TITLE: Rizzoli & Isles – Wake Up Call

SUMMARY: Pining over her co-worker for years, Detective Jane Rizzoli is in desperate need of a miracle, or for the object of her daydreams to finally wake up and grasp the meaning behind the none too subtle inferences they've been sharing. The chance comes Jane's way after experiencing a near fatal ending to a case and she finds the courage to set the wheels in motion that result in having her best friend doing a little more than smell the roses along the way. A/U

PAIRINGS: Jane Rizzoli & Original Female Character. Maura Iles & Ian Faulkner.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: All characters other than those conjured up by the author's imagination, remain the property of author Tess Gerritsen and television series writers Janet Tamaro, Steve Lichtman & Kiersten Van Home. No copyright infringement to Hurdler Productions, Ostar Productions or Warner Horizon Television is intended. The following story is a work of fiction brought to life for the purposes of entertainment only. No money has been exchanged nor any profit derived by sponsorship.

WARNING: Events follow on from Episode 1 & 2 of Season 3. This tale takes a different course from the television series and features several consensual relationships between women.

A/N: Many thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites; the Muse is humbled.

Chapter 37

Monday 8th April, 2013

Erica held onto her mother's left elbow as the older blonde navigated the front entrance. Taking slow, tempered steps, Claire entered the foyer and was instantly engulfed by her parents' loving arms.

Staying in the background, Erica stemmed the teardrops flowing down her face. The pride she felt towards her mother's courage coursed through her veins as the other members of her family welcomed Claire home after many weeks in hospital.

Earlier in the day, Erica and Jane had readied Emma and Braxton for their first day at school and kindergarten since devastation had encroached upon their young lives. There had been copious tears, mainly from the adults, while the children had been excited. Braxton had overcome his concerns regards his leg. With concentrated effort, he had managed to strengthen the limb during daily exercises with Olive. Emma had improved her mobility and her brother was no longer worried she may fall. She proved that fact after cautiously sliding down the slippery slide when she thought no one other than Braxton was witnessing her bold actions. Unbeknown to her, Jane and Erica were watching over them from a hidden viewpoint on the rear porch. The newlyweds clung to each other's hands and cried in silence when Emma landed safely on two feet at the bottom of the incline. The cascade of teardrops increased twofold when the young girl was embraced by her brother and he planted a swift peck on her cheek.

In response, Jane had turned to Erica and locked onto blue eyes and inquired, "Can we have our baby sooner than planned?"

With eyes widening, Erica had gleefully replied, "I'll make a phone call tomorrow while you are at work and I believe I just fell deeper in love with you."

A broad smile graced Jane's features, "I think I am suffering the same aliment as you and couldn't be happier."

Tittering briefly, Erica pressed her lips to Jane's, and so began a journey to their bedroom for the next two hours.

-o-

After driving the children to their respective schools, Jane picked up a box of assorted pastries before arriving at the Division One Café. She found Vince at the counter talking to her mother and waved as she made her way upstairs to the Squadroom.

Placing the treats on her desk, Jane collected a bottle of chilled water from the break room before settling behind her computer and opened her e-mails. She was closing off the program a short time later when Angela burst into the room wearing what could be best described as a heat seeking missile scowl.

Positioning herself at the front of Jane's workstation, the Rizzoli matriarch glared at her daughter while crossing her arms against her chest.

Trying to the avoid the intensive soul penetrating ray of accusation coming from her mother, Jane casually asked, "Can I help you with something ma?"

"Jane Clementine Rizzoli, what's the meaning behind you not dropping in to speak to me just now. Didn't you think I would want to know how those gorgeous children took to their first day at school in our beautiful city?"

Korsak snuck to his office and kept his head down, closing the door quickly.

Jane held back her desire to laugh at her Lieutenant's antics and smiled back at her mother instead, "Ma, you were busy with your boyfriend and I didn't want to interrupt the conversation."

"Since when has that ever stopped you before?" asked Angela as her eyes glanced at the beverage Jane held in her hands. "Hang on; what the hell is going on with you this morning and why are you drinking water instead of your much loved coffee? Oh my god did you and Erica read the book I gave you?"

Jane's shoulders tensed. She and Erica had decided not to divulge any information about their desire to have a baby to anyone, particularly Angela. The pair didn't want any added pressure or constant interference while putting their plans into action.

Taking a deep breath, the seasoned Detective stood up and offered her mother a pastry, "Ma, just slow down and listen."

Glancing at the fancy array of treats, Angela shook her head, "No thank you and you better start explaining before I phone my daughter in-law and ask questions."

"There is no need. If you calm yourself, I will tell you all about Emma and Braxton's enthusiastic trip to school."

The words appeared to fortify Angela and she relaxed her body.

