Chapter 20: Amsterdam

Sunday, January 5

"Okay, I know you've already been to more museums on this trip than you would have liked, but the Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in Europe," Maura explained as they rode in the taxi to their hotel. "Depending on what happens with our flights, if we're still here tomorrow, we could visit the Anne Frank House. Pre-sold tickets are already sold out, but they offer additional same-day tickets each morning."

"Oh, I'd like to see that," Jane said. "If we're still here tomorrow, let's try to get tickets. And, if you really want to do the Ri-ri..the museum you said, I'm fine with that."

"There are many, many wonderful things to do in Amsterdam, but other than those two museums, I think the best thing to do is just walk around the city and especially around the canals."

"Can we go to the Red Light District?" Jane asked with a smirk.

Maura laughed. "I mean…we can definitely walk through the Red Light District," she conceded. "But I'm not sure how I feel about stopping anywhere. Obviously, it's all legal here, but we're still employees of the commonwealth, and as such, we have responsibilities…"

"You mean, you have responsibilities," Jane teased playfully. "But I get it. I'd just like to see it, ya know."

"We can do that," Maura agreed.

"So, what's the likelihood we'll get a flight home tomorrow?" Jane asked.

"Honestly, not very likely. In fact, I was thinking about suggesting we don't even try to get a flight tomorrow and just hope for the best on Tuesday."

"I like it," Jane said with a nod. "Okay, here's my suggested plan then. Let's get lunch because I'm already starving…"

Maura rolled her eyes but didn't interrupt.

"Then, let's spend the afternoon at that museum with the weird name…"

"Rijksmuseum," Maura interjected.

"Yeah, that one," Jane agreed. "And then we have fancy dinner reservations, right?"

Maura nodded.

"Then, tomorrow," Jane continued, "we can try to get tickets to the Anne Frank Museum. Other than that, we can spend the day tomorrow just walking around the city."

"It's a plan," Maura agreed with a smile just as they pulled up to the hotel.

After getting settled in their hotel suite, they stopped at a small café down the street for lunch before heading to the museum.

"Okay, I'm already impressed," Jane said as they walked into the museum. "This place is beautiful."

"We're in an area called The Atrium," Maura explained. "Above us, connecting the two sides of the atrium, is The Passage. My favorite part of the museum is the Cuypers Library. It's the oldest and the largest art historical library in the Netherlands. If you think this area is beautiful, it's nothing compared to the library."

"I feel like I should be jealous of this library the way you're talking about it," Jane quipped.

Maura had to hide her snort of laughter. "I think you're safe," she teased.

They ended up staying at the museum until it closed. Maura, of course, absolutely fawned over the library, and even Jane had to admit that it was one of the most amazing libraries she had ever seen. Jane was torn between the Middle Ages exhibit and the Gallery of Honour as her favorite part of the museum. It was very cool to actually see art by many of the famous artists that Jane had always heard and read about, but she had also always had a fascination with the Middle Ages. She didn't really want to admit it to Maura, but she actually loved the museum. However, letting Maura know this fact would only lead her to suggest more museums in the future. Jane had to maintain a small amount of her reputation.

Monday, January 6

Jane woke before Maura on Monday morning. As she ran her fingers through Maura's soft, silky hair, she reminisced about their trip. Even though the whole trip had honestly been amazing, she had to admit that she was grateful for this extra time alone with Maura.

They had had a late dinner (late in Jane's opinion but not late by European standards according to Maura). The restaurant was more Maura's style than Jane's, but Jane always loved the way Maura looked when she really dressed up. Jane liked it even more, now, knowing that Maura was doing it for her.

But this was the way she liked Maura best: relaxed and comfortable (naked and in her arms was definitely a plus, too). How did I get so lucky? she mused.

Jane smiled when Maura shivered slightly in her sleep at Jane's touch as Jane lightly trailed her fingers along Maura's spine. Maura followed this by snuggling deeper into Jane's arms, and Jane immediately tightened her embrace around her girlfriend.

Jane jumped when she heard one of their phones start buzzing.

"Early…" Maura mumbled in complaint without lifting her head from Jane's chest.

