A/N: Thank you for all the support and encouragement for this story. I hope you all enjoy this update, your humble bard, Honorcpt.

Jane rolled onto her side and looked at Maura as she slept. She knew how lucky she was to have this second chance with her, she knew that, but the nagging doubts that had started to creep into her mind since Maura told her where she had gone three days ago bothered her. She loved Maura. Jane had said as much in the letter, and it was one of the first things she remembered after being shot, but she couldn't help wonder if any of Maura's professions of love were because of any guilt she might be feeling. Guilt about how she had treated Jane. Guilt because she was almost killed by her father's men. Guilt.

Closing her eyes she rolled carefully out of bed. Her balance was still affected but she'd learned that if she kept her eyes closed briefly it helped to keep her steady. With a backward glance at the woman she loved with her whole being, Jane headed to the living room.

Sitting in the recliner that Maura had surprised her with she took a sip of juice and opened up her notebook. Writing that poem for Maura had opened the floodgates again and she was writing daily. Sometimes just a note or a thought, other times a poem or two. She had forgotten how good it made her feel to write. It freed her. Plus, it was good therapy for her according to her doctor. What she loved about poetry was that there were no rules, so she was free to just write, and she did.

Maura stretched languidly and immediately sat up when she realized she was alone. She and Jane had been sleeping together every night since Jane got out of the hospital. At first it had been awkward, now that they both had revealed feelings for each other, but they had quickly fallen into a comfortable routine. Maura would by no means take advantage of Jane but each night had become harder and harder. She needed to feel Jane next to her in bed. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced before, for anyone. After almost losing her she had been reminded of all the times they had spent the night together as friends and how comforting her presence had always been. She hadn't realized it but she slept better when she was with Jane. She reached for her robe and put it on, time to find Jane.

Maura knew something was bothering Jane but she hadn't pressed her on it. She had sensed it since they had gotten home from the hospital and was sure it had something to do with Doyle. With a deep sigh she headed toward the living room to find her. Jane needed her rest, she didn't need to be worried or stressed about something that had to do with Doyle or anyone else.

Jane's notebook was resting on her lap. She had fallen asleep in the recliner with her mouth slightly open. Maura gazed at her surprised to find her in the recliner asleep. Smiling she could hear Jane arguing with her about the recliner until the moment she sat in it. She had grudgingly admitted that the seat was very comfortable after all. It had quickly become Jane's favorite seat besides sitting on the couch with her. Reaching down she started to pick up the notebook when Jane's hand grabbed hers.

"Don't."

Frowning at Jane's tone of voice she looked at her, "I wasn't going to read it Jane, not if you don't want me to." Hurt, Maura let it go and sat down. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

Jane heard her and saw the confusion on her face. There had been something wrong. She had written her thoughts down and read them to herself. It had bothered her to read how she was feeling but it had helped to write it down, it had helped her work it out in her head, and her heart. The woman who sat in front of her loved her, not because of guilt, but because of her. Jane could still hear Maura's letter to her, it resounded in her heart and soul. Paddy Doyle was Maura's father, that would never change, neither would how Jane felt about Maura.

Taking Maura's hand she brought it to her lips. "Nothing is wrong, not anymore. I just…I needed to work some stuff out in my head." And my heart she thought. The poem that had resulted from her thoughts spoke volumes about how far afield her thoughts had gone. She saw the worry in Maura's eyes and smiled tenderly. "I love you Maura Isles, that's what matters to me…I …I was worried that you only said you loved me because of what happened. When you told me you went to see Doyle…the doubts came flooding back…" seeing the look on Maura's face she grabbed her hand tightly, "I'm sorry."

Shaking her head at her, Maura shushed her, "No, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you where I was going, that I didn't tell you why…" she made a decision there, "Paddy helped me resolve some concerns I had for your safety, and…about you."

"Me?" Jane didn't understand and she honestly didn't think she was going to like what Maura had to say.

Maura nodded, "Until I saw him I didn't realize I was still…affected by what had happened at the warehouse Jane. He said he would have shot you if you hadn't shot him, that's when I finally understood."

"I didn't have a choice" Jane said softly.

"No, but he did."

Jane looked down at her notebook and handed it over to Maura. "Read the poem."

"In life we often wonder why the suffering and pain doesn't stop

Like Job in the bible we are forced to go through the trials of life

Only to smile at the end when life wins.

Life wins the moment we pass if we've been lucky enough to enjoy a life,

filled with hope, Pain, joy and sorrow.

Oft times we feel jealousy that those who have left us no longer suffer

And yet we ignore the sorrow they felt as they passed.

The family, friends and loved ones they left,

All to suffer quietly, silently, in the absence of light.

Pain reminds us that we breathe

Angst reminds us why we cry

Loss reminds us what we yearn for

Love is why we don't die."

Jane looked into Maura's eyes, "I was trying to figure things out. You're all I need Maura, no doubts, no regrets. I love you"

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, short but necessary I think…