Chapter 1

Jane waits patiently as the phone rings, then sighs as it goes to voice mail. "I guess she is on a case or at the clinic," she says to herself as she waits for the familiar beep. "Hey Maur, it's me. I just wanted to say hi and hear your voice. It's been a while since we could catch up. Listen, I won't be able to make our next planned girls' weekend. I have to head to a conference for the FBI out in Vegas. Maybe you can come to my place the weekend before or after? I'd really love to see you."

She hangs up the phone and wonders again if she made the right decision to change jobs. It seemed right at the time and it seems right still most of the time. But on occasion, there is a small niggle of doubt weeding it's way into her brain. Mostly, she feels this way when she misses her family or can't reach Maura. Missing their planned weekend in Boston isn't helping matters at all. She's been with the FBI for a couple of months, and still misses her family and Maura terribly. She works hard to connect with them during time off, calling often and visiting when she can. Frankie and Nina have even come up to her place to visit and check the place out. Her mom misses her, but really approves of the changes in Jane. She's even gone so far as to suggest that she sees AND hears from Jane more now that she moved out of Boston than she ever did when Jane was working there. She and Maura talk most days, and usually see each other monthly, if not twice a month. It really should be enough, but it isn't. Working so hard to stay connected to her family and Maura has left her personal life at Quantico nonexistent. She has seen some of the people she works with outside the office a few times, but she doesn't feel any of the chemistry or personal interest she feels with her friends and family in Boston.

And lately it's been even tougher for Maura. Without Jane there to mediate for her, and with Korsak on the brink of retirement, more and more Maura has been considering retiring from her post as Head Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and devoting more time to Hope's clinic. If need be, she feels that she can keep her license current and work for the State as a consultant. However, there has been backlash on all levels, from the Department to the Governor's Office. And surprisingly, from her own mother, Constance—not Hope. As usual, Maura has fallen into her old pattern of trying to please everyone and is causing herself undue stress. On top of that, Homicide is having their first big case since Jane left. And while Frankie is holding his own, things aren't moving as fast without Jane there. The whole unit is under pressure and Maura and Kent are scrambling as well. As a result, she and Jane haven't been able to connect much this week and they are both feeling weary because of it.

It's Maura's turn to sigh as she plays phone tag with Jane. She hadn't expected Jane to answer during the work day, but she intentionally called between classes hoping to catch her. "Hello Jane. I just wanted to call back and deliver the some great news. The team caught a break in the case and Korsak and Frankie made an arrest! I know it's the middle of the afternoon, but Kent and I are headed out of the office early. I have a late lunch appointment with a certain geochelone sulcata and perhaps plans for a long bath and a short nap. I am disappointed to hear about the interruption of our planned weekend. I could come come visit the weekend before or after, but I have a better idea. How would you feel about me tagging along to Vegas? I could really use a break with everything happening lately, and coming off of this case. Please return my call and let me know what you think."

The more she thinks about it, the better she likes the idea. She goes ahead and puts in a request for vacation before shutting down her computer. She smiles to herself as she logs off. Yes, this is the perfect opportunity for her to, what does Jane call it, "throw off some steam" on a long weekend. "Blow off some steam," she says out loud, chiding herself for forgetting. One day, she thinks, she will get the knack of this casual lingo.

"Come on Maur!" Jane practically shouts. "There are sites to see and casinos to visit!"

"Jane, you do realize that we are here on business, for the convention? There is more to this trip than just play." Maura states, but only somewhat seriously.

"Yes, but it's the weekend! We have it all to ourselves and the 'business' part of the trip isn't officially until Monday!" Jane shoots her the usual smirk, but she also grabs Maura's hand and drags her off in the direction of the casinos in their host hotel. Maura lets her. She has missed Jane immensely. Despite their trips to visit each other at Quantico and in Boston, she feels Jane's everyday absence in her life sharply. She is a bit afraid to admit it to Jane though, afraid of what it might make either of them feel. They really don't do emotions.

Maura pulls up short. "Emily? Emily Prentiss is that you?"

