A/N: You all have been more than generous with your pms, reviews, follows, and faves! Thank you for taking the time to comment. You give me so many ideas with each review :) Also, apologies for taking so long to update. I've been on vacation with family and really haven't had the opportunity to write. I've struggled a bit with this installment, and rewrote it several times. Hopefully, I got it right. So, dear readers, sorry for any and all mistakes.
Oh, by the way, many of you requested the following character, so please allow me to introduce you to Amanda. :)
I just posted this and realized I forgot my disclaimer. Sorry if you get two alerts.
I don't own Rizzoli Isles and, but I wish I did.
R & I R & I R & I
"Damn, Maura! That was...I mean...wow!" Jane regarded her beautiful girlfriend with shock, awe, and love.
Maura feigning innocence replied to the flabbergasted brunette, "You really think that I would allow her to have any thought of a possible future with you? I should say not."
"I'm not gonna lie, Maur'. That was really fucking sexy how you…" Jane searched for the right words, "staked your claim."
The brunette waggled her eyebrows and squeezed the blonde tight to emphasize her point. Maura's badassness registered a ten in Jane's book.
"You're mine, Jane Rizzoli. I'd say that I am sorry for how I'd behaved, but you know I cannot lie. That woman deserved it and to be honest this entire situation is pitiable."
Maura's heart was breaking for the woman she had never met.
"Imagine how her wife would feel if she discovered her wife's motives for attending the conference this evening. Personally, I would be devastated."
Jane pondered this briefly before sighing deeply, "You're right, Maura. For that reason, I don't think Alyson will cause us any trouble. I guess I never realized what a weak person she was."
To lighten the mood, Jane jokingly remarked, "You on the other hand…"
Maura giggled as Jane attacked her neck with playful nips and kisses, "Jane, stop! That tickles!"
Chuckling, the brunette pulled away and kissed Maura gently.
After regaining her composure, Maura slipped her hand into Jane's as she led them out the door.
"C'mon, you. We have a big day tomorrow and an early flight to catch."
Jane groaned slightly, "Oh yeah. Tommy's move. I swear, Maura, he'll owe me big time after this."
Maura softly swatted Jane's arm. "Jane, you know just as well as I do that you would do this regardless of any payback."
"You're right," Jane grumbled. She truly did love her little brother despite their disagreements and struggles over the years. Moving just sucked. Jane had moved herself and Frankie in and out of the dorm and various apartments enough to know that she was dreading the next few days.
At that exact moment, Jane's stomach made its displeasure known.
"Let's pick up some dinner, your choice." Maura bumped shoulders with her hungry girlfriend.
Jane considered her choices before replying, "You pick."
Shamelessly, Jane waggled her eyebrows in what she considered a roguish gesture.
"I don't care where we go as long as I can have a cold beer and you for dessert."
"I believe that can be arranged." Maura bit her lip seductively. Truth be told, she was still on her high from telling off Alyson and couldn't wait to get her hands on Jane.
Jane responded with a triumphant fist pump.
As an afterthought, Maura added, "But no whipped cream this time. It was too messy."
"Aww c'mon, Maura," Jane whined; she already had plans of where she wanted to put the cherries.
Maura staunchly refused, "No, you got so carried away that I ended up finding dried up whipped cream in the bedroom for weeks. I still don't understand how you managed to fling it as far as the bedroom door. I knew the blindfold was a bad idea that night."
Huffing, Jane stuck her free hand in her pocket.
"Buzzkill," Jane muttered quietly (or at least she thought it was quiet).
Maura stopped her in her tracks pulling her hand from Jane's and indignantly crossed her arms. "I am not a buzzkill!"
Shit.
Jane tried backpedalling, "I didn't say buzzkill. I said even still." She hoped she sounded somewhat convincing.
The doctor narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Even still, what?"
Flashing Maura a disarming dimpled grin, Jane wrapped her arms back around the doctor.
"Even still, I can't wait to be with you." Jane fought dirty and dipped her voice into the sexy register Maura loved so much.
This slightly mollified the doctor, so she decided to drop it.
The two women nearly made it to their car before Jane realized that she was being rather selfish. After all, Maura was the one who kicked ass.
"You know, Maura," Jane opened the passenger side door for the doctor.
"You're the one who should be rewarded for the badass way you put megabitch in her place. So, what would you like to do when we get home?"
