April 27, 2015, 7 p.m.
Come What May: Week 36 - Leap Of Faith
T - Words: 4,184 - Last Updated: Apr 27, 2015 Story: Complete - Chapters: 40/? - Created: Nov 02, 2014 - Updated: Nov 02, 2014 243 0 0 0 0
I cant believe we made it to the wedding! We still have a few chapters to go though, so dont worry, its not over just yet. :) but thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your continued support on this story. I cant tell you how much it means to me. Xoxo
"This is the weirdest thing," Cooper announced, placed on the couch between Kurt and Blaine. "You guys were so close and you never met."
"Its even more weird that Kurt almost went to Dalton," Blaine said. "Can you imagine how different things would have been?"
Kurt stared at the yearbook in Coopers hand. A picture from Regionals sat on the page. The New Directions stood beside the Warblers. Kurt stood holding Rachels hand in anticipation and Blaine stood three feet away in a Dalton blazer with a hard, concentrated expression on his face.
What if he had gone to Dalton? Would he be with Blaine today? Would he have been in the Warblers? Would Blaine have befriended him at all? Would it have been worth leaving his friends at McKinley? "I guess we werent meant to meet each other yet," he decided.
"That was our junior year," Rachel explained from the other side of Kurt. "I met Blaine the following year at Regionals and started talking to him."
"I cant believe you never told me," Kurt poured.
"Well, its not like we were dating. I was with Finn," Rachel said, grabbing Kurts hand. "I wasnt going to turn this into another Jesse St. James situation. I would have ended up with Blaine breaking an egg on my head."
"Theres some in the fridge if you want me to," Blaine chuckled.
"Im good, thanks," Rachel shook her head.
"Im glad we didnt meet back then," Kurt admitted. "We both had our struggles but we had to go through those struggles to get to where we are now."
"Yeah, we might not have lasted if we met in high school, and I cant imagine that," Blaine smiled at him.
"And now here we are getting ready for your wedding," Cooper sat back, closing the yearbook. "Its amazing what a few years can do."
Blaine laughed, "You know, if someone came up to me on that stage and told me that in a few years Id be marrying the boy that stood three feet from me, I wouldve thought they were crazy."
"You wonder how many times we really were near each other," Kurt said thoughtfully.
"I came to the Lima Bean and the mall from time to time. Who knows? Maybe you were there too," Blaine took the yearbook from Cooper and stood up. "But well never really know. Whats important is that were here now."
"You guys are about to be dads and husbands, Mercedes leaving for tour this week, Sam having a steady modeling career, and me fat and jobless," Rachel made a sour face.
"Rachel Barbra Berry, do not talk like that," Kurt snapped. "You are not fat, you are beautiful and pregnant. Youre doing Blaine and I a great favor and it doesnt make you worthless."
Blaine set the yearbook on the coffee table and moved to the kitchen. "Honestly, Rach, you are going to get right back on your feet when this is over. Youll find a better Broadway job than Funny Girl."
"I guess," she sighed heavily, slouching back on the couch.
"Do you guys want to go over to Sams on Wednesday? Hes doing a farewell dinner for Mercedes before her tour kicks off," Blaine said, carrying a glass of water back toward the couch and sitting on the arm of it.
"Yeah, that sounds like fun," Rachel said.
"I cant believe shes going leaving the state right after the wedding," Kurt said bitterly. "I was really hoping shed be around for the reception."
"She cant change the schedule though. Shes just the opening act," Rachel replied.
"I know but- "
A loud banging on the front door cut Kurt off and they all stared at the door with wide eyes. Cooper and Blaines bodies tensed. "Shes here," Blaine mumbled.
"I dont want to do this," Cooper mumbled, wiping his hands on his pants. Standing up, he followed Blaine to the door.
"Hi mom," Blaine greeted his mother, giving her a quick hug.
"Hi Blaine," she smiled. "Cooper," she nodded at her eldest son.
"Mother," Cooper said curtly.
"Hi Kurt," Pam waved. "Rachel, you look lovely."
"Oh, thanks," Rachel grunted, attempting to pull herself off the couch. In the end, Kurt grabbed her hand and helped pull her to her feet.
"Hows the wedding preparation coming?" Pam asked timidly.
"Weve certainly been busy," Blaine stated. It was an awkward tension and for a moment no one said anything else.
"Do you have a little time now?" she asked, breaking the silence. "I was hoping maybe you and Cooper could show me around this big city."
