*Hello, I hope this finds everyone well. I also hope that there won't be any problems with posting this chapter like there was for the last one. I wanted to make this one a little lighter with some sexy times for our ladies but also set up for some things to come. I have also just hit the 100,000 word mark for my second original and hope… really hope… that I can finish it and get it out by the end of January. As always, thanks for reading and supporting me with reviews and words of encouragement. I appreciate that you all have stuck it out with me… and I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Until next month… take care...*
BLT
Chapter 14
The light from the oven lit up the inside, revealing a fifteen-pound turkey in all its glory as Maura crouched down and peered inside, wondering how much longer it would be until it was ready to come out. This was officially her first-ever Thanksgiving turkey. One that she prepped and cooked all by herself. Since Liam was only a little over a month old, they had decided to forgo the annual Rizzoli football game and the giant family feast that took place after. Instead, they had opted to host a smaller, more intimate dinner at their house so as not to disrupt the routine they had going for them, the one that had finally brought some semblance of calm over their household.
The guest list was short and sweet, Angela and her new boyfriend Davi, who would be experiencing his first Thanksgiving and much to her and Jane's surprise… her mother and Ree, the woman she was dating. This would be their first meeting with the woman who seemed to have captured Constance's attention and Maura wasn't sure how she felt about it, just yet. Since her father had passed away nearly ten years ago, she had only met one person her mother had dated and that was Liam. And while she thought they had been compatible, Constance and Liam both agreed that they made better friends than lovers and now… she thought she might know why.
The more she thought about things, the more she realized that her apprehension wasn't about her mother dating another woman, but it was mostly about getting past the idea that she was dating anyone. It was hard to picture her mother with anyone other than her father but she knew she had to, no matter how hard or different it might be, it was way past time to accept the inevitable changes that came with time and one of those things was letting go of the past. This revelation to let go caused a fleeting thought of Jane's father, Frank Sr. and all of the pain he had caused them to pass through her mind but it quickly disappeared by the sound of an excited Davi rounding the corner to the kitchen.
"How is Mr. Turkey going? Is he almost ready to join us in the festivities?" Davi's grin filled his face as he crouched down next to Maura so he could see the turkey better and perhaps see what had captured Maura's attention so thoroughly.
"About another forty-five minutes and then it will need to rest for a bit before we carve it, so… I'd say another hour or so until we sit down to eat." Maura pushed herself up to stand. Glancing at the timer on the second oven, she confirmed that the stuffing and Mac n Cheese had about another forty minutes.
"So what you're saying is that we have enough time to open another bottle of wine." It wasn't a question as Davi rubbed his hands together in excitement.
"I would have to concur with that observation." Maura couldn't help but laugh.
"What does this word… concur… mean?" He tilted his head and furrowed his brows in confusion.
"It means that I agree…" Maura offered a sheepish green when she realized that sometimes Davi's knowledge of the English language wasn't all-encompassing.
"Oh, yes… then I concur as well…" his grin was back and his excitement was infectious. "I'm so happy to experience your American tradition of Thanksgiving. It's nice to have a day to celebrate gratitude. I'm grateful to be included in this day reserved for family."
"We're glad to have you, Davi…" Maura smiled as she held back the urge to tell him the true, sometimes dark history of Thanksgiving.
"Hey…" Angela stepped into the kitchen, carrying an empty wine bottle. "I think we need another bottle opened. Would you be a dear and take care of it for me?" She kissed Davi on his cheek, causing him to blush at the soft touch of her lips against his skin.
"Wine, another thing I'm grateful for…" he held his arms out wide in an open appraisal. "Red or white?"
"Let's stick with the red for now." Angela smiled, her face flush from the wine she had already imbibed in.
"As you wish, my dear." He offered a gallant bow to his lady before disappearing, leaving Maura and Angela alone.
"He's a real sweetheart..." Maura said as she leaned against the kitchen counter.
"He is, isn't he?" Angela's smile widened. She had been unsure about asking if she could invite him, but both Jane and Maura had insisted before she could ask and it warmed her heart that they thought to include him. "He's been so excited about today… thank you for including him."
"Of course…" Maura tried to wave off the significance of their invitation but she knew how much it meant to Angela. Both her and Jane had gone out of their way to make Davi feel like a part of the family, especially since Frankie was still having trouble accepting him. And even though Frankie tried, it was obvious he wasn't completely comfortable around Davi yet. "By the way, how did you go through a bottle of wine so quickly?"
"Constance and Ree are here…" Angela said as she made her way towards the double ovens to check on how the turkey and 'fixin's', as she put it, was doing.
"How long have I been in here?"
"Oh, I'd say about fifteen… twenty minutes." Angela glanced over her shoulder to see that Maura had a pensive expression on her face.
"Wow, that long?" Maura bit down on her bottom lip and furrowed her brow. She knew she had gotten lost in thought, but she hadn't realized it had been that long.
"No worries, dear. Jane said you were probably just having a moment with your Turkey." The tone of Angela's voice indicated she was teasing but then she saw Maura's far-off stare of concentration. "Or, perhaps you just needed a moment alone...either way…" her voice trailed off as she clicked the oven light on. "Lookin' good…"
"I estimate another thirty-forty minutes…" Maura quickly reeled in her wandering thoughts.
"Sounds about right." Angela clicked the light off and then turned her attention to the top oven. "I love that you have two ovens. It makes things so easy."
"Yes, they do come in handy."
Turning around, Angela could see that something was bothering Maura. "You seem distracted. Is everything okay?" She couldn't help but ask because Maura had seemed quieter than usual.