Jane chuckled as she wiggled enough to allow herself to reach the offending phone without making Maura move. "It's yours," Jane said as she looked at the phone. "You set an alarm."

Maura was somehow instantly awake. "Oh, yes, I want to try to get tickets to the Anne Frank House," she said, climbing out of bed.

Jane watched as Maura walked around their suite completely naked. It made her realize once again just how comfortable they already were with each other. In the past, even with people she slept with, it took her a long time to feel comfortable enough to walk around naked. Sure, Maura was always more comfortable in her skin than Jane was, but Jane still thought it meant something.

"Got them!" Maura said excitedly, cutting through Jane's thoughts. "But our tour time is right when the museum opens, so we have to get going."

"Alright," Jane said, but first, she leaned into Maura's space to give her a good morning kiss.

Maura smiled into the kiss. "Good morning, Jane," Maura said when they separated.

"Good morning, love," Jane replied. "Waking up with you is never going to get old."

"Mmm, good," Maura said. "I'm planning on waking up together many, many more times."

"Good."

Since they had enough time before their tour time after getting ready and eating a quick breakfast, Maura and Jane decided to walk to the Anne Frank House. They arrived about fifteen minutes before their tour time and were able to enter right when it opened.

"God, no matter how many times I hear about it, I still can't wrap my mind around anyone having to live like this, especially kids," Jane whispered as they walked past the opening that was once hidden by a bookcase. "And despite all the danger and how much this must have sucked…it was heaven compared to what came next."

Maura smiled sadly at Jane as she linked their hands together. There wasn't anything she could say in response to that because Jane was right, even if her words didn't even begin to describe the horror of the Holocaust.

They remained mostly quiet as they toured the rest of the museum, only speaking every once in a while to point something out to the other.

"I don't even know what to say," Jane said when they stood on the street after.

"No one really does," Maura replied softly as she grasped both of Jane's hands in hers.

After the museum, they walked up and down The 9 Streets, stopping at some of the boutiques to buy a few more small souvenirs both for themselves and for family and friends back in Boston. They stopped at one of the many cafes in the area for a late lunch before touring the neighboring area of Jordaan. Despite the dreary January weather, they were able to snap a few pictures along the canal.

Later in the afternoon, they visited Dam Square and walked around the Royal Palace. It was already starting to get dark, but it wasn't that late. Therefore, Maura agreed to walk through the Red Light District on their way back to the hotel. The lights were on, but the area wasn't yet anywhere near as active as it would be in a few hours.

By the evening, they were both getting tired, so they decided to return to their hotel suite and order room service for dinner. Just after placing their order, Maura's phone rang.

"It's Sarah," Maura said, surprise evident in her tone.

"Answer it," Jane suggested with a shrug.

It was a video call, so Maura answered it on her tablet.

"Hi Aunt Maura!" Beth's excited face appeared on Maura's screen.

Maura smiled. "Hi sweetie," Maura replied as she sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard.

"Uh…can I talk to Bosty…I mean, Jane?"

"Of course, sweetie," Maura replied, looking past the tablet to where Jane was standing.

Jane joined Maura on the bed, smiling at Beth.

"Hi Bosty!" Beth shrieked. "Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?"

Jane chuckled. "What?" she asked enthusiastically.

"I madea new friend today…two new friends! Just like you said! They played with me. Both of them!" Beth was so excited that she was speaking incredibly fast, making it a little difficult to understand her.

"That's great," Jane said genuinely. "Tell me about them!"

Maura and Jane listened to Beth tell them about her new friends and her first day back at school after the holiday break. Eventually, Sarah made Beth give her the phone and go get ready for dinner.

"I hope we didn't interrupt your evening, but she just couldn't wait to tell Jane about her knew friends," Sarah said. Sarah glanced to the side, clearly checking to see if Beth was still within earshot. "Really, Jane, we can't thank you enough."

A small smile crept onto Maura's lips as she rested her head on Jane's shoulder.

"I don't really feel like I did much, but you're welcome," Jane said humbly.

They spoke to Sarah for a few more minutes before hanging up. Maura held onto Jane's arm, not allowing her to get up quite yet. She turned her head to face Jane, resting her chin on Jane's shoulder.

