This one is a little shorter than my usual…hope you enjoy. Sorry I have been behind but with summer vacations and family visits I have been busy. I will do my best to keep up over the next month or so, but I am heading out of town for the first two weeks of July. Again thanks for reading and reviewing and to everyone who had encouraged me.
Chapter 29-Some Kind of Wonderful
Early morning light streamed in through the windows casting the room in a muted glow that didn't quite reach the tangle of arms and legs of Jane and Maura's sleeping figures. Even though the sun was already making its ride across the sky, it still hadn't crested high enough to cast its warming blanket of radiance across the bed. The room still held a hint of early morning chill causing Maura to snuggle deeper into the warmth of Jane's body which was wrapped around her in an almost protective way. As her eyes fluttered open, her vision was momentarily blurred before adjusting to the subdued tones of light and shadow that filtered in around them. She let out a soft groan as she attempted to stretch her sore body without disturbing Jane.
"Hmmm…a little sore are we?" Jane mumbled sleepily as she tightened her hold on Maura.
"In all of the right places…" Maura rolled over so she could face Jane. Running a finger along Jane's jaw with the lightest of touches, she stopped when she came to the dimple in Jane's chin. "But it's a good feeling…" She placed a soft kiss to the corner of Jane's mouth.
Dark brown eyes opened and blinked a few times as they tried to focus on Maura's smile. It never ceased to amaze her how beautiful Maura was at any given moment, especially when she woke up in the morning. Maura's sleepy eyes and disheveled hair brought a grin to Jane's face as she pulled their bodies closer. "Yeah…?" She sighed as she buried her face against the crook of Maura's neck. "I hear that the more you work out sore muscles, the less sore you are…" The words were whispered as Jane gently nipped at the tender skin along Maura's throat.
"Ummmm, as much as I would like to test that theory I am afraid that we are expected at your parents in…" Maura pushed up on her elbows to look at the bedside clock. "In just under an hour…"
"Then I have enough time to do this…" Jane rolled Maura over onto her back as she moved to hover above her, allowing their bodies to brush against each other. She pushed herself up using her arms so she wasn't putting too much weight on Maura. Looking down into surprised eyes, Jane bent forward to skim her lips along an exposed neck. Jane slipped a leg between Maura's where she pressed her upper thigh finding Maura more than ready. "Now…" She continued to skim her mouth along Maura's soft skin as she drifted down to kiss the tops of Maura's breasts. "This…can…go…one…of…two ways…" Jane said in-between light nips and kisses before enveloping a hardened nipple in her mouth causing Maura to arch up and groan at the contact. Her tongue made a few slow circles before she released her prize to move lower where her tongue dipped into Maura's navel. Sliding her body down so she could settle herself comfortably between Maura's legs, Jane lightly brushed the inside of a thigh with her finger tips causing the muscles to twitch. "So soft…" She murmured into the velvety softness of Maura's skin. When she felt Maura's stomach muscles flutter against her lips, she smiled as she lifted her eyes to look at Maura through her dark eyelashes. Holding Maura's gaze, Jane's fingers continued to slide up and along smooth skin until she heard a sharp intake of breath. Maura closed her eyes as Jane slipped her fingers through the need she found there. "I can use my fingers…" She gave a gentle thrust to emphasize her point. "Or…" Bending her head down, she replaced her fingers with her tongue. "I can use my mouth…"
When Maura felt the slow yet firm stroke of Jane's tongue pressing into her, she arched her hips to try to get better contact. Her eyes continued to stay shut as she pushed herself further into the soft pillow her head was resting on and her hands were gripping the sheets in a tight hold. It wasn't until Jane pulled away that Maura lifted her head to look down at the smirk on Jane's face.
"Well Maura…what'll it be? This…" Jane wiggled her fingers just enough to cause Maura to moan. "Or this…" She bent her head again to allow her mouth to replace her fingers again.
"Oh God Jane…" Maura reached down to entangle her fingers in long dark hair as she attempted to hold Jane where she needed her most. "Mouth…please… mouth…" The words were breathless as they came out in a rush of air.
