A/N – I'm so sorry about the delay, everyone. I know, I'm a broken record. But I do apologize. Thank you all so much for your reviews and messages and for continuing to read. You're all so awesome.

And well, here we are, guys. This is the end. We made it. I tried to make this chapter as good as it can be because I very much want for this to be a satisfying ending for everyone. I certainly would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Your support has been amazing and I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thank you.

Disclaimer – I don't own Glee.

"Rachel, what are you doing?" Shelby asked when she stuck her head into the girl's bedroom to find her eldest.

Shelby had only seen Rachel once that morning and had been surprised to even see her that early. Though Shelby had been encouraging her daughter to go to bed and wake up earlier since the beginning of the school year was just around the corner. Shelby hated the idea that summer was coming to a close because she had been enjoying the long days with her daughters. She couldn't believe that Rachel was about to start her senior year. Rachel had been with her for almost a year, but it felt like a lifetime to Shelby, but even that wasn't long enough. She was not ready to accept that this time next year, Rachel would probably be moving to New York.

"Oh Mom, hey. I'm just getting ready to go out," Rachel answered.

"I can see that," Shelby said. Rachel had on a dress and was brushing out her hair. "Where are you going this early? It's only eight."

"Can you come with me?" Rachel asked, avoiding the real question. "Actually, I need you to come with me."

"Rachel, what's going on?" Shelby asked again. She stepped all the way into the room and put her hands on her hips.

"I can't tell you yet," Rachel said. "Please. We have to be there by 9:30."

Shelby eyed Rachel suspiciously for a few moments before sighing and letting her hands drop to her side. Rachel's face was angelic as she waited for her mom to reply.

"Of course," Shelby said. "What do I need to wear?"

"Just look nice," Rachel said. "You know, business casual should be fine."

Shelby eyed her daughter again as she rapidly tried to work out what was going on. Rachel, however, offered no hints and Shelby finally turned and left the room muttering about business casual and sneaky daughters.

Shelby's mind was racing as she opened her closet door and searched for a suitable outfit to wear. That feeling that Rachel was up to something was back in full force and this time she wasn't going to let up until she had answers. The clues were there – like the fact that Quinn had asked if Beth could stay the night at the Fabray house last night so they could play – and all Shelby had to do was put them together. With Beth being watched for who knows how long today, Shelby had to admit that she was a little wary of what she was about to get into.

Rachel was waiting in the kitchen when Shelby came downstairs. She stole the last sip of Rachel's apple juice and put the glass in the sink and rinsed it before turning back to look at her daughter.

"Ready?" Shelby asked.

"Yep," Rachel said with a smile. She was so ready for this.

"Let's go then," Shelby said.

"I'm driving," Rachel said quickly when she saw her mother reach for her keys. "I know where we're going so I'm driving."

"Where are we going?" Shelby asked as they headed out to the car.

"You want to listen to Barbra?" Rachel asked as she slid into the driver's seat. She wasn't going to give up the surprise now.

Shelby just rolled her eyes and put on her seatbelt and the sounds of Barbra Streisand filled the car.

Shelby was paying attention to where they were going and for the life of her she couldn't figure out why they were over on this side of town. Not that there was a bad side or anything; she just had no need to ever be over here.

Shelby turned and gave Rachel a quizzical look when they turned down a certain street and then her eyes widened in shock when they pulled into a parking lot. What they hell were they doing at the courthouse?

"Rachel, what is going on?" Shelby asked seriously after they had parked and the engine had been turned off. "Why do you need to be here today?"

"We need to get inside," was Rachel's response.

Rachel hadn't been exactly sure how her mother would react when they got here and her goal had always been to just get her inside so the hearing could take place. But when it clicked that Shelby was assuming the worst and that Rachel had been summoned to court, the girl couldn't help but play along. It could be fun to pretend for a few minutes and let her mom think she was in some kind of trouble. When she writes her book one day, she will look back and call this moment an acting exercise.

Rachel was walking at a good clip towards the building, so much so that Shelby had to work to catch up to her. She gently took her daughter's arm and made her stop and face her. Rachel wouldn't look up and Shelby ducked down to try and catch her daughter's eye, but the girl looked away.

"Rachel, you need to talk to me," Shelby said. "I need to know what's going on. Why do you have to be here this morning?"

"Mama, we need to go inside," Rachel said with sad, pleading eyes. "Please."

"Rach, I need to know what's happening so I can help you," Shelby said.

