Chapter 5: Impromptu Visit

A/N: The trip to see the holiday lights around Boston was supposed to be the next chapter, but Maura, Jane, and Alexis decided that they couldn't wait the extra day to see each other. 😆

Maura

Maura was floating on cloud nine as she got ready for bed later that night. Jane hadn't stayed that much longer after they talked about their relationship, and they hadn't done anything more than kiss on the couch, but Maura couldn't deny that she had enjoyed their time together immensely. It had been a long time since she'd felt like this around someone, and she had definitely never felt like this so soon after meeting someone.

She couldn't wipe the silly smile off of her face. That smile only grew when she climbed in bed to see that she had a text from Jane.

Jane: Thanks for inviting me to stay for dinner. Goodnight, Maur!

Maura: Thank YOU for the wonderful surprise decorating. It's absolutely beautiful, and you have no idea how much it means to us. Goodnight, Jane.

Nineteen days before Christmas
Thursday, December 6th
Maura

"Mama, what're we doing today? Are we gonna see Jane?" Alexis asked as she shoveled oatmeal into her mouth as fast as she could. They were sitting together eating breakfast at the table.

"Slow down, sweetie," Maura said, trying not to laugh at her daughter. "We finished all of our errands yesterday, so we don't have any specific plans for today."

"So, are we gonna see Jane?" Alexis tried again.

Maura laughed. "Well, Jane and I talked about…" Maura started, but Alexis interrupted her.

"Yes! Jane's coming over!" Alexis cheered.

"Alexis," Maura gave her daughter a stern look for interrupting.

Knowing immediately why her mother's tone of voice changed, Alexis muttered, "Sorry, mommy."

"As I was saying, Jane and I talked about touring the Christmas light displays around the city," Maura explained. "But we can only do that at night. I was looking at the weather, and I think tomorrow evening would be much more pleasant. Can you wait until tomorrow to see Jane?"

"No," Alexis said shortly, and Maura tried to hide her own smirk. She had been pretty sure that Alexis would answer that way. She just wasn't quite sure she wanted to admit to her daughter that she didn't really want to wait until tomorrow to see Jane either.

"You know, we're going to have to let Jane live her own life at some point," Maura said. "She has other family and friends here."

"But I think we're her favorites," Alexis said confidently.

"Oh, you do, huh?" Maura replied with a laugh.

Alexis nodded happily, and Maura couldn't stop the smile that tugged at her lips as she shook her head good-naturedly.

Maura's phone buzzed from the kitchen counter.

"Is it Jane?" Alexis asked excitedly as Maura stood from the table to get her phone. Normally, she wouldn't interrupt mealtime with her daughter to check her phone, but she was waiting for a message from the governor, who wanted her to come in for a meeting before the holidays.

It wasn't the governor, and Maura was not at all disappointed that Alexis was right. "Yes, baby, it's Jane," Maura said.

Jane: Morning, Maur!

Jane: That sorta rhymes. Or what's the opposite of rhymes cus isn't rhyming only for the end of the word not the first part?

Jane: Plus, it's kinda hard to say over and over again. Morning, Maur. Mauring, Maur. Marning. More.

Jane: Okay, sorry, I'm done.

Maura: I think alliteration is the closest concept to what you're talking about.

Jane: See, I knew you'd know!

Maura: lol.

Alexis interrupted Maura's thoughts, "Say hi from me! And ask her if she wants to come over!"

Maura: Good morning, Jane. Alexis says hi, too!

Jane: Hi, Lexi! Good morning, bug!

"Jane says hi and good morning," Maura said to Alexis.

"Did you ask her if she wanted to come over?" Alexis repeated.

"Sweetie, we can't…"

"Why not? You want to see her too, right?"

"Yes, but she might have plans," Maura tried.

"Then, she can say no," Alexis said, and Maura internally groaned that her four-year-old could out-logic her – not that she was trying that hard to come up with a reason not to invite Jane over.

"Okay, but if she says no, then we have to respect that, okay?"

"'Kay," Alexis said happily.

Maura half-laughed, half-sighed as she turned back to her phone and wrote out her next text, I know we talked about going to see the city lights either tonight or tomorrow night. Do you have a preference? If not, it looks like the weather might be slightly better tomorrow.

Jane: Either is fine with me! I have no other plans.

Maura: Wonderful! And there is absolutely no pressure. I completely understand if you have things to do today or if you just want some time to yourself, but if you're free today, you're welcome to come over.

Jane: I meant it when I said I didn't have any other plans, and I definitely have had more than enough time to myself over the past few months.

