Hope you enjoy this new chapter. Also, I thought I would share the synopsis of my original "Chrome Painted Heart" with you all, so here it is…
*Spencer had always dreamed of being a mechanic like her father. The day he made her a partner of the family business was one of the proudest moments of her life. Life, as far as she was concerned, was good. Unfortunately, it had other plans in store for her. The sudden death of her father leaves Spencer alone and uncertain, crippled with the heartache of knowing that she was not there when he needed her the most.
Courtney is doing her best to live a quiet and isolated life away from the world, her existence only known to others by the artwork she puts on display. She pours her guilt and grief into her art firmly establishing herself as a mysterious recluse. It is a reputation she proudly displays just as openly as she does her paintings.
Everything changes the moment Spencer Clark discovers a painting in the local gallery that deeply resonates within her. The more she views it, the more she wonders – is it the abstraction of the painting or the mystery of the artist that makes her heart flutter? The answer leads her down a path she never could have imagined bringing an unassuming artist into the fray.
Can Spencer and Courtney help each other find the courage to let go of their grief-stricken past and move forward together? Or will the heavy burden of grief make it impossible to find love again?*
I hope to have it live before the end of the month and look forward to sharing this first original with all of you. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I always enjoying hearing from you guys and can't wait to move on the next phase of my writing. (I will still post here, too.) Take care everyone… 😊
Chapter 4
It was a cool morning with a light mist covering the backyard as Jane stood looking out the window at the fall foliage that spread out over the grass. She watched as the last remaining leaves twisted and turned in the light breeze that blew past, tearing them away from the red maple that had once provide shade in the heat of the summer months. Bringing her coffee up to her lips, she sighed at the warmth that produced a faint cloud of steam before taking a drink. A feeling of sadness washed over her as she watched those last few leaves fall to the ground leaving the tree bare, but then a smile creased her lips at the thought of raking them into large piles and jumping in them with Valley, something she had done as a child.
The smell of bacon cooking and the sound of Valley playing in the living room gave her even more reason to smile as she continued to stare out the window and contemplate the day ahead. It was time for the annual Rizzoli football game and even though some of the players had changed over the years, she still looked forward to seeing her cousins, their significant others, and now their kids. Even though time brought many changes as it marched on, one thing was certain, her family would always be there. At least those who counted. That thought caused her to think of her father and her contemplative mood turned dark. His sporadic phone calls and letters had slowed to almost non-existent, but then again, she had never responded, hoping he would just leave them be. It was a sore spot between her and Tommy, who spoke to him regularly and had begged her to reach out. But she continued to stand her ground. She wanted nothing to do with the person who had come between her and Maura, not to mention the fact that he had abandoned their mother, leaving her with no home and no savings. Frankie understood and it was a subject they rarely brought up unnecessarily.
Before Jane's darkening thoughts could take hold, the feeling of strong arms wrapping around her waist and the touch of soft, warm lips against the side of her neck brought her back. She closed her eyes and sighed against the warmth and security that Maura provided. "Ummm… you caught me."
"I could smell the smoke from the kitchen. What has you so contemplative?" Maura asked as she rested her chin on Jane's shoulder. "Although I think I can guess…"
"I suppose you'd be right." Jane sighed heavily.
"Maybe you should talk to him. Clear the air." Maura offered.
Jane stiffened and shook her head. "No, he doesn't deserve the opportunity to walk back into our lives as if nothing happened." She relaxed slightly when Maura gave her a gentle squeeze.
"I'm not asking you to invite him back into our lives. But for your sake, maybe you should find some closure."
"I don't need closure, Maura. What I need is for him to leave us alone…" she glanced towards the small cottage her mother now occupied. "All of us…"
Maura let out a heavy sigh. "I understand, really I do but…" she paused giving Jane the chance to give her skeptical look. "I know what he did was unforgivable but if it hadn't happened, we wouldn't have any of this…" letting go of Jane, she opened her arms to indicated what she was talking about. "Who knows where we would have ended up."
Giving a slight nod, Jane couldn't help but frown at Maura's wisdom. "You're too smart for your own good, ya know that?"
"Some people call me a genius," Maura smirked.
"Yeah, well… I'll think about it but no promises." Jane said with a smirk of her own.
"That's all I ask." Maura accepted Jane's offer, knowing that she would make the right choice when the time came. "Hey, look at the backyard. It's a mess with all those leaves." She shook her head at the sight before them. "I guess I should call Mac to come and bag them up so we can see the grass again."