Maura bounced a few ideas around as Jane settled into the driver seat.
"I would love for us to take a hot bath," Maura mused.
This piqued the brunette's interest. "Yeah? Anything else?"
"Yes," Maura purred, "and while we take our bath, I want you to read me articles from my latest scientific journal."
Not overly enthused with the idea but rather amused by the quirkiness of the request, Jane replied, "Are you sure, Maur? I can't pronounce half the words in some of those articles."
Maura chuckled softly as she slipped her hand into Jane's. Using her free hand, she pointed at the restaurant that was coming up on their right.
Jane slowly pulled the car into the drive thru. Thankfully, the line wasn't too long.
"Mmm...I just love the sound of your voice and coupling it with my favorite reading material, well…" Maura trailed off.
"Whatever floats your boat, babe," Jane shrugged before smirking, "I can say coccyx and mastication like the best of them."
Delighted with her girlfriend's wit, Maura replied, "Mmm...don't forget formication and the mineral cummingtonite."
Jane snorted skeptically, "Cummingtonite? There's no such thing."
"Of course there is! It was discovered in Cummington, Massachusetts in the early 1800s." Maura explained as if it should be common knowledge to any Bay Stater.
"Well, let's hurry home then, so cummingtonite doesn't become cummingtomorrow." Jane sniggered.
Jane's straight face lasted as long as it took to catch Maura's eye; the two were barely able to give their order through their giggles.
Once the women got home and into their bath, they thoroughly enjoyed furthering their scientific knowledge.
R & I R & I R & I
"Ok, it doesn't look like anything shifted around too much." Jane pulled the rolling moving van door shut.
Tommy scratched the back of his neck. He was exhausted. "I went ahead and checked us all in. Frankie and Maura should be back with food any minute."
"Ok, good. Let's go to our rooms. I'm beat." Jane said as she wiped the sweat from her brow and walked off in the direction of the hotel's main doors.
She too was bone tired since the foursome decided to drive at least a few hours after packing the van. They reasoned they'd stop at a hotel early to get some much needed rest. The drive from Florida to Boston would take a regular car at least a day and a half with minimal stops. Driving the distance with a moving van would take considerably longer.
Maura and Jane had decided earlier in the week to take a full day that Thursday and change Frankie's and their tickets for an early morning flight. Usually, principals frowned on teachers taking a day off before a break, but Korsak understood how important the move was, so he gave them the go ahead. If anyone gave the trio a hard time, he'd vouch for them.
Even though it was completely worth it, both women were rather tired from all the fun they had the night before. Thankfully, the flight was on time, so they made it into town before noon.
The afternoon was anything but restful; regardless, it went by without a hitch. Tommy had already rented the van and was ready to load it up by the time he picked everyone up from the airport. To the surprise of both Jane and Frankie, he had already packed up all of his stuff into boxes and cleaned the apartment. Whatever he wasn't taking, he gave away to friends or donated to charity.
Once Frankie and Maura returned, the foursome returned to Jane and Maura's room to eat and plan for the day ahead. As soon as the brothers left, Maura and Jane took a hot shower to wash off the day's grime. Their heads barely hit the pillow before they fell into dreamless slumber.
R & I R & I R & I
The following day at Maura's insistence, the group didn't leave until everyone had a nice large breakfast. She argued that driving in a van with a hungry and grumpy Jane was not how she wanted to spend her day. It didn't hurt that Maura threatened to take away Jane's coffee.
Begrudgingly, Jane ate her fruit and cereal with no further argument.
Frankie and Tommy also made sure to load up on food before getting on the road to avoid a lecture from the blonde.
The rest of the journey was filled with beautiful scenery, laughs, grumpiness, delays, and the occasional silent treatment. All in all, it was a typical move.
The group finally rolled into Boston late Saturday evening; unsurprisingly, Angela eagerly greeted the group and plied them with as much food as she could. With promises of seeing one another for Easter mass, everyone went home with plans to unload the truck the next day after lunch.
R & I R & I R & I
"I am so fucking tired," Jane groaned as she unceremoniously threw herself on the couch. Her phone landed softly on the cushion beside her. She had sent Amanda a text asking her to move their get together to breakfast on Monday. Jane's friend had graciously agreed.
"Jane! Language!" Maura smacked the brunette on the shoulder as she too plopped down on the couch.
