(5 Years Later)

Friday, September 2, 2022

"What are you thinking about?," Beca asked Chloe as she put her arms around her pregnant wife from behind.

"Just thinking about how in three more weeks and our son will be here," Chloe said putting her hands over Beca's.

"Are we still keeping his name a secret until he's born?," Beca asked.

"Yes," Chloe said. "I want it to be a surprise."

Chloe put her hand behind her neck and rotated her head.

"Need a neck rub?," Beca asked. "Or a back rub? Or anything else rubbed to help make you feel better."

Beca kissed Chloe's neck and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"As much as I'd love to have my anything else rubbed," Chloe said with a chuckle. "Denise and Tim will be arriving soon."

"I still can't believe Denise married my boss's son," Beca said.

"You do realize that we are going to have four pregnant women here for our anniversary party," Chloe said. "And that we're all due within the next month."

"Crazy, I know," Beca said. "And, we're the only ones having a boy. There's so much estrogen running in this family, I don't know how we made it through the last five years."

"Mommy, Mama!," Emily shouted as she ran into their room. "Denise is here."

"Thanks, baby girl," Beca said.

"I'm not a baby," Emily said. "I am six and I go to school. I'm a big girl."

"My sincerest apologies," Beca said. "Thank you, big girl."

Emily squealed and jumped into Beca's arms. Beca gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Let's go say hi to Denise and Tim," Beca said.

Beca put Emily down and grabbed Chloe's hand. Emily went running ahead and was halfway down the stairs before her mothers made it to the stairway. Chloe and Beca hugged Tim and Denise and welcomed them.

"Follow me, Tim," Beca said. "I'll show you where you guys are staying."

Tim picked up their suitcases and followed Beca up to Denise's old room. He set their luggage in the corner of the room and stood and stretched.

"You'll be sharing the bathroom with Amanda," Beca told him. "She'll be home tomorrow. Her new roommate was moving in today and she didn't want her to move in by herself."

"That's fine," Tim said. "This is her, what, third year at the Art Institute? I don't know how you and Chloe let her go to a school all the way in Chicago."

"It was tough letting her go," Beca said. "But, she's in one of the best art schools in the country. And she loves Chicago. I have a feeling that when she graduates after next year, she may just move there."

Tim flopped down on the bed and fell back. Beca laughed.

"Long drive tired?," Beca said. "Or pregnancy tired?"

"Both," Tim said with a laugh. "The drive is only two hours on a normal day, but it becomes an over three hour drive when you have to take restroom and snack breaks every 30-45 minutes."

Beca laughed and said, "I feel your pain. Chloe's the same way."

"It's all worth it in the end though," Tim said sitting up. "So, I'm not really complaining."

Tim and Beca went downstairs to find their wives. They were of course in the kitchen having a snack.

"So," Denise said. "Are you guys ready for your anniversary party? I can't believe it's been 5 years."

"Five of the best years of my life," Beca said hugging Chloe.

"I love you, too," Chloe said giving Beca a kiss.

"What do you have planned?," Tim asked Beca.

"We're doing a barbecue," Beca said. "We figure the weather is still nice enough so we're going to enjoy being outside."

"Sounds good," Tim said. "I love your July 4th barbecues."

"It will be epic," Chloe said. "Only the food may not be as good as it usually is. All of our cooks are too pregnant to spend time cooking for two days."

"Everything is being catered," Beca said. "Bubba and Mike will be manning the grills and doing all the meat. The caterer that did our wedding reception will be doing all the other foods."

"And mom insisted on making the cake," Chloe said.

"How are your mom and dad?," Denise asked. "I was surprised they weren't here when we arrived."

"They're good," Chloe said. "They'll probably be over tomorrow to see Amanda when she gets home."

"How is Amanda?," Denise asked. "She still loving art school?"

"Yep," Beca said. "I was telling Tim I think she might want to live in Chicago after she graduates. She loves it there."

"I still can't believe I'm 28 with a 20 year old daughter," Chloe says with a laugh.

"Will Jesse and Ashley be arriving tomorrow?," Denise asked.

"Yeah," Beca said. "They were going to try and come today but Ashley had a doctor's appointment so they're driving in tomorrow."

"How's Charlotte?," Denise asked. "Is she going to be able to make it?"

"She's already at my mom's," Chloe told her. "The doctor said it will be another couple of weeks before she gives birth. She and Rob will be over tomorrow as well."

