Okay…this one was difficult. I wanted this chapter to have an element of realism, but also leave it hopeful. I was a little worried where this one was trying to take me, but I think I pulled it back into the direction I wanted…at least I hope I did. I appreciate each and every person who has taken the time to read this story; your reviews have encouraged me beyond words… I look forward to hearing more of your insight as we continue on this journey… Enjoy!

Chapter 18- Unconditional Love

"You what…?" Angela looked at her husband, eyes wide with surprise at what he had just said.

"I said that I invited Casey to the New Year's Eve party tonight…" He furrowed his dark brows in question as he watched Angela. "What? I thought it would cheer Jane up…"

"You should have asked her Frank. They're not really dating anymore…" Angela sighed as she thought about her daughters temper especially if there was any implication that someone was trying to meddle in her life.

"She'll be fine with it…" He paused for a second before continuing. "What do you mean they aren't really dating anymore?"

"Come on Frank…did he know about the party? Did Jane even know he was in town?" She threw her hands up in the air in irritation. "They aren't together anymore…just let it go."

"Well I disagree; I think Jane will be happy to see him." He tried to stand his ground even though his voice betrayed his uncertainty. He leveled his gaze at Angela giving her a look that put an end to the conversation.

Standing with her hands on her hips, Angela studied her husband as he picked up the TV controller and began changing the channels. Turning his back to her, he had essentially told her they were through talking. "Yeah, whatever…" She said with a flourish as she spun on her heel to go back to the kitchen, the only room she seemed to find comfort in. Her cheeks burned with anger as she thought about what Frank had done. Even she wasn't brave enough to try to force Jane into something she didn't want and Angela knew in heart it wasn't Casey Jones that Jane wanted.

Jane stood in her room looking at herself in the full length mirror on the back of her closet door. The black cocktail dress she was wearing reflected back at her causing her smile. It was a rare moment for her to wear a dress, but tonight she just felt the need to do something different, not to mention her mother had been begging her to wear it, at least once. It was a small concession to make her mother happy.

"Wow…" A voice said from her open door. "You look great…"

Brown eyes met blue in the reflection of the mirror Jane was looking at. She smiled at her cousin Carly who was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed as she admired Jane. Carly gave an appreciative whistle as she looked Jane up and down.

"Yeah?" Jane wasn't usually self-conscious, but she wasn't used to showing people this side of her. Even though she knew she looked nice, she felt extremely uncomfortable. She fidgeted anxiously with hem of the black material that fell just above her knees allowing her anxiety to show.

"Yeah…" Carly grinned as she walked into the room to get a better look. "What's the occasion?" There was a playful tone in her voice as she watched Jane shift uncomfortably under her gaze.

"Ha ha…you're so funny." Jane reached out to give Carly a gentle shove, but found only air as Carly dodged the move. "What're you doin' here so early?"

"I told Aunt Angela I'd come early to help her out…" Carly said as she hung a black garment bag on the back of Jane's door. "You know…with the cooking…"

"Oh, yeah…is that what you're wearing tonight?" Jane asked as she nodded in the direction of the black bag that now hung on the back of her door.

"Yep…but it's nothing compared to this…" Carly swept her hands up and down to show she was indicating Jane's dress. "You're gonna take Maura's breath away."

"Too bad she won't be here…" The frown on Jane's face quickly turned neutral. For some reason she didn't want Carly to know how disappointed she was that Maura wasn't going to be there.

"Oh, yeah…sorry, I forgot she was out of town. Too bad…" Carly sighed as she sat on the edge of Jane's bed.

"So…" Jane began as she sat next to Carly. "Ryan is coming tonight…" It was a statement that held the barest hint of a question.

"She is…" Carly pushed her hair away from her face and Jane could see the light blue of her eyes darken slightly with uncertainty. It was as if she wanted to say something else, but stopped herself before she did.

"What?" Jane inquired noticing Carly's hesitancy.

"You know your Ma came to see me…?" Carly watched Jane carefully. She wasn't sure what Jane knew about their visit or what may have been said after.

