Hey everyone, it's time for a new chapter and to also announce that my first novel, Chrome Painted Heart (Book 1 of the Hopeful Hearts Series) by B.W. Hope is live on Amazon. I hope that if you've enjoyed my writing thus far, you might check out my novel. And don't worry, I will continue to post on here at least once a month. I do have to say that the entire process of writing and publishing has been exciting and terrifying at the same time. Putting myself out there for all to see is very difficult for an extremely shy introvert, but I've done it and I hope beyond hope that you all like it. As always, thanks for reading, reviewing, and the messages of encouragement. I should also add that I have several social media accounts set up if you want to reach out to me or check out what I am working on next. You can find me at: Instagram b. , Twitter BWHope1, and facebook B.W. Hope 😊
Bliss Like This
5
"This is harder than I thought it would be." Jane ran her hands through her hair and frowned. "Can't we just flip a coin?"
"We talked about this." Maura picked up a file and flipped through it. "But, yeah… I'm torn between these two." She set the file down and picked up the one next to it.
"It's just sooo hard…" Jane sighed as she racked her fingers over her cheeks then rest her chin in the palm of a hand. "I know we said we wouldn't ask anyone we know, but…" she huffed in frustration.
"But nothing." Maura dropped the file she was holding. "We both agreed that asking a friend to do this was… well, asking too much."
"I know." Jane huffed again. "We can't ask someone to be a sperm donor and tell them they can't have anything to do with the kid."
"Look, there are a lot of legalities involved. We've talked to Ryan about all the things that could go wrong if we had someone we know as a donor and I agree with her. Anonymous is better, for everyone involved."
"Okay, but I like the guy who plays for the NFL…" Jane pouted as she shuffled through the files they had laid out on the table.
"And I like the neurosurgeon who graduated from John Hopkins." Maura sighed heavily. "Maybe we should ask your mother to pick." She didn't mean it, not really but they both needed to laugh at this point.
"You know, that's not a half-bad idea." Jane perked up, knowing that her mother would most likely side with her.
Maura tilted her head to regard Jane with a look of surprise. "You're joking, right?" She asked as she continued to watch Jane for any indication she was, indeed, joking because she had to be.
"No, I think we should get her in on this." Waving her hands around the table, Jane grinned.
"Wait, is this because you think your mother will side with you on this?" Maura had a skeptical expression on her face as she studied the lopsided grin on Jane's face.
"What?" Jane shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe…" she relented after Maura continued to gaze at her with those intense hazel-green eyes.
"Well, if we ask your mother then I propose we ask mine as well." Maura countered and glared at Jane in a way that brokered no argument.
"Sure, why not get Frankie and Frost here too. And I think the guy down at deli is free, you know the one who makes the good pastrami sandwiches." Jane sat back in her chair and sulked.
"You're on board if you can benefit, but I throw a twist at you and all of a sudden you want to invite deli guy in on our decision."
For a minute they were silent, glaring at each other but then Jane softened her scowl and sighed. "I know this is a big decision but it's sooo hard…"
"You think? We're only picking a father for our child… in a nonconventional way, that is." Maura seemed to relax as well as she sat back and crossed her arms. "But maybe it isn't a bad idea to ask our mothers to look at the files. A fresh perspective is what we need."
Jane was quiet as she thought over Maura's proposal. They were both exhausted and cranky, something that didn't happen often at the same time. "Okay, but let's narrow it down to four choices. If you offer my Ma any more than that, Valley will be in collage before she makes a decision."
Shuffling through the files, Maura studied each one carefully before making her decision. "I like one and five." She said pulling them out and putting them aside.
Looking at the file's Maura had set aside, Jane nodded then turned her attention to the other ones scattered about. When she was happy with her choice, she pulled one file out and handed it to Maura. "I like five and seven."
"Hmmm… interesting." Maura said as she flipped through number seven's file. "So, it looks like we have three choices here."
"Maybe we should just pick number five since we both like it."
"Who knows, maybe we will." Maura stacked the other files into a pile and pushed them aside. "Should we invite our mother's over for dinner and present them with our choices?"
