Heres the last Chapter of Season 2, thank you so much for all the reviews :) I'll see you back here for Season 3!

Happy Reading

Episode 20

Scotty's Diner – Lexington Avenue – Friday Morning

"Here you go sweetie" Finn said as he handed Rose her plate of pancakes, all cut up for her. He then turned back to listen to his wife.

The family of four were enjoying breakfast at Scotty's Diner on Saturday morning and Rachel was going over the list for the party they were having the next day. It was their way of introducing the rest of their family to Rose and Henry.

"... And with Tina and Mike with their boys that makes about 24" Rachel concluded with a sigh "God what were we thinking"

"It won't be that bad, our house is big enough that we can keep our parents far enough away from each other" Finn reasoned. He was feeding Henry some porridge while he watched his wife panic as she looked over the list again.

"Really because the 3000 miles away they are right now doesn't seem like enough" Rachel argued.

Rachel's parents and Finn's parents had never gotten along and had never made that fact a secret to the other. The last time they had seen each other had been three years ago at Finn and Rachel's 10th Wedding anniversary party when Carole had made another comment about how Rachel wasn't good enough for Finn and Shelby had slapped her. Luckily for Finn and Rachel the two families hadn't been in the same room since Rachel's Birthday Party and that night finn and Quinn had made sure they stayed away from each other.

"It will be fine" Finn laughed. He gave Henry the last of his porridge then wiped his son 's face as Rachel scrunched her face at him.

"Your optimism is very annoying" Rachel quipped as she wrote something else on her list. After they had finished breakfast Rachel was going shopping with Mercedes, Quinn and Santana to make sure they had everything for the party.

"Well look at it this way, it can never be as bad as our wedding day" Finn smiled, giving Rachel a loving look as he remembered the good parts of that day despite what had happened. Shelby and Carole had got into another shouting match and when Shelby had gone to push Carole she accidently knocked over the wedding cake.

"Except that they are older now and could probably break a hip" Rachel deadpanned, although she gave Finn a slight smile as she too remembered their special day.

"At least we have insurance if anything breaks" Finn smirked. Before Rachel could give Finn a remark in return she noticed Quinn, Puck and NJ walk into the café.

"Hey guys" Puck greeted as the family of three took a seat at their table.

"Hey" Finn returned. NJ looked at Rose's pancakes with wide eyes then back at his parents. Quinn smiled at her son while Puck tried to get the waitresses attention.

"Ready to go party shopping" Quinn exclaimed, clapping her hands together in excitement.

"Not with this level of excitement I'm not" Rachel said pointing her finger at Quinn. Quinn smirked at Rachel and took the list out of her friend's hand to look over.

"Still worried about your parents being in the same room" Quinn asked with a slight smile as she looked over the list. Quinn was going to be the one to put the party together, she always did.

"Oh yeah Quinn told me about what happened, so funny" Puck laughed until he felt Quinn kick him under the table.

"They are going to be too excited about having grandchildren to worry about any of that" Quinn reasoned waving her hand to Rose, who smiled at them with a mouth full of pancakes.

"Let's hope you're both right because if I not I get to blame you" Rachel concluded dramatically. Everyone ignored Rachel as Finn went back to his breakfast and Quinn and Puck quickly ordered their own.

XoXo

Mercedes was stood outside the café watching her two friends with their partners and children enjoying their breakfast. Mercedes wasn't sure why she hadn't gone inside but a small part of her felt out of place, like she didn't belong there. Things had already changed between the four friends in just a month. Mercedes had noticed more and more how much her friends didn't like Matt and she felt her time was being constantly divided between them and him.

"What are you doing?"

Mercedes jumped, startled my Santana's voice "Oh Santana you scared me"

"Why were you watching them, you weirdo" Santana quipped giving Mercedes a strange look. Mercedes looked down at the floor not wanting to look at Santana who was still starting at her waiting for an answer.

"Things are different now" Mercedes sighed.

"Mercedes it's only been three weeks" Santana laughed lightly. She didn't understand Mercedes sad expression as she looked at the window again.

"Yeah and they are already having breakfast without us. I mean friendships do change when one of us has a baby and maybe it's a little naïve of us to think that it wouldn't" Mercedes explained as she waved her hand at the two families who still hadn't noticed Santana or Mercedes talking outside.

"That doesn't sound like you. That sounds like Matt" Santana snipped rolling her eyes.

"Santana don't bring Matt in to this again" Mercedes groaned as she ran her hands through her hair.