"Um…no I didn't…" Jane furrowed her brows in confusion. "I know that she invited you…and she said she invited Ryan as well, but she never told me she went to talk to you…"

"Well…" Carly blew out a puff of air, causing her bangs to flutter up before falling back down slightly covering her eyes. "She did and we talked…about things." It took a moment but she finally saw the comprehension light up Jane's dark eyes only to be quickly replaced with the flicker of apprehension.

Jane nodded and swallowed hard knowing the direction the conversation was headed.

"She actually came to talk to me about you and Maura…, acknowledging my relationship with Ryan was just a bonus I guess." Carly tried to smile, but her insecurity was written all over her face.

"And…?" Jane hung her head in defeat, already knowing the answer to the question. Angela had already talked to her a few days ago about Maura as well as indicating she had a full understanding of where things stood between them.

"She was concerned about your relationship with Maura…said she had some questions for me…" Carly leaned back on her elbows and looked up at the ceiling. "You can imagine my surprise when she said that…" Tilting her head to the side, Carly looked at Jane. She could see that Jane was trying to figure out where things had gone wrong.

"I suppose…" Jane began to play with the hem of her dress, letting her fingers graze over the silky material as she tried to gather her thoughts.

"Of course I asked her what she meant by that…acted like I didn't know what she was talking about. But you know your Ma…she just gave me that look that told me she knew everything without having to say it."

"Yeah, I know that look…I get it almost every day of my life. But the question is how did she know…?" Jane wondered out loud.

"Seems she's known for a while…" Carly paused for dramatic effect which was so far out of character for her that Jane stopped fidgeting and looked at her. "And so has my mother." Carly gave Jane a serious look. "Apparently they both decided not to say anything. They thought it would be best to let me to tell them when I was ready. I guess your Ma couldn't wait anymore…"

"What did you tell her?" Jane ran her fingers through her recently straightened hair, pushing it over her shoulder. It was an unusual feeling not finding the unruly curls that she was used to.

"I didn't confirm or deny it Jane…I could tell by the look in her eyes that she already knows how you and Maura feel about each other. She did tell me that she wants you to come to her when you're ready…just as she hopes I will go to my own mother." Carly shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know if I'm ready…but I don't think I have much of a choice anymore. At least my parents aren't going to be here tonight so I'll have a few days to decide what I want to do." She said almost as an afterthought.

"I'm sorry Carly. I didn't mean to force your hand in this situation." Jane's shoulders slumped under the strain she was feeling as she thought about the fact that Carly was finally going share her secret. A wave of fear moved through her stomach as she thought about the huge step Carly was about to take. With a sigh, Jane wondered if she would be able to find the courage to do the same anytime soon.

Silence settled around them as Carly thought of what she was going to say next. Her eyes traveled over Jane's room and she came to realize just how young Jane still was. Her clothes were strewn about the floor barely leaving any space to walk. Trophies lined a shelf above Jane' desk and her record collection sat in the corner without a speck of dust. A small smile creased Carly's lips as she thought about the fact that Jane now had something she hadn't had when she was a teenager, support from people who loved her. She didn't want to see Jane make the same mistakes she had.

"You didn't Jane…the time has come. I need for my family to know who the love of my life is…" Carly began but was interrupted by a light knock on the open door.

"Did you call?" Ryan stood in the door way watching the cousins intently wondering if she had interrupted something serious. There was a somber feeling that hung heavily in the air around them, but Ryan relaxed instantly when Carly smiled at her.

"Speak of the devil and she'll come…" Carly jumped up off of Jane's bed. Reaching for Ryan, she pulled the small blonde into the room and into her arms. "Sorry I left you down there alone…"

"No worries, I enjoyed spending time with Angela, but would you please tell her that I can't cook to save my life…for some reason she thinks you're the big bad butch and I'm the domestic one…" Ryan smirked causing her green eyes to sparkle good-naturedly and her nose to crinkle up in that cute way that caused Carly's knees to go week.

"Blame it on her…" Carly pointed at Jane.

