This one is a bit longer than the others, but for some reason there seemed to be so much to share…I hope I didn't over-do it. Thanks again to everyone for your support and for reading this…I have been asked how far I will carry this story out and without giving too much away, I plan on going until they graduate. As always, I hope you continue to enjoy.

Chapter 14-Bring Me to Life

"Hey Janie, isn't that Maura and her dad." Frankie asked as he tossed the football he was holding to Tommy. Jogging up alongside his sister, he couldn't hold back the appreciative whistle that escaped his lips. "Damn, is that a 911 Carrera?"

The sight of Maura emerging from the silver convertible was the only thing that had Jane's attention. With a slow nod of her head, she tried to acknowledge Frankie's question. Although the car was a sweet ride, Jane only had eyes for the small honey blonde that was now walking towards them wearing a Red Sox sweatshirt. Jane felt a surge of warmth at the sight of Maura wearing the sweatshirt that she had given her. As she watched Maura walk her way, Jane couldn't hide the grin that was beginning to take up a permanent residence on her face since meeting Maura.

Frankie noticed the grin as it spread across Jane's face. "Hey, isn't she wearing your Red Sox sweatshirt?" He asked, knowing very well that it was. Although he liked to tease Jane, he knew there was a line that he would not cross when it came to Maura.

"What?" Jane looked at her brother as if she were noticing him for the first time. "Oh, um…yeah…" She couldn't fight down the blush that was now warming her cheeks.

"Really…? You won't let anyone touch that sweat shirt Jane. What gives?" The question lingered in the air unanswered as Jane gave him a sideways glance. She frowned at him as if the question was an insult and he immediately regretted asking. 'Damn…I think I may have crossed that line..,' Frankie thought to himself as he tried to give her an innocent smile. It wasn't his intention to insinuate anything, even if he wasn't entirely sure what it was he was insinuating.

"Shut up Frankie." Jane reached out giving her brother a gentle shove. She knew he hadn't meant anything by what he had said, but he was still asking more than she wanted to reveal. As her eyes followed Maura and her father walking across the park towards them, she felt the flutter of anticipation in her chest like the tickle of a butterfly's wings. It was enough to take her breath away as she struggled to hide her enthusiasm.

"Is that Maura and her Dad?" Frank Sr. asked as he put his arms over each of his offspring's shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "And quit the fighting you too." He gave them both his best 'I'm the Dad' look.

"Yeah, well tell Frankie to stop being such a nosey Nellie..." Jane can't help but chuckle.

"Is Maura wearing your Red Sox sweat shirt?" Frank gave Jane a questioning look. He watched with curiosity as his usually confident daughter began to fidget nervously under his gaze. It wasn't like Jane to be so unsure. This new side of Jane had him wondering why the pink tinge that had spread across her face was turning darker all of sudden. He knew that he would have to talk to Angela about it because if anyone knew what was going on, it would be her.

Rolling her eyes at the question, Jane could feel her blush deepen as she nodded. She had also noticed that her father was regarding her with a probing stare as if he was trying to read her mind. It was a look that her feeling very uncomfortable. She wasn't sure what he had seen, but she could almost feel the questions that were forming in his mind.

When Maura and her father approached the Rizzoli's, Jane couldn't hide the grin as their eyes met. She could see the unspoken words in the depths of hazel that glinted with a playful swirl of green. This unspoken communication between them made her heart beat faster. That fluttering in her chest had suddenly turned into something that threatened to burst forth. Seeing Maura's smile was Jane's anchor though, bringing an immediate calm over the nervous young woman.

"Hi, I'm Frank Rizzoli…nice to meet you." Jane's dad reached out to shake Maura's father's hand. "This here is Frankie and I am sure you remember Janie here…"

"William Isles…" Maura's father took the strong hand in his own. He noticed it was as solid as Jane's hand shake had been the first time they had met. He looked over the three Rizzoli's standing in front of him, studying them with a measured eye. There was no denying they were related. Bill noticed that they all had the same thick, dark hair and brown eyes to match. The only thing the younger Rizzoli's did not share with their father was the deep set of dimples that showed when the siblings smiled, although Jane's were the most prominent. "It's nice to meet you too. Please call me Bill."

As the two men shook hands, they smiled at each other. Watching this interaction caused Maura to beam with happiness as she grinned at Jane. She couldn't believe her father had agreed to join them. Because her father spent so much time away from home, Maura didn't think she knew him that well. It was a nice change to see his playful side, something she was unfamiliar with.

"Looks like everyone is here… I guess we can go ahead and get started." Frank tilted his head in the direction of the others. "That over there is my brother Anthony, his four kids and their significant others. They've got a total of eight so I guess we'll pick one of them to even out the teams."

"Can I pick Pop?" Jane grinned, and then winked at Maura. She knew exactly who she was going to pick.

"Yeah Jeanie, just remember we want to win." He smiled at her as he put his arm around Bill's shoulder, leading him away.

"I say you should pick Carly." Frankie said, crossing his arms as if he were trying to make a very important decision. "She's the only one who can play worth a damn."

"Yeah, I was sorta thinking the same thing." Jane watched as her cousins' rough housed across the field. Carly was taller than her two sisters and definitely in better shape than her brother Tony. It wasn't a difficult decision to make.