"No… um… I mean… yes… everything is okay." When Angela raised an eyebrow in question, Maura dropped her shoulders and let out a heavy sigh. "I guess I'm just feeling a little nervous about meeting my mom's girl… um… Ree…" she stuttered because she wasn't sure if Ree was her mother's girlfriend, yet.
"That's to be expected, honey. I suspect she's nervous about meeting you too."
"I never thought of that." Maura looked up to meet Angela's warm hazel eyes and suddenly she didn't feel so nervous. "Um, can you tell me something about her…?"
"Well, all I know is that she's a professor at BU and teaches history, I think… or maybe woman's studies or something like that. And Constance met her at an art class she's teaching at the community college."
"Ree teaches art?" Maura seemed surprised.
Angela frowned in confusion. "No, Constance is teaching the class. You didn't know?"
"I didn't… no. My mother is teaching an art class…" Maura wasn't quite sure she believed it. "What on earth prompted her to do that?"
"You did..." Constance said from the doorway, surprising both Maura and Angela. "Davi has opened another bottle and I suggest you grab a glass before it's all gone." She said with a soft smile that also offered a gentle dismissal, one that Angela understood.
As Angela passed Maura, she reached out to touch her arm reassuringly and then gave Constance a quick wink of encouragement before leaving them alone to talk.
"Community College?" Maura wasn't sure she understood.
"Yes, I was inspired by all the work you do at the clinic." Constance moved closer to Maura. "I thought that perhaps I should do something to give back to the community as well."
"That's honorable, but you did donate several million dollars so the clinic could be built." Maura offered.
"That's only money, dear. I felt the need to do more…" Constance leaned against the counter next to Maura, mimicking her. "You inspired me to do more. And well…" she cleared her throat nervously. "I'm glad I did, because it brought Ree into my life."
Maura nodded sagely as she listened to her mother. She had so many questions but decided she would wait and see how forthcoming her mother would be on her own. It was always best to let Constance offer information at her own pace. Pressing her usually led to less, not more… at least in Maura's experience.
"I can sense the questions floating around in that big, beautiful mind of yours." Constance tilted her head and gave Maura a sideways glance.
For a moment, Maura was quiet as she contemplated what she wanted to know and what she could wait to find out. Biting down on her bottom lip, she shrugged her shoulders in a show of nonchalance but Constance wasn't buying it. When she felt a gentle bump against her shoulder, encouraging her to ask a question… or perhaps two, she nodded before taking a deep breath. "Um, Angela said Ree is a professor at BU…"
"She is…" Constance nodded in agreement. "She is a history teacher with an emphasis on women studies and human diversity. She's actually quite brilliant." She couldn't help but boast.
At the mention of women studies and human diversity, the fleeting memory of her early years at BU came to Maura. She had taken both classes from a dynamic… brilliant professor by the name of De Bois. "Um… what's her last name?"
Constance seemed surprised by the question. "It's De Bois. Why do you ask?"
Maura smiled at the image of the woman who had excited and thrilled a class full of young women with her flair for teaching. "I think I may have had her class when I went to BU…" she recalled. "She was quite beautiful then… I think there were many young women who had crushes on her… me included." Her cheeks flushed with a light blush. "But wasn't she married?"
"She was married, but she's been divorced for the past seven years. It was a bit on the messy side, from what I understand but I don't feel it's necessary to press her for those details."
Maura nodded her understanding. From what she remembered, Dr. De Bois had been married to another professor from BU… a man. Someone who had gained the reputation of being the last professor anyone wanted to get for chemistry… someone she had the misfortune of encountering in not one but two classes. Based on those experiences, she could understand why it didn't work out between the two professors. Where Dr. De Bois was exciting, full of life, and well… she was very beautiful. Her husband Dr. Reeves was stuffy and serious and almost always had a dower expression on his face. The way Maura remembered it, they were opposites.
"This isn't my first rodeo with a woman… nor is it hers if that's what your wondering..." Constance said, mistaking Maura's contemplative silence for concern.
"Oh, no… that's not what I'm thinking. She was very vocal about the fact that she was bisexual. That's why so many of us had crushes on her… men and women." Maura offered a lopsided grin. "I was just remembering her husband… Dr. Reeves… I had the misfortune of taking several classes from him. He always had a sour look on his face, like he just ate a lemon."
"Small world… isn't it?" Constance smiled but then silence descended upon them again.
"Hey, did you just tell me that you've been with women before?" Constance's words seemed to smack Maura in the face suddenly.
"I have…" Constance shrugged her shoulders. "I was never really comfortable with labels but I suppose I am bisexual as well."
"Did Dad know?"
"He did." Constance smiled at the memory of her late husband. "I was dating a woman before I met him."
"Wow, that's… um… that's interesting."
"It is… isn't it. Didn't you wonder why we were so open to your relationship with Jane?"
"I guess I just thought you wanted me to be happy." Maura didn't mean for it to sound petulant, but it came across that way.
"We did want you to be happy, but…" Constance paused. "realistically speaking, you were going to be faced with a lot of obstacles… and you did and still are."
"True…" Maura relented.
"But I knew it would be worth it in the end because… well… at the end of the day, love is love."
"Love is love…" Maura let out a heavy breath as she nodded in agreement.
"Do you think you're ready to meet Ree?"
"I am… and I just want you to know that I wasn't nervous about her being a woman… it's just… I guess it's just hard to see you with someone other than dad."
"I understand. She isn't replacing him, but she makes me happy… in a way your father did."
