*Hey guys, sorry this took so long. Life has been smacking me in the face lately so I haven't had much time, also the last three-year-old I spent time with was my son who is now 21 so I hope this isn't too off base. Anyway…I hope you like this one. Thanks for the reviews and for reading, I really appreciate it.
Pleasant Valley Wednesday
The drive along the desolate country road was quiet and contemplative as Jane concentrated on driving and Maura watched the scenery pass by. It had taken a lot of convincing on both of their parts to get Ryan to finally set up a meeting with the Stillwell's at their small farm 'in the middle of nowhere' as Jane had said several times. But Maura knew it was the best place to hide Valley, keeping her away from Paddy and anyone else who might pose a threat.
As the trees that lined the street filtered the early afternoon sun casting a mixture of shadow and light across Maura's face, her mind wandered to her last conversation with Ryan. She'd had enough of waiting to last a lifetime and wouldn't take no for an answer. Reluctantly, Ryan had finally agreed admitting that she thought it was about time as well.
"We can't wait anymore, Ryan." Maura tried to plead her case as she sat across from Ryan at the kitchen table, watching for any indication that she was winning the argument. They had been at it for at least half an hour.
After a few minutes of frustrated silence, Ryan finally nodded. "Okay…I'll set it up." She ran her fingers through her hair and smiled. "Did you ever consider law school instead of medical school?"
"No, why?" The look of confusion on Maura's face made Ryan laugh.
"Because I think you'd give me a run for my money in the courtroom. You have an excellent way of pleading a case."
"Oh," Maura looked surprised. "I suppose I can argue with the best of them when it's for something I'm passionate about."
"Yeah, well…" Ryan shrugged her shoulders. "I think it's about time we moved forward with things. I won't say Paddy is being resistant, but things with him aren't moving quiet as fast as I wish they were."
Maura looked down at her hands, afraid that Ryan might be able to read too much in her eyes. "I suppose things are moving slow for everyone." She let out a heavy breath because she knew why Paddy had been stalling and it was partly her own fault.
"Well, we need to go over some things before I set this up with the Stillwell's. First things first, though…" Ryan hesitated when Jane entered the room. She dropped her head in a submissive gesture, letting her know that she wasn't as immune to Maura's techniques as she thought she was. "Hey…" she waved at the table, indicating that Jane should sit next to Maura.
"So, she convinced you…huh?" Jane had a smug smirk on her face as she took the seat next to Maura. The self-assured attitude that oozed from her said 'I told you so.'
"Indeed, she did." Ryan shook her head at the thought of the tantrum Jane had thrown when she had initially said no. "And I'm sure you realize you get more flies with honey instead of vinegar. And threatening to take away the lightsaber you bought for the baby's room didn't help." She frowned to let Jane know she hadn't approved of her tactic's.
"Yeah, whatever it takes…" Jane took Maura's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Times like these call for drastic measures. So…what's next."
"I was just about to get to that." Jane's impatience was something everyone in the family had become accustomed too, but it still irritated Ryan. "As you know, Valley is staying with a retired FBI agent and his wife, Gerry and Nancy Stillwell. They live in Ashburnham, about an hour or so from here."
"That's not too far." Jane sounded hopeful. "But is it far enough?" She couldn't help but ask the question.
"Yeah, I think so." Ryan glanced down at her phone, suddenly distracted. "We aren't trying to make her disappear, just trying not to draw attention to her." She moved her fingers over the screen, typing a response to whoever had just texted her before looking up with an expectant look on her face.
"When can we see her?" Maura finally spoke for the first time since Jane had arrived.
"Well…" Ryan looked down at her phone again and smiled. "Will Wednesday work?"
"Yes…" The question was answered without hesitation simultaneously by both Jane and Maura.
"Okay then, I'll email you the directions using the dummy accounts Frost set up for us." Ryan said as she started to stand.
"Ryan…" Maura hesitated, causing Ryan to pause. "I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you've done for us. I know you've got a lot on the line too."
With a crooked smile on her face, Ryan gathered her things from the table. "I know you do. We're family and we gotta look out for each other." It was a statement that rang true for all of them. "Now, if you'll excuse me…I've got a very pregnant wife at home waiting on me. Keep a look out for an email." She glanced at Jane, who nodded in response.
"Well…" Jane waited until they were alone to speak again. "I don't know what you did, but great job convincing her to finally agree to set up this meeting."
"I just told her how much this was hurting us." Maura laid her head on Jane's shoulder. "And, I told her that I think my heart might break if I have to wait much longer to meet our daughter."
It was those last words that had resonated the most with Maura because they were true. She knew that Jane was just as anxious to meet Valley but for her it was much deeper. Meeting her would make it more real and give Maura something tangible to fight for even though she knew how much she would lose if she didn't. She let out a sigh as her eyes wandered over green grass and rolling hills covered with trees that were beginning to show the early signs of the approaching fall in their colors. Even though the afternoons were still warm, the mornings and evenings hinted at the cooler weather as September headed towards October. As her mind continued to wander, she thought maybe they would have Valley with them for Halloween and they could go trick-or-treating as a family. She smiled at the thought of Jane dressing up in a costume and the fun they would have arguing over how much candy was a reasonable amount to consume before the night would end with them snuggled up together watching tv.
