A/N: Here is a longer chapter. Inspired by the song "Hey Pretty Girl" by Kip Moore. It's a beautiful song, and I recommend giving it a listen. Let me know if you like this! Mistakes are all mine. xx

Rating: M for this chapter!

Jane wasn't sure why her presence was "absolutely necessary" as Lieutenant Cavanaugh so succinctly put it. The Boston Police Department was celebrating a year of being injury-free or some other crap. Jane thought it was simply an excuse for the precinct to get drunk and have a night off. She snorted to herself; it took two hands to count the number of times she had been bruised or scraped in the past 12 months. But, no one had asked her.

Nevertheless, she was happy to have the night free with her colleagues anyway. Well, she was actually happier to have the night to herself and some bottles of Blue Moon on the department's tab, but she could pretend. At least she could sit and watch her peers act like fools out on the impromptu dance floor in the back room of the Robber. She was halfway through her fourth bottle when Cavanaugh was suddenly booming through the microphone that was being used for karaoke.

"Okay, so we are here celebrating one year of being injury free! Well, at least serious injuries," he bellowed out. Whoops and claps broke out around the entire bar. Jane smirked to herself when he mentioned the last part. "Okay, okay. Settle down because I have some important news. Since we are all gathered here tonight, I took the liberty of inviting the new medical examiner that we will be working with." This piqued Jane's curiosity. The last ME had been a complete douche, and she was quite happy to see him leave Boston. She was hoping that this next guy would be easier to work with. Cavanaugh's voice rang out again, "She won't be starting for another month but she is in town now to get everything settled. Anyway, it is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Maura Isles! Come make her feel welcome."

Jane's eyes were immediately glued to the woman who had walked up to where Cavanaugh was standing. Damn. Daaaaamnnn. The new ME was beautiful. She was standing confidently before the crowd in a fitted cobalt blue dress and heels that made her legs look simply delicious. Some uniforms (who were SO out of their league) ambled up to the honey blonde and started with the introductions. Jane watched the doctor smile politely and make what appeared to be small talk. But she also appeared to be turning each man down in turn, if their slightly dejected faces were any indication. The doctor turned around after the last man had walked away, and Jane realized she had been caught. She flushed and looked down at her bottle, slowly peeling the wet label from it. I cannot believe me she caught me staring at her. Way to make a good first impression, Rizzoli. Probably thinks you are a creep.

She felt the presence above her before her brain could register what she was seeing. The honey blonde peered down at her with a soft smile. "Dr. Maura Isles," she said by way of introduction, sticking her hand out at Jane.

"Rizzoli. Detective Jane Rizzoli," Jane managed to get out as she shook the doctor's hand.

"Well, detective, I think you are the last person I had left to meet. I must say I think I saved the better for last."

Jane was endeared by her misuse of the phrase. "It's the best for last, doctor," she said with a smirk. Maura flushed slightly and explained, "I have never been proficient at using colloquialisms. Though I must say I agree with the sentiments. You are definitely the best," she said flirtatiously.

The brunette raised her eyebrows at the doctor's forwardness—although it wasn't unappreciated. "Well, I don't know about that. But, I do know you should sit down and let me buy you a drink, to welcome you to Boston."

"I would be delighted to join you, Detective Rizzoli," Maura said brightly. She slid into the booth opposite of Jane.

"Call me Jane, I insist." Jane turned at got the attention of a waitress that had been taking care of the officers all night. The younger woman ambled up to take the taller woman's order.

"Yeah, can I get another bottle," gesturing to her Blue Moon, "and whatever Dr. Isles here would like."

Maura smiled up at the waitress and asked politely for a red wine, choosing not to be picky for once. She turned to Jane with a look of contentment. "You know, if I call you Jane, it is only proper that you call me Maura."

"Only proper, huh? Well, I would hate to offend the lovely doctor," the brunette said with a pretend air about her.

