Jane's Quantico apartment was already in boxes when she and Maura arrived after her last day of teaching at the FBI Academy. She wasn't sure if she'd been able to pack so quickly because she was eager to return to Boston or because the place had never felt like home to begin with. It had always felt oddly temporary and certainly not somewhere that encouraged sentimentality.
The movers would come in the morning and while she was eager to get their life started in Boston, Jane was grateful for a moment to breathe. Maura's arrival had not just been unexpected but also the end of an exhausting emotional roller coaster. It was hard to believe just one week earlier they'd finally reconnected after Paris. Now they were seated on a mattress in the middle of her empty apartment, the world full of possibilities as they prepared to face it for the first time as a couple.
"This brings back old memories," Jane said, handing Maura a cold beer.
The doctor grinned as Jane settled down next to her. She quickly leaned in and kissed the brunette on the lips as though they'd been doing it their entire lives. As they pulled way, Jane blushed.
"Do I make you nervous?" Maura teased.
"I guess I'm still getting used to this," Jane smirked. This time she kissed the doctor's plump lips. "Yeah, I think we'll have to keep doing that until it all sinks in."
"Oh, you're employing exposure therapy," the doctor winked. She kissed her deeper, running her tongue across Jane's, making her heart flutter as desire fueled her movements. She pecked her lips a few more times, finally pulling away to take a breath. "Does that help?"
Jane's heart was racing, and she could only manage a nod. Her brown eyes lingered on Maura's mouth and she was about to move in for another kiss, but the doctor put a light hand on her chest, holding her back. Jane's face fell into a childish grimace.
"I don't want you to think you're entirely forgiven. I'm still upset you left like you did," Maura said. She wanted more of Jane but knew that if they didn't have a discussion, the relationship would start on the wrong foot. And despite the joy of reuniting, Jane's exit had broken her heart.
"I'm sorry," Jane replied genuinely, looking away and bowing her head. She grabbed Maura's hand, squeezing it tenderly. "I thought I was protecting you."
"You can't take sole responsible for my safety," she replied. "But I know it's more than that. You didn't stay and fight; that's not like you Jane."
The former detective swallowed hard. She stared past the empty living room and out the windows. The summer night was clear and dark and the sky was speckled with stars. Crickets chirped in a steady rhythm, helping to settle her nerves. It was the only way she'd managed to calm herself since returning to Quantico. For the last days the fear wouldn't leave her. It was as though the terror was on repeat – seeing Maura's lifeless face, turning away from Officer Emily Owens, and screaming at Frankie to drive faster. It kept her from sleeping.
"It's not just nearly losing you that sent me running," Jane started. "It's just this whole damn case. I met Emily Owens family that morning at the hospital when I was away."
"I thought you were speaking with Internal Affairs," Maura said in confusion.
Jane still stared ahead and nodded. "I did. They ended up blaming my so-called disobedience on Korsak. In their report they say he lost control of the case. He's being singled out for Officer Owens coming with me because he was the senior investigator and shouldn't have let a consultant and a rookie patrol cop pursue a lead on their own – even though if we hadn't gone, you would've never been found."
"Sergeant Korsak knew letting you go was the best chance of finding me," Maura agreed. She rubbed Jane's back, attempting to bring her some comfort. The doctor frowned as she realized how much she'd been wrestling with.
"Yeah, well, they're forcing him out," Jane muttered. "He told me that day he was retiring. He said it was the best way to keep his name and reputation intact. Of course, he said it wasn't my fault, but I can't help but feel I ended his career…"
"You know that's not true," Maura whispered. She gently kissed the skin behind Jane's ear and then rested her nose against her cheek. She put her hand on the woman's knee. "And after that you met Emily's parents?"
Jane frowned and held Maura's hand tighter. She looked away from the windows and traced gentle fingers across the doctor's knuckles.
"And her fiancée. They thanked me for trying to help her and her father told me how much Emily had looked up to me," Jane sighed. "I'd never felt so ashamed. I kept seeing her face, how desperate she was when she asked me to help her. How she shouldn't have been there. How Korsak shouldn't be held responsible for something I did. How you shouldn't have been shot. It just hit me all once and for some idiotic reason, I thought coming here would magically fix it."
"Why didn't you call me when you realized it didn't?" Maura asked.
"You deserved more than a phone call," Jane said. She finally looked at the doctor, eyes glimmering in the dim light. "Thank you for coming after me when I was too dense to see this is all I needed."
