Hello Dear Readers
A new Season for you all to enjoy :) this one will be probably be updated once week. Please let me know what you think and all that Jazz!
Happy Reading
Episode 1
The Diner – Park Avenue – Friday Afternoon
"Quinn stop looking at the door she's not coming"
Quinn turned away from the diner's entrance to look at Santana. She slowly nodded her head and went back to her meal.
"I know it's just…" Quinn trailed off knowing Rachel and Santana knew what she was going to say.
Quinn had been hoping that Mercedes would join them for lunch. It had been 3 weeks since the party and none of the girls had heard anything from Mercedes since. Quinn had been leaving messages for Mercedes since it had happened and had so far heard nothing back.
"She made her choice Quinn" Santana stated. She had not been as forgiving as Quinn and was still angry with the way Mercedes had spoken to them all. It had been a source of tension between herself and Quinn ever since.
"She didn't have any choice. How would you feel if we all started attacking Brittany?" Quinn angered. She looked to Rachel for help, who was sat next to her feeding Henry. Rachel just shrugged her shoulders, she wasn't sure how she felt about the situation.
"I would never be with any one that gave my friends a reason to attack them" Santana snipped as she rolled her eyes. Quinn shook her head, not sure what else to say. They had been having the same argument for the last 3 weeks.
"Let's talk about something else" Rachel suggested as she finished feeding Henry and gently put him in his pram.
"Yeah, how about we talk about you dragging us up to the Hamptons this weekend for a birthday party at your smother in laws house" Santana ranted giving Rachel a pointed look. It's was Rose's birthday at the weekend and the whole gang was going to Finn's parents' house in the Hamptons to celebrate. Although none of their friends were sure why Rachel and Finn had agreed to it.
"It's Rose's birthday and she's very excited. It's going to be Frozen themed" Rachel said with a smile. Rose's excitement for the party had been infectious in the Hudson house and Rachel was just happy that her daughter was so happy after everything the young girl had been through.
"I can't believe after everything that Carol said a few weeks ago that Finn is okay with her throwing this party" Quinn pointed out.
"He's not really. It was my idea" Rachel admitted. She handed her son his toy instead of looking at her friends confused faces.
"What? Why?" Santana wondered with a shake of her head.
"I know what she did was bad but she is still Finn's mother and once she realised that Finn was serious about keeping Rose and Henry away from her, she came around. Well, came around as much as Carol can" Rachel explained with a lame shrug. Rachel knew the party was going to be difficult for her with Carol but Rachel also knew it was worth it for her children to have a relationship with their grandparents.
"I take it your parents won't be there" Santana smirked as she finished of her Crab Salad. After what had happened at the last party Santana knew Rachel would try to keep her parents away from Finn's parents for as long as possible.
"God no. I promised them we would all visit if they kept far enough away from this party" Rachel laughed lightly. She had promised both her parents a week's long trip each if they didn't come to the party and thank fully for her they had both accepted.
"Did you invite Mercedes?" Quinn asked cautiously.
"I sent her an invite but never heard anything back" Rachel answered, while Rachel hadn't spoken to Mercedes since the party Rose had wanted to invite her and Rachel knew it was important for all of them to be there but she figured Mercedes didn't feel the same.
Quinn looked cautious at her friends "Maybe if we went around there – "
"Why should we be the ones to go around there, she obviously doesn't care" Santana snapped, she ran her hands through her hair frustrated then looked back at her friends.
"Santana, we have been friends for 17 years we can't just throw that away" Quinn argued.
"Why not she has!" Santana snapped, she slammed her hand on the table then quickly picked up her coat and bag "Urgh, I have to get back to work" Santana looked back at her friends and shook her head slightly "I'll see you guys later"
Quinn looked away from the door and put her head in her hands, she didn't want to have another argument with her friends but she was at a loss of what else to do.
Rachel put her hand on Quinn's shoulder and squeezed it gently "Come one we have birthday presents to buy"
Target – East River Plaza – Friday Afternoon
"Look I think I can fit them all in this" Rachel said as she showed Quinn the blue plastic basket in her hand. She was going to put all of Rose's Frozen themed presents in the Basket. She had so far picked up pencils, pens, pads, colouring books, pyjamas, dolls, and cups all with either Elsa's or Ana's faces on them, which she knew Rose would love.
