Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Rizzoli-Isles household was the picture of quiet domesticity—at least as quiet as it ever got with an almost one-year-old. Maura sat at the kitchen table, cross-referencing their Italy itinerary with the confirmed bookings on her laptop, while Jane stood at the counter bouncing Grace in her arms, whispering nonsense into her dark curls as the baby giggled.

"You realize this is just a vacation, right?" Jane teased, glancing over at Maura's meticulously organized spreadsheet. "Not a military operation."

Maura didn't even look up. "You say that now, but when we're navigating the Uffizi Gallery with a stroller, you'll thank me for the planning."

Jane huffed a laugh, switching Grace to her other hip. "I’ll thank you when I’m sitting on an Italian beach with a cold beer in my hand."

Angela bustled in, phone in hand, clearly mid-conversation with someone. "No, I told you, the cake needs to be big enough for at least fifty people! I don't care if we only invited twenty-five, you know how this family eats!" She sighed dramatically before turning to Jane and Maura. "The bakery is giving me trouble about the size of Grace’s cake."

Maura frowned. "Do we really need that much cake?"

Angela and Jane answered in unison: "Yes."

Maura sighed, turning her attention back to her laptop. "Fine, as long as there’s a smaller, baby-friendly option for Grace."

Angela waved her hand dismissively. "Of course, of course! I already handled that part. Now, what about party favours?" Before Maura could respond, she turned back to her phone. "No, I’m still here. Yes, go ahead with the fifty-person cake!"

Jane smirked, leaning down to press a kiss to Grace’s forehead. "Your Nonna is a menace, kiddo."

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by Frankie letting himself in with Charlie close behind. "Hope you don’t mind us dropping by," Frankie said, grinning. "Charlie has wedding questions, and I need food."

"You always need food," Jane muttered, shifting Grace to one arm so she could grab a bag of chips from the counter and toss them at her brother.

Charlie rolled her eyes at her fiancé. "Angela, you’ll be at our final venue walkthrough, right? I know you already saw the first two, but I want your opinion on the seating arrangements."

"Of course, sweetheart!" Angela beamed. "Anything for my future daughter-in-law!"

Maura finally closed her laptop, rubbing her temples. "Can we all agree that after the birthday party and this wedding, we take a break from big events for at least a year?"

Everyone in the room nodded—except Jane, who shot her wife a mischievous smirk. "Yeah… about that…"

Maura groaned, already dreading whatever ridiculous idea Jane was about to spring on her. Grace clapped her hands, delighted by the chaos around her, blissfully unaware that this was just the calm before the inevitable storm.

xxx

Later that night, with Grace sound asleep in her crib and the house finally quiet, Maura curled into Jane’s side on the couch, resting her head against her shoulder. Jane had one arm draped lazily around her waist, the other flipping through channels on the TV with half-hearted interest.

"You know," Maura murmured, running her fingers absentmindedly along the hem of Jane’s t-shirt, "I’ve been thinking about that little comment you made earlier."

Jane smirked but kept her eyes on the screen. "Which one? I make a lot of little comments."

"The one where you implied you’re planning something that directly contradicts my request for no more big events." Maura lifted her head just enough to look at her wife’s face, narrowing her eyes. "You’re planning something, aren’t you?"

Jane turned off the TV and set the remote down, giving Maura her full attention. "Define ‘planning.’"

Maura sighed, tilting her head. "Jane."

Jane chuckled, clearly enjoying dragging this out. "What if it’s a good surprise?"

"That depends. Is it a surprise that will stress me out, require me to make a spreadsheet, or involve coordinating with our entire family?"

Jane hesitated. "Uh… probably only one of those things?"

Maura groaned, dropping her head onto Jane’s chest. "You are impossible."

Jane laughed, pressing a kiss into Maura’s hair. "But you love me anyway."

"Unfortunately, yes," Maura muttered, closing her eyes.

Jane smirked. "Guess you’ll just have to wait and see."

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains as Maura padded quietly into the kitchen, her silk robe cinched at her waist. Jane was still upstairs, wrestling Grace into a fresh diaper, which gave Maura the perfect opportunity to do a little… investigating.

She poured herself a cup of coffee, took a calming sip, then reached for her phone. If Jane was being stubborn, there was one person who might be more pliable.

"Good morning, Angela," Maura greeted sweetly when the call connected.

"Maura! Hi, sweetheart. Everything okay? Grace sleeping through the night?"

"She is, thank you," Maura said smoothly, leaning against the counter. "I actually had a question for you."

There was a pause. A pause that lasted just a second too long.

"Oh?" Angela replied, already sounding suspicious.

"Yes." Maura traced the rim of her coffee cup with one finger. "Jane has been acting… secretive. She made a comment last night that suggests she is planning something. And I have a strong suspicion that she has told you what it is."

Angela let out a forced chuckle. "Oh, you know Jane. She likes messing with you. Maybe she’s not planning anything at all!"

"Angela," Maura said, her voice light but pointed, "we both know that is not true."

Silence.

"She made me swear not to tell," Angela finally said, her tone firm.

Maura sighed dramatically. "I suppose that’s fair. I mean, if she can’t trust her own mother to keep a secret, how could she ever trust you to be alone with Grace overnight again?"

There was an audible gasp. "Maura Isles, that is not fair!"

"Isn’t it?" Maura mused, stirring her coffee. "I mean, trust is an essential foundation in any relationship, wouldn’t you agree?"

"Of course, but—"

"And I always thought Jane and I were a team, that we shared everything," Maura continued, her voice lilting with just the right amount of wounded sincerity. "And yet here she is, keeping secrets, making plans behind my back—"

Angela groaned. "Oh, sweetheart, don’t make this harder on me than it already is!"

Maura smirked, sensing she was close. Time to go in for the kill.

"You know, Angela," she sighed, "I always imagined that when Jane and I decide to have another child, you'd be the first to know. Maybe even before Jane."

Silence.

Dead silence.

Then, a strangled noise.

"You—another baby?!" Angela practically shrieked, her voice a mixture of excitement and sheer panic. "Oh my God, Maura, are you pregnant?! No, wait, you wouldn’t tell me like this. Would you?!"

"That depends," Maura said coyly, sipping her coffee. "Are you going to tell me what Jane is planning?"

Angela groaned again, this time in pure defeat.

"Oh, fine!" she hissed. "But if Jane finds out I told you, I’m blaming you and the hypothetical future grandchild!"

Maura grinned, satisfied. "I can live with that."

Angela took a deep breath, lowering her voice as if Jane might somehow hear through the phone.

"Alright, alright! Jane’s planning a surprise vow renewal!"

Maura nearly choked on her coffee. "A what?"

"A vow renewal! Just a small, private thing while we’re in Italy—nothing big, she swore," Angela rushed to explain. "She wanted it to be special, you know? Just you, her, and Grace. Maybe Frankie and Charlie as witnesses, but that’s it."

Maura blinked, completely caught off guard. "But… why? We’ve only been married a little over a year."

Angela chuckled softly. "Because she loves you, Maura. And you know Jane—she doesn’t always say how she feels, but she shows it. She thought it’d be the perfect moment—your first big trip as a family, in a beautiful place, promising all over again to be with you forever."

Maura’s heart clenched, an unexpected wave of emotion rising in her chest.

"Oh," she whispered.

"I know, honey," Angela said knowingly. "You should’ve seen how serious she was when she told me. She even asked me to help her pick out something special to give you."

Maura pressed her fingers to her lips, overwhelmed. She’d spent all this time trying to outmaneuver Jane, only to realize that Jane had been planning something incredibly thoughtful, something romantic, something so Jane.

"You’re not going to tell her I told you, right?" Angela asked nervously.

Maura exhaled, a slow smile creeping onto her lips.

"No," she murmured. "I think I’ll let her have her surprise."

But, of course, that didn’t mean Maura wouldn’t plan a little surprise of her own in return.

xxx

Jane leaned back in her chair, tossing a baseball between her hands as she glanced at the clock on the precinct wall. "So, how exactly are we playing this?" she muttered to Maura, who sat beside her in Cavanaugh’s office, perfectly poised as always.

Maura folded her hands in her lap. "We present our case logically—explain that we haven’t had a true break since maternity leave and that this trip is essential for family bonding and our well-being."

Jane snorted. "Or, we just beg."

Before Maura could argue, Cavanaugh entered, barely looking up as he flipped through a file. "Alright, Rizzoli, Isles—what do you want?"

Jane shot Maura a look that clearly said See? He knows we’re about to ask for something.

Maura cleared her throat. "We’d like to discuss our upcoming leave. We initially requested two weeks, but we’d like to extend it to three."

Cavanaugh finally looked up, arching a brow. "Three weeks? You’re kidding, right?"

Jane leaned forward, all charm. "Come on, Lieutenant. You know we’re due for a real break. You want us at our best when we get back, right?"

Cavanaugh sighed, rubbing his temples. "You’re both my best people—"

"Exactly!" Jane cut in, pointing at him. "Which is why you definitely don’t want us burnt out and cranky."

Maura nodded. "Research shows that prolonged stress without sufficient recovery time leads to decreased productivity and efficiency."

Cavanaugh stared at her. "Is this where you start throwing statistics at me until I give in?"

Jane grinned. "Yep."

He sighed again, sitting back. "Alright. Three weeks. But the second you land back in Boston, I want you both back on duty."

Jane fist-pumped the air. "Deal!"

Maura smiled warmly. "Thank you, Lieutenant. We truly appreciate it."

Cavanaugh waved them off. "Yeah, yeah. Now get out before I change my mind."

As they walked out of his office, Jane slung an arm around Maura’s shoulders. "See? That wasn’t so bad."

Maura hummed. "I suppose not. Although I’m fairly certain he only agreed so we’d leave him alone."

"Eh, whatever works," Jane said, smirking.

With their vacation officially extended, the countdown to their long-awaited trip—and the secret vow renewal—was truly on.

Chapter Text

Six Weeks Ago

The warm scent of fresh pastries filled the air as Maura sat at a quiet café with Hope and Constance, her laptop open and a notebook at her side. Across from her, Hope skimmed through a stack of venue brochures while Constance sipped delicately at her tea, occasionally making notes in the planner she had brought along.

“I know it seems early,” Maura began, glancing between them, “but if we don’t start planning now, Jane will assume we can just throw something together at the last minute, and Angela—”

“—will take over completely,” Constance finished knowingly.

Hope nodded. “You’re right to be proactive. We have a small window before she gets too involved.” She tapped one of the brochures. “This one looks promising—an enclosed garden space with an attached event hall.”

Maura leaned forward, studying the details. “Safe for the children, enough space for family, and it’s neutral enough that Jane won’t protest.” She nodded, making a note in her planner. “This could work.”

Constance glanced at her daughter. “You are prepared for the fact that Jane is going to try and micromanage the food situation regardless of where we hold it, aren’t you?”

Maura sighed, rubbing her temple. “Unfortunately, yes.”

They spent the next hour narrowing down details—guest lists, themes, food options, and how much creative freedom Angela would be allowed before things spiraled out of control.

“Now,” Hope said, setting down her cup, “do we tell Angela now, or do we wait until we’ve already booked it?”

Maura hesitated. “If we tell her now, she’ll start making demands. If we tell her later, she’ll still make demands but with less time to derail everything.”

Constance gave a small smirk. “So, we wait.”

Maura nodded. “We wait.”

Little did they know, Angela was already forming plans of her own.

A few days ago

Maura stood in the kitchen, arms crossed, watching as Angela frantically flipped through her party planning notebook. The woman looked offended, as if Maura had personally betrayed her.

“Six weeks ago? Six weeks ago you booked the venue and didn’t tell me?” Angela huffed, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. “Do you know how much planning I’ve done? The calls I’ve made? The stress I’ve been under?”

Maura sighed, setting her coffee cup down. “Angela, you’ve been thriving on the planning. You’re in your element.”

“That’s not the point,” Angela shot back, flipping a page. “You waited to tell me! My own granddaughter’s first birthday!”

Jane walked in just in time to hear the tail end of the conversation. “Oh, here we go.”

Angela whipped around. “Did you know about this?”

Jane, wisely, grabbed an apple from the counter and took a bite before answering. “Nope. And honestly? I wouldn’t have cared. I assumed we were just gonna have a cake and some balloons in the backyard.”

Angela’s expression turned pained. “Have I taught you nothing?”

Maura sighed. “Angela, the reason we waited was so that you wouldn’t feel the need to take over everything before we had a solid plan.”

Angela narrowed her eyes. “That sounds like something your mother would say.”

Maura gave a pointed look. “That’s because it is something my mother would say.”

Angela pursed her lips, flipping another page in her notebook before finally exhaling. “Fine. You win. I suppose I can work with this.”

Jane smirked, taking another bite of her apple. “Oh good. I was really worried there for a second.”

Angela ignored her, already making new notes. “I’ll just have to adjust a few things—call the bakery, confirm the catering, double the amount of decorations…”

Jane nudged Maura. “You realize you didn’t actually win anything, right?”

Maura sighed. “I’m starting to.”

Present Day – One Week Until Grace’s Birthday

Angela stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the pile of party supplies she had accumulated. There were balloons in every colour of the rainbow, enough streamers to decorate an entire block, and an assortment of party hats that she was convinced would somehow make Grace’s birthday “extra special.”

“Where am I supposed to put all of this?” Angela muttered to herself, pacing back and forth. “I can’t just shove everything in the kitchen again… no, no, I need a space, a proper space.”

Maura, watching with concern from the doorway, didn’t know whether to step in or let her mother-in-law figure it out.

Jane, however, was much less patient. “Mom, you’re freaking out. The party’s in a week, everything’s planned, and the venue is already booked.”

Angela spun on her heels, wild-eyed. “You don’t understand! This is Grace’s first birthday! My first grandchild’s first birthday! It has to be perfect!” She clutched her hands to her chest as if holding the weight of the entire universe. “Perfect, Jane! What if I mess it up? What if she doesn’t remember it? What if she grows up and says, ‘Well, my first birthday wasn’t nearly as good as everyone else’s?’”

Maura raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are you worried about? I’m sure Grace will not remember anything about this birthday, but I can guarantee she’ll feel the love.”

Angela threw her hands in the air. “That’s what you think! But she’s going to grow up, and then one day, she’s going to ask me why her first birthday wasn’t like everyone else’s! She’ll remember it! And then—then—she’ll resent me!”

Jane let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, mom. You’re not going to traumatize the kid over her birthday. She’s gonna love it because you’re you.”

Angela, not willing to hear reason, started pacing again. “You don’t get it, Jane! You—” She froze mid-step, eyes wide. “What if there’s too much cake? What if it’s too little cake? What if it doesn’t look pretty enough? Oh God, what if the frosting is the wrong shade of pink?”

Maura had had enough. She walked over, gently took Angela’s hands in her own, and met her gaze with a soft smile. “Angela, Grace doesn’t care if the cake is the wrong colour or if there are too many decorations. All she’ll care about is the people around her. The love she feels. And trust me, that will be more than enough.”

Angela’s breathing slowed, but she wasn’t entirely convinced. “But it has to be perfect.”

Maura squeezed her hands. “It will be perfect. Because you’re here, doing everything you can to make it special. That’s all Grace will need.”

Jane nodded in agreement. “And if the cake’s too big, we’ll just eat more of it. It’ll be fine, mom.”

Angela looked at her daughter-in-law and then at Jane, taking a deep breath. “I guess you’re right. It just means so much to me, you know? I want Grace’s life to be as beautiful and joyful as she is, and this birthday? It’s my first chance to give her that.”

Maura smiled warmly. “And I’m sure it will be everything she needs.”

Angela let out a shaky breath, the tension in her shoulders easing as she finally nodded. “Okay, okay. I’ll calm down. But if you’re sure you’re sure about the cake, Maura… the pink frosting thing?”

Jane rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Don’t worry, mom. Pink frosting is the least of our problems.”

Angela clutched her chest dramatically again, eyes wide. “Oh, I can’t believe you’re both so calm. I’m about to have a panic attack.”

Maura gave her a reassuring smile, taking a step back to let Angela breathe. “Just focus on the joy. That’s all Grace will need to feel.”

Angela sighed, finally relenting. “Okay, okay. But I still have to go check on the baker. And the balloons. And the caterer. Oh, and I need to call the clown. I can’t believe I didn’t book him sooner—”

Jane chuckled. “Sure, mom. You do you. We’ll handle the rest.”

xxx

It had been a chaotic few days. Between juggling their already-busy jobs and the mounting stress from Angela’s constant bombardment of calls, Jane and Maura were both on edge.

Maura was at her desk, trying to focus on a particularly complicated autopsy report when her phone rang—again. She didn’t need to check the caller ID. It was Angela.

Jane, sitting in the adjacent office with her feet propped up on her desk, sighed dramatically. “She’s relentless, huh?”

Maura raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately, only holding up her phone to show Jane the number. Jane groaned.

“I swear, she’s calling every hour now,” Jane muttered under her breath. She had learned to pick up when she recognized the pattern, but the constant pressure was wearing on her patience.

“Do you think she ever sleeps?” Maura asked, staring at the screen before answering the call with a quiet exhale.

“Maura!” Angela’s voice came through loud and clear. “I’m so glad you picked up! I was just wondering, have you thought about the colours for Grace’s birthday party? You know, I was thinking we could do something a little different. Maybe purple and yellow? Or what about pastel blue? It’s such a calming colour, don’t you think? But not too dark! Oh, and don’t forget, we need to get party hats! I know, I know, but I just remembered them and it’ll really tie the whole theme together. The kids will love them, I swear—”

Maura’s hand pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to block out the sound of Angela’s excited rambling. She glanced at Jane, who was giving her a pointed look, the impatience clearly visible in her tired eyes.

"Mom," Jane interrupted, her voice almost flat from exhaustion, "We’ve already got the colours. You approved them last week. Remember? Pink and white."

Angela’s voice immediately dropped into a guilty tone. "Oh, right, right! I remember now. Sorry, sweetheart, I just got so excited! I’ve been so busy with everything, you know? But I was thinking, should we get a second cake? For the party guests, just in case Grace doesn’t eat her slice."

Jane threw a pen across her desk, clearly frustrated. “Mom. Grace is a baby. She’s not going to care about a second cake. She’s not even going to eat the first one!”

There was a brief silence on the line before Angela hesitantly responded, “Well, okay, fine. I just thought it would be nice, you know, to have enough in case people want seconds. Oh, and—”

Jane’s patience finally snapped. “Mom!” She shouted, voice echoing in the small office. “We’ve got everything covered. You don’t have to worry about the party. We’ve got a venue, we’ve got the colors, we’ve got the cake. You’re driving us both insane.”

Maura winced, but she didn’t look up from her report. Jane wasn’t usually the one to lose her temper like that.

Angela, however, took it in stride, unfazed by the outburst. “Oh, darling, don’t be upset. I’m just excited! I want everything to be perfect for my little granddaughter.” Her tone softened. “You’re right, though. Maybe I’m getting a little carried away. I’ll stop, I promise.”

Maura, hearing the subtle crack in Angela’s voice, finally spoke up, gently intervening. “Angela, we appreciate everything you’re doing. But Jane’s right—we’ve got the party planned. It’s not about making everything perfect, it’s about having all of us together to celebrate Grace.”

There was a long pause on the other end. Then, Angela sighed. “I know. I just—this is the first time I get to spoil her. I know you both are doing so much already, but I just want to give her the best.”

Maura’s face softened. She understood that sentiment, even if Angela’s overzealousness had been a bit too much. “And Grace will have the best, Angela. But the best gift we can give her is a family that loves her. And that’s what you’ve already done.”

Jane, still glaring at her phone, took a calming breath. “Look, we know you’re excited. We get it. But if you don’t stop calling us about the party, I’m going to have to take a few personal days to get some peace and quiet.”

There was a long, knowing silence from the other end. Then Angela let out a defeated sigh. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop. But you know I’ll still worry about it. You two are the most important people in her life. I just want to make sure I’m doing this right.”

Maura smiled warmly, knowing this conversation had gone as well as it could. “And you are. We’ll talk more about it later. You’re doing great, Angela.”

After a long exchange of reassurances, Maura finally ended the call, setting her phone down with a relieved exhale.

Jane was already rubbing her temples. “Thank God that’s over. I swear, if she calls again, I’m going to lose it.”

Maura shot her a sympathetic look. “I know. I’m sorry, Jane. She just wants to help, but she’s… a lot.”

Jane chuckled, shaking her head. “A lot is an understatement. I love her, but I swear she doesn’t know when to stop.”

The two exchanged a quiet glance before Jane walked over to Maura’s desk, dropping a quick kiss on her cheek. “Thanks for handling that. I’m about two seconds from losing my mind.”

Maura smiled, pulling Jane into a tight hug. “I know. But we’re almost there. One week, then it’s vacation time. We’ll get through this together.”

“And hopefully, without any more cake-related emergencies.”

“I make no promises.”

Chapter Text

Jane was already awake, as was often the case these days. But today, there was a different kind of energy, a bubbling excitement she could barely contain. Her little girl was turning one. One whole year since Grace had come into their lives. The milestones were happening faster than Jane could track, and it was both exhilarating and bittersweet.

She stood in the nursery, carefully pulling the soft fabric of Grace’s “first birthday” dress over her daughter’s head. It was a simple, pale pink dress with tiny lace details along the hem and a soft white ribbon tied around the waist. Maura had picked it out weeks ago, but Jane was the one to eagerly add tiny matching bows to Grace’s hair—two little bunches on either side of her head, the tiniest curls framed by the soft pink ribbons.

With her daughter dressed and ready for her special day, Jane scooped Grace up and carried her into the kitchen. The sun was barely rising, and the house was quiet, except for the soft hum of the coffee maker and the quiet clinks of utensils.

“Bunny pancakes,” Jane muttered to herself, beaming as she poured the pancake batter into little bunny shapes on the griddle. Grace, perched in her high chair, clapped her hands excitedly, watching her mom with big, eager eyes.

“You ready for your pancakes, baby?” Jane cooed, brushing a stray lock of hair out of Grace’s face as she spooned batter into the pan. Grace gave a delighted squeal, her tiny hands reaching toward the sizzling griddle. Jane chuckled, flipping the pancakes with a smile.

As the pancakes cooked, Jane prepared a tray for Maura—bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, and a cup of coffee, knowing her wife’s usual order by heart. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but the fact that it was for Maura, on this special morning, made it feel like the most important breakfast in the world.

Jane carefully placed the food on the tray, balancing it with one hand while she scooped Grace into the other arm. Her daughter was still small enough to easily carry, and today, she felt like she was holding a precious little bundle that had already filled her life with so much joy. Grace kicked her legs in excitement, her hands patting Jane’s chest in a rhythm that made Jane’s heart flutter.

With breakfast in one hand and Grace in the other, Jane quietly crept upstairs, trying not to wake Maura just yet. It was still early, but Jane knew her wife had a soft spot for being woken up in a quiet, loving way—especially when it came to Grace.

When she entered their bedroom, Maura was still sleeping soundly, the covers pulled up just under her chin. Jane smiled softly, loving how peaceful and serene Maura looked in that moment. She gently placed Grace on the bed, letting her daughter wiggle and kick in delight at the new change of scenery.

Maura stirred slightly but remained asleep, her face relaxed. Jane’s breath caught in her chest as she watched her wife, just a few feet away, still lost in a dream. She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Maura’s temple, intending to wake her gently, when—

“Mama.”

The sound stopped Jane in her tracks.

She blinked, her heart skipping a beat. The word had been so clear, so intentional. Grace was sitting on the bed, little legs kicking beneath her, and her mouth was parted in a baby smile. Her big brown eyes locked onto Jane’s.

“Ma-ma,” Grace said again, more clearly this time. Jane’s breath hitched in her throat as she froze, still holding the tray of breakfast in one hand. Her little girl had just said her first word. Mama. Not some babbling noise or a half-formed sound—but a real word.

Jane’s eyes welled up instantly, a tear slipping down her cheek. She hadn’t expected this moment to come so soon. It was one of the first true milestones that felt like a turning point. Her baby had just said the word she’d been waiting to hear, and in that instant, Jane’s world shifted, just a little more, in the most perfect way.

Maura shifted on the bed, slowly waking at the sound. Jane still stood frozen, the breakfast tray in her hands, staring at her daughter.

It was only when Grace looked back at Maura, that the moment hit Maura too. She rubbed her eyes and turned her head, blinking at Jane and then at Grace. Maura’s lips parted in surprise, and she sat up slightly.

Jane laughed softly, barely able to contain her emotions. “Did you hear that?”

Maura nodded slowly, her voice hoarse from sleep. “Did she just—did she say…?”

“Mama.” Jane whispered, the word barely leaving her lips before she broke into a grin, looking down at Grace. “She said it, Maura. She said Mama.”

Grace giggled in response, reaching for both Jane and Maura, her tiny hands grasping at the air between them, eager for their attention. Jane’s heart melted, her arms instinctively going to scoop her daughter up.

Maura stared at her for a beat, then held out her arms, still in shock. Jane carefully handed Grace over to her, both of them amazed at how natural it felt. Maura leaned down, pressing a kiss to Grace’s forehead, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“Mama,” Maura murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “You just—our baby... she said it. She said mama.”

Jane couldn’t help but laugh through her own tears, watching the exchange between her wife and daughter. “I told you, she’s already got us wrapped around her finger,” Jane teased, though her voice was unsteady with the joy of the moment.

With a soft sigh, Maura turned to Jane, holding Grace close to her chest. “She’s growing up so fast.”

Jane nodded, her voice soft but full of wonder. “I know. I know, but this... this is the best part.”

Maura pressed another kiss to Grace’s hair, then glanced up at Jane with a small, emotional smile. “Happy first birthday, Grace Angela. We love you so much.”

Jane stepped forward and placed a kiss on both Maura and Grace’s foreheads, her heart swelling with love. “And we’re so lucky to have you, my sweet girl.”

Grace, still holding onto both their hearts, babbled something incoherent, but the joy in her eyes spoke volumes.

Chapter Text

Grace squirmed in Maura's arms, her tiny hands pushing against her mother’s chest as if she was trying to crawl up into her lap. Maura, still overcome with emotion, allowed her daughter to settle there, letting Grace climb into her lap with surprising determination for such a little thing. Maura adjusted herself on the bed, propping herself up against the headboard, and gently placed her arms around Grace, holding her close.

Grace, content now in the safety of her mother's arms, nestled her head against Maura’s chest. She listened for a moment, her little face calm and peaceful as she rested against the soft rhythm of Maura’s heartbeat. Jane stood by the door, watching the two of them in this quiet, perfect moment, her heart swelling with tenderness.

She couldn’t stop smiling—couldn’t stop watching the way Grace seemed so at ease in Maura’s arms, as though she knew this was her safe space. It was something that could never be fully explained, just the instinctual trust a baby had in their mother, a trust that Jane would never take for granted.

For a few moments, there was nothing but the quiet sound of Maura’s heartbeat and Grace’s soft little sighs. Then, just as Jane was about to turn away and get back to the pancakes she’d left downstairs, Grace looked up at Maura, her small eyes locking with her mother’s. A sense of calm filled the room, before Grace, ever the curious little one, made her tiny, deliberate sound.

“Mama,” Grace said clearly, her voice soft but unmissable, as she gazed directly at Maura.

Maura’s breath caught in her throat at the sound. Jane froze, eyes widening as she turned to look at Maura’s reaction. Maura didn’t say anything for a moment, staring down at Grace in complete awe.

Grace smiled, a sweet, innocent expression that made her mother’s heart ache with love. The baby’s small hands grabbed at the fabric of Maura’s shirt, her face lighting up as she repeated the word again.

“Mama,” Grace said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She grinned up at Maura, her tiny fingers still clutching at her mother’s sleep shirt, completely content.

Maura’s hands trembled as she brushed her fingers through Grace’s hair, unable to stop the tears that formed at the corners of her eyes. “Mama,” she whispered softly, her voice barely above a breath.

Jane took a deep breath, walking closer to the bed as the emotions of the moment surged through her. It felt like the whole world had paused—just for a beat—to allow them to bask in this beautiful, simple milestone. Grace had said Mama again, directly to Maura, and in that instant, it felt as if every part of their life had led to this moment.

Jane could barely contain her smile. “I think she’s got your number, babe,” she teased gently, walking up beside Maura and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

Maura chuckled lightly through the tears, glancing up at Jane with a look of disbelief. “She said it again,” Maura said, almost to herself, as if she couldn’t quite process it. She wrapped Grace tighter in her arms, holding her close, not wanting to let go. The sense of awe was still overwhelming.

“I know,” Jane said, her voice thick with emotion as she sat down on the bed next to them. She leaned over and gently kissed Grace’s cheek. “I think she just likes the sound of it.”

Maura rested her cheek against Grace’s soft curls, her eyes closing for a moment. She felt so full, so full of love she didn’t know how to contain it. Her little girl was growing up so quickly, and this moment, this quiet, intimate moment with her daughter, was something she would treasure forever.

“Happy birthday, my sweet girl,” Maura whispered, her voice full of love and warmth. Grace cooed in response, a content smile spreading across her face, completely unaware of the depth of the joy she’d just brought her mothers.

Jane leaned in, brushing her lips over Maura’s ear. “You’re a mama now too, Maura,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “You’ve been one from the moment she was born.”

Maura’s heart swelled at the words. She squeezed Grace a little tighter, feeling her heartbeat match her baby’s. “She’s everything,” Maura replied softly, finally breaking her gaze from their daughter to look up at Jane.

Jane smiled warmly, her eyes full of love. “She is.”

And in that moment, the three of them shared the quiet serenity of their family—strong, whole, and full of love. The day ahead would bring birthday celebrations and laughter, but in this moment, it was just them. Together.

xxx

Jane went back downstairs returning quickly with a steaming cup of coffee for herself and a stack of bunny-shaped pancakes for Maura and Grace. She placed the mug gently on the nightstand before settling down next to Maura on the bed, the warmth of the morning sunlight pouring through the window.

Maura, still holding Grace in her lap, smiled up at Jane as she set the plate down, her eyes soft and filled with love. Jane couldn't help but grin back, the exhaustion of a sleepless night with excitement melting away in this quiet, precious moment.

Grace, now content in Maura’s arms, had her little hands still pressed against her mother’s chest, but her focus shifted as the delicious smell of pancakes wafted into the air.

Jane picked up her cup of coffee and sipped it slowly, content to just watch as Maura carefully cut the pancakes into small, bite-sized pieces for Grace. She expertly fed her little one the first few pieces, making gentle sounds and words to encourage Grace, who giggled happily each time a bite was accepted.

Maura looked up at Jane for a moment, her eyes full of softness. “She’s growing so fast,” Maura whispered, a wistful note in her voice. She glanced back down at Grace, her daughter now focused on the pancakes, her tiny hands reaching for the next bite. “I can’t believe it’s already her first birthday.”

“I know,” Jane replied, her heart swelling with the joy of the moment. She leaned in closer, kissing the top of Maura’s head. “Feels like we blinked, and here we are.” She set her coffee down on the nightstand and reached for Grace, who let out a small squeal of excitement, clapping her hands as Jane scooped her up.

For a few moments, it was just the three of them, enjoying the quiet comfort of their family time. Grace held onto Jane’s finger as her mother gently rocked her in her arms. Maura continued to feed Grace, smiling fondly at her daughter’s messiness as bits of pancake landed everywhere, but it didn’t matter. This was their moment, the calm before the storm of birthday guests, cake, and presents.

Jane smiled at Maura, reaching over to help cut a piece of pancake for Grace. “This is nice,” she murmured, watching her daughter’s delighted face as she enjoyed her first birthday breakfast.

“Yeah,” Maura said, her voice soft and full of warmth. She placed a gentle hand on Jane’s knee. “I’ll always cherish these moments.”

“I will too,” Jane agreed, leaning over to kiss Maura gently on the lips. She smiled as Grace cooed in her arms, reaching for her pancakes with an excited giggle.

As Jane and Maura exchanged a quiet smile, Grace suddenly shifted her attention to something on the bed beside them. The little bear they had placed there—Jane’s gift to Maura for their anniversary, a soft, plush teddy from Build-A-Bear—caught her eye. With a concentrated look, Grace reached out and grabbed the teddy by its fluffy limbs.

She lifted it triumphantly in the air, her face lighting up with pride, before she looked directly at Maura. “Mama!” she exclaimed, her baby voice clear and delighted.

Maura’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened with affection. She glanced at Jane, a small laugh escaping her lips. Jane joined in, her laughter a gentle melody that filled the room, the joy of it almost tangible.

“I think she’s claiming the bear as her own,” Jane teased, leaning in to kiss the top of Maura’s head. “And I think she’s already decided who’s getting the most love today.”

Maura chuckled, holding Grace close as she kissed her daughter’s forehead. “She’s definitely a mama’s girl,” she said, her voice full of warmth.

Grace giggled again, still holding the teddy up like a trophy, her little hands gripping it tightly. The sight of their daughter, so small yet so full of determination and joy, filled Jane’s heart. It was a perfect, beautiful start to a day that would be filled with even more love and laughter.

Chapter Text

By the time the clock struck twelve, Jane was practically buzzing with excitement. She'd held firm on her "no interruptions before midday" rule, and now, as the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, her heart leapt in anticipation.

"Alright, kiddo," Jane said softly to Grace, who was contentedly clapping her hands in her highchair. "Time for the rest of the chaos to begin."

Maura, still in her cozy robe, adjusted the baby’s tiny birthday dress and smiled at Jane. "You really did insist on holding out until noon, didn't you?"

"I was adamant," Jane grinned, though it was more than just her need for a peaceful start to the day—it was about creating a perfect moment for them, before the storm of relatives descended.

With a knowing smile, Maura walked over and opened the door, revealing the three grandmothers, Frankie, and Tommy all standing there, grinning from ear to ear.

“Happy birthday, little one!” Angela exclaimed, her arms wide as she rushed in, followed closely by Constance and Hope. “Look at you! I can’t believe it’s been a whole year already!”

Frankie was right behind, holding a balloon bouquet in one hand and a giant stuffed giraffe in the other. “How’s my niece doing? Got enough cake yet?”

Tommy lingered in the doorway, his usual laid-back demeanor shifting slightly as he gazed down at Grace, who was now waving her arms excitedly, oblivious to the noise. “Happy birthday, princess,” he said quietly, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Angela immediately went to scoop Grace out of her high chair, making a big production of being "the best Nonna in the world," earning a giggle from the baby. "Look at my granddaughter! Just look at her!"

Maura, ever the calm one, raised an eyebrow but smiled warmly as Jane stepped back to allow the flurry of relatives into the living room.

“You should have seen her this morning,” Jane said, her voice full of affection as she moved over to join the group, arms crossed. "She said 'mama' for the first time, and... well, I think we all heard it. Maura’s got some serious competition already."

Maura's cheeks turned pink at the mention of it, though she beamed at the memory. She reached for Grace, who was being passed around by Angela, clearly loving the attention.

“You’re getting big too fast, kiddo," Maura whispered as Grace reached out toward her.

Tommy laughed, nudging his sister gently. "Welcome to the club. They all grow up before you can even blink."

“And soon they’ll be eating cake,” Angela added, practically bouncing on her toes. “Let’s get this party started!”

Jane laughed softly, stepping back to let the family settle in. "Okay, everyone," she said with a grin. "As much as we want to spoil her today, let’s at least save the cake cutting for a little later. But first... one more round of ‘happy birthday!’”

The family gathered around, their voices rising in unison as they sang their version of the birthday song to Grace, who clapped along, her tiny hands creating little flurries of movement.

xxx

The venue was buzzing with energy. It was an elegant, spacious event hall filled with balloons, decorations, and a long table covered with baby-themed goodies. The large "Happy Birthday, Grace!" banner stretched across the wall, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and Grace’s delighted giggles as she was passed from one set of arms to another.

Jane and Maura were standing at the center, both radiant in their own ways. Jane had a proud, contented smile on her face as she watched the room fill up with friends and family, while Maura was making sure everything was perfectly in place—everything from the colour of the napkins to making sure the cake was safe from the enthusiastic little hands of their guests.

Angela was in her element, circulating around the room, greeting people with hugs and a million questions about their day, even though she was pretty sure she'd asked the same thing to everyone already. “How’s your Spanish class, Sophia?” she asked a woman from her class, “You made it through the life drawing class? And don’t forget to sign up for the next one!”

Frankie was busy with his friends from the precinct, standing by the food table, munching on something that looked suspiciously like the leftover chips. Korsak and Frost had found their way to the beer section of the venue, sharing stories about old cases. Cavanaugh was speaking with a few of the medical examiners from the morgue, their conversation about a particularly tricky autopsy. Maura was talking shop with one of the doctors, but she was always aware of where Jane and Grace were. The two of them were inseparable, and Grace was currently perched on Jane’s hip, waving at anyone who passed by.

Tommy was by the drinks station, chatting with his girlfriend of three months, Emily. She was a schoolteacher and an easy-going presence in the group. Emily had taken a liking to Tommy right away, and now they made a sweet couple, even though it was clear that Tommy had no intention of rushing things.

“Did I hear someone mention cake?” Jane grinned, walking over to Maura and pulling her gently to the side. Grace, who was now clapping excitedly, was oblivious to the loud chatter around her. She was still too young to understand what a birthday party was, but she was enjoying every second of being the centre of attention.

“I’m just making sure everything’s perfect, you know,” Maura responded, adjusting the tiny bow on Grace’s dress. "I’ve never had a birthday party to plan before."

"I think Grace is enjoying it," Jane replied, pressing a kiss to her wife’s cheek. "And I’ve got to admit, it's a pretty great setup."

"Thanks," Maura said, glancing around. "But I think it’s more about the people we’re sharing it with. Look how happy Angela is, and how excited everyone else is."

Jane couldn’t help but laugh softly. "I never thought I’d see the day where my mother is hosting a life drawing class and a Spanish class reunion at the same time."

Maura joined her in the laughter, shaking her head fondly. "She’s certainly… unique."

Suddenly, the door to the venue opened, and Grace's birth mother, Cailin, walked in, looking a little overwhelmed by the bustle of the party. She held a small, wrapped gift in her hand, her eyes searching the room for Jane and Maura. As soon as she saw them, her face softened with a nervous smile.

“Cailin!” Jane exclaimed, moving towards her with Grace still in her arms. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

Cailin smiled nervously, but her eyes were soft and filled with emotion as she took in Grace, who was already gurgling with excitement. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world," she said softly. She looked down at Grace and gave her a shy smile, clearly not sure what to expect from the situation.

Maura was quick to step in, offering Cailin a welcoming gesture. “Thank you for coming, Cailin. It means a lot to us, to have you here.”

Cailin’s gaze moved from Maura to Grace and back to Jane, her expression full of mixed emotions. "It’s... still hard sometimes. But I’m really happy she’s in such good hands."

Jane placed Grace on her feet, letting her take a few wobbly steps before lifting her back into her arms. "You’ll always be a part of her life," Jane reassured her gently. "And that’s something we’ll make sure of."

At that moment, Angela came rushing over, arms outstretched, as if she hadn’t seen Cailin in years. “You came! Oh, I’m so glad! Come here, let me introduce you to everyone!”

As Angela started ushering Cailin into the centre of the room, Maura looked at Jane, both of them sharing a quiet, heartfelt moment. "I can’t believe how much she’s grown in just a year," Maura murmured.

"I know," Jane said, her voice soft. "She’s already teaching me so much, and she hasn’t even learned to walk yet.

The room had calmed slightly after the initial excitement of everyone arriving. The music was lower now, and Grace was surrounded by her little friends from the baby and toddler class—most of them no older than a year. The soft hum of conversation filled the space as Jane cradled Grace in her arms, her daughter now dressed in a tiny little party hat that had somehow managed to stay on her head for the past half hour.

Maura stood beside them, carefully placing presents in front of Grace as the other babies began to wriggle with excitement, their parents guiding them to the pile of wrapped gifts.

“Alright, Grace,” Jane whispered to her daughter, bouncing her gently. “Time to open your presents. Don’t be shy, kiddo. Let’s see what everyone got you.”

Grace’s tiny hands wavered uncertainly over the first gift—a soft, pastel-coloured teddy bear. She grabbed it, holding it up proudly, her little face scrunching in concentration. Jane chuckled, watching her try to bite the bear’s nose.

Maura leaned over, her voice soft. “I think that’s your first stuffed animal, sweetheart.”

With that, Grace promptly dropped the bear and reached for the next gift, causing everyone to laugh.

“Someone’s a little impatient,” Jane said, looking down at Grace’s excited, wide-eyed face. She glanced at Maura, who was kneeling beside her, gently lifting the next gift and pulling the ribbon off. “You ready, sweetheart?” Maura asked, and Grace let out a tiny sound that could almost be interpreted as a “yes.”

Jane held her daughter carefully, making sure she was comfortable as Maura opened the next gift—a set of colourful blocks, the kind that would soon be strewn across the living room floor.

“Blocks,” Jane said, glancing over at Maura with a knowing smile. “She’s going to be building things before we know it.”

"Can’t wait for the first masterpiece," Maura teased, watching the baby’s eyes light up as she tried to grab the blocks. “She’s definitely going to be her mother’s child when it comes to organization.”

Grace babbled something in response and reached for the next present—a musical rattle. Jane laughed as Grace clutched it with both hands, making the tiny bell inside it shake.

“She’s clearly got good taste,” Jane commented, grinning at Maura. “I think it’s going to be noisy in the house for the next few days.”

Maura laughed, but she couldn’t hide the soft affection in her eyes. “I’m sure we’ll adjust. We’ve already learned to love all the other noises. And this one’s special. Every sound is new to her.”

Frankie had moved over with his fiancée, Emily, who was laughing at the chaos of Grace trying to open the gifts. “She’s definitely getting the hang of it,” he remarked. “Just wait until she learns to open her own presents. You won’t be able to stop her.”

“Great,” Jane quipped. “We’ll need to build a bigger playroom.”

“Something tells me you won’t mind,” Maura replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

As the gifts continued to pile up in front of Grace, the other little ones joined in, each parent helping their child tear open presents and laughing along with the group. The room was filled with joy, not just from the adults, but from the tiny voices and giggles of the babies.

Jane glanced over at Maura, watching her carefully arrange each new toy, making sure Grace could reach it. There was so much love in this moment, so much promise for the future.

After a few more gifts, Grace started to get a little fussy, squirming in Jane’s arms as if to say, “I’ve had enough for now.”

"Alright, kiddo, I think you’ve opened your fair share," Jane said, cradling Grace against her chest and smiling down at her. "We’ll let you rest up for a bit before cake time."

Grace yawned, her eyes fluttering shut as she nuzzled into her mom’s shoulder, her tiny fists still clutching her new musical rattle.

"She’s a bit worn out from all the excitement," Maura said softly, her hand gently brushing the baby’s hair.

“It’s her first birthday,” Jane replied, her voice tender. “She’s allowed to be tired.”

Maura looked up at Jane, her eyes softening as she took in the sight of their little girl. "She’s already growing so fast."

Jane smiled, shifting Grace carefully in her arms. "They all do. But we’ve got time. Lots of it."