Blaine and Cooper exchanged glances, and then Cooper nodded, "Okay, sure."
"Yeah," Ill get my jacket," Blaine agreed. He went to the coat rack and grabbed a jacket. "Shall we go?"
"See you guys later," Cooper said to Kurt and Rachel.
"Bye babe," Blaine walked over and kissed Kurts cheek. "Love you."
"Love you too," Kurt replied. "Have fun."
Pam lowered her gaze and sucked in her bottom lip. She waited until Cooper grabbed her arm, before she quickly went out the door.
"Do you think theyre going to be okay?" Rachel asked, leaning her head on his shoulder when the door shut behind them.
"I think theyre going to be just fine," Kurt replied.
"Dad!" Kurt bolted across the baggage claim area at the airport. He threw his arms around Burt Hummels shoulders and his father lifted him off the ground, spinning in a circle. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," Burt said, setting him on the ground.
"Oh Carole!" Kurt exclaimed, hugging her tightly.
"Hi honey," Carole beamed. "Its so good to see you! Hows Blaine? Hows Rachel? Any sign of that baby coming yet?"
"Not yet and Im hoping she doesnt make an appearance this week," Kurt shook his head, taking Caroles bag from her.
"Maybe she wants to see her grandpa while hes in town," Burt joked.
"Dad, no. Theres too much going on this week," Kurt objected.
"I know, sport. Im giving you a hard time," Burt placed his arm around his sons shoulder, as they made their way out to catch a cab.
"Did Pam make it okay?" Carole asked conversationally.
"Yeah, she came Monday. Youll be staying in the same hotel as her," Kurt explained. "Youll see her soon though. Sam is hosting a dinner tonight. Sort of a farewell dinner for Mercedes and a celebration for me and Blaine."
"You guys arent even married yet," Burt offered, shaking his head.
"I know but all our family is here and Sam wanted to do something special," Kurt said. "Come on, dad, I really want you to come."
"Kurt, that sounds wonderful. Well be there," Carole said and Kurt hugged her again.
Burt and Carole unpacked at the hotel and got ready for dinner, which would be at six sharp. Kurt went with them to spend a little alone time with them.
Kurt arrived with Burt and Carole ten minutes to six. There was no sign of the Andersons yet. In fact, Kurt hadnt heard from Blaine since he took off with his mom and Cooper that day. This had been day three of touring the city and things seemed to be going well for them.
"Do you think everythings okay?" Mercedes asked.
"Yeah," Kurt nodded. Blaine hadnt said much about his trips with his mother and brother. It meant that either it was going well and Blaine felt no need to dwell on it, or it wasnt going well and Blaine was retreating with his emotions, like he often did when he was upset.
"Well wait until they get here, even if they are late," Sam said.
"Until then, I want to ask you why youre tour starts days before my wedding," Kurt poked Mercedes in the arm.
"It starts in New York though. Im playing here tomorrow and Friday night. Ill play New Jersey Saturday night, so Ill have time to be in the ceremony and split," Mercedes told him. "I wish I could stay, boo. I want to see everyone from glee club."
"Its okay. We understand," Kurt grabbed her hand. "Im just glad youll be standing up there with me."
"Yeah, we understand," Rachel replied. "You cant really skip a show to hang out with losers like us."
Mercedes gently brushed Kurts cheek and said, "Well, Im glad yall feel that way. It makes me feel better about ditching."
"Im more upset that Im not going to see your show," Kurt made a sad face at his friend.
"I think youll make it," Mercedes laughed. "Im just glad Rachels moving in to help keep Sam company. It makes me feel better about leaving him."
Sam shifted uncomfortably and gave Rachel a weak smile, "Me too."
A knock came on the front door and Sam quickly rushed to welcome the Anderson family into his home. "Nice to see you again, Cooper," Sam fist bumped Blaines brother.
"Just in time," Kurt mumbled in his fiancés ear, as Blaine embraced him.
"Long day," Blaine answered wearily.
Kurt took Blaines hand and led him to the table. Taking a seat between Blaine and Rachel, Kurt looked around the table and smiled at the family around him. His heart felt so light and happy. He couldnt believe how well things were working out for them. Blaine had his brother and mother back. Kurt got to spend a few days with his family. Mercedes was going on tour. Blaine finally knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, things were going well for Kurt at Vogue. And in the next few weeks, hed be gaining a husband and a daughter.
