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: Gratitude for the reviews, follows and favourites.
Chapter 55
It was no surprise for Jane to find her mother waiting on the other side of the security post at the entrance of Headquarters. Her mother was smiling as she approached, and Jane wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "Everything is fine and the babies are doing really well."
Astonishment registered on Angela's face as she leaned back, "Did you say babies?"
Jane was awash with emotion and couldn't help but grin, "I did."
"Oh my god, Erica is carrying twins?"
"No ma, she is having triplets."
The last thing Jane expected was for her mother to faint, but she did. Several passing Officers assisted the Sergeant in getting her mother to a nearby chair and one grabbed a bottle of chilled water from the cafe's display refrigerator.
The Rizzoli matriarch was quick to recover and she reached for her daughter's hand, "Triplets?"
"Yes ma, now drink some water and take a deep breath."
Angela did as told and once she had her wits about her asked, "Are my grandbabies small Janie?"
"No, they are developing right on schedule and totally explains why Erica has gained so much weight. We were expecting to see twins, not three."
"That only means more for us to love, hey Janie?"
"Yes ma, they will be loved. How are you feeling?"
"I am fine; it was just a little shock. I can't wait to tell Vincent; he will be so happy for the two of you." Angela noticed the stern look on Jane's face and backtracked, "Oh sorry, maybe you planned on telling him yourself."
"I did, but how would you like to come upstairs with me and share the wonderful news?"
"I would love to. I'll just tell Amy to look after things for a minute."
"You got it ma."
Looking behind her daughter, Angela inquired, "Where is Erica, didn't she come in with you?"
"No, I drove her home. She is putting on a brave front, but I know she is worried about the babies and is exhausted."
"Home with her mother is a good place to be. Would it be okay if Vincent and I visited her tonight?"
"I am sure she would love to see you ma."
"Good, I will just be a moment."
"Take your time ma, the Squad doesn't have a case at the moment and catching up on paperwork."
Standing, Angela hugged her offspring, "I love you Janie and you make me so proud."
"I love you too ma and no crying is allowed."
"Too late," returned the older woman as the tears began to drop.
-o-
After saying hello to her mother in-law and the children, Jane went upstairs to secure her gun and accessories in the safe. Going back downstairs to the entertainment room, she asked Claire, "Where are Erica and Benjamin?"
"Erica took him to see a man about a dog?"
Screwing up her face in confusion, Jane pressed for more information, "What dog or is that a joke?"
"It means I have no idea what my darling daughter is up to."
"Well, she must have walked there because all the cars are in the garage," pointed out Jane.
"She had the baby in the stroller and that is all I know dear."
Braxton put down the puzzle piece he was playing with and looked up at Jane, "She is talking to Mister Jones next door."
"Thank you and problem solved."
"Are you going to play with us?" inquired Emma with hope written all over her face.
"No, I was actually going to give Mildred a hand in the kitchen. We have two extra mouths to feed for dinner."
"Angela and Vince?" queried Claire.
"You got it." Leaving the room, she was about to enter the kitchen when the front door opened and Erica walked in carrying seven month old Benjamin on her right hip.
"Hey there you two," Jane said in greeting.
"Hi honey," replied Erica as their son reached out for his mommy.
"Hey Little Man, where have you been?"
Nestling into his mother's neck, Benjamin babbled in response and made a smacking sound with his lips.
Leaning in, Erica kissed her wife then answered her question, "I just made Mister Jones an offer he couldn't refuse."
"Say what now?" asked a muddled Jane.
"You know how we need a bigger house for our tribe?"
"Oh I get it, you just bought his place."
"Correct and once the Cranks arrive home, I will be offering to buy theirs. If we can, that will give us enough room to build a bigger house and have a larger backyard."
"That is awfully clever of you and you were supposed to be resting, not gallivanting around the neighbourhood. We can talk in a moment; I think someone is ready for his dinner. Can you please heat up some up vegetables for him babe?"
"I can and I haven't told mom and the children about our news yet."
"I figured that out when no one mentioned it and on that note, ma and Vince are coming over for dinner."
