Disclaimer: All recognizable Rizzoli & Isles characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners including, but not limited to Tess Gerritsen. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this fan fiction story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No financial gain is associated with the publishing of this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: This is a short (very short for me) one-shot. I've been reading too many pieces with Maura pregnant, I think. ;) -dkc
Children
"Did you want children when you were a kid?" Jane asked Maura.
The doctor had her eyes on a journal article and was caught off guard by Jane's question. She closed the journal and focused on Jane who was playing on her tablet.
"No," she answered succinctly.
Their legs were tangled underneath a throw on Maura's couch. This was hardly enough contact for Jane. The detective reached out and took the small hand of her best friend.
"Never?" Jane tilted her head to the side with the question.
"Not as a kid, no," Maura reached for her wine glass.
The brunette contemplated what might be implied by the answer. She watched the doctor closely as she swallowed her wine.
"And now?" Jane wondered.
"I am freezing my eggs," Maura answered in seriousness causing Jane to chuckle. "What?"
"You were actually serious about that?" Jane loved the quirkiness of this woman. "Do I even want to know how something like that works?"
Raising an eyebrow, Maura made Jane crack up. The detective leaned forward to kiss the perfect hand she held in her own.
"What changed your mind? About having kids," Jane asked sincerely.
"Your family."
"What? Why?" Jane was surprised.
Maura's eyes got misty, something that it had taken years for her to feel comfortable enough with Jane to do without the urge to hide.
"Honey..." Jane whispered, her free hand cupping Maura's cheek.
"It was the first time I truly understood the love of family," Maura leaned into Jane's hand.
Now Jane was tearing up.
"Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you more, you go saying something like that," Jane's voice was breaking.
"I mean it," Maura smiled and pressed a kiss into the palm of Jane's hand.
"I never doubt," Jane whispered before kissing Maura's forehead.
"We've never talked about it before, but if you decide that you want to have a baby," Jane's voice was thick with emotion. "I will be completely supportive."
Happy tears were now streaming down Maura's cheeks.
"If we decide, Jane."
Maura's words were a reminder of how much had changed since Jane first allowed her feelings for her best friend to be openly expressed. They were in this together now.
"We," Jane murmured before pressing her lips to those of her girlfriend.
We: One simple word that had come to mean everything to them both.
-finis-