"Yeah, sounds good." Jane pushed herself up from her chair and moved around the table to where Maura sat. Draping her arms around Maura's neck from behind, she leaned down to place a soft, gentle kiss to the cheek next to hers. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
A shiver ran through Maura's body at the touch of Jane's lips to her cheek and she let out a long, slow sigh. "Maybe, but I don't mind hearing it again." She said as she leaned close and rested her cheek against Jane's.
"Well, I do ya know. I love you so much." Jane hugged Maura tighter. "And I know this is a serious decision. I want to make sure we are on the same page though."
"I couldn't agree with you more and I love you too." Maura turned her head so her lips could find Jane's.
The kiss started out innocent enough, but when Maura parted her lips to allow Jane's tongue to explore, the heat that built between them grew intense. A soft moan escaped Maura's mouth as Jane's lips moved lower to the side of her neck. The feeling of Jane's tongue tracing patterns along the skin she found under Maura's ear caused them both shiver in anticipation. And as Jane's mouth continued to explore soft skin, her left hand moved to hover above the V-neck of Maura's t-shirt allowing her fingers to trace the V just about the ample cleavage she was looking down on. When Maura moaned again, Jane allowed her hand to dip down past the light fabric of the t-shirt to cup a full breast, but the sound of the front door opening caused her to freeze before her hand could journey further.
"F..u..c…" Jane started to say but stopped when she felt Maura's hand come to rest on her own giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Later Babe…" Maura whispered against the cascade of dark hair that fell down around her neck and shoulders where Jane was now resting her forehead.
The sound of Valley squealing in the entryway caused Jane to quickly remove her hand from Maura's t-shirt. "I love our daughter more than anything, but she's one hell of a cockblocker."
"I'd say she's learning from the best." Maura laughed when Angela and Valley appeared around the corner.
"You can say that again." Jane sighed as she rested her hands on Maura's shoulders before leaning down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Kissing… yuck!" Valley held her nose and moved her hand in a waving motion in front of her face.
"Oh, no… you've awoken the Kissing Monster…" Jane twisted and contorted like she was turning into a monster. "And she's hungry…" she reached out towards Valley who squealed again as she turned to run away from Jane who had just turned into the Kissing Monster. "Come' ere… I need some kisses."
"No way Jose!" Valley giggled when Jane caught up to her and began to pepper her with kisses. "You're Mama, not the Kissing Monster…"
Jane straightened and looked down at Valley in her arms. "I'm not the Kissing Monster?" She asked as Valley twisted around in her arms, so she put her down.
"No Mama, I'm the Kissing Monster…" Valley pretended to become a monster just as Jane had, baring her teeth and growling.
"Oh, my…" Jane feigned fright as she held her hand to her heart. "You're gonna haveta catch me first." She laughed as Valley continued to growl and stock her slowly. With a quick wink at Maura, she spun around and ran towards the living room with Valley hot on her heels.
"I'm gonna get you, Mama…" Valley called out as she chased Jane.
"Give her a kiss from me." Maura interjected as Valley and Jane disappeared.
"Hey, you feeling alright? You looked a little flush when we came in." Angela asked as she sat across from Maura trying not to look interested in the stack of files sitting at the end of the table.
"I'm fine, but thanks for asking." Maura placed her elbows in the table and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. She could see that Angela was dying to know what was in the files. She remained quiet for a minute as she watched her mother-in-law fidget around in her seat, trying not to seem interested in the files. "Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Jane and I want to get your opinion on something."
Angela's eyes widened at the invitation. "Um… yeah. I'd love to, what can I bring?"
"Just come over about six, we should have everything we need."
A small smile creased Angela's lips as she glanced at the files and then back at Maura again. "Are those the donor files?" She couldn't help herself from asking.
Maura was quiet as she studied the giddy expression on Angela's face, and she couldn't help but smile as well. "They are and we were hoping you and my mother would have a look at the three we've chosen to take a better look at."
