"There should be a fine for overdue babies. Like library books." Jane fingered the jalapeño pepper on her plate.

"Library fines are so low, they hardly seem deterring." Maura shuffled the day's mail, sorting it into piles on the countertop.

"Twenty-five cents a day is a lot to a baby, Maur. It adds up, too. She'd owe us, well, me, a dollar already, probably more by the time she's finally out."

Maura kept sorting, unphased by the absurdity of the conversation. "The most you'd make on it would be a dollar seventy-five, since they're going to get her out one way or the other by Tuesday." She finally turned around and looked at Jane, an amused smirk gracing her face. "How about I give you two dollars and we call it even?"

Jane rolled her eyes mockingly, relishing the smile she'd earned and hoping for more. "It only works if she has to pay. It's supposed to be incentive. Duh."

Maura almost broke at Duh, but managed to keep a straight face and continued to play along. "How's she supposed to earn the money to pay you back? By the time the Tooth Fairy comes, the interest on that loan would compound to three or four dollars, depending on the interest rate."

"I think I can afford to float an interest-free loan to our daughter, Maura. I'm not a monster." Then she pointed the pepper at Maura and amended her plan, "But in that case, I'd better charge more. Fifty cents a day." Winning a hearty laugh, she bit down on the pepper with satisfaction.

It was Saturday afternoon and the last thing Jane wanted to do was sit through another Sunday dinner with her mouth two feet from the table. She'd had enough of explaining to everyone who called to check in, "No, I'm still pregnant." She'd stopped answering the phone and limited Angela to two visits a day. As if the physical discomfort wasn't enough, she was starting to feel bad that everyone seemed to be just waiting around for the baby to pop out. At least her Ma and Frankie and everyone could go to work as usual. Poor Constance had flown in over a week earlier and Maura had run out of things to keep her busy. She'd resorted to calling old friends and making lunch dates to catch up.

Despite Maura's sweet smiles and tranquility, Jane knew she was anxious to meet Echo, too. And as much as Jane wanted to have the baby for her own sake (it would only get harder, the bigger she got, right?), what she really wanted was to see Maura holding their daughter for the first time. She would be so happy.

They'd tried the eggplant parmagiana on Sunday. They'd tried a glass of wine and a hot bath Tuesday. She'd eaten enough canned pineapple to feed all of Hawaii on Wednesday. On Thursday, she'd submitted to raspberry leaf tea, and on Friday she'd taken to bouncing on Maura's exercise ball until she almost fell off. Every day, they hiked around the city and although she would sometimes feel contractions while climbing the biggest hills, they would stop as soon as she got home and rested. False labor was a cruel impostor.

At her last appointment, Dr. Filer had said she was already a centimeter dilated. Jane took this to mean it would only take a little nudge, and Echo would fall like a set of dominoes. She decided the jalapeño peppers would be that nudge. The first one she ate was spicier than she'd expected and she sucked in a breath as she chewed, trying to cool her taste buds.

Maura sat down at the table with her pile of mail and began opening envelopes. "I wish you wouldn't torture yourself." She nodded toward the plate of peppers.

Jane took a second bite, finishing off the first pepper. "It's not torture, Maur. Spice is the variety of life." She blew air out and took a big gulp of water. "You want to try one? They're good."

Maura was not convinced. "You should drink milk with that. The casein in the milk will help wash away the capsaicin from the pepper." She got up to fill a glass.

"It's supposed to be spicy. That's the point."

"You're sweating, Jane."

"Two more. This is gonna work. I can feel it."

Maura watched Jane finger the second pepper, working up her courage to eat it. Jane could see her deliberating. Finally, she opened her mouth. "There's one thing we haven't tried, Jane."

"What's 'at?" Jane bit down on the second pepper and chewed with her mouth open, trying to swallow the spicy before it elicited tears.

"Orgasm."

Jane almost choked. "No."

"Contraction of the uterus during orgasm can lead to labor contractions."

"I'm a whale, Maura. I don't feel sexy at all." She downed some of the milk. It helped a little. Maybe.

"You are sexy, but even so, I could give you some privacy."

Jane glared at Maura. "I can't reach anymore. Not comfortably, anyway."

Maura couldn't suppress an intrigued smile. "You've tried?"

"Maura!"

Maura eyed her for a moment and Jane tried not to notice. It felt like Maura was trying to see through her clothes. It wasn't all bad, Jane admitted to herself. Before Jane's mind could return the favor, Maura suggested, "Well, what about a toy? Do you have—"

Jane shook her head violently.

"No, you don't." After a pause, Maura offered, "Well, you could use—" Jane shook her head even more violently, this time with her eyes wide open. Maura bit her lip, again trying not to smile.

"It's ok, Maura, these peppers are going to do the trick." Maura looked doubtful. "Really."

"Ok." Maura turned back to her mail. "If you change your mind, I'd be honored to do whatever I can to help."

