"Maur, I don't know what to do about Father's Day this year. I have such mixed feelings. He is my father though, nothing will ever change that."
Jane and Maura were sitting in the lounge chairs in their backyard. Enjoying the nice breeze that just started. They had just gotten out of the pool and were letting the sun dry them off before they had to get ready to run their errands.
"Jane, I know it is a terrible situation your father has put your family in. You have always looked up to him and idolized him. As you said though, he is your father and Father's Day is a time to spend with your father. Is he in Boston this weekend or is he in Florida?"
"He is here. He is staying at Tommy's right now. I talked to Frankie and Tommy yesterday and we were thinking of taking him out to brunch. Frankie made reservations at one of the Italian restaurants he loves. I just don't want my Ma to think I am taking sides or anything."
"Angela is fine with you having a relationship with your father. My father is out of the country still. I can take Angela to brunch and shopping tomorrow if you would like. Trust me she understands that you still love your father. She has said so. She knows you have been upset with him for what he did to the family and to her. The two of the them have worked out a truce so to speak. Don't get me wrong they are not friends, but they will no longer lash out at each other. They are trying to be civil with each other."
"You seem to know more about my parent's current situation then I do. How is that possible? I thought my ma was telling me everything."
"Your mother knows that the subject still makes you a little uncomfortable so she doesn't bring it up to you. She asked if I would be comfortable talking with her about it because she needed to talk with someone who knew them both and what was going on. She did not want to go to therapy when a few conversations with me would do the same thing. I hope you are not mad at me. She told me not to tell you unless you asked. She knows I cannot lie. But she figured you already knew that she talks to me and overshares most of the time."
Jane laughed, "Ya, that's my ma, overshares most of the time. I am not mad at you. I know ma loves you and appreciates your opinion. You have been here for most of the Rizzoli family drama so it would make sense that she would be comfortable talking with you about it. I do love my pop. So, you're really okay if I go with my brothers to spend Father's Day with pop?"
"Of course, Jane, why wouldn't I be. That is what you do on Mother's Day and Father's Day. I just wish my father was going to be around. We have a scheduled Skype call though so it will have to do. I am happy that your conversation with my mother at her art installation has brought my parents back into my life. They are so attentive now. Father is really upset that he had this trip scheduled. He never paid attention to Father's Day in the past it was just another day to him but now that we are no longer estranged, he is sad. He will be here next month and I will take him out and spend an afternoon with him just the two of us to make up for it. He also wants to spend an afternoon with the two of us at a Red Sox game. Would you be up for that?"
"Hell ya, a Red Sox game, I would never turn that down. I suppose he has a suite all picked out already." Jane laughed at the thought.
"Of course, he does, you know my father. He asked if your mother, brothers, Frost and Korsak would like to go also. What do you think?"
"I can't speak for all of them but I can certainly ask them. Just give me the date and I will see if they are available. I think they will make themselves available, they all love the Red Sox. Well Ma tolerates them but she loves to experience things and she has not been to a Red Sox game in quite some time and never one with you so I am sure she will want to go."
"My parents really like you. Aside from the one afternoon I am spending with my father, you are invited to everything I do with my parents when they are in town."
"Let me send a quick text to Frankie to let him know that I will attend brunch tomorrow. Is it okay if I do not feel like getting a gift for my father?"
"Jane, you never have to give someone a gift. The fact that you go to brunch I am sure will be enough for your father. He is trying to reestablish a relationship with you and your brothers. He is not expecting gifts. Well, the gift of your time and love of course but a present is not a necessity. So, to answer your question, yes, it is fine if you do not feel like giving him a gift. I will send a text to your mother and see if she would like to have brunch with me and go shopping afterwards."
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"I believe you mention it last night and called me God multiple times, but I love hearing it. You have not told me today, yet."
They both laughed. Jane's phone vibrated with a text from Frankie acknowledging that she will attend brunch tomorrow. Frankie provided the location and arrival time information.
Maura's phone then vibrated with a response from Angela, "Of course darling, brunch and shopping with you would be great."
After they both read their text messages Jane said, "Well, let me correct my mistake then, Maura Dorthea Isles, I love you so very much. I wish to continue to tell you that every day for the rest of our lives and show you also."
Jane pulled Maura into a hug and kissed her passionately. In between kisses Maura managed to tell Jane that she loved her very much and would appreciate Jane telling her and showing her that every day for the rest of their lives.
Angela was pleased that Frank was putting forth an effort to reestablish the bond with their children. All three of the Rizzoli siblings have missed their father and are happy to have him back in their lives.
This Father's Day will hopefully be the first of many for the Rizzoli siblings as they reestablish their bond with their father.