A/N: I was initially planning on doing this little story arc before the last chapter "Heat Rising" but then I realized if I just flipped them around then I could actually make this chapter "Ten Going On Thirty" Chapter Thirty! LOL! Yes, sometimes it is the little things that amuse me. Hope you like it.

Chapter 30: Ten Going On Thirty

Jamie and Eddie walk up to Rosa's apartment door. Jamie lifts his hand to knock but Eddie stops him "Wait." She instructs before reaching into one of the bags she is carrying and pulling out two cone style birthday hats "Here put this on." She instructs as she hands him one.

Jamie looks at his wife unamused but he still takes it "Really Eddie?"

"Hey, it's not your birthday." Eddie chides as she puts her hat on "It's Mia's birthday and this will make her happy so just, put. It. On." She demands.

"Can't we just put them on once INSIDE the apartment..." Jamie reasons "…and not while standing out in the hall where anyone can see us?"

"No." Eddie rejects as she swipes the hat back out of his hands and move to put it on his head. She secures it in place with the elastic under his chin and when she is ready to let go she gives the elastic an ever so slight pull causing the elastic to lightly but not overly painfully snap into place around his neck.

"Ow!" Jamie chides anyway at her move "What was that for?"

"For being a big baby you party pooper." Eddie admonishes "Now suck it up and plaster a smile on your face like you are enjoying this."

"Well I would be if you hadn't have just tried to kill me with a party hat!" Jamie sarcastically retorts back.

Eddie rolls her eyes as she reaches back in the bag to pull out two roll out party blower noise makers. She again hands one to Jamie.

"Are we saying Happy Birthday or Happy New Year?" Jamie challenges as he takes it.

"Just put it in your mouth and blow when she opens the door." Eddie instructs.

Jamie sighs in defeat but jams the noise maker into one side of his mouth.

"Thank you." Eddie accepts in satisfaction.

Silence as they both stand there a moment.

"Well hurry up and knock already!" Eddie impatiently prompts before sticking her noise maker in her mouth.

Jamie briefly removes the noise maker from his mouth "Oh are we ready now?" He again sarcastically tosses back before putting the noise maker back in his mouth with one hand while lifting his other hand and knocking.

A couple of moments later the couple hears the door unlock.

They both plaster bright smiles on their faces.

The door opens…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Jamie and Eddie brightly greet before blowing into their noise makers.

A super happy giddy smile appears on Mia face as she stands before them clapping her hands together in glee "You look so funny! I love it!"

Eddie reaches into her bag and pulls out 2 more hats "And one for you." She adds as Mia reaches to take the hats but Eddie pulls them slightly back "Wait, wait, hang on." She lightly chides as she pulls the hats apart "You get the one that says Birthday Girl." She explains as she hands a specific hat to Mia.

"Ohhh pretty!" Mia happily exclaims "Mommy look! My hat says Birthday Girl!"

Rosa comes out of the kitchen wiping her hands as she watches Mia put her hat on "I see that, it's very nice Mia."

"Here's your hat Mommy!" Mia then states as she takes the remaining hat and hands it to her mother.

"Oh excellent." Rosa laughs as she takes it and puts it on "Just what I was waiting for!"

"All Eddie." Jamie cheekily promises Rosa.

Eddie shoots him a look before reaching into her bag again "And something else for the birthday girl…" She adds as she pulls out a pink ribbon badge with Birthday Girl written in the center "I tried to find a purple one but pink and blue were the only options – sorry."

Mia shrugs "I like it!" She happily decides as she takes it and holds it up to her Mother.

"Well it's the thought that counts right Mia?" Rosa prompts as she takes the pin and unfastens it so she can pin it to Mia's shirt.

"Yup!" Mia agrees "Thank you Aunt Eddie and Uncle Jamie!"

"You're welcome Sweetie." Eddie returns with a big beaming smile as Rosa finishes securing the pin.

"I want to look in the mirror." Mia decides "I'll be right back!" She adds before running off to her bedroom.

"Thank you." Rosa sincerely states to Jamie and Eddie "You didn't need to do that."

"Oh absolutely we did!" Eddie laughs.

Rosa looks at Jamie "You're being awfully quiet."

"If I talk she might try to kill me with this hat again." Jamie jokes.

Eddie raises her elbow - threatening to send it into his side.

"Ow." Jamie jokingly protests as he curls his stomach in pretending she did actually elbow him "No violence in front of the Birthday Girl."

"You two." Rosa laughs with a shake of her head "Make yourselves at home. Want anything to eat or drink? I have some ice tea or other snacks…" She adds as she gestures to some plates of finger food and a pitcher set out on the counter "Hot dogs will be ready soon."

Eddie looks down at her stomach "You want anything?" She asks. She lifts her head pondering in thought as if waiting for the answer "No were good." She replies a moment later.

"Oh before I forget." Rosa suddenly announces as she reaches onto the counter to pick up and then hand Jamie a manilla envelope "Congratulations, after me and Manny you are both now officially next in line to look after her. Here's your copy of the paperwork."