"How did they take the update?"
"Ma fainted and Vince bawled."
"Wow that is a surprise."
Moving down the hall, Jane headed for the stairs, "I'll be back after a nappy change and in case you didn't know, I love you."
A smile grew on Erica's face, "I do know, but I never tire of hearing you tell me. Needless to say, I love you too."
-o-
Twenty minutes before Angela and Vince were due to arrive, Erica and Jane assembled their family into the living room and asked them to take a seat. Claire bounced Benjamin on her knee while the other three children sat beside her on the couch.
"Is this where you tell us you are having two babies Auntie Erica?" inquired Emma with a curious expression and grin.
Stunned that her niece was so close to the truth made Erica turn to Jane and shake her head, "Why do you say that Em?"
"You are much bigger than Auntie Jane was and I looked it up on the internet the other day."
Jane giggled then asked, "Just how old are you Emma?"
"I am seven."
"More like seventy," quipped Jane before she kissed the child on the head. "You were nearly right sweetie. Erica and I are having triplets."
Claire nearly dropped the baby in her rush to hug the crap out of the two women, "Oh dear, I am so happy, but amazed at the same time."
Emma jumped off the couch and embraced Erica's legs, "More for us to love."
Braxton remained on the sofa, "How many is that?"
Untangling herself, Jane replied, "It means three."
"Awesome, three more kids to play with. Yay for me!"
Getting in on the act, twenty one month old Jacqueline sprung off the couch and landed at Jane's feet, "Yay!"
Picking her up, Jane kissed her on the cheek, "Yay for us!"
"More," demanded the toddler so Jane kissed her again.
Giggling, Jacqueline reached out for Erica, "More."
Cautiously, Erica took her into her arms and her face with smooches, "Love you."
"Lobe ou," the little blonde returned.
Jane snuck a look at her mother in-law and noticed the tears, "Everything will be all right."
"I know and you will have yourselves a soccer team in no time."
"Oh no, this is it for us. Seven is more than enough."
"It is enough of anyone dear," reasoned Claire as Jacqueline stretched out her arms to her.
Braxton tugged on Jane's jacket, "Can I have a bath with Benjamin now?"
"Sure, we have time before dinner. How was school today?"
"We did maths and English and I got a gold star for my homework."
"Well done and you can show me before story time."
"Okay, but I rock."
Laughing at his words, Jane patted her wife on the back, "Brax and I are taking Benjamin up for to the bathroom. Do you want to join us?"
"I think we should all go," suggested Erica. "Just one big happy family."
"Yay," the eldest children cheered in unison while Benjamin clung to his grandmother's neck.
-o-
Erica and Jane purchased the two houses to the right of their property and once local council approved their building plans, construction began on a ten bedroom three storey home two weeks later. Erica was able to put a rush on the plans and two days later, her and Jane attended Doctor Huffman's office for the sixteen week sonogram.
As the images came on the screen, Jane asked, "If they are monozygotic, that means they will be the same gender, right?"
"Correct and from what I am seeing, you are expecting three boys. Congratulations ladies, everything looks good."
Erica shook her head, "The girls are outnumbered."
"Don't look at me," protested Jane. "I am not having another baby in the hopes we even up the numbers."
Gail let out a chuckle, "She has a point Erica."
"I am only messing with you honey, seven is my last offer."
"You smartass," mumbled Jane under her breath.
"Yes dear, but you love me."
"I certainly do and oh, is that an ear I can see?"
"Yes you can," answered the doctor.
"That's so cute and is the middle one sucking on the thumb of the one on the end?"
"It looks like it, but it may just be the way they are positioned."
Erica remained quiet while her wife and doctor discussed different features they could discern. Her thoughts were elsewhere … she was thinking of names for the babies she was carrying. Before she knew it, she had drifted off.
Glancing down at the blonde then to the doctor, Jane elucidated, "Erica has been exhausted the past few days."
"Has she considered cutting back on work?"
"We discussed it last night and I believe she is asking for a reduction in hours when she returns to the office this afternoon."
