Alright…sorry this took so long but as usual…these are the hardest chapters for me to write. Let's just say that our ladies don't always want to share every detail of their love life but with some patience and understanding, they eventually relent…even if it is few sentences or paragraphs a day. Anyway…I am gonna drop this one here and then go run and hide behind a tree. I hope you all like it…sometimes it's hard not to cross that line between erotic and just plain smutty. It is my intention to keep this a little bit on the classy side and less on the…well…you know what I mean. Enjoy…thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. So without further ado…

What if

Stepping through the front door, Maura stumbled and tripped over Jane's boots scattered in the dimly lit entryway. "Shit…" she muttered under her breath. When her eyes finally adjusted to the light filtering in from the living room, she pushed herself from the floor and picked up the items that had tumbled from her purse when she fell. Her id badge reflected what little light reached her, gleaming harshly against the pale skin of her fingers causing her to grip it tightly before shoving it in the pocket of her jacket.

Irritation nagged at her as she stepped in the living room to find Jane curled up on the couch in sweat pants and a tank top, her dark hair spread about in all directions over the pillow tucked under head. With a huff, she moved to the kitchen in search of something to eat and was stopped short by the scene laid out on the kitchen table.

Plates, napkins, and silverware set up for two greeted her, flanked by two taper candles just waiting to be lit. Her irritation quickly vanished and was replaced by guilt at the realization that Jane had tried to make a romantic dinner for them. It had been her call to stay late even though there was no need. Her inability to let someone else step in and help had kept her away from home more than she liked these days. The awareness that she would need to talk to Susie Chang about taking a more active role in the day to day tasks of the lab caused her to sigh heavily.

"Hey beautiful." Jane slipped her arms around Maura's waist and pulled her close. "Dinner's in the oven." She pushed honey blonde hair away to expose Maura's neck and placed a soft kiss along the skin she found there.

"Um…" Maura hummed at the feeling of Jane pressed against her and the feeling of soft lips dancing along her neck. "Do I have time for a shower?" She placed a hand atop the one's resting on her stomach.

"Yeah..." Jane nuzzled closer to crook of Maura's neck, lightly scraping her teeth along the sensitive flesh before kissing the tender spot. "You want company?" Her words were breathless and filled with hopefulness.

"I just really want to wash this day off." Maura gently pulled away from Jane's hold drawing a frown in response. "I smell like death…" her voice trailed off. Tears of frustration stung her eyes as she tried to keep them from falling.

Jane nodded her acceptance, but her expression changed to concern. Reaching out, she cupped Maura's cheek and ran her fingers along the curve of Maura's jaw. She smiled when Maura tilted her head towards the gentle touch that was meant to comfort and support. "You alright?"

"Yeah…" Maura leaned forward and pressed her forehead against Jane's, taking all that was being offered. "I'm just tired."

"Okay, you still want dinner?" Jane pulled back and placed a quick kiss to Maura's forehead.

"Yes, I'm hungry. I don't remember the last time I ate." Maura had a faraway look on her face. "Also, could you open a bottle of the red…" she asked as she moved towards the stairs without looking back.

Jane watched as Maura walked away, shoulders sagging under the weight of the world. It had been a tough week with three separate murder cases to keep them all busy but Maura had been given the brunt of the workload and it was beginning to show. Not only did they have their regular cases to deal with, but Paddy was still lurking in the shadows waiting to make his move. She almost regretted telling Maura about their last meeting but she knew she had no choice. With Paddy's silence, the waiting game had become almost unbearable and the cracks were starting to show…especially for Maura.

Moving to the kitchen, Jane snatched up her cell phone as she walked past the couch and punched Frost on her speed dial. It only rang twice before he answered in a gruff voice.

"S'up?" His voice was thick with sleep even though he tried to sound awake.

"I see we had the same idea." Jane said as she flipped the oven light on to check the lasagna.

"Yeah, well…it's been a busy week." He grumbled as he pushed himself up off the couch he had fallen asleep on.

"What, no hot date tonight?" She inquired as she leaned against the counter to watch the last few minutes' tick off the timer.

"It's a late date." He couldn't hide the fact that he was smirking, Jane could hear it in his voice.

