AMCGL7: You totally know how to make me blush and be unable to stop smiling. Thank you. Can I favorite this review? Is that possible?

Kutee: You did? I don't believe you. Maggie? Hmmmm.

Frankie exited the stale hospital room, quietly closing the door behind her. She glanced both ways, quickly scanning the hallway, before turning to her right. Her feet slowly led her down the sanitized floor. Unconsciously her hands rubbed together. She let them drop to her sides, fingers restlessly tapping out a rhythm against her jeans.

A weak heart. That was what the doctor had said. She had a weak heart. It couldn't handle all the stress she was going through. She had to cut out the stress, relax. The agent rolled her eyes and coughed. Relax? How could she relax? There was so much she had to do still. So much with Reese Williams, the Goldsteins, her job. Everything. She couldn't quit her job. Not when she was so close to getting the people who wanted to hurt Bianca and the kids.

Bianca and the kids.

Frankie expelled a rush of air and scratched her head. She had hurt them. She knew she had. The way Miranda looked at her, the sadness in Bianca's voice. It was so damn obvious. What was she supposed to do, though? They didn't understand. She was…she wasn't right for them…was she? There was so much going against her. She wasn't rich. She wasn't some successful college grad who had some prestigious job. She had issues. She always had issues. Running away, the drugs, her parents, all of it.

Bianca, though, never judged her. She never treated her with pity. Even when they were younger and found out Frankie did drugs, she offered to get her help if she wanted it, but that was it. She didn't leave her. She didn't yell or say how much of a screw-up she was. She accepted that Frankie had this possible problem and she would help her if she could, if Frankie wanted her to. That was it. She still cared about the vagabond.

She never stopped caring.

Frankie bit her lip sharply, not wincing at the pain. Her feet came to a standstill in the middle of the hall.

Bianca took her issues in stride and only offered help, never judgment. She wasn't scared away by them. She stuck closer to her. But, she shouldn't have to. She shouldn't have to deal with someone who would only hurt her. How could Frankie not hurt her? Even if she didn't have all these issues and was normal, now her heart was weak. The doctor had said her body was warning her, that she could have a heart attack.

Frankie shuffled over to the wall. She leaned her back against the stark white barrier.

Bianca wanted her, loved her. Miranda and Gabrielle loved her. It was true. It was…the scariest thing in the world because she loved them back. She loved them more than anything in the world. The thought of hurting them made her sick. It made her skin crawl. If she stayed…what if her heart gave out or she messed up again? What if?

Frankie gently knocked the back of her head against the wall. Bianca's voice sounded softly in her head, telling her she couldn't worry about the what if's. She had to. She had to worry about them, because she worried about her family.

Her family.

Frankie's eyes widened. Her family. They were her family. She wanted them to be. She wanted to go to all those stupid piano recitals and put up with tone deaf kids so she could watch Miranda play one tune. She wanted to be there when Gabrielle had her first day of school.

She wanted to wake up with Bianca in her arms every morning. She wanted to help the kids get ready for school and tease Bianca about her sugary coffee. She wanted to read bedtime stories and look over homework. She wanted to be one of those people with their family's picture on their desk.

The agent swallowed thickly. She wanted so much. The idea that she might never experience any of that caused her to blink rapidly. Her eyes stung and she rubbed at them furiously. She actually had a real family.

"Frankie!"

The agent inhaled deeply, schooling her features. Miranda's small voice carried through the din of chaos that was Pine Valley Hospital. Frankie peered to her right. Miranda was a few yards away, her hand firmly clasped in Bianca's and an expectant look on her face. The mother was balancing Gabby on her hip as Joan prepared the stroller.

That was her family.

Everything snapped into place.

A crooked smile tugged at her lips as she pushed away from the wall. Frankie strode down the hallway, head held high and gaze fixated on the small group. This was her family. This was it. The closer she got, the more her heart swelled and the larger her grin grew.

Reaching them, she bent down and scooped Miranda into her arms, a surprised shriek and giggle accompanying the movement. She hugged the child close. Miranda returned the hug, squeezing Frankie as hard as her tiny arms could muster.

"You're a good kid, you know that?" Frankie whispered.

Miranda nodded, her face tucked in the crook of Frankie's neck. Frankie held her for a moment longer then set her down gently. She ruffled soft brunette locks, and Miranda playfully swatted at her hand. Frankie looked at her with a tender gleam in her eye.

With one last glimpse, she turned to face Bianca. The younger woman was watching her with a mixture of confusion, hope, and care. Her arms were free, Gabrielle safely seated in her stroller, Joan at the handles.

Wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue, Frankie stepped up to Bianca. She rose up on her toes and captured her lips in a heartfelt kiss.

It felt so good. It felt right. It felt like every damn cliché ever invented. Her heart raced and her head cleared. She felt the emotion roar through her veins. Hands found purchase on her hips as she looped her arms around shoulders.

Bianca kissed her girlfriend with everything she had. Hot chills ran up and down her spine. Her body shivered and her heart skipped a beat. As their lips parted, they both gasped for air. Frankie looked at her with such awe and softness. Fingertips lightly touched her marble cheek.

Frankie tilted her head and pecked a cheek. She cupped her jaw and brushed her lips over the shell of an ear. Her voice cracked, choked with emotion, "I love you so much. I-I…don't know what I'm doing. I don't know."

Frankie brought up her other hand, cradling Bianca's face. She rested their foreheads together. The tears were clear in her eyes, tone coated with emotion. She breathed in her lover, memorizing the feel of the smooth skin and kind face. Her body shook as she tried to rein in her emotions.

Bianca silently listened. Her hands grasped Frankie's hips, pulling until their entire lengths touched. Her thumbs slipped under the blue shirt and rubbed back and forth over shivering flesh.

She held her breath as Frankie spoke softly, "I-I don't know what I'm supposed to do. But, I know what I want. I…I know what I want, Bianca."

Their eyes met. Bianca could see it all. The love, the hope, the dreams. She could see deep into her love's soul, and reflecting back was everything she had ever prayed to see. It was what she wanted, too. What she had always wished for since she was seventeen years old.

Trembling mouths met. They kissed, hot quick kisses.

"I want you. I want all of it. You, the kids, everything. I've always wanted it." Frankie whimpered between kisses. "I'll get help. I'll work on it. I'm so sorry."

"No, baby." Bianca gasped. "Just be with us. It's ok. Just be with us."

"I will. I want us."

Bianca broke her mouth away and wrapped her arms securely around the other woman. She rested her head on Frankie's shoulder, holding her and being held. She could feel it. She could see it. The revelation. She understood what was happening.

Her Frankie was back.

Miranda held onto Frankie's hand with a vice-like grip. Nothing could make her let go…except her mommy. She had to keep Frankie close. She was sick, so she had to watch her. She might get sick again and need help. So, she'd stick with her. Besides, if she was at Frankie's side, she'd always know where she was. She'd even go to work with her if she had to.

"I can't believe you let the cops take my gun." Frankie muttered, steering Miranda down the hall and to the nurses' station.

Bianca sighed, "Honey, I couldn't exactly tell them no. Who was supposed to hold onto it?"

"Your mother'd probably have volunteered."

"Not funny." She could remember back when they first thought Frankie had been killed. When her mother had been the prime suspect.

Seeing the flash in Bianca's gaze, Frankie stopped and tugged the taller woman to her side. "Hey, I'm sorry. That was stupid."

"It's ok."

Frankie ducked her head, catching Bianca's eye, "I'm not going anywhere. I don't think I could even if I tried."

"I know."

"Even if your mom hits like Mike Tyson on steroids."

Bianca rolled her eyes with a snort. Frankie winked and straightened, resuming the walk. They reached the station, and Joan parked the stroller before indicating she had to go make a phone call. Since her illness, she had been talking frequently with her family members.

"Frankie, how much longer till we can go?" Miranda frowned.

"We could have already left if your mom hadn't lost my gun."

"I didn't lose your gun. I gave it to the police."

"Same thing. The PVPD isn't the brainiest bunch around."

"How would you know?" Bianca noticed the forming smirk, "Never mind."

Frankie shrugged, "What? I lived here for awhile. You know, during my bad girl days."

Bianca raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, you were such a badass."

"I know."

"What's a badass?" Miranda asked innocently, playing with Frankie's fingers.

Frankie smirked harder at Bianca's horrified look, "That's all on you this time."

"You shouldn't say that word, sweetie. It's a swear word." Bianca told her daughter, shooting Frankie a scolding look as a chuckle snuck out.

"Oh." Miranda laced and unlaced their fingers, "What's it mean?"

Frankie chuckled again.

"Agent Stone?"

"Saved by the cop." Frankie murmured to Bianca as a uniformed officer approached the group.

The man stopped before them. He scanned Frankie from head to toe. He pulled out her id and badge, rechecking the likeness. "Are you Agent Mary-Francis Stone?"

"Does the picture look like me?"

"Frankie." Bianca warned.

Frankie nodded, "Yes, I'm Agent Stone."

"This is your gun, I believe." The officer held out her small handgun.

