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 assured me she is really winding down this story with only a few more chapters to go. To keeperofwords: your constant reviews and love for this tale, inspire the Muse and she is humbled.
Chapter 53
Jane and Erica both celebrated their birthdays with a low key dinner surrounded by family and friends. Patrick and Colleen delayed their return to Scotland by a month and the extra help around the house was a blessing for the new parents as they juggled new responsibilities alongside old.
Nelson was more than happy to agree on terms with Maura and Ian for minding Isabella once the Medical Examiner returned to work. In the interim, Constance thrived as a grandmother and shocked her daughter when she announced her retirement from all overseas work commitments. Her decision meant she would be available to look after her granddaughter if and when Ian or Maura were called to work out of regular hours.
Sean Cavanaugh took a week's leave to sort himself out and returned to Boston eager to rebuild the bridges he had burnt with the Rizzoli and Campbells families. He was forgiven and invited back to the Sunday dinners as Constance's boyfriend.
Frankie remained in hospital and when able to, Charlie was right by his bedside or encouraging him during his physical therapy sessions. Frankie has taken Erica's advice and remained tight lipped about his relationship with the attractive blonde.
For her part, Angela excelled at her grandmotherly tasks. Between TJ, Braxton, Emma, Jacqueline and Benjamin, she was on the go all the time and couldn't be more pleased. Her marriage with Vince strengthened and with her extra family commitments; she reduced the hours she worked at the café. Business was booming at Division One and she cooked and baked up a storm at home instead of at work and often passed on recipes to the eldest children when they visited.
-o-
When Jane woke at seven on the morning of Monday the thirty first of March, she reached out and was disappointed to find Erica's side of the mattress vacant. A big day was planned for the Rizzoli-Campbell clan and she just assumed her wife wanted to make an early start. Stretching, Jane eased out of bed then pulled up the sheet and cover. Fluffing the pillows, she rearranged them before pulling on a robe and wandering towards the ensuite.
Five minutes passed before she exited and selected underwear and socks from the chest of drawers. Tossing on a loose tee shirt and yoga pants, Jane made her way to the nursery to check on Benjamin.
When she strolled into the room, she stopped to observe the interaction going on between pyjamas clad Erica and Emma. Both were standing beside the crib and smiling at the sleeping baby.
Erica's left hand was resting on Emma's right shoulder and both were crying.
Reluctant to disturb the tender moment, Jane remained silent.
Wiping her face, Erica finally spoke, "Jane and I love you, Braxton and Jacqueline just as much as we love this little guy. You three will always be a part of our family and nothing will ever change that Em. Even with four kids in the house, we have enough love to go around and you will never be ignored or forgotten."
Nodding, Emma used the sleeve of her sleep top to swipe away her tears, "I understand and I already love Benjamin too. I miss Grandpa and mommy and daddy."
"I miss them too and so does Jane," replied Erica as she turned her head to the doorway.
Taking her cue, Jane approached the cot and knelt. Wrapping her arms around Emma, she whispered, "Erica and I are not replacing your parents. They will always live on in our hearts."
A heavy sob escaped Emma's quivering lips, "I love you Auntie Jane."
"I love you too and how about you give me a hand with breakfast? The others will be waking soon and will be hungry."
Stepping out of the embrace, Emma pecked Jane on the temple, "Okay, can we make pancakes?"
"We certainly can."
Benjamin started to stir and Erica bundled him up in her arms, "Looks like a change of plans. I will help you cook Em while Jane feds Benjamin."
"Deal," returned Emma smartly. "I would like choc chip ones, what about you Jane?'
While receiving the baby, Jane answered, "Those sound good to me."
Grabbing the girl's hand, Erica ushered her out of the room and left Jane to take care of the infant.
-o-
Once a leisurely breakfast was dealt with, Erica took the children upstairs to bathe and dress while Jane took a run. Benjamin was already asleep in the nursery when she returned to the house forty minutes later, so Jane took a monitor into the bathroom with her. Stripping off her outfit, Jane slid back the screen door and turned on the water. Waiting for it to reach the preferred temperature, she pulled her windblown hair up into a ponytail and re-brushed her teeth.