Maura laughed, causing her dimples to show and her eyes to crinkle at the corners. Jane thought she had never seen a person more stunning than the honey blonde in front of her.


The night progressed, and the drinks continued to flow for Jane and the new doctor. Jane was definitely feeling more than a buzz, but she couldn't remember a time where she was enjoying herself any more than she was tonight. There was hardly anyone else left in the bar besides the two women. Maura was laughing—again—at something Jane said when the music suddenly turned to a slower song.

Jane knew she was definitely feeling the drinks when she blurted out, "Do you want to dance with me?" Seriously, you can't even dance you idiot. Now she's going to know exactly how awkward you are. And all those beers don't help at all!

If the doctor was surprised by her question she hid it fabulously. "I would love to," she softly answered.

Jane stood up and held out her hand to the shorter woman. She walked them both over the few feet to the dance floor and reached out to grab the blonde's hips. The doctor wrapped her arms around Jane's neck, and she was certain she had actually died and was in heaven. At this proximity the detective could smell the floral perfume that flooded her senses and made her weak in the knees. They slowly turned in circles to the slow song, Jane finally being cognizant enough to listen to the lyrics.

So close but it ain't where I wanna be
And I'm loving every minute of your company
But have I read this all wrong

Maybe I move too fast
Or maybe I missed the sign
But baby this could last
You are the one thing on my mind

Jane stopped listening to the rest of the song because it seemed like this part was speaking directly to her. She was certain the planets and stars must all be aligned because she had never felt anything with another person like she was with Maura in this moment.

"Maura, would you be offended if I said I wanted to kiss you right now?" She muttered quietly.

"I think I would be more offended if you didn't kiss me right now, Jane," she breathed back.

Jane slowly—painfully slow for her own tastes—leaned down to the shorter woman. She paused with her lips just a hair from her dancing partner's. She breathed in Maura's scent one more time before finally closing the gap between them. The kiss was chaste by many standards, but it ranked as the best kiss Jane had ever shared with someone. She pulled back slightly but kept her eyes closed. She heard the honey-blonde sigh with what she hoped was happiness.

"I would've asked you to dance hours ago if I had known that's how it was going to end," she said with a chuckle.

Maura looked back up at her with a smile before pulling her neck back down. The kiss was much longer than the last. Maura trapped the brunette's bottom lip between her own, running her tongue across the length of it. Jane parted her lips as a sign of granting the other woman access. Maura plundered and Jane let her take all she wanted. Tongues slid against each other and oxygen consumption quickly became a problem. Jane pulled away only when she felt like she would drop to the ground just a moment more—from the kiss or lack of oxygen she couldn't decide.

Jane was positive that she had a grin the size of Texas splitting her face. Have I ever wanted someone so bad? Especially someone that I just met? Come on, Rizzoli. Don't scare the lady off. Jane tried to temper her smile, but she found it to be impossible—especially with the way Maura was staring back with a matching one.


On Sunday night, two days later, Jane was in the process of trying to drop Maura off at her front door. After they had reluctantly separated at the celebration, Jane had asked Maura to dinner. They picked up just where they had left off two nights before. The conversation flowed easily as if they were old friends, and the sexual tension had continued to mount. Which is why Jane had been saying "goodnight" to Maura for twenty minutes now. They were making out on Maura's front step like two teenagers instead of the thirty-somethings they were. Jane slid her hands down from the honey-blonde's hips to grab at the doctor's perfectly firm ass. Maura moaned into the taller woman's mouth, and Jane had never heard anything sexier. She slowly pushed Maura back until she had her pinned between her own body and the front door.

Jane broke the heated kiss and started kissing a line from the doctor's mouth up her jaw line and ending at her ear. She took a minute to nip at the earlobe between her teeth before soothing it with her tongue. She moved her exploration to the spot behind the other woman's ear and groaned when Maura let out the breathiest 'yes'. She bent slightly to press wet kisses down a long, slender neck before scraping her teeth against Maura's pulse point.