"Same girl or different?" Jane glanced over her shoulder at Maura's wine cabinet with the intention of picking a bottle of red.

"Different…" he chuckled at his partner's intuitiveness. "I met her at the coffee shop by the station."

"Oh, you're talking about the tall, leggy brunette…aren't you?" Jane balanced her phone between her shoulder and chin as she reached up to grab a bottle of what she hoped was the right red wine.

"Maybe…" this time he laughed heartily. "Don't let Maura hear you talk like that."

"She's upstairs taking a shower." The pout was evident in Jane's tone and it piqued Frost's curiosity.

"What's wrong?" He let out a tired sigh as he settled back against his couch. Even a two-hour nap hadn't touched the fatigue left over from their long week.

"She's tired, s'all." Her voice faltered slightly.

"She works too hard." Frost thought back to the last time he had seen Maura. Dark rings had marred the usually porcelain skin under her eyes and her smile had seemed strained when she spoke to him.

"It's all this uncertainty." Jane let out a heavy breath as she struggled with the fancy, electronic wine opener Maura insisted on using. "Any news on that phone number you took from Sean's phone?"

"I'm still working on it. It's an international number so…" he started to say but was interrupted.

"You can do this, right?" Jane sounded irritated but it was mostly because of the wine opener that wasn't cooperating.

"You know I can." Frost sounded cold and indifferent this time. "It'll just take some time."

"Look, I'm sorry." Jane let out a grunt when the cork finally twisted free of the bottle. "It's just that I don't know how much longer we can do this. There's just too much at stake."

"I get it and that's why I didn't give Paddy both numbers. I figured it would give us the upper hand." Frost closed his eyes at the memory of pocketing the extra number he had found in Sean's phone.

"You're right. I'm glad you had the foresight to do what you did." Jane brought the bottle up to her nose to smell the spicy, woodsy aroma and it made her mouth water. Not because she wanted to drink it but because she could just imagine what it would taste like when she kissed Maura's lips later.

"You trust me, right?" It was a question he already knew the answer to, but for some reason he needed to hear it.

"With my life." Jane said without hesitation.

"Then leave me to it. I'll figure it out. I promise." His declaration was spoken with a confidence that brokered no argument.

"I know, I know…" she let out a tired sigh. "It's just the waiting that's hard."

He was quiet for a moment as he thought about everything that had happened since Maura had come back in their lives. There had been a lot of changes…some good and some not so good but he wouldn't change it for the world. The Jane he had come to know and love was finally back and it was all due to Maura. "Um…" he hesitated as he bit down on his lip trying to decide if he should continue. "I know someone at the FBI that I can call. Maybe she can help." He knew what he had to do and he also knew there would be no turning back once the questions started.

"Really?" Jane had heard the hesitation in his voice. She'd known him long enough to know when he was hiding something. "She?"

"That's a story for another time, Jane. Maybe after a few beers. Now, I've got a date to get ready for." He said.

"Got it. And Frost…" she waited for his impatient exhale of breath and then continued. "Thanks."

"Any time partner." He smiled into the receiver. "See ya later."

"Not if I see you first." Jane laughed before hanging up. She knew he was doing everything he could but she just needed to hear it from him. The stress of everything hanging over them had been like a bucket of cold water dousing any fire that had grown between her and Maura as of late but she was determined to relight that flame and she would start with lighting the candles for their romantic dinner.

Warm water cascaded over Maura, rinsing away the residue of the day she was ready to put behind her. Leaning one hand against the shower wall, she dropped her head to watch the soap swirl around her feet before disappearing down the drain and with it the stress and tension melted away. But the tears came anyway even though she had fought to keep them back. She didn't know where they came from or why she needed to shed them but relief followed. The hurt in Jane's eyes when she said she needed to be alone had almost caused her to relent and invite Jane to join her but she was glad she hadn't. It was this time alone that would bring her the peace she would need to face Jane at dinner.