"It's nothing really," Rachel shrugged, but Shelby could tell she didn't mean it. "I just… I got… We need to go inside?"

Shelby stood up to her full height, which was much more now that she was in heels, and put her hands on her hips.

"What did you do?"

"Mommy, it's nothing big," Rachel said. "I didn't expect to get caught. I thought maybe I could have it worked out before now so you wouldn't have to find out."

"Rach-"

"Mama, we have to go inside," Rachel cut her off. "We still have to go through security."

Shelby stood there for a second as she tried to process what was happening. What had Rachel been caught doing? Shelby found herself in the position of being ready to kill her while still being supportive. She needed Rachel to know that she would be here for her through this, whatever this was. But she was definitely going to kill her later.

Shelby quickly caught up to Rachel just before they entered the building and neither said a word as they went through security. Rachel led the way to the escalators and Shelby stood close behind her like a mother trying to keep a hand on her errant child. Shelby narrowed her eyes at the back of Rachel's head and tried to take a calming breath. When they got home today, they were going to have a long talk about hiding things of this magnitude. Shelby did not appreciate her daughter's need to be in court being sprung on her at the last minute.

Rachel could feel her mother's eyes boring into her as they rode the escalator to the second story. She smirked in satisfaction that she was pulling this off. She could tell that her mother was going crazy trying to figure out what she had done. This was going to be so funny later.

Shelby glanced over at Rachel every couple of seconds as they walked in silence together down the hallway. She was trying to read her daughter's body language, and Shelby could tell Rachel was anxious. But there seemed to be something else there. Pride or cockiness or something. She couldn't quite place it. But Shelby was a woman that was used to watching the way people moved and teaching children to tell stories through dance and song. And she knew Rachel. And she did not like the idea that her child might somehow be proud of whatever trouble she had gotten herself into. She wasn't sure how much longer she could go without finding out.

When they turned the corner after walking down the long corridor, Shelby stopped short as Paul and Rebecca stood up from the bench they had been sitting on. What were they doing there? How did they even know to be there? Shelby took Rachel's arm and turned the girl so she had to face her.

"You told them about what was going on and not me?" Shelby asked incredulously.

Of course she had. Shelby started putting the pieces together now. Paul had come to visit Rachel and took her to lunch. They had taken Rachel out alone a couple times while they were visiting. She knew something had been going on!

"I had to tell someone," Rachel said. She kept her voice soft and contrite. "Grandpa came and got me."

"Came and got you?" Shelby exclaimed loudly. She caught herself and lowered her voice to a dangerous tone and leaned down to Rachel's level. "Were you arrested?"

Rachel broke her mother's gaze and looked down. "I-"

Rachel didn't get the chance to finish what she was saying because Shelby had taken her by the arm and was dragging her away towards a private bathroom. She pushed Rachel in before her and quickly locked the door and glared at her child. The time for games and secrets was over.

"Oh, that can't be good," Paul said after his daughter and granddaughter had disappeared into the restroom.

"What do you think Rachel has told her?" Rebecca asked.

"Anything to make sure the surprise isn't ruined before Shelby gets in there," Paul shrugged.

"I bet she's messing with her," Rebecca said.

"No doubt," Paul replied with a proud smile. He'd been on the receiving end of some of Shelby's pranks and lies when she was a kid and the thought of her having to deal with the same from her teenager pleased him greatly.

"Stop," Rebecca said though she couldn't hide her own smile.

"You might want to get in there and rescue Rachel," Paul said after a moment. "I'll go let everyone know they're here and that they'll be right in."

Rebecca nodded and the two parted ways.

Shelby had adopted a patented Coach Corcoran posture and it was intimidating to say the least. Her hands were on her hips and she was staring Rachel down. Rachel played her role well and wrung her hands together and shifted from foot to foot.

"I want an explanation and I want it right now," Shelby demanded.

"Mama, I can't tell you," Rachel said.

Shelby had had enough of the stalling and before Rachel could react, she had pulled her forward and had the girl slightly bent over and tucked under her right arm. Rachel yelped in surprise when two stinging swats landed on her backside.

"Mama, no," Rachel pleaded.

A knock at the door caught them both off guard and Rachel used it as a chance to try and wriggle free, but her mother was not letting her go.

"Shelby, let me in," Rebecca ordered. She'd heard the spanking and Paul was right; it was time to rescue Rachel from herself.

"We're busy," Shelby said.

"Shelby," Rebecca said in a tone that still made her children take pause. "You need to open the door. This is not the time or the place."