Maura hesitated. She wasn't sure if that meant that Jane was coming over or not. She wasn't very good at reading subtext in face-to-face conversations, let alone text conversations.

Maura: Does that mean you would like to come over?

Jane: Are you sure it's okay with you? I feel like I've been invading your family's holiday season.

Maura: Yes, I'm sure. You are welcome to come over. Both Alexis and I enjoy spending time with you.

Jane: Then, yes, I'd love to.

Maura: Would you like to come over around 10am to watch a movie and then have lunch with us?

Jane: Perfect! I'm going to stop at Boston Joe's on my way over. Let me know your order (your real order, not your "I'm too polite, and I'm going to give you a simpler order than I would get for myself" order). Also, can I get something for Lexi?

Maura thought for a moment before sending her real order and telling Jane that it would be okay if she brought Alexis a hot chocolate (the smallest they had though), but that she didn't need to bring the little girl anything.

"Okay, Jane is going to come over," Maura told Alexis.

"Yay! Now?"

"10am, which is a little over an hour-and-a-half from now," Maura explained.

"How long is that?"

"It gives me enough time to shower and get ready for the day, plus a little extra time."

"That seems like a long time," Alexis pouted.

Maura laughed lightly. "Well, why don't you bring your crayons and paper upstairs and draw Jane a picture while I take my shower?" she suggested.

"Yes!" Alexis readily agreed. "I'm gonna draw her a picture of our Christmas tree so that she'll always remember!"

"That sounds perfect."

An hour later, Maura was standing in her closet, unable to decide what to wear. She wanted to look nice for Jane, but at the same time, she knew that they were supposed to be spending the day relaxing, which meant that something more casual would be most appropriate. After passing over many different options, Maura finally settled on black leggings with knee-high black boots and an oversized knit sweater. At the last minute, she decided to put her hair up into a "messy" bun with a few pieces falling around her face.

Maura was feeling unexpectedly nervous as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She really wanted to spend more time with Jane, but she was also worried that if she pushed her presence on Jane too quickly, it would be too much for Jane. Maura knew that her quirks often grated on people. She had always had trouble making and keeping relationships, whether platonic friends or romantic significant others. Most people found her personality wearing to be around, and the last thing she wanted was for Jane to get tired of her.

Alexis walked into Maura's walk-in closet just as Maura was putting on the last of her jewelry. "You look pretty, mommy," she said with a smile as she leaned against Maura's side and wrapped her arms around Maura's legs.

Maura smiled. She wasn't sure if Alexis meant it or if she had just picked up on the fact that Maura often told her that she looked nice when she picked out her own outfits. "Thank you, darling," Maura said, reaching down and picking up Alexis. They shared a hug as Alexis automatically wrapped her arms and legs around Maura.

"I finished my picture," Alexis told her mother. "Is Jane going to be here soon?"

"Yes, she should be," Maura confirmed after glancing at her watch. "Why don't we go downstairs and get some snacks ready for our movie?"

"Good idea!" Alexis agreed as she wiggled down from her mother's arms. Maura laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm as she followed her back downstairs.

Together they decided on popcorn, and Maura made two small batches – on the stove, of course – one with butter and one without. The doorbell rang just as Maura finished pouring the second batch into a bowl.

"Jane's here!" Alexis squealed as she climbed down from the island chair where she had been watching Maura make the popcorn (and talking non-stop throughout the entire process).

Alexis bolted to the door, bouncing impatiently as she waited for Maura to join her to open the door. Maura ran her hands down her front to make sure her sweater was laying perfectly. She wanted her casual look to still be perfectly put-together.

Maura opened the door to a smiling Jane, who was holding a drink carrier with three to-go cups and with a bag slung over her shoulder. Maura felt warmth rush through her body as Jane's eyes instantly scanned her from head to toe.

"Hello, Jane," Maura greeted.

"Jane! Jane! Jane!" Alexis chanted without waiting for Jane to respond to Maura's greeting. She was bouncing on her toes as excitement coursed through her body.

"Hi, Lexi," Jane said to Alexis before looking up at Maura. "Hey, Maur."

In that moment, Maura decided that she, too, liked the nickname Jane had given her. "Please come in," she said as she stepped aside, pulling Alexis out of the way with a gentle grip on her shoulder.

Jane stepped inside and walked straight to the kitchen as though she was already completely comfortable navigating Maura and Alexis's home, and it made Maura almost giddy. Alexis had already followed Jane to the kitchen, so Maura closed the door before joining them.

"This is for you, bug, but it's hot so be careful, okay?" Jane said as she handed Alexis the smallest cup. "It's hot chocolate. Mommy said it was okay if I brought you one."

