*Hey everyone, hope all is well out there. I just wanted to say thanks for the reviews and comments. I hope you all like this one…
Changes all around
34
Jane pivoted from her right foot to her left foot to avoid Frost's advance only to come into contact with Frankie's shoulder. Dipping down, she shuffled to her left and tossed the basketball to Ryan with a graceful flick of the wrist. When the ball landed safely in Ryan's hands, Jane maneuvered herself around Frankie to block him, figuring that Frost was a lesser threat because of his lack of height. But to her surprise, he moved quickly to catch up with Ryan, but not quick enough. Jane smirked when Ryan banked the shot off the backboard and scored the winning point.
"We win!" Jane threw her arms up over her head and gloated.
"Haven't you ever heard of winning graciously?" Frost frowned at his partner, giving her shoulder a shove.
"No way." Jane shoved him back and grinned. "Nice shot though, Ryan."
"Thanks for setting up for it." Ryan came up alongside Frost and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "You my friend are a worthy advisory. Nice game."
"Now that is how you win graciously." Frost followed Ryan's lead and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Whatcha got in the cooler?"
"Carley made some sub sandwiches and I added some PBR to wash them down with." Ryan grinned and nodded towards the cooler.
"You're my favorite cousin-in-law." Frankie rubbed his hands together as he headed towards the food and beer. "PBR, huh? I thought Blue Moon was the official lesbian beer."
"Ha, that's cause it's my favorite." Jane gave Ryan a sideways glance. "Ryan here is a bit of a butch so she drinks PBR." She gave a cheeky grin.
"Hey, who you callin' butch?" Ryan's retort caused them all to laugh. She laughed as she ran her fingers through her newly cut, shorter blonde hair. "I guess maybe I am a little, but I promise you that I'm soft in all the places that count."
"Well, you definitely look better in a tank top than he does." Frost pointed at Frankie. "Not to mention all that…buffness you've got goin' on there." He reached out and gave one of her biceps a squeeze.
"I like to keep in shape." Ryan groused as she took a beer from Jane. "We all can't be marshmallows." She tilted her head towards Frankie to indicate who she was talking about.
"Ha, ha…he is a bit of a marshmallow, isn't he?" Jane laughed as she twisted the cap off her beer before taking a long drink. "Ummmm, I admit there's nothing like a really cold PBR when you're hot and sweaty."
"I've been working out, ya know." Frankie frowned and touched his soft middle. "We all can't be She-Hulks or twigs." He flipped his hand towards Ryan and then Jane.
"Hey, who you callin' a twig? I can still beat your ass." Jane made to grab him by the neck in a head lock but he moved away.
"Watch the beer…," He slipped past her, holding his beer out in front of him to prevent it from spilling.
"Priorities, priorities…," Frost laughed. Taking the beer Jane handed to him, he jumped on top of the picnic table to sit and put his feet on the bench.
"What kinda sandwiches did Carly make?" Frankie asked as he rooted around in the ice chest looking for the food.
"Donknow…." Ryan took a sip of her beer before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "I'm just glad she remembered to put them in the cooler." She laughed when three sets of inquiring eyes feel on her in question. "This whole being pregnant thing has affected her brain."
"What are you talking about?" Frankie tossed a saran wrapped sandwich to Frost and then Jane.
"She's just been in a bit of a fog lately. Forgetful…moody…emotional…," Ryan ticked off each one on her fingers as she went.
"Um…is it true that pregnant women are more…, um…," Frost hesitated.
"Are you asking me if my wife is horny?" Ryan lifted an eyebrow and tilted her head to regard Frost with a look of interest. When he looked away from her to concentrate on opening his sandwich she had her answer. "That's a mighty personal question officer."
"Well, counselor…care to elaborate?" Jane's curiosity was piqued as she imagined what it might be like if Maura ever got pregnant.
"Actually, no…you'll have to find out for yourself." Ryan gave a saucy, exaggerated wink.
