This chapter is a bit longer but I really wanted to use it to introduce Lieutenant Cavanaugh to the "family." Also, I wanted to explore the relationships each kid had with the adults. so there's not a lot of cute fluffy, but it's a good family chapter, Hope you enjoy! :)

Lieutenant Cavanaugh knew it was only a matter of time before he got "sucked in" to the Rizzoli family. As he held Angela's hand and looked around at his team, he knew it had happened. And he didn't mind one bit. They were walking to a nearby Denny's to get some food for the kids. Mason had introduced the rest of his siblings; James and Kelsey were 10 year old twins, Ginny was 6 and the youngest was Emily and she was 4. Frankie had his arm around Maura who was still holding Ginny's hand. Frost and Jane were arguing like 5 year olds, making Korsak and the two boys laugh at them. Kelsey and Emily seemed to be shyer and quiet but smiled and laughed when Frost started giving Jane lessons on how to properly cluck like a chicken. Yup, this was slowly becoming his family.

"What do you mean I'm not doing it right?" she argued. Jane frowned as Frost instructed her.

"I can do it!" Ginny squealed as she let go of Maura's hand and immediately began her chicken impersonation which had everyone laughing. She grabbed Jane's hand and the two of them made the little family roar with laughter as they chicken danced down the street together.

Angela felt her heart fill with happiness as she surveyed her "family." She was so proud of her children. Jane, Frankie and Tommy were all a good place in their lives. She was so proud of Tommy for stepping up to be a good father for Tommy Jr. and working things out with Lydia. Frankie was now a detective and dating the most wonderful woman for him. Jane was falling in love with Casey and living the life she loved as a detective. Maura and Frost were her "adopted children" so to speak but she couldn't wait to see where Maura and Frankie went with their new relationship.

'He better marry that girl!' she thought as she watched them together. Maura was leaning into Frankie as they walked hand in hand. Frankie was looking down at Maura with complete adoration and tenderness. They loved each other. 'Don't you dare let her go Frankie Rizzoli!' the over protective mother in her silently prayed. Korsak was her friend and confidant and the man who was there to help pull her through the messy divorce. He knew all about divorce but it was a real eye opener to see how it affected the women. And now she had Sean. They were working on their relationship but their love was strong and that was enough for the couple. Now she just needed to find a woman for Frost…

They approached the Denny's and Sean held the door open for his family. "Table for… 12…? Wow!" the young waitress exclaimed as she picked up a stack of menus. Sean puffed out his chest a bit. "Yes, ma'am. We're a big family." The team smiled and followed the waitress. It was nice to be a "family."

The children looked around uncertainly as they approached the table. "Is everything alright?" Angela noticed the uncomfortable reactions from the kids. Mason bit his lip.

"We've never been in a restaurant. What do we do?" he whispered to her. Maura frowned.

"Never?"

Mason shook his head and everyone looked around at each other, all thinking the same things. 'These poor kids.' Jane cleared her throat and jumped into action.

"Kelsey, why don't you sit by me? I'll help you with the menu?" she suggested. Taking the hint from Jane, Korsak motioned for Emily to follow him. "I noticed you have a puppy on your shirt! I love dogs!" he tried to connect with the little girl. At the thought of the kind old man who loved puppies, Emily's eyes lit up and she moved to make sure she had a seat next to the Sergeant. James and Frost were busy in a heated conversation about fighter jets and airplanes so Cavanaugh motioned for Mason to sit by him. He wanted to talk to Mason especially as the oldest he would have most accurate information. Ginny took a seat next to Maura and Frankie. As everyone got settled in and the adults helped the kids order their food, Sean turned to Mason.

"So tell us about yourselves." He asked him. Mason took a sip of his chocolate milk Angela ordered for him before beginning his story.

"The Kenmore's were our foster parents. Our biological parents died shortly after Emily was born. They died in a car crash and we were sent to a foster home. They wanted to split us up but I told them no. It's very important to me that we stay together." He told the team and Sean made a mental note of that. No matter what happened they would make sure the kids were together. "The Kenmore's took us in."

"But they were mean!" Emily piped up, her little face going red with anger as she remembered the years of pain they experienced at the hands of their foster parents. "What do you mean they were mean?" Korsak asked gently. Ginny bit her lip and tugged on Maura's hand. Maura looked down to see the little girl looking up at her with tears in her eyes. "Mrs. Kenmore used to put her cigarettes out on our backs." She whispered. A surge of anger flooded Maura and Frankie as they looked up to see the same anger and shock on all the adults faces.

"And they used to kick us!" Emily said as she held tightly to Korsak, who held her protectively.

Frost frowned. "What about school? Why didn't you tell anyone?" he asked. James piped up from next to Frost, "They told us if we told anyone, they'd kill us. And they said the police would never do anything about it. They said they'd never believe us." He said sadly. Jane put her arm around Kelsey, "Well, you know what. We are a family of cops and we're going to do everything in our power to make sure nothing ever happens to any of you again." She promised, her heart breaking for these kids.