"What do you say?" Maura prompted Alexis as Jane handed her her own drink.

"Thank you, Jane!" Alexis said quickly, a gigantic smile plastered on her face.

"Thank you," Maura added quietly with a smile of her own.

"We made popcorn!" Alexis interjected, pointing at the two bowls on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"I love popcorn!" Jane said enthusiastically. "Thank you for making us some snacks," she said to Alexis even though Maura knew that Jane knew full well that Maura had made the popcorn.

"Mommy made it," Alexis said. "But I helped," she added – although, this was a bit of a stretch.

Jane glanced at Maura, flashing her that smile that already made her melt every time. "So, what're we going to watch?" Jane asked as she looked back at Alexis.

"We were waiting for you so that we can pick together," Alexis replied as she slid off of her chair.

"Well, that was very nice of you guys," Jane said. She gave Maura's elbow a soft squeeze as she walked by, following Alexis to the couch.

Maura smiled to herself, happy to see her two favorite people – and yes, Jane was already her second favorite person despite the fact that they hadn't even known each other a week.

"So, what's your favorite Christmas movie?" Jane asked Alexis.

Without missing a beat, Alexis answered, "White Christmas," and Maura had to stifle her laughter behind her hand at the expression on Jane's face in response to Alexis's answer.

Jane

It took Jane a moment to remember that she probably shouldn't tease a four-year-old about her favorite Christmas movie, but she had to admit that she was caught off guard by Alexis's favorite Christmas movie.

"Uh, okay, yeah, that's a good one," she stumbled over her words as she tried to recover. "Do you like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Or Frosty the Snowman? What about The Santa Clause? The Polar Express? How the Grinch Stole Christmas?" She continued to list Christmas movies, hoping to get a reaction from Alexis, but the little girl just continued to sit there looking at Jane with a confused look on her face.

Jane looked up at Maura for help.

"I don't think she's seen any of those," Maura clarified. "I haven't even seen most of them. We don't often watch TV or movies. I think the only Christmas movies that she has seen are White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street, but that was last year. I'm surprised that she remembers them."

Jane sat in shocked silence for a moment. She had to rectify this – for both Alexis and Maura. "We absolutely have to fix this," Jane said adamantly. "Okay, here's what we're going to do," she continued, her excitement growing as the idea formed in her mind. "We're going to pick a day before Christmas and have a movie marathon. I'm going to come up with the ultimate plan to make sure you guys see all the classics. We're going to spend all day in our pajamas curled up on the couch watching Christmas movies."

Alexis's excitement was comically in contrast to Maura's apparent horror at the idea – Jane wasn't sure whether it was the all-day pajamas or the all-day movies that appalled Maura more, but she had to admit that she was slightly amused.

"I don't know…" Maura started slowly.

"Ah, come on, Maur. It's one day," Jane pleaded, aided by Alexis's, "Please, mommy?"

Maura looked back and forth between Jane and Alexis, breaking down within seconds. "Alright, I suppose one day is okay, but for today, just one movie, okay?"

"Deal!" Jane said happily. "I'm sure we can find something on Netflix," she added as she picked up the remote and navigated to the app.

They ended up watching The Polar Express, and by the end of the movie, all three of them were cuddled together under the same blanket on the couch. As the movie finished, Jane glanced over at Maura, watching the other woman as she was completely engrossed in the movie. She couldn't believe how beautiful Maura was, and all she had wanted to do since she walked in the door was kiss her. That urge only grew as the lights of the Christmas tree and the TV flickered across her face, twinkling in her eyes.

Jane must have been staring for longer than she realized because Maura turned to look at her. Having been caught, Jane smiled and blushed before looking back at the TV.

Just as they were finishing lunch, Maura's phone buzzed. "Ah, I'm expecting a message from the governor's office," Maura explained. "I'm sorry, but I have to get that. Then, it's naptime for you," she added to Alexis.

"No problem. Take your time," Jane said. "I can take Alexis up if you want, while you do whatever you need to do."

"Is that okay, sweetie?" Maura asked Alexis.

"Yes!" Alexis answered happily.

"Okay, give me a kiss, please," Maura replied, giving Alexis a hug and a kiss before Jane took her upstairs.

"Do you have to brush your teeth or anything before your nap?" Jane asked as they got to Alexis's room.

"No, just when I wake up in the morning and before bed at night," Alexis said. "But will you read me a book?"

"Sure, bug," Jane replied. She watched as Alexis picked a book from her bookshelf before climbing into bed. She patted the spot next to her on the bed in a silent request for Jane to sit with her, and as soon as Jane sat down, Alexis cuddled into her side.

