AN: Only a short chapter as life is a bit crazy right now. I hope you like it though. :)

I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank you for your nice reviews. They are very helpful, and I always like to read them.

Jane relaxed as she felt Maura move into her arms and push her back to Janes front. A wave of happiness rushed over her and she realized that she had never expected or even dreamt of this happening. A few month ago, Maura was so far away and now they were sitting on a stone, glancing at the lake and enjoying each other's company thanks to TJ and Tommy who were taking care of the girls.

The sun was about to set, and Jane felt kind of sad as their vacation was quickly coming to an end. The brunette nuzzled her head into Maura's neck, leaving a kiss before resting her head on the blondes' shoulder. "Shame that we'll have to drive home in a few days." She murmured, watching a couple of swans swimming towards them.

"Yeah, I could stay here forever with you and the kids." Maura replied, covering Janes arm, which was wrapped around her waist with her own.

A comfortable silence lingered while both looked at the beautiful scenery. The mountains were covered with an orange light while the lake was already in the shade. Usually it was warm during the day, but it got cold when the sun had set. Jane felt Maura shiver a bit in her arms. Therefore, she suggested to return to their camp, where by now a fire was burning for sure.

Maura shook her head to say no. "Its so nice with you here. Lets just make a good use of this time before we jump back into our daily live in a few days." The brunette heard her say. "Yeah." She said and pulled Maura a bit closer. This was really nice. Sometimes she still couldn't believe that this was really happening. That they had finally made it to be a couple with all that came with it. Sure, they always had touched a lot. But this was still different.

They were a family now. Despite of some challenges their live was fun, fuzzy and warm most of the time. Jane let the last few days pass in front of her inner eye. The days were spent hiking, swimming and playing. She had even practiced some throws with TJ as she had promised. The evenings were also entertaining.

Maura and she had made it a habit to go for a walk or spend some alone time. Cooking, eating and then either singing with Tommy who had brought his guitar, or Jane telling ghost stories to the girls. The brunette chuckled softly when recalling how Maura had tried to teach the girls how to play chess.

It made Jane realize how they all had different talents and how this was an advantage for all. And she loved the idea to spend more vacations with Tommy and his family.

"Maybe we travel to the UK next year?" Maura spoke into the silence and brought Jane back to reality. The brunette gave it a thought. When she was a child travelling was always out of reach. And even in her adult years she had made only two trips abroad – both to France.

"I like the idea." She quietly said truthfully being reminded that Maura was serious by already speaking of future trips. It always seemed so sure that they were made for each other and would spend the rest of their life together. But sometimes she still felt some insecurity, which was why she hadn't asked Maura to marry her, despite Tommy's advice.

Maura squeezed her hand, as if she felt was Jane was thinking. "Did you know that even most of the animals stick with their partners for their entire life?" she asked and nodded her head towards the swans. "Isn't it wonderful to know that there is someone there, who will make you feel better no matter how bad your day is or was?"

Jane thought about it. Whenever she had a bad day, her first way was right to the morgue. And no matter what, she usually left this place with a smile on her face and the strength to move on.

"Yeah. But its much more than that. Its also feeling warm and nice. I always focused on my job. But things shifted. I have a reason to go home now. Or better said three reasons." She said while kissing Maura's neck softly.

The blonde sighed and even though Jane couldn't see it, she knew that Maura was smiling, just like she smiled sheepishly, feeling all dizzy and drunken from these feelings.

She helped Maura get up when it was time to leave. Their fingers laced up as they walked in silence back to the camp. Soon the excited voices and the giggling from their daughters drifted to their ears and they grinned.

R&I

Returning home was sad but also exciting at the same time. Having grown closer after the last two weeks, the Rizzoli-Isles clan took up the renovation of the house. The process was slowed down by too much work at the precinct, but they considered every step as a victory.

One evening Jane sat at the deck, enjoying a beer while watching the girls run around the garden. Maura was still at work. Therefore, Jane had cooked a meal which even included vegetables. She had finished the girl's rooms after work by setting up the furniture and felt happy with her doing.

When her phone, which rested next to her started to buzz, she checked it.

Sorry honey. Will be a while longer. Need to do one more autopsy. Miss you! - M

No worry, baby. I have everything under control here but miss you too. Cooked dinner (with the green stuff you taught me was so healthy for years. Kids wrinkled their nose, but I made them eat it. Hehe. Be safe. -J

Seriously? You cooked something healthy although it would be the chance to stick to greasy food? Im thinking about coming home to check if you have fever ;P – M

Jane chuckled and shook her head. Maybe I was just scared that my girlfriend comes home and finds out that I don't nourish her child properly ;P – J

The brunette felt almost deceived when no more replies came. Maura was probably back to work she mused and sighed. She gathered the kids as it got dark and made them shower. This took quite some time as they protested wildly, and Jane was outnumbered. When they were tucked in, satisfied by Jane having read their favorite story she dropped onto the couch, feeling tired as hell.

She awoke by soft lips touching hers. "What time is it?" she mumbled sleepily.

"Time to go to bed, honey." Maura whispered. Jane took in the heavenly scent of Maura mixed with her shower products and stretched. "Glad you're home." She whispered back and sat up, rubbing her face. Jane took the blondes hand and let herself be dragged into the bedroom.

It didn't take long until sleep claimed her again as she lay spooned up to her person.