Stepping under the pulsating jets, Jane savoured the massage along her broad shoulders and lower back. Taking her time to wash with scented gel, the brunette made her egress ten minutes later.
After drying off, she walked into the closet naked. There she collected a matching bra and underpants set in dark blue then pulled on a pair of black socks before donning a brown and beige pinstriped pants suit and a white button up shirt. She finished the ensemble with black boots and a belt. Jane was surprised the trousers still fit after only three weeks of exercise.
Going to the nursery, she gathered up Benjamin and the restocked baby bag. Making her way downstairs, she placed the newborn into the carry apparatus and sighed when he nuzzled into her chest. Checking she had every item for the trip, Jane grabbed a bottle of water and waited for the others.
A few short minutes later, Emma and Braxton skipped into the kitchen and Jane grinned at their attire. Emma was wearing a light blue dress, tights and black dress shoes while her brother was sporting a black suit with a white shirt and black shoes. "Wow, you two look pretty smart," she finally uttered.
"Thank you," replied Emma. "Grandma Claire took us shopping yesterday."
"She said we had to look good for the Judge," added Braxton.
Smiling, Jane gave them both a kiss on the cheek, "You will knock the Judge's sock off."
"I hope they don't have smelly feet," jested Braxton.
Both Emma and Jane laughed as Erica appeared with Jacqueline on her left hip, "What's going on in here?"
"I made a funny Auntie Erica," answered Braxton with a grin.
"Well, sorry I missed it. Is everyone ready to leave?"
Emma shook her head, "No, Grandma Claire is not here yet."
"She is already waiting for us in the garage, so let's go," explained Erica.
"YAY FOR US!" shouted Braxton before running towards the side door.
Reaching out, Jane gave her wife a puzzled expression, "What is going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You have avoided me the entire morning and weren't in bed when I woke. What is troubling you?"
"I'm sorry honey, I wasn't conscious of the fact I was."
"We can discuss it later; we don't have time right now."
Leaning in and mindful of the baby, Erica kissed Jane on the lips briefly, "I am a little torn is all. I have a lot going on in my mind and didn't sleep very well last night."
Realisation, hit Jane with the force of a tilt train and her eyes filled with tears, "Oh babe, it's kind of bitter sweet for you, isn't it?"
"Yes it is, but I don't want the kids to pick up on my sadness. I actually found Emma bawling her eyes out in the living room at six this morning."
"Hence the trip to the nursery?" queried Jane.
"You got it, but we can talk later honey."
"We can and I know you have been patient with my recovering vagina."
"Grrr, please don't mention it," taunted Erica with a chuckle.
Tittering, Jane goosed her wife, "Only another three weeks and hopefully you will be back in the saddle again."
"I'll be riding that pony all the way to Denver, so be prepared."
With a raucous laugh, Jane pushed Erica towards the exit, "Behave in front of the baby."
"Hey now, you said the word vagina," protested Erica with mock shock.
"Yes I did and I apologise."
"I don't hear much sincerity in those words Sexy Mommy."
"Shush now and don't say the word sexy again."
"Bossy much?" asked Erica while securing the door.
"You know I am and that is why you love me."
"You got me there and it was a good idea buying a new nine seater SUV last week."
Glancing at the silver Suburban, Jane agreed, "Yes it was and Tommy is still over the moon with us giving him the old one."
"He and Lydia will need the room with another baby on the way."
"True and their announcement at dinner took the pressure off us from ma."
"Thank goodness for that, now put our cute child into the capsule and get this show on the road Detective Sexy."
Jane was about to grumble when Emma and Braxton sang out in unison, "Detective Sexy."
"I rest my case Your Honour," she quipped instead with a full dimpled smile.
Erica had nowhere to go but the driver's seat. She moved in that direction with a grin firmly plastered on her lips.
-o-
Once greetings with Maura, Angela and Rupert were out of the way, the large group walked into the Courtroom and most settled themselves in the gallery while Rupert led Erica, Jane and the three children to the front table. Taking a seat, Jane readjusted the baby carry and reached for Erica's hand.