"Well, I haven't exactly helped this relationship along either," she replied. Jane simply raised Maura's hands to her lips, holding it there while the doctor continued in a gentle voice. "You went through a lot, Jane."
"I wasn't the one who got kidnapped and shot," she told her softly. She tucked a golden strand of hair behind the doctor's ear. "Do you still have nightmares?"
Maura gave a sad nod, swallowing down the urge to whimper. "It's a normal part of post-traumatic stress and typically the symptoms dissipate with therapy."
"That doesn't make it easier," Jane told her. "I won't leave you again. I promise."
The doctor melted into her and Jane slowly laid them back on the mattress. Maura nestled her face into Jane's neck, breathing in her familiar scent. The former detective kissed the top of her head and wrapped strong arms around her, careful of the doctor's healing injuries.
"I was serious, you know; about you moving in," Maura whispered.
"I was serious about marrying you," Jane said. "Though that wasn't the proposal I had in mind."
"You'll have plenty of time to get it right," the doctor smiled.
They stared at each other for a long moment in the dark. Familiar heat passed between them. Maura leaned in first, kissing Jane's neck and trailing her lips across her throat. A satisfied sigh escaped from Jane's mouth. She ran a nimble hand up the doctor's body, feeling every curve, lingering at her stomach. She slipped her hand beneath her shirt and the doctor moaned. Jane held one of Maura's breasts, tenderly squeezing it as she continued to give her long, deep kisses. Her desire was palpable as she straddled her uninjured leg. She moved her hand down from Maura's breast to her inner thigh. The doctor cooed and gripped onto the back of Jane's head, pulling at her dark hair. "Oh Jane…"
The former detective pulled in a breath and paused. "I don't want to hurt you…"
"If you don't touch me, I think I might have to hurt you," Maura chuckled. Her cheeks were red and she was nearly pressing herself into the brunette.
A cocky grin spread across Jane's face, her dimples popping at her desire. "You want me?" she asked seductively, her voice extra scrappy.
"All of you. Right now," Maura whispered, her breathy voice echoing just inches from Jane's ear. It sent tingles down her spine and in an instant she was back to ravaging the doctor with kisses, slowly working her mouth down lower. It didn't take long for them to remove their clothes or for the doctor to reach climax. She gasped when Jane traced her lips inside her thighs. By the time Jane finally used her tongue and fingers, Maura was near the edge. She tangled her hands in Jane's dark hair, pulling and moaning with each sensation. Her toes went numb and she couldn't keep her eyes open while she threw her head back to the pillow. When she came, she saw white and felt her entire body pulse with a pleasure she'd missed for the last year and a half. She screamed Jane's name and then went breathless. Nothing compared to the way she made her feel.
Jane was tender as Maura's orgasm coursed through her with intoxicating ecstasy. She kissed her stomach and her chest and her cheeks and forehead.
"I love you," Maura whispered when she caught her breath. Tears filled her eyes.
"I love you too," Jane kissed the side of her mouth. Maura captured her lips and glided her tongue inside. She pulled at the woman's waistband. "You don't have to, Maura. You're still recovering."
"I want to make you feel good," she breathed. Her voice was sultry, and Jane nearly bucked at the sound. Without missing a beat or making her wait much longer, Maura pressed her fingers into her, finding her wet and pulsating.
"Maura, Maura…Maura," Jane repeated over and over, doing her best to keep her weight off the doctor as she thrust against her hand.
"I want you to come," Maura told her.
"Maura…oh you feel so good," Jane whimpered.
"Yes, Jane. Come for me," the doctor said again.
This time Jane gave a long and hearty moan, indicating her orgasm. It quaked her entire body and Maura kissed her through every twitch and goose bump. The doctor slowly removed her hand and held the sides of Jane's face. The former detective opened her eyes and caught her breath, smiling down at the doctor.
"I missed that," she said with a gravelly chuckle.
She collapsed onto her back, her forehead misted with sweat. Jane grabbed Maura back into her arms, resting her lips on the doctor's temple. For several minutes they stayed in satisfied silence, naked and warm with their bodies pressed together. Maura traced her fingers across Jane's olive skin, admiring her firm stomach and chest. Her brain was still swimming with oxytocin.
"I keep thinking it must be true good to be real," she confessed. "I keep waiting to wake up."
