Hello everyone! I should start off by apologizing. I know it's been ages since I've last updated any of my stories. I got hit with a really bad case of bronchitis and it made me miserable for weeks. I'm finally getting over it. Thank you for those who asked and wished me well regarding my whereabouts. Being sick left me drained and pretty much brain dead so ideas and the willpower to write were hard to come by. Now that I'm better, I hope to resume my usual posting schedule. I will try my best! I assure you, at least I won't make you wait as long this time;) Thanks for sticking around! This next chapter isn't perfect, but I figured it was good enough to get me into my groove again... happy reading!

Jane walked into the house, footsteps dragging and shoulders hunched. She'd had a hell of a shift which had included a chase of a suspect by foot and ended with her tackling him to the ground. She'd gotten an elbow to the stomach, which was the reason why she hunched over, massaging the injured area tenderly.

She noticed something was different the moment she set foot in the kitchen. Maura was usually preparing breakfast or if she had to go in early, would leave something out for her to eat before going to bed. Not that she was going to complain at the lack of food, but she had gotten used to being spoiled by her fiancée. She was about to skip breakfast altogether and turn to head upstairs for a shower when a note caught her eye. Puzzled that she hadn't seen it before, she turned back and grabbed it off the magnet on the fridge.

My love,

I'm sorry I didn't have breakfast ready for you this morning. Something came up and I wasn't left with time to prepare breakfast… forgive me? I'll make it up to you.

I love you,

Maura

"Something came up?" Jane questioned aloud. Things were getting stranger. Maura never left anything that vague. She made a point to ask her about it later. Deciding that she wouldn't be able to skip breakfast, she opened the fridge and quickly got herself a bowl of cereal. She set the bowl on the island and began to eat, wondering just what Maura was up to. Once finished, she washed the bowl quickly and headed upstairs. She stopped about 4 stairs up. There was a red rose at the top of the stairs with another note next to it. She climbed up the remaining stairs and reached for both the flower and the note.

I hope you didn't have a rough night, officer. Jane snorted. I love you.

"I love you too Maur," she said, before she continued onward. She turned onto the hallway and noticed rose petals scattered on the floor leading to the master bedroom. Little tea light candles floating in a transparent bowl lit her way ahead. Maura's still here. She inhaled the smell of roses as she continued down the hall taking small steps to enjoy the surprise Maura had left for her. When she made it to the door, another note was taped to it.

You made it bébé. I thought about different ways to do this, but this is the one that made most sense to me. Come into our room so I can give you a proper welcome home. I love you.

Jane smiled at Maura's words as she reached for the door handle. Opening the bedroom, she noticed that the blinds were down and lights off. The only light in the room was coming from the multitude of candles strategically placed around the room. More rose petals were scattered on the floor and on the bed, though Maura was nowhere to be seen.

A final note lay on the bed, along with an envelope. Jane reached for the note first.

My love,

You've been ever so patient with me all these years; ever since the beginning of medical school. I know we've had an incredibly rough schedule and I thank you for being understanding with my academic demands. Graduation is only a couple of months away, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you by my side. You've been my guidance, my light, my soul mate. What you are about to read is going to determine the next stage of our lives. I'm more convinced that I belong with you with each passing day. I love you Jane, and hope that you're ready for the next part of our journey together. I know I'll be ready for anything as long as I have you with me.

I love you,

Maura

Jane, slightly teary-eyed, finished reading the note. She put it aside as she reached for the envelope. It was addressed to Maura, from the Cambridge University. She quickly opened it and began to read its contents.

"Dear Ms. Isles, it is with great pleasure that we inform you of your acceptance into our pathology residency training program…. Oh my God! Maura!" Jane yelled out for Maura, who unbeknownst to her had been standing a few feet behind her. Jane turned to see an elated Maura before her, gauging her reaction. "You got into the pathology residency program?! That's terrific! I mean, I knew you would, but it's great to see it happen! Congratulations baby! I'm soooo proud of you!" Jane took the few steps that separated the two, lifted Maura into the air and spun her around in joy.

"Jane, baby, stop," Maura said, laughing. "We're going to get dizzy." Jane finally stopped spinning them both and set Maura on the ground. "I got the letter last night when I got home. I couldn't wait to tell you."

"It's just amazing Maura… all your hard work has paid off. First college, then medical school, and now this. How many years are we talking about here?"

"The program is to last four years," Maura replied instantly.

"Four years? Damn, that's a long time," Jane observed.

"I know bébé, but we can make this work. We've been doing really well so far," Maura commented.

"I know we have Maur, and I've no doubt we can get through this just like the last time. You're finally going to be a resident. That's truly special honey. I can't tell you just how happy I am for you."

"Thank you Jane. I'm happy too… for both of us. You know what the end of medical school means."

"Yeah, the start of residency," Jane teased.

Maura chuckled. "Yes, it does. But don't forget what we've talked about… what we've planned. The end of medical school doesn't only mean the beginning of a new stage of my professional career, but also a new stage in our lives. You agreed to wait, and you have. You've been patient, incredibly so… but now it's time."

Jane smiled at her fiancée, knowing exactly what she was talking about.

"Get ready bébé, we have a wedding to plan!"