BLT 28
Maura laid her head back and looked up at the brilliant blue sky dotted with white fluffy clouds passing by at a slow crawl. Taking a deep breath, she breathed in the aroma of fall that surrounded her: the decay of fallen leaves, dried grass, and a touch of smokiness from people burning yard waste off in the distance. A sense of anticipation washed over her for the coming days and months. The baby was due at the end of December and with the holidays coming up, she knew they would be extremely busy which was why she was savoring her quiet time sitting in the backyard… alone. There wasn't much alone time left because she would soon be joined by a very excited seven-year-old and three-year-old that were going to decorate their pumpkins… not to mention Jane who couldn't contain her excitement any better than the kids. A small smile creased Maura's lips at the thought of Jane, a big kid at heart. Her love for Halloween was contagious and Maura couldn't help but get carried away with it as well. The costumes, candy, parties, trick or treating were all part of the fun, as well as the decorating. And the decorating was taking place this afternoon for their annual family Halloween party.
Placing her hands on her baby bump which had become bigger than a bump in the past weeks, she lightly pressed her palms into the soft material of the sweatshirt she was wearing, hoping to feel the baby move. Last month had been the first time she had felt little feet kick at her, causing her to flinch and shift around in the hopes that the baby would kick something other than her bladder. But she wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world.
She closed her eyes and let herself relax into the moment. Warmth radiated throughout her body from the sun shining down from above. There was a soft, yet cool breeze that tickled her skin and gently tousled her hair reminding her that Fall was finally upon them. She listened to the rustle of dry leaves dancing across the yard and smiled at the memory of Jane showing her how to jump in the piles of dry leaves that usually dotted their backyard before being bagged up and hauled off. But not this year… no, there would be no jumping for her but that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy watching Valley, Li, and Jane take part in their family tradition.
As she continued to enjoy the beautiful weather, a sudden memory from long ago caused her to shiver… but in a good way. Images from over twenty years ago flashed in her mind… stopping on one in particular… one that changed her life forever. She remembered sitting in the bleachers on a particularly beautiful Fall afternoon like today… the sun warming her skin, the sound of the marching band practicing in the distance, and the sound of football being played on the field… it all came back to her in a sudden rush. Her stomach fluttered as she recalled watching the tall, lean figure she would recognize as Jane, walking towards her with all the confidence in the world in that now familiar swagger she had come to love. She could see the grass stains on the white football uniform as Jane stopped and tilted her head before removing that helmet that had hidden her face and tangle of long, wavy hair. It had been love at first sight for Maura and she knew then what she knew now… she and Jane were soulmates. The memories of their time together as young adults came rushing back to her and the nostalgia brought a tear to her eye.
"Hey, whatcha doin'?" Jane asked as she stood over Maura with a crooked grin on her face.
Holding her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun, Maura squinted so she could see Jane better and the sight above her took her breath away. Jane was standing there, head tilted to the side looking just like she had that day they had met and Maura couldn't contain the emotion or the tears any longer.
"Oh, Maur… what's wrong? Are you okay? Is the baby…?" Jane dropped down to kneel next to Maura, a look of concern now marring her once serene face.
"Everything's okay…" Maura took a shaky breath. "It is, really…" she reassured Jane who was giving her a skeptical look.
"If everything is okay, then why are you crying?" Jane placed her hands protectively over Maura's, her dark eyes clouded with concern.
"I was just having a moment…" Maura gave Jane's hand a reassuring pat before bringing her own up to wipe away her tears. When Jane raised an expectant eyebrow in question, Maura smiled and took a deep breath. "I was thinking about that day you walked off the football field and into my heart forever."
A broad grin spread across Jane's face as she remembered that day. "I was pretty sexy in my uniform…" she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and then laughed. "We were so young and naive, weren't we?"
"Speak for yourself." Maura huffed lightly. "I knew I wanted you the minute you took off that helmet and looked at me with that crooked, yet confidant grin."
"Okay…" Jane laughed. "Maybe you weren't that naive, but I was."
"I don't know, you were pretty confident that night you climbed in my bedroom window…" a sly grin slid across Maura's face at the memory of their first time together. "But I suppose it took you a little longer to come around to accepting your feelings."
"And thankfully your patience was just what I needed to help me realize you were the love of my life. Even after we spent years apart, we still gravitated back to each other…" Jane leaned over and placed a soft, yet lingering kiss on Maura's lips. "I'm grateful every day that you agreed to tutor me… and then forgive me for walking away when I did."
"Oh my goodness…" Maura wiped at a few errant tears that were now rolling down her cheeks. "I love you more every day we get to be together."
"And I love you more." Jane winked as she pushed herself up to stand over Maura. "And now, not to shatter the peace you have been enjoying for the last few hours…" she nodded towards the house. "I've got two kids, a Nona, and a butt load of pumpkins that need carving. You up for it?"
"I'm always up for spending the day with my lovelies…" Maura sat up from her lounge chair. Looking around, she took in the last seconds of quiet before the silence was interrupted by the excitement that went with pumpkin carving.
Jane looked down at Maura with an earnest expression. "I'm really glad you decided to take early maternity leave. I guess it helps when you're the boss…" she smiled as she watched Maura get up. "Here…" reaching out she took Maura's hand to help her stand.
"Well, I did agree to one day a week to help out for a bit. Dr. Bryer is great but she's still learning the ropes."
"For what it's worth, I'm still happy to have you home more, and I'm glad you're not taking on any patients right now. Kids are germ factories…" Jane frowned as she thought about their kids and their runny noses.
"That they are…" Maura laughed as she grabbed Jane and pulled her into a hug. The warmth of Jane's body pressed against her own filled her with heat and an overwhelming feeling of love and security. "Hmmm… do you think your mother would take the kids tonight?" She whispered against Jane's ear, causing Jane to shiver.
"She's going out to dinner with Vince…" Jane's sigh was filled with regret.
"Oh, well… we'll just have to get them to bed early and lock the bedroom door…" Maura gave Jane's backside a playful swat and peck on the cheek.
"Hey, did Mama get in trouble?" Valley asked as they came around the backyard gate just in time to see Maura playfully slap Jane on the rear. Her wide eyes were filled with surprise and sympathy for Jane because she knew what it was like to be in trouble.
"No, Mama's not in trouble… yet…" Maura laughed and gave Jane a knowing wink.
"Okay, you two… I've got one little pumpkin but I couldn't get the rest." Angela came up behind Valley with Li in her arms. She gave him a gentle pinch to the middle causing him to giggle.
"Come on Mama, I'll help you carry the pumpkins…" Valley puffed her chest out to show she was strong enough to help.
"Alright, we can let Mommy get the picnic table ready with the paints, markers, and carving stuff." Jane grabbed Valley and threw her over her shoulder.
"Hey…" Valley laughed as she allowed Jane to carry her out of the backyard as she waved to everyone. "We'll be back…"
"She's excited and full of energy." Angela smiled as she shifted Li higher on her hip so he could lay his head on her shoulder. "I think maybe this little guys running on an empty tank."
"Yeah, I think I am too." Maura yawned and stretched her arms out. "How about you and Mommy take a little nap before we decorate your pumpkin?" She reached out for Li who reached out to her and pulled him into her arms.
"You need to be careful, honey. He's getting heavy…" Angela tentatively handed Li over to Maura.
Maura nodded her understanding because she did understand that there would come a time when she wouldn't be able to hold him like this. So, she pressed her cheek to the top of his head and took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of baby shampoo. It brought her comfort and all she could think about was snuggling next to him and taking a much-needed nap. She was tired, more tired than she'd ever remember being in her life but she was, after all, growing a human-being inside of her so it took a lot of energy.
"I think I'll let Jane and Valley have a little big kid time together..." Maura said as she ran her fingers through Li's dark hair and away from his sleepy eyes.
