A/N: So... I need your opinion. In reality, this is the last chapter. BUT I am contemplating on an Epilogue, haven't decided though. So I would like to ask your opinion. Would an Epilogue be needed in this story? Or are you guys happy to end it here?

Anyways, apologies again for all the errors that you guys will find, but hope you guys would still enjoy.

Happy Reading!

-You don't always need a plan. Sometimes, you just need to breath.

Trust.

Let go.

And see what happens.-

It was the Friday morning.

It has been a month since the fiasco of Maura's wedding. It has also been a month since Maura disappeared on them.

As Jane had planned, she waited outside of Maura's office door for when the ME finally calms down. But she must've waited long, because next thing she knew, she woke up with Kent shaking her to wake up. She bolted right up and opened Maura's office door only to found office empty and Maura gone.

Unvoiced question must've registered in her face because Kent answered without her needing to ask-

"She used the door through the morgue," he said, voiced laced with compassion. He was in attendance at the wedding. He knew what happened. And by the look in his face, he must've had an idea. As weird as he appeared to be, he wasn't as naïve in social norms as Maura was before.

Desperate voice she didn't recognize was hers asked, "Did you see her? Do you know where she went?" Hopeful.

Unfortunately for the Detective, Maura's assistant shook his head.

Hours had passed quickly after that, but it was a blur to Jane's memory. She only remembered looking at every possible places that Maura could've gone. When her pursuit had been fruitless around Boston, she even considered going to Paris or Maine –she knew Maura bought a property there even if she hasn't mentioned anything-, but her Ma had stopped her, telling her-

"Maura went because she needed to; she needs time Jane and you should give her that."

"But what if she doesn't come back, Ma? What then?" she asked helpless.

It was a fear.

Jane was not one to admit she was scared, but at that moment with Angela, she didn't need to admit anything. Her tone, her voice, the look of despair in her eyes screamed that she was scared.

She didn't want her and Maura to be a case of too little too late.

She understood when her Ma wasn't able to provide her answer; when her opinionated Ma who seemed to have advices ready up her sleeve couldn't offer her any. She preferred it even. It didn't make her feel any better, but at least there was no illusion of false hope.

Jane was restless in the days that followed. But she still went to work –even against Korsack's advice. She insisted that she needed to be at work than be left alone with her thoughts. She didn't need to offer further explanation. She didn't have to. Korsack understood.

It must've been luck that she was landed a homicide case to solve the first working day after the failed wedding. It must've been luck not only because it opened an opportunity for distraction but it also opened her mind in seeing and putting things in to a new perspective.

Kent was the one that handled the case and helped Jane and while Jane had been grateful for Kent and wouldn't deny that he was good at his job, still he was a constant reminder to Jane that he was not Maura.

Jane was still a great a Detective as she had always been; great in asking the right questions, good at putting the pieces together but with Maura gone, she felt different. She felt out of tuned even doing the job that she believed she was born to do. And even with her time focused on the case, her mind was still occupied by the Chief Medical Examiner.

The case was a success.

They had found the killer even though it lasted a month. A month too long, but it was enough time for Jane to finally make up her mind. Surprisingly, the decision was not as hard as she thought it would be –there was always going to be one choice she would be willing to make. But it was still a surprise that putting a different person between the choices –she once faced- and the decision was easy. It may have been a different choice from the one she made with Casey but she didn't find it hard to choose.

Looking around the homicide bullpen, she felt that tinge of tightness in her chest.

All her life, all she dreamed of was to be a police officer and eventually be a good homicide Detective. She had achieved both even at a young age. She managed to achieve above and beyond expectation. And she loved being a police officer. She loved being a Detective. She loved her job and what she could do to protect her city. It may entail seeing the dark side of what humans were capable of, but at the same time, it could also prove that sometimes good guys wins. Justice can be served.

Putting the last piece of her belonging in her box, Jane sighed. She never imagined that she would be doing this any earlier in her 50s never mind before 40. But here she was, cleaning her desk and sighing. She would admit that her decision made her sad, it even hurt a little. But in any other scenario, she somehow knew that she would never regret the choice she made.

Because at the end of the day -if she would be successful- it would be worth it.

Maura will always be worth it.

After all, in life, most often than not, you regret the things that you didn't do rather than the things you did. It took her a lot of heartache to realize that, but at least she learnt it now. And Jane was adamant that she wouldn't do the same mistake.