"What?" Jane asked, her eyes wide with horror. "You can't do that?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Maura couldn't understand what had caused Jane to look so horrified.
"The leaves. You can't have them bagged up… not yet. We have to rake them into piles and then jump in them."
"Why in the world would I want to do that?" Now Maura looked horrified.
Bringing a hand to her forehead, Jane continued to stare at Maura wide-eyed. "Are you telling me you've never jumped into a pile of leaves before?" She shook her head, unsure if Maura was joking with her.
"I can say with absolute certainty that I have never…" she glanced at the leaves outside the window with a slight frown and shook her head. "Never jumped into a pile of dead, decaying, rotten leaves."
"Oh my God!" Jane said as she placed a hand on Maura's shoulder and gave her gentle shake. "We are so going to do that when we get back today."
"Forgive me for not seeing the value of throwing myself into a pile of… those…" Maura pointed outside, the slight look of disgust written all over her face. "There will be all sorts of things growing in the moist environment they produce as they lay on the grass and on top of each other… yuck."
Jane grinned wickedly as she tried to stifle a laugh. "We are so gonna do it when we get home later."
"I will not…" Maura started to say before being interrupted by Valley wrapping her arms around one of her legs. "Hey, Butterbean." She smiled down at the little girl sporting a toy football helmet.
"I wants to play feetball with Mama," Valley begged.
Dropping down to one knee, Jane pulled the helmet off and smiled at her daughter. "You want to play football with me?" She asked.
"Yeah, I wants to play football." Valley nodded firmly.
Jane looked up at Maura with a mischievous smile before handing off her coffee cup. "Well…" she said as she scooped Valley up, throwing her over a shoulder. "I think maybe we need a football about your size." Pushing herself up, she jogged towards the living room before depositing Valley down on the couch and tickling her.
"No Mama… no tickling…" Valley giggled. "I play footsball too…"
Leaning over the back of the couch, Jane kissed Valley on the top of the head before ruffling honey blonde hair. "We'll see how it goes, little one. You're gonna have lots of cousins to play with."
Maura watched with a smile on her face. This was the first time Valley would join them at the family reunion, and she looked forward to introducing the Rizzoli clan to their daughter. As she stood by the window looking out at the leaves Jane had threatened to throw her in, she shivered in anticipation. Although she had never done such a thing, she couldn't help but wonder what all the fuss was about. But she knew if she allowed herself to be open and willing to try new things, especially with Jane in the lead, she almost always had more fun than she had imagined possible.
"Hey, you notice my Ma acting weirder than normal lately?" Jane called out from the couch.
"What?" Maura turned her attention back to Jane. "Not any more than usual." She looked back out the window at the cottage Angela now called home and squinted her eyes as if doing so might make her see better. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't know, she seems more hovery..." Jane let out a heavy breath when Valley jumped on her. "Hold on squirt…"
"You know very well that hovery is not a word. You need to be careful how you speak with that little sponge listening to everything you say." Maura pointed to Valley before letting out an impatient huff.
Hovery, hovery…" Valley laughed as she continued to bounce on Jane's midsection, knocking the wind from her.
"Okay, okay…" Jane conceded. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that she seems more protective than usual."
Maura creased her brow in thought. Perhaps Jane was right about Angela. She did seem to be hovering around more like a mama bear protecting her cubs. Bringing them food and doing the household chores that were usually reserved for Jane. "I don't know, maybe." Her thoughts turned to the breakfast that needed to be finished when the buzzer went off in the kitchen. "I'm going to finish getting breakfast ready. I expect you both to be washed up and ready to eat in five." She smoothed down the invisible creases in her jeans and gave Jane and Valley a stern look, brokering no arguments.
"We'll be there or be square." Jane laughed at Maura's mock indignation.
"Square, square…!" Valley crowed as she dropped down into Jane's open arms, allowing herself to be hugged. "You give up, Mama?" She asked breathlessly as Jane held her tight.
"Yep." Jane sighed as she held Valley close. She could see Maura watching them with love in her eyes even though she was trying to act annoyed. "You win this round." Pushing herself up from the couch, she sent a saucy wink Maura's direction.
"Don't do that if you can't back it up." The smirk on Maura's face had Jane sitting up straighter and swallowing hard. "You know what it does to me." She said as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and turned towards the kitchen, leaving Jane to watch open-mouthed.