"Jane…please. Please come inside."

Jane pulled back and looked at the honey-blonde. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, very sure."

"I don't normally do this Maura but god…you… you are so damn sexy."

The doctor flushed at the compliment and looked at the detective. "Well, I am so glad you are making an exception for me, Jane."

She pulled Jane in for a short but heated kiss before turning around and attempting to open the door. Jane couldn't help but to wrap her arms around Maura's middle and press open-mouthed kisses to the back of her neck. The doctor struggled to keep her grip on the key and struggled even greater to put the key in the hole. After a much longer time than it should have taken, the door finally gave.

Jane pushed the doctor inside and kicked the door closed with her boot-clad foot. Then, barely a moment later, she pressed the woman up against the door and connected their lips again. She placed on thigh between Maura's legs and rolled her hips up. Both of them groaned at the pressure and friction Jane caused. Maura began clawing at the buttons of Jane's shirt, becoming increasingly frustrated with each passing second. Without a second thought, she grabbed both sides of the top and pulled in opposite directions. Buttons went flying and the sound of them hitting the hardwood made Maura realize what she had done.

"Oh Jane…I'm sorry. I didn—"

Her apology was cut off when Jane pressed against her again.

"That was one of the sexiest things I've ever seen, Maur," she growled. She slipped her hands underneath the doctor's silky green blouse and groaned at the smooth but taut skin she found there. She ran her hands up the honey-blonde's torso and pulled the shirt with them. The blouse was thrown on the floor without a second thought from either woman. Maura brought up her right leg to wrap around Jane's hips. Arousal flooded both of them when their skin touched for the first time.

"Bedroom Jane…second door on the left," Maura barely managed to let out.

Jane navigated them both to the master bedroom while keeping their kiss continuing the entire trip. Maura turned the tables when they got near the bed and instead pushed Jane down onto the king-size mattress. The doctor sat up to straddle the brunette, reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra and allowing it to slide off her shoulders.

I'm dead. I've got to be in heaven. That's the only way this can be possible. I could look at her tits all day. Jane reached up and palmed the sides of both breasts. She moved her hands around and slid calloused thumbs over already hardening nipples. Maura let out a gasp and the contact, bending slightly over, wanting more contact. Jane hooked a leg around Maura's and quickly flipped them both over. She slid down the paler body and had a look of reverence while looking at the doctor's naked torso. She leaned down and took a nipple into her mouth, running her tongue around the peak before biting just rough enough. Her right hand came up to knead the other breast, pinching the nipple between her thumb and forefinger.

Maura was writhing at the attention, tangling a hand in dark tresses. She needed more though. More contact. More skin. More Jane. Just more. She managed to reach down the olive-colored back and slip the clasp of Jane's simple cotton bra free. Jane released both breasts and sat up, riding herself of the bra. She moved to lie back down but Maura reached her hand up to her shoulder.

"You are so beautiful."

"You are more," Jane breathed before moving back on top of the doctor. Both hissed when skin and breasts and nipples slid against the other. Jane leaned down to initiate another passionate kiss, tongues dueling. She broke the kiss and began to slide down the length of the curves under her, letting her lips kiss a wet trail down stopping at both collarbones, a nipple, and a bellybutton. Her face was at the apex of Maura's thighs and she could feel the heat coming off the honey-blonde. Her fingertips reached up to skirt under the blonde's waistband.

"Jane, please," Maura breathed out.

Jane, reluctant to make the doctor beg (but even more reluctant to wait), unbuttoned and unzipped the fly on the perfectly tailored pants that had made Maura's ass look so…grab-able all night. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to the blonde's still-covered center, breathing in the scent of arousal that wouldn't be halted by the cloth barriers. She slowly, reverently, pulled the trousers down Maura's toned legs, revealing the doctor in all her glory.

Jane sat up slightly, staring unabashedly at the stunning doctor. "You are the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen," Jane said with a gentle confidence that made Maura believe every word.