"That would be the wisest move or she may find herself in hospital on full bed rest."
"I mentioned that and I think that convinced her to drop back a little. She is also concerned about the weight gain. Her ankles are swelling more often and her back pain is worse."
"Can I suggest you persuade her to go on maternity leave at the end of this week? I know she is only four months along, but her discomfort is only going to increase from now on. The babies are all normal size for this stage of development and I don't want her being stressed or overtired."
"I will talk to her about it. Uhm, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course Jane that is what I am here for."
"Is it normal for Erica to lose interest in sex so soon?"
"Every woman is different and as you know from your own experience, the libido can change a number of times and go either way. When did Erica's wane?"
"Since the last scan I haven't been able to touch her and she complains about cramps and painful breasts."
"All of that is normal Jane."
"I haven't discussed it with her because I don't want to upset her."
"I think I have gotten to know the pair of you fairly well during your pregnancies and I know Erica is big on communications, so why not speak to her about your concerns. I know she listened to yours when you were the expectant mother."
"She was amazing Gail and you are right; I will talk to her tonight."
"Good and once I print off the images, you are free to go."
"Thanks and when should I book the next appointment?"
"I think it best that we continue with one every two weeks. I want to keep a close check on Erica as well as the babies."
"I agree."
Handing over the latest prints to the nurse, Gail added, "I also want to check up on you. How are you juggling work with motherhood?"
"I am doing just fine. Benjamin is now off the breast and hitting all his milestones."
"Are you sleeping well?"
"Yes, with Benjamin sleeping through the night I am getting eight full hours."
"That is good to hear and by the dark circles around Erica's eyes, is it safe to assume it is the opposite for her?"
"You are right. Erica told me the triplets move around the most at night time and it keeps her from sleeping."
"When was the last time you and Erica took a break?"
"Over five months ago and I understand where you are headed."
A smirk graced the doctor's face, "Good, that saves us some time."
"I am off-call this weekend, so I'll organise something."
"In that case, I will see you in two weeks time," recommended Gail as the nurse handed Jane the scans.
-o-
A flabbergasted Jane was left standing alone in the master bedroom that evening when Erica stormed out of the room. "I guess that's a no to going away for the weekend then," she said sarcastically to herself.
Deciding to give her wife some space, Jane went and showered before climbing into bed and turning off the lights. She had only closed her eyes when the main door opened and Erica made her way into the ensuite.
Once the door closed, Jane listened as the water started in the shower. She was tempted to join her wife, but thought better of it. Six minutes later, a boxer and tee shirt clad Erica slid under the covers and an arm draped around Jane's right hip.
Moist lips pressed against her shoulder blade and Jane groaned, "Are you feeling any better after your tantrum, which by the way, was an award winning performance?"
"Sorry about that. I am just tired and overreacted."
"Why are you so against taking a couple of days off to be alone?"
"I am exhausted and don't want to ruin it for you. You have so much on you plate at the moment. You work full time, care for our kids and put up with my shit."
"I don't put up with your shit out of some sense of obligation Erica. I love you and as your wife, I am telling you that you need a break. The bags under your eyes are ready to pack themselves and take off for vacation. Did you speak with Matthew about reducing your work hours?"
"No, I thought about it and I don't need to. I will be just fine, so can we please drop the subject and get some sleep?"
"Sure, whatever you want," snapped Jane, more than a little peeved with her wife's answers and dismissal. She felt there was something Erica was keeping from her, so when the blonde dozed off, Jane moved her arm and got out of bed.
Putting on a robe, she wandered downstairs and entered the office. Booting up the laptop, she searched the internet history browser and swore when she read the last entry of the search engine: Signs of miscarriage during second trimester.
"Fucking hell, what is going on with you?" she asked to no one but herself. Turning off the computer, Jane switched off the light then went to the nursery and checked on Benjamin.
The infant was on his left side and safely tucked in under his light blanket. Dropping the railing, Jane pressed her lips to his crown and whispered, "There is something wrong with you momma and I don't like it when she keeps secrets. Sweet dreams Little Man."