After finishing the book, Jane gave Alexis a kiss and tucked her in. She closed the door quietly before walking downstairs to find Maura, making sure to be quiet in case Maura was on the phone. When she got to the kitchen, she saw that Maura was done with whatever she had been working on and was starting some hot water for tea.

"Were you able to do what you needed to do?" Jane asked as she sat across from Maura at the kitchen island.

"Yes, thank you for putting Alexis down for her nap," Maura replied with a smile.

"No problem. I kinda enjoyed it," she admitted softly.

Maura smiled and walked around the island. Jane swiveled the chair to face her and was pleased when Maura stepped between her legs and wrapped her arms around Jane's shoulders. Jane's hands automatically found Maura's hips and when Maura softly pressed her lips to Jane's, Jane's grip tightened slightly.

Their mouths moved together gently for a few moments before Jane needed more. She pulled Maura closer to her and slipped her arms around Maura's back at the same time as she deepened the kiss. Maura responded instantly; one hand pressed against the nape of Jane's neck to hold her in place.

"I've been wanting to do that all morning," Jane said when they separated just slightly despite the fact that Maura had been the one to initiate the kiss.

"Me, too," Maura admitted with a smile before giving Jane two more soft kisses. Her fingers were playing idly with the soft curls under Jane's hair. "I'm really glad you…" Maura's comment was interrupted by the tea kettle, forcing Maura to hurry around the island to silence the offending sound in the hopes of keeping it from waking Alexis.

Maura handed Jane a cup of tea before they both moved to the couch. "You were saying something when the tea kettle was ready," Jane prompted.

"Oh, it wasn't important," Maura said quickly as she slipped off her boots and pulled her legs under her body, leaning into Jane's side in the process. "I was just saying that I was glad you could come over today.

"I was glad that you invited me over," Jane said as she wrapped her arm around Maura's shoulders. "I was a little unsure if you actually wanted me to come over though," she admitted so softly that she wasn't entirely sure Maura would actually hear.

"Why?" Maura asked, surprised.

"Because you gave me a bunch of outs when you asked, and I feel like when people do that, it's like a slightly passive-aggressive way to get the other person to say no. I mean, I'm not saying you're passive-aggressive. I just…"

"It's okay," Maura kindly interrupted Jane's nervous rambling. "I know what you're saying. I really wanted you to come over, as did Alexis, but…" Maura sighed. "Jane, I'm not very good in most social interactions. I've never had many friends, and honestly, I've never gotten along with anyone as easily as I seem to be getting along with you, especially so quickly."

"That surprises me," Jane said softly.

Maura leaned forward to put her mug on the coffee table, so Jane followed suite. When they settled back against the couch, Maura took Jane's free hand in both of hers, playing with Jane's fingers as she spoke.

"I'm awkward around people, and I know that most people get tired of my…quirks…very quickly," Maura said slowly, trying to find the right words. "I really like you, Jane, and I really like spending time with you. The last thing I want to do is be too needy or overbearing that you get tired of spending time with me quickly. I just…I want you around…a lot…but I'm terrible at reading social cues. I'm so afraid of missing any subtle hesitations you might have."

"Well, I can tell you that I'm absolutely loving every minute that I get to spend with you and Alexis," Jane said. "I can't promise that I'll never get annoyed with you. I'm sure you'll get annoyed with me, too. I can promise you that I'll always answer honestly when you ask me whether or not I want to do something. I know you don't know me that well, yet, but you can ask anyone – I'm not someone who just goes along with things to be polite. I'd really rather you just ask, and I'll tell you the truth. I guess I'm hoping that you'll do the same. Tell me if I've overstayed my welcome. Tell me when you don't want to do something I suggest. We don't need to rely on subtle social cues if we communicate and are honest with each other."

"I can do that," Maura said, leaning her head on Jane's shoulder. "I have a tendency to be brutally honest anyway, even when it's not socially appropriate."

Jane laughed lightly. "Speaking of spending time together, I actually had a few ideas I wanted to run by you," she said.

"Okay," Maura prompted.

"Well, my parents always have family dinners on Sundays, and…well…my track record hasn't been so great over the past few months. Anyway, I was wondering if you and Alexis wanted to come on Sunday…just as friends. I don't know. I just thought it might be fun for you guys, and that way you don't have to cook. My ma is a great cook," Jane said.

"Are you sure your parents would be okay with us interrupting…"

"Maura…" Jane whined. "What did we just talk about?"

Maura laughed. "Okay, well, to be fair, I was asking about your parents."