"Then don't let him influence you so much then. Our friendship only has to change if we let it. Now get it together" Santana snapped. Before Mercedes could reply Santana walked into the café and over to their friends.

"Hey cool people" Santana cheered smiling at the children, before turning to the adults "I mean the kids"

"We know you do" Rachel smirked. Mercedes pulled a chair over to the table to sit down and Santana lifted NJ up and sat in his chair and put him on her lap.

"Auntie Sans, where's Brittany"?" NJ wondered looking around for his favourite blonde.

"She's working NJ but I promise she'll be there tomorrow" Santana smiled at her nephew, who reassured that he would see Brittany the next day, went back to his pancakes.

"You okay Mercedes" Quinn asked as she noticed the downcast look on their friend's face. Mercedes just nodded her head lamely in reply. Rachel looked to Santana for an answer.

"She's fine, who's ready to go shopping" Santana concluded as she picked a strawberry from NJ's plate.

Rachel and Quinn finished off their breakfast, then the four of them went to the party store to collect everything while Puck and Finn took Henry, Rose and NJ to the Park.

Target – East River Plaza – Friday Midday

An hour later Santana and Rachel were stood at the back of the store as they watched Quinn tell the shop assistant exactly what they needed, while Mercedes helped carry everything.

"So what's up with her?" Rachel whispered. While Mercedes held on to everything with one hand she had her phone in the other once again texting Matt, she still had a downcast look. Mercedes had never been able to hide how she felt from her friends and even Finn and Puck had noticed something was wrong with her.

"Matt getting into her head again, this time about how our friendship probably won't survive much longer now that two of you have children" Santana explained the contempt clear in her voice as she thought about their friend's boyfriend.

"You know she quit her job at the bar" Rachel added looking back at Santana, who looked wide-eyed at Rachel. Santana shook her head and ran her hands through her hair.

"Please tell me you're kidding. What is she doing for money?" Santana exclaimed. Mercedes hardly made enough at the bar to live off and her parents were still paying her rent.

"What do you think, Matt is paying for everything. Or at least his family is" Rachel replied.

"What is she doing?" Santana sighed, shaking her head "He better not being coming tomorrow. I know it's about the kids but I don't think I can be in his company for more than five minutes at a time"

Rachel nudged Santana when she noticed Quinn and Mercedes walking over to them with three giant bags in their hands. Quinn had taken over the party planning and Rachel was happy to let her, she knew it would be better that way if all she had to do was pay for it.

"I think I have everything" Quinn declared happily holding up the bags to Rachel and Santana. Santana rolled her eyes playfully at Quinn's excitement.

"Good" Rachel smiled at Quinn then turned to Mercedes "So Cedes is Matt coming tomorrow"

"I think we all know you three don't want him to be there" Mercedes sighed unhappily, not looking up from her phone. Rachel put her hand over Mercedes phone to get her friend to look at her.

"That's not what I asked you" Rachel returned giving Mercedes a look.

Mercedes sighed looking away from her friends "No he's not coming"

Rachel and Finn's House – West Village – Saturday Morning

The next day Rachel was in Rose's room with her daughter helping her get dressed. Quinn was already in the garden setting everything up and Rachel was staying clear of it until she knew it was all done, Quinn worked better alone.

"This is such a pretty outfit Rosie" Rachel praised as she smiled at Rose while helping her tie the laces of Rose's cream suede boots. The two were sat on the floor while Henry played beside them, already dressed. Rose was wearing one of her new outfits from the children's section at Bloomingdales while Henry was wearing an outfit Quinn had bought him just the day before.

"Thank you" Rose beamed but Rachel noticed it didn't quite reach her eyes as she looked away from Rachel.

"Are you okay sweetie?" Rachel wondered.

"Are my new grandparents going to like me?" Rose whispered, the fear clear in her voice. Rachel almost teared up at the nervousness in Rose's voice.

"Oh sweetie they are going to love you" Rachel affirmed. She picked up Henry then held her hand out for Rose.

"But I heard you telling Daddy about how much his mommy doesn't like you" Rose argued as they left Rose's room and started walking down stairs.

"Rose Daddy's mommy isn't always very nice to me but I promise you that she is going to love you and your brother. She's always wanted a grandchild especially one as special as you" Rachel explained as best she could to a three-year-old. She realised she and Finn would have to start being more carefully when talking about things they didn't want Rose to hear.