The room continued to buzz with conversation and laughter, but for Jane and Maura, the rest of the world melted away as they held Grace, their family, and their love. Today was Grace’s day, and nothing would take away the joy of seeing her so happy, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

Chapter Text

The morning was still early, and Jane was already awake. But unlike her usual self, there was no excitement in her movements. No pep in her step. Instead, she sat hunched over at the kitchen table, a steaming mug of coffee untouched in front of her, her eyes glued to the screen of her phone.

She’d been awake for over an hour, scrolling through news stories, reading endless statistics about plane crashes, about risks, about everything that could go wrong when you flew with a baby. The deeper she went, the worse it got, and the more her stomach churned.

She wasn’t even looking at the flight details anymore. Jane couldn’t stomach it.

Her hands were shaking as she refreshed the page, yet another list of “things that can go wrong on an airplane” flashing before her eyes. Something about emergency landings. Something about turbulence, engine failure, and the horror stories of a child being left without their parents.

“Grace could be the only one left,” Jane muttered under her breath. “What if she’s the only one who survives?”

The thought hit her like a physical blow to the chest, her breath catching in her throat. Jane had always been strong, rational, unflappable. But now? Now, she was nothing but a mess of nerves.

Her hands shook harder as she scrolled past more terrifying facts. Plane crash statistics. Crash survivability rates for infants. And the numbers kept piling up in her mind, making her dizzy. Every one of them made the gnawing, sickening feeling grow larger in her chest.

She was being irrational. She knew it. She tried to tell herself that, but the thoughts didn’t stop. What if it’s their flight? What if something goes wrong?

In an instant, her mind was filled with images of the worst-case scenarios. Grace, still too young to understand, left behind in a wreckage with no one there to comfort her.

Jane stood suddenly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor as she walked to the counter, trying to steady herself. But the panic was suffocating. Her thoughts were racing. She wasn’t breathing right.

She picked up the phone again, checking the flight itinerary, wondering if she could change their seats—maybe the middle seats are safer? Or better yet, maybe we should just drive?

She almost dropped the phone as the thought crossed her mind: What if we just didn’t go?

The urge to cancel the whole trip hit her so intensely that she started pacing, clutching her phone in her hand like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. She thought about calling Angela and asking her to help cancel everything. But how could she explain? How could she tell her that she was just terrified of the flight? Terrified of the unknown?

Her heart was racing as she walked upstairs to her daughter’s bedroom, where Grace was quietly in her crib. Jane knelt down beside her daughter, her hand trembling as she brushed a lock of hair away from Grace's face. Her little girl giggled at her, oblivious to the storm brewing in Jane’s chest.

"What if something happens, Grace?" Jane whispered, her voice barely audible. She felt sick. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. The thought of losing her family, of losing Maura and Grace, was paralyzing.

She couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. Jane’s mind kept spiralling, replaying the thoughts over and over.

“Maybe we should just stay home. Maybe it’s safer that way,” she muttered to herself. But the idea of disappointing Maura... disappointing herself... was unbearable.

With shaking hands, Jane picked up Grace, holding her close, hoping the simple act of holding her would ground her. But the panic didn’t stop. It was still there, lurking in the back of her mind, gnawing at her. What if she was the only one left?

“What if something happens to us, kiddo?” Jane asked the baby, though she knew Grace couldn’t understand.

Maura walked into the room just then, rubbing sleep from her eyes, her face soft and calm. She froze when she saw the expression on Jane’s face. The chaos in her eyes. The tightness in her body. Maura’s voice softened as she approached.

“Jane,” she said gently. “What’s wrong?”

Jane didn’t answer at first. She just stood there, holding Grace, her eyes wide, unblinking, as the thoughts swirled in her head like a storm. “I can’t... I can’t stop thinking about it. The plane. The crash. What if—what if something goes wrong?”

Maura’s heart skipped a beat, and she took a step closer, reaching out to touch Jane’s arm. “Jane,” she said, her voice quiet but firm, “What are you talking about?”

Jane’s eyes locked with hers, and she finally let the words spill out in a rush. “I can’t do it, Maura. I can’t put Grace on that plane. What if something happens? What if we’re not safe? I can’t… I can’t protect her, and it’s my job. It’s my job to keep her safe.”

The raw panic in Jane’s voice shattered Maura’s calm, and without thinking, Maura immediately wrapped her arms around Jane, pulling her in close. She could feel the tension in her wife’s body, the fear, the unease.

“I know it’s irrational,” Jane whispered against Maura’s neck, her voice trembling. “But I can’t help it.”

Maura gently rocked her, her hands running up and down Jane’s back in soothing motions. She kissed the top of Jane’s head, trying to find the right words to calm her down. “You’re not going to lose us, Jane. You won’t lose me. You won’t lose Grace.”

Jane didn’t respond, but Maura could feel her shaking in her arms.

“Listen to me,” Maura said, pulling back just enough to look Jane in the eyes. “You’re worrying about something you can’t control. I know it’s scary, but I promise you, Grace will be fine. We will be fine.”

Jane shook her head, her hand clenching tightly around Grace. “But what if I’m wrong? What if I’m the only one left?”

Maura’s heart ached at the fear in Jane’s eyes. “You’re not going to be alone, Jane,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “We’re in this together. And we’ll take care of each other. You’re not losing me, and you’re not losing Grace. We’ll make it through this, okay?”

Jane closed her eyes, letting out a shaky breath, still unsure, still terrified. But Maura’s steady presence was calming her, just a little bit.

“Okay,” Jane whispered, her voice hoarse. “Okay.”

They stood there, Maura holding her wife close, the weight of Jane’s fears still hanging in the air. But with Maura’s arms around her, the panic felt a little more manageable.

Chapter Text

The terminal buzzed with the hum of travellers, the faint murmurs of voices filling the air as passengers hurried to their gates, pulling suitcases and pushing strollers. Jane stood near the gate, her hands wrapped tightly around Grace’s carrier, her body tense, her eyes darting between the people around her. Her heart was still racing, but the medication Maura had coaxed her into taking had kicked in enough to dull the edges of her panic.

"How you holding up?" Maura's voice was a calm, steady presence beside her.

Jane glanced at her, the soft weight of her wife’s hand on her back a quiet comfort in the storm of her nerves. "Better," she muttered, though it was clear that the uneasy knot in her stomach was still there, lurking. "I just... can’t help but feel like I’m not in control. What if something happens, Maura?"

Maura smiled gently, squeezing her hand. "You’re in control of this moment. We’re here. We’re safe. Grace is safe."

Jane nodded, but she couldn’t help glancing at the board above them, her eyes lingering on the flight details. Flight 420: Rome, Italy — the letters seemed to taunt her with their permanence. She couldn’t escape it now. They were leaving. It was real.

Angela, ever the force of nature, was happily bouncing around nearby, chatting animatedly with a couple at the Starbucks counter. She turned back to them, beaming. "Do you two need anything? Maybe a coffee? Or I don't know, something stronger?" she added with a wink. "I’m sure the flight will be just fine. And look, little Grace is already charming the staff here," she cooed as the barista waved goodbye to Grace, who was giggling up at him from the carrier.

"Thanks, Ma," Jane muttered, trying to stifle the rising anxiety with a half-hearted smile. "I’m good."

"You sure?" Angela raised an eyebrow. "I know you’re nervous, but you're gonna be fine. We’re gonna be fine. We’ve all been on flights before. Think about the fun we’ll have when we get there."

"Yeah, the trip itself is what’s keeping me together," Jane said, her voice tight. "That and the fact that Grace will have the best first vacation ever."

Maura, always perceptive to Jane’s subtle shifts in mood, gently rubbed her back again. "Remember, we’ll have each other. And we’ll be in Italy. You know how much you love Italy."

Jane didn’t respond right away. Instead, she leaned down and kissed Grace’s soft head, her gaze softening. "At least you’ll be happy to be in a new place, won’t you, sweet girl?" she whispered.

Grace gurgled back in her usual cheerful manner, her small hands reaching out to grab Jane’s finger. The simple joy of being around her daughter helped to quiet some of the racing thoughts in Jane’s head.

The announcement for their flight to Rome came over the loudspeaker, and Jane felt her heart rate spike again.

"See? That’s us," Angela said brightly, stepping forward to grab Grace’s diaper bag. "Let’s get on that plane and enjoy some pasta and vino, huh?"

Jane’s chest tightened, but she managed to stand a little taller as she followed Maura toward the boarding gate. Angela took Grace’s carrier in her hands, cooing at the baby.

As they queued for the gate, Maura leaned in closer to Jane. "Just focus on the here and now. We’re going to be just fine, I promise."

Jane nodded slowly, though she was still tense, every part of her on edge. But Maura’s presence calmed her, the steady rhythm of her breath anchoring her when she felt like she might float away in the storm of her fears.

They handed over their boarding passes and started down the narrow jet bridge toward the plane. It felt real now. Too real.

As they stepped into the plane and made their way to their seats, Jane couldn’t help but feel a little dizzy from the nervous energy coursing through her. But Maura took charge once more, settling herself into the seat with Grace on her lap, offering Jane a place beside them.

"Come here, Jane," Maura murmured, her voice low but certain. "Sit down. Let’s do this together."

Jane hesitated for only a moment before sliding into the seat beside Maura, feeling the overwhelming sense of safety in her wife’s embrace. It didn’t take long before Grace was settled, happily gurgling away in her seat, her wide eyes fascinated by the people around them.

As the plane began to taxi toward the runway, Jane took a deep breath, allowing the rhythmic hum of the engines to comfort her just a little. And when the plane lifted off the ground, soaring toward the clouds, Jane’s fingers curled tightly around Maura’s hand, grounding herself in the calm steadiness of her wife’s love.

And despite all the what-ifs still swirling in her mind, one thing was clear: they were in this together.

For better or worse, they were flying to Italy, and nothing, not even Jane’s fears, would stop them from enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.

xxx

The plane soared smoothly through the sky, the gentle hum of the engines a comforting lull that seemed to settle Jane’s nerves more with each passing minute. Grace was sound asleep in Jane’s arms, her tiny body curled up against her mother’s chest, her rhythmic breathing the only sound that mattered in the world. Jane had relaxed considerably since boarding, her grip still tight on Grace, but her body no longer as tense.

Angela, on the other hand, could barely contain her excitement as she settled into her seat in first class. Her eyes were wide, taking in every little detail of the cushioned seats, the wide armrests, the fluffy pillows, the extra space she’d never had on a plane before. She was practically glowing as she fiddled with her seat’s controls, adjusting it to its fullest recline.

“Oh, my god, Jane!” she gasped, her voice louder than necessary, drawing a few curious glances from fellow passengers. “This is amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever been so comfortable in my life. This seat is like a cloud! Do you think I should order the champagne now, or wait until we’re nearly there?”

Jane couldn’t help but smile at her mother’s infectious energy, even if a part of her felt a little overwhelmed by the sudden burst of enthusiasm in the otherwise calm cabin. “Maybe wait for the champagne until we’re settled, Ma,” she suggested, her voice a little more strained than usual, but not from panic. It was just the residual stress of her earlier anxiety, still hanging around like a heavy fog.

Angela immediately turned to Maura, her voice full of wonder. “This is amazing, Maura! I’ve never flown first class before. Do they bring the food on silver platters? How’s the food on this flight? Do you think they’ll bring me some warm nuts? I love those.”

Maura smiled warmly, her eyes already glancing down at Jane’s hand on the edge of Grace’s blanket, ensuring the baby was secure. Jane’s calm was comforting, though Maura could sense the faint tension still in her posture, so she gave her wife’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Angela, I’m sure they’ll bring you everything you could ever want,” Maura said smoothly, her attention already focused on Jane. “But remember, this isn’t just a flight. It’s the beginning of our adventure. So, maybe we should keep our excitement a little more contained for Grace’s sake, hmm?”

“Yeah, sure, sure,” Angela said quickly, her eyes already glancing over at the flight attendant making her rounds down the aisle. "But just one champagne, right? For me."

Maura shot a small, knowing smile in Jane’s direction, where Jane was still carefully monitoring Grace’s steady sleep. “We’re nearly there, sweetheart,” Maura murmured to Jane, leaning closer. “How are you feeling?”

Jane sighed, her hands gently smoothing down Grace’s blanket. "Better. A little better," she admitted, her voice softer now. “She’s still so tiny and fragile. I just…” Her voice trailed off as she glanced down at her daughter, the deep protective instinct inside of her still fiercely alive.

Maura understood immediately and placed a gentle hand over Jane’s. "She’s perfectly safe with you, Jane. And it’s hard, I know. But you’re doing everything right.”

The comforting sound of the captain's voice on the intercom, reassuring them that they were cruising at 35,000 feet with no turbulence in sight, made Jane breathe a little easier. She allowed her head to tilt back slightly, looking at the ceiling, the weight of the world feeling a little lighter as Grace continued to sleep soundly in her arms.

Angela, having grown tired of playing with the seat controls, turned her attention back to her daughter and granddaughter, eyes sparkling as she leaned forward. “Hey, Jane, Maura, I think it’s my turn to hold her.”

Jane immediately tensed, but Maura was there, her calming presence a gentle balm. "Let’s make sure Grace stays asleep for a little longer, Angela," she said with a playful, teasing smile. "If you wake her up now, you’ll never get to hold her."

"Oh, I won’t wake her up! I promise," Angela pleaded, making a motion to gently lean over and lift Grace from Jane’s lap. But Jane shot her mother an apologetic look, a slight edge of worry still in her eyes.

“Ma, I’m just…” Jane sighed. "I’m just worried she’s going to get fussy, you know? It’s her first flight. I don’t want to upset her."

Maura’s voice was steady and reassuring as she leaned forward to softly stroke Jane’s arm. "Jane," she said gently, her eyes full of love, "I’m sure Grace will be just fine. It’s not about whether she’s upset or not—it’s about us being there for her, just like we always are.”

Angela, seeing the moment of hesitation, sat back in her seat, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I’ll wait. But the second she wakes up, she’s coming to me."

Jane chuckled lightly, grateful for her mother’s understanding. Then, without warning, Maura’s voice shifted, a playful lilt entering it as she leaned back into her seat and began to recount one of their honeymoon adventures.

“Do you remember when we got completely lost in Pyrgos?” Maura asked, looking sideways at Jane, her voice soft but filled with mischief. “We were supposed to go to that famous church, but instead we ended up wandering the historic streets for hours. You had me convinced we were going to be stuck in Santorini forever with no way to get back to the villa.”

Jane laughed quietly at the memory. “I remember thinking we were going to have to learn Greek and live in a tiny apartment on a hill for the rest of our lives.”

Maura’s eyes sparkled as she continued. "And then we stumbled into that tiny bookshop and ended up talking to the owner for hours about Hemingway.”

"Oh, right! I remember," Jane said, her smile widening as the memory flooded back. “You looked so cute, pretending you knew what he was talking about the whole time, nodding along. I thought for sure you were going to make us buy a stack of books in Greek that we’d never read.”

“Hey, I did buy a book,” Maura defended, her tone playful. "One in Greek, yes, but I also got one in English. And we did find our way back, didn’t we?"

Jane’s laughter was soothing, a sound that made her chest feel a little lighter. “Yeah, eventually.”

Angela, still sitting back with her arms folded across her chest, listened to the conversation and smiled, the picture of contentment. She hadn’t seen her daughter-in-law and Jane so at ease in a while, and it was clear that the long flight, while daunting for Jane, was offering her a small measure of peace.

As the conversation drifted into other memories—like the time Maura had tried to teach Jane yoga and Jane had almost broken her leg—Jane felt herself settle further into her seat, her grip on Grace’s blanket no longer as tight.

Before long, the soft snoring of Grace, settled and cuddled in Jane’s lap, lulled the atmosphere into a gentle calm, and Jane finally allowed herself to close her eyes, trusting that whatever came next, they were ready for it. Together.

Chapter Text

The plane touched down with a soft thud, the seatbelt sign flickering off as the flight attendants began making their final rounds. Jane, already unbuckling her seatbelt, couldn't hide her excitement. She looked down at Grace, who had been surprisingly calm throughout the flight, still snuggled against her chest, and whispered with a grin, “Welcome to Rome, kiddo.”

The moment the plane doors opened, Angela was the first one out of her seat, practically bouncing with excitement. "Viva Italia!" she exclaimed loudly, earning a couple of curious glances from other passengers as she stepped into the aisle. "I’ve been waiting for this for years!"

Maura, still looking slightly weary from the long flight, slowly unbuckled her seatbelt and adjusted Grace’s blanket in her lap. She smiled at her mother-in-law's enthusiasm, but the reality of the unfamiliar environment was hitting her in waves. Her knowledge of Italian had always been solid—she’d studied it for years—but the fast pace and heavy accents of the locals in Rome were overwhelming. The words she knew so well in theory felt foreign now, swallowed up by the speed and energy of the city.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself under her breath, gathering her things. “It’s just a matter of listening. I’ll get it.”

But the words she’d been practicing in her head were failing to catch in the rush of the crowd. She felt a little out of her depth.

Jane noticed her wife’s unease as she stood with Grace, waiting to disembark. She placed a gentle hand on Maura’s back, her voice low but full of reassurance. "You’re doing great. It’s all part of the adventure, right?"

Maura turned toward her, a soft smile tugging at the corner of her lips, though her eyes still carried a touch of uncertainty. “I’m fine,” she said, though her voice didn’t fully convince Jane.

Angela was already chatting animatedly with a flight attendant in rapid-fire Italian, her excitement contagious. “What is it about you and this language, Ma?” Jane asked with a smirk, watching as Angela managed to charm the local staff with her easy fluency. “You’ve got them wrapped around your finger.”

“I’ve always had a knack for languages,” Angela responded, still in her element. “And Italian’s in my blood. I love how it feels when you speak it. The words, the rhythm… It’s alive.” She paused, looking over her shoulder at Maura, who was still fumbling with the luggage compartment. “Maura, honey, don’t worry! You know more than you think! You just need to jump in. I promise, no one here bites. Well, unless you’re rude, of course.”

Jane chuckled softly as she took her carry-on from the overhead bin, nodding toward her mother. "She's not wrong. You know a ton, Maura. Besides, we're in Italy. If anyone's going to screw up, it's me trying to ask where the nearest bathroom is."

Maura gave Jane a small, grateful smile but still seemed hesitant. "It’s just that… they speak so quickly. And the accents are all over the place. Even the simplest phrase sounds different depending on who says it. It’s like trying to keep up with a fast-moving river of words."

As the group exited the terminal and made their way into the bustling arrival hall, Angela was already making new friends. She greeted every local she passed with ease, their animated exchanges flowing smoothly in Italian. Jane, meanwhile, was pointing out the architecture, the street signs, everything that caught her eye. Grace’s wide, curious eyes followed her every movement, as if trying to take in every detail of this new world.

"Look at that, sweetie," Jane said in a whisper, pointing toward an open-air café just outside the terminal. "That’s what I’ve always wanted. A coffee in Italy, sitting under the sun."

Grace chattered happily, as though she understood the sentiment, and Jane smiled fondly, brushing a small tuft of hair away from her daughter's face. She was soaking in every moment, determined to make the best of this adventure for all of them.

Maura, standing beside them, watched her wife and daughter with an indulgent smile, but the words around her still felt like a blur. She took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. It wasn’t the language that was the problem; it was the overwhelming sensation of being somewhere entirely new, surrounded by people she couldn’t quite understand.

"Maura," Jane said softly, noting her wife’s distant look. She gently squeezed her hand. "Don’t stress. Let me handle the directions and stuff for now, okay? You’re here to enjoy the trip. Just relax."

Maura met Jane’s eyes and smiled again, though there was still a hint of vulnerability in her gaze. "I will," she said, taking another deep breath. "I just want to make sure I do this right… for Grace."

Jane’s heart softened at the earnestness in Maura’s voice. "You’re doing great. Grace’s lucky to have you."

Angela, still chattering away, turned to look at her daughter and the baby. “I’m just so excited! We should eat at the best places while we’re here, but also go to the little spots, you know? The ones the locals love. We’ll take Grace all over this city. I’ll show her how to truly appreciate the Italian way of life.”

"You know, for once, I don’t mind following your lead," Jane replied with a laugh, shifting Grace’s carrier to her other arm as they made their way out of the airport.

As they stepped outside into the warm Roman air, Jane felt a little more at ease. The sun was bright, the streets bustling with life, and though there was still much to navigate, she was certain this would be an adventure they’d all treasure.

Maura, for her part, managed to find her footing by the time they reached the taxi stand. Despite the initial overwhelm, she couldn’t help but feel a little excited too. The sights, the sounds, the smells—all of it was new and exhilarating. And most importantly, she was with the people who mattered most to her.

Chapter Text

The first day in Rome was nothing short of enchanting.

Jane, Maura, and Angela had taken their time adjusting to the bustling city after the long flight. The early morning was spent in their charming hotel, with Grace napping peacefully in her travel crib, leaving Maura and Jane some time to finally breathe, savouring their new surroundings in the soft warmth of the sun streaming through the hotel windows.

"How does it feel?" Jane asked Maura as she closed the curtains behind them, watching her wife carefully unpack their things, her usual attention to detail on full display. “To be here, I mean.”

Maura gave a soft, contented smile, looking out the window at the sun-dappled streets below. “I don’t think it’s truly sunk in yet. I’m just glad to be here… with you, with Grace. Italy was always on our list.”

“Yeah. And now it’s our turn,” Jane said, her eyes glinting with excitement as she glanced at Grace, still asleep. “For the three of us to make some memories.”

Angela, who had already made a habit of speaking to the hotel staff in rapid-fire Italian, came in with a smile. “Well, I’ve secured us a table at a trattoria for tonight. The best pasta in Rome, they say,” she added with a wink, clearly enjoying her ability to speak the language with such ease.

"That’s perfect," Jane agreed with a nod. "I’m starving. After a day of exploring, I could eat an entire pizza by myself."

The day itself was all about acclimating to their new environment. They spent the early afternoon strolling through the cobbled streets, getting lost in the labyrinth of Rome’s ancient charm. The sun was warm, and Grace, perched comfortably in her stroller, was fascinated by the new sights and sounds, reaching out toward the colourful street vendors’ tables and the bustling market squares.

Jane was in her element, marvelling at everything from the architecture to the intricate fountains dotting the squares. “Look at that, Maura,” she said, pointing at the Piazza Navona, “It’s so… alive. The sculptures, the fountains, the people.”

Maura, despite still being a little unsure of herself with the language, was quietly soaking it all in, and the sense of awe on her face was unmistakable. Grace’s gurgles of delight in the stroller added to the magic of the day, as if even the baby could sense the wonder of the moment.

"I wish we could stay here forever," Maura said softly, watching Jane push the stroller ahead, the light glinting in her hair as she glanced back at Maura, her smile bright and full of joy. Grace was gazing up at the world with wide eyes, already absorbing everything that was happening around her.

Angela, who had been at the front of the group chattering with the locals, turned around and grinned at them. "That’s the spirit! Wait until you see what I’ve got planned for us tonight. Authentic Italian food, some wine… the works!"

By late afternoon, they made their way to the trattoria Angela had arranged, just as the evening light began to soften and the golden hue of the setting sun washed over the streets. The family was seated at a quaint table near the window, and the atmosphere was charming—soft, rustic, and alive with the chatter of diners and the clinking of glasses.

Grace, now fully awake, was cooing and gurgling as she sat in Jane’s lap, looking around curiously. Every so often, a local would pass by their table and stop, smiling warmly at the baby, complimenting Jane and Maura on how beautiful she was. The attention made Jane smile proudly, but Maura was somewhat bashful about it, her cheeks flushing when someone leaned over to kiss Grace’s little cheek or ruffle her tiny hair.

“I swear, we’ll never get through dinner without someone stopping to gush over her,” Jane said with a quiet chuckle, brushing a hand through Grace’s hair.

“She’s got the Italian charm,” Maura replied with a soft smile, unable to hide her delight as Grace giggled at one of the locals who was wagging a finger at her. “Look at her. It’s as though she’s been here before.”

As they enjoyed their meal—fresh pasta, melt-in-your-mouth bruschetta, and perfectly seasoned seafood—Angela couldn't stop herself from complimenting the wine and the simple elegance of the restaurant.

“I could get used to this,” Angela murmured, swirling her glass of red wine, her eyes twinkling. “This is the life.”

After dinner, they wandered down cobbled streets towards the Spanish Steps, where the atmosphere felt like something out of a movie. The evening air was cool and pleasant, and the crowds were more relaxed, some sitting on the steps, others enjoying gelato or taking in the last of the sun. Jane held Grace in her arms, lifting her to point out the famous sights, and Grace, now fully alert, seemed fascinated by the sounds of the city—the clinking of glasses, the hum of conversation, the lively music coming from nearby street performers.

“This is so perfect,” Jane said quietly, watching as the sun dipped lower and the sky turned a dusky purple, casting a warm glow on everything around them. “I just want to freeze this moment.”

Maura, walking beside her, caught her eye and smiled. “We can hold onto it forever, in our hearts.”

They made their way to a quiet spot with a perfect view of the sunset, where Jane settled down onto a stone bench, Grace nestled against her chest. Angela stood a few feet away, chatting with some other tourists she had struck up a conversation with, her laughter carrying on the breeze.

As the sun set and the sky turned dark, they all stood together on the cobbled streets, taking it in—Maura’s arm wrapped around Jane’s shoulders, Grace yawning against her chest, and Angela contentedly watching the tourists and locals around them.

“It’s perfect,” Maura said softly, her voice filled with contentment. “Everything. Being here, with you, with Grace…”

Jane smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Yeah. We’re living the dream, right here.”

As the night deepened, the city buzzed around them, the lights from the buildings casting an amber glow over the scene. It was magical, like a dream, and for the first time in what felt like forever, all the worries of their world were put on hold. The Rizzoli-Isles family was simply together, experiencing the wonders of the world—one perfect moment at a time.

Chapter Text

The next day in Rome was all about taking in the iconic sights of the city. After a leisurely breakfast in their hotel, where Angela insisted on getting Grace to giggle at her “funny faces” (much to Grace’s delight and Maura’s slight embarrassment), the family headed out to explore.

The streets were bustling with tourists, and Jane couldn't help but feel an infectious energy in the air. Everywhere they looked, there was something old and magnificent—a centuries-old cathedral here, a lively square there.

They began their adventure at the Colosseum, and Jane took a million pictures of Grace, who was fascinated by the stone ruins and the grand scale of everything. She was still too young to understand, but it didn’t stop her from trying to touch the ancient stones, her little hands reaching out in curiosity.

“Look at her, Maura,” Jane whispered, her heart full. “She’s going to grow up knowing this place. Rome will always be a part of her story.”

Maura smiled, kissing the top of Grace's head. “She’s going to remember this trip, even if she can’t yet.”

As the day wore on, they wandered the narrow, winding streets, sampling street food (Angela was thrilled to find a stall selling freshly made supplì) and popping into local shops that sold hand-crafted leather goods and jewelry. Angela, of course, was making friends wherever she went—charming the local vendors with her enthusiastic Italian, and Grace was the star of the show, cooing happily at everyone who stopped to admire her.

By late afternoon, after a leisurely stroll through the Roman Forum and a stop at the Trevi Fountain (where they all threw coins in, wishing for good luck and happy travels), Jane and Maura decided to take a bit of time to relax. Angela had offered to take Grace for the evening, so the couple could have some much-needed alone time. They were both exhausted but excited to finally have some uninterrupted moments together in this beautiful city.

“We’ll have Grace back in the morning, don’t worry,” Angela had reassured them with a grin as she gently cradled the baby in her arms. “You two need some time to yourselves. You’re in Rome, for heaven’s sake!”

“I swear,” Jane teased as Angela walked off with Grace, “She’s the happiest grandmother on the planet. Look at her go.”

Maura, still adjusting to how quickly things were moving in this whirlwind vacation, smiled softly. “She’s a good grandmother. And a good friend, too. I’m glad we’re all here.”

As the evening began to fall, Jane and Maura found themselves sitting in a small bistro tucked away down a side street. The soft hum of the city surrounded them, and the golden glow of the lights shining from the restaurant windows made everything feel so magical, so intimate. They sat close to one another, their fingers intertwined on the table, enjoying the comfort of just being together.

A small plate of antipasto was brought to their table, and Maura reached for the breadsticks, smiling at how relaxed Jane seemed. The day had gone perfectly, with no hiccups, and now they had the time to just… exist. No pressure, no rush.

“I love being here with you,” Maura said softly, looking up at Jane, her gaze full of warmth. “You know that, right?”

Jane smiled, leaning forward to press a quick kiss to Maura’s lips. “I love being here with you too. It’s like… everything’s just right, you know?”

The waiter arrived with their main courses, and they spent the next hour indulging in authentic Italian food—fresh pasta, a classic margherita pizza, and rich, creamy tiramisu for dessert. The food was absolutely amazing, and every bite seemed to transport them deeper into the heart of Italy.

Eventually, as the evening wound down, Jane couldn’t help but comment on how beautiful Maura looked in the soft light of the restaurant. “You look incredible tonight. Like, Italy agrees with you.”

Maura laughed softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m not sure about that, but thank you,” she said, reaching across the table to squeeze Jane’s hand. “But the thing I love most about this trip is hearing you speak Italian.”

Jane’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “You love it? I thought it was a little rusty…”

“No,” Maura replied, shaking her head. “I love the way you sound when you speak it. It’s comforting, and it just... makes me feel connected to this place. Like I’m really here with you. Not just as an outsider, but as a part of something bigger.”

Jane’s heart swelled at the way Maura spoke. She’d known the impact of language, especially how it could connect people to their roots, to their loved ones, but hearing Maura say it made her realize just how important this trip was.

Maura smiled softly. “You’ve always been so grounded, Jane. But in this city, with everything here, I feel like I’m floating a little bit. Like I’m in a dream.”

“You’re not floating. You’re exactly where you need to be,” Jane said, her voice full of conviction. “We’re both exactly where we need to be. This—this whole thing—is our dream, Maura.”

Maura leaned in for a soft kiss, the noise of the bustling city around them fading away as they were lost in the moment. It was so easy to forget the world outside when they were together, and Italy, with all its magic, felt like the perfect backdrop for their love.

Later that evening, after a leisurely walk around the piazza to see the lights sparkle against the historic buildings, they headed back to the hotel. Jane and Maura were both relaxed, their hearts full, and ready for a quiet night alone before they were to pick up Grace the next morning.

As they stepped inside the hotel room, they saw Angela had set up Grace’s little travel crib beside the bed, the baby fast asleep and tucked in with a small teddy bear beside her. Angela was sitting in the armchair, her eyes tired but content.

“Did you two have fun?” Angela asked with a wink, clearly happy to see them so relaxed.

“The best time,” Jane replied, smiling at the sight of Grace resting so peacefully. “Thank you for giving us this time.”

Angela waved it off, smiling affectionately. “It’s my pleasure. And I’ve got to admit… she’s a pretty easy baby to babysit.”

Maura smiled, nodding. “Thank you, Angela. You’re a lifesaver.”

As they all settled in for the night, Jane and Maura shared a private moment, the weight of the day’s joy settling into their bones. Tomorrow, they'd be back to their family time, but for tonight, they had everything they needed right here.

And Jane, as she drifted off to sleep with Maura in her arms, whispered one last thing before they both succumbed to sleep. “I love you, Maura. So much. This trip is everything.”

Maura smiled in her sleep, the weight of her words hanging in the air, soft and true. “I love you, too, Jane. More than anything.”

Chapter Text

The next leg of their Italian journey took them to Florence, and Jane was excited to see Maura’s reaction to the city’s rich art history. Florence had always been one of Maura’s dream destinations, and Jane was determined to make sure the experience was perfect.

As they arrived, the first thing Jane noticed was how different the atmosphere felt from Rome. The narrow, cobbled streets wound their way through the heart of the city, and the majestic presence of the Duomo towered above them, casting a warm, golden glow in the early afternoon sun. The air was cooler here, with a faint breeze that made it feel even more like a romantic escape.

They checked into their hotel, a charming little boutique nestled just a short walk from the Piazza del Duomo, and quickly dropped off their bags. The plan for the day was simple: no rush, just time for Maura to enjoy the city and its art, without worrying about schedules or to-do lists.

“I can’t believe we’re actually here,” Maura said softly as they stood on the balcony of their hotel room, looking out over the rooftops of Florence. “It’s like stepping into one of the paintings I’ve studied.”

Jane smiled, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. "I know, right? It’s surreal. You’ve always wanted to be here, Maura. I just want to make sure you get the most out of it."

Maura gave her a tender smile. "You already have, Jane. Just being here with you… that’s enough for me."

After a quick lunch at a local trattoria where they had pasta and, of course, more gelato (because no trip to Italy was complete without it), they set out to explore. Jane had made sure to plan their day so that Maura could appreciate all of the Renaissance art that Florence had to offer. They started with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world.

As they walked through the grand corridors, Jane noticed the way Maura’s eyes lit up with every new masterpiece they came across. Maura was in her element, her fingers lightly brushing against the marble columns and sculptures as they passed. The gallery was quieter than usual, so they had plenty of time to linger in front of iconic works like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.

Jane, for her part, couldn’t help but smile as Maura became completely absorbed in the details of each piece. Her passion for art was something Jane had always admired, but to see Maura so utterly entranced was something else entirely.

“I swear, every time I look at you in front of these paintings, you look more and more like one of them,” Jane teased as Maura stood in front of The Birth of Venus, eyes wide and glowing. “Like you belong in that frame.”

Maura chuckled, her gaze never leaving the painting. "It’s just hard to describe how seeing something so familiar, something I’ve studied for years, feels so different in person."

“I can imagine. It must be incredible to experience it in real life.” Jane smiled at the thought. “If anyone deserves this, it’s you.”

After several hours wandering the museum, Maura was clearly in awe, and Jane had seen enough to know that the trip was already everything Maura had hoped for. But, true to Jane’s style, she had one more surprise up her sleeve.

Once they left the Uffizi, Jane led them through a quiet street, away from the main tourist areas. As they walked, Maura’s eyes continued to scan the architecture, the history evident in every corner.

“Jane, where are we going?” Maura asked, her curiosity piqued.

“You’ll see,” Jane said, her voice filled with excitement. A few moments later, they arrived at a charming little wine bar tucked away in a narrow alley. It wasn’t the type of place that had a huge sign or flashy lights—just a humble door with a simple Vino painted above it.

Maura raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were taking me to see more art.”

Jane smirked. “This is art, Maura. Just in a different form.”

Inside, the space was small, with low wooden beams and shelves of wine bottles lining the walls. A few locals sat at the bar, chatting quietly, but it was mostly empty, which suited Jane just fine. She pulled Maura towards a table in the back, where the only light came from the warm glow of a few flickering candles.

At the table, a sommelier came to greet them, a cheerful older man with a thick Italian accent. Jane ordered a bottle of wine for them to try, something local to Florence, and they settled into the intimate space.

After a few moments of quiet, Maura finally spoke. “I love how you’ve planned all of this for me, Jane. I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

Jane leaned back in her chair, relaxed and content as she watched Maura sip her wine, clearly in her element. “I know how much you love art, and I just wanted you to experience it all, Maura. You deserve to feel this kind of joy.”

Maura looked at her, her expression softening. “I don’t know how I ever got so lucky to have someone who understands me like you do.”

“Trust me,” Jane said, her voice warm and full of affection. “The feeling is mutual. I’m just glad we’re doing this together.”

They spent the next couple of hours savouring the wine, talking about art, life, and their future—completely at ease in the cosy little space. Grace was still with Angela, giving the couple some time to themselves. By the time the evening ended, the sun was just setting, and they made their way back to the hotel, hand in hand, feeling the weight of the day’s beauty still hanging in the air.

That evening, back in their room, they watched the lights of Florence twinkling outside their window, the city slowly winding down as they lay together, tucked in the warmth of their bed.

“I think I could get used to this,” Jane said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Maura’s face.

Maura smiled and nestled closer to her. “Me too. But I think what makes it perfect is that we’re here with Grace—and with each other.”

“Yeah,” Jane murmured, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “It’s perfect.”

Chapter Text

The next day in Florence was all about slowing down and taking in the sights at a more leisurely pace, as Jane and Maura had planned a family day. With Grace in her stroller, a large sunhat protecting her from the Italian heat, and Angela in tow, they set off to explore more of the city, fully embracing the rhythm of a relaxed holiday.

The morning sun bathed the city in a warm, golden glow, and Florence seemed to hum with energy. Angela was as energetic as ever, eager to see all of the iconic sights, but she also had one very important task on her mind: making sure Grace’s first trip to Italy was nothing short of perfect.

“I swear, if I could just bottle up this sunshine and take it home, I’d be the happiest woman in the world,” Angela said, her voice full of excitement as she skipped along beside them.

Jane laughed, looking down at Grace, who was still entranced by the colourful sights around her. “She’s going to remember this trip forever, huh?” Jane said softly, more to herself than anyone else.

“I doubt she’ll remember this one,” Maura chimed in, smiling as she pushed Grace’s stroller over the cobbled streets. “But she’ll have the pictures and stories, and those will be enough for now.”

“Well, we’ll make sure she remembers how much fun she had," Jane grinned. "Right, Grace?" She leaned over the stroller, tapping Grace’s tiny fingers and getting a bright giggle in return.

They meandered through the lively streets of Florence, stopping to admire the street art, the open-air markets, and the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings. Maura couldn’t help but point out the Renaissance influences in the design of the structures, explaining their significance to both Jane and Angela as they walked.

Their first stop of the day was the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge that stretched across the Arno River. The bridge was lined with jewellers, and Angela couldn’t resist popping into a few shops to look at the sparkling jewellery displayed in the windows.

“I’ll take this one, and this one, and maybe that one,” Angela joked as she examined a few gold necklaces, teasing Jane and Maura. “A perfect birthday gift to myself, don’t you think?”

Maura shot her a playful look. “You really don’t need any more jewellery, Angela. I think your collection is sufficient.”

Angela laughed, flashing them both a wink. “It’s never too much. Besides, Grace needs her Nonna to look fabulous.”

They spent some time browsing the shops, where Jane picked out a delicate bracelet for Maura as a surprise, knowing how much she loved Italian craftsmanship. Maura was touched, giving Jane a soft kiss on the cheek, her eyes sparkling with affection.

From there, they wandered through the cobbled streets, taking in the atmosphere of Florence, letting Grace nap for a while as they stopped at a café. They shared espresso, pastries, and gelato in between chatting about their plans for the rest of the trip. Angela had a few suggestions for more sightseeing, while Jane and Maura were content to let the day unfold organically, savouring the slow pace of the trip.

Angela, as always, made it a point to flirt with the locals—chatting animatedly with shopkeepers, fellow tourists, and even a few Italian waiters who couldn’t resist giving her a second glance. Maura was quietly amused by her mother-in-law’s charm, while Jane rolled her eyes playfully. The day passed in easy conversation and laughter, punctuated by the soft sounds of Grace babbling in her stroller.

After a quick lunch at a family-friendly restaurant, where they tried more fresh pasta and sampled local Florentine specialties, they decided to head toward the Boboli Gardens—one of the largest green spaces in Florence. The gardens were a perfect spot for a little one to explore, and they spent a couple of hours strolling along the well-manicured paths, enjoying the beautiful sculptures and fountains.

At one point, Grace, who had been quiet for the majority of the day, reached out and pointed at one of the towering trees in the garden. Jane couldn’t resist taking a picture of her daughter’s excited expression, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting a warm glow around her.

"Look at you," Jane whispered as she leaned over, capturing the moment. "You're gonna be a world traveller before you even know it, Grace."

Later, as they sat under the shade of a large tree, enjoying the stillness of the gardens, Angela insisted on taking her turn with Grace.

“I’ve hardly held her today,” Angela said, reaching out to scoop up her granddaughter. “She’s just so cute, I can't resist. You two need a break.”

Jane and Maura exchanged a glance but nodded, agreeing to let Angela have some time with Grace while they relaxed on the grass. As soon as Grace was in Angela’s arms, she snuggled in contentedly, making little cooing noises as Angela sang softly to her.

“She loves her Nonna,” Maura observed, a soft smile on her face.

Jane leaned back, resting her head on Maura’s shoulder. "Yeah. I think Nonna is the only one who can get her to settle down for a nap this easily."

Angela, hearing Jane’s words, smirked over at them. “I’m her favourite, right, sweetheart?” she said, leaning down to plant a kiss on Grace’s forehead.

It was moments like these that made everything feel right—Jane, Maura, Grace, and Angela, all together in Italy, sharing these fleeting yet precious moments. And despite the chaotic planning of the birthday party, the busy pace of their lives, and all the hurdles they had faced to get here, this moment felt like pure bliss.

The day ended with them slowly making their way back to their hotel, stopping once more for gelato as the sun began to set over the Arno River. The city felt magical, its beauty impossible to capture in words or photos, and for the first time, they all felt like they truly belonged in the place they’d found themselves.

Maura, who had been quiet for a while, turned to Jane as they walked, her hand slipping into hers. “Thank you for this, Jane. For everything. For making all of this happen.”

Jane gave her a soft smile, squeezing Maura’s hand. “Anything for you, Maura. You deserve it all.”

And for a moment, they simply walked, side by side, the sound of Grace’s quiet babbling the only thing filling the air, as Florence’s beauty surrounded them, casting everything in a perfect golden light.

Chapter Text

After their relaxing time in Florence, Jane, Maura, Grace, and Angela packed up their things and made their way south to Naples. The morning train ride from Florence to Naples was smooth, the scenic views of the Italian countryside flashing by as they headed towards the coast. The baby was already asleep, her little head nestled comfortably on Jane’s shoulder as they made their way through the bustling train station.

Naples, with its energetic vibrancy and rich history, was a stark contrast to the more serene atmosphere of Florence. The streets were a little more chaotic, the sound of honking cars and the lively chatter of the locals filling the air as they walked through the city centre. Angela, as usual, was in her element, chatting with the shopkeepers in her perfectly accented Italian while Maura kept close to Jane, navigating the unfamiliar streets with her usual grace.

Grace, now awake and very curious, stared wide-eyed at the colourful world around her. The buildings in Naples seemed to be built on top of each other, their worn facades adorned with plants and laundry hanging from the windows, creating a picturesque but somewhat rustic charm. It was the type of place that felt both modern and ancient at the same time, and Jane couldn’t help but love it.

"Well, this is a bit of a change from Florence," Jane commented, adjusting Grace’s stroller as they wandered deeper into the city.

Maura smiled, looking around at the lively energy. “It’s certainly more chaotic here, but there’s something about the vibrancy of the city that’s infectious.”

Angela, always quick to make friends, had already struck up a conversation with a street vendor selling fresh lemons and tomatoes. “I’m getting some for a salad!” she called over her shoulder to Jane and Maura, already making herself at home in the city.

After a quick stop to drop their bags off at the hotel, the family set out to explore the historic heart of Naples. Their first stop was the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to some of the most famous Roman artefacts. While Maura was absorbed in the exhibits, Jane found herself glancing around, making sure Grace was content and entertained. The museum, with its marble floors and echoing halls, was quiet and peaceful, and Grace seemed to enjoy the calm, her little hands reaching out for any new textures or bright colours.

“We should come back here when Grace is older, so she can really appreciate the history,” Jane mused, leaning over to Maura as they paused in front of an ancient Roman statue.

“I would love that,” Maura replied softly. “But for now, I think she’s more interested in this display,” she said, gesturing to Grace, who was tugging at her stroller’s straps, clearly more interested in the noise and motion than the antiquities around her.