Jane smiled and brushed a hand through Maura's now messy hair. "You're awake," she told her. "I wish we could just stay here forever. Maybe we don't have to go back to Boston."
"Boston is our home," Maura said gently. She adjusted so she could look at Jane and traced a hand down the side of her cheek. "You can't hide from our life there. We have people and responsibilities."
"I don't know if I'm ready," Jane confessed, swallowing past a lump in her throat.
"You won't be alone. We'll get through it together," she assured, squeezing onto her hand.
"Me and you always, right?" Jane whispered.
"Forever," Maura replied.
The move was rather painless. Within a week, Jane's belongings were integrated into the house on Beacon Hill. They were used to spending time together, even living together for weeks at a time, but it was still the first time either of them had lived with a significant other. Maura conceded some closet space and Jane learned to keep her sports equipment out of the foyer closet. Maura allowed for a coffee pot in addition to the espresso machine and Jane insisted on cooking dinner at least twice a week.
"I will contribute to this household Dr. Isles," she had winked.
Angela was more than thrilled to have Jane back and see her so clearly smitten. She was surprisingly respectful of the couple's space. Jane guessed it was in part that her mother was still getting used to the idea. She still seemed to blush when she would kiss Maura on the way out of a room or when the doctor let loving pet names slip. Angela certainly wasn't against their relationship – she helped to make it happen after all– but a lifetime of Catholic foundation took some adjustment. Of course, it didn't keep her from insisting on a dinner party once they were settled in.
Korsak, Kiki, Frankie, Nina, Tommy, TJ, and Sean – who Angela was dating again – all filled the house with noise on a hot August evening. They toasted the good times – Jane's return, Frankie and Nina's upcoming wedding – and the not so good times – Korsak's untimely retirement and a moment of silence for Emily Owens. In the end, though, it was all laughter. The Rizzoli siblings teased each other, Angela attempted to keep everyone behaved, and all the while Maura didn't stop smiling. She put her hand on Jane's knee beneath the table and without hesitation, the woman quickly picked it up, interlacing their fingers. They were exactly where they were supposed to be.
"That was perfect," Maura said as they cleaned up in the kitchen.
Jane came up behind her, looping her arms around her waist as she finished washing dishes. She kissed the back of her neck and the doctor ginned, resting her head back against her shoulder.
"You, Korsak and Lieutenant Cavanaugh talked for a long time," Maura observed. She'd watched in curiosity as they slipped out onto the patio, sharing a beer. She'd stayed behind to play with TJ and help Angela finish cooking, but kept an eye out all the while, watching as Jane went back and forth between folding her arms across her chest and gesturing passionately with her hands. "What was it about?"
Jane loosened her grip around her waist and Maura turned in her arms to face her.
"They've recommended me for Sergeant," she shared.
The doctor's mouth dropped. They hadn't discussed what Jane would do now that she was back in Boston. She'd considered going into the private sector or maybe finding another teaching job. She certainly wanted to return to BPD, but with how things had ended with Emily Owens, she thought it nearly impossible.
"They want me to take Korsak's place," Jane explained. "I'd have to pass the exam of course…"
"Which you will have no problem doing," Maura said. She placed her hands on her girlfriend's shoulders. "What do you think?"
"It feels wrong to take the position I got Korsak fired from…"
"Jane, you know that's not how it went."
"Internal Affairs will probably have a cow, those ass hats…"
"Jane," Maura sighed. "What do you want?"
The brunette paused, unable to avoid Maura's ability to cut right to whatever bothered her most.
"I want it," Jane nodded.
"Then go get it," the doctor said firmly.
Her encouragement sent a feverish chill down Jane's spine. She carefully closed the space between them, locking Maura into a tight embrace. Her mouth attacked the doctor's and she slid her tongue into her mouth, running her hands up her sides. Maura held onto Jane's firm jaw hardly able to keep steady against the woman's eagerness. When they pulled away, Jane's eyes were dark and full of lust. Maura's heart raced and she smiled as she traced a finger down to her girlfriend's wanting lips.
"I'm not going to get to finish the dishes, am I?" the doctor asked.
"I'm afraid not," Jane replied with a grin before pressing her against the counter with another powerful kiss. Not only would she not finish the dishes, but they wouldn't make it out of the kitchen.