"Thanks." Frankie snatched it from his hand. She automatically checked the cartridge and bullet chamber. Then, she took the holster, id, and badge. She handed the id and badge to Miranda. "Look Ma, all the bullets."

"We didn't know federal agents were in the area." The officer spoke up.

"You still don't." Frankie hooked the holster on her hip and slid the gun in.

"Thank you, officer." Bianca cut in before anything else could be said. He surveyed them before relenting and walking away.

"Thanks kid." Frankie took the badge and id from Miranda, slipping them into her pockets.

"Bianca!" Erica's shrill voice yelled.

Everyone turned to see Erica, Jack, Opal, and Kendall storm up. Well, Erica stormed and the rest followed.

"Mom." Bianca's eyebrows knitted together, "Why are you still here?"

"I was worried. You ran out of the Inn into an ambulance. Did something happen? No one would tell me anything." she briefly glanced at Frankie.

"I'm ok. There's nothing to worry about." Bianca answered

"Nothing to worry about?" Erica flailed her hands, "Look around you. We are at a hospital, and you are standing next to her."

"She has a name." Bianca replied.

"Mary-Francis is dead, Bianca."

"Why does everyone keep calling me that?" Frankie mumbled.

"She's alive, Mom."

"And you're with her? Don't you remember what she did to you? She shattered your heart, Bianca. She lied to you and used you. Then, she pretended like she was dead."

"You don't know what happened."

"I know exactly what happened. I told you from the start she was bad news. I knew she was nothing but a con artist."

Frankie felt Miranda shift and put a hand on her shoulder, holding her in place. "I never used your daughter, Ms. Kane."

"Of course you did! That's all you did. You used her and broke her heart when she was most vulnerable."

"I never wanted to break her heart. I never do." She nodded down at Miranda, "We probably shouldn't have whatever conversation you're about to have right now."

Erica looked at her with disgust, "Don't tell me what to do. You are so much better than I gave you credit for. You weaseled your way into my daughter's life again. You most likely fed her some sad tortured story to get her to feel sorry for you again."

Bianca opened her mouth to refute, but Frankie beat her to it, "Your daughter has never felt sorry for me. Not like that." Seriousness joined with realization shined in her eyes. "All she ever felt for me was love. She loves me."

"She could never…"

"And I love her." Frankie cut her off. "I love her. I love her kids. I…I love them, Erica."

Erica paused at the conviction in her words. This wasn't the same girl who blustered at her with false bravado. The girl who talked about being with her daughter and being her new reality.

Frankie smiled to herself, "I'm not leaving them. So, back off. Whatever Bianca chooses to do has nothing to do with you."

"I think maybe we should listen to what actually happened." Jack spoke up.

"Hear hear." Opal agreed.

"To what happened?" Erica spun to look at them. "She'll lie like she always has."

"I'm not lying." Frankie fished out her badge and id. She held them up, letting the four of them read. "And no, contrary to popular belief, this is not a toy."

"She works in Washington DC, Mom. I've met her colleagues and boss." Bianca chimed in.

"I don't believe it."

Frankie exhaled, putting away the items. She chewed on her lip. She coughed and the truth spilled out. "Ms. Kane, I know you don't like me. You've never liked me, probably never will. But, I love your daughter. Things happened and I left, but I never stopped loving her. I was never using her. I never could. She…she means everything to me. If you never like me or trust me…fine. I will still be there for your daughter and her kids. I'm not leaving them, even if you tell me to. I never did before."

"Well…" Erica spoke, startled at the honest speech.

Bianca smiled at Frankie and her words. She draped an arm around her waist and kissed her temple.

Frankie stood there, going over what she had just said. She tensed. It was the truth but man, did she have to say it to Erica Kane in the middle of a gossip-central hospital?

"My goodness." Opal stepped past Jack.

Erica held out a hand as her best friend drew up to her side, "Opal, what are you doing?"

Opal took in the agent, "If that is little Frankie Stone, and I'd bet my last dollar it was, I am going to see her."

"Opal?"

"Erica, remember when we talked all those years ago?"

"Look, Frankie is a con artist. I know this from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. And con artists are not taken in by real emotion. Frankie was. I could hear it. I could hear it. She was..." Erica spoke, taken aback by what she had secretly witnessed. Her daughter had confessed to loving Frankie.

"Well, saints be praised. Really. Erica…" Opal couldn't believe it. Was the woman finally opening her eyes to what she herself had glimpsed.

"Opal, somehow Bianca got through that tough skin, and-and she got through to her to some place very deep inside in her heart."

"And?"