After spending the afternoon soaking in the history of the city, they ventured towards the famous pizzerias of Naples—after all, the city is known as the birthplace of pizza. Jane could feel her stomach rumble with anticipation as they approached the famed L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

“I’ve heard this place is legendary,” Jane said, her voice full of excitement as they entered the pizzeria. The aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air, the warmth of the oven hitting them as soon as they stepped inside. It was a small, cosy space, with a few tables packed tightly together and a bustling energy that felt authentic.

Angela, of course, immediately struck up a conversation with the waiter, asking for recommendations, while Jane and Maura sat down with Grace in her high chair, trying to contain their excitement. When the pizza arrived, it was nothing short of spectacular—thin crust, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and the perfect amount of sauce. Grace seemed just as intrigued by the pizza as they were, her tiny fingers reaching for a piece, much to Jane’s delight.

Angela, noticing this, raised an eyebrow. “I guess you’ve got a little foodie on your hands.”

Jane chuckled, shaking her head. “She might just be a pizza expert before she turns two.”

The rest of the meal was filled with laughter and stories about their travels, with Angela telling more tales of her younger days, Maura sharing her love for the Italian culture, and Jane quietly savouring the moment with her family. The atmosphere of the pizzeria felt warm and full of life, and Jane couldn’t help but feel at peace—surrounded by the people she loved, in the place that had been a dream destination for so long.

Once they’d finished their pizza, they took a slow stroll along the waterfront, the sun setting behind the hills and casting a golden light over the bay. Grace was in Angela’s arms as they walked, the sea breeze gently brushing through her curls, and the soft lull of the waves on the shore giving the evening a calming, peaceful feeling. Maura leaned into Jane as they walked side by side, both of them savouring the tranquillity of the moment.

“I could stay here forever,” Jane said softly, glancing out at the view of Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance. “This place just feels…right.”

Maura gave her a soft smile. “I know what you mean. It’s hard not to feel at home here, even though we’re so far from everything familiar.”

Angela turned around, holding Grace up to the sky as if she were showing her the world. “Can’t wait to tell Grace about all of this when she’s older. This trip…this is something she’s going to remember.”

“You’ll tell her the story of her first trip to Italy?” Maura teased, glancing at Angela with a knowing look.

“Oh, I’m definitely telling her about her first pizza,” Angela laughed. “And how I had to teach her the proper way to eat it. You know, in Italy, we start them young.”

They continued their walk through the streets of Naples, with Grace starting to doze off in Angela’s arms, the day slowly coming to a close. The city had a different kind of charm than Florence—more rugged, but equally beautiful in its own right. And as the family strolled through the cobbled streets of Naples, Jane couldn’t help but think that this, this was the real Italy. Not just the touristy landmarks, but the people, the culture, and the sense of family that seemed to exist at every corner.

As they reached their hotel, the day wrapped up with another quiet moment together, all of them enjoying the simple, quiet peace that only a family vacation could bring. And even though they were a thousand miles away from home, Jane couldn’t help but feel as if they were exactly where they were meant to be.

Chapter Text

The next day in Naples started with a slow, gentle pace. After the whirlwind of sightseeing, art galleries, and pizza indulgence, Jane, Maura, Angela, and Grace decided to take the day off from structured plans. It was a chance to simply be—to exist in the moment and enjoy the beauty of Naples without a list of things to do.

They strolled down to the waterfront, the sun warm but not overpowering, the breeze coming off the water a refreshing contrast to the heat of the day. The smell of salt and the faint scent of seafood from the nearby vendors filled the air as they found a shaded bench overlooking the sea. Grace was already squirming happily in Angela's arms, cooing at the boats bobbing on the water, her tiny fingers reaching out for the waves as if they might come to greet her.

"She’s getting more curious every day," Maura said softly, her eyes watching Grace with the kind of awe that only a mother could know.

Jane nodded, leaning back against the bench, her gaze flicking between Maura and Grace. The afternoon was calm—perfectly calm—and Jane didn’t want to let it slip away.

Angela, noticing their quiet contentment, looked over at Jane. “You two are too serious. Relax. You’re on vacation,” she teased, handing Jane and Maura each a small cup of affogato—an espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato. It was the perfect treat for a warm afternoon in Naples.

“Thanks, Mom,” Jane said with a smirk, accepting the affogato and taking a small, blissful sip. “This is exactly what I needed.”

Angela sat down next to them, Grace still resting in her lap. Jane stretched her legs out in front of her, her hand resting on Maura’s knee. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, just soaking in the atmosphere, the tranquil scene of people passing by, the sound of the water lapping against the shore, and the distant call of street vendors selling their goods.

Grace, for the moment, was content, happily gurgling in Angela’s arms as she reached up for the gelato her Nonna was enjoying. Angela laughed as she offered Grace a tiny taste, watching her scrunch up her face in delight at the cold sweetness.

Maura looked over at the two of them, her heart swelling with love, she saw Angela scoop another tiny scoop and quickly pulled her phone out to get a picture of Grace eating gelato in Italy. But before she could say anything, she noticed something. Grace, still in Angela’s arms, was wriggling uncomfortably, trying to squirm her way off her grandmother’s lap. The baby’s face scrunched in concentration, her eyes fixed on her parents.

And then, it happened.

Grace suddenly took a small step away from Angela’s arms, her tiny feet shuffling forward on the cobblestone pavement, and before either of them could react, she took another tentative step toward Maura and Jane. It wasn’t much—just a few unsteady steps—but they were real steps. The first ones. Grace was standing on her own, and with every tottering step, Jane’s heart fluttered, her breath catching in her chest. Maura quickly changed her camera to record, and began filming a memory she knew they would keep forever.

"Maura," Jane whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Maura’s eyes widened, her hands instinctively reaching out to catch Grace, but Jane stopped her. "Let her do it."

And she did. Grace wobbled forward, tiny arms stretched out as she took one more step, and then, with a squeal of joy, she stumbled into Jane’s arms. The little girl giggled, pressing her face into Jane’s chest, clearly delighted with herself.

Angela, her voice thick with emotion, clapped her hands. “That’s my girl! First steps, right here in Naples.”

Jane laughed, her arms wrapping around Grace as she kissed the top of her head. "She’s just too much sometimes. My little girl is growing up so fast."

Maura looked at them, the proudest smile on her face. "She’s perfect. Absolutely perfect." Her eyes softened as she watched Grace curl into Jane’s chest, her tiny hand grabbing onto Jane’s shirt. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy—the kind that only comes when you realize you’re exactly where you need to be.

Angela, ever the enthusiastic grandmother, was already planning her next move. "Well, now that she’s walking, she’s going to need some proper shoes for all the walking we’ll be doing," she said, as though that was the next logical step.

Jane turned to Maura with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I’m just glad we got it on camera."

Maura raised an eyebrow. “Are you planning to post this on the internet?” she teased, leaning in to kiss Jane’s cheek.

“Absolutely. You know the whole world needs to see this,” Jane joked, though there was a warmth to her words that showed just how much this meant to her.

Grace yawned contentedly, resting her head on Jane’s chest as if she had done something monumental and now needed a nap. Jane held her carefully, glancing at Maura, who was watching the scene unfold with quiet tenderness.

The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully. Angela wandered off to explore a nearby market, leaving Jane and Maura time to sit together, simply enjoying the quiet moment as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. Grace dozed off in Jane’s arms, her little chest rising and falling with each breath, and Jane felt that familiar rush of love that never seemed to diminish.

Maura watched her, her gaze soft. "This... this is why I love this city."

Jane smiled, kissing Grace’s forehead. "I know exactly what you mean."

They were on the other side of the world, in a city that felt timeless. And yet, in this moment, it was all about the simple joys. Watching their daughter take her first steps, savouring a quiet afternoon, and basking in the warmth of each other’s presence. It was the kind of day they’d remember forever.

Chapter Text

The evening was drawing in, and the air was still warm as the Rizzoli-Isles family continued to savour the quiet of Naples, but the excitement from Grace’s first steps had not yet worn off. Jane couldn’t resist any longer. She pulled out her phone and began typing a quick message into the family group chat, which included Angela, Frankie, Hope, Cavanaugh, and some of their close friends.

Jane Rizzoli: "Well, folks, the moment we’ve all been waiting for... Grace took her first steps today!"

She attached the video, a quick clip of Grace wobbling forward with her arms stretched out to Jane, a smile of pure joy on her face as she made it into Jane’s waiting arms.

Jane Rizzoli: "She’s officially a walker now. Can’t believe how fast she’s growing up!"

After sending the message, Jane let out a contented sigh, glancing over at Maura, who was cradling Grace gently in her arms, watching her sleep peacefully. Maura’s eyes softened as she looked down at their daughter, her expression a mixture of pride and awe.

“She’s growing up so fast, Maura. It feels like we were just bringing her home from the hospital, you know?” Jane murmured, voice low as if the weight of her words would somehow make the moment last longer.

“I know,” Maura replied, her fingers gently brushing over Grace’s soft hair. “It’s bittersweet, really. I want to see all of her milestones, but I also want to freeze time and keep her small forever.”

Jane smiled softly, understanding exactly what Maura meant. She leaned in to press a kiss to the top of Grace's head before turning her attention back to the phone.

Not a moment later, Angela’s name popped up on the screen.

Angela Rizzoli: "Look at her go! That’s my granddaughter! So proud of her! ❤️❤️❤️"

Hope: "I swear, the first steps always get me. Too much cuteness. ❤️"

Frankie: "She’s growing up so fast! First steps in Italy—she’s already an international walker."

Cavanaugh chimed in with a string of laughing emojis, and even some of their precinct colleagues added their excitement.

Jane Rizzoli: "Wait till you see this. It’s a two-parter."

Jane sent the second video—one that had been taken earlier in the week, when they had been in Florence. The video was of Maura walking with Grace, carrying her on her hip, as they strolled through the narrow streets. Grace, always curious, had been leaning forward in Maura's arms, giggling uncontrollably as she reached up and patted Maura’s cheek.

Each time Grace made contact with Maura’s face, she’d say “Mama,” her little voice chirping out the word with joy as Maura tried to maintain some sense of composure, though it was clear she was completely enchanted by the moment.

The video was short, but it had been so pure, so beautiful, that Jane couldn’t resist sharing it with everyone.

Jane Rizzoli: "Maura’s getting extra mama points. This little one is all about her."

Jane held up the phone and replayed the video for her. Angela’s laughter filled the quiet moment as she watched her granddaughter interact with Maura.

“Aw, she’s gonna have you wrapped around her little finger, Maura. Look at that smile. That’s the smile of a mama who’s gonna be spoiled for life,” Angela teased.

Maura’s cheeks flushed pink, though she smiled warmly. “I think she already has me wrapped around her finger, Angela.”

As Jane and Maura shared a look, both of them feeling that familiar rush of love for their daughter, Grace stirred in Maura’s arms. The baby stretched and gave a tiny sigh, snuggling into Maura's chest as if she understood that her mothers’ hearts were full to the brim with affection.

Angela’s voice crackled again. “You know, I’m not complaining or anything, but I think it’s time for Nonna to hold her for a bit. The videos are adorable and all, but I’m gonna need my own time with her.”

Jane laughed, looking over at Maura. “You’re getting her tomorrow, Ma, I have that thing I planned remember.”

The rest of the evening passed slowly, the three of them quietly enjoying the Italian atmosphere, allowing themselves to relax and absorb the beautiful surroundings. The video was shared once more, sparking new round of excited messages, but Jane was content to just be in this moment with Maura and Grace. Their daughter was growing, laughing, and learning, and as Jane looked at Maura’s face, she realized that this trip had already been worth every moment. The world had shrunk down to their little family, and Jane couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person alive.

Chapter Text

As the morning light filtered through the small window of their hotel in Naples, the soft hum of the bustling streets outside seemed like a distant murmur compared to the warmth of the room. Jane stood by the window, her back turned to Maura, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She had been up early, making sure everything was set for the surprise that Maura still had no idea about. Jane was practically vibrating with excitement, but she knew that revealing too much too soon would spoil the fun.

Maura, however, was not quite as calm. She was sitting at the small table, sipping her coffee as she scrolled through the day’s plans on her phone. She had already agreed to spend the day with Angela and Grace, and Maura was looking forward to it. But something about Jane’s secretive behaviour was making her increasingly curious—and just a little bit anxious.

“So, Jane,” Maura began, her voice casual but with a slight edge, “is there something you’re not telling me?”

Jane turned around, her expression a perfect picture of innocence. “What do you mean?”

Maura raised an eyebrow, setting her cup down carefully. “I don’t know, just the way you’ve been acting all morning. You’re so… excited, but in a way that’s not typical for you. And you’ve been keeping something from me.” She paused, studying her wife. “Are you planning some kind of surprise?”

Jane’s lips curled into a secretive smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she teased. “I just thought you might like a day out with your daughter and your mother-in-law, that’s all.”

Maura narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced. “A day out without you? I know you’ve been planning something. I can feel it. You’ve been overly… cheerful.” She glanced down at Grace, who was playing quietly with one of the toys they’d picked up from the market the previous day. “And why have you been so cryptic about it? Am I just meeting Angela with Grace for lunch, or is there something more?”

Jane couldn’t help but smile at her wife’s ever-watchful eyes. “You’ll find out soon enough,” she said, turning back to the window. She had to admit, part of her enjoyed the fact that Maura was so intrigued, even if it meant teasing her a little.

Maura’s lips pressed into a tight line, clearly frustrated but trying to stay composed. She loved Jane with all her heart, but when it came to surprises, her anxiety tended to get the best of her. She liked things to be planned, organized—clear. And this mysterious day was doing nothing to calm her nerves. “Jane,” she said, keeping her voice even, “you know how much I appreciate surprises, but when I don’t know what’s going on, it makes me anxious.”

Jane turned back around, her expression softening when she saw the genuine concern on Maura’s face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you nervous,” she said, walking over and sitting down next to Maura. “It’s just... I’ve been planning something special for us in a few days. But it’s a surprise. Just trust me. You’ll love it, I promise.”

Maura let out a soft sigh, her curiosity still piqued. “If it involves more walking around this city, you know I’m going to want to know where we’re headed. I’d like to at least have some idea.”

Jane grinned. “You’re not getting any hints, sorry.” She gave her wife’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “But I promise you, it’s nothing you have to worry about. You’re going to love it. Just enjoy the day, Maura.”

Maura studied her for a moment longer, her expression torn between amusement and suspicion. Finally, she gave in with a resigned sigh. “Fine. But if this involves anything scary or dangerous—like skydiving, or swimming with sharks—you’re on your own.”

Jane laughed. “No sharks. No skydiving. Just a very special day, for all of us.”

Just then, there was a light knock at their hotel room door. Maura looked over at Jane, raising her eyebrow once again.

“See?” Jane said with a wink. “The day’s starting. You’ll see soon enough.”

Maura opened the door, and Angela stepped in, looking as enthusiastic as ever.

“Good morning, ladies!” she exclaimed, her eyes immediately lighting up when she saw Grace. “Are we ready to get this show on the road?”

“Wait, so you know what’s going on?” Maura asked, glancing between Jane and Angela, her suspicions rising once again.

Angela chuckled, brushing off Maura’s concern with a grin. “Oh, I’m just here for the ride today. Jane’s got it all planned out.”

Jane stood up from the bed and clapped her hands together. “Let’s go, everyone! It’s time to get this day started.” She was practically buzzing with excitement now, the anticipation of her surprise building in her chest.

As Maura looked between Jane and Angela, her curiosity was almost unbearable. She glanced down at Grace, who was smiling up at her, blissfully unaware of her mother’s growing unease. With a deep breath, Maura decided to trust Jane—for now.

“Alright,” Maura said with a resigned sigh. “Let’s get going then. But if this turns out to be something wild, I’m blaming you.”

Jane just flashed her a wicked grin. “Don’t worry, Maura. You’ll love it. Trust me.”

Angela chuckled softly as she grabbed Grace’s stroller and began pushing it toward the door. “You know, Maura,” she said with a teasing glance at Jane, “the fact that she’s this excited? I’m kind of scared.”

Maura glanced at Jane again, watching her excitement. Maybe she was overthinking things. Maybe it was just Jane’s way of making the day feel more special. But as much as Maura trusted her, a little voice in the back of her mind kept wondering what Jane was planning. Whatever it was, Maura was sure it would be something unforgettable.

As they left the hotel, the morning sunlight filtered in, casting a golden glow over the streets of Naples. The air smelled fresh, the promise of adventure looming on the horizon.

Maura took one last look at Jane, who was practically dancing in place with excitement, and couldn’t help but smile. For all the secrecy, for all the mystery, she knew one thing for sure: whatever this surprise was, it would be just another beautiful memory to add to their incredible journey together.

Chapter Text

As the family boarded their flight to Sicily, Jane was practically humming with excitement. She had spent the last two days in Naples ensuring everything was in place for her surprise, and now, with just a few more days to go, the anticipation was becoming almost too much to bear. Maura, while still curious, was enjoying their time together and had put the mystery to the back of her mind. The flight was smooth, Grace content in her mother's lap, her little hands exploring everything within reach as they headed to their next destination.

Sicily greeted them with warmth, the air rich with the scent of the sea and citrus. They checked into their charming hotel, a beautiful old building perched above the sparkling coastline. Maura was the first to breathe it in, her eyes softening as the sunshine kissed her skin. "This place is stunning," she remarked, her voice full of admiration. "So much history in the air."

"Just wait until you see the views from the cliffs," Jane replied, her eyes twinkling. "We’re going to enjoy every moment here."

Their time in Sicily started quietly enough. They took long walks along the coast, exploring ancient towns with narrow streets and colourful buildings. Grace was fascinated by everything, from the busy marketplaces to the stray cats that darted in and out of the alleys. The three of them were happy, truly happy—enjoying the peaceful rhythm of their days together.

For Maura, Sicily was a bit of a homecoming. Her Sicilian roots were something she’d always held close, and as they visited various local spots, she found herself pointing out landmarks, telling stories from her childhood. It was special for Jane to see this side of her wife. Maura was, without a doubt, at ease, and Jane was relishing every moment of it.

By the second day, Jane was ready. It was almost time for her surprise.

She’d spent the evening before looking over her plan again, making sure all the details were sorted. There was one final piece of the puzzle: the location. She had chosen the perfect spot—a secluded villa overlooking the sea, known only to locals. It had been a bit of a splurge, but for Jane, it was worth every euro. Maura had been dreaming of visiting places like this, and today, Jane would make that dream come true.

That morning, Jane tried to keep her excitement in check, but it was difficult. The weight of the surprise was heavy in her heart. She had planned everything to perfection, wanting nothing more than to see the smile on Maura’s face when she realized what Jane had done.

As they set off for their day’s adventure, Jane was careful not to drop any hints. She kept the itinerary vague, only telling Maura that they had a special destination in mind. As they drove through the winding roads of Sicily, Maura grew more intrigued but remained trusting. She knew Jane would never lead her astray, and if the surprise was something she wasn’t quite expecting, then so be it.

After a leisurely drive and some time spent enjoying the sun-kissed countryside, they finally arrived at their destination. The villa was perched on a cliff, the Mediterranean Sea stretching out below them. The view was breath-taking—endless blue water, cliffs lined with olive trees, and the distant hum of the wind through the air.

“I—Jane…” Maura’s words caught in her throat as she stepped out of the car, her hand instinctively reaching for Grace. The villa’s charm was undeniable. It was like something out of a dream—old stone, lush gardens, and a terrace that overlooked the sea. There was an intimate feeling about it, like the place had been waiting for them.

Jane was grinning from ear to ear. “Surprise,” she said, stepping up behind Maura and wrapping her arms around her waist. “I know we’ve been having a great time, but I wanted us to have something truly special here in Sicily. Just us.”

Maura turned to look at her, eyes wide with emotion. “Jane… This is amazing. You’ve outdone yourself.” She glanced back at the villa, taking it all in. “It’s perfect.”

Angela, who had been following behind with Grace, gave Jane an exaggerated thumbs-up. “Good job, kiddo. You definitely know how to treat your wife.”

Jane couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, it’s about time Maura gets something she deserves.”

As the group entered the villa, Maura was immediately struck by the beauty of the space. The rooms were decorated with a tasteful mix of rustic Sicilian charm and modern touches. Large windows let in the sunlight, casting a soft glow over everything. A fire was already crackling in the stone fireplace, giving the entire place a warm and welcoming feel.

“Just wait until you see the view from the terrace,” Jane said, leading Maura toward the back of the house. “It’s even more stunning in person.”

When they stepped out onto the terrace, Maura was speechless. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the water, the sky slowly turning shades of orange and pink. The sight was almost too beautiful to comprehend, and Maura found herself speechless for a long moment.

Jane smiled, knowing exactly what Maura was feeling. “I thought we could end our day here, just the three of us. Well, I mean, Angela’s here too,” she added with a grin, turning back to her mother, “but we can enjoy it all together.”

Angela, of course, was already making herself comfortable, sitting on one of the nearby lounge chairs with Grace in her lap. “I’m not complaining,” she called out. “This is pretty perfect.”

Maura took a deep breath, her eyes still locked on the horizon. “This place… It feels like we’re a world away from everything. I don’t know what to say, Jane. This is just…” She turned to look at Jane, who was watching her with a soft, loving expression. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

Jane leaned in and kissed her softly. “It’s all for you, Maura. You and Grace deserve nothing but the best.”

Maura smiled, leaning into the kiss and allowing herself to relax fully for the first time in days. The journey, the surprise, the moments they had shared so far—all of it had led up to this. She wasn’t just in Sicily. She wasn’t just on a beautiful terrace with her wife and daughter. She was in a moment, in the present, surrounded by love and everything that truly mattered.

Grace babbled from her grandmother’s lap, and Maura turned her attention back to her daughter, her heart full. For this moment, everything was perfect.

Chapter Text

The sunlight streaming through the villa’s open windows was soft and golden, casting a gentle glow over everything. It was the perfect morning. Jane had woken up earlier than usual, eager to begin the day. As she stepped into the bedroom with a tray, Maura’s sleep-heavy eyes fluttered open to the smell of fresh espresso wafting through the air.

“Good morning, love,” Jane whispered with a grin, placing the tray on the nightstand next to Maura. On it was a small cup of espresso, steam rising in delicate tendrils, and a small plate with biscotti.

Maura blinked, still groggy but immediately feeling the warmth of Jane’s affection. “You’re up early,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes and pushing herself up in bed, still tangled in the soft sheets.

Jane chuckled softly. “You know me. Can’t sleep when I’ve got a plan.” She handed Maura the espresso with a wink, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Drink up. I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Maura eyed her curiously but accepted the coffee, savouring the rich flavour. It was one of her favourite parts of the morning, and the energy of the caffeine was slowly starting to cut through the fog. As she took a sip, Jane stood up, seemingly nonchalant, and Maura tried to read her wife’s expression, but there was something guarded there—like Jane was up to something, and Maura was very much about to find out.

Maura set the coffee down and stretched, her legs swinging out of the bed, her toes sinking into the cool stone floor of the villa. She blinked as she stood up and looked around the room. “Wait…” Her voice trailed off in confusion as she saw Jane wearing a flowing white sun-dress, the soft fabric catching the early morning light in a way that made her glow even more than usual. “Jane?” Maura furrowed her brow. “What are you wearing?”

Jane, always the picture of casual confidence, smiled warmly. “What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”

Maura chuckled softly, slightly bewildered. “It’s beautiful, I just… I wasn’t expecting this. And… what’s going on?”

“Well,” Jane said, walking toward the wardrobe with purpose, “it’s a special day. We’ve got something planned, so…” She returned with a second white dress, similar to hers, but much smaller. It was a little too big for Grace, but Jane thought they'd want to watch her grow into it. She held it up to Maura. “This one’s for Grace.”

Maura blinked again. “For Grace? Wait, you mean…”

“Yep,” Jane replied with a grin, now excited. “We’re all going to match today.”

Maura opened her mouth to protest, but Jane was already handing her the dress with a look that said, no arguments. Maura glanced down at the delicate white dress and looked back up at Jane in complete confusion. “I don’t—what’s happening, Jane? You’re making me nervous.”

Angela’s voice suddenly burst into the room from the hallway. “Are we all ready, ladies? Because I’ve been waiting to do this all night!” Angela practically vibrated with excitement, bouncing around the hallway like an over-caffeinated child.

Maura raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on?”

“Just trust me,” Jane said, a little too giddy for Maura’s liking. She stepped closer and tucked a strand of Maura’s hair behind her ear, her voice softening as she continued. “You’ll see. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

Maura still wasn’t sure what was going on, but she reluctantly slipped into the white dress, noticing how soft and simple it was, yet somehow elegant. She didn’t know why Jane was so insistent on everyone matching, or why Angela seemed to be losing her mind with excitement, but she couldn’t help but smile at how happy everyone seemed to be.

Once dressed, Maura found Grace in the next room, standing by the window and holding her tiny dress in her hands. “I’ll just make sure you’re ready for your big day, little one,” she murmured, pulling the little dress over Grace’s head with gentle care.

Grace cooed, tugging on the hem of her dress, as if she already understood the excitement in the air. Maura kissed her little girl’s cheek and then made her way back to Jane, who was standing by the door, her hands resting on her hips as she tried and failed to hide her excitement.

“I’m ready,” Maura said, giving Jane a small smile.

Before Jane could respond, the sound of a knock echoed through the villa’s front door. The sound was sharp, sudden—and it made Maura freeze. Jane’s grin widened even further, and she gave Maura a gentle nudge toward the door.

“Wait, wait. You’ll see.”

With a mixture of confusion and growing intrigue, Maura stepped toward the door, still holding Grace in her arms, her mind racing as she wondered what the hell was going on. When she opened the door, her eyes widened in pure shock.

Standing there, holding a small bouquet of white lilies, was none other than Paddy Doyle.

“Paddy?” Maura blinked, staring at the familiar face. “What are you—what’s going on?”

“Morning, Doc,” Paddy said with a grin, his voice as warm as ever. “I come bearing flowers for the bride.”

Maura’s mind whirled. “Bride?” She looked back at Jane, who was beaming proudly, and then back at Paddy, who extended the bouquet to her with a wink.

“I’m here to make sure you get your perfect day,” Paddy said, his eyes twinkling. “That’s what you deserve.”

Maura stared, confused and flustered, her mind piecing things together too slowly. Then it hit her. “Wait…” she started, her voice trailing off as the realization dawned on her. She turned to Jane. “Jane… is this—”

“It’s our wedding day, Maura,” Jane said, the smile on her face wide and filled with love. “A day just for you and me, here in Sicily. We’re going to make this day as beautiful and unforgettable as the one when we got married. Just us. No pressure, no chaos. Just us.”

Maura’s heart skipped a beat. “You—you planned this?” Her eyes welled with sudden tears as she looked back at her daughter, who was still cooing happily in her arms. “But… I didn’t even—Jane, I don’t know what to say.”

“I hoped you’d love it. I had to keep it a surprise.” Jane stepped closer and kissed her softly. “Today is all about celebrating you, Maura. Everything we’ve built, everything we’re going to keep building, it starts today. It’s just the two of us—well, the five of us, with Grace—but this day is for us. It’s just another chance to tell you how much I love you.”

Tears spilled over Maura’s cheeks as she pressed her face to Jane’s, her heart full of so much love and gratitude, she couldn’t find the words.

“I love you,” Maura whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Paddy watched the two women, a soft smile on his face, before he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod and stepped back to give them space.

“Alright,” he said, grinning, “I’ll just wait over here, then. You two have your moment.”

Maura and Jane shared one more look, knowing, in that moment, that nothing would ever be more perfect than this.

Chapter Text

The sun was warm on their skin as the soft sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air. It was the perfect morning for what Jane had planned—secluded, quiet, and yet filled with so much love. The beach was mostly empty, save for a few other vacationers in the distance, and the sand felt cool and soft under their feet.

Grace, who was still adjusting to walking, was carefully balanced between her two mothers. Jane held one hand while Maura held the other, their little girl’s tiny feet making her wobbly steps a joy to watch. Grace would toddle a few steps, then stop, turn her head with a wide-eyed grin, before giggling and continuing on with more energy than her moms had thought possible. Every time she took a step, Jane’s heart swelled with pride.

She looked down at her daughter, a soft smile on her face, and squeezed Maura’s hand. “Look at her, Maura. My girl is walking. Already.”

“I know,” Maura replied, her voice filled with a mix of awe and wonder. “She’s growing so fast.”

Grace stumbled again, but this time Jane caught her before she could fall, and Maura kneeled down to tickle her tiny sides. Grace squealed with laughter, clearly enjoying every second of her mothers’ attention.

Angela and Paddy walked behind them, quietly chatting, but their voices were gentle, almost reverent, as if they too understood the significance of this moment. Angela’s gaze flickered between her daughter, her daughter-in-law, and the child who had filled her life with so much joy. She was overwhelmed with gratitude for this new chapter in their lives.

“You know, Angela…” Paddy began, his voice soft but filled with warmth, “I just wanted to thank you,” Paddy continued, his eyes a little misty as he looked at Angela, who was walking beside him. “For being such an incredible mother to my daughter. And for being the amazing Nonna are to my granddaughter. You really are something truly special.”

Angela smiled, her hand instinctively reaching for his, intertwining their fingers. She gave him a soft squeeze. “Thanks Paddy,” she said quietly. “Thank you for being here—for making the trip, taking the risk for my family.”

Paddy’s expression softened, and he gave Angela a grateful smile. “Jane has given me so much, Angela. Not just helping me get to know Maura, Now, giving me a chance to know Grace. I couldn’t not come when she asked me.” He paused, taking in the sight of Jane and Maura ahead of him, walking hand in hand with their daughter. “I’ve got two daughters now. One by blood, and one by choice.”

Angela’s heart skipped a beat at the word choice. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she turned to Paddy. “I always wanted grandkids, you know. And through Maura, I’ve been given that. Grace... she’s everything. And I’m glad you get to meet her and spend time with her.”

Paddy grinned, his eyes crinkling with fondness, turning back to watch the woman who had his whole heart, walking along the beach with the two people that had her whole heart.

They walked on in comfortable silence for a while, the soothing sound of the waves mingling with the occasional laughter from Jane and Maura as they tried to coax Grace into walking on her own again. She was doing her best, but she wasn’t quite steady enough yet to take on the world by herself.

Finally, they reached the spot Jane had planned for their vow renewal, a small patch of beach nestled between rocky outcroppings, where the view of the sea was breath-taking. In the distance, they could see the officiant waiting for them.

The officiant was a woman, dressed in a simple but elegant yellow dress, with a gentle, welcoming smile. Jane’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her—the ceremony was finally about to begin.

Maura’s eyes widened in surprise. “Jane… this is…?”

“This is it,” Jane said with a grin, her voice low with excitement. “Our vow renewal. Just you and me, our baby and our two witnesses.”

Grace was already fussing in her arms, her little feet kicking restlessly, and Maura could tell that her daughter was getting bored. But the ceremony was just beginning, and the moment felt so right that Maura couldn’t help but blink back a few tears.

Angela and Paddy caught up with them, and Angela nudged Maura gently. “You two go ahead,” she said softly, “I’ll take care of Grace for a while.”

Maura hesitated, but Jane leaned over and kissed her cheek. “It’s just us today, Maura. Let’s not let anything interrupt this moment.”

Angela smiled warmly at the two of them, giving them space to move forward. “I’ll be here. Enjoy this.”

The officiant smiled at them both as they took their places. Jane held Maura’s hand, squeezing it gently, her eyes never leaving her wife’s.

Maura smiled back, her heart full. She could hardly believe that they were standing here, in a small part of the world where time seemed to slow, just as in their first wedding. Only this time, Grace was here with them—on her very first trip abroad, taking her first steps toward her future.

It was perfect.

And as the ceremony began, Maura found herself overwhelmed with the depth of emotion she felt, not only for Jane but for the family they had created together. This life, this love, this little girl—it was everything she could have ever dreamed of. And it was all hers.

As the officiant began with the first words of their vow renewal, Jane’s voice cut through the air, firm and loving.

“I vow to love you, Maura, for as long as I live,” Jane said, her eyes shining with conviction. “To grow with you, to take care of you, and to always keep you by my side.”

Maura’s voice cracked as she spoke, but she didn’t care. “I vow to love you, Jane. To cherish you, to protect our family, and to be the best mother I can be for Grace. For us.”

They exchanged vows once again, their hearts completely intertwined, knowing that, in this moment, there was no greater gift than being together.

As the officiant pronounced them once again bound in love, Maura looked down at Grace, who was safely in Angela’s arms, her little face glowing in the soft light of the morning. Her heart swelled with joy.

And with a final kiss from Jane, Maura knew she had everything she could ever want in this life—right here, right now.

Chapter Text

The last night in Italy arrived far too soon, the days slipping away like sand through their fingers. Jane was on cloud nine, a permanent smile on her face as she walked alongside Maura, who seemed a little more subdued than usual.

They had spent the day soaking up the last moments of their vacation, the stunning Italian sunset casting a warm golden glow across the beaches of Sicily. Maura had spent the day of her vow renewal with Jane, Grace and Angela, as well as Paddy, who that evening had disappeared as quickly as he had arrived leaving Maura feeling a mixture of relief and emotional exhaustion. It had been a whirlwind of a visit, and while she was glad to have been able to have her biological father at her second wedding, she couldn't shake the weight of the conversation and the emotional impact of the day.

Jane, sensing Maura's mood, had kept the day light-hearted. Grace had been her usual cheerful self, toddling around with Jane, while Maura had taken a moment to herself to reflect, trying to process everything that had happened.

Now, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the streets in deep amber hues, they found themselves at a charming little café hidden in the streets of Sicily. Jane could tell that Maura was a bit lost in thought, her gaze unfocused as she traced a pattern with her finger on the napkin in front of her.

Angela, sitting across from them, seemed to be in a different world entirely. Her face was bright, but there was a slight sadness behind her eyes. "I don’t know how I’m going to leave this place," she admitted with a wistful sigh. "I mean, I love Boston—don’t get me wrong—but have you ever thought about how perfect it would be to move here when Grace is older?"

Jane grinned at the thought. "You want us to move to Italy?" She leaned back in her chair, eyebrows raised in amusement.

Angela nodded emphatically, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Oh, absolutely! Imagine it! Grace growing up in the shadow of the Colosseum, having the whole city as her playground, eating pizza on every corner..." She paused, her voice becoming quieter. "I can see it, you know. It just feels like... like we belong here."

Maura, who had been absentmindedly playing with the hem of her dress, finally spoke up, her voice soft but thoughtful. "It is beautiful here," she said, her eyes distant, as though she was imagining an entirely different life. "But I think what makes it perfect is that it’s been our time together. There’s something about this place, this trip... that’s made everything feel more meaningful." She paused, taking a deep breath. "Even with the chaos of our lives back home, this trip has been... a reset."

Jane smiled warmly at Maura, reaching across the table to gently touch her hand. "I feel the same way," she said, her voice low and tender. "This trip... it's been perfect. And now, I’m just excited to get home, to be with you, Grace, and our little family."

Angela smiled, but there was still that hint of sadness in her expression. "I just wish we could make the magic last longer," she said quietly, staring out at the horizon. "But I guess... there’s always next time."

Jane’s thoughts turned to their flight home. The last few days of the trip had been full of joy and love, and although they’d enjoyed every second of it, she was eager to get back to the familiar comfort of their life in Boston. Still, part of her felt a twinge of sadness, knowing this chapter of their story was closing.

"Maybe we could come back in a few years," Jane suggested, giving Maura a gentle nudge. "Grace will be older, and we can show her even more of Italy."

Maura smiled at the suggestion, her heart lifting slightly. "I think Grace would love that."

Their conversation lulled for a few moments, a comfortable silence filling the space between them as they watched the city bustle around them. Grace was now resting in Angela’s arms, her tiny hands clutching at the folds of her grandmother’s sweater as she dozed peacefully.

"I guess it’s back to reality tomorrow," Maura said softly, breaking the silence. "Back to work, back to the ordinary routine."

Jane reached over and squeezed Maura's hand again, her thumb gently brushing over Maura's knuckles. "I’m okay with that," she said softly. "As long as we’re together."

Angela chuckled softly, her gaze lingering on Grace’s peaceful face. "It won’t be the same without Italy, but I suppose we’ll just have to make our own magic when we get home." She shifted in her seat, glancing over at Jane with a teasing smile. "And I think I’m going to miss my first-class experiences, too."

Jane laughed, rolling her eyes affectionately. "You’re lucky I didn’t leave you in coach."

Angela snorted, then gave Jane a playful shove. "Oh, hush. You should be thanking me for giving you such an incredible child. She’s already the most adorable thing on the planet."

As the evening went on, the family finished their meal, content in each other's company, knowing the vacation would end, but the memories would stay with them forever.

The next morning, they packed up and headed to the airport. Angela, still in her element, chattered excitedly about her plans to return to Italy one day, while Jane and Maura quietly shared a few moments of quiet reflection before their flight. Grace, blissfully unaware of the bittersweet nature of the moment, cooed happily in Maura's arms as they made their way toward the terminal.

The flight home was more relaxed than the one coming over. Jane and Maura had both decided to put their worries aside for the moment, enjoying the calm of the present. Grace, still a little sleepy, rested between her parents, her head nestled into Jane’s shoulder as they settled into the comfortable rhythm of the long flight.

But Jane couldn’t help but feel a sense of quiet fulfilment as she watched Grace sleep soundly in her arms. Despite the ups and downs of their journey, she knew one thing for certain—they had created something special together, something that would last for years to come.

And with that thought, she settled back into her seat, content to let the world drift by as she held her family close.

Chapter Text

That morning, as the sun barely began to rise over Boston, Jane stood in front of the mirror, frowning. She was freshly showered, her hair still damp as she rifled through her side of the closet, pulling out the dark navy pantsuit she always wore when she wanted to feel sharp and in control. It was one of her favourites—sleek, tailored, the kind of outfit that made her feel like she could take on the world.

But when she pulled the pants over her hips, they didn’t sit quite right.

She exhaled sharply, sucking in her stomach and trying again, but the waistband cut into her sides in a way it never had before. She twisted, looking at herself in the mirror, hands smoothing over the fabric, trying to will it into fitting better.

She had gained weight.

Her gaze trailed over her stomach, the curve of her hips, the way the fabric didn’t drape the way it used to. It wasn’t a huge difference—not really—but it was enough that she noticed. Enough that she could feel it.

The time in Italy had been incredible. The best trip of her life. But they had eaten well. Pasta, pizza, gelato, pastries. Jane hadn’t thought much of it at the time. She’d been too happy, too caught up in the moment. But now, standing in the unforgiving light of the bedroom, it hit her all at once.

She reached down, unbuttoning the pants with an irritated huff.

"What’s wrong?"

Maura’s voice was warm, amused, and when Jane turned, she saw her wife leaning against the doorway, already fully dressed in an elegant, perfectly fitted blouse and skirt.

"Nothing," Jane muttered, stepping out of the pants and tossing them onto the bed. She reached for another pair—black, looser, not as tailored.

Maura’s eyes flicked between Jane and the discarded pantsuit before a slow smile spread across her lips. "Are your pants a little snug?"

Jane shot her a look. "No."

Maura walked over, arms crossing as she studied Jane with a knowing expression. "Jane."

Jane exhaled, yanking the new pair up with more force than necessary. "Fine. Maybe."

Maura let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Well, I’d be more surprised if they weren’t. I think that’s what happens when you actually eat more than a protein bar and black coffee every day." She walked over, slipping her arms around Jane’s waist and resting her hands on Jane’s stomach. "You’ve always been too skinny, anyway. I like seeing you with some meat on your bones."

Jane didn’t respond.

She tried to smile, to brush it off, but her mind was already racing.

Too skinny.

She had always been told that. Too chubby, too the-wrong-shape, then too thin, too lean. But she had liked it that way. Had needed it that way. And now, after just a few weeks of indulgence, she wasn’t anymore.

"Yeah, well," Jane muttered, forcing a smirk as she gently pulled away from Maura’s grip. "Try telling that to my pants."

Maura chuckled, oblivious to the way Jane’s stomach churned. "We’ll just have to get you some new ones."

Jane nodded, but she wasn’t really listening anymore.

She was already thinking about the meals ahead. The coffee she could skip. The extra bites she could avoid.

It wasn’t a big deal.

Just a little weight.

Just needing a little self-control.

xxx

The elevator doors slid open, and Jane and Maura stepped onto the floor of the BPD, both looking noticeably more tanned than they had in years. Jane’s usual sharp pantsuit had been replaced with a looser blouse tucked into black slacks—not exactly her first choice, but at least it fit comfortably. Maura, of course, looked effortlessly polished, her sun-kissed skin practically glowing against the soft cream of her blouse.

The moment they stepped in, Frost let out a low whistle. "Well, well, if it isn’t the two most relaxed people in Boston."

Korsak grinned from his desk, arms crossed. "I give it a week before the stress catches up and Jane’s yelling at suspects again."

Jane scoffed, tossing her bag onto her desk. "A week? Try an hour."

Frost smirked. "How was Italy?"

Maura sighed wistfully. "Incredible. The food, the history, the art—"

"The pizza," Jane interrupted.

Frost laughed. "Should’ve known you’d prioritize the food."

Korsak eyed them both. "And how’s my little honorary granddaughter?"

Jane grinned, already pulling out her phone. "Better than all of us. Kid’s a natural traveller—she slept through most of the flights, made Italian grandmas fall in love with her, and—oh, wait." She scrolled quickly before flipping the phone to show a video. "She took her first steps in Naples."

Korsak and Frost both leaned in, watching as a giggling Grace wobbled on unsteady legs, arms outstretched toward Jane and Maura, before collapsing into their arms.

"That’s amazing!" Frost grinned.

"Kid’s got good taste—first words in Florence, first steps in Naples." Korsak nodded approvingly.

Jane sat down with a sigh, locking her phone and rubbing her hands together. "Alright, hit me. What did I miss?"

Frost and Korsak exchanged looks before Frost grabbed a stack of files. "You really wanna know?"

"Depends," Jane replied. "Is it bad?"

"Not bad," Korsak said, leaning back in his chair. "Just… not interesting."

Frost chuckled. "It’s been the usual. Couple of B&Es, a domestic or two, and one guy who swore his neighbour was an alien."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Alien?"

"Swore up and down he saw little green men coming out of the guy’s apartment. Turned out, the ‘aliens’ were his neighbour’s twin grandkids in matching green onesies."

Jane groaned. "Oh, thank God. I was worried I’d have to interrogate E.T."

Maura perched on the edge of Jane’s desk, folding her arms. "So, in summary, nothing happened that required a homicide detective?"

Korsak shook his head. "Not unless you count a fight over a hot dog cart turning into an ‘attempted murder by mustard bottle.’"

Jane grinned. "Sounds like Boston’s been real exciting without me."

Frost smirked. "Don’t worry, Rizzoli. I’m sure it won’t stay quiet for long."

Jane leaned back in her chair, nodding. She knew he was right. This was Boston, after all.

The calm never lasted.

Chapter Text

The call had come in just after lunch. Boston’s ShotSpotter system had picked up multiple gunshots in a wooded area on the outskirts of the city, and within minutes, the homicide team was en route. Jane drove, her adrenaline spiking at the thought of a fresh case after weeks of vacation.