Securing the barrier, Jane tiptoed out of the room and re-entered the bedroom. Erica was hugging one of the spare pillows and her forehead was furrowed. It was obvious she was having a bad dream, so Jane eased back onto the mattress and wrapped her left arm over her wife's waist. With slow, circular patterns along the expanse of belly, Jane attempted to soothe the worry from the blonde.
Closing her eyes, Jane soon drifted off, but they flew open when Erica jolted several times and whimpered. Disturbed by the actions, Jane gently shook Erica's right shoulder.
It took a few moments before Erica's eyelids drew back, "What's wrong?"
"You were having a nightmare."
Tears welled behind blue orbs, "Yeah I was. Thanks for waking me from it."
"You don't have to thank me, but you do need to tell me what the hell is going on with you and before you toss me some bullshit, I saw what you have been researching on the net."
"I should have known better than to keep it from you."
"Yes you should have, so spill."
Wiping the tears away before they fell, Erica began, "I have been having these terrifying dreams just after the last scan."
"I'd figured that part out and gathered it was why you won't let my near you."
"Yes. In the dream the babies are fighting for room while we are making love and my stomach just explodes and they all fall out onto the bed then onto the floor."
Jane's heart stopped beating, "Oh sweet shit Erica, why didn't you tell me sooner? No wonder you haven't been able to sleep."
"I didn't want to worry you with this nonsense. I know it is stupid and probably related to the fact I am eating junk food due to cravings, but I can't keep it out of my head."
"Of course it is and we are definitely going away this weekend. I don't want any arguments from you and that is that."
Grinning and much relieved, Erica retorted, "Bossy much?"
"Hell yeah and try to get some sleep. I will hold you until you nod off and will be right here if you wake up if you have another nightmare."
"Thank you and you were always sound asleep when they hit, so you were unaware of them."
"Well I know now, so close your eyes and dream of happy times."
"I'll try, love you."
"I love you more and don't ever keep shit to yourself again."
"Yes honey."
Shaking her head at her wife's smirk, Jane inched closer, "I'll blame your lapse of communication on the three beings sucking all the brain out of you at the moment."
Giggling, Erica pecked her wife on the nose, "That is most gracious of you and we will talk more later."
"Yes we will, sweet dreams babe."
"I hope so honey."
-o-
Jane caressed Erica's hip until the blonde's breathing evened out and thankfully, she didn't suffer any further nightmares. Both women got a good night's sleep and Jane was pleased to wake to a smiling wife instead of an empty space.
"Good morning babe," she said in greeting.
"Hello and thank you for last night."
"Don't mention it and I better get a move on or I'll be late for work."
"I'll go downstairs and make a start on the kids' breakfast. It's Mildred's day off."
"Okay, I'll meet you down there after I shower."
"Before you go, I need to tell you I've been having really bad cramps and asked Gail not to mention it to you."
Cupping her hand around her wife's jaw, Jane pleaded, "Please don't do that again. We are in this together and the babies are fine. You are doing really well and they are right on target, so just relax and tell me everything."
"I will and can I blame it on the hormones?"
"Of course you can, I certainly did babe."
Taking a deep breath, Erica admitted, "I am so sorry I don't have a sex drive."
"Don't apologise, it happens and now it's my turn to be patient with you."
"Thank you and you deserve a wife of the year award."
"I'll settle for my beautiful wife to be happy and our babies to be safe."
"I will ask to go on maternity leave at the end of this week Jane. I won't risk their health."
"I love that you are taking them into consideration my darling and I think it is the best choice for us."
"Me too and we need to get a move on; I can hear tiny footsteps on the stairs."
"That will be Braxton looking for pancakes. I'll take care of it babe, while you take your time."
"I love you."
"I love you more, now get out of here."
-o-
Jane took Erica back to the Old Mill Inn and the couple spent a relaxing weekend watching old movies, sleeping and talking. There were moments filled with tender kisses and cuddles, but the intimacy didn't go further. Jane was deeply frustrated by the time she went to work Monday morning while Erica remained in bed. There had been another nightmare overnight and when Jane took a break for lunch, she went down to the Morgue to speak with Maura.