"You should give yourself more credit," Maura said quietly. "I've always known that you're great with kids, but seeing you interact with my cousins' children…seeing that made me fall even more deeply in love with you – something I didn't think possible."

Jane smiled and rolled towards Maura, wrapping both of her arms around Maura and pulling her close. "I know the feeling," she admitted quietly. "The falling even more in love with you when it doesn't seem like there could possibly be anything more."

A smile tugged at Maura's lips before she captured Jane's in a passionate kiss. She tried to pour every ounce of love she was feeling into the kiss. Their lips moved together perfectly. Maura tried to keep it slow, but eventually, she needed more. She swept her tongue along Jane's kiss-swollen bottom lip, begging for entrance, which she was granted almost immediately.

Maura hummed into the kiss when her tongue met Jane's. Her hands grasped at Jane's back, trying to get closer. She slipped her hands under Jane's sweater at the same time they heard a knock on the door.

Jane groaned. "I don't think I've ever been this disappointed about the arrival of food in my life," Jane whined.

Maura chuckled as she forced herself out of the bed to answer the door. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She knew she had to be flushed – her body was already on fire – and she just had to hope that the evidence of their heated make-out session wasn't written all over her face.

Jane moved to the table as the attendant rolled in a cart carrying their dinners and a bottle of wine. Maura sat in one of the seats while Jane helped empty the cart before tipping the attendant and showing him out.

Jane gave Maura a soft kiss before taking the seat opposite her. "Eat up because I have plans for you tonight," Jane teased.

Maura blushed uncharacteristically – it probably didn't help that she was already turned on. "Challenge accepted," Maura quipped, and she was pleased when Jane blushed in return.

To say they ate fast was an understatement.

Tuesday, January 7

Jane had just finished carrying their bags upstairs, and Maura was already unpacking. Her mother had talked their ears off on the drive home from the airport and while they unloaded the car, but she had mercifully excused herself to let Maura and Jane get settled.

Jane paused and looked around. She was standing in the middle of the area between the kitchen and the living room. It was just now hitting here that she was home – really, truly home. Finally.

Maura walked down the stairs to find Jane still standing there. She wrapped her arms around Jane and gave her a soft kiss. As though she knew exactly what Jane was thinking, she whispered, "Welcome home, my love."

Jane just smiled and kissed Maura again.

They were home.

A/N: I always feel like final chapters are anticlimactic. I guess that's how it's supposed to be, but I hope it wasn't a disappointment to those of you who followed the story over the past year. Thanks for sticking with me!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of my readers and especially to those of you who left comments. And a special thank you to Lil_leels and DirtyRobber for letting me bounce ideas off of you and for providing feedback on various parts of the story! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

COMING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Christmas Time Is Here
Maura Isles has just moved back to Boston with her 4 y/o daughter Alexis to take the position of the CME when they meet Jane Rizzoli at the BPD Christmas party. Jane finds out that Alexis hasn't experienced many of the classic Christmas activities, so she sets out to remedy that. However, Jane and Maura end up learning even more than Alexis about the true meaning of Christmas. Rizzles. Fluff. A/U Rizzles first meet.
*Not part of the Rizzles Meet the Family Series

ALSO COMING SOON!
A Rizzoli Summer (Rizzles Meet the Family Part 2)
Jane met Maura's extended family this past Christmas, now it's time for Maura to be introduced to the extended Rizzoli clan. Jane, Maura, and the rest of the Rizzoli's head to Staten Island for Angela's sister's 50th wedding anniversary. Lots of family fluff with a dose of family drama. Established Rizzles. Sequel to An Isles Christmas.

A Rizzles Wedding (Rizzles Meet the Family Part 3)
Jane and Maura are finally ready to tie the knot. They may have met each other's families, but what will happen when their families meet each other? Will they be able to plan a wedding that meets Maura's extended family's standards while also catering to Jane's extended family's Italian-American traditions? Lots of fluff. Established Rizzles. Sequel to A Rizzoli Summer.

A Rizzles Family (Rizzles Meet the Family Part 4)
Maura and Jane have been married for six months, and they are now ready to add to their family. Of course, they can't do so without copious amounts of unsolicited advice from their families. More fluff. Established Rizzles. Sequel to A Rizzles Wedding.