"Really? You want our help?" Angela seemed surprised by Maura's statement.
"Well, of course. This is an important decision and we want you to be a part of it."
"Oh, Maura…" Angela jumped up from the table and moved around so she could give Maura a hug. "Thank you so much for including us. I was afraid Jane was too angry to let me be involved."
"I know Jane can act a little blustery sometimes, but she'll always need you, Angela."
Glancing over at the files, Angela couldn't help but reach out and run a finger over the heavy paper that held the answer to the possible donor. "Are these the files?" She asked as her finger continued to trace the edge cautiously.
"Actually, those are the ones we don't want. These…" Maura held up the three files she had been resting her elbows on. "These are the three we are seriously considering.
"Wow, are you telling me that the key to my grandchildren lies somewhere in these three folders?" Angela wanted so badly to take them and look through them, but she knew she would have to wait.
"Yep, and tonight after dinner and hopefully a few bottles of wine… we can go over them and make our decision." Maura smiled up at Angela who continued to stand behind her looking down at the files on the table.
"Okay, I'll be here at six… sharp." Angela leaned down and gave Maura another hug before heading over to her cottage.
"Hey, Angela…" Maura called out before Angela could leave. "Could you keep Valley tonight? I think Jane and I might need some time… alone…" she stuttered slightly on the last word.
Angela laughed and waved a hand towards Maura. "OF course. And I figured that flush on both of your faces when we got home wasn't from the heat… or maybe it was a little hot in here now that I think of it." She gave Maura a quick wink before disappearing out the back door.
Shaking her head, Maura laughed as she stood up and gathered the files to put away. It was true that she and Jane's little make-out session had heated things up a bit, something that hadn't been happening enough in her opinion. Their busy lives and the plans they were making had taken precedence over some of their alone time and after that heated exchange that had been interrupted, she was ready for more. She smiled as the distant sound of Jane and Valley playing in the living room carried to her and she knew she wouldn't change anything but having Angela right next door did have its perks, one she was going to take advantage of tonight.
"Well, ladies… dinner was fantastic. Thank you." Constance took a sip of wine as she leaned back in her chair. "You have definitely picked up some pointers from Angela." She said to Maura as her empty plate was whisked away by Jane.
"She's a very good student." Angela beamed at Maura like a proud parent. "Since Jane won't learn the family recipes, I've got to pass them to someone and who better than my wonderful daughter-in-law."
"Thank you, Angela, you're a good teacher." Maura smiled, her cheeks turning slightly pink at the praise.
"I don't know how you do it? Full-time jobs… motherhood… and still, you find time to make homemade pasta." Constance held her wine glass up to toast Maura and Jane.
"I agree, they are really something." Angela followed Constance's lead.
"Come on, Ma… you know we couldn't do all of this without your help. And yours as well…" Jane tilted her head towards Constance to include her.
"Well, be that as it may… I'm still proud of you both." Angela grinned at her daughter.
"As am I." Constance concurred.
"Okay, enough of the buttering up. We promised to let you have a look at the files for the sperm donors and once we clean up the dishes… we'll get right to it." Maura laughed as she picked up several plates and followed Jane into the kitchen leaving a very giddy Angela who could barely sit still in her seat. Her mother, on the other hand, did her best to look cool, calm, and collected even though she had that little smirk on her face that indicated she was anything but.
Stepping into the kitchen, Maura couldn't help but feel a little giddy herself at the sight of Jane standing at the sink rinsing off the dishes. The sleeves of her oxford shirt were rolled up halfway and her forearms flexed with each plate she moved to the drying rack. Placing the dishes onto the counter, Maura moved to stand behind Jane before wrapping her arms around a slim waist. She let out a contented sigh before resting her chin on a broad shoulder and snuggled close to the body she held close to her own.
"Hey, everything okay?" Jane asked, setting another plate in the drying rack and then turning in the circle of Maura's arms.