"Great." Jamie tosses out with a sigh in fake defeat.

"Oh don't listen to him!" Eddie chides.

Jamie chuckles "We're honored." he sincerely tells Rosa who simply nods in acceptance.

Mia comes running back into the room "I'm back!"

"What you were gone?" Jamie jokes as he hands the envelope to Eddie "Didn't notice."

"Uncle Jamie!" Mia whines as Eddie takes the envelope and moves to put it in her bag.

"I'm kidding Kiddo." Jamie promises "So how has your day been so far?"

"Daddy called!" Mia sings in delight.

A look of surprise appears on Eddie's face as she looks at Mia then glances at Rosa to see her nodding in confirmation.

"Well I bet that was a nice surprise." Eddie states before getting a thought and turning to look questioningly at her husband.

"What?" Jamie innocently deflects as he reaches over to grab a chip "What are you looking at me for?" he adds before popping it in his mouth.

"And you knew nothing about this call?" Eddie questions.

"I…" Jamie emphasizes "Didn't arrange a thing." He promises.

"That's not what I asked." Eddie counters.

"Did you mention iced tea?" Jamie deflects as he turns his attention to Rosa "I'd love a glass of that."

"Yeah. Uh huh." Eddie deduces as she watches Rosa pour Jamie a glass of ice tea "Translation – somebody had someone ELSE arrange something."

Mia looks between Jamie and Eddie "Uncle Jamie did you arrange for Daddy to call me today?"

Rosa, Eddie and Jamie all turn to look at Mia in surprise that she figured that out.

"You can stop trying to talk in code." Mia explains "I'm ten now!" she proudly boasts.

"Going on thirty…" Jamie points out causing Rosa and Eddie to laugh.

"What does that mean?" Mia questions.

"That you're growing up way too fast for my liking." Rosa explains.

"Fast?" Mia dramatically counters "Do you know how long I've been waiting to turn double digit numbers? Like all my life! It took FOREVER to get here!"

"Do you want to know what Mr. Henry would say to you right now Mia?" Jamie prompts.

"What?"

"Enjoy it while you can because life passes you by way too quick and when you get to be his age, you'd give anything to be nine again."

Mia feverishly shakes her head no "Nah ah." She rejects "I couldn't do ANYTHING myself when I was nine but now that I'm ten I get to do all kinds of things like walking to school all by myself!"

"Oh you do huh?" Jamie challenges.

"Yup." Mia proudly boasts "Mommy said so!"

"As long as you follow the rules." Rosa reminds her.

"I know." Mia accepts.

"And what are these rules?" Jamie inquires.

Mia clears her throat and turns very serious as she holds up her index finger on one hand "Number one – always take the designated route – no side trips. Number two…" She adds as she lifts her finger up next to her index finger "Look both ways – twice before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers. Number three…" She continues as she lifts up the next finger "Don't talk to strangers or get in vehicles or let them lead me away from my designated route. If they try, I kick and I scream and I punch! One, two!" she demonstrates as she throws two boxing punches into the air before composing herself and getting back to business "Number four…" She tacks on as she again lifts her fingers now adding another one "No walking while distracted by phone or other devices and NO EARBUDS! And number five…" she finishes as she extends her thumb out "…just always be aware of my surroundings because danger can happen at anytime."

"Nice." Jamie commends very impressed as he leans over and gives Mia a high five slap on her raised hand.

Mia beams with pride.

"You know Mia." Eddie begins as she reaches into her bag to pull out a small sized gift "I think this is the perfect time to give you this."

"Ooooooh a present!" Mia giddily quips "Mommy can I open it now?"

Already knowing what's in it, Rosa smiles and nods yes so Mia takes the box and moves to sit on the couch. She rips the wrapping off to reveal a necklace box. She opens it up to see the tracker necklace "Oh its pretty!" Mia states.

"It's a locket Mia." Eddie explains as everyone sits down gathering around the young girl "Go ahead and open it up."

Mia removes the locket from the box and opens the little compartment to see on one side of the locket is a small picture of Mia, her Mom and Dad and on the other side is a picture of Mia, Jamie and Eddie "I LOVE IT!" Mia squeals in delight "Mommy look!"

"It's even got an inscription." Jamie informs the new ten year old "On the back."

Mia turns the locket over to see 'Milagro's familia'

"Wow this is so cool!" Mia giddily decides "Mommy put it on! Put it on!" so Jamie and Eddie watch as Rosa undoes the clasp, loops the necklace around Mia's neck and resecures the clasp.

Mia looks down and fingers it "I love it!" She reiterates "Thank you Uncle Jamie and Aunt Eddie!" She sings in appreciation as she moves to give each one a quick hug "I'm never taking it off!"

At hearing that, big bright satisfied smiles appear on Jamie, Eddie and Rosa's faces as they look at one another then back over at Mia.

"Perfect." Rosa states.

Suddenly there is a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Mia gleefully decides as she bolts from the couch and heads for the door "Who is it?"

"Your Aunt and Uncle!" Danny's voice returns.

"Which ones?" Jamie calls from the couch.