Shelby shut her eyes and tried to calm down. Her mother was right, of course, and so she reached over and unlocked the door. Rebecca entered the room and locked the door behind her. She kept her face neutral, but the scene before her was quite humorous. Since Shelby couldn't see her face, Rachel wore a mischievous, but sheepish smile. Help me, Nana, her eyes were saying.

"What is going on, Mom?" Shelby asked. Her grip on Rachel was still true. "You knew she'd been arrested and you didn't tell me?"

Rebecca bit back her shock and then her smile at Rachel's antics and looked at Shelby solemnly.

"I would do anything to help my granddaughter if she asked," Rebecca said.

"So would I," Shelby said.

"I know, Mama, I was just scared," Rachel said with an innocent sadness. She really was laying it on thick.

Shelby let go of Rachel and let her stand up straight when Rebecca gently removed her hands from around the girl. The anger seemed to be gone from the woman for the moment as she looked back and forth between Rachel and Rebecca.

"What happened? How long has this been going on?" Shelby asked the desperation for answers clear in her voice.

Rebecca reached out and took Shelby's hands in her own and squeezed them reassuringly.

"Shelby, I promise that we will explain all of the details to you, but we don't have time right now," Rebecca said soothingly. "The most important thing right now is being there for Rachel and standing with her when we get into the court room. Your father and I support her one hundred percent."

"I do too," Shelby said. She looked over at Rachel. "I will always stand with you and be there for you whenever you need it. I wish you had felt comfortable enough to come and tell me about whatever has happened, but we can talk about that later. And trust me, young lady; we will be talking about this later."

"I know, Mama," Rachel said.

"Where is her lawyer?" Shelby asked. "Don't I need to meet him?"

"He's already inside. We need to get in there," Rebecca said after checking her watch.

"Ok," Shelby said and then took a breath. She was going to support Rachel no matter what; she just hoped she was ready to hear whatever was going to happen in that court room.

Rebecca held the door open for Shelby who left first, allowing grandmother and granddaughter to share a look as Rachel passed by her. Rebecca made a show of wagging her finger and Rachel's smile widened and she stopped to quickly kiss Rebecca on the cheek. The woman just shook her head as she walked with Rachel towards the court room.

Paul was back to waiting outside and he and Shelby let Rachel and Rebecca go past and into the room first. Rebecca winked at Paul and he gave her a short, serious nod. Rachel was glad she was able to get in first because she wanted to see her mother's face when she stepped into the room and saw everyone.

"Daddy," Shelby said sadly as she stopped by her father. "What's going on?"

Paul wrapped her in a strong hug and held her tightly and she relaxed into his arms and let her father hold her.

"It's all going to be ok, pumpkin," Paul said. "I promise. Let's just get in there for Rachel." He wasn't exactly sure what Rachel had told her, but it was clear she still didn't know the truth and so he hoped his words fit in with the granddaughter's little scheme.

Rebecca was holding Rachel's hand and they were both watching the doorway intently so they wouldn't miss anything when Shelby came in. Rachel couldn't keep the smile off her face when Shelby took only a couple steps into the room and stopped. Her eyes were wide as she took in the scene before her.

"Mama!" Beth greeted from her spot in Quinn's arms across the room. She waved when Shelby looked her way. Judy was with them too and she had a camera. Santana and Maribel stood close by. Maggie and Sam were sitting with Jack and Michael and all four of them were smiling brightly at her. Jesse was there as was Dr. Woodward. Even the court reporter was watching the scene happily.

Shelby's eyes finally landed on Rachel and Rebecca and she let her dad lead her farther into the room.

"What's going on?" Shelby asked. The bewilderment was evident in her voice.

"All rise," the bailiff cut her off and everyone turned towards the front of the room and waited for the judge to come in and take her place.

"Please find a seat," the judge instructed.

"Come on," Rachel said as she took Shelby's hand and led her to the front table so they could sit down. Shelby let herself be led and sat next to her daughter and looked up at the judge with pleading eyes. Hopefully this woman would actually give her some answers.

"My name is Judge Fields and I see that we are here today to change the legal last name of a minor child, Rachel Barbara Berry," Judge Fields said to the room.

Rachel hadn't taken her eyes off her mother since the judge started talking. Shelby's mouth fell open in shock and her green eyes started to fill with tears and she looked over at Rachel. Rachel's eyes were also full of tears and she was finally smiling at her mom.

"What?" Shelby choked out.