"Everything is perfect." Maura sighed again as she rested her cheek against the hallow of Jane's throat. "It's just that you look so sexy standing here… washing the dishes…"
"So that's what gets you going these days… domestic bliss?" Jane raised a dark eyebrow in question. She looked at the top of Maura's head and had the sudden urge to run her fingers through thick, honey-blonde hair but her hands were still damp, so she wrapped her arms around Maura instead and pulled her closer instead. "I seem to remember a time when my badass badge and gun made you all aflutter."
"Everything about you makes me all aflutter. But just because you use a different kind of gun these days, doesn't mean I don't still appreciate how much of a badass you still are." Maura said as she moved a hand to rub up and down Jane's bicep. "Can you blame me for thinking my wife is sexy as hell when she insists on dressing like Carey Grant while doing the dishes. With bliss like this, who needs anything more?" She pulled back so she could look up at Jane. She smirked at the pink blush that colored Jane's cheeks before lifting on her toes to place a soft kiss to the corner of a downturned mouth.
"You probably think I don't know who you're talking about, but I do." Jane laughed, but then stopped and stared down at Maura, a serious expression on her face. "You think I'm as suave as him?"
Running her hands up to the collar of Jane's oxford shirt, Maura took one side in each hand and gave a gentle tug, pulling Jane down to meet her lips in a more passionate kiss. "Absolutely…" she hummed into the mouth against her. "And, you look damn sexy in a tux…"
"Jesus, Maur… are you trying to kill me? How am I supposed to go back out there and sit across the table from our mom's when I can think about is getting you naked?" Jane ran shaky fingers through her long, dark hair.
"There'll be time enough for that later… I asked your mom to keep Valley tonight."
"You did, huh?" Jane smirked. "I guess it has been a few weeks since Ma kept her overnight and she does love sleeping over at her Nona's."
"I did have to promise to take them for pancakes at Phillipe's, though."
Jane's eyes lit up at the prospect of having breakfast at their favorite neighborhood restaurant. "Not too early, I hope."
"That might cost us and ice cream sundae, but it'll be worth it to sleep in." Maura laughed.
"I suppose an extra hour in bed is worth an ice cream sundae." Jane grinned at the thought of sharing a Velociraptor Sundae with Valley. "As long as we can get extra cherries and whipped cream."
"Wait… who am I bribing here?" Maura gave Jane's side a gentle pinch.
"Hey…" Jane tried to squirm away from frisky fingers. "Who's complaining? We get the best of both worlds."
"We do, don't we?" Maura seemed surprised by Jane's admission. It was true that they worked hard and sometimes it got in the way of their family time and worse yet, their alone time. But they also had help at every turn, something not a lot of people had. It was something she appreciated and if it cost her a few pancake breakfasts or ice cream sundaes, then so be it.
Wrapping her arms around Maura and pulling her into a hug, Jane rested her chin on the top of a honey-blonde head and sighed. "We do. We have everything…"
"And we're about to have even more, but first we need to head out to the dining room." Maura hugged Jane tighter. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
"Maybe, but why don't you save that thought and show me later… when we're alone."
"You've got a deal, but I'm going to say it anyway… I love you." Maura pulled back and gave Jane a quick kiss. "I'll get Valley ready for bed and pack her overnight bag. I know her bedtime is eight, but it won't hurt to let her stay up an extra hour while we go over things."
Jane nodded her agreement. "I'll finish here, open another bottle of wine, and meet you in the dining room so we can face the firing squad."
"It won't be that bad. We just need to emphasize that it's our decision, no matter what… we have the final word." Maura said as she turned to leave.
"Easier said than done, but yeah." Jane laughed as she swatted Maura's rear end with a dishtowel.
"Oh, you'll pay for that later." Maura called out over her shoulder.
"You promise?" Jane wiggled her eyebrows before turning back to the leftover dishes in the sink.
Maura shook her head as she left, laughing as well. She had missed these little moments of quiet intimacy with Jane, but she wouldn't trade the chaos of family life for anything. As difficult as things could get, they were about to get even more difficult as they set about making one of the biggest decisions of their lives… picking a sperm donor. But hopefully, with the help of their moms, the decision might be a little easier than they thought.