"What's that smile for?"
Jane's voice startled Maura from her wandering thoughts. "Hmmm…?" She asked as her attention turned from the scenery outside to Jane.
"You're smiling. I was just wondering what you're thinking about." Jane glanced over at Maura with a raised eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. Even though their silence so far had not been uncomfortable, it was nonetheless, unusual.
"Oh, I was just thinking about Halloween." Maura reached over to place a hand on Jane's leg, giving it a reassuring squeeze to let her know that her silence had merely been contemplative.
"Yeah?" Curiosity changed to interest as Jane took comfort in the physical contact between them.
"I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to have Valley by then so we could dress up and go trick-or-treating as a family." The smile on Maura's face had a dream like quality as she looked over at Jane.
"That is something to smile about." Jane's attention turned to the numbers on the mailboxes as they neared their destination. "Maybe we can dress up as a famous couple, like Romeo and Juliet."
"I'm not sure that would be a good choice, considering they both died." Maura shook her head at the thought.
"Okay, then how about Batman and Robin?"
"Only if I get to be Batman." Maura laughed at the disappointed frown on Jane's face.
"Not fair." Jane pouted.
"How about Frankenstein and Frankenstein's bride?" Maura offered.
"And I suppose I get to be the monster, huh?" Jane mumbled. "Oh, wait…I know. How about Buzz and Woody?"
"You can't be serious." Maura looked surprised. "Surely they aren't a real couple. I've never heard of them."
"You've never heard of A Toy Story?"
"I don't believe I have." There was disbelief in Maura's tone as if she thought Jane were making it up.
"Oh my God, are you serious? You've never heard of Toy Story before?" The exaggerated look of shock on Jane's face caused Maura to roll her eyes. "I know what we're gonna do tonight. I've got all the DVD's."
"So, it's a movie…"
"Yes, it's only one of the best animated movies ever made." Jane huffed impatiently. "It's about a cowboy and space ranger who become best friends."
"That sounds intriguing. And you say it's animated?" Maura looked confused. "I didn't know you liked cartoons."
"Really, Maur? Have you met me?" Jane laughed.
Maura studied Jane with a measured eye then smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"So, that's it then…we'll watch A Toy Story tonight." Jane grinned over at Maura. "I wouldn't be opposed to a little cuddling as well."
"Cuddling, huh?" Maura watched Jane with a raised eyebrow.
"Absolutely!" Jane couldn't contain her excitement as she bounced around in her seat like a kid.
Before Maura could say anything else, the GPS on the phone interrupted. "Your destination is on the right in 500 feet." The voice was polite but slightly robotic.
"You ready for this?" Jane asked as she gave Maura a nervous glance.
"No." Maura let out a heavy sigh. As much as she had wanted this moment to come, she was nervous and unsure.
"It'll be fine. We're in this together." Jane put her hand on Maura's still resting on her leg. "And besides…she's gonna love you."
Maura was quiet for a moment and bit down on her lip as she hesitated. When Jane gave her a questioning look, she smiled tentatively back. "I don't have much experience with children." She shrugged her shoulders and looked embarrassed.
"Come on, you've got nothing to worry about. Kids are only smaller versions of adults." Jane tried to brush off Maura's reservations.
"As much as I wish that were the case, I'm sure it's not." Maura let out a heavy sign.
When Jane turned onto the gravel driveway, they both got silent again. The reality that they were about to meet Valley, the little girl they would raise as their own started to set in and it was a sobering thought.
The gravel driveway was long and winding leading up to the small farmhouse. It was set far enough off the main road and was hidden by tree's, blending in with the scenery. Jane took comfort in the fact that there were no other houses to be seen, giving them the privacy and secrecy they needed.
When they reached the front of the house, Jane put the car in park and turned to say something to Maura, only to be interrupted by her cellphone. "I can't believe we get service out here in BFE…" she said as she glanced down to see who was calling. Giving Maura an apologetic look, she swiped accept and held the phone up to her ear. "Hang on Frankie."
"I need some fresh air." Maura knew that Jane had been waiting to talk to Frankie about something secret they had been trying to plan so she opened the door and stepped out without having to be asked.
"Thanks, Maur…" Jane waved at her and smiled. "I'll only be a sec."
Maura closed the door and leaned against the car as a breeze blew past her, carrying leaves and dust along the way. The swirling of air that most people would call a dust devil, moved in a vertical upward motion several feet away from her and she couldn't help but compare her life to the rapid rotation she was witnessing on this clear, sunny day. As her eyes followed, the vortex swallowed up more debris in its way and she worried that she might be next but only figuratively speaking. And then just as quickly as it had moved past her, the circle tightened and moved higher before it lost its buoyancy and dissipated, spitting out a trail of discarded relics in its wake. With a sad shake of the head, she hoped the same wouldn't be true for her and Jane when the dust finally cleared in their lives.