With a heavy sigh, Maura allowed herself the moment of reprieve she needed to find the energy to push along even though her heart was heavy with uncertainty. It wasn't uncertainty about her and Jane, no that was solid. It was uncertainty about what their next step with Paddy would be. After Jane told her about their meeting and the revelation that someone in Paddy's organization had been responsible for Colin's death, she'd had a sinking feeling about what would come next. The fact that Frost was now involved worried her, but at the same time she was glad not to harbor any more secrets. His expertise would be a benefit to them she knew, but she also worried about what price Frost would pay for the knowledge he had been made privy to.

As the tears continued to fall, she rubbed at her eyes, feeling the sting of soap and shampoo. She had been under too much stress lately and so had everyone else in her life. A nice dinner and glass of wine would do wonders for her mental state and a night in Jane's arms would do wonders for the rest of her body. A small smile formed at the corners of her mouth as she recalled the effort Jane had made to make their evening together a romantic one and she was grateful. They had spent enough time over the past few weeks letting the weight of the world weight down on them and now it was time to put that all behind them and they would start with dinner.

Rinsing the soap from her body, Maura marveled at how quickly the thought of Jane eased the tension that had stayed with her all day. With a renewed vigor, she turned off the water and stood still as steam billowed up and around her. When she finally stepped from the shower, all the worries that had followed her home drained away. Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, she noticed that the dark rings that had marred the pale skin under her eyes had faded a bit. The lingering stench of death that had once followed her and had grown stronger with each new autopsy she performed began to fade and brought up the question of whether she wanted to continue. There were upsides to her job, one being spending her days with Jane but the effects of dealing with death daily was beginning to take its toll…a toll she wasn't sure she was willing to pay anymore. Looking at her reflection, a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as a plan began to form in the back of her mind, a plan that just might work out if she could convince herself and Jane that it was for the best.

With a new sense of hope, she glanced over her shoulder at the silk robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door and a flutter of anticipation started in the pit of her stomach, spreading along her skin like wild fire. Jane loved that robe, especially when she wore nothing underneath. With a wicked grin, she slipped the silky material over her damp skin causing it to cling to her curves giving just a hint of what or what didn't lay beneath. It was time for her to reconnect with Jane…to hold her…to love her in that way that left them both breathless. Yes, the weight of the world had taken enough from them…but it wouldn't tonight because tonight would belong to them and only them.

Jane balanced a glass of wine in each hand as she followed the soft sound of music coming from the living room. As she rounded the corner, she almost dropped the glasses of wine at the sight before her. Maura stood in the middle of the room, wearing a silk robe that did little to conceal what was beneath, swaying back and forth to the rhythm of Sade. Looking over her shoulder, she beckoned Jane to her with the crook of her finger.

"Fuck…me…" Jane let out a heavy exhale as her hands began to tremble.

"That is exactly what I intent to do." Maura waved towards the coffee table indicating that Jane should set the glasses of wine down.

"Jesus Maur…I thought you were tired." Jane's wobbly legs carried her away from where she set the wine down. The closer she got, the more she regretted not drinking the whole glass in one gulp.

"What's on the menu tonight?" Maura reached out and placed her hands on narrow hips, pulling Jane closer to her as she continued to move to the soft strains of Sade's 'Cherish the Day.'

"Um…besides you?" Jane allowed her body to be pulled closer to Maura's. Gathering the silky material of Maura's robe in her hands, she bunched it up between her fingers and squeezed. "I love seeing you in this robe." In the background, Sade's voice filled the space between them with the first lines of the song.

'You're ruling the way that I move and I breath your air…'

Maura pressed her body against Janes, running her hands down the front of her tank top until her fingers found the hem and dipped beneath to touch warm skin. "I've missed this…" she traced along Jane's stomach causing the muscles to twitch beneath her fingertips.

"You've been working too hard." Jane was breathless as Maura continued to touch her.

"And that is why I want to 'cherish the day'…" Maura said the words at the same time as Sade. "I want to cherish every day I spend with you." She skimmed her lips across Jane's cheek until her mouth rested against an ear. "I need a drink…" she slipped from Jane's arms to pick up her glass of wine.

With a small frown, Jane watched as Maura took a drink already missing the feeling of holding their bodies together. "You're going to make me work for this, aren't you?" She let out a heavy sigh and tossed her hair over her shoulder to show she was up to the challenge.