"Are you okay?" Blaine slipped him a napkin and grabbed his hand.
Dabbing his tear-filled eyes, Kurt whispered. "Yeah. Just having a moment like you did the other day."
"Everythings pretty overwhelming, huh?" Blaine squeezed his hand.
Kurt nodded. When everyone was seated, he blurted out, "Im just really glad youre all here to share this week with me... and with Blaine. It means so much to me, and Ive never been happier."
Blaines thumb gently rubbed the back of Kurts hand and he smiled, "Me too."
Casual conversation filled the room. Carole and Pam began telling stories from when the boys were younger. It was more Pams take on things, since Carole could only go back a few years. But the gesture was sweet and Kurt felt gratitude toward her effort. Rachel and Mercedes had begun discussing tour, while Cooper and Sam discussed Coopers movie, which would be released in the early Spring of the following year. It left Kurt and Blaine to discuss last minute wedding details.
"I made dessert," Sam announced from the kitchen some time after everyone finished eating. "Im not much of a cook, so I hope its good."
"Itll taste fine," Mercedes rolled her eyes at Rachel. "Hes a good cook. Hes so modest."
"Hm," Rachel hummed, glancing down at the table.
"Have you guys picked out a name for the baby yet?" Sam asked, changing the subject.
"No," Kurt sighed. "Blaine refuses to name the baby ahead of time. He wants to look at her and just know. I cant convince him to change his mind."
"Like youre just going to know?" Mercedes raised an eyebrow.
"I told him to name her Barbra," Rachel offered.
"No!" Kurt, Burt, Blaine, and Sam all said at once.
"Just a joke," Rachel said awkwardly, taking a drink of water.
"No but um... I do have a condition," Kurt turned to face Blaine. "You want to pick her first name and thats fine but Ive thought a lot about this and... I want her middle name to be Rachel."
"What?" Rachel choked out, water dribbling down her chin. She set her glass down and wiped a napkin across her face.
"Youre her mother and I want her to have a connection with you," Kurt shrugged.
"You mean other than the fact that I gave birth to her?" Rachel raised an eyebrow. "I think that qualifies as a connection."
"No, I think Kurts right," Blaine agreed. "It narrows down how many names might go with her middle name, but I like the idea of naming her after you."
"But you still refuse to pick a first name?" Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Yes," Blaine said flatly.
"Well, Im very touched," Rachel said sweetly. "Thank you so much."
"Anything for you," Kurt smiled.
"Okay. Will you do something for me?" Rachel took a deep breath. "Will you be available around noon tomorrow? I have someone I want you to formally meet."
Hiram and Leroy Berry were followed into the coffee shop by Rachel and a woman Kurt had not seen for years.
"Hi guys!" Rachel called to Kurt and Blaine. She led her group over to their table and made introductions. "Shelby, this is Kurt and Blaine. You briefly know Kurt as one of the kids from glee club but I never introduced you to my ex-boyfriend of three years. Blaine, this is my mom."
"Hi," Blaine stood up, shaking Shelbys hand.
"Nice to meet you," Shelby took a seat between Rachel and Leroy. "I do remember you, Kurt, but I still feel like I dont really know you."
"I understand," Kurt nodded. This was the most he had spoken to Shelby. She had been so caught up with Vocal Adrenaline and then with the trouble tones, she never really noticed Kurt.
"Rachel told me about the baby and how youre adopting her," Shelby smiled. "It takes me back to when I got pregnant with Rachel."
"I never thought Id be in the same shoes as my mom," Rachel glanced down at her belly. "I used to resent her for not hanging around... Now I see how complicated life can be."
"Were not going to let you slip away though," Kurt replied.
"Thats what we think is so incredibly sweet of you," Hiram said. "We dont want to see our little grandchild be motherless the way Rachel was. It was hard on her."
"We would never do that," Blaine shook his head.
"In fact, we want you to consider her your grandchild... you too, Shelby. Rachel is family and that makes you family," Kurt smiled.
"Thank you, Kurt," Shelby replied, brushing her hair behind her shoulders..
"You are more than welcome to come to the wedding tomorrow," Blaine added, twirling his coffee cup between his hands.
"As long as I can bring my daughter Beth? I cant find a babysitter on such short notice. She loves parties," Shelby mentioned.