"Okay" Rose nodded her head as they reached the back garden that looked completely different than it had two hours ago.

"Do you want to a brownie before everyone gets here?" Rachel asked handing Rose a brownie from the table of food that had been set up outside. Rose happily took the brownie and ate the whole thing in two bites before smiling up at Rachel.

"Mommy, if grandma doesn't like you then she's really silly because you're the best" Rose declared. Rachel leaned down to kiss Rose's cheek then watched as Rose went over to her swing set.

"It looks great out here, Quinn did a great job" Finn noted as he walked over to Rachel.

Quinn had set up three tables full of food and drinks at the back of the garden as well as three tea-pee tents with cushions and blankets and children books, three large boxes of children's garden toys to go with the Swing Set and sandpit that had been set up a week before. She had decorated the fence surrounding the garden with colourful streamers and balloons and there was even an area set up for children to paint and do crafts. Quinn had made sure there was enough for the children to do so the adults could relax. She even had a cake made that was decorated in lady bugs, flowers for the garden party.

"She's the best, I certainly couldn't do this" Rachel acknowledged as she watched NJ and Rose play in one of the tea-pee tents.

Finn smirked at his wife "I know"

XoXo

An hour later Rachel was in the kitchen putting some more drinks into the fridge when she heard the door open and close and her mother, sister, brother in law and nephews rush into the kitchen.

"RACHEL" Marley screamed hugging her sister tightly.

"Hey guys!" Rachel greeted her family once she pulled away from her sister, she hugged her mother and Jake then gave each of her nephews a kiss on the cheek.

"Where are they?" Shelby wondered excitedly. She looked around the large kitchen until Rachel pointed to the open patio doors that lead to the garden. Rose and NJ were running around the garden with a few of the other children at the party while Finn watched them with Henry in his arms.

"Oh god they are gorgeous" Marley beamed, she turned to her own sons "Ben, JJ why don't you go play with your new cousins"

Ben and JJ ran into the garden to play with the other children as Rachel handed each of her family members a drink.

"Hey Jake, have a beer" Rachel stated as she handed Jake a bottle of Budweiser "You're going to need it"

"Looks like you could use one as well" Jake noticed with a laugh. The party had only been going on an hour but Rachel already had a permanent worried look on her face and her in laws hadn't even arrived yet.

"Oh Rachie you worry too much we are going to be on our best behaviour. Now where is your father and his slut?" Shelby said only half joking before taking a drink of her beer.

"MOM!" Rachel and Marley both snapped as they gave Shelby a look.

"I'm kidding, you two are no fun" Shelby waved off. Before either of her daughters could argue Rachel noticed her father and his wife walk through the front door. Quinn had made a sign for the front door telling everyone to let themselves in.

"Knock, Knock" Will said as he walked into the reception area of the townhouse.

"Hi Dad" Rachel greeted hugging her dad then Emma. Emma cautiously stood behind Will as he greeted his youngest daughter and son in law. Shelby had never minced her words when around Emma and while Rachel, Marley and Will knew Shelby was mostly joking Emma still wasn't used to the older woman's sense of humour.

"Hi girls. Hi Shelby" Will said

"Hello Will" Shelby smirked at her ex-husband "Have you put on some weight"

"No, but I see you have another grey hair" Will replied sarcastically before giving Shelby a quick hug.

"Hello Emma" Shelby said giving Emma her most sinister look, that only Rachel, Marley and Will knew was not serious.

"Hi Shelby" Emma replied timidly as Rachel handed her and Will a drink. Jake hung back as he watched the family interact.

"Why don't you guys go outside, Rose and Henry are with Finn?" Rachel said waving her hands to the garden. Will and Emma rushed off to the garden to meet the new grandchildren, Jake followed behind to check on his sons.

"Mom behave" Rachel warned, pointing her finger at Shelby.

"She stole my husband and I can't mess with her even a little" Shelby replied sarcatically

"You mess with her and I stop you from seeing your grandchildren" Rachel deadpanned giving her mother a stern look, while Marley was smirking behind her.

Shelby groaned and threw her hands up playfully "Fine"

The three women walked into the garden where everyone else was drinking, eating or playing with the games littered around the lawn. They walked over to Finn and Marley immediately took Henry into her arms as Finn greeted them all.

"So where are your parents Finn, I don't hear your mothers high pitch voice or your father flirting with someone half his age" Shelby quipped once she had hugged Finn and given a sloppy kiss to her new grandson who was busy playing with Marley's hair.