Angela was quiet for a minute as she studied Maura, trying to gauge if she should be worried or not. "I've got a lasagna in the freezer. How about if I defrost it and put it in the oven before I go out to dinner… or I could stay home and make dinner for you, Jane, and the kids if you need me to."
"Oh, no… you go have a nice dinner with Vince. The lasagna does sound good though…" Maura ran a hand over her stomach as it growled at the thought of food.
"Did you eat lunch?" Angela raised an eyebrow in question making her look a lot like Jane.
Nodding, Maura smiled at the concern Angela was showing. "I did, but you know… I could eat again." She laughed at Angela's knowing nod and smile.
"Well, I'll go get the lasagna and put it in your fridge to thaw out. It should be ready by about six."
"Thank you, Angela. We appreciate all that you do for us." Maura said as she yawned again.
"You go get that nap and I'll let Jane and Valley know where you are." Angela gently shooed Maura from the backyard.
"I seepy, Mommy." Li yawned before laying his head on Maura's shoulder.
"Me too, sweet pea. Lets go take a nap together." Maura kissed Li on the top of his head as he nodded his agreement.
"Go get some rest…" Angela waved at Maura and Li as they headed towards the sliding glass doors. She watched as Maura slipped inside the house and smiled at the thought of all the things to come… some sooner than expected as she would soon find out.
YYY
"How was soccer practice?" Maura asked as she relaxed into Jane's firm, yet gentle touch on her feet. The swelling and soreness had started to bother her and the only thing that brought her relief was Jane's foot massage.
"Good…" Jane paused and bit down on her bottom lip indicating she was struggling to say what she wanted to say.
"What is it?" Maura asked concern laced in her voice as she watched Jane fidget.
"Um, I don't like Coach Mitchell." Jane shrugged her shoulders. When Maura gave her an expectant look, she took a deep breath before continuing. "He's taking the fun out of playing. I think he's too tough on the kids… they're a bunch of seven-year-olds for crying out loud. It's a pee-wee league, not the world cup." She let out a frustrated huff.
"I've had my reservations about him as well." Maura rubbed her forehead, hoping it would keep the headache that threatened her at bay.
"Yeah? Why didn't you say anything to me?"
"I don't know, maybe because I figured it was just part of the sports mentality." Maura shrugged her shoulders.
Jane stopped rubbing Maura's feet and looked at her in surprise. "Well, it's not." She furrowed her brow and frowned. "I've never had a coach be as hard on the players as this guy. It's like he's on a power trip."
"Maybe you should take over..." Maura said as she nodded towards her feet, indicating that Jane should continue rubbing her feet.
Jane bit her lip and looked away in contemplation. She had thought the same thing but she just wasn't sure she could commit the time needed. Then again, she had cut her teaching schedule to one class a week and the work with Liam was just gearing up… albeit, slowly. With that in mind, perhaps she did have the time to dedicate to Valley's soccer team.
"You know, the other parents would probably jump at the chance to have you coach." Maura could almost smell the smoke from the wheels turning in Jane's head.
"But what about when the baby comes? I won't have time…" Jane tried to make excuses.
"The season will long be over when the baby comes… try again…" Maura raised an eyebrow as she studied Jane, daring her to come up with another feeble excuse.
"Okay then, let's say I do it… but I'm not saying I will… how would I get Mitchell to step aside?" Jane asked.
"That's a good question…" Maura rubbed her forehead as she considered Jane's question. "I don't suppose he'd step down if we just asked him to?"
"Fat chance." Jane sighed. "He's way too gun-ho about it. He thinks that kid of his is going to play professional ball one day."
"Well, perhaps if enough parents complained…" Maura's voice trailed off. She didn't care to run someone off from a volunteer job but Jane was right, Coach Mitchell wasn't good for the kids. She supposed that he'd do much better with an older group of kids, maybe high school… definitely not a bunch of seven-year-old kids.
"I don't know, they seem scared of him." Jane finally started to massage Maura's feet again, getting a contented sigh in response.
"If you take over, they won't have to be scared anymore. I've seen how he talks to the kids and the parents as well. He threatens not to play kids if the parents don't do what he says."
Jane was quiet for a minute as she thought about what Maura said. "Do you think I could do it?"
"I don't think… I know you can do it." Maura leaned over and gave Jane a light peck on the cheek. "And Valley would love it."
"I suppose I could try. Maybe we can have a meeting with the other parents to see if they would be willing to make the change. We've still got six weeks left in the season, so there's plenty of time to do it." Jane smiled at the thought of taking over.
"And maybe Frankie or Liam would be willing to help out from time to time." Maura offered with a small smile.
"Yeah, I think this might be a good idea." The excitement in Jane's voice filled the room and Maura had to shush her so she didn't wake the kids. "Sorry…" Jane's grin was sheepish as she settled back down against the soft cushions of the couch. "So, Ma and Vince are out to dinner tonight?"
"Yes, I think they are testing the waters… so to speak." Maura yawned, lifting her arms up and over her head as she did.
"You look tired. Why don't you take a nice hot shower and get ready for bed… I'll clean up the kitchen and be up there shortly." Jane leaned over and gave Maura a quick kiss as she pushed herself up from where she was sitting.
"Um… that sounds nice..." Maura said as she allowed Jane to help her stand up. "Or I could help you clean up and you can join me in the shower." She gave a playful wiggle of her eyebrows followed by a sexy grin.
"I think that sounds grand." Jane smiled as she followed Maura into the kitchen. She was both excited and a little apprehensive about taking over the soccer team but she also knew something had to be done. The kids needed someone new… they needed her.
Halloween
The street was lined with jack-o-lanterns, lighting the sidewalk with an ethereal glow that lit the way for the Rizzoli-Isles clan as they ventured out to trick-or-treat. It was Jane's favorite time of year. Fall; when the air grew cooler, the nights longer, and football was in full swing. It also brought about the memory of falling in love with Maura all those years ago as she played high school football and Maura cheered her on from the stands. Those were the days when everything was new and exciting as they fought for love through adversity, uncertainty, and sometimes their fears of the unknown. Okay… who was she kidding… it was mostly her fear of the unknown. Maura had been all in from the beginning and she was thankful Maura had never given up on her… even when they spent years apart… Maura never flinched when it came to going all in. Jane had learned the hard way and she would never make that mistake again. That thought brought a shiver to her body and it did not go unnoticed by Maura.
"Everything okay?" Maura asked as she placed her hand on the small of Jane's back.
The touch was warm and comfortable, and it set Jane at ease immediately. "Yeah, I'm good… I just forgot how quickly it cools off once the sun starts to set." She shrugged her shoulders and gave Maura her best, most convincing smile.
"You should have worn a jacket." Maura ran her hand up Jane's back as if doing so would transfer her warmth into Jane.
"What and cover up my awesome ascot?" Jane asked as she adjusted the white ascot around her neck. She wasn't really cold, at least not at the moment.
"I suppose you do look pretty cute…" Maura offered Jane a knowing wink.
"Well, you look…" Jane leaned back as if she were carefully looking Maura over. "You look incredible…" she waved her hand over the purple dress Maura was wearing.
With a wickedly, sexy smile, Maura twirled around for Jane. "I do look pretty good as Daphne and you make a might fine Fred…"
"Although this wasn't my first choice for the family costume, I think we did a good job." Jane reached into the stroller and gave one of Li's floppy ear's a gentle tug. "How ya doin' in there Scooby-Doo?"
"Scooby snack, peez Mama…" Li smiled up at Jane. His one-piece jumper had little feet and hands that looked like paws and a hoodie with brown floppy ears, and his nose was painted black just like Scooby's.
"I think I might regret teaching him that." Jane couldn't hide her smirk as she handed Li a small handful of animal crackers shaped like all of the characters from Scooby Doo.
