to come visit with Beth." Quinn is mostly grateful for the extra recovery time before she'll need to entertain even more visitors, though she is eager for Beth and Shelby to meet the newest member of their family.

After that, Rachel sends off hasty texts to their friend group with a separate text to Steven containing the same information. (Lord knows how many hospital rules they've been breaking by having their phones in here.) It's not at all surprising when Rachel's phone starts to buzz with responses after only a few moments, but Rachel quickly silences it, once again forgetting about everyone outside of this room for the time being.

Eventually, Hiram sits down on the loveseat next to Judy and carefully passes Calliope to her with a glowing introduction. "This stunning lady is your grandma Judy. You're a very lucky little girl to have so many lovely, accomplished women in your life."

"You're a very kind man, Hiram," Judy murmurs gratefully, tearing up before the baby is even in her arms, and Quinn doesn't even attempt to hold back her own tears as she watches her mother hold Calliope for the first time. All of the irritation that she'd felt earlier that morning is forgotten. The years of slowly working through old disappointments and resentments to rebuild their relationship have made this moment possible, and Quinn is nothing but grateful for it.

"Hello, my sweet angel," Judy whispers, falling into Calliope's orbit. "I'm so very happy you're finally here."

It's some time later when Judy finally parts with Calliope, placing her back into Quinn's waiting arms. Quinn has been unexpectedly restless without her, even though she's exhausted. She'd even closed her eyes for a few moments, laying her head against Rachel's shoulder and simply listening to the quiet conversation around her, but she hadn't been able to fully relax with the itch in her fingers to hold her daughter again. Having her back now is an instant balm.

Of course, she's only able to hold her for a few minutes before the door flies open and Santana comes breezing in with no preamble, apparently at the end of her patience. She's no longer wearing her scrubs, having changed into a simple white pullover and jeans, but her hospital badge is still clipped to her waistband—and even more surprising, she's carrying a tray full of food.

"I wrangled you some dinner," she announces, padding over to the rolling food tray that's parked in the corner and setting down her offering. "It's the good stuff from cafeteria...not that crap they feed the patients." A smirk settles on her lips. "Doctor's privilege." She shoves her hands into her back pockets as she glances around the room. Her posture looks similar enough to her typical cocky stance, but there's something almost nervous in the set of her shoulders and the turn of her head. "Sorry to interrupt the party, but Q was due for a meal, and I thought I'd save her from the rubber chicken, watery mashed potatoes, and lime jello that was on her menu." She grimaces (and Quinn does too) before nodding to the tray. "I tossed in a veggie burger for Miss Meatless over there, but I can't promise it's edible."

"Thank you, Santana," Rachel says, grateful despite the warning. Neither one of them has eaten anything since breakfast. Once Quinn had gone into labor, it had been nothing but crunching on ice cubes to stay hydrated, but now that there's actual food in her line of sight, she realizes just how hungry she is.

"No problem," Santana dismisses with a shrug. "I can step out again if you need more family time," but it's pretty clear from the expression on her face that she doesn't want to go.

"Oh, don't leave on our account, Doctor Lopez," Hiram tells her with a grin. "Leroy and I were just about to search out some dinner of our own. Weren't we, Leroy?"

He nods. "We do need to keep our blood sugar regulated."

Hiram glances over at Judy. "What do you say, Judy? Would you care to join us?"

"I'd love to," she agrees with a smile. She pauses to smooth a hand over Quinn's hair, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "I'll come back later, Quinnie."

"Thanks, Mom," Quinn whispers, offering her a grateful smile.

Leroy makes a similar promise to Rachel and gives her another exuberant bear hug before they finally make their way to the door.

Santana salutes them on the way out. "Later, Berry dads….Judes."

Hiram chuckles. "It's always a pleasure, Santana."

"Well, obviously," she boasts with a familiar smirk.

And then their parents are gone, leaving Santana staring at them from across the room.

"So are you wheeling that tray over here or what?" Quinn finally asks after Santana gives them no indication that she intends to move anytime soon.