The Medical Examiner was literally elbows deep in some recently deceased's chest cavity when Jane sauntered into the room. She turned to see who had joined her and grinned when her best friend gave her a wave, "Hello Jane, this is a nice surprise. What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping you could have lunch with me; I need a sounding board."
"By all means Jane, just let me finish up here then I am free."
Standing by, Jane observed Maura at work for several minutes before the honey blonde took a step back from the table and removed the shield protecting her face.
Pulling off her gloves, Maura tossed them into the nearby hazardous waste bin, "I'll just go change into something more appropriate. Are we eating at the café or going out?"
"Upstairs is fine; ma is not working today, so she won't hover around our table."
Grinning at the implication, Maura headed for her office, "I assume you wish to discuss something of a personal nature?"
"You would be correct," answered Jane while following her friend.
Stepping in behind the screen that separated the office from the yoga room, Maura asked, "Does this involve your lovely wife?"
"It does. I am really worried about her. We had such a relaxing time this weekend and she slept a lot, but last night the nightmares were back."
Maura's goggle mouth took over, "Statistically, it is not uncommon for women to experience them when eating unusual or different combinations of food."
"I know all that, so does Erica, and she has been watching her diet, but I don't think that is the reason behind the bad dreams."
Walking out from the barrier, Maura's forehead furrowed, "What are your suspicions?"
Tears welled in Jane's eyes, "Don't say a word to Erica, but I went behind her back and spoke with Captain Gerling last Friday."
"Oh my," uttered Maura. "Let me call Amy and order something for lunch and have Darryl deliver it. I think it would be best if this conversation took place in private."
"I agree and sorry to lay this on you Mau."
With a wave of her right hand, Maura replied, "Nonsense Jane, this is what friends do for one another." Going to her desk phone, she placed an order for two green salads with Thai fish cakes."
Taking a seat in front of the table, Jane sighed heavily, "Erica and I agreed not to keep anything from one another, but she failed to mention she broke down after the first sonogram."
"Say what?"
"Matthew has been concerned about Erica too and was more than happy to see her go on maternity leave earlier than planned."
"I gather her breakdown involved a case?" inquired Maura while seating down.
"Yes. It was her last job before taking up desk duty. The Squad was called to a domestic disturbance in East Somerville and Erica gave the order to open fire on a male who had taken his pregnant ex-wife hostage after shooting her husband and two year old son."
"I don't recall that case going through my department," stated Maura with knotted eyebrows.
"It didn't. The perp had killed the victims in Pittsburgh and driven his ex to their old home in Somerville. It was an FBI operation, but their SWAT Team was tied up on another case, so Erica's was called in to assist with the apprehension."
"It is understandable that Erica would have been affected by the circumstances."
"Matthew told me the perp exited the house with his weapon aimed at Officers as they surrounded it and didn't surrender when directed to. It was a case of suicide by law enforcement when he discharged his gun at Michael Ezra and Erica made the call to fire. His shot missed Michael and when the Squad entered the house, they found the hostage lying on a bed in the main bedroom. She had been strangled and her belly cut open. The foetus was on the floor and that was when Erica lost it."
"That is horrific Jane and completely explains her nightmares."
"I couldn't bring myself to ask her about it over the weekend. She was so happy and I didn't want to ruin it. For two nights, she actually slept right through until the morning and the circles under her eyes were gone. I woke up this morning and found her in the nursery rocking Benjamin. It was obvious she hadn't slept and when I tried to speak with her, she closed off. If I had had the time, I would have told her I know about the Somerville case, but Braxton needed help with his new school shoes then I had to leave for work."
"You are going to have to have that conversation Jane and the sooner the better. It is not healthy for her or the babies to be under stress."
Darryl appeared in the doorway holding their lunches and Jane quickly paid him then placed the meals and drinks on the desk, "I will talk to her tonight. I am just worried about how fragile she is right now and I don't want her to pull away from me."
"Erica will be in a protective mode when it comes to the babies. You need to break through that barrier and I am certain she will understand you are only trying to help her."