Not with Maura.

Never with Maura.

So, taking one last look around the almost empty bullpen –it was time to say her goodbye.

A month has passed since she was last at her office.

Nothing has changed.

And yet it could not be said the same for her.

Maura's life took a 360 degree turn since the night before her wedding and nothing was the same since. In span of less than 24hours she felt the extreme of emotions that she didn't know existed –she felt the happiest when she had made love with Jane but at the same time she felt the saddest, the angriest she had ever been and it was because of Jane; to say the least, it threw her off. Made her make decision that was on impulse, made her not think but just act solely by feelings rather than intellect.

It was mainly the reason why she decided to stay away. To disappear from all the drama that has taken over her life since the night before her supposed wedding. She needed time to think, to reorganize herself, to get her head around everything and try to understand what has happened –or in a more blunt and honest way, to escape.

The confusion and the emotion were suffocating her and Jane being just there was certainly not what she needed.

Jane.

Jane was her best friend and still is despite what happened. Jane was also the person she was in love with for years. She may not have known when it started, may not have entertained the feeling, but even she was not naïve enough not to know how her affinity with Jane had grown in a less than platonic way. And in years she had played the part of being the best friend. The perfect confidant. She may not have thought that Jane could reciprocate her feelings but she was still happy that she has her friendship. She contented herself with the friendship that Jane offered.

And then she met Jack Armstrong.

The man that offered her love. The man that managed to have a piece of her love enough so that she was willing to marry him. It was easy and concise.

Maura has her best friend Jane and she would have had her husband Jack.

But life played a twisted game and everything she thought she knew and built fell apart.

Suddenly, she found that the love of her life returned her feelings, only that she wouldn't be with her. And the pain she felt had caused her to settle. What a disrespectful thing to do in return of the love Jack was giving her. Maura felt shame.

And then Jane was there. Telling her why she wouldn't be with her, offering her the reason to all her whys. But Jane's reason, while may sound novel and selfless, it still didn't lessen the pain. It only highlighted to Maura, how Jane would not take risk for her. The Detective didn't want to risk her safety, didn't want to take chances, but surely there should be another way so long as they have each other. But Jane didn't consider other option.

And these thoughts were clouding her mind. These feelings she was not accustomed of was confusing her judgement, not allowing herself to think of what it was like to be on Jane's shoes instead. What would she think? What would she do?

Thus why she needed to escape.

She went to Maine without letting anybody know. She sent a text to her parents to let them know that she was fine, but after that she turned off her phone. It was a blessing that she kept a spare key -hidden under one of the pots- of the house she had recently purchased in Maine. It was during the time after her abduction, when she was taking up creative writing class and considered actually pursuing a career in writing that she had decided to buy a property there. She hadn't mentioned it to Jane due to the drama that followed after her abduction and then it totally slipped her mind.

Now she thought it was a blessing in disguise.

Her time in Maine was pleasant. The weather has been kind. The view of the beach serene.

It was her choice not to have any internet in the house just yet and she didn't dare open her phone either after sending the necessary text and call the people she needed to call. So during her time there, it was quiet –almost peaceful. The only element that disturbed the peacefulness was her thoughts. She was left alone with her thoughts with nothing else to do but to deal with it.

It wasn't easy.

But she had allowed herself to embrace these thoughts. She looked back at her life from when she accepted the position as the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth. She looked back at the very first time herself and Jane had met and she allowed herself to smile.

From there she contemplated on the progression of her friendship with Jane over the years. The impact that the Detective has had and contributed in her life. And Jane was right in saying that she had put her in danger more than her relation with her MOB boss Father did. But having said that, Jane was always the one to save her.

Always.

And regardless, Jane made and makes her happy; along with her family.

And then she tried to remember when she started feeling more for Jane –or why or how-, but there wasn't a definitive date. It was just one day, she realized that she was scared of losing her that she was actually not ashamed to voice it and asked Jane herself 'How I'll survive without my best friend?'

Maura lived her life independently and yet she found herself somehow dependent on Jane too over the years. How the Italian Detective managed to have such significance to her existence and living, she doesn't know. How she fell in love with Jane Clementine Rizzoli, she would only be guessing. Because in reality, she didn't think it was just one thing. In all honesty, it may have been everything –the good, the bad and the ugly things included.