"I'm happy to hear that." Maura leaned her head against Constance's shoulder. "And I'm looking forward to meeting her… again." She offered a small grin at the thought that she had already met Ree… or Dr. De Bois as she had known her.
"Well then, how much longer on that turkey?"
Glancing at the timer, Maura pushed away from the counter so she could look in the oven again. "About twenty minutes…"
"Then you have plenty of time to come have a glass of wine…"
"I do…" Maura smiled at her mother. After their talk, her nervousness and apprehension were gone, being replaced with a newfound excitement to meet the woman that had put the light back in her mother's eyes.
YYY
Jane sat back in her favorite recliner with Liam in her arms and Valley at her feet working away at her coloring books. She watched Angela buzz about in excitement that they were together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Maura had disappeared to the kitchen and Jane couldn't blame her for seeking the quiet and solitude even though only two of their guests were present. As they waited for Constance and her new 'friend' Bree, she had sensed some tension radiating off Maura and she understood the need to prepare one's self for something new, something different. She, however, couldn't wait to meet the woman who had put the light back into Constance's dark blue eyes. And she didn't have to wait any longer because a soft knock at the front door announced the arrival of their second wave of guests.
Constance and Bree were quiet as they entered the living room on Angela's heels and Jane smiled at their thoughtfulness, in case Liam was sleeping, something he was on the verge of as he snuggled closer to Jane.
"How's my little man?" Constance whispered as she bent to place a kiss on the sleeping bundle tucked in Jane's arms.
"Tuckered out…" Jane grinned as she watched Constance bend to place a kiss to the top of Valley's honey-blonde head, causing the toddler to look up from her coloring book.
"Hi, Gigi…" Valley didn't move until she saw Bree and then she jumped up in excitement to greet the newcomer. "Bree!" She squealed, drawing a hush from everyone. "Bree…" this time it was an excited whisper as she threw her arms open in greeting.
"Hey there, kiddo…" Bree scooped Valley up into her arms, giving her a gentle poke to the middle eliciting a giggle in return.
Jane smiled at the term of endearment Bree used because it was one of her own. And if that wasn't enough for her like the other woman instantly, the genuine smile and joy that lit up her face when she saw Valley, was.
Watching the interaction between her daughter and this new person allowed Jane a moment to appraise. Bree was younger than Constance by at least ten years, or so she thought. She couldn't help but feel an instant kinship with Bree who appeared both confident and comfortable around them all.
As she continued to study Bree, she could see a carefree and easygoing style in her appearance that made her shine with youthful vigor and Jane instantly saw what it was that had attracted Constance in the first place. The skinny jeans that hugged feminine curves, showed off a lean and athletic body that would make anyone look twice. The green Converse high top tennis shoes matched the green plaid flannel Bree was wearing, untucked and open a few buttons to reveal more curves that lay beneath. There was also an energy that radiated off her that lifted everyone in the room, Jane included. But it was the stunningly bright blue eyes framed by dirty blonde, shoulder-length hair that seemed to encompass everyone in the room in a welcoming warmth that had Jane almost swooning. Of course, the only person who made Jane swoon was Maura but feeling the reaction her body was having to the older, very attractive Bree made her realize it had been too long since she and Maura had had any physical contact. That would have to be rectified… soon. She also couldn't help but silently congratulate Constance for finding someone who was not only beautiful on the outside but seemed to be as equally beautiful on the inside. But that didn't diminish the fact that Constance and Bree appeared to be complete opposites.
"This is my daughter… Jane…" Angela interrupted Jane's musings, drawing her back into the conversation she had drifted away from.
"It's nice to finally meet you..." Jane said quietly as she nodded Bree's direction.
"It's nice to meet you as well, and congratulations." Bree pointed at the sleeping baby in Jane's arms.
"Thanks… and I think it's time to see if he'll let me put him down for his nap." Jane allowed Angela to help her stand up.
"Mama, can I show Bree my room? Pease…" Valley tried to ask quietly because she too was happy Liam was asleep so she could now garner all the attention in the room.
"That's up to Bree, Butter Bean…" Jane smiled as she tiptoed towards the stairs.
"Of course…" Bree agreed when Valley tilted her head in question.
"Would you like me to pour you a glass of wine, dear?" Constance asked, a look of adoration on her face as she watched Bree with Valley.
"That would be wonderful..." Bree said, her face glowing with happiness that Jane suspected wasn't only about the prospect of wine.
"Don't keep Bree long…" Constance tried to give Valley a stern look, but the smile twitching at the corners of her mouth indicated she was teasing.
"Why? So you can kiss like Mommy and Mama do?" Valley made a face by scrunching up her nose and shaking her head, causing Davi, who had been quiet until that moment to laugh out loud.
When Liam twitched in Jane's arms, Davi drew an admonishing look from all of the women in the room, including Valley. A collective sigh rippled among them when Liam settled and continued to sleep. Davi ducked his head and quietly slipped from the room to check on Maura and the turkey he was looking forward to tasting.
"He's a sweet guy, but we might have had one less table setting if he had woken 'Little Man' up…" Jane whispered as she headed up the stairs with Valley and Bree close behind.
When they found themselves alone, Angela handed Constance a glass of red wine and offered a sheepish grin. "She's wonderful." She said as she glanced towards the stairs to make sure they were alone.
Constance was quiet for a minute as she swirled the ruby red liquid around her glass. "You don't think she's too young?" It was a question that had weighed heavily on Constance's mind since they had started dating.
"What?" Angela seemed surprised by the question. "Absolutely not… I'm dating someone almost twenty years younger than I am."