The brunette crawled up to press a deep, wet kiss to parted lips. She slid her hand down the supple curves of the honey-blonde, pausing when she got to the strip of light curls at the woman's apex. Jane looked up, silently asking for permission that Maura was more than willing to give.

"Yes, Jane. Please."

Jane didn't need any more provoking than those few words. She let her slender finger slide down Maura's slit, collecting the wetness and spreading it back up to an already pulsing clit. She circled the bundle of nerves a few times before suddenly sliding two fingers into the blonde's opening.

Maura groaned at the intrusion and bucked her hips up, relishing in the fullness.

"Oh, god Jane."

Jane continued thrusting her fingers in and out, curling them as she went. Maura was writhing on the sheets, hands above her head grasping at the pillows. Jane was overcome with the urge to taste the woman under her, so she slinked down the body without hesitation.

Maura cried out loudly when her clit was suddenly surrounded by Jane's hot, wet mouth. The detective sucked and licked at the bundle, continuing to thrust in and out. Maura's breaths were coming more as pants now, and she could feel the waves about to crest.

"Jane…I-…I'm, I'm about to cum."

Jane didn't use words to acknowledge the other woman's declaration, choosing instead to hum against her center and look up to lock eyes with the blonde. The vibrations caused by the hum were all Maura needed to be pushed over the edge.

"Oh, god. Jaaaane!" Maura's back arched off the bed, her thighs clenching around the brunette's head. She remained suspended for several seconds, delighting in the ecstasy coursing throughout her body. Slowly, carefully she lowered herself back to the bed and released her legs' hold on the woman still sprawled between them.

"That was…amazing."

Jane slid her fingers out of the other woman's center, eliciting a gasp when they were completely removed. She took her time, kissing up the sweat-laden body under her, collecting the taste on her tongue. Finally reaching the other woman's lips again, she kissed the woman deeply.

"You are so fucking beautiful."

"Language, Jane," the doctor reproved with a smirk.

"Well, that is the only way I know how to describe you—and it doesn't even do you justice."

"The only thing not just about this situation is that you have touched and tasted me, but I have yet to do either to you," the blonde intoned.

"Being a detective, you know I am very concerned about justice," Jane said with a smile.

"Oh, I am counting on it." Maura quieted the chatter with a scorching kiss to parted lips and quickly flipped them both, smirking as she saw the surprise in the brunette's face.

The blonde let out a soft chuckle and leaned down to nip and the detective's earlobe, planning on surprising her all night long.


Three Weeks Later…

Jane stood outside her mother's front door, wringing her hands and rubbing at the scars in the middle of her palms. Maura reached over from her position beside her and grabbed at both hands, holding them gently.

"Are you that nervous about me meeting your family? I assure you Jane, I am well-read in many subjects and can hold conversations on a litany of topics," Maura said with a hint of anxiety.

Jane could read Maura's face and knew the other woman thought she was ashamed of introducing her to her family. Jane bent down for a quick kiss and replied, "I know you are, beautiful. It's not you I'm worried about. At all. How could they not love you?"

Jane knew her mother would love Maura, she was a doctor after all. (And how many times had she gotten an earful about finding a good doctor to settle down with over her 30-plus years?) But, Maura also had an infectious personality about her, making everyone around her just...better. Jane was just worried about how her brothers would react to her bringing a girl over. She had definitely not been shy about being a bi-sexual but she also had never brought a girl home.

Maura squeezing at her hands brought her out of her reverie.

"Ready?"

"Of course, Jane." Maura was confident in herself now that Jane had dispelled her worries about being inadequate just moments earlier.

"Here goes nothing," Jane said as she reached out to ring the doorbell.

Moments later, the thick wooden door swung open with a flourish to reveal Angela Rizzoli standing on the other side. If she was taken aback by the presence of a "stranger" she managed to keep her expression happily neutral.