"Yeah that will work" Quinn said absentmindedly, Rachel could see she was a million miles away as she pushed the Trolley around Target.
"Quinn" Rachel pressed, she but the basket into the Trolley then carried on pushing Henry in his pram with Quinn following behind.
"I'm worried about Mercedes; I know you guys don't want me to talk about it but that doesn't stop me from worrying. We haven't heard anything in 4 weeks. What if something happened, we'd never know" Quinn sighed as she looked helplessly at Rachel "How long can we expect this to go on for?"
"I don't have an answer to that Quinn" Rachel admitted as she put some more bits into their trolley.
"I've been trying to get a hold of her. She never answers my calls; I haven't dared go around to hers just in case he's there" Quinn admitted, she had left endless messages for Mercedes and had even text her when the girls were meeting up in case she wanted to stop by but so far they had been no response.
"I'll ask Blaine, he saw her at the Palm court at the Plaza the other week apparently, she goes every Friday, I'll get him to see how she is. He can just go for a drink she doesn't have to know it was us" Rachel explained. When Blaine had told Rachel, he had seen Mercedes Rachel had wanted to know everything about how her friend was doing but she had stopped herself from asking. Mercedes had something she had to work through before they could all be back on track again. However, Rachel could see how much Quinn was struggling and had to do something to help.
"Thank you" Quinn said, she hugged Rachel quickly. Her mood picked up as she finally noticed the things in the trolley "Oh god these are so cute"
Finn and Rachel's House – West Village – Friday Evening
"Okay, how does this look?" Rachel asked Finn as she held up their son. Rachel had put Henry in the toddler Olaf costume she had also brought that day. It was a snowman baby-onesie with a hat that has a carrot nose and sewn on eyes on it, with big black buttons on the stomach. He was going to wear it for Rose's birthday party.
"Like he's going to hate us when he's older" Finn joked as he shook his head lightly. He looked over at his son who was already trying to pull the black buttons from his onesie.
"Daddy's kidding, you look so cute" Rachel beamed in her best baby voice as she tickled Henry. "And Rose is going to love her Elsa costume that I found"
Rachel waved her hand to the Elsa Costume she had also found in Target for their daughter to wear to the party. Quinn had also picked a Kristoff outfit for NJ to wear. Rachel placed Henry on their bed and handed him a cuddly toy as Finn watched her closely.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this, we can still have the party here" Finn reasoned. He still wasn't sure why his wife had agreed to the party after everything his mother had said and he just hoped it wouldn't be too much for her.
"Finn its fine, we both know your mom is going to go all out to impress her friends who are coming and if that's means Rose gets a great birthday then that's all I want" Rachel promised. She was on the fall putting together Rose's presents so Finn leant down and kissed her sweetly on the lips then each cheek.
"I love you" Finn said as he got back up and sat on the bed next to his son.
"I know" Rachel smiled as she went back to the present "You still have to make sure your mom stays at least three feet away from me at all times"
"Will do" Finn nodded his head earnestly then looked towards his son who had discarded his cuddly toy and was once again trying to pull on the black buttons "He does look pretty cute"
The Boathouse – Central Park – Friday Evening
"You okay, you barely touched your food" Santana asked looking over at Brittany who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts as she played with the food on the plate in front of her. Brittany looked to Santana as she put down her fork.
"Finn called me earlier asking me if we were riding up with them to the Hamptons for Rose's birthday party" Brittany explained.
"Oh" Santana lamely replied suddenly understanding Brittany's mood. Santana hadn't mentioned the party to Brittany and Brittany was probably feeling embarrassed and hurt that she'd had to hear it from someone else.
"Were you even going to tell me about it?" Brittany asked staring pointedly at Santana. Santana knew there would be no point lying because Brittany would see right through it.
"I didn't think you would want to go to a four years old birthday party, I mean I don't even want to go" Santana argued lamely. She knew it was a weak response. Santana knew, and Brittany probably as well, that Santana still struggled with bringing Brittany into her life unless Brittany pushed it herself.
"Of course, I want to go, Finn and Rachel are my friends as well" Brittany argued shaking her head. Brittany wasn't called Auntie like Santana, Quinn and Mercedes was but she still loved being around the children and was so happy that it had finally happened for Finn and Rachel.