"What am I, your slave?" Santana grumbles, but she does push the tray closer, leaving it at the foot of the bed since Quinn is still holding the baby in her arms. Santana walks over to stand next to Rachel, staring down at Calliope for a long moment while Quinn waits for her to say something. That something turns out to be, "So…this is the munchkin, huh?"

"She has a name, Santana," Rachel huffs indignantly, crossing her arms as she rises from her position on the edge of the bed.

"So I heard. Calliope Alice," Santana recites, testing it out. "You know you named your kid after the hot, bi doctor from Grey's Anatomy, right?"

"That's not why we picked it," Quinn asserts with a mild scowl aimed at Santana. And this is exactly why they hadn't shared their preferred names with anyone while Quinn had still been pregnant. They'd both known there would be jokes and snarky commentary.

Santana shrugs. "It's cool if you did. Callie was a kick ass character, and Sara Ramirez is still hot as hell."

"Watch your language," Rachel scolds, poking Santana in the side. "There are innocent ears in the room now."

"Yeah, yeah," Santana grumbles, rubbing at her abused side. "But my point still stands."

"You suck," Quinn mutters peevishly, glaring up at her friend. Calliope begins to fuss a bit in her arms, no doubt sensing her mother's annoyance, and Quinn attempts to calm her with the same gentle rocking motion that Leroy had employed.

"Ignore her, baby," Rachel soothes. "Calliope is the perfect name for our little girl."

"She is little, isn't she?" Santana notes, leaning over to get a better look. Her lips curve into an oddly tremulous smile for a long moment before it transforms into a familiar teasing grin. "Bet you were relieved about the nose, huh?"

"Santana!" Quinn hisses, her outburst upsetting Calliope even more.

Santana winces, looking marginally chastised—or possibly just uncomfortable that the baby is whimpering unhappily. "Jeez, Q. If you make me get all sappy about the little mini-Berry you grew, I'm'a cry all over you," she admits, sounding more than a little choked-up all of a sudden, "and…nobody wants to see that." She turns her face away, swiping hastily at the skin beneath her glistening eyes. "Shit," she mutters.

"Language," Rachel censures again, but it's soft and filled with understanding this time as she lays a forgiving hand on Santana's shoulder.

No sooner does Rachel touch her than Santana crumbles before their eyes, turning to hug Rachel with a body-wracking sob. Rachel looks stunned for a moment, flailing her arms uncertainly before eventually wrapping them around Santana in a comforting hug.

"Oh, God," Santana sobs into her shoulder. "You have a…a…baby. And she's so fu…freaking adorable. I'm so…ha…happy for you."

"We're pretty happy too," Rachel assures her, and she sounds every bit as emotional as Santana does. She sniffles in stereo with Santana, rubbing circles over her back. "Are you okay?

Santana nods against her. "I'm just gonna need a minute." And honestly, Quinn needs a minute now too, because tears are slipping over her cheeks as she watches her wife and her best friend rock back and forth in a big, wet, messy embrace—overcome with joy. She manages to lift a hand away from Calliope, who's become oddly quiet now that everyone else is crying, to brush away some of her own tears.

"Okay," Santana eventually says, slapping Rachel's back twice before she hastily steps back. She runs her fingers beneath her eyes and over her cheeks before nodding decisively. "Yeah, I'm good," she announces, leaving Rachel to dig for a Kleenex to dry her own eyes. Santana turns to look at Quinn with a faint grin. "I'd hug you too, Q, but I don't wanna squish the kidlet."

Quinn chuckles wetly, glancing down at Calliope to find her blinking sleepily. "Do you want to hold her?" she asks, lifting her eyes back to Santana.

Santana takes a deep breath, looking undecided for all of three seconds before nodding. "Yeah. I really do." And then she's stepping closer, bending down to let Quinn place the baby in her arms, and Quinn gets to have a close up view of her face as it transforms with the softest, most tender expression she's ever seen Santana Lopez wear.