"Everyone looks great. Valley and Noah make a good Velma and Shaggy…" Maura started to say but then stopped and looked around until she caught sight of Valley and Noah making their way up to the first house of the night. "I'm beginning to think they don't want to walk with us…" she poked her lip out in a small pout.
"Ah, they're just feeling out their independence. I told her they could go ahead of us, but only by a little bit. Li still needs to get in there too for some treats." Jane said as they took the walkway, following Valley and Noah. She couldn't help but smile at her daughter and nephew and be thankful that things had settled down after Noah's father left for good. It took some time for Noah to ease back into their comfortable, yet loving ways and when he did… he didn't look back. She was also grateful to have him there with them so Valley had someone her age to pal around with. When Frankie had asked her if he could go trick or treating with them she had agreed without hesitation. With Steph a month away from 'popping', as Frankie had so eloquently put it, there had been no question that they would agree to help out. They had agreed to keep Noah overnight and then the first week after the baby had arrived to give Frankie and Steph a chance to adjust. Maura wasn't due until early January so they still had plenty of time to prepare.
As they approached the front door, Maura was impressed that Valley and Noah had waited for Li before ringing the doorbell. He had been trying his best to remember the greeting the kids had taught him; trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat. She noticed that Li had an intense look of concentration on his face as he waited for the door to open.
"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!" All three kids shouted when the door opened. Although Li had struggled with a few words, he had mostly got it out and was now beaming with pride as he held his bag out for the candy to be placed into it.
"My, my… don't you all look adorable." The owner of the house said, offering Jane and Maura a wave.
"Thanks, Mrs. Brady…" Jane waved back as she watched her kids and nephew take their candy and offer very enthusiastic 'Thank-you's' in return.
They hadn't gotten far, maybe three more houses when Jane's phone began to ring. Glancing down, she saw it was her mother and decided to let it go to voicemail until they got home. She wanted to be as present with her kids as she could in these little moments because she knew there would be a time when they wouldn't want to do these things together.
"Who's calling?" Maura asked.
"Um, it's just Ma. I'll catch up with her when we get back home. I wanna give the kids my full attention right now." Jane gave Maura a quick wink.
"That's why I left my phone at home." Maura wrapped her arm around Jane's waist as they followed Valley and Noah to the next house.
"I should have done the same." Jane accepted the warmth Maura was offering and felt a sudden surge of love wash over her. Unfortunately, it didn't last long as they were interrupted by the sound of a car horn pulling up alongside them.
"Jane! Jane… it's time!" Angela called out from the passenger's side of the car that had now pulled up.
"What are you talking about, Ma?" Jane asked watching in surprise as her mother jumped from the barely stopped car.
"Tommy… he's having the baby…" Angela paused and shook her head. "I mean, Rylan and Tommy… they're having their baby… we need to get to the hospital."
Jane looked at Angela and then Maura as if she wasn't sure what to do. A wave of relief washed over her when Maura smiled at her and gave her a gentle push toward the car.
"I've got this. You go on… and call me as soon as you can." Maura placed a quick kiss on Jane's cheek before Angela pulled her away.
"Thank you, Maura dear… we'll call you as soon as we can." Angela was slightly breathless with anticipation as she jumped back in the car with Korsak as the driver. And with a wave, they drove off to welcome the newest member of the family.
Thanksgiving
The smell of turkey filled the house as Jane settled back on the couch with Li snuggled up against her. The first football game had just started and she was having her first beer of the day… it was half past twelve after all. In a few short hours, their house would be full of family and a few close friends and she couldn't wait. Tommy and Rylan would be there with Tommy Jr. or TJ as everyone had started calling him. This would be their first official family holiday together as a couple and for that, Jane was grateful.
"Hey, I see you got the turkey in the oven… thanks..." Maura said from the stairs. Her hair was sleep mussed and she had that 'just woke up' look about her. It was one of Jane's favorite looks as of late and she couldn't contain her smile as she watched Maura stretch and yawn.
"Yep, got it in around noon…" Jane blew on her nails and then rubbed them on her shirt as if she was bragging about something big. "Even shoved his heavy ass into that bag you left out." She threw a wink over her shoulder.
"Well, again… thank you." Maura made her way across the room to drop down on the couch next to Jane and Li. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I just couldn't keep my eyes open after eating those cinnamon rolls. And since I can't have caffeine… well, there isn't much left to give me that late-morning boost I've been needing lately."
"No worries, darlin'." Jane wrapped her arm around Maura and placed a quick kiss to the top of her head.
"Mommy sick?" Li asked from his comfortable position next to Jane.
"No, Mommy is just tired..." Maura reassured her little boy as she reached over to ruffle his dark hair.
"Otay…" Li went back to watching the football game even though he didn't have the slightest idea what was happening. He just wanted to be like his Mama.
"Where is Valley?" Maura asked, noticing for the first time how quiet the house was.
"She's over at Ma's helping her make some of the sides." Jane sighed as she leaned closer to Maura.
"Well, I guess we should enjoy the quiet before everyone gets here." Maura sighed as well, just before Jane whooped and dislodged her from her comfortable spot. "I may have spoken too soon." She groused as she started to stand up.
"Hey, wait…" Jane reached out to stop Maura from standing. "I'll try to be quiet so you can enjoy it before the Rizzoli-Isles storm arrives." She couldn't help but offer an apologetic smile.
"It's okay, sweetheart…" Maura gave Jane a quick kiss to the cheek before pushing herself up and off of the couch. She smiled at Li before tickling his belly and blowing him a kiss because she couldn't bend down anymore. "You and Mama have fun watching the game while I go check on Mr. Turkey."
"Otay, Mommy…" Li grinned up at Maura.
"I can come help if you need me to." Jane said as she prepared herself to follow Maura to the kitchen.
"Nah, enjoy your game… I'm going to need your help soon enough." Maura waved off Jane's offer.
"Okay, but I'm right here if and when you need me." Jane glanced down at Li who had settled against her side and was now struggling to keep his eyes open. "I think Lil' Man here isn't gonna last much longer, but I think a nap will do him good before everyone gets here."
"Well, it did wonders for me." Maura laughed as she watched Li blink slowly a few times before they shut and he drifted off to sleep. "It won't be long before our little home is full, so enjoy the quiet before the storm. And speaking of storms, do you think they snow storm they predicted will hold off long enough for everyone to get here?"
"Yeah I think we'll be okay. I hasn't even started to snow yet. And I'm hoping for a drama-free and calm Thanksgiving this year." Jane spoke in a whisper as she ran her fingers through Li's hair.
"Me too…" Maura said as she left Jane and Li in the living room. "Me too…"
YYY
"Oh, my… he's grown so much since we last saw him." Jane cooed at her baby nephew, Tommy Jr., who was resting comfortably in her arms.
"Yeah, he's gained almost three pounds since he was born and he's in the 95 percentile for his height." Tommy boasted as he smiled at his sister.
Jane chuckled lightly so as not to disturb the sleeping baby. "Well, maybe he got some of that height that missed you." Her grin was somewhat mischievous and her wink just slightly exaggerated.
"You took all of the height from the gene pool…" Tommy laughed as well. "Didn't leave much left for Frankie and I but Rylan's dad is over six feet tall… so there is that."
Jane glanced over at the young woman who was engaged in an intense conversation with Maura and Angela. She seemed nice enough, not at all like the other women Tommy had dated. She was a brunette with red highlights… not the usual blonde, and she had a job. She was a phlebotomist, someone who drew blood at the hospital lab as Jane had found out when she asked Maura. And although she didn't come from an Italian family, they were catholic… something that pleased Angela greatly. Rylan's family was Irish with a very traditional Irish name… O'Conner and Jane couldn't help but laugh at the fact that the Rizzolis seemed to have a thing for Irish women. And seeing as her mother had a spot of Irish in her as well, it stood to reason they had all followed in the footsteps of their father.