"Shes gotta be seven or eight now, right?" Kurt glanced at Blaine. "You know, we technically dont have a flower girl. We could buy Beth a nice dress and have her be in the wedding... If you dont mind, Shelby?" He added, carefully watching her reaction.
"I think that would be wonderful," Shelby beamed, she seemed pleased and that was enough for Kurt. "I cant wait to tell her."
"You dont have to do that," Rachel hissed across the table. "Youve already arranged everything."
"No, Kurts right. Beth is kind of like family," Blaine agreed. He gently placed a hand on Kurts thigh and squeezed it Smiling at him, Kurt loved that Blaine was showing his support in this decision.
"Youve never even met her," Rachel laughed, shaking her head.
"No, trust me, it still counts," said Kurt.
"Yeah, how many times do you go to family reunions and only know half the people," Blaine offered, raising an eyebrow.
At this, Rachel let out a hard laugh, nearly knocking over the napkin holder nearby. "I-Im sorry... I just... Is that r-really the best argument you could come up with?"
"Yeah..." Blaine said slowly.
"You guys are so cute," Rachel continued, her laughter growing louder. The people at the closest table to them stared in her direction.
"Whats so weird about it?" Blaine asked. "We wanted a flower girl and a ring bearer but theres not many kids in our life and we arent expecting any for the wedding. We dont have a big crowd coming."
"Beth at least gives us that flower girl," Kurt agreed, watching his friend curiously. "Its not hard to add that to the ceremony. Hand her a basket of flowers and let her go."
It took a minute for Rachel to calm down. When she did, her hand fell to her belly and she said, "Oh."
"What?" Kurt and Blaine asked in unison. Blaine halfway out of his chair.
Wincing, Rachel breathed, "No, Im fine. You two worry too much." She waved Blaine down.
"Are you sure?" Hiram asked.
"Yes, Im fine," Rachel said. "Im actually more than fine." She took Shelbys hand and said, "I havent been this happy in a long time."
"Really?" Kurt cooed.
"When I first offered the idea of adoption to you, I was terrified," Rachel admitted. "But I lived such a good life with my two dads and I just... I have so much faith in you and Blaine. You guys are going to be the most amazing dads, and I believe I made the right decision."
Tears formed in Kurts eyes. He rose from his chair and came up behind his friend. Wrapping his arms around Rachel, he said, "We love you, Rachel."
"I love you too," she patted his arm. "I finally feel like Im getting somewhere. Ive accepted this family for what it is, Im gaining a new roommate and Ive started looking at upcoming Broadway auditions. I think Im going to get back on my feet soon."
Blaine stood up and reached for her hand. Helping Rachel to her feet, he said, "It makes me really happy to hear that."
Blaine pulled her into a hug and stretched his arm out to Kurt. He joined their hug, kissing Blaines cheek. The three of them had found something that worked for them as a family, and it was so nice to finally feel like he belonged somewhere.
"You look so handsome," Kurt," Rachel said, straightening his bow tie.
"I feel like a train wreck. Im so nervous," Kurt said. He was seated on a park bench with Rachel. Since Kurt didnt have a guy best friend, other than Blaine, Rachel was substituting as his best woman.
"Youre going to be just fine," Rachel squeezed his hand.
"What if he changes his mind?" Kurt spoke the words that had been haunting him for days.
"Kurt, who wouldnt want to marry you?" Rachel chuckled. "Hell, Id marry you if you werent gay. Youre a catch. Blaine is so lucky to have you."
"Aw, thanks sweetie," he pulled her into a hug, gently rubbing her back.
Rachels phone vibrated in her hand and she glanced at the text message before she said, "Sam just told me that Blaines really nervous too. That should give you some sort of relief."
"Unless hes nervous because he changed his mind," Kurt readjusted his bow tie. It was sunny and sixty-three degrees but Kurt felt so hot, it could have been ninety degrees.
"Stop. Leave it alone." Rachel placed her hands on his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "Blaine wont change his mind. You are going to be just fine."
"Okay," he whispered.
"Come on, its time," Rachel led him over to a gardened area and said, "Caroles walking you down the aisle, so this is where I have to go find Sam. Ill see you at the alter," Rachel kissed his cheek and left him standing there, dazed.
"Hey, honey," Caroles voice broke his train of thought. "You look so pale. Are you feeling okay?"
"Just nervous," he gave her a reassuring smile. "But Im glad youre here to do this with me."
"Well, Beth has already made her way down the aisle and Mercedes and Wes are next. Lets go," Carole looped her arm through his and led him to stand behind Sam and Rachel.