"Oh, wow," she whispers in wonder as she straightens with Calliope in her arms. "Hola, chiquitita. I'm your Tia Santana. That means aunt in Spanish," she explains patiently, grinning at the baby. "I mean, I'm not technically your aunt, but your moms are mi familia, so yeah…close enough, right?" Quinn feels warm and fuzzy at the declaration. "Don't worry. I'll teach you all about that stuff when you're older. Stuff your moms don't even know about."

"Oh, lord," Quinn mutters, feeling suddenly much less warm or fuzzy.

"Should we be worried?" Rachel asks, sliding back onto the bed next to Quinn.

Santana ignores them, completely focused on the baby in her arms. "We're gonna have all sorts of fun together, you and me."

"We should definitely be worried," Rachel decides before Quinn can answer, though she's smiling fondly when she says it.

"Your moms are no fun at all," Santana informs Calliope in dulcet tones, "but they don't need to be. They're gonna be the best moms ever." Her eyes briefly dart to Rachel and Quinn (who are both infinitely touched by the assessment) before a smirk paints her lips and her gaze returns to the baby as she whispers conspiratorially, "Don't tell them I said that."

"You know what?" Quinn murmurs, snuggling deeper into Rachel's body as she watches Santana with their daughter. "I don't think we need to worry at all." Santana is one more person who'll love and care for their daughter—a family of choice.

Santana rolls her eyes, grinning down at Calliope. "You're the one they should be worrying about. Just look at you. You've already got them wrapped around your tiny, little finger, don't you, Cal?"

"Calliope," Rachel corrects firmly.

"Calliope…Cal…Callie…it's all the same," Santana dismisses with a shrug.

"It really isn't," Rachel argues stubbornly.

"Maybe we should pick our battles, sweetie," Quinn cautiously suggests. She's not about to get behind anyone calling their little girl Cal, but she actually wouldn't mind using Callie once in a while. "I mean, it's better than munchkin."

Rachel seems to consider this, but Santana only laughs. "Oh, I'm still using that too."

Rachel sighs in resignation. "I wish you wouldn't."

"We've been over this, short stack," Santana reminds her with a smile that's far softer than her usual smirk. "It's a sign of affection." And her eyes glisten suspiciously as she gazes at them until she blinks it away. "Now eat your dinner," she orders, nodding to the tray of food. "I didn't steal that from the cafeteria for nothing."

Biting back a smile, Rachel reaches forward to pull the tray closer, and then she helps Quinn sit up straighter before she slips a pillow behind her back for support. Every part of Quinn's body aches, but the food looks so good, so it's not hard to ignore the protests of her muscles (and other places) in favor of eating. It's not exactly gourmet, but it certainly looks better than the typical hospital fare, and Quinn is so hungry that it tastes like a little piece of heaven right now.

Rachel can't quite claim the same about her meatless burger, but it's good enough to tide her over until they're out of the hospital and able to indulge in Judy's homemade cooking again.

Santana seems perfectly content to sit on the loveseat, holding Calliope, while Quinn and Rachel eat their dinner, and then Rachel decides to finally check her text messages from earlier, reading some of the responses back to Quinn. Most of them, like Josie and Sarah and Aileen and Jessica, offer their congratulations and say they can't wait to meet the baby but offer to do just that, deferring to the new mothers to choose the best time for them to have their first visit. Kurt is the only one that asks if he can stop in for a few minutes tonight, and since he's Rachel's best friend and has been bogged down in preparations for the fall fashion week events swiftly approaching, neither of them have the heart to tell him no.

Steven had texted that he's booked a flight back to the city on Friday, so they still have a few days before he'll want to meet the little person that he helped them create.

None of them are really keeping track of the time, so the light knock on the door takes them all by surprise, and they turn almost in unison to see Teresa peeking inside. "Hi," she greets with a small wave, smiling at Quinn and Rachel before her eyes find Santana with the baby.

Santana grins at her. "Hey, babe. Get in here."

She hesitates in the doorway, glancing back to Quinn a little uncertainly. "Oh, I don't want to intrude. I just wanted to pop my head in and offer my congratulations before I drag that one home," she explains, gesturing to Santana.

"Wanky."