Using her left arm to reach up, Jane allowed the palm of her hand to skim across Maura's stomach as her hand traveled over dips and curves until it came to rest on a full, firm breast. She heard Maura gasp at the contact. Looking up at Maura, Jane paused briefly to admire the beauty she saw as she watched a pink blush rush across Maura's chest and up her neck as her body began to tremble. Jane knew it wouldn't be long before Maura tumbled over the edge and she marveled at the sight before her. She didn't think she would ever tire of bringing this much pleasure to Maura. The feeling of fingers laced throughout her hair caused Jane to wince slightly when their grip tightened urging her on.
Maura's rhythm quickened as she struggled for more contact indicating it wouldn't be much longer as she tightened her grip in Jane's hair. The feeling of Jane's hand moving over her breast, the lightly calloused palm delicately brushing against a hardened nipple had Maura pressing herself further into the touch. Using the hand that wasn't buried in Jane's silky locks, Maura pinned the wandering hand down against her. When the first tremors of climax rolled over her body like a wave, Maura did her best to hold on as Jane brought her to the edge.
"Oh…fuck…yessss…" Maura hissed through clenched teeth, closing her eyes as her body shook and trembled with the force of her climax swept through her. She marveled at the display of dancing lights that flashed behind her closed lids as an onslaught of sensation carried her away. When she finally tried to catch her breath, she could feel as Jane moved up and over her.
"Language Maura…" Jane teased lightly as she moved to hover over Maura so they were face to face.
"I didn't know I said that out loud…" Maura sighed as she opened her eyes to see Jane's smiling face looking down at her. Her body felt light and boneless as the moment slowly returned to her in a lazy roll starting at her toes. As all sensation was returned to her limp muscles, Maura reached up to wrap her arms around Jane's neck. "I don't think we have time for me to reciprocate…" She glanced over at the clock.
"S'okay…you can make it up to me later." Jane winked and then grinned as she leaned down to place a quick kiss to Maura's lips. "But I guess we'd better shower and get ready before my Ma sends out a search party for us." Rolling off of the bed and out of Maura's arms, Jane extended her hand out for Maura to take. "Shall we…?"
"Do you really think taking a shower together is a good idea?" Maura raised an eyebrow in question.
"Absolutely…it will save time…water…and…" Jane paused as her grin widened. "It is my birthday…so what I say goes…" She grabbed Maura by the hand, pulling her out of bed and into waiting arms.
"I'm not sure that is exactly how it works…but I can't argue with that logic." Maura giggled as she let Jane lead her to the bathroom and a very long shower.
"Ma...! Come're…I need your help!" Frankie called out from his bedroom.
"Excuse me?" Angela stepped into the doorway of Frankie's room. She crossed her arms as she leaned against the door frame and frowned at him. Being summoned by her kids was something she wasn't very fond of.
"Sorry Ma…" Frankie sighed in exasperation as he sat at his desk looking at a piece of paper. "I just really need your help here."
Relaxing at the tone of Frankie's voice, Angela stepped across the room to look over Frankie's shoulder at the piece of paper he was so intently studying. "What's the problem?" She asked as she watched him write something down before crossing it out.
"Well, I got Carly working on the place and the food…and me and Cindy are gonna do the decorations, but I just don't know how I'm gonna get Jane to go along with this without her knowing. You know how stubborn she can be." He huffed as leaned back in his chair to look up at his mother.
"Tell me what you have so far." Angela placed her hands on Frankie's shoulders in an effort to calm him.
"Carly has a friend who owns a restaurant with a garden terrace on the roof. He said we could us it and that she could use his kitchen to make dinner…so I got that covered at least. I just don't know what to do about the decorations. The prom theme this year is 'The Roaring 20's' and I have no idea what to do for that." He shook his head.
"Simple can go a long way…let's not overdue it with the decorations. I spoke to Maura's mother and she wants to do the flowers and provide the transportation." Angela tried to read what Frankie had written down, but his sloppy handwriting made it difficult.
"Flowers…what for?" He looked up at her in question.
"Well, the center piece for the table…I guess the corsage's…" Angela started to say.
"Oh crap…I forgot about that. I have to order one for Cindy…" He leaned over to write something on the list in front of him.
"You also need to know what color her dress is so you can match." Angela said.
"Don't remind me…" Frankie groaned. "What am I gonna get Jane to wear?" He threw his pen down and crossed his arms as an idea came to him. "I'd love to see her in a tux…but I suppose I'll have to wait until I get married one day and have her as my best man…"
"I think you should just let Jane decide what she is comfortable wearing. Just make sure the invitation states that it is a formal affair." Angela ruffled Frankie's dark hair.