Watching through the window, Jane could tell that Maura was in deep, contemplative thought by the set of her shoulders and the stiffness of her body as she leaned against the car door. She was so distracted that she hadn't heard what Frankie said on the other end of the phone until she heard her name being repeated.
"Jane, Jane, Jane…you're not listening to me." Frankie sounded exasperated in his attempt to get his sister's attention.
"Sorry…" Jane turned her attention back to her brother and pushed her hair over her shoulder to distract herself from Maura. "What were you saying?"
"I said…" he paused dramatically and let out a huff of frustration. "I made the reservations at the Ritz like you asked me to for Saturday night."
"Were you able to book the Suite?" She couldn't help but hold her breath in anticipation as she waited for him to answer.
"Yeah, but it wasn't easy. Not to mention…damn…is it expensive."
"Don't worry about that." Jane rolled her eyes impatiently at the chastising tone in his voice. "You make the reservations for everyone else?"
"I did. Standard rooms on the club level." He laughed. "I just dropped Maura's name and they bent over backwards to set things up."
"Good, glad to hear it." The sarcasm dripped from her voice as she glanced at Maura again, feeling guilty for leaving her standing outside for so long. "You got the list, right?"
"Ummmhmmmm…" Frankie said.
"Okay, I gotta go now cuz Maura's waiting on me. Let everyone know we got the rooms and stuff and you and I can finish up the rest in a day or two."
"You got it…" he hesitated before asking her a question. "Hey, where are you guys? Ma said you went for a ride out in the country, whatever that means."
"I suppose you could say that." She smiled at the memory of their mother catching her and Maura making plans for their first visit with Valley. It was good to know Angela could keep a secret when it was something she had struggled with in the past. "I'll talk to ya tomorrow." Hanging up, she reached into the backseat to grab the small package Angela had given her. It was a rainbow, unicorn sweatshirt wrapped in pretty, metallic pink paper. She frowned at the color but then ran her finger over the sparkly paper and smiled. Tilting it back and forth, it shimmered in the sunlight and she laughed, realizing it wasn't that bad even though it was pink.
Maura didn't turn around when she heard the car door open and shut. In fact, she didn't move until she felt Jane lean against her. The warmth of Jane's body was a comfort and made her feel safe, pushing the anxiety that had followed her all day aside.
"Here, you forgot this." Jane handed Maura that package. "You okay?"
"Thanks. And yeah, I'm okay…now." Maura laid her head on Jane's shoulder. "Still a little nervous, but not as worried and anxious. I'm sure this will help crack the ice." She held up the present.
"Break the ice…" Jane laughed when Maura gave her a confused look. "It's 'break the ice' Maur, not crack the ice."
"Oh…sorry." Maura dropped her head.
"Hey, I think it's adorable when you do that." Jane put two fingers under Maura's chin and lifted her face up so they looked each other in the eyes. When Maura smiled at her, she let out sigh of relief.
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better but I guess it's time we met our daughter." Maura slipped her arm around Jane's.
"Don't be nervous…she's going to love you." Jane gave Maura a crooked smile to hide her own nervousness.
As they made their way across the yard, the front door opened and a tall, gray haired man emerged with a smile on his face.
"You must be Detective Rizzoli and Dr. Isles." He said with his hand extended towards Jane. "I'm Gerry Stillwell, it's nice to meet you…both of you." Shaking Jane's hand, he then turned to Maura.
"Please, call me Jane." Jane said as she released his hand, impressed by his strong grip.
"And I'm Maura…" Maura said, taking the extended hand and shaking it.
"Well, Nance is in the kitchen making some iced tea and Valley is down for her afternoon nap." He waved his hand at the front door nervously. "She should be up soon though."
"That's fine." Maura shifted from one foot to the other anxiously, moving Valley's present to her left hand. "Um…we brought her a gift." She started to ramble. "It's just a sweatshirt, not a toy…we weren't sure what she would like." Her rambling came out in a higher pitched tone than usual.
"So, retired FBI agent, huh?" Jane intervened, giving Maura a nod towards the door. "I thought about taking that route." Her comment caught his attention and he looked at her with an interested expression on his face.
"Would it be okay if I went in?" Maura asked tentatively.
"Sure, Nance is in the kitchen. Just go down the hall and then to your right." Gerry gave Maura a smile before turning his attention to Jane. "What made you choose the BPD?" He asked.
Jane watched Maura slip through the front door, her usual self-assuredness masked by her nervousness. "Well, Gerry…" she gave Maura a quick wink to let her know everything was okay. "I guess it was mostly family."
"Yeah, family can be a big influence." His smile was radiant. "I joined before my boys were born so it was just me and Nance in the beginning." He was quiet for a minute as he contemplated his next words. "So, homicide…huh?"
