After Deployment

54

Quinn didn't end up sleeping well the next few weeks. In addition to the stress of everything going on, she felt huge and it was hard for her to get comfortable. Puck did his best to help Quinn fall asleep, but it wasn't easy.

"Trick or treat!"

"I swear." Puck muttered as he got up.

"It's Halloween, babe." Quinn said.

"Who the hell takes their kids trick-or-treating in an apartment building anyway?" Puck asked as he grabbed the candy bowl off the counter and went to the front door.

Puck was taking too long, so Quinn walked into the living room and joined Puck at the door.

Quinn smiled at the sight of Beth in a Cinderella costume at the door. "Happy Halloween, B."

"Happy Halloween, Mama Quinn." Beth grinned.

"I hope we didn't bother you two. Beth wanted to show you her costume before I take her out with her friends." Shelby said.

"You look beautiful, Beth." Quinn said.

"Just like a princess." Puck added.

"How come you're not dressed up?" Beth asked.

"We've been a little too busy for Halloween this year, but maybe next year we'll come with you and the baby." Quinn said.

"Plus, Mama Quinn needs to take it easy at home." Puck added. "We're gonna finish up some stuff and then watch some scary movies."

"You two can circle back and come over when you're done trick-or-treating." Quinn offered. "We'll be here."

"We'll see what time it is when she decides she has enough candy." Shelby nodded.

"Well, we'll be here." Puck nodded back as Max walked over to the door.

"Puppy!" Beth exclaimed.

"That's Max." Puck said. "He makes me all better."

"Mommy, can we stay here?" Beth requested as she sat on the floor and pet the dog.

"What about trick-or-treating?" Shelby asked. "I thought you wanted to go with your friends."

Beth shrugged. "I wanna stay here."

"Beth, you made a commitment to your friends." Shelby told her. "Let's go see them and then come back here later."

Beth frowned.

"We have to do some chores here anyway, Beth." Puck told her. "So by the time you're ready to come back, we'll be ready, too."

"Okay." Beth gave in as she slowly got up. "Bye, bye, Max."

"We'll see you later."