With Valley settled down in front of the television, watching Toy Story 2 for the millionth time, Maura returned to the dining room to find her mother and Angela sitting close with heads bent towards each other as they whispered quietly amongst themselves.
"What's up, ladies?" Maura asked as she dropped down in a chair across the table from her mother.
"Just waiting to give our opinion on a sperm donor for our grandchild." Constance sat up quickly, moving away from Angela as she reached for her glass of wine. When she found only a swallow left, she raised an eyebrow at Maura silently asking for more, getting a nod in response.
"Jane's bringing out another bottle…" Maura said, giving her own empty glass a light tap. She glanced over her shoulder, wondering where her wife was and then smiled when Jane slipped through the door with a newly opened bottle of wine. "Perfect timing." Holding her glass up, she indicated she should be first. As Jane filled her glass, she smirked knowingly and winked in that way that melted Maura into a puddle of need.
"At your service, my dear." Jane gave a rather gallant bow as she poured the wine. "Valley chilling in the living room?"
"Watching Toy Story 2… again?" Maura said as she swirled the red wine in her glass before taking a sip. Sighing in satisfaction, she smiled up at Jane and nodded towards her mother and Angela. "I think they need a refill as well."
"On it…" Jane moved around the table, pouring each woman a glass of wine.
"You're a good host, Janie." Angela held up her glass in a mock toast before taking a sip of the wine she couldn't pronounce the name of. "You always have such good taste in wine, Maura."
"She gets that from me." Constance gave Maura a quick wink and bumped her shoulder against Angela's.
"I suppose so…" Maura mused as she ran her finger along the base of her wine glass. Even though her childhood had been lonely and isolated, her mother's efforts to be more emotionally available hadn't gone unnoticed over the years. They were all in a good place now and she couldn't help but wonder if Angela had something to do with that. The feeling of Jane dropping down in the seat next to her gave her cause to smile, especially when an arm wrapped around her shoulder casually.
"I might need to slow down or I'll have to take one of those Buber cars home." Constance said as she took a sip of wine.
"You mean Uber." Jane laughed as she tipped her beer bottle back to take a long drink, thankful she didn't need to worry about driving tonight.
"Don't worry, you can sleep in the guestroom and Valley can sleep with me." Angela offered.
"Ma, we're trying to break her of the habit of sleeping with us. She needs her own bed." Jane couldn't help but frown at her mother.
"No worries, my dear… Constance can just sleep with me then." It was a compromise, but one Angela could live with.
Constance tilted her head to give Angela a sideways glance. "Well, that's the best offer I've had in months." A mischievous grin slid across her lips causing Angela to giggle.
Maura's mouth dropped open at her mother's comment. "What happened with you and Liam?" She asked, uncertainty lacing her words.
"Oh, that…" Constance waved away Maura's question with a casual wrist flick. "What's that word your generation throws around so much…" she tapped her index finger against her lip as she tried to remember the word.
"A fling?" Jane offered but then looked dully chastised when Maura glared at her. "What?" She whispered at the look of admonishment she was receiving.
"Yes!" Constance clapped her hands together. "A fling…"
"But I thought you were getting along quite well." Maura couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice. Since her father's death, her mother hadn't had any lasting relationships. It worried her to see her mother alone so much.
"We were and we still do, Maura." Constance raised a questioning eyebrow at Maura. "Why the Spanish inquisition about my love life all of a sudden."
"No inquisition, mother… just concern." Maura dropped her gaze to her wine glass and the dark red liquid that swirled around as she lifted it up to take a drink. "I hate to see you alone, that's all. You haven't really dated anyone since…" she hesitated. "Well, since dad passed away."
"Hmmm…" Constance nodded her understanding. "I've had my fair share of relationships but I'm afraid none of them will ever be your father, so… they usually turn into flings that satisfy the needs of both parties involved. I'm not looking for a life partner because I've already had that. I like my life, the freedom to do what I want when I want. Of course, men are a good distraction in the short term, but I think I'll look elsewhere for something meaningful… if I'm so inclined."