Valley looked at Maura and then Jane, confusion written all over her face. She knew that something had just happened, but she couldn't understand what had caused her Mama to suddenly go quiet. Not to mention that funny smile on her Mommy's face. Not one to be left out, she started to bounce around again singing "Square, Square…" and she was happy to find both her favorite people laughing and smiling together.
Maura was quiet as they made their way across the park, hand in hand, towards the Rizzoli clan who were waiting for their arrival. Things had been going well at the clinic, so well in fact, that she was able to take some days off to spend with family, like today. But she was on call and the uncertainty of whether or not she would receive a phone call weighed heavily on her mind.
"Hey, you alright?" Jane asked as she bent down to scoop Valley up so they could walk faster.
Nodding slowly and blinking her eyes a few times in the bright sun that had finally made its appearance from the misty, foggy morning sky, Maura swallowed hard before clearing her throat. "Yeah, I'm just hoping that I don't get called in this afternoon." She tried to wave off Jane's concern.
"Things have been going great since you hired someone to take over the business end of things. And you've been home more often. I wouldn't worry too much." Jane offered as she lifted a squealing toddler to her shoulders.
"Look, Mommy… I high…" Valley gave Jane's head a pat.
"That you are, my dear." Maura glanced up quickly, trying to hide her wince at the same time.
"She's okay. I won't drop her, ya know." Jane had noticed Maura's trepidation. "I promise."
With a smile, Maura nodded her understanding and tried not to be overprotective like Angela. 'I really need to talk to Angela…' she thought to herself as they approached their destination and she saw Angela waiting for them with a big smile on her face.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Jane gave Maura a sideways glance. She could sense Maura's apprehension.
"I'm good…" Maura did her best to look relaxed as she reached up to take Valley from Jane's shoulders so she could run the rest of the way to where Carly and Ryan were laid out on a large blanket. "Really…" she said when Jane continued to look at her skeptically. Even though she was having a hard time relinquishing control of the clinic over to someone other than herself, she had come a long way in a short time. It was only natural for her to worry from time to time.
"Okay, but you'd tell me if something was wrong… wouldn't you?" Jane shrugged her shoulders and let out a sigh.
Lifting on her toes, Maura placed a quick kiss to Jane's cheek. "I would, I promise. And if you think you're going to throw me into a pile of rotten leaves, you've got another thing coming." She teased as she gave Jane a gentle push.
"Well, if it isn't my girls." Angela threw her arms wide to hug Jane, then Maura. She gave a pout in Valley's direction as the toddler ran past her towards Carly and Ryan. "I guess I don't even get a hug."
"Come on Ma, she sees you all the time." Jane tried to wave away her mother's complaint.
"I know." Angela rolled her eyes dramatically before turning her attention to Maura with a serious expression. "Do you really think it's okay for Jane to play football… you know… in her condition?" She whispered those last words drawing a confused look from both Maura and Jane.
"What are you going on about, Ma?" Jane huffed just before being interrupted by her cousin Tony grabbing her from behind in a bear hug.
"Janie!" Tony shouted before letting go so she could turn around and hug him properly. "You look good, cuz. The academy treating you well?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm loving it there. No more all-nighters or working days and days without a break. And it gives me more time at home with the little one there." Jane puffed her chest out proudly and pointed to Valley who was laying on the grass with baby Rory pointing at the dots of clouds in the sky above.
"She's a cutie," Tony said before hitching his thumb at Maura who was still quietly trying to figure out what Angela had been talking about. "Almost as cute as this one."
The comment drew Maura's attention and a slight giggle in return. "Flattery will get you everywhere." She said as she hugged him in greeting.
"Hey, are you trying to make time with my girl?" Jane tried to scowl as she punched him in the bicep. "Just because you're single again doesn't mean all women are fair game."
"As if I'd ever have a chance with this Angel on earth here." He grinned as he wrapped an arm around both Jane and Maura's shoulders, turning to lead them towards a crowd of family congregating on the large grass field. "Come on, it's time to pick teams. And no…you can't have Carly this year." He scowled at Jane and shook a finger at her.
"No worries, I've got Maura on my team." Jane smiled over at her wife and got a slightly demure one in return.
"We'll see about that." Tony winked mysteriously as he let them go and approached Frankie who looked slightly impatient.
"About damn time." Frankie huffed, his hands were on hips to emphasize his impatience. "Come on Carly…" he waved her over.
