"I didn't literally mean the most expensive burger in Boston, Maura. I was joking."

"You ate every last bit."

"I'm not saying it wasn't amazing. It was. But I don't even want to know what it cost."

My chin up, I smiled broadly. Jane had taken my hand as we walked across the parking lot and didn't let it go even after we entered the precinct. A few people had glanced at us, but no one said anything. There were a few knowing smirks, some elbowing, and possibly a muffled gasp; but no other dramatics. I could have sworn I saw money being exchanged, however.

"Okay, tell me what it cost. I wanna brag to Korsak about it."

I squeezed her hand in response. "Nope. If I tell you, you'll never let me take you back there."

"That much?" She chuckled. "Well, at least Ma should be happy I'm finally dating someone with money." She paused, her posture deflating briefly. "I should probably go and find her, huh?"

I cocked my head. "I guess it couldn't hurt."

"You're doing a lot of guessing lately, Dr. Isles." Her eyes twinkled.

"You're a bad influence on me," I responded primly as she laughed.

As we entered the café, Angela greeted us with a weary smile when she saw our clasped hands but had nothing else to say. Jane made a few awkward attempts to make conversation with her, even going as far as to ask her out for dinner later but she politely declined.

Mother and daughter faced off in silence for a few minutes, and after Angela remained stoically quiet, Jane glanced at me; an apology evident in her eyes as she let go of my hand before storming off toward the squad room.

I watched her lanky form retreat with a hollow pit in my stomach. I stood frozen, unsure of what to do. I didn't know if it was my place to say something to Angela, and if I did choose to say something, what would I even say?

I was useless in these types of situations. I turned, hoping Angela was ignoring me, but my hopes were dashed when I caught the older woman staring at me with an unreadable look on her face. I swallowed audibly, clutched my purse, and took a forceful step toward her. I owed to Jane to try and do something to help.

"Hi," she offered. "Do you want to sit down for a minute?"

"Sure," I responded; surprised as I took a seat at the closest table.

She didn't speak for several seconds, her hands twisting the once-perfectly folded napkin. Hesitant glances turned into longer, more direct looks. I tried not to avert my eyes from her intense stare even though I felt incredibly uncomfortable.

"How long?"

I raised my eyebrows in response.

"How long have you been in love with my daughter?" Her tone was free from accusations or anger. Instead, she appeared curious.

I couldn't help but smile. "Forever, it feels like. I liked her from the second I met her, even though I found her difficult to work with at first. Still, I knew instantly her impatience and often aggravated demeanor stemmed from her desire to be the best detective she could be. I admired her for that. She has done a commendable job of being an outstanding representation of a woman in her field. I have utmost respect for her. "

She watched me intently and was surprisingly quiet. When I stopped speaking, she raised her eyebrows and leaned forward; encouraging me to continue.

"I valued her friendship tremendously. I still do."

"What do you love about her?" Angela's voice was soft; gentle even.

Smiling bashfully, I looked down at my hands. "What don't I love about her?" The tenderness in my voice surprised me; it was rare that I allowed myself to be this vulnerable in front of anyone.

Nervous, my eyes met Angela's. Her eyes were warm and although lighter in hue than Jane's, they had the same welcoming quality. I felt my entire body relax and I shook my head in surprise; unsure what special power both Rizzoli women had over me. Regardless of the circumstances, it was almost impossible to be uncomfortable around them; as if they were a warm fire on cold winter day.

"She's kind." My voice startled me; I didn't realize I had said out loud what I had been thinking in my mind. "She tries so hard to always do the right thing; regardless of how much it may hurt her. She's noble and brave. Loyal. She would do anything to protect someone she loved. She's selfless and humble." Tears gathered in my eyes as thought about the woman I loved. "Her temper can be off-putting, but I don't mind it. I love that she's passionate about things. I love when she rolls her eyes. I love how she can tease me without ever making me feel badly about myself. She's messy and funny and corny and impossibly impossible to be around sometimes. She makes me feel safe and wanted. Special. Loved. Beautiful. But most of all, she makes me feel."

Tears rolled freely down my cheeks and as my hands were suddenly clasped by Angela's, I noticed she had tears in her eyes as well.

"Maura, sweetie, why didn't you tell me all of this before?" She looked hurt. "I always thought you and I were so close. I wish you had said something to me."

"I wanted to tell you," I answered honestly, "many times." I swallowed and let go of her hands to fetch a tissue from my purse. I dabbed at my eyes delicately, wanting to keep my makeup intact. "It was an awkward situation and I wasn't at the point in my life that I was ready to admit my feelings to Jane or anyone else." I continued, my voice wavering. "I'm still afraid of losing her. If our romantic relationship doesn't work, there is little chance of keeping our friendship intact. Her presence and friendship is the most important thing I have in my life. I love your family and you have all come to mean so much to me. Life without any of you would be difficult, to say the least." Fresh tears welled in my eyes and I tried, with little success, to will them away.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that." Angela waved her hands at me. "You're part of our family and we all love you. Family sticks together, no matter what." Her eyes shone as bright as her smile.