"I know that. I didn't think it was that big a deal"
"Which is the real issue here" Brittany sighed as she went back to her meal "Well I told Finn I was going and that we would be happy to get a ride up with them and Quinn and Puck"
Unsure what else to say Santana replied with "Okay then"
Finn and Rachel's House – West Village – Saturday Morning
"MOMMY DADDY WAKE UP ITS MY BIRTHDAY!" Rose screamed as she ran into her parents' bedroom and jumped on their bed. Rachel and Finn both quickly woke up, they sat up in bed just as Rose bounced down next to them both with a wide smile.
"Is it? And how old are you today Rosie" Rachel beamed as she pulled her daughter in for a hug.
"This many" Rose answered as she held up four fingers up close to Rachel's face. Rachel kissed the side of Rose's head as Finn started to get out of bed.
"Why don't we go down stairs and I'll make you some pancakes while Mommy gets Henry then you can open your presents" Finn said, he held out his hands for Rose who quickly jumped to her father arms. Finn carried Rose down stairs as Rachel went to get Henry.
Twenty minutes later the family were eating their pancakes in the living room as Rose jumped up and down ready to open her presents, she had scarfed down her chocolate chip pancakes in four minutes so she could get to her presents and she still had chocolate covering her face.
"PRESENTS!" Rose shouted excitedly as she looked at the bundle of presents that littered the coffee table. Rose had presents from Finn and Rachel as well as Marley and Jake, Shelby, and Will.
"Okay sweetie you can open mine and daddy's now and the rest at your party" Rachel advised as Rose quickly began to tear into the Blue basket Rachel had put all of Rose's presents in. 5 minutes later Rose had opened them all and was staring widely at all the Frozen gifts she had received.
"Wow! It's all Frozen. I love it" Rose beamed, she ran over to Rachel and threw her arms around her "Thank you Mommy" Rose then ran to Finn and hugged him tightly "Thank you Daddy"
"You are very welcome Sweetie" Rachel replied. Rose began to play with her new gifts while Henry looked on from his playpen. Finn walked over to Rachel and wrapped his arm around her tightly.
"We got pretty lucky" Finn smiled lovingly at Rachel then looked back at Rose who was showing Henry her new pencil case with Elsa and Ana on it, although she quickly moved it away when Henry tried to touch it.
"That we did" Rachel agreed.
Finn and Rachel's House – West Village – Saturday Afternoon
An hour later Rachel and Finn had managed to tear Rose away from her gifts so that they could get her ready for the party. Rose loved her new Elsa dress and Rachel had manged to put Rose's curly hair into a French Braid and put Henry in his Olaf outfit without him pulling off any of the attachments to it.
Once they were all dressed Rose was dancing around the kitchen and living room as she listened to the Frozen soundtrack, Rachel and Finn watched on amused as Henry slept in his pram. After watching Rose sing along to Let It Go for the third time the Hudson Family finally heard their front door open.
"Happy birthday Rosie!" Santana sang as she and Brittany walked into the kitchen. Brittany stood next to Finn as Santana took a seat next to Rachel at the kitchen counter.
"Thank you, Auntie Sans, do you like my dress" Rose asked as she did a twirl in her blue dress. Santana nodded eagerly to Rose as she handed Rose an envelope and card.
"It's the best thing I have ever seen" Santana answered with a wide smile for the four-year olds benefit. Rose looked eagerly at the envelope as the door opened for a second time and Puck, Quinn and NJ walked into the kitchen. NJ ran over to his friend and gave Rose a hug while shouting happy birthday in her ear.
"Happy Birthday Rosie!" Puck said as he lifted the four year in to the air and grabbed her before she could fall. It was something Rose, NJ and Henry loved him to do, even though it scared Quinn and Rachel every time.
"Uncle Noah!" Rose cheered as Puck set her down and Quinn handed her a gift bag after giving her a kiss and a hug.
"Can I open these now mommy" Rose asked with wide eyes as she looked at the new presents.
"Go ahead" Rachel answered, she knew there was no way that Rose would be able to hold off when they were in her hands. Finn handed all the adults a drink as Rose ripped into her presents. Puck and Quinn had brought her Elsa and Ana Build-a-bears and Santana had brought her tickets to see Frozen on ice at the Barclays Centre.
