Was really looking forward to writing this chapter so I hope you will all enjoy! The parts in italics are meant to be flashbacks in case that isn't clear and just to forewarn, there is a slightly mature topic in the middle there but it's fairly mild!
Enjoy! -J
Chapter 12- The Sound of a Heartbeat
"Well who do we have here?" The nurse at Dr. Brewster's office asked when Jane and Maura entered the examination room with Amelia 2 weeks later.
"This is our daughter Amelia," Jane replied proudly, a hand on the little girl's head. "She came to see her little brother or sister today," she smiled.
"Oh how nice," the nurse replied. "And are you excited to be a big sister Mia?"
"Mmm hmm," Amelia nodded, a big smile on her face. "Mommy said we should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat today, but we won't be able to tell if it's a boy or a girl. I really want a baby brother."
"Well your Mom is right about that," the nurse told her with a smile. "It will still be a bit longer before you'll know if you get a brother or a sister but I think you will love being a big sister no matter what," she said before turning her attention to Maura. "Dr. Brewster should be in with you shortly if you'd like to get changed."
"Is there anyone who could keep an eye on Amelia for the beginning on the appointment," Maura asked. "We would just like to make sure everything is okay before she comes in."
"Patty at the front desk will be happy to sit with her. She even has some colouring books to keep her occupied," the nurse nodded. "I can take her."
"Do I have to?" Amelia gave Maura a pout.
"Just for a few minutes Sweetheart," Maura replied, reaching out and touching the little girl's cheek. "Mama will come and get you as soon as it's time," she said, not wanting Amelia to be in the room if they received bad news. "It won't be long."
Sighing, Amelia turned and followed the nurse out of the room, leaving Jane and Maura on their own so that Maura could change into the hospital gown that had been left out for her.
"How are you feeling? Are you nervous? Because I'm a little nervous," Jane began to ramble as Maura began to change. "I mean I'm not really sure why I'm nervous…I guess it's more anxious than nervous…I've been waiting two weeks for this and I've never experienced this before and..."
"Jane," Maura interrupted with a laugh, already changed. "Honey, you're rambling," she smiled, turning around so Jane could tie up her gown for her. "There's nothing to be nervous about. All of my symptoms are still present and we have no reason to believe there are any problems. Please try and relax."
"Sorry," Jane blushed, allowing Maura to pull her down onto the examination table to sit next to her. "I guess I'm just over excited."
"Trust me I'm aware," Maura once again couldn't help but laugh at her wife. "I mean I have been with you the last two weeks."
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Two days after finding out they were indeed pregnant, Maura had had to stay at work late, needing to perform an autopsy to ensure a death was indeed accidental, meaning Jane had gotten a ride home from Frost so she could have dinner with her Mother and Amelia. Maura had wanted to get home before Amelia had to go to bed, but had been forced to take a break halfway through the autopsy when she was hit with a wave of nausea.
Letting Jane know she would be late, Maura had arrived home just after 8pm, quietly entering the house to find the downstairs silent and empty. Hungry, Maura was happy to find a plate waiting for her on the counter, sticking it in the microwave as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Having not heard Maura returning home, Jane hadn't expected anyone to be downstairs, nearly jumping out of her skin when she reached the bottom on the stairs to find Maura standing in the kitchen.
"Jesus!" Jane dropped the book she had been carrying, placing her hand over her heart. "When did you get here?"
"Only a moment ago," Maura replied, making her way over to the brunette. "I'm sorry darling," she leaned in for a kiss. "I didn't mean to startle you. Let me just get that for…" She moved to pick up Jane's book.
"Oh you don't have to!" Jane tried to argue, her cheeks immediately reddening when Maura grabbed the book, turning it over so she could see the cover.
"You're reading What to Expect When You're Expecting?" Maura asked when she read the title of the book, sounding surprised.
"Oh…uh…well yeah," Jane replied, looking embarrassed. "I just…well I guess…"
"Jane," Maura reached out and grabbed her wife's hand, not used to seeing the brunette so flustered. "You don't have to be embarrassed. I didn't mean to sound so surprised I just…well I didn't realize you were reading this is all," she handed the book back. "I think it's nice that you're reading it."