"I suppose you're right. She's only eight years younger than me… but do you think Maura will approve?"
"If I know one thing about Maura, it's that she doesn't judge and I don't think she will with you either. How could she?"
"I don't know… I haven't introduced her to any of the people I've seen since William passed away. I just thought it was best and no one ever really held a place in my heart like…" Constance took a long drink of her wine before giving Angela a sad smile. "I'm in love with her…" she said as if she were apologizing for something.
"That's wonderful, Constance." Angela reached out to pull the other woman into a hug.
Constance allowed herself to be pulled into the hug, something she rarely allowed but she needed it. The question of whether Maura would approve had weighed heavily on her mind and Angela was just the person to comfort her.
"Maura's gonna love her too." Angela offered because she truly believed there was no reason why she wouldn't.
"Do you think so?" Constance seemed unsure as she looked into soft, warm hazel eyes that offered her comfort and support.
Angela nodded emphatically as she released Constance from their hug. "I do… I really do. What's not to love about Bree? She's beautiful, smart… great with Valley… and well… you're happy and I'll bet that's all that matters to Maura."
Taking another sip of her wine, Constance smiled as her lips made contact with the glass. She knew that Angela was right but for some reason, she had been nervous. Maura had never given her any indication she wouldn't accept someone new in Constance's life so she had to trust her instincts and Angela's words of comfort.
"I better go check on Davi… and I think we may need him to open another bottle of wine." Angela headed towards the kitchen, throwing a quick wink over her shoulder.
"I would have to agree with that logic." Constance grinned as well.
Constance wasn't alone for long. Jane tiptoed down the stairs in exaggerated steps, a smile on her face as she made her way across the room to where Constance waited. "Phew… he's just starting to sleep through the night and is on a pretty good schedule of two naps a day." She pushed her dark hair over her shoulder before rubbing the back of her neck.
"You should have Maura give you a neck massage..." Constance said as she watched Jane wince in discomfort.
"Yeah, that might be a problem… she's afraid to touch me." Jane sighed heavily.
"What?" Constance brought her wine glass away from her mouth, a look of surprise on her face.
"Yeah, since I had the baby, she's been afraid of hurting me… so… we haven't… well… you know…" Jane stuttered, unable to say the words.
"Well, you'll have to make her then."
"What?" It was Jane's turn to be surprised. "How in the world do expect me to do that?"
"Come on Jane… I'm sure you can think of something. You're very resourceful when you want to be." Constance had a playful gleam in her eyes as she watched Jane squirm uncomfortably.
"Um… I suppose so." Jane could feel her cheeks burning from the blush that was racing across her face.
"Don't suppose… just do…" Constance gave her a wink as she took another drink of her wine that had suddenly become dangerously low in her glass.
Davi suddenly appeared to save the day and open another bottle of wine just as Valley and Bree appeared. Valley ran to Jane and Bree made her way across the room to stand next to Constance who handed her a glass of wine with a soft smile on her face. Bree seemed grateful as she leaned close to Constance and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
"See… kissing… yuck…" Valley waved her hands in the air dramatically. Her sudden outburst caused them all to laugh.
"How about you pick a movie to watch in Mommy's office while the grown-ups get acquainted.." Jane said as she ruffled Valley's hair.
"What's quainted?" Valley asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"It's when we talk and get to know each other. Mommy hasn't met Bree yet so we need to let them get acquainted. Okay?" Jane grinned as she watched Valley mull over what she had said.
"I guess so…" Valley was hesitant, afraid she might miss something but then the prospect of watching Beauty and Beast again was enough to pull her away from the wonders of adults getting acquainted. "Can I watch Beauty and the Beast?" She asked as she raced towards the DVD collection.
"I suppose so." Jane agreed as she followed Valley who was already running towards Maura's office. "I'll be back in a sec and then maybe we can have some grown-up time." Her grin filled her face at the prospect of being around adults.
Constance gave a quick wave before turning her attention towards Davi who was smiling in that easy, unassuming way she had come to associate with him. She watched as he pulled a bottle of wine from a bag and held it out for her to approve. When she nodded, he smiled and began to open the bottle for them.
"Best to let this one rest for a few minutes." He said with a grin. Being the only man among so many strong, beautiful women would intimidate some, but not him. He was enjoying every minute of it.
"How are things in the kitchen?" Constance asked.
"They are coming along..." Davi said as he set the bottle of wine down and picked up his half-empty glass to take a drink. "Maura is doing well…" he mused as he thought about their conversation.
"Maybe I should go check on her…" Constance wondered as she ran her finger along the rim of her wine glass.
"That would be nice. She doesn't know you're here, so it would be a nice surprise." Davi mused as he dropped down on the couch. "Come sit, Bree, and tell me how the art classes are going."
Bree's face lit up at talking about her newfound hobby, the one that had brought Constance into her life. "Well…" she started to say as she accepted a quick kiss to the cheek before Constance left them alone.
Glancing over her shoulder, Constance felt a tug at her heart. She hoped that Maura would be okay with her relationship with Bree because she wasn't sure what she'd do if Maura wasn't. She supposed there was only one way to find out. She had to talk to Maura and now was as good a time as any. So, with a heavy sigh and what seemed like the weight of the world on her shoulders, she left Bree and Davi to seek out her daughter and hopefully establish that all of her uncertainty and worry had been unnecessary.
YYY
It had been a perfect evening with great food, wine, and company. Maura's turkey had turned out succulent and juicy and everyone had raved about it. After her talk with her mother, Maura realized that she had been worried for no reason. The second she met Bree, they hit it off, especially when Maura shared the tidbit that she had taken several of Bree's classes when she was at BU.