"Maybe…just a little." Maura took a sip of the red wine as she peered over the rim, giving a wink in response. Bending over in an exaggerated way, she set the glass down on the table giving Jane a glimpse of what lay beneath her silk robe. A sexy grin spread across her face when she heard the sharp intake of breath coming from behind her, followed by Jane's hands on her hips pulling their bodies together. With a wiggle of her hips, she spun around to face Jane with a flourish. "You made the right choice with the red," she ran her tongue along her bottom lip eliciting the desired response from Jane in the form of a low, deep throated growl. "Want to taste?" She leaned close, hovering over lips that twitched to touch hers. When their mouths finally came together, Jane moaned at the taste of red wine as Maura's tongue found hers in a slow, sweet dance that moved in time with their bodies and the music.

As the music continued to play, Maura began to sway in a teasing way against the body pressed against hers. Pulling back and reluctantly breaking their kiss, she could see the brown of Jane's eyes darken to the color of deep, rich chocolate. It was a shade she knew well and it brought a smile to her face as she ran the backs of her fingers along Jane's cheek and over soft lips. "Move with me," she dropped her hands to cover Jane's resting on her hips, forcing their bodies closer together.

"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" Jane's voice was breathless as she allowed Maura to move against her. "But if this is the way I'm gonna go, I wouldn't change a thing." She did her best to concentrate on Maura's lead as heat raced along her skin where they touched.

Without saying a word, Maura moved her hands to undo the belt of her robe, revealing more skin to Jane's widening eyes. The look of hunger in Jane's eyes as they moved up and over the delicate flesh being exposed caused Maura's cheeks to flush. "When you look at me like that…I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world." Her voice faltered under the emotion she was struggling to control.

"That's because you are the most beautiful woman in the world." Jane met Maura's gaze and held it steady as she moved her hands to push the robe open, unveiling even more to her hungry eyes. "I feel like it's been a lifetime since I've touched you like this." Her fingers grazed the soft, supple skin along Maura's stomach causing the muscles to twitch and dance.

"A few weeks is hardly a lifetime but I do understand the sentiment." Maura's eyes dropped down to watch Jane's hands, marveling at the tenderness of the feather light touch moving over her body. Reaching for the hem of Jane's tank top, she tugged and pulled until it found a place on the floor at their feet.

In the background, the music came to an end and the room was plunged into silence except for the sound of their heavy breathing as hands continued to caress and explore. With a sudden, swift movement, Jane twisted Maura around in her arms until they were front to back. "A few weeks may as well be a lifetime with a body like this." She reached around and cupped Maura's breasts with both hands as her mouth found a slender neck to nibble on. Nipples hardened under her touch as she rolled each one between a finger and thumb drawing a low moan from deep within Maura's chest. "So…fucking…beautiful…" she whispered against Maura's shoulder where her chin came to rest as she continued to gently tug and circle the puckered flesh beneath her fingertips.

"Ummmm…" Maura arched into Jane's touch, pushing herself further into the hands that knew her so well. She could feel the heat radiating off Jane's upper body into hers where their naked skin touched but she wanted more. When she felt hot breath against her ear, she couldn't stop herself from shivering as heat shot throughout her body warming her all over. "Jane…" her breath was coming quick and her voice was low and husky. "This…is…what you do to me…" she took Jane's hand and guided it lower to where she needed it most.

When Jane's hand found its destination, she began to slowly stroke through the wetness she found as Maura's need coated her fingers. When she slipped inside, she could feel Maura's legs begin to shake, making them both unsteady. Slowly, she withdrew her fingers and skimmed up Maura's stomach leaving a slick trail in her wake as an idea came to her.

At Jane's withdrawal, an ache replaced the pleasure that had raced along Maura's skin. Before she could protest, the feeling of an arm wrapping around her waist, steadying her shaky legs made her sigh into the safety that surround her. It was the feeling of Jane's hot breath as she whispered in her ear that made her grateful for the arms that held her with a firm grip.

"Don't move, I've got an idea…" Jane's voice was low and soft against Maura's ear before she released her and moved to the couch to gather several throws and pillows. Spreading them around the floor at Maura's feet, she smiled when she saw Maura realize what she was doing.