"I've never done this before," Jane shrugged. "I just wanted to know what was going on you know," she said. "I wanted to make sure I was aware of what you were feeling and going through and everything."
"That's very sweet," Maura smiled, leaning in for a kiss. "I love that you're doing that."
"Yeah well, I figured it would be good for me to know," Jane tried to act like it wasn't a big deal but she eventually broke out into a big grin. "Plus I just love reading about the baby," she admitted. "I wanted to know how they were growing and when they would be able to hear our voices and stuff. It's all just really exciting," she was still blushing. "I'm just really excited."
"Well I'm glad," Maura wrapped her arms around Jane's waist, pulling her closer. "Because I am extremely happy that we're getting to do this together," she leaned in for a kiss, which Jane was happy to deepen. "You know it has been a while since I read that book," she said when she pulled away. "You want to fill me in on my next month or so while I eat dinner?"
"Sure," Jane grinned, chuckling. "That actually sounds perfect."
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"Hello ladies," Dr. Brewster greeted as she entered the examination room a few minutes later. "I just met a young lady at the reception desk who is very anxious to hear her little brother or sister's heart beat," she smiled. "She looks just like you Maura."
"She acts just like her too," Jane laughed, jumping off the table so she could stand next to Maura.
"Oh I'm fairly certain she acts a lot like her Mama," Maura shook her head. "You should hear her sometimes. She sounds just like Jane."
"Somehow I can see that," Dr. Brewster smiled. "Well I don't want to keep your little one waiting too long, so we'll get started. How are you feeling Maura?"
"I've been getting tired," Maura replied, taking Jane's hand in hers. "The nausea is becoming more frequent but I'm still feeling pretty good. I expect the morning sickness will hit relatively soon. I believe it was after the first month when I was pregnant with Amelia."
"Well you're probably right then," Dr. Brewster nodded. "I'm glad to hear that you're feeling good though. You will likely continue to grow tired more easily as I'm sure you know. It's best to take everything in stride and slow down when you absolutely need to," she said before turning her attention towards Jane. "And what about you Jane? How are you doing in all of this?"
"Oh," Jane wasn't expecting the question. "I'm good!" She eventually said. "Just doing my best to educate myself on everything Maura and the baby are going through. I'm still just really excited," she grinned. "I've got to admit it has been a long month though," she said, turning towards Maura who gave her a knowing smile.
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Jane wouldn't exactly say she was a patient person; if you asked her Mother she would say that the younger brunette was born impatient, always the child who would spend an entire road trip asking if they were there yet. Though she liked to think that she had learned some patience in her adulthood, Jane knew that she still struggled when it came to waiting for something that she wanted.
It wasn't as if Jane hadn't gone without sex before; in fact she had gone much longer than a few weeks without an intimate relationship when she wasn't dating anyone, as she wasn't one to engage in hook ups. While these "dry spells" normally didn't bother Jane, being in a relationship with Maura was different.
Jane missed being with Maura. Her relationship with Maura was special and while being intimate with her was only one part of their relationship, it was a part that Jane was very quickly beginning to crave. Not wanting to sound whiney, or seem like she only wanted one thing from her wife, the Detective kept quiet about her needs, pretending like Maura's every move and touch wasn't driving her absolutely crazy.
It was the third week, waking up after a rather vivid dream, that Jane felt like she was going to explode pretty soon, as she rushed for the bathroom before her wife even woke up, needing to cool off.
"Guess it's a cold shower for me this morning," Jane grumbled to herself as she turned the water on, pulling off her pajamas. "God I feel like a teenager! Only one more week," she continued, attempting to step into the shower stall, but quickly jumping back out as the cold water hit her foot. "No! Nope! Way too early for that," she turned the faucet back to hot before eventually getting in.
Jane did her best to get her thoughts away from her dream and her wife who was still lying in their bed, but her attempts were futile, as the ache between her legs only seemed to grow more intense. Remembering what Maura had told her while they were at the doctor's office, Jane considered her options for a moment before pulling the showerhead down from the wall.
"This is what removable showerheads were made for right," Jane shrugged as she changed the settings before directing the water where she needed it most.