Jane glanced over at Ryan who gave her a reassuring smile that Valley was okay with her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her mother making the rounds and talking to everyone, a look of deep concentration on her face and Jane couldn't help but wonder what she was up to.
"Hey…" Frankie snapped his fingers at Jane to get her attention. "Team Captains are Mia…" he waved a hand at his cousin Mia and…" he paused for dramatic effect. "Me…" he finished with a smirk garnering moan's and groans from everyone, especially Jane.
"Okay, heads or tails?" Tony stepped between Mia and Frankie and pointed to Mia as he tossed the coin into the air.
"Tails…" Mia said.
"Tails it is." Tony fist-pumped his little sister before giving her a knowing look. "You get to pick first."
Mia looked around the group, sizing everyone up even though she knew exactly who she was going to pick. "I'll take Jane." A wicked grin slid across her face when her eyes fell upon Jane and the look of surprise on Jane's face was priceless.
"Wait, you can't do that." Jane tried to protest. "It's always been us against you guys." Jane pointed at her cousins in emphasis.
"Not anymore. We've got so many people now that we need to mix things up a bit." Tony had a proud look on his face. "Since our Pop's aren't playing anymore, and everyone has kids and significant others to add to the mix… well… we need to shake it up a bit."
"Alright, alright…" Jane grumbled as she moved to stand next to Mia, who was now exhibiting a Cheshire cat grin.
Frankie looked dumbfounded and unsure of what to do. Without his sister by his side, he didn't have a plan until his eyes fell on Maura. "I pick, Maura." He glanced over at Jane with an apologetic smile but the look on her face had him taking a step back.
"No way." Jane was now steaming as she watched Maura give a slight shrug of the shoulders as she took her place next to Frankie. The look in her eyes told him that she would deal with him later. "Alright, alright…" she said again when everyone looked at her.
And so, it went until the last person standing was Bella who gave both her sister Mia and her cousin Frankie a glare that could kill. "I cannot believe you left me for last!" She gave Mia a not so gentle shove when she was finally picked by default.
"Sorry, sissy…" Mia looked duly chastised.
"Yeah, well…" Bella huffed as she pulled her long dark hair up into a ponytail. "I'm not that bad."
"You kinda are." Tony teased. "You'd think after all these years of playing you'd be better. But I guess you don't want to break a nail or anything."
"You'd better be careful not to piss me off big brother 'cause I might drop the ball or something." Bella scowled at her brother and wiggled her fingers at him. "And you wouldn't want one of them to pick it up, would you?" She said pointing at Frankie's team.
Shaking his head, Tony couldn't help but laugh. "Speaking of careful…" he turned his attention to Jane. "You still gonna play quarterback… in your… um… condition?" He asked waving his hands over Jane.
"Of course, wait… what?" Jane frowned in confusion.
"Well, Aunt Angela said…" he started to say before they were interrupted by Frankie shouting for everyone to get into position.
"What the hell is this condition I'm supposed to be in? Why does everyone keep asking me if I should be playing?" Jane shook her head and stomped her foot. The glance's and whispers directed her way hadn't gone unnoticed and it frustrated her because the game was about to get underway and she'd have no time to confront her mother. When the football sailed her direction, she turned her attention to the task at hand, winning.
Winning was easier said than done as the score remained tied in the fourth quarter. Jane wasn't as agile as she used to be, but she had somehow managed to stay on her feet most of the game. It was something that perplexed her though. There had been ample opportunity to be taken down but instead, mostly everyone she encountered held back instead of tackling her. It wasn't like they tackled hard either. Just a push or shove would suffice but not once had anyone come in contact with her. Unless you counted Maura, who took every chance she could get to wrap her arms around Jane and hug her tight, trying to steal a quick kiss before letting go.
"Hey, times a ticking away." Frankie called to Jane as they set up for third down.
"I hear ya, little bro," Jane smirked as she got ready.
Frankie turned to Maura and spoke in a low voice. "She's setting up for a long pass, you need to take her down or we're gonna lose."
Maura gave a nod of understanding as she patiently waited for the moment to arrive, that split second in time when nothing else mattered but her and Jane. Even though Frankie wanted to win, she didn't care as much. Each and every time she wrapped her arms around Jane, it was like coming home to someplace warm and safe and she craved it more than air itself. Her motives might have differed from Frankie's, but it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things as she eyed her target snap the ball.
