Chapter 13

A/N – Thank you once again for taking the time to read this story and to leave a comment/review. It is truly appreciated. So much in fact that I would like to offer the 100th reviewer (if we get there) a one-shot of their choice. J

I do not own Rizzoli & Isles or its characters

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Maura's anemia stemmed from a vitamin B12 deficiency, which meant that the lack of it was causing her body to not produce enough red blood cells. The manner in which the anemia diagnosis had come about had shaken Jane and Maura. At the time Maura's symptoms seemed, at least to them, to be indicative of something bad. But it wasn't and Maura's B12 deficiency could be easily treated by a supplement and by adjusting her diet.

Dr. Reese had already referred them to a hematologist who would monitor the anemia throughout Maura's pregnancy. And since the dizziness and headaches, mostly, abated, it was clearly going well. The doctor's appointments were more thorough at both Maura and Jane's request too. It wasn't that they didn't have faith in the doctor but rather that they wanted to make sure everything was going as it should.

"You know darling we can probably find out the gender of the baby at the next ultrasound," Maura remarked as she cuddled closer to Jane on the couch. "Do you wanna know Maur?" asked Jane thinking that she'd take Maura's lead on this one. In truth she didn't mind either way, so long as the baby and Maura were happy and healthy. "I'm not sure. There are pros and cons to each side," Maura surmised as she twirled Jane's hair through her fingers. "Are you trying to tell me that you're sexually frustrated?" Jane asked with a mischievous smile and the memory of when Maura had told her the exact same thing.

"No, this is an area in which you significantly excel," Maura hummed stroking Jane's ego. She leaned in to place a feather light kiss on Jane's throat and simultaneously inhaling her scent. God she smells good. I could take her upstairs and… "Maur? Did you hear me?" Jane snapped Maura out of her promising train of thought. "Huh? Oh sorry, I was distracted." Jane snorted fully aware how her wife's hormonal changes had 'distracted' her. "You said there were pros and cons to finding out the bub's gender?" Jane reminded.

"The con is that we'll not have that moment of finding out when the baby's born," Maura clarified. "The pros are we can definitely be better prepared before the baby comes. We can choose a name, we can set up the nursery in a not-gender-neutral manner and of course we can buy clothes which aren't gender neutral either." Jane watched as the wheels turned in Maura's head. "First of all, I will be doing all painting and assembly for the nursery," Jane's tone left no room for argument. "It may be overprotective but I don't want you around any paint fumes." She was in fact being overprotective of her wife and baby but Jane's philosophy was better safe than sorry. Or in this case better overprotective than sorry. "Secondly, I can really go either way on this Maur. If you wanna find out then I'm good with that. If not, it's cool too. So what do ya think? Do wanna know if bub is boy or a girl?" Jane asked as she slipped her hand under Maura's shirt and over her belly.

Maura slid her hand over Jane's. "I think I want to find out," she confessed. "I know I won't be disappointed either way, but I like the idea of knowing."

"I'm just saying I'm getting bub a Sox onesie, boy or girl," Jane grinned gleefully. "Do you think you could get your wife something?" Maura asked. "Of course babe. What can I get you?"

"Some ginger snaps?" Maura requested.

"I got you some yesterday. Let me grab 'em for you," Jane moved to get up from the couch. "Uhm, they're finished," Maura admitted shyly. Jane smiled at Maura's bashful look. "Then I'm off to the store for some more! That rhymed, didn't it? I didn't meant to I swear," Jane laughed as she grabbed her keys. Maura had developed a particular affinity for ginger snaps lately and the doctor was practically inhaling them as soon as they made it past the threshold. "You're my hero," Maura shouted from the couch. Jane turned back from the door and marched over to the couch. "Who knew ginger snaps was all it took to confirm my heroic status," Jane joked as she stole a quick kiss from Maura. Before she could pull back Maura wrapped her hands around the back of Jane's neck and pulled her in for a deep kiss. As they parted Maura gently wiped her lipstick from Jane's mouth with her thumb. "You're my hero in every way that matters."

"And you are my soul, I love you Maur," Jane declared. "I'll be right back."

Jane had been gone for about five minutes before a knock at the front door drew Maura's attention. She pulled the door open to reveal a man. "Hi there, thought I'd drop by," said Ian Faulkner, a boyish smile tugging at his lips. "Ian," surprise coloured Maura's voice. The last time she'd seen him she was sure it would be the last. "Well? Are you going to invite me in?" Maura stepped aside and let him enter. Ian dropped his bags next to the entrance and turned to scoop Maura into a bear hug. "Whoa! Are you pregnant?!" Ian asked, clearly shocked as he released her. Maura rubbed her slightly swollen belly lovingly. "Yes, I am five months along," she confirmed, a dazzling smile automatically coming to her face.

Ian's eyes immediately shot to Maura's ring finger. "And you're married," he observed. Maura thought she detected a hint of envy and disappointment in his voice but she dismissed it quickly. "A lot has happened since I last saw you," Maura said in response. "Why don't I make you some tea and we can catch up?" Maura offered.

She's married and expecting a baby! You've been away far too long Faulkner. Ian had settled himself on the couch waiting for Maura to join him. She set the tray down on the coffee table and sat down in the single-seater chair. "Have you been Africa all this time or…?" Maura started the conversation. "Yes, I did you back to Africa, but I've been elsewhere too," he took a sip of his team. "It has been a few years since we were together last," he reminded Maura.

"Yes, so much has happened and changed," Maura didn't really want to get into the details of her accident but the rest of it she was happy to share her marriage to Jane and pregnancy most of all. Ian noticed a smile tugging at Maura's lips. "Well come on, don't hold out on me. You clearly have…a lot…to catch me up on."

"Tell who's the lucky fella who finally got Maura Isles to the altar," he asked, wanting to meet the man who had put the ring on Maura's finger. "Actually, there is no man. I married Jane," Maura clarified for him. Ian didn't do a good job of hiding his dismay at the news. "Jane? Jane Rizzoli? The detective?" he asked, stunned.

"Yes, my Jane," Maura confirmed proudly. "But you're pregnant," He contended. Maura scowled lightly. "Surely, as a doctor, you know there are many methods by which one can become pregnant."

"This is a surprise," Ian said. Before Maura could respond the front door opened and Jane strode into the house with at least five boxes of ginger snaps. She set them down on the kitchen counter and turned towards the lounge. It's then that she noticed Ian sitting on the couch. What's he doing here? Her eyes met Maura's who gave her a small shrug. "Ian hi. It's been a while," Jane greeted him graciously.

"Hello Jane. Yes, it's clearly been too…a while," borrowing Jane's phrase as he shook her hand. "What brings you to town?" Jane asked as she perched herself on the armrest of the chair where Maura was sitting. "I came by to see Maura. Imagine my surprise. I suppose congratulations are in order," he said but his compliments seemed to be forced at best.

Jane eyed Ian warily. She didn't trust him the first time she met him and she didn't trust him now. Smarmy. That's the description Jane settled on.