"Touché," Jane said with a laugh. "But I wouldn't have invited you guys if I wasn't sure they'd be okay with it."

"We'd love to," Maura said with a smile. Then, after a pause, she added, "So, meeting the parents already?"

Jane laughed. "I didn't really think about it that way, but I guess you're not wrong. We don't have to tell them anything."

"Like I said yesterday, I'm fine with other people knowing. I just want to be cautious with Alexis. Do you think they would say anything?" Maura asked.

"Eh, maybe we should wait until after," Jane laughed. "They would try to do as we asked, but ma is anything but subtle."

Maura laughed. "Okay, well, I'll trust you to decide."

"Let's just play it by ear," Jane said. "The other idea I had was that we should make and decorate gingerbread houses. I was originally thinking Saturday, but really anytime next week works too. I know that's a lot of days in a row of things…if we're still doing the lights tomorrow," she added hopefully.

"I love that idea!" Maura said. "I've never made a gingerbread house, but it looks like so much fun! As for what day, we're pretty flexible, too, but before we decide I actually had a big favor to ask you."

"Okay."

"The message I received after lunch was from the governor's office. Even though I don't start until after the new year, the governor really wants me to take a couple of meetings. When she first asked, I made it clear that I didn't have childcare yet, but…"

"If you're asking me to hang out with Alexis while you do your meetings, the answer is yes," Jane interrupted.

"Really?" Maura asked, and the mixture of surprise and genuine happiness in Maura's voice broke Jane's heart – it was as though Maura had never had anyone say yes to such a simple request before.

"Hell, yeah!" Jane said. "We'll have fun while you go to your boring meetings."

Maura laughed lightly. "Well, she asked about Monday. It would be a few hours…"

"Seriously, just tell me what time to be here, and I'll be here."

"Could you be here at 8:30?"

"Ugh…really? 8:30?" Jane teased in mock disdain.

Maura laughed, instantly picking up on Jane's sarcasm. "Thank you."

"Yeah, I'll be here at 8:30," Jane confirmed with a laugh. "It'll be fun to spend the day with Lexi."

"Thank you," Maura repeated. "You know, part of the reason I picked the name Alexis was because I didn't think people would shorten it…"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll stop…" Jane said contritely.

"No, you didn't let me finish," Maura said quickly. "I was going to say that I kind of love that you already have a special nickname for her, and more importantly, she absolutely loves it. You're really the only person who's ever called her Lexi or even Lex. It makes her feel special."

"So, you don't mind?" Jane asked, a slight nervousness remaining in her voice.

Maura shook her head. "I don't mind at all," she said. "I would have expected it to bother me, which I suppose is why I'm talking about it – I'm surprised at how much I actually like it."

"Alright, good," Jane said, pleased.

"Oh, I just had an idea," Maura said suddenly.

"Yeah?" Jane asked, laughing at Maura's sudden excitement.

"Why don't you spend the night tomorrow night – platonically, I mean, because Alexis will definitely want to be a part of this. The three of us could have a sleepover after seeing the lights, and then, we can make the gingerbread houses on Saturday together."

"Can we sleep under the tree?" Jane asked with a childlike enthusiasm.

Maura laughed loudly. "Under the tree?" she asked skeptically.

"Yeah, we used to love to do it as kids. The lights are so beautiful on the tree at night, and I don't know…it's just magical, I guess," she said with a shrug.

"Well, I was originally thinking we'd sleep in beds, but that actually sounds really fun," Maura admitted.

"Yay!" Jane squealed as quietly as she could since Alexis was still sleeping. "Oh, we need to get the stuff for the gingerbread houses tomorrow then. I'll go to the store before coming here. We can walk to Boston Commons from here anyway."

"I would offer to go shopping, but I'm guessing you have a better idea of what to get," Maura said. "I'm going to treat you to dinner, though. I'd actually really like to take you on a real date, and I've been trying to figure out a way to make that happen, but until I have someone who can watch Alexis…"

"I want to go on a real date with you, too," Jane interrupted. "But I really love spending time with both of you in the meantime, so please don't worry about it too much. I will admit that I've thought about it too. I did think that maybe after you meet my mom a few times, you might be comfortable with her watching Alexis, but I absolutely don't want you to do anything you're not ready for. I can wait. I will wait, okay?"

"Thank you," Maura said with a small smile.

"And you don't have to treat me to dinner."

"Okay, but I'm going to, so why don't you plan to get here around 4pm tomorrow? It doesn't have to be exact, but we can walk somewhere for dinner then do the various light tours?" Maura suggested.

"Sounds perfect," Jane said as she leaned towards Maura for a kiss.