Chapter 6 – The help of a friend
"So… what did you want to ask me?"
Jane placed a cup of coffee in front of Lisbon, and sat beside her on the couch.
"I had a talk with the social worker. She wanted to know if I actually meant to keep Daisy into my foster care – even adopt her, maybe – or if she should be looking for someone else".
"And…?"
"I don't know. I mean, I've grown fond of her, and I think she kind of likes me. Parting from her would be hard. It's just… well, probably she should get a real family. Someone who can take care of her properly. And for sure I'm not the right one".
"Why not, Jane?", she demurred gently.
"Well, look at me. I've spent the last eight years of my life hunting a serial killer – even if you were the one who caught him in the end. I don't know if I'd ever be able to form something near enough to a relationship with a woman again. And I didn't do a great job with my own daughter, so I don't think I could be the best of fathers to another child".
Lisbon looked at him steadily. "Jane, stop it. I'm sure you'll make a great father. And you know that she simply loves you".
A smile touched his lips. "You've got far too much faith in me on this matter, I deem".
"We're all here to help you, anyway. Don't forget that. All the team would be glad to, you know. I would be glad – even if I have no experience as a parent at all".
"I didn't dare to ask for so much. I appreciate it. Really".
On a sudden impulse she raised an hand to his cheek. "I'm proud of you, Patrick. And I'd love to see you happy".
Caught unawares, he relished her touch for a moment. Maybe he had been wrong a minute ago, when he said that he couldn't get to love a woman again. Maybe, if she allowed him…
He took her hand and brought it to his lips, pausing briefly before placing a small kiss on her palm. He heard her gasp softly – and was surprised to notice that she didn't draw back.
Maybe she wants me to do this.
Thrilled by that outlandish thought, he began tracing feather-like kisses down her palm to her slender wrist.
"Jane…", she whispered huskily, inching closer.
Finally his lips left her hand and found her mouth. They kissed slowly for a while – both too startled by the unexpected turn of events to think clearly.
It was Lisbon the first who came to her senses.
"Jane, do you really mean this?"
He considered her question seriously enough. "That depends entirely on you, Teresa".
She had never realized how much she wanted this. She wanted to protect him. She wanted to make him happy.
She laughed quietly as a strange idea crossed her mind. "You know what? Daisy once told me that I'm your guardian angel – as much as you are hers. Will you let me take care of the both of you?"
He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Yes", was his simple answer.
It really looked like the three of them had finally found a family into each other.