But with still pressing questions, she found herself hypothesizing like she would in an experiment. Only this time her experiment was not done in the lab but rather in pen and paper. Using her recently learned skill in writing, she started writing down everything she remembered about Jane from the time they met to the very first case they worked on together. She wrote down everything that they experienced together not excluding even the darker side; hoping she might find the reason to her 'How' and the because to her 'Why'.

Re-living the experiences and moments with Jane in her head and painting it in words through paper, Maura formed a story –their story.

Rizzoli and Isles.

But all too soon, a month has passed and she needed to return to Boston.

Maura didn't say anything to anyone about her coming back but as it seemed, life went on after the debacle that was her wedding. And she wanted it that way. She didn't want people looking at her any differently just because of what they heard happened and those that witnessed it. She wanted to leave her post as the Chief Medical Examiner still upholding the respect of her people regardless of the drama.

Arriving early at the morgue, the place was still and the staff were yet to arrive, she has time to inspect and look around. She was satisfied and she commended Kent for handling things. It was then an idea came to mind and smiled.

Getting inside her familiar office, Maura was assaulted with memories of the last time she was there. It wasn't very pleasant and she wasn't proud at how she handled things and the way she spoke to Jane; Even if her reaction was warranted, it still didn't stop her from feeling that she could've handled it better.

Shaking her head of these thoughts of should've/could've, she proceeded inside and placed her bag atop her desk. She has a recommendation to make and e-mail to send. And she was about to do just that when she saw an envelope in her desk with her name on it and scribbled by a familiar hand-writing.

Curiosity but with her heart beating fast, Maura didn't wait a second longer before reading the letter. It was a good thing that her chair was close by to catch her. Because the content of the letter, it made her weak in the knees.

"Are you sure you won't change your mind, Jane?" Korsack was one of the ones that waited last for Jane to say goodbye to.

He didn't think that Jane would be out of BPD before him. He actually would admit that he imagined Jane being forced to retire, but alas, here he was saying goodbye to the best Homicide Detective and best female Detective- in general- he has the pleasure of working with. But she understood why she was doing this.

Jane only nodded her head, before accepting the hug from her mentor, partner and friend. She wouldn't say it aloud, but Korsack had been her father figure when their Pop left.

Korsack smiled. "I know," he said.

It was during that moment when Maura arrived at the Homicide bullpen and met Korsack's eyes while Jane's back was on her.

She felt it when Korsack's arms loosed around her. She saw it in his eyes, when she stepped back and he didn't meet hers. Jane knew then, once she turned, she would find Maura. And so that was what she did.

True enough, the honey-blonde Doctor was standing there looking at her. Her eyes meeting hers with confusion and questions swimming in those hazel pools; and she knew why. It didn't escape her notice the letter that the Doctor has in her hand. And she had to smile as she took her first step forward towards her.

"Maur, you're ba-"

"What is this?" Maura asked before Jane could continue and then chance a look at Jane's desk only to find it empty –except for the box on top of it with Jane's things.

"My resignation," was Jane's simple answer, taking another step closer to the Doctor.

She felt her calmest despite the noticeable thumping in her heart. It wasn't out of nervousness though, but rather excitement of seeing Maura again. Even her voice was light and her tone was calm. After a month of not seeing her best friend, one look at her and she knew everything will be fine –eventually. She wouldn't take it any other way anyway.

Taking a quick look around at the few people in the bullpen, meeting Korsack and Nina's if only to confirm what she knew and Jane's admission, she asked "Why?"

Taking another step until she was close enough but still not invading Maura's personal space, Jane looked around her. The bullpen was still almost empty, only filled with a few Detectives and police officer that she has had good working relationship with to exchange few jokes here and there. And then she met Maura's eyes again and smiled.

"You said I didn't want to take a risk. And I told you I wouldn't risk your life," she started as she reached for Maura's free hand. She was relieved that Maura lets her. "But I really want to be with you. I needed to be with you -as cliché as this may sound, I need you like we all need air to breathe." She didn't miss when the corner of Maura's lips turned up just that tad tiny bit. And she knew, she was on the right track. "If I had learned anything about what happened and during your absence, it was that I don't know how to live without you anymore and be happy… and I don't want to find out."