I tentatively met her smile with one of my own. After a few seconds, she clearly couldn't contain herself any longer.

"So, have you talked about your future? Gay marriage is legal in this state you know. I would be more than happy to plan your wedding. Have you decided how many children you would like to have? T.J. is going to need a playdate, and Tommy isn't in any position to support another child. Frankie isn't seeing anyone serious that I know of," she paused, looking at me sideways, "is he?"

I numbly shook my head. "I don't think so, no."

"Well," she continued, "then it's up to you and Janie to get moving. I'm not getting any younger and I don't want to be one of those blue-haired grandmothers. I want to be a cool Nonna."

"Nonna?" My mind is reeling. I never expected to be having this conversation so suddenly.

"That's what I've decided I'd like my grandchildren to call me. Nonna. It has a very 'Under the Tuscan Sun' sound to it, doesn't it?"

"I don't understand that reference," I remarked, still distracted by the image of a very pregnant Jane. Did she want children? She was so wonderful with her nephew, but would she want one of her own? And if so, would she want to carry it? Who would we use as a donor?

I vacuously nodded along as Angela spoke about Tuscany, a pregnant lesbian, a flock of sheep, and an Italian villa. Did Jane want to get married?

"Anyway, I watched that movie the other night and I think you two would be so happy."

"Sheep?" I muttered, completely and utterly confused.

"Do you think Jane would wear a white tux? Like Ellen? Did you see the pictures of her wedding with Portia? Just lovely. Let's plan something like that!" Angela continued on; her eyes bright with fervor.

"Wait, what?" I stammered nervously. I could feel my face flush as I slowly closed my eyes in order to prevent the room from spinning. When that didn't help, I leaned over and made sure to take deep breaths as I covered my face with my hands. The reality of the conversation played back in my mind; I somehow had led Angela to believe we were going to be married and have children. Jane was going to kill me.

Several minutes went by and I managed to catch a few snippets of Angela's stream of consciousness as she spoke to the top of my head. From what I could discern, she had us getting married on Valentine's Day, Jane and I in white while she wore a 'smokin hot' red getup.

I had to interrupt her before I got myself in further trouble. "Angela, You're not angry with me? With Jane?"

She didn't say anything for a second. "I'm hurt," she responded truthfully. Her sudden passion for the wedding had dissipated. "I don't know why Jane didn't just tell me right away."

"Because I was afraid." The low, raspy voice that I would recognize anywhere washed over me like cool rain on a warm summer afternoon.

I turned, finding Jane standing behind me unexpectedly. I tried to smile, but I could tell she knew I was faking it. She placed a warm hand on my shoulder and knew she could feel my faint tremors.

"What in the world are you two talking about? Ma, why does it look like you broke Maura?"

"We were just chitchatting," Angela said defensively. "I was asking about your future plans."

"Oh Jesus." Jane lolled her head back and rolled her eyes. "No wonder Maura looks terrified. When's the wedding date? Didn't we just have this fight? Didn't you learn your lesson? No wonder I didn't want to tell you about us!"

"Jane," Angela chastised as she stood up to face her daughter, "you should know better. I'm your mother, you can tell me anything. I know sometimes I can be a bit..." Angela paused, searching for the right word.

"Bossy?" Jane supplied helpfully. "Judgmental? Opinionated? Domineering? Controlling?"

Her mother didn't reply as she frowned at her daughter.

I stood up quickly and patted Jane's side, trying to hush her up before the discussion started to spiral out of hand. "Angela, I think Jane's trying to explain that this is an uncomfortable topic for her and she was fearful of your response."

"Uncomfortable?" Her mother gasped. "Since when is love of any kind uncomfortable? Love is the only thing worth living for. And she has no reason to fear me. I've never been any kind of bigot."

"Okay, okay," Jane gritted. "Can we not do this here?"

Angela put her hands on her hips. "Why would you want to hide this? Maura is a catch; you should be shouting from the rooftops how proud you are to be with her."

I bit back a smile as Jane practically glowered.

"I am proud." Jane's jaw couldn't have been more clenched and her words came out in guttural grunts. "But this isn't West Side Story, Ma. I don't need to go telling everyone my business."

I couldn't help myself. "Jane, the love affair between Maria and Tony in West Side Story was illicit and hidden. It certainly wasn't shouted from the rooftops."

Jane glared at me and I clamped my mouth shut.

"You two came in here holding hands and giggling. Who do you think you're fooling?" Angela couldn't help but add.

"I don't want to fool anyone," Jane growled. "I just want to be happy." Her eyes stricken, she looked at me so pathetically I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I entwined my arm in hers and leaned against her.

"And that's all I want for you," Angela responded.

"Good," Jane replied warily, "then why are we fighting?"

"We're not fighting."

"Good," Jane said again. Her voice was stronger this time. "Let's have dinner this week, please?" Her mother nodded happily. "Great. Now, I'm taking Maura with me this time so she doesn't get trapped in your wedding web of horrors. See ya later, Ma. Love ya."

Her mother leaned forward and planted a sloppy kiss on Jane's face. "See ya later, daughter." She glanced at me and smiled. "Daughters."