"The minor child," Judge Fields continued, "has petitioned the state of Ohio to legally change her last name from Berry to Corcoran. The court has reviewed all the proper paperwork, including signed statements of approval from Scott and Henry Berry who are listed the legal fathers."

The judge couldn't help but smile at the look of pure shock on the woman's face. The soon to be young Miss Corcoran had included a note briefly explaining the situation and that the entire thing would be a surprise for her mother. And from the looks of things, the girl had pulled it off splendidly.

"Rachel?" Shelby asked.

"I wanted to change my name to be like you," Rachel said as a tear slipped down her cheek.

"So you weren't arrested?" Shelby breathed out and barely noticed when everyone else started to laugh, the judge included.

"No," Rachel confirmed. "I just wanted it to be a surprise."

"Oh thank god," Shelby let out a sigh of relief and put her hand to her heart. She pulled Rachel close to her and kissed her head. "That was not very nice."

"You just assumed something had happened so I played along," Rachel said with an innocent shrug.

Shelby shook her head and pulled her closer into a tight hug. She looked over Rachel's shoulder to where her parents were sitting and asked, "You knew about this? And you played along?"

"Love you, sweetheart," was Rebecca's response.

"As I was saying," Judge Fields interrupted to get the hearing back on track, "all the paperwork is in order except for one piece that needs to be signed by you, Ms. Corcoran. After that, it will be legal and new documents can be printed for Rachel. Things such as a new license will be mailed to your home and you will be given everything you need to file away because she will need these papers later in life."

Shelby had let Rachel go while the judge was talking and she nodded along with what she was saying. She didn't want to miss anything. This was all so overwhelming and Shelby was still working to wrap her mind around what was happening.

"I'm sorry," Shelby said to the judge. "I just… What's happening?" She looked over at Rachel. "You want to change your last name? Today?"

"I wanted to a while ago, but this was the first available court date we could get," Rachel answered.

"And your dads agreed?" Shelby asked.

Rachel nodded. "I had to get them to sign some papers. Grandpa went with me to meet up with them. They both agreed just because I asked and said it was what I wanted. Isn't that amazing?"

"Yeah," Shelby agreed. "Rachel, I'm thrilled. I'm shocked, but I'm thrilled. But I need you to understand that having my last name or not in no way changes how I feel about you. You are my daughter whether your last name is Berry or Corcoran or if you want to drop it all together and just be Rachel. Like Madonna or Cher."

"Or Barbra. It may come to that one day," Rachel said with a smile.

Shelby laughed and pulled Rachel to her again and kissed her head.

"Rachel," Judy Fields said to get her attention. "You can make a statement on the record for the court if you'd like. I don't need it because I have the paperwork and I'm certain your mother will sign. But the floor is yours for a few minutes if you'd like to speak."

"Thank you, your honor," Rachel said. "I'd like to do that."

Rachel got to her feet and stood in the front of the room and at the judge's ok nod, turned and faced the people who meant so much to her. She closed her eyes and took a calming breath and finally started to tell her mother everything she'd been thinking about since deciding she wanted to change her name.

"Mom, I've been thinking about this for a long time," Rachel began. "In my heart, I know it doesn't matter. You're my mom and I'm your daughter and it doesn't matter what our names are. But I love you so much and I love our family so much that I want to be like you. I'm the only one in the family who isn't a Corcoran. I want to be like Beth and Jack and Michael; you know, one of those Corcoran kids."

Shelby's eyes were filling with tears once again as she listened to Rachel. She leaned back in her chair and Rebecca sat forward in hers and put a comforting hand on Shelby's shoulder.

"In another year or so, I'm going to be leaving home," Rachel continued. "I'm going to go to New York and I'm going to make my way in this life. And one of the first things people learn about me is going to be my name. I want to be able to tell them I'm Rachel Barbara Corcoran. I want them to know that I'm the proud daughter of Shelby Corcoran. If they're smart they'll know who you are. They'll ask if I'm the daughter of the four-time National Winning coach and I'll be so proud to say that I am. And when my name is put in a Playbill or in lights above a marquee, it'll be your name that's there too. I'm going to go off into this world with you always standing behind me because I know that you will always be there. I know that you aren't leaving. You are my mom. I am your daughter."

Rachel spoke with a forcefulness and passion that left no doubt of her stance. Tears spilled over Shelby's cheeks and she reached for a tissue but never took her eyes off of her daughter. Rachel had just spoken the words that Shelby had been trying to get her to understand since the first day. She was never going to leave her. She would always be there.