By the time they arrived, patrol officers had already set up a perimeter. The crime scene was nestled within a small clearing, the body slumped against a tree, a fresh bloom of blood staining the ground.

Maura was already kneeling beside the victim, slipping on gloves as she made her initial assessment. "Male, late twenties. Gunshot wound to the chest, likely close range. Estimated time of death within the last hour."

Jane scanned the area, her detective instincts kicking in. "Any sign of a weapon?"

A uniformed officer shook his head. "Not yet, but the area’s dense. Could’ve been tossed anywhere."

As Frost and Korsak coordinated with the search team, Jane's eyes flickered toward the tree line. Something—someone—moved.

A figure, partially obscured by the underbrush, was crouched low just beyond the crime scene. His clothes matched the description given by a witness—a dark hoodie and jeans, bloodstained hands trembling in the dim afternoon light.

Jane’s grip on her gun tightened. "Possible suspect. Ten o’clock. Moving west."

She barely waited for acknowledgment before she was off, darting through the trees in pursuit.

The suspect turned and ran.

Jane pushed herself harder, her breath sharp in the cool air. The ground was uneven, roots twisting up from the earth like traps waiting to snare her feet. But she was gaining on him.

"Boston PD! Stop!" she shouted, but he didn’t even hesitate.

She was nearly on him—just a few more strides and she’d have him tackled—when her foot caught on something solid.

Momentum carried her forward, but her body twisted, and then—

Agony.

A sharp, searing pain shot through her ankle as she collapsed onto the ground, a strangled cry escaping her lips. The world tilted, her vision blurring as she clutched at her leg.

From somewhere ahead, the suspect's footsteps faded, swallowed by the distance.

Jane grit her teeth, hissing through the pain. "Damn it."

A moment later, she heard heavy footsteps crashing through the underbrush behind her.

"Rizzoli!" It was Frost, skidding to a stop beside her, eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay?"

Jane forced a smirk through the pain. "Oh, just fantastic. Love lying in the dirt. Great for the skin."

Korsak caught up next, cursing under his breath as he saw her ankle. "That doesn’t look good."

Maura’s voice followed closely behind, sharp with worry. "Jane!"

She dropped to her knees, immediately assessing the injury with gentle but firm hands. Jane winced as Maura pressed around the swollen area.

"You’ve definitely sprained it—possibly fractured." Maura’s tone was all professionalism, but Jane could see the worry beneath it.

Jane exhaled through her nose, staring up at the sky. "So what you’re saying is, I’m out of the chase?"

Korsak snorted. "You think?"

Frost radioed for medical assistance while Maura continued her examination.

Jane groaned, draping an arm over her face. "I swear, if that guy gets away because of this, I’m never gonna hear the end of it."

Maura shot her a look. "If you had waited for backup instead of charging ahead, perhaps you wouldn’t be lying in the dirt right now."

Jane peeked out from under her arm, grinning weakly. "Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?"

Maura did not look amused.

Jane sighed, letting her head fall back again. This was not how she wanted her first day back at work to go.

xxx

The paramedics were already waiting by the time Maura finished her assessment, but Jane shook her head the moment they mentioned taking her to the hospital.

“No way.” Jane tried to push herself up, biting back a groan as pain flared through her ankle. “I don’t need an ambulance.”

One of the EMTs, a young guy who clearly had no idea who he was dealing with, looked concerned. “Ma’am, your ankle is already swelling. You need an X-ray to—”

“I don’t need an X-ray,” Jane interrupted, gripping Frost’s offered hand and using him for leverage. “It’s a sprain, maybe a little worse, but I’m not wasting a hospital bed when I can just ice it at home.”

Maura, standing beside her with arms crossed, was not convinced. “Jane, you can’t even put weight on it.”

Jane gritted her teeth as she tried and promptly failed to stand without wincing. Korsak, ever the voice of reason, sighed. “Rizzoli, don’t be an idiot. You go in, you get checked out, and then you know for sure what you’re dealing with.”

But Jane wasn’t having it. She knew what would happen. A trip to the hospital meant an X-ray, which meant an official diagnosis, which meant paperwork making it impossible for her to stay in the field. Desk duty would be inevitable, and she was not about to spend the next several weeks buried in paperwork while everyone else did real police work.

“I’ll be fine,” she insisted. “I just need to get back to the precinct, ice it, and keep it elevated.”

Maura let out a slow breath, clearly trying to keep her frustration in check. “Jane, if you don’t get it checked out now, you could make it worse. And then what?”

Jane knew Maura was right. But that didn’t mean she had to listen.

“Then I’ll deal with it later,” she said simply.

The tension between them was palpable, but then Maura’s phone rang. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen before pressing her lips together. “I have to get back to the morgue.”

Jane latched onto the out immediately. “See? You’ve got work to do, I’ve got work to do. I promise if it gets worse, I’ll deal with it.”

Maura didn’t look happy, but she also knew Jane well enough to recognize a fight she wasn’t going to win. With one last exasperated sigh, she stepped closer, brushing her fingers over Jane’s arm. “Just… be careful.”

“I’m always careful.” Jane smirked.

Maura rolled her eyes but let it go, squeezing Jane’s hand briefly before walking off toward her car.

As soon as she was gone, Jane turned to Frost and Korsak, forcing a grin. “Alright, boys, let’s get back to work.”

Frost snorted. “Yeah, if by ‘get back to work,’ you mean ‘let us carry your stubborn ass to the car,’ then sure.”

Korsak shook his head. “You’re gonna regret this later.”

Jane sighed, reluctantly draping an arm over each of their shoulders as they helped her limp toward the car. “Yeah, yeah, just get me back to the station before Maura changes her mind.”

She might’ve won this battle, but she had a feeling the war was far from over.

Chapter Text

Jane sat at her desk, her injured ankle propped up on a chair with a makeshift ice pack wrapped around it. The dull ache was manageable—for now. What was less manageable was the parade of uniformed officers walking by, each one tossing a comment her way.

“Rizzoli, you sure you’re not just looking for an excuse to sit on your ass all day?” one joked, smirking as he passed.

Another chimed in, nudging a colleague. “Nah, she’s just making sure she gets pampered for a while. Smart move, Detective.”

Jane forced a grin, shaking her head. “Oh yeah, I definitely planned to wipe out in the woods today. Best decision I ever made.”

Most of them laughed and kept moving, but the final comment made her stomach turn.

“Guess that vacation caught up with you, huh?” One of the younger uniforms—someone she didn’t even know that well—gestured toward her. “Italy must’ve been good if your pants are that tight now.”

The words weren’t meant to be cruel—at least, she didn’t think they were—but they hit like a gut punch. Jane had noticed it that morning, standing in front of the mirror, tugging at the waistband of her suit pants. She knew she’d gained a little weight, but hearing it out loud, from someone else, sent a fresh wave of self-consciousness crashing over her.

She swallowed hard, forcing another chuckle. “Yeah, well, someone had to eat all the pasta, right?”

The officer laughed and walked off, leaving Jane sitting there, her stomach twisting.

Across the desk, Korsak, who had just returned with a cup of coffee, placed a protein bar in front of her. “Eat,” he said gruffly. “You need something in your system before you take those painkillers.”

Jane stared at the bar, her appetite suddenly non-existent. She could hear Maura’s voice in her head from that morning—It’s good to see you with some meat on your bones—but all she could focus on was the way her pants had felt tighter, the way her shirt pulled just a little more than it used to.

Without thinking, she reached for the wrapper, but instead of opening it, she tossed it into the trash can beside her desk. “Not hungry,” she muttered, grabbing her coffee instead.

Korsak frowned but didn’t push. He simply sat down, sipping his own coffee as he started sorting through paperwork.

Jane exhaled slowly, staring down at her desk. The ache in her ankle was bad, but the uneasy feeling in her gut was worse.

xxx

Maura entered the bullpen with a practiced ease, balancing a brown paper bag in one hand and a tray with two cups of coffee in the other. She had figured that since Jane couldn’t make her usual lunchtime trip to the deli, she would bring it to her instead. Spending their lunch hour together, even in the office, felt like a small way to bring back normalcy after their vacation.

Her lips curved into a fond smile as she spotted Jane, sitting at her desk, leg still propped up on a chair with the ice pack around her ankle. Jane was hunched over a case file, brow furrowed, utterly engrossed.

“Detective Rizzoli,” Maura greeted warmly, setting the food and coffee down. “I brought you lunch since you’re clearly being stubborn and refusing to rest properly.”

Jane looked up, smirking. “I am resting. Look—leg up, ice on, totally following doctor’s orders.”

Maura hummed sceptically, but before she could argue, her gaze drifted downward—to Jane’s foot.

She froze.

Her trained eye immediately noticed the pallor of Jane’s toes. The bruising was expected, given the injury, but the colour—or lack thereof—set off alarm bells in her head. Her heart rate kicked up as she reached forward instinctively, wrapping her hands around Jane’s foot.

“Maura, what—?”

“Jane, have you noticed any numbness or tingling?” Maura’s voice was suddenly clipped, professional.

Jane blinked. “Uh… I mean, maybe? It hurts like hell, but I figured that’s normal for a sprain—”

Maura pressed her fingers to the top of Jane’s foot, then around her ankle, then lower. Her worry only grew.

“Jane, I don’t feel a pedal pulse.”

Jane frowned. “A what now?”

“A pulse in your foot,” Maura said urgently. “It’s faint at best. This could indicate vascular compromise.”

Jane groaned. “Maura, come on, it’s just a—”

“This isn’t up for debate, Jane.” Maura’s voice had dropped to the no-nonsense tone that Jane usually knew better than to fight against. “If blood flow is restricted, you could develop complications—compartment syndrome, tissue necrosis—”

Jane’s stomach twisted at Maura’s suddenly grim expression. “Okay, okay! Jeez, fine.”

Maura exhaled in relief but didn’t waste a second. “You’re going to the hospital. Now.”

Jane grumbled but didn’t argue—because in the depths of her mind, beyond her stubbornness, she knew Maura wouldn’t react this way unless she genuinely thought something was wrong.

Korsak, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. “You want me to drive?”

Jane sighed. “Yeah, guess you better. My personal doctor over here won’t let me limp my ass out of here alone.”

Maura shot her a pointed look before carefully lowering Jane’s foot from the chair. “This is serious, Jane. You’re lucky I caught it now.”

Jane knew Maura was right. But all she could focus on was the way her stomach clenched—because hospital meant X-rays, and X-rays meant an official diagnosis.

And an official diagnosis meant desk duty.

Again.

xxx

Maura barely registered Jane’s grumbling as she grabbed her phone and quickly dialled down to the morgue. Suzie answered on the first ring.

“Suzie, I have to leave for the day. Please make sure all reports are finalized and call me if anything urgent arises.”

“Of course, Dr. Isles. Is everything okay?”

Maura didn’t answer, hanging up as she turned on her heel and sprinted after Korsak, who was already helping Jane toward the elevator.

“I’m coming with you,” Maura declared as she slid into the back seat next to Jane, barely giving Korsak time to unlock the doors.

“Babe, you don’t have to—” Jane started, but Maura shot her a look that could have stopped a charging bull.

Jane sighed. “Yeah, okay, you have to.”

Maura gently lifted Jane’s foot onto her lap, her fingers immediately returning to check for a pulse. It was still too faint. Too weak. Maura swallowed hard, her throat tight.

Korsak flicked on his sirens, weaving through traffic with practiced ease, and within minutes, they pulled up to the ER entrance.

To Maura’s relief, a medical team was already waiting outside, a nurse swiftly manoeuvring a wheelchair into position.

As soon as Korsak put the car in park, Maura was out of the backseat, helping Jane ease into the wheelchair.

“Detective Rizzoli? We’ll get you straight to X-ray,” one of the nurses said as they began to wheel Jane inside.

Maura moved to follow, but another nurse placed a gentle hand on her arm, stopping her.

“We’ll take good care of her, Dr. Isles,” she assured her.

Maura nodded numbly, but her body was rigid, her heart pounding. She was used to hospitals. They were part of her daily life. But standing here, powerless, while Jane was taken away… it felt different.

She exhaled shakily, her arms crossing over her chest as she remained rooted to the spot in the hospital hallway, watching the doors swing shut behind Jane.

She had never felt so helpless.

Chapter Text

Maura barely had time to pace the length of the waiting area twice before a nurse appeared at the door and called her name.

“Dr. Isles? You can come in now.”

Her heart slammed against her ribs as she rushed forward, her heels clicking sharply against the tile floor. The nurse led her through the ER hallway and into a small private exam room, where Jane lay pale and tense on the hospital bed. Her foot had been elevated and secured in a temporary splint, but Maura could see the way Jane’s fingers clenched into the thin hospital blanket, her jaw tight with pain.

A doctor stood at Jane’s bedside, flipping through scans on a tablet. He glanced up as Maura entered.

“Dr. Rizzoli-Isles, I assume?”

“Yes,” Maura said quickly, moving to Jane’s side, brushing her fingers against Jane’s forearm in silent reassurance. “What did you find?”

The doctor turned the tablet toward her, displaying Jane’s X-rays. “She has a serious fracture of the distal tibia, and more concerningly, it’s displaced in such a way that it’s cutting off blood supply to the foot.”

Maura’s stomach lurched. She had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed sent a fresh wave of worry through her.

“We need to get her into surgery as soon as possible to realign the bone and restore circulation,” the doctor continued. “If we wait too long, we risk long-term complications, including nerve damage or, in extreme cases, loss of the limb.”

Maura nodded, already running through the implications in her mind, but Jane suddenly stiffened beside her.

“Surgery?” Jane’s voice was hoarse, her breathing ragged from the pain. “No, no way. Just set it and give me a cast.”

“Jane,” Maura said gently, placing a hand over Jane’s.

“No,” Jane cut in, shaking her head despite the sweat on her brow. “No surgery, Maura. Just do whatever else you gotta do, but I’m not getting knocked out and sliced open for this.”

Maura glanced at the doctor, who looked at her expectantly, clearly waiting for her to help talk sense into her wife.

“Jane, listen to me,” Maura said softly, leaning closer. “This isn’t just about the break. Right now, your foot isn’t getting the blood it needs. If we don’t fix that—quickly—you could have permanent damage.”

“I’ll do physical therapy,” Jane countered stubbornly, though her voice was weaker now.

Maura exhaled, her patience fraying. “Physical therapy won’t work if your foot is compromised, Jane. This isn’t optional.”

Jane squeezed her eyes shut, her breaths quick and shallow. “Maura, I—” She broke off as another sharp wave of pain hit her, her free hand gripping the railing of the hospital bed so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Maura’s heart clenched.

“Jane,” she whispered, her fingers brushing Jane’s cheek. “Please. Let them help you.”

Jane opened her eyes, pain and fear swimming in their dark depths.

She hated hospitals. She hated surgeries. And more than that, she hated feeling out of control.

But looking at Maura—at the worry etched into her face, the plea in her voice—Jane finally swallowed hard and gave a small, reluctant nod.

“Fine,” she murmured, closing her eyes again. “But you better be there when I wake up.”

Maura exhaled in relief, pressing a kiss to Jane’s forehead.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

xxx

Maura sat in the waiting area outside the OR, her fingers curled tightly around her phone as she tried to steady her breathing. The sterile hospital air felt suffocating, and the distant sound of medical equipment beeping did little to calm her nerves.

She had spent years in operating rooms, performing and assisting in countless procedures, but this was different. This was Jane.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she pressed Angela’s contact and lifted the phone to her ear.

It rang twice before Angela answered, her voice warm but surprised. “Maura? Honey, what’s wrong?”

Maura took a slow breath. “Angela, I—” She hesitated, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. “Jane is in surgery.”

A sharp inhale on the other end of the line. “What? What happened?”

“She fractured her tibia during a chase earlier,” Maura explained, gripping the bridge of her nose. “The break was severe, and it cut off blood supply to her foot. The doctors had to take her into emergency surgery to realign it and restore circulation.”

“Oh my God,” Angela breathed. There was a shuffling noise, likely her moving around the house in a panic. “Is she— Is she going to be okay?”

“She’s in good hands,” Maura assured her quickly. “The surgery should go well, but she’s going to need time to heal. I just—” Her voice caught for a moment. “I just hate that she’s in there alone.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Angela said softly, her maternal instincts kicking in instantly. “Do you want me to come down?”

Maura hesitated, then nodded, even though Angela couldn’t see her. “Yes. And… can you bring Grace?”

“Of course. I’ll get her ready and be there as soon as I can,” Angela promised.

“Thank you,” Maura whispered, relief washing over her.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Angela said firmly. “Jane’s my baby, and you’re my family. We’ll be there soon, okay?”

Maura nodded again. “Okay.”

As she ended the call, she let out a slow breath and leaned back against the chair. She hated waiting. Hated the uncertainty.

But at least soon, she wouldn’t have to wait alone.

xxx

Angela walked into the recovery room, her footsteps muffled by the sterile tile floors. She could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on Maura. Jane was lying in the bed, her foot elevated and wrapped in layers of dressings and bandages, breathing steadily but looking pale. Maura was seated next to her, her hand lightly resting on Jane’s, her eyes tired, but still filled with worry.

Angela walked in carefully, Grace in her arms. The little girl looked at her mother, her big brown eyes wide, as if sensing something wasn’t quite right. Angela gave Maura a brief, comforting look before walking over to the side of the bed, placing Grace gently on the floor.

As soon as Grace’s tiny feet hit the floor, she toddled over to Maura, her steps unsteady but determined. She paused for a moment, looking up at Maura, and then reached her arms up to be held.

Maura didn’t hesitate, scooping Grace up into her arms. The baby’s small hands reached for her face, wiping away the single tear that had slipped down Maura’s cheek.

"Hey, baby," Maura whispered, her voice catching in her throat. Grace smiled brightly, her innocent expression full of trust, as if telling her mama that everything was going to be okay.

Then, to Maura’s surprise, Grace leaned forward and softly kissed her on the cheek. It was the kind of kiss that was simple, yet so meaningful—like a tiny promise from the child to make everything better.

Maura chuckled softly, her heart aching with love and the overwhelming need to protect this tiny human who had already learned so much about compassion. She looked at Jane, who was still unconscious, but her breathing seemed steadier now. Grace, sensing that her mama needed reassurance, patted Maura’s cheek gently and said in her tiny, clear voice, “Mama.”

The sound of her daughter’s voice, so sweet and innocent, brought a sense of calm that Maura hadn’t realized she needed. She closed her eyes, holding Grace close, feeling the warmth of the little girl against her chest. She couldn’t help the smile that crept across her face, despite the exhaustion and worry.

"Thank you, sweet girl," Maura whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You always know how to make me feel better."

Angela, who had been standing quietly by the door, watching the tender moment unfold, smiled softly. She was glad to see Maura was finding comfort, even in the midst of the chaos. Her heart swelled as she watched Grace, now holding Maura’s face in her little hands, as if reassuring her that it was all going to be okay.

Maura looked at Angela, her eyes still wet with unshed tears but carrying the same strength she’d had when she’d first become a mother. "She’s going to be okay, right?" Maura whispered, her voice barely audible.

Angela nodded, gently rubbing Grace’s back. "She’s going to be okay. We’ll all get through this together."

The soft sound of Jane's steady breathing and the warmth of her family around her made Maura feel like, no matter what happened, they would get through it. Together.

Chapter Text

Jane lay in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, the dull beep of the machines and the soft rustling of paper from the nurses' station outside the room the only sounds breaking the silence. She had been here for days now, and it felt like weeks. She was starting to lose her mind with the monotony of it all. Her foot was elevated, still throbbing despite the painkillers, but it was the boredom that was starting to wear her thin.

Her IV was hooked up, and the antibiotics were doing their job, but the fever that had crept up on her in the last few days was hanging on stubbornly. Her body felt weak, like it had been drained of all energy. Her leg ached, and no matter how many times the nurses told her to stay still, she couldn’t shake the urge to move. Every time she tried to sit up, the pain from her foot shot through her like a cruel reminder of what had happened.

Maura had offered to stay the first night, but Jane had insisted she go home to Grace, who was growing impatient with the absence of her mothers. Jane hated that Maura and Grace had to leave every evening, especially when Jane was stuck here, confined to the sterile room. But she understood Maura's role as a mother, and she would never want to take that away from her.

Still, it didn’t stop the overwhelming sense of loneliness that settled over her each night.

The worst part, though, was being told what to do. The nurses had their routine, and Jane was constantly being told to stay still, don’t move, don’t try to get up. She hated it. She was used to being the one in control, the one who made the decisions, not the one stuck in a bed, depending on others. She longed to get her hands on a pair of crutches and just walk, feel like herself again, like she wasn’t confined to this small room.

Every time she tried to argue with the nurses, she’d get that look—the one that said she wasn’t going to win. They’d reassure her she could get up when it was safe, but for now, she had to listen to them. She was itching to get out of bed, to do something, to be useful again, to move.

Her fingers drummed on the edge of the bed, the sound of the steady pulse of the IV tube a constant reminder of her confinement. Jane stared at the door, willing Maura to walk through it again, to put her arms around her and make everything feel better. She missed Maura so much—missed the way Maura’s smile could melt the tension in her body, the way her laugh could light up even the darkest moments. And worst of all, she missed holding Grace, kissing her chubby little cheeks, feeling her tiny hands grab at her shirt as she cuddled her.

But every day, Maura left, and Jane had to suffer through it, feeling more useless with each passing hour.

She sighed deeply, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts wandering. Then, as if on cue, the door creaked open.

Maura stepped in, her smile instantly lifting Jane's spirits despite her frustration. She was wearing her white coat, but Jane could tell she was exhausted. Still, she walked toward the bed with that calming presence Jane had come to rely on.

"How's my patient today?" Maura asked, trying to keep her voice light, though Jane could hear the tiredness in it.

"About as good as someone can be when they’re stuck in a room with no way to move," Jane grumbled, propping herself up on her elbows. She winced at the sharp pang that shot through her foot, but she ignored it.

Maura chuckled softly, though it was a little strained. "I know, but you have to take it easy, Jane. The doctors said you need to stay off your foot. The last thing you need is a setback because you pushed too hard."

"I get it, I get it," Jane replied, leaning back against the pillows, frustrated. "But I swear, if I have to hear one more nurse tell me to stay put, I might lose my mind."

Maura's smile softened, and she walked over to the side of the bed, sitting down carefully beside Jane. She rested a hand on Jane's arm, rubbing it gently. "I know it’s hard, but it’s only temporary. You’re healing, Jane. You’ll be back on your feet before you know it."

Jane met her gaze, her eyes soft but filled with the fatigue of the last few days. "I just... I can’t sit here and do nothing, Maura. I hate it. I miss you and Grace. I miss being useful. I’m stuck here, and it feels like I’m not helping anyone, especially you. You’re doing everything while I just—" She cut herself off, shaking her head in frustration.

Maura squeezed her hand, her voice tender. "You’re healing, Jane. That’s the most important thing right now. And Grace and I will be okay, I promise. You don’t have to do everything. Let us take care of you for once."

Jane didn’t respond, but she could see the truth in Maura’s eyes, even if it was hard to accept.

A nurse came in shortly after, smiling at both of them. "How are we feeling today, Detective?"

"Like I’m losing my mind," Jane muttered, though she smiled at the nurse's cheery demeanor.

The nurse laughed. "I understand. We’re going to take care of you, don’t worry. Just try to relax, okay? The sooner you rest, the sooner you can go home."

Maura squeezed Jane’s hand again and kissed her forehead. "I’ll be right here with you. Always."

As the nurse adjusted Jane’s IV drip, Jane closed her eyes for a moment, letting Maura's comforting presence settle over her like a warm blanket. It wasn’t easy to let go of control, but for now, Jane would do her best. For Maura. For Grace.

And maybe, just maybe, for herself, too.

Chapter Text

Xxx

Three weeks had passed since Jane’s surgery, and while her foot was healing, the reality of being back at work was nothing like she had hoped. The doctors had made it clear: no crutches, no moving around unless absolutely necessary, and definitely no standing for long periods of time. Instead, she was confined to a wheelchair, something that grated against her every instinct.

She hated it. Hated the way people looked at her, pity in their eyes. Hated the way she had to rely on others to move her around, even if it was just getting to the break room. But she was back at work, and that was something. The hospital room and the weeks of boredom seemed so far away now, but in their place was this new, frustrating reality.

Desk duty was meant to be a temporary thing, but Jane had a hard time accepting it. She wasn’t the kind of person who could just sit still. Even though her foot still had healing to do, her mind constantly raced. And so, she did what she could to keep herself busy—interviewing perps, doing paperwork, and visiting Maura in the morgue.

The morgue became something of an escape for Jane. The cold, clinical space wasn’t the most welcoming, but it was a world she understood. And it was an excuse to see Maura, who had been so diligent about making sure Jane was okay during her recovery. There was something soothing about watching Maura work—seeing her so in control, so competent, as she moved about the morgue, her calm voice explaining the latest autopsy or providing a breakdown of the case.

Sometimes, on her visits, Jane would roll into the morgue, and Maura would pause what she was doing, smile, and walk over to her. Their brief interactions, even in such a sterile environment, had become the highlight of her day.

And then there was the other part of her routine: Grace.

Angela had been bringing Grace in more and more, and while Jane had missed her daughter’s presence terribly, having her at the precinct brought a whole new level of warmth to the sterile office. When Grace was there, everything seemed a little more normal. Jane would sit in the wheelchair, her daughter on her lap, and push herself around the precinct, Grace giggling at the motion of the chair as they rolled down the hallway.

It was as though everything else melted away when Grace was there—no paperwork, no frustrations about being in a wheelchair, no being stuck at a desk. It was just Jane, her little girl, and the precinct that had become a second home. The other officers seemed to take notice, always offering Jane a smile when they saw her with Grace, lifting her spirits. Even the gruffest of detectives couldn’t resist cooing at the baby as she giggled in Jane’s lap.

But despite these moments of joy, there was still that undercurrent of frustration. The wheelchair was a constant reminder that Jane wasn’t at full capacity, and she hated it. She had always been the one to be strong, to be the one who jumped in when things got tough, but now, she was relegated to a sitting position, watching as everyone else moved around her, chasing down leads while she stayed behind, filling out forms and watching from the sidelines.

It wasn’t until later that day, after another quiet lunch in the break room and a quick visit to the morgue, that Jane felt the sting of the restriction again.

She had been so caught up in the case she was working on, following the breadcrumbs, making mental notes of the leads, that she hadn’t realized how long she had been in the wheelchair. She needed to stretch her legs, needed to move, but instead, she stayed seated, working through the case, and taking small comfort in the fact that she was contributing.

Maura had come by at some point, her expression softening when she saw Jane still hunched over the paperwork. "Jane, you should take a break. You’ve been at it for hours."

"I’m fine," Jane said, her voice a little more clipped than she intended.

Maura stepped closer, her hand gentle on Jane’s shoulder. "You’re not fine. You’re pushing yourself too hard."

Jane lifted her eyes to meet Maura’s. She could see the concern in her face, the tiredness in her eyes. It was clear that Maura was still juggling work and taking care of Jane, Grace, and the household responsibilities. She was doing everything, and Jane hated that. She hated feeling like a burden.

"I’m just trying to stay busy," Jane muttered, shifting in her chair.

Maura sighed and squatted beside her, meeting her gaze. "You don’t have to do everything. Just because you’re here doesn’t mean you have to be the one leading every case, every investigation. Take it easy. Let me help you."

Jane blinked, her throat tightening at the genuine care Maura was offering. She opened her mouth to say something, but then Grace’s laugh echoed down the hallway. The sound of it lightened the mood instantly, and Jane smiled despite herself.

"Do you hear that?" Jane said softly, trying to shift the topic.

Maura smiled, the corners of her mouth curving in a way that made her look more relaxed than she had all day. "Yes, I hear her."

"She’s growing so fast," Jane said, her voice laced with awe. "I wish I could do more, you know? I feel like I’m missing out on so much."

Maura’s hand squeezed Jane’s shoulder again. "You’re not missing out, Jane. You’re still here, still present. Grace knows you’re her mama. And she knows that you love her."

"I do," Jane whispered. "So much."

The sound of little footsteps echoed closer, and Angela appeared, carrying Grace in her arms. Grace reached out immediately when she saw Jane, a big grin spreading across her face.

"Mama!" she squealed, her chubby arms reaching out eagerly.

Jane’s heart swelled. Despite everything, despite the pain and frustration of being stuck in the wheelchair, this little moment—Grace’s giggles, her joyful arms reaching for her mama—made it all feel okay again.

"I’m right here, sweetie," Jane said softly, holding her arms out as Angela carefully placed Grace on her lap.

Maura stood back, watching them with a gentle smile. "Maybe you should take the rest of the day off, Jane. I can handle things here."

Jane shook her head, but the relief in her eyes was palpable. "I don’t think I could take it," she said, stroking Grace’s hair as the baby snuggled into her. "Not yet."

For now, this—sitting in the wheelchair with her daughter in her lap and Maura close by—was enough. And that would have to be enough for the time being.

xxx

A few more weeks had passed, and Jane was finally allowed to use crutches. It was a relief—being able to move again, to feel like she had some control back. The wheelchair had been suffocating, a constant reminder of her injury, of her inability to do things the way she always had. At least with crutches, she could fake normalcy.

What she didn’t say—what she wouldn’t say—was that the time spent in the chair had done more to her than just frustrate her. It had made her feel stagnant, made her feel like all those Italian meals had clung to her, weighing her down in ways that went beyond just physical weight.

Of course, she knew she had lost weight. The logical part of her brain—the part that had spent years as an athlete, that had once tracked her food and exercise down to the last detail—told her that between the low energy, the lack of movement, and her general disinterest in eating since she had been stuck at a desk, she had definitely dropped weight.

But that wasn’t what she saw.

Standing in front of the mirror, Jane frowned at her reflection. She pulled her shirt tighter against her stomach, tilting her head as she inspected her body. The pantsuit she had tried on the first day back after Italy had felt tight. She remembered that clearly. And she had felt bigger, rounder, softer. Different.

But now, with the crutches pressing into her arms and the bruising still fading along her ankle, all she could see was how she still wasn’t where she wanted to be.

Her body felt wrong.

Maybe it was the weeks of sitting. Maybe it was the fact that, even now, she still wasn’t back to full mobility. Maybe it was just being aware of herself in a way she hadn’t been in years. But it gnawed at her. That feeling of being off.

“Jane?”

She jumped, startled, as Maura’s voice broke through her thoughts. She turned, quickly smoothing out her shirt and hoping her expression didn’t give anything away.

Maura was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, an eyebrow quirked in curiosity. “You okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Jane shrugged, shifting on her crutches and forcing an easy grin.

Maura studied her for a moment before stepping closer, her gaze dropping—just for a second—to Jane’s reflection in the mirror. “You just seemed… focused.”

Jane rolled her eyes. “Just checking if I still look good in this shirt. Gotta make sure my fans at the precinct aren’t disappointed.”

Maura gave her a look, the kind that said I don’t buy that for a second, but she let it slide. Instead, she reached out, gently touching Jane’s arm. “You should eat something before work. You’ve been skipping breakfast a lot lately.”

Jane opened her mouth to argue but stopped. Instead, she just shrugged again. “Not really hungry in the mornings.”

“Jane—”

“I’ll grab something later, okay?” Jane interrupted, leaning over to kiss Maura’s cheek before making her way toward the door, crutches clicking against the floor. “Let’s go, don’t wanna be late.”

Maura hesitated for a moment, clearly still concerned, but eventually sighed and followed.

Jane told herself she’d eat later. She really would.

She just wasn’t sure when.

Chapter Text

Korsak and Frost had been expecting a fight. They’d been prepared for Jane to push back against the restrictions, to argue every little point about what she could and couldn’t do, to pretend she was invincible and above medical advice.

But she wasn’t.

She was actually listening.

She kept her crutches with her, even when they knew it had to be annoying as hell. She didn’t try to put weight on her ankle, didn’t try to prove she could handle more than she should. She even propped her leg up without needing to be told, adjusting her desk setup so she could work while keeping the swelling down.

It was… strange.

Frost leaned against Korsak’s desk, arms crossed as they both watched Jane from across the bullpen. “I don’t like it.”

Korsak sighed. “What, that she’s finally following doctor’s orders?”

“Exactly.” Frost shook his head. “Jane Rizzoli, actually listening to medical advice? Not pushing herself too hard? Something’s up.”

“She’s probably just eager to heal. She knows the sooner she gets better, the sooner she gets back to the field,” Korsak reasoned, though even he had to admit it was weird.

But then lunchtime came, and Jane disappeared.

Maura wasn’t there to remind her to eat, and neither Korsak nor Frost saw her grab food. She hadn’t mentioned heading out, hadn’t told anyone she had plans.

And when she wasn’t at her desk, and her phone went to voicemail, concern started creeping in.

“I’ll go check the parking lot,” Frost said, already reaching for his coat.

Before he could move, a uniformed officer passing through the bullpen casually commented, “Hey, I just saw Rizzoli in the gym. Looked like she was doing some kind of seated workout.”

Frost and Korsak exchanged a look.

“The gym?” Frost repeated.

“Yep. She had her leg propped up on a bench, just working her arms.”

Korsak exhaled heavily. “Of course she did.”

“See?” Frost gestured toward the gym. “That? That’s the Jane I know.”

Korsak shook his head. “Come on. Let’s go make sure she’s not doing something stupid.”

They headed toward the precinct gym, half-expecting to find Jane attempting some reckless stunt. But when they walked in, what they saw was almost more unsettling.

Jane was seated on a bench, her crutches leaned against the wall, her injured leg stretched out in front of her, slightly elevated on another bench. She wasn’t lifting heavy weights, wasn’t trying to do too much. She was doing slow, methodical sets of shoulder presses, her expression neutral, her focus locked in.

She wasn’t ignoring her injury. She wasn’t being reckless.

But she was pushing herself.

Frost leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. “Seriously?”

Jane didn’t pause, smoothly finishing her set before lowering the dumbbells onto her thighs. “What? I’m sitting, I’m elevating, I’m following the rules.”

“Yeah, but why?” Korsak asked, stepping closer. “This isn’t like you, Janie. Usually, you’d be fighting us every step of the way, not suddenly becoming the poster child for following orders.”

Jane shrugged, reaching for her water bottle. “I wanna get better. You know I hate being stuck at my desk. The faster I heal, the faster I can get back in the field.”

Frost narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t eat lunch.”

Jane rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t hungry.”

“You haven’t been hungry a lot lately,” Korsak pointed out.

Jane exhaled sharply, clearly annoyed. “Jesus, what is this? An intervention? I did one workout, and now you guys think I have some kind of problem?”

Frost and Korsak exchanged another look.

No, not a new problem.

But maybe the return of an old one.

xxx

Korsak, Frost, and Maura had been watching Jane carefully for the past week, each taking turns making sure she wasn’t skipping meals entirely.

But Jane was good at pretending. Too good.

She’d take the donut she was offered, tear off a piece as if she were about to eat it—then subtly drop it into the trash the moment she thought no one was looking.

She’d go through the motions of cooking, heating soup in a mug like she was about to have something small and easy to eat—only to pour it down the sink and replace it with black coffee.

She’d poke at food on her plate when Maura made dinner, lifting her fork at the right moments, nodding along to conversation to keep attention off the fact that she wasn’t actually eating.

Maura had seen it first. Noticed the small tricks Jane was using to give the illusion of eating.

Korsak caught on next—he’d been watching Jane since she was a rookie. He’d seen her drop weight when she was stressed before, but never like this.

Frost put it together when he realized Jane had somehow lost weight since the accident, despite barely being active. That wasn’t normal.

So the three of them met after work, in a quiet corner of the precinct, to figure out what to do.

“We have to talk to her,” Frost said. “Directly. No more beating around the bush.”

“She’ll deny it,” Maura said, arms crossed tightly over her chest. “She’s already pretending to eat. She knows we’re watching, and she’s doing everything she can to make us think she’s fine.”

Korsak sighed. “What about Angela?”

That made Maura pause.

Angela knew everything about Jane. She was her mother, her closest confidante in ways even Maura wasn’t. If anyone could get through to Jane, it was her.

But before they could decide, Frankie appeared, stepping into the huddle like he’d been listening the whole time.

“No.” His voice was quiet, but firm.

The three of them looked at him in surprise.

Frankie hesitated, then exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “Look… I noticed it too, okay? I’ve been watching her. And I get why you’d wanna tell Ma, but you can’t.”

Korsak frowned. “Frankie, if Jane—”

“You can’t,” Frankie repeated, looking between them. “She doesn’t know. Ma doesn’t know. And if she finds out now, she’s gonna blame herself.”

That gave them all pause.

Frankie swallowed hard, then lowered his voice. “Jane… had food issues before. When she was a teenager.”

Maura’s breath hitched slightly.

“She was really good at hiding it,” Frankie went on, his own expression tight with worry. “I didn’t even realize at first. But it got bad. And she—she got really sick. The only reason she got help was ‘cause Pop figured it out and forced her into it.”

That sent a ripple of quiet tension through the group.

Pop.

Frank Rizzoli Sr. had been a lot of things—most of them not good.

And if he had been the one to step in… that meant Jane had been really bad.

Frankie exhaled, shaking his head. “Ma doesn’t know. Jane never wanted her to. She didn’t want her to worry, didn’t want her to feel like she’d failed her somehow. And if we tell her now?” He shook his head again. “It’ll wreck her.”

Silence stretched between them for a long moment.

Then Maura swallowed. “So what do we do?”

Frankie’s jaw clenched, his own worry clear.

“We help her,” he said simply. “We figure out how to get through to her. But we don’t bring Ma into it. Not yet.”

Frost and Korsak exchanged a glance.

Maura exhaled slowly.

And they all silently agreed.

Angela Rizzoli would be kept in the dark.

For now.

Chapter Text

Maura had been watching Jane closely. Too closely, if Jane had anything to say about it. But Maura knew what she was looking for—missed meals, black coffee in place of actual food, the quiet excuses when Jane thought no one would notice. It wasn’t just that Jane had lost weight; it was the way she carried herself, the exhaustion in her movements, the sharpness of her temper when Maura suggested she rest. Jane could dodge Maura’s medical reasoning, shrug off her concern, but Maura wasn’t the only one keeping an eye on her.

Frankie had noticed too. His sister had always been a force of nature, but lately, she looked worn down, running on fumes. He cornered Frost and Korsak one afternoon, demanding to know if they’d seen it too. They had. They’d been watching her push food around her plate, take lunch breaks only to go to the gym instead, roll her eyes at any suggestion that she slow down. And then there was the coffee—the endless, bitter cups of black coffee, keeping her going when she had no fuel in her body.

“We have to do something,” Frost said, frowning.

Korsak, the voice of experience, sighed. “We can’t force her. She has to see it herself.”

But she wasn’t seeing it. Not when Frankie tried to confront her, bringing up their teenage years, reminding her that she’d been here before. She scoffed, telling him he was being dramatic. Not when Maura made her favourite meals and placed them in front of her, only for Jane to take a few bites before finding an excuse to get up. And not when Korsak pulled her aside and told her stories of cops who thought they could outwork their bodies, only to crash when it was too late.

The breaking point came one night when Jane was alone. Maura had gone to put Grace to bed, leaving Jane in the bathroom, gripping the sink as dizziness washed over her. She blinked hard, shaking it off. She was fine. Just tired.

Then everything tilted.

She barely registered the fall. One second, she was standing, the next, she was on the cold tile floor, blinking up at the ceiling. The sound of footsteps barely registered before Maura was there, dropping to her knees beside her.

“Jane?” Maura’s voice was thick with panic. “Jane, talk to me.”

“I’m fine,” Jane muttered, trying to sit up, only for Maura’s hands to press her back down.

“No, you’re not.”

Maura’s hands trembled as they checked Jane over. Her pulse. Her temperature. Her breathing. She wasn’t just upset—she was scared. And that scared Jane more than anything else.

“You have to stop this,” Maura whispered, voice raw. “You’re hurting yourself. You’re hurting us.”

Then, before Jane could respond, soft footsteps padded into the room.

“Mama?”

Grace stood in the doorway, rubbing her tired eyes, her little face creased with confusion. Jane’s heart clenched. She didn’t want her daughter to see this.

And yet, as Grace toddled forward, reaching for her, Jane knew—this was why she had to stop. Not for Maura. Not for Frankie, or Frost, or Korsak. But for Grace.

She swallowed hard, looking back at Maura. “Okay,” she said, voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”

It wasn’t an easy fix. It wouldn’t be a straight road. But for the first time, Jane let herself see what everyone else had seen all along. And for the first time, she let herself accept their help.

xxx

Angela Rizzoli was not a woman who took being kept in the dark well.

She had raised three children, buried a husband, and seen more than her fair share of struggles. But nothing—nothing—could have prepared her for the moment she overheard Maura on the phone, voice hushed with concern, saying Jane’s name in the same breath as “not eating” and “passing out.”

Angela had burst into Maura’s office at the morgue not ten minutes later, arms crossed, eyes blazing.

“Tell me I didn’t just hear what I think I heard.”

Maura, caught off guard, put the phone down slowly. “Angela—”

Angela shook her head, stepping forward. “Don’t ‘Angela’ me. My daughter has been making herself sick, and nobody thought to tell me?”

Maura opened her mouth to explain, to soothe, but Angela wasn’t done. “You knew. Frankie knew. Vince and Barry knew. And me? Her own mother? The last to know?”

“Angela, we weren’t keeping it from you to hurt you,” Maura said gently. “We were trying to handle it in a way that wouldn’t overwhelm Jane. We didn’t want to make her feel cornered.”

Angela scoffed, hands on her hips. “That’s crap, Maura, and you know it.” Her voice wavered then, and suddenly, the anger cracked, leaving behind something far more raw. “That’s my baby girl. My firstborn. And I had to find out by accident?”

Maura sighed, rubbing a hand over her forehead. “We were trying to do what was best for her.”

Angela shook her head. “What’s best for her is knowing she’s got her mother in her corner. I don’t care if she’s married, or if she’s a mother herself now—she will always be my kid.”

A long silence stretched between them, and Maura finally nodded. “I understand.”

“Good,” Angela said, straightening. “Because I’m going over there. And we’re gonna have a talk.”

—

Jane wasn’t expecting company when she opened her apartment door, balancing Grace on one hip. She certainly wasn’t expecting her mother, standing there with a look that could set anyone straight.

Jane sighed, already knowing where this was going. “Ma, I know you’re mad—”

Angela stepped inside, waving a hand. “Oh, you bet I’m mad. But mostly, I’m hurt. Jane, why didn’t you tell me?”

Jane exhaled through her nose, adjusting Grace in her arms. “Because I didn’t want you to worry.”

Angela let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, please. That’s like saying you didn’t want the sun to shine.”

Jane hesitated. “Ma, it’s… it’s not a big deal.”

Angela’s face softened then, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on Jane’s cheek. “It is a big deal, sweetheart. You’re my daughter. And if you’re hurting, I need to know.”

Jane swallowed hard, the lump in her throat growing. “I’m trying, Ma.”

Angela nodded. “I know you are, Janie. And now, you’re gonna try with me in your corner, whether you like it or not.”

Jane huffed a small laugh. “I didn’t really have a choice, did I?”