"You and Maura thinking of getting pregnant?" Frankie asked around a mouthful of ham and swiss on a freshly backed croissant.
"It's something we've thought about but not any time soon." Jane ducked her head, embarrassed by the question.
"Got any donors in mind?" Frankie continued to pry, disregarding the uncomfortable look on his sister's face.
"No Frankie…we haven't gotten that far yet. I think the wedding should come first." Jane frowned and shook her head.
"What? People have kids all the time before they get married." Frankie said nonchalantly.
"Well, I'd be willing." Frost said without thinking as he shoved his own sandwich in his mouth. The statement caused all three to choke on their food.
"Um…well…," Jane coughed and sputtered as she tried to catch her breath. "Thanks…but I don't think that's an option for us."
"Why?" Frost frowned as he watched Jane carefully.
"Because we work together. I don't think sharing a child together as well would make for a good relationship in that situation." Jane tried to defend her choice with a shrug of her shoulders. "No offense to you…,"
"Hmmm…I guess I can see that but we'd make cute kids if we did." Frost went back to his beer, the subject quickly forgotten.
"I'm sure of that." Jane rolled her eyes and glanced at Ryan for help.
"So, this wedding…any details yet?" Ryan changed the subject and smiled at Jane knowingly.
"Actually…no." Jane let out a dejected breath as she thought about the fact that they had yet to make any decisions.
Whatcha want?" Frankie asked as he dug into the cooler for another beer. "Anyone want another?" He asked as he held up the bottle. All three raised their hands and he handed them out before turning to Jane expectantly waiting for an answer.
"You know I'd like to get married in Fenway Park standing at Homeplate but I don't think that's what Maura wants." Jane sighed sadly.
"What does Maura want?" Frost asked.
"I donknow…something classy I'm sure." Jane tilted her bottle back and peered at them from over the rim. They had been so busy talking about the impending adoption and the situation with Paddy that the wedding plans had taken a back seat. She had yet to tell anyone but her mother and Constance about it, having sworn them both to secrecy until they knew for sure when things would be finalized. "We've been kinda busy with other things." Her eyes fell on Ryan and they shared a knowing smile.
"Hey, what about the bachelorette party?" Frankie chimed in with an excited gleam in his eyes.
"Yeah, we get to make plans for that, don't we?" Frost chimed as Frankie's excitement spread.
With a dramatic eye roll, Jane let out a heavy sigh. "I haven't really thought about it." She couldn't imagine what they could come up with that would met with Maura's approval.
"Wait a minute…, I thought we were going dancing." Ryan frowned as she remembered the conversation she and Carly had had and how excited Carly was.
"We talked about it." Jane smiled.
"Well, can we get in on that?" Frankie asked, unaware of the silent communication going on between Jane and Ryan.
"Dancing, huh?" Frost had noticed the interaction Frankie hadn't. "What aren't you telling us?" He raised an eyebrow in question.
"We are going to a gay bar." Ryan took a swig of beer and waited for their response.
"I can handle that." Frost kept his eyes on Jane as he spoke. "That is if you can."
"What?" Jane seemed surprised by his question. "I'd love for you to go. But you may have to dance with Frankie here to keep the menfolk away from you. You are mighty cute…,"
"You know my mom is a lesbian." Frost challenged Jane.
The beer that Jane was drinking dribbled past her lips and down her chin in a very undignified way causing Frost to laugh. "Nope…," she wiped at the wet mess with the bottom of her t-shirt.
"I guess you do now." He smiled at her. "So a gay bar won't bother me in the least, as long as Frankie saves me a dance."
"You think I won't?" Frankie wiggled his eyebrows and grinned playfully.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see, now won't we…," Frost wadded up his sandwich wrapper and threw it at Frankie.
"Missed me…," Frankie ducked out of the way. "How about we play a game of HORSE to see who gets to lead."
"You're on!" Frost jumped up from the picnic table and chased after Frankie.
"Wow, they wear me out." Ryan dropped down on the bench and let out a heavy sigh.