"What are you talking about?" Maura leaned in close to Jane causing her to suddenly stiffen when she felt Maura press against her from behind.

Standing on her tiptoes, Maura put her chin on Jane's shoulder in an attempt to hear what she and Frankie were discussing that seemed so important. Although she was extremely curious about what they were talking about, it was also a perfect excuse to touch Jane.

Jane almost melted into the softness of the body pressing into her. When she felt Maura gently rest her chin on her shoulder, it took all of Jane's self-control to contain her need to kiss Maura. As Jane turned her head slightly to look at Maura, she caught the slightest smirk that let her know Maura was teasing her.

"Hey, Pop is waving us over." Frankie took off towards the group that was gathering in the middle of the impromptu field. It was all he could do to get away from the rolling tension he could feel between Maura and Jane. He knew there was something going on, but he wasn't quite sure he could put a name on it just yet. He wasn't really sure he wanted to. All he knew was that Maura made Jane happy and that was all that mattered to him.

Jane relaxed when Frankie left them alone. Maura could feel the instant release of tension in the lithe body she was still pressed against. Leaning close to Jane's ear, she allowed her lips to hover dangerously close to the warm skin before she spoke. "Hmmm, I've missed you my sweet Jane…"

Maura's voice was low and husky in Jane's ear. She could feel the warmth of Maura's words against her skin causing her to shiver. At this point, she didn't trust herself to look at Maura, let alone answer her.

Jane released a breath of relief when Tommy ran up to Maura throwing his arms around her waist in a bear hug. The force of the hug almost knocked all of them over since Jane hadn't had time to move away from Maura. She gave an annoyed huff as she watched Tommy continue to hug Maura longer than she felt was necessary.

"Hey Maura!" Tommy gave her a gentle squeeze then let go when he saw the look on Jane's face. Maura smiled at him before putting her arm around his shoulder. She too had seen the look of anger cross Jane's face. She smiled back at Jane, trying to let her know it was alright. "I'm so glad you could come. And we get to be on the same team this time." Tommy beamed at Maura. "Pop says you need to hurry up and pick someone so we can get started." He took Maura's hand and led her away from Jane.

Maura could swear she heard Jane growl as Tommy tried to pull her along. Looking over her shoulder, she could see the scowl on Jane's face so she reached out to take Jane's hand to bring her up beside them. When she felt Jane next to her, she looked up and was rewarded with a sheepish grin.

"So, who do you pick?" Frank looked over at Jane, a serious expression on his face.

"I think we'll take Carly." Jane said with a smirk that matched the one on Frankie's face.

"Good choice Janie." Frank slapped her on the back good naturedly. He had hoped all along that Carly was going to be the choice. She wasn't particularly a good athlete, but she could run like the wind.

Carly smiled at Jane and nodded as she jogged over to their side of the field. She had seen the interaction between Maura and Jane before they came over. She couldn't suppress the mischievous grin she was giving Maura as Maura regarded her with curiosity.

Maura knew that Jane had talked to Carly about their impending relationship, but what she didn't know was what they had actually discussed. Feeling at a slight disadvantage by the fact that she didn't know exactly what Jane had told her cousin, Maura tried to hide behind a flustered smile.

"This is my Uncle Anthony…" Jane said as she introduced Maura to a carbon copy of Frank Sr. The only difference between them was that Anthony was shorter and more muscular. "And that is Tony and his wife Shelly, Bella and her boyfriend Chris, and finally Mia and her husband Al…everyone, this is Maura and her dad Dr. Isles." Jane finished off the introductions.

"Please call me Bill." Maura's father said with a smile.

As Maura's eyes swept over Jane's cousins, she realized that they looked like they could easily be mistaken as brothers and sisters. They all had the same thick, dark hair, although some had wavy and some had straight. It wasn't just their hair that was similar, but their eyes, mostly dark brown except for Carly and Tony who had blue eyes the color of the sky. And then there was Tommy whose gentle hazel eyes and light brown hair set him apart from his brother and sister. But no one could deny that they were all related.

"Okay, Tommy will quarterback first, then Frankie, then Janie, and then Maura." Frank said to the small group gathered around him. "Is that okay with everyone?"

"Sounds like a plan." Frankie said.

"Maura is going to be the quarterback?" Bill sounded hesitant not at all sure that his daughter even knew how to throw a football.

"Oh, um, she played my position in the powder puff game." Jane smiled broadly. "And she was great."

Bill looked at Maura, who is looking at Jane with a huge grin on her face. The look he saw reflected back on Jane's face said it all. 'I've been away far too long…' he thought to himself. Constance had spoken to him about her suspicions and as he continued to watch the interaction between the two young women, he decided she might be right.

"You okay with being a receiver Carly?" Frank put his arm around her shoulder.

"You know me Uncle Frank, not much for throwing, but I love to run." Carly grinned at the group, her light blue eyes shining with mischief.

"Alright then, let's get this game started…" Frank clapped his hands together with excitement. "Whose go the coin?"

"Here Pop…" Frankie said as he handed his father the silver dollar to flip.

"Heads or tails…?" Frank asked as he tossed the coin up before catching it on the back of his left hand and covering it with his right.

"How about we let your guest decide…" Anthony said, nodding at Bill.