There is a slight moment of silence "The ones not already inside Kid." Danny's annoyed voice sounds.

Mia swings the door open to see Danny and Maria with Elena on the other side "Welcome to my party!"

"Wow…" Danny notes as he looks at Mia's hat then over to Eddie, Rosa and finally Jamie "…nice hat Kid." He smirks as he looks at his brother.

Eddie immediately gets up and moves to her bags. She reaches in to pull out another 3 hats. She grins and holds them out to the new arrivals.

"They are nice aren't they?" Jamie sweetly states as he gets up and gently reaches to take the hats from his wife so he is now in control of who gets which hat. "Now Mia…" he begins "Who should get which hat? I think…" he adds as he leans down to whisper something in Mia's ear.

Mia listens, then giggles and nods her head in agreement. She takes the hats from Jamie, hands two multi colored hats to Maria for her and Elena then smiles brightly and holds a mostly pink hat out to Danny "Here you go Uncle Danny!"

Danny forces a smile onto his face "Thank you Mia." he states through gritted teeth as he begrudgingly puts it on while shooting Jamie a death stare.

Jamie smiles sweetly at him.

"Hi Elena!" Eddie greets as she moves to take the baby from Maria so it's easier for her to put the hats on "Do you remember me? I'm Dee!" She adds as Danny steps to Jamie's side and leans over to him

"You'll pay for that." He warns in a whisper.

"Dee!" Elena repeats as Maria puts her hat on then moves to put the hat on Elena's head.

"Totally worth it." Jamie quietly returns with a slight laugh to his brother.

Elena almost immediately reaches up and removes the hat from her head – she goes to throw it but Danny steps forward to grab it first.

"I'll just take that one." He helpfully offers as he goes to switch the hats on his head.

"That was a good three seconds she left that hat on." Rosa notes as she steps forward to take the rejected pink hat "Impressive because on her first birthday…" She explains as she points at Mia "…we couldn't even get the hat on her head. She just kept swatting it away. It's why we've never had party hats since!" she laughs.

Mia turns to look at her mother "Really?"

Rosa nods in confirmation when a timer rings "Oh hot dogs are ready!"

"Wait!" Mia calls out.

Everyone looks towards her.

"You didn't see my new necklace!" Mia proudly boasts as she shows it off.

Danny and Maria look over and both smile at recognizing it "Oh very nice." Danny compliments.

"Very lovely Mia." Maria adds.

"Thank you!" Mia quips before heading for the kitchen "Now come on everyone the sooner we eat the sooner we have cake!"

"We're having cake?" Jamie questions in fake surprise.

Mia stops walking, turns and sighs "Uncle Jamie of course we are having cake, It's my birthday. It's in the fridge."

Rosa swings the fridge door open to show off the cake on a shelf.

"That looks good!" Danny quips as he leans over to look at it "But you better hide that from the pregnant lady!" he jokes.

Mia turns and glares at Danny "Are you making jokes about my Aunt Eddie?"

Danny looks at the young girl suddenly feeling slightly afraid "Um no?"

"You better not be." Mia warns "Because bullying is wrong. We took an entire class on that in school."

"Maybe Uncle Danny should attend that class the next time its being offered." Jamie sweetly points out.

"Okay why am I the one getting attacked here?" Danny counters "You've…" he defends as he points at Jamie "…said way worse things about her eating habits then I ever have!"

"Hey I only ever teased her about her eating as a way to express how much I cared when I couldn't actually say 'I care.' Okay?" Jamie defends.

Mia looks at Jamie "Really?" she questions in surprise.

"Yes." Jamie confirms.

"Oh." Mia breathes out in realization as her mind starts to ponder something.

Eddie studies Mia "Um Mia, is someone teasing you about your food?"

Rosa immediately stops dishing out hot dogs and turns to look at her daughter.

"Um… maybe?" Mia hesitantly admits.

"Is it Billy?" Rosa prompts.

Mia shakes her head "No…"

"I'm going to need a name Mia." Jamie seriously states as he pulls out his phone and opens his NYPD search app.

"First and last name." Danny chimes in for clarification "Correct spelling if you know that too."

"Oh my god you two…" Eddie chides. "Put that phone away."

Jamie looks over a this wife "But…" He begins to protest.

"Now." Eddie warns "The hot dogs are ready. It's time to eat."

"So we can have cake!" Mia happily adds completely clueless to what Jamie and Danny were trying to do…

…..

Eddie finishes entering something into Rosa's phone then hands it back to her "All set up." she promises.

Rosa takes it and grins at seeing the tracker beacon on the screen in front of her but after a moment the smile fades and she sighs "I'll still worry…" She admits "…but it will help."

Eddie moves close to Rosa to lowly whisper in her ear "You ah, want us to tail her, her first day, just to be sure?"

Surprised, Rosa leans slightly away from Eddie and looks at her with wide eyes.

Eddie shrugs.

Rosa then makes a pondering face.

"Think about it." Eddie offers "Let us know."

"Do it." Rosa almost immediately decides.

Eddie smiles "Copy that."

...