Pausing to take another step forward and reaching the other hand, holding both and against her chest, Jane continued-

"So… I resigned-"

"But Jane…" Maura interrupts shaking her head, only Jane was also quick to cut in.

"I know what you're gonna say. You'll say 'but you love your job. You love what you do and you fought hard to get where you are now'' at this Maura didn't try to be discreet, she smiled. It was exactly what she was gonna say. Jane returned the smile. Her heart was beating so hard and fast against her chest and she could bet Maura could feel it too against her hands, but she still felt light. Not anxious, not nervous. Just Happy.

She was happy in a way that, she doesn't really care that she was professing her love in the middle of the BPD bullpen or that it was in front of her colleagues and friends. She felt rather proud actually. If she hasn't done anything to be proud of in her life, this will be it.

"And yes. I do love my job and what I do, but I love you more. If keeping my job meant, I couldn't be with you because of all the danger it attracts, then… there's only once choice for me," she then brought Maura's hands against her lips, pressing a light kiss on the Doctor's knuckles.

"You."

"But…" was a whispered by the voice Maura almost didn't recognize was hers. Her heart was beating so fast only this time it was in a good way. She felt excited and giddy and she imagined it must be what those teenager girls felt when their crushes sent them that brief glance.

It was a little bit embarrassing, the feeling that Jane was able to evoke from her.

So Jane may have broken her heart; may have hurt her the worst way –emotionally. But Jane was saying all the right things now –in the middle of BPD homicide bullpen- and the way she was looking at her, the way she was holding her hand, who wouldn't melt?

Jane was looking at her like the sun shines in her eyes; she was holding her hand as if her life depended on it but still gentle enough it could compare to how you would hold a porcelain doll. And she loves this woman.

So really, if it comes down to it, Maura knew she wouldn't be able to stay mad at her Detective; she couldn't even if she tried. And if she was being honest, back in Maine when she was reflecting back to their time together, and the things they've accomplished and got through, she knew she couldn't stay upset. It may made her feel sad, but not angry.

And she had forgiven Jane then.

Maybe also the reason why it was so easy for Jane to make her heart skip a beat with her action –as mushy and embarrassing as that may sound coming from the Chief Medical Examiner.

"Cavanaugh told me, that you didn't take your resignation back, so I know that you're still going. I don't want to be left behind," Jane admitted smiling.

"I'm going to Maine," Maura revealed without thinking and her surprise eyes was met by Jane's smiling ones.

"Then Maine is where I need to be," she said simply and decidedly.

"But what're you…" Maura stopped mid-question when Jane's smile didn't waver even when her answer came in the form of a shrug.

"I don't know yet," Jane added. "But I'll figure it out once I get there."

"You told me you can't imagine yourself doing any other thing other than being a Detective," Maura countered, but this time the smile on her face was just as bright as Jane's. She was teasing.

Not caring about the people that surrounded them, knowing they were hearing as well as seeing herself and Maura's display, Jane took another step closer, toe to toe, finally invading Maura's personal space. "Didn't you hear me Doctor? I also said I don't know how to live without you anymore," she teased back, whispering that it may be possible that Maura was only that could hear.

Maura answered in her softest voice, smile could be heard in her words as could be seen in her glittering eyes, "I find that hard to believe Detective, it is impossible…"

The doctor was unable to finish her sentence, as Jane once again interrupted her, only it was not with words, but her lips as she leaned in and captured the soft lips of Maura.

In an instant, Maura's eyes closed and lips yielded. Her hands freed as Jane wrapped her lanky arms around her waist to pull her in closer and it was then she found hers circling around the Detective's shoulders, her hands meeting together at the back of Jane's neck.

Lips tasted the same. Texture still as soft as that last time they had kissed. But this time, when their lips met, it felt different. They felt light and free with no burden and guilt weighing in their shoulders. The kiss was sweeter.

"Finally!"

Korsack's voice boomed in the background making Jane pulled back. And when she did, when she opened her eyes from the daze that Maura's kiss brought her to, it was in time with Maura's opening hers. They smiled at each other, before Maura took that one last move to close the remaining gap between herself and Jane, embracing her best friend as if they were separated for years.

"I love you," Jane whispered, tightening her hold around her best friend.

"I love you," Maura whispered back.

A sigh of relief and tears of joy.

Being The Best Friend wasn't so bad after all.