The blonde gave her a smile as a bailiff entered the room from a door behind the Judge's bench and asked those in attendance to stand.
Jane nearly laughed when Braxton jumped up and waved to the Judge as he took his seat behind the bench. The child received a grin from the tall, bald headed man in his late fifties.
Directed to sit by the Court Officer, the gallery complied while Rupert remained upright.
Judge Evans picked up a folder and swiftly perused its contents before speaking, "Mister Owens, I see your clients have completed all necessary paperwork."
"Yes Your Honour, the Rizzoli-Campbells are eager for the adoption to proceed."
"I see no issue with the application, but would like to ask the children a couple of questions."
"Yes Your Honour."
"I'll begin with Emma."
Erica looked to her, "Stand up sweetie."
Doing so, the young girl straightened her shoulders and focused on the Judge.
"Hello Emma, there is no need to be nervous," began the Judge.
"Yes Your Honour," replied Emma remembering the title Erica has told her to use during breakfast.
"Do you like living with your Aunt Erica and Jane?"
The smile on her face said it all, "Oh yes."
"Tell me what you like the most?"
"I have my own room and get to play in the cubby house in the backyard. My grandmother lives in the guesthouse and she is teaching me to play the piano. Oh and we have two dogs, Bolt and Jo Friday. I love them because they play chase and ball with us."
"That sounds great Emma."
"My Auntie Angela is showing me how to cook and that's a lot of fun. I miss my mommy and daddy, but Auntie Erica and Jane love me and it doesn't hurt as much now."
There was a loud sob from the gallery and Jane didn't need to look to know it came from her mother.
"Thank you for talking to me Emma, you may sit down. Braxton, is it okay if I talk to you now?"
Standing up, Braxton replied, "You bet Your Honour."
The room filled with laughter which caused Braxton to join in.
Once the Judge was ready, he asked, "Do you like living with your Aunts?"
"I sure do. They read bedtime stories and we even get an extra one when we are good or sad."
"When are you sad?"
"Uhm, the other day I fell over and hurt my knee, so Jane read two stories before bed cos I cried a little."
"Does Jane always read to you?"
"No, everyone takes turns. Grandma reads too and if Erica or Jane are at work, Nelson reads."
"It sounds like you enjoy story time?"
"I do and it makes me go to sleep."
"Tell me about school?"
"I like it. I learnt how to speak better and make friends. I play soccer and even scored a goal last game. I got to eat ice cream as a reward, Emma and Jac too."
"What do you know about your Aunt's jobs?"
Braxton's face lit up, "They chase the bad men and put them in jail. Sometimes it makes me sad though."
"Why is that Braxton?"
"Cos they get hurt and I don't want them to go the heaven like Grandpa, mommy and daddy. I love them and they make me happy, Emma and Jac too. I don't like going to the hospital to see them."
"Do you understand why they are hurt sometimes while doing their jobs?"
Scrunching up his face, Braxton replied, "Yeah, the bad man has a gun or a knife and hurts them, but not all the time. Jane and Erica are good Police Officers and keep people safe."
"Are there guns in your house?"
"Yes, but I don't know where. Jane said they are in a safe somewhere and us kids are not allowed to go anywhere near it. Auntie Erica told us all about how dangerous they are and they are not for children."
The Judge's eyebrows rose as he nodded, "That was good advice and thank you for talking with me Braxton; you may be seated."
"Did I do all right?" he inquired innocently.
"You did very well," answered Judge Evans with a grin.
Braxton bounced out of his seat again, "Your Honour, I forgot to tell you something."
"What is it young man?"
"Erica and Jane make me laugh all the time and the backyard is really big and I love running around with Jo and Bolt. There is a new baby in the house, his name is Benjamin and I love him. He can't play with me yet, but when he is bigger, I am going to share my toys with him cos I am a good boy."
"I am glad you told me all that Braxton and how about I sign this paperwork in front of me and declare this adoption official?"
"Yay for me!" cheered Braxton with a raised right fist.
Standing, Rupert was a little more formal, "Thank you Your Honour."
"You are welcome and anyone can see how much love your clients have for the children."
Jane got to her feet and hugged her wife, careful not the squash the baby, "We did it babe."