Continuing, Jane returned the box to her desk and sat on the corner, "Emma was really thrilled to go back to learning in a classroom. She was really steady on her feet and Braxton was extremely proud of her. He held her hand in the back of the car and kissed her goodbye before we left him at kindergarten. There were some tears, but that was me and Erica was a blubbering wreck by the time we drove away from the house this morning. I was going to come down and tell you all this once Vince showed up here."

Tears escaped the corners of Angela's eyes and she wiped them away with the hem of her apron, "I'm glad they handled the situation well, but that does not explain the no coffee thing going on."

"You are always at me for drinking way too much of it, so I thought it was a good time to cut back my daily intake."

"I am not convinced and will get to the bottom of it. I am disappointed with you Jane; I didn't expect you to lie to me."

"Me lie to you?" protested Jane, hoping to find a more suitable answer before her mother brought out the big guns and used a guilt trip on her.

"Yeah you."

"I am not telling you a lie ma. I am not getting any younger and it's time I took better care of my health, so less caffeine is a good place to start."

"Janie, you are one of the healthiest people in this place. Do you think I am that bad that I will stick my nose into your and Erica's business if you are having a baby?"

"Jesus ma, Erica and I are not having a baby. When we are, you will be the first person we tell."

Eyebrows crept upwards as Angela served a parting salvo, "I am not convinced and am disappointed in you Janie." Turning heel, she left without another word.

Angry at the dismissal, Jane followed her mother and caught up with her at the elevator, "Ma stop, I don't want you mad at me for no reason."

Rotating, Angela's scorn was firmly in place, "I am not mad at you, just upset that you do not trust me enough to tell me the truth."

Trapped with nowhere to go, Jane admitted, "Okay, Erica and I discussed having a baby before our wedding."

The cloud of disappointment drifted from Angela and she smiled, "I knew it. Oh Janie, I am so happy for you and Erica." Stepping closer, she hugged Jane, "You are brilliant with Emma, Braxton and Jacqueline and another little one will be in safe hands."

Returning the embrace, Jane leaned back, "Thank you, but I want you to promise to leave Erica and me alone until we have news. There is no guarantee our attempt will be successful and we don't need the added stress of people continually asking us questions. Having a child of our own is a personal matter between Erica and me and doesn't deserve being discussed by everyone. My extraordinary wife and I haven't even seen a doctor yet, so ma, I am begging you to keep this to yourself, please."

"I won't say anything to anyone, I promise. I wish you and Erica the best of luck for when you do begin the process. I have so many questions, but will be patient and wait for you to inform me."

"Thank you ma."

The elevator doors slid back and the conversation came to an end as Frost exited the car, "Good morning ladies."

-o-

Sergeant Rizzoli was busy reviewing a new case with Frost at her desk when she heard Crowe say, "Looking good Lieutenant Campbell." Closing the folder, Jane immediately looked towards the doorway and grinned when her wife waved to her. It was ten minutes to twelve and assumed Erica planned on having lunch with her.

The blonde patted Crowe on the shoulder, "Thank you for the compliment." Moving towards Jane, she grinned widely, "Hello Sergeant, Detective Frost I hope I am not interrupting?"

Getting to her feet, Jane replied, "This is a nice surprise; Frost and I were about to take a break for lunch."

Backing up that statement, Frost added, "Nice to see you Lieutenant and we were planning on ordering in sandwiches. Can I get something for you?"

"I'll take a turkey and salad on rye thank you very much," Erica answered as she stood beside her wife. "Jane, can we talk in private?"

"Sure, the BRIC is free," suggested Jane while checking out Erica's outfit of black biker boots, denim jeans and a dark purple long sleeved button up shirt. When her eyes took in the white gold necklace she had given Erica for her birthday peeking out from under the shirt, Jane beamed. Admiring the complete appearance, she almost tripped over her own feet while walking to the aforementioned room.

The stumble didn't go unnoticed from Erica and once the door was closed, she quipped, "Lose your concentration Detective?"

Smirking, Jane confessed, "Holy crap your look good and have a way of distracting me."

Smitten with the reply, Erica retorted, "I thought you would have gotten me out of your system this morning when you served breakfast in bed."

With her face blushing with the remembrance of their early morning love making, Jane stuttered, "I … I … oh shit I have nowhere to go with that one."

"No you don't "Miss Insatiable"."

Jane laughed out loud, "Okay, besides side tracking me, why are you actually here?"

"I have some news that you may be interested in and with two hours before I am due to pick up mom, I thought I would share it with you in person."

"I gather by your request for privacy, it is personal and not for others to hear."

"Correct honey. I made some inquiries with the Clinic we originally chose for helping us achieve our goal of having a baby and we can't get an appointment until the end of the year."

"What!" exclaimed a stunned Jane. "I thought we already had one scheduled."