It was a move that had Jane becoming defensive. She wasn't sure what she was being blamed for. "What…?" Jane watched the smile on Carly's face grow wider as she felt herself bristle with irritation.

"It's a Rizzoli trait…being macho…and you my dear are the worst." Carly hitched her thumb at Jane drawing a sheepish smile from her. Leaning down, Carly kissed Ryan's forehead. "But I will let Aunt Angela know that you can't even boil water."

"Hey, just cuz I'm short and cute…" Ryan poked Carly in the stomach. "Doesn't mean I can't be macho…"

"Far be it from me to deny you of your machismo." Holding her hands up in surrender, Carly stepped back to look at Ryan whose eyes now held a slight smolder at their spirited banter.

Watching Carly and Ryan interact with such ease had Jane grinning. She wondered if people saw her and Maura the same way. She couldn't help as a small frown took over her smile as she thought about how much she missed Maura.

"You missing someone?" Carly asked when she noticed the frown on Jane's face.

Jane nodded as she let out a long sigh. "I just wish she could be here tonight. She won't be home until Sunday."

"Aw…to be young and in love…" Ryan sighed as she threw herself down on Jane's bed next to her.

"Hey, we're still young and in love." Carly huffed slightly offended.

"Always and forever babe..." Ryan blew an exaggerated kiss to Carly drawing a smooth seductive smile from her girlfriend.

"Don't tempt me woman…I'm not above tickling as a form of torture." Carly had an evil glint in the depths of her light blue eyes that had Ryan squirming out of her reach.

"Don't you dare!" Ryan wagged a finger at Carly in the negative stopping the advance. "You remember what happened the last time you tried."

Jane watched as Carly tried to hide a sheepish grin. "Yeah…well…um…" Carly tried to clear her throat as her face turned bright red, drawing a deep, full bellied laugh from Ryan.

"I see you do remember…" Ryan almost purred causing Jane to throw her hands up in the air in an attempt to stop Ryan from continuing.

"Whoa…you guys are too much. I think I'll go see if my Ma needs some help." Jane said as she jumped off of her bed and backed out of the room, embarrassment written all over her face.

Both Carly and Ryan watched as Jane high tailed it out of her room, leaving them alone. Neither one of them could hold back the laughter at the sight of Jane rushing out the door.

Ryan reached her hand out for Carly to help pull her up from her sitting position on Jane's bed. A strong hand wrapped around her own, pulling her to her feet and into waiting arms. "If I didn't say it earlier, thank you for bringing me." She snuggled against Carly's neck, burying her face in the dark hair that fell around Carly's broad shoulders.

Taking a deep breath to belay the heavy emotions she was feeling, Carly tightened her hold on Ryan. "It's time that I share you with my family. I'm sorry it took me so long."

A comfortable silence fell over them as they stood in the middle of Jane's messy room just holding each other, sharing comfort and strength. Carly could feel Ryan shift causing her to look down into very serious green eyes looking up at her.

"You know?" Ryan asked. Her voice held a subdued tone that had Carly worried. "Jane really is a slob…" She said as she tried to smother the giggle that threatened to pour forth.

"You are such a brat sometimes…but I love you…very, very much." Carly sighed as she placed a quick kiss to the tip of Ryan's nose. "I guess we'd better get downstairs and see what Aunt Angela needs help with."

"Kay…but I expect a proper kiss at midnight…even if I have to drag you back in the closet to get it." Ryan said as she squeezed Carly tighter trying to bring some levity to the situation they had found themselves in. It had been a long time coming, but Ryan was happy to finally be able to share some of the Rizzoli family traditions. She hoped from this day forward, they would be able to share so much more with the people that Carly called family.

Carly could only smile as she let Ryan's love flow into her giving her the courage she knew she would need to get through the night. She knew the time had come and with Ryan at her side, come whatever may; they would survive as long as they had each other.