"Four pregnant women in the house at the same time," Tim said with a shudder. "I am so not looking forward to that. Pregnancy hormones are a bitch."

"Excuse you," Denise said giving Tim a glare.

"I love you, baby," Tim said with an apologetic grin.

"Where's Emily?," Chloe asked. "It's getting late and she needs to get to bed."

"I'll take care of it," Beca said.

She gave Chloe a quick kiss and went in search of their daughter. She found Emily sitting in her room.

"Hey, Em," Beca said. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Emily said. "Just enjoying the quiet."

Beca laughed. Emily sounded so grown up.

"Well, it's time for bed," Beca said. "Brush your teeth and get your pjs on. I'll tuck you in."

"Okay," Emily said getting up and going into the shared bathroom.

Emily was dressed and ready for bed. She came out of the bathroom and jumped into bed.

"Is Shelley staying in my room for the weekend?," Emily asked Beca.

"Yeah," Beca said. "You're still okay with that, right?"

"Totes," Emily said. "I like Shelley. She's fun."

"Good," Beca said pulling the blanket over Emily. "I love you. Sweet dreams."

"Love you, too, Mommy," Emily said with yawn. "Can we have pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?"

"I think that can be arranged," Beca said with a smile. "Now go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"G'night," Emily said.

A couple of hours later Beca and Chloe were lying in bed. Beca lay on her side next to Chloe massaging her lower back.

"Mmmm, that feels so good, babe," Chloe murmured.

Beca put her arm around Chloe's waist and slowly rubbed her hand around Chloe's stomach.

"I can't wait to meet this little guy," Beca whispered in Chloe's ear.

"Me, too," Chloe said with a yawn. "I love being pregnant but I really do want it to be over. I haven't seen my feet in months."

"You're still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," Beca said quietly. "I still can't believe that I get to call you mine."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said blushing.

"Not flattery if it's true," Beca said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Chloe said as she drifted off to sleep.

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Beca was in the kitchen cooking breakfast when Emily came running in.

"You're making pancakes?," Emily said excitedly.

"Yep," Beca said. "Just like you asked."

Chloe entered the kitchen, followed closely by Denise and Tim.

"Are those pancakes I smell?," Denise asked.

"They are," Beca said.

The two couples and Emily sat around the kitchen counter eating the pancake breakfast Beca had prepared for them.

"What are you guys up to today?," Chloe asked Denise.

"We're going to go see Tim's family," Denise said. "They'll be at the party tomorrow but he just wants to have some alone time with them."

The doorbell rings and suddenly they hear voices calling out for Beca and Chloe.

"Grandma!," Emily says running off to the living room.

The adults follow and everyone greets Mama B and Mr. B, as well as Charlotte and her husband Rob. The three pregnant women are talking and comparing pregnancies. Beca watches all this with amusement when she hears a knock at the door. She answers and finds Jesse and Ashley, with their daughter, Shelley.

"Hey, loser," Beca says affectionately and hugs Jesse.

"Hey, Beca," Jesse said.

Beca hugs Ashley and picks up 4-year-old Shelley.

"Hey, Shel," Beca says giving the young girl a kiss on the cheek.

"Aunt Beca," Shelley says hugging the woman.

"Shelley!," Emily say excitedly. "Come on. I'll show you my room."

"Okay," Shelley says and pushes to get down from Beca's arms.

Beca lets her go and Emily takes Shelley's hand and leads her upstairs. Beca grabs one of the suitcases and nods her head to Jesse to follow her. Jesse and Beca head upstairs and place their suitcases in their room.

"So, Captain Mitchell," Jesse said. "How are things at the station?"

"Things are good," Beca said. "Chief Mayhew keeps asking about you. We understand why you left, but we also wish you'd come back to Barden."

"I do miss you guys," Jesse said. "But, I have a family to think about. Getting shot was an eye opener, you know? Even though it wasn't life threatening, to see how Ashley reacted was more than I could bear. Being a 911 operator takes its toll, but I go to work every day without Ashley worrying about whether I'm coming home."

"I hear you," Beca said. "Chloe's been trying to get me to think about doing something else as well. You can't tell her, but I've already given my notice. I'm going to surprise her with it for our anniversary. I'm going to be a stay at home mom."

"That's great, Beca," Jesse said giving Beca a hug. "I won't say anything. We should probably get back downstairs."