"Janie! It's been too long. You need to visit more often," the elder Rizzoli scolded. She pulled her daughter into a smothering embrace.

"Geez, Ma. It hasn't been that long. I've been busy with work anyway." Jane wiggled and squirmed like a child until she was free from her mother's hug.

"Always work with you, I swear…" Angela seemed to notice the petite woman standing on the landing for the first time.

"Hello, I'm Angela Rizzoli, Jane's mother. And you are?"

Maura stepped up and smiled politely at the older woman. "I'm Maura Isles, Jane's…friend. We are also about to be colleagues." She held out her hand for Angela to shake but was instead pulled into a hug similar to the one Jane just endured. She caught Jane's eye as she Angela pulled her in. Did she say the right thing?

Jane smiled softly and nodded almost imperceptibly. They hadn't put a label on what they were per se, but Jane knew that giving it one during introductions with her mother was not the right move. She wanted to give the news to everyone over dinner.

The two women were then ushered into the house, the click-clacks of their shoes assimilating to the other noises coming from the living room.

"C'mon boys, your sister is here, we can eat. And be on your best behavior, she brought a guest!" Angela shrilled at the two brothers watching the game.

"I don't think they heard you in Paraguay, Ma," Jane muttered.

"Of course not, Jane. It would be quite the impossibility of anyone hearing your mother. Even outside of this house. Sound waves dissipate rather quickly," Maura informed the detective.

"Thank you, Maura." Jane's sarcasm was evident.

Maura simply looked up at her with an oblivious smile.

Tommy and Frankie finally made their presence known in the dining room, both sets of eyes being drawn to the beauty by their sister's side. Frankie looked confused for a moment as he recognized the woman from the station. "Hiya, Maura. Nice to see you again."

"Hello, Frankie. Nice to see you as well," Maura replied. Frankie beamed at the doctor.

Tommy stepped up beside his brother and nudged him to the side with his elbow. "Tommy Rizzoli. It's a pleasure meeting you, Maura."

Both Jane and Frankie scoffed and collectively rolled their eyes at Tommy's atypical politeness even though Maura seemed none the wiser. Angela simply looked at the group, her face one of happiness.

Jane turned away from looking at her brothers and her…girlfriend?

"Ma, I'm starving. Can we please eat?" Jane groaned out. Almost a whine really, but should would vehemently deny it if asked later.

"Always so pushy, Janie. Can't we just enjoy each other's company for a change?" the matriarch retorted and through up her hands.

Jane just groaned under her breath and ground out a "Yes, Ma." Out of the corner of her eye she caught Maura, trying (and failing) to stifle a laugh.

Eventually they all made it to the dining room table, somehow in one piece. The meal passed easily with light conversation. The Rizzoli clan made sure to include Maura when possible, asking her opinions. She shared about her job, and for once, the people around her seemed genuinely interested. Frankie and Tommy even started to tell her some of Jane's most embarrassing childhood moments, much to the chagrin of the older sister. Maura laughed along and said all the right things, charming the little family.

Over cannoli and coffee, Jane felt restless with her "secret" of sorts. She was a private person, even with her family, but she knew that introducing her relationship with Maura was important and she wanted to do it. She cleared her throat loudly and four other voices settled down to gaze at her curiously.

"Ma, Tommy, Frankie: I have something I want to tell you all. Maura and I…we-we are in a relationship," Jane squeaked out with an uncharacteristic nervousness.

For just a beat or two, no emotions were registered on any of the faces around her. Then all at once, smiles broke out on all of them. Her mother let out a squeal that Babe the pig would have been jealous over. Frankie reached over and punched his sister on the arm, good-naturedly. "Nice catch, Sis." Tommy nodded in agreement, "Yeah, good taste Janie." He looked over at Maura and smiled.

Jane breathed a sigh of relief and realized that her family was always going to love her, no matter what. She reached her hand under the table, finding the hand of the doctor next to her. She grabbed and squeezed gently, smiling with contentment.