As Jane stepped back to throw the ball, she didn't see Maura push past Mia and head straight for her. She could see by the look in Maura's eyes that she wasn't going to hold up, so she braced herself for the hit she knew was coming. And when it did, it wasn't unpleasant but the force of it was unexpected as they both fell to the ground, Maura sprawled out on top of her with a wide, somewhat apologetic grin. The ball she had been holding slipped from her grip and now spun and wobbled away as it was chased across the field, never slowing down enough for someone to grab a hold of.
An involuntary spasm in Jane's mid-section caused her cough as the wind whooshed from her in a loud "Oof…"
Maura's grin turned into a frown as she pushed herself up to look down at Jane who continued to pant in an effort to catch her breath. "Oh my God… I'm sooo sorry." She quickly sat up and helped Jane do the same.
"You're… such… a brute…" Jane continued to cough and gasp between each word. She was also laughing which was making it harder for her breath.
When Maura realized that Jane was laughing, she gave her a gentle push so Jane was laying back down in the grass. The teasing was something to be expected so she covered Jane's body with her own and began to tickle her. What happened next took them both by surprise. It wasn't the tiny body that had joined the tickle party but the larger one that pushed Maura away with an unexpected force so strong she found herself on her back looking up at the white fluffy clouds moving across the bright blue sky above.
"Janie… Janie… are you okay?" Angela was on her knees next to Jane running her hands over her stomach and glaring at Maura with fire in her eyes. "How could you hit her so hard and knock her over like that, especially in her condition."
By now, Jane had finally caught her breath and her laughing turned to stunned silence as she looked at Maura's surprised expression to her mother's blistering glare. "What the hell, Ma?" She shouted as she tried to push Angela away from her. She looked at Maura and then Valley for understanding but the beginnings of huge crocodile tears were starting to form in Valley's dark brown eyes as she watched her Nona with uncertainty.
"Why would you knock her down like that, Maura? You could hurt the baby!" Angela tried to touch Jane again only to have her hand slapped away causing her eyes to well up with tears as well.
Jane was stunned into momentary silence as realization sank in. She glanced up to see the faces of her family looking at her with concern and fear. The severity of the moment was surreal and all she could do was laugh.
"Baby?" Maura questioned, her eyes wide in wonder. "What baby?"
By now, Valley had climbed into Maura's arms and was hugging her tightly around the neck. She watched as her Nona shook a finger at her Mommy and it scared her even more than before.
"I found the fertility papers. I know that Jane's pregnant." Angela's anger began to fizzle as she watched Valley squirm closer to Maura. "I'm sorry…" she let out a heavy breath. "I didn't mean to yell, but how could you hit her so hard, in her condition?"
"See, I told you." Jane looked over at Maura before reaching for Valley so she could comfort her as well. "Okay, let's get one thing straight because I ain't… I'm not pregnant." She announced to the growing crowd of family who seemed to instantly lose interest and disperse at her admission. Tommy and Frankie stayed, both looking confused as they glanced between their mother, Jane, and then Maura.
"What would ever lead you to believe that Jane's pregnant?" Tommy seemed amazed that anyone would think it was a possible thing.
Frankie gave Jane a sheepish smile and shoved his hands in the pockets of his sweat pants. "Sorry, I should've known better."
"I can't believe you, Ma. What Maura and I do in the privacy of our own home is our business." Jane frowned as she tucked Valley against her chest.
"I'm guessing it's not getting Jane pregnant." Tommy laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
Maura watched in wonder as everyone wandered away to give them some privacy. Although it wasn't really a secret, they hadn't really made the effort to tell anyone of their plans. In fact, they had an appointment coming up. It was to be their first consultation. Letting out a sad sigh, she turned her attention to Angela. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you, Angela… but to think I'd do anything to hurt Jane or endanger our baby…" she shook her head and looked away.
"Oh, Maura…" Angela vaulted over Jane to wrap her arms around Maura. "I'm so sorry. I just assumed you guys had gone through with it since the papers were out on the table." She said as she pulled back so she could look Maura in the eyes. "And I'm sorry for thinking you would ever do anything to Jane or my grandbaby."
"Oh my God, Ma. You really should keep your nose out of our business." Jane reluctantly handed Valley over to Angela so she could calm and comfort her as well.
"So, it's true?" Frankie asked.
"Of course, it's not true." Tommy gave Frankie a little push. "I'll eat my shorts the day Janie gets pregnant."
Jane glanced at Frankie and then Tommy who looked pretty confident in his comment. "You want ketchup with those shorts? She asked, surprising him.