"Um…" Bill thought for a moment. "Heads…"

Frank lifted his hand up and smiled. "Head's it is…I think we'll kick off...that is if everyone agrees…"

They all nodded in affirmation before Anthony headed over to where his kids were waiting to start the game.

"I guess I should tell you how important it is for us to win…" Jane said as she sat down on the grass, pulling Maura down with her as they waited for things to get underway. "The thing is my Uncle Anthony is a Yankee's fan and as you know we are Red Sox fans…so…the loser has to wear the winner's team jersey to a game."

"Oh my, those are some heavy stakes…" Maura grinned at Jane. "Who won last year?"

"They did…Pop made Frankie, Tommy and I wear the Yankee's jerseys." Jane shuddered at the thought. "So you see, we really gotta win this one."

"I will do my very best…" Maura gave Jane's shoulder a gentle bump. "I would hate to be responsible for making you wear a Yankee's jersey."

"Yeah…well, now's your chance." Jane jumped up. She reached down to pull Maura up off of the ground.

"But I just sat down…" Maura complained as she let Jane help her up.

"Come on beautiful…we've got a game to win." Jane said low so only Maura could hear her voice. Seeing the blush color Maura's cheeks brought a smile to her face.

The first half of the game had both Frankie and Carly scoring touchdowns for their team and Bella and Tony for their team. The score was now tied at fourteen as they stopped for halftime refreshments. Everyone spread out to find a soft spot in the grass to sit back and relax on as Carly and Jane starting handing out the drinks and sandwiches. Maura took a spot next to her father under the shade of a tree. Listening to her father and Frank talk, she waited patiently for Jane to finish so she could join them.

"I always heard that the quarterback got the prettiest girl, but I didn't believe it until now." Carly said as she reached into a cooler to get a can of soda for herself. "So things are moving in the right direction for you?"

"Um…yeah…yeah they are." Jane said as she ducked her head shyly.

"I can see why you like her..." Carly tilted her head in Maura's direction. It was hard not to see the similarities between Ryan and Maura. Maybe it was the light colored hair, or the way Maura's hazel eyes held just enough green to tease those who were lucky enough to capture her attention. Whatever it was, Carly couldn't help but smile at the thought, but it made her miss her other half desperately.

Jane could feel her cheeks getting red with embarrassment. She wasn't used to talking about her feelings and even though she and Carly had spoken before, it made her feel slightly uncomfortable to be talking about her relationship with Maura. She had seen Carly's fleeting smile turn into something that reminded her of sadness as they both watched Maura from a distance.

"How's Ryan doing?" Jane asked in an attempt to change the subject to something she was more comfortable talking about.

"She's good…we were thinking that maybe after the first of the year, you could come over for dinner." Carly said as she continued to dig deeper in the cooler looking for the right can of soda. Her eyes were downcast as she struggled to find what she was looking for as well as hide the sudden melancholy she was feeling at the thought of missing Ryan.

"That would be nice. We'd like that." Jane smiled as she pulled out the can of soda Carly was searching for and handing it to her. She had noticed that Carly wouldn't look at her when she mentioned Ryan. It was also hard not to notice that Carly's smile had been replaced with a serious expression. "Carly…does it bother you that you can't bring Ryan to join in on the family get-togethers?"

"I suppose so…" Carly popped the tab on the can before taking a drink. Lowering the can, she saw the importance of the question written all over Jane's face. "It's hard to explain Jane…I know you and Maura are just getting to know each other. It's all very exciting and new, the things you're experiencing. Even though I can see it, it isn't obvious to everyone else yet. You guys haven't reached that point where you know each other so well that you can say everything in your heart with just one look. That's the look I can't hide when I'm with Ryan. I don't want to hide it. I didn't do a very good job the first time you met her, did I?" She paused as she waited for Jane's response. When Jane gave her a slight nod, she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "I just don't have it in me to treat her like she is just some friend. I love her too much. So I guess to answer your question, yes it's hard not having her here with me today."

"I get it Carly…really I do. Sometimes when I look at Maura I feel like my heart is on display. I am so afraid that everyone will see it too." Jane hesitated as she tried to sort out what she was trying to say. "I saw my Pop look at me differently today…it made me uncomfortable. It was like he could see what I was feeling when I was looking at Maura."

"All I can say is that you need to be careful what you let people see. Maura is like Ryan…fearless. I can see it when she looks at you. Her eyes shine with the words she wants to say to you but can't. Ryan is the same way and that is why I haven't brought her around."

"So what you're saying is that I should limit how much I bring Maura around my folks…" Jane sighed, already knowing the answer.

"What I am saying Jane, is just be careful…" Carly gave Jane a gently pat on the back.

"Easy for you to say…all I can think about is…" Jane didn't finish as her face turned bright red at the unspoken words.

Carly laughed heartily as she wrapped an arm around Jane's shoulder, squeezing her close. "That's because you're a hormonal teenager…or should I say horn…"

"Okay, Okay…I get it…" Jane interrupted Carly as she shoved her away. "It's just that it scares me sometimes…"

"What scares you Jane?" Carly stopped her teasing.

"When I think of how much I need her… it scares me." Jane looked at Carly's sky blue eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding before she had to look away.