"What!? I know you are, too." Jane defended and shamelessly propped her feet up on the coffee table.
Maura quirked her eyebrow at the Italian before gently dropping her head on Jane's shoulder.
"I'll concede. I am exhausted as well." A tired sigh escaped the blonde as she snuggled even closer. This prompted Jane to wrap her arm around the doctor. They felt like they could sleep for days.
Gently kissing the top of Maura's head, Jane squeezed her tight. "You know I really appreciate you going with all of us to church this morning. I know you probably would have prefered to sleep in."
Barely suppressing her yawn, Maura replied tiredly, "Of course I would come. It's important to our...I mean your family."
Maura winced at her verbal slip; she didn't wish to presume anything. Jane and she were very serious, but Maura wasn't exactly sure if Jane shared the sentiment about family just yet.
Jane pulled back slightly to look the honey blonde in the eyes. A soft smile graced her lips.
"Maura," Jane paused to ensure that she had Maura's undivided attention, "They're your family, too. I mean, we're not married yet, but that isn't a prerequisite for you to be a Rizzoli."
Jane didn't know what hit her as Maura's lips crashed against her in a fiery and passionate kiss.
Pulling back from her girlfriend, Jane remarked, "Whoa! What was that for? I mean, I'm not complaining or anything." The Italian's dazzling smile spurred the doctor on as she leaned in for another kiss.
"It's because I love you." Maura said simply.
Slowly, she pushed the brunette onto her back and rested on top of her.
"You have truly turned my life upside down, Jane Rizzoli. I never thought I'd find happiness like the happiness I have with you, and the thought that you want to marry me...I don't even know what to say."
Jane's heart felt near bursting with love for the doctor as she pulled her in for a delicate kiss. All exhaustion disappeared as Maura increased the intensity of her kisses.
Pulling away to look her love in the eyes, Maura purred in Jane's ear, "I haven't had your naked body under mine since Wednesday. We need to change that."
Although she felt no animosity towards Jane's childhood friend about the history the two women shared, Maura subconsciously felt the need to stake her claim...again.
"I need to make a good impression on your friend Amanda, so I'm going to give you something to brag about tomorrow."
Jane's interest piqued, "Oh, what's that?"
Rather than answering right away, Maura stood and pulled the brunette out of her seat and led her by the hand into what Jane once thought was a spare bedroom.
Jane's jaw dropped the moment she walked through the door. Maura had set up a room completely devoted to everything Jane loved (except for her piano which had proudly taken residence in the living room). Prior to the move and unbeknownst to Jane, Angela and Maura had spent numerous days after school shopping for all things Jane.
One reason Maura had left Angela in charge of the move was to give her time to get Jane's room in order. It was always extremely difficult to keep a surprise from Jane, and Maura intended for this room to blow the brunette's mind.
Maura had spared no expense in preparing this space for Jane. Besides the Red Sox and other sports paraphernalia, Maura hung prints from all of Jane's favorite artists. Floor to ceiling bookcases filled with all of Jane's books covered an entire wall. Maura had hired carpenters to custom make these along with a trophy case to house all of Jane's accomplishments. Even though Jane downplayed her talents, Maura knew it was important to showcase them.
To Jane's delight, the room contained a matching tan leather sofa and recliner. This wasn't an overstuffed recliner that Jane could have bought at any old furniture store; this one was special. The leather was as soft as butter and when reclined, it nearly stretched out flat. The couch was equally inviting and decadent. Maura had them special ordered.
As Jane took in the room, she walked over to one framed piece that caught her attention. Maura had displayed the sheet music for Heart and Soul. At the bottom right hand corner of the piece, Maura had written the date that Jane had played it for her. Unknown to the doctor, a single tear slid down Jane's face.
Maura nervously bit her bottom lip, Jane had yet to say a word.
"I know how much you love to read and how important it is for you to have your own space. I mean, my space is my yoga room, so I thought I'd make one for you. I'm sorry I didn't put a tv in here. I still want you to watch all your games and movies in the living room."
Maura added in a small voice, "With me."
Rather than answer, Jane took Maura by the hand and led her over to the framed sheet music.
Jane nodded at the frame, "This is amazing, Maura." Jane cleared her throat. The emotion was becoming too much for her. "And I love it. I love you."
Softly, Jane placed her hand on the small of Maura's back and led her over to the couch. Sinking into the soft leather cushions, Jane pulled Maura down to straddle her.