The next weeks passed in a sort of quiet bliss, similar to their time in Paris. Maura took an extended leave from work to heal and Jane studied for her Sergeant's exam with her help. The doctor enjoyed quizzing and teasing her girlfriend as they curled up in bed, often using sexual favors and intimacy as a reward. Jane in turn helped Maura in her recovery, taking her to physical therapy and helping her with her exercises to strengthen her hip. At night, when Maura had nightmares of Keller, it was Jane who held her. And when Jane couldn't go to sleep, the doctor would stay up with her, stroking her hair and back until she calmed down. Each morning started with a kiss and every night they whispered to each other in the dark – many times bringing each other to peak physical fulfilment but more often simply holding one another.
The hardest day was Officer Emily Owens funeral. Neither admitted to the other that they didn't want to go; that much was obvious. But Maura felt obligated since Emily had helped save her life and Jane was still too wracked with guilt to skip. So they went together, holding hands in a back pew of the packed church, staying stone faced when the bagpipes belted Going Home and the young woman's fiancée sobbed over her casket. It struck them that it could have been one of them. It could have easily been Maura that Jane had to bury.
The night before her Sergeant's exam, Jane stayed wide awake. She wasn't worried about passing the test; she'd spent two weeks studying and she despite nearing forty, she was in top shape.
"Maur, are you awake?" Jane whispered.
Usually if Maura fell asleep before she did – which was almost always, Jane would cope with her insomnia in silence. But tonight she didn't care about waking her up. The panic hit her with fresh urgency.
"What is it sweetheart?" the doctor yawned. "Did you have nightmare?"
"I can't sleep," Jane said.
Maura wiped her eyes, adjusting her vision to take in Jane's outline in he dark. She could see her twinkling brown gaze, so childlike and sweet – a great juxtaposition to the woman that provoked fear in so many. It's was one of the things the doctor first loved about her.
"Are you worried about your test?" Maura asked.
"No," she said. "I need to know that you're okay with me doing this. That it's okay I'm going back to BPD to be a detective."
"Of course, I'm okay with it, Jane. I'll always support what you want to do," Maura replied in confusion.
"Even if it almost got you killed?" she asked.
"Oh Jane," the doctor sighed. She snuggled in closer, her nose just inches away from Jane's face. "You've always known that this is what you want to do. It's your calling."
"It never meant losing you before. What if you had died? What if we want to have a family later and…"
"Nothing is going to happen to me. And if it does, I take my own risks, Sergeant," Maura whispered gently.
She could see Jane smile in the dark.
"That's bad luck," she chuckled.
"You don't need luck," the doctor said, kissing her cheek. "You are the best at what you do, Jane. You bring justice to the voiceless. I fell in love with you watching you work tirelessly for families that were broken, saving kids from horrible situations, and putting yourself in danger without a second thought to help someone else – though it's hard to watch you do that last one. I've seen you go days with no sleep to track down a killer and I've seen you save countless lives. You bring people the closure they need. It's what you were born to do."
"You're amazing, you know that?" Jane whispered.
"Yes," Maura smirked, her eyelids already growing heavy as she yawned again. She pulled Jane down to lay on her chest. "Go to sleep. You need rest if you're going to PR in the mile. It would be embarrassing if the rookies showed up the infamous Jane Rizzoli."
Jane not only finished with a personal best but a top score for her physical exam. She passed her Sergeant's test with flying colors. And a week later, Maura was ironing her Class A's, insisting she looked beautiful in the formal uniform. The promotions ceremony was well attended. This time the bagpipes played a happy tune and the air was full of celebration. A stark contrast to Officer Owens funeral. The Rizzolis packed into the back, Frankie in his formal police dress and TJ standing on a chair, watching in awe. They cheered obnoxiously when Lieutenant Cavanaugh stepped up the microphone and said her name.
"It's an honor to welcome back one of Boston's finest. Sergeant Jane Rizzoli has dedicated 18 years of her life to BPD. She was the youngest officer ever promoted to detective and the first woman to serve on the drug control unit – working several years undercover. As a detective she cleared more than ninety-percent of her cases, which in four decades is something I've never seen before. In 2012, Sergeant Rizzoli stopped a hostage situation at the Division One Precinct and saved her brother, Officer Frankie Rizzoli's life by taking a bullet. She's been awarded a Purple Shield and a Combat Cross for her bravery. Jane took a brief hiatus with us to teach cadets at the FBI Academy. She's more than deserving of this promotion and we look forward to her leadership. We are honored to have you back with us, Sergeant Rizzoli."