"You're in love." Carly put her hand on Jane's cheek forcing her to look her in the eyes again. "It's supposed to be scary, that's what makes it so wonderful." She looked over her shoulder at Maura. "I can see she feels the same way. She hasn't taken her eyes off of you since she got here."

Looking over her shoulder, she could see Maura was watching them. Jane recognized the worried look on Maura's face so she gave her a reassuring smile.

"You better go…I think your girlfriend misses you…" Carly gave Jane a playful shove in the direction of where Maura was sitting. "Remember dinner though…I'm sure you've got some questions…"

"You have no idea." Jane tried not to smirk as she turned to leave but was stopped by her cousin Tony who was grinning at her.

Maura sat patiently waiting for Jane to come back to eat with her. She had been listening to her father and Frank trade stories about things she had no interest in. The only thing she was interested in was currently engaged in a conversation with Carly. Maura knew they were probably talking about her. She had noticed Jane's posture tense before relaxing as they playfully shoved each other. She wished she knew what they were actually talking about.

As she quietly contemplated what Jane and Carly were talking about, Maura saw a flash of red out of the corner of her eye. Her heart sank when she recognized the sports car that belonged to Garrett Fairfield. She watched him get out of his car, looking around until he found her. Maura saw the satisfied smirk on his face causing a sudden wave of nausea to wash over her. She knew she had to stop him from making a scene in front of the Rizzoli's, so she decided to catch him in the parking lot before he could get any further. Jumping up, she slipped unnoticed past both men who were deeply in conversation.

"Yo cuz…" Tony grabbed Jane around the neck and rubbed his knuckle across her head.

"Hey…" Jane struggled in his strong grip. He was the closest thing to a big brother she had, so he treated her with the same respect he would a younger sibling.

"I heard you decided to play football without a helmet…kinda dumb…" He laughed as she struggled more under his tightening grip.

"You're dumb…" Jane tried to elbow him in the side so he would loosen his hold.

"Good come back… real mature…" He let go before giving Carly a gentle shove. "And you…traitor…"

"What?" Carly asked innocently around a mouthful of sandwich.

"You're helping them win…" Tony grinned at them both before shading his eyes from the early afternoon sun to look over Jane's shoulder. "Hey…who's the prep?"

"What?" Jane turned around to see Maura standing in the parking lot talking to a tall, blonde guy who was animatedly waving his hands in the air as he talked to her. "What the hell?" Jane growled as she took off at a slow jog towards Maura and this mystery man.

Carly reached over and gave Tony a light punch to his arm. "Nice catch bro…keep your eyes on them just in case we have to diffuse a situation." She gave him a knowing look.

Tony had a confused look on his face as he watched Jane pick up speed until she skidded to a stop beside Maura. He noticed the defensive posture and proximity. As if a light bulb went off in his mind, he looked at Carly with wide eyes for confirmation. She just shrugged her shoulders noncommittally. "Oh…" he said in quiet understanding.

Maura's father was sitting next to Frank on the grass enjoying his sandwich and the conversation when he caught a glimpse of Jane as she jogged across the field towards the parking lot. His eyes followed Jane until they fall upon Maura and Garrett Fairfield. 'Wasn't she just sitting right here…?' He thought to himself as he put his sandwich down.

"Excuse me Frank…I'll be right back." Bill said as he stood up and stalked towards the direction Jane had just gone.

"Come on Maura…your mom told me not to come back unless I had you with me." Garrett tried to give her his best pout.

Maura looked over her shoulder and saw both Jane and her father making their way across the park. Looking back at Garrett, she decided she would hold her ground.

"I'm sorry Garrett, but I'll come home with my father." She crossed her arms defiantly.

"What? You really want to stay and play that barbaric game with those people?" He waved his hand in the direction of the Rizzoli family.

Maura felt Jane come up behind her, slightly closer than was necessary. Jane was in defensive mode and she wanted Garrett to know. He raised his eyebrows at Jane's boldness, and then he smirked.

"Come on…" he reached out to take Maura's arm.

"It would be in your best interest if you removed your hand before I remove it for you…" Jane hissed, her dark eyes burning with anger.

Garrett released Maura's arm before stepping back to get a better look at Jane. He had a smug look on his face as he looked her up and down. "Come on Maura…" He reached out again to take her arm but was stopped by a firm grin.

"Mr. Fairfield." Maura's father took Garrett's hand, removing it from Maura's arm. "Is there something I can help you with?" His steel blue eyes dared him to touch Maura again. Bill hadn't seen Garrett for a few years and the once shy, awkward teenager had been replaced by an arrogant, self-righteous young man. It wasn't something he was happy to see. He and Constance had once hoped that Garrett and Maura would eventually marry, but if the behavior he was now witnessing was any indication of the man Garrett was to become, he would definitely have to reevaluate his opinion on the subject. He did however notice how quickly Jane had taken her place next to Maura. It was the protective streak he knew existed within Jane's character that he was seeing now. It was in that instant that her realized he would much rather see Jane by his daughter's side in any given moment.

"Well, um, Dr. Isles asked me to come get Maura. She said she needed her help." Garrett stammered, not exactly sure why he was being harassed by the older man.

