Three

As I landed in DC to be with Jane during this pivotal moment in her life, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. Jane was there at the airport to pick me up, and the joy of seeing her after so long warred with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

The drive from the bustling city to the peaceful confines of Quantico took us roughly 50 minutes. Jane had expressed her concern about there being little to do in this quiet town, and I couldn't help but wonder how I'd fill my days.

We arrived at our destination, a quaint, old-fashioned walk-up near the military base. It had a certain charm about it, and I couldn't help but admire the simplicity of the place. It seemed like the perfect backdrop for a new beginning, a fresh chapter in both of our lives.

As we entered Jane's cozy apartment, a sense of warmth and simplicity enveloped me. The place had a quaint charm that I found rather endearing. I followed Jane inside, grateful for her invitation.

Jane, ever the hospitable host, asked, "Welcome to my humble abode, Maura."

I returned her smile, appreciating the gesture. "It's lovely, Jane. Cozy, I'd say."

As Jane offered me a glass of wine, I contemplated her question. "I'll take a glass of wine, please."

Jane fetched a bottle of wine and two glasses, pouring a modest serving for me and a small glass of juice for herself. We settled on the couch, our connection was as strong as ever.

"I can't believe you're here, Maura," Jane said with a genuine smile, her gratitude shining through.

I met her smile with one of my own, answering, "I couldn't let you go through this alone, Jane. Angela is in Boston and starting her new life with Bill... Have you told her yet?"

Jane's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Are you crazy? She'd never leave me alone. You know I love my Ma, Maura, but I don't think I can handle the stress."

I glanced around the small, charming one-bedroom apartment and sighed. "This place is really very cute, but you certainly didn't account for Angela wanting to visit if something like this happened."

Jane shook her head, her expression rueful. "I wasn't expecting any of this to happen. Either way, this apartment is for convenience's sake. Work is only five minutes away... barring traffic."

"Traffic?" I asked, surprised.

Jane leaned in, sharing her frustrations with a laugh. "Believe me, I was just as shocked as you. Sitting in hours of traffic just at the gates of the base has become a common occurrence."

Dropping out of a chuckle, Jane sighed, her thoughts shifting. "How's your book coming along?"

I shrugged, my fingers tracing the rim of my wine glass. "It's coming. It's kind of hard when the inspiration is so far away, you know," I answered, a touch of longing in my voice.

"You should have stayed in Paris. The baby isn't coming for months," Jane stated.

I shook my head gently, a soft smile on my lips. "No, Jane... You misunderstand. I mean you are my inspiration. Your entire family. My found family."

Jane nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Well, these few months ought to be productive, I guess."

"I know it," I answered, gazing out of the window. The sun had finally set, plunging the view of the river from her living room window into total darkness. "This... is quite desolate."

Jane inclined her head, her eyes fixed on the same view. "Yep."

"But Washington, DC is so close," I mentioned, seeking a silver lining.

"Yet, so far away," Jane added a tinge of resignation in her voice. "But the commute ain't worth it."

I probed further, "So you want to stay in the town of Quantico?"

Jane shook her head, explaining, "Nah, just south of here, there's a town called Stafford. Most of my agents live there. It's suburban, but at least there is stuff to do. Or we can go north to Dumfries. That area is cool, but Stafford might be better for the kid."

I was curious. "Have you seen anything you're interested in?"

Jane's overwhelmed expression revealed the reality of her situation. "Nah, I haven't had the time. Plus, I just found out about the kid. I haven't processed anything yet..."

I couldn't help but reach out and embrace my friend, offering comfort and understanding. "It's okay. We have time to think about it." Jane melted into my hug, and in that moment, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction. We were in this together, and we'd face whatever challenges the future held hand in hand.

In the years leading up to our departure from Boston, a subtle transformation had taken place within me. I had always approached relationships with a pragmatic outlook, unburdened by the confines of traditional monogamy. The human heart was a multifaceted entity, capable of harboring a myriad of emotions.

But in Jane and her family, I had discovered something altogether unique. They had carved a space in my heart that defied conventional definitions of friendship. Among them, it was Jane who held a singular position, her presence in my life reaching a depth no one else could match.

Now, as I held Jane close, my feelings for her had evolved into something more intricate. It was no longer a question of friendship or companionship; it was a longing that transcended simple categorizations. The complexities of my emotions left me grappling with questions I had never contemplated before.

As I rested in Jane's embrace, my mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. Could she ever reciprocate these feelings I held for her, or would she reject the idea of being with another woman? The question of physical intimacy loomed large, and I couldn't help but acknowledge the desire for a deeper connection.

The emotional bond I felt for Jane was profound, and I had come to understand the difference that a physical connection might make. If my feelings for her ran this deep without that aspect, how much more intense could it be if our relationship were to evolve into something more?

Jane released me from our embrace and flashed a warm smile. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here," she said, standing and moving toward the kitchen to wash her glass. "I have the next two days off, and we can go hang out in the neighboring towns before I have to get back to work. But right now... let's get some grub."