Biting back a moan, Jane allowed her eyes to close, getting lost in the rather intense sensations. Figuring she wouldn't last long, Jane was oblivious to her surroundings, and therefore didn't hear the bathroom door open.
"Jane are you…oh," Maura froze as Jane's eyes shot open, the brunette immediately moving the showerhead. "Were you masturbating?"
"Jesus Maura," Jane knew her cheeks were flaring. "I'm sorry…I didn't…I was…what did you need?" She tried to change the subject.
"Oh it's okay," Maura shook her head. "It's not that important and I don't want to interrupt. Feel free to continue what you were doing."
"Well I'm not gonna keep going now," Jane scoffed, clearly embarrassed, though Maura didn't seem to know why. "I mean I can't."
"Of course you can," Maura was obviously unfazed. "In fact," she took a seat on the toilet, grinning. "I'll watch!"
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"Well all your waiting is finally over," Dr. Brewster smiled. "We should get started so we can get that little girl in here. Maura why don't you lie back and I'll give you a towel so we can lift up your gown. Hopefully we'll be able to get a clear picture with the ultrasound," she said, waiting for Maura to situate herself so she could set up the machine.
"This is so exciting," Jane whispered, squeezing Maura's hand as Dr. Brewster got everything ready, spreading gel over the blonde's belly before grabbing the ultrasound wand. "We're about to see our baby," she leaned over and spoke into Maura's ear, placing a kiss against her head.
Grinning, Maura couldn't help the tears that immediately filled her eyes, once again feeling emotional about just how happy Jane was.
"Okay let's see here," Dr. Brewster continued moving the ultrasound around, looking for a picture while both Maura and Jane watched the screen anxiously.
Being a Doctor, Maura gasped as soon as she saw what they were looking for, feeling Jane's hand freeze in hers, understanding what her wife was seeing. "Well I know you know what you're looking at Maura, but Jane," Dr. Brewster pointed to what the brunette could only describe as the blob on the screen. "There is your baby."
"Oh…" Jane felt at a loss for words. "Oh wow," she felt Maura tightening her hold on her hand.
"Let's see if we can hear this little one," Dr. Brewster adjusted the sound and a fast beating sound filled the room, instantly bringing tears to Jane's eyes. "Sounds like you've got a strong one in there," the Doctor said, smiling as she allowed the couple a few minutes to simply bask in their happiness. "Jane would you like to go get Amelia?" She asked after a few minutes.
"Hmmm?" Jane had to tear her eyes away from the screen, mesmerized by the life that she and Maura had managed to create. "Oh…yeah…yeah I'll do that," she placed another excited kiss against Maura's head. "I'll be right back."
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"Mama?" Amelia rested her head against Jane's shoulder one Saturday afternoon, the pair stealing some lazy time together on the couch while Maura was out running errands.
"Yeah baby?" Jane turned her head to place a kiss on top of the little blonde's head before returning her attention to the movie the six year old had chosen for the day.
"You're still my best friend right?" Amelia asked, playing with the locket Jane had gotten her their first Christmas together.
"What?" Jane was surprised by the question, sitting forward so she could look at her daughter. "Of course I am!" She was quick to assure her. "It says so right here," she pulled out her own necklace so Amelia could see. "You're still my best friend aren't you?" She asked, knowing the little girl now had plenty of friends at school but still considered her Mama to be her very best friend.
"Mmhmm," Amelia nodded. "But what happens when the baby comes?" She asked, a serious look on her face.
"Oh Bug," Jane immediately paused the movie; wanting to make sure she had the little girl's full attention. "Listen to me Baby. Listen really carefully okay?" She said, waiting for Amelia to nod. "Nothing is ever going to change our relationship okay? You are always going to be my best friend and my little girl; no matter what," she continued. "There is a lot of love in my heart and when the new baby comes there will be enough love to go around. Mommy and I are going to love you both the same. Always. And you're going to love your little brother or sister too right?"
"Lots and lots and lots," Amelia nodded, smiling as she wrapped her arms around Jane. "But I hope it's a brother."