"Tell me about it. I'm around them all the time." Jane joined Ryan on the bench.
They sat in silence for a moment before Jane nervously ran her fingers through her hair in the same way as Carly giving Ryan an indication that their conversation was about to turn serious. With an expectant look on her face, Ryan waited for Jane to find the words.
"I'm scared Ryan." Jane finally found her voice, her voice cracking slightly.
"Yeah? Me too." Ryan pushed her bangs away from her eyes before resting her forehead in the palm of her hand. "I'd be worried if you weren't."
"How can I be responsible for another…little…human being?" Jane dropped her head into both hands.
"Because you can." Ryan reached over and placed a comforting hand on Jane's shoulder. "You and Maura are going to be great parents, of that I have no doubt."
"Ya think?" Jane took the comfort being offered but frowned when she saw Ryan shaking her head.
"No, I don't think…I know." Ryan smiled widely causing Jane to let out the breath she was holding in relief.
"You and Carly are going to be amazing moms." Jane grinned.
"I know Carly will." Ryan had a sad look on her face as she looked away wistfully.
"Ryan…, you are going to be great." It was Jane's turn to comfort and reassure.
"Ya know, its funny how alike we are." Ryan gave Jane's shoulder a gentle squeeze before letting go.
"We are gonna have so much fun teaching our kids about the Red Sox…taking them to their first game…," This time Jane looked away with a wistful look on her face but it was quickly replaced with a serious expression. "How are things going? Anything new?"
"Nah, just ironing out some of the details. I have a sneaking suspicion that Paddy is trying to delay us…but I'm not sure why yet." Ryan furrowed her brow as she thought about their last meeting. It hadn't been as productive as she had wanted but it was still a move forward.
Jane chewed on her inner cheek as she mulled things over. She had a feeling that Paddy was waiting until Colin's killer had been identified and dealt with, but it wasn't something she had shared with Ryan. The feeling of Ryan's intent gaze caused her to clear her throat and push the thoughts away.
"We told my Ma and Constance, but I'm not ready to tell anyone else, ya know, just in case." Jane glanced over to see Ryan nodding her understanding.
"I think that's best." Ryan looked over her shoulder at Frost and Korsak. "They're gonna make great uncles."
"Yeah, I know and I can't wait to tell them." Jane grinned at the thought of sharing their big news with those closest to her and Maura. "So…," she hesitated briefly and fidgeted nervously.
"To answer your question…yes. Carly can't get enough of me." Ryan anticipated what Jane wanted to ask and raised her eyebrows up and down in a suggestive way causing them both to laugh.
"Good to know." Jane tipped her bottle towards Ryan in a silent toast before taking a drink. Perhaps being pregnant wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. Now all they had to do was decide who would get the privilege of carrying their child for nine months.
"I'm glad you called. You can never be too careful with things like this." Maura undid the blood pressure cuff from Carly's arm. The Velcro made a tearing sound in the silence that followed as she rolled it up and placed it in her medical bag, the same medical bag that Jane had given her their first Christmas together. She kept her stethoscope draped around her neck, feeling the cool metal end resting against her skin. It reminded her that she was indeed still a medical doctor…not just a coroner.
"Thanks for coming over so quick." Carly rubbed her arm trying to regain the feeling from the pressure of the cuff. As the feeling returned, the numbness was replaced with the sensation of pins and needles until those too subsided. "I didn't want to call Ryan over a slight dizzy spell. She hasn't had a chance to get out of the house or office and just enjoy a day away in so long. Plus, I don't want to worry her…unless...," She gave Maura an expectant look.
"Well, your blood pressure is a little elevated but nothing on the high side. I do think you should go see Dr. Schmitt just to be safe. Preeclampsia isn't something to mess with." Maura watched as Carly fidgeted nervously. She looked so much like Jane and shared many of the same mannerisms that sometimes she had to remind herself they weren't the same person. Sky blue eyes widened in question causing Maura realize she wasn't being clear. "I'm not saying you have preeclampsia. A dizzy spell can be brought on by many things…low blood sugar, fatigue, low blood pressure, hunger…" She ticked them off one at a time. "Although we can probably rule out the low blood pressure."