"I've never seen any of you guys and I've lived next door to the Kenmore's for almost 3 years." Maura said, a look of confusion on her face.

Mason answered that one for her. "The Kenmore's kept us in their basement. We were allowed out when the social worker did her monthly rounds and for school. But only me, Kelsey and James were allowed out for school. Ginny and Emily aren't old enough." He said. Cavanaugh clenched his fists to prevent himself from becoming too outraged. He looked over to see Angela look at the kids with tears in her eyes. He reached over and held her hand. Maura stood up abruptly and excused herself from the table.

She stumbled to the bathroom and nearly collapsed at the sink, her tears streaming down her face. A moment later, the door opened and Jane came in to check on her friend. "Maura…" she sighed as she joined her friend on the sink. She hugged the doctor and stroked her hair calmly, soothing her.

"How could I not know? How could I live next door to the horrible people who tortured their kids and I never knew…?" she sobbed into Jane's shoulder. "What kind of person am I?" she whispered.

But Jane was having none of it. "Maura, it's not your fault. You heard them! The Kenmore's kept them in a basement! How could you have known?" she reasoned with her friend.

Maura nodded and brushed her blonde hair from her face. "This is just too much; first my house and now these kids… I just want to make sure they're happy. They deserve that." She spoke for the kids.

Jane nodded. "They deserve a home. A home with a mom and dad who loves them and would protect them from harm. A cop family…" she ended, taking Maura's hands in hers. Maura looked up at Jane in surprise.

"You want to adopt them?" she asked her friend.

But Jane shook her head. "Not me. You and Frankie." Maura opened her mouth to argue but Jane interrupted. "These kids need parents. Parents with lots of love to give them. And from what I've seen, you two have a lot of love going on between you two."

"You know?"

"Of course I know! We all know! And you two haven't really been hiding it! But seriously, Maura. I know you two are just starting out but these kids need a home."

"What if Frankie doesn't want them?" Maura asked her.

"Do you want these kids?" Jane asked her simply. But Maura already knew her answer.

"Of course I do! I understand them and I know we could make a wonderful family for them. But Frankie-"

"Frankie will want them." Jane interrupted again. "Especially if he knows how important this is for you. Did you see how angry he looked when they were telling their story? Just talk to him. You might be surprised. I think he wants them and I think you two would make wonderful parents."

Maura tilted her head and smiled. "Jane…it's so cute to see you all sentimental."

"Stop."

"Ok, fine. But it is." Maura laughed as she dried her eyes and followed Jane out of the bathroom. "I'll ask Frankie tonight." She promised.

When they got back to the table their food was there. Maura took her seat and smiled at Frankie who was showing Ginny how to use her fork and knife to cut her pancakes. 'He'll make a wonderful father." She thought happily to herself.

"Breakfast for dinner?" she teased. Frankie looked up at his girlfriend guiltily. She smiled and turned to her own stack of blueberry pancakes and grinned. Angela laid a hand on Maura's arm.

"You ok, sweetie?"

Maura nodded and leaned over to talk softly to Angela. "I want to adopt these kids." She confided in her. Angela's eyes lit up like the 4th of July.

"Do it! I would love to be called 'Grandma' by these guys! I'll help out a much as I can." She promised. She was over the moon that Maura would want to become a mother. And Frankie would make an excellent father. The two women shared a smiled and turned to watch over their family. Jane was showing Kelsey how to hold a baseball bat by using her knife as an example. Frost, James, Mason, Sean and Korsak were deep in a conversation about the old jets and airplanes used in wars. Frankie and Ginny were still practicing using a knife and Emily had finished her dinner and was curled up in the crook of Frankie's arm. Maura sighed and looked on lovingly. She leaned over and brushed the little girl's hair out of her eyes.

"Do you want to take her?" Frankie whispered. Maura nodded and the adults shifted so Maura could easily slide the sleeping child into her arms. Emily stirred a little bit but she remained asleep and Maura relaxed as she felt Emily relax in her arms. She rocked her slowly, careful not to wake her. Frankie's heart caught in his throat as he watched Maura cuddle Emily close to her. The look of motherly love was a look he wasn't going to forget so soon and he vowed that someday she'll be able to wear that look every day for the rest of her life.

The family finished and left the restaurant. The bomb squad had called Maura to let her know her house was closed off and they had gotten everything out and will hold it for her until she has a new place.

"What are we doing with the kids tonight?" Frankie asked as he held onto Ginny who had fallen asleep in his arms. Emily was still in Maura's arms and Angela was literally bursting at the seams at the sight of the young couple slowly falling into the roles of parenthood. She didn't know what was happening with the kids or Maura and Frankie but she prayed to God, they adopted them. Mason, James, Kelsey, Ginny and Emily were already slowly making a place in the hearts of the cop family.

"Well we need to figure something out for all of us. My place is a little small to have everyone." Jane said apologetically.

