I grew up alone. Though I knew my parents loved me, they were never around and were definitely not the type of people to show affection of any kind. I grew up not really knowing what affection, what love was and thought that I was destined to live my life alone. Then I met Jane. The moment I laid eyes on her, something within me sparked. I didn't know it at the time, but I've come to know it as love. Every touch, every look, every smile… we were destined for one another. She shows me her love every single day, and proves it again when we're together at night, molded into one. Now I know, THIS is what love feels like…
Maura finished putting the final touches on dinner. She had just finished lighting the candles when she heard the door open.
"What the hell?"
The house was enveloped in total darkness save for the many candles that lit the dining room.
"Maur, are you in here?" Jane asked tentatively as she made her way through the house. She came to a stop once she reached the dining room, mouth agape with surprise. "Did I miss our anniversary or something? No, of course I didn't… want to fill me in on what's going on? Maur… wow… you look radiant!" She walked up to her girlfriend and lightly kissed her hello.
"No, you didn't miss our anniversary as you well know. I thought I'd put together a little something for us… do you like it?" Maura asked as she wrapped her arms around Jane's neck and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
"I love it," Jane replied, as came up for air. "I love you, too," she told Maura teasingly.
"Are you hungry? I've made us dinner."
"I'm starving! I had a very busy day today; I didn't even get the chance to go down to the morgue," Jane said sadly.
"I know. I didn't want to go upstairs because I figured you all were very busy and I didn't want to interrupt. Come on and have a seat, I'll bring out our dinner."
Jane sat and enjoyed the view. Maura was wearing what Jane liked to call her 'LBD'. It was a simple, black sheath dress with capped sleeves. Of course, the 4 inch heels were ever present and made for a wonderful view. Jane knew she would never get tired for looking and admiring her girlfriend.
"I hope you like it. I had to call your mother and get the recipe off her. This is my first time making it, so I hope it's good," Maura said as she brought two plates over.
"Maura… how did you get my mother to give you the family recipe for lasagna Bolognese? My grandma passed it on to her and she said she would only give it to me when the day came that I marry and give her grandchildren!"
"Clearly I had to persuade her a bit, but she was quite willing to give it to me in the end. She knows I'd never reveal the Rizzoli family secrets and that her recipe is safe with me."
Maura left only to come back with the wine. She sat adjacent to Jane and the two began to eat their meal.
"Oh my God! This is better than ma's! How did you do this?" Jane asked as she savored the dish before her.
"I just followed your mother's recipe, exactly as it was written," Maura replied. "I have to admit it is quite good."
"Quite good? This is food for the Gods! It's more than good… it's amazing!"
The rest of dinner was passed in companionable conversation. Jane was clearly enjoying her meal; Maura was pleased she'd been so successful with creating it.
"Jane, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"There is?" Jane's face dropped instantly. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all, nothing is wrong. In fact, everything is perfect… more than perfect I'd say."
"What do you want to talk about?" Jane asked as she finished her meal.
"Well, we've been dating for a while now…"
"Yes, we have…"
"And I know that you've practically been living here since the accident happened…"
"Oh…" Jane's spirit deflated. "Are you wanting me to leave?"
"No, Jane, of course not! I love having you here. Actually, I wanted to ask about making this a little more permanent."
"How do you mean Maura?"
"I would like it if you were to officially move in with me. I know how much you like your apartment, but I've been thinking about this, and I would like to have you here."
"Are you sure? I mean, you're going to be able to put up with all my quirks and differences when it comes to the household? Because let's face it, we are VERY different in that sense."
"I've thought about all the possible outcomes Jane, and nothing would make me happier than to have you here with me. There is however, one thing…"
"What?"
"I don't want you to move in as my girlfriend… I want you to move in with me as my wife."
"Maura… are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I'm in love with you Jane. I never thought I'd find someone as sweet and caring, as loving and protective as you. I am myself with you, and it is ok. We accept one another with the good and the bad, and we keep on loving each other even when we disagree on things. From the moment I saw you I knew you were the one for me, and that there will never be anyone else that I'll be able to love the way I love you. I don't want anyone else but you, Jane Rizzoli. Would you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my wife?" Maura reached over to the seat next to her and brought out a small, square box. She opened the lid, and held it out to Jane.
Jane had tears in her eyes, yet she was perfectly able to see the solitaire diamond staring back at her. She didn't need to hesitate, because she knew that everything Maura felt she felt too.
"Yes, I will marry you. I love you Maura!"
Maura took the ring out of the box and put it on Jane's finger; it was the perfect fit. "I love you, and can't wait to start the next part of our lives together," Maura said as she kissed her fiancée in celebration.