The question didn't surprise Jane and it didn't take her long to realize where he was headed with the conversation. "Yep…" she said as she nodded her head. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled at Maura who had paused in the doorway, giving her a wink to let her know she was okay. When Maura disappeared, closing the door behind her she turned her attention back to Gerry awaiting the next question.
"How do you like it?" He asked, taking a seat in one of the rocking chairs sitting on wide front porch.
"I like it." She said as she sat in the chair next to him, settling in for the barrage of questions she knew he would have for her.
"First woman in the department…" he mused aloud with an appreciative nod her direction.
"It's been hard work, but worth every minute." She leaned back and began to gently rock back and forth.
"I suppose so." He also started to rock in his chair. "But I think you may revaluate all that sacrifice once you start your life with that little one." He hitched his thumb towards the house indicating the toddler that was still napping.
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Jane agreed.
"So…ever been hurt in the line of duty?" The question took Jane by surprise, indicated by her sudden silence causing him to turn to look at her. Her lack of words confirmed what he already knew. "I see…" he finally looked away, giving her a moment of reprieve from the intent gaze that had her suddenly uncomfortable.
"Look, I'm sure you've already run a background check on me…" she held up her hand when he tried to protest. "It's what we do. Don't think I didn't do the same to you." A small smirk appeared on her face.
"I figured you'd do that." He smiled at her. "I guess we are two in the same. It's in our blood."
"I also know where you're headed with this line of questioning. I'm the best interrogator in our department, so, I get it." She ran her hand through her long, thick hair. "Let me put your mind to rest…" Taking a deep breath, she tilted her head to regard him with a serious expression. "I do not take my career or my job as a parent lightly. But know this, if I had to choose between the two…my family will always win.""
Gerry was quiet for a moment as he contemplated her words and then he nodded sagely. "Good, good…" was all he said.
"What's she like?" Jane leaned forward in her seat and placed her elbows on her knee's before resting her chin in her hands.
A thoughtful expression passed over Gerry's face before he grinned broadly. "She's a firecracker." He laughed when Jane tilted her head to regard him with a funny look on her face. "She is an inquisitive little girl, always full of questions."
"Just like Maura." Jane smiled fondly at the thought of Valley being a miniature version of Maura.
"And she is a bit of a daredevil, not afraid of anything." He reached up to rub the day-old stubble on his chin. "And she loves baseball and the movie Toy Story."
"Toy Story?" Jane asked, surprised.
"Yeah, we don't have much in the way of entertainment for kids, but our grandson loved that movie. We did have a few toys left over and she seems partial to a Woody doll that she carries everywhere."
The smile that spread over Jane's face was genuine and wide. "I love that movie too." She leaned back in her chair again. "And I love baseball."
"Red Sox fan?" Gerry gave her sideways glance as he waited for her to answer.
"Ever since I can remember." She laughed.
"Good," he clapped his hands together. "The game should be starting anytime now and that means Valley will be getting up as well. She never misses a game with me."
"She's a smart three-year old."
"That she is." He pushed up from his chair. "How 'bout we get a glass of tea and watch some of the game?"
"Lead the way." Jane stood as well. Her stomach twisted with excitement at the thought of finally meeting the little girl that would become her daughter. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans, she waited for him pass her before following him through the front door.
Maura had watched with trepidation as she pushed the door open, leaving Gerry and Jane out on the front porch but Jane's quick wink set her at ease. Even after all these years, that wink still had the same effect on her as it did when she was eighteen years old. Biting down on her bottom lip, she smiled and then closed the door behind her to begin her search for the kitchen.
"Hello?" She called out quietly so as not to wake the sleeping toddler they were there to meet.
"In the kitchen...down the hall and to the right." A disembodied voice directed her.
With shaky legs, Maura managed to walk the length of the hall before emerging in a large, open kitchen. "Um, I'm Maura Isles…" she said as she cleared her throat nervously.
"It's wonderful to meet you. I'm Nancy, but everyone calls me Nance." Nance took a few steps towards Maura, her hand extended in greeting.
Taking the hand in her own, Maura marveled at the contrast of warm softness verse the strong grip and smiled as they shook hands. She was impressed with the trim and fit woman that stood in front of her. For some reason she expected someone more like the stereo typical grandmother. Shaking her head, she pushed her hair over her shoulder and silently scolded herself for her preconceived notions.
Nance pulled Maura towards the counter where she was mixing a large pitcher of homebrewed iced tea. "I hope you like sweet tea," she released Maura's hand to pick up a wooden spoon to continue stirring the amber liquid. "Gerry is a southern boy by birth so…"
"Sweet tea sound's refreshing." Maura smiled as she watched Nance. She couldn't help but compare the older woman to Jane as she continued to observe. Nance's salt and pepper colored hair was pulled back in a ponytail that bobbed back and forth as she continued to stir. The grey Red Sox t-shirt and faded jeans gave her a glimpse of a future, retired Jane and it warmed her heart.