"I hope you are right and I really appreciate your advice."
"I am always here for you Jane that will never change."
A smile finally graced Jane's features, "Back at you and time to change the subject before I bawl. How are thing with you and the little peanut?"
"Jane, do not call my unborn child a peanut. He or she now longer resembles a legume."
The two friends laughed and Jane left the office forty minutes later feeling much better and more than determined to deal with her wife's problem.
-o-
Later that afternoon, Jane was placing the last file into the in-tray on Vincent's desk when her cell phone sounded with Erica's ringtone. Walking out of the office, she made for the BRIC and some privacy. Closing the door, she answered, "Hello babe, is everything okay?"
"Hey honey and yes, all is well. I just got home from the shoe store and Braxton had his shoes replaced. You were right, there was a fault with the inner sole and I even managed to wrangle a ten percent discount off his next pair."
"Well done. How is Benjamin doing?"
"He tried to eat a handful of sand earlier and Jacqueline followed. They both cried, but got over it with a warm bath and a more nutritious lunch."
Laughing, Jane asked, "How have you been feeling?"
There was a short pause before Erica replied, "There is something I need to talk to you about."
A sob of relief caught in Jane's throat, "I am so happy to hear you say that."
"You have been extremely patient with me and I was wrong to keep the reason behind my nightmares from you."
"Babe, we can talk about it when I get home. I want to be able to hold and comfort you."
"I'll ask your mom to take the kids for the night so we can have the house to ourselves without interruptions."
"That's a great idea and we can have an early night."
"Okay and Jane."
"Yes sweetie."
"I love you so much and am so sorry."
"There is no need to apologise, just know I love you more and am pleased you brought this up."
"I am too, be safe and see you soon."
"Bye babe."
-o-
Walking into the ensuite, Jane found Erica in the bathtub covered in bubbles, "Well hello there, is your back sore again?"
"It is and welcome home."
"Would you like some company in there?"
"Yes please and Mildred left us some dinner in the oven."
Stripping off her pants suit in world record breaking time, Jane eased in behind her wife, "I know. Claire informed me when I dropped in to see the kids."
Leaning back, Erica exhaled, "This feels nice and how was work?"
"I finished off all outstanding paperwork and even tidied up my desk."
"Wow, I am impressed about your work station."
"It was time I organised it and Barry paid out of me big time. We had a surprise visitor this afternoon."
"I have a feeling it was the same person who showed up here."
"Frankie was here too?"
"He stayed for about an hour before having to go to therapy."
"Did he tell you his good news?"
"He mentioned starting back at work in two weeks time."
Jane planted a kiss on the back of blonde locks, "I am so happy for him and Frost cried."
"I did too, so did mom. He has come a long way honey, and I got the feeling he is going to propose to Charlie soon."
"It's her birthday next week, so that could be the time. He actually told me he has bought a ring and managed to keep it from ma."
"He should get an award for that," joked Erica before caressing Jane's forearms.
"Mmm, is your back pain easing any?"
"Yes, nearly all gone and thank you for being worried about me enough to talk to Matthew."
"He told you?"
"No, I actually called him and asked if you had. I got the feeling you were trying to tell me something over the weekend and figured it out."
"I wish you had spoken to me Erica, you shouldn't have had to deal with that on your own."
"I know, but I felt I had to keep it from you so you wouldn't worry."
"It's my job to worry about you, but now that you know I know, what do you plan on doing about it?"
"I have an appointment with a Departmental Psych at ten tomorrow. Matthew had already organised it before I phoned him. Your visit prompted him to act before things got out of hand, so thank you for that."
"I'll allow you to blame it all on your hormones again, but you do get extra points for coming to me with it before I brought it up."
"Your generosity knows no bounds honey."
"No it doesn't and it is pleasing to have you relaxed again."
"Even though I stumbled a little, I knew you were waiting for me and I love that about you."
"I love everything about you and did the babies give you much trouble today?"
"Apart from the back pain, they have behaved."
"Good job boys," praised Jane as she affectionately rubbed her hand over the enlarged tummy of her wife.