Maura's stomach was twisted in nervous knots as she anticipated the evening to come while she continued to get ready. Slipping into a pair of tailored, charcoal gray pants, she smoothed down the crease as she admired herself in her mirror. She tucked in the starched white, button up shirt she was wearing, before slipping into a jacket that matched the pants. The outfit had been one of the things she brought home from Paris. She had surprised her mother by picking it out with thoughts of Jane running through her mind. Her normally conservative tastes that had a very limited repertoire of dresses were pushed to the back of her mind when she imagined Jane's reaction to seeing her in the somewhat androgynous suit.

Even though she was tired from her flight the night before, she could feel the buzz of excitement as she stepped back so she could see herself better. Pushing her hair back away from her face, Maura watched it fall in soft curls around her shoulders. She smiled at her reflection, knowing that she looked incredibly dapper.

She looked at her watch to see what time it was, noting that it was almost ten. Again she felt that nervous wave roll through her stomach as she thought about seeing Jane, hoping that she would indeed surprise her. Slipping her feet into her black loafers, she grabbed her keys from her night stand and headed down the stairs. With one last look around, she headed out the door towards what she hoped would be an unforgettable night.

Angela watched as Frank studied his niece from across the room, a frown on his face. Pushing her way through the small crowd in her living room, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into the kitchen where they could talk privately.

"What's with that look?" She inquired as she began placing small meatballs in a bowl before handing them to him.

"Who is that woman with Carly?" He asked as he leaned against the counter setting the bowl down as he waited for Angela to answer.

"That would be Ryan…she's a…friend of Carly…" Angela started to say but wavered under Frank's stern gaze.

"Well, they seem awful familiar with each other…if you know what I mean." He scowled at his wife.

"So what if they are?" Angela turned away from him to stir something on the stove. She could feel her temper begin to rise at the look in his eyes.

"I don't know if I approve of that Angela…" He said his voice laced with tension at the challenge in her tone. "I'm not sure I want them here…"

"Well I invited them…and I want them here." Angela turned back around to look at Frank.

"It's my house…" He started to say, but was cut off when Angela held up her hand stopping him.

"It's my house too…" Her glare was steely and her mouth was set in a grim line.

Frank buckled under the intensity, knowing full well that he wouldn't win an argument with his wife when she looked at him with the resolve he found looking back at him.

"I can't say I approve, but…" He shrugged his shoulders before continuing. "At least she's not my daughter."

Angela felt her heart break as she tried not to show how much that comment had hurt her. It was a callous statement that caused her to hold her breath for moment before she exhaled loudly. "She is still the same person she was before…" Her voice was soft as she silently pleaded with him to understand.

"Yeah, I suppose…" He said nonchalantly as he turned to leave, but something stopped him. "There isn't anything you need to tell me…is there?" His eyes found hers, holding her gaze in question.

Angela blinked a few times, not sure what she should say. With a shake of her head, she turned back to the stove letting him know he could leave. She couldn't bring herself to answer with her voice, afraid it would betray her. As she heard the door close behind him, she could no longer hold back the tears that began to slowly stream down her face as her heart broke again, but this time for her daughter.

"Jane…you look incredible." Casey said as he stepped up behind her pressing his body into hers from behind.

The sound of his voice and the feeling of someone standing too close took her by surprise. A feeling of dread settled over her like blanket as she tried to move away from him. She suddenly felt too hot in the close quarters of the room that was filled with family and friends. The constriction in Jane's throat was making it difficult for her to catch her breath drawing an unwelcomed leer from Casey. It was obvious that Casey thought Jane was happy to see him but her only thought was that she wanted to escape.

"Um…hi Casey…I didn't know you were home…" Jane turned around slowly to give her attention to the young man she used to date. She stepped back so she could no longer feel him and his overly familiar touch.

"Yeah, your Pop invited me. He thought it would be a nice surprise." He grinned at her thinking that he was somehow making her night with his appearance. The arrogance in his statement had Jane seconds away from a quick retort but she forced herself to it bite back.

Frankie looked over to see his sister caught like a deer in headlights. He gave her a curious look before he realized who she was talking to. He gritted his teeth as he cursed softly under his breath at the sight of one slightly smug Casey Jones.

"Well, surprise isn't exactly the word that comes to mind…" Jane tried not to scowl as she saw her father approaching, a huge grin on his face.