"Yeah…" He sighed again. "Hey…you wanna help me and Cindy decorate?" He gave her a hopeful smile.
"I'd love to…" She smiled back as she started to leave. Before she reached the door, she stopped and smiled again at him. "You know, this is a nice thing you're doing for your sister."
"I just hate that she doesn't get to go to prom with Maura…so I guess I just thought we'd bring prom to her. I have to admit that it was a hard sell to Cindy, but we still have next year's prom."
"Who else is coming?" Angela asked.
"Well, Gio and his date, my friend Barry and his girlfriend, Cindy's brother and Cindy and I…" Frankie counted off the list.
"Cindy has a brother?" Angela asked.
"Yeah…he lives in San Francisco. When Cindy told him about Jane, he kinda wanted to meet her…and me too I suppose." Frankie gave his mother a shy smile.
"Is there any particular reason why Cindy's brother wants to meet Jane?" Angela inquired, her interest piqued.
"He's gay Ma…and Cindy's parents have disowned him." Frankie said sadly.
"But he's coming here to see his sister and meet her boyfriend's family?" Angela smiled.
"I suppose so." Frankie shrugged his shoulders. "From what Cindy's told me, they're pretty close but she has to hide it from her parents."
"I'm sorry to hear that…he's welcome in our home any time…you know that, right?" Angela tilted her head slightly.
"I do Ma…thanks. I just hope that Jane like's what we do." He gave her another shrug.
"She'll love it…" Angela sighed as she turned to leave.
"Hey Ma…?" Frankie called out causing Angela to stop. "Go easy on her when she finally gets here…"
"Hmmm…." She raised an eyebrow at him. "If she doesn't get here soon…we'll be celebrating without her, but I'll try…" She started to say but was interrupted by the front door slamming shut. "Only thirty minutes late…" The smirk on her face caused Frankie to laugh.
"I was betting on an hour at least…" He laughed as he watched his mother leave.
"Jane I would appreciate it if you'd change your shirt…maybe wear a button up…" Angela sighed as she took in her daughter's appearance. The jeans were a given, but she didn't like the half-sleeved baseball shirt Jane was wearing.
"Aw Ma…do I haveta?" Jane rolled her eyes. She could feel Maura giving her a gentle shove towards the stairs. "What…?"
"If your mother wants you to change your shirt…then change your shirt." Maura sighed.
"It's my birthday…I should be able to wear whatever I want to…" Jane grumbled as she leaned against the banister giving Maura a defiant look.
"I like it when you wear your oxford with a tank top…it's mighty sexy." Maura stepped up onto the stairs so she could lean down to whisper in Jane's ear.
"I'll be right back…" Jane took the stairs two at a time as Angela watched in awe.
"Thank you Maura…" Angela pushed her hair from her face in frustration. "You look tired dear…" She started to say before she realized why Maura would look tired. The blush that rose to her cheeks matched the one racing across Maura's face as they looked at each other knowingly, no words needed to convey what the other was thinking. "Well…um…thanks anyway…"
"No problem Mrs. Rizzoli…" Maura did her best to smile.
"You know Maura…why don't you just call me Angela…"
"Are you sure?" Maura asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes…I am. We're practically family as it is…I'd like it very much." Angela gave a definitive nod of her head as if she had made a conclusive decision.
"Um…okay…I'll try." Maura tried not to stammer over her words at the idea that Angela considered family.
"Maura….come'er!" Jane's voice floated down from her room.
"Well, it seems as if you're being summoned by her highness…" Angela laughed as she turned to head towards the kitchen. "I think I'll go check on Frank and Tommy and the grill…" She gave Maura a wave as she left the room.
"Maura…?" The impatience in Jane's voice had Maura rolling her eyes as she headed up the stairs towards Jane's room.
"You called…" Maura crossed her arms as she leaned against the door frame. She couldn't help but smile as she watched Jane move about her room, digging through piles of clothes looking for something to wear. "You know if you would hang up your clothes, you wouldn't have this problem."
Jane stopped what she was doing to look over at a slightly smug Maura. With a red shirt in her left hand and a blue shirt in her right, Jane shrugged her shoulders. "Which one do you like best?"