"Apparently the doctor we were booked in to see left, and the notification letter has only just been sent out in the mail."

"Bummer."

Resting a hand on Jane's forearm, Erica leaned in and pecked her cheek, "Don't pout or I will never get out of here."

"I can't help it, that's crappy news."

"It's all good honey; I have made an appointment with another clinic for the seventh of May."

Eyes grew wide as Jane's lips turned upwards, "Really?"

"Yes really, so our plans are still on track my gorgeous wife."

"I want to kiss you right now in celebrations, but those morons out there would only get off on it and I'd never hear the end of it."

"I fully understand and to avoid the temptation, we are now walking out into the bullpen."

"Okay, but before we go, your necklace looks fantastic."

Glancing down at the ornate pendant sculpted into two clasped hands, Erica responded, "I love it and the smoking hot woman who gave it to me."

Jane moaned at the compliment and shooed the blonde out of the room before the fluttering butterflies in her stomach took flight and carried her past the point of unacceptable behaviour in the work place.

-o-

Erica held onto her mother's left elbow as the older blonde navigated her way past the front door. Taking slow steps, Claire entered the foyer and was immediately engulfed by her parents' arms.

Staying in the background, Erica stemmed the teardrops flowing down her face with the back of her hand. The pride and love she felt for her mother's courage coursed through her veins as she witnessed the remaining members of her family welcome Claire home.

Earlier in the day Erica and Jane had readied Emma and Braxton for their first day at their new school and kindergarten. Both children had been excited and Erica had shed her fair share of tears while saying goodbye before Jane had bundled them into her Squad car and driven them to their respective destinations.

Erica had been a melting pot of emotions until she arrived at the Division and found her calm when she looked into her wife's understanding eyes.

Snapping out of the memory, Erica walked through the house and delivered her mother's travel bag to the guesthouse. Returning to the main house, she found everyone seated in the living room enjoying a cup of tea. Claire was holding Jacqueline and the three month old was blowing bubbles at her grandmother. A sharp stab of pain penetrated Erica's heart as she was consumed by the thought her brother and sister in-law were missing their children's evolution. Overcome with the grief, Erica backed out of the room and sought solace with Bolt and Jo out in the backyard.

-o-

The second Jane stepped into the kitchen via the garage; she was greeted by a grinning Emma and her brother. The two children were excited to share their school day with her in between hugs and pecks to the cheeks.

Jane caught a glimpse of Erica and Claire in the foreground and once the initial welcome home was out of the way, she made her way to the two blondes. Embracing her mother in-law first, she held on carefully and avoided placing pressure on the back brace, "I'm so glad you are here."

"I am too and don't you dare make me cry; there has been enough of that around here today."

Moving out of the clinch with a smile, Jane held Claire's gaze, "Okay and how was therapy this afternoon?"

"It was a little tiring, but it was nice to have Braxton and Emma join me and Olive in the torture."

At the mention of his name, Braxton raised his right hand, "I am five now and helped Grandma."

Noting the much improved grammar, Jane gave him a smile, "I thought you would have."

Resting a hand on her wife's back, Erica announced, "Your family will be here for dinner at seven and there is mail for you in our bedroom."

"Thank you," replied Jane prior to tilting in and kissing Erica's lips. "I better make a move."

"Kiss, kiss," retorted Emma happily as she grabbed her brother's hand and passed by the adults on the way to the entertainment room.

The three women laughed at her antics and Jane's heart overflowed with contentment and relief.

-o-

After a shower and change of clothes, Jane picked up the envelope Erica had left her on the bedside table. Opening the satchel, she gasped when she discovered a Black Visa card with her name embossed on the front. Unfolding the enclosed letter, Jane read instructions to sign the back of the card and to either go on-line or telephone the listed number to activate the account.

Perusing further, Jane shook her head at the limit amount and exclusive offers on hotel reservations, travel, gifts along with a concierge service and membership to airline lounges.

Taking a moment to process the information, Jane put the card and correspondence back on the end table then went to spend time with Colleen and Jacqueline before her mother arrived and commandeered the baby for the evening.

-o-

Walking into the living room, Jane smiled at the older woman nursing the infant and was stunned when Colleen offered, "Would you like to finish feeding this wee one? You'll need the practice sooner rather than later."

"Pardon?" inquired Jane as she leaned over to receive Jacqueline.

"My granddaughter's behaviour and yours, suggests the pair of you have decided to add to your expansive immediate family."

Returning a coy grin, Jane quipped, "It's the coffee thing, right?"

"Dead giveaway love and your secret is safe with me."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Jane replied, "Thank you. Erica and I would appreciate your discretion until we actually have news."

Further conversation was stilted when Patrick ambled into the room and sat beside his wife. He asked Jane about her day and was interested to hear about the case the Squad were working.