"My dads left me a long time ago," Rachel started her final thought. "And while I still love them and want to have a relationship with them, if possible, I know that when they left, Rachel Barbara Berry changed. Their name and the weight of that doesn't mean as much to me. I have changed. I am better. And that is because of you." Rachel choked up and took a few seconds to gather herself. "I know it in my heart and I know it in my mind. And I want the world to know it as well. I am a Corcoran."

Rachel finished and turned back to the judge and gave her a slight nod. Shelby got to her feet and wrapped Rachel in a hug before she could return to the table. The only dry eyes in the room were on the faces of the children, and even Jack and Michael understood the importance of this occasion.

Rachel clung tightly to Shelby and felt a weight lifted now that the secret was out. Shelby kissed her head and rubbed her back and smiled as Rachel buried her head into her shoulder. Since when was her daughter shy?

"Does anyone else have anything to add?" Judge Fields asked after a few moments. It was a beautiful scene, but they did have to move on.

The rest of the people in the room all shook their heads no because, really, who could follow that up? Shelby and Rachel returned to the table and sat down and both reached for some tissues to dry their eyes.

"We have just one more piece of paperwork to sign, and that's your authorization, Ms. Corcoran," the judge continued. We also have copies of the papers signed by her fathers and the petition to the court if you would like to look them over. Dr. Woodward acted as the notary for the other paperwork and it's my understanding she would like to get to sign off on yours as well."

"Yes, your honor," Dr. Woodward said as she got to her feet.

The bailiff brought Shelby all of the paperwork and she briefly looked over. The mom and teacher in her couldn't help but want to check all of the information to make sure Rachel hadn't skipped anything. She didn't spend much time on it though and picked up a pen when she got to the last piece that was awaiting her signature. She checked it over and then signed with a smile on her face. Dr. Woodward completed her part and everything was returned to the judge.

"Seeing as how there are no objections and the parents and minor child are all in agreement, I don't see any reason why this petition should not be granted," Judge Fields said. "Rachel, from this moment on your name is legally Rachel Barbara Corcoran. You are to use this name on any and all legal documents you encounter in the future. That includes college and job applications. If you are found to be using a name that is not your legal name, you will face the risk of being fined or worse. For instance, you can be terminated from a job if found to be using a false name on an application. Do you understand all of that?"

"I understand," Rachel answered.

"Good. I have nothing else to add. Court is adjourned," Judge Fields said. She even added a dramatic bang of her gavel.

"Oh Rachel," Shelby said with a wide smile and pulled the girl to her again. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Mom," Rachel said.

Everyone started to get up and greet Shelby and Rachel to offer their congratulations. They soon found themselves lining up for pictures in every combination possible, from family and friends to ones with just Rachel and the judge. The Corcoran kids had their picture taken and Rachel got one with Quinn and Judy. Shelby would treasure that one always because without those two, this last year would never have happened.

The judge big them farewell when the pictures were complete and everyone filed out into the hallway. Shelby looked down at her watch and noticed it was getting close to lunch time and she got everyone's attention.

"Let's do lunch to celebrate," Shelby said. "On me. Where do we want to go?"

"We're way ahead of you, sweetheart," Rebecca said. "There is a party waiting for us."

"Of course there is," Shelby said with a laugh. She would not be surprised by anything else today. "Let's go then."

Shelby felt like she was on cloud nine as she walked out of the courthouse with her daughters holding her hands and her family and friends surrounding her. How did she ever get so lucky?

Paul and Rebecca had reserved space at a local conference center and had it catered and everything was decorated and ready by the time they arrived. All of the glee kids and Mr. Schue were there, as was Emma. There were friends and colleagues of Shelby's as well as some of her students and their parents who had come to know Rachel over the year. There was a ton of food and music and there was a karaoke machine in place that would no doubt get used later.

"You put all of this together?" Shelby asked Rachel when they'd found a table.

"Nana and Grandpa planned the party," Rachel confessed. "And paid for it. I have no idea how much it is because they wouldn't tell me. They paid for the court too even though I told them I was going to pay for it."

"Hush, young lady," Rebecca scolded when she sat down across from Rachel while Paul sat across from Shelby. "If I hear one word from you about any of this being too expensive, I will let your mother finish that spanking she started earlier."

"Nana," Rachel hissed out in embarrassment as she blushed.

Shelby just laughed lightly and tucked Rachel's hair behind her ears.

"You really had me going this morning," Shelby said.