"Yes we did and now let's go celebrate."
"Can I have ice cream?" asked Braxton.
Jane embraced him, "You can and you did well."
"Do I have to call you mommy now?"
"No, Jane will do just fine."
"Okay, cos I already have a mommy."
Holding back tears, Jane replied, "Yes you do."
The Court Officer handed Rupert some paperwork as Judge Evans left the room.
-o-
Later that night Jane snuggled into Erica's side and pressed her lips against warm skin, "I love you and what a day."
"Emma and Braxton were excellent and I am sorry for being distant. I couldn't help but think about dad, Thomas and Jennifer. They are missing out on all this and it broke my heart."
"I completely understand, but why didn't you discuss it with me?"
"You have enough to worry about honey."
"Like what?"
"Breastfeeding, getting back into shape, pretending your vagina is okay."
Black eyebrows jumped up, "What do you mean by that last one?"
"I know we have both avoided the pink elephant in the room, but it's time we spoke about the fact you are frustrated with the amount of time it is taking for you to heal."
Giggling into Erica's neck, Jane confessed, "Honestly, I thought we would have resumed our extraordinary sex life by now, but I am still not interested. I haven't said anything because I know you have been taking a lot of cold showers and that pisses me off."
"You don't need to be angry. It is only natural that I am aroused by you, but I would never allow you to feel guilty about not being ready to resume our intimacy."
"I love you for taking that into consideration babe."
"Jane, sex isn't all there is with our relationship. Yes, it is mind blowing brilliant, but I love you for so many reasons and that alone will sustain me until you are all healed."
"What if I don't get my desire back?"
Looking down to her chest, Erica watched her wife idly fondle her stiff right nipple, "I don't think we have to worry about that Jane."
Following Erica's eyes, Jane chuckled, "Oh, I see what you mean. I didn't even realise I was doing that."
"You often do when we chat in bed. It is very comforting for me and I am more than fine with it not leading to anything more."
Smiling broadly, Jane kissed Erica's earlobe, "I really do love you."
"And I am crazy in love with you."
Exhaling deeply, Jane remarked, "Can you believe it, we are the parents of four children?"
"We are and I couldn't be happier."
"Me either and what time is your therapy session tomorrow?"
"Eleven, is Maura still coming over for lunch?"
"Yes and Claire is making Shepard's Pie."
"Yum, you better save me some or there will be hell to pay."
"I can't promise Braxton won't eat your share."
"I better have a chat with him at breakfast then."
Yawning, Jane nestled against Erica's jaw, "You should and I am ready for sleep."
Glancing at the bedside clock, Erica agreed, "You have about four hours before the little man wakes and demands your boobies."
"Speaking of boobs, how come you haven't made a play for them?"
Grinning, Erica pecked her wife on the head, "They are pretty stunning at the moment, but I am not getting excited about them, just to have you slap my hands away."
"That's what I thought, but I have no issue with you touching them and checking them out. You should enjoy the fuller size while you can."
"I see no sense in doing that."
"Why not?"
"I would only be a blubbering mess in the end and sulk because I can't do anything with them."
Rolling her eyes, Jane scoffed, "You know, you can be a little dense sometimes."
Leaning back, Erica stared into brown orbs, "What are you getting at?"
"I am saying you can touch my breasts and have your way with them. I may not get aroused, but you can and I am more than willing to assist you."
"Well, thanks for the invite, but when I make love with you, it is a two way street and if I wanted to just get off, I would masturbate, and that is not going to happen."
Pouting, Jane responded, "You make it sound so clinical."
"Seriously, have I given you any indication that I am suffering from lack of sex?"
"No, not really, but you have growled at me a few times."
"Then it is not an issue honey. I told you before I am more than happy to wait; besides, I don't think my stomach muscles could stand the stress. We both need to recover Jane and I am satisfied with just holding you at this point in time."
"Phew, just checking and how the hell did I end up with such a wonderful wife?"
"I ask myself that very same question every morning I wake up by your side."
Lifting her head, Jane captured smiling lips but came to a screeching halt when there was a tap on the main door.