"I'm going to see Anna and Elsa!" Rose beamed, jumping up and down. Finn carefully took the tickets from Rose as the four-year-old ran into her Aunt's arms.
"You are Rosie and because I love you so much I'll even take you" Santana quipped as Rose hugged her tightly, refusing to let go.
Rose quickly realised though that because all the adults were there it meant they could set off for her party so Rose started ushering everyone out of the house and into the waiting car while also keeping her hand in Santana's, who was now her favourite family member because of the gift.
"I think Santana just trumped us all" Rachel stated as she grabbed Henry's bag while Finn lifted the one-year-old into his arms.
"Who would have thought it" Finn laughed as they two made their way outside where Rose was calling loudly for them.
The Minivan – On the Way to The Hamptons – Saturday Afternoon
"What if they have Reindeers!"
"Will there be a Cake… what about cookies"
"I hope there is a bouncy castle"
"Rose knowing your grandmother they will be everything there and much more" Rachel told her daughter cutting off the list of wishes her daughter had started since they had gotten into the car. Rachel smiled at her daughter and handed her an iPad with an episode of Peppa Pig to watch, to hopefully keep her quiet. NJ and Henry had both fallen asleep pretty much straight away but Rose was too excited to have a nap.
"Is there going to be alcohol at this party?" Santana asked from the back seat. Brittany gave her a remanding look but Rachel just smirked at her friend.
"Carole is a W.A.S.P living in the richest part of the Hamptons of course there is going to be alcohol there" Rachel replied.
"Except it's probably going to be served in plastic cup with Ana and Elsa faces on them" Puck joked. He was sat in the front seat with Finn but could still hear their conversation.
"This might be a four-year olds birthday party but I guarantee there isn't going to be any plastic cups there" Finn added "Maybe crystal champagne flute with Ana and Elsa's faces on them"
"Just how rich are your parents Finn" Santana laughed. Finn ignored Santana question because in just an hour his friends would find out just how rich is parents were. This party was a great excuse for them to show just how much they had to people who didn't care (His friends) and those who had it as well (His parent's friends).
"Mommy can I watch another Peppa Pig episode" Rose asked just as Henry woke from his nap and started crying which woke up NJ who immediately started demanding a drink.
Puck looked behind him at Rachel helping Rose with the iPad while Santana and Brittany tried to calm Henry down while Quinn looked helplessly through her bag for a drink.
"What has become of our lives" Puck joked shaking his head slightly. Finn took his eye of the road for a spilt second to smirk at his friend.
"You love it"
Puck shrugged but smiled as well "Maybe"
Finn's Parents House – The Hamptons – Saturday Afternoon
Two hours later the group arrived at Carole and Burt's Hamptons house. The house was in East Hamptons, it was a 15,000-square foot country house complete with a pool, tennis court, an enormous back garden and pool house. It was the same house that Finn had spent his summers at as a young boy. Carole and Burt had moved into the house permanently when both their sons went to college so they could be nearer the Country Club they owed.
As everyone got out of the van Santana looked over the large property. Her hand was still in Rose's as the little girl looked up at the house as well.
"So, this is your parents' house" Santana whistled shaking her head slightly "Just how bloody rich are you Finn"
"It's my parent's money not mine" Finn argued as they all started walking towards the house. There was a sign that told them to go straight to the back garden, so the group made their way to the garden with Rose skipping in the lead.
"That wasn't an answer" Santana smirked as they walked into the enormous garden.
"Oh, my god!" Rose gasped.
Carole had transformed her garden into a Winter Wonderland. The entrance had an archway of Blue balloons and life size cardboard cut outs of Elsa and Ana. The fencing was decorated with Blue lace streamers and balloons there was an ice castle bouncy house, fake snow covered the ground and there was even a stable with two reindeers. Children were wearing party hats shaped like crown or snowmen and the buffet table was filled with Frozen themed food like snowflake cookies and, blue jelly and blue slushies. The best part was a tree house shaped like a castle that had been painted light blue.
"This is… Castle… Anna… Wow" Rose sighed happily as she looked around at everything. All the adults looked down at the two children who were looking at everything they saw in wonder and amazement.