Noticing Maura glance down at her shirt, Nance felt a need to explain her attire. "We like our sport's around here." Her smile widened when Maura gave an understanding nod. "In fact, little Alley's almost as big a fan of the Red Sox as Gerry is."
"Jane is going to be glad to hear that." Maura shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Um…did you call her Alley?" She frowned slightly at the thought of stranger's changing her niece's name.
"I did. She can't quite get the 'V' out when she says her name and I guess we've just kinda fallen into the habit of calling her Alley." Nance glanced up with uncertainty.
"Okay, I guess that makes sense." Maura smiled warmly to ease Nance's hesitation.
"She seems to like it." Nance smiled back before pointing over Maura's shoulder. "And speaking of the little Tasmanian devil…" she said as she moved past Maura to scoop a sleep, groggy toddler up into her arms.
For a moment, Maura stood frozen, afraid to turn around and face her soon to be daughter. But then Nance moved around to stand in front of her and her eyes met dark, chocolate ones so like Jane's it almost took her breath away. In an instant, all her fears and uncertainty melted away as she watched Valley yawn and stretch an arm up before rubbing sleepy eyes.
"She's beautiful." Maura's voice was a hushed whisper filled with awe.
"She is." Nance ran her fingers through messy honey-blonde hair, pushing it away from Valley's eyes. Valley scrunched her face up and shook her head before laying a cheek against the side of Nance's neck. "But she isn't fully awake yet."
Maura watched as the fuzzy, sleepy haze slowly cleared from Valley's eyes and she was surprised to see recognition shinning back at her.
"Mommy…" Valley pointed at Maura, her face still buried against Nance as shyness took over the sleepiness.
Blinking rapidly to hold back the tears, Maura took a shaky breath. "Did she…just…call…me Mommy?" Her heart started to beat rapidly and her ears began to ring.
"Ryan gave us some pictures of you and Detective Rizzoli so we've been showing them to her and explaining who you are. I hope that's okay." Again, Nance looked unsure.
"I, um…" Maura hesitated as she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. "Of course, it's okay. I just wasn't expecting to hear it so soon."
"Gerry and I thought it would make the transition easier if she recognized you."
"It's just a little overwhelming, but in a good way." Maura's eyes followed Valley's every movement as the little girl shifted her weight and popped her head up to look over Maura's shoulder.
"Momma…"
Again, Valley pointed Maura's direction but she didn't need to turn around to know who Valley was now pointing at. Extending a hand behind her, she let out a sigh of relief when she felt Jane's slip into hers and move to stand next to her.
"Did she…" Jane started to say.
"Mommy…Mamma…" Valley said with a giggle as she snuggled closer to Nance.
"Alley-Roo!" Gerry said as he moved past Jane and Maura, his arms open for the little girl to jump into. And without hesitation, Valley propelled herself from Nance's arms into Gerry's. "See…no fear." He grinned proudly at Jane. "When I take her fishing, she isn't afraid to help me put the worm on the hook or anything."
"Wiggle, wiggle…" Valley twisted and turned in Gerry's arms.
"That's right, worms are wiggly." He laughed.
As they stood, side by side, watching the interaction between Valley and the Stillwell's, the gentle squeeze of Maura's hand in her own made Jane look away. She could see the tears that threatened to fall and she frowned, unsure if Maura was sad or happy.
"She called me Mommy…" Maura leaned into Jane and whispered in her ear.
Letting go of Maura's hand, Jane wrapped her arm around Maura's waist and pulled her closer. "It feels good, doesn't it?" She smiled at the feeling of Maura's head resting against her shoulder.
"Ball ball." Valley said with a serious expression on her face causing both Maura and Jane to look on in confusion.
"Baseball," Gerry explained.
Both Jane and Maura nodded understandingly.
"Here's your juice." Nance handed Valley a sippy cup with a baseball and bat on it.
"Ball ball…" Valley pointed to the small graphic on the front of her cup before taking a drink.
"Baseball, Alley-Roo." Nance wiped at the juice that dribbled down Valley's chin.
"'Ace ball!" Valley said with a grin, proud of herself. "What 'dat?" Her attention was quickly diverted to the sparkly package in Maura's hand.
"It's a present…" Maura thrust it out towards Valley, unsure of herself. Her uncertainty turned to sheer terror as she watched Valley wiggle out of Gerry's hold, drop to the floor and step closer.
"Up…" Valley demanded, her arms open and waiting for Maura to pick her up.
"Hey there slugger." Jane bent down and scooped Valley up into her arms causing the little girl to giggle. "We brought you a present. You wanna open it?"
"I wanna open." Valley stretched an arm out towards Maura then hesitated. "Peez, Mommy…"
Maura nodded and handed the present to Valley. She was in awe at how easy it had been for Jane to swoop in and pick Valley up and hold her without dropping the antsy child who seemed to be in perpetual motion.