"I know," Rachel smiled cheekily. "That was funny. You should have seen your face. You were trying so hard to be calm."

"I'm glad you're so amused by it," Shelby said.

"Oh I am," Rachel assured.

Shelby shook her head and then took Rachel's hands in her own. "But you do know that you can come to me in that situation if you need to, right? Not that I ever want you to be in that situation. But you can come to me and I will help you in any way possible. And please, tell me before we arrive at the courthouse."

"I know you'd be there for me," Rachel said with a shrug. "I'm going to go start some karaoke."

She was up from the table and gone before Shelby could tell her that she needed to eat something. Shelby turned and looked at her parents and felt her chin start to tremble as tears formed in her eyes.

"Thank you, Mommy," Shelby said softly. "Thank you, Daddy."

"No, sweetheart, thank you," Rebecca said. "For giving us our wonderful granddaughter. You are a wonderful mother."

Shelby could only nod because if she opened her mouth again to talk right now, she was just going to end up sobbing. So she just nodded and accepted the praise and watched as, across the room, Rachel started giving directions on who was singing when. The girl had already decided that she was singing first because it was only appropriate. Shelby approved.

The party was a lot of fun and lasted a few hours. The highlight had come when Rachel talked Shelby into getting up and doing karaoke and they sang songs for about fifteen minutes to loud applause. As it started to wind down, the catering company packed up a lot of leftovers and let Shelby take them home which was great since they wouldn't have to worry about dinner now. It took a while for everyone to say their goodbyes, but it was finally just back to being Rachel, Shelby, and Beth.

As midnight approached, Rachel finally admitted that she was getting tired and decided to go to bed. Beth had been asleep for hours and Shelby was ready to lie down as well. But not before she exacted a little payback.

Rachel was playing on her phone as she stalled actually getting in bed. She just had a few more games to play and then she'd put it down.

"Rachel Barbara Corcoran!"

Rachel looked up and her eyes went wide as her mother's angry voice could be heard throughout the house. She spent the next couple of seconds wracking her brain to try and figure out what she'd done. It was always worse when you didn't know.

"Get down here right now!" Shelby yelled and Rachel put her phone down and stood up from the bed.

Rachel cautiously peered down the stairs and saw her mother standing at the bottom with her hands on her hips looking up at her. Shelby pointed to the spot in front of her indicating she wanted Rachel to go and stand there. Oh crap.

"Mama?" Rachel questioned as she started her slow decent down the stairs. This day had been perfect. What had she done?

"Now, Rachel," Shelby said seriously.

Rachel gulped and closed the last few feet between her and her mother and stood where she was instructed. She wouldn't even look up to meet her mother's eyes.

"Mommy, what's wrong?" Rachel asked.

"Look at me," Shelby commanded.

Rachel waited a beat and then finally looked up at her mother's stern face.

Shelby held her gaze firm and unrelenting for a few more moments and then broke out in a wide grin with sparkling eyes.

"Nothing's wrong, I just wanted to get to use your full name," Shelby said merrily.

Rachel gasped and stomped her foot and said, "Mom!" Her tone was indignant.

"Oh don't you mom me, young lady," Shelby said with a laugh. "Not after the joke you pulled on me today."

Rachel humphed and crossed her arms, but smiled at her mom.

"It sounds good, doesn't it?" Rachel asked.

"Yes it does," Shelby agreed.

Shelby kissed Rachel's head and then took her by the shoulders and spun her so she faced the stairs.

"And I do believe it is bedtime for you," Shelby said. "Up you go."

Shelby sent her off with a couple of light pats to her bottom and Rachel smiled as she climbed the stairs. The day had been amazing and she didn't quite want it to end yet, despite how tired she was. When she reached the top, she turned and looked back down at her mother.

"Will you tuck me in?"

"Always," Shelby replied without hesitation. "Always.

Two weeks later, Shelby was up before both of her children because she wanted to be ready before either of them opened her eyes. She was planning a nice breakfast for just the three of them. Today was the first day of school. It was the first day of Rachel's senior year; her last first day of school. But most importantly for Shelby, it was her first day with Rachel. It may be coming twelve years too late, but Shelby was finally getting a rite of passage that other parents all over the world get to celebrate. Today she was taking her baby to school.

Shelby opened Rachel's bedroom door and smiled in at her slumbering child. She only had five minutes until her alarm was set to go off, but Shelby wanted to get to wake her up. She shut off the alarm and then sat on the edge of the bed.