Jane looked at her plate and prepared herself for the last pepper. She took a deep breath. It's not that hot. I can take it. Hell, I've had Maura in front of me all these years and somehow managed not to blow a gasket. And she's way hotter than this stupid pepper. Jane shook her head and tried to refocus on the pepper. This is going to work. No need for Maura's big box of sex toys. I wonder where she keeps it. Under the bed? In her walk-in closet? That waitress uniform. That was hot. Jane's eyes wandered away from the plate.

At the bottom of Maura's stack was a large cardboard envelope. She pulled the tab to open it and removed a thin envelope of photo prints. Jane watched her out of the corner of her eye, trying not to pry. Shuffling through them, Maura started to make noises. Pleased, sweet noises. Some of them she stared at for a long time. Jane didn't get to see what the pictures were of until she set one aside.

"Wash your hands before touching, please," Maura said without looking up, as Jane reached out for it.

Jane grumbled and did as instructed. The photo was of her. In her wrinkled tank top and basketball shorts, her hair matted and sticking out every which way. "Oh, no. You got prints of these?"

Maura didn't answer, she just set another aside for Jane to see. In this one her back was mostly to the camera, but her right hand was visible, wrapped around her center, and her left fist was up near her face, blurred as it hit the speed bag.

"Maura, what are you going to do with these?"

"I want to frame one."

"Why?"

"Because I love you."

Jane lowered her chin, frowning to one side. "Yeah, but."

"But nothing, Jane. This is you." She pointed to the photo. "This is perfect. This is what I love."

Jane squinted her eyes and looked closer.

Maura set down the stack and tried to explain. "You see that look on your face? You're determined. You're focused."

Jane thought back to that night, remembering what she had been contemplating. Whether she could ignore the doubt and worry, and just go for it with Maura. Whether she could set her own needs aside and do what Maura wanted, to make her happy. It seemed like forever ago. Jane remembered the feeling, like being on a ledge and wondering if there was anything below to catch her fall.

Jane stopped looking at the photo and looked instead at Maura. Her eyes were bright, shiny. They shifted lower on the photo, from Jane's set jaw to the hand near her hip. "And look at this. This is my favorite part. Your arm around Echo. You're comforting her." Maura smiled at the photo. "You're fierce and gentle all at once. This is what I love." Maura looked up at Jane and smiled that smile.

It wasn't a ledge anymore. It wasn't even a step down. It was Maura standing in the park with her hand out, waiting for Jane to take it so they could walk together.

Jane kissed her deeply, then pressed their foreheads together. She felt her heart speed up with nerves. Or anticipation. "What if it doesn't work?"

Maura was confused. She didn't follow.

"The one thing we didn't try. What if we try and it doesn't work?"

Maura understood. She sat back, surprised. Then, comprehending the question, she frowned thoughtfully. She shrugged. "Then we go get induced on Monday."

Jane licked her lips. "No." That wasn't what she meant. She scooted her chair closer and held Maura's hands. She didn't know how to say it without actually saying it. "What if we try… and I can't…?" She raised her eyebrows, willing Maura to get it.

"Can't." Jane studied Maura's face as she understood. There was a hint of amusement. Bravado, maybe. As if Maura knew something Jane didn't. (Of course she did.) But there was no pity. No shame. No disappointment. Just love. "You tell me when to stop."

Jane sat back again and felt herself calm. She looked at the table again, at the photos spread out before them. She let go of one of Maura's hands to slide one of the photos away from the others. In it, Jane held the speed bag still as Maura approached. Jane's right arm was holding Maura at the waist. Without Maura's high heels, the difference in their height was pronounced and Maura had to look up into Jane's eyes. It looked as if Maura was asking a question. Is this real? Am I yours? Will you let me in?

"Ok," Jane answered.

Somewhere between tossing out the last pepper and closing the bedroom door, the logistics started to creep in. "I don't really know how to do this, Maur." Jane stood in the bedroom doorway, one hand supporting her lower back.

"How do you usually do it?"

Jane looked at her questioningly.

"Do you lie down? Sit up? Stand up? In the shower? The possibilities are endless, Jane." Maura tried to hide a smile and her eyes were glowing. She was entirely too excited about this.

"Never mind." Jane turned around and started down the hall. "I can wait. She's gotta get out of here sometime."

Maura grabbed Jane's hand and pulled her back into the room. "I'm sorry. Don't be mad." Maura stood on tiptoe and pulled Jane forward for a kiss. "You're just so cute when you're flustered." Another kiss and Jane smiled again. "You can change your mind," Maura reassured her.

"No," Jane huffed. "I'm ok. I'm just." She spread her arms and looked down at Echo. "Huge."

Maura looked pensive. "Maybe I should get my camera." Jane couldn't tell if she was joking. "So I can show you how beautiful you are."

"You take one picture of this and I'll throw that camera out the window."

Maura smiled. "Another time, then." She tugged at the hem of Jane's shirt. "I'll give you a few minutes to get comfortable." She pulled the door closed and Jane heard her footsteps down the hall.