"Or that brother of yours who I don't think I've ever heard say a word" Will added with a slight laugh.

"Mom, Dad you can't talk about Finn's parents like that when they get here" Rachel stated as she ran her hands through her hair, already frustrated with her parents.

"We'll behave if they behave" Will reasoned. Rachel rolled her eyes as she took a drink from the nearby table and had a big gulp of it.

"Here they come" Finn announced. He saw his parents weave through everyone in the garden to reach him.

"Finn! Nobody was there to greet us so we had to let ourselves in" Carole greeted shrilly as she kissed Finn on each cheek, his father, who was stood behind her just gave him a nod.

"Sorry mom, we didn't hear the door, there is a sign though" Finn replied

"Yes, it is very loud in here" Carole agreed with an uncomfortable look as she looked around at all the children playing, Finn had to wonder when she would ask which her new grand children were instead of just complaining about the noise.

"Can I get you a drink Carole?" Rachel asked with a strained smile.

"Kurt is getting me one, I didn't think you would have the wine I drink so I brought my own" Carole replied in a patronising way. Marley, Shelby and Will all rolled their eyes which didn't go unnoticed by Rachel.

"Hello Carole, Burt" Will interjected trying his best to remain polite despite how hard Carole made it.

"Mr and Mrs Schuster, Ms Berry" Carole replied smirking slightly at Shelby. Shelby's back straightened up as she matched Carole's smirk with her own.

"Hello Carole, I see you didn't bring your assistant that's a shame she was such the life of the party last time" Shelby quipped. Almost everyone cringed at Shelby's statement. At Rachel and Finns engagement party Burt's assistant had got drunk and announced she was in love with Burt. The young woman was fired the next day and Finn's parents never brought up the incident again.

"Mom behave" Rachel whispered turning to face her mother who was still watching Carole for her reaction.

"How's single life Shelby. It must be so difficult to be in the same room as the woman who stole your husband, you're so much braver than I am" Carole sneered. Emma recoiled into Will at Carole's words but Shelby edged closer to her. Marley gave Emma a reassuring look while Will and Jake shared a worried look.

"Okay just one more" Rachel sighed looking away from the parents. Finn wrapped his arm around Rachel as they looked helplessly on. Rachel knew there was no stopping her mother when her painful divorced was mentioned.

"Oh I don't know Carole, every time you walk into that country club of yours you are probably around at least five women your husband has thought about leaving you for" Shelby jeered

"Mom let's get you that wine" Finn exclaimed quickly coming between Carole and Shelby. He took his mother's hand and practically dragged her go to the kitchen with his dad following behind.

"You get that one, no more" Rachel warned looking at both her parents once Finn's were out of ear shot.

"Fine, now I want to play with my grandchildren" Shelby reasoned, she quickly walked off to where Rose and NJ were playing in the sandpit.

XoXo

"Well you guys sure know how to throw a party" Puck joked as he handed Finn another beer. The two were in the kitchen getting some peace from the screaming children and arguing parents in the garden.

"I'm starting to think this wasn't such a good idea" Finn groaned. An hour after his parents had arrived Finn had already interfered between Carole and Shelby three times to stop their petty back and fourth's getting worse.

"Really the folks being here has even limited your optimism, the world really must be ending" Puck smirked. Puck was finding the whole thing rather amusing but he wasn't going to tell his stressed out friend that.

"I guess I forgot how much they hated each other" Finn realised. He took another large drink of his beer. Finn had had the best intentions when he invited both sets of families but he was quickly realising what a big mistake that was.

"Why do they hate each other?" Puck wondered.

"My parents thought I could do better and Rachel's parents didn't appreciate the fact that my mom would never let Rachel forget that" Finn replied shaking his head. He had never understood his mother's actions towards Rachel or the fact she had never gotten over that he didn't marry Quinn.

Finn took another drink as Rose ran over to him with a white box in her hand.

"Daddy look what Grandma Carole gave me" Rose said holding up a box to her father. Finn took the box from his daughter to find a pearl bracelet laced with small blue diamonds on a silver band. Finn recognised it as one his Grandma Hudson used to wear before she passed away.

Rose and Henry had been given presents all day long by other family members, friends, teachers from Finn's school and Rachel's staff from the magazine. They had loads of new clothes, books and toys and while none of them were as expensive as the bracelet probably was Finn and Rachel appreciated the other gifts a lot more because they were actually for Rose and Henry and not a way to show off their wealth.