In response, Erica moaned deeply, "That feels so good."
"I'm glad and I think we should do this every time I come home from work."
"You have yourself a deal."
-o-
Friday 7th November, 2014.
Jane was gently running her left palm over Erica's baby swell while the bathtub continued to fill with warm water, "How were the kids today?"
"The eldest three were excited to be having a sleep over with their grandparents Bob and Rae and Benjamin charmed the pants off Colleen and Patrick when they arrived this morning."
"That boy of ours is going to be a heartbreaker."
"He takes after his mama in that department."
"Oh no, his mommy is the charmer," protested Erica amusingly. "That's the Rizzoli part of his DNA." Placing her hand on top of Jane's, the blonde watched their combined fingers trace circles around the girth, "They are getting bigger honey."
"Yes and Gail is really pleased with their progress. I on the other hand, am very impressed with the fact your blood pressure is back to normal and the nightmares have vanished."
Turning her head, Erica looked into pools of dark brown, "I put it down to our nightly bath ritual and me talking my head off with Doctor Shelton twice a week."
"I agree and I am glad you are doing so well with Annette."
"She is a good listener and thinks I will only need another two sessions."
Smiling brightly, Jane returned, "Oh that is excellent news."
Pecking Jane's cheek, Erica inquired, "How is your latest case going?"
"We are waiting for Maura to finish up the autopsy before making an arrest. We have a prime suspect, but lack any concrete evidence. Maura is hopeful of finding some for us."
"Sounds promising and I am looking forward to seeing Isabella tomorrow."
"Maura is very grateful for us agreeing to take her for the weekend while Constance is away with Sean."
"Braxton has already planned the days with her."
Tittering, Jane put forth, "Wouldn't it be funny if he ended up marrying her?"
"It would be interesting to say the least and thankfully, a few decades away from becoming a possibility. Braxton has requested a picnic in the backyard and is going to ask you to play the piano for a singalong during Sunday dinner."
"I think I can handle that," replied Jane before lowering her lips to Erica. Expecting a chaste kiss, she was taken aback when her wife's mouth opened and her tongue darted out and requested entrance.
Groaning, Jane deepened the kiss and tiny sparks of arousal jolted along her nervous system. The contact lasted for several minutes until Erica's hand moved Jane's left upwards and rested against the roundness of her right breast.
Needing no further invitation, Jane palmed the pliant flesh and grazed over the rigid nipple. With tongues caressing each other, she gently squeezed and was rewarded with a guttural moan from Erica.
It was a sound she was unaccustomed to hearing the past three months and she found herself lost in the drone as it reverberated down her spine and into her centre. She was further encouraged when Erica broke the kiss and focused on her with dilated eyes.
"Take me to bed," directed the blonde with a huskiness that nearly made Jane climax.
Wordlessly, the brunette let go and rose out of the tub then reached down to lend a hand to her wife. After drying off, the couple walked hand in hand to the bedroom and Jane eased Erica onto the mattress.
Rolling onto her side, and facing Jane, Erica held out her hand, "Move in behind me honey."
Reaching for a pillow, Jane carefully placed in under Erica's belly, "Are you sure about this? I don't want to hurt you?"
Glistening pools of blue locked onto Jane, "I am very aroused right now and would like my wife to make love to me, so please spoon me."
Smiling like a halfwit, Jane raced around to the other side of the bed and positioned herself behind Erica. Her left arm automatically fell over Erica's hip and soothed the skin on offer, "Tell me if it becomes uncomfortable for you. This is all about you feeling good."
"Thank you, but it's as much about you as it is me Jane. I want you to feel good too."
"To tell you the truth, I am that close to coming, it's not funny."
Giggling, Erica raised her left leg and offered herself, "I am so ready for you."
Casting her eyes towards her wife's swollen and moist labia, Jane agreed, "Oh yes you are."
Slowly, Jane lowered her lips onto Erica's shoulder blade as her left hand glided down her spine and over the curve of her bottom.
Erica's body shuddered in response, "That's really nice honey."
