Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay of this update and the brevity . so many things going on and poor time management on my part. Please excuse any formatting issues, if any. I'm attempting to post directly to the site from my phone.

Ch. 11 pt 1

Jane and Maura had been living in their own blissful bubble since they'd received the wonderful news.

Of course, Maura made sure her health was in line with producing the best environs for the baby and Jane made sure she provided the safest.

Any and all sacrifices, from the biggest-no alcohol, to the smallest-no sushi (for Jane) and baby proofing drawers and cupboards (for Maura), were worth it. Though, Jane still had some difficulties manipulating said furniture, even if she was the one who installed them.

Jane had even grown fond of the peach flavored, multi-herb infused tea that Maura provided as an alternative to the ban on coffee. Self imposed, as a show of solidarity.

This didn't mean she wasn't, often, caught in her fantasies of greasy burgers and thermoses filled with piping hot, black coffee.

Every effort expended was done with little to no complaints from either woman. They knew everything they did was in pursuit of providing the safest and happiest world for their child.

It was the day of the baby shower and Angela was in a flurry, reviewing her to-do list.

'Send Frankie to pick up the cake. Turn on the chafing dishes...' Angela mentally ticked off items from her list before going vocal.

"Need clothes pins for the door prize game, pens and note pads for the written games, Playdoh for the best baby replica and the prizes..." The Rizolli matriarch loudly announced her tasks so that anyone in the house could hear and get on top of them before she had to delegate the chores.

"Hey, Maur?" Jane called for Maura's attention.

"Yes, Jane?" Maura responded, as she laid out their outfits for the grand event.

"What is the probability of us getting away for an hour before the shower starts?" Jane questions.

"That depends." The doctor responds.

"On what?" Jane asks.

On whether you're looking for an actual mathematical statistic or a vague analysis." Maura supplies.

"Whatever gets us out of the house the fastest!" Jane yelped.

"Well, if you're that eager to get out of the house, I'm sure I could skew the numbers." Maura charmed.

"Great answer." Jane smiled ear-to-ear.

"I'm going to head out to the car. Could you grab us a couple of sweaters? There's supposed to be a rather cool breeze, today." Maura used the request, though completely true, as the perfect distraction for Jane, while she let Angela know their plans so she wouldn't worry about their whereabouts.

"You got it, hon." Jane said with a wink. "Be careful on the stairs." She added as she watched the glowing woman walk out the door. Maura simply smiled her assurance.

Maura strategically yet, quickly waddled her way downstairs. Having read several books and first-person anecdotes about the gestation cylce and "What to expect," she still found the subtle, and not so subtle, changes to her body somewhat tricky to adapt to.

Maura spotted Angela as soon as she hit the landing and made a beeline to her side.

"Angela, Jane is quite eager to get out of the house for a bit. I need you to let us get away without alluding to any prior knowledge. I don't think anything is wrong however, if there is, I'll be sure to let you know." Maura let out the string of information and demands in such a quick fashion that gave the mother figure a run for her own money. And, it was just enough to get her request granted without any objections.

Maura hugged the elder Rizzoli woman and made it to the garage door just as she heard Jane's quick trip down the staircase.

Within seconds, Jane was opening the passenger door and handing Maura her emerald green cardigan. One of Jane's favorite article of clothing on the woman, along with her own BPD hoodie.

Jane squealed like a school girl playing hooky for the first time. Even with all the smiles, Maura could sense Jane was preoccupied.

"So, are you going to fill me in on the location of our little field trip or are the details of our little escape to be a surprise?" Maura inquired.

"I'm more than happy to share my plans with you, Maur. You're my partner-in-crime, committing or solving them." Jane promised.

Maura reached her hand across the middle console of the car to intertwine their hands.

"I think I would like you surprise me." Maura stated.

"Your wish is my command."

Just like that, the couple set off on a mini adventure.