"How does she know who we are?" Jane asked as she set Valley down on the kitchen counter, leaning against her so the toddler wouldn't fall.
"Ryan gave us some pictures of you both and we've been telling her that you are her two moms. She is the one who decided what to call you." Gerry smiled at Valley who held up the package for him to see.
"Antz, Erry…look!" Valley ran her little fingers over the present, her eyes wide in anticipation of what was inside.
"Did she just call you Antz?" Maura asked in surprise.
"Yeah, she's still learning to annunciate." Nance laughed.
"Is that normal?" Maura had a worried expression on her face.
"Very normal. In fact, little Alley-Roo is very advanced for her age in many, many ways." Gerry ran his fingers through Valley's light-colored hair, pushing it away from her face so she could concentrate on her present.
Pushing one finger through the paper wrapping, Valley glanced up with a question in her eyes. "Open?" She asked as she continued to push through the paper, making the tiny rip bigger.
"Go for it kiddo." Jane wrapped an arm around Valley to hold her steady as she began to tear into the present.
"Oh, pretty…rainbows." Valley said as the paper dropped to the floor at Jane's feet and a bright, colored sweatshirt appeared.
"It's a unicorn sweatshirt." Maura said as she helped Valley unzip it.
"Uni-corn…?" Valley studied it carefully. "Rainbows." She nodded with certainty as she let Maura help her slip it on.
Jane laughed and then pulled the hood up over Valley's head causing the many-colored ribbon's that lined the it to drop down in her eyes.
"See, rainbows." Valley ran her fingers through the silky ribbons. "No horn. Uni-corns have horns."
Maura's eyes widened in surprise. "My you are a smart little girl." She smiled and pushed the hood off, allowing her fingers to brush against a soft, chubby cheek.
"What do you say, Alley-Roo?" Nance asked.
"Tank you Mommy. Tank you Momma." Valley gave Jane a quick hug before trying to wiggle away from her hold.
"Hey there, where you trying to go in such a hurry?" Jane picked Valley up so she could set her down on the floor.
"Ball ball…" Valley pointed towards the living room. "Ase ball…" a deep crease formed between her eyes as she tried her best to say the word again. As she spoke, she grabbed Maura's hand and pulled her along.
Jane watched with a smile as Gerry, Maura, and Valley made their way to the living room before turning to Nance. "So, Antz...?" She raised an eyebrow in question.
"Nancy, but everyone calls me Nance." Nance reached a hand out for Jane to shake. "It's nice to meet you Detective Rizzoli."
"Please, call me Jane." Jane took the hand in her own and gave it firm but gentle shake. "Do you think she understands who we really are?" She tilted her head towards the living room, indicating who she was talking about.
"I do, actually." Nance looked sincere. "She keeps your pictures by her bed and says good night to you every night. And sometimes she even reads you a bedtime story. Would you like some tea?" She asked as she started to pull some glasses from the cabinet, arranging them on a tray with the pitcher of tea.
'Um…yeah, thanks." Jane shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "And thanks for trying to make things easier for her."
"Of course. She's a bright little girl and I think she understands more than we do sometimes." Nance set the last glass down and grinned at Jane. "I hope you like sweet tea."
"I do. Can I help with anything?" Jane asked and then took the tray when Nance handed it to her.
"If you wouldn't mind taking that into the den, I'll grab the chips and dip."
"Sure thing." Jane waited as Nance gathered a bowl of chips and dip and then followed her.
When they entered the living room, Jane was surprised to find that Valley was sitting in Maura's lap having a deep conversation about the difference between the white uniformed players and the blue ones. She couldn't contain her grin at the sight before her or how comfortable Maura looked.
"Learning something?" Jane couldn't help but smirk as she set the tray down on the coffee table.
"As a matter of fact, I am. I think she explains the logistics better than you do." Maura's smirk back quickly turned to surprise when Valley jumped out of her lap and ran towards the bowl of chips.
"Chips!" Valley waved her hands in the air.
"Hey, Alley-Roo…slow it down." Nance grabbed the chips and lifted them above Valley's head. "I brought you your own bowl. These are for the big people." She handed a small bowl of chips to the impatient little girl.
"Should she be eating those? They're awfully high in sodium." Maura leaned forward to study the two bowls and noticed that Valley's looked slightly different.
"That there, is Pirates Booty." Gerry snatched a piece from Valley's bowl causing her scowl.
"No, Erry…you too big. 'Dat yours." Valley pointed to the larger bowl of corn chips.
"Pirate Boo-ty?" Maura couldn't help but sound out the last word, not sure if she heard it correctly.
"Yeah, it's baked rice and corn puffs with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives." Gerry said as he placed a few chips in his mouth.
"No servatives…" Valley nodded as she stuffed a handful of her own chips in her mouth.
"Oh, okay." Maura wasn't at all sure what to think.
"I've heard of that." Jane reached for a chip as well, before dunking it in a bowl of homemade guacamole. "Ummmm…this is good." She mumbled through a mouthful.
