Authors Note: Gosh, wow, all the reviews, follows, alerts etc from just the prologue took me totally by surprise. Thank you all and I can only hope this chapter lives up to expectations … No pressure guys *gulp.*

There is likely to be at least one more chapter after this, maybe even two depending on how the idea in my head flows into words on the computer.

Once again this hasn't been beta read, so all and any mistakes are mine and mine alone, and I apologize for them in advance.

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Chapter 1: Let's Get This Party Started.

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Angela was the first person to make her way inside the house. She looked resplendent in a sapphire blue floor length gown, split up one side to mid-thigh, which she had purchased whilst on a shopping trip with Maura. It had been on that trip, during a break for refreshments that Maura had first made a tentative enquiry about how the older Rizzoli would feel if Maura wooed her daughter. The ME had been unaccountably nervous when she'd first broached the subject. And although Angela had been a little bit shocked to start with, once she'd thought about how close Maura and her daughter were she realized Jane probably felt the same way as the Doctor, but because of her upbringing was likely to hide her feelings unless pushed. Once Jane's Mother had got over the initial shock of Maura's enquiry her first words had been. "What can I do to help?" The beaming smile she'd received in return proved how much this meant to the blond woman and they'd spent the next hour or so in discussion and planning.

Turning to greet Angela as she made her way through the door Maura brought her hand up to her chest and gasped. "Oh my, that dress looks even lovelier than I remember."

Twirling bashfully Angela replied. "Do you really think so? Only the cut is so much more daring than I'm used to."

Making her way to the other woman's side and hugging her gently so they didn't crease their respective gowns Maura was quick to reassure Angela. "Oh absolutely, and if this doesn't get the Lieutenant's attention he's more of a fool than I realized."

"Oh I hope you're right honey, but tonight is really about you and Jane, and I must say you look beautiful, so is everything in place?"

"Thank you, and yes, Frankie and Barry both have dates, they are getting cabs. Tommy just phoned to say he is bringing Lydia although TJ is staying with Lydia's Mother for the evening, and Vince is kindly picking them up."

Maura smiled when Angela clapped her hands together and said. "Perfect, and what about Constance?"

"I checked the airline's website a few minutes ago, and the plane is due to land on schedule. She should arrive about an hour after everybody else."

Taking Maura's hand Angela led them over to the kitchen counter which was doubling as a bar for the evening. Dropping the ME's hand to take a chilled bottle of champagne out of an ice bucket, she said. "Then let's grab a drink before people start arriving," and filling two glasses she handed one to Maura, then raised her own in toast. "To a happy holiday season, and to new beginnings." After Angela had taken a sip of the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV, she looked at Maura with surprise. "That's nicer than I thought it would be."

"Yes, for an everyday Champagne this is my preferred drink." A sly smile crossed Maura's face. "I've kept the Dom Pérignon 2003 vintage back for a special occasion."

Before Angela could reply there was a knock at the main entrance, and Frankie opened to door to announce his arrival.

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Not unexpectedly Jane had phoned to say she was running late. The Homicide department had just closed a case that had been keeping the Detective very busy, so much so that Maura often resorted to emotional blackmail to get the tall woman to eat and sleep. Finally they had caught the killer, and Jane had dragged herself away from the precinct exhausted. This is what had led to her oversleeping that afternoon, and although Maura was missing her presence, she was relieved to know Jane had caught up on some much needed rest.

Gushing unnecessary apologizes when she finally arrived, Maura smiled fondly at the taller woman and taking her hand led her into the kitchen area where it was quieter. Pushing a beer into Jane's other hand she said. "Nonsense, unwind and enjoy the evening. "

Finally relaxing, Jane took a drink of beer. "Thank you," taking in the dress the other woman was wearing Jane glanced down at her own light blue cotton pants and blue blouse. "Although I'm feeling slightly under-dressed for the occasion, you did say casual. Right?"

"Indeed I did, don't worry, you look fine," Maura reassured her. Just then the door was knocked once more, and glancing at the time Maura added. "That must be my Mother, Jane do you mind getting that for me while I let Angela know she has arrived, they are going to share the guest house."

Looking somewhat puzzled at the parental role reversal Jane said. "Of course, do you want her bags taking over straightaway?"

"Yes please, that would help enormously," reaching to hug the taller woman Maura added. "Thank you."