"Well, if you would please tell my lovely wife that Maura and I will be home when we are finished here, I would appreciate it." Bill nodded at Garrett then turned to Maura and Jane. "Shall we ladies?" He said ushering the two young women away from a rather stunned Garrett.

Garrett stood speechless as he watched the three of them walk away. He shook his head as he jumped into his convertible and took off without looking back. He didn't care either way, but he definitely did not like the dark haired girl that had interfered.

Maura's father put an arm around both Maura and Jane as they walked back to the game. "I'm not leaving until I see Maura play quarterback." He smiled down at both of them.

"Here, put ice on it." Frank rushed over to where Bill sat on the grass, nursing his broken nose. Maura was already wiping the blood off his face as Jane scrambled around for some more paper towels.

"Didn't see that one coming..." Bill tried to laugh, but grimaced at the pain.

"I'm so sorry Dr. Isles…" Frankie said. "I didn't see you."

This time Bill smiled, even though it hurt. "It's okay Frankie. I didn't see you either." He said as he held the ice up to his nose. "Guess that's why they call it a contact sport."

"You okay Bill?" Frank sat on the grass next to him.

"I used to play rugby." He tiled his head back to keep the blood from running down his chin. "I've had worse."

"Mother is going to be furious, isn't she?" Maura nervously ran her hands through her hair.

"She'll get over it." Bill looked up at Maura as he reached out to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Now my dear, if you would please work your magic…I would appreciate it."

Reaching out with both hands, Maura place a palm on either side of her father's nose. With a slight movement from her wrists and gentle pressure with her thumbs, she set his nose back into place.

"You need to keep the ice on it for a while to help keep the swelling down and minimize the bruising." Maura gave her father's cheek a gentle pat.

"Damn…" Frankie whistled. "Is there anything you can't do?" He gave Maura an appreciative smile.

"I've had a few of these in the past…it's nice to have Maura around when you're out in the middle of nowhere in some remote African village playing soccer." Bill tried to say around the paper towels and ice he had against his face.

"Very nice indeed…" Jane's voice was laced with awe.

With a shy smile, Maura sat back on her heels to observe her handy work. Her father was right; she had set several broken noses in the past while visiting him. Soccer was the sport of choice in the villages he had worked in, and they didn't hold back when they played.

"Why don't you come over…let my wife, Angela take a look at that. She can clean you up a bit… and we've got beer." Frank said standing up as he reached down with his hand to help Bill to his feet.

"You know, I think that would be a great idea." Bill had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "I think I may need that beer before I can face my wife."

Frank good naturedly slapped Bill on the back as they headed toward the parking lot, leaving Maura and Jane alone. He gave one last glance over his shoulder at his daughter who was looking at Maura with what he could only describe as a smitten expression on her face. Pushing that thought down, he reasoned that Jane must have been as impressed as much as he was with Maura's first aide talent.

Jane tried not to smile at Maura who had the most worrisome look on her face. Maura was biting down on that bottom lip again and Jane couldn't take her eyes off of her. The sight sent a flurry of sensations through Jane's body.

"What's wrong?" Jane watched Maura as she started to pull her bottom lip again with her thumb and index finger. All she wanted to do was gaze at Maura's lips, but she forced her attention back up to Maura's worried eyes.

"I don't know. I've just never seen my father like this." Maura continued to pull on her lip, not noticing what she was doing or the effect it was having on Jane.

"Like what?" Jane questioned, her eyes darting back and forth between Maura's lips and eyes.

"I've never seen him so outwardly defiant of my mother. It's like he's purposely trying to make her angry." Maura looked up at Jane with imploring eyes, forcing Jane to focus on what she was saying.

"I don't know Maur…seems pretty normal to me." Jane shrugged her shoulders. So far she liked the man although she couldn't understand how he could spend so much time away from the daughter that he so obviously adored.

"He knows my mother wants us home, but he is purposely not going home just to make her mad." Maura continued to worry, not at all comfortable with conflict, especially between her parents.

"Maura, it's okay, parents do that sometimes. Your dad is just having some fun is all…" Jane had been doing her best to not pay attention to Maura's nervous habit of tugging on her bottom lip, but it was becoming too much for her. Jane returned her gaze to Maura's fingers as they moved over the lips that she was now watching with unveiled desire.

Maura looked at Jane, noticing that Jane's eyes were now trained on her mouth. Taking in the now flushed cheeks, Maura realized what she had been doing and how Jane was responding.

"Jesus Maur…you know what that does to me."

Jane's eyes were darkening with something Maura was just starting to get used to seeing. For a brief moment, Maura thought Jane was going to kiss her. She felt a mixture of fear and excitement as she observed the hungry look in Jane's eyes. Pulling her hand away from her face, Maura tried to hide the small smile that was playing across her lips.

Jane couldn't pull her gaze away from the soft lips she so desperately wanted to touch with her own. They both stood there staring at each other, unaware of anything else going on around them, until Jane felt the hard smack of a football hitting the back of her head.

"What the hell?" She quickly snapped out of her 'Maura' induced trance and turned around to find Frankie and Carly laughing. "You're so gonna get it…" She shouted as she took off after them.