Beca and Jesse go back downstairs to find that Amanda has arrived. Beca hugs Amanda and Jesse helps take Amanda's bag to her room. Beca looks over and sees Chloe with her hand at the small of her back, rubbing the area. She walks over to her and puts her arm around her and replaces Chloe's had with her own. She starts rubbing the small of Chloe's back.

"You okay?," Beca whispers in Chloe's ear.

"Better than okay now," Chloe says leaning into Beca. "I think I just need to sit for a while."

Beca nods her head and excuses them from the group conversation. She leads Chloe over to her recliner and helps the redhead sit. She kisses Chloe on the temple.

"Would you like some water or something?," Beca asked.

"Water would be great," Chloe said. "Thanks, babe."

Beca asks Amanda to help her get drinks for everyone. The two walk into the kitchen and start gathering the drinks. They talk a little about Amanda's art classes and her upcoming show at a gallery near the campus. They bring the drinks out and everyone is sitting around catching up and talking about the anniversary barbecue being held the next day. Beca is sitting on the arm of Chloe's chair holding Chloe's hand. Chloe is leaning into Beca.

Tim and Denise return from visiting his family. It's near dinner time so Beca orders pizza for everyone. Beca and Jesse put Emily and Shelley to bed at around 9:00. The Beales, including Charlotte and her husband, Rob, leave around 10:00 with promises to return early the next day to help with the party. Chloe tries to hold back a yawn.

"You tired, my love?", Beca asks Chloe.

"A little," Chloe says.

"Why don't we all it a night," Beca said. "It's going to be a busy day tomorrow."

"M'kay," Chloe said tiredly.

The two bid a good night to everyone and Beca helps Chloe upstairs. The couple brush their teeth and put on their pajamas and get into bed.

"I love you," Beca says to Chloe, kissing her.

"I love you, too, babe," Chloe said.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Beca wakes to find Chloe sitting on the side of the bed, holding her back.

"You okay, love?," Beca asks moving to sit behind her wife.

"I'm fine," Chloe said. "Just a twinge in my back this morning."

Beca gives Chloe a back massage to try and make it more comfortable for her. She works on Chloe's lower back for about 15 minutes.

"Better?," Beca asks kissing Chloe's shoulder.

"Much," Chloe says. "I'm going to take a shower. Why don't you go down and start breakfast."

"Sounds good," Beca said.

Beca gets off the bed and helps Chloe stand. She throws some sweatpants and a t-shirt on and makes sure Chloe has everything for her shower before she heads downstairs. She enters the kitchen to find Ashley and Denise sitting at the counter, while Jesse and Tim are looking in the refrigerator.

"Please tell me you guys aren't thinking about making breakfast?," Beca says with a laugh.

"No," Jesse says laughing as well. "We were telling these two what was here so they could decide what they wanted to eat."

"Well, I was going to make scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon," Beca said. "Will that work for our little mamas to be?"

"Sounds good," Ashley said.

"Works for me," Denise said. "Only can you put some onions and peppers in the potatoes?"

"Yum," Ashley said. "That sounds really good."

"You got it," Beca said and gathers everything.

She makes two pans of potatoes, one with the onions and peppers, and one without, for Emily and Amanda, who like plain potatoes. The potatoes are almost done so she gets the eggs started. Chloe comes in with Emily and Shelley close behind.

"I found these two giggling in their room on my way down," Chloe said.

Shelley rushes over to her mother and Emily goes to give Beca a quick hug before sitting at the counter next to Chloe. Amanda enters the kitchen just as the bacon comes out of the oven and Beca finishing up the eggs and potatoes. Beca starts plating up the food and Amanda helps by handing out the full plates.

After breakfast is done, the Beales arrive and everyone starts helping to get things ready for the anniversary party. The caterers arrive and set up the tables and food in the back yard. Mike and Bubba park their grills and get everything fired up and start cooking.

Around 3:00 the first guests arrive. by 3:30 the party is in full swing. Beca is keeping an eye on Chloe, who she notices keeps holding her side and back every so often.

"Happy almost anniversary, Beca," Arizona says walking up to Beca.

"Thanks," Beca tells her. "Do you think Chloe might be in labor?"

"Why?," Arizona asks looking over at Chloe.

"I don't know," Beca says. "She's been having some lower back pains for a couple of days now. I"ve noticed today that she keeps holding her side and back a lot."