"Casey…glad you could make it. Surprise Janie..." He said as he shook Casey's hand.

Her father's beaming smile had Jane pushing down her irritation. "Yeah…thanks for the…um…surprise Pop." Jane tried to smile back. She could see her mother across the room, a concerned look on her face.

"Well…I'll leave you two love birds to get reacquainted." He said slapping Casey on the back as he turned to leave them alone.

Jane rolled her eyes, catching Frankie's attention. She silently begged him to help her get out the situation she was in.

"What's wrong Jane? You don't look too happy to see me…" Casey frowned as he watched a myriad of emotions pass over Jane's face.

"No Casey, you look good. I'm glad you came…" Jane started to say before she was interrupted.

"Come on; let's find a quiet place to catch up…it's a little loud in here." Casey said as he pushed Jane towards their mud room past the kitchen in the back of the house.

Frankie watched helplessly as Jane was pushed out of the room and out of his sight. As he looked around, trying to see where his sister had disappeared to, his eyes fell on Maura as she came through the front door. His mouth dropped open with surprise as he watched her move through the crowd to where he stood.

"Surprise…" She smiled at him, her eyes alight with excitement.

"Wow…Maura…you look…" He tried to find the words, but he failed to come up with something that would do her justice. Maura stood in front of him wearing a tailored suit and the irony of the situation did not escape him as he thought of Jane who was wearing a dress.

"Incredible…I think is the word you're looking for Cuz..." Carly's smooth voice caused Frankie to nod vigorously.

"Yeah…Jane's gonna freak when she sees you." Frankie tried to contain the awe he was feeling.

"I have a feeling that Maura's in for a surprise of her own." Ryan moved up behind Carly. Her smile held the hint of mischief as she thought of Jane's cocktail dress.

"Carly…Ryan…" Maura wrapped her arms around one and then the other. "You're here…together?"

"Nothing like being forced to show your hand…" Carly quipped with a wry grin.

Maura raised an eyebrow in question as she looked from Carly to Ryan and then to Frankie. It was Frankie's look of pure confusion that caused her to laugh.

"We'll explain later, maybe over dinner at our place next week." Ryan whispered in Maura's ear, drawing a strange look from Carly.

Maura nodded as her eyes swept across the room looking for the one person she couldn't wait to see. When her eyes locked with Angela's she wasn't sure how to react, but the small smile that curved the older woman's lips gave her the impression that everything was okay. Maura smiled back before her eyes went back to searching the small crowd for Jane.

"I think Jane went that way…" Carly pointed towards the hallway leading to the back door. She hadn't seen Casey following Jane.

Maura grinned and nodded her acknowledgement as she took off in the direction Carly had indicated.

Frankie watched Maura as she walked away; suddenly feeling the sensation of unease hit him in the stomach like a fist.

"Why do look like you're gonna be sick all of a sudden Frankie?" Carly asked as she watched his color turn from a healthy pink to an awful green.

"That's the direction Jane went…with Casey…" He said gripping Carly's arm as if it would somehow make him stronger.

"Oh shit…" Ryan sighed as her wide eyes went from Frankie to Carly to the direction Maura had just gone.

"So…did you miss me…cuz I sure missed you…" Casey leaned close to Jane who was using the wall behind her to hold herself up as he attempted to press against her again.

"Look Casey…I'm glad to see you, but things have changed…" She said as she pushed against his chest trying to put some distance between them.

"What? Is there someone else?" He asked as he ran a hand down Jane's bare arm to take her hand in his.

As gently as she could, Jane tried to pry her hand from his strong grip. With some effort, she was able to move away from him enough to see over his shoulder and what she saw took her breath away.

Maura stood in the dimly lit hallway, watching with wide eyes. At first she couldn't move or look away as she saw someone pinning Jane against the wall in a very familiar way. It appeared to her that Jane was more than willing since she wasn't making an effort to get away. Maura was sure she was having some sort of nightmare, but when her eyes locked on Jane's she knew what she was seeing was real.