Releasing her hold, Erica eased out of the bed, "That will be Braxton suffering a tummy ache from the extra bowl of ice cream he had with dinner."
Tittering, Jane nodded, "I expect so and he did have two with lunch."
Putting a robe over her boxers and tee shirt clad frame, Erica commented, "The candy your mom gave him wouldn't have helped either. I'll get him some antacid then settle him back into bed."
"Bring him in here with us babe, I don't mind sharing the bed with him for the night. He did us proud today and I have the feeling his sister will be the next to knock on our door."
Jane was correct; Erica opened the door to Braxton and Emma.
-o-
Monday 14th April, 2014.
A uniformed attired Erica entered the kitchen to find 15 month old Jacqueline sitting in her booster seat at the bench with a face smeared in mashed banana. Braxton was sitting beside her devouring bunny pancakes while Emma was daintily eating a blueberry muffin.
Claire was sitting at the end of the counter sipping from a cup of tea and Jane was standing on the other side munching on a bowl of macaroni cheese with ketchup.
Taking in the scene, Erica's heart filled with love and she quickly wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes. "Good morning everyone," she said in greeting before planting a kiss on her wife's right cheek.
There was a collective reply then Braxton asked, "Are you chasing the bad men today Auntie Erica?"
"I certainly am Little Man."
"You be careful, okay?"
"I will because I have my awesome family to come home to."
Emma put down her food, "What time will you be home?"
"Around four thirty, why?"
"I would like you to take us to the park."
"I can do that, and maybe Jo and Bolt can come too?"
"I would like that."
"There are some pancakes in the oven for you babe," said Jane in between mouthfuls of pasta.
"Thank you," replied Erica prior to kissing the others on the head. 'I have no idea how you can eat that for breakfast."
"Old habits are hard to break," reasoned Jane as she put the empty bowl into the sink.
Taking her plate to the counter, Erica sat beside Braxton, "Did you finish your chores before breakfast?"
Dipping his head twice, Braxton finished the last of his pancakes, "I certainly did. Bolt and Jo have fresh water and their kennels are clean. Emma helped me, so I will help her with hers this afternoon."
"Very good and thank you Emma."
"You are welcome," returned the younger blonde.
"What do you have planned for today mom?"
"After I drop Em and Brax off to school, I have a shopping date with Constance followed by a lunch date with her and Maura. I will be picking Nelson up from the airport after school finishes then taking my parents and in-laws to dinner after that."
"Wow, that's a full day mom."
Emma tapped her grandmother on the arm, "Don't forget we have a piano lesson after homework."
"I won't dear."
There was a soft mewling on the baby monitor and Jane excused herself. She returned in time to see Erica picking up her go-to bag and making for the garage. "Hey, you weren't leaving without saying goodbye, were you?"
Spinning around, a dimple deepening grin greeted her, "No, I was just putting my gear in your car."
Nearing, Jane wrapped her arms around Erica's neck, "Good, because I need a kiss from my sexy as hell wife."
Happy to oblige, Erica lowered her lips to Jane's and kissed her with all she had; after no sex for six weeks, that amounted to quite a lot. She groaned gutturally when Jane opened her mouth and explored the inner confines.
With knees weakening, Erica pulled back and gazed into glistening pools of dark brown, "That was one brilliant goodbye kiss."
"I thought so and please be safe today."
"I always am honey and I'll see you later."
Brushing her hand down the curve of Erica's chin, Jane asked, "Will you call me?"
"I will and thanks for letting me drive your car."
Looking at the latest model blue Camaro parked in the garage, Jane grinned, "I don't mind you taking my birthday present, besides Claire needs the SUV today. After a week in London with his boyfriend and Mildred, Nelson will have extra baggage filled with gifts and shopping."
"Lance is a worse shopaholic than Nelson so the additional space will come in handy." Erica leaned in for another kiss, "I'll phone you when I can."
"I look forward to it and good luck on your first day back."
"Thank you and goodness, you look great."
"Mind on the job Lieutenant Campbell," chastised Jane with a giggle.
"You are so bossy."
"That I am, now go before you are late."
Erica rushed to the car while Jane busied herself with cleaning the kitchen.
-o-