Dessert turned into drinks, and drinks turned into more drinks. The mood was just too happy and care-free for anyone to leave yet. Soon, all of the Rizzolis plus Maura were riding a buzz late into the night. Jane caught a glimpse at the time on her mother's VCR and cringed. She hadn't planned to make them stay this long.

"Well Ma, it's getting late. Actually it is late. We probably should get going." She moved to stand up from the couch, reaching down to help the honey-blonde up.

"Oh, no ya don't Janie. It's too late for you to be driving home. Plus, don't think I haven't seen all the beers you've drank. You and Maura can just stay over here tonight. Frankie and Tommy, too."

The boys groaned from their places on the other sofa, joining Jane in her noise of annoyance.

"Ma—''

"No buts, Jane. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you!" Ma really knows how to lay on the guilt.

"Fine, Ma, fine." Jane knew better than to argue with her mother about this. She knew when to pick her battles and this wasn't one worth fighting.

"Maura, you can sleep in Janie's old bedroom. There are some clothes in her dresser that she left over here. They will fit you good enough. Frankie and Tommy, you know where your rooms are. Janie, couch for you."

"Are you kidding me, Ma? The couch?" This time Jane really was whining. The stare her mother leveled at her cut off her argument. She still huffed loudly and muttered choice words under her breath.

"Fine, whatever. C'mon Maura I'll show you to my room." Jane grabbed the doctor's hand and led her down the hallway, still mumbling her displeasure.

Both of them stepped into it, and Maura chuckled out loud. Jane's room, she suspected, had never been redecorated since the woman had moved out if the Red Sox pennants and Runaways posters were any indication.

"Don't laugh at me, Maura," the brunette jibbed, poking the shorter woman in the side. She walked over and pulled some yoga pants and a t-shirt out of the top drawer of the dresser, handing them back to the honey-blonde. She reached back and got sweatpants and a pullover for herself.

"These should fit you. There's an extra toothbrush in the bathroom down the hall, middle drawer."

"Thank you, Jane," Maura said appreciatively.

Jane stepped closer and brought her lips down to the doctor's, meeting in a kiss that grew in intensity the longer in went on. Jane had barely stifled a moan, remembering where she was, when she felt a soft object hit her in the head.

She whipped around to see Tommy laughing in the doorway, Frankie doubled over beside him. Before she could scold either of them, they broke out into a chant, "Jane and Maura sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…" Jane stooped to grab the soft football on the floor before chunking it back at the two.

"Seriously guys! What are we, five?" Jane screeched out, embarrassed that she got caught and frustrated that she still wasn't kissing her girlfriend. Laughter was her only answer as her two brothers ambled down the hallway to the room they had shared as kids.

Jane turned her attention back to the petite woman, leaning their foreheads together. She sighed. "It's going to be a looooong night."


Four Years Later…

"Maura, I swear to you, if I have to listen to this realtor go on and on about countertops and floor plans one more time, I live up to the homicide part of my title," Jane growled out lowly. The two women were looking at yet another house, much to Jane's chagrin. For some other-wordly reason, she had agreed earlier in the month to go house-hunting with her wife. She still claims she wasn't in the state to agree since at the time, Maura's naked body had been pressed against her own.

They had been married for two years when they made the mutual (in name only, really) decision to buy a house that could be theirs. Jane had moved in with Maura while they were still dating and was perfectly content living in that house forever. As long as Maura was there, she was happy. But, her wife had wanted more. Wanted something for their future children and Christmas parties and new traditions. Jane secretly thought it sounded nice, but she would never let on.

So, here they were. A bright, crisp Saturday morning perfect for lounging around the house spent instead in houses that all were starting to blur together. One could only take so much talk about flooring choices and paint and historical details.

"Jane, I think you will really love this next house. It was my favorite of the ones Kelly sent us to look over. And you would know that if you bothered to check your email every once in a while." Maura gave the brunette a knowing look.