The brunette gently slipped her hands into Maura's silky tresses and pulled the blonde down for a soft kiss.
"I really don't deserve all of this, Maur, and before you interrupt," Jane placed her finger delicately on the blonde's lips and smiled softly, "please let me show you how much it means to me that you did."
Jane's hands reached for the hem of Maura's tank top and slowly lifted the garment over the doctor's head.
Slowly, Jane unfastened the blonde's bra and proceeded to run her hands over the doctor's soft skin.
"I never thought I would find happiness with someone else, but you came along and…" Jane broke off. Tears began gathering in her eyes. "Thank you for loving me."
Maura leaned her forehead against Jane's, her tears fell unhindered, "I share the same sentiment."
"You're beautiful, you know that?" Jane's hands continued to roam over the bare skin of blonde's back, stomach, breasts. The brunette couldn't recall touching skin as soft as Maura's.
"You're not too bad yourself, Tiger," Maura winked as her hands slipped under Jane's tshirt, revelling in the contours of the Italian's toned yet soft feminine features.
Jane chuckled as her hands found purchase on her bare thighs, "Mmm, you have way too many clothes on."
"Jane?" Maura breathed ragged breathes into the brunette's ear.
"Yeah, babe?" Jane smirked as she squeezed Maura's ass prompting the blonde to grind her pelvis against hers.
"Can we skip the foreplay and go right to it?" Maura practically begged.
Jane's expression registered shock and bemusement.
"Excuse me?" The brunette's plans to kiss every inch of the doctor's skin suddenly derailed.
Almost whining, Maura explained, "I don't know about you, but my body's ready. I've been fantasizing for weeks about you taking me on this couch. I know this should be a time for slow and sweet lovemaking, but I can't help it. I crave your touch."
"On this couch, eh?" The Italian breathed heavily in the blonde's ear.
Before Maura could answer, Jane flipped the doctor onto her back, divesting her of the clothing that separated her talented fingers and Maura's waiting body.
The squeaking of the leather and the loud cry of a very satisfied blonde filled Jane's new room.
Moments later, Jane pulled back slightly.
"Geez, babe. I think you blew out my eardrum." Jane stuck her finger in her ear and wiggled it in hopes of alleviating her discomfort.
Maura winced slightly, "I'm sorry, Jane. I didn't realize that I would have such an explosive orgasm."
The pain in the brunette's ear was quickly replaced by smug satisfaction. Feeling incredibly proud of her herself, Jane asked, "That good, huh?"
Maura quirked her eyebrow in amusement.
"You know it was. Now, get up. It's my turn to make you feel good." Maura's tone left little room for argument.
Once standing, Maura pushed Jane (rather roughly) back down on the couch.
"Whoa, what are you going to do, Doctor?" A confused albeit excited smile stretched across the brunette's face as her very naked girlfriend settled on her knees on the floor.
"I'm just taking care of an item on my checklist." Maura remarked cryptically.
Jane's wrinkled brow belied her confusion, "What checklist?"
The checklist of all the places in our new home where I plan to have my head between your thighs. Don't you think tonight's a good night to start?" Maura smirked.
Coughing a little to cover up her excitement, Jane replied, "Well, there's no time like the present."
Minutes later, Maura crossed her first item off her list.
R & I R & I R & I
"Oh my God, Jane. I love her!" Amanda tittered giddily.
Amanda glanced at the back of the restaurant where Maura has disappeared to wash her hands after placing her order.
Jane's chest swelled with pride, "She's amazing, isn't she? I have no idea why she would want to be with a slouch like me." Jane joked.
Amanda abruptly tossed her napkin at the brunette hitting her in the chest.
"Hey!" Jane snatched the offending cloth and snapped it back at the redhead.
"Knock it off, Jane. You know you're a catch." Amanda leveled her gaze at the brunette.
Jane's eye roll did little to dampen her friend's sincerity.
"Girls (and boys) have chased you for years. I know I did," Amanda's exaggerated eyelash flutter made the brunette laugh.
Jane shook her head. Amanda hadn't changed a bit.
Choosing to ignore Amanda's compliment, Jane changed the subject. "Thanks again for agreeing to meet us for breakfast instead of drinks last night. The move really kicked our asses."