"Wow sweetie that's lovely, did you thank her" Finn smiled down at Rose.

"I did" Rose replied then grabbed her father sleeve to pull him down. Finn kneeled down to Rose's level.

"Do I have to wear it" Rose wondered in a whisper. She looked around quickly to make sure her grandmother was nowhere in sight.

"No sweetie, give it to be. I'll look after it" Finn promised, whispering back. Finn took the bracelet and put it in his back pocket. He would make sure it only came out whenever they were visiting his parents.

Finn picked up Rose and handed her a cookie from a plate on the breakfast bar as his mother and father walked over to them. Finn hadn't even really seen his brother since they had arrived. He suspected he was hiding out from all the arguments.

"How do you like the bracelet Finny, It's a family heirloom Finn so make sure you take good care of it" Carole stated pointedly.

"Will do mom" Finn replied, trying his best not to roll his eyes.

"So which assistant was it that helped you get that lovely bracelet Carole?" Shelby quipped as she walked into the kitchen, she smiled at her granddaughter and handed her another cookie before looking back at Carole who was giving her an almost murderous look.

"It's an expensive heirloom actually. I wanted my new granddaughter to have something that will last, something that she could be proud to own. What did you give her Shelby?" Carole returned giving Shelby a dirty look.

"That's enough Carole" Burt demanded. Finn could practically see his mother re-coil at being snapped at by her husband and Finn knew what was going to happen next. He handed Rose to Puck who quickly took the young girl outside.

"That's a good girl Carole do what you're told" Shelby jeered smirking at Carole.

Finn looked between both mothers, shaking his head "Oh God"

XoXo

While the argument was brewing downstairs Rachel, Santana, Quinn and Mercedes were upstairs in Henry's room. Rachel was putting Henry down for a nap and the others had used it as an excuse to get away from the chaos in the garden.

"You've been attached to that since you got here" Santana noted looking over at Mercedes who had her phone in her hand. It had been glued to her hand since she had arrived at the party.

"I'm just texting Matt that's all" Mercedes replied.

"Making sure you're going as you're told" Santana snipped. Quinn looked over at Santana giving her a pressing look to not start an argument. Rachel picked up the baby monitor so she could leave the room, she had enough arguments for the day.

"Santana don't start" Quinn warned Santana.

"Look I know you don't like Matt, but I do so why can't you just accept that" Mercedes pressed finally slipping her phone back into her pocket.

"What is there to like about him. In the last few weeks alone he's convinced you to quit your job, move in with him and that our friendship isn't going to survive because Rachel now has kids" Santana argued, Quinn shook her head she knew she wouldn't be able to stop the argument.

"Have you guys been talking about me?" Mercedes snapped looking at Rachel, who had been the only person she had told about her job.

"We are worried that's all" Rachel replied cautiously.

"What are you worried about. Matt is taking care of me, he is helping me be a better person. What is so wrong with that?" Mercedes snapped, she looked away from her friends clearly frustrated with them.

"What wrong with the person that you are" Quinn wondered

"I love Matt and you guys are just going to have to accept that" Mercedes concluded

"Do you love him or do you love his money" Santana interjected. Mercedes looked almost startled at Santana's question.

"I cannot believe you just asked me that" Mercedes sneered shaking her head.

"Really! You've always hated how different our lives were because of money and now Matt is giving you that life" Santana argued. Quinn looked over at Rachel to intervene but she was looking over at Henry to make sure he hadn't woken up from the shouting.

"Santana that's enough" Quinn intervened.

"Why? Matt doesn't hide how he feels about us so why should we hide how we feel about him" Santana quipped sarcastically. Santana and Mercedes were now facing each other angrily while Quinn looked helplessly on.

"Well maybe he's right about one thing, things are different now. Our friendship is different and I don't know how it will get any better if you can't accept Matt" Mercedes argued. Rachel finally looked up from Henry and walked back over to her friends.

"What's that supposed to mean Mercedes?" Rachel asked.

"If you can't accept the man that I want to spend my life with then maybe you don't have a place in my life anymore" Mercedes concluded with a sad sigh. Quinn, Santana and Rachel all looked at Mercedes in disbelief. They might have been having an argument but none of them thought Mercedes would want to end their friendship over it. Before any of them could say anything else Marley rushed into Henry's nursery.

"Rachel, I'm sorry to interrupt but you might want to get down stairs" Marley stated with a worried look. Without saying anything else the girls all followed Marley into the kitchen. Carole and Shelby were facing off against each other and everyone else was looking helplessly on.