"Could just be Braxton-Hicks," Arizona said. "I'll keep an eye on her and if I think she is, I'll let you know."

"Thanks," Beca says.

At about 8:00 Beca is standing in the yard talking to Jesse and Ashley when Emily comes running toward her.

"Mommy!," Emily yells. "Mommy!"

"What is it, Em?," Beca asks scooping her daughter up.

"Mama's had a little accident," Emily whispers. "She peed her pants."

"What?," Beca asks laughing.

"Sh," Emily says in a whisper. "She peed her pants."

"Let's go see what's going on," Beca says.

Beca carries Emily into the house looking for Chloe. She didn't have to go far as Chloe was standing there with one hand on the counter and the other in Arizona's hand. She was bent over and Arizona was telling her to breathe. Beca puts Emily down and rushes over to her wife.

"Holy shit," Beca says. "Is she in labor?"

"Yes," Arizona says. "Her water broke and we need to get her to the hospital. Can you get Stacie?"

"What?," Beca asks. "Stacie. Um, okay."

Beca rushes outside and looks around for Stacie. She sees her talking to Aubrey and yells out for her.

"Stacie!," Beca calls. "We need you."

Stacie looks over and sees Beca and rushes to see what the problem is. Mama B and several other family members grow concerned and hurry to follow Stacie and Beca.

"We need to get Chloe to the hospital," Arizona says calmly. "Beca isn't in any condition to drive so, Stacie, I need you to drive so I can help Chloe."

"Let's go," Stacie said.

Arizona and Stacie help Chloe to her car. Beca rushes to grab Chloe's hospital bag and asks Amanda, Denise, and Ashley to take over hostessing duties and explain to everyone what's happening. Mama B and Mr. B jump in their car to go to the hospital with Beca and Chloe.

The small group arrives at the hospital and Beca is beside herself. Chloe's contractions are really close and she's been screaming in pain through them. Beca's holding Choe's hand and a stretcher is brought out for Chloe. They rush her into the hospital and Arizona tells Stacie to stay with Beca. Mama B and Mr. B arrive a few minutes later.

Once Arizona gives Chloe a quick check she goes back to get Beca. She also has a nurse page Dr. Walker, Chloe's ob/gyn.

"Beca," Arizona tells her. "Chloe is doing fine. We need to get you into the room with her. We paged Dr. Walker so he should be here soon."

Arizona leads Beca into the delivery room and Beca rushes over to Chloe.

"Hey, baby," Beca said leaning down and kissing Chloe's forehead.

"Hey," Chloe says her face red and sweating.

"Dr. Robbins," a nurse says as she enters the room. "Dr. Walker is on vacation and the on call doctor is in surgery with an emergency C-Section. She doesn't know how long she'll be."

"Thank you," Arizona tells her. "Well, Chloe, it looks like I get to deliver your son. I'm going to do a quick check to see how far we are in the process."

Several hours later, Beca is encouraging Chloe to push.

"Come on, Chlo," Beca says holding her wife around her shoulders. "Push, baby."

"Ahhhhhhh," Chloe says pushing.

"You're doing great, Chloe," Arizona said. "I can see his head. I need you to push really hard this time. Okay? Now, push!"

"Ahhhhhhh!"

"That's good," Arizona said. "One more really good push and you'll be able to hold your baby boy. Push!"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!," Chloe yells as she pushes and leans her head into Beca's shoulder.

Suddenly, Beca hears a small whimpering sound.

"Here he is," Arizona says. "Beca, do you want to come cut the cord?"

Chloe looks at her nods her head. Beca hurries down next to Arizona and cuts the cord. She looks down a her baby son and tears come to her eyes. Arizona wraps the baby up and hands him to Beca. Beca takes him and gently carries him to Chloe. Chloe reaches out and Beca lays him on her chest.

"Oh, my God," Chloe says with tears in her eyes. "He's beautiful."

"Just like his mama," Beca says wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Well," Arizona says. "Happy Anniversary you two."

Beca looks at Arizona who is pointing at the clock behind her. It is 12:15 am on September 5, 2022. Their son was born on their anniversary. Beca pulls out her phone and takes pictures of their son and Chloe.

Arizona takes the baby to get him cleaned up and checked out. Once done he is diapered and handed back to Chloe.

"Why don't you go let your family know he's here," Arizona told Beca. "We'll get Chloe cleaned up and into a room."

"Okay," Beca said and turns to Chloe. "Should I tell them his name or do you want to wait and tell them together?"