The crowd burst into applause and Jane blushed. Even among the cheers and commotion, all she saw was Maura, beaming from the front. Her bruises were healed and she no longer used a cane. She stood bright and radiant and the newly minted Sergeant lost her breath.
"I would like to now invite Sergeant Rizzoli's fiancée – Dr. Maura Isles, Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the stage for the pinning ceremony."
If the enthusiasm seemed loud before, it was certainly louder now. It didn't help that Tommy and Frankie took to whooping and whistling in the back. Lieutenant Cavanaugh and three other commanding officers saluted Jane, who brought a white gloved hand to the brim of her police hat. It felt right to be back with the gun in her holster and the medals on her lapel. She tried to keep her face steady and stare ahead when Maura appeared in front of her, but not even she could stay stoic. The doctor was grinning from ear to ear, her green eyes glistening with pride. The Sergeant smiled back as Maura pinned the gold badge to her chest.
"I'm proud of you," she mouthed adorably as to not disrupt the serious nature of the ceremony.
"Thank you," Jane whispered.
They shared a quick kiss and then there was another round of applause. After the ceremony they must have shaken the hands of every BPD official, many of them congratulating Jane and happy to see the beloved doctor in good health. If there was such a thing as celebrities or a favorite couple at the station, they were certainly it. A few of the detectives and colleagues that knew the pair, gave the new Sergeant a sly smile. "I knew it Rizzoli," Rafael Martinez – now Captain of the Drug Unit – told her as they shook hands.
"Couldn't get anything past you, could I?" Jane rolled her eyes.
"Congratulations," he nodded. He smiled at Maura. "To both of you."
The rest of the celebration moved to The Dirty Robber. After several rounds of drinks, and Maura at her side, Jane led them along the harbor. The night was warm, and the humidity of the August day was finally fading. She kept her hat and white gloves tucked under one arm and held Maura's hand with the other.
"How does it feel to have your badge back?"
Jane had fallen into such a peaceful reverie on their walk that Maura's soft voice nearly startled her. A grin stretched her mouth and she gave a happy sigh.
"It feels good. Really good. I didn't realize how much of me was missing without it," the Sergeant confessed. "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Yes, you could have," Maura said.
"Well, it took you to make me realize where I belong," Jane replied. She squeezed the doctor's hand, getting a heartwarming smile out of her. Maura gave a light chuckle. The Sergeant recognized she was slightly buzzed and grinned. "What's so funny?"
"Lieutenant Cavanagh called me your fiancée," the doctor replied.
Jane gave a dramatic groan, "I could have killed him," she whined. "And my mother. That's her fault, blabbing about something that's not her business. I hate that they're dating again."
"I think it's sweet," Maura smiled, moving in closer to Jane and resting her head against her shoulder. She tucked her arm under Jane's so that they could be closer. Her heels were becoming more difficult to walk in after several glasses of wine and the multiple celebratory drinks that BPD officers insisted on buying them. She'd forgotten how much their colleagues could drink.
Jane was still outraged. "Mom and Cavanaugh, cute? Uh, no. Especially not when they're getting involved in our personal lives. Who does he think he is, my dad? Is he going to want me to call him that, because I refuse."
"You are incorrigible," Maura rolled her eyes with a laugh. "I think its sweet he gave me the title. He's clearly happy for us and so was everyone else."
"I was embarrassed," Jane muttered.
"Oh," the doctor said in clear disappointment. She slowed down and Jane did the same. Maura tried to stay unaffected, but her quivering lip did not go unnoticed by the Sergeant.
"Maura…"
"I suppose that's normal. You've never identified publicly as being in a same-sex relationship and tonight was very public and overwhelming and probably not the way you wanted to come out to your colleagues. You've always been very private. While I don't consider my sexual identity or partners a secret, I don't take offense if you do…"
"Honey, stop," Jane cut her off with a laugh. Maura physically obeyed as well, looking up at the uniformed Rizzoli in confusion. They stood at the railing along the Charles River, the stars high and their faces visible under streetlights. "I'm not upset about coming out. I couldn't be prouder to be with you, and for once, I really don't give a shit who knows."
"Why were you embarrassed then?" Maura asked, still clearly hurt.
Jane sighed and reached into the pocket of her pressed black slacks.