"Why doesn't everyone just stay at my place tonight? I have room for all the kids, Maura and Angela. Frankie if you don't want to leave Maura and the kids, you're welcome to stay as well." Sean suggested. And it was true, he was the only one with a house big enough to house the kids, Maura and Angela who didn't have a home at the moment. Maura smiled graciously and accepted the Lieutenant's kind offer. Frankie nodded too. Even though he had his own place he certainly didn't want to leave Maura or the kids right now.

"Will we see each other again?" Kelsey asked Jane with whom she had developed a certain bond with. Both were tom-boys and Kelsey definitely didn't want to lose her new friend. Jane knelt down and hugged Kelsey. "Of course you will. We all work together and pretty much hang out with each other all the time." She reassured the little girl. Kelsey was satisfied and turned to take Angela's hand.

"And plus we're going to find out who blew up your houses and Dr. Isles's house." Frost told the kids as he hugged James and Mason good bye. Korsak agreed as he leaned over and rubbed a soothing hand over Emily's back. The fact that the little girl loved animals made him feel a special connection to her.

"Why don't you guys come over for breakfast? Angela and I will whip something up." Sean invited everyone over for breakfast at his place. He noticed the way the team was all attached to these kids now. And he would be lying if he said he wasn't. He had a feeling Maura and Frankie would be making some big decisions in their new future. He looked over to see Angela smiling at him and he knew he was going to like being part of this family. After his wife and son died so many years ago, he didn't think he could have a second chance for a family. But maybe this dysfunctional but strong team would be his second chance. He knew Angela thought of his team as her "kids." Which means he would be the "father figure." He liked that thought as his own son would've been the same age of his detectives. Jane and Frankie were already Angela's and Maura and Frost had made a place for themselves in her heart. And he knew Korsak was one of her best friends and confidant and sometimes she told him things that she didn't tell him. Out of respect for Angela, he didn't want to take that role away from Korsak but he hoped that someday he could be that person for her.

They arranged to run to a nearby store first and get some clothes and necessities for the kids, Maura and Angela. Frankie had to almost drag Maura out of the store before she bought the place.

"Babe, we don't know what happening with them yet. And don't forget, we need to figure out new living arrangements for you." He reasoned with her as he took the deluxe stereo system out of the cart and placed it back on the shelf. Sean and Angela hid their smiles but exchanged a knowing look. It was cute to watch Maura and Frankie shop together especially for kids. They act as though they've been married for years.

Finally around midnight, they all stumbled into Sean's house, bags of clothing, toiletries and everything else Maura insisted they needed. Sean had 3 guest bedrooms in his house so they decided the boys would share one room, the girls the other and Frankie and Maura would take the other.

It was unnerving to the adults how taken the kids were with simple things like a bed. They had never slept in a bed with pillows or had their own drawers to put their new clothes. Maura and Angela got the girls settled, teeth brushed, pj's on and tucked into bed while Sean and Frankie worked on Mason and James.

Soon, the kids were put to bed. But first Maura had to check on them to make sure they were all safe and cuddled into their beds. Frankie guided his girlfriend to their bedroom and said good night to Sean and Angela.

"Frankie, I wanted to talk to you about the kids." Maura started as they brushed their teeth. Frankie knew exactly what she wanted to talk about and he had actually been thinking about the same thing. He didn't know a lot about being a father but he knew he was ready to try it. Especially with these kids and the woman of his dreams there to help him out. He took Maura in his arms and spun her around so she was facing him.

"Yes." He said simply, grinning at the look of confusion on Maura's face.

"But you don't know what I was going to say!" she tried to argue but Frankie silenced her with a sweet kiss.

"I know you, Maura. And I saw how you were with the kids today. And I know you want to adopt them." He whispered as he slowly undid her hair and watched it tumble down her back in thick golden locks. Maura closed her eyes and leaned into his strong arms, sighing contently when he wrapped them around her.

"And you?" she asked him nervously. Frankie tilted her chin up so she was looking at him. "I love you Maura." He told her and kissed her gently. "And I would be more than honored to be the father of these kids with you. I want them too."

Maura felt her heart leap in her chest. Frankie loved her and wanted to start a family with her. They were going to adopt Mason, James, Kelsey, Ginny and Emily. But Maura felt her bubble burst as she thought about her job and the fact that she doesn't even have a place to live. She told Frankie her worries and he pcked her up and led her over to the bed, laying her down.

"We'll figure it all out." He promised her. "But for right now, we need some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a big day." He told her. Maura grinned and snuggled up to Frankie, scooting close so he can hold her while she slept. Her mind wandered to the parentless kids in the rooms next door and she knew her life would never be the same anymore. She was going to be a mother to five kids. And maybe it was time to say good bye to her career as the medical examiner and welcome these children into her life.

Whichever she chose, she knew she had Frankie and the Rizzoli's, Frost, Korsak and Cavanaugh. They were a cop family and they had each other's backs.