The cool evening air embraced Jane as she stepped out onto the hotel's grand terrace. She inhaled deeply, her lungs filling with the scent of blooming flowers that permeated the night.
Seeking solace, she moved beyond the terrace, discovering a hidden path that led to a secluded garden tucked away behind the hotel.
The garden, a picturesque sanctuary of vibrant colors and delicate foliage, beckoned Jane forward.
She wandered through the winding paths, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
Finally, she found a stone bench nestled beneath a towering willow tree, offering a perfect view of the garden's beauty.
Jane sank onto the bench, her frustration pouring out in a heavy sigh.
Maura, always attuned to her moods, sat down beside her, their hands intertwining.
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, allowing the serenity of the garden to envelop them.
"Are you okay?"
Maura's voice was soft, her concern evident.
Jane turned to face Maura, her eyes meeting the love and support shining in hers.
She let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping as she finally allowed herself to release some of the tension that had built up inside her.
"I can't believe my own father said that to me," Jane whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sadness.
"All these years, I've fought to break barriers and prove myself, and he still sees me as less capable simply because I'm a woman."
"I understand how much those words hurt, Jane," Maura replied, her voice steady and comforting.
"But you've already shown everyone—your father included—that you have what it takes. You're a brilliant detective, passionate and dedicated. Don't let his limited beliefs define who you are or what you can achieve."
Jane's eyes welled up with tears, her emotions threatening to overcome her once again.
She leaned into Maura's embrace, finding solace in the warmth and safety of their love.
"You're right, Maura," Jane murmured, her voice filled with determination. "I won't let anyone hold me back, not even my father. I'll prove that a woman can excel in any field she chooses."
Maura smiled.
"That a girl. Who knows. Maybe someday we will team up. I'll be a medical examiner and you'll be a detective and we'll be the most powerful crime fighting force Boston has ever seen."
Jane started to laugh. Hard. When she couldn't stop, she ended up with tears falling.
"That was a good one Maur."
"Hey! We could do it!"
"I'm sure we could love. But last I checked you were wanting to be a doctor. A live one."
"Well, it would be a little impossible to do from the grave Jane."
That sent Jane into yet another round of hysterics.
"Okay. You're officially starting to sound like me. It only took two years."
"Wow, Maura mused out loud as she burrowed into Jane's arms.
"What?" Jane said, kissing the top of Maura's head as she tightened her grip.
"Oh, I just can't believe it's been two years already. It seems like yesterday."
Jane smiled.
"Well, if you want to be technical its been six, counting our friendship but yeah. Two years since we started dating."
*Two Years Earlier*
Jane's gaze drifted over the crowd, searching for a familiar face. Finally, she spotted Maura amidst the crowd of applauding families. Maura exuded an air of sophistication that had captivated Jane since their first day of class.
Over the last four years they had been the best of friends. Maura was even at her daughter's birth. Today though, today she was hoping to take her relationship with Maura to the next level.
Jane took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within her. She walked toward Maura, her palms sweating and her heart racing. A smile spread across Maura's face as their eyes met.
"Congratulations, Jane!" Maura's voice carried a genuine warmth that made Jane's heart flutter.
"Thank you, Maura," Jane replied, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"I can't believe we made it through four years of blood, sweat, and tears."
Maura's smile widened, and she playfully nudged Jane's arm.
"Indeed, it's been quite a journey. But I must say, it wouldn't have been the same without you by my side."
Jane felt a wave of relief wash over her. Maura's words fueled her confidence, and she decided it was now or never.
She took a deep breath and looked into Maura's eyes, hoping she could find the right words.
"Maura," Jane began, her voice steady but filled with vulnerability, "I've been meaning to ask you something."
Maura tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"What is it, Jane?"
Jane's heart thudded against her ribcage as she let the words spill out.
"Maura, I've had feelings for you for a long time now, and I was wondering if... if you'd like to go out with me? Maybe celebrate our graduation together?"
Silence hung in the air, and for a moment, Jane feared she had misjudged the situation.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have, I'll just go."
As she turned to walk away Maura grabbed her hand.
"Jane."
"It's okay Maur. You don't feel the same way. I shouldn't have said anything. I probably just messed up our friendship. Forget I said anything."
Jane rushed out making eye contact with her friend, trying to repair the damage she thought she caused. But then, she noticed a soft smile tug at the corners of Maura's lips.
"Are you done?"
Jane nodded.
"Good," Maura remarked, stepping closer.
Jane's eyes fluttered shut as Maura gently cupped her face. The noise around them amplified before Maura's warm, soft lips pressed against hers effectively shutting out the world around them.
Pulling away, but keeping a hold of Jane's hand, Maura smiled softly.
" I have feelings for you too." Maura admitted, her voice filled with sincerity.
"You've been so much more to me than just a friend over these last years. You've been my sounding board, my calm solace when things get to be too much, and I would be honored to go out with you. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our achievements together."
Jane smiled widely as she wrapped her arms around the other woman and spun them around in circles.
*Present Day*
"So, what do you think the future holds for us?" Maura asked, tilting her head to look up at Jane.
Jane shrugged.
"Who knows, I mean we could break up tomorrow. You could decide that you can do better than me and leave me in the dust."
Maura scoffed and playfully slapped Jane's leg.
"Jane!"
"What?"
"Don't say things like that and for the record one could do a lot worse than Jane Rizzoli. You, love, are quite a catch."
"Is that so?" Jane remarked with a laugh.
Maura nodded.
"Well, in that case I suppose I should do this now before you change your mind."
"What are you doing?" Maura asked as Jane sat forward and dug into her small handbag.
"I, uh, I bought this a few months back and had been waiting for the right time."
"Jane?" Maura said to Jane's back as the brunette fiddled around before facing her.
Maura gasped and brought her hand to her heart. Pinched between Jane's thumb and index finger was a beautifully delicate diamond ring.
"I had this picture in my head of how I wanted to do this, but this dress and heels won't allow me." Jane said with a nervous chuckle.
She shifted to better face Maura, taking her left hand in her own and took a deep breath.
"These last six years have been the greatest years of my life. I can't promise that I'll always say the right things or that I won't roll my eyes when you tell me how bad junk food is. I can't give you all the finer things in the world, but I can give you my heart and all of who I am. Angie and I are so lucky to have you be a part of our journey. So, I'll ask, Maura, will you continue this journey with us? Will you marry me?"
Maura vigorously nodded as her emotions had her too choked up to speak.
Jane sniffled and chuckled slightly. With shaking hands, she placed the ring on Maura's finger before they hugged one another tightly.
"I love you." Maura said, finding her voice.
Jane pulled away slightly. Brushing away a few tears from Maura's face she smiled.
"I love you too Maur, more than anyone could love another but I'm going to need a verbal answer to that question." She remarked with a grin.
Maura laughed, playfully shoving Jane away.
"Well?" Jane remarked with a laugh of her own.
"Yes Jane! A thousand times yes, I will marry you." Maura said with a beaming smile.
Jane pulled Maura into another hug followed by a kiss to seal the deal.
Abruptly standing Jane held her still shaking hand out to her fiancé.
"C'mon, let's go tell everyone how lucky I am and celebrate. This is a party after all."
Maura laughed, grabbing Jane's hand and her clutch as she stood.
"Let's."