A nod to Tess Gerritsen and TNT: Thank you for creating these lovely characters that we love to play with at times.

5 Years Later

Maura treasures this tradition and the peace of the moment. They have done all they can in preparation for hosting Christmas tomorrow and now relax with a glass of wine by the fire, music playing softly. Her fingers are entwined with Jane's and Maura looks lovingly over at her wife. Jane's curly hair is a bit unruly and her chocolate eyes are sparkling.

"Maura!"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Look at this place! It looks like Christmas projectile-vomited all over our house."

Maura closes her eyes. "Christmas cannot vomit….."

"Explode?"

"Jane…."

Jane turns on the couch with a grin on her face. She takes Maura's hands in hers and brings them to her lips to kiss. "I'll be serious. Our house looks wonderful. A scene right out of a Hallmark movie. Thank you for agreeing to have everyone here for Christmas."

Maura smiles. "Maybe I should be thanking you, remember, Mother is coming this year, but Hope is with Cailin this year."

Now it's Jane's turn to close her eyes for a moment. "You did talk to your mother about not overdoing presents? I don't want Ma to feel bad, even if she is with Ron and can afford more, it's not a competition."

Maura understands Jane's protective streak. Mother Constance can still be overbearing, but she and Angela had formed a ….. mutual respect relationship. "I spoke with her, Jane, but I can't control Mother's actions."

Jane sighs, but then smiles. "Even if they were both here, there are enough Rizzolis to keep them occupied. I think it's going to be a busy day tomorrow, what do you say about going to bed?" Jane wriggles her eyebrows.

Maura flutters her eyelashes and leans forward to expose her cleavage. "I believe that is a request I will be more than happy to comply with, Detective." She reaches over to gently close her wife's mouth.

…...

Maura slowly rises toward consciousness. She feels fingers gently stroking her face. She hears the bedside light being clicked on and Jane's voice.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Mmmph" Maura is usually a morning person, but they had an active night last night. A few more minutes of sleep seemed warranted. The sun wasn't even up yet.

The gentle strokes turn into gentle pokes to her cheek. She hears Jane's exhalation "Ooomph!" and feels the bed bounce. A quiet voice next to her whispers, "Mommy, get up."

Another voice, "Mama! Up!"

Maura opens her eyes. Matteo's blue eyes are inches from hers. She is memorized by the golden flecks dancing near the pupils.

"Good morning, little love." Matteo kisses his mother. Maura strokes her sons light brown hair.

"Hey, how come you get you get a kiss and I get tackled!"

Maura watches as Lucas jumps across Jane's stomach again. "Lucas, be nice and give Mama a kiss." Lucas looks to Maura and grins, her heart stops as she sees Jane's smile on her son. He crawls up to Jane's face and puts his little hands on each side of her face and leans in to kiss Jane.

"Ok? Now, Mama up?" Lucas nods as he pats Jane's face.

Jane maintains a serious face as she whispers, "Why so early, little man?"

Lucas' dark blue eyes widen as he whispers back, "Santa."

"Riiight. Do you think we should go downstairs and see if he visited our house?"

Lucas nods and begins to slide off the bed. He stops to grab Matteo's hand as they run out of the bedroom together. Jane leans over to kiss Maura. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

"Merry Christmas, darling."

Hey all. I know it's been forever! I jumped ahead a little. This is just a short chapter to see if you are ok with this and maybe have flashbacks to fill you in on the past 5 years. If enough of you really want, I'll go back and actually write out everything. Let me know!