Amanda shrugged it off, "No problem. My flight's not until five, so this worked out fine. Now tell me more about this woman who has stolen your heart while we still have the chance."
Leaning in closer, Amanda whispered, "Tell me. Is she good in bed?"
Jane's thoughts flitted back to Maura and the leather couch.
"You have no fucking idea."
Twin grins on their faces, the women fistbumped.
"I'm in love with her. I mean, full on want to spend the rest of my life with her. I want to marry her, Amanda."
Although Amanda wholeheartedly approved of Maura, she couldn't help but be protective of her best friend. After all, Alyson had hurt her so badly.
"You sure, Jane? I mean, how long have you been dating?"
"We've been together since September," Jane sipped her coffee. "I moved in with her this past weekend."
Amanda picked at a piece of lint on her jeans. "I'm surprised, Jane," the redhead kindly remarked. "I haven't heard you talk like this about anyone since fuckface."
"Fuckface?" Jane laughed outright.
The redhead giggled, "You like that? It's my new favorite insult."
Jane shook her head at her incorrigible friend, "I'll have to remember that one."
"As I was saying," Amanda put their conversation back on track, "I'm really glad you found someone, Janie. You deserve happiness."
Amanda then caught Maura's eye as the doctor approached the table, "Since you love her so much, I guess you won't mind if I share a few of my favorite Jane Rizzoli stories."
Jane's eyes bugged out, "Amanda, don't you…Oh, hey Maur!" The beautiful honey blonde arrived before Jane could finish." The Italian glared at Amanda before helping Maura with her chair.
"Maura!" Amanda blue eyes twinkled, "Jane and I were just reminiscing about old times."
"Really?" Maura's excitement was clearly evident.
Just as Amanda expected, Maura said, "I would love to hear some of your stories."
If looks could kill, Amanda would be dead in her chair. Jane tried to dissuade the doctor, "Really, Maura, they're nothing exciting. They'd probably bore you."
Before Maura could answer, Amanda interjected, "Oh, I don't know Jane. The time you shaved off your eyebrow was pretty amusing."
"Jane! Why would you ever do that?" Maura exclaimed.
"It wasn't on purpose, Maura!" Jane quickly defended.
"I was in hurry one morning because I was running late for school, but I had to shave my legs for practice. My forehead itched and because I wasn't paying attention, I went to scratch it with the hand holding the razor."
Amanda was beside herself with giggles. "I laughed my ass off when I saw her. The worst part was that she tried fixing it with a sharpie."
"I panicked! I didn't know what else to do, so I grabbed the first thing that came to mind." Jane couldn't hide her blush. All these years later, she still cringed at the memory.
"So, a permanent marker was the first thing you thought to use? Jane why didn't you ask your mother for help? I'm sure she would have drawn it in with a pencil at least."
"Yeah, I know. After that day, I was at Ma's mercy, and I'll be honest, Maura. It was pretty bad. Ma had to help me train it every day for two months. It still sticks up a little in places."
Jane quickly hid her eyebrow with her hand to avoid Maura's scrutiny.
"I wondered why it did that Jane." Maura smirked.
The redhead gleefully watched the pair across from her as their entrees arrived. Amanda waited for Jane's mouth to be full before she described her next memory.
"Maura, did you know that Jane has a penchant for skinny dipping?"
Eyebrows raised in surprise, Maura replied although her attention was trained on her girlfriend, "Is that so?"
Amanda's lips curled into a devious grin. "Yep. When my parents and siblings weren't home the two of us along with some of Jane's teammates took advantage of my parents' hot tub."
"Amanda…"Jane warned. She knew Amanda well enough that she wouldn't go into salacious details out of respect for Maura, but she feared what was to come. Amanda had a lot of shit on Jane from high school.
The attractive redhead ignored the Italian and continued with her tale. "Everyone knew that Jane Rizzoli was always up for a dare, so that night we gave Jane a challenge."
Jane glared at her high school best friend; she always hated this story.
"Rebecca McCarter dared Jane to get naked in the tub. You probably know how modest Jane is about her body," Amanda's blue eyes twinkled. Jane hated being naked in front of anyone other than people she had shared intimacy.
Jane groaned in dismay.
"Rebecca was such a bitch. Once Jane removed her suit, she snatched it and refused to give it back unless Jane flashed everyone."
"That was not part of the agreement, and Rebecca knew it," Jane growled. Even to this day, she hated Rebecca for what she did.
