"Didn't you get the call?" Jane asked, reaching for Maura's phone and unlocking it. "I'll check your voicemail."
"Wait!" Maura lunged across the kitchen counter, trying to stop Jane, who looked over at her curiously even as she hit play, hitting the speaker button too.
"Hi Maura, it's me. You did a great job today. I'm proud of you and I love you," the familiar voice rang out in the quiet room, and Maura paused, frozen across the counter, still reaching for Jane. Jane put the phone down and looked at a blushing Maura.
"That was your voice," Jane said. She checked the number. "From your work phone. From five years ago."
"If I don't tell myself those things, who will?" Maura asked miserably, holding herself. "Sometimes I need to hear that." Jane came over and wrapped her arms around Maura.
"You did a great job today. I'm proud of you and I love you," Jane said, kissing Maura's head. "And I don't mind telling you every day until you believe it, okay?" Jane asked, tilting Maura's head back until Maura met her gaze with tearful eyes and nodded. "Okay," Jane confirmed, leaning down and kissing Maura gently. Maura didn't startle or pull away; it was almost like she'd been waiting for it. When Jane pulled away, Maura met her with eyes that were filled with love instead of tears.
"Okay," Maura nodded, and after all that time it was as simple as that. Maura nodded again, and leaned up to kiss Jane, who was proud of her and loved her.