The sudden look of desire that flashed across Jane's face had Casey moving closer. Mistaking her reaction, he boldly placed his hand on her thigh and moved his fingers under the hem of her dress to stroke the warm skin he found there.

Maura's eyes widened as she watched Casey move his hand to touch Jane. She couldn't look away as he leaned in to capture Jane's lips and then her world crumbled around her when they made contact. Jane didn't even try to stop him as he hungrily took what Maura had thought was hers. Without a word, she turned and slipped away.

As the vision that was Maura faded from Jane's eyes, she realized that Casey was kissing and touching her. Slowly realization dawned on her when she saw Frankie standing in the same place Maura had been, a sad look on his face.

"No…Casey…stop…" She tried to push him away, but he didn't stop. "I said no!" Her movements became frantic against him, but he ignored her.

"Come on Jane…it's been too long…I need you…" He tried to whisper in her ear, but felt a strong hand on his shoulder pulling him away. "Wha…?" Turning he found himself face to face with three very angry sets of eyes burning a hole in him.

"Back off Casey…" Frankie squared his shoulders to try to make himself taller. He could see a thankful smile on Jane's face as she pushed past Casey. Jane's trembling hand touched his arm and he could tell she was trying to gain some control over her overflowing emotions.

"She was here right…?" She looked at Carly and Ryan who could only nod back at her. "Where did she go?" Jane started to panic as the implications of what Maura thought she saw sank in. "Shit…please tell me that the best thing in my life didn't just walk out the door…" Tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill out.

"Go after her." Ryan pushed Jane towards the front door.

"How the hell am I gonna do that…our car is blocked…" Jane said as she stormed into the living room on shaky legs, almost running into her mother.

"What's going on…did I just see Maura leave?" Angela looked around confused grabbing Jane by the arms to help steady her. She could see the flush of anger coloring Jane's cheeks as she tried to pull away. The sudden movement caused Angela to hold her tighter forcing Jane to stop. "What happened?"

"She thought she saw me and Casey…but…it wasn't like that." Jane had a sudden feeling of desperation wash over her as she tried to explain what happened. "Really Ma…he tried, but I don't want him…" Jane had a wild look in her eyes.

"It's okay sweetheart…just go find her. Explain things…I'm sure she'll understand." Angela tried to soothe Jane's fears away.

"How the hell am I supposed to get the car out…it's blocked by about a hundred other cars…" The anxiety in Jane's voice was to an all-time high as her voice rose above the chatter in the room.

"Hey…Rizzoli…" A voice caught Jane's attention from across the room. "Catch…"

Jane looked up just in time to see a set of silver keys flying towards her. With a grin, she reached out and snatched them from the air before they could sail over her head. "Thanks Gio…" She called out.

"Take care of my baby…the helmets on the back…" He called back to her, a huge grin on his face.

Without much thought, Jane kicked off her dress shoes before slipping one foot into a boot. It was the hand of her father on her arm that stopped her.

"Where are you going? Casey's still here…" He asked her, his voice stern.

"I'm going after Maura…" Jane didn't look at her father as she slipped her other foot into her boot. Several scenarios of how the evening should have ended flashed through her mind as she tried to ignore her father.

"You can't leave…you have a guest." He tried again to stop her.

"Pop, I love you but you really need to let go of my arm." Jane almost growled as she struggled against his hold.

Frank pulled his hand away as if he had suddenly been burned. He looked around trying to find someone to back him up, but all he saw was the stern gaze of Angela as her eyes flashed with an anger that had him taking a step back away from Jane. "I don't understand…" His voice was quiet, almost meek.

"Then don't ask the question if you don't want to know the answer." Jane looked him in the eyes, her resolve written all over her face.

All he could do was stand back and nod at her. As he watched her head towards the door, he called out to her causing her to stop and look back. She had an impatient expression on her face, but he could also see a sadness that almost took his breath away. Reaching across to the coat rack, he grabbed his leather jacket and tossed it too her. "Take this…its cold out there." Without another word he turned and disappeared down the hall past a thoroughly confused Casey.