"There was nothing wrong with my son, once again it was your daughter who couldn't provide them with a real heir" Carole sneered pointing her finger at Shelby. Finn tried to get in the middle of two women but they were standing so close and neither of them were listening to him.

"An heir, what it this the 1900's" Shelby laughed snidely "And the last time I checked they have children now and as the mother of your grandchildren you will show my daughter some respect"

"Your daughter stopped my son from reaching his true potential. She doesn't deserve my respect" Carole shouted back.

"Mom that's enough. Rachel is my wife" Finn snapped. He eventually managed to pull his mother away from Shelby but she continued to shout at her.

"She started this Finn. They are nothing but crass and rude. What do we except though? They are just a carny family" Carole sneered, the disgust clear on her face.

"Do you want to smack that smug look right off your face" Marley warned, she moved closer to Carole but Will quickly pulled her back.

"I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" Carole stated, she gave a dirty look to Marley before Rachel became in-between them all.

"THAT'S ENOUGH" Rachel shouted. She turned to her family and away from Carole who was being pulled away by Finn.

"Follow me" Rachel told her family. Shelby, Will, Emma, Marley and Jake followed Rachel into the living room. She shut the door behind them and then ran her hands through her hair frustrated. She couldn't believe everything that had happened in just a few minutes.

"What the hell was that?" Rachel demanded. She wasn't even sure where Quinn, Mercedes or Santana had gone in the chaos of the kitchen.

"You should have heard how she was talking about you Rachel, about all of us" Marley argued. Jake had his arm around Marley trying to calm her down while Shelby gulped down the rest of her drink.

"So you decide to start screaming at each other in front of my friends, my employees and not to mention our children" Rachel argued back. Luckily Rachel had noticed Tina usher the children back outside so hopefully they hadn't heard too much of the argument and the other adults had known to stay outside.

"Not our finest hour but she deserved it. It could have been worse" Will reasoned with a slight shrug as he noticed the frustrated expression on his daughter face.

"Yeah you could have slapped her in the middle of my wedding reception" Rachel snipped giving her mother a look when she noticed her smirking.

"She deserved that as well" Shelby stated rolling her eyes.

"I don't necessarily disagree with you but she is still my husband's mother and my children's grandmother and as much as I don't like it, she is a part of my life and I have to find a way to get along with her" Rachel explained. She had learnt a long time ago to ignore whatever Carole said. Rachel didn't care, she knew she was a good wife and mother despite what Carole thought.

"There was probably a better way for us to handle it" Emma reasoned with a timid look.

"Emma, you stole my husband you're not allowed an opinion" Shelby said giving Emma a look. Rachel and Marley gave their mother their own look as Emma nodded her head earnestly.

"Understood" Emma said, moving slightly behind Will. Jake moved over to Rachel and put his other arm around her.

"You deserve a medal Rachel" Jake laughed as he looked at the scene before him and the one that no doubt waited for Rachel in the kitchen.

"I completely agree" Rachel replied, she took Marley's beer from her and took a big drink.

"I'm not apologising to her" Shelby stated pointing in the direction of where Carole was, who was no doubt saying them same about Shelby.

"I don't expect you too" Rachel replied rolling her eyes. "But if you yell at her again I won't be coming for Easter"

XoXo

"THAT WOMAN!" Carole shouted throwing up her hands up in a very un-Carole way "She is rude and loud and disrespectful. Honestly Finn how do you put up with them"

"She has every right to behave that way when all you do is insult her daughter" Finn pointed out.

Everyone left at the party had moved back out into the garden so it was only Finn, Carole, Burt and Kurt in the kitchen. Burt and Kurt had not said a word during Carole's argument with Shelby and were continuing to stay silent while mother and son argued as well.

"Are you defending how that woman spoke to me Finn?" Carole sneered narrowing her eyes at her son. She looked over at Burt for help but he just remained silent with his arms crossed.

"Mom I have told you time and time again that you cannot talk about Rachel the way you do. She doesn't deserve it; she never has" Finn argued.

"She doesn't deserve you Finn, she never has and just because you adopted those mix race children doesn't change that" Carole concluded. She shook her head while Finn looked at him, suddenly enraged. He had hoped once they had children that Carole would go easy on Rachel but Finn could see that was never going to happen.

"They are your grandchildren mom" Finn said deathly serious. Kurt and Burt seemed to notice the change in Finn's tone even if Carole didn't.