"She seems nice, Tommy. Don't blow it this time." Jane whispered to her brother who gave her a surprised look in response. "What? She isn't like the other women you've dated… she has…" Jane paused briefly as she tried to think of the right word. "Potential…!" She said with a little more gusto than she had expected.
"Thanks, I think…" Tommy rolled his eyes at her and then they both laughed again. "He is cute, though… isn't he?" His question made Jane smile and nod her head in agreement. "When is Steph due?"
"Not for another two weeks…" Jane's answer was interrupted by the doorbell, followed by the door opening to reveal Frankie, Steph, and Noah. "Well, speak of the devil…"
"Whew…" Frankie said as he brushed the freshly fallen snow out of his dark hair. "We almost didn't make it. Thank goodness for snow tires." He placed his hand on the small of his wife's back and gently guided her into the house as Noah followed.
"Hey, Valley's up in her room watching a movie if you wanna go up and join her." Jane glanced over her shoulder at her brother and his family. "She's watching 'Elf'." She said when Noah seemed slightly hesitant. That little bit of information spurred him into action.
"It smells divine in here..." Steph said as she allowed Frankie to help her out of her coat. "I'm starving…"
"There's a veggie tray with crackers and cheese in the kitchen. Maura has had the munchies all day." Jane pointed to the kitchen breakfast bar where Maura, Angela, and Rylan were gathered.
"Um… sounds good..." Steph said as she headed towards the snacks without looking back.
"Damn, she barely knows I exist anymore, especially if there's food around." Frankie shrugged out his jacket before hanging it next to Steph's on the coat rack.
"Two more weeks." Jane nodded at the empty space next to her on the couch. "Come have a seat and hold your nephew."
Frankie grinned as he headed over to the couch. After he settled down next to Jane, she handed him the sleeping baby and he sat back with a look of awe on his face. "I can't believe you made this little guy. He's perfect…" he said as he looked over at Tommy.
"Wow, that's the best compliment you've ever given me." Tommy seemed slightly dazed by Frankie's comment.
"He is pretty perfect, isn't he?" Jane ran her fingers over the sandy blonde wisps of hair on Tommy Jr.'s head. "Little TJ…" she said the name, liking the sound of it the more she said it. "Have you come up with a name yet?" Her question was directed at Frankie.
"I guess Frankie Jr. is off the table..." Tommy said with a sigh.
"Well, Frankie wouldn't be a bad name for a girl." Jane countered.
"Yeah, but she can't be a Jr." Tommy crossed his arms and stared at Jane as if she didn't understand.
"She very well could be a Frankie Jr." Jane furrowed her brow and crossed her arms, mirroring Tommy.
"Only boys can be Jr.'s" Tommy argued.
"Say's who?" Jane asked, irritation bubbling over in her tone.
"Say's everyone…" Tommy threw his arms up in exasperation.
"Well, I think…" Jane started to say but was interrupted by Frankie clearing his throat rather loudly to get her attention.
"While having a daughter named after me wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but Steph and I are going a little traditional..." Frankie said and then waited until he had the full attention of his brother and sister. "I think we're gonna go with Sophia Grace…" he said, giving them a sideways glance.
"That's a good, strong name." Jane smiled at the memory of her Nona… Sophia Rizzoli.
"Grace is Steph's grandmother's name as well." Frankie clarified.
"So, you're using family names." Tommy thought for a moment. "I guess that's pretty cool."
"Well, I think it's great." Jane gave Frankie a light pat on the shoulder because TJ was still sleeping in his arms.
"What about you and Maura?" Tommy asked.
"What about us?"
"Are you regretting not finding out if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Nah, we like the anticipation of not knowing..." Jane said with certainty.
"You got names picked out yet?" Frankie interjected.
"We're kicking around a few. But I think we're gonna bypass the family names this time. Maura gets to pick the first name and I get to pick the middle name."
"Wow, that's great." Tommy grinned. "That means you can name them anything you want… like maybe after your favorite baseball or football player." He frowned as it occurred to him that he could have done the same.
"Yeah… no." Jane shook her head. "Maura kinda laid down some rules and one of them was that I couldn't use any sporting figure names."
"Did you get to make a few rules too?" Frankie asked.
"No weird scientist names." Jane laughed as she thought about some of the names Maura had come up with, one's she had to graciously decline.
"Kinda makes me reconsider the family name thing." Frankie frowned.
"I think it's great you're using Nona's name and Steph's grandmother too. Besides, you'll know the second you meet her if the names suit her." Jane said as she recalled the last-second name change for Liam.
"Well, that might be sooner, rather than later." Maura appeared next to Jane.
"What's going on?" Jane stood up and placed a protective hand over Maura's belly. "Are you okay? Is the baby okay?"
Maura put her hand over Jane's and offered her a warm, loving smile. "It's not me…" she nodded towards the kitchen. "I'm afraid that Steph's gone into labor and the roads are too bad to travel on at the moment. I called for an ambulance but they said it could take several hours."
"Oh my God!" Frankie jumped up and jostled little TJ, causing him to wake up, scrunch his face, and then let out a wail. "Oh, shit…" he said as he handed the baby off to Tommy. "I'm sorry, didn't mean to wake him up like that."
"No worries…" Tommy took his son and offered Frankie a look of sympathy.
"What do we do? Boil water, get some towels…?" Frankie asked, his voice frantic and full of fear.
"Hey, man… remember that Maura is a doctor? She's got this covered. Steph is in good hands…" Jane glanced over at Maura, silently asking her if she did, indeed have this covered. She let out a sigh of relief when Maura smiled at her. Even though it was a little tight-lipped and strained, Jane knew that Maura could handle anything.
"She'll be just fine, Frankie. This isn't her first cowboy ride…" Maura started to say.
"Rodeo, Maura… this isn't her first rodeo." Jane snickered.
Maura was quiet for a moment as she thought about what Jane said. She wasn't sure what Jane meant, so she shrugged her shoulders and nodded. "Regardless, I am a trained medical professional."
"Have you delivered a baby before, Maura?" Frankie asked, his face pained with concern.
"I have delivered several babies. I did a rotation in the OB/GYN department and almost decided to stay but being on call at all hours wasn't very appealing to me at the time… although I guess I did end up in a job that pretty much had the same hours…" Maura began to ramble.
"So, what you're saying, is that you've got this? Jane asked for clarification.
"Yes." Maura nodded and pointed towards the downstairs guest room. "If you'd help get Steph settled in the guest room, that'd be great. I'll go get my medical bag…" she glanced at Jane, silently asking her to follow.
"I'm on it." Frankie ran towards the kitchen.
Jane gave Tommy a reassuring nod and smile as she silently followed Maura upstairs to their room. She could feel the unease radiating off of Maura and fear began to settle in the pit of her stomach. Surely Maura knew what she was doing and everything would be alright… at least that was what she told herself when she was confronted by the worried expression on Maura's face.
"You've got this, right?" The anxiety Jane was feeling caused her voice to creep up an octave.
Maura was quiet for a minute as she searched for her medical bag, when she found it she turned to Jane with a serious expression on her face. "I don't know…" she shook her head and dropped down on their bed with a heavy sigh. "It's been years since I've done this. I did a three-month rotation on the maternity ward… over twenty years ago..." her voice trailed off as she ran her fingers through her hair.
Watching Maura, Jane recognized her anxious tell and it spurred her to offer whatever comfort she could at the moment. "Maur, how many babies did you deliver?" She moved across the room and dropped down to her knees in front of Maura who stayed seated on the edge of the bed.
"Um, I don't know…" Maura scrunched her face up as she tried to think. After a brief hesitation, she answered Jane's question with a touch of uncertainty. "I suppose somewhere in the neighborhood of 35-40. Of course, not all were done by me… I mostly observed and offered my assistance where needed."