"You're going to have to lose the pants detective if you want this to go any further." Maura couldn't stop herself from laughing as she watched Jane wiggle out of her sweat pants and give her an expectant look.

"Better?" Jane asked as she grabbed Maura by the hand and pulled her down on top of the impromptu bed on the floor. "Do you remember that time we had a picnic in your room?" She settled back against the pile of cushions with Maura in her arms.

"I do. You brought me chicken noodle soup." Maura lay with her back to Jane's chest and the rest of her body between long legs.

"We should have picnics inside more often." Jane ran her hands up and down Maura's thighs before pushing them apart. "Nice reclined butterfly pose." Her fingers danced along the curve of Maura's hips before slipping beneath the robe.

"You've been following my yoga routine…" Maura let out soft moan when Jane's hand parted the silky material of her robe and slid inside to caress her.

"I've been known to pay attention from time to time, especially when you wear those yoga pants that leave little to the imagination." With the lightest of touches, her fingertips skimmed over Maura's breasts and stomach before coming to linger at her belly button. "This is my favorite place to be…" her left hand drifted lower and her right hand shifted higher to cradle the underside of a breast. "Right here between your legs…" The words were barely a whisper as they trailed along Maura's skin in the same gentle way as her hands sending sparks of pleasure throughout both of their bodies.

With the roll of her hips, Maura couldn't stop herself from seeking more contact with the slender fingers that brushed against the inside of her thigh, teasing her. "Show me…" came her breathless reply.

They both moaned as Jane's hand glided across the inside of one thigh to the other, taking her time to reach that place she craved so much. The anticipation was almost as good as the prize itself or at least that's what Jane tried to tell herself, that is until she finally buried her fingers in Maura's warmth. The feeling of a need and desire so strong that it now surrounded her almost tipped Jane over the edge. It was the sound of Maura's shaky breath that brought her back to the moment.

The trembling that started at the touch of Jane's hand radiated throughout Maura's body causing her to move with the slow, steady brush of fingertips exploring…searching for that one spot that held the answer to all of Maura's prayers. Waves of pleasure rolled along her skin and carried her to the point of no return. She no longer had control over the moment and willingly gave herself over.

Jane smiled against the skin of Maura's neck where her lips rested. The stiffening of the body in her arms as her hands continued to explore indicated Maura was close, but Jane wasn't ready to relinquish her control just yet. Her soft strokes moved lower until she was surrounded again, wrapped within Maura's velvety walls. The palm of her hand continued to rub with each quickening thrust bringing Maura to brink.

Grabbing Jane's hand with her own, Maura held her tight as she moved her hips against each thrust, seeking her release. Her legs clamped shut, trapping their hands as arousal blossomed and spread out, searching for somewhere to settle. Nothing could slow the ferocity of the climax that rocked through her, shaking her to the core and taking her breath away.

That second before Maura fell over the edge was always Jane's favorite and this time was no different. She watched in wonder as a light pink flush traveled over Maura's skin, up and over her breasts before settling along a slender neck. The grip on her hand was strong, almost painful even, but she wouldn't relent, not now…not ever. It took all her strength to hold on as Maura bucked against her, chasing down that ultimate ending, the one that would leave them both breathless and exhausted. And then it happened, driving them towards that destination where for the briefest moment in time, only they existed.

"I love watching you come, but I think this is my favorite part…" Jane whispered against Maura's neck.

"Ummm…" Maura tried to speak but words failed her. She was still holding Jane's fingers inside of her not wanting to let go just yet.

"I love being surrounded by you. And the way you hold me inside…vibrating all around me…" Jane let out a shaky breath when she felt Maura's body relax against her.

"I really needed that." Maura said when her voice finally returned.

"Anytime…I'm always happy to oblige." Jane chuckled as she gave Maura's breast a gentle squeeze before running her thumb over an erect nipple.

"Oh, no you don't. It's my turn." Maura wiggled her hips as she twisted around in Jane's arms so they were face to face. "Matching bra and panties?" Her eyes roved over Jane's body, taking in the black bra and panties. She smiled when she noticed the lace. "And lace? Did you have plans to seduce me tonight?" Her fingers ran over the lace at the top of Jane's bra.