2 weeks later

"I can't believe you're making me go to this lecture thing for FBI trainees," Jane grumbled as they entered the dirty robber.

It was Maura's actual last day as the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth -passing the position and responsibility to Kent- and they were there to celebrate.

"I don't know why you're so reluctant to go. It could be a great experience," Maura reasoned, sitting across her girlfriend. "I know I did, when I taught at BCU."

Jane rolled her eyes. Of course Maura would enjoy teaching. She was teaching them every day with her google talk and vast fun facts every day.

"You met Jack there," she mumbled. She wasn't the jealous type, and she could say that she wasn't jealous now. In fact, she was thankful that Jack entered their life. If he didn't, she wouldn't've realized how deep her love for Maura goes. Maybe, things could've been done in a less painful or drama way, but regardless, she was now a firm believer of 'things happen for a reason'.

Maura gasped, faking being offended, "Jack wasn't the reason why I enjoyed teaching," she reason. "I get to share my knowledge to-"

"The young budding minds," Jane interrupts as she motioned for her Ma.

"As will you," Maura answered, pouting a little at being interrupted.

Something was off with Jane. The whole day she was a bit edgy and distracted. She was thinking maybe it was because of her flying tomorrow to teach a class of FBI trainee, but surely Jane couldn't be that opposed to the idea –no matter how much she dislike FBIs. But nonetheless, Jane's restlessness puts her to reconsider her plans.

They have only been official for 2 weeks. Maybe Jane's mood was an indication that she was moving too fast. But they've known each other for years, and the nature of their relationship aside, they have been a couple for the same amount of time. Certainly, it couldn't be seen as too fast, could it?

This was the times where Maura wished that she was more accustomed to the social norms. She has gotten better in years, but there were still things, she wasn't sure and was left guessing –and she detest guessing. Like right now with her 'Maybes'.

But earlier today, she had met with Jack. It was the first time that they got in-touch after what happened at their failed wedding. There were things that needed to be exchanged and words that needed to be said.

"Thank you for meeting me," she said as a way of greeting when she arrived at Boston's Joes.

Jack only smiled and nodded his head.

Once they were both seated, as expected there was that awkward silence. They both felt it, that once their coffee were delivered and they caught each other's eyes after sipping their respective coffee, they laughed.

"This is weird," Jack commented but before he could further continue-

"I am very truly sorry Jack," Maura apologized. "You must believe me that I never meant to hurt you."

At this Jack smiled kindly. "I know," he said. "I don't think it was in your nature to purposely hurt anyone."

"No. But…"

"No buts," Jack countered. "You can't help who you fall for," he continued. "Just like I couldn't with you. Even knowing that I might have the short end of the bargain."

Maura then looked at the man in front of her. Truly looked at him. He looked as charming as he had the day they met but he looked said. The cause of Maura frowning in confusion was however, even with the sadness in his kind eyes, he looked at peace.

There was no indication of hate or anger.

Just acceptance.

Jack let out a short laugh at the Doctor's confused look. "I knew your relationship with Jane was special even from the beginning," he started. "I was just so… attracted to you when I first saw you and when I watched you teach… you were brilliant, and you were nice…" he paused, sighing and smiling –if a little regretful. "But you were always talking about Jane and you spoke so highly of her and you seemed to value her opinion the most, if your incessant desire to get both of us to meet was anything to go by."

Listening to Jack, looking back at those times, she did talk about Jane a lot. She thought she hid her adoration for her best friend well then, but obviously, she wasn't very good at it. She briefly wondered how she could let herself believe that she could get over Jane.

"When I finally met Jane, and saw you and her at the same room… sometimes I wondered why it didn't tip me off to back off," Jack continued. "You were obviously out of my league, but I ignored it and pursue you still and you gave me a chance. I thought we were perfect, and we were perfect, but when Jane got herself hurt and injured…" at this Jack shook his head. "I really should've known that I wouldn't be…" that was when he stopped.

Both of them knew what he was gonna say anyway.

Feeling very guilty for what she did to this kind man, Maura reached for his hand. "If it helps, I did loved you."

Jack looked at his hand that was being held, and smiled at Maura, "I know you did. Just not as much." It was then that Jack lifted Maura's hand to plant a delicate kiss, before standing up. "Jane loves you," was his last words, placing a USB close to Maura's before leaving.

