A birthday present
"You sure?"
"Of course I am – wouldn't have told you otherwise".
"Wow".
She smirked at this. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Tommy".
"Come on, sis – you know that I'm happy for you two. Really. I just didn't expect such a thing, that's all".
"Are you hinting at the fact that I'm too old for it?"
"What? No, I didn't mean that".
"But the thought has crossed your mind".
Her brother paused slightly. "No".
"Liar".
"Well, I might be concerned about your health – you can give me that".
At the other end of the phone Lisbon actually smiled. "No need to be. I'm perfectly fine".
"Take care of yourself anyway".
"I will. Tell Annie to call me when she gets home tomorrow".
"All right. Night, Reese".
"Night, Tommy".
She slipped the cellphone back into her pocket and walked into the bullpen. Jane was still unwrapping his last birthday present – a new teapot from Van Pelt.
"Thank you, Grace. I love it".
Lisbon decided to indulge herself and take another piece of cake. She really shouldn't, but it tasted so good…
Jane suddenly tilted his head towards her. "What about you? Where's your gift?"
"As someone said once… it's on its way".
"That's mean, Teresa. I got you a pony that time, remember?"
She chuckled. "Yeah, I remember. My gift is better than a pony though".
"When are you going to give it to me then?"
"Man, you really shouldn't ask such questions… at least not in front of us", Cho deadpanned.
That had Lisbon blushing crimson – while Jane didn't even blink.
"I'm quite sure my lovely wife would never drop that kind of hint in your presence".
Rigsby nearly choked on his wine, and Van Pelt hastily turned away.
"Your gift is on its way, as I've already said. You'll have to be patient, that's all".
"How long?"
A mischievous grin finally crept over her face. "Let me think… a little over eight months, I reckon".
The teapot suddenly risked to meet an untimely end as Jane took in what she had just said.
"You sure?"
"That's exactly what Tommy has asked me a couple of minutes ago. You men are a little unimaginative, aren't you?"
"Well, maybe".
His broad smile said more about his happiness than any word could do.
"I can't wait to receive your present, you know", he whispered softly as he placed a kiss on her lips – not caring about the other three people in the room actually staring at them.