Quinn ignores Santana's inappropriate comment. "You can come all the way in," she invites, waving her in. Teresa's text hadn't said anything about a visit either way, and Quinn figures this explains why. She's come to collect her girlfriend, who's here well past the end of her shift, and sneak a quick peek at the baby while she's at it. Two birds, one stone.

"Yes, come meet Calliope," Rachel urges with a welcoming smile.

With that, Teresa finally steps away from the doorway and into the room. "I really love that name by the way. It's very poetic."

Rachel grins triumphantly. "Thank you. We love it too," and she sends a pointed look at Santana who just ignores her in favor of gazing down at the baby again

Rather than heading straight for the baby, Teresa pauses at the bed. "Congratulations," she murmurs, bending down to give Quinn a loose, sideways hug.

Quinn lifts one arm to briefly return it, smiling in gratitude. "Thank you."

Teresa lets go of her but strecthes an arm across the bed to squeeze Rachel's shoulder. "I'm so happy for you guys," and Rachel reaches up to press her hand over Teresa's in silent thanks. It's only then that Teresa moves to sit on the tiny loveseat next to Santana, her face lighting up when she takes her first look at Calliope. "Oh, wow. She's gorgeous."

"I know, right?" Santana boasts smugly, making Teresa laugh.

"She does remember Calliope is ours, right?" Rachel whispers to Quinn.

Quinn chuckles quietly, shaking her head as she watches Santana beam at her daughter. It's kind of endearing, but, "If she doesn't, I'll definitely be reminding her just who was in this delivery room doing all the work."

"You must be exhausted," Teresa realizes, offering Quinn a sympathetic smile.

"You have no idea." At this point, it's only the determination to hold her daughter again that's keeping her upright.

"Well, we're not staying much longer," she promises.

"We're not?" Santana questions with a frown.

Teresa ignores her, continuing to address Rachel and Quinn. "I know you probably want some alone time with this little angel."

Rachel sighs. "I doubt we'll have that for a while. Our parents are stopping back after dinner, and Kurt is planning to visit tonight too."

Teresa nods in understanding. "Newborn babies do seem to be pretty big people magnets."

"Yeah," Quinn agrees, feeling warm and fuzzy once again as she rests her head on Rachel's shoulder. "You can hold her if you want."

Teresa's hopeful eyes drifts back to Calliope. "I'd like that."

They all wait for Santana to transfer the baby into Teresa's arms, but she only continues to sit there, utterly besotted with Calliope.

"Santana…?" Rachel prompts.

She looks up with a clueless, "What?" before her eyes drift back to Teresa, who's looking at her expectantly. "Oh, yeah," she mutters sheepishly, finally shifting Calliope into her girlfriend's waiting arms.

Teresa settles easily with the baby, smiling softly. "Hello, cutie pie. Oh...you're gonna be a real heartbreaker, aren't you?"

Santana watches Teresa hold the baby with an unmistakably smitten expression on her face, and Quinn wonders if her friend is imaging this in her future the way Quinn used to imagine it in hers. "Your girlfriend seems pretty comfortable with a baby, San." she observes with purpose.

"Yeah," Santana murmurs affectionately, never taking her eyes away from Teresa and Calliope.

Teresa gazes up at Santana with an amused grin. "Mine seemed pretty comfortable with one too."

Quinn turns her face into Rachel's shoulder, grinning happily. "I think we just found a couple of babysitters." And maybe Santana has found a reason to start thinking about taking the next step with Teresa.

"Oh, definitely," Rachel agrees, resting her own head against Quinn's.

Neither Teresa nor Santana actually bothers to object.

True to her word, Teresa only holds the baby for a few more minutes before she returns her to Quinn, suggesting to Santana that it's time to go. Calliope coos happily the moment she's back in her mother's arms, instantly closing her eyes in contentment. Santana seems a little reluctant to leave at first, but Teresa takes her hand and whispers something in her ear that has Santana's eyes sparking with heat.

"Later, mamacitas," she says hastily, tugging a laughing Teresa towards the door. "Congrats again on the munchkin."

"We'll see you three soon," Teresa promises before they disappear out the door, and Quinn's breath hitches unexpectedly at the casual reminder that—yeah, they're a family of three now.