"What is preeclampsia? Should I be concerned?" Carly asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Not yet, I don't think. But it can be serious if not dealt with correctly." Maura shrugged her shoulders. Her gut instincts told her that Carly didn't have it but she wanted to be on the safe side. "Alex can give you a simple urine test to see if your proteins are too high. If they are, then we can go from there."
"And if they're not?" Carly watched Maura to see if she was keeping anything from her but all she saw was devote honesty looking back at her.
"Then we chalk it up you not eating properly, I suppose." Maura tried to smile. "Either way, we'll keep a close eye on you with regular blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, and things like that…,"
"With so many things that can go wrong…it's a wonder anyone has babies." Carly let out a frustrated huff. "I guess I should tell Ryan."
"Yes, but let me emphasize…there is no proof that this is anything more than low blood sugar or fatigue. I know you've been working hard and I think it's time you take a step back and let Angela take over." Maura watched as Carly bit her bottom lip in concentration. "You're in the third trimester Carly. It's time to take a break. You're going to need it."
"Okay." Carly sighed as she pushed her long dark hair over a shoulder. "I'm kinda scared Maura. What if something goes wrong?"
"It's only natural to be scared. I'd be worried if you weren't." Maura reached up to fidget with her stethoscope. "But I have no doubt that everything will be alright."
"I guess I'm being silly." Carly went to stand but sat back down when Maura gave her an expectant look. "What?" She asked with a confused look.
"You need to sit for a while." Maura tried not to admonish. "I want to take your blood pressure again but I want you to rest before I do."
"Alright, alright." Carly waved her hands in the air impatiently. "I was just gonna get some cookies and coffee."
"Decaf, I hope…," Maura raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Of course." Carly rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Well, in that case, I'll get them." Maura rubbed her hands together like an excited kid as she jumped up to find the plate of cookies and coffee on a tray.
"Thanks Maura. I really appreciate you coming." Carly was quiet for a moment as she had a thought. "Um…can you deliver the baby?"
"I would love to Carly, but I only did one rotation in obstetrics during my residency." Maura returned with the tray with a sad smile on her face.
"Then can you at least be in the delivery room?" Carly tried not to pout in the same way Jane did that melted Maura's heart.
"Talk to Ryan and if you both want me there then I'll be there." Maura set the tray down before pulling the stethoscope from around her neck. "Here…let's give it another go." She reached in her bag and pulled her blood pressure cuff out and affixed it to Carly's arm. "Just try to relax…," The cuff filled with air as she pumped the small bulb in her hand and listened intently to the stethoscope she had placed at the inside of Carly's elbow.
"Well?" Carly asked anxiously as Maura pulled the ear pieces from her ears and undid the cuff.
"124/86…much better." Maura smiled as she rolled everything up and slipped it back into her bag. "I'm going to text Jane and ask her to stop and get you one of those digital pressure cuffs on their way back home. I want you to take it every hour or so until you go see Dr. Schmitt tomorrow. Record each one and hopefully we can rule out anything serious."
"Okay Doc." Carly tried not to smirk. "How 'bout you guys stay for dinner?"
"I think I can be talked into that." Maura grinned as she pulled her phone out to send Jane a text. 'Stop at the drug store and buy a digital blood pressure cuff on your way to bring Ryan home.' She tapped out the message quickly before grabbing one of Carly's butter cookies she loved so much. When her phone buzzed indicating an incoming message, she looked down to read it, holding the cookie between her teeth.
'Everything alright with Carly?' Jane asked.
'Yes…so far. Just playing it safe.' Maura typed back.
'K…c u soon.' Jane answered.
'Oh, and we've been invited to dinner.' Maura smiled at the heart and kissy face emoji. 'And I love you.' This time Jane's message was a string of hearts, smiley faces, and kisses and it made Maura laugh.