Maura watched with a broad smile on her face as Jane chased her assailants down, first tripping Frankie and then tackling Carly. She could hear their laughter as they rolled around in the grass, trying to pin each other to the ground. Watching them have so much fun together made her wonder how she had gone so long without having this in her life. It wasn't until she heard Jane's breathless pleas for help that she realized she didn't' want to be alone anymore. Squaring her shoulders as she prepared herself to rescue Jane once again, she took off at a full run.

Jane watched wide eyed as Maura ran full speed towards the pile of bodies wrestling on the ground around her. She wasn't the only one to notice as Frankie and Carly quickly moved away from the small blonde projectile. It wasn't until Jane had the smaller body wrapped in her arms as she lay back on the grass that she realized what had happened. Maura hovered over her with a smile on her face as she felt the gravity of the moment. The moment quickly passed though when Frankie, Carly and now Tommy piled on top of them, pushing and shoving in a playful manner that had them all laughing.

"Maura, I'll ride with Frank. You can come along with the rest of the gang." Bill waved to his daughter as he got into the passenger side of his Porsche. He couldn't resist a smile as he watched Maura roll around in the grass playing with the younger Rizzoli's. The sight made his heart soar as he realized this was probably the first time he had ever seen her acting like a kid.

"So on a scale of 1 to 10, how mad was your mom?" Jane tried not to laugh into the phone.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say it was about 100." Maura sighed into the receiver. She could hear Jane unsuccessfully trying to hide her laughter. "It's not funny Jane. She barely spoke to either of us during dinner. The only reason she did speak to us was because we had the Fairfield's over. It was all very civilized."

"Sorry Maur…it's just that I don't understand why it was such a big deal. You made it back in time for dinner and your dad had a great time."

"He did, didn't he?" Maura smiled at the memory of their day together.

"So did that creep Garrett try to put his hands on you again?" Jane tried not to sound angry.

"How long have you been waiting to ask that question?" Maura could hear that Jane's words were laced with the merest hint of jealously. She leaned back against her pillow, propping her head up against the headboard.

"I don't know, a while maybe." Jane tried not to sound petulant. She was irritated by the idea of Maura spending the evening without her in the presence of that creep.

"You have nothing to worry about." Maura tried to reassure Jane.

"I didn't like the way he tried to man handle you this afternoon." Jane twirled her fingers around her shoelace before tossing the shoe across her room in frustration.

"Well, you came to my rescue didn't you?" Maura's voice was gentle and soothing.

"I will always come to your rescue Maura." Jane sighed as she lay back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Maura was quiet for moment as she tried to think of what to say. It made her feel good to know that Jane would be there for her. She had never really relied on anyone before and it had made for a lonely life. "I like the sound of that…" Maura all but whispered before she was quiet again. She could hear Jane breathing on the other end of the phone. Closing her eyes, she pictured the intense brown eyes and the small smile she knew was on Jane's face. "It goes both ways though, you know. You have to trust that I will come to your rescue as well."

"Yeah, I already know. If it weren't for you lightening quick reflexes, I would probably have the imprint of a beer bottle on the back of my head." Jane chuckled at the thought even though it was still a sore subject for her.

"Um, so how's Carly doing?" Maura decided to change the subject before Jane started apologizing again for what had happened at the pub. Anyway, she had been wondering all day what they had talked about.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you that she wants us to come over for dinner after the first of the year...if you wanna do that…" Jane said.

"Yeah…that would be nice, I'd like it very much." Maura thought of Carly and Ryan. She couldn't help but smile at the idea of getting to know them better.

"It's still a little strange to think that Carly has a girlfriend...ya know." Jane mused out load.

"Jane?" Maura's voice was soft as if she were afraid she might scare Jane away if she were any louder.

"Yeah Maura…? Jane could hear the hesitancy in Maura's voice.

"Am I your girlfriend?" Maura ventured to ask. Jane was silent for a moment making Maura think that maybe she wasn't going to answer.

"Yeah, you are." Jane sounded happy. Maura could almost see her smile through the phone.

"You know, I really wish you were here right now." Maura sighed as the thought of wrapping her arms around Jane made her feel warm all over.

"Really…?" Jane whispered. "Why?"

Before Maura could answer, Frankie picked up the phone on Jane's end interrupting them.

"Jane, you're not the only one who needs to use the phone…come on, hang up. It's my turn."

"Damn Frankie, get off." Jane shouted.

"No you get off first."

"I'm gonna kill you Frankie! Maura, I gotta go, I'll talk to you later." Jane growled as she slammed the phone down.

"Bye Maura." Frankie sang into the phone before Jane found him.

"You are so dead Frankie!" Maura could hear Jane's angry voice over the receiver just before it went dead.

Constance sat across from her husband as he quietly reading the newspaper. She studied him with a steady gaze as her eyes roamed over his bruised face. Still feeling slightly out of sorts, she cleared her throat to get his attention.

"Yes dear…?" He answered her without looking up, knowing that she had been watching him carefully. He could feel her sour mood as it radiated off of her from across the room.

"I think we need to talk…" Constance crossed her arms in a show of defiance. She was slowly getting over her anger from earlier in the day, but it had not completely left her yet.

"No need to assume I will disagree with you Constance. I know what you are thinking…and I do agree." He leveled a measured gaze her way. "I don't think it is an issue…at least not for me." He waited for her to contemplate his words.