"What? No… I don't believe it." He put his hands on his hips and looked down at her.
"Believe it, baby brother." She pushed up from the ground and dusted herself off. "With any luck, next month at this time…"
"Really?" Angela held Valley closer to her and looked up at Jane with hopeful hazel eyes.
"You dirty dog." Tommy reached down to help pull Maura to her feet while Frankie took Valley so Angela could stand up. "I never thought I'd see the day my sister would get pregnant. You must have mad skills, Doc…" he laughed.
"I have many skills," Maura said as she began to brush the grass and dirt from her jeans. "And don't forget it."
"Mama okay, now?" Valley asked as Frankie wiped at the wetness that covered her cheeks. "Nona not mad at Mommy?"
"Oh, baby…" Angela reached out to take Valley again. "I'm not mad at your Mommy." She pushed honey blonde hair away from Valley's uncertain eyes. "Really, it's okay."
All Jane could do was shake her head. "I'm sorry too, Ma. But you've gotta respect our privacy. We were going to tell you after the first appointment when we knew more."
"Wait a minute…" Maura gave Angela a suspicious look. "Did you tell my mother about this, too?" It hadn't escaped her attention that her own mother was acting out of character. "You must have, she dropped off a box of vitamins and dietary supplements the other day. Not to mention the dish towels I now suspect are anything but dish towels."
"What else could they be?" Jane asked
"I'd say they were cloth diapers." Angela tried to sound apologetic, as she did her best to stifle her giggle.
"Not funny, Ma. I've been using those to dry the dishes." Jane scowled at the thought of using diapers to dry the dishes they ate off.
"Well, they are just glorified dish towels at the moment." Maura shook her head. "I guess I need to go call her and break the news."
"Please be gentle. It isn't her fault. I'm the one who told her." Angela pleaded.
Nodding her understanding, Maura took Valley from Angela's arms so they could go dig her cell phone from the bag they had brought that now sat on Carly and Ryan's blanket. "No promises, but I will take your confession into account."
"That's all I ask." Angela smiled at Maura as she retreated away from them.
"So, this is really gonna happen?" Frankie took a tentative step towards Jane.
"I think so." Jane sighed, unable to hide her anxiety.
They were quiet for a minute as Angela and Tommy wandered away, arguing over who the baby would look more like. Frankie's nervous energy was evident as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Is this what you really want?" He tilted his head in that way he did when he was serious.
"I think so…" her voice was quiet and barely audible.
"It doesn't sound like it." He observed.
"No, really… I want this. Maura and I are partners. I love her more than anything and if this is something I have to do, then I'm gonna do it."
"Why doesn't Maura get pregnant. Why you?" He asked because it was something he had never imagined before.
"Because she has too much on her plate with the clinic. We agreed that I'd do it this time and she'd do it next. Besides, I lost the coin toss." She gave him a crooked grin.
"Don't tell me she used that two-sided coin she passes off as a regular coin." He laughed. "Cause if that's the case, you've been duped."
"What?" Jane tried to sound indignant.
"This is really what you want?" His question was serious as he watched her for any indication she was lying.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Jane nodded. "It really is what I want, Frankie. I want everything Maura wants and together we'll make it happen. How bad can it be?"
Frankie's eyebrows rose up above his shaggy bangs at her question. "I guess you'll find out." He gave her a gentle push. "I'm happy for ya."
"Thanks." Jane dropped her gaze from his penetrating one and shrugged her shoulders.
"I've got some good news, too."
"Yeah?" Jane's eyes came back up to meet his.
"I'm going to ask Steph to marry me." His smile was wide, making the corners of his eyes crinkle in the same way their fathers did when he smiled.
Reaching out to pull him in to a hug, Jane wrapped her arms around her little brother. "That's great news. Did you tell Ma yet?"
Frankie shook his head emphatically. "No, if I do, I'm afraid she'll bet me to the punch. I'd really like to be the one to get down on one knee and ask…"
"I hear ya, bro. I hear ya…" Jane let out a chuckle as she released him from their hug. "Maybe this pregnancy thing will keep the heat off you for a while."
"Hey, I never looked at it that way." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle shake. "Thanks for that."
"Anytime, Frankie…" She couldn't stop grimacing at the thought of having her mother hovering over her but if it would help Frankie, then she'd take one for the team. But there would be a time he would have to pay her back and that thought brought a sly smile to her lips.