"Maybe…" Jane sighed as Maura settled between her legs, placing pressure where she needed it most.

"Unfortunately, I didn't get to see these…" Maura ran her fingers along the waist band of the black panties as she continued. "Until now. But I like this…a lot." She continued to trace a finger along the skin just above the elastic causing Jane to laugh. "You…are…stunning."

The words caused Jane to blush and try to wave off the compliment but Maura was having none of that.

"Smoking hot comes to mind." Maura moved up to place several kisses along the tops of Jane's breasts, still enclosed in black lace. "But as much as I love this surprise…let's see what's underneath." Her mouth traced over the faint white line of a scar causing Jane to shiver. Even though they had come a long way, Jane was still self-conscious about the way she looked. For Maura, the scars didn't exist because she no longer saw them when she looked at Jane.

Reaching around, Maura undid the clasp of the black, lace bra freeing Jane's breasts to her hungry eyes. With a wicked smile, she pushed herself up to hover over Jane so their nipples could brush against each other's. She leaned up so their mouths were barely touching and moved her body against Jane's before pressing her lips to Jane's in a long, slow kiss. When she felt the soft, velvety touch of a tongue slip past her lips to mingle with her own, she couldn't suppress a moan. The feeling of Jane's hands at her hips, fingers digging into her skin as they ground against each other was almost enough to fast track them to the end. 'But what would be the fun in that?' she thought to herself as she reluctantly pulled away from Jane's mouth.

"Maura, please…" Jane's protest sounded more like a plea. "I'm so close…"

"I'm not ready for this to end just yet." Maura whispered along the skin of Jane's neck, moving to the hollow of her throat before sliding her body further down and running her tongue through the valley between Jane's breasts.

"Ummm, that feels so good." Jane's ran her fingers through honey-blonde hair, holding Maura against her. Her breath hitched when she felt the warmth of Maura's mouth surround her and then a gentle nibble sent shock waves of pleasure through her.

Running her tongue from one soft, subtle breast to the other caused a ripple of anticipation to grow along Maura's skin where it touched Jane's. She skimmed slightly parted lips along a soft curve before taking an erect nipple in her mouth. The low moan that rumbled through Jane's chest caused her to giggle but it didn't stop her tongue from continuing its exploration.

With a sense of purpose, Maura roamed further down Jane's body in search of more. She kissed her way along ticklish ribs and across the muscles of a tight stomach before coming to rest at Jane's belly button. Hooking her index fingers at each side of the waist band of Jane's black lace panties, she pulled until the last barrier separating them was gone.

Jane watched Maura move down her body with a look of concentration, lifting her hips up to allow the lacy material to be pulled off. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as she braced herself for that first touch but when it didn't come, she looked down to find Maura gazing at her with a sexy smirk. Reaching down, she ran her fingers through Maura's hair, tucking a few strands behind an ear so she could see that sexy smirk better.

The intensity of Janes dark eyes watching her caused Maura to pause, but only briefly before she moved down to settle between long legs. When her mouth found its destination, she glanced up to see Jane throw her head back and close her eyes again but slender fingers stay buried in her hair, holding her close. She couldn't contain her own moan at how ready Jane was or how she tasted. As she continued to worship the source of Jane's pleasure, a low hum vibrated through her body and into Jane's.

With an urgency building up in the pit of her stomach, Jane ground herself against Maura's mouth in the hopes of finding her release. She couldn't slow the rhythm her hips set as she continued to move, faster and faster until she crashed through the other side with a strangled cry.

The strength of Jane's climax took Maura by surprise. 'Fast and Furious' came to mind as she slowed her pace and allowed Jane a moment of reprieve but when she felt the roll of hips again she realized that Jane was building up to another climax.

"Oh, God Maura, don't stop…" Jane's voice was breathless as she struggled to speak. "Right there…yes…" she continued to move against Maura's mouth until her body tensed and her orgasm all but shattered her. "Fuck…" she ground out through clenched teeth as wave after wave washed over her causing her to go limp.