"Always," and still looking a bit confused, Jane went and did as Maura had asked. Not realizing that by getting Jane out of the way Maura had time to fill everybody in on the final details of the evenings plan.

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The party was going well, and people were relaxed and enjoying each other's company. Jane had stayed close to the Doctor, and during a slight lull had pulled the shorter woman to one side. "What do you know about Frankie's date?" She hissed, glancing towards her younger brother. Ever since the debacle with Theresa she had been protective about whom he dated.

Patting Jane's arm Maura replied calmly. "Julie's a legal aide in the DA's office. They met when he went to pick up a search warrant for you one day, and from what I've heard she's very nice."

"Are you sure?" Jane said, still wary of the woman she didn't know.

"Yes," smiling slightly to take the sting out of her words Maura added. "Now stop being such a worrywart and enjoy yourself. Anyway, Frankie's big enough to take care of himself."

"Yeah," Jane sighed. "I guess you're right."

"Of course I am, after all I'm a genius," Maura laughed when Jane gave her a surprised look. "What, am I not allowed to joke with my best friend?"

"Well, yeah," throwing her hands up in the air Jane added. "Aw what the Hell, yes, you're right, I promise to not worry about anything else for the rest of the night."

"That's the spirit," patting Jane's side lightly Maura gestured to the rest of the gathering. "Come on, let's re-joined the party before they realize we're missing."

As they crossed under the mistletoe Vince Korsak looked up and said. "I think it's that time people."

"Wait? Time for what?" Jane wanted to know, immediately suspicious of her former partner.

"It's time for the traditional mistletoe kisses." He smirked in her direction.

Jane smirked back at the older man, "Well, you can count me out, I'm happy to leave that to the lovebirds of the gathering."

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Susie Chang was the first to move, dragging Alex behind her. "We'll start," she declared, and to a round of applause and encouraging hollers they kissed. Alex reached up to claim the first berry from the bunch.

Enthusiastically Tommy dragged Lydia over, and they kissed causing the young woman to giggle and Tommy retrieved his berry.

"What is it with the kissing thing, and taking the berry?" Jane whispered to Maura, as Frankie and Julia took their place.

"There are a couple of ideas about how that came into being a Christmas tradition. My favorite comes from the British myth. In the first century, the Druids in Britain believed that mistletoe could perform miracles, from providing fertility to humans and animals to healing diseases and protecting people from witchcraft. The earliest documented case of kissing under the mistletoe as we know it dates from 16th century England, a custom that was apparently very popular at that time. In some cultures, most notably in Europe, if you kissed a woman under the mistletoe it was a proposal of marriage. After each kiss, a berry is plucked from the bush, when the berries are all plucked the privilege of being able to kiss the women ceases."

"Huh," looking back Jane noted Frost and his date, a young patrol officer who had helped at a recent crime scene, were under the mistletoe. He was smiling at the attractive young brunette, obviously enjoying his evening.

"Not many berries left," Vince Korsak interrupted the flow of conversation. "Who else wants a go?"

"I do," Angela Rizzoli said, forcefully grabbing Sean Cavanagh's hand, causing Jane to groan slightly in embarrassment, but she didn't say anything out loud, not wanting to spoil the evening.

"Well," Vince looked unaccountably pleased with himself. "That leaves me the choice of three absolutely gorgeous women. Who would like to join me?"

Eyes wide with panic Jane took a step back. "Oh God no! Don't even think it!"

In her haste to backtrack away from the other Detective, Jane missed the smile shared between Maura, Angela and Constance, followed by a wink that Constance gave her daughter and so was momentarily stunned when the older Isles said. "It would be an honor Mr Korsak."

"Vince, please," Korsak corrected as he held out his hand, which Maura's Mother took gracefully. "Shall we?" A light chaste kiss on the lips followed, and there was a final berry left on the mistletoe.

Left standing with her mouth agape at what had just transpired Jane suddenly realized the focus of attention had shifted to her and Maura.

"One berry left," Frankie called out.

"Yes, go on Jane, I bet Maura won't mind if you give her a kiss," Angela added, much to Jane's amazement and she was just trying to work out how serious her Mother was when Maura then took her aback, causing total mental whiplash.

"Well, you did say you'd be the guy," Maura murmured low enough so only Jane could hear her, smiling demurely.

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