Maura was quiet for a minute as she tried to understand what her mother was saying. She could feel Jane shifting uncomfortably next to her and wondered if they shared the same thoughts on what had been said. When Jane cleared her throat nervously, she had her answer, but she needed to hear it from her mother. "What are you saying?" She asked even though she already suspected she knew.
"What I am saying, young lady, is that even though I appreciate your concern, it is none of your business." Constance's dark blue eyes grew darker, indicating that Maura should drop the subject.
Reaching over, Angela placed a hand on Constance's to try and defuse the situation. She gave the hand under her own a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Can we please see the files now? We've been waiting all night for this moment. I think you've tortured us long enough…" she gave Jane a pointed look that silently conveyed the subject of their conversation had changed and would stay that way.
Glancing at Maura for permission to hand out the files, Jane was surprised to see that Maura was watching her mother with a level and stern gaze that warned their conversation wasn't over. But then something silent passed between Maura and Constance and she wondered what she had missed. When Maura smiled at her and nodded in agreement, she jumped up to gather the files to pass them out. "Alright…" she said as she placed one in front of her mother and then another in front of Constance. "But let's get one thing straight, Maura and I have the last word. We will consider your opinions and suggestions but when it comes down to it… our final decision is just that… ours."
"Understood." Constance turned serious as she placed a protective hand over the file in front of her.
"Really, Janie?" Angela glared at Jane and then Maura as if to say she didn't appreciate the tone of Jane's statement. She still had her hand on Constance's but quickly removed it when Maura's eyes dropped down and then back up to meet her own causing her cheeks to color with a light blush.
Again, Jane noticed something pass between everyone at the table, something she didn't understand… something she wasn't privy to and it irritated her. Glancing at Maura, she received that reassuring smile that said they'd talk later, and it eased the knot that had formed in her stomach. She wasn't sure where the knot had come from or why it had formed in the first place, so she took another sip of beer and felt better. Perhaps she needed something stronger, like a shot of whiskey but quickly dispelled that idea because she wanted a clear head for later.
Everyone was quiet as they looked over each file, humming and nodding in all the right places or at least Maura supposed so. She already knew who her pick was, and she hoped there was enough wiggle room for compromise between her and Jane to come to an agreement. There was the flutter of nervous excitement twitching in her stomach as they got closer to deciding on something that would change things forever. And then there was the thought of a pregnant Jane and joy bubbled up in her chest at the anticipation of it all. But as her mind continued to wander down the path of things to come, she felt Jane move closer to her and then warm breath ghosted across her ear pulling her from her reverie.
"Hey…" Jane asked, her lips dangerously close to the curve of Maura's ear. "Why the pensive expression? Everything okay?"
"Couldn't be better." Maura turned so she could look Jane in the eyes. She couldn't stop herself from placing a soft, lingering kiss to the mouth that was so close to her own. "I can't wait to get you pregnant." The words were whispered against Jane's slightly parted lips.
"You think pretty highly of yourself, don't you doc?" Jane smirked. "Do you think you're up for the challenge?"
Maura raised an eyebrow and smirked as well. "You doubt my prowess?" She couldn't help but place another kiss on Jane's lips. "We both know that I have many skills."
"You know, we are sitting right here…" Constance glanced up from the file she had been studying and cleared her throat to get Maura and Jane's attention.
Biting down on her bottom lip, Maura tilted her head so she could lean it against Jane's and let out a shaky sigh. "Sorry… it's just…" she hesitated as tears welled up in her eyes. "It's just that… I can't tell you how much I've wanted this with you. The fact that you're willing to do this…" the tears that had pooled in her eyes began to roll down her cheeks. "I never thought we could have it all, yet here we are… about to have everything we've ever wanted, together."
"Oh, honey…" Jane quickly wrapped Maura up in a hug, pulling her close.