Jane brushed her teeth and washed her face. She looked herself in the mirror and then turned to the side to see just how big she'd gotten. How Maura could find this attractive was beyond her. She took a deep breath and changed into a huge T-shirt and loose flannel boxers. She finally sat down on the bed and leaned back, trying to relax. She closed her eyes, summoning her imaginary Maura.

Maura emerged from the bathroom wearing Jane's favorite nightgown, the purple one with flowers and a matching robe. She smiled at Jane as she crossed the room to her dresser. She was doing something over there, her back was turned to Jane and the silky robe fluttered when she moved.

Maura knocked lightly, then entered the room. Jane opened her eyes and was momentarily confused by the two Mauras. This one asked, "May I lie down with you?" Jane nodded, and Maura scooted into the bed, taking Jane's right hand in hers. Maura's thumb brushed Jane's knuckles, lightly reassuring, comforting. Accepting whatever happened next.

Jane closed her eyes and brought back the other Maura, asking her to turn around.

Maura looked over her shoulder with a teasing smile, but gave in without any additional request. She looked Jane over through half-lidded eyes, then her hands pulled at the sash on her robe. It came open in the front and Maura watched Jane watching her.

"Is there something you think about? A kind of dream?" Maura's voice was soft, dulcet. Jane nodded slightly, her eyes still closed. "Would you tell me about it?"

Jane took a moment to leer at her imaginary Maura before sharing the vision. "You," Jane whispered, and her hips lifted with the disclosure. Her head turned toward Maura, though her eyes were still closed. "You're there, smiling at me. Like I'm the thing. I'm it. For you." She picked up their hands and placed Maura's on her hip, leaving it there to do whatever it would.

"You're dancing. You're moving your butt and you know I'm watching. You know it turns me on." Jane shifted her legs, opening them and tilting her hips toward Maura.

"What am I wearing?" Maura's hand wandered under Jane's waistband, but no further, always keeping contact, always light. Waiting for an invitation to proceed.

"That purple one. With the robe." Jane lifted her hips again, this time rolling them to allow Maura access. "But you take it off. It's on the floor. Your legs are. God." Jane's hips rolled again, positioning Maura's fingers where she wanted them, tiny movements creating the friction she needed. Imaginary Maura slowly walked toward her. "You say something smart. Sassy."

"What is it?"

"I don't know, but it's perfect and it makes me want you more." Jane's head pressed back into the pillow. "You come over and sit on my lap."

"Your lap?"

"Facing me. So I can touch your legs. Feel you all around me." Maura had found Jane's rhythm. Jane moaned, losing her fantasy for a moment as the real Maura took over.

"What happens next?"

"Oh." A few moments passed before the imaginary Maura reappeared. "You. I take off. Your nightgown. Over your head."

"Am I wearing a bra?"

"No. Fuck. Your boobs are. Just there." Jane was breathing heavily, she could feel it and hear it, and she knew Maura could, too, but she didn't care. "And I want. My face in 'em."

"Mmmm, do you do it?" Maura's voice was low and sultry. Honey.

"No. I sit up. And you pull off. My shirt. Unh. You. Your fingers. You like my abs."

"I do."

Jane could only manage to breathe in and out, haltingly, for a few moments. Another Maura appeared unbidden, this one in the bath, hugging Jane from behind. We always have. We always will. Finally she managed to say, "You bend over. Kiss me. Hair. Everywhere." Jane smiled until her mouth opened with another moan. The real Maura captured her moan with a real kiss and the imaginary Maura disappeared. Soon Jane felt her muscles tense and shatter, her head pressing back into the pillows.

Maura left her hand where it was, applying a gentle pressure until Jane's breaths returned to normal and her hand brushed the hair from her forehead. Maura licked her fingers then kissed Jane, sharing.

Jane's eyes opened to see a languid smile. She returned it, then closed her eyes again and turned her head to nuzzle into Maura. She knew there was no need to be embarrassed, but she was. "Two."

Maura's eyebrows scrunched. "Two what?"

"Your counting." Jane placed a finger on Maura's chest, right below her collarbone. "One." Then she moved her finger to her own chest. "Two." Maura laughed. "I was just getting you started again."

Maura cradled Jane's head and kissed it. "Two."

Jane shifted, trying to find a more comfortable cuddle, but stopped suddenly. "Oh, shit." Sitting up, she felt around the quilt. "Maura, I think I peed."

Maura touched the quilt and smelled it. "No, that's not urine. I think your water broke."

"Oh. Darn." Jane looked disappointed.

"Darn? Wasn't that the whole point?"

"Yes, but. I was hoping we could try again."

Maura lowered her chin and smiled impishly. "Then I passed?"

"Oh, please," Jane rolled her eyes. "Like you've ever failed a test in your life."

Maura just shrugged.

"What do we do now?"

"I think. We have a baby."