I just have to say it, Chaaaaaang!

Ch. 20

"Earth Mother? That's not a little too hippy-dippy for you?" Frankie asked.

"No, Frankie. Why, do you have a problem with it?" Jane fires back.

Frankie raised his hands in surrender. "No. Not at all. It's just, I've known you all my life, Janie. This is the kind of thing that usually sets you off." He said with caution.

"Well, little brother, I've grown. I'm much more open to ideas that may not fit my old wheel house. Kinda like when I considered asking you to be Sophia's godfather but, that may be a little too fuddy duddy for you." Jane let the unasked question settle in Frankie's mind.

"Whoa, just because there was a time you would've been against it doesn't mean I...wait, what?" Frankie pulled himself out of the rant, finally catching up. "You want me to baptize Sophia?" He asked. Shocked.

Jane shot her young sibling a great smirk.

"That took you a lot longer than it should've, little brother."

I...well, I get passionate when I try to defend my character to you, big sister." Frankie returned with his half smile.

"Well, whadaya say?" Jane prompted.

"What do I say? Hell yeah, is what I say!" Frankie enthused.

Jane raised an eyebrow at his expression.

"I mean, yes. Forgive me Father." Frankie makes the sign of the crossing asking his god for forgiveness.

Jane shook her head and took Frankie in her arms in celebration.

"Hey, can I tell Ma? She's gonna love this!" Frankie inquired.

"Sure, go ahead. Just be prepared for squeals or squeezes." Jane warned.

Jane, Maura and Sophia were in the middle of a nap on a Sunday afternoon when a yell could be heard throughout the house.

"Jaaaaane!" It was the Rizzoli matriarch. One would believe that the visit was for the intended use of planning for the baptismal and, one would be right.

"Are you ready for this?" Jane asked the doctor.

"I'm always prepared." Maura replied when an air of self-satisfaction.

"I'm not referring to the process, I'm talking about Ma's proclivity for over-the-top celebration festivities." Jane elaborated.

"Jane, you're mother really isn't that bad. It's sweet how involved she likes to be, especially with Sophia Rose." Maura defended their child's grandmother.

"I guess you're right. Maybe I'm dwelling on old Ma behaviors. She did try really hard to throw that Pretty Pony party." Jane admitted.

"That is a very sweet attitude change." Maura commended.

"Yeah, well, it's mostly for you." Jane whispered.

Maura ducked her head bashfully, not believing the emotion Jane could ellicit, even now, after so many years. She reached carefully over Sophia Rose to caress Jane's cheek. Before they could complete the moment however, Angela was once again calling for attention.

"Ugh!" Jane slumped her head in defeat. "I'd better get down there before she wakes the baby."

"I'll go put her in her crib and join you two in a bit." Maura said.

"Thanks. Love you." Jane said, warmly.

"I love you." Maura mirrored.

"Now, for the food, I want it to be a surprise. I'll take care of everything." Angela stated, leaving no room for arguing.

"Ma, do not go overboard with the food. There's not gonna be that many of us. Twelve, tops." Jane attempted to reason.

"What about food?" Maura finally made her appearance.

"Ma wants it to be a surprise so, she's not sharing any of the details." Jane whined.

"I, for one, trust you. You have excellent taste, Angela." Maura replied, ever the diplomat.

"Suck up." Jane stage whispered.

"I have always had a soft spot for suck ups." Angela defended the ME. Maura just gave her patented head tilt with a winning smile.

"Of course." Jane huffed.

"It's not sucking up. I'm merely giving an accurate description of talents based on my many studies over a spectrum of areas. Besides, you never call it that when I compliment you." Maura pointed out.

"It's not a compliment when you comment on my achievements; it's you being overcome with your awe of me that you can't help but remark on it." Jane gave a wicked smirk.

"Jane...Clementine Rizzoli! How dare you insinuate that I can't control my own faculties while in your presence!" Maura exclaimed with a slightly whinier voice than she would care to admit.