"Maura! What a pleasant surprise! Are you here for the conference as well? Some of my team from the BAU are here. Hopefully, work won't call and disrupt. One of them is a keynote speaker." Emily responds, giving Maura a bit of a warm hug and a big smile.

Jane's eyes widen when she hears BAU. She pushes aside a slight tremor of exasperation that her planned weekend for just the two best friends might be interrupted. She has been impressed with the work of the BAU and has admittedly studied up on them a bit since it interests her. Maura turns to Jane to introduce them. "Emily, this is my best friend Jane Rizzoli. She's originally from Boston, but the FBI stole her away from us!" Maura's laugh is genuine and the look in her eyes is of pure pride at Jane's advancement. "Jane, this is..."

"Emily, Emily Prentiss of the BAU," Jane finishes, offering her hand to Emily. "Your work with the BAU is impressive. I've heard quite a bit about it."

A tall, gorgeous blond approaches. "That sounds like shop talk! None of that here! I realize this is a convention, but unless we are actively participating, we will be having fun and not talking about work!" she says to Emily.

"Jane and Maura, this is JJ. She is the keynote speaker I was referring to earlier. I also have the honor of calling her my wife." Emily grins, takes JJ's hand and lightly kisses her cheek after JJ finishes greeting Jane and Maura.

"Wonderful to see you," Maura replies. She smiles as she explains to Jane and JJ that she and Emily grew up moving around in the same circles—somewhat rebelling against them. Jane seems a bit dumbfounded. She goes through the motions, but is visibly distracted—something that is lost on none of the women. JJ cuts a look to her wife and Emily announces that she needs a drink. She drags Maura along with her under the pretense of catching up.

"Jane, I hope that my relationship with Emily isn't the issue. I'm not sure what is going on, but I can see that something is bothering you." JJ says, very concerned, but also cautious.

"Can I ask you something JJ?" Jane starts. "Maybe not here, lets find somewhere a little quieter and more comfortable." JJ agrees. Jane's response isn't what she expected. She still isn't sure where this is going.

They find a quiet corner of the lobby and settle in. Jane smiles nervously. "I hope I'm not being too personal, but you and Emily. It's just that you look really happy. And..."

"Jane, we are really happy. Emily is easily the best thing that has ever happened to me. Well, aside from our son Henry. Things can be chaotic with work, but we make out just fine."

Again, Jane's eyes widen. "You have a son? That's just. I never thought..."

"Jane," JJ starts, "I have to admit, you are making me nervous. You don't seem judgmental and your body language isn't exactly... well, negative. But your speech seems to be approaching that of disagreement. Of my family. Of my marriage."

"What!?" Jane asks, surprised. Then she realizes she has been acting odd. She has been talking to a profiler that has been gauging her responses since being introduced as Emily's wife. Plus her actions, and words, could easily be misinterpreted. "Hold on a sec." She takes a deep breath and lightly touches JJ's hand. "Honestly, you've got me all wrong, but I forgot who I am talking to here." She grins shortly, then knots her brows getting serious. "Have you ever realized something that is massive and so unexpected that it just, well took your breath away?"

"Ah. I see. Dr. Maura Isles. What exactly is your relationship with her? I think I overheard her introduce you as her best friend. But there is more to it than that. You want more. Actually, I think you are in love with her. Am I wrong?" JJ watches the emotions and confusion flit across Jane's features as she speaks, gently squeezing her hand as she waits for a response.

If Jane is surprised at the profiler's comments, she doesn't show it. She decides for once that she will do something for herself and be honest with JJ—with herself really. "Well yes. I am. But would you believe me if I said that I hadn't realized it until I saw you and Emily together and it just hit me like a ton of bricks? It made me understand that I want what you have. I want what you and Emily have together with Maura. For us to be married. For us to build a family. And, I guess the time apart with my new job has only made it that much more apparent now that I think about it."