Angela smirked. “Nope.”

Then, she reached out and took Grace from Jane’s arms, cuddling the little girl close. “Now, I’m making dinner. And you’re eating.”

Jane rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Because, deep down, she knew—Angela being here? That was a good thing. Even if it meant she wasn’t getting out of eating dinner anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Jane sat in the waiting room of Dr. Sullivan’s office, Grace balanced on her lap, her chubby hands gripping Jane’s fingers as she kicked her legs. It had been years since Jane had last stepped foot in a therapist’s office, and she hadn’t exactly been thrilled to be back. But after Maura, Angela, Frankie, and even Frost and Korsak had all made their concern impossible to ignore, she knew she couldn’t keep brushing this off.

It wasn’t like she didn’t want to get better. She just didn’t know how to admit—to herself, to anyone—that she was struggling.

But with Grace in her lap, things felt different.

“Jane?” Dr. Sullivan called, smiling warmly as she opened her office door.

Jane stood, adjusting Grace on her hip before stepping inside. She settled onto the couch, Grace resting against her chest.

Dr. Sullivan raised an eyebrow as she took her seat. “You brought a plus one today.”

Jane smirked slightly. “Yeah, well, my village was unavailable.”

Dr. Sullivan nodded, glancing at Grace, who was happily playing with the zipper on Jane’s hoodie. “I don’t mind. As long as it doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

Jane shrugged. “Honestly? I think it might help.”

Dr. Sullivan tilted her head in curiosity. “How so?”

Jane exhaled slowly, tightening her hold on Grace. “I don’t know. She just… she makes everything feel real. Like, when it’s just me, I can lie to myself, pretend I’m fine. But with her?” She looked down at her daughter, her whole world wrapped up in a little body with chubby cheeks and big brown eyes. “She sees me. The real me. And I don’t want to be someone she has to worry about.”

Dr. Sullivan watched her carefully. “That’s a powerful realization, Jane.”

Jane huffed. “Yeah, well, realizing it doesn’t exactly fix everything, does it?”

“No,” Dr. Sullivan agreed. “But it’s a start.”

Jane swallowed hard, shifting Grace slightly. “I don’t want to screw this up. I don’t want to be the kind of mother that…” She trailed off, unable to say it aloud.

Dr. Sullivan leaned forward slightly. “That what?”

Jane took a breath. “That she has to recover from.”

Dr. Sullivan let the words hang in the air before nodding. “You love her. That much is obvious. And the fact that you’re here, having this conversation, shows that you’re already making choices to protect her from that.”

Jane looked down at Grace, who was now resting her head against her chest, small fingers gripping the fabric of Jane’s shirt. “She deserves better than me.”

Dr. Sullivan’s expression softened. “Jane, that’s your disorder talking. Not the truth.”

Jane scoffed, looking away. “Yeah, well, it’s hard to tell the difference sometimes.”

Dr. Sullivan nodded. “That’s why you’re here. To start figuring it out.”

Jane sat in silence for a long moment, running her fingers through Grace’s soft curls. Finally, she exhaled. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

And for the first time in a long time, Jane actually meant it.

xxx

Jane sat on the wooden bench by the lake, watching as Grace stood on wobbly legs, enthusiastically tossing pieces of bread to the ducks. Well—at the ducks. Most of it ended up in the water, but she was trying, and Jane couldn’t help but smile at the way her daughter clapped her hands in delight every time one of the birds snapped up a piece.

It had been a long time since Jane let herself just be. No work, no stress, no expectations. Just her and Grace, the warm afternoon sun, and the sound of the gentle ripples on the lake.

As they finished up with the ducks, Jane spotted the ice cream cart near the park’s edge. She didn’t even hesitate before making her way over, scooping up the small kid despite her protestations. “Hey, kiddo, how about some ice cream?”

Grace looked up at her with big, excited eyes, bouncing slightly in Jane’s grip. “Ice!”

Jane chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

She handed over a few bills and took the small vanilla cone, moving back to the bench for Grace to sit before she ate. The moment Grace got her tiny hands on it, she immediately smeared half of it onto her face, giggling as the cold treat dripped onto her fingers.

Jane shook her head fondly. “You’re a mess, kid.”

Grace didn’t seem to care, her attention completely focused on her ice cream. Jane sat back on the bench, watching her daughter enjoy the simple pleasure of a sweet treat on a warm day.

Then, without warning, Grace looked up at Jane, her little face still sticky, and held out the cone with a serious expression. “Mama eat.”

Jane’s breath caught in her throat.

She hadn’t had ice cream since Italy, not that long ago physically, but mentally it had been a long time. She hadn’t even thought about getting one for herself.

But now, Grace was watching her expectantly, her tiny hand offering something so simple, so innocent.

Jane hesitated, but then she saw it—the way Grace’s big brown eyes softened, how she waited, trusting that her mama would accept the gift she was offering.

So, Jane leaned in, took the smallest bite from the cone, and forced herself to smile. “Mmm, good choice, kid.”

Grace beamed, as if she had just accomplished something huge, and went back to her messy, joyful eating.

Jane sat back, heart aching and full all at once. Maybe she wasn’t ready to fix everything overnight. But for Grace, for the way her daughter looked at her like she hung the moon—maybe she could try.

Chapter Text

Jane was determined. She was doing everything she could to prove that she was trying—not just to Maura, to Frankie, to Frost, but to herself.

It had been a month since that afternoon in the park with Grace. Since she had taken that bite of ice cream. It felt like such a small thing, but she knew it wasn’t. It had been a turning point, even if the road ahead was still rocky.

She was back at work, finally out in the field again. No more desk duty. No more crutches. She could move, run, chase down perps if she had to. The control she’d lost over her body during her injury had been suffocating, but now she had it back—at least in some ways.

She still saw Dr. Sullivan once a week. Progress was slow. Agonizingly slow. Some days were better than others. Some days, she could sit down and eat a meal without thinking about it too much. Other days, she picked at her food, pushed it around her plate until Maura sighed softly and gave her that look—the one that made Jane force herself to take a few bites, just so Maura wouldn’t worry.

There were still things she denied herself. Dessert. Treats. Milk in her coffee. Unnecessary things. But she ate. She followed the rules Maura, Frankie, and Frost had all but forced her into agreeing to. She didn’t go running unless she had someone with her. If she went to the gym, it was only when Maura, Frankie, or Frost could go too. No skipping meals. No lying about what she’d eaten.

She had to prove she was trying.

She wanted Maura to believe her. She wanted Frankie and Frost to stop watching her like she was going to disappear. She wanted Angela to stop giving her sad, knowing glances when she came over for Grace.

She wanted to believe it herself.

xxx

The buzz of excitement was undeniable. Frankie’s wedding was nearly here, and it was all anyone could talk about. Between dress fittings, finalizing seating arrangements, and the endless discussions about the music playlist, Jane felt like every spare moment was consumed by wedding talk. Even at work, it was a distraction—Korsak kept joking about how much of a softie Frankie was for letting his fiancée make all the big decisions, and Frost had taken it upon himself to plan a legendary bachelor party.

At home, Maura was knee-deep in wedding details, helping Charlie and Angela with last-minute touches. Grace, ever the little sponge, had started pointing at the lace swatches Maura brought home and babbling as if she had a say in the décor. Angela, meanwhile, was in full mother-of-the-groom mode—simultaneously thrilled and stressed, as only she could be.

Jane was happy for Frankie. Really, she was. But between the wedding chaos and the precinct being as busy as ever, life felt like it was running at full speed again. The quiet moments she’d had during her recovery—those afternoons with Grace, the long conversations with Maura, even her therapy sessions—felt like they were slipping away, replaced with the usual hectic normalcy of life in Boston.

It was good. It was normal. But sometimes, when she caught her reflection in the mirror, or when she felt the creeping exhaustion in her muscles after pushing herself too hard, she wondered if she was really keeping up—or just pretending to.

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived—Frankie and Charlie’s wedding. The Rizzoli family, along with what felt like half of Boston, had been caught up in preparations for weeks, and now, at last, everything had come together.

Jane adjusted her dress in the mirror, rolling her eyes at how formal it all was. She still wasn’t sure how she felt about Frankie choosing Tommy and Frost as his best men. Not that they weren’t great choices, but she’d always thought she’d be standing beside him, even if she would’ve looked ridiculous in a tux. Then again, standing up in front of a hundred people and giving a speech about her baby brother was something she’d been preparing for, for years, so she had told them she’d be giving a speech, even if she wasn’t stood beside him.

The real star of the day, at least in Jane’s opinion, was Grace. Angela had all but campaigned to have her granddaughter as the flower girl, and while Jane and Maura had been unsure at first—Grace was still just a baby—Angela had waved off their concerns. And, to be fair, Grace had taken to her role like a natural. They’d practiced in the living room, Maura laying out petals while Grace toddled along, delighted by the way they fluttered around her.

Now, dressed in an adorable white dress with a tiny floral crown nestled in her curls, Grace was more than ready. Jane crouched down, straightening the little ribbon on Grace’s basket. "Alright, kiddo, you remember what to do?"

Grace gave her a big, toothy grin before tossing a handful of petals directly at Jane’s face.

Jane sighed, brushing the flowers off her dress. "Yeah, okay. That’s about what I expected."

Maura laughed beside her, effortlessly elegant in her own gown. "She’ll be wonderful," she assured Jane.

Angela, practically vibrating with excitement, clapped her hands together. "Oh, she’s going to steal the whole show!"

Jane smirked. "Yeah, no pressure, huh, Gracie?"

Grace, oblivious, just giggled.

As the ceremony started, Jane took her seat, unable to tear her eyes away as her little girl took her first steps down the aisle. And, just as she suspected, Grace absolutely stole the show.

xxx

The reception was in full swing, the room buzzing with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Jane had a beer in her hand—not her first, but she was pacing herself. Maura had already given her a look when she’d reached for the second, so she was being careful. Grace was tucked away with Angela and a few of her friends, thoroughly spoiled and entertained while Jane and Maura got a moment to enjoy the evening.

Frankie found her near the bar, nudging her shoulder lightly. "Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?"

Jane arched an eyebrow but let him lead her away from the crowd to a quieter corner. His expression was serious, a little hesitant, which was rare for him. "What’s up, Frank?"

He exhaled and ran a hand over the back of his neck. "I, uh… I just wanted to say I’m sorry."

Jane blinked. "For what? Marrying a woman way out of your league?"

He huffed a laugh but shook his head. "For not having you up there with me today." His voice was softer now, more careful. "It wasn’t because I didn’t want you there, you know that, right? I just… I didn’t want you to feel self-conscious. I know how hard you’ve been working, and I didn’t want to put you in a position where you’d feel uncomfortable or—”

Jane sighed, cutting him off. "Frankie."

He looked at her, brows furrowed, waiting.

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I get it. I do. And honestly? I appreciate it. But it’s your wedding day. You get to make the calls. And anyway, I am going to be up there."

His brow lifted. "Huh?"

Jane smirked, taking a sip of her beer before setting it down. "I wrote a speech. I am giving a speech. Big Sister of the Groom privilege. You can’t stop me."

Frankie’s eyes widened for a second, then he let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. "Of course you did."

"Damn right I did."

He didn’t argue. He just grinned, shaking his head, before pulling her into a quick, tight hug. "Thanks, Janie."

"Don’t get all sappy on me," she warned, patting his back. "I save my heartfelt stuff for an audience."

Frankie laughed, clinking his glass against hers before they re-joined the party, the buzz of celebration carrying them forward into the night.

xxx

Jane tapped her glass with a fork, the subtle clinking cutting through the soft hum of conversation. The room quieted, all eyes turning toward her as she stood, notes in hand—not that she needed them.

“Alright, alright, settle down,” she smirked, shifting on her feet. “You all knew this was coming. There was no way I was gonna let my little brother get married without getting the chance to embarrass him first.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, and Jane glanced toward Frankie, who was already shaking his head, grinning. Next to him, Charlie squeezed his hand, looking both amused and slightly concerned.

“I thought a lot about what I was gonna say tonight,” Jane continued, glancing down at her notes before setting them on the table. “I even wrote some stuff down—because Maura told me I had to prepare and not just wing it.” She flashed Maura a look, her wife’s exasperated yet fond expression making the audience chuckle again.

“But here’s the thing. There aren’t enough words to say how proud I am of this guy.” Jane looked directly at Frankie now, her voice softer. “I’ve known him since he was a pudgy little kid who followed me around the house, and now he’s this great detective, an even better man, and today, he made one hell of a good decision by marrying Charlie.”

More laughter. Frankie, red-faced, ducked his head while Charlie beamed at him.

“And Charlie,” Jane turned her attention to the bride, “welcome to the Rizzoli family. I know, I know—it’s a lot. But you’re stuck with us now, and trust me, there’s no escape. You make my brother happy, and that means more to me than I can say.”

She took a slight pause, scanning the room, and for a brief second, her gaze flickered toward Maura and Grace. Grace, wide-eyed, was sitting on Maura’s lap, a tiny fist gripping her mother’s dress. Maura, on the other hand, was tense—her eyes shifting to the guests around her, catching snippets of hushed whispers.

Too thin. She looks unwell.

Skin and bone, poor thing.

Maura’s jaw tightened, but she forced her focus back on Jane.

“Marriage is about partnership,” Jane continued. “It’s about knowing someone’s flaws, seeing their bad days, and loving them anyway. It’s about laughing at the dumbest things, making each other stronger, and always having someone to share a plate of fries with—unless you’re married to Maura, in which case, kale chips.”

A collective chuckle rolled through the room, and Jane grinned.

“So let’s raise our glasses,” she said, lifting hers high. “To Frankie and Charlie. May your life together be full of love, laughter, and enough patience to survive Sunday dinner with Ma.”

The room erupted into laughter and applause, glasses clinking all around. Jane sat back down, her smile still in place, though Maura could see the exhaustion in her eyes.

Maura kissed Grace’s head softly, whispering against her hair, “Your mama is wonderful.”

Grace cooed, reaching toward Jane, as Maura silently resolved—no matter how good Jane was at deflecting—she wasn’t going to ignore what she’d heard tonight.

Chapter Text

Jane throws herself into work with relentless determination. With Frankie on his honeymoon, the unit feels the absence of an extra BRIC detective, making things just that little bit more chaotic. Maura is busy with back-to-back cases, often buried in the morgue, and Angela has fully immersed herself in looking after Grace, taking the role of full-time grandma very seriously.

That leaves Jane—without her usual support system, without enough distractions at home—drowning herself in case files, chasing down leads, and saying yes to every opportunity that keeps her moving. She’s the first in the office and the last to leave, even when Frost and Korsak try to nudge her toward the door. She shrugs them off, her easy grin and sharp wit covering up the exhaustion in her eyes.

Maura notices, of course. She always does. The late nights, the untouched lunches, the way Jane’s uniform seems to hang looser than it should. But whenever she tries to bring it up, Jane brushes it off with a joke or a kiss and a promise to eat later.

Angela, too, starts to pick up on the signs—mostly because Grace, in her innocent way, keeps pointing out that “Mama sleepy” when Jane dozes off on the couch before dinner.

But Jane doesn’t stop. She pushes through, convinced that keeping busy is the only way to stay in control. It’s just work, she tells herself. It’s nothing to worry about.

Until it is.

Xxx

Angela sits on the couch, phone propped up against a stack of coasters as she Facetimes Frankie. Grace toddles around the living room, chattering away in her own little language, stopping every now and then to pat Angela’s new rescue dog, a scruffy little mutt named Benny. Benny, for his part, is absolutely in love with his new tiny human and wags his tail enthusiastically every time Grace giggles.

Frankie appears on the screen, looking relaxed, sun-kissed, and maybe just a little exasperated. “Ma, we talked about this. You’re supposed to be enjoying the time without me.”

Angela waves him off. “Oh, please. I have plenty to do, keeping up with Grace and Benny here. I just wanted to check in! How’s my new daughter-in-law?”

Charlie leans into frame, grinning. “Your daughter-in-law is doing great.”

“On her honeymoon..,” Frankie mutters under his breath, earning a playful swat from Charlie.

Angela sighs dreamily. “You both look so happy. Where are you now?”

Frankie flips the camera to show a stunning view of a white sand beach, clear turquoise water stretching out to the horizon. “Saint Lucia,” he says. “Charlie made us do a couples massage this morning.”

Charlie laughs. “He loved it. Fell asleep ten minutes in.”

Angela beams. “That’s my boy. Finally relaxing for once.”

Just then, Grace stumbles toward the phone, plopping down next to Benny and pointing excitedly. “Doggy, Unca Fank!”

Frankie’s whole face lights up. “Yeah, I see him, Gracie! Are you taking care of Nonna for me?”

Grace nods seriously, then reaches for the phone, her little fingers smudging the screen as she tries to grab at Frankie’s face. “Up! Unca Fank, up!”

Charlie laughs. “She thinks Facetime works in 3D.”

Angela chuckles. “I think she misses you.”

Frankie sighs, smiling softly. “Yeah, I miss her too. You, Ma. Even Jane.”

Angela’s smile falters just a little, but she covers it quickly. “We all miss you too, sweetheart. Now go, enjoy your honeymoon. We’ll see you when you get back.”

Frankie nods. “Love you, Ma. Bye, Gracie!”

Grace waves both hands wildly. “Bye, Unca Fank!”

As the call ends, Angela leans back, watching as Grace starts stacking her little plastic cups next to Benny’s paws, completely oblivious to the world outside their little moment. She sighs. Everything feels peaceful. But in the back of her mind, she knows she’ll need to talk to Jane again soon.

xxx

Maura sat at the kitchen table, her fingers tapping lightly against the rim of her coffee mug. The invitation to the medical conference in California sat open on her laptop screen, the email politely reminding her that they needed confirmation of her attendance soon.

She wanted to go—medically and professionally, it was an incredible opportunity. But Jane was still struggling, even if she was stubbornly pretending she wasn’t. The idea of leaving for five days unsettled her.

So, she sought out opinions.

Jane

That evening, as they lay in bed, Maura brought it up.

“I was invited to a conference in California,” she said, her voice soft but careful.

Jane, who had been scrolling through her phone, turned her head slightly. “Yeah? You gonna go?”

“That’s what I’m trying to decide.”

Jane frowned. “You should. You love those things.”

“I do,” Maura admitted. “But I also don’t want to leave you and Grace right now.”

Jane snorted. “Maura, you’re talking like you’re going to war. It’s what? Five days? You should go.”

“Are you sure?” Maura asked, watching Jane closely.

“Yeah,” Jane said, a little too quickly. “I can handle it. I’ll have Ma, Frost, and Korsak watching me like a hawk. You should go, Maur.”

Maura nodded, but something still gnawed at her.

Angela

The next morning, Maura sat at the kitchen island as Angela stirred a mug of coffee, Grace playing on the floor with her toy kitchen set.

Angela turned to her. “So, are you gonna go to this fancy doctor thing or what?”

“I don’t know,” Maura admitted. “I’m worried about Jane.”

Angela sighed, shaking her head. “I hate that we have to worry about Jane like this. I hate that she thinks she’s fooling us.”

“She’s trying,” Maura said, voice gentle.

Angela’s stirring slowed. “I know. And I love her for it. But she’s not okay. If you go, I’ll keep an eye on her. Frankie’s back from his honeymoon, and Frost and Korsak are already on it. We won’t let her slip through the cracks, sweetheart.”

Maura smiled, squeezing Angela’s hand.

Korsak

Later, at the precinct, she found Korsak in his office, flipping through an old case file.

“You gonna go to that conference, Doc?” he asked before she could even sit down.

Maura exhaled. “I’m not sure.”

Korsak studied her. “Jane’s not your responsibility, you know. She’s a grown woman.”

“She’s my wife,” Maura said simply.

“Yeah,” Korsak said with a nod. “And that’s why you’re considering not going. But listen, Maura—you’ve got a whole team of people who love her. Go to California. We’ll hold the fort.”

Dr. Sullivan

Finally, she sat in the quiet office of Jane’s therapist, the woman studying her carefully.

“I suppose what I’m really asking,” Maura said, “is if you think Jane will spiral if I go.”

Dr. Sullivan was quiet for a moment before saying, “Jane’s recovery isn’t about making sure she’s never alone. It’s about her learning to manage when she is.”

Maura nodded, processing that.

“Do I think it will be easy for her? No. But do I think it will be a defining moment in her recovery? Also no,” Dr. Sullivan said. “You have a good support system in place for her. If you don’t go, I worry that Jane will take that as you not trusting her. And that could be just as damaging.”

Maura sat with that thought for a long time.

That night, she packed her suitcase.

Chapter Text

The first few days without Maura were… fine.

At least, that’s what Jane kept telling herself.

Angela had offered to stay over, and Jane had refused. She wasn’t a child; she could take care of herself and Grace. Besides, she knew what was happening—her family and friends were watching her, waiting for her to slip, waiting for her to fall back into old habits. She wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of being right.

She was managing.

Her days were busy, work keeping her distracted enough that she could ignore the nagging anxiety that came with Maura’s absence. She kept to a routine: she dropped Grace off with Angela in the mornings, picked her up in the evenings, and then Facetimed Maura before putting Grace to bed.

That was her favourite part of the day.

The three-hour time difference meant Jane either had to eat late or Maura had to eat early, but Jane made a point to do it on camera. She knew Maura was watching, knew Maura was silently keeping track. It was easier this way—no chance for Maura to worry if she could see Jane eating in real-time.

The first night, they’d called while Maura was in her hotel room, looking comfortable but tired. Grace had babbled excitedly at the screen, reaching for Maura, making grabby hands at the phone.

“Mama, Mama, Mama!” Grace repeated, her little face scrunched with frustration when she couldn’t touch Maura through the screen.

Maura’s expression softened, but Jane could see the way her chest rose with a deeper breath, the way her fingers twitched like she was resisting the urge to reach through the screen too.

“Hi, my love,” Maura cooed. “Mama misses you so much.”

Jane let Grace have most of the conversation, watching as their daughter showed Maura her toys, her books, even the dog sleeping behind Angela on the couch.

When Grace finally started getting sleepy, Jane tucked her into her crib, then returned to her phone, setting it up so Maura could still see her while she sat at the kitchen table.

“You okay?” Maura asked softly.

Jane took a bite of her sandwich—she’d made sure Maura could see her do it. “Yeah. We’re doing good.”

Maura’s gaze flickered for a moment, but she didn’t say anything. She just nodded.

And so, the routine continued.

During the day, Jane worked. At night, she called Maura, made sure Grace could see her other mother, and made sure Maura could see her eat.

She was managing.

But for how long?

xxx

Jane picked up the call before the first ring had even finished.

"Hey, babe," she said, immediately noting the tightness in Maura’s expression. "What’s wrong?"

Maura sighed, shifting in her hotel chair, her fingers twitching at the hem of her sleeve. "There are storms coming through California. They're saying they could be severe. Some airlines are already talking about flight cancellations."

Jane frowned. "Cancellations? Your flight isn't for another couple days."

"Exactly," Maura said, her voice laced with stress. "And if the storms linger, I might not be able to get home on time."

Jane exhaled, rubbing her forehead. She knew Maura hated being away from them for this long in the first place—this was only making it worse.

"Okay," Jane said carefully. "Is there anything you can do? Can you switch to an earlier flight?"

"I'm trying," Maura admitted. "I've been looking at flights all evening, but nothing is available yet. If I wait too long, I might get stuck here for days."

Jane could hear the growing panic in her wife’s voice, and it made her own chest tighten. She wanted to fix it, to make it better, to tell Maura everything would be fine—but she couldn’t control the weather.

"Look, worst case, you get stuck there for a little longer," Jane reasoned. "You’re in a safe hotel, you have work to keep you busy, and we’ll be fine here. It’ll suck, but we’ll manage."

Maura chewed her lip. "I just—I don’t like being so far away. What if something happens?"

"Nothing’s gonna happen," Jane assured her, her voice firm. "Grace and I are good. We’ve got a system. And the second you know for sure about your flight, let me know, and we’ll figure out the next steps. You’ll be home soon."

Maura still looked uncertain, but she nodded. "Okay. I’ll keep you updated."

"Good," Jane said. Then, her voice softened. "We miss you, Maur."

That got a small smile out of her. "I miss you both too. More than you know."

Jane swallowed, wishing she could reach through the screen and pull Maura into her arms. But for now, all she could do was keep things steady back home—and wait for the storm to pass.

xxx

The storms hit hard, just as predicted. Maura’s flight was officially grounded, and she was stuck in California for at least another couple of days.

Jane had been watching the news, tracking the storm updates, and even though she hated that Maura was stuck across the country, she was thankful that her wife was safe. That was what mattered.

Angela, on the other hand, was an entirely different story.

“She’s all alone out there,” Angela lamented as she hovered in Jane’s kitchen, stirring a pot of sauce she had insisted on making for dinner. “You don’t know what it’s like to be stranded in a storm, Janie. It’s scary. I should’ve told her not to go.”

Jane, sitting at the table with Grace on her lap, exhaled sharply. “Ma, she’s in a five-star hotel with a fully stocked bar and probably three different pillows to choose from. She’s fine.”

Angela huffed. “Still. You should be checking on her more.”

“I check in every few hours,” Jane said, bouncing Grace slightly as the toddler reached for her cup. “And she calls every night. She’s bored, not in danger.”

Angela mumbled something under her breath but didn’t argue further.

Luckily, Jane had something else to keep her occupied—work. A new homicide case had landed on her desk that morning, and it was the kind that made her feel useful again. Something to really dig into.

By the time she got to the precinct, Frost was already working on background checks, Korsak was on the phone with a witness, and Jane felt a familiar thrill of determination settle in her chest. It had been a long time since she felt fully in her element, and for the first time in weeks, her mind wasn’t focused on Maura’s absence or Angela’s hovering or even her own struggles.

She was just a detective again, and she needed that.

Chapter Text

Korsak leaned back in his chair, phone pressed to his ear as Jane’s voice came through, steady and sure.

“One more room, then I’m heading back if it’s clear.”

“Copy that. Be careful, Rizzoli,” he responded, not particularly worried. Jane knew what she was doing.

“Aren’t I always?” she teased, and then the call ended.

Korsak shook his head, turning back to the paperwork on his desk. He figured she’d be back in twenty minutes, tops.

Jane exhaled slowly, adjusting her grip on her gun as she stepped into the last room. It was quiet. Too quiet. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, instincts telling her something was off.

She took another careful step forward, scanning the space—

The door behind her swung open.

Before she could react, something slammed into her stomach with brutal force, white-hot pain exploding just below her vest.

Jane choked on a breath, barely processing the sharp shhk of the knife sliding back out before the impact of a shove sent her stumbling into the wall.

The world tilted. Her vision blurred.

The bastard was already running. Jane forced her body to move, to chase, to do something, but the second she pushed off the wall, her knees buckled.

Her stomach burned.

She sucked in a sharp breath, pressing a shaking hand to the wound. Blood. So much blood.

No. No, no, no—

Her radio.

She fumbled for it, fingers slick, grip weak. She managed to press the button, her voice barely a rasp.

“Rizzoli—officer down—stab wound—perp fled—”

Her vision wavered. The radio slipped from her fingers.

No one responded.

Jane clenched her jaw, willing herself to stay awake, but the cold was seeping in fast. The pain was dulling, which she knew wasn’t a good thing.

Korsak was expecting her back.

Would they realize something was wrong before it was too late?

xxx

Korsak checked his watch, frowning.

Jane should’ve been back by now.

He flipped through his paperwork again, then looked up at Frost, who was typing away at his computer. "Hey, did Rizzoli check in with you?"

Frost barely glanced up. "Nope, but she said she had one more room to clear, right? Maybe she got caught up talking to someone."

Korsak grunted, but something didn’t sit right. Jane wasn’t the type to get distracted when she was alone on a scene.

Five more minutes passed.

Then ten.

The itch of unease turned into something heavier, coiling in his gut.

Korsak grabbed his phone, dialling Jane. It rang. And rang. And rang.

Voicemail.

His hand tightened around the receiver. He called again. Same result.

Frost must've noticed the shift in his expression because he sat up straighter. "What?"

"She’s not answering."

That got his attention. Frost’s brows pulled together, his fingers already moving to trace Jane’s location.

“She’s still at the scene,” he said, eyes darting to Korsak. “She never left.”

Silence. Then—

"Shit," Korsak muttered, already standing.

A second later, the entire homicide unit was in motion.

Frost barked orders for backup. Uniformed officers scrambled. Korsak radioed Jane’s last known location, telling dispatch to get an ambulance now.

Angela had been passing through the precinct with Grace when she saw the commotion. Her stomach dropped as she caught Korsak’s expression. "What's going on?"

He hesitated, but there wasn’t time to sugar-coat it. "Jane's at a scene... she's not responding."

Angela's face drained of colour.

By the time the first cruisers peeled out of the parking lot, sirens wailing, Frost had her by the arm, gently steering her away from the chaos. "We’ll find her, Angie. We will."

But neither of them missed the way Korsak's knuckles had gone white around his radio.

xxx

When they found her, it was worse than any of them had imagined.

Frost was the first to step inside, gun raised, clearing the room out of instinct, but the second his eyes landed on Jane, all protocol flew out the window.

She was on the ground, slumped against the base of a metal shelving unit, legs half-curled beneath her. Blood was everywhere. Too much. The deep red pooled around her stomach, soaking into the fabric of her shirt, her bulletproof vest now useless, pushed up slightly from where she had slid down the wall.

Her face was pale. Unnaturally pale.

"Jane!" Frost’s voice cracked as he rushed to her side.

Korsak wasn’t far behind, immediately radioing for EMS with an urgency that bordered on desperation. He had seen his fair share of stabbings, but the sheer volume of blood made his stomach churn.

Frost pressed down on the wound, hands shaking as he tried to stem the bleeding. "Hey, Rizzoli, come on, talk to me," he pleaded.

Jane let out a soft, rattling groan, eyelids fluttering. It wasn’t enough. She was barely there.

"Jane, stay with me!" Frost’s voice was thick with fear, but Jane’s eyes weren’t focusing.

Korsak crouched beside them, his face grim as he took in the damage. He had seen this look before—on victims they hadn’t reached in time.

"EMS is coming," he said, more to himself than anyone else. They had to get her out of here.

Jane’s lips parted, barely moving. “Took… you… long enough,” she rasped, the ghost of a smirk trying to form but failing entirely.

Frost let out a breath that was half a sob, half a relieved laugh, gripping her wrist. “Yeah, yeah, well, maybe if you picked up your damn phone, we wouldn’t have had to stage a rescue mission.”

But even as he tried to joke, his grip tightened, his thumb brushing against the too-cold skin of her hand.

Outside, sirens wailed. Help was coming.

But were they on time?

Frost didn’t know.

And that terrified him.

Chapter Text

Maura had boarded a plane just minutes before Jane was rushed through the ER doors, but none of them knew that.

Angela’s hands trembled as she clutched her phone, staring at the unanswered calls, each one going straight to voicemail. “Come on, Maura, answer!” she begged, pacing the waiting room floor.

Korsak stood nearby, his phone pressed to his ear, listening to the dial tone for what felt like the hundredth time. Nothing. “Still nothing,” he muttered, frustration lacing his voice.

Angela let out a shaky breath. “What if something has happened? What if the storm has knocked something out, what if we can’t reach her?”

Korsak placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “We’ll keep trying,” he assured her, but even he felt the unease creeping in. Maura not answering her phone was unusual. Maura not answering her phone when Jane was in the hospital? That was terrifying.

Inside the ER, doctors and nurses worked quickly. Jane was pale, clammy, her breathing too shallow. They were saying words that Angela could barely register—"hypovolemic shock," "internal damage," "rushed to the OR"—but all she could see was her baby girl, barely hanging on.

And Maura didn’t even know.

Meanwhile, 30,000 feet in the air, Maura had finally felt a moment of relief, believing she was just hours away from seeing her wife and daughter.

She had no idea that by the time her plane touched the ground, Jane would already be in surgery.

xxx

Maura rolled her suitcase behind her as she stepped out of the airport, taking a deep breath of the crisp Boston air. It felt good to be home. She hadn’t slept much on the flight, her thoughts preoccupied with Jane and Grace. The storm delays had kept her away longer than expected, and she was desperate to see her family.

Checking her watch, she debated her next move. It was early afternoon—Angela would have Grace for another couple of hours. And while Maura longed to scoop her daughter into her arms, she knew Grace was happy and safe with her doting grandmother.

Jane, on the other hand, was probably still at the precinct.

Smiling to herself, Maura decided to surprise her.

She could already picture the way Jane’s face would light up when she walked into the bullpen. She imagined Jane teasing her for coming straight from the airport instead of going home to rest. The idea warmed her chest, and despite her exhaustion, she couldn’t wait to see her wife.

Sliding into the backseat of a cab, she gave the driver the address for the precinct and settled in, unaware that just miles away, Jane was fighting for her life in an operating room.

xxx

Maura stepped into the precinct, rolling her suitcase behind her. The usual hum of activity filled the air, but something felt… off. The energy in the room was different—subdued, tense. Officers moved with purpose, hushed conversations happening in clusters, and an unsettling weight seemed to hang over everything.

Her heart picked up speed.

She scanned the bullpen, expecting to see Jane at her desk, maybe hunched over a case file with that look of deep concentration she always wore when she was working. But Jane wasn’t there.

Frost wasn’t there.

Korsak wasn’t there.

That was odd.

Before she could question it, she spotted a familiar face—one of the uniformed officers Jane often worked with. “Detective Rizzoli?” she asked, shifting her bag on her shoulder. “Where is she?”

The officer hesitated, his expression shifting into something guarded. “Dr. Isles… I—”

The hesitation was all it took.

A cold chill crawled up Maura’s spine. “Where is Jane?” she repeated, her voice sharper, demanding.

A movement to her right caught her eye—Frankie, pushing through the doors with frantic energy, his face pale, eyes wide and red-rimmed.

When he saw her, he froze.

For a beat, no one said anything.

Then Maura’s suitcase slipped from her grip, her whole body suddenly ice-cold with dread.

“Frankie,” she whispered.

His jaw clenched, and that’s when she knew.

Her world tilted on its axis, breath catching painfully in her throat as he finally spoke.

“She’s in surgery, Maura.”

xxx

Maura rushed through the hospital corridors, her footsteps echoing loudly in the sterile, empty space. Her heart was pounding, each beat a heavy thud of anxiety, fear, and confusion. Tears blurred her vision, but she didn't care. She had to get to Jane. She had to make sure her wife was okay.

Her mind raced with every possible scenario— Frankie had told her everything, she demanded it. Her stomach twisted, and the nausea she had been fighting since the moment she heard Frankie describe, in detail, what had happened flared up again.

When Maura reached the waiting room, she didn’t even see the people sitting there. The only thing her eyes were focused on was the soft sound of Grace's voice, so full of excitement.

“Mama! Mama!”

The sound made Maura stop dead in her tracks. Her breath hitched in her throat. She looked down to see Grace standing by the children’s table in the waiting area, her eyes wide with happiness as she pointed at her mama.

“Ma-Mama!” Grace repeated, running towards her, her small legs carrying her as fast as they could.

Maura’s heart shattered at the sight. Grace’s joyful innocence was so painful, so out of place in the moment. Maura’s eyes blurred with fresh tears as she quickly bent down, her arms opening instinctively.

She scooped Grace up, holding her close to her chest, trembling. The small body felt like a lifeline, a reminder that something in this moment was still pure and good, even if everything around it felt broken.

“Shh, baby, mama’s here,” Maura whispered, pressing Grace’s head to her shoulder.

But Grace wasn’t deterred. She squirmed in her mother’s arms, still excited and not understanding the weight of the situation. “Mama, mama!” she giggled, holding out her hands.

Maura couldn’t bear it. The innocent joy of Grace, so unaware of the devastation that had swept through their lives. She held her daughter tighter, blinking through the tears.

As Grace wriggled in her arms, trying to break free for just a second, Maura’s gaze swept across the room. She noticed Korsak first—his usually steady demeanor fractured, his face red and blotchy. His eyes were empty, and the fact that he didn’t immediately come to her made the dread in her chest deepen.

“Maura…” Korsak’s voice cracked when he saw her, his eyes filled with something she didn’t want to believe. She had seen him like this once before, when they had lost people. She could feel that same heavy weight in the air now.

“Korsak…” Maura’s voice faltered, and she stepped toward him, her knees weak as the tears fell faster.

“I don’t know what’s going on, Maura…” Korsak said, shaking his head. His hands were trembling, as though he were still in shock. “We’re just waiting. They didn’t say much. It’s…” His voice broke again.

Maura swallowed thickly, her hands gripping Grace even tighter as she felt the weight of it all crash down on her. She wanted to scream, to beg someone to tell her everything was going to be okay, but she couldn’t get the words out.

Her eyes scanned the room for Frost, and her heart sank further when she saw him, sitting with his head in his hands, his shoulders hunched in the way that only someone who had witnessed horror would. He looked up at her, his face pale, his expression a mixture of guilt and helplessness.

“We don’t know what happened yet, Maura,” Frost said quietly, his voice hoarse.

Maura nodded, tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t ask the questions. She couldn’t make sense of anything. She just stood there, holding Grace close, feeling as though the world was spinning wildly around her, and she was powerless to stop it.

Her eyes found the door to the hallway, where she saw a nurse standing, watching them. But even in the midst of the chaos, Maura couldn’t bring herself to move. She just wanted Jane to walk through that door, to tell her everything would be fine, that she was okay.

But Jane didn’t walk through that door.

Maura closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Grace’s hair, trying to hold herself together, knowing she had to be strong, but it was impossible. How could she be strong when Jane—her Jane—was out there, fighting for her life?

Chapter Text

The minutes felt like hours as Maura sat in the waiting room, Grace still in her arms, clutching her tightly as if she could hold the world together with the sheer force of her love. The air was thick with uncertainty, and Maura could feel the tension building in her chest, her heart a chaotic rhythm that wouldn’t calm.

She could barely stand still, her eyes flicking nervously to every nurse who passed, every new face who came into view. The time dragged on, and she couldn’t shake the fear gnawing at her.

Korsak, Frost, and Angela all sat a few feet away, quiet in their own ways. Maura felt so detached, like she wasn’t truly in the room, but somewhere else entirely—just hovering on the edge of something she couldn’t control.

The door to the surgery waiting area opened, and Maura’s breath caught in her throat as a doctor in scrubs stepped out. His face was unreadable, but the moment he caught her eye, Maura could see the sombreness in his expression, the way his lips pressed together in a tight line, like he was unsure how to deliver the news.

"Dr Isles?" the doctor said, his voice quiet but firm.

Maura’s heart squeezed painfully in her chest. She could feel Grace wiggling in her arms, but the baby’s movements felt distant, unimportant in that moment. She nodded, stepping forward, her legs shaky as she approached him.

"How is she? Is she okay?" she asked quickly, her voice trembling, barely able to keep the fear from showing.

The doctor hesitated before responding. "Jane made it through the surgery. The wound was severe, but we were able to repair the damage. The knife had punctured a few organs, and there was significant internal bleeding." He paused, looking over at her as if gauging how much he should say. "The surgery went as well as it could have. She’s stable now, but…" He trailed off, clearly unsure of how to continue.

"‘But what?" Maura pressed, her voice almost desperate.

The doctor took a deep breath before continuing. "There were some complications we weren’t expecting. Jane’s immune system is weaker than we anticipated. Her recent weight loss, combined with her overall physical state, put a strain on her ability to heal properly." He shifted his weight, his face sympathetic but clinical. "She’s been through a lot recently, Maura—physically and mentally. Her eating disorder… it’s taking a toll."

Maura blinked, her head spinning. She tried to process his words, but they felt like they were coming from somewhere far away, as if she were hearing them through a fog.

"She…" Maura’s voice cracked, and she had to swallow hard to keep herself steady. "She still wasn’t eating enough?"

The doctor nodded slowly, his eyes softening. "The stress, the weight loss, and everything she's been through—it all makes her more vulnerable. Her body wasn’t able to fight as efficiently as it should. We’ll be monitoring her closely, of course, but right now, it’s about getting her stabilized, getting her nutrition back on track."

Maura stood frozen, staring at the doctor as his words began to sink in. Jane hadn’t just been physically hurt by the attack, but the weight of what she’d been battling for so long had caught up to her in the worst possible way. The very thing Maura had feared—Jane’s eating disorder, the one thing she hadn’t been able to fix—was now the thing that was making it harder for her to heal.

"Is she going to be okay?" Maura asked quietly, her voice a whisper of fear and helplessness.

The doctor met her gaze and nodded, though it was clear he couldn’t promise anything. "For now, she’s stable. We’re doing everything we can. She’ll need to take it easy for a while—physically and emotionally. There’s a lot of recovery ahead. But, with time and care, we’re hopeful she’ll make a full recovery."

Maura felt her legs give out beneath her, her knees buckling as the weight of the information threatened to drown her. She hadn’t been expecting this. The attack, the injury, the surgery—those were things she could understand. But the implications of Jane’s eating disorder, the things she had been silently struggling with, the things Maura hadn’t known the full extent of, or at least thought it was getting better… that was a different kind of pain.

The doctor reached out, steadying her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I know this is a lot to take in, Maura, but Jane is in good hands. She’s tough, and she’s surrounded by people who care about her."

Maura nodded, unable to speak, her mind swirling with the weight of it all. The doctor gave her a small smile before turning to leave, but Maura didn’t even notice.

She turned back to the others, her eyes wide and distant, her hand still clutching Grace, though she barely felt her daughter’s small body in her arms. Her heart was heavy, her chest tight with the burden of knowing just how much Jane had been carrying for so long without anyone realizing.

Angela was the first to step forward, concern written all over her face. "Maura?" she asked gently. "What did the doctor say?"

Maura’s voice was barely a whisper. "She’s… she’s stable. But they said it’s more than just the physical injury. Her immune system’s weak, and it’s because of… everything she’s been going through."

Angela’s face softened, her own eyes welling with tears as she reached out to squeeze Maura’s hand. "I didn’t know, Maura… I thought she was doing better. We’ve all been so worried, but I didn’t realize she was hurting like that."

Maura shook her head, feeling the weight of her own guilt crash over her. "I didn’t know either," she whispered, barely able to get the words out. "I should have seen it. I should have known."

Korsak, who had been quiet up until that point, stepped forward and placed a hand on Maura’s shoulder, his grip firm and comforting. "You can’t blame yourself, Maura. No one saw it. Not until now. We’re all in this together, okay?"

Maura closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath as she tried to hold herself together. She was supposed to be the one who fixed things, the one who made everything better. But now, it felt like the one person she loved more than anything in the world was slipping further away from her, and all she could do was watch.

She didn’t know how to fix this. But she had to. For Jane. For their family.

"We’re going to get her through this," Maura whispered, her voice determined despite the tears. "We’re going to get her back."

Chapter Text

The steady, rhythmic hiss of the ventilator filled the hospital room, a sound Maura couldn't block out no matter how much she tried to focus on Frankie and Charlie’s words. It was the same sound that had haunted her before—when Jane had been shot, when she had lain in a hospital bed much like this one, fragile but fighting. And again, when Maura had been taken, when she had been the one in pain, waking up to see Jane sitting by her side, refusing to leave.