"Then you've got this." Jane placed her hands on Maura's knees and looked up at her with confidence she wasn't sure she was feeling, but she had to hide any trepidation she might be feeling. "I know you can do it. Steph and Frankie need you." Again Jane's voice rose an octave causing her to clear her throat to hide it.
Taking a deep breath, Maura nodded her understanding. Her normal bravado faltered slightly as she looked into Jane's dark brown eyes. Those eyes were so full of love and understanding that it caused her own to blink back the tears that threatened to fall. "Damn pregnancy hormones…" she sighed as she wiped at the now falling tears with the back of her hand. "I know I can do this, I don't know what has me so…" she sighed again and shrugged her shoulders at her loss of words.
"I'm here for you every step of the way. Anything you need me to do…" Jane started to say but was interrupted by Maura's shaky voice.
"Will you just hold me for a minute?" Maura asked.
"Of course…" Jane pushed herself up and wrapped her arms around Maura. She couldn't help but notice how small Maura seemed in her arms and it caused her to squeeze just a little tighter.
When they finally let go, Maura pulled back and looked at Jane. She hadn't noticed that Jane was wearing a Pilgrim hat with a large yellow buckle. "Um, what are you wearing?" Her eye's widened at the homemade costume.
"Yeah, so Valley and Noah made everyone Pilgrim hats and Indian vests with those brown paper bags you got them." Jane offered Maura a sly grin. "They were making them when we got interrupted. I was their model."
"Oh, that's cute. I suppose that was one of the projects they learned in school. Although the history of Thanksgiving is a bit more complicated… and well, convoluted…" Maura began to ramble.
"Okay, professor… they're just kids having a bit of fun. You've got a few years before you need to give the real history lesson about Thanksgiving."
"You're right… sorry." Maura looked down and bit her lip as she tried to tamp down her need to explain things.
"Look, let's go deliver this baby so we can get back to our turkey day. I am sure the ambulance will be here before too long. The best we can do is make Steph comfortable and keep Frankie from having a nervous breakdown. If it comes to it, you'll do what you do best. I have no doubt you can handle whatever is thrown your way."
"We can handle whatever is thrown our way..." Maura said with a small smile.
"Maura… Jane?" Tommy called up the stairs to their room. "I think you should come down…" his tone held a reserved urgency to it that caused them both to move off the bed.
"Coming…" Jane called as she reached out to take Maura's hand. "We've got this…" she smiled as she led Maura from the room towards what would be one of their biggest challenges.
YYY
Jane hugged Frankie as they followed the paramedics toward the front door. She watched as they carefully carried the gurney holding Steph and a tiny bundle now wrapped tightly in a blanket in her arms. It had taken everything she had to leave Maura alone in the guest bedroom but she had to make sure everything was alright with Frankie and his family before she could go back and deal with the aftermath of what had just happened… or almost happened.
"Hey, go make sure Maura is alright… please..." Frankie whispered in her ear before pulling away from their hug. "If she hadn't been here, I can't even imagine what would have happened." His voice broke slightly as he stared at her with red-rimmed eyes.
Jane blinked back a few tears as the realization that she knew exactly what would have happened almost took her breath away. "I will, we both just wanted to make sure you were alright." She cleared her throat around the dry lump in her throat.
He offered her a weak smile before Steph's voice calling for him to follow interrupted their silent exchange. Jane placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, hoping to convey all of the love and support she had for her brother and his family. "I… um, we owe Maura everything." He said, nodding towards Steph who was now watching them with tears in her eyes as well. "I'll call you from the hospital as soon as the baby is checked out and Steph is in her room."
"Okay, we've got Noah… for as long as you need..." Jane said as she gave him a gentle push toward his wife and daughter.
"Thanks… and Jane…" he paused as the words got caught in his throat.
"I know, Frankie… I know…" Jane let out a long breath as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Go take care of your wife and daughter." She said as she watched Steph and the paramedics disappear out the front door, followed by Frankie.
For a minute, she stood in the entryway trying to catch her breath as the tears started to fall again. She needed this moment alone to regain her calm, a calm she needed to share with Maura as soon as she had the strength. With a heavy sigh, she willed her legs to move but they felt as if they were full of lead and it took everything she had in her to finally take that first step toward the guest room.
"Hey, Jane?" Vince's voice called down to her from the top of the stairs. "Is everything okay? Is everything going to be alright?"
"Yeah, Vince… they're on the way to the hospital for evaluation. I think it's gonna be alright now." She said, grateful for the reprieve his interruption was offering her. When he made his way to the bottom of the stairs, she looked over at him. "Is my Ma okay?"
"She's okay, once the Doc had everything under control…" he paused and took a deep breath. "When the paramedics arrived, she wanted to be with the grand-kids."
"I'm glad. Just give me a few minutes to tend to Maura and I'll relieve you guys. If you don't mind, tell Tommy and Rylan I'll be up as soon as I can and everyone can head home.
"Um, no… I don't think we'll be doing that. We never got around to dinner and there's a mess to clean up after. We've all decided to stay and have the Thanksgiving dinner Maura and Angela worked so hard on… but Tommy and I will finish up so you ladies can catch your breath." Vince's tone was stern and he dared Jane to argue with him.
"I… um… well…" Jane rubbed the back of her neck and looked down at her feet, grateful for Vince's offer but unable to find the words to express herself.
"It'll be good for the kids, too." He said as he watched her struggle to speak. With a firm nod of his head, he turned to leave but then hesitated and looked back over his shoulder at Jane who wasn't sure what to do with her hands. "Angela and I are going to take the kids overnight so you and Maura can have some time to… well…" he shrugged his shoulders. "We both think you need some time alone. Now, go take care of the Doc, and then we'll get Thanksgiving back on track."
A grateful smile graced Jane's lips as she watched him disappear up the staircase. Having her family so close was sometimes an inconvenience but almost always a blessing. The only ones missing at the moment were Constance and Bree and it made her heart ache for Maura. The snowstorm had left them stranded in New York and even though they had tried, it just wasn't in the cards today.
"Oh, Maur…" she said under her breath, turning her sluggish body towards the guest room where Maura was… alone. It was time for her to deal with the reality of what had happened and offer Maura the support she needed.
With the image of Maura struggling to remove the umbilical cord that had wrapped itself around the baby's neck still fresh in her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that they had dodged a bullet. Only she could see past Maura's calm facade in the heat of the moment but it was evident her cracks were starting to show when the paramedics arrived. And even though baby Sophia needed to be evaluated, she had no doubt everything was going to be okay and it was all due to Maura who was… in her eyes, a hero. So with a heavy sigh, she knew it was time to turn her attention to the woman who at a little over eight months pregnant was faced with the reality that not all births were easy or uncomplicated as she fought tooth and nail to make sure Steph and Frankie walked away with a healthy baby at the end of the day. And Maura had done just that, but not without consequences.
When Jane carefully pushed the guest room door open, it revealed the chaos that had taken place earlier. The sheets and blankets from the bed were laying on the floor where she presumed Maura had thrown them before she dropped down on the stripped-down mattress. She could see that Maura was on her side with her back to the door and at first, she wasn't sure if Maura was asleep or awake. A quiet sniffle answered her question just before Maura rolled over to look at her standing in the doorway.
"Hey…" Jane's voice was soft and quiet. She tilted her head to regard Maura's red-rimmed eyes and ruddy face and the sudden need to protect her washed over Jane. When Maura rolled back over, it spurred Jane to join her on the bed.
The bed creaked slightly when Jane knelt beside Maura and it occurred to her that maybe they might need a new bed. She shook her head dispelling the thought as she laid down and wrapped her arms around Maura's trembling body.
"I smell smoke… what's going on in that big brain of yours?" Jane whispered against honey blonde hair.