"I guess I'd have to say the blue…" Maura pushed off of the door frame to enter the room and gave Jane a smoldering look. "There is just something about you in a blue button up shirt that…" She started to say but stopped when she found herself wrapped in strong arms.
"Don't…" Jane had a serious expression on her face as she looked down at Maura.
The seriousness of Jane's expression took Maura by surprise as she looked up into dark eyes filled with flecks of gold. With a slow nod of her head, Maura tried to understand why their conversation had turned so serious.
"I think there's something wrong with me Maura…" Jane sighed as she rested her chin on top of Maura's head.
"What's wrong Jane?" Maura couldn't hide her concern.
"After last night, you'd think I'd be satisfied…but I'm not…" Jane squeezed Maura tighter. "When you look at me like you just did, it drives me crazy."
"Sorry…" Maura mumbled against Jane's chest where she placed her cheek as Jane held her closer. "But there's nothing wrong with you Jane…I feel the same way."
"Ummmm…I don't wanna to let you go." Jane let out another sigh. "But I guess I have to finish getting ready…" She reluctantly let Maura go. "So the blue?" She asked as she held up the blue shirt.
All Maura could do was nod as she watched Jane slip her arms into her shirt. Before Jane could button it up, Maura held up her hand to stop her. "Let me…" She reached out to grab either side of the open shirt, allowing her fingers to slide over the buttons. With careful movements, she slipped the buttons into their holes from the bottom of the shirt to the top. When she reached the last button just above the top of Jane's tank top, she was stopped when Jane grabbed her hands. She smiled as Jane pulled their joined hands up to her lips to place a gentle kiss on the back of each one.
"Thanks…" Jane gave her a crooked grin. "But shouldn't you be removing my clothes…?"
"There's just something about you in a shirt like this…" Maura smiled up at Jane. Lifting up on her toes, she gave Jane a quick kiss to the tip of her nose. "Now…shall we go see if your mother needs some help before all of your guests arrive?"
"Yeah…I suppose so." Jane let out a breath as she let go of one of Maura's hands, but not the other as she pulled Maura towards the door. With fingers interlaced, they set out see what they could do to help.
"Come on…stop it…get off me…" Jane struggled in her Cousin Tony's grip.
"Quite squirming..." Tony tightened his hold as he held Jane in a head lock. Jane continued to struggle as her cousins and siblings lined up for the customary birthday noogie.
"Hey, I'm too old for this…" Jane tried to push herself away from the line that was forming.
"Yeah…I'm almost thirty and you were the first in line on my last birthday…try again." Tony smirked before winking at a very surprised and concerned Maura.
"Ma!" Jane tried another tactic.
"Sorry Jane…you know the rules." Angela tried not to laugh at her daughter's predicament.
"Oh alright…" Jane stopped struggling letting her arms go limp at her sides. "Get this over with; I've got better things to do." She huffed.
"Maura…? Would you like to do the honors of being the first?" Tony asked as all eyes turned to Maura.
"You wouldn't?" Jane glared at Tony before turning a pleading look Maura's way.
"I'm not exactly sure what it is you're asking me to do." Maura had a look between abject terror and curiosity on her face.
"This…" Tommy ran up to Jane with a huge smile on his face. As he stood alongside Tony and Jane, he looked over at Maura before running his knuckle across the top of Jane's head several times causing Jane to struggle even more in an attempt to grab Tommy.
"Oh no you don't…" Tony grabbed at Jane's hands to keep them at her sides. "Who's next?" He looked around to see who was brave enough to step up.
"Me…" Carly smirked as she did the same as Tommy.
"Next…" Tony gave his sister a high-five as she passed by.
"Sorry Jane…" Frankie followed after Carly. "But it's tradition." He said as he gave her a quick rub on the top of her head. The small smile he got in return indicated he wouldn't get pounded on later.
"Allow me…" Bella stepped forward and graced Jane with a not so soft rub. "Pay backs are a bitch aren't they…?" She smirked at Jane.
"My turn…" Mia sidled up for her turn. After her task was completed, she stepped aside for Tony to take his turn as well.
"Okay cuz…you ready?" He smiled down at her before rubbing his knuckle quickly back and forth drawing a yelp from Jane. "And now…Maura?" Giving Maura an expectant look, he waited to see what she would do.
With a smile, Maura took her place in front of Jane. She looked down at the almost sad expression on Jane's face and decided to change tactics at the last minute surprising everyone around them, including herself.