Now, it was Jane who lay still and silent, the rise and fall of her chest dictated by the machine helping her breathe. Maura’s fingers curled around Jane’s hand, holding onto her as if she could anchor her here, with her, just by touch alone. She hadn't let go since she had been allowed in. She wouldn’t.

Frankie was speaking, telling her about the honeymoon—about the white sand beaches, the clear blue water, the adventures they had gone on. Maura nodded at the right moments, but she wasn’t really hearing him. Her mind was elsewhere, trapped in the past and the present at the same time, unable to shake the memories that threatened to consume her.

Charlie, sensing Maura’s distraction, shifted in her chair. Grace was curled up in her lap, her tiny hand wrapped around one of Charlie’s fingers, her face peaceful and unaware of the worry that filled the room.

“You should eat something, Maura,” Charlie said gently. “Or at least drink some water.”

Maura shook her head, barely looking away from Jane. “I’m fine.”

Frankie sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He looked exhausted himself, and Maura knew the sight of his sister like this was tearing him apart. “She wouldn’t want you making yourself sick over this,” he said. “You know that, right?”

Maura swallowed hard. “She wouldn’t want to be lying here like this either,” she whispered.

That silenced Frankie.

Charlie gently rocked Grace, brushing a hand over the little girl’s dark curls. “She’s strong, Maura,” she said softly. “She’ll come back to you. She always does.”

Maura wanted to believe that. She needed to believe that. But the sound of the ventilator, the pale stillness of Jane’s face, the weight of everything that had led them to this moment—it was all too much.

Her grip on Jane’s hand tightened.

“Come back to me,” she whispered, barely audible over the machines. “Please.”

xxx

Jane was stuck in the in-between, drifting in and out of the darkness.

The first time, the pain was blinding. It radiated from her abdomen, sharp and unforgiving, and she tried—God, she tried—to move, to react, to let someone know she was there. But her limbs wouldn’t cooperate, her mouth wouldn’t form the words she needed to say.

Somewhere, just beyond her reach, she heard the frantic beeping of a monitor, the murmur of voices.

“Her heart rate’s spiking—pain response.”

The words barely made sense, her mind sluggish, heavy. There was a rush of movement, something cold pressing against her skin, and then—

The pain faded.

The beeping steadied.

And the darkness swallowed her whole again.

The next time, there was no pain. Just silence, stretching endlessly until a familiar voice broke through.

“…don’t know if you can hear me, but I hope you can.”

Maura.

Jane tried to respond, tried to lift her fingers, move her head, anything to let Maura know she was there. But nothing happened.

“I need you to wake up, Jane.” A pause. A shaky breath. “Please.”

Jane fought against the weight keeping her under. She wanted to see her, to tell her she was okay. But it was like being trapped beneath an ocean, the surface just out of reach, her body too weak to push through.

Maura kept talking. She told Jane about Grace, about how Angela had taken her home for the night, how she was fine, how she had been excited to play with the dog. She told her about work, about how Frost and Korsak were still catching up on paperwork, about how Frankie had sent another picture from his honeymoon.

Jane focused on her voice, held onto it like a lifeline.

She fought.

She tried.

But in the end, the darkness always won.

xxx

It had been a week since the surgery.

A week since Maura and Grace had heard her voice.

A week since she had held her baby girl.

Two weeks since she had kissed her wife.

But now, something was different.

Jane could feel herself pulling out of the darkness, not in the fleeting, distant way she had before. This time, she was more aware—of the sounds around her, the quiet beeping of the monitors, the faint murmur of voices outside the room. Of the weight of the blankets draped over her, the dull ache in her abdomen, and—

The tube.

She felt it now, an uncomfortable presence in her throat, making it impossible to swallow, impossible to speak. And now that she noticed it, she couldn't un-notice it. Her throat was painfully dry, every breath scratchy and raw. She wanted to shift, to lift a hand, to let someone know she was awake, that she was here.

It took effort, more than she expected, but she managed to move her fingers, just a little. Then her hand.

A chair scraped against the floor beside her.

“Jane?”

Maura’s voice. Closer now. Hopeful.

Jane tried again, her fingers twitching, her hand barely lifting off the bed.

A gasp. Then warmth—Maura’s hand wrapping around hers.

“Jane, if you can hear me, squeeze my hand.”

Jane did. It was weak, barely there, but it was something.

Maura let out a breath that sounded half like a sob. “Oh, Jane.”

There was more movement, hurried steps, Maura calling for a nurse, her voice thick with emotion. Jane was still so exhausted, her body heavy, but she held onto that warmth, onto Maura’s hand.

She was awake.

She was here.

xxx

She felt the tube slide from her throat, the discomfort sharp and burning, followed by a deep, aching pain in her chest as her lungs expanded fully on their own for the first time in days. The sensation was overwhelming—air rushing in, her body relearning how to function without the machine.

She coughed, her throat raw and sore, the effort sending fresh pain through her abdomen. Every part of her felt exhausted, like she had just run a marathon she wasn’t prepared for. Her eyes were heavy, the lids almost too much to lift, but she tried.

Tried because she could hear the door opening.

Tried because she could hear Grace.

Her daughter’s sweet, giggling voice filled the room like the most beautiful music Jane had ever heard. It was angelic, pure, a sound that cut through the haze of pain and exhaustion.

“Mama!”

She heard Maura’s voice, soft but choked with emotion, as she whispered something to Grace—probably telling her to be gentle. But Jane wasn’t worried. She wasn’t scared.

She was focused.

She fought against the weight of her body, against the exhaustion still trying to pull her under.

She had to see them.

She had to see her wife.

She had to see her baby.

With a final effort, she forced her eyes open, blinking against the harsh hospital lights, and there they were—Maura standing beside her, Grace in her arms, her tiny face bright with excitement.

Jane let out a shaky breath, everything hurting, but none of it mattered.

She was awake.

She was home.

Chapter Text

Maura didn’t hesitate. At Jane’s raspy demand, she carefully maneuvered onto the hospital bed, settling in beside her with Grace nestled between them. Jane couldn’t move much, but the warmth of her family pressed against her was enough. It grounded her, reminded her why she had fought so hard to wake up.

She couldn’t stop staring at Grace.

Had she grown in the past week? It seemed impossible, but to Jane, she looked different—tiny changes, barely perceptible, but glaring to her sleep-starved mind. Maybe it was the way her hair curled slightly more at the ends, or how she held herself with a bit more steadiness. Jane had missed a week of her daughter’s life, and it felt like an eternity.

She reached out, her fingers trembling as they brushed over Grace’s chubby cheek.

“Hey, baby,” she whispered, voice raw and broken from days of silence.

Grace beamed at her, eyes alight with innocence and love, oblivious to the fear and agony that had consumed the adults around her. She reached out, tiny fingers grasping at Jane’s hospital gown, as if anchoring herself to her mama.

Jane felt her heart clench, a wave of emotion threatening to pull her under.

But she still hadn’t looked at Maura.

She knew what she would see—the pain, the heartbreak, the fear Jane had caused. She wasn’t ready for that yet.

So she kept her eyes on Grace, on the safest place to rest her focus. Holding her daughter close, she let herself breathe, let herself exist in this moment.

Maura didn’t push. She just held them both, her presence strong and steady, waiting for the moment Jane would finally be ready to face her.

xxx

The hospital room was finally quiet.

Jane had spent the last few hours surrounded by love, by her family and friends who had come in waves—Angela fussing over her, Frankie and Charlie smiling through their worry, Frost and Korsak making quiet jokes that didn’t quite reach their eyes, Tommy grinning but squeezing her hand a little too tight, like he needed to convince himself she was really still here.

She hadn’t spoken much. Her throat still hurt, and the exhaustion weighed her down more than she wanted to admit. But she had smiled, had accepted the kisses from her mother, the forehead press from Frankie, the soft squeeze of her hand from Korsak. She had listened as they spoke around her, as they tried to fill the room with warmth and normalcy.

But now they were gone.

Now it was just Maura.

Jane had felt it the moment Grace was carried out of the room—Maura’s hesitation, the way she shifted like she was going to finally move from Jane’s side. She had tried earlier, after the first round of visitors, but Jane had used what little strength she had to hold onto Maura’s wrist, keeping her in place.

Now, there was nothing left to distract them.

Jane swallowed, her throat raw, and finally, finally, forced herself to look at Maura.

The pain in those hazel eyes was worse than she had feared. Worse than anything.

It made her stomach twist, made her breath come short, made her want to shut her eyes again and pretend she wasn’t here, pretend she hadn’t done this to the person she loved most in the world.

But she couldn’t.

So she tightened her grip on Maura’s wrist and whispered, “Say something.”

It wasn’t a demand. It was a plea.

xxx

Maura had spent the last week holding it together.

She had held it together when she found out what had happened in the worst way possible, standing in the middle of the precinct, expecting to find Jane at her desk, only to see the devastation in Frankie’s eyes before he even said the words.

She had held it together when she arrived at the hospital, seeing the people who loved her most breaking their hearts, watching Angela clutching Grace just a little too tight as she tried to stay strong for her granddaughter.

She had held it together when the doctor pulled her aside, telling her about the complications, about the weight loss, about Jane’s immune system being weak, about the things Maura already knew but had been helpless to fix.

She had held it together for Grace, for Angela, for Frankie when he arrived straight from his arrest of the perp who’d stabbed his big sister, for all of them.

But now, it was just them. Just Jane, awake and alive, holding onto her wrist with weak but steady fingers. Just Jane, looking at her with too much guilt, too much pain, too much love.

“Say something,” Jane whispered, her voice hoarse, her eyes begging.

And Maura broke.

The words poured out before she could stop them.

“I can’t—I can’t do this again, Jane. Do you understand that? I can’t go through this again. I found out in the middle of the precinct, expecting to see you at your desk, and instead, I saw the look on Frankie’s face, and I knew. I knew before he even told me. And then I got here and they pulled me aside and told me that your body was weak, that you were struggling because of everything you’ve been putting it through, and I just—”

She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, trying to stop the tears, but they wouldn’t stop.

“I held your hand every night, and I talked to you, and I told you that you had to come back to me. That you had to come back to Grace. And I just—I don’t know how to do this anymore, Jane.”

Her breath hitched, and she looked at Jane, who had tears in her own eyes, silent and still, just listening.

“You keep trying to make up for everything, to prove that you’re fine, that you’re getting better, but you’re not. You’re still punishing yourself. I see it, Jane. And if I lose you because of it, I—” Her voice broke entirely, and she shook her head. “I can’t.”

Silence filled the space between them, thick with the weight of everything she had been holding in.

And then Jane, her voice barely above a whisper, croaked, “I know.”

And that was what finally broke Maura completely.

Chapter Text

Maura doesn’t resist when Jane moves. She should—Jane shouldn’t be moving at all—but she doesn’t. Because the moment Jane’s arms wrap around her, Maura crumbles completely.

She buries her face in Jane’s shoulder, gripping the fabric of the hospital gown like she’s afraid Jane might disappear if she lets go. The sobs shake her body, and Jane just holds her, as tightly as she can manage, despite the IVs in her arms, despite the pain she’s so clearly in.

“I’m sorry,” Jane whispers, over and over again, her voice frantic and desperate. “I’m so sorry, Maur. I’m sorry, I—”

Maura shakes her head against her. “Stop,” she chokes out.

Jane does, but she doesn’t let go.

“I know you mean it,” Maura says, her voice raw. “But I need you to show me, Jane. I need you to stop hurting yourself. I need you to let me help you.”

Jane squeezes her eyes shut, feeling the burn of tears slipping down her cheeks. She knows Maura is right. She knows she can’t keep pretending that she’s okay when she isn’t.

“I will,” Jane finally says, the words hoarse but determined.

Maura pulls back, just enough to look at her, eyes filled with hope and fear all at once. “Promise me.”

Jane exhales shakily and nods. “I promise.”

She doesn’t know how she’s going to do it. She doesn’t know what it’s going to take.

But as Maura leans forward, pressing the softest kiss to her forehead, Jane decides that whatever it takes, however hard it is—

She’s going to keep that promise.

xxx

Maura watches as Jane’s breathing evens out, the tension in her face finally melting as exhaustion pulls her under. It’s the first time she’s slept without machines forcing her body to do so, and Maura knows she needs the rest. But even knowing that, she can’t make herself close her own eyes.

Her body is weary, her emotions wrung dry, but sleep feels impossible.

She adjusts slightly, careful not to jostle Jane, and just watches. Watches the slow rise and fall of Jane’s chest, the flutter of her eyelashes as she dreams, the way her fingers still hold loosely onto Maura’s sleeve, even in sleep.

Jane is here. Alive. Breathing.

And yet Maura can’t shake the fear that if she blinks too long, she’ll wake up and find it was all a cruel dream—that she’s still stuck in the purgatory of waiting, of wondering, of not knowing if Jane would ever come back to her.

She tightens her grip on Jane’s hand, just enough to reassure herself that she’s real. That she’s warm and solid beneath her touch.

The crushing weight on Maura’s chest has loosened, but it hasn’t disappeared. It won’t—not until she knows, with certainty, that Jane is truly okay. That she’s healing, inside and out.

Until then, Maura will stay right here. Holding Jane’s hand. Watching over her. Keeping her safe, the way Jane has always tried to do for everyone else.

xxx

Maura pauses just outside Jane’s hospital room, her hand hovering over the door handle as she hears the low murmur of voices inside.

Dr. Sullivan.

She knows she should walk away, give Jane the privacy she deserves, but something keeps her rooted to the spot. Maybe it’s guilt, knowing she left Jane alone for hours despite her better judgment. Maybe it’s fear—fear that she’ll hear something that will make the fragile hope she’s clinging to crumble.

So she stays.

“…I know I messed up,” Jane’s voice is rough but steady. “I know I scared them. Scared Maura. But I didn’t—I wasn’t trying to—” She cuts herself off with a frustrated breath.

“You weren’t trying to hurt yourself,” Dr. Sullivan fills in gently. “But neglecting your needs, pushing your body beyond its limits, punishing yourself… that’s a kind of harm too, Jane.”

There’s silence.

Maura barely breathes.

“I don’t know how to stop,” Jane finally admits, voice raw. “I don’t even know how it got this bad again. I was fine. I was happy.” A beat. “I was with Maura. With Grace.”

Maura presses her hand to her mouth, willing herself to keep listening.

Dr. Sullivan speaks again, calm and patient. “It’s not about happiness, Jane. This… this is about control. You were out of control. Your body, your job, your injury—everything was dictated by something outside of you. So you found a way to take control back. Even if it was hurting you.”

“I don’t want to be like this.”

Maura hears the crack in Jane’s voice, and something inside her fractures too.

“I know,” Dr. Sullivan says. “And you don’t have to do this alone.”

There’s another pause, and then Jane lets out a shaky breath. “I think… I think I need more help.”

Maura closes her eyes, emotion swelling in her chest.

Jane is trying.

And Maura will be there, every step of the way.

xxx

Dr. Sullivan’s words hang in the air like a weight, a suggestion that Jane wasn’t ready to hear.

Jane shifts in her bed, uncomfortable not just physically but emotionally, a tightness in her chest making it hard to breathe. The prospect of more time away—more time where she won’t be able to see Maura or Grace, won’t be able to contribute to the life she’s built, to be a part of everything—feels suffocating. She swallows hard, trying to steady her voice when she speaks.

“I… I can’t,” Jane says quietly. “I can’t leave. I’ve already been gone for so long. I’ve missed so much.”

Dr. Sullivan doesn’t respond right away, letting the silence fill the room for a moment. Maura, still standing in the doorway, watches Jane, her heart heavy but her eyes soft.

“I understand how difficult it feels,” Dr. Sullivan says gently, “but Jane, the kind of healing you need—it isn’t something that can be achieved by pushing through. I know you want to be there for Maura and Grace, but this is about you. You can’t give them your best when you’re not your best.”

Jane shakes her head, looking down at her hands. The thought of walking away from her family again, even temporarily, makes her stomach churn. She can’t imagine not being there to see Grace grow, to help Maura when she needs it most. She can’t bear the idea of being away from them.

“You’re not alone in this,” Dr. Sullivan continues, her tone never wavering. “And you don’t have to do it all at once. This program will give you the space to focus on your recovery, and when you're ready, you can come back to your family, to your life, healthier and stronger.”

Jane bites her lip, fighting the tears that threaten to spill. She wants to argue, wants to resist, but she knows deep down that Dr. Sullivan is right. She can’t keep ignoring what she needs for the sake of everyone else. But it’s so hard.

Maura steps forward, her voice gentle but firm. “Jane, I need you healthy. I need you to be the woman you are, not the one who’s running herself into the ground for everyone else but herself.”

Jane looks up at her, her heart aching at the love and concern in Maura’s eyes. She’s seen it before, but it hits her differently now. She knows Maura is right.

“I can’t leave you alone again,” Jane whispers, her voice breaking.

“We won’t be alone,” Maura says, her hand resting gently on Jane’s. “You’ll be back with us, with Grace, before you know it. I’ll be right here. We’ll be waiting.”

Jane doesn’t say anything for a long moment, the weight of her choices pressing on her. But the fear starts to lift, just a little, as Maura holds her hand tightly.

After what feels like forever, Jane nods, though it’s a hesitant motion. “Okay. Okay, I’ll do it.”

Maura squeezes her hand, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “We’ll get through this together.”

Dr. Sullivan smiles softly, seeing the first real decision Jane has made in a while. “It’s the best thing for you, Jane. It will be hard, but you’re strong. You’ll make it through this. And when you come out the other side, you’ll be better for it.”

Jane swallows, taking a deep breath. She doesn’t know how long it’s going to take or how hard it will be, but for the first time in a while, she feels like she’s made the right choice. She feels like she has a chance to heal—not just for herself, but for Maura, for Grace, and for the life she wants to come back to.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “For not giving up on me.”

Maura smiles, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jane’s face. “I’ll never give up on you, Jane. Never.”

And for the first time in a long while, Jane believes it.

Chapter Text

The days started early for Jane, the eerie quiet of the psychiatric ward waking her up to the soft, mechanical hum of machines and the distant shuffle of staff moving through the hallways. The first thing she noticed each morning was how different it felt from everything she’d ever known. There were no bright lights, no bustling cases, no activity that would drown out the quiet moments that seemed to follow her wherever she went. The bed was softer than she remembered, the sheets almost too crisp. It was a place built for healing, but it didn't make it feel any less foreign.

She dragged herself out of bed, careful not to disturb the IV that were still in her arm—though she’d been off the pain medication for days now, the physical ache in her body was still constant. Her surgical wound had healed, but there was a weariness in her body that ached in a way that was not just physical.

The nurses came in to check on her, it was routine, and Jane went through it mechanically, not saying much. She was used to being alone—used to dealing with things on her own—but that felt different. The program was a place where they would ask how she felt. They wanted to know if she was okay. Jane didn't have the answers, not yet.

She sat through group therapy, surrounded by strangers whose stories made her heart ache. They were all broken in different ways, all reaching for something, but Jane couldn't bring herself to really open up. She listened, she nodded, she tried to participate when asked, but she was still trying to make sense of the mess that’s inside of her. Sometimes, when they would talk about triggers, about what caused the pain, her mind would wander back to her own struggles—her eating disorder, the need to control, the guilt. But talking about it? It felt too big. Too much.

The therapy sessions were hard—harder than she thought they would be—but she was trying. Trying to understand what led her there, what got her to that point. But each breakthrough felt like it took so much more out of her than she ever expected.

There were moments, though, when she felt the weight of her own exhaustion. She sat with her hands folded in her lap, trying to focus, but all she could think of was Maura and Grace. The sound of Grace’s voice, the way she always said “mama” when she was excited, the image of Maura holding her, both of them smiling at something Grace had done... it filled her with a longing that ached deep in her chest. But even that—wanting them—felt too much at times. Too real, too painful to reach for.

The days were long and filled with routines, but it was a schedule that had no room for Grace, for the life she had before everything happened. Jane knew she needed to focus on herself, but each minute without her family felt like a punishment.

xxx

Meanwhile, Maura was doing her best at home, but it hadn't been easy. Grace was a bundle of energy, constantly babbling about everything she saw, asking questions, making messes, filling the space with a joy that was both beautiful and overwhelming at times.

Maura had learned to adjust, at least on the surface. She’d become the mother and the partner, balancing both roles, all while watching the clock and checking her phone, waiting for updates from Jane’s doctors, hoping for some sign of progress. But at night, when Grace had fallen asleep in her room, Maura couldn't help but let the quiet overwhelm her. The silence that filled the house wasn't just the absence of Grace’s little voice; it was the absence of Jane, and it cut deep.

She missed Jane more than she could say. There were moments when she found herself staring at Grace, watching her play, and wishing more than anything that Jane was there to see it. The little things—Grace saying “mama” in the morning, her attempts at talking, the way she played with her toys—reminded Maura of how much Jane has missed. But she kept it together, for Grace, for Jane.

Each day, Maura would set a routine for herself and Grace, though it was harder than it looked. She took Grace to day-care in the mornings, then headed to the precinct to catch up with work, trying to distract herself, keeping busy. But it was all for Jane. Everything was about Jane—everything she did was in the hopes that Jane would get better, that she would come back to them, back to Grace.

In the evenings, when Grace was in bed, Maura would find herself sitting alone at the kitchen table, the silence pressing in. She hadn’t cooked anything elaborate in a while. It was always something quick—something that didn't require much thought. Every meal she ate, she didit alone. There was no one to share it with, no one to sit across from her. She was back in the same position she was after Jane’s shooting, only this time, there was no promise of Jane coming home the next day.

She tried to call Jane, but she was never sure if she'd get through or if Jane was in therapy. And each time Maura’s call went unanswered, she felt a pang of worry, even though she knew Jane needed the time to heal. It didn't make it easier, though. She missed her so much it felt like a physical ache.

Maura spent hours going over the notes from her work, occasionally reading through old texts from Jane, just to feel close to her again. But those moments were fleeting, and Maura could feel herself growing more and more tired, as if the weight she was carrying was becoming too heavy to bear alone.

She tried not to cry in front of Grace, though sometimes Grace caught her wiping away a tear, asking, “Mama sad?” Maura always told her she was not, but Grace knew. Grace always knew.

But she pressed on. She had to. For Jane. For Grace. Because they needed her too.

xxx

Even though Jane was in the program, even though she was physically alone in her struggles, Maura never stopped reaching for her. She was waiting for her. She was waiting for that moment when Jane could come back to them, when she could stop fighting the fight on her own and start healing for real, for the life they had, for the life they would have again. She wouldn't stop waiting. But sometimes, just sometimes, she allowed herself to think about what it would be like if Jane were already home—if she were holding Grace, making them both laugh. That thought is what kept Maura going.

As for Jane, though she was separated from her family, she clung to the small moments in her daily life at the program—the moments where she felt like maybe, just maybe, she was getting a little bit stronger. She knew it was going to take time. She knew it wouldn't be easy. But she also knew that when the time came, she’d be ready to fight for her family, for the woman and the child she loved.

Chapter Text

Jane’s time in the inpatient program was exhausting, physically and emotionally. Every day feltlike a battle. She worked hard, followed the routine, did her best in therapy, and stayed focused on her recovery. She had made progress, even if it felt slow, and she was determined to keep pushing.

Her days were filled with therapy sessions, journaling, group discussions, and the occasional reflection in solitude. Her physical health was improving — she was eating more, even though every bite sometimes felt like a mountain to climb. Her ankle had healed, but the emotional scars ran deeper than anything physical.

She had allowed her mother and brothers to visit, but only on occasion. She didn't want to overburden them with her pain. Angela came by every few days, giving her hugs, checking in on her progress. Frankie and Tommy visited sporadically, not every day, but enough to make Jane feel like she was still connected to the outside world, to her family. But it was never too much.

She avoided any visits from Grace. She loved her daughter more than life itself, but she couldn't bear the thought of Grace seeing her like that— trapped in a psych ward, vulnerable, fragile. Jane wouldn't risk Grace’s first real memory of her being a time when she was broken. It would hurt too much.

As much as it tore her apart, Jane held firm to her decision. She didn't want Grace’s innocence stained by what Jane was going through.

But the hardest part was not seeing Maura. Jane’s heart ached for the woman she loved, for the life they'd built, but she refused Maura’s requests to visit. She kept up a steady stream of texts, updating Maura on her progress, letting her know she was working hard. Every time Maura sent a picture of Grace, Jane found herself in tears, overwhelmed with longing.

She was desperate to see them, but she couldn't — not yet.

Deep down, Jane knew that a visit from Maura would be a lifeline, a comfort. But it would also be a crutch, something that would make her complacent in her recovery. She’d want to hold Maura, feel her arms around her, listen to her voice, and in doing so, she might stop trying as hard as she should. Jane knows she needs to be fully invested in her healing, and seeing Maura would make it harder. It would pull her back into a place where she just wanted to go home, to be with her family, without fully confronting what she needed to fix within herself.

So she denied Maura’s visits, even though every part of her was screaming for her wife.

Maura, for her part, didn't understand. She respected Jane’s wishes, at first. She knew Jane was hurting, that she needed space. But as the days went on, as Jane continued to keep her at arm’s length, Maura’s heart broke a little more each time she heard that Jane wasn’t ready for a visit.

xxx

Maura was doing her best to stay supportive from a distance, to give Jane the space she needed. But one day, completely by accident, she found out that Jane had been allowing visitors — just not her.

Korsak had mentioned it one afternoon, that Jane had been seeing her mother and brothers, that she wasn't avoiding visits from everyone, as Maura had thought.

The words hit Maura like a punch in the gut. She felt the blood drain from her face. Jane had allowed everyone else in — her mother, her brothers, even her friends. But not her.

She knew Jane was going through something difficult. She knew that Jane was pushing herself hard, working through the darkest parts of herself. But to be kept out, to be excluded from that part of Jane’s life, it felt like a betrayal.

Maura didn't say anything back to Korsak. She thanked him quietly and walked away, her heart heavy with a mixture of confusion and hurt.

That night, she couldn't shake the feeling. She couldn't stand the thought of not being there for Jane when she needed her most. So, despite Jane’s wishes, Maura made the decision. She would go and see her wife. She didn't care that Jane is pushing her away — she was not going to sit by any longer.

xxx

When Maura arrived at the inpatient facility, she didn't ask anyone’s permission. She just walked straight to Jane’s room, her heart pounding in her chest.

She knocked lightly before opening the door. Jane looked up, her eyes wide and filled with a mixture of surprise and fear. She was lying in bed, her IVs in place, a fragile expression on her face.

“Maura,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

Maura walked in slowly, her gaze softening as she took in the sight of Jane. She was still thin, paler, and yet she was still the woman Maura loved.

“I wasn’t expecting you,” Jane said quietly, her eyes lowering in a mix of shame and sadness.

Maura swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. “I know you weren’t,” she replied, her voice shaking. “But I couldn’t stay away anymore. I needed to see you, Jane. I need to be here for you.”

Jane winced slightly, but then she took a deep breath. She knew this moment was inevitable. She had been avoiding it, but she couldn't anymore.

“Maura,” Jane began, her voice soft but steady. “I didn’t want you here because I’m afraid I’ll get complacent. I’m afraid I’ll stop working as hard as I should. If you come to visit me, I'd want to go home with you. I’ll want everything to go back to the way it was, but I can’t. Not yet.”

Maura’s eyes filled with tears. She reached out to take Jane’s hand, but Jane pulled away slightly, as if needing to distance herself from the vulnerability.

“I’m so sorry,” Jane continued, her voice breaking. “I don’t want you to see me like this. I don’t want Grace’s first real memory of me to be of me in this place. I’m trying so hard to get better, Maura. But I need to do it on my own. I need to prove to myself that I can.”

Maura’s heart ached as she listened to Jane’s explanation. She understood, but it didn't make the pain any less. She felt her heart shatter a little bit more with each word Jane said.

“I’m here, Jane. I’m here for you,” Maura said softly. “I will wait. You don’t have to do this alone. But I’m not leaving you. Ever.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Maura just held Jane’s gaze, silently reassuring her. Jane slowly nodded, tears welling up in her own eyes.

“I love you, Maura,” Jane whispered, the words barely audible.

“I love you, too,” Maura responded, squeezing Jane’s hand gently.

Chapter Text

The day Dr. Sullivan walked into Jane’s room with a smile on her face, it was mixture of relief and apprehension that filled Jane’s chest. She’d been in the program for a number of weeks and though the routine had become a familiar part of her life, there was an undercurrent of fear that had been building inside her. Was she really ready? Had she truly made enough progress?

Dr. Sullivan sat across from Jane, her expression warm but professional. She opened her folder, her fingers gently running over the pages before looking up.

“Jane,” she began, “I’ve been following your progress closely, and I’m happy to say that you’ve made great strides. You’ve been engaging in group therapy consistently, and your independent sessions have shown that you’re ready to take the next step.”

Jane swallowed hard, her mind instantly filled with a mixture of pride and doubt. She’d worked hard to get here, but was it enough?

“You’ve gained some weight,” Dr. Sullivan continued, “and while there’s still work to be done, the progress you’ve made is significant. I believe you’re ready to go home, Jane. You’ve shown the strength to keep going, and I know that you can continue your recovery in a healthier environment.”

The words hit Jane like a tidal wave. Home. She hadn’t felt the comfort of her own space in so long. The thought of being with Maura and Grace again was enough to make her heart ache with longing, but it was also terrifying. She had been working so hard to rebuild herself, to break the cycle of control and restriction that had defined her life for so long. How could she be sure that she wouldn’t relapse? How could she know that the progress she’d made would stick once she was outside of the program?

“I don’t know if I’m ready,” Jane admitted quietly, looking down at her hands, feeling the weight of uncertainty. “What if I go home and it’s too much? What if I… I slip back into old habits?”

Dr. Sullivan nodded, understanding the hesitation. “That’s natural, Jane. It’s normal to feel that way, especially when you’re leaving this structured environment. But remember, this isn’t the end of your recovery. You’ve learned important skills here, and you have a support system waiting for you. You have Maura, your family, and your friends. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Jane closed her eyes for a moment, her chest tightening. She felt a flicker of hope, but it was tangled with doubt. Maura. Grace. The thought of them filled her heart, but it was also what made that moment so difficult. She wanted nothing more than to be with them again, to hold Grace in her arms, to feel Maura’s love and warmth. But she was scared. She was scared of failing them, of not being strong enough.

“I’ll be here for you, Jane,” Dr. Sullivan said softly, “and we’ll put a plan in place for your continued care. If you feel like you’re struggling, you’ll have the support you need. But I think you’re ready.”

The room felt too small, the walls pressing in on her as she thought about it. She’d been running on empty, relying on the routines of the program to keep her grounded. But the pull of home, of her family, was undeniable. The thought of Grace laughing, of Maura kissing her forehead, was almost too much to bear.

“I don’t want to disappoint them,” Jane murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

“You won’t disappoint them, Jane,” Dr. Sullivan reassured her. “They love you, and they want to see you succeed. You’re not disappointing anyone by wanting to be with them. You’ve come so far.”

Jane took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she looked at Dr. Sullivan. The weight of the decision was still heavy, but a small part of her felt something shift inside her. I can do this. She doesn’t have to be perfect, but she can keep moving forward, step by step.

“Okay,” she said finally, her voice steady. “I think I’m ready to go home.”

xxx

The moment Jane agreed to leave the program was bittersweet. She was terrified, but she was also relieved. She was not cured, but she’d made progress, and that was enough for now. As Dr. Sullivan walked out of the room to make the arrangements, Jane leaned back against her pillows, letting out a long, slow breath.

The thought of walking out of this place, of returning to the life she’s been away from for so long, filled her with both excitement and dread. But most of all, she couldn’t wait to hold Grace in her arms, to kiss Maura, and to feel like herself again.

For the first time in a long while, she was letting herself believe that it was possible to move forward.

Home .

It was more than just a place. It was a future. It was healing. It was Maura, Grace, and the family she’d fought so hard to be a part of again.

And maybe, just maybe, she was ready for it.

xxx

The moment Jane left the psychiatric facility, it felt surreal. The weight of the decision had settled heavily on her chest, but with each passing minute, a quiet, nagging sense of relief started to creep in. The plan she’d made was simple: no fanfare, no big homecoming. She wanted to ease back into her life, to feel like herself again without the weight of everyone’s expectations on her.

The first stop was her mother’s house. Angela has been an anchor throughout the entire ordeal, and Jane knew she needed time with her before she saw Maura and Grace. As much as she had yearned for them both, she was not ready to face the overwhelming emotions of finally being back with her wife just yet. So she tells herself she’ll ease into it, bit by bit.

When Jane walked into her mother’s house, the first thing she heard was the sound of Grace’s laughter echoing from the living room. Jane paused for a moment in the hallway, letting the sound wash over her. It was so familiar, so her, and yet, in some way, it felt like she was hearing it for the first time.

She stepped inside, smiling softly to herself. Angela, sitting on the couch, looked up with a mixture of relief and joy. Her face softened as she took in Jane’s presence.

“Well, look who finally decided to come home,” Angela said, her voice laced with love and a little exhaustion. She stood, pulling Jane into a tight hug. It’s comforting, but Jane could feel the tension in her mother’s shoulders, the worry she’d been carrying.

“I’m sorry, Ma,” Jane said quietly, squeezing her mother back. “I know it’s been a long time.”

Angela pulled back, looking at her daughter carefully. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”

The sound of Grace’s tiny feet pattering across the floor pulled their attention, and Jane’s heart skipped a beat. She watched as Grace comes around the corner, her little face lighting up when she spotted her mom.

“Mama!” Grace’s voice was high-pitched with excitement. She ran toward Jane, arms outstretched, and Jane didn’t hesitate for a second. She knelt down to catch her daughter, holding her close and breathing in the familiar scent of her hair.

“You’re so big now,” Jane whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Grace giggled in response, babbling happily, her small hands touching Jane’s face as though she was making sure this was real.

“I missed you, sweetheart,” Jane murmured, kissing the top of Grace’s head. She felt the weight in her chest loosen just a little, but it was still there, a knot of guilt and uncertainty she hadn’t quite been able to shake.

Angela watched quietly, her heart swelling as she saw Jane and Grace together. She knew how hard this had been for both of them, and seeing the bond between mother and daughter rekindled was a small comfort. But she knows Jane’s journey isn’t over. There was still so much healing to do.

“Come on,” Angela said after a beat, a smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s sit down. Grace was just about to show me something she’s been working on.”

Jane nodded, following her mother to the couch where Grace eagerly climbed onto her lap, chattering away. For a while, the room was filled with the comfort of the ordinary – the laughter, the small joys, the sense of family.

But it was not enough. Jane knew it was time.

Chapter Text

After some time, Angela and Jane shared a quiet moment. Grace was distracted by her toys, and Jane was ready to go.

“Ma,” Jane began, looking up at her mother, her voice softer. “I’m going to go to the precinct now. I think Maura’s about done with work.”

Angela studied her, then nodded. “I understand. Just be careful, alright? It’s been a long journey for you. Don’t rush things.”

Jane nodded, pushing away the swirling thoughts of doubt. She stood, smoothing down the front of her clothes, trying to push aside the feeling of vulnerability that still clung to her.

“I’m ready, Ma,” she said, more to herself than to her mother.

“Then go,” Angela said gently, giving her daughter a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine.”

xxx

Jane took a deep breath as she walked out of her mother’s house, Grace securely nestled in her arms. Her heart raced in anticipation, the excitement of finally seeing Maura after so much time apart almost overwhelming her. She tells herself she’s ready, that this is part of the healing, part of coming home.

Grace, on the other hand, is a bundle of energy as she babbles happily in her mother’s arms, her little hands tugging at Jane’s shirt as she points toward the car.

“Mama!” Grace chirps, her wide eyes full of excitement. Jane smiled down at her daughter, kissing her forehead softly.

“Yeah, sweetheart, we’re going to see Mama now.”

The drive is short, but Jane felt the weight of every second stretch out in front of her. The precinct, once so familiar to her, now feels like a world she’s slowly re-entering. But she’s here for a reason, and that reason is standing in the middle of her heart—Maura.

The building comes into view, and as Jane steps out of the car with Grace in her arms, her heartbeat quickening. She holds onto Grace a little tighter, steadying herself for what’s to come.

xxx

Inside the precinct, Maura was deep in the middle of a delicate task. She was hunched over her desk, papers scattered around, reviewing a case file with meticulous care. Her mind is so focused on the details, the next steps in the investigation, that she doesn’t hear the door open right away.

Then, the unmistakable sound of Grace’s high-pitched voice fills the air.

“Mama!”

Maura freezes. Her heart lurches at the sound, her mind immediately jumping to conclusions. Angela must have brought her in, she thinks. She quickly glances up from her papers, expecting to see her mother-in-law with Grace, but the sight that greets her makes her breath catch in her throat.

There, standing in the doorway, is Jane.

Her wife is holding Grace close to her chest, looking almost hesitant but undeniably there. Jane’s eyes meet Maura’s, and for a split second, time stands still. The weeks of pain, of distance, of silent messages sent through phone calls and texts—it all melts away.

Maura blinked, trying to make sense of the moment. She stood up quickly, but her legs feel weak beneath her as she takes in the sight of Jane, still fragile but alive, standing in front of her. Jane’s posture was stiff, but her eyes were open, filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

“Jane?” Maura’s voice trembled slightly as she took a step forward, her eyes never leaving her wife’s face.

Jane stepped into the room, moving carefully, her hand gripping Grace’s little body as though she was afraid of dropping her. “Maura…” Jane breathes, the word hanging in the air. Her voice was raw, vulnerable, but there was something strong behind it too, something that says she’s ready.

For a brief moment, Maura stood still, as if trying to process the flood of emotions rushing through her. She’d been holding herself together, and seeing Jane here, alive and in front of her, cracks something deep inside. A wave of relief, of disbelief, washes over her.

But before she can move any closer, Grace squirms out of Jane’s arms, her tiny feet hitting the floor and her arms reaching for Maura.

“Mama!” Grace calls again, grinning up at Maura.

Maura’s breath hitches at the sight. Her daughter, so full of life, her little voice like a melody she hadn’t realized she’d missed so much. She bends down, reaching out for Grace with a trembling hand, pulling her close.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Maura whispered, holding Grace tight.

Her eyes flick to Jane again, finally meeting hers, and she can’t help but reach out toward her. Jane hasn’t moved from where she stands in the doorway, looking at Maura with an almost apologetic expression, as if she’s afraid to get too close.

Maura stepped toward her, her heart pounding in her chest. “You’re here,” she says softly, her voice breaking. She reaches for Jane’s hand, her fingers trembling as they touch her wife’s.

“I’m sorry,” Jane said, her voice full of pain. “I didn’t want you to see me like that, Maura. I just… I needed to do it on my own.”

Maura shook her head, her lips trembling as she pulls Jane gently into her arms. “You don’t have to do anything alone, Jane. You’re not alone. You never were.”

Tears fill Jane’s eyes as she wraps her arms around Maura, her face buried in her shoulder. She feels the warmth of Maura’s body, the soft comfort of being held. It’s everything she’s wanted, but it feels like she’s still tiptoeing on the edge of something—her recovery, her guilt, her love for the woman in her arms.

“I just needed to prove to myself that I could get better, that I could do this for me,” Jane whispers. “But I couldn’t do it without you. I missed you.”

Maura pulls back just slightly, wiping away a tear from Jane’s cheek. “You don’t have to prove anything, Jane. You’re already enough. You always have been.”

Jane nodded, still holding onto Maura tightly. “I’m trying, Maura. I really am.”

Maura smiles, the warmth in her gaze never leaving. She brushes a strand of hair away from Jane’s face before looking down at Grace, who’s now nestled comfortably in her arms.

“You are,” Maura says softly, then presses a kiss to Jane’s forehead. “And we’ll do this together. We always have.”

The moment feels both fragile and powerful. For the first time in a long while, Jane feels something more than just pain. She feels the strength of the love that has always been between them, and it’s enough to remind her that this, whatever comes next, will be a journey they’ll take together.

“Let’s go home,” Jane said, her voice full of hope.

Maura smiles softly, her heart full, and nods. “Yes, let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

Being home feels like a warm embrace for Jane. The familiarity of the house, the comfort of her own space, and most importantly, the presence of her family—the ones she’d been desperate to be with—finally made everything feel right again.

Grace was walking more, toddling around the house with increasing confidence, calling out new words that make Jane’s heart swell with pride. Each little step, each new word, brings a new sense of awe. Both Jane and Maura were completely smitten with their daughter, their focus constantly shifting to Grace’s latest milestones.

“Mama!” Grace giggles as she takes a wobbly step toward Jane, her chubby hands reaching out for her mother.

Jane laughs, squatting down to catch her before she tumbles. “You’re getting so big, baby girl.” She pulls Grace into her arms, kissing her little cheeks, her heart full of love.

Maura watches them from the kitchen doorway, a soft smile on her face, but it’s evident in the subtle slump of her shoulders that something was weighing on her. Jane noticed it. She had always been attuned to Maura’s moods, and while the exterior might be the same—calm, composed, and loving—there was a shift. Maura didn’t radiate quite the same energy she used to.

“Maura,” Jane said softly, walking over with Grace still in her arms. “You okay?” She looked at her wife closely, noticing how tired she seems, the way her movements were slower than usual.

Maura looked up, blinking, as though she hadn’t realized Jane had noticed her lingering exhaustion. She smiled, though it was not the usual sparkling Maura smile that could light up any room. “I’m fine,” she replied, but the hesitation in her voice gave her away.

Jane’s eyes softened, and she set Grace down on the floor, watching her toddle off to grab one of her toys. “You don’t have to pretend with me, you know. What’s going on?”

Maura sighed and ran a hand through her hair, trying to shake off the fatigue. “It’s just… It’s been a lot, Jane. I’m used to having you here, by my side. With you back, it’s like a part of me is finally whole again, but the other part…” She trailed off, not sure how to put the rest into words.

Jane gently took Maura’s hands in her own, guiding her to sit on the couch. “You’ve been holding everything together, Maura. You’re amazing. But you don’t have to carry it all alone. I’m here now. We’re a team.”

Maura met Jane’s eyes, the vulnerability in her gaze unmistakable. “It’s just that… without you, I’ve had to adjust to a new routine, and it’s been harder than I thought. I’m not sleeping as well, and I feel a little… off. Not like myself.”

Jane stroked her thumb over Maura’s hand, her own heart aching. She didn’t want to see her wife struggle, but she understood. Maura had been holding it together for so long while Jane was gone. Now that Jane back, Maura had to adjust again, but the transition wasn’t as smooth as it once would have been.

“You don’t have to do everything on your own anymore,” Jane said softly, her voice steady. “I’m right here, Maura. We can help each other through this.”

Maura nodded, grateful for Jane’s reassurance, but there was still a hint of sadness in her eyes. It was like she was trying so hard to keep it together, but the cracks were starting to show.

“I know,” Maura whispered. “I know you’re here, Jane. I just… It’s been hard to feel like I’m losing myself in this whirlwind of everything.”

Jane pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. “You’re not losing yourself, Maura. You’re just adjusting. And I’m going to be right here with you every step of the way. We’ll find our rhythm again.”

Maura buried her face in Jane’s shoulder, taking comfort in the warmth of her embrace. “I missed you so much, Jane. And I’m so glad you’re home.”