"So much can go wrong." Maura sighed. "So… much…" her voice trailed off at the memory of what had happened just a few short moments before.
"Yes, that's true. But so much can go right, too." Jane tried to reason.
"But the statistics…"
"Screw statistics." Jane interrupted.
"But…"
"No, buts… please Maur..." Jane said with a shaky breath. She knew enough to know that as was the case with anything in life… there was always a risk. "Would you turn around and look at me, please…"
With a heavy sigh, Maura carefully rolled over so she was face to-face with Jane. "It's the hormones, I know. I'm a doctor for crying out loud. Things like this aren't supposed to bother me." She let out a frustrated huff.
Jane took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. She could understand how emotional Maura was being, having been there herself in the last month or so of her pregnancy with Liam, but after what they just gone through, she would have been surprised if Maura hadn't gotten emotional. At that moment, she knew the only thing she could do was be there for Maura, so she reached out to place the palm of her hand on Maura's round belly and smiled when she felt the light pressure of little feet pressing against her.
"She's got a strong kick… probably gonna be a soccer player." Jane smiled. "Good thing I'm gonna be the coach next season."
"You're pretty sure it's going to be a girl, aren't you?" Maura responded with a smile of her own.
"Oh, I know for a fact it's gonna be a girl." Jane leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Maura's forehead. She couldn't explain how she knew, but the memory of a dream hung at the back of her mind… a dream where she and Maura had two daughters and one son. For some reason, she just believed it would come true and so far… it had.
A comfortable silence fell over them as they lay there, quietly staring at each other. Jane knew she couldn't chase away the bad dreams that might haunt Maura in the days to come but she would do everything in her power to make sure they didn't come true.
"I'm scared…" Maura whispered as if saying it too loud would cause something bad to happen.
"I was scared too when I did it, but you were by my side the entire time and together we got through it… and we ended up with a pretty cool kid."
"Yes, I suppose we did."
"Hey, don't doubt yourself. What you did for Frankie and Steph… well… it was amazing." Jane took Maura's hand and kissed the back of it.
"They are going to let us know that everything is alright?" Maura asked, her eyes wide with uncertainty.
"Yes, and Ma and Vince are gonna take the kids for the night. I think you need some quiet time… but…" Jane hesitated before continuing. "If you're up for it, we'll finish off what we started the day doing and eat some turkey."
Maura smiled and nodded her head. "I'd like that very much."
"Okay then…" Jane gave Maura's hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's finish our Thanksgiving because we've got a lot to be thankful for…"
"Yes, we do..." Maura said because it was true. They did have a lot to be thankful for and she was glad Jane would be by her side to share every moment with.
Christmas
"I know that's Mama…" Valley whispered into Maura's ear as they watched Li squirm around on Santa's lap.
"Whatever do you mean?" Maura asked, surprised by Valley's astuteness.
"Mommy, it's Christmas Eve… Santa has too much to do to stop by our house and visit. But I didn't know that Mama was one of his helpers." Valley beamed as if seeing her Mama in a Santa suit was one of her proudest moments.
"Oh yes, I suppose that makes sense." Maura nodded her understanding at Valley's reasoning. "You won't tell anyone, will you?"
Valley was quiet for a minute as she thought about Maura's question. She glanced around the room at all of their guests and then shook her head. "No, I won't tell on Mama." Her smile was broad and filled with pride.
"Good, good…" Maura pulled Valley into her for a hug.
"Hey, the baby's kicking." Valley pulled away and placed her hand on Maura's baby bump. "When is it getting here?"
"We have another couple of weeks… but I suppose anytime now." Maura placed her hand over Valley's and glanced over at Jane who looked at her with curiosity. "Why don't you go see what your Mama, aka Santa, has for you in that big bag of hers."
"Okay… and I won't tell anyone our secret." Valley started to leave but turned back around and gave Maura an exaggerated wink causing Maura to laugh as she watched Valley walk away.
"Secret?" Constance came up behind Maura, startling her. "Sorry, dear… I didn't mean to startle you. But what secret?"
"It's okay…" Maura sighed as she willed her heart rate to slow down. "Valley has figured out the Santa is Jane, that's all." She said pointing to Jane.
"Oh my, it's hard to get one past her." Constance grinned. "Like mother, like daughter."
"Well, it was just logical that Santa wouldn't have time to drop in on Christmas Eve when he's supposed to be delivering presents all over the world."
"You said the same thing that time we hired a Santa to deliver a present to every child in the neighborhood." Constance chuckled at the memory of a seven-year-old Maura.
"Yeah, I suppose she is a little like me." Maura laughed as well. "But boy, she sure has a lot of Jane in her too."
"That she does. But she thinks like you do, figuring out it's Jane in the suit."
"It's not too hard to figure out. At least Li seems to believe and Noah is playing along even if he's figured it out as well. The babies could care less." Maura glanced over at Jane and got a quick wink in return. It was the type of wink that set her heart racing and she could feel her cheeks flush.
"Are you feeling alright, Maura?" Constance suddenly became concerned when she saw Maura's cheeks grow pink. "You look a little flushed…" she reached up and place the back of her hand against Maura's warm cheek. "You haven't caught the flu from Liam, have you?"
"Oh, no… he's been staying away since he got sick. He was supposed to be our Santa tonight but well, you know…" Maura waved her hands toward Jane and the kids.
"Well, the suit fits her… and very well I might add."
"That it does." Maura could feel her cheeks warm up again. "And she was the only one who could get in it comfortably."
"Yes, I can see how that would be the case." Constance glanced over at Tommy and Frankie who were a good four or five inches shorter than Jane, not to mention a little rounder as well.
"I'm glad she's done with the neighborhood kids. It took longer than expected but it's good to be home with just the family around." Maura paused and glanced around. "Where's Bree?"
"She's spending tonight with her family but will join us tomorrow if that is alright."
"Of course, she's family now. She's always welcomed here." Maura smiled at her mother who gave her a coy smile back. "You really, dare I say it… love her, don't you?"
Constance nodded as her coy smile turned into a full one that lit up her face. "I'm thinking of asking her to move in with me, well… since we already spend so much time together… it um, just seems more convenient." She stuttered as she tried to find the words to convey what she wanted to say.
"I think that would be…" Maura paused, winced, and brought her hand up to her belly. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly then continued as if nothing had happened. "I think that would be wonderful, mother. You deserve to be happy and everyone can see she's the one that makes you happy."
With a tilt of the head, Constance studied Maura for a moment before finally speaking. Maura's wince hadn't gone unnoticed but she decided that if Maura wasn't concerned she shouldn't be either. "She does make me happy." She said with a smile but couldn't shake the image of Maura wincing. Glancing about the room, she made eye contact with Angela who looked back at her with raised eyebrows in question. "You are feeling okay, aren't you?"
"Oh, yeah… just these Braxton-hicks contractions…" Maura tried to reassure her.
"How do you know they're not real contractions?" Constance was growing more concerned by the second. When Angela stepped up next to her, she gave her a strained smile.
"Is everything alright? Are you okay?" Angela asked Maura, her eyes giving her the once over looking for any sign of distress.
"She's having something called brandon-nicks…" Constance started but was interrupted when Maura started to laugh.
"Braxton-Hicks, mother." Maura giggled but then stopped and winced again. "Hmmm…" she said as she glanced at the grandfather clock in the foyer.
"Hmmm… what?" Angela asked, her eyes wide with concern. Having had three children herself, she recognized the signs of labor. It seemed as if what Maura thought were Braxton-hick contractions were possibility regular contractions.
"It's okay… I think…" Maura said glancing at Jane who was watching her intently with dark eyes filled with concern. She tried to smile reassuringly but her uncertainty was evident when another pain shot through her. "Um… maybe we need to call Amy."