"Rachel," Shelby cooed softly as she brushed some hair back from her face. "Sweetie, wake up."

"Go away," Rachel mumbled and tried to turn over.

"Sorry," Shelby said with a smile. "Today's a school day and it's time to get up."

"I set my alarm," Rachel said.

"I know. I turned it off and am waking you up instead," Shelby told her.

Rachel's eyes opened and she quickly sat up and looked at her mother with wild eyes.

"Am I late? Did I oversleep? I have to get going."

Rachel started to kick the blankets back and was stopped when Shelby put her hands on her arms and forced her to be still.

"You're not late," Shelby assured her. "Your alarm would be going off in a couple minutes. I wanted to wake you up and say good morning. Happy first day of school!"

"I'm a senior," Rachel smiled. "I can't believe it."

"Me either," Shelby said wistfully. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

"I don't know if I'm going to have time," Rachel said as she hurriedly tried to get out of bed again. "I've got to shower and get ready."

"You'll have time," Shelby assured her with a laugh.

Rachel did indeed have time for breakfast and she was ready to race out the door when Shelby stopped her.

"I want to take a picture," Shelby said.

"Mom," Rachel whined. "Really?"

"Yes," Shelby confirmed. "It's the first day of your senior year. And it's my first day of school with you."

"Oh… yeah. Ok, but we have to hurry," Rachel said. She felt bad because she hadn't even considered that before.

Rachel was as patient as she could be while Shelby took a few pictures, including a few with a smiley Beth.

"Ok, is that it?" Rachel asked. "I really should be going."

"Rachel, you've got forty-five minutes until you need to be there," Shelby said. She was playing with the camera as she spoke. "It's doesn't even take ten minutes to get there. I need one more picture."

"Fine," Rachel said.

Shelby set the camera down and went and stood by Rachel and told her to smile because the timer was on. Rachel smiled and relaxed next to Shelby and waited for the picture to take. She did love this, even if she was afraid she was going to be late.

"Rachel, I would like to drive you today," Shelby said before Rachel could grab her keys and go.

"Mom!" Rachel whined again. Was she serious?

"Please," Shelby said. "I… I'd like to. I figured you could catch a ride home with Quinn or Santana or I'll come back and get you. Ok?"

"Ok," Rachel conceded after letting out a long breath. Oh god, she hoped her mother didn't plan on walking her to her first class too.

The parking lot at William McKinley High was starting to fill up when Shelby pulled in with Beth and Rachel in tow. She parked along the curb up front and then turned to Rachel.

"Have a wonderful day today," Shelby said.

"I will," Rachel said.

"I love you," Shelby said and her chin started to tremble.

"I love you too," Rachel said and leaned over and kissed her mom's cheek. "Stop being crazy."

"I'm not," Shelby scoffed as she lightly pushed Rachel away. "Go on; get away from your mother. Enjoy the day and I'll see you later."

"Bye, Beth," Rachel said, looking into the backseat.

"Bye bye, Mach!" Beth said and then blew her a kiss. They loved when she did that.

"Bye, Mom," Rachel said.

"Bye, sweetheart. I love you."

"I know," Rachel said with a joking roll of her eyes.

Shelby watched as Rachel walked up the long walk towards the building. She couldn't take her eyes off of until she was inside. Her daughter was a senior in high school. Her daughter was one year away from leaving to conquer the Broadway world. Shelby marveled at how much life could change in a year as she watched Rachel approach the front doors. She was so close to disappearing inside.

Rachel stopped at the doors and turned back to look. She already knew her mother would still be there. She made eye contact with her mom and then waved to her. Shelby's face lit up even as one tear made its way down her cheek and she waved back.

Teardrops could contain immeasurable amounts of happiness and one wave from a sometimes moody teenager could make her day. Shelby felt like she was walking on air the rest of the day.

The End.

Epilogue

Seven years later…

Shelby hurried down the busy Manhattan street while holding firmly on to her eight-year-old's hand. Beth was keeping up but she didn't know what the big hurry was. It's not like the theater was going to sprout legs and run away before they could get there. And the show didn't even open for two more days. Not that Beth was complaining, mind you; she was happy to have the extra days off from school.

Beth was always amazed at how well her mother navigated the streets of New York. She always knew exactly where she was going. They weren't like those other tourists that were trying to figure out directions on their phones. Nope, Shelby and Beth Corcoran were experts.

"Mama, can I get a hotdog?" Beth asked as they passed yet another cart.

"I told you could later," Shelby said. "You've been snacking all morning."