The conversation had been exciting and filled with memories and hopes for the future and Jane couldn't help but smile broadly at the love that filled the room as she watched Maura interact with Bree. The content smile on Constance's face said it all and it made her happy to… well… see everyone else happy. Davi and Angela had an easy, familiar way about them, as if they had known each other for years and Davi was very attentive, something that made Jane realize how good he was for her mother.
And when Tommy and Frankie had arrived for dessert with their significant others, Jane thought that it couldn't get any better. Liam was being gently passed around, giving her a break and it brought a smile to her face. Time had passed and Tommy and Frankie had left, leaving just Davi, Angela, Constance, and Bree again. She supposed that things couldn't get any better, that is until the doorbell rang and she couldn't help but suppose that it might be Frost stopping by for a drink and a slice of pumpkin pie. With that thought on her mind, she headed towards the front door and opened it without looking through the peephole to find the last person on earth she expected to find standing on her and Maura's doorstep.
"Hi, Janie…" Frank Sr. stood on the porch, shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
"Um…" Jane was stunned into silence. She couldn't find the words to express all of the feelings that were threatening to break the damn she had built around her heart when it came to her father.
Maura stepped into the entryway expecting to find Frost but what she found instead was Jane, frozen, face to face with her father, Frank Sr. Her instinct to protect kicked in causing her to take several long strides that carried her to Jane's side. Her heart dropped into her stomach at the sight of the man who had caused them so much pain and she wasn't sure what to do or how to react. Anger, sadness, and irritation fought for dominance as she leaned closer to Jane to let her know she was there for comfort.
"What are you doing here?" Jane finally found her voice.
"I wanted to meet my grandson…" Frank kicked at an invisible rock under his foot.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me…" Jane huffed impatiently. She had no intention of letting her father step past their threshold into their home… the home she and Maura had built together. "What makes you think you have that right?" Her anger was at the boiling point and it was taking everything in her not to slam the door shut. Maura's arrival had given her the courage to speak her mind but when her mother arrived, she felt herself falter. The only thing she could do was turn and walk away, leaving Maura, Angela, and Frank to sort things out without her. So, with a look that expressed her apology, she glanced at Maura and then her mother before leaving.
"Frank?" Angela seemed surprised by his presence. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to meet my grandson before I head back to Florida. I know this isn't the most ideal time but I leave tonight."
"And you didn't think to visit before Thanksgiving?" Angela put her hands on her hips and gave him a look of admonishment.
Maura nodded in agreement as she took in Frank's lowered shoulders and bent head to indicate shame but she wasn't buying it just yet. "You're just using the holiday to your advantage." She couldn't help but interject. "But don't be so sure of yourself…" her voice trailed off.
"Maura, would you go check on Jane… I'll handle this." Angela waved in Frank's direction, giving Maura a small, reassuring smile that she did, indeed, have a handle on the situation.
Biting down on her lip, Maura pondered whether or not she trusted Angela at the moment, but her heart was with Jane so she begrudgingly decided to do what Angela told her to do. "Okay…" she sighed heavily as she turned to leave them but not before giving Frank a withering glare that he acknowledged with the bow of his head.
When they were alone, Angela turned her full attention to the man standing in front of her. This was the last thing she had expected to have to deal with today, but for some reason, she wasn't as bothered by his appearance as she thought she should have been. She had grown more confident and independent since his departure and she wanted him to know it. "You can't just come here expecting to be welcomed with open arms."
"I know, and I'm sorry… but I just want to meet my grandson." He finally met Angela's gaze and did his best to hold it. "I don't expect Jane to forgive me… or you for that matter, but I was hoping to put aside the animosity for one day."
"Animosity?" Angela let the word out on a long, slow hiss. "You left you're family high and dry…"
"I know and I'm not here to make amends with you. I know this isn't the time or the place for that. I really just wanted to see my… our grandson before I leave. I promise… that's all." He held his hands up as if in surrender.
"I'm not sure Jane wants that."
"I know and I completely understand."
Angela was quiet for a minute, her heart suddenly softening. "If I let you in, you won't push Jane?"
"No, I won't…" he sighed heavily because as much as he wanted to reconcile with his daughter, he knew this wouldn't be the time.
"Okay, but she's not going to like it..." Angela said stepping back away from the door to let Frank in. "You've got two grandchildren now… and I suppose when Frankie gets married… three."
"I heard that they adopted a little girl."
"She's not just a little girl, she's Maura's niece."
"I didn't know that." Frank shoved his hands in his pockets and followed Angela towards the living room. He knew he was going into the lion's den but the healing needed to start somewhere and he also knew it was up to him to make the first move of many to come.
"I can't believe you let him in." Jane huffed when she saw her father following her mother.
Maura wasn't sure what to do or say when she saw Frank in their living room, and it was safe to say that Constance was also at a loss for words. The air was thick with tension as she watched him look around the room at the familiar faces and not so familiar faces.
"Who's that?" Valley popped up from the floor where she was playing with her hot wheels.
"Um… this is… your…" Angela started to stutter but was quickly quieted when Jane held up her hand to stop her.
"Oh no… he doesn't get that privilege..." Jane said her voice louder than she wanted.
"My name is Frank… I'm Jane's… um your mom's dad…" Frank offered his hand to Valley to shake.