Jane's smirk was slowly overcome with that of a worried grimace. She was only lovingly teasing the object of her affection and was too slow to make ammends before Maura turned back to Angela to deliver her next line.

"Angela, you have my explicit approval to have free reign over the menu for Sophia's baptism celebration. Though, if there are any, I would only wish you to account for anything Cailin may want to add in accordance with her Earth Mother ceremony." Maura ordered. "Oh, and one last thing; try to avoid anything that will please Jane too much. Thank you." And, with that, Maura walked out of the kitchen and back up their bedroom.

Both Rizzoli women were left stunned. None, moreso than Jane.

"Janie, you'd better get to apoligizing quick. The only time I ever see her that annoyed is when Dr. Pike's around." Angela warned.

"Ah maaan!" Jane cried.

"You're right, Ma. I'd better get up there. I guess you've got your orders. See you later. Hopefully. You know of all the people in the world. She'd get away with the perfect murder."

Angela and Jane were off to accomplish their new tasks.

"Maur?" Jane shot off a warning call.

No answer.

"Hon?" She tried again.

Nada.

'She's reeeally mad.' Jane's inner monologue teased.

"Sweetie?" Jane spoke once more as she entered their bedroom.

She encountered a silent yet, visibly agitated Maura folding Sophia Rose's receiving blankets and spit-up rags.

"It's amazing that we can wrap her entire body in one these, isn't it?" Jane casually spouted as she grabbed one of the blankets to fold.

"Please don't try to leven the atmosphere by changing the subject to our daughter. I'm still very upset with you."

That answered Jane's question as to just how upset Maura was. She did have a tendency to use their daughter as a distraction. Something she used to do with science facts she'd memorize for such an occasion. She had never credited the doctor with figuring out her con, however. She should have.

"I'm sorry, Maur. I know you think I'm too hard on my mom, but, you weren't there when I was growing up and she gave me such grief about all the things that made me, me." Jane hoped that the sincerity of her apology was clear.

"You and your mother, I can't even begin to start in on that subject right now. You completely missed the part where you questioned my motives. How could you accuse me of only complimenting you out of some excuse for what? Flirting? Making you like me? I tried that as a kid and when it only backfired on me, I swore to myself I'd never do it again. You are such an amazing woman and...I can't always control my admiration. So, sue me for speaking my mind." Maura's empassioned speech brought her and Jane to tears.

Jane edged herself closer to Maura, praying that she wouldn't move away. When she appeared to be staying still, Jane made her move to get closer and, eventually, pulled her into a hug.

"Maur. My love. You are the most genuine, sincere and honest person I've know in my entire life. What I said earlier...I was being more self-deprecating than anything else. I have no idea how I got so lucky to have you in my life. What's more, you can see past all my faults and love me for the few good things like, my love for justice, family and friends. I am so incredibly sorry that you felt I questioned any of your motives."

Jane wiped away a tear with the pad of her left thumb.

"Do you forgive me?" Jane questioned with a small voice.

Maura nodded her head and released a huge breath. Relief from the burden of being angry and hurt.

"I still say you don't get any say in the food." Maura challenged.

"Whatever you say, love." Jane agreed.

That night, for the first time in what felt like forever, Sophia Rose didn't make a single peep. Needless to say, Jane and Maura weren't nearly as quiet.

A/N Thanks to those of you who have stuck around and those that continue to find their way here. It's insane to put one's self out there and be critiqued and in some cases, bashed. It hasn't always been easy to write the next chapter and sometimes, it's been damn near impossible.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am not a professional author and don't intend to become one in the near nor distant future.

I've always intended to finish this however, were it not for you fellow readers, I might not have been as rushed to do it. You all are a driving force.

The next chapter is nearly complete. Just some editing and possible tweaks. Sit tight. Promise it'll be up soon.

Thanks again.

Clonedanceparty