Maura stilled against Jane's limp body marveling at those final moments just before Jane fell over the edge. The tensing of Jane's body, the rush of wetness, and that last push for contact that would hold them both suspended over the cliff of pleasure right before the fall. It was a powerful rush and it surprised Maura by the newness of it all, each and every time they took that journey together.

Resting her cheek against Jane's stomach, Maura waited until they both caught their breath. The feeling of Jane running her fingers through her hair lulled her into a relaxed and peaceful state. It was the sound of a clearing throat that brought her back to the here and now causing her to glance up at Jane who was grinning at her.

"Feeling good about yourself?" Jane continued to run her fingers through Maura's hair.

"I always feel good when I'm with you." Maura pushed herself up so she could settle her body against Jane's with her head resting against a broad shoulder. She was quiet for a minute as she tried to think of what to say next. "Can we talk about the wedding?"

"Yeah…if you want." Jane shifted so she was sitting up and looking down at Maura. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I was thinking…" Maura paused as she ran her fingers along Jane's ribs, tickling her gently.

"What were you thinking about?" The giggle that escaped from Jane's lips had them both laughing.

"I was thinking that I want to get married at Fenway Park…at Homeplate." The words rushed out of Maura's mouth in one long run-on sentence.

"You what?" Jane sat up straighter as she tried to reason through what Maura had said.

"I want to get married at Fenway Park." Maura gazed up through her eyelashes, unable to look Jane fully in the eyes.

"How…I mean…why?" The surprise was evident in the high-pitched volume of Jane's voice.

"Well, I'm hoping that you're up for a compromise."

"Really? What kind of compromise?" Jane pushed another strand of hair away from Maura's flushed face.

"If we get married at Fenway Park, I'd like to have the reception on The Argo…with all the bells and whistles that is." Maura finally looked Jane in the eyes and smiled at the care and concern she saw looking back at her.

"That's all?" Jane raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Um, yeah…I guess so."

"So, we can get married at Fenway if I agree to have the reception on your yacht. Is that correct?" The question held the barest hint of skepticism.

"That is correct." Maura gave Jane's side a gentle pinch causing her to squirm.

"And I suppose you'll want me to wear a dress…" Jane's voice trailed off.

"Not necessarily." Maura gave a bashful smile.

"Hmmm…" Jane hesitated for a moment. "I would ya know, if you wanted me to."

"How about you surprise me?"

"That can be arranged." Jane wiggled her eyebrows.

"Okay, so it's settled." Maura let out a sigh of relief. "Now that that's out of the way…did dinner survive our distraction?"

"I left it in the oven on warm so it should be okay." Wrapping her arms around Maura, Jane held her close. A feeling of warmth and contentment rushed through her at the idea that Maura was willing to let her live out her dream wedding. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"Not today…but you did a good job of showing me." Another pinch caused Jane to try to wiggle away from Maura's wandering hands.

"Well…I love you…every inch, dip, and curve…" Jane ran her hands up and over Maura's hips, holding their bodies close. "Do you think dinner will wait?" She gave a suggestive wink.

"Perhaps, but how about we eat and then spend the rest of the evening curled up around each other in our bed."

The suggestion caused Jane to frown at first, but then she smiled. "Bed sounds really good. This…" she said and then waved her hands over the impromptu bed. "I think I'm getting a little too old for sex on the floor."

"It was good while it lasted though." Maura grinned up at Jane.

"Yes…yes it was. Now how about that dinner?" Jane asked even though she no effort to move or release Maura from her hold.

"Sounds like a plan." Maura snuggled further into Jane's arms. "Oh, and by the way…I've been thinking. What if I quit my job and opened a private practice after we get married?"

Maura's suggestion caught Jane by surprise. She did her best to smile at the expectant and hopeful look on Maura's face. Not seeing Maura everyday would be painful, but not as painful as losing her to the life of danger they had been leading since Maura had become the medical examiner. Perhaps with some time to get used to the idea, Jane could learn to accept Maura's choice, but she wasn't sure just yet. Swallowing down the lump that had formed in her throat, Jane smiled and gave a nod of understanding even if she wasn't quite sure she did understand. Only time would tell if she was strong enough to let Maura follow her dreams.