"You okay sweetie" Finn laughed. Rose just nodded her head slowly as her wide eyes looked over everything. Carole walked over to the large group, she was in her usual Chanel suit and heels. She smiled widely at the group but they all knew it was fake.
"Rose, happy birthday sweetie, you look so pretty in your dress" Carole smiled down at her granddaughter then looked back up at everyone else "Hello everyone"
Everyone greeted Carole as warmly as they could, while Finn and Rachel were trying to get past what happened for Rose's sake that didn't mean their friends wanted to do the same thing.
"Not everyone is here yet so why don't you all look around and I'll get you all a drink" Carole instructed as politely as Carole actually could be. She walked away from the group and towards the bar while the other looked for a place to sit.
"NJ lets go say hello to Sven" Rose beamed. She grabbed NJ's hand and the two children ran over to the reindeer at the gatehouse. The worker helped them both feed him a carrot and some grass, while someone else took their picture.
"Your mom hired a reindeer" Rachel said with disbelief as she watched the worker help NJ on to the Reindeer so Quinn could take a picture.
"I can see that" Finn said shaking his head. The rest of the group made their way over to a free table that was covered in a blue table cloth with fake snow Ana and Elsa statues as centre pieces with a large number 4 covered in silver glitter.
"Rose is probably going want to live with them from now on" Rachel smirked as she looked around at the Ice Castle bouncy house and the two grown women dressed as Ana and Elsa handing out juice in blue champagne glasses.
"Let her spend five minutes alone with my mother and that will soon change" Finn quipped as they made their way to the table.
Carole's Garden – East Hampton's – Saturday Afternoon 15:00
An hour later, while Rose and NJ plus the grandchildren of Carole's friends bounced on an ice castle bouncy house and played games with two actors dressed like Elsa and Ana the adults were sat around a table near the front so they could see everything and Rachel and Quinn could take hundreds of pictures of them. Despite the party being in Carole's home Rachel could see how much fun NJ and Rose were having and she knew it was worth it. She ignored Carole and Burt as best she could and actually enjoyed the party with her children and her friends.
"This party is pretty cool" Puck admitted before shaking his head "What has happened to my life"
"Here have another snowflake cookie" Quinn laughed. She handed Puck another cookie as they watched Rose take another ride on the Reindeer. NJ was in the Bouncy House and Henry who was too young for most of the activities was passed out in his mother's arms but not before Rachel and Quinn got at least a hundred phots of all three children with the reindeer and the actors who were dressed as characters from the movie.
"Mercedes sent Rose a present" Rachel said. Quinn immediately turned to Rachel. Finn and Puck shared a look, they knew how important it was all to Quinn to have some form of contact from Mercedes after three weeks of silence.
"Was there a note or anything" Quinn pressed.
"Nothing, I called her so Rose could thank her but she didn't answer" Rachel answered, she cradled Henry close as he began to stir. Quinn looked away sadly, Rachel ignored Santana rolling her eyes and took Quinn's hand.
"Why haven't you fixed this yet" Puck asked looking over at Finn "it's ridiculous that this has gone on as long as it has"
"I agree and already told them all that" Finn answered looking over at Rachel then Santana, who again rolled her eyes.
"You guys realise that if you let this continue then Matts won" Finn added, he jokingly pocked Santana's arm and when she looked at him, he gave her a look. Santana slowly nodded her head but before she could say anything Carole came over to the table.
"Do you guys want to do the cake now" Carole asked. Finn nodded so Carole rushed over to the children to usher them all to the buffet table where the large cake was perched in the middle. The cake had blue icing and white edging with four tiers and on each was an icing character from the movie. Rose jumped up and down as Carole light the 4 candles on top of the cake. Everyone gathered around the table as Rose dipped her finger into the blue icing and then told NJ to do the same. The both licked the icing then looked up at Puck when he asked how it was, they both nodded their head eagerly both eager to have a slice of the cake.
Rachel leaned down and gently kissed her daughter's cheek "Make a wish Sweetie"
"This is the best birthday ever" Rose beamed before blowing out her candles.