"That's a mighty big smile on your face, Maura." Carly smirked as she took a bite of cookie and winked in a knowing way.
"You know Jane…always and forever a true romantic." Maura chuckled and took a bite of her cookie as she turned the phone around so Carly could see the emoji's. When she got an eyeroll in response, she laughed harder causing her to almost choke on the sweet, buttery crumbs that hit the back of her throat.
"Alright…, we'll have none of that." Carly reached over to give Maura a light pat on the back. "Now, how 'bout we go for a walk?"
"Sounds like a plan. You're not dizzy anymore, are you?" Maura inquired as she shoved the rest of her cookie in her mouth.
"Nope, but I'm feeling a little stiff from sitting so long." Carly stood up and stretched her arms over her head.
"Then let's stretch those long legs of yours." Maura mimicked Carly with a smile. "After you…," she said as she followed Carly out the door.
The sound of the front door opening and slamming shut woke Carly from her nap on the couch and brought a curious Maura from the kitchen. But it was the sound of Ryan's voice filled with fear and anxiety that caused Carly to sit up and push her hair away from her face.
"Carly? Carly…are you okay? Is the baby okay?" Ryan's worried eyes went from Carly to Maura who was now standing next to the couch wiping her hands on a dish towel.
"I'm fine. We're fine." Carly tried to soothe Ryan's fears away. When Ryan dropped down to kneel in front of her, Carly reached out to run her fingers through the short, blonde hair. It almost took her breath away when Ryan wrapped two arms around her waist and pulled her into a hug. "I'm okay, really…,"
Maura gave a reassuring smile and nod of her head when Ryan looked to her for confirmation, tears leaking from her relieved eyes.
"I was so worried. When Jane said…," Ryan murmured against Carly's chest where her cheek now rested. "I thought…," she closed her eyes as tears continued to roll down her cheeks.
"Oh, baby…everything is going to okay. Maura, tell her I'm okay…," Carly looked up with pleading eyes silently asking Maura to agree.
"As far as I can tell…," Maura hesitated when Jane came flying through the door, huffing and puffing, carrying a bag with her. "Um, Ryan…everything indicates that this was an isolated incident and there is nothing to worry about." Her eye's met Jane's across the room and she could see the worry there in the dark brown that gazed back at her. "You'll see Dr. Schmitt tomorrow just to be sure, but it is of my medical opinion that Carly just needs to rest." She watched as Jane set the bag down on the table as she moved across the room to stand next to her with the raise of a questioning eyebrow.
When Ryan didn't look up or acknowledge what Maura had said, instead opting to keep her face buried against the warm skin of Carly's throat, Maura grabbed Jane by the arm and pulled her towards the kitchen. With a last glance over her shoulder, she could see the two women holding onto each other in an effort to comfort and soothe away the fears that still lingered. The fierce and intense love that radiated off them caused her to smile.
"What's going on? Is Carly okay?" Jane's voice was a hushed whisper so as not to disturb the scene playing out in the living room.
"I think so. She called me this afternoon when she got dizzy, which of course was the right thing to do." Maura moved to stand next to the oven where she was getting ready to put the ravioli lasagna she and Carly had made earlier.
"And?" Jane waved her hands in the air, indicating that Maura should talk faster.
"And, I'm sure Alex will agree." Maura let out a heavy sigh as she slipped the glass dish into the oven before moving to the sink to wash her hands. It hadn't surprised her when Jane stepped up behind her, wrapping arms around her waist.
Resting her chin on Maura's shoulder, Jane held her close and closed her eyes. "Are you sure?" She said in a whisper.
"No, I'm not. But my gut tells me everything will be alright." Maura placed her hands on top of Janes.
"Your gut, huh?" Jane laughed lightly. "I didn't think you listened to your intestines."
"I have to Jane." Maura turned around in Jane's arms so they were facing each other. "I have to believe that everything will be okay. I don't think I can accept any other outcome."