Constance watched the exchange between her usually stoic daughter and daughter-in-law feeling wetness collect at the corners of her own eyes. There was so much love surrounding them at that moment, and she was so grateful for everything they had and everything they were about to have. The sound of Angela sniffling next to her alerted her to the fact that they needed to move on so Maura and Jane could finally have some alone time. "I choose this one." She slapped her hand down on the table on top of the now-closed file she had been studying. Her sudden movement startled everyone at the table, but it was a much-needed interruption, one that got a small smile of gratitude for Maura who wasn't used to feeling vulnerable.
"Oh, wait…" Angela sniffled again as she wiped her eyes. "Which one is that?" She craned her neck so she could see the number at the top of the file Constance continued to rest her hand on. "Oh, yes, yes… that's the one I like too." Her eyes shone with excitement as she clapped her hands together. Having Constance agree with her choice was a huge bargaining chip, at least she thought it was.
Placing a quick kiss to Maura's forehead, Jane pulled back so she could make sure everything was alright. When she was sure things were okay, she glanced over at the file sitting protectively under Constance's hand and tried to hide her smile of relief when she saw the number at the top. She knew what she wanted but she also knew she would need to compromise with Maura. Both her mother and Constance had seen that and had chosen appropriately. The only thing left was to see if Maura agreed. Schooling her expression, she tried to look nonplussed as she nodded and reached for the file to place it in front of Maura.
"Number five…" Maura's lips twitched up into a small smile. It had been her consolation choice; one she knew would fit the brief for them both.
"That's the one who works at JPL?" Jane asked, her heart racing as she tried not to sound too interested even though she was ecstatic. "Didn't he win a gold medal in 2016 on the rowing team, too?"
"Yes, to both of those questions." Maura gave Jane a sideways glance. She knew that Jane wanted someone athletic, but she wanted someone academic.
"Yeah, yeah… I like him too." Jane sat up straighter in her chair, doing her best to quell her nervous energy. "He's 6'6" with black hair and blue eyes, and his family is Irish/Italian. Sounds like a great mashup of us." She waved her hand between her and Maura.
"I think he has a good bit of what we both were hoping for and the bonus…" Maura pointed to something in the file that made her smile. "He's a friend of the rainbow."
"Friend of the rainbow?" Angela asked. "What does that mean?"
"He's gay, Ma." Jane let out an impatient huff.
"Oh…" Angela's eyes widened.
"I concur that he's a good match…" Constance added. "He seems to have quite a bit of the same qualities as both of you. Smart, athletic…" she started to say.
"And he's Italian!" Angela said excitedly, interrupting the flow of Constance's thought.
"And Irish, too!" Constance interjected even though she herself was from Greek descent. She gave Angela the side-eye causing them both to laugh. "Imagine that, we all agree. Make sure you remember this day because I'm sure it won't happen again for another seven years."
"It's only logical." Maura shrugged her shoulders. "He fits the brief and I think we both get what we want." She looked at Jane to see if she agreed.
"Well, I guess I a gold medal winner is almost as good as a professional football player…" Jane said thoughtfully, touching her chin as if thinking.
"And I guess Stanford is almost as good as Harvard." Maura mimicked Jane.
"So, does this mean we've made our decision?" Jane turned to Maura, a hopeful look on her face.
"I think so." Nodding, Maura smiled wide before turning her attention to her mother and Angela. "I'm glad you were a part of this. It means a lot to have you involved…"
"Even though we get the final say..." Jane added quickly, drawing a frown from both her mother and Maura. "What?" She asked innocently.
"We are quite aware of that." Constance chuckled lightly. "And now, I think it's time we left these two alone to discuss the next step." Turning her attention to Angela, she waited for her to agree.
"I guess so." Angela took the last sip of her wine before pushing herself away from the table. Pausing, she grinned at Jane and her eyes welled up with tears again. "I'm so happy for you. I can't believe my Janie is going to have a baby."
"Ma, please… don't…" Jane could feel her own tears threatening. "You can't let Valley see you crying, she'll think something's wrong."
"Okay, but I'm going to give you a hug whether you like it or not." Angela jogged around the table to Jane and engulfed her in a hug. "I love you so much." She whispered in Jane's ear as she held her close.