Carole and Burt's House – East Hamptons – Saturday Afternoon 15:30
"You look like you could do with another slice of cake"
Brittany looked up to see Puck sit down next to her, handing her a slice of Rose's birthday cake. Brittany accepted the plate with a small smile. She started eating the cake as Puck gave her a questioning look.
"I'm no Finn but I might be able to help" Puck said. He had noticed Brittany had been quiet for most of the day and she had barely said anything to Santana. Finn was too busy with the party or Puck was sure he would be having this conversation with Brittany instead.
"Santana wasn't even going to mention this party to me today, am I just waiting for around for nothing Puck" Brittany wondered. Puck realised why Brittany was so upset, he knew all about how Santana still kept Brittany at a distance when it came to her friends.
"Only you can answer that Brittany. You obviously see something to stick around for this long" Puck argued "Instead of waiting for Santana to involve you, push yourself in. Trust me this group accepts anyone" Puck waved his hands towards himself with a smirk.
"That's your solution, push myself in" Brittany laughed.
"Why not" Puck shrugged "You've know us all for nearly two years now. You know that Santana isn't going to do it so just do it yourself. I know it's different because you're a woman but you still like me and Finn, you're a partner of one of the woman in the tightest circle of friends I've ever met. So even when you don't think it just remember you have me and Finn on your side"
"Thanks Puck" Brittany smiled before having some more birthday cake.
Puck shrugged a little embarrassed "I know I'm not as good at it as Finn"
"You said what I needed to here" Brittany admitted. She pushed her empty plate away and got up from the table "I'm going to push myself in"
Outside the House – East Hamptons – Saturday Afternoon 17:30
Two hours later the group had all enjoyed a piece of cake then Quinn and Rachel took photos NJ and Rose went on the bouncy castle again, had another ride on Sven the Reindeer, then chatted excitedly with the Ana and Elsa actresses before the group decided to drive home. As Puck and Brittany packed all of Rose's presents into the back of the rental car and Quinn and Rachel tried to settle the children into their car seats, Finn was left to say goodbye to his mother. Finn was happy about the effort his mother had put into the party for Rose but that didn't mean he was going to forget everything that his mother had said.
"Thank you for all this mom, Rose had a great time" Finn said. The smile had not left his daughters face since they had arrived in the Hamptons
"That's all I want Finn" Carole beamed "I know with everything that happened …"
"Mom have you apologised to Rachel" Finn cut in. Rose's birthday was over so Finn didn't have to pretend to play nice with his mother anymore.
"Finn – "
"Have you spoken to her at all mom" Finn interrupted, he gave his mother a stern look. Carole looked away from her son.
"Then you and I don't need to speak anymore. I let you throw this party because I knew Rose would love it but I stand by what I said, our relationship will never be the same unless you accept Rachel" Finn concluded, he walked away from his mother and instead of saying anything to the other adults Carole walked back into the large house.
Rachel walked over to Finn and wrapped her arms around him. She smiled seductively at him and he moved a strand of hair away from her face
"What that's look" Finn asked. Rachel leaned up and kissed each of Finn's cheek then gave him a lingering kiss on the lips.
Rachel moved her lips over to Finn's ear "You are so getting lucky tonight"
Outside Finn and Rachel's House – West Village – Saturday Afternoon
Another two hours later Finn pulled up outside Rachel and his house. Everyone were in different states of tired as he switched off the engine. It was only 6'o clock but it had already been a long day for all of them.
"Okay who wants more cake" Finn asked as they all began to get out of the Mini-Van.
"ME" Rose and NJ cheered.
"Hey Rachel, isn't that Fiona" Quinn asked nodding her head to the front door. Rachel looked over to see Fiona waiting for them by the door. Rachel handed Henry to Santana then walked over to Fiona with Finn.
"Fiona? Hi what are doing here" Rachel asked, she couldn't help but feel nervous as she looked at Fiona face. Rachel laced her fingers through Finn's hand.
"Sorry to just drop by like this but I need to talk to you both" Fiona explained. Rachel and Finn shared a look before looking back over at their friends who were waiting patiently by the Mini-Van.
"Okay, let us just get the kids settled" Rachel said. Fiona nodded her head so Finn unlocked the door and let everyone inside. Rachel cut up some cake for the children and Finn put on a movie, everyone quietly moved into the living room, the tension was clear as they all shared a look with Fiona, who was waiting in the kitchen, before moving into the living room.