"I can't say I'm not relieved," JJ replies with a laugh. "I didn't think you were the type to be judgmental and homophobic. I'm glad that wasn't the issue. I think Em knew, that's why she and Maura are at the bar now. She also knew that I wanted to figure it out and see if I could help you, as it is in my nature. So here is my advice. Listen, it's Vegas. You're here with your love. Take advantage. Let her know. Have a blast. If all else fails, there is the old adage, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.' But if things work out... Well, if they work out, then you've lost nothing and gained everything. I do know this: if you are going to take a gamble, this is the right place for it. Now, I think it's time we track down our ladies and start the weekend."

They stand and Jane surprises her with a hug. Her expression is jubilant, but there is an undercurrent of tension. They walk up to the bar to find Maura and Emily in good spirits, nursing drinks and chatting. Maura's back is to Jane. "Maura," Jane calls. But as Maura turns, she comes to face with no one. She looks down to find Jane on one knee, taking her hands. Her eyes widen. JJ's mouth forms the perfect "o" as she grabs Emily's arm.

"Jane, what are you.."

"Wait. Maura, let me say what I need to say before you ask." She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, then begins as she looks up at Maura. "I will start with I love you. Very much. More than anyone. And for years, I really honestly believed it was a platonic love of friendship, of family. But with your absence in my daily routine and our distance, I understand now that it is more. I'm in love with you. And I don't want to waste any more time. We've been close for so many years and I know we already share our lives. But with this new physical distance between us, it's not enough anymore. I feel like I can't be close enough to you. Marry me, here in Vegas. Please Maura, marry me. You are all I've ever wanted in this life and I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it."

It is now Emily's mouth hanging open and JJ is grinning from ear to ear. She is 99% sure that Maura will say yes, but the pressure of her squeezing Emily's arm is relaying that 1% of doubt. Maura is radiant. She is literally glowing. Her smile is dazzling and quite a few people have slowed to see the outcome of Jane's impromptu proposal.

"Yes Jane. Yes, I will marry you," She answers simply.

Jane drops to both knees, wrapping her long arms around Maura's waist and placing her chin just above Maura's navel. She smiles with tears in her eyes and tells Maura that she loves her again. "I love you too Jane, I think I always have. I just didn't realize this—that us—Us together, was a possibility." Jane lays her ear on Maura's stomach and hugs her tightly. Suddenly, she stands and Maura squeals as Jane lifts her up and spins them around. She grabs Maura's hand, starting to looking around. She seems to make her mind up and settles on a direction when Maura applies the brakes. "Jane, where are you going? Where are we going?"

"Maura, you just consented to marry me. I'm looking for a chapel!" She looks over to an amused Emily and an ecstatic JJ. "Would you ladies like to be our witnesses?"

"Jane Clementine Rizzoli! You stop right there." Jane freezes, and drops Maura's hand dejectedly. She is terrified Maura has changed her mind or that she misunderstood and things aren't what they seem. Maura gently grabs her hand again and lifts her chin. "I love you, but if you think for one second that I am getting married in my traveling clothes, then you are greatly mistaken. Just because this is unexpected and things are progressing quickly, doesn't mean we still can't do this right! Now, do you want a tux or a dress? We will be picking out rings and clothes, then we can worry about a chapel."

Emily is no longer able to hold it in and bursts into laughter. JJ meanwhile is jumping up and down clapping. "Well Jane, I have to say. You certainly know how to make an entrance," Emily says.

"And you certainly know how to make a girl swoon!" JJ adds. "Em, it seems that we need to add 'assist with wedding plans' to our to do list this weekend."

"But, but. How are we going to get this all done?" Jane worries.

"Darling," Maura smiles, "this IS Vegas. And I AM loaded, remember?" Jane smiles proudly at Maura's correct use of a common expression.

"How could I forget such a thing? So, is it dresses or rings first?"

It's already late, but they are in a city that never sleeps. Finding clothes and rings, not to mention a chapel is not as hard as it could be since they are in Vegas. It is now Maura that takes the lead, holding Jane's hand as she pulls out her cell. "What do you think Emily? At which boutique shall we start?"

Just some light fluff that got stuck on repeat in my head. I never planned on writing anything and don't plan on anything after this. I started writing this before the final episode, so there was no sleeping with FBI dude.