Jane knew it was all in good fun when everyone had started, but when they asked Maura to join in it bothered her for some reason. She let out a heavy sigh as she waited to see what would come next only to be stunned when she felt Maura kiss the top of her head instead of following suit like everyone else causing Jane to give Maura a grateful smile.
"You got lucky on that one…" Tony laughed as he released Jane from his hold. "And, since you were such a good sport, it's time for your present." He said as he pressed a set of keys into her hand.
"What's this…?" Jane looked down at the shiny key ring holding two keys.
"What's it look like Janie?" Frank smiled at her.
"It looks like car keys…" Jane had a stunned looked on her face.
"Well…truck keys actually." Frank said as he pointed towards the garage. "Open it up and have a look."
With wide eyes, Jane looked around at all of the smiling faces of her family as she took a few steps towards the garage. Her legs were shaking slightly as she bent down to pull the door open to reveal a 1985 Ford F150.
"No way…" Jane whispered as her eyes fell on the two tone blue and white truck before her.
"Well, we figured it was about time you had your own vehicle. Uncle Anthony and Aunt Rita got you new breaks, Frankie and Tommy got you a radio with a cd player, your cousins all chipped in for the tires and with Giovanni and his dad's help your mother and I did the rest."
"Oh my God Pop…it's beautiful…" She beamed as she ran a finger across the polished chrome bumper before throwing her arms around her dad. "Thank you so much…" Jane grabbed at her mother, pulling her into the hug as well.
"Hey, you gotta take us for a ride…me and Frankie I mean." Tommy jumped into the hug as well.
Hugging her brother close when her parents stepped back Jane looked down at the light haired boy who had his arms wrapped around her waist in a tight hold. "Whoa there munchkin…I wanna take Maura for a ride…" Jane started to say.
"If you did that, you wouldn't be back for hours…" Tommy grinned up at his sister. "No offense Maura…" He looked over his shoulder at Maura.
"None taken…" Maura grinned back. She could see the spark of excitement in both Frankie and Tommy's eyes. "I think you should take your brothers for the first ride."
"You sure?" Jane raised a dark eyebrow in question as her eyes continued to sweep over the powder blue and white body of the truck.
"Absolutely…" Maura gave Jane a gentle push towards the door.
"Come on…" Jane waved her brothers towards the other side. With a huge smile she opened the door and slipped into the bucket seats before slipping her seat belt on. "We'll only take a short ride." She called out as she rolled the window down and started the engine. As the engine roared to life, Jane couldn't contain her excitement as she revved it a few times.
"Be careful…" Angela called out as they pulled out of the driveway. "You think she liked it?" She said as she slipped an arm around Maura's waist, guiding her towards the food table.
"Very much so." Maura smiled as she watched the truck disappear around the corner.
"Yeah me too, now let's eat." Angela handed Maura a plate before turning her attention to her own plate.
Frank couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he stood in the driveway watching Jane, Frankie and Tommy as they disappeared. It wasn't until he felt someone come up alongside of him that he turned his attention away from the empty driveway.
"I think it was a hit…" Anthony crossed his arms as he smiled at his brother.
"Yeah…I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about getting her a truck." Frank let out a sigh.
"Well, Jane has always been a little different." Anthony shrugged his shoulders. Giving Frank a sideways glance, he took a deep breath before speaking again. "How do you do it Frank?"
"What?" Frank looked at his brother.
"I am having a real hard time accepting this thing with Carly…so much so that I don't know if I can ever get back to the relationship we had before." Slipping his hands into his pockets, Anthony nervously kicked at a rock by his foot.
Frank stood quietly contemplating what Anthony had asked him. After an almost a full minute, Frank looked over at the saddened expression on Anthony's face.
"Then start with today…it's never too late when it comes to loving your kids." Frank let out a heavy sigh. "It isn't easy to accept that things are going to be different now, but as my very wise wife informed me, Jane hasn't changed and neither has Carly."
"Aren't you worried about what people will think?" Anthony continued to look down at his feet.
"I used to be, but then I realized that people are gonna think whatever they want no matter what I try to do." Frank put his hand on Anthony's shoulder. "I like Maura…she is a nice girl. I couldn't ask for anyone better to love my daughter…" He tried to smile. "And Ryan…she seems like a really great person…she's good for Carly. How can that be a bad thing?"