“I missed you, too,” Jane replied softly, kissing the top of Maura’s head. “And I’m not going anywhere this time.”

xxx

As the days passed, Jane watched Maura closely. She noticed the small changes: Maura’s eyes weren’t as bright as they once were, the weight of everything she's been holding in her body and mind starting to take a toll. She’s still amazing, still the Maura Jane loves, but Jane can feel the subtle shifts—the exhaustion in Maura’s movements, the way she gets lost in her thoughts more often. It’s clear that Maura was trying to balance everything, but Jane knows her better than anyone.

They still spent their nights together, Grace nestled between them, but Jane was more attuned to the moments when Maura retreated into herself. When Jane was awake in the middle of the night, she can hear Maura’s soft sighs, the restless tossing in the bed. And during the day, when Maura thinks she’s busy with work or Grace, Jane sees the distant look in her eyes, the quiet that isn’t quite right.

One afternoon, while Grace was napping, Jane decided to confront it. She was sitting in the living room when Maura came in from the kitchen, her shoulders slumped slightly. Jane set the book she’d been reading aside, her gaze intense but soft.

“Maura,” Jane starts gently. “What’s going on? You don’t have to keep this all inside. If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me.”

Maura’s face softens, and she looks at Jane with a quiet appreciation. She sits down next to her on the couch, taking a deep breath.

“I guess I’ve just been feeling like… I’m not enough anymore,” Maura admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how to be the person I was before all of this. And I don’t want you to feel like you have to take care of me, Jane. You’ve been through so much already.”

Jane looked at her, her heart aching for her wife. “Maura, you’re more than enough. You always have been. And I’m not going anywhere. We’ve been through hard things before, and we’ll get through this, too. But you have to let me in. You don’t have to carry all of this on your own.”

Maura smiled weakly, her eyes filled with gratitude. She leaned into Jane, resting her head on her shoulder.

“I don’t know what I would do without you, Jane.”

Jane squeezed her tightly, knowing that the road ahead isn’t going to be easy, but they’ll navigate it together, just as they always had.

Chapter Text

It was late in the evening, and Jane and Maura were sat together on the couch, Grace finally peacefully asleep in her room. The house was quiet, the soft hum of normal life settling around them. Jane leaned her head against Maura’s shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort of being home again. It was a small, peaceful moment that they both cherished, after everything they’d been through.

But then, Maura’s voice broke the silence, and Jane could hear the rawness in her tone.

“I can’t believe I missed your birthday, Jane,” Maura says softly, her fingers idly playing with the hem of Jane’s sleeve. There’s a deep sorrow in her voice, and Jane immediately felt her heart tug.

Jane blinked, surprised, and pulls away slightly, looking at her wife with a furrowed brow. “What do you mean? It’s fine, Maura.”

Maura looked at her, her eyes wide with regret. “No, it’s not. I should have done something for you. You’ve been through so much this year. I should’ve made it special for you.” She shook her head, her voice trembling. “I was so caught up with everything else... and I missed it. Your birthday. I failed you.”

Jane shook her head, a small, reassuring smile crossing her face. “Maura, no. You didn’t fail me. Not at all. We’ve had so much going on, and all I needed was you. Just you.” She gently took Maura’s hands in hers, squeezing them. “I didn’t need anything special. You being here... that’s more than enough for me.”

But Maura’s face still fell, her lips quivering with guilt. “But I didn’t even realize it. I should have known. You deserved to be celebrated, and I just—I missed it.”

“Maura,” Jane said softly, her voice full of love. “There’s no reason to feel bad about it. You’ve been through just as much as I have. We’re both just trying to make it through, day by day. And you know what? We’re together now. That’s all that matters to me.”

Maura didn’t seem convinced, her head resting against Jane’s shoulder as she breathed deeply. “I just feel like I should have done more for you.”

Jane pulled her closer, holding her tightly. “No more guilt, okay?” she said, her tone firm but full of love. “You didn’t miss anything. We’re here, together. That’s what counts.”

Maura nodded, but there was still a heaviness in her heart. And Jane could feel it. She shifted slightly, holding her wife’s face gently in her hands, tilting Maura’s head up to look into her eyes.

“I’m the one who should be sorry,” Jane said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. “We missed Mother’s Day too, didn’t we?”

Maura blinked in surprise, looking at Jane as if she didn’t quite understand what she meant. But then it clicked, and she looked down, her heart aching even more. “I— I didn’t even think of that,” Maura whispered. “We both missed it, Jane. I didn’t do anything for you.”

Jane’s heart ached seeing the guilt in Maura’s eyes. She gently cupped Maura’s face and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. “Maura, please. I don’t want you to feel bad about that. I didn’t even think about it, not like that. You’ve been through everything with me. And honestly, all I wanted is to be with you. With Grace. We’ll celebrate when the time is right, together.”

Maura’s eyes welled up with tears, and she shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. “But you should’ve been celebrated, Jane. You’ve done so much for our family. You deserved that.”

Jane smiled softly, brushing her thumb along Maura’s cheek. “And I will be. When the time is right. But right now? Right now, I’m just happy we’re home. We’re together. And that’s all I need.”

Maura’s tears started to fall, and Jane leaned in, pulling her into a warm, tight embrace. “I’m sorry we missed those days,” Jane whispered, holding her even closer. “But I swear, we’ll make up for them. All the days we’ve missed. Together.”

Maura nodded, her body finally relaxing in Jane’s arms. The weight of everything she’d been carrying lifting just a little, as she let herself be held. “I love you,” Maura murmured, still holding onto Jane, but feeling a little less burdened by the guilt.

“I love you too,” Jane replied softly. “And we’ll make it all right, I promise.”

They sat there together, silently, each of them feeling the comfort of being together after so much time apart. They may have missed some special days, but they know that with each passing moment, they are creating new ones—new memories, new moments that will matter just as much, if not more.

xxx

As Jane stepped into the house, she was feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief. It had been a long day with her outpatient therapy session, but she’d been looking forward to this family dinner all week. She’d decided to prepare something special, a meal big enough to fill the table and their hearts—something that felt normal, like a return to the rhythm of life before everything changed.

She hummed lightly as she set the table, arranging the plates and glasses with care. She’d put a lot of thought into this meal, a perfect distraction, hoping it would give them all a moment to just be together. Her therapy had been progressing, but today’s session had been tough. Talking about her work, her trauma, and the future hadn’t been easy, and she knew the weight of her idea she’d discussed with Dr Sullivan would hit the table soon enough.

The house filled with the familiar chatter and clinking of dishes as people arrived, and soon, they were all gathered around the dining table—Angela, Frankie, Charlie, Tommy, Frost, Korsak, Cavanaugh, and Hope. Laughter filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt normal again. But Jane knew it was only a matter of time before the moment she’d been dreading arrived. As the food settled, and the plates were cleared away, Jane took a deep breath.

“I’ve got an announcement,” she said, her voice steady but with a note of hesitation. All eyes turned to her, and she paused for a moment, feeling the weight of every gaze. “I’m thinking about leaving the police force.”

The room went quiet for a beat. The silence was deafening. Everyone’s eyes flickered between one another before the floodgates open, and the conversation begins—loud and overlapping, everyone speaking at once.

Angela: “What do you mean, Jane? You can’t just leave the job, not after everything you’ve been through. This is who you are!”

Frankie: “Mom’s right, you’ve been with the force for years. What’s going to happen if you walk away now?”

Tommy: “Yeah, I get it’s been tough, but you're stronger than that. You can’t let them win, Jane.”

Frost: “But, Jane, what about your health? I mean, you’ve been through a lot, and I think you deserve a break.”

Korsak: “You’ve been working yourself to the bone. It’s okay to step back. Hell, I’m the one who kept telling you to slow down. But that doesn’t have to be permanent.”

Cavanaugh: “No one’s saying you have to leave, Jane. But I think we’d all support you, whatever decision you make.”

Hope: “I think it’s important you listen to yourself, Jane. You've been through so much. It’s not just about the badge—it’s about you, your peace, and your health.”

Maura, sitting beside Jane, looked torn. She wanted to be supportive, but she felt her own heart sinking. She’d been trying to keep things as normal as possible for Jane, for Grace, for herself, but she didn’t know if Jane could truly leave her whole past behind. She didn’t know how to navigate a life without the badge. But she knew that Jane had been struggling, that she'd been pushing herself beyond her limits, and it had been a long, hard journey. But leaving... that was a big decision.

Maura: "Jane... are you sure? I just—" She paused, taking a deep breath before her voice softened. "I don’t want you to make any decisions out of frustration or... or guilt."

Jane squeezed Maura’s hand, trying to calm the room. “I’m not doing this out of frustration, Maura. I’ve thought about it. It’s not easy, and it’s not something I want to rush into. But after everything I’ve been through, I can’t help but wonder if I’m just… burnt out. I don’t know how much more I have to give."

Angela: “You’ve got so much more left in you, Jane! You don’t just throw all of that away.”

Frankie: “It’s been tough, sure, but you’ve always had the strength to push through. Why would you give up now?”

Tommy: “Look, no one’s saying it’s going to be easy, but this... this is what you’ve done your whole life. Don’t just give it up because you’re tired.”

Korsak, who’s been quiet up until now, spoke up. “She’s been through hell, and if she thinks this is what’s best for her, then we need to support her. No one’s telling you that you have to leave, Jane. But I know this job has taken a toll on you.”

Cavanaugh: “You’ve always been the heart of the team, Jane. But if stepping away is what you need, we’re all behind you.”

The conversation continued with everyone giving their opinions, sharing what they thought Jane should do. Everyone’s love and concern were palpable, but Jane can’t help but feel overwhelmed. The pressure of everyone’s expectations, the weight of their words—it was all too much.

She looked at Maura, searching for some kind of understanding, and saw the worry in her eyes. Jane reached for Maura’s hand, squeezing it lightly. She didn’t want to make the decision alone, but she knew it was hers to make.

“I’ll figure it out,” Jane said quietly, but firmly. “But I can’t make any promises right now.”

The room quietened again, and Jane looked around at everyone. She was thankful for the support, but for the first time in a long time, she knew that what was next was entirely up to her.

xxx

Jane returned to work with a mix of nerves and determination. The first few days back were rough, but she was committed to seeing how it felt, to getting back into her routine and evaluating what was best for her and her family. She had been struggling with the weight of her decision, unsure of whether to stay or go, but she knew that rushing into anything wasn’t the answer. She needed clarity, and the only way she was going to find that was by stepping back into the world that she’d known for so long.

One night after work, she was sitting at the kitchen table with Maura, who’d been quietly watching her, sensing the tension in Jane. Maura had been supportive, understanding of the decision Jane had been grappling with, but she’d noticed how Jane had been withdrawing again, as if the walls she once tore down were slowly going up again.

As they sat together, Jane turned to Maura, her voice soft but resolute. "I haven't made my decision yet," she admitted, rubbing her thumb along the edge of her coffee cup. "But I know I need to get back into the routine. I need to feel like me again before I can figure out what’s best for all of us."

Maura watched her, her eyes gentle. "I understand," she said quietly, giving Jane the space she needed. "But I want you to be honest with yourself. Don't do this because you feel like you have to. Do what feels right for you. For all of us."

Jane nodded, but her gaze hardened slightly as she continued, the words tumbling out as if she’d been holding them back. "If I’m injured again, Maura..." She took a deep breath, unwilling to sugar-coat what she knows deep down. "If I’m hurt on the job again, if I put you and Grace through that again... my decision will be made for me. I won’t do it. I won’t risk losing more time with you, with our daughter."

Maura’s heart ached as she heard Jane's words, the quiet intensity of them. Jane’s voice cracked just slightly, the weight of what she was saying heavy on her chest. It wasn’t just about her anymore—it was about Maura and Grace, about the life they were building, and Jane wasn’t willing to jeopardize that for the job.

"I can’t do that to you," Jane continued, her tone firm now, but with a trace of vulnerability. "I love you both too much to keep doing this if it means putting everything we’ve fought for on the line. I won’t make that mistake again."

Maura reached out, placing her hand on Jane’s, squeezing it gently. Her eyes are full of compassion and love, but also sadness. "I know, Jane. I know you won’t. But I also know that you’re struggling with this, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re alone in making this decision. I want you to take your time. There’s no rush. We’ll figure this out together."

Jane smiled softly, a mix of gratitude and relief flooding her. She felt the weight of Maura’s support, how deeply she understood Jane’s internal struggle. "Thank you," Jane whispered, squeezing Maura’s hand in return. "I need you to know, no matter what I decide, I’m in this with you. With Grace. But I also need to feel like myself again."

Maura leaned in, brushing her lips lightly against Jane’s forehead. "I know, love. And I’m here for you, no matter what."

For a moment, they sat there in comfortable silence, the weight of Jane’s decision still heavy, but with Maura by her side, Jane felt like she could face whatever comes next.

Chapter Text

Jane leaned against the desk in BRIC, arms crossed, watching as her brother fidgeted with a pen, spinning it between his fingers. Frankie wasn’t usually this hesitant—he’s direct, sometimes to the point of being blunt. But right now, it’s like he was wrestling with something, trying to find the right way to say whatever was on his mind.

She raised an eyebrow. “Spit it out, Frankie.”

He glanced at her, then back down at the pen in his hands. “What?” he asked, feigning innocence, but Jane wasn’t buying it for a second.

“You’ve been staring at that screen for ten minutes, and I know for a fact you read faster than that.” She gestured at the monitor. “So, whatever it is that’s got you twisting yourself into knots, just say it.”

Frankie sighed, setting the pen down and leaning back in his chair. “It’s nothing,” he said at first, but then he shook his head. “No, that’s a lie. It’s something. I just… I don’t know how to bring it up without pissing you off.”

Jane tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly. “Well, now I definitely want to know.”

Frankie ran a hand through his hair and finally looked her in the eye. “It’s about you being back at work.”

Jane’s expression didn’t change, but internally, she braced herself. “Okay. What about it?”

He hesitated for a beat, then sighed again. “Look, Janie, I know you’re being careful. I know you’re trying to get back into it, seeing how it feels. And I’m really trying to respect that. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.”

Jane exhales through her nose, shoulders tensing. “Frankie—”

“I’m not saying you can’t do your job,” he cut in quickly, hands up in surrender. “I know better than to question that. But I also know you. And I know that you’ll push yourself even when you shouldn’t.” He paused, lowering his voice. “I just… I don’t want you back in the hospital, Jane. None of us do.”

She studied him for a long moment. It wasn’t judgment in his voice, or doubt. It was fear. Concern. And she knew it was coming from a place of love.

“I hear you,” she said finally, and she meant it. “I do. And I swear, I’m being careful. But I need to do this my way.”

Frankie nodded slowly. “Just… promise me you’ll really listen to yourself. And not just try to prove something.”

Jane didn’t answer right away. But after a moment, she reached out and squeezes his arm. “I promise.”

He smiled tightly at her but then let out a little laugh. She could see him tapping his foot on the floor, and recognised the nervous tic he used to display when he was hiding something.

Jane narrows her eyes at him. “Okay, now I really know something’s up. Spill it.”

Frankie took a deep breath, then let out a nervous laugh, shaking his head. “Man, this is harder than I thought.”

Jane smirks. “Are you in trouble? ‘Cause if you are, I’m not bailing you out. Again.”

He gave her a deadpan look. “That was one time, and I was eighteen.”

Jane shrugged. “Still counts.”

Frankie rolled his eyes, then sat forward, lowering his voice like someone might overhear. “It’s not trouble. It’s just… a secret. And I need you and Maura to help me tell Ma.”

Jane’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, this I gotta hear. What kind of secret?”

Frankie hesitated, then leaned in conspiratorially. “Charlie’s pregnant.”

Jane stared at him. Blinked. Then smacked his arm— hard.

“Ow!” He rubbed the spot, scowling. “What the hell, Jane?”

“You’ve known this whole time and this is how I find out? No heads-up? No ‘Hey, sis, big news’ text?”

Frankie winced. “We just found out a couple weeks ago. We wanted to wait until things were more certain before we told anyone.”

Jane crossed her arms, still glaring, but her face softened just a bit. “And now you want me and Maura to help break it to Ma before she finds out on her own and makes a whole thing out of it?”

“Exactly.” Frankie nodded, relieved she was catching on. “You know she’s gonna lose her mind. She’s been dropping hints about more grandkids since the wedding. We don’t want her steamrolling us before we even figure things out ourselves.”

Jane snorted. “Yeah, good luck with that. The second she hears the word ‘baby,’ she’s gonna go full Angela Rizzoli.”

Frankie groaned. “Yeah, exactly why we need backup.”

Jane considered this for a moment, then smirked. “Fine. But Maura’s gonna love this.”

Frankie sighed in relief. “Yeah, yeah. Just promise me she won’t let slip any medical mumbo jumbo that makes Ma even more intense about it.”

Jane laughed. “No promises. But congrats, little brother.”

Frankie grinned. “Thanks. Now, let’s just hope Ma doesn’t start knitting baby booties before we even get the words out.”

xxx

Maura blinked in surprise as Jane pulled her in close, pressing a deep, lingering kiss to her lips. She melted into it, her hands resting against Jane’s sides as she pulled back just slightly, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Well, hello to you too,” Maura said, breathless and amused. She eyed the bouquet in Jane’s hand, then the bottle of wine. “Not that I’m complaining, but… what’s all this for?”

Jane bit her lip, her excitement practically vibrating off her. She shifted on her feet, then blurts, “Because you’re gonna be an auntie.”

Maura’s brow furrows. “An—” And then it clicked. Her eyes widened, and she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “Frankie and Charlie?”

Jane grinned. “Yep.”

Maura’s expression shifted from surprise to absolute joy, and she let out a delighted laugh before throwing her arms around Jane’s neck. “Oh, Jane, that’s wonderful news!”

Jane chuckled, holding her tightly. “Yeah, yeah, but before you start planning a whole spreadsheet of baby milestones, Frankie wants our help telling Ma.”

Maura pulled back just enough to meet Jane’s gaze, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Ah. I see. So this is less of a celebration and more of a bribe?”

Jane smirked. “Can’t it be both?”

Maura hummed, tilting her head. “Well, considering the fact that you just called me ‘Auntie Maura’ for the first time… I suppose I’ll allow it.”

Jane grinned. “Good. ‘Cause we’re gonna need all the wine and all the strategic planning we can get before we break the news to Ma.”

Chapter Text

Angela’s kitchen was buzzing with activity as she prepped for her classic Friday night dinner, Charlie by her side, playing the perfect daughter-in-law role as she stirred the sauce Angela had perfected over decades. Angela chattered away, oblivious to the mischief happening in the living room.

In the other room, Jane, Maura, and Frankie are kneeling in front of Grace, who is giggling as Maura carefully pulls her little arms through the sleeves of a brand-new shirt.

“Alright, Gracie girl,” Jane murmured, straightening the fabric. “Time to make Nonna’s whole year.”

Frankie chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. “You sure she won’t, like, pass out from excitement?”

“Oh, she’s going to scream,” Jane said matter-of-factly, adjusting Grace’s shirt to make sure the words Best Cousin Ever are front and centre. “And then she’s going to cry. And then she’s going to start planning this kid’s entire life before Charlie even starts showing.”

“I give it ten minutes before she’s talking baby names,” Maura added, smoothing Grace’s hair.

Frankie groaned. “Oh god, she is, isn’t she?”

Jane clapped him on the shoulder. “You did this to yourself, little brother.”

Frankie sighed but grinned. “Alright, let’s do it.”

Maura scooped Grace up, setting her on her feet. “Okay, sweetheart, go find Nonna.”

Grace, always happy to be given free rein, toddled off toward the kitchen, her little curls bouncing as she made a beeline for Angela.

The three of them follow the toddler and stand back, exchanging smirks as they waited.

From the kitchen, they hear Charlie say, “Angela, look who’s here!”

Angela gasped. “Oh, my little bambina! Come give Nonna a hug!”

They hold their breath.

A beat.

And then—

A scream.

“OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!!”

Jane snickered, Frankie groaned, and Maura just smiled as they watched Angela clutch at her chest, eyes wide as she reads the words on Grace’s tiny shirt.

Charlie was already laughing, holding onto Angela’s arm just in case the woman actually did pass out.

Angela turned wildly towards her children, tears already forming in her eyes. “Are you serious?!”

Frankie steps forward, beaming. “Yeah, Ma… you’re gonna be a Nonna again.”

Angela sobbed.

xxx

Angela was on a mission.

The second she was done sobbing into Frankie’s shoulder and smothering Charlie in hugs, she clapped her hands together and announces, “That’s it. Charlie, you call your parents. We’re having a dinner.”

Charlie blinked. “A dinner?”

“Yes! A proper family dinner! We met at the wedding, sure, but we’re sharing a grandchild now! We need to know each other! And Jane, Maura—” she turned to them so fast Jane barely stopped herself from flinching, “—you’re coming. With Grace.”

Jane let out a breathy laugh, hands raised. “Uh, Ma, we didn’t say—”

Angela narrowed her eyes. “You are coming.”

Maura, ever the diplomat, nodded. “Of course, Angela. We’d love to be there.”

Angela beamed. “Good. No excuses.”

Frankie sighed and looked at Jane, who shrugged helplessly. “Welcome to my life, you think she’s bad when she’s around all the time as Ma. Wait till she’s in your house at 6am as Nonna.”

xxx

A month after that dinner, family life was getting back to normal. Jane was still going to therapy once a week. Maura was sleeping better. They were talking about enrolling Grace in day-care at the start of the next school year. Things were better.

Maura walked into the bathroom and stopped short.

Jane was standing on the scale, wearing nothing but her underwear, her toned arms hanging loosely by her sides. She was looking down at the number, unreadable, but when she noticed Maura in the mirror, her face shifted instantly.

She stepped off the scale, turned, and flashed Maura a slow, teasing grin.

"Like what you see, Dr. Isles?" Jane drawled, walking toward her with deliberate steps.

Maura exhaled, not sure if she was relieved or frustrated—or both. "I always do," she murmured, studying Jane’s face for any lingering tension.

Jane didn’t give her a chance to overthink it. Instead, she stopped just in front of Maura, tilting her head slightly. "I’ve gained three pounds," she says, voice soft but steady.

For a split second, Maura's breath caught, panic flashing across her face before she could stop it.

Then, before she could react further, Jane tugged her forward by the lapels of her robe, pulling her into a tight embrace, her bare skin warm against the silk.

And then Jane kissed her—a proper, deep kiss that lingered, her grin pressing against Maura’s lips, leaving no space for worry.

When they broke apart, Jane smirked. "Good morning, by the way."

xxx

For the first time in a long time, Maura felt light as she headed to work.

She had dropped Grace off with Angela that morning, pressing a kiss to her mother-in-law’s cheek before heading out. The drive to work felt different—like the air itself was softer, warmer. The tension that had been pressing down on her chest for months had eased, just a little.

At a red light, she glanced at the passenger seat where two coffee cups sat in the holder. Jane’s usual—black—sat beside hers, but today, Maura had also grabbed a small container of milk. She wouldn’t push, wouldn’t say a word about it. But she would offer the choice.

She walked into the precinct, nodding in greeting to passing officers, the hint of a smile still on her lips. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was genuinely happy.

And for the first time in a long time, she believed Jane might be too.

xxx

As soon as Maura reached Jane’s desk, she perched on the edge, crossing one leg over the other. Jane looked up at her with a lazy, lopsided grin, reaching for the coffee Maura offered.

“Morning, Doctor Isles,” Jane said, her voice dripping with something unmistakably teasing.

“Good morning, Detective Rizzoli.” Maura tilted her head, watching as Jane popped the lid off her coffee and—without hesitation—pours in a splash of the milk Maura brought.

Jane caught the way Maura's lips parted slightly in surprise, the way her fingers tightened ever so slightly where they rested on the desk. She took a swig of her coffee, then set it down and leaned back in her chair. Her dark eyes glimmered as she drags her fingers lightly up Maura’s calf, slow and deliberate, pushing beneath the hem of her dress.

Maura inhaled sharply, her posture stiffening just slightly before softening under Jane’s touch.

Jane smirked. “What? I’m just appreciating my wife.”

“Jane,” Maura murmured, her voice a warning but also something else entirely. She shifted, uncrossing and re-crossing her legs, which only encouraged Jane further.

Jane grinned wider. “Yeah?” Her fingers skim a little higher, and Maura exhaled slowly, gathering herself, before her own hand moves to cover Jane’s, stopping her progress before they got themselves into trouble.

“Perhaps you should focus on your casework,” Maura said, her tone prim but her cheeks just a little flushed.

Jane leaned in, voice low. “You are my favourite case.”

Maura swallowed, rolling her lips together, but Jane saw the way she fought a smile.

“Tonight,” Maura said simply, sliding off the desk with a composed grace that Jane has always found infuriatingly attractive.

“Tonight,” Jane echoed, watching her wife walk away. She took another sip of her coffee, smirking to herself.

Best damn morning she’d had in a long time.

Chapter Text

Angela answered on the second ring, her voice warm but immediately curious.

"Janie? Everything okay?"

Jane chuckled, leaning against her desk. "Yeah, Ma. Everything's fine. Actually, better than fine."

Angela hummed, clearly pleased. "Good. So, what’s up?"

Jane hesitated for half a second, knowing how this could go if she words it wrong. "I was wondering if you’d mind keeping Grace overnight?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Angela responds, careful but slightly apprehensive. "Why? What’s going on?"

Jane shook her head, even though her mother couldn’t see her. "Nothing bad, I swear. I just—" She huffs out a quiet laugh. "I just want to spend the night appreciating my wife."

Angela is silent for a beat, then—"Ohhh," she said knowingly, and Jane instantly regrets her choice of words.

"Ma, don’t."

"What? I’m just saying, I remember what it’s like to—"

"Ma!" Jane cut her off loudly, laughing despite herself. "I do not need to hear about you and Pop, or—God forbid—anyone else!"

Angela chuckled, but she was clearly thrilled. "Alright, alright, I’ll keep my mouth shut. And I’ll keep Grace overnight. No rush in the morning either—just happy to hear you sounding like yourself again, sweetheart."

Jane feels something warm settle in her chest at that. "Thanks, Ma. I’ll get her in the morning."

Angela just hummed again, and Jane swore she can hear the smile in her voice. "Have fun, Janie," she said before hanging up.

Jane rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop smiling as she grabs her coat. Time to go home to her wife.

xxx

Jane took a deep breath, glancing around the apartment before pulling her phone out to send Frost a quick text: "Hey, could you let Maura know I’m home? If she comes looking for me, tell her everything is fine. No need for her to worry."

She felt the knot in her stomach loosen a little as she hits send. She wasn’t sure exactly how long it would take for Maura to come home, but she wanted to make sure the night was perfect, no distractions, just the two of them.

As she made her way into the bedroom, Jane lit a few candles, setting the mood with soft, flickering light. The music she chose, slow and melodic, hums gently through the apartment. She arranged the items she’s been preparing for the last hour: a small plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, her wife’s favourite wine—nothing too fancy but the kind Maura always comments on when they share a glass—and, of course, the Elvish honey. Jane smiled to herself, remembering the first time she’d found it in a little shop while they were on vacation. It had been a joke at first, something sweet and silly to share between them, but Maura had loved it.

She arranged everything just right, making sure there’s a small glass of wine waiting for Maura on the nightstand, a little plate of strawberries next to it. Everything was ready, and she can feel the excitement bubbling up inside her.

Once it was all set, she carefully undid the buttons of her blouse, unbinding her hair from its usual ponytail and letting it fall loose around her shoulders. She didn’t usually go for extravagant gestures but tonight felt different. Tonight, she was showing Maura just how much she appreciated her, how much she loved her.

The door creaked open, and Jane's heart skipped a beat as she turned toward the entrance. She knew it was Maura, even without hearing her voice. There was something about the way she entered a room, the quiet elegance she carried with her, the small exhale of surprise when she found Jane waiting.

Maura’s eyes widened as she took in the sight—Jane standing in their room, soft music playing, the candles casting warm light on her face, and the spread of treats on the bed.

"Jane..." Maura whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she glanced from Jane to the setup around them. "What is all this?"

Jane grinned, stepping toward her, her eyes soft. "Just a little something special. I thought we could take tonight for ourselves. No work, no distractions. Just us."

Maura looked at her with a tenderness that Jane didn’t have words for. "You’re incredible, you know that?"

Jane reached out, cupping Maura’s face gently in her hands, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "It’s nothing big. Just a way to remind you how much I love you."

Maura’s breath caught as Jane leaned in, brushing her lips against Maura’s in a soft kiss. The warmth of Maura’s hands on her back as they pull each other closer makes everything feel right. Tonight, there were no worries, no stress—just love. Just the two of them.

And for the first time in a long time, Jane felt like they were exactly where they belong.

xxx

Jane’s fingers trailed lazily along Maura’s back, tracing soft patterns against her bare skin as they lay tangled together in the dim candlelight. The room is quiet, save for the slow rhythm of their breaths and the occasional hum of satisfaction that escapes Jane’s lips as she presses a lingering kiss to Maura’s shoulder.

Hours had passed, and yet neither of them felt any rush to move. There was no urgency, no lingering weight of the world pressing down on them for once—just this moment. Just them.

Maura sighed contentedly, her hand hesitantly gliding over Jane’s side, fingertips ghosting over each line and curve, as if she’s memorizing her all over again. She follows the map of Jane’s body—the faded bullet wound near her ribs, the scar from the stab wound that had nearly stolen her, the softness of her skin where muscle had once been sharper against bone.

Her fingers pause over Jane’s ribs, feeling the way they no longer jutted out as starkly as they had months ago, when every touch had been a reminder of just how much Jane had been fighting against herself. Now, there was warmth, a gentle fullness to her frame that made Maura’s heart swell.

Jane watched her, letting her explore, her dark eyes searching Maura’s face for any unspoken words. She reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind Maura’s ear before leaning in, pressing a soft, reverent kiss against her temple. “What’s on your mind?”

Maura swallows, shaking her head slightly as if words fail her. Instead, she shifted, pressing her lips to the scar on Jane’s abdomen, a whisper of a kiss over the place that had almost taken her away. Then another, over the faint mark on her side from the bullet wound. She lingers there, her breath warm against Jane’s skin, before pulling back just enough to meet Jane’s gaze.

“I almost lost you,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “More than once.”

Jane exhaled slowly, brushing her thumb along Maura’s cheek. “You didn’t,” she reassures gently. “I’m right here.”

Maura nods, her throat tightening. She shifted closer, pressing herself against Jane, wanting to feel as much of her as possible. “I know. But sometimes, I still wake up expecting to find an empty bed.”

Jane’s grip tightened around her, as if to silently promise that would never happen. She presses a slow, lingering kiss to Maura’s lips, pouring everything she can’t say into it—the gratitude, the love, the unwavering devotion she has for this woman.

“I’m here,” she whispered again, pulling Maura fully against her, their bodies moulding together perfectly. “And I love you. More than anything.”

Maura let out a shaky breath before burying her face into the crook of Jane’s neck, inhaling deeply as Jane strokes soothing circles along her spine.

“Let me love you, Maura,” Jane murmurs against her skin, voice barely above a whisper. “Let me remind you that I’m never going anywhere.”

Maura lifted her head, their eyes locking, and this time, when Jane kisses her, it’s slow, deep, and unhurried—an unspoken vow that she will spend the rest of her life proving just how much Maura meant to her.

Chapter Text

They barely slept, but neither of them minded. It had been too long since they’d allowed themselves this—hours tangled together, rediscovering each other, murmured confessions of love between kisses.

By the time morning came, Jane was utterly exhausted, her limbs heavy with satisfaction, her body completely relaxed. Maura was still curled against her, their legs intertwined, her head resting on Jane’s chest, her breathing slow and steady. Jane had no desire to move.

She knew she should get up, that they should go get Grace, but the thought of untangling herself from Maura’s warmth seemed unbearable. Grace was happy, safe, and loved at Angela’s—one more morning wouldn’t hurt. And Maura… Jane could feel just how much she had needed this, how much she had needed to let go, to be held, to not carry the weight of the world for just one night.

Jane pressed a soft kiss to Maura’s hair, inhaling deeply as she ran her fingers lazily up and down Maura’s back. "You okay?" she murmured.

Maura hummed sleepily, shifting just enough to tighten her hold on Jane. "More than okay," she whispered. "I feel… lighter."

Jane smiled, rubbing small circles against Maura’s skin. "Good."

The sound of Jane’s phone vibrating on the nightstand broke the peaceful quiet. Jane groaned but reached for it, squinting at the screen before answering.

"Ma, before you say anything, I know we’re late."

Angela chuckled on the other end. "I wasn’t calling to yell. I just figured I’d give you two some time to get dressed before I bring Grace home."

Jane let out a breath of relief, grinning. "You’re the best, Ma."

"I know," Angela said smugly. "I’ll be there in twenty."

As Jane hung up, she turned her head to see Maura watching her with soft, sleepy eyes. "We have twenty minutes," Jane murmured.

Maura smiled lazily, stretching just enough to press a kiss to Jane’s collarbone. "Just enough time for a shower," she mused, voice still husky from sleep.

Jane smirked, pulling Maura even closer. "Together?"

Maura chuckled, tracing her fingers along Jane’s side. "Obviously."

With a groan, Jane forced herself to move, pulling Maura with her. As much as she wanted to stay in bed forever, they had a daughter to welcome home. And after the night they’d had, she was ready to wrap Grace up in her arms and soak in the happiness of the family she had fought so hard to come back to.

xxx

That night had proven to be a turning point for their little family. It was as if all they’d needed was a single night to reset—to truly reconnect—and suddenly, everything felt easier. Lighter.

Jane felt like herself again. Not just in the sense of her recovery, but in how she moved through her days. She was back at work, back with her team, and though the question of whether she would stay in the force still lingered in the back of her mind, she wasn’t rushing a decision. For now, things were good. Almost perfect.

Work was running smoothly. Korsak had been promoted, something Jane had celebrated with him over a round of drinks and teasing about how he was going soft in his old age. Frankie was thriving in BRIC, working closely with the new analyst, Nina, and absolutely loving the job.

And then there was Charlie.

Officially, she was on desk duty now that she was starting to show, something that was driving her absolutely insane. She hated being stuck at a desk just as much as Jane and Frankie always had, and she made sure everyone knew it. More often than not, she could be found loitering in homicide, rolling her chair between desks with exaggerated sighs and pointed stares at her ever-growing belly.

"I swear, if one more person asks me how I’m feeling, I’m going to start throwing staplers," Charlie grumbled one afternoon, dropping into the chair beside Jane’s desk.

Jane smirked, barely looking up from her report. "That’s a very pregnant thing to say."

Charlie shot her a glare. "Don’t start."

Maura, who had been standing nearby, cleared her throat. "Actually, irritability can be a symptom of pregnancy-related—"

"Maura," Charlie groaned, dropping her head against Jane’s desk with a dramatic thud.

Jane laughed, reaching over to pat Charlie’s shoulder. "Hey, if it makes you feel better, you’re not the only one who’s been chained to a desk before. It sucks, but at least you’re not benched completely."

Charlie sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I know. But it doesn’t mean I have to like it."

Jane just grinned, glad that, for the first time in a long time, things finally felt stable.

xxx

Jane knew she wanted to do something special for their second wedding anniversary, but she also knew she needed help. And when it came to planning anything family-related, there was only one person to call: Angela.

Her mother had barely let her finish her sentence before diving into suggestions, flipping through a notebook that Jane was pretty sure she kept for moments exactly like this.

"Okay, are we talking a big celebration? Fancy dinner? Romantic getaway? Or something more sentimental?" Angela asked, eyes bright with excitement.

Jane leaned against the counter, exhaling. "I don’t want it to be huge. Just something personal, something that reminds Maura how much I love her."

Angela softened. "Sweetheart, Maura already knows. You don’t have to prove anything."

"Yeah, well, I still want to do something." Jane glanced down, rubbing the back of her neck. "She’s been through a lot this past year. I want to give her something good."

Angela smiled knowingly. "What about a day that’s just for the two of you? Recreate your first date? Or—ooh! What about a scavenger hunt? You could send her clues that lead to different places that mean something to you both."

Jane blinked. "That’s… actually a great idea."

"Of course it is," Angela said proudly. "You could start at the café where you had your first coffee together, then maybe the precinct where she proposed, and end somewhere special—like home, with a private dinner waiting."

Jane felt a slow grin tug at her lips. "I like it. And maybe I can get Frankie or Tommy to help set up the last part."

Angela patted her arm. "See? You’re already thinking like a romantic."

Jane snorted. "Don’t push it, Ma."

But the idea was already forming in her head. Something intimate, something meaningful. A way to show Maura, after everything they had been through, that she was still Jane’s whole world.

And she couldn’t wait to see the look on Maura’s face when she realized just how much Jane had planned for her.

xxx

Frankie and Charlie were usually the picture of confidence—both skilled in their jobs, quick-witted, and level-headed under pressure. But parenthood? That was a whole different ballgame.

So, when Charlie hit the six-month mark and they both started to really feel the weight of what was coming, they did what made the most sense: they called in reinforcements.

Specifically, Jane and Maura.

Jane had laughed when she got the invitation for dinner, immediately recognizing the panic beneath Frankie’s casual, Hey, you guys free for dinner this weekend? text. Maura had, of course, agreed instantly, already preparing in her head a list of research-backed advice.

And naturally, Grace was invited too—because what better way to prepare for parenthood than to have an active, giggling 18 month-old at the table?

When they arrived at the restaurant, Charlie was absently rubbing her belly, eyes flicking anxiously between Frankie and the menu.

“So,” Jane said, sliding into the booth and setting Grace in the high chair. “What’s up, parents-to-be? Feeling the impending doom yet?”

Charlie shot her a look. “You’re so helpful.”

Maura, ever the diplomat, placed a reassuring hand on Charlie’s arm. “You’ll be wonderful parents. But it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.”

Frankie groaned. “I thought I was ready, but the more we read, the more we realize we have no idea what we’re doing.”

Jane smirked, reaching for Grace’s sippy cup. “Welcome to the club. You think we had any clue what we were doing?”

Maura chuckled. “We still don’t, not entirely.”

Frankie blinked. “You sound way too calm about that.”

Charlie leaned in. “So, seriously. Any advice? What do we actually need to be prepared for?”

Jane and Maura exchanged a glance, and Jane grinned. “How long you got?”

Because if they wanted honesty? They were definitely in for a ride.

xxx

Jane had always liked Charlie, even before she became part of the family. She was sarcastic and sharp, quick on her feet, and full of that same boundless energy Frankie had—like the two of them had been separated at birth. But underneath all the jokes and the teasing, Charlie was kind, fiercely loyal, and had a deep well of compassion that Jane respected.

And tonight, Jane was really enjoying herself.

Dinner was filled with laughter, mostly at Frankie’s expense, as Jane and Charlie took turns poking fun at his over-preparedness for fatherhood. He had spreadsheets. Spreadsheets.

“You seriously made a color-coded diaper-changing schedule?” Jane snorted, taking a sip of her beer.

Frankie crossed his arms. “I like to be organized.”

Charlie smirked. “I swear he’s nesting harder than I am.”

Jane laughed loudly, tossing a playful wink at Charlie. “Yeah, sounds about right.”

What she didn’t notice—too caught up in the easy rhythm of conversation—was the way Frankie and, more importantly, Maura were watching her.

Frankie, because he was relieved. This was Jane. The sister he’d always looked up to, back to her full force.

And Maura? Maura watched with something softer in her eyes. Love. Gratitude. A quiet kind of joy that came from seeing her wife happy—genuinely, freely happy, in a way she hadn’t been for so long.

And that? That meant everything.

Chapter Text

Angela was practically glowing.

She had never been good at keeping secrets—especially not happy ones—but somehow, she was managing to juggle both Jane’s and Maura’s plans without slipping up. Barely.

Jane was in the final stages of setting up her scavenger hunt, roping in everyone from Frankie to Korsak to Cavanaugh to play a part in guiding Maura through a city-wide adventure, leading her to places that meant something to them—their places. It was elaborate, well-thought-out, and so incredibly Jane.

Meanwhile, Maura was deep into her own planning. She had also recruited Angela, much to the older woman’s delight, and was putting together something special—something intimate and sentimental. Angela didn’t know all the details, but from what Maura had told her, it was clear that both women were pouring their hearts into making the day unforgettable for each other.

And the best part? Neither of them had the faintest clue what the other was up to.

Angela had to bite her tongue constantly to keep from blurting out how perfect this all was. Instead, she floated around in a near-permanent state of excitement, waiting for the day when her girls would finally realize just how loved they both were.

xxx

Jane furrowed her brows as she ran a hand over the empty sheets beside her. Where the hell was Maura?

She had woken up early, fully prepared to make Maura breakfast in bed—something simple but thoughtful, like pancakes with fresh fruit and that fancy espresso she loved. But now, the whole plan had hit a snag because Maura was nowhere to be found.

Jane threw on a t-shirt over her tank top and padded out of the bedroom, running a hand through her messy hair as she searched for her wife.

“Maura?” she called, checking the nursery first. But Grace was still sound asleep in her bed, delicate fingers curled into fists, her soft breathing filling the room

Jane sighed in relief when she finally spotted Maura standing at the stove, her robe loosely tied around her waist, hair still slightly messy from sleep. The scent of fresh coffee and something sweet filled the air, and Jane leaned against the doorframe for a moment, just watching.

Maura was humming softly to herself as she flipped what looked like French toast in a pan, her movements smooth and effortless. On the counter beside her, a small dish of freshly cut fruit sat next to two perfectly poured cups of coffee—one dark, one with just a splash of milk.

She beat me to it.

Jane shook her head with a smile before walking up behind Maura, wrapping her arms around her waist and pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her neck.

"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles," she murmured against her skin.

Maura leaned back into her embrace, smiling as she tilted her head to the side, giving Jane better access. "Happy anniversary," she whispered back, her voice still soft from sleep.

Jane inhaled deeply, breathing in Maura's familiar warmth, before reluctantly pulling back. "You know, I was supposed to be the one making you breakfast in bed."

Maura chuckled, turning in Jane’s arms to face her. "I know," she admitted, resting her hands on Jane’s shoulders. "But I woke up early, and I thought I’d do something special."

Jane grinned, leaning in to steal a quick kiss before nudging her playfully. "Well, lucky for you, I had something way more special planned for today."

Maura lifted an intrigued brow. "Oh?"

Jane smirked and took Maura’s hand, leading her toward the dining table. "Finish your breakfast, and then get dressed. You have a scavenger hunt to complete."

Maura’s eyes widened with delight. "You planned a scavenger hunt for me?"

"Sure did." Jane kissed her again, this time slow and deep. "And trust me, babe. You're gonna love it."

xxx

The first clue was simple, but it was exactly what Jane knew Maura would love. As Maura took a seat at the table, Jane set the plate of French toast in front of her, along with the coffee, then handed her the small envelope.

"Here's your first clue," Jane said with a grin, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Maura's smile was wide, and she carefully opened the envelope, revealing a neatly folded piece of paper. She read aloud with a small chuckle:

"To start your adventure, go where we make our memories. The place our daughter loves to make her music, the place we dance when we’re a little tipsy,  and the place you always love to make me breakfast."

Maura paused, her brow furrowing for a moment before her eyes lit up. "The kitchen," she murmured, her voice soft with realization.

Jane smirked. "Well, you’re a smart one, Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles. Off you go."