"I know." Jane pushed some of Maura's hair away from her eyes. "I believe in your gut too." Her statement was followed by a crooked grin. "But boy was Ryan pissed that no one told her."
"I figured she would be, but Carly didn't want to bother her on her one day off." Maura tilted her face in the direction Jane had moved her hair. "I would have called if I thought something was wrong. You know that, right?" Her eyes widened in worry as she waited for Jane to respond.
Jane gave a nod of her head and leaned forward to place a kiss to Maura's forehead. They were interrupted by Carly before they could get any further with their conversation.
"Everything okay?" Jane looked over at her cousin with concern in her eyes.
Carly let out an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes. "Don't you start…," she held up her hand to indicate that Jane should stop.
"Hey, don't go getting all cranky on me." Jane did her own eye roll and it rivaled Carly's earlier one.
"Sorry." Carly pushed her hair away from her light, blue eyes and tried to smile.
"How's Ryan?" Maura asked as she leaned against the sink. "We can leave you alone if you need it."
"No, no…she's taking a shower. I think she'll be okay once she washes away all the sweat and grim of the day." Carly waved her hand dismissively. "Smells good. Looks like you've got everything under control in here."
"See, I told you I could handle it." Maura smiled. "I think it's time you started to let other people help you along Carly. Angela is more than capable of taking over for you at the bakery."
"I know, you're right. It's just hard to give up that control." Carly let out a heavy breath causing her bangs to flutter up over her eyebrows.
"Well, there's no time like the present." Jane glanced at Maura and got an approving smile in return. "Are you sure you want us to stay?"
"Yes. I think we could all use the distraction." Carly slipped an arm around Jane's waist and pulled her close. "But thanks for asking."
"You got any red wine?" Jane allowed herself to be pulled close to her cousin and did her best to offer a comforting presence.
"You know I do." Carly gave Jane's hip a gentle squeeze before letting go to find a bottle that would please Maura's refined palate and Jane's not so refined one.
"I hope that's wine you're seeking out." Ryan slipped into the kitchen, wearing clean sweats and her wet hair slicked back. "And you…," she pointed at Maura. "Next time…call me not matter what."
Maura gave a quick nod of agreement. It hadn't sat well with her when she found Carly alone, especially when Carly request she not notify Ryan but she wouldn't let that happen again. "I promise." She held up a hand in solemn oath.
Green eyes locked with hazel as Ryan gaged how truthful she thought Maura was being and only smiled when she saw nothing but honesty looking back at her. "What's for dinner?" She took a deep breath.
"Your favorite, ravioli lasagna." Carly held up a bottle of red wine triumphantly. "Maura helped me make it."
"Yes, well…I mostly supervised." Maura's face flushed with her embarrassment.
"Don't be so modest Maura." Carly grinned as she handed Ryan the bottle of wine. "And I really wish I could have a glass." She couldn't help but pout.
"It won't be long now." Jane pulled several glasses out of a cabinet.
"It may be longer if Carly breast feeds." Maura handed Ryan the bottle opener.
"Yeah, well I haven't made that decision yet." Carly gave a pained look.
"No worries my love." Ryan wrapped an arm around Carly's waist and pulled her close. "I told you I'd support you not matter what you decided."
Jane could see Maura's mind slipping into scientific mode so she grabbed the wine bottle and opener from Ryan. Before Maura could say anything, she had the bottle open and three glasses poured, handing one to Maura, essential changing the subject.
"Can I still go out dancing with you guys?" Carly asked Maura with a hopeful look in her eyes.
"I don't see why not, as long as Dr. Schmitt agrees." Maura took a sip of wine and closed her eyes to savor the sweet and spicy liquid.
"I don't know if I like the idea of taking you to a crowded club. People could bump into you…," Ryan worried her lower lip but relented when she saw the disappointment in Carly's eyes. "But then again, Jane carries a gun so maybe she can make sure we have a safe perimeter around us."