Amanda rolled her eyes, "I bet you anything Rebecca had a thing for you and that's why she did it."
Maura considered the redhead's words, "I can't blame her. Jane's breasts are nearly flawless."
"Maura!" Jane's olive skin flushed bright red.
Amanda winked at the blonde and grinned, "I concur, Doctor."
Jane shrunk down in her seat as the two women giggled at her expense.
"Can we please change the topic of conversation? I don't think now or ever is a proper time to discuss these." Jane begged and quickly pointed at her breasts.
The two women showed the brunette mercy, and Amanda continued with her story, "Well, right when Rebecca snatched her suit, my parents came home."
Jane rolled her eyes. "Yeah, your dad forgot his damn wallet, and then you mom decided then would be a good time to check on us."
"Just to be mean, Rebecca threw Jane's suit into the bushes, leaving our dear Jane in her birthday suit."
"Birthday suit? I thought you said she was naked?" Maura's asked innocently.
Jane squeezed the blonde's hand in her own, "Being in your birthday suit means you're naked, Maur...like you were "wearing it" when you were born?"
"Oh! I get it," Maura's dazzling grin brought smiles to both Jane and Amanda's faces.
Amanda smirked, "Well, my mom's like a bloodhound and can sniff out anything suspicious, so Jane was essentially screwed. Rather than have my mom find out she was naked, Jane jumped out of the hot tub and hid in the bushes next to the deck. Oh, did I mention it was the middle of February?"
Jane shuddered, "I was freezing my ass off while Amanda's mother spent the following ten minutes asking everyone about her day."
Amanda laughed loudly, "By the time my parents left and Jane found her suit, it had frozen solid."
Jane sunk so low in her seat she feared she'd be under the table before the meal was over.
Needing a moment to step back from reliving her embarrassing high school moments, Jane excused herself to go to the restroom.
"I'm honestly afraid to leave you two alone together, but I really do have to go to the bathroom. Be good." Jane threw twin stink eyes at the women and left the table.
Once Jane was out of sight, Amanda turned on the blonde.
"I'm going to frank with you, Maura." Amanda wiped her mouth before setting her used napkin on the table. " I like you, and Jane told me herself that she is in love with you."
"Really?" Maura's giddiness was palpable, and Amanda couldn't help but smile at the radiant blonde.
"Yes, really," the Irish woman smiled. "I haven't seen her this happy since the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. Come to think of it, that was right before she started dating the bitch."
"You mean, Alyson, correct?" Maura asked for clarification.
"Can you think of any other title that would describe that woman?" Amanda deadpanned.
"You have a point," Maura chuckled. "When I met her she definitely lived up to that moniker."
"Wait, you met her? How?" Amanda couldn't think of a single situation where meeting Alyson would be a possibility.
"She actually cornered Jane in her classroom at our most recent parents' night. Jane was none too thrilled about the interaction, but I don't believe it's my place to say much more other than this regarding the situation."
Amanda leaned in closer eager to hear what the doctor had to say.
Maura's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Alyson now has a clearer understanding of the semantics of sexual intercourse."
The funny look Amanda gave the blonde told Maura she needed to elaborate.
Jane's sudden appearance startled the two women, "Put it this way, Amanda," Jane smugly remarked, "Maura had no qualms about staking her claim."
Amanda laughed heartily. She remembered how jealous Alyson could be. Hell, she had borne the brunt of the woman's jealousy.
Before saying another word, Amanda flagged down a passing server.
"How can I help you, miss?" the server politely asked.
"May we have a dessert menu along with your list of signature drinks? I believe my friends and I will be here for a while."
After the server scurried away, Amanda returned her attention to the happy couple sitting across from her.
"Now please, my friends, spare me no details on how the Wicked Witch earned her comeuppance."
Jane enthusiastically described how Maura had put the abhorrent woman in her place.
By the end of the story, Amanda had only one question for the doctor.
"Maura? Do you have any single sisters?" Amanda asked hopefully.
Maura glanced at Jane, who was giggling. "Sorry, I'm an only child."
"Damn." Amanda sighed regretfully.
Jane reached over and sympathetically patted her friend's hand.
"What can I say, Amanda?"
Turning towards her girlfriend, Jane's eyes twinkled with adoration.
"Maura Isles is one of a kind, and I'm damn lucky to have her."