"You know I don't have a problem with Maura's…choices…I am not opposed to her having a relationship with someone of the same gender…" Constance paused as she tried to think of what to say.

"It's just Jane you have a problem with…" Bill set his paper down to give his wife his full attention. He was ready to defend the dark haired girl that he had grown fond of.

Constance shook her head, causing Bill to raise an eyebrow in question. They sat quietly looking at each other as Constance tried to gather her thoughts. She wasn't sure what it was that had her so miffed. Of course the fact that he and Maura hadn't returned home until about the same time as the Fairfield's had arrived for dinner wasn't helpful, but there was something else that was eating away at her. The thought that Maura had feelings for Jane didn't surprise her at all. What surprised her was that Jane had feelings for Maura. Constance could see the hesitancy in every move that Jane made around Maura. What concerned her was the fact that it was obvious that Jane was not comfortable with her newly discovered feelings and that was a recipe for disaster in her opinion.

"It's not that I don't like Jane…" She began as she uncrossed her arms in an attempt to relax her usually stoic frame. "I just I don't like her influence on Maura…I am afraid Maura will get hurt in the long run."

"Really…what makes you think that?" Bill reached out for her, indicating she should sit next to him.

"Well, honestly…look at the influence she has had on you my dear." Constance rose from her seat and walked towards him. She pointed to his face as she stood in front of him. "Case in point…" She said as she reached out to stroke the tender skin around his bruised nose.

"Honestly Constance, it was my own fault. You can't blame Jane for this." He said as he took her hand in his. Pulling her down into his lap, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "It does my heart good to see Maura happy, sharing herself with someone. The fact that it is with Jane is a non-consequence for me as is it should be for you." He tried to smile up at her serious expression. "I am sorry for my unusually immature behavior, but I so rarely get to spend time with Maura. I guess it just went to my head. Am I forgiven?"

For a moment, all Constance could do was study the man she had been married to for twenty-two years. The boyish good looks that had first attracted her to him were still very prominent in the light blue eyes that sparkled at her with the same love and affection she saw on their wedding day. Knowing she couldn't stay mad at him much longer, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Yes you are forgiven…but I still reserve the right to hold judgment on Jane…just call it a gut feeling." She sighed against the strength of Bills arms as they held her tightly against him.

"I hope with all of my heart that you are wrong…" He said.

"Me too…" Constance let out a heavy breath as she closed her eyes, willing herself to enjoy the moment they were sharing instead of worrying about something she knew she could not control.

Maura reveled in the sensation of feeling Jane's arms wrapped around her as she snuggled closer to the dark haired beauty. She let out a contented sigh as she let the warmth of Jane's body seep into her own. 'What a wonderful dream.' She thought to herself as she let her fingertips graze the back of Jane's arm. She hadn't expected to hear Jane's chuckle or feel Jane's breath against the back of her neck. She opened her eyes to her dimly lit bedroom to find the moonlight draped across her bed. To her surprise she found Jane snuggled up close to her, bathed in that pale light that slipped in through her window.

"Jane?" Maura sighed into the dimly lit space between them.

"Yeah…?" Jane whispered against Maura's ear.

"I'm not dreaming? You're really here?" Maura let her fingers graze Jane's arm again. The gentle exploration elicited another chuckle from Jane, this time a little louder.

"Yep…" Her lips gently touched the back of Maura's neck in a soft kiss.

"How…?" Maura closed her eyes again, sighing at the warm contact. She felt a tingling sensation run down her spine starting where Jane's lips had touched.

"I snuck in your bedroom window." Jane said, letting her lips brush against Maura's earlobe.

"You did what?" Maura said sitting straight up, pulling out of Jane's arms. She looked down at Jane's dark figure. Even though the light was faint, she could see that Jane was smiling. "You could have been hurt…and what about the alarm?"

"Oh…I didn't think about that. Guess your parents are still up." Jane had a sheepish grin on her face.

"But why…?" Maura let Jane pull her back down on the bed so they were now lying facing each other.

"You said you wished I was here with you and we didn't get to finish talking on the phone, so…I decided to come over." Jane pushed a strand of hair away from Maura's eyes. It was a slow and deliberate movement that brought her hand to rest against Maura's cheek. "You never did tell me why you wished I was here."

"So I could do this." Maura leaned in, gently pressing her lips against Jane's. The kiss was unhurried and sweet as Maura took her time. "I thought I was dreaming when I felt your arms around me." She whispered against Jane's mouth before she pulled away.

"It doesn't have to be a dream anymore." Jane sighed as she wrapped her arms around Maura, tightening her hold as she kissed Maura's forehead.

"Hmmm…" Maura nestled into Jane's hold. "I really like this. It just feels so right…having you hold me like this. I feel safe, comfortable, and…" She hesitated, pulling back so she could look Jane in the eyes.

"What Maura?" Jane watched as Maura struggled to speak.

"I feel…loved Jane." Maura let her fingers graze the side of Jane's face before coming to rest in silky, dark hair. She pulled Jane into another kiss, but this time it was more urgent as Maura let her tongue trace Jane's bottom lip begging for entrance. Jane tentatively parted her lips, allowing Maura permission to deepen the kiss. After a few breathless moments, Jane reluctantly pulled away.