"Okay, I'm sure Jane has her on speed dial." Constance gave Maura's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"We better make it quick, I think my water just broke." Maura reached out and grabbed hold of Angela's arm for support.
"Jane? Jane, honey… it's time." Angela called out to Jane without taking her eyes off Maura.
"Holy shit!" Tommy appeared next to his mother. "Are you alright?" He asked Maura.
"Yes, I'll be alright…" Maura gritted her teeth again as another contraction gripped her. "But we need to call Amy… ASAP!"
"Okay, I'll grab the kids so Jane can get what you need." Tommy pushed his sandy blonde hair away from his hazel eyes.
There was a mixture of fear and excitement in the depths of those hazel eyes and the look on his face as he turned to leave and Maura couldn't help but think about how much Jane and Tommy were alike in their mannerisms even if they didn't look as alike as she and Frankie did. "Thank you, Tommy…" she ground out through gritted teeth.
Maura watched as Tommy took over for Jane, much to the chagrin of the kids, except for Valley who seemed to understand what was happening. She could see those brown eyes that were so much like Jane's look at her with a million silent questions and it prompted her to smile and wink at her daughter. That seemed to satisfy Valley at the moment who immediately took to tending to her baby brother so Jane could slip her fake beard off without an audience.
Jane moved quickly when Tommy confirmed what she suspected. With her cell phone in her hand, she bolted towards the kitchen and called Amy to let her know they were heading to the hospital. But for some reason, she hesitated as she glanced at the glowing blue numbers on the microwave that indicated what time it was. She hated to have to get their friend out so late on Christmas Eve but then she remembered that Amy was a doctor and was used to things like this. With shaky fingers, she scrolled through her contacts to the third person and hit the button to place the call.
"It's time, isn't it?" Amy said in a husky voice indicating she had been sleeping.
"Yes..." Jane said on a heavy exhale.
"Alright, I'll meet you at the hospital in twenty minutes."
"Her water broke…" Jane said with some uncertainty.
"Make it fifteen..." Amy said and then hung up with no goodbye.
Jane held her phone in her hand and nodded at it as if Amy could see her. Her hands were still shaking and she was having trouble catching her breath. She felt as if she was trying to breathe through a flattened straw. When her peripheral vision started to close in on her, she thought for a minute that she might pass out but then Frankie was there, standing in front of her forcing her to give him her attention and ignore the anxiety that threatened to drown her.
"Hey, Janie… you alright?" Frankie placed his hands on his sister's shoulders and gave her a gentle shake.
Jane blinked a few times then let out a long-held breath making her feel much better. "Yeah, I'm good." She shook her head to dispel that nervous gnawing feeling that was in the pit of her stomach.
"You've got this…" he said with a lopsided smile that instantly warmed Jane's heart and settled the nerves that were making her feel sick.
"I think I should go change…" she glanced down at the red velvet jacket and pants that were trimmed in white fluff.
"Um, I don't think there's time for that..." Constance said as she and Angela helped Maura into the kitchen. "Do you have her overnight bag?"
Jane gave a blank look in response to the question before she remembered that Maura had a packed bag in their closet ready to go. "It's in the closet upstairs." She pointed at the ceiling.
"Okay, I'll get it and meet you at the hospital once I get everything settled here..." Angela said as she carefully removed Maura's arm from her shoulder and then draped it over Jane. "You all go on… I'll find you." Her order brokered no argument.
"What about Valley and Li? It's Christmas Eve… what about Santa… the presents… Christmas morning…?" Jane began to babble.
"I've got this… you go on." Angela gave Jane a gentle push towards the front door.
"We need to go, Jane. The contractions are getting closer together…" Maura winced again.
"Okay…" Jane nodded her understanding as she gave Valley and Li a quick wave and smile. She could see Angela talking to Tommy who was nodding and looking at Jane. Rylan was whispering to Valley who was also nodding her understanding and glancing at Jane and Maura every couple of seconds as the words began to sink in.
"Did you call Amy?" Maura asked as Jane and Constance let her out the front door towards their SUV.
"Yeah, she's gonna meet us there." Jane chewed on her bottom lip as she helped Maura into the back seat and gently wrapped the seat belt around her. "She didn't sound surprised…"
"I suppose she wasn't. We are getting close to the due date…" Maura let out a tired breath as she leaned back against the leather seat.
"Do you need anything? Are you comfortable? Are you sure you're alright?" Jane started to babble again.
"No, sweetheart… just get us to the hospital safe and sound. I'll do the rest." Maura tried to smile but it was more like a grimace.
"Oh, yeah… yeah… I've got this…" Jane waited until Constance was seated and strapped in next to Maura before shutting the door. As quickly as she could, she rounded the side and then the front of the car and jumped in the driver's seat. "Okay…" she started the car and then put it in reverse. "Off we go…" And off they went.
YYY
"She's absolutely beautiful…" Constance murmured as she rocked her newest granddaughter in her arms.
"She's perfect…" Angela sighed as she ran a finger over the baby's soft cheek.
"Yes, she is…" Jane replied, her gaze unwavering as she watched Maura.
Angela and Constance didn't notice the knowing smiles that passed between Jane and Maura. Their attention was solely on the little bundle in Constance's arms. Both were in awe of the tiny human they had all welcomed into the world a few hours before.
"Well, isn't this the most wonderful Christmas gift ever?" Constance couldn't wipe the grin from her face.
"Welcome to the family, Amelia Hope…" Angela glanced at Jane and Maura with a broad smile. "I can't believe she's really here." Tears began to form in the corners of her eyes as she continued to stare at little Amelia.
Maura let out a loud yawn and then stretched her arms over her head and let out a little gasp at the aches and pains that followed. She was wiped out after six hours of labor and ready to rest her eyes for a minute.
"Hey, Ma, would you mind calling and checking on the kids please?" Jane noticed that Maura's eyes were growing heavy.
"Oh, sure…" Angela didn't take her eyes off Amelia.
"I suppose we should let you rest a bit..." Constance said as she carefully laid Amelia down in the little bed. She could see that Maura was tired and with Amelia finally asleep, she figured now would be as good a time to go grab some breakfast. "How about if we go down and get some coffee and pastries for you? It's been a long night, I'm sure you're both hungry and tired."
"That would be wonderful." Jane sighed as she thought about a hot cup of coffee and a warm doughnut.
"Thank you, mother." Maura's eyes fluttered shut as she laid her head back and snuggled into the pillow Jane had brought from home.
Jane reached out to run her fingers through honey-blonde hair, pushing strands off of Maura's forehead and tucking them behind an ear. It had been a long night, but thankfully everything had gone exactly as they had expected. She watched as Maura's breathing became slow and rhythmic indicating that she was drifting off to sleep. As Constance and Angela quietly left them alone, she let out a long tired sigh.
"Hey…" Amy appeared in the doorway, her head cocked to the side. "She's finally asleep?"
Jane nodded, not wanting to trust that her voice wouldn't wake up Maura.
"She did well." Amy sighed and ran her fingers through her short blonde hair. "And the baby too… both healthy and happy."
"When can I take them home?" Jane whispered.
"I'd say tomorrow, for sure. I'd like to keep both of them for twenty-four hours…" Amy didn't need to elaborate on the reasons.
"Would it be okay to have visitors? It is Christmas…"
"I don't see why not. Just make sure Maura has some time to rest since she's decided to breastfeed and won't have a lot of time once she gets home." Amy said as she checked Maura's vitals and then gave the baby a quick once over. "Amelia Hope… welcome to the world. Hey, where did you and Maura come up with the names?"