A short time later Jacqueline cooed in Jane's arms and the brunette looked down at her, "Have you had enough beautiful girl?"

In response, the tiny blonde gripped Jane's right thumb and gurgled.

Placing the bottle on the low table, Jane gently positioned the baby over her shoulder and slowly rubbed her back. There were two loud burps and Jane stood. Making her way to the office, she snuggled Jacqueline before placing her in the crib.

Since Emma's hospital bed had been replaced with a normal one, the young girl had insisted her sister stay in the same room. Erica was happy to facilitate the request and each morning Emma would notify Nelson when the baby woke by using the intercom system that was linked to the guesthouse. On the weekends, the duty was taken over by one of the doting great grandparents or Erica.

As Jane turned to leave the room, she found Erica standing in the doorway. Her smile widened as she took hold of the blonde's left hand, "She's out for the count and would you like to explain the credit card?"

A cheeky smirk ghosted Erica's lips, "It's for emergencies."

"I can't think of a single one that would cost a million dollars."

"You never know honey. You could be driving too fast and run into a building and cause structural damage worth that amount."

"Uh huh, wouldn't that be covered by our insurance?"

"Maybe," came the demure reply.

Kissing Erica on the chin, Jane purred, "Your generosity knows no bounds and thank you very much."

"You are welcome and I want you to feel free to use the card and save your cash."

"That hardly seems fair babe."

"We have already discussed that what is mine is yours and you know how we agreed to take weekends off by ourselves?"

Jane nodded while staring into pools of deep blue.

"The next trip can be organised by you."

"Oh I like that idea and just happen to be off-call next weekend."

Sliding a hand leisurely up and down the full length of Jane's spine Erica playfully objected, "Hold on gorgeous, not so fast. I have already pencilled in that one, so yours is the following one."

Holding back a giggle, Jane inquired, "I see Quick Draw McGraw. Do I get a clue on our destination?"

Leaning in, Erica pressed her lips to Jane's right ear, "Pack some sexy underwear and an elegant dress."

Now it was the detective's turn to protest, "A dress, for real?"

"Yes, we will be attending the opera."

"The opera?" repeated a stunned Jane.

"You heard me, so you better put that card to good use and surprise me with your outfit."

Wrapping arms around her wife's neck, Jane remarked, "Oh, challenge accepted."

Erica replied with a deep kiss and both women were breathless when they parted some time later. Jane shook her unruly black locks and was about to say something utterly suggestive when Braxton joined them.

"Auntie Jane and Erica, can you pease play with us?"

Jane's rising heat was put on simmer and she almost laughed at her wife's adorable grimace, "Sure thing Brax. What are we playing?"

"Cops and robbers."

Erica goosed Jane, "I want to be the bad guy."

"I am a cop," boasted Braxton and Jane smiled at his youthful exuberance while Erica rued another unintentional crotch block by her much cherished nephew.

-o-

The Campbell/Rizzoli household was a hive of activity for the following eleven days. Jane and Frost were busy investigating a double homicide while Claire's physiotherapy was downgraded and Braxton's ended.

Builders had been brought in to extend the office and turn it into a bedroom with an ensuite. Emma had been overwhelmed with the surprise of her own room and the fact she was allowed to choose her own furnishings and colour scheme. She keenly went shopping with Colleen, Rae and Marge and returned home with a stack of items with a solar system theme.

Erica wasn't startled by the selection, but Jane had expected something more along the lines of "The Little Mermaid"; it was Emma's favourite DVD and storybook.

On Friday morning during breakfast, Emma explained her choice when the detective brought up the subject, "I am too old for dress up and love the planets and stars."

Everyone seated at the table expressed various forms of understanding except for Braxton. He put down his glass of milk and glared at his sister from across the table. Crossing his arms over his chest, his bottom lips began to quiver, "You no play with me anymore?"

Emma replied with a brilliant smile, "I will always play with you. You're my brother and we have so much fun."

Mollified by the words, Braxton agreed, "We do and soon Jac can play too. All she does is sleep, eat and poop. She no fun yet."

Jane caught a glimpse of Claire holding back a laugh then she let it out when Patrick quipped, "That's what babies do Braxton and you left out she pops off."

There was a roar of laughter from the boy, "She stinks Greatpa."

"Yes she does, but you were worse at her age."

Blue eyes bulging, Braxton was mortified, "I was?"

"Indeed you were lad. When you first came home from the hospital your poor mother has to put a clothes peg on her nose when feeding you. You used to pop off like a little boat engine and smelt so bad."

Clutching at his stomach, Braxton chuckled richly, "Oh Greatpa, you so funny. I love you."

"I love you too boat bum."

The retort caused Braxton to laugh harder and the others joined in. It took several minutes before everyone returned to their meals and some semblance of self-control.

-o-