"Oh, Frankie and Frost have somehow invited themselves to join us." Jane rolled her eyes at the thought of going to a gay bar with her brother and partner.
"Do they know we're going to a gay bar?" Maura asked as she sipped at her wine again. It had a surprisingly pleasant taste with a not so dry finish.
"Yep…and did you know Frost's mom is a lesbian?" Jane sniffed at her wine before taking a drink.
"Yes, I did." Maura seemed surprised that Jane didn't know.
"What the hell? How come I didn't know?" Jane shook her head when she saw the shoulder shrugs in response indicating that she was indeed the only one who hadn't known.
"Want some lemonade?" Ryan gave Carly another squeeze before letting her go.
"Yeah, I'd like that." Carly gave Ryan's cheek a quick peck. "I'm gonna go call Angela and see if she can take over starting this week. Maura's right, I need to slow down."
"Speaking of Angela…," Maura turned to Jane and smiled. "She is expecting you to meet her at lunch tomorrow at the bakery."
"What? Why?" Jane deflated at the thought of having to give up her free afternoon with Maura.
"I don't know Jane, but she said it was important." Maura gave Jane a stern look. She furrowed her brow slightly as she thought for a minute. "Hmmm, I think they may be up to something."
"They?" Jane raised an eyebrow.
"Our mothers." Maura tilted her head to regard Jane for a moment before she spoke again. "My mother wants me to meet her for lunch tomorrow as well."
"Boy am I glad Carly and I are already married." Ryan leaned a hip against the counter next to Maura.
"Hey, you're not out of the woods just yet." Jane pointed at a surprised Ryan.
"What?" Ryan held her hands up in question.
"Baby shower!" Maura squealed in excitement. "We get to plan a baby shower!"
Jane's smug smile confirmed that what Maura had said was right. "So when are we gonna know the sex of the baby?"
"In two weeks." Ryan ran her finger around the rim of the wine glass she was holding. Her wistful expression caused Jane and Maura to look at each other in a knowing way. "But we haven't decided yet if we want to know."
"Niece or nephew…makes no difference to us." Jane shrugged her shoulders.
"It might make it easier to buy things beforehand if you know." Maura tried to reason.
"Only if you believe in that gender conformity crap." Jane smirked. "I don't think pink has to be for a girl and blue for a boy, besides I hate pink."
"Yes Jane, we all know your adversity to pink but I agree. Color shouldn't be assigned to gender." Maura tried not to smirk back at Jane but was unsuccessful.
"I'm more partial to greens and yellows myself." Ryan couldn't help but smile at Maura and Jane's playful banter.
"Well, let me know when you're ready to finish up the nursery." Jane puffed her chest out to show she had something to offer.
"I just have to paint and put the crib together." Ryan couldn't hide the trepidation from her voice. "But Carly can't be here because of the fumes."
"We can solve that easily." Maura said with the wave of her hand. "Jane can stay the night here with you and help you finish up and Carly can stay at my house with me."
"Um…, okay. I guess that will work." Ryan seemed surprised at how simple that was to solve. It had worried her, which is why she had put it off. But now they could finish things up for good. "So when's this big night of dinner and dancing going to take place?"
"I think I should wait until my meet up with my Ma tomorrow to make any decisions. I have a feeling things will start to move pretty quickly with her and Constance at the helm." Jane looked down into the dark red liquid in her glass. She had a feeling that the two women had something up their sleeves, something that would soon be revealed. "Yep, those two are trouble with a capitol 'T'" Jane rolled her eyes causing both Maura and Ryan to laugh.
"You can say that again." Carly slipped into the room and took her lemonade from Ryan. "And I have a feeling it's going to be a wild ride, fun…but wild." She gave Jane a knowing wink before turning her attention to the oven. "I think dinners about ready. Shall we?"
The murmurs of agreement confirmed that everyone was ready to eat. But were they ready for the big changes that were about to take place? As Maura's eyes met Jane's from across the room, she was sure that they were ready to move forward together and she couldn't wait to see what their future held.