"I do ya know." Jane sighed as Maura leaned into her ever so slightly. She didn't want to break contact from the feather light touch of Maura's lips. "I do love you."

Maura felt the warmth of Jane's words against her own mouth causing her to shiver. She never knew how wonderful a feeling it could be to hear those words.

"I love you too Jane." She ran her hand down Jane's arm until she found strong hands. Lacing their fingers together, Maura brought Jane's hand up to her mouth and gently kissed it. She could feel Jane trembling under her touch as she let her lips softly graze the back of Jane's hand. "It's okay Jane. We don't have to do anything you aren't ready for." She tried to reassure Jane with a smile.

Jane was quiet for what seemed like an eternity to Maura before she spoke in a shaky voice. "The thing is I want to Maura…I'm just…." She hesitated before continuing. "I'm just really scared."

"It's just sex…" Maura started to say, but Jane interrupted her immediately.

"No, it's not just sex Maura." Jane pushed up on her elbows suddenly pulling away from Maura. "It's not just sex to me…"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that Jane." Maura sat up. Jane turned so her back was now to Maura as she looked out the window. Maura felt a sudden chill caused by the space that now existed between them.

"With Casey…that was just sex. I liked him enough, but I never felt anything near what I am feeling right now, being here with you." Maura could hear that Jane was struggling with her words. "I have never felt like this about anyone, especially a girl. I don't know what to do. I didn't know what to do with Casey and that turned into a disaster."

Maura reached over and touched Jane's cheek, prompting her to turn her head. "Jane, it isn't brain surgery. You just have to feel your way." The hand that was resting on Jane's cheek traced a path to her neck, where Maura allowed her fingers to slip through Jane's hair. "You just have to follow your instincts. Whatever feels good to you, will most definitely feel good to me."

Jane put her hand on the back of Maura's to stop her gentle caress. She turned around again to face Maura, giving her full attention to the question she was about to ask. "Maura…have you been with a girl before?" Jane almost didn't want to know the answer.

Maura hesitated before reluctantly pulling her hand away. She took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. Before she could answer Jane let out a groan.

"Really…? If I thought I was scared before, I'm terrified now."

"Jane, I experimented at boarding school. I already told you about Andrew."

"Well, I'm guessing Andrew didn't wear a skirt." Jane tried not to sound sarcastic.

"I have only been with two people Jane. Andrew and a girl named Hannah. In both instances no feelings were involved." Maura could feel Jane slipping further away from her, both physically and emotionally.

"How do you know?" Jane asked slightly exasperated as fear churned in her stomach.

"It was what it was." Maura sighed. For her, it was nothing more than a physical connection.

"What was it Maura?"

"With Andrew, it was convenient. With Hannah, it was…different."

"What does that mean?"

"I much prefer different to convenient."

"What am I supposed to do with that?" Jane groaned again, but this time in frustration.

"Jane, before I met you I never knew what it felt like to love someone. Of course I love my family and friends, but it's not the same. When we aren't together, all I can do is think about you. When we are together, it's all I can do to not touch you, kiss you, and feel your skin against mine." Maura paused to gently tug on her bottom lip with her thumb and index finger. "I dream about you when I'm asleep, I even dream about you when I'm awake. You bring me to life Jane."

Jane felt a smile slowly grow across her lips as she listened to Maura. "I know what you mean." She sighed as she lay back down. Maura nervously hovered over Jane, trying to read her expression in the dimly lit room.

"I'm sorry. I should have told you." Maura tried not to sound defeated.

"Come here." Jane reached up and pulled Maura down into her arms, hugging her close. Maura rested her head on Jane's chest and wrapped her arms around her waist. "I just really feel unsure of myself Maura. What if I'm no good at it?"

Maura relaxed in Jane's arms. "You're good at everything you do." Her voice held a certain awe that Jane had never heard before.

"You have to say that because you love me." Jane kissed the top of Maura's head.

"You know I can't lie."

"Okay, so maybe you're right. But even so, I want everything to be perfect. This is important to me Maur. I want it to be special." Jane said as she ran her hands up and down Maura's back. The feeling of Maura's soft cotton t-shirt under her palms was somehow soothing.

"I promise you Jane, it will always be special with you." Maura looked up to find Jane staring at the ceiling.

"And I promise you, it won't be much longer." Jane said as she her eyes found Maura's. Silence filled the air as Jane relaxed under the weight of Maura's body on top of her. Having Maura in her arms felt as natural to her as breathing. The fact that they fit together so well had Jane wondering how she could have ever resisted.

Maura didn't say anything as she listened to Jane's steady heartbeat. She didn't want to move or let go of Jane. Just having her arms around her was enough for now.

"Is it okay if I just hold you?" Jane's voice sounded shy.

"It would be more than okay Jane." Maura tightened her arms around Jane's waist. She moved up to nuzzle Jane's neck, resting her check against the warm skin.

"Night Marua..." Jane let her arm rest across Maura's shoulder before slipping her fingers through the soft splay of honey blonde hair that flowed down Maura's back.

Maura smiled to herself and let out a contented sigh. "Night my sweet Jane…" She whispered against Jane's neck. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of Jane's fingers gently stroking her hair as they lay intertwined, wrapped around each other in a tender embrace.