Looking at the outstretched hand, Valley wasn't sure what to think as she eyed it with suspicion. This was something new she wasn't sure she understood. Noah had what he called a 'granddad' who was Steph's father and if her little kid calculations were right, this man standing in front of her was her granddad. "Does that make you my granddad?" She asked innocently, drawing a surprised expression from Frank and everyone else in the room.
"She's too smart…" Jane sighed as she waved her hands in the air. "Yes, but you can call him Frank. He hasn't earned the 'granddad' badge yet."
"You have to have a badge?" Valley's eyes widened in wonder.
"Yes, and he hasn't yet." Jane insisted even though everyone was watching her with a mixture of uncertainty and fear.
"Jane, honey… he just wants to meet Liam. He won't stay long… will you?" Angela gave Frank a searing glare that dared him to argue.
"Um, no… I have to catch a plane in a few hours." Frank said.
"Whatever… but I'm not going to sit here and be a part of it." Jane pushed away from the couch she had been leaning against and stormed towards the kitchen for some quiet solitude.
For a minute the room was quiet and Valley looked like she might cry at the tension that seemed as thick as fog but then Bree bent to pick her up and held her close in a show of comfort. Constance offered a grateful smile at the way Bree had handled Valley before turning her attention to Frank, the one person she hadn't expected to see… ever. But then Davi caught her eye and there was an uncertainty in his normally easy-going energy and she smiled at him. His eyes kept moving between Angela and Frank, seeking some kind of reassurance that there wouldn't suddenly be some kind of reconciliation.
"Frank, this is my boyfriend… Davi…" Angela said as she reached out to take Davi's hand, quelling the fears she could see in his eyes. "And that is Bree, Constance's…" she hesitated briefly until Constance nodded her consent. "Bree is Constance's girlfriend. And since you won't be here long… we don't need to go past that as far as the introductions are concerned."
The look on Frank's face went from surprise to understanding as he looked at everyone trying to acknowledge them. "It's nice to meet everyone but Angela's right. I'm just here to meet… Liam… is it?"
Angela nodded as she pulled Davi closer to her. She was drawing on his strength and support, something she hadn't gotten from Frank towards the end. In the early days and months when Frank had left her, Angela hadn't felt strong or self-assured at all, but over the years with the help of Jane, Maura, and Constance… she found her footing and was now thriving. But it wasn't until she met Davi that she realized that her happiness was just as important as those around her.
"I think I'll check on Jane." Maura let out a heavy, tired sigh. "If you don't mind, I'll let you handle things in here. But I expect to find you gone when we come back… you've got ten… maybe fifteen minutes tops." She pointed at Frank before heading towards the kitchen.
"That seems fair." Frank hung his head as Maura left.
"I'll go get him..." Constance said, wanting to get away from the tension that had settled around them… heavy and uncomfortable.
"And Valley and I will go check out her Red Sox collection.." Bree said as she followed Constance towards the stairs.
Frank looked up at the mention of the Red Sox and couldn't help but smile at the fact that Jane was still such a fan, making her daughter one as well.
When the room had cleared of everyone but him, Angela, and the man who stood protectively next to his ex-wife, he let out a heavy breath. "I know I messed things up, but I want you to know I never meant to hurt any of you."
Angela held up her hand to stop Frank from going on. "Frank, this isn't the time… I've let you into Jane's house out of the kindness of my heart so you could meet your grandson. That's all… don't try and force something that isn't welcomed… yet."
"Okay…" he sighed heavily.
Constance reappeared with a small bundle in her arms, causing the room to go suddenly still and silent. Looking over at Angela for permission, she waited to take Liam to Frank until she got the go-ahead. When Angela nodded, she took the baby to Frank and gently passed him to the man she felt was undeserving of the privilege.
"Wow…" Frank looked down at Liam with tears in his eyes. "He looks so much like Jane and Frankie did when they were babies."
"He does, but his eyes are hazel-green like Maura's..." Angela said.
"How did they pull that off?" Frank immediately regretted how that sounded and winced slightly. "What I mean is… that's nice." He tried to smile.
Both Constance and Angela exchanged looks, a silent conversation passing between them as Frank continued to look down at Liam. They both knew that Jane and Maura had tried their best to find someone that shared an equal amount of traits as them. Liam had Jane's dark hair and olive complexion but his eyes were the same hazel as Angela's with a mix of green like Maura's. It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least, that he looked like a good mix of his two moms. Just like Valley who looked like Maura but had the same dark, penetrating brown eyes as Jane.
"He really is beautiful." Frank smiled down at Liam who finally opened his eyes and stretched out a hand out as he yawned. "I can't believe Janie is a mom…"
"She and Maura are great moms to their two beautiful children." Angela felt the need to emphasize that Jane and Maura had two children.
"Of course… but Liam here is…" Frank paused as he tried to find the words to explain what he was thinking. "I mean, Jane gave birth to this little guy… that makes him…" he started to say but was interpreted but Constance.
"As much her child as Valley is." The sternness in Constance's voice caused everyone to stand up straighter.
Angela's lips twitched up into a sly grin as she reached out to take Liam from Frank. "I do believe your time has just about run out."
"Oh, yeah…" Frank reluctantly handed the baby over. "Um… thank you for letting me… you know…" he shrugged as he watched Angela hand Liam to Davi who seemed more comfortable handling Liam than he liked. He couldn't help but watch with a wistful expression and a hint of regret.
"Let me walk you to the door." Angela offered as she waved her hand towards the entryway, indicating Frank should follow.
"I'd like to say it was a pleasure to see you again Frank, but frankly, that would be a lie." Constance gave a dismissive wave as she headed upstairs in search of Bree and Valley.