"A tie?" Jane huffed out as she put the car in park and looked over at Maura with a frown on her face. "Football can't end in a tie."
"It's the only fair thing to do since everyone got distracted after your mother freaked out on us." Reaching over, Maura placed a hand on Jane's thigh and gave a gentle squeeze. "And there was no way we were going to lure people away from the food once they got started eating."
"Yeah, whatever." Jane allowed Maura's touch to calm her.
"You can't stand not winning."
Jane tilted her head to look at Maura, giving her a sideways glance. "You've known me how long and you're just now figuring that out?"
"Someone's a grumpy Gus." Maura leaned over and kissed Jane on the cheek.
"Grumpy Gus, Mama's a grumpy Gus." Valley chanted from the back seat.
"I am not a grumpy Gus," Jane said under breath. Even though she was pretending to be angry, she couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Hey Alley Roo, wanna help this grumpy Gus rake up the leaves in the backyard into piles so we can jump in them?" She looked at Valley's reflection in the rearview mirror.
"Yes, yes… I wanna help!" Valley shouted and clapped her hands together.
"Okay, we'll let Mommy unload the car while we rake the leaves." Jane grinned back at the excited toddler.
"Thanks, I get to do the heavy lifting while you play with leaves." Maura nodded towards the cooler sitting on the backseat and the bags on the floor.
"Guess you're gonna haveta get used to the heavy lifting around here, aren't you?"
The question caused Maura to furrow her brow as she thought about the answer. "I guess so." She agreed and looked at Jane who was wiggling her eyebrows at her.
"I suppose there may be some perks to this being pregnant thing."
"I suppose, maybe so." Maura contemplated. "Not to mention the fact that your libido will probably go through the roof, so there may be some perks for me as well. I must admit, I am looking forward to it." She couldn't help but wiggle her eyebrows back at Jane who had a look of shock on her face now.
Jane poked her bottom lip out in a mock pout. "That and the hemorrhoids, morning sickness, and stretch marks that go with being pregnant."
"You'll be fine. I am, after all, a doctor you know. And as far as stretch marks are concerned, I think they are sexy as hell. They are the mark of a warrior if you think about it. They are a reminder of the life you created and brought into this world."
"Have I told you how much I love you today?" Jane leaned over to place a gentle kiss to Maura's lips.
"Maybe once or twice… but don't let that stop you…" Maura accepted the kiss with closed eyes and ready lips. The heat that generated between them grew fast and she almost forgot Valley was in the backseat until they were interrupted by Valley's protests.
"Yucky kissing…" Valley squealed with her hands over her face. But then something popped into her head as such things were prone to do in the mind of a toddler and she grew very serious as she posed the next question. "Mommy, what's heni-oids and pegant mean?"
Jane pulled away from Maura's lips, a look of surprise on her face. Maura was laughing and shaking her head but leaned forward to grab one last kiss. "Um, I suppose I should leave this one to you, you are after all the doctor in the family."
"Oh, I don't think so. You're the one taking her to the backyard to rake up leaves. That'll give you plenty of time to explain heni-oids and pegancy."
Rolling her eyes dramatically, Jane glanced in the rearview mirror at the serious expression on Valley's face as she waited for an answer, then back at Maura who had a smug smirk on her face. "You suck." She said under her breath so only Maura could hear.
"Maybe later…" Maura gave Jane the side-eye. "If you're good, that is."
"You are incorrigible, you know that?"
"Mama, what's in-origible?" Valley asked.
"Saved by your word of the day calendar." Maura quipped as she undid her seatbelt and threw open the car door. "Now, to get this stuff put away. Have fun with the leaves, Butterbean." She called to Valley in the backseat.
Glancing at Valley again in the rearview window, Jane let out a long, slow sigh. "Your Mommy is a trouble maker." She said, hoping to get Valley to agree.
"No, she not, Mama. Mommy is in-origible…" Valley said with a smile at having discovered a new word.
"Well, you just said a mouthful kid." Jane laughed as she undid her own seatbelt before climbing out of the car so she could get Valley out of her car seat. But even though they had been joking around, the intensity in Maura's eyes after their kiss caused her to shiver. She couldn't imagine her sex-drive being anymore stronger than it was now because just one kiss almost turned her into a puddle, but it was going to be fun to find out.
Maura stood by the back door, looking out the window at the darkening sky filled with clouds and wondered when they would get their first snowfall. The threat of rain was certainly eminent, but it had been a nice warm day, perfect weather for a football game. And as she discovered while watching Jane and Valley, a perfect day for jumping into leaf piles.