"Yeah…my heart knows that, but my head is being a real stubborn bastard…" Anthony huffed.
"Well, what can I say…it's all up to you brother. There is no better start than today…" Frank gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here if you need me…and what can I say, I'm kinda glad we're in this together."
"I suppose you're right." Anthony shook his head. "You know she didn't bring Ryan here today because of me…"
"Then make it right and go get her…" Frank gave him a little shove towards his car.
"Really…just like that?" The surprised look had Frank laughing.
"Yeah…just like that." Frank nodded towards the car to indicate where Anthony should go.
"Um…alright…I'll be back in a few, hopefully with Ryan if she'll come back with me. Save us some food…'kay?" Anthony said before opening the car door and sliding into his seat.
"No promises…" Frank smirked as he watched his brother take his first step at making things right with Carly.
"Hey…was that my husband who just took off?" Rita asked as she came up behind Frank.
"Yep." Frank nodded as he turned around to face his sister-in-law.
"Well…?" She inquired as she quirked an eyebrow at him. "Where is he going?"
"To get Ryan…" Frank started to say but was interrupted when Angela walked up.
"Where is Anthony going?" Angela asked as she looked from Frank to Rita.
"He went to get Ryan…" Frank smiled at a somewhat surprised Angela.
"Well…it's about damn time." Angela huffed as she looked over at her niece.
"Whatever it was you said Frank…thank you." Rita said as she looked over at Carly who was talking to Maura.
"Don't thank me Rita…he just finally figured out he needed to do the right thing." Frank's gaze followed Rita's.
Three pairs of eyes peered over at Carly and Maura as they talked. Maura caught a curious expression as it came over Jane's parents and Carly's mother as they watched from across the yard. For some reason her instincts told that Carly was the center of their attention as she continued to listen to Carly talk. When her eyes met Angela's, she got a small smile and nod of acknowledgement from the older woman. It was the honking of a horn in the background that startled her away from the conversation she was having with Carly.
"Hey…who's next?" Jane shouted from the open window of her new truck as Tommy and Frankie scrambled from the front seat. Both had windblown hair and huge grins on their faces as they made their way around the back of the truck.
"Me!" Tony and Bella said at the same time as they raced for the passenger door.
"Come on…" Jane revved the engine a few times as she waited for her cousins to seatbelt themselves in. With a quick wave, she accelerated down the driveway and around the corner.
All Maura could do was laugh at the Rizzoli antics as Carly raised a questioning eyebrow at her as if to ask her what she was thinking.
"You are all so much fun…" Maura tipped her chin towards the direction Jane and her new truck had disappeared.
"Yeah…we're a close family…" Carly started to say before her eyes clouded with sadness. "At least we used to be."
Maura reached out to touch Carly's arm in an attempt to comfort. It wasn't something she was used to doing, but her time with Jane and her family was causing her to do many things she wasn't used to doing.
"Thanks Maura…" Carly smiled as she recognized the gesture. "I guess I just miss Ryan…and my Pop too."
"Well…" Maura's face filled with a bright smile when she saw a car pull up into the driveway. "I don't think you'll have to miss them for much longer." She watched over Carly's shoulder as Carly's dad and Ryan emerged from the car.
"What?" Carly turned around to see her dad and Ryan walking up the driveway together, both with easy smiles on their faces. She watched in awe as her mom wrapped Ryan up in her arms holding her close in a hug. "Ryan?" Carly called out, her voice shaky and uncertain.
When Rita finally released Ryan from her hug, Ryan smiled over at the woman she loved who had the most adorable look of surprise on her face. "The one and only…" She threw her arms open in invitation to Carly who didn't waste any time sweeping the small blonde up into her arms. "Your Pop and I had a nice talk on the way over…" The words were whispered into Carly's ear. She could feel Carly's body shaking with silent sobs causing her pull back to look at Carly's face. The sky blue eyes she knew so well were filled with tears and Ryan used her thumbs to wipe away the few that had started to stray down Carly's cheeks. "It's going to be okay baby…everything is going to be okay." Ryan punctuated the statement with a gentle kiss to the corner of Carly's mouth. "I'm here…" The words were barely a whisper against Carly's lips as the emotion of the moment threatened to overtake them both.