"Whatever, Maura. Let's just get this over with. The game is going to be starting soon and I intend to be home watching it."

The two women walked up the drive and into the house where the realtor was waiting for them. Despite her grumbling and carrying on, Jane knew this house was different than the ones they had been shown previously. It just felt better; it was fitting. The kitchen was large and state-of-the-art—perfect for Maura's taste and prowess in the kitchen (and to be honest, Angela. She would definitely be cooking there, both women knew.) The living room was expansive and there was a perfect place to hang a large flat-screen television, which catered to Jane's needs perfectly. The rest of the house continued in a similar fashion. It was a balance of feminine and masculine, soft touches and sharp lines. It was a place that they knew they could come home to everyday and feel relaxed. Jane's favorite part of the house, though, was even technically part of the house. She had moved alone to the back of the home, gazing out into the spacious back yard. There was plenty of room for a grill and patio furniture and pick-up football games. She could picture herself spending many days and nights relaxing outside, maybe with a little honey-blonde, brown-eyed girl running around chasing her olive-skinned, hazel-eyed brother.

She was in the middle of debating whether or not she could convince Maura to spring for a pool when she felt to familiar arms embrace her from behind, a chin resting on her shoulder.

"This place is perfect isn't it?" she asked without turning around.

"Under normal circumstances, I would say that nothing is ever perfect. But, now, I would have to agree with you. It's perfect. Perfect for us now and our future kids later. Just..perfect," Maura softly returned.

Despite the moment, Jane couldn't help goading the shorter woman. She turned around and brought her hands to Maura's waist. "Mark this day on your calendars, ladies and gents. Dr. Maura Rizzoli-Isles has admitted to something being perfect. Stand-by for the medical journals documenting this phenomenon."

Maura glared back through her lashes and tried to suppress the smirk. She rolled her eyes and the taller woman's antics. "Well, this is the first time in my life I have experienced perfection. It certainly can't be found in the woman I'm married to." Now she let the smirk through.

Jane was taken aback at the other woman's sarcasm before letting out a short laugh. "And she also made a joke. This really is a historic day…" She trailed off.

"Well, since we are making history, why don't I make go '3 for 3' as you would say. I am GUESSING you will be sleeping on the couch tonight." Maura turned around with a smile on her face and sashayed out of the room, leaving Jane in her wake.

"Maur, wait. Are you serious? You can't guess, it's not right! Maur…Maur!" Jane chased her wife through the door, wondering if her life would always be like this.


Two Years Later…

The loud screams tore through the relatively quiet surroundings of the hospital room. Quiet shushes and gentle assurances did little to alleviate the noise or the pain for that matter. Maura was lying on the bed, legs spread open wide, red-faced and sweating. Jane was a sentinel beside her, allowing her hands to be squeezed with an uncanny strength.

"C'mon baby. Push a little more for me," she quietly said to the honey-blonde.

Maura responded by giving her a death glare and flipping the bird toward the brunette. Jane almost laughed at the absurdity of the gesture, especially coming from the typically put together woman, but she valued her laugh and kept the chuckle inside.

"You can have the next baby. I know that women have been doing this for millennia—'' Her lecture was interrupted by a loud grown from her own throat. She continued, "But I am done! Child-bearing is up to you from now on, Jane Rizzoli!"

Jane just looked down in silence and tried to comfort her wife, though nothing seemed to be sufficient. Finally after another grueling hour, small cried erupted from the space in between Maura's spread legs. The OB/GYN instructed Jane to cut the umbilical cord and soon after the newborn was swiftly checked out and cleaned up. The brunette was sitting beside the bed, running her hand over the other woman's sweaty forehead, occasionally leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. After what seemed like an eternity, one of the nurses brought the bundled infant over to both of the mothers.

Maura reached out and gently held the little bundle in her arms, Jane looking over from above.