-o-o-o-

As soon as she returned back to her office, she plugged in the USB in her computer-

"You do know that you don't have to be anything or anyone other than yourself to be with Maura, right? She accepted you and your proposal. She… she loves you."

"Maura doesn't want to be touch when she's really upset. You can try and she would step back or away from you, but try again. If she doesn't let you, just wait till she calms down a bit, then try again. Ask if you can give her a hug. She may let you or still may not. But don't be put off by it. As time goes, you wouldn't have to ask, she would just let you hold her."

"As you know, she's a health freak; she would try and make you eat healthy and more green –yucky- stuff. But let her. Whatever disgusting looking food she hands you or cook for you and tries to feed you, eat it. You can trust that you won't die from them."

"She just cares about your well-being. And it really isn't that bad. Just doesn't look as appealing as cheeseburger, but don't worry. Maura would cook it and present it in ways that would look very eatable."

"Ok. Thank you for the heads up. Just out of curiosity, how come you always seemed to… you know…"

"Act like it was a burden to eat those kale?"

"It's just me poking fun at her. But don't do that. Whatever I've done and do or anyone have done, you have to do better than us. Maura deserves so much better."

"Maura is socially awkward when I first met her. She's a lot better with people now, especially with her impulse to diagnose them at sight. But from time to time she would slip up. It's part of who she is. She wouldn't be Maura if she's not like that, so… when she does slip up, just try and stop her in the most subtle way you know before she ends up offending people. And of course, she wouldn't know or more so realize what she did so you would have to explain it to her. She's a genius but not very much socially wise."

"Be patient with her and reasonable. Don't make it a big deal. She'll realize what you're trying to explain and both of you can laugh about it and move on."

"Also, like I said, Maura is a genius. She's a living, talking encyclopedia. A google-mouth. She would randomly throw facts at you about this and that and it would probably bore you at some point, but listen to it anyway. It might be a useful information for you in the future."

"Do you listen to everything she says?"

"I do."

"Sure, I may have rolled my eyes or pretended to yawn or sometimes interrupts her, but… yes. I do listen to her. But don't do that. When you listen to her, just listen. Don't interrupt, don't roll your eyes and don't yawn –if you can help it. Just listen to her."

"Again, as you know, Maura's wealthy. The Isle's is a well-known family in Boston who knew a lot of well-off people too; and on occasion, she would sure drag you to one of those fancy events or foundation things rich people do for charity or what-not. Go. Accompany her. It would be intimidating at first or every time, but just remember that Maura will not leave your side. If she does so, it would only be a moment and you can take that opportunity to observe the people surrounding you; the kind of people Maura grew up to associate with. Take in where you are. You are in Maura's other world. And then, take the time to appreciate and remember that Maura is different from them. Never. As in never use Maura's wealth against her. She may have grew up in that world -with money. But she works just as hard as any of us. She does overtime not for money but to help. She slams with us to solve crime and give justice to the victims' families."

"Take that moment, that opportunity to realize how lucky you are to be in Maura's life. The woman who basically raise herself. An amazing human-being that grew up with a silver spoon in her lips and yet chose to mingle with the likes of us and works hard in making a difference by using her intellect."

"Whenever either of her biological mother –Hope- or adopted mother –Constance- visits, she stresses out and panics. You can sure expect that from her. So your job is to stay calm and be the voice of… reason per se. She's also capable of stressing out 24hrs before either of the two arrives so try to calm her by holding her in place, look her directly in her eyes and tell her everything will be fine. Remind her that she doesn't need to impress them because they would always still love and adore her regardless of what food she serves them."

"What if it doesn't work?"

"It won't. It won't work no matter what you say, Maura will always want to serve and give the best and she tends to set a high standard, so what's good enough for us is still not up to her standard of good enough. So in the end, you are just left with just helping her and assuring her that everything will be fine. Again, be patient with her, because you surely will hear yourself repeating those words over and over."

"If you think that's bad, it would be a lot worst when she has that moment when/where she doubts herself to be a good person."

"What do you mean?"

"There would be moments when Maura would think that she may have a bad bone in her body or that she might be like 'him'. Yes. Even I don't know where she get the idea from."

"Anyway, when and if those moment happen, just take her hands in yours, look her directly in the eyes again and remind her how amazing she is. How there would be no evidence to support her thought of being anything other than the beautiful being –inside and out- that she is. That the only thing she got from him was his DNA."