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Though it was difficult to tear herself away from Maura and the sound of their baby, Jane was excited to bring Amelia in to hear her brother or sister. As soon as she saw her Amelia let out a squeal and ran into Jane's arms.
"You ready Bug?" Jane asked, receiving an enthusiastic nod in reply. "Okay, let's go see your little brother or sister then," she said, lifting up the little blonde and carrying her back into the examination room where Maura and Dr. Brewster were waiting for her; the sound of the baby's heartbeat still filling the room. "You hear that Baby? That's the baby's heartbeat."
"It is?" Amelia's eyes widened as Jane brought her closer to Maura. "Wow. It sounds real fast Mommy."
"It sounds nice and strong," Dr. Brewster said as Jane placed Amelia to sit on the edge of the table next to Maura. "And you see this right here," she pointed to the screen. "That is the baby."
"That's the baby?" Amelia squinted her eyes at the screen, looking confused as she eventually turned towards Maura. "It doesn't really look like a baby Mommy."
"That's because he or she is still very small," Maura reminded her, running her hand over the little girl's hair. "The baby still has lots of growing to do before they look like a baby."
"I will print off some pictures for you," Dr. Brewster smiled as she watched Amelia focus back on the screen, looking rather amazed. "Have you told anyone else about your pregnancy yet?"
"No one else knows yet," Jane shook her head.
"Nona knows," Amelia said, gasping when she realized what she said, placing her hand over her mouth. "Oops."
"What do you mean Nona knows? My Ma doesn't know. Does she?" Jane turned to Maura who had a guilty expression on her face. "Maura?"
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"Maura, I was just thinking," Angela found the Medical Examiner in her home office late one afternoon. "Have I ever told you about my great Grandmother?"
"Oh...well, no," Maura was unsure where this conversation came from. "I don't think you ever have."
"She was a wonderful woman," Angela said, taking a seat on the couch and gesturing for Maura to join her, eventually taking both of the blonde's hands in hers. "And she was also very intuitive. She always knew if you were lying by running her fingers over your palm lines," she continued, running her fingers over Maura's hands, not missing the nervous look on her daughter-in-law's face. "Yours are a little sweaty," she watched as Maura began to panic. "Okay, don't worry, I won't ask you any questions so you don't have to lie, I know how hard that is for you," she waited a moment. "You and Jane have a secret. Maura," she pulled the blonde closer. "You're glowing and you're not drinking any of your fancy coffee. Your palms are talking to me."
"They can't actually be talking," Maura blurted out, knowing Angela had all the answers she needed as soon as the older woman began to laugh.
"I knew it!" Angela exclaimed, jumping up in excitement. "I knew it! You're pregnant!"
"I didn't say anything!" Maura stood up as well, unsure how she had managed to tell Angela their secret without even saying anything. "Angela please, you can't tell Jane you heard this from me! It's still early and we wanted to tell everyone together."
"Oh don't worry Maura," Angela grinned. "Your secret is safe with me," she said before pulling the younger woman in for a hug. "But I am just so happy for you both!"
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"She told you that thing about her great grandmother, didn't she?" Jane rolled her eyes, taking her wife's hand in hers so she would know she wasn't upset. "Frankie could never get away with anything when we were kids; she was always using that story on him."
"She cornered me in my office," Maura still looked guilty. "I didn't say anything…not really at least, but she had already figured it out."
"It's okay Gorgeous," Jane chuckled, leaning down and kissing Maura's forehead. "We kind of figured she already knew anyways. I'll mess with her later to get her back for this though; just give me some time to plot."
"You have a very twisted relationship with your family," was Maura's reply making the brunette laugh harder.
"Trust me I know," Jane wrapped her arms around both Maura and Amelia. "Now what do you say we go home and plan our big baby announcement. What do you say Mia? You wanna throw a party."
"Yeah!" Amelia threw her arms up in the air.
"I suppose we might as well confirm everyone's suspicions," Maura nodded.
"Well I hope you enjoy that ladies," Dr. Brewster told them, a smile on her face. "And I will see you in a few weeks."
"We look forward to it," Jane smiled, once again lifting Amelia up into her arms. "We'll see you soon Doc."