"But I'm still hungry," Beth complained.

Shelby didn't know where the kid put all of the food she'd been eating recently. She was a bottomless pit sometimes.

"You can wait," Shelby assured her. "Come on, we've just got a couple more blocks."

Shelby stopped short and put a hand to her heart when they reached the theater and she saw the marquee. There it was. There was Rachel's name above the title of the show. Shelby immediately pulled out her camera and started to take pictures. Beth yawned. She remembered doing this the first time Rachel had been on Broadway a couple years ago too. Only except that time she'd just been a swing in the chorus. She was the lead this time. The star. The show was opening in two days.

"Beth, stand here," Shelby instructed. "Let me get a picture of you with it."

Beth put on her award worthy smile, the one her sister had taught her, and hammed it up for the camera. After a minute, Beth sat on the steps outside the theater and waited while her mother took a picture from every possible angle. She was never going to get her hotdog.

"Hopefully she'll come out in a second," Shelby said. She was sending off a text message at that moment.

It wasn't quite a second, but a couple minutes later the stage door opened and Rachel came out with a confused and then shocked expression on her face. Beth leapt up at the sight of her big sister.

"Mach!" Beth yelled and then jumped at Rachel who caught her for a hug.

"Hey!" Rachel said. Rachel had been really excited when Beth learned to say Mach, but she could never have imagined that the nickname would stick. "What are you guys doing here? You weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow."

"We came early to surprise you," Shelby said as she hugged Rachel tightly.

"Mama's already taken like three million pictures of the sign," Beth said.

"Hush you, I have not," Shelby said. "But now that you're out here, let me get a picture."

"See?" Beth said as they walked back to the front so Shelby could get more pictures, this time with Rachel included.

At 23, Rachel had certainly grown from her days at McKinley. If nothing else, her wardrobe was much better. She was fashionable and well-liked and on the brink of stardom.

"Mama," Beth whined after a while. "I'm hungry."

"Alright," Shelby conceded. "She's got a hollow leg right now."

"Let me run in and get my stuff and I'll come with you," Rachel said. "We're finished for today. What do you guys want?"

"We're getting hotdogs," Beth said.

"Ugh," Rachel showed her disgust. "Can we get real food?"

"No. Mama already said I could have a hotdog," Beth said.

Rachel looked over at Shelby for help, but her mother had none.

"Just get your stuff," Shelby said. "We'll get her a hotdog and then go somewhere else."

"Haha," Beth teased.

Rachel had no problem shoving her sister lightly as she passed and Beth's retort was to stick her tongue out.

"Ladies," Shelby scolded.

Rachel just rolled her eyes and went inside to grab her things. When she returned, Beth ran up and took her hand and started to practically drag her down the street.

"It's this way," Beth said hurriedly as if all the hotdog stands in New York City were about to pack up for good.

"You didn't have to come a day early," Rachel said to Shelby as they walked.

"I know. But everyone will be arriving tomorrow and I wanted you all to myself first," Shelby told her with a smile.

"I just saw you a few weeks ago," Rachel said.

"I know," Shelby said.

"Crazy," Rachel said.

"I love you too," Shelby retorted. "No let's get her a hotdog before she starves to death."

"That would be tragic," Rachel deadpanned.

"Rachel…" Shelby warned.

A/N – That's the end, guys! I can't believe it. And yes, there will be a sequel based on the epilogue. I hope you guys will come back for it and check it out when I post it. I'm not sure what the name of it will be yet. But please keep an eye out. The usual suspects will be returning.

The sequel won't be posted for a little bit though. I need a little time. I need time to focus on other things and stories (I've got a few up my sleeve). But most importantly, I need to let this story be complete. It is its own entity and it is a complete work. I want to give it a chance to breathe.

And I don't know how to thank you all enough for all of the support and focus and energy you have given me these last couple of years as I've been writing. It means the world to me. Thank you so much for sticking with me through thick and thin and for being there for this story. I cannot even begin to express what all of your reviews and messages and kind words and friendships have meant to me.

I also can't believe that this story has come to a close. This has been a part of my life for the last couple of years and it's crazy to see it be completed. I'm not even really sure of how to feel. I am proud and honored by your readership and humbled at the thought that I put this together and shared with the world. It has been an experience that I will never forget. And you all have worked to make it so special. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And I know I say this every time, but please leave me a review if you can. Especially here at the end, I would love to hear from you and see your thoughts.

Thank you, everyone. Thank you.