"Does she eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables?" Maura asked as she watched Jane continue to shove chips in her mouth at the same rate as Valley.
"She does, although she is big fan of the boxed macaroni and cheese right now." Nance said as she settled back against the couch next to Gerry.
"Oh, I love that stuff. They make them in all kinds of shapes now." Jane reached over to snatch one of Valley's chips from her bowl.
"Here Momma…I share." Valley carefully plucked one her chips, which were more like puffs, from her bowl and handed it to Jane.
"Thank you." Jane grinned and cradled the puff as if it were a treasure.
"Yeah, well, she goes through stages. She'll only want one thing for a week or so, then she'll move on to something different." Nance took an offered puff from Valley with a smile.
"Kids are like that. There was a time when I'd only eat spider dogs with ketchup as my after-school snack." Jane shrugged her shoulders and sat back to look at Maura, who had a horrified look on her face. "What?"
"What in the world is a spider dog?"
"It's a hotdog that you slice the ends of into four strips and they curl up when you microwave them." Jane twisted her fingers in to illustrate what she was talking about.
"Oh," Maura said, again not understanding.
"'Pider doggie…" Valley giggled as she shoved more puffs in her mouth.
"See, the three-year old gets it." Jane couldn't help but laugh as well.
"Mookie, Mookie..." Valley dropped her bowl of puff's and jumped up. The sudden movement surprised Jane and Maura who watched as the toddler gathered a soft bat and ball from a basket by the television.
"What is she saying?" Maura asked, her face the picture of confusion.
"Oh my God…is she saying Mookie…as in Mookie Betts?" Jane turned her attention to the tv screen and the player standing at Homeplate.
Gerry just grinned and nodded as they continued to watch Valley with her bat and ball.
"I still don't understand." Maura frowned.
"Mookie Betts has the best on base percentage so far this season." Jane couldn't contain her excitement as she watched Valley bang her bat and ball together before tossing the ball up and trying to hit it. "I'm with ya kiddo, I'm a big fan too."
"Oh…" Maura let out a sigh. She couldn't help but think that this was going to be harder than she thought. Jane and Valley seemed to have settled into a comfortable place and Maura didn't feel like she quite fit in.
"Mommy," Valley ran up to Maura, concerned by the frown that was still present. "You throw, Alley hit." She placed the soft ball in Maura's hand and took a few steps back, assuming the stance of a major league hitter. She had a serious look of concentration on her face as she waited for the ball to be tossed.
"Throw it Maur." Jane made an underhanded gesture.
"She wants me to throw it at her?" Maura seemed appalled.
"Not at her, just to her so she can hit it." Jane tried to reason.
"Just watch out, she's got a heck of a swing." Gerry puffed up with pride as he watched.
"Um…okay…" Maura hesitated as she tried to figure out how she should throw the ball. "Over or underhanded?"
"Like this." Jane showed Maura again how to do.
"I waiting," Valley wiggled the bat back and forth.
"Here it comes." Maura gave a gentle underhanded toss in Valley's direction and to her surprise, it came flying back at her. She closed her eyes and held her hand's up to deflect the small, soft projectile but when nothing happened, she peeked an eye open to find Jane's arm extended in front of her and the ball tucked safely away in the palm of her hand.
"Good throw Mommy!" Valley jumped up and down, waving the small bat around. "I hit it just like Mookie did!" She turned her attention to the game.
"Well, I think someone needs to clean up their mess." Nance gave Valley a stern look causing the girl to dip her head in embarrassment.
"I sorry Antz." Valley started to scoop the scattered puffs back into her bowl. "Momma help?" She glanced up at Jane with those big, brown eyes.
Without hesitation, Jane dropped to the floor and helped Valley. When the small, kid size mess was cleaned up, Jane stayed on the floor and leaned back against the couch where Maura was sitting. She relaxed and turned her attention to the game as the Red Sox hit a homerun, putting them in the lead. It surprised her when Valley jumped in her lap and snuggled close, twisting tiny hands in her unruly curls that hung loosely around her shoulders.
"Mamma…" Valley whispered and tucked her head under Jane's chin, twisting some dark hair around her finger.
Wrapping her arms around the small bundle in her lap, Jane let out a heavy sigh. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world, next to holding Maura in her arms and she knew this was her future.
As Maura watched Jane and Valley, she could feel her emotions getting away from her again. The day had been a roller coaster of feelings so far, something she wasn't used to but even though she was exhausted it was a good feeling. She could just imagine the days to come where they would all settle on the couch and snuggle together to watch something on tv and it warmed her heart.
"Do you have any idea how much longer it might be?" Nance asked, drawing Maura's attention away from Jane and Valley. Nance didn't need to elaborate for Maura to understand what she was asking.
"Um…we're hoping to have everything finalized by the end of the month or next month at the latest." Maura looked down to catch the knowing glance from Jane.
"We're gonna miss her…" Gerry cleared his throat nervously. "But she needs to be with you." He paused as an idea came to him. "Hey, do you skype or facetime?"