"You're Miss Lopez? Their family lawyer" Fiona asked. Santana nodded "You should stay too"
Once everyone else had gone into the living room, Rachel, Finn, and Santana all turned to Fiona who despite trying to look professional still had a worried look on her face. Rachel immediately grabbed Finn's hand tightly.
"As you know Rose and Henry were left on the doorsteps by their birth parents. And when that happens the authorities have to wait 90 days for the parents to come back before they are put in to the system" Fiona explained. Rachel and Finn looked confused while Santana closed her eyes tightly in realisation for a second before turning back to Fiona.
"Okay" Finn pressed not liking the look on Santana's or Fiona's faces.
"Unfortunately, due to an error at the police department, they only waited 88 days. So, the motion is invalid, which means the children should never have been put in the system, which means your adoption papers are now null-in-void" Fiona further explained.
Finn shook his head "Okay so we just file another motion for adoption. This is only an issue if the parents want the child back – "
"Which they do" Fiona cut in sadly.
"What?" Finn demanded looking to Santana for some sort of answer.
"The error was only brought to our attention because of the parents putting in a petition to get Rose and Henry back" Fiona added.
"Oh, my god" Rachel cried. Finn wrapped his arm around Rachel tightly and looked to Santana desperate for an answer.
"What do we have to do next?" Finn asked while he held Rachel tightly, who was shaking her head unable to comprehend what was happening.
"A court case has already been scheduled so that we can fight against the petition but Lydia and Jimmy are meeting with a judge now to be granted temporary custody until then" Fiona explained, she turned to Santana who she knew was the one who could help. Santana immediately grabbed her coat and bag.
"Okay I'll get down there now and make sure that doesn't happen. Fiona, you can come with me" Santana said.
"Do you need us to come with you as well" Finn wondered. Santana shook her head looking down at Rachel who was still in Finn's arms.
"No, you stay here. Don't worry I'm not going to let this happen" Santana replied before rushing to the door with Fiona following behind her. Before she left Fiona turned back to Finn and Rachel who were still holding each other at the door.
"I'm so sorry that this has happened"
Finn nodded at Fiona before looking down at Rachel, who was wiping the tears that had already fallen.
"Finn, we can't lose them, we can't! They are our children. We can lose them" Rachel cried. Finn wrapped her in a hug. He knew that he needed to talk to the rest of his friends and make sure he's children were okay but first he needed to help Rachel who was still crying in his arms.
"We won't, I promise we won't"
The Courthouse – Judge's Reynolds Chambers – Saturday Evening
"I should have guessed that someone from Johnson and Partners were involved in this" Santana sneered when she noticed David Hanson, a family lawyer from a rival law firm.
"Let's try to keep this professional Lopez" Hanson replied rolling his eyes at her. Santana and Fiona took a seat across from Hanson as they all waited for the Judge.
"Fine, just don't cry when the Judge sides with me" Santana smirked just as Judge Reynolds's assistant came out of his chambers.
"The Judge will see you now"
The three adults entered the chambers, the Judge quickly looked over Hanson's appeal to have the children back with their birth parents. Santana tried to read the ageing Judge's face as he listened to Hanson's argument.
"Judge Reynolds the motion for adoption is now null-in-void which means the children are with the Hudson's illegally" Hanson explained. Santana tried to keep her emotions in check as she mentally prepared her own argument. It wouldn't help Rachel and Finn if she got angry in the Judge's chambers.
"The children have been living with the Hudson's happily for a month, to rip them from their home now would be cruel. Just because the motion is claimed to be null-in-void doesn't take away from the fact that Jimmy and Lydia still left these children on the door step of a children's home therefore giving up their rights to these children. I motion that the children be left in the care of Mr and Mrs Hudson until this matter can be resolved in court. Mrs Fields is here to attest to how well Rose and Henry are doing there" Santana argued waving over to Fiona who was stood behind her. As Fiona moved closer to the Judge, he held up his hand to stop her.
"Thank you, Mrs Lopez that will be all," The Judge interjected. The judge was silent for a few moments as he took in both sides, he scanned the appeal paperwork again then looked up at Santana and David.