"I know Ma, I love you too." Jane didn't try to squirm away as her mother continued to hang on to her. She really was grateful to have her around, even if she did try her patience sometimes. The unconditional love her mother offered was something she didn't ever want to take for granted. Their little family was about to grow, and she knew they needed all the help they could get. "Thanks for the help." She mumbled around the lump of emotion that had formed in her throat.
When Angela finally let go of Jane, she found both Constance and Maura smiling at them warmly. She couldn't help but wonder why, after all these years, Constance kept Maura at arm's length. Even though things were better between them, Constance found it difficult to drop the stoic demeanor that made her who she was. So, when she let go of Jane, she grabbed Maura to offer the comfort and emotional support Constance couldn't. The hug she got in return reassured her that Maura was okay. "We love you both so much." She said as she released Maura from her hold.
"And we love you, too..." Maura said. When she looked at her mother, she saw all the unspoken things she wanted to hear in the depths of dark blue eye's that watched her with light and love.
"Is Valley all packed up?" Angela asked as she waited for Constance to finish her wine and stand up so they could leave.
"Of course," Maura grinned at her mother-in-law because she and Jane were mere minutes from finally being alone. "But don't forget, you promised to give us until ten to sleep in."
"And then we go for pancakes." Angela said as she nodded her agreement.
"Will there be bloody Mary's as well?" Constance asked as she stood and smoothed down the wrinkles in her slacks.
"It wouldn't be brunch without them…" Maura stated.
"Good, good…" Constance smiled in appreciation. "And do we have another bottle of this fabulous wine at your place?" She asked Angela.
"I do, Maura keeps my wine selection well stocked." Angela said as she began to shoo Constance towards the living room to round up Valley and her night bag. "We'll see you in the morning, ladies." She said over her shoulder as they disappeared around the corner.
"We'd better go say goodnight to the Butterbean, or we'll never hear the end of it in the morning." Jane took Maura's hand so they could follow.
"And then…" Maura gave the hand in her own a gentle squeeze. "I get you all to myself."
"So, how do we go about this insemination thing? I'm not sure how I feel about doing it in a cold, drab doctor's office." Jane sighed as she snuggled closer to Maura after their second round of making love. It was something she had been thinking about lately. The thought of giving a stranger the responsibility of impregnating her left a bad taste in her mouth.
"Well…" Maura said as she propped herself up on an elbow so she could look down at Jane. "I was thinking… a suite at The Four Season, a bottle of champagne, and a turkey baster… and voila, we make a baby."
"Really?" Jane arched an eyebrow in interest as she thought about it. "We can do that?"
"We can do anything we want, my dear. I am, after all, a doctor." Maura reached over to run her fingers through dark hair before running her index finger down the curve of Jane's cheek and then bringing it to come and rest in the dimple of her chin. "It might take a few tries, but we can have fun with it."
There was a gleam in Maura's eyes that caused Jane's breath to hitch. "You really are going to get me pregnant, aren't you?"
"I'm very good with my hands and as I said before, I have many skills." Maura gave a sexy wink and smirk as she wiggled her fingers in an exaggerated way. "There's a study that says having an orgasm right before insemination can increase the chances of getting pregnant. So, for now, I think we should practice… a lot." She straddled Jane's hips in a move that surprised them both.
"Well then, don't let me stand in the way of your magic hands." Jane gave her hips a little wiggle causing Maura to laugh.
"I might need my hands for the insemination…" Maura started to say but was interrupted when Jane pulled her down into a kiss.
"Less talk and more practice." Jane murmured against Maura's lips.
Maura moved her mouth so her lips could skim over Jane's jaw and then down to the hollow of her throat. She could feel Jane's pulse in the side of her neck, strong and steady beneath her before she moved lower. "Practice makes perfect…" she whispered to herself as the feeling of Jane's fingers tangling in her hair and pushing her lower made her grin wickedly. And with a soft sigh, she allowed herself to revel in the fact that their baby would be conceived in love by her own hand… again and again… and again if necessary.