Of course, the three of them don't have very much time to enjoy being alone together before Kurt makes his expected appearance. Quinn wouldn't be surprised if he'd passed Santana and Teresa somewhere in the hall.

"Hello, my lovelies," he trills, making his grand entrance with a vase full of yellow roses in one hand and a tiny, white teddy bear wearing a pink bow in the other. "Where is our newest little Diva?"

Quinn chuckles at the moniker as Rachel stands to greet Kurt. "Right here. Hello, Kurt."

Kurt glides into the room, setting the roses on top of the table next to Quinn's bed. "The flowers are for the new mothers. And this," he carefully places the bear right next to the vase, "is for Miss Calliope." He leans over the bed to get a better look at the baby in Quinn's arms, smiling down at her. "Oh, my. She's beautiful." He lifts his gaze and grins at them. "And I'm not just saying that to be polite the way most people do with newborns. She really is lovely."

"The loveliest," Rachel sighs in agreement, moving to his side.

Kurt wraps a friendly arm around her shoulders. "Who could expect any less with both of you as her mothers?"

"Thank you, Kurt," Rachel says, leaning into him. "And thank you for the flowers. That was very thoughtful of you."

"Your gorgeous daughter might be the star of the show today, but we mustn't forget who made this production possible." Quinn and Rachel both laugh at that, and a smiling Kurt turns to pull Rachel in for a brief hug. "I'm very happy for you." He lets go of her and turns back to Quinn, bending down to kiss her cheek. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Quinn murmurs as he straightens.

"You really do make gorgeous babies," he observes with a playful grin.

Quinn beams at him, flushing with pride even though Calliope doesn't technically share any of her genes. She and Rachel really had made her together. "Do you want to hold her?" she feels compelled to ask, even though Calliope seems to have dozed off again.

"Oh, heavens no, honey," Kurt instantly refuses, looking mildly appalled by the suggestion as he touches his shirt. "This is silk."

"You're terrible," Rachel accuses, lightly shoving at his shoulder. "Couldn't you have worn something more appropriate?"

"I was in a last minute fashion week strategy session when you texted with the happy news, and I came straight here as soon as I could get away," Kurt explains apologetically. "But don't you worry. Miss Calliope and I will have plenty of bonding time when I'm dressed appropriately and she's slightly less," he waggles his fingers at her, "drooly."

"She's not drooly," Rachel defends, planting her hands on her hips—clearly offended on Calliope's behalf.

"Well, perhaps not at the moment," Kurt concedes, grinning down at the baby, "but all sorts of unmentionable things come out of babies."

"Kurt!"

"You know it's true, Rachel," he challenges, completely unrepentant. "In any case, I don't intend to intrude for very long. I know you'd rather be alone with her," he admits with a grateful smile, acknowledging his bold request to visit so soon. He gently traces a finger over Calliope's soft cheek, causing her sleepy eyes to flutter open for just a few seconds. "I just really wanted to meet this precious little girl in person before I drown in a sea of sequins and lace for the next two weeks."

"Well, I'm sure Calliope is glad to meet her Uncle Kurt," Quinn offers generously.

Kurt only stays for ten more minutes before he bids them farewell with hugs and a promise to call them when his schedule frees up some. This is one of his busiest times of the year, and Quinn won't be surprised if it really is another two or three weeks before they'll see him again.

It isn't very long after he leaves before their parents return from their long dinner break. Apparently, they'd opted to forgo the hospital food and had walked to one of the nearby restaurants instead for a celebratory meal. Hiram and Leroy are slow to say their goodbyes for the night, but they eventually make their way out with promises to come back tomorrow, leaving only Judy to linger for a little while longer, eager for one more turn at holding her granddaughter before she heads back to the apartment with Rachel's key.

Eventually, though, it's only Quinn and Rachel and their daughter left alone for the night—well, disregarding the nurse who stops in to check on them—and after semi-successfully breastfeeding Calliope for the second time, Quinn finally has the chance to take a shower. She's stiff and sore when Rachel helps her up from the bed, and Rachel asks if she needs help getting into the shower as well.

