Ok, as mentioned yesterday, we are coming to the end of this bad boy. One more proper chapter after this, and I'm working on an epilogue to tie it all up nicely. Sounds like people are wanting a sequel, so I will definitely start thinking about that as well.

As always, thanks so much for your comments. I thought I had a good idea when I started this, but was unprepared for such a positive response. Happy reading :)

Maura stirred first the following morning, blinking sleepily in the sunlight streaming through the windows of her bedroom. Rolling over, she was greeted by the sight of a still-unconscious Jane, sprawled out in the expanse of the bed, her face peaceful as she continued to sleep away. Even though both women had spent the better part of twenty-four hours together, and mostly in Maura's bed, she was still wasn't used to waking up with someone in her bed. But Maura smiled at the fact that it was Jane she was waking up next to, and she curled up comfortably and studied the slumbering brunette for several minutes.

As her eyes traced every curve and inch of Jane's smooth, olive-toned skin, she thought back to their conversations from yesterday. Even though the trial period that they had decided on appealed to her logical side, she was unsure of what it meant to be someone's wife. The closest thing Maura had ever had to a long-term relationship was Garret Fairfield, and Maura knew that she only reason she had dated him for as long as she had was because of the pressure from both their families. And this thing with Jane wasn't just a long-term relationship- it was a marriage. For the time being, anyway. The bottom line was, Maura had no idea how to be a wife. But as she watched Jane sleeping peacefully, she decided that she was going to give it her best effort. Something about Jane made Maura want to try. Something about Jane made all of the uncertainty seem worth it.

Maura wasn't sure how long she had been watching Jane for, but eventually she started to stir. Maura watched as long lashes fluttered, eyelids opening to reveal chocolate eyes still hazy with sleep. Jane's eyes focused, scanning the room and taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Eventually, they settled on Maura, evoking a sleepy grin from the brunette.

"Morning." Jane rumbled, raising a hand and rubbing her eyes. She straightened out her limbs and stretched for several seconds.

"Morning." Maura smiled shyly and leaned in, giving Jane a quick peck on the lips.

"Just so you know"-Jane yawned and sat up in the bed- "I generally don't make it a habit of spending twenty-four hours at someone's house…especially when about twenty-three and a half were spent naked." She rubbed her eyes again. "But then again…I could get used to this." She admitted, her eyes fixing on Maura, this time much clearer. "I should probably go. I need a shower."

Maura nodded, and watched Jane slide out from under the sheet and out of the bed. She couldn't help but stare at the lean, naked body on display in front of her, groaning internally as Jane picked up her clothes and put them on one by one. Naked Jane was truly a sight to behold, and Maura shivered imperceptibly remembering the steamy sex they had last night after finishing their pizza. Pushing the images out of her mind, she slid to the edge of the bed and stood, pulling her robe from her closet door and slipping it on.

"You don't have to go you know." Maura stated, tightening the silk sash around her slim waist.

"Maura, as much as I have enjoyed spending time with you, I think we both need our space to process things. We talked about some pretty heavy things yesterday." Jane picked up her phone from the nightstand and slipped it into the back pocket of her jeans. "And besides, I have a hot date with this gorgeous blonde I know tonight that I need to get ready for." She flashed Maura a broad smile.

Maura returned the smile. "Let me walk you out."

Jane followed Maura out of the master suite and downstairs. She retrieved her car keys from the counter and slid on her shoes. Once she finished tying the laces, she straightened up. "I was thinking maybe catching a movie and then a walk around the common. If I pick you up at six, is that okay?"

"That sounds perfect." Maura replied, sliding over the deadbolt and opening the door. Jane stepped outside, surprised by how hot it was already. She turned to face Maura, suddenly shy and unable to think of what to say.

"So…I guess I'll see you later then?" Jane turned and started to walk down the steps, only to have Maura's hand grab hers, spinning her around. Suddenly, Maura's lips were on hers, moving gently but with purpose. It was over too quickly for Jane's taste, and Maura pulled back, blushing.

"Bye Jane." Maura released Jane's hand and watched as Jane nimbly hopped down the last few steps and over to her Jeep. Maura watched Jane pull away, waving until the blue Jeep disappeared around the corner.

True to her word, Jane picked Maura up precisely at 6pm. She had managed to find a theater downtown that was running a marathon showing of the Planet Earth series, figuring that Maura would appreciate the educational aspect of the film. And Jane knew that she would enjoy it as well, having seen a few of the episodes when she found herself channel surfing. Who doesn't enjoy watching a pride of lions stalk then devour an antelope…right?-Jane thought to herself. As they entered the theater, both women were grateful Jane had chosen an indoor activity, as Boston had experienced record high temperatures that afternoon. Jane insisted on buying some candy and popcorn, ignoring Maura's protests about the high levels of sodium and sugar. But as they settled into their seats, Jane wasn't surprised when Maura's hand slid slowly into the popcorn bucket several times.