The sound of laughter and excited squeals caused her stomach to flutter in anticipation even though she still wasn't convinced it was a sanitary thing to do. That flutter of excitement followed her everywhere she went lately, especially with Jane by her side. Life was never boring and there was never a dull moment, especially since Valley had joined their little family… a family that would soon be growing.
"Mommy, come here!" Maura's musings were interrupted by Valley calling to her and waving for her to come outside. She could see Jane watching her, hands on her hips, head tilted in that way that dared her to defy the over-excited toddler. But it was Jane's crooked grin and ruffled appearance that drove the need to be wrapped in those strong arms that spurred her forward and out the back door.
"Mommy, Mommy…" Valley ran to Maura, arms open and waiting to be picked up and hugged.
Smiling, Maura scooped the smaller body up and held the little bundle of energy tight in her arms. With a chuckle, she pulled a few leaves from Valley's hair and tossed them aside. "Having fun?" She asked, her eyes falling on Jane's sexy smirk.
"Will you play in the leafs with us, Mommy?"
Eyeing the newly raked pile warily, Maura tried not to sound unsure of herself. "I don't know…" she continued to stare at the pile, pondering what might be hidden underneath.
"Come on, Mommy… it's really easy." Jane held her arms out and fell back into the pile causing the leaves to billow out and away from her as she landed in them with a soft whoosh.
Watching Jane trust fall into the leaves that were piled high caused Maura to gasp. Her eyes widened in fear, afraid that Jane would hurt herself on the hard ground, but when Jane smiled up at her she let out a sigh of relief.
"Don't be 'fraid, Mommy." Valley began to squirm out of Maura's arms, demanding to be put down. When she was placed on the ground, she took a running start and jumped into Jane's waiting arms.
Together, Jane and Valley rolled around in the leaves, throwing them up in the air and laughing. Maura watched and couldn't help but shake her head at their antics. It did look fun and she didn't want to be left out, so she took a tentative step towards them.
"Come'ere…" Jane held her arms out inviting Maura to drop down into them. "I'll catch you, I promise."
With a raised eyebrow, Maura weighed her options. She could trust that Jane wouldn't let her fall or she could let Valley think she was scared. Of course, her only choice was to trust because she really did wholeheartedly trust Jane. So, throwing her arms out, she took a leap of faith and landed in the strong arms she knew would catch her every time.
"See, told ya I'd catch you." Jane pulled Maura close and buried her face against honey-blonde hair.
"I never doubted it for one second." Maura giggled as Jane's lips found that ticklish spot on the side of her neck. When Jane pulled back and raised a skeptical eyebrow, Maura rolled her eyes. "Ok, maybe for a half a second."
"I hope you know, I'll always be here to catch you." Jane suddenly turned serious. "No matter what happens, I'll never let you fall."
Maura leaned forward until her lips hovered over Jane's, but she didn't kiss her just yet. "I know…" she whispered, breathlessly as she pressed her lips to the ones waiting for her touch. All she wanted to do was show Jane how much she loved her, how much she needed her, but Valley wanted their attention at that moment and wouldn't be ignored.
"Mommy, watch…" Valley threw a handful of leaves into the air, trying to catch them as they floated down around her.
With a heavy sigh, Jane leaned her forehead against Maura's before looking up at the shower of leaves that rained down on them as Valley laughed and jumped around. "Come on, Squirt…" she grabbed the energetic toddler, pulling her down into a hug.
"I'm not a 'quirt…" Valley tried to wiggle away from Jane's hold, but Maura joined in, pinning her between them.
"Let's roll in the leaves." Maura laughed as she and Jane began to roll around, tickling Valley and throwing leaves up around them.
"No tickle, Mommy…" Valley laughed uncontrollably until they stopped. For a minute, they lay together in the pile of leaves looking up at the sky, quiet and pensive until Valley broke the silence. "I love you, Mommy and Mama." She placed a kiss to Maura's cheek before moving to Jane's.
Glancing over at Maura, Jane could see that she had tears in her eyes at the soft declaration of love and she could feel her own tears forming. She reached over to take Maura's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze while Valley settled against her as they continued to look up at the sky above. At that moment, she realized she had everything she would ever need in her life but the thrill of something new excited her and suddenly she couldn't wait to add to the family that lay in her arms surrounding her with all the love she could ever want.