"I'm not sure what that is." Maura looked to Jane for understanding, but got a shrug of the shoulders as an answer.
"Sype!" Valley jumped from Jane's lap, her eyes round with excitement. Grabbing Nance's cell phone from the table, she handed it over with the hopes that someone would comply. "Alley sype Bubba!"
"Bubba is our grandson. His name is Will, but everyone calls him Bubba." Nance explained. "We can't skype Bubba, he's in school right now."
"Well, whatever it is, I'll get Frost to set it up for us." Jane said as she laughed at Valley's antics.
"It's like a video conference. We can talk and see each other and I think it might help her to see you more often and talk to you." Nance smiled at Valley and ruffled her hair affectionately.
"That sounds like a good idea." Maura said.
"Great. I'll give you the information so you can give it to your friend and we can set some up something." Nance smiled as Valley climbed in her lap.
"She doesn't sit still much, does she." It was more a statement than a question and Maura wondered if it was normal.
"Well, she's a typical toddler." Nance said as she gently rubbed Valley's back. "She's a doer and she has lots of questions."
"I don't have much experience with kids." Maura frowned slightly.
"You'll learn as you go. We all do." Gerry threw in his two cents.
"We got this Maur." Jane leaned back and looked up at Maura and got a grin in return.
"I know…" Maura grinned as she watched Valley bounce from Nance's lap to Gerry's. And she did, because she had never fallen in love as quickly as she had fallen in love with the little girl who would soon take over every aspect of their lives and she couldn't wait to share the experience with Jane.
It had been a day filled with wonderful surprises, but it came to an end too quickly. Before they knew it, Jane and Maura were sitting in the front seat of the car looking up at the small farm house they had reluctantly left just minutes before.
"I think that's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do." Jane let out a heavy sigh and ran her hands over her face. Her eyes stung from the tears that threatened to fall and her head was starting to ache.
"Me too." Maura sniffled, unable to stem the flow of tears that now ran down her cheeks. "I don't want to leave her."
"It won't be for much longer, Maur…I promise." Jane reached over with a hand and cupped Maura's wet cheek. Using her thumb, she tried to rub the tears away but only succeeded in almost letting her own fall. "She's a tough kid though, just like her Mommy." A sad smile tugged at her lips as she thought of how brave Valley had been when they tucked her in to bed with her Woody doll and said goodbye. When those big brown eyes had looked at her and she was asked if they would be there in the morning, her heart ached and her eyes burned. And the sight of Valley biting her lower lip to stop it from trembling as big fat, crocodile tears rolled down her cheeks almost broke Jane. But there was a strength in the way that Valley had accepted their answer and the promises they offered that impressed her. It was the same strength she saw and admired in Maura. "We're gonna to that Skype thing Gerry told us about. I'll get Frost to set it up as soon as we get home. That way we can see her and talk to her as much as we want until she comes home with us."
Maura nodded and bit down on her bottom lip in that way she did when she was worried about something. When she saw Jane's eyebrow raised in question, she cleared her throat before speaking. "I just hate taking her away from Gerry and Nance. They've really grown fond of her."
"I'm sure they'll miss her but she belongs with us. Besides, they are retired and as much as I'm sure that they love her, they are probably ready to get back to the ease of being retired." Jane tried to reassure. "And they already raised their kids. It's our turn, Maur." She smiled before leaning over to place a soft kiss to Maura's cheek.
"You're right and I suppose we can keep in touch with them too."
"I'm sure they would like that." Jane pulled back and looked at Maura in the dim light coming from the dash. "She really is something…isn't she?"
"Yeah, she is." Maura finally smiled, a full genuine smile as their eyes met. She could see that even though Jane was emotionally exhausted, she looked happy. "We had a great day. I can't wait to do this every day."
"Soon…" Jane turned her attention to the key waiting in the ignition. She let out a heavy sigh as she turned the key to start the car. "But in the meantime, we have a lot to get ready for."
"Our wedding." Maura reached over to rest her hand on Jane's leg. "I think we should invite them since Gerry is such a big fan of the Red Sox."
Tilting her head to regard Maura, Jane furrowed her brow slightly. "Were you serious about us getting married at Fenway Park?"
"Absolutely." Maura seemed confused by Jane's question. "Why would you ask?"
"I mean, I know you said you would be willing to do that for me, but I guess I just thought it was a gesture…ya know…" Jane grinned. "So, we're really gonna do this?"
"We are…all of it." Maura grinned back.
"Have I told you today how much I love you?"
"I think, maybe once or twice…" Maura gave Jane's leg a gentle squeeze. "Now, let's get home so we can set up this faceskype thingy and maybe we can read our daughter a bedtime story in a few days."
"As you wish…" Jane put the car into drive and pointed it towards home. She couldn't help but smile at the thought that one day soon, they would be driving home with Valley in the back seat and when she glanced at Maura, she could see that Maura was thinking the same thing.