"Well yes in a legal sense" Carole waved off.

"In every sense mom" Finn affirmed.

"Things could have been so different Finn if you had married Quinn. You would have natural-born children" Carole sighed. Burt shook his head slightly at Kurt gasped at his mother, they could both see that Carole had crossed a line even if once again Carole couldn't.

"Get out!"

"Excuse me" Carole demanded

"You heard me mom, get out. I will not let you talk this way in my house. Get out" Finn said raising his voice with each word. Finn and Rachel had always let everything Carole said go because they didn't have to be around her a lot but Finn didn't want the time his children had with their grandparents to be toxic because of Carole attitude towards Rachel.

"You cannot speak to me this way Finn" Carole shook her head at her son in disappointment. Finn couldn't believe his mother couldn't understand why he was angry with her and actually had the nerve to be angry at him.

"You can both leave now" Finn said as he looked at his brother and father "Kurt if you agree with them then you can leave too because I'm done with all of you"

XoXo

"The children are all fine Rachel, they didn't hear that much of it and they are all now happily playing. And don't worry I made sure everyone else here knew better than to every mention what they saw" Tina explained as she handed Rachel a drink from the make shift bar in the garden.

"I don't pay you enough" Rachel laughed lightly. Rachel had walked back into the garden just as Carole, Burt and Kurt were all leaving. She ignored all of them and went to make sure her children were okay. While Henry was still asleep upstairs Rose was still happily playing in the t-pea with NJ and some of the other children at the party.

"We can talk about that on Monday" Tina joked. She walked over to her husband when she saw Quinn walking over to Rachel pulling Mercedes and Santana with her.

"I think we should all talk" Quinn stated. Rachel wasn't sure if it was because she was angry with the family arguments that had already happened or if it was Mercedes willingness to throw their friendship away for Matt but Rachel had finally reached her limit.

"I have too much to deal with right now" Rachel stated holding up her hand to cut Quinn off before looking over at Mercedes "We are never going to like Matt Mercedes. He's not a nice person and he's changing you in ways I can't even believe so if that means our friendship is going to change then so be it" Rachel looked at Santana and Quinn then back at Mercedes "You know where the door is"

Without saying anything Mercedes began to leave the party while Rachel walked over to Rose and NJ. Quinn looked on helplessly at Rachel then back at Mercedes.

"Mercedes don't go; we have to talk about this. We've been friends for a long time; we can't leave it like this" Quinn ranted. She pulled on Mercedes arm to turn her around.

"Rachel's made her choice, Santana has made her choice" Mercedes looked over to where Santana had followed Rachel outside "I have made mine, time to make yours Quinn"

"I want you to be happy Mercedes" Quinn said as she wiped a few stray tears. She could see Sam, Brittany and Puck watching them, unsure what was happening but she looked back at Mercedes earnestly.

"I am happy" Mercedes replied. She pulled her arm away from Quinn then quickly left. Quinn wiped away her tears then walked over to Rachel and Santana. Brittany looked over at Sam and Puck who both looked as confused as she did.

"What just happened?" Brittany wondered. Puck looked over at the girls Rachel and Santana were consoling Quinn but he could tell they both still looked angry as well.

"I think they just broke up"

XoXo

After making sure that his parents and brother had left Finn went to make sure his wife was okay. He found her just as Mercedes was storming out as well and Quinn was being consoled by Santana. Finn walked over to Rachel who was helping herself to some snacks from the food tables.

"What happened Rachel? I just saw Mercedes storm out" Finn wondered. He wrapped his arms around Rachel tightly. Rachel put down her plate of food and wrapped her arms around Finn. She let out a content sigh and enjoyed the comfort of her husband's arms for a few moments before she finally answered.

"I don't even know" Rachel shook head "I was mad about our parents and I said some things didn't mean. I was just so angry at Mercedes for not seeing the way Matt behaves just because he has money"

"Would it make you feel better to know that we don't have to see my parents for a very long time?" Finn wondered with a slight smile. Rachel looked up at her husband confused.

"Finn I didn't want that" Rachel said. She didn't like her mother in law but Rachel never wanted that to affect Finn's relationship with not just his mother but his father and brother as well.

"I know but I do. Its time they learnt that unless they start showing you some respect they are not a part of my life at all" Finn explained

"She's still doesn't see them as your children does she, because they are adopted" Rachel realised, just like Finn she had hoped Carole's behaviour would change once she had grandchildren. But Carole would never change because she wanted her grandchildren to be Finn's children with someone who wasn't Rachel.