"Would that work?"

"Eventually she'll believe you and when she reach that point of realizing the absurdity of that thought? Just gather her in your arms and continue assuring her that she's different and that you love her."

"She likes running at the crack of dawn, so be sure to be up and early then. She doesn't like instant coffee, so make sure to learn how to make her fancy brew. If by any chance you get serve a bunny pancakes, give her the ears. She would also probably at one point will ask you to make a bucket list. Expect that when you see hers, the first on it will be to do something from your list. So make it a point to suggest to do something from each other's list. She would love that."

"Lastly, Maura's last wish is to be buried at sea. She also wants someone to be playing cello and to celebrate her life with a bottle of champagne."

As soon as the recording was finished, that was when Maura realized the tears that had apparently been streaming her cheeks.

She knew Jane loves her. But hearing those words from Jane and giving those advices to someone who was going to take the one she loves, she could only imagine how hard it must've been. And Jane did it anyway.

Jane would do anything for her, even if it hurts. Jane would sacrifice anything and she had proven that time and again.

She might not be able to sacrifice as much. She might not have given the chance to give up something for her –will always be- Detective. But at least she has the chance to offer Jane everything she has and everything that she is –her love, devotion, the whole of her.

That was when she decided that, with Jane, there was no such thing as too early. She knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. Hopefully, Jane would be willing.

Looking at Jane across from her, Maura reached and took one of her hand not saying anything.

"Maur…" the Italian mumbled, wondering why the look on her girlfriend's eyes.

"I love you," the Doctor said in the softest of voice.

At this Jane blushed, and was about to return the sentiment when she felt a cold metal being slipped in her finger and when she looked down, there seated in her ring finger was a white-gold band with a single diamond in the middle held by adjoining hands.

It was beautiful.

And when she looked back up to meet her favorite hazel orbs-

"Will you marry me?" Maura asked with tears in her eyes, but lips holding a smile.

It was then that Angela came to their table and placed a bottle of beer in Jane's side and a glass of white wine on Maura's before leaving. She knew her daughter's plan and as requested, she left and gave her two favorite girls their moment –not noticing the ring in her daughter's ring finger.

Maura could feel her heart beating hard against her chest, the longer Jane kept her question hanging that she didn't even acknowledge Angela when she came. She only watched Jane reaching for her wine glass –instead- and gulped it so quickly, she was surprise that Jane didn't choke.

Once wine was finished, Jane –reluctantly- pulled her hand from Maura, but she stood and went to Maura's side quickly that Maura didn't get a chance to react. To the honey-blonde's surprise though, Jane kneeled on the side of her seat and took her hand. Jane then tipped the glass upside down. That was when she noticed the ring –a white gold band with a single in the middle with three little ruby stones on each side- at the bottom of the wine glass.

It was simple, but sophisticated and elegant.

Jane took the ring, placing it on to Maura's dainty finger much like she did to her earlier.

"Only if you marry me," Jane said, eyes gleaming with tears.

Much like Jane earlier, Maura wasn't able to find words.

Jane didn't take this as a bad sign though, instead she decided maybe a little humor would help both them gather their senses-

"I was thinking of how to do this since 2 weeks ago at the BPD bullpen. I couldn't come up with any, but I kept the ring in my pocket the whole time. But tomorrow I will be flying to DC and I didn't want to leave before I'm sure that… well, not that I'm having any doubts or that I don't trust you or this," she motioned her finger back and forth between them. "And I know I will only be gone for less than 48 hours, but… I just want to… uhm… well…"

Giving up with forming the right sentences or finding the right words, Jane settled for a shrug. She knew she was rambling anyway. "I know ring at the bottom of a wine glass was a classic cliché but…"

Still out of words, tears matching Jane's, Maura nodded with a bright smile, cupping Jane's face with both of her hands and kissing her like she never did before.

The kiss if possible was much sweeter than the last they shared –as it seemed that their kiss was always better than the last.

It was a simple kiss –mingled with tears of happiness- but it was much more. It was the type of kiss that was one for the books. The smile that accompanied would be envied by many. Because not everyone could kiss their Best Friend and love them and be loved in return; not everyone would be able to kiss the love of their lives, let alone mirror the feelings they shared that words were not necessary for people to say–

'Yes. That was love, right there.'