"I agree with Miss Lopez; the children will stay with Mr and Mrs Hudson until this matter can be settled in court" The Judge said. Santana let out a small sigh of relief as David stated to argue.
"Your Honour I – "
"That's my final word Mr Hanson" The Judge affirmed giving David a tight look, he immediately fell silent.
Without another word the Judge ushered them out of his office. Santana took a copy of the appeal forms from the assistant and began to glance through them.
"That's a good sign then isn't it, that Rose and Henry can stay where they are" Fiona said clearly relieved that things seemed in their favour.
"Let's hope so" Santana replied.
"This isn't over Lopez; you know the court always favours birth parents. The 90 days is there for a reason" Hanson argued.
Santana smirked at him, hoping he didn't notice the flicker of worry she felt "Well I look forward to proving you wrong"
Mercedes and Matt's Apartment – Upper West Side – Saturday Evening
"Quinn what are you doing here, now isn't really a good time" Mercedes said when she opened her front door to see Quinn standing there with a determined look. Mercedes stepped out of the apartment and closed the door behind her.
She hadn't spoken to her friends in three weeks so she knew it meant that something bad must have happened for Quinn to break the silent treatment.
"I don't care. I'm tired of waiting for you to get over this. Rachel needs us" Quinn demanded waving off any of Mercedes' excuses.
"What are you talking about?" Mercedes asked. Quinn quickly explained to Mercedes about Fiona's visit and what it all meant for Rachel, Finn, and the children. When Quinn had left, Santana had just got back to the house. She had luckily got the Judge to grant Rachel and Finn temporary custody until a trial date could be set.
"Oh god, they don't really have a chance do they" Mercedes gasped.
"Santana doesn't seem to think so but she won't know for sure until she gone over everything that Lydia and Jimmy's lawyers have put together already" Quinn explained shaking her head. She couldn't believe that the day that had started at a Frozen Winter Wonderland in the Hamptons ended with their best friends wondering if they might lose their children.
"I can't believe this is happening to them" Mercedes shook her head.
"I know things are bad because of what we said about Matt, but right now we need to put that aside and be there for Rachel and Finn" Quinn reasoned looking at Mercedes pointedly. Mercedes nodded her head in agreement.
"I know your right, just give me a second" Mercedes said. Before Quinn could answer Mercedes walked back into her apartment and into the living room where Matt was waiting for her sipping on his champagne.
"Hey everything okay?" Matt asked as he watched Mercedes pick up her bag and put on her shoes.
"I just need to nip out for a while I'll be back soon" Mercedes replied. She leaned down and kiss her gently before straightening back up.
"Okay hurry back, we need to celebrate" Matt smiled at her. Mercedes nodded her head earnestly, she slipped out of the living room but before she opened the door she pulled off the ring on her left hand and put it in her bag. Her announcement would wait for another day. She opened the door to Quinn waiting for her.
"Okay let's go"
Rachel and Finn's House – West Village – Saturday Evening
Twenty minutes later Quinn and Mercedes walked into Finn and Rachel's living room to see everyone laid out either on the couch or on pillows on the floor, watching a Movie while eating some of Rose's birthday cake. Santana and Rachel both smiled gently at Mercedes as she took a seat on the floor next to Brittany who passed her popcorn without taking her eyes of the movie where Elsa was singing 'Let It Go'.
"Auntie Cedes! Do you want some cake?" Rose beamed sticking out her plate where there were just a few crumbs left of a chocolate cake.
"Of course," Mercedes beamed back. Finn took the plate from Rose and passed Henry to Rachel while he got Mercedes come cake from the kitchen. Rachel leaned down and squeezed Mercedes' shoulder.
"I'm glad you're here" Rachel smiled but Mercedes could still see the sadness and she sat back on the couch and cuddled her children close to her.
"So, what are we watching?" Mercedes asked. While Puck and Santana both looked bored out their minds. Quinn, NJ, Rose, and Brittany were glued to the TV screen.
"Frozen!" Rose beamed holding up the Elsa Build-a-bear in her hand.
"Of course," Mercedes laughed as Finn came back into the living room and handed Mercedes the cake. He took a seat back next to his family. Rose laid out across both her parents and let out a happy sigh, her eyes glued to the screen.
"This was the best birthday ever"