As Carly tried to rein in her emotions, her dad moved to stand next to her taking his wife's hand in his own to seek the comfort he knew he would find. When Carly looked over to see her parents standing awkwardly to the side, both with concerned looks on their faces she did her best to wipe away the tears with the back of her hands but she never let go of Ryan.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to come around…" Anthony ventured to say as he watched his daughter try to bring her emotions under control. He wasn't used to seeing her this way and it made him nervous. "I love you Carly…I just hope I didn't wait too long…"
"Oh Pop…it's never too late…" Carly grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him into a hug, sandwiching Ryan between them. She could see that her mother was smiling at them, her face beaming with her happiness. It was the sound of a horn honking that broke up the emotional moment causing them all to scatter awkwardly.
"Hey…who's next…?" Jane called out as Bella and Tony jumped out to allow someone else to replace them.
"That was awesome!" Tony hooted as they ran across the drive way. "You guys gotta go next." He said hugging Carly and Ryan in a bear hug. It wasn't until he had his arms around them both that he realized that Ryan was there. "Hey…glad you could make it." He winked at her as he pushed them towards Jane's new truck. He looked over his shoulder to see a sheepish grin on his dads face causing him to grin wider. "'Bout damn time Pop." He said with a smirk.
"Yeah…I've heard it already." Anthony said wrapping his arm around his son's shoulder. Together they watched as Ryan and Carly scrambled into the truck for their ride.
"Hey…you doin' okay?" Frankie asked as he walked over to Maura who was watching as Jane peeled out of the driveway once again.
"Yeah…just waiting for my turn." She sighed.
"All she could talk about was you and how much fun you two were gonna have now that she has her own wheels." Frankie tried to make Maura feel better.
"Really?" Maura looked at him and saw the truth in his eyes.
"Really…" He smiled at her.
"It's been a good day…" Maura slipped her arm through his as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "A really good day…"
"That it has…and now we have the ball game to look forward to. When does your dad get in to town?" He rested his cheek against the top of her head as he spoke.
"He'll be home on Thursday. I think he's going to stay for two weeks…" She said as a faint smile crossed her lips. The idea that her father was going to be home for two weeks both excited her and made her nervous at the same time.
"Cool…maybe he can catch one of our games while he's here." Frankie mused out loud, not really expecting an answer.
"That would be great…and maybe I can get him to take us all out on the boat for a day." Maura said as an afterthought.
"Hey Maura…can I tell you something?" Frankie pulled away from her so he could look her in the eyes.
"Of course…" Maura looked up into dark eyes so like Jane's.
"I have this idea for prom…and I was wondering if you would help me get Jane to go along." He asked.
"Tell me about this idea…" She asked, her voice holding the slightest bit of uncertainty.
"Well…I am kinda setting something up so you and Jane can celebrate prom together with me and Cindy, Gio and his girl and a few other friends." He started to say as Maura gave him an inquisitive look. "Carly has a friend who has a roof garden on his restaurant and he said we could use it and Carly is gonna cook…" He continued but stopped when he saw Maura's expression soften. "What?"
"I think it's great that you're doing this for your sister." She smiled at him.
"Yeah…well…it's important to her even if she acts like it isn't." He looked down at his feet as a blush spread across his cheeks. "Will you help me?"
"Leave it up to me to get her there…I just need the details." She smiled at him as her heart swelled at the love she could see shinning in his eyes when he spoke about his sister.
"'Kay…thanks Maura." He pulled her into a hug, giving her a quick squeeze before releasing her. He couldn't hide his smile when he saw Jane pull up. "I think it's your turn…" He said as he gave her a gentle push towards the waiting truck.
"Come on beautiful…" Jane called out as she slapped her open palm against the door of the truck a few times to indicate that Maura should move faster.
With a smile, Maura watched Ryan and Carly walk around the truck hand in hand both grinning as they passed.
"Have fun…" Carly said with a wink as she and Ryan made their way towards the food.
"Hurry up Maur…" Jane revved the engine to get Maura's attention. It wasn't until Maura was safely strapped in the seat that Jane hit the gas, taking off without looking back.
"I guess we won't see them for a while…" Angela sighed as she watched the truck fade away from sight.
"Come on…I'm hungry…" Frank slipped his arm around his wife's shoulder directing towards the food table. He couldn't hide the smile that filled his face as he thought about the fact that he had played some small part in making Jane's birthday some kind of wonderful.