"I want to see their faces when we tell them," Chloe said her eyes never leaving her son.

"Give us about 30 minutes," Arizona said. "By then, we'll have Chloe in a room and she can receive visitors."

Beca kisses Chloe and their newborn son. She leaves to find her family in the waiting room. She is surprised as she walks into the waiting room. Mama B and Mr. B are chatting with Denise and Tim, Ashley is holding a sleeping Shelley, Jesse, Stacie, and Aubrey are sleeping, and Amanda is holding a sleeping Emily. Everyone stirs and stands when they see her.

"He's here," Beca says with a big smile. "Chloe's doing great. Everyone can see them both in about half an hour."

Everyone goes over to congratulate Beca. Beca wipes tears from her eyes and accepts the hugs and well wishes.

"I'll come out and let you know when you can see them," Beca said. "I need to get back to Chloe."

Beca hurries back to be with Chloe. Arizona finishes up and Chloe is taken to a room. They get her and the baby settled so Beca goes to bring everyone to her. It's really late so Arizona just tells them to be quiet but that they can all visit for a bit before she'll have to kick them out.

Everyone files into Chloe's room. Chloe is tired but radiant. Beca leans down and kisses Chloe on the lips. She then takes the baby and pulls back the blanket from his face so everyone can see him.

Several awws and "he's so cute" come from the group. Beca sits on the bed next to Chloe and holds their son so that he's facing everyone in the room. Phones are out and many pictures are being taken of the happy parents and their newborn son.

"We'd like to introduce you to our son," Chloe said kissing the top of his head. "We're naming him after two of the strongest, bravest men we know, and who are a major part of our lives. I present to you, Carl Jesse Mitchell. We're going to call him CJ."

Everyone smile and congratulates the new parents. Jesse and Mr. B both wipe their eyes and beam at hearing the name of the newest Mitchell.

"Grandma," Beca says slowly rising off the bed. "You want to hold your grandson?"

"I sure do," Mama B says with a smile taking the boy from Beca. "I missed this the first time around. I'm going to savor this moment for as long as I can."

She cuddles and coos over the baby, Mr. B right by her side looking down at the boy.

"Hello, my little cherry tomato," Mama B says.

"Mom," Chloe says wide-eyed.

"What?," Mama B asks. "That's what we used to call you."

"Cherry tomato?," Beca says with a laugh earning a slap on the arm from her wife.

"They called me that until I started school," Chloe said. "I hated it."

"But, why cherry tomato?," Beca asks.

"Because she was a sweet little thing with red hair just like cherry tomatoes," Mama B says earning a groan from Chloe.

Everyone is whispering quietly while enjoying the scene in front of them. Suddenly, the quiet is broken.

"Dr. Robbins," Rob's voice calls out from the doorway. "We need you in here."

Arizona comes rushing into the room to find Rob holding a bent over Charlotte in his arms.

"Her water just broke," Rob says.

"How long has she been having contractions?," Arizona asks.

"Since we got here last night," Charlotte said. "So, about 4 hours or so."

"Char," Mama B says. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't think it would happen so, ahhhhhhhhh," Charlotte says bending over and grabbing her stomach.

Arizona goes to the door and yells "I need a gurney in here!"

Mama B hands CJ back to Beca. Chloe is sitting up and watching Charlotte with concern on her face. Mama B and Mr. B go over to Charlotte as she is placed on the gurney. Mama B looks back at Chloe and Chloe waves her out.

"Go," Chloe tells her. "Go be with Charlotte. We're fine here."

"We'll keep you posted," Mama B says as she hurries after Charlotte.

Beca looks over at Ashley and Denise.

"You two don't have anything to tell us, do you?," Beca asked with a small laugh.

"I'm good," Ashley said. "Still have about 5 more weeks for this one."

"No pains of any kind for me either," Denise said. "I think you'll only have to share your anniversary with your son and your niece."

Four hours later, just after 6:30 am, on September 5, 2022, Candace Chloe Duncan came screaming into the world. Mother and baby were doing fine.

A little later that day, Mama B and Mr. B stood side by side each holding one of their newborn grandchildren. Smiles and laughs surrounded them. Their family ever present to help welcome these two newest members to the fold. Life was good.

There you have it. Beca and Chloe are parents, again. Mama B and Mr. B welcomed two new grandchildren to their ever growing family. Happy ending; happy family.