Footsteps came from behind him and his breath caught in his chest. He knew Blaine and Pam had entered the garden and he was too terrified to look. Taking several deep breaths, Kurt focused on a bird singing in a tree nearby.
"Come on," Sam guided Rachel down the short aisle, she gently waddled beside him and Kurt couldnt help but smile.
And then suddenly, Carole was nudging him forward, whispering words of comfort. "Take a deep breath. Its gonna be fine." The small crowd moved by in a blur and then he was standing at the makeshift alter.
He turned in time to see Pam guiding Blaine down the aisle. Tears gently flowed down Blaines cheeks and Kurt couldnt help but tear up himself. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, with his curly hair perfectly styled. Just the sight of his beautiful fiancé took Kurts breath away.
"Hi," Blaine whispered, reaching for his hands. He smiled through his tears and Kurt returned his smile. For a moment, they stared into each other eyes before the Minister interrupted them.
The ceremony proceeded in a standard fashion. Until they reached the vows and Sam pulled out the rings from his pocket, handing each to Kurt and Blaine.
"Kurt," Blaine said, his voice shaking. "I was a boy that hid in the closet for years. I thought I was doomed to a life of marrying a girl and never fully being happy. I loved Rachel, and I knew Id be happy with her, but it would never be enough. I always thought Id be standing up here with Rachel, not having someone in between us.
"And then you came along and opened my eyes to viewing love as fireworks instead of sparklers. You showed me that I can be whoever I want to be with no limits," Blaines voice broke and he steadied himself long enough to take a deep breath. Hazel eyes pouring into blue eyes, Blaine began to cry again, "I was lost and you found me. You gave me the strength I never would have found on my own, and Im so grateful for that. You saved me from myself.
"Im still trying to figure out who I am, and so far youve accepted me for my flaws and my struggles. I know that starting this new chapter with you is going to open a whole new world of opportunities for me. Im giving you my promise that I will do everything I can to learn and grow the best way I can with you. Im a work in progress, but I fully trust and believe that you will continue to guide me through whatever life throws our way, and I promise that Ill be there to hold your hand every step of the way. I will love you for every flaw and every mistake. I will do my best to give you strength and to pick you up when you fall. I promise to love and to cherish you and all of the time we spend together," Blaine finished, gripping Kurts hands tightly.
Unsure how he could follow that, Kurt gazed into his favorite hazel eyes and felt the world disappear around him. Taking a deep breath, Kurt started, "Blaine, you brought me out of a low place and gave me a home. I was only convincing myself that I was happy and you showed me how unhappy I was simply by bringing me happiness."
"I still dont know how I found someone like you. For the first time in my life, I feel one hundred percent accepted. I feel like theres nothing that could stop me from being everything I want to be, and Im looking forward to showing you every little part of me.
"I love you, Blaine, and Im so thankful that youve given me a home and a family. We dont know what our future holds and I think thats the best part. I once thought I was set in my ways and then I had a stranger buy me a cup of coffee. Who would have thought that one cup of coffee would take me on the adventure of a lifetime? Who would have thought Id gain a husband and a daughter by accepting a cup of coffee? I took a step in a new direction without knowing it. Marriage is a huge step. Its more like a leap into a new chapter and even though we dont know what that chapter holds, Im ready to take a leap of faith and be by your side through everything, because I cant imagine my life without you. I promise to give you a safe haven the way you have given me one. I promise to openly accept you the way you have accepted me. I promise to take care of you and to be the best husband I can be. I may not be perfect. Im a work in progress. But I promise to do my best in everything we do."
Sam handed each of them a ring and the Minister spoke words that Blaine then repeated, "I, Blaine Anderson, give you, Kurt Hummel, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love for you." Blaine then slipped the ring on Kurts hand and smiled through his tears.
Feeling his heart pound quickly in his chest, Kurt stared into his favorite pair of eyes, as he began reciting the Ministers words. "I, Kurt Hummel, give you, Blaine Anderson, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love for you." He placed the ring on Blaines finger, before Blaine seized both of his hands tightly.
The Minister announced, "By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your groom."
Without hesitation, Kurts lips met Blaines and he wrapped his arms around Blaines shoulders, just as Blaines hand reached up to cup the side of his face. The sound of applause melted away and Kurt felt himself get lost in the sweet sensation of his husbands embrace.