When Frank appeared shocked by Constance's dismissal, Angela couldn't help but laugh. "What did you expect? You shattered the life Jane deserved…" she took a deep breath to quell her anger. "But despite your efforts… they still got their happy ever after."
"For what it's worth, I'm happy for Jane and Maura." He tried one last time to express his regret.
"Save it for another time, Frank. I don't have time for your drive-by apologies and neither does Jane. I respect that you and the boys are on good terms but it won't be that easy with us." Angela opened the front door and ushered Frank out. "I hope you have a happy life…" she gave him a genuine smile and then shut the door.
YYY
"Oh, that feels really good…" Maura sighed as she dropped her chin to her chest to allow Jane to massage her shoulders. "But I think maybe you should be on the receiving end of a massage after everything that happened today."
"Nonsense…" Jane's fingers moved over the tight muscles of Maura's neck and shoulders. "You prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving day dinner for everyone."
"Um…" Maura closed her eyes as Jane worked on a particularly tight muscle.
"Besides…" Jane bent down to whisper in Maura's ear. "I like touching you."
Maura's head shot up at the sultry tone and puff of warm air that tickled her ear. "You do, do you?" She looked up so she could see Jane, standing above her.
"I do, indeed…" Jane smiled down at the hazel-green eyes that watched her with interest.
"If that's the case, why don't you come around so I can give you a kiss." Maura pointed at the empty spot in front of her where she sat on the couch.
Jane nodded, but instead of walking around the couch as Maura expected, she climbed over it and into Maura's lap. "Will this do?" She offered her sexy smirk.
Maura frowned, but only for a second as Jane settled a knee on either side of her, straddling her hips so they were face to face. "You know the rules about climbing over the couch, but in this case… I say fuck the rules."
"I have a better idea." Jane rested her hands on Maura's shoulders to steady herself.
"And what, pray-tell, would that be?"
Jane leaned forward and hovered her mouth over Maura's but didn't make contact just yet. "Well, we can start here…" she leaned the rest of the way, pressing her lips to Maura's slightly parted ones, moaning at the warmth that spread throughout her body.
The soft, velvet caress of Jane's tongue brushing against her own, seeking a deeper connection caused Maura's eyes to flutter shut. It had been almost eight weeks since she had had the pleasure of feeling Jane pressed against her and the sudden realization of why had her reluctantly pulling away to look in Jane's eyes, seeking reassurance that they were on the same page. "Are you sure you're ready for this? I don't want to hurt you."
A sly grin played at Jane's lips as she nodded in the affirmative. "I'm positive. Everything is working just fine…" she leaned in for another kiss but Maura put a hand to her chest to hold her back.
"Come again?" Maura asked. She wasn't sure if what she thought Jane meant was actually what Jane meant. But the blush that raced across Jane's cheeks was clarification enough and it was her turn to grin slyly and playfully.
Jane was quiet for a minute, prompting Maura to slide a hand up and under her shirt, searching for warm skin to caress. Clearing her throat, she wasn't sure she could say it out loud, so instead, she evaded. "Use your imagination."
"Oh, I am and you know I have a very vivid imagination." Maura skimmed her fingertips over Jane's stomach as she moved higher. "But I think I may need you to fill in the blanks…" she moved her hands around to undo Jane's bra, freeing those beautiful, full breasts she had missed so much.
Letting out a sigh as Maura's hands moved under the loosened bra, Jane shivered at the anticipation of the touch that would set her body ablaze with desire, but when Maura stopped short of where she needed her, she looked down into serious, hazel-green eyes. "You're serious?" She seemed surprised that Maura would stop her exploration.
Maura allowed her finger to graze a hardened nipple, causing Jane to gasp. She wasn't above teasing a little to get what she wanted and right now she needed Jane to tell her what she wanted to hear. "I'm serious…" she paused to look Jane in the eyes. "Tell me what you do when you're alone."
Staring down into Maura's eyes, Jane saw an intensity she'd never seen before. "What do you think I do?" She licked her lips seductively and tilted her head.
"I think…" Maura paused to close her eyes as the image of Jane pleasuring herself sent a ripple of desire through her body, causing her to shiver. "I think you touch yourself."
"Maura, do remember that song from the early '90s?" Jane leaned close so she could whisper in Maura's ear.
"What?" Maura squeaked as her eyes flew open. She wasn't sure why or how Jane had changed the subject but she wasn't ready to let it go, not when things had gone this far.
Leaning back and smiling like a Cheshire cat, Jane peered at Maura through dark eyelashes. "The song by the Divinyls…"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Maura let out a frustrated huff. She couldn't understand how any of this was relevant.
"They sing a song called 'I touch myself' and it goes something like this…" Jane took a deep breath to help her recall the words she wanted to share with Maura. "I love myself, I want you to love me… When I feel down, I want you above me… I search myself, I want you to find me… I forget myself, I want you to remind me… I don't want anybody else… When I think about you, I touch myself… Ooh, I don't want anybody else…"
"Wow… um… that's… um…" Maura stammered.
"It's pretty hot, isn't it…"
"You have no idea…" Maura said, taking a deep breath to help steady herself.
"Maybe next time… I touch myself… I don't have to do it alone…" Jane smirked as she leaned forward to skim her lips along Maura's cheek.
Nodding her head vigorously, Maura agreed wholeheartedly. "I would really like to see that."
"Well, I suppose it could be arranged…" Jane quirked a dark eyebrow as she leaned back to study Maura's flushed face. "But tonight, I want you…" she said as she reached for the hem of her shirt. Pulling it off in one fluid motion along with her bra, she revealed herself to Maura's hungry eyes. "Tell me… do you want to touch me?"