Jane was quiet for a minute as she thought about the significance of the names they had chosen for their daughter. Amelia was a name they had chosen together, one they both liked and agreed on but the name Hope wasn't as easily decided upon. In fact, it had been Jane who had thought of it but when she suggested it, Maura just shook her head and said no. After some back and forth, Maura finally told Jane that she couldn't use her birth mothers name over the name of the woman who had raised her. And although Jane understood, she still pushed for it, explaining that no one but them would ever know that 'Hope' was Maura's birth mothers name. But Maura was firm in her decision not to use the name… that is until Amelia was placed in her arms and they both knew the name was perfect. And so, they welcomed little Amelia Hope to the world.
"Um, it just came to us..." Jane said as she tried to wave away any more questions with one of her own. "Is everything okay?" She asked as she watched Amy move about the room.
"Yes." Amy smiled at Jane as she headed towards the door. "Let them sleep a bit before bringing the family by for a visit."
"Will do." Jane stood up and stretched, finally allowing her fatigue to roll over her.
"I'm gonna head home and check in with the family and I'll be back by after dinner…" Amy yawned as well.
"Are you on call?"
"Nah, just here for Maura…" Amy said with a quick wink as she slipped out the door.
"Hey, Amy…" Jane swiftly moved towards the door so she didn't have to raise her voice. She waited for Amy to stop before continuing. "Thanks for everything. And Merry Christmas."
Amy offered Jane a wide smile and a quick nod. "Anytime my friend… and Merry Christmas to you too." And with that and a quick wave, she left.
Jane was quiet for a moment as she contemplated what would come next. They had missed the kids waking up to their Christmas presents and then there was the new playhouse she hadn't gotten to. A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought about what they had missed but then Maura let out a little sigh as she shifted in her sleep and it caused Jane to smile. There would be other Christmas mornings to wake up to… but this moment, this one right here, was a once in a lifetime moment, one she would cherish forever. The birth of their daughter, Amelia Hope Rizzoli-Isles, was something she would not trade for anything in the world. The playhouse would be there when she got home and the kids could wait a little longer to play in it.
Stepping out into the hall, Jane pulled out her phone to call Tommy and check on the kids but before she could, the sound of small feet running down the hall caused her to look up in surprise.
"Mama…" the sound of Valley's tennis shoes squeaked along the highly polished hospital floor as she made her way into Jane's open and waiting arms.
"Hey, Ally-Roo…" Jane hugged her daughter close.
"Merry Christmas, Mama…" Valley said as she hugged Jane tight but then quickly let go so she continued talking. "Santa came, Mama and he brought soooo many presents."
"Yeah?" Jane glanced over at Tommy who was making his way down the hall with Li in his arms and Korsak by his side. Both looked tired and a little overwhelmed but happy, nonetheless.
"And you won't believe the best part… he brought us a playhouse with a door and windows and a top to keep the rain out." Valley continued to babble.
"A playhouse?" Jane seemed surprised. She hadn't asked them to do that but apparently, they had and a heavy weight was suddenly lifted off of her shoulders.
"Yeah, a playhouse." Tommy grinned as he approached Jane in the hall.
Before Jane could inquire about it, Angela and Constance rounded the corner causing Valley to wiggle from her arms so she could tell her Nona and Gigi all about their Christmas morning.
"Nona, Gigi…" Valley's voice echoed down the hall as she ran toward both of her grandmothers.
"Here, let me take Li." Vince smiled at Angela as he took Li from Tommy's arms.
"I can't believe you got the playhouse put together." Jane grinned at her brother.
"Yeah… well, I had some help." Tommy nodded towards Vince. "And Frankie for a bit and well… Giovanni too."
"Gio helped?" Jane seemed surprised although she shouldn't have because Giovanni had always been there to help in their hour of need.
"I called him to see if he had some tools we could borrow and he just showed up and didn't leave until it was finished."
"Wow, it must have taken you most of the night."
"Nah, we got it knocked out in two hours… with Gio's help, of course." Tommy grinned.
"Of course." Jane laughed but then she suddenly turned serious. "Shit, Tommy… I'm sorry I ruined your Christmas with Rylan and TJ."
"Hey, no worries Janie. Rylan stayed over so we could both be there with the kids when they woke up to open presents. She said it was more important for Valley and Li because they will most likely remember it. Little Tommy won't remember anything…" his voice trailed off as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Where is she now?" Jane asked when he noticed she wasn't there.
"She went over to her parents after Valley and Li opened their presents. I made them waffles and let them play a little. When Ma texted and said we could come to visit, we got ready and… well, here we are." He beamed.
"You're a lifesaver, Tommy. I can't thank you enough." Jane reached out and grabbed his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Don't worry, I'll think of some way you can pay me back." He threw an exaggerated wink her way and laughed. "But, if you don't need me for tonight, I'm gonna go over to Rylan's parents for Christmas dinner."
"Yeah, no problem. You've been so helpful…" Jane pulled her younger brother into a hug. "Thanks so much for everything. We couldn't have done it without you."
"I'm growin' up, Janie… turning into a responsible adult." He puffed his chest out and held his head higher.
"That you are, little brother. That you are." Jane grinned as she ruffled his sandy-blonde hair.
"Mama…" Valley appeared again at Jane's side with a huge smile on her face. "Nona is gonna make turkey and ham… and macaroni and cheese for Christmas dinner…" she said breathlessly as she tried to contain her excitement.
"Cheese-cheese…" Li clapped his hands together.
"Ma, you don't have to cook all that stuff by yourself..." Jane said to Angela who just smiled at her before reaching out to pat her cheek.
"I won't be doing anything by myself..." Angela said as she nodded towards Vince and then Constance who now had Bree at her side.
"Are you sure? Amy said she won't release Maura and the baby until tomorrow…"
"I'm sure, honey. Most of the food was made yesterday anyway. All we have to do is heat it up. We'll take the kids so you and Maura can have some alone time with Amelia, so don't worry about anything."
Jane was overwhelmed with gratitude for her whole family and it spurred her to grab her mother in a hug. "I can't thank you enough for what you've done, Ma… you and Constance… Tommy, Frankie, and Vince… just, well… everyone has been so helpful."
"That's what family is for, Janie." Tommy gave her a pat on the back before turning towards Angela with a raised eyebrow. "Now, where did you get that coffee? And are those doughnuts I smell?"
"Is Maura still resting?" Angela asked and got a nod from Jane as an answer. "Okay then, I guess we have enough time if you all want to walk down to that corner bakery for a little something to tide you over until dinner." She couldn't stifle her laugh when everyone nodded in agreement. "Well then, here is a little something for you and Maura."
"Thanks..." Jane said taking the two coffees and bag of doughnuts from her mother just as the sound of a baby crying carried to them. "I guess I should go help Maura." Setting the food and drinks in the chair by the door, she reached out her hand to Valley. "You wanna meet your new sister?" She asked. Valley looked up at her with eyes wide in surprise as she nodded her head. "What about you little man?" The question caused Li to reach out to her as he tried to wiggle from Vince's arms.
Taking Li into her arms and Valley's hand in her own, Jane couldn't wipe the huge grin from her face as she pushed the door open with her foot. A small gasp escaped Valley's lips at the sight of Maura in the hospital bed and her look of concern caused Jane to give the smaller hand in her own a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"She's alright… why don't you go and see if she needs help with anything..." Jane said, nodding towards Maura who was trying to push herself up into a sitting position. "And how about you and I check on your little sister, Amelia?" She asked Li who buried his face in her neck as if he were suddenly shy.
When Valley stood still for a moment, unsure of what to do, Jane gave her a light nudge towards Maura who was now smiling warmly at them.
"No worries, kiddo… we've got this." Jane winked at Valley, giving her all the reassurance she needed to finally approach the hospital bed. And as she stood there, watching her family come together for the first time since Amelia had come into the world, she couldn't help but feel proud of what they had accomplished together. Everyone had pulled together to help them make sure this Christmas was special. Not only had Santa made his rounds without a hitch, but they had also received one of the most precious gifts ever… little Amelia Hope Rizzoli-Isles had finally joined them.