"And Frankie opened up to Bianca. She let it out. She cried in my daughter's arms, which, of course, Bianca is now going to hold on to for dear life, for good. And her heart…her big, generous, giving, loving heart is going to be shattered by that Frankie once- once she shows her true colors and uses Bianca's good nature in order to- to shatter her!"

"Well, now, here is a thought. What if you are dead wrong?" Opal looked straight at her friend.

Erica refused to think that, "I am not wrong. Frankie is going to shatter Bianca. She cannot be trusted, and now that she's emotionally involved, she's going to be more problematic, not less. Believe me, I know."

"How on earth could you know that?"

"I don't know, I don't know. I just…I just know. I just do."

"You know, maybe you need to give Frankie a break." Opal suggested.

"A break?"

"Yeah, a break. You know, it is possible that you could be wrong. Let's just talk sci-fi for a minute here and… what if she is this brittle thing who had a rough beginning, but inside there is this great heart that Bianca can see before the rest of us, huh?"

"Look. Frankie is going to destroy Bianca, and that is what's going on." That couldn't be true. Her daughter was being duped by this con artist.

"I know you want to protect your child. I get that. I do the same with my kids. But if Bianca is in love with Frankie, nothing that you say or do is going to change that. So you don't have any choice. You either accept it or you're left out in the cold."

Opal walked around Erica and up to Frankie. She surveyed the woman. She didn't look all that different. Her eyes were the same color. Her hair was darker and shorter and she dressed slightly differently. The gun was new. But, her face was still that recognizable face. She still had that mischievously charming grin. There was something different, though.

She had matured.

There was a seriousness in her stance. A self-assuredness. She looked comfortable where she was. She wasn't the restless wandering teenager who saw the world through cynical lenses.

"Hey Opal, you still letting strays into your house?" Frankie smirked.

Opal brought a hand to her chest. "Little Frankie Stone." she rushed up to the woman and enveloped her in a hug, trapping Miranda in between them. Miranda squirmed as Opal sniffled, giving the first hug she ever had to the shorter woman. No matter the ups and downs or words spoken to each other, she had cared about Frankie. The agent awkwardly stood there, her arms locked on Miranda's shoulders in between Opal's.

"It's alright, Opal. It's just me."

"It's just me? We thought you were dead."

"Surprise?" Frankie grinned charmingly.

"Surprise." Opal shook her head, releasing the two from her embrace.

"She missed you too, Opal." Bianca added.

"No one else ever gave me a bed check…except that one agent at the start of WP." Frankie cheekily said.

"I never gave you a bed check." Opal huffed, wiping at her eyes.

"You wanted to." Frankie lowered her voice. "You cared enough to want to, Opal. That…meant a lot to me."

"Oh, look at me. Blubbering like a whale." Opal wiped harder at her eyes.

Jack stepped up and placed a comforting hand on Opal's shoulder, "I think it would be best if we took some time to come to terms with this and then discuss the story."

Opal nodded, turning and walking back to where Kendall stood. Jack gently took Erica's elbow and pulled her back to join them. The diva was at a loss, stunned at all that happened, especially Opal's tearful reaction. Was everyone believing in this lie now?

"I'll walk you to your car." Bianca stepped forward.

"Take the kids with you. I need to find that doctor before we go." Frankie held out the hand now clutched in Miranda's.

Bianca went to take the hand, but Miranda pulled back, "I wanna stay with Frankie."

"Kid, you should go with your mom. I need to talk with the doc about some stuff."

"No." Miranda shook her head.

Frankie got down on one knee at her side, letting their joined hands rest on her kneecap, "Hey, I'm alright. It'll be for a few minutes then I'll catch up. Don't you want to say bye to your family?"

Miranda looked back and forth, "But, what about you?"

"It'll be so quick you won't even notice I'm gone."

"You sure?"

"As sure as the ice cream cone we'll pick up after we get out of here."

"Ice cream?" Miranda's eyes lit up.

"Come on, before Frankie bribs you with more sugar." Bianca held her hand out.

"I never brib with sugar." Frankie placed Miranda's hand in Bianca's palm, "I merely stated a fact."

"Uh huh." Bianca led Miranda to the stroller.

Frankie followed squatting down to run a hand over Gabby's head, "See ya soon, squirt."

"Frankie." Gabby clapped her hands.

"We'll be right back." Bianca pecked her lips after she stood up.

"Better be. You know how much I love to stay in hospitals." Frankie replied before stepping away.

Bianca gave her one last eye roll before walking up to the group. Frankie watched them leave, Bianca and Miranda both looking back as they went. After they were out of sight, Frankie sighed and glanced around. Where was that doctor?