It wasn't a very interactive date, but both Jane and Maura enjoyed the two segments they watched. They also enjoyed holding hands and stealing a few kisses. When the second segment was over, Jane nodded toward the exit. Maura got the hint and they exited the theater back out onto the street. The sun was just beginning to set, and the temperature was finally dropping. Maura felt Jane grasp her hand as they slowly sauntered along the Boston streets toward the Common, chatting idly as they did. Along, the way, they stopped for ice cream, enjoying the cool treat as they entered the Common. Eventually they settled on a bench, sitting close despite the heat.

"This was fun Jane. I have the boxed set of that series, but seeing it on the big screen makes it much move vivid." Maura licked at her mocha ice cream that was dripping down the back of her hand.

Jane smiled. "Of course you do. I should have known. You are a nerd after all. I'm glad you enjoyed it though. How's your ice cream?"

Maura's eyes lit up. "Really good. Want to taste?" She held up the cone. Jane hesitated, then leaned over and swiped her tongue along the cold confection.

"Wow, that is pretty good. Try mine." She offered her cone of butter pecan for Maura to taste, grinning appreciatively as Maura lingered seductively as she swiped her tongue over the ice cream. She managed to get some on her chin, and Jane was all too happy to lean in and clean it up for her, adding a few extra kisses along Maura's jaw line. Both women were smiling as Jane returned to her normal position, silent once again as the sun continued to set, dusk settling over the city shortly after.

Jane stood to throw out their cone wrappers, and held out her hand as she returned to the bench. Maura was all too happy to oblige and the two resumed their walk around the common.

"Can I ask you a question?" Maura turned to look at Jane and nodded. "Actually…I have two questions."

"Well now…"-Maura teased- "Two might be pushing it." Jane chuckled lightly beside her.

"My wife…the joker." Jane said dryly. "I'm suddenly re-thinking this whole marriage thing…" She teased back. She raised a hand in mock surrender as Maura shot a fierce glare at her. "I'm kidding, of course."

"What did you want to ask me?" Maura steered them back onto topic, genuinely curious about what Jane was thinking.

"Oh…right. Well, I wanted to know what was going to happen with your residency program. You know…since you missed the first month and all. I'm just trying to get a sense of how we are going to make this work between us and stuff." Jane glanced quickly at Maura.

"Well, luckily I had a chance to speak to my faculty advisor before I left for Paris and he was quite understanding of my extenuating circumstances. Obviously, I will start on Monday, but will be behind quite a bit. We managed to work it out so that two of the weeks I was gone will be taken out of my allotted four weeks of vacation time."

Jane nodded. "And the other two weeks?"

"Well, that's the tricky part." Maura sighed. "I am going to have to work extra hours to make it up. That's why I was so hesitant to do this whole trial-marriage thing, because I knew I would be working long hours to catch up with my peers. What if we never see each other?"

Jane released Maura's hand, instead placing her arm gently around the blonde's shoulders and pulling her into her side. "We'll figure it out. We'll make it work." She said confidently, feeling Maura relax against her. "This might sound crazy, but I think this thing between us is going to be worth fighting for in the end."

Maura contemplated that statement, hoping that it would turn out to be true after the six months were up. Not wanting to dwell on the uncertainties, Maura turned to Jane. "What's your other question?"

"What?" She caught Jane intently studying her face.

"Your other question. You said you had two."

"Right. Um…so my family gets together most Sundays for dinner." Jane kicked a small rock as they walked, sending it skittering away in front of them.

"That was a statement, not a question." Maura bit her lip to stifle her laughter as Jane rolled her eyes.

"Thank you Doctor Isles. What I meant to say is that you should come too. Tomorrow is Sunday. I'd like you to meet my family. Well…you already know Frankie, but I'd like you to meet Ma and Tommy. Who knows, maybe Pop will be there too." Jane knew it wasn't likely her father would be there since things were, well, complicated between her parents, but now wasn't the time to explain all the sordid details to Maura. "I mean…if you already have plans, you don't have to of course but…"

Jane's nervous ramblings were cut off as Maura suddenly stopped walking, causing Jane to stop too. Jane opened her mouth to speak, but was halted by Maura's lips pressing against hers. Jane's hands wrapped around the small of Maura's back, pulling her closer, and responding eagerly to the kiss, earning a quiet moan from Maura as a reward. Jane could taste the sweetness of the lingering mocha ice cream on Maura's lips. They were oblivious to the people around them, enjoying the blissful connection between the two of them. Jane eventually broke the kiss, knowing that if they continued, they would soon be past the point of no return, and rested her forehead against Maura's, both women struggling to regain their breath.

"You are adorable when you are flustered, Jane Rizzoli." Maura wrapped her arms around Jane's waist, turning her head to the side so her cheek rested against her chest. Maura felt the vibrations as Jane laughed quietly.

"I've been called a lot of things in my lifetime, but 'adorable' isn't one of them Maur." She kissed the top of the blonde head and released her gently. Maura immediately reached for Jane's hand and they continued their walk along the quickly darkening Common.

"Jane?"

"Yeah Maur."

"I'd love to meet your family tomorrow." She squeezed Jane's hand as Jane turned to make sure Maura was serious.

Realizing that Maura was being serious, Jane grinned, her dimples prominently on display. She leaned across the space between them and kissed Maura's cheek softly.

"Alright then."