Pressing against the perineum, Jane travelled along the velvety surface before an index finger rimmed the soggy opening. Coating the digit with the secretion, Jane pushed inside and gasped when the ribbed inner muscles clamped around her.
"Oh god, you are amazing," she whimpered.
"Add another honey, I can take it," implored Erica, who was now panting.
"Okay babe," returned Jane prior to retracting then penetrating with two fingers. She started a steady rhythm of strokes and her head grew light. Her own core was dripping and searching for release. She sought out purchase with the back of Erica's thigh and fell into the tempo she had set.
"That's it honey, together," urged Erica.
Jane replied with a grunt and a soft caress with her thumb over Erica's extended clitoris.
"Oh goodness," squawked Erica as her own hips pistoned forward.
Staying with that pace, Jane kissed Erica's shoulder repeatedly then suckled the flesh while staving off her own orgasm. The pleasure she was deriving from the intimacy was immense and she wanted Erica to enjoy it for a long as possible.
Sensing her wife holding back, Erica reached around and dropped a hand onto Jane's arm, "Nice and strong honey, so good."
"I … love … you," Jane forced out before returning her mouth to red marked skin.
"Harder on my clit Jane," pleaded Erica while constricting around the digits inside her. "Nearly there."
Doing so, Jane smiled madly when she felt Erica's body tense in prelude to her climax. She also went rigid and let out a scream as they both tumbled head first into the abyss of pure delight.
With fingertips digging into Jane's hip, Erica rode the waves of pleasure while her frame jolted several times.
Jane carefully withdrew her fingers and got up on her knees. Manoeuvring around the bed, she settled between Erica's thighs and lay down. Taking the puffy outer lips into her mouth, she sucked and Erica lowered her left leg onto Jane's shoulder.
Lapping up all evidence of her wife's orgasm, Jane took her time in reaching her destination. Absorbing Erica's clitoris, she stoked the blade of her tongue up and down the shaft until she felt Erica's hand grip her head.
Over the course of twenty minutes, Jane held Erica on the cusp of climax before relenting and allowing her to fall into the crevasse of release.
Still on her side, Erica's body rocked with tremors and it was some time before she could form words, "Thank you honey, that was so relaxing."
"Glad I could help," replied Jane in between licking the sweetness from her lips.
Rolling onto to back, Erica motioned to Jane, "Come up here, I want to taste you."
Getting off the bed, Jane collected the pillow and placed it under Erica's back, "I want you to be comfortable first."
"I can work with that," acknowledged Erica with a grin. Reaching out, she picked up another pillow and put it under her head. "I am ready."
Kneeling on the mattress, Jane straddled her wife's head then pushed down until warm lips engulfed her, "Jesus that is really good."
Slipping her tongue inside, Erica gripped Jane's hips and pushed up.
Taking the hint, Jane rode the muscle for several minutes before grabbing the bedhead and holding on for all she was worth. Spasms smashed into her and fluid keep oozing from her as Erica continued to coax her into one orgasm then another.
Exhausted, Jane finally eased up and lay beside her wife.
Erica chuckled briefly before saying, "I really enjoyed that and would like more."
Rising up on her right elbow, Jane stared into blue eyes, "I love you and am ready to go again. What position would you like this time?"
Grinning, Erica rested a finger against her chin, "Uhm, I am thinking of a number between sixty eight and seventy."
Cuddling into Erica's side, Jane purred, "So was I, welcome back babe."
"I am glad to be back and the babies haven't moved."
"They are probably in shock," quipped Jane while turning around.
"More than likely babe and just let me get on my side again; it is more comfortable."
"Whatever works for you," agreed Jane as she collected the pillow.
"You work for me honey and I love you so much."
"I love you more and damn, you are so sexy."
Dropping her bottom lip, Erica scoffed, "I am fat."
"No you are not, you are pregnant and the most beautiful woman in the world. Now stop complaining and let me show you."
"Bossy again I see," teased Erica with a smile firmly planted on her lips.
"Yes and don't forget it."
Erica was too busy lifting her right leg to respond. Jane took one look and fell deeper in love with her wife.
-o-