"I think I can manage," she promises, rolling her eyes. "I'm just sore...and kind of gross right now."

"You're never gross, baby," Rachel assures her lovingly, stroking her cheek—and then her nose wrinkles adorably. "But you really do need a shower."

"No shi…" she cuts herself off, eyes darting to Calliope in her warming bassinet where she's been emitting little gurgles and coos and whimpers—not all of them happy—since Quinn and Rachel had put her down there. "Crap."

Rachel chuckles. "Nice save."

"We're really gonna have to watch that from now on," Quinn realizes, frowning thoughtfully. Neither one of them have ever been prone to casually dropping a ton of curse words, but they also haven't gone out of their way to keep their language strictly PG. Calliope might be too young in this moment to understand anything they're saying, but it won't be long at all before she does. "I don't want our daughter's first word to be something vulgar."

"Then we should probably keep her away from Santana," Rachel says, laughing.

"I don't think that's going to be an option," Quinn replies with a knowing grin, recalling the way Santana had turned to mush the moment she'd held Calliope. She really is such a softy underneath all of that snark. Quinn is completely certain that she intends to keep every single one of the promises that she'd made to Calliope today.

"You're probably right," Rachel agrees with a fond smile.

"I always am."

Rachel laughs again, shaking her head indulgently. She knows far better than to challenge Quinn on that point after Quinn had just given birth to their daughter. "Go take your shower." She leans in to steal a brief kiss before promising, "Calliope and I will be right here waiting for you."

It's the best promise, and Quinn happily slips in the bathroom with a blissful smile on her lips that just won't seem to dim. She strips away the hospital gown and underwear and steps under the warm water in silent relief, relieved to finally wash away the sweat and blood from her body. It feels wonderful, and she might stay in there a little longer than is strictly necessary just to enjoy the sense of being clean.

Once she's dry, she puts on fresh underwear and a pad and slips into the sleepshirt that she'd packed from home. It's a henley style with buttons that go down far enough to allow her to slip it off one shoulder should Calliope wake up looking for another meal. Both Peggy and the night nurse had all but guaranteed that would be happening.

When she pads back out of the bathroom, feeling fresh once again, it's to find Rachel curled up on the loveseat with her shirt open and Calliope held high against her naked chest. The sight alone would be enough to make Quinn's knees go weak with love, but the sound of Rachel's soft, sweet voice, singing their daughter her very first lullaby, sends her heart soaring while joyful tears instantly pool in her eyes.

"Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream,
and dream how wonderful your life will be."

Quinn presses her fingers to her lips, drifting closer to her wife and daughter as if she's being pulled by an invisible string—the string that ties them all together.

"Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby,
then in your heart there will always be a part of me."

Rachel glances up at Quinn with a tender smile, her own eyes glistening with tears as Quinn carefully sinks onto the loveseat next to her. She ignores her body's aching protests at the action for the need to be near her family, and she slips an arm around Rachel's shoulders, content to listen to her wife finish the song.

"Someday we'll all be gone,
but lullabies go on and on.
They never die.
That's how you and I will be.¹"

Rachel very carefully dips her head down to place a feather-light kiss to the top of Calliope's head. "I love you, little star," she whispers before lifting her gaze to Quinn. "And I love you, my extraordinary wife."

Quinn brushes the dampness from her cheeks, smiling wetly. "I love you both so much." She reaches out to touch Calliope's perfect little face, careful not to wake her. She looks so peaceful there against her mama's chest, and Quinn's eyes drift up to meet her wife's tender gaze. "I've never been happier than I am right now." Holding her family.

"Neither have I," Rachel agrees quietly, leaning into Quinn's side.

Quinn's arm tightens around Rachel as they sit together, basking in shared devotion to each other and their perfect baby girl. They've waited so long for her to arrive, and now she's here—theirs to love and protect and nurture for their rest of their lives. Everything Quinn needs is right here on this loveseat, and she silently vows to do everything in her power to make sure the three of them stay as happy as they are in this moment forever.

This is her life now.

And it's perfect.

¹ Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Billy Joel