With one last look over her shoulder, Jane tried to smile at her mother. 'Go' her mother mouthed to her as she pointed to the door. With a final nod, Jane pulled the oversized jacket on over her dress leaving her family in stunned silence.

It didn't take long for Angela to find Frank as she looked out on their back porch from the kitchen window. She could see him as he sat on the steps, head held in his hands and shoulders slumped in defeat. With a sigh, she grabbed two coats as she made her way to the back door before opening it. With a shiver, she stepped out into the cold night air as she pulled her jacket over her shoulders. She didn't say a word as she took her place next to him in the dim light cast by the street lamp. His dark hair was illuminated in almost an iridescent glow, but his face was hidden in shadow.

"We need to talk about this Frank." Angela let out a long slow breath. She watched as the white puff of air swirled up and over her head before disappearing in the darkness. Something tugged at her as she realized how much things had changed in a matter of minutes. A tightness gripped at Angela's chest as anxiety set in brought on by the uncomfortable silence that continued to surround her and Frank. Even though there was barely any physical space between them, Angela had never felt so far away from the man she loved.

"I don't know if I can." He shook his head almost choking on the words as he struggled to speak around the lump that had formed in his throat. As another uncomfortable silence descended upon them as Angela tried to patiently wait for Frank to speak again. "How long have you known?"

"Well, I've suspected for a while. But I wasn't sure until a few days ago." Angela looked up at the sky. It was an overcast night that hid the moon and stars from view making the darkness seem all the more dreadful.

"How could you have let this happen?" He wanted to blame someone, make them hurt as much as he was hurting. It only took a second for his muddled mind to chase away the blame he had placed on Angela. "Where did we go wrong?" His voice held a quiet desperation as he turned to look at Angela.

Handing Frank the coat she had brought out with her, Angel tried to bury her resentment at having his guilt placed on her shoulders. She knew she needed to choose her words carefully. She waited as he slipped his arms into his coat before turning back to her, an expectant look on his face.

"I don't think we did anything wrong Frank. This isn't a punishment for being bad parents." Angela shrugged her shoulders. "This doesn't change anything…she is still our daughter."

"It's unnatural; it goes against everything we've been tau…" Frank started to say but stopped abruptly when he saw the flicker of anger growing in Angela's eyes.

"I won't have you talking about Jane that way…you can believe what you want, but I refuse to condemn her for loving someone." Angela tried to explain. Her anger was evident in her tone, but she still wanted to be civil.

"But she's in love with another girl Angela. I didn't raise her to be that way." Frank's voice was full of tension.

"And I didn't raise her to deny her heart…" Angela's tone was curt. "You are at a crossroads Frank…make sure you understand what you could lose if you make the wrong choice." It wasn't a threat, but the statement hit him like a punch to the stomach.

Frank looked away from Angela, unable to bear the burden she had placed at his feet. "If you are referring to my grandparents…" He swallowed hard before continuing. "Sophia was a different story…" He tried to reason.

"How? How is she any different than Jane or Carly for that matter? Your grandparents turned their back on their only daughter, forcing her to live her life halfway across the world, away from those who loved her..." Her anger was starting to seep through her control. "Do you want that? You know how much trouble Carly had as a teenager…probably because she didn't have the support she needed when she started questioning her life." Angela paused for a moment as she tried to put her thoughts into words. "I've seen the way Carly is with Ryan. I am thankful for that Frank. We almost lost Carly…she was in such a dark place for so long. Ryan brings the light back into her life. The best thing your brother did was send her live with Sophia…it allowed Carly to open herself to be loved. How can that be wrong?"

"It's probably why she ended up the way she is now…" Frank huffed drawing an exasperated sigh from Angela.

"You know that's not true…" She shifted slightly to look him in the eyes. "Tell me you know that's not true…" The question hung in the air thick with unspoken tension and anger.

With a weak nod he dropped his head back into his hands. "I just don't understand this…I don't want her to be this way." His voice held a sad desperation. "What kind of life is she going to have?"