Jane's confidence was intoxicating and Maura wanted nothing more than to draw out this moment between them. "I do, but please… let me see you touch yourself first…" she said as her eyes roved over Jane's naked torso.
"Hmmm…" Jane sighed as she ran a hand over her stomach, dipping a finger just under the waistband of her sweat pants. "Like this…?"
"Yessss…" Maura let out a low hiss as she watched, her eyes widening in surprise as Jane's hand moved back up her stomach towards her breasts.
Arching her back and tilting her head back, Jane moved her hand higher until she was cupping her right breast. With a heavy sigh, she inched her fingers up and over until she was touching a hardened nipple. Her eyes fluttered shut as she began to circle it with the lightest of touches, causing her to moan at how sensitive she was.
It was taking all of Maura's self-control not to reach out to touch Jane but she was enjoying the pleasure of watching too much. It was the sweetest form of torture to see Jane so uninhibited and so willing to do what she asked. "Do you even know how beautiful you are?"
Opening her eyes, Jane looked at Maura with a sly grin. "You make me feel beautiful when you look at me the way you are now." Her fingers dropped from her breast as she reached out to place an open palm against Maura's cheek.
Leaning into the touch, Maura closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath. "Show me… more…"
Jane lifted her eyebrow again, but this time it was in surprise. She could see how much Maura was enjoying watching her and it made her feel powerful and in control. Not to mention she was enjoying every minute of teasing. "You want more, huh?" Tilting her head, she studied Maura's wide eyes and dilated pupils.
"Yes, please…" Maura's breath was coming faster as she anticipated Jane's next move.
With a sexy smirk, Jane brought her hand to hover over the waistband of her sweat pants again, causing Maura's breath to hitch. "Perhaps, something like this…?" She said as her hand dipped down past the elastic band until she was touching herself in way she had only ever done while alone. The wetness that greeted her own touch sent a wave of heat over her body and caused her hips to jerk forward. "Oh God, Maura…" her voice trailed off as her fingers continued to move, seeking relief from the tension that was coiled deep inside of her, ready to spring free.
But Maura had seen enough, it was time for her to take over and share in the pleasure she could see washing over Jane. "My turn…" she growled as she roughly pulled Jane's hand away, replacing it with her own. The warmth and wetness she encountered at her first touch caused her to moan and she wasn't sure if the shiver that shook her body came from her or Jane. It didn't matter, though, because she held Jane's release in the palm of her hand. And it was up to her to fulfill the promise to carry Jane over the edge.
Jane set the rhythm, grinding against Maura's fingers as they continued to stroke and caress her. She hadn't expected her climax to take over so soon, but as she moved faster seeking that deep touch she craved, her body took over. Grabbing Maura's wrist to keep her hand where it was needed most, Jane finally let go and tumbled over the edge. The feeling of Maura wrapping her other arm around her waist to hold her steady as her body began to tremble made her feel safe and protected. "Oh, fuuuuccckkk…" she ground out through clenched teeth as she threw her head back and closed her eyes. A shower of bright light fell over her, causing her skin to tingle in the most delightful way as warmth washed over her.
"I've got you…" Maura rested her forehead against a broad shoulder as she held Jane's trembling body against her own. Feeling Jane let go was a privilege, one she'd never take for granted. The moment she felt Jane fall over the edge was the moment everything ceased to exist except for the beating of their hearts, sharing the same space and time.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Jane rested a cheek against the top of Maura's head that was nestled against her shoulder. "Wow… um… that was quick… I guess I really needed that." She wrapped her arms around Maura and hugged her tight.
"I think we both did." Maura placed a kiss on the bare skin of Jane's shoulder before pulling back to look Jane in the eyes. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too." Jane placed a kiss on Maura's forehead. "And since Valley is staying the night with your mother, why don't we continue this upstairs." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Because as much as I loved this… I would like to show you how much I missed you."
"You would, huh?" Maura raised a curious eyebrow.
Leaning in close, Jane hovered her mouth over Maura's and smiled slyly. "I would, very much…" she closed the distance between them and kissed Maura hungrily.
Maura could feel the urgency in Jane's kiss and it ignited a fire in her that could only be put out by Jane's touch. "You grab the baby monitor and I'll grab the whipped cream…" she helped Jane stand up.
"Whipped cream?" Jane's eyebrow's shot up her forehead in surprise.
"Yes, well… we can't possibly end Thanksgiving day without a little dessert, can we?"
"Good point…" Jane grinned knowingly. "Don't make me wait too long, you know I've got an insatiable sweet tooth."
"Insatiable is right…" Maura tossed a wink over her shoulder as she headed towards the kitchen.
Grabbing the baby monitor, Jane said a small prayer of thanks to the gods above that Liam was finally sleeping through the night, mostly. Her legs were still a little shaky and the reason why brought a smile to her face. She had worried that things would change between her and Maura once the baby had come. Not only was she worried about what would change in her body, but she had also worried that Maura would see her differently. That perhaps Maura would only see her as a mother now. But all her worries had been laid to rest the minute that Maura had touched her. At that moment, she realized that the world might continue to change around them, but their love and desire for each other would remain as constant as the stars above and that knowledge was enough to set her resolve that nothing would ever shake the foundation they had build for themselves and their families. She had no doubt they were soulmates, meant to spend the rest of their lives together… living and loving to the fullest and without restraint. Unfortunately, it was something she would need to remind herself of in the coming weeks.