"I don't think she ever will"

Rachel shook her head and she pressed herself further into Finn's arms "I should have let my mom slap her"

XoXo

An hour later the party was finally over and the only people left were Rachel's family, Santana, Quinn, Sam, Brittany and Puck. Just like Tina had said none of the children had been affected by the arguments and they all had seemed to have a great time which was all Rachel was bothered about. The adults left were all stood at the back of the garden watching NJ help Henry go down the small slide on the play set and Rose, JJ and Ben play football. JJ and Ben where both really gentle with Rose as they let each kick she made go into the goals. Rachel could already see they were going to make great cousins.

"Here, its look like we could all use one" Puck stated as he handed each of them another beer before standing next to Quinn and resting his arm around her shoulder.

"You guys know how to throw a party" Sam laughed before taking a drink of his beer.

"The kids had a good time, that's all that matters" Shelby reasoned. She smiled over at her grandchildren. Ben was lifting Rose in the air as she cheered for getting another goal past JJ.

"I still think you should have slapped her mom" Marley reasoned then gave Finn an apologetic look "Sorry Finn"

Finn waved it off as he too watched the children play, it was hard to stay angry at his mother when he saw how happy Rose and Henry were.

"Where's Mercedes" Marley asked as she looked around at the remaining adults. She had just realised she hadn't seen Mercedes in over an hour. Marley looked over at her sister when she didn't get an answer.

"What happened Rachel?" Marley pressed

"Nothing" Rachel answered lamely not meeting her sister's questioning eyes.

"Rachel –"

"Marley, leave it alone" Jake whispered to his wife. He nodded his head over at Quinn who was looking away sadly. Marley nodded her head in understanding.

"Well if your children can handle what happened earlier, they can handle anything" Will stated. Rachel couldn't help but nod in agreement, although she still hoped they wouldn't have to handle it for a long while, Rachel had had enough.

"DADDY" Rose shouted playfully over to the adults "Come play with us"

"You heard them daddy" Santana laughed. Finn, Jake, Sam and Puck all put down their beers and walked over to the children playing football. Puck picked up NJ while Sam took Henry, they all quickly made up the teams of adults and children to play a new game of football.

Quinn moved closer to Santana and Rachel when Marley and Shelby went to get them all another drink and Will and Emma got some food. Quinn saw it as her chance to talk about Mercedes again.

"What are we going to do about Mercedes?" Quinn wondered.

"I'm not sure there is anything we can do" Rachel reasoned. Mercedes was stubborn and wasn't going to listen to anything they said if it wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"I won't accept that" Quinn demanded.

"Right now let's just enjoy this" Santana said pointing over to where all the children were laughing as Puck and Sam were having a play fight because Sam had accidently let a ball in. Quinn put her arms through Rachel's and Santana's.

"Yeah, it is pretty good"

XoXo

After another two hours of playing football in the garden, Rachel and Finn's friends finally left and her family all settled in rooms they were staying in for the night. After the day they had everyone was ready to finally sleep.

Rachel had settled Henry and Rose in the middle of the bed just as Finn walked into their bedroom.

"So your mom is in Rose's room, Marley and Jake are in the living room and your dad and Emma are in the guest room" Finn listed off as he climbed into bed next to an already sleeping Henry. Rachel just nodded as she got in next to Rose.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Finn asked

"Not right now no" Rachel answered as she stroked Rose's face lightly.

"Mercedes will understand that you were just stressed and that you didn't mean it" Finn reasoned

"I did mean it" Rachel snipped lightly, she then turned to smile slightly at Finn "And I mean it when I say I don't want to talk about it"

"Okay then"

"I hope our parents didn't scare them too much today" Rachel said looking back at Henry and Rose who both were sleeping soundly. Rose had seemed to have a great time at the party but that didn't mean Rachel didn't worry that the whole thing had scared the three-year-old.

"Please, they are our kids. They're tough" Finn waved off with a smile. Finn could see he wasn't getting through to Rachel as she continued to stroke Rose's head with a concerned expression.

"What do you need Rachel?" Finn said

"Nothing right now, I just want to watch them right now" Rachel sighed happily.

"They are pretty perfect" Finn agreed as they watched the rise and fall of their children's chest as the slept soundly. Rachel looked back up at Finn with a wide smile

"We are finally a family"