"The kind of life she chooses Frank… and with our love and support, I have no doubt it will be wonderful." The conviction in Angela's voice almost had Frank convinced.

"I don't know how to do this Angela. I won't be able to look at her the same way…" His voice trailed off.

"How can you say that Frank? You've always pushed her to play hard, not let anyone tell her no…"

"Are you blaming me for this?" He sat up straighter a sudden flash of anger coloring his cheeks. "Being a tomboy is not the same…it's not a sin…"

"Stop right there…" Angela growled, her voice full of ire hinting at the Irish temper that was fighting to let loose on the man next to her. "You will not…I repeat…will not ever say anything like that to me again. If you make me choose, you will lose every single time…don't push me Frank."

When he looked at her, he could have sworn that he saw her eyes glowing with the fury she was barely containing. He nodded his head at her, not sure he would be able to find his voice under her steady glower.

After a moment, Fran felt his courage come back. "I'm sorry…I just feel like we've lost so much in such a short time." The sincerity in his words weighed heavily on both of their minds. "I wonder if I will ever have the chance to walk her down the aisle at her wedding and give her away…?" He hadn't meant to say the words out loud.

"You know, I've always had this dream of holding Jane's first born in my arms…looking down into the same chocolate brown eyes that I looked into when Jane was born." Her voice was wistful causing Frank to turn his head to face her. "But do you know what Frank?" She asked. When he shook his head, she gave him a small smile. "Now when I think about it…I can see beautiful hazel eyes with flecks of green looking back at me, and Jane's dimples…"

"You know that can't happen." He interrupted.

With a sad look, Angela shrugged her shoulders. "It doesn't stop me from dreaming Frank. The dream isn't dead, it's just changed…that's all."

"So, you think Maura has Irish in her?" He asked with a slight edge of playfulness in his tone drawing laughter from Angela causing them both to relax slightly. It was no secret that Angela had inherited her fiery temper from her Irish grandmother. "Cause if she does, that should make for some fireworks…Jane does have your temper…"

"Very funny, and yes I do think she has Irish in her…" Angela help but grin, but she quickly sobered as she turned serious again. "I don't know what the future holds for them Frank, but you know how it is with first loves…"

"I do know Angela and I know you've never forgotten yours. I guess I should consider myself lucky he chose the Army instead of you…" His words were laced with the pain that suddenly pierced his heart.

"We have a good life Frank…please, I have no regrets." She leaned against his side and was relieved when she felt his arm move around her shoulder.

"No regrets…" He sighed.

They sat like that, drawing comfort from each other even though the air was bitterly cold around them causing them both to shake. The silence finally became comfortable as very different thoughts passed through both of their minds. Angela couldn't shake the image of a young man in uniform as her mind traveled to a time long gone, almost but not quite forgotten. The image caused her to shiver slightly against her husband's intended strength. Frank pulled her closer to him, tightening his hold to keep her warm as his mind wandered to his daughter. He didn't know if he would be able to move past the fear and uncertainty he was feeling as he thought about Jane.

"I'm not sure I can accept this Angela…" He struggled as the words got caught in his throat. When he felt her stiffen, he could just imagine the argument she was on the verge of presenting. Reaching across her so he could hold her with both of his arms, he leaned in and buried his face against her neck. "But I promise that I will try…" He hoped that the words didn't sound as hollow to Angela as they did to him.

"It's called unconditional love Frank…" Angela whispered as she laid her cheek against the top of his head. Even though she knew Frank was willing to try, she still couldn't dispel the grief that swept over her. It wasn't Jane's uncertain future that suddenly had tears filling her eyes; it was the future she had given up for the man who now held her in his arms. There was no doubt that they loved each other, but still Angela couldn't dismiss the heavy feeling in her chest. She silently vowed that Jane would never have to make that choice or carry the regret of not knowing what could have been.

*Okay…sorry for leaving you hanging at the end here…but the next chapter is big…I really want to make sure I take the time to do it right and by right I mean tastefully…I think I owe it to you all to bring my best…you've waited long enough for it…( I promise to get it up as soon as I can…please be patient…I will do my best not to disappoint…)