"Hello, little McKinley Grace. I'm your mother. Well one of your mothers. I am so happy to meet you, little one." Maura's voice was watery but a smile was plastered to her tired face. "Jane, say something to your daughter. Newborns that are exposed to language are more 47 percent more likely to—''

Jane leaned over and kissed the other woman, ending the lecture. "Yeah, I can tell you're feeling better." Jane laughed and then looked down and the little human in her lover's arms. She was perfect, 10 fingers and 10 toes. Blonde hair that stuck up on top of her little head and the smallest of dimples found their place on two of the chubbiest cheeks. She was beautiful, just like her mother.

Jane spoke around the knot that was quickly forming in her throat. "Hey baby," she cooed. "It's your other mother. I'm so glad you are finally here. I may be you're the crazy mom that you'll whine about later, but I am never going to let anything happen to you. You are so perfect and nothing's going to ruin it. I love you so much." Jane let a happy tear slip down her face.

She turned her gaze upon her lover, best friend, wife, mother of her child, her everything. She smiled and felt the contentment and pride seeping out of her. "You did so good, baby. Our baby has your dimples and hair, and I bet she has her mom's beautiful big brain to go with it. I love you for doing this for us. I love you so much."


Thirty Years Later…

Jane had been fighting this sickness for a long time. She had started getting headaches and became dizzy if she did too much. She put off going to the doctor as long as possible, telling Maura she was fine. But, being attuned to Jane the way she was, Maura knew the retired detective was worse than she was letting on. After much pleading and lecturing, the still-brunette finally scheduled an appointment with her doctor. Even after all these years spent living with a MD, she still could barely understand any of the words thrown around at her visit. However, there was one word she knew very well and could understand perfectly—cancer. She had cancer. After years of facing down the worst of humanity, Jane Rizzoli was facing a monster unlike one she had ever known. Maura promised her she would fight with her and they came up with a plan like they had always done together. Rounds of chemotherapy and radiation did nothing to slow down the spread of disease; although, they rapidly took Jane's appetite, strength, and liveliness.

Jane knew she wasn't going to make it much longer, she could feel it in the deepest part of her being. It was a feeling that was foreign to her, but one she could interpret clearly. She was lying in bed, Maura resting quietly at her side, like always. She used all of her strength to turn on her side and bring a hand up to caress a cheek. A cheek that was no longer unwrinkled, showing the signs of aging that its owner had fought so long to keep away. The woman as a whole had aged over the years, but my had she aged gracefully. Jane still looked at her wife with adoration, especially after this latest journey. Maura was still a place of warmth and comfort and strength.

Her wife looked up at her with confusion on her face.

"Maura listen to me. I have to tell you this before I'm gone."

"Jane, no! Don't talk like that," she cried out, her face pinched in sadness.

"Shh, listen baby. I've got to tell you this okay? Please just let me," Jane begged the other woman.

Maura must have seen something in the brown eyes staring back at her. She nodded with permission.

"I've loved you for so long Maura, I cannot even remember what my life was like before you. You have brought so much happiness to my life, Maur. I don't have the words to even tell you how much. You gave us a beautiful girl all those years ago. A girl that has such a big heart and makes me so proud. Life is a long ride, but I know I made the right choice in choosing to ride it with you." At this point, tears were streaming down Maura's face, dripping onto the sheets between them. "You have been beside me, fighting with me and for me and I thank you for that. I wish I had forever to spend with you and tell you how much you mean to me. To make more memories with you. But, I know my time to go is almost here. I had to let you know, Maur. I thank God that I was able to spend a life with you and McKinley. You were, are, and always will be the best decision of my life. I love you, so much."

Jane finished her speech as her voice cracked. She leaned back on her pillow in exhaustion because that was the most words she had spoken at one time in weeks. She felt Maura sob against her while whispering, "I love you, too, Jane. I love you, too. Always. I will love you always." Jane let the warmth of the body next to her and the weariness take her under, pulling her into sleep, knowing that this was probably that last time she would drift off with her wife in her arms.


Fin.