"Because you didn't have this," she said. She held a small jewelry box and Maura's mouth dropped. Her green eyes widened as she looked from Jane's hand, up to her face, and then back to the box. "I wanted to give it to you at a time that seemed right, and I've just been carrying it around like a dope for the last week. Which is honestly pretty stupid because it's not exactly cheap…"
She nervously revealed the diamond ring. It was made up of a simple, but large princess cut diamond in the center. Two smaller green stones were on either side of it and the band was made up of white gold embedded by even smaller diamonds.
"It took me awhile to choose; Constance actually helped. Those peridot jewels are your birthstone that she says your father got for you when you were born – well, when they adopted you. I thought it was suiting because they match your eyes," Jane rambled, waiting for Maura to react. The doctor stayed silent, staring at the ring. "But we can get something else, anything else you want. You have way better taste than me and it was kind of intimidating."
"It's perfect, Jane," Maura said gently. She was crying and the Sergeant tilted her head to the side. "And so thoughtful."
"Can I put it on you?" she smiled. Maura nodded and offered her hand. Jane slowly slid on the ring, grinning like a kid in a candy store. "Is it the right size?"
The doctor responded with an eager, passionate kiss, smashing faces with her fiancée so quickly that Jane laughed against her lips. Maura held on by the back of Jane's head, enjoying the feel of her mouth combined with the joy in her heart.
"I'm going to assume that means the rings fit and that your answer is still yes," Jane said in a rough chuckle.
The doctor nodded with a smirk and pulled on Jane's black tie. "You should wear this uniform more often, Sergeant," she said, drunk on the thrill of their official engagement and the wine of their previous celebration.
"Your wish is my command, Dr. Isles," Jane said, bringing her in for another kiss.
Two days later, the Medical Examiner was anxiously twisting the ring around her finger, ankles crossed as she sat in the passenger seat of Jane's car. It was their first day back at Division One. Part of her was thrilled to see the familiar front doors – another part of her shook with fear.
"You ready?" Jane asked her.
Maura continued to fiddle with her engagement ring. Her hip and shoulder ached. She hadn't been back in the station, back in the morgue, since Keller burst through her door and knocked her out.
She was grateful that Jane was back. Grateful for her presence and her ability to make Maura feel as though she were completely protected. It was also appeasing to see the woman she loved back in her element. Seeing the gun, badge, and phone on her belt struck her as a reminder of a sweeter time. Jane straightened her black suit as she got out of the car, looking as sharp and determined as ever.
They held hands until they reached the lobby. Angela waved to them from the café. The couple paused at the elevators.
Maura still hadn't answered her question, so Jane tried again.
"Hey, you going to be okay?" she asked tenderly. "You can take more time if you need it."
"I can do this," Maura nodded, putting on a resolute face. It melted Jane's heart. "I'll see you at lunch?"
"Of course," Jane whispered. She wanted to lean in and kiss her, but a chipper voice interrupted her.
"Sergeant Rizzoli; the files that you requested," a young patrol officer said, handing her a manila envelope.
"Thank you, Officer Hendricks," she replied in a raspy voice.
Maura's brow furrowed in confusion.
"It's your first day back, how do you already have a case?" the doctor asked.
"Just old work from before I left," Jane lied.
It took only a split second for Maura to sense that her fiancée was being untruthful. She adjusted the purse on her shoulder and stepped back from the elevator. Officer Hendricks nervously left them, and Jane tucked he file under her arm.
The truth was, she and Korsak and Cavanaugh hadn't just talked about her becoming a Sergeant that night at dinner.
The Denton case had hit a dead end.
A dead end that Jane was determined to finish.
But she wouldn't bring anyone else down with her this time.
"Jane…" Maura said again, her eyes so green and cutting that the Sergeant nearly faltered right there and spilled her guts in front of the elevator.
But the familiar, synchronized ring of their phones saved her.
"Rizzoli," Jane answered first.
"Isles," Maura said, pressing her phone to her ear. Her engagement ring twinkled on her left hand, making Jane's heart skip a happy beat. She would tell her future wife eventually. But for now, they would move forward.
"I'll drive," Jane announced when they hung up.
"You will tell me about that case, Sergeant," the doctor said, following her back to the car, clutching onto her bag with new confidence.
"I know, Maur," she agreed.
"But for now, it's good to be back," Maura admitted. She smiled at Jane from across the hood of the car before they got in. The Sergeant grinned back, never having felt so at peace.