Maura was already moving toward the kitchen, but Jane caught her wrist gently, pulling her back for one last kiss. "Take your time," she whispered, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "I want you to enjoy every second of this."

With that, Maura left the room, going straight to the kitchen, where she found the next clue carefully tucked inside the cabinet where the coffee mugs were stored.

She opened it with a smile, already anticipating what Jane might have planned. A photo of their daughter banging the pans with a wooden spoon, laughing at herself was wrapped up in the handwritten note. Maura gasped at the image, her heart filling even more with love. She looked back at the note.

"Next stop: the place where we talk late into the night, where secrets and dreams are shared. Look under the place we used to sit together when things were simpler."

Maura’s eyes flicked to the couch, where they spent many late nights together, and she knew exactly where the clue would be. She made her way over, pushing the pillows aside, and there, hidden beneath them, was another envelope.

She couldn’t stop smiling now. She was excited, and Jane's thoughtfulness, the effort that had clearly gone into this, made her heart swell. Opening the envelope, Maura glanced at the photo from 18 months ago, a newborn Grace asleep on Maura’s chest, who was also asleep on the couch. Tears filled her eyes as she gazed at Jane, before reading the next clue aloud.

"The next clue is where we met, where you saved me and I saved you. It's where it all started. But don’t take too long – the clock is ticking!"

Maura’s heart skipped. The place where it all began—the precinct. She knew exactly what Jane meant. She could practically hear her voice in her head: "Don’t take too long."

Maura grabbed her keys and headed out the door, making her way to the precinct.

As she walked in, she was greeted by the familiar sights—there was the bullpen where she’d first met Jane, the same desks, the same smells of stale coffee and paperwork. She glanced around, her eyes landing on a little box sitting atop one of the desks.

Inside was the next clue, along with a photo of Jane and herself on the day of their vow renewal, a photo Maura had never seen, with Grace stood between them, the sun bathing them in the background. Maura’s heart skipped a beat as she read the next clue:

"Now go to the place where we both took a leap, where we trusted each other completely. It’s where we shared a moment of vulnerability. And trust me, it’s worth it."

Maura immediately knew. The rooftop—the place where they shared a piece of their hearts and their vulnerabilities when Maura was feeling claustrophobic after her kidnapping, Jane had taken her to the roof to watch the sunrise, where they talked about their fears and their hopes. It was the moment that bound them even closer together;

She hurried there, excitement bubbling inside of her, not entirely sure what Jane had in mind, but confident it was going to be worth it.

When she reached the rooftop, she found another envelope hidden in the corner, tucked under a small potted plant. This time, she didn’t even need to read the clue out loud. She simply smiled, knowing that Jane had planned something special for their next step. The photo that was attached to this clue was one of her favourite images, it had been taken in Italy, Maura had her head resting on Jane’s shoulder as they watched the sunrise in Florence, another photo taken by Angela. The memories of their trip, as well as that one morning on the roof made Maura feel like she was floating. She read the note, eager to get back to her wife.

"The final clue: Find me where we both find peace, where we can be ourselves. The place where we take time for just us."

Maura took a deep breath, letting the cool air settle around her, before looking around for the final piece of the puzzle. It didn’t take long for her to figure out: it was their bedroom. The place where they shared their most intimate moments, the sanctuary they’d built together.

With a sense of anticipation, she made her way back to their home, eagerly pushing the door open and stepping inside.

There, sitting on the bed, was Jane. She was holding a small box, a soft smile curling on her lips.

"Welcome home," Jane said softly, her voice filled with warmth.

Maura’s eyes filled with emotion as she stepped forward, feeling the weight of everything they’d been through and everything they had. "What’s this?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Jane motioned for Maura to sit beside her, and with a teasing smile, she handed over the box. "You’ll see."

Maura opened the box slowly, revealing a delicate necklace with a locket. The front of the locket was engraved the word ‘Always’, the back had the date of their wedding etched delicately with a dash and then the word - Forever.

"I figured," Jane said, her voice soft but confident, "that having a picture of the girls who love you the most resting over your heart…” She opened up the locket to show a picture of Jane and Grace on one side, and the three of them together on the other.

Maura looked up at her wife, her heart full. "I love it, Jane. It’s perfect."

Jane smiled, her eyes flicking with mischief. "Well, it’s not quite the end of the scavenger hunt..."

Before Maura could say anything, Jane pulled her into a deep, lingering kiss, her hands cupping Maura’s face tenderly. The kiss was slow, deliberate, a reaffirmation of everything they had been through.

"Happy anniversary, Maura," Jane murmured against her lips.

"Happy anniversary, Jane," Maura whispered back, feeling her heart soar.

For both of them, this was more than just an anniversary. It was a celebration of their love, their strength, and everything they had built together.

Chapter Text

Jane had been expecting something sweet for their anniversary, but she wasn’t prepared for this. She was sitting on the couch, glancing at the clock, waiting for Maura and Grace to come back downstairs, after sending her to make some coffee and wait for them.

Maura stepped inside first, her eyes sparkling with something she couldn’t quite place. Grace followed closely behind, holding a small card in her tiny hands. She ran to Jane, her face unusually serious as she handed over the card. Jane smiled, a bit confused, as she took it. She opened it slowly, her heart already swelling at the sight of the messy scrawl on the front—Grace's version of "handwritten," Maura’s clear handwriting inside. It was simple, heartfelt:

"For my beautiful Jane, we love you more than words can say. Happy anniversary, with all our hearts. – Maura and Grace."

Jane’s eyes softened, and she gave Grace a kiss on the top of her head. But she hadn’t expected what came next.

Maura, who had been quietly setting up something in the background, turned to face Jane, a soft smile playing on her lips. Grace, now sitting on Maura's knee, was unusually serious, staring at Jane with such focus that Jane couldn't help but chuckle a little.

The room fell quiet for a moment.

And then, suddenly, music began to play. It was soft, delicate, but soulful—something Jane had never heard before. Maura’s voice joined in, flowing effortlessly with the melody, each note carrying so much emotion that Jane’s breath caught in her throat.

Maura’s voice was ethereal, a mixture of love, care, and a depth of feeling that Jane hadn’t expected. It was a song that felt like it belonged to them, like Maura had written it just for this moment.

Grace sat on Maura’s lap, watching her mother with complete seriousness. Jane couldn’t take her eyes off them. Grace, despite being so young, had such focus and devotion in her gaze as she watched Maura sing. Every now and then, she would chime in with random words, her little voice adding a touch of innocence to the whole thing.

The song was heartfelt and beautiful, a testament to how far they had come and how deeply Maura loved Jane. And at the very end, as Maura finished the last note, Grace, with her innocent voice, looked up at Jane and said, all on her own:

"We love you, mama."

The words echoed in the room, and Jane’s chest tightened as she fought back tears. She pulled them both into her arms, holding them close. Maura’s arms wrapped around Grace as well, and for a long moment, the three of them were just together, in a quiet, beautiful kind of peace.

"You two are incredible," Jane whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don’t know what I did to deserve this, but I’m so thankful."

Maura kissed the top of Grace’s head, her voice soft but filled with affection. "We’re the lucky ones."

Grace giggled, her small hand resting on Jane’s cheek as she whispered, "Love you, mama."

Jane smiled through the tears, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "I love you both so much," she whispered, pulling them even closer, savouring the warmth and love of this perfect moment.

In that simple, unexpected song, and in Grace’s innocent declaration, Jane knew this was everything she needed. This was home

Chapter Text

Jane had always imagined her life a certain way—fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, solving cases, chasing down bad guys. But now, things were different. Things were good.

Charlie was eight months pregnant, glowing but also in that stage of discomfort where everything seemed to be just too much. Frankie was a nervous wreck, constantly checking in with Maura about pregnancy symptoms and emergency plans. Grace was a few months away from turning two, growing more independent by the day, talking more, walking (running, really), and being the centre of Jane and Maura’s universe.

And Jane? Jane was settled. That word had always felt foreign to her, but now it fit.

She had graduated from her weekly therapy sessions. She still checked in once a month, but she didn’t need them the way she used to. She was healthier, happier. Her days were filled with family, stolen moments with Maura, bedtime stories with Grace, and long talks with her mother about anything and everything.

She was closer to making a decision about what she wanted to do with her life.

Going back to work had felt like slipping into an old, familiar routine. But the thrill wasn’t the same. Every time she stepped into a crime scene, every time she felt that rush of excitement, she also felt something else—something heavier. A whisper in the back of her mind reminding her of everything she’d been through, everything she’d put Maura and Grace through.

She knew that one more injury, one more close call, and she’d be done for good. But maybe… maybe she was done already.

She hadn’t said anything yet. Not to Maura, not to Angela, not even to herself. But the idea of moving on, of starting something new, didn’t scare her the way it used to.

For the first time, she was looking at her life and realizing that the best parts of it weren’t behind her—they were right now. And maybe, just maybe, the best was still yet to come.

xxx

The waiting room was buzzing with anxious energy. Angela was pacing, her hands clasped together as she mumbles a mix of prayers and excited ramblings under her breath. Tommy was sprawled out in a chair, bouncing his knee impatiently, while Maura sat beside Jane, their fingers intertwined as they waited for news.

Frankie kept coming in and out, updating them with quick, nervous grins—"She’s doing great," "It’s almost time," "I can’t believe this is happening."

Jane watched him, watched the way he puffed out his chest, the way his excitement and nervousness blend together, making him look younger and older at the same time.

And she feels it. The shift.

She’s so damn proud of him.

When Frankie finally burst into the waiting room one last time, his face flushed and eyes a little glassy, everyone held their breath.

"It’s a boy," he announced, voice thick with emotion. "We have a son."

The room erupted into cheers. Angela immediately started crying, clutching Tommy’s arm as she asked when she can see the baby. Maura squeezed Jane’s hand, her own eyes shining with happiness. Tommy claps Frankie on the back, grinning wide.

Frankie laughs, rubbing a hand over his face before looking directly at Jane. His expression softened.

"Jane," he said, a little nervous now.

She quirked a brow. "Yeah?"

Frankie swallowed, glancing at Maura for a split second before refocusing on his sister. "Charlie and I... We talked about this for a while, and we both agreed—" He hesitated, shifting on his feet. "We want you to be the first to meet him. And... we want you to be his godmother."

Jane blinked.

Everything around her blurred for a moment—the hospital walls, the noise, Angela’s muffled sob. It all faded as those words settled into her chest.

Jane froze for a moment, caught completely off guard.

Her godson.

The words settle deep in her chest, heavy in a way that’s different from fear or doubt—it’s something stronger, something grounding.

Frankie was looking at her with expectation, with trust. He wants her to be the first to meet his son. Charlie wants her to be the first to meet their son. Jane blinked rapidly, willing the sudden rush of emotion away before she embarrassed herself in the middle of the hospital hallway.

She glanced at Maura, whose eyes were already glassy with tears. Maura smiled at her, a soft, knowing expression, as if she could already sense what was going on in Jane’s head. Angela is practically vibrating with excitement, but she didn't protest, just wiped at her tears and waves Jane off. "Go on, Janie, go meet your nephew!"

Tommy clapped her on the back, grinning. "Better not screw this up, big sis. Kid’s first impression of you is on the line."

Jane rolled her eyes, but she was grinning as she followed Frankie into the delivery room.

Charlie was exhausted, sweaty, and still somehow managed to look like the strongest person Jane had ever met. She was propped up against the hospital bed, her hair sticking to her forehead, but she was smiling as she held a small, blanketed bundle in her arms.

Frankie moved to stand beside her, pressing a kiss to her temple before reaching out, carefully scooping up the baby and turning toward Jane. "Jane," he said, voice thick with emotion, "meet your godson."

And just like that, Frankie placed his newborn son into Jane’s arms.

Jane stared down at the tiny, pink face peeking out from the blanket. He’s perfect—small, warm, soft. He makes a little noise, a cross between a sigh and a whimper, and Jane swears her heart just about stops.

"Hey, buddy," she murmurs, shifting him slightly, cradling him close. "I’m Jane. Your Auntie Jane."

Her throat tightens, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. This—this—is what matters. Not the badge, not the cases, not the adrenaline of chasing down suspects. This. Her family. The people she loves.

She glances up at Frankie and Charlie, her decision cementing itself in her mind.

She’s done.

The job has been her whole life, but it’s not her only life. Not anymore.

She looks down at her godson again, at his tiny hands curled into fists, at the little wrinkle in his brow that already reminds her of Frankie.

"I got you, kid," she whispers. "No matter what."

And with that, Jane Rizzoli makes her choice.

Chapter Text

Jane has never been one for making rash decisions, not when it comes to her family. So, as sure as she is about what she wants, she takes her time, making sure she knows how to make it happen before she says a word to Maura.

She starts with Cavanaugh.

His office is quiet when she steps inside, the weight of her thoughts pressing against her ribs. He listens as she lays it all out—not the decision itself, but the possibility of it. What it would mean for the department, for her pension, for everything she’s worked for.

He leans back in his chair, regarding her with an expression she can’t quite read. "You’ve got options, Rizzoli," he tells her. "You’ve earned the right to figure out what works best for you. You want to take a step back? We can talk about it. But don’t make any decisions without knowing exactly what you're walking away from."

She nods. That’s exactly what she’s doing.

-

Next is the bank.

Jane sits in a too-stiff chair while a financial advisor explains things in a way that makes her head hurt. She asks about mortgages, savings, investments—things she’s never really had to think too hard about before. The numbers make sense, but the impact of them is harder to process.

Then, she goes higher up. The commissioner of the entire Boston Police Department. It’s a bold move, but Jane has never been one to shy away from going straight to the top when she needs to.

She walks out of that meeting with options. Real ones. Ones she never really considered before.

By the time she’s done gathering all the information she needs, she knows it’s time to talk to Maura.

She doesn’t want to just drop this on her. This is something they need to discuss properly, something that affects both of them.

So, she plans.

A quiet evening, just the two of them. Dinner, maybe a bottle of wine. Nothing fancy, nothing extravagant—just a moment where they can sit together and talk.

Because this isn’t just about Jane anymore. It’s about their future. Their family.

And it’s time Maura knew exactly what Jane has been thinking.

xxx

Jane swirls the wine in her glass, watching Maura from across the table. They’ve done this a thousand times—shared meals, exchanged glances, let comfortable silence settle between them—but tonight, Jane feels like her nerves are playing a damn symphony inside her chest.

Maura, ever observant, notices.

“Something’s on your mind,” she says gently, setting her fork down. “You’ve been watching me like you’re waiting for me to figure something out.”

Jane huffs out a breathy laugh. “Yeah, well… you do usually figure things out before I even open my mouth.”

Maura tilts her head, a soft smirk playing on her lips. “That’s true.”

Jane takes a sip of her wine, then exhales. “Okay,” she starts, leaning forward, forearms resting on the table. “I’ve been thinking about something for a while now. And before I say it, I want you to know—I’ve thought it through. I’ve talked to the right people. I’ve crunched the numbers, I’ve looked at all the options—”

“Jane.” Maura reaches across the table, covering Jane’s hand with her own. “Just tell me.”

Jane swallows. And then, she does.

“I’m leaving the force.”

She doesn’t say I think I want to, or I’ve been considering it—because she’s past that point. This is what she wants.

Maura’s lips part slightly, her eyes searching Jane’s. “You’re sure?”

Jane nods. “Yeah. I am.”

Maura sits back in her chair, taking it in, and Jane can see the whirlwind of emotions flickering across her face—surprise, curiosity, something close to relief.

“I wanted to tell you when I knew it wasn’t just a passing thought,” Jane continues. “I wanted to be sure. And I wanted to make sure it was something we talked about together, because this—our life, our family—it’s the most important thing to me.”

Maura’s throat bobs as she swallows. “Jane…” she starts, then pauses. “You love being a detective.”

“I do,” Jane agrees. “But I love you more. I love Grace more. And after everything, Maura… I don’t want you to have to sit by the phone, waiting for bad news again. I don’t want Grace to grow up with me in and out of the hospital because I caught another bullet or took another hit. I don’t want that anymore.”

Maura blinks quickly, and Jane can see the sheen of tears in her eyes. “So… what do you want?”

Jane breathes out, glancing down at their hands before meeting Maura’s gaze again. “I want to teach. Train recruits. Maybe even consult on cases if they need me. I’ve got a couple of offers, actually. It’d be different, but it’d be good different.”

Maura lets out a breath, something between a laugh and a sigh. “Jane, that sounds…” She shakes her head, smiling as a tear slips down her cheek. “That sounds wonderful.”

Jane reaches up, brushing the tear away with her thumb. “Yeah?”

Maura nods. “Yes.” She exhales, composing herself. “I don’t think I realized how much I hoped you’d come to this decision on your own. I never wanted to push you, but Jane…” She squeezes her hand. “I have been scared. Every time you walk out that door, I worry. I try not to, but I do.”

“I know,” Jane says softly. “And I don’t want you to have to anymore.”

Maura lifts Jane’s hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “So what happens next?”

Jane grins, feeling the weight of uncertainty finally lift from her shoulders. “Well,” she says, leaning in, “I guess I put in my resignation.”

xxx

The Rizzoli house was alive with warmth and noise, the scent of Angela’s cooking filling the air as laughter bounces off the walls. Frankie and Charlie arrived with the baby, still wrapped up in his soft little blanket, as the family gathers in the dining room.

Grace, now 22 months old and full of energy, was running around with her arms stretched wide like an airplane, giggling as Tommy pretended to chase her. “Gonna getcha, Gracie girl!” he teases, making her squeal with delight.

Angela watches the scene with adoration, bouncing on her heels as she flits between the kitchen and the table. “Dinner’s almost ready!” she called, clapping her hands. “Everyone, get settled!”

Frankie carefully adjusts the baby in his arms before sitting next to Charlie, who looks exhausted but glowing, her gaze never leaving their newborn. Korsak and Cavanaugh take their usual seats, and Frost, as always, has made himself at home beside Tommy, both of them already arguing about some sports statistic.

Once the food is passed around and everyone is tucking in, Jane takes a deep breath. She grips Maura’s hand under the table, feeling the reassuring squeeze in return. Then, she clears her throat and lightly taps her glass with the back of her fork.

“Hey—can I get everyone’s attention for a second?”

The conversation dies down as all eyes turn to her.

Jane exhales, suddenly nervous despite all the planning. But when she looks around at the people who have shaped her life, her family, she knows this is right.

“So… I’ve made a decision.” She glances at Maura, then at Angela, who already looks emotional before she’s even said anything. “I’ve thought about this for a long time, and after everything we’ve been through these past couple of years, I’ve realized it’s time for a change.”

She pauses, letting it sink in. “I’m leaving the force.”

Silence.

Then—

“Wait—what?” Frankie stares at her, wide-eyed, his fork frozen mid-air.

Angela gasps, her hand flying to her chest. “Oh, Janie—”

Tommy lets out a low whistle. “Damn.”

Frost raises an eyebrow. “Leaving? Like—completely?”

Jane shakes her head. “No, not completely. No more field work for homicide. No more chasing bad guys. No more hospital visits.” She huffs out a laugh. “I want something different. I need something different.”

Korsak leans forward, studying her with a knowing expression. “You sure about this, kid?”

Jane nods. “I am. And I’m not just walking away—I’ve been talking to Cavanaugh, the commissioner, even some people at the academy. I’m gonna be teaching. Training recruits, maybe consulting here and there.”

Frankie runs a hand over his face. “Jesus, Jane. I mean—I get it, I do. But… it’s weird to think of you not being a cop.”

Tommy smirks. “You’re still gonna boss people around. Just in a classroom instead of a crime scene.”

Jane grins. “Damn right I am.”

Angela wipes at her eyes, smiling through her tears. “I am so proud of you, Janie.”

Maura, who has been quietly holding Jane’s hand, squeezes it again and whispers, “I love you.”

The weight of the moment settled over the room, heavy but full of love. It was real now. It’s happening.

Sensing the shift, Frankie clears his throat, determined to lift the mood. “Alright, enough about my sister’s retirement—” He turns to Charlie, grinning. “You wanna do the honours?”

Charlie nods, glancing around at the eager faces. She looks down at the sleeping baby in her arms and then back up.

“We wanted to wait until we were all together to tell you,” she says, beaming. “Everyone… meet Luca Rizzoli.”

The reaction is immediate—cheers, applause, Angela outright sobbing as she rushes to hug them both.

“Luca,” Jane repeats, a slow smile spreading across her face. “I like it.”

Frankie grins at her. “Figured you would. It means ‘bringer of light.’”

Jane’s chest tightens, emotion thick in her throat. She swallows hard and nods. “Yeah. It’s perfect.”

And just like that, the night is full of joy again.

Chapter Text

Jane takes Maura’s hand, bringing it to her lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles before guiding it to rest against her chest. Maura blinks, momentarily confused by the gesture, but as she looks up at Jane’s face—serene, calm, certain—she doesn’t immediately jump to the worst-case scenario.

Still, her heart flutters with apprehension. “Jane?” she asks gently.

Jane doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she lets Maura feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath her palm, warm and sure. After a moment, she exhales and gives Maura’s hand a squeeze.

“I’ve been thinking,” she says finally. “About us. About what’s next.”

Maura stays quiet, waiting. She’s learned to give Jane space to work through her thoughts in her own time.

Jane shifts slightly, turning on her side so they’re closer, their hands still pressed between them. “Leaving the force feels right. I know it’s right,” she says. “And teaching—it’s gonna be good. Safer, more stable. Gonna have more time to spend with you and Grace, which, let’s be honest, is all I really want.”

A small, warm smile spreads across Maura’s lips. “That all sounds wonderful, Jane.”

Jane takes another breath, her fingers lightly tracing along Maura’s wrist. “But I’ve also been thinking… about Grace.” She hesitates, searching Maura’s eyes. “About giving her a sibling.”

Maura’s breath catches, and for a moment, she is completely still.

Jane keeps going, her voice steady but cautious. “I know we talked about it before, but with everything that happened, it never felt like the right time. And I know this is something we’d have to plan, and talk about, and figure out. But, Maura… I love being a mom. And I love seeing you as a mom. And if you still want another baby—”

“I do,” Maura says immediately, her voice thick with emotion. “I do, Jane.”

Jane lets out a relieved laugh, her forehead dropping to Maura’s. “Yeah?”

Maura nods, her fingers curling against Jane’s chest. “Yes. But only if it’s what you want, too. Only if you’re sure.”

Jane leans in, pressing a slow, deep kiss to Maura’s lips before whispering, “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Maura lets out a small, happy sigh and pulls Jane closer, wrapping her arms around her wife as warmth settles over them both. They stay like that, tangled together in their bed, hearts pressed close, quietly dreaming about their future.

xxx

Maura stepped through the front door, setting down her bag with a tired sigh. It had been a long day—one filled with back-to-back cases, endless paperwork, and the kind of mental exhaustion that only a full day at the M.E.’s office could bring. She’s looking forward to unwinding, maybe curling up with Jane and Grace for a quiet evening.

But something feels off.

The house isn’t the way she left it. There’s a faint smell of fresh paint lingering in the air, the sound of something being assembled echoing from down the hall. Furrowing her brows, Maura slips off her heels and follows the noise, her pulse picking up slightly as her mind jumps to worst-case scenarios.

When she reaches Grace’s room, she stops in her tracks.

Jane was in the middle of the room, a paint roller in hand, a streak of pale yellow across her cheek, and a determined expression on her face. There were pieces of furniture in various stages of assembly—new bookshelves, a half-built bed frame, a small dresser still in the box. The walls have been repainted, and Maura can already see the beginnings of what looks like a mural on one side.

Jane glanced up when she hears Maura’s footsteps, flashing her a quick, slightly sheepish grin. “Hey, babe.”

Maura crosses her arms, surveying the scene. “Jane… what are you doing?”

Jane wipes the back of her hand across her forehead, leaving behind another smudge of paint. “Redecorating?”

Maura lifts an eyebrow. “This morning, Grace’s room was perfectly fine. Now, it looks like you’re in the middle of constructing an entire new living space for her.”

Jane shrugged, setting the roller down. “I just—” She exhaled, rolling her shoulders as if trying to shake something off. “I wanted to do something productive. Something physical.”

Maura steps closer, concern creeping into her expression. “Physical?”

Jane avoids her gaze for a moment, picking at a speck of dried paint on her hand. “You know, the academy training I have to do before I can start teaching? There’s a fitness component. And I just—” She sighs. “I don’t want to fall into old habits. I don’t want to push myself too hard, or—” She pauses, her jaw tightening. “I don’t want to start counting again.”

Maura’s heart clenches. She reaches out, taking Jane’s paint-smudged hands in her own.

“Oh, Jane.” Her voice is soft, full of understanding.

“I figured,” Jane continues, her voice a little rougher now, “if I was gonna exhaust myself, I might as well do it by making something good for Grace. Something that matters.”

Maura squeezes her hands, her thumb tracing gentle circles over Jane’s knuckles. “You do matter, Jane. Your well-being matters.”

Jane finally meets her gaze, something vulnerable flickering behind her eyes. “I know.” She swallows. “That’s why I’m telling you now.”

A small, proud smile tugs at Maura’s lips. “Thank you.”

Jane exhales, her body relaxing just a little as Maura steps even closer, wrapping her arms around her. She presses a kiss to Jane’s temple, then another to her cheek—right over the smudge of paint.

“We’ll figure this out together,” Maura murmurs. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

Jane nods against her, letting herself lean into the embrace. “Yeah,” she says quietly. “I know.”

Chapter Text

The transition wasn’t easy for Jane. Working her notice felt like the last tie to the life she’d known so well, but the further she got into her last days at the precinct, the more she realized that it was time. The excitement of working in law enforcement was no longer there—it had dulled in the face of new priorities, new possibilities.

Though she was dedicated, she was no longer as driven by the adrenaline. She went to work every day with the same professional precision she always had, made sure her team stayed safe, and did her best to maintain the balance that had kept the department running smoothly. But there was an underlying fatigue now, a weariness she couldn’t shake.

Every evening, when she left the precinct, she felt a strange sense of relief. The weight of her badge and gun, the mental exhaustion of the job, felt lighter as she headed home. The next chapter was unfolding, and she had to admit it felt like the right move, even though it was hard to fully embrace it.

At home, she settled into a new rhythm—one that didn’t involve the sirens, the long hours, or the heavy responsibility she’d carried for so long. Jane would cook dinner, a task that had always been a small pleasure for her. She’d found a strange joy in preparing meals for Maura and Grace, turning their evenings into moments of simple connection. After dinner, they would go on jogs together, just the two of them, a way to ease the tension and embrace something that felt healthy, not just physically but emotionally.

It wasn’t just about the physical training anymore. She’d been working on the non-physical aspects of her preparation, reading, taking courses, making sure she was mentally ready for the shift that was coming. It was all part of the plan, but there were days where the excitement felt distant, clouded by the quiet realization that this was no longer just a career. It was a change.

Maura noticed.

She’d always been attuned to Jane’s moods, and she could tell something was subtly different. Jane wasn’t as eager to talk about work, wasn’t as animated when discussing the cases that filled her days. It was as though something was shifting in Jane, and while Maura could see how hard Jane was working to stay focused, she knew her wife was wrestling with the weight of it all.

On their jogs, Jane was quieter than usual, her steps more deliberate. She would match Maura’s pace, but there was a tension in her shoulders that Maura hadn’t seen before. She’d tried to ask, but Jane brushed off the questions with half-hearted answers, a forced smile.

But one evening, after a particularly quiet dinner, Maura caught Jane as she was putting Grace to bed. When Jane returned to the living room, Maura was waiting, her arms crossed, her expression soft but serious.

"Jane, talk to me," Maura said, her voice gentle but firm. "You’ve been carrying a lot lately."

Jane paused, her hand still on the back of the couch, before slowly walking over to Maura. She looked at her wife, the person who had been by her side through everything, and sighed deeply.

“I don’t know if I’m ready, Maura.”

Maura’s gaze softened, her arms uncrossing as she stepped closer. "Ready for what, sweetheart?"

“To leave the precinct. To stop being a cop,” Jane said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if admitting it out loud might make it more real. “I thought I would be… more excited. More certain. But all I feel is this… uncertainty.”

Maura reached out, gently cupping Jane’s face in her hands. “It’s okay to feel that way, Jane. It’s a big decision. And it’s okay to not be sure right now.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready to walk away from all I’ve known, Maura,” Jane admitted. “It’s all I’ve been, all I’ve done. But I don’t want to keep doing something I’m not passionate about anymore. I want to be present for you and Grace. I want to find something new.”

Maura smiled softly, brushing her thumb over Jane’s cheek. “You don’t have to know everything right now. You’re allowed to take your time, figure it out. I’m here with you, every step of the way.”

Jane’s shoulders relaxed, the tension easing slightly as she leaned into Maura’s touch. “I think I need to focus on us. Focus on our family. I want to be the best version of me for Grace. And for you.”

Maura kissed her forehead, her heart swelling with love. "You are the best version of yourself, Jane. And whatever you choose, I’m proud of you."

Jane smiled, her hand moving to Maura’s waist, pulling her in close. “I’ll get there. I just need a little time. And I need you.”

Maura held her tight, knowing that together, they could face whatever came next.

Chapter Text

It was Grace’s second birthday, and Jane and Maura had been planning for weeks. They’d wanted to make this day special—a celebration of their little girl, her growth, and the joy she brought into their lives. It was hard to believe how much had changed in two years. Grace had gone from being a tiny, helpless newborn to a curious, energetic toddler who was already forming her own personality.

The day started early, with the three of them gathering in the living room, still in pajamas, to open gifts. Grace, with her hair in two little pigtails, was practically bouncing off the walls in excitement. She was already trying to unwrap presents, tearing at the paper with an enthusiasm that made Jane laugh.

“Hold on, baby,” Jane said, gently taking the box from Grace’s hands and showing her how to open it. “Let Mama help.”

Maura, sitting beside Jane, smiled at the scene. She couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion at watching Jane interact with Grace so naturally. It had been such a challenging few years, and yet here they were—together, celebrating their daughter’s milestone.

After the presents were opened, and Grace had insisted on trying on every single outfit they had bought her, they made their way to the kitchen for a special breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, and fresh fruit, with Grace’s favourite part—the whipped cream, of course. Maura made sure to decorate the pancakes with little faces, and Grace giggled each time she saw one, pointing at the plate with a proud smile.

Angela was the first to arrive, bringing a large basket full of presents and, of course, more food. Frankie, Charlie, and Luca came soon after, and as the day went on, the house filled with the laughter of family and friends. The backyard was decorated with balloons and streamers, and Jane and Maura had set up a small play area with a mini slide, a bouncy castle, and plenty of toys to keep Grace entertained.

Frankie and Charlie were already preparing for the next big milestone in their lives, but today was about celebrating Grace. Frankie was particularly proud of the tiny cake they’d baked together for Grace, with her name spelled out in colourful frosting.

As everyone gathered around the table, ready for cake and more celebrations, Jane raised her glass, her eyes soft with love.

“Here’s to Grace, our bright and beautiful girl, who fills our lives with so much joy. We’re so lucky to be your parents. Happy birthday, baby.”

Everyone cheered, and Maura added, “Happy birthday, my sweet girl. We love you so much.”

Grace, still in her birthday dress, clapped her hands and said, “I love you!” before diving into her cake with no hesitation. Her little fingers smeared frosting everywhere, and everyone burst into laughter. It was the most perfect, chaotic, joyful moment.

As the day wore on, there were more presents, more laughter, and more time spent together. Jane and Maura stole quiet moments throughout the afternoon, watching Grace play with her friends from day-care and the new toys she’d received, their hands intertwined as they shared smiles and soft words.

Later in the day, after the cake had been eaten, the presents opened, and Grace was finally worn out from playing, Jane pulled Maura to the side for a moment of quiet.

“Thank you,” Jane whispered, her eyes searching Maura’s. “For everything. For being an amazing mom to our girl, for being patient with me through all this... for making this day perfect.”

Maura smiled, brushing a stray hair behind Jane’s ear. “Thank you, Jane. For being here, for being you. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The two of them stood there for a moment, watching Grace play, the soft hum of music from the backyard mixing with the sound of her laughter. They had come so far, and they knew that whatever the future held, they would always have each other. They had created this beautiful family, this life, and it was more than they could have ever dreamed of.

“Happy birthday, Grace,” Jane whispered, pulling Maura into a tight hug as the sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on their little family.

And as the evening drew to a close, with everyone beginning to say their goodbyes, Grace fast asleep in her new big-girl-bed, Jane and Maura stood in the doorway of her bedroom, holding each other close.

“Happy second birthday, baby,” Maura whispered into the night.

Chapter Text

A few days after Grace’s birthday, as the house slowly returned to its usual rhythm, Jane and Maura found themselves in the kitchen together, after dinner, cleaning up the last of the dishes. It had been one of those rare quiet moments, just the two of them in the soft light of the kitchen, the sound of the dishwasher humming in the background.

Maura placed the last dish in the cabinet and leaned against the counter, her gaze soft as she watched Jane. Grace had been tucked in for the night, and the house had settled into the calm of the evening.

"You know," Maura began, her voice thoughtful, "we've been talking about this for a while... and with everything changing, maybe it’s time we really think about it."

Jane paused, looking up from wiping down the counter. She could feel the shift in the conversation before it fully came. She walked over to Maura, leaning against the counter beside her, their shoulders brushing.

"I’ve been thinking about it too," Jane admitted quietly, her eyes meeting Maura's. "Having another baby. A little sibling for Grace."

Maura’s lips curled into a soft, warm smile. "I know we’ve talked about it before, but now that you’re not out there, putting yourself in danger every day... maybe it’s something we should really explore."

Jane nodded, taking Maura’s hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "I want that. I want to be here for it all—helping you through the pregnancy, being there when our second child is born. I’ve seen how much you’ve loved being a mom to Grace, and I want to be there for the next step. To be a parent, with you, in every way possible."

Maura’s eyes softened as she leaned in to kiss Jane’s cheek, her breath warm against her skin. "I’ve always wanted to give Grace a sibling, but I didn’t want to push you into something you weren’t ready for. And after everything we’ve been through, I didn’t want to ask too much. But now…"

"Now, I’m ready." Jane said with a firm conviction in her voice. "I want to do it with you. And I want to do it in the way that feels right for us."

They both stood there for a moment, each absorbing the weight of what this decision meant. Their lives had already changed so much, but this felt like another leap forward—a new chapter.

"So, what do we do next?" Jane asked, her voice hopeful. "Do we look into IVF, or…"

Maura nodded, her expression serious but not without a touch of excitement. "We could start by talking to a clinic. I think it’s worth exploring the options. It’s something I’ve been reading about. We can look into donor sperm, and talk through the whole process. And of course, I’ll be here with you every step of the way."

Jane smiled softly at the thought. "I like that idea. We’ve already made a family together, but having a second child... having another piece of us to share, to love... it feels like the right time."

Maura leaned in again, pressing a gentle kiss to Jane’s lips. "It is. We’re ready. I can feel it."

They stood together for a while, the quiet of the evening settling in around them. There were so many unknowns about the future, about how the process would go, about what it would mean for their family dynamic. But they were in this together, just as they always had been. The thought of another baby, of expanding their family, was a thrilling one. It felt right—like the next natural step.

"I’m glad we’re talking about this," Jane said, her voice low. "I’ve always known we’d figure it out when the time was right."

Maura nodded, her smile wide now, the excitement in her eyes matching Jane's. "I think it’s time, Jane. I think we’re ready."

They spent the next few hours quietly discussing the possibilities, making tentative plans, and talking about what their second child might be like. There was so much love between them, and they both knew that whatever came next, they would handle it together, as a family.

The thought of expanding their family with a second child felt like a new beginning, but Jane knew they would face whatever challenges came with it, just like they always had—together.

Chapter Text

The sun was just beginning to dip low in the sky as Jane made her way to the precinct. She had taken her time picking out their favourite sandwiches—grilled chicken with avocado for Maura, and the classic roast beef with horseradish for herself. The slight spring in her step reflected the excitement of the conversation that had followed their meeting at the fertility clinic that morning.

The clinic had given them so much to consider. They had been presented with the option to take one of their eggs, fertilize it with donor sperm, and implant it in the other woman. It was a complicated and somewhat unconventional process, but the idea of both women being physically involved in the creation of their second child was something they had both found intriguing.

It wasn’t a decision they could rush, but it was a step closer to what they both wanted. A baby that would be as much a part of each of them as Grace was. They needed time to think, to discuss, to feel out the details, but for now, Jane was content to let the thought of it simmer. The two of them—both of them—would be mothers in a completely new way.

As she approached the morgue, she took a deep breath. She wasn’t nervous—far from it. Maura’s work always fascinated her, and it made her smile to think of how dedicated Maura was to her job. The faint smell of disinfectant and antiseptic didn’t bother Jane at all; it was just part of the world that Maura lived in.

Walking into the familiar cold and sterile atmosphere of the morgue, Jane spotted Maura almost immediately. She was bent over a body, her gloves methodically working as she examined the victim. The scene was typical, but the way Maura moved—so graceful, so focused—always made Jane pause for a moment. Even in this setting, Maura had a way of making everything look effortless.

“Hey,” Jane called softly, her voice echoing through the sterile room.

Maura turned, a soft smile lighting up her face when she saw Jane standing there with the bag of sandwiches in her hands. “Hey, you,” she replied, her eyes lighting up with surprise. “I didn’t expect you today. You’re supposed to be—”

“I know,” Jane cut her off, smiling at her. “But I thought you could use a break. And I promised you lunch.”

Maura’s smile widened as she made her way toward Jane, wiping her hands with a towel before taking the bag of food from her. “You know I’m not one to say no to food from our favourite deli,” Maura said with a playful wink, grabbing the bag eagerly.

Jane laughed and leaned against the counter, watching Maura pull out the sandwiches, the scent of fresh rye bread and tender meat making her mouth water. “So, I’ve been thinking more about our conversation earlier today.”

Maura unwrapped her sandwich, glancing up at Jane. “I’ve been thinking about it too,” she said softly, a hint of seriousness in her voice now. “It’s a big step, Jane.”

“I know,” Jane replied, her voice just as soft. “But I think it could be a good one. It feels right. We could both be involved in the process. I mean, I like the idea that it’s not just one of us—it’s both of us, together.”

Maura nodded, taking a small bite of her sandwich as she let the thought linger in the air between them. “It’s a beautiful thought. But it’s also... it’s a little complicated, don’t you think? I mean, what if—”

“What if it doesn’t work?” Jane finished for her. “Yeah, I know. But we’re doing this together, Maura. We don’t have to figure it all out in one go. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Maura set down her sandwich and moved to Jane’s side, gently taking her hand. “I know. But I don’t want you to feel pressured. I want this to be something we both want, not something we feel we have to do because it’s the only option.”

Jane looked down at their hands, feeling the warmth of Maura’s touch. “I know. I want to do this because it’s what we want, not because it’s the only thing left to do. It just feels right. And whatever happens, we’ll be okay. We always are.”

Maura’s eyes softened, and she gave Jane’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I love you,” she whispered, the words carrying more weight than she could express.

Jane smiled and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Maura’s forehead. “I love you, too. And I think we’re ready for this. Whatever comes next, we’re in it together.”

They stood there for a long moment, just holding each other, the weight of the decision still hovering over them but softened by their love and commitment to one another. There were more details to work out, more conversations to have, but right now, it was enough to just be together in this moment, knowing they were on the same page.

“So,” Jane said, breaking the silence, “I guess we should start looking into the next steps, right?”

Maura nodded, smiling. “We will. But for now, we’ll just take it one step at a time. We have plenty of time to figure this out.”

And with that, they settled into the comfort of their shared future, knowing that whatever path they took, they would walk it hand in hand, just as they always had.

Chapter Text

Jane Rizzoli stood in front of the mirrors in the academy's gym, her hands on her hips as she caught her breath. She could feel the sweat trickling down her back and the burn in her legs. The physical fitness test had been harder than she'd anticipated. It wasn’t like she hadn’t trained before, but this was different. The pressure of wanting to prove herself, combined with the intensity of the exercises, had taken more out of her than she expected.

"Jane, are you okay?" Cavanaugh's voice came from the doorway, his concerned eyes scanning her.

She nodded, even though her body was screaming in protest. "Yeah, just give me a second." She wiped her forehead, still breathing heavily. It had been a sprint, a few pull-ups, and a set of other exercises designed to push her to her limits. And yet, when they had tallied the numbers, she hadn't quite made the cut.

"I’m fine, really," she added, trying to shrug off the disappointment. The truth was, she was frustrated with herself. She’d been working hard, pushing her limits, but this… this felt like a failure. "Guess I didn’t make the grade."

Cavanaugh stepped into the gym, looking at her with a mixture of empathy and understanding. "You pushed yourself pretty hard in there. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s just one test."

"One test that I failed," Jane muttered, looking down at her shoes. The sound of her heart pounding seemed louder than usual in the quiet of the gym.

"You'll get there," Cavanaugh reassured her, his voice calm and steady. "It’s not about how many times you fall. It’s about how many times you get back up. And you’ve got more strength than most people. Just don’t let this one moment define you."

Jane gave him a small nod, but the frustration lingered. She’d been pushing herself in every aspect of her life recently: the academy, her fitness, trying to balance her home life, and even the conversation with Maura about expanding their family. She wanted to be the best version of herself for them, for her family, for the new career she was building.

But the reality was, she wasn’t there yet. Not physically, not mentally. And this test, the physical challenge that was meant to represent her strength and endurance, had just shown her how far she still had to go.

"Thanks," Jane said, offering him a faint smile. "I’ll do better next time."

"You’ll have plenty of chances," Cavanaugh said with a nod. "But don’t forget to cut yourself some slack, too. You're dealing with a lot."

As he left, Jane stood there for a few more moments, gathering her thoughts. She could hear the soft hum of the lights above her, the faint whirring of the fans keeping the air cool in the gym. She took a deep breath, wiping her hands on her pants.

She could have gone home and wallowed in the disappointment, but she wasn’t going to. Not this time. This was just another bump in the road, another test—one that she would pass next time. She had to.

The thought of Maura, of Grace, and the life they were building kept her grounded. They were counting on her, and she wouldn’t let them down. She had too much to fight for.

The door to the gym opened again, and Jane saw one of the other officers, a younger recruit, entering. He gave her an awkward glance, clearly unsure if he should say something. Jane flashed him a quick, confident smile.

"Don’t worry about me," she said. "I’m just taking a minute."

She stretched her arms above her head, the muscles still sore from the test. It would take time, but she’d get there. She always did. Jane would take this setback in stride, work harder, and face the next challenge with everything she had.

As she left the gym, she could already feel the spark of determination building inside her. This was far from over.

xxx

Jane sat in the quiet of her car, parked in the lot outside the academy, staring at the phone in her hand. The weight of her words pressed on her chest, a mix of frustration, self-doubt, and disappointment. She had just walked out of the gym after failing the fitness test, and every word of self-criticism kept looping in her mind. Failed. Unfit. Too old. Disappointment.

She had been so determined, so focused on proving herself. Yet, the reality of her physical limitations hit her hard. She wanted to be strong for herself, for Maura, for Grace. She wanted to show them that she could do it—that she could do anything. But today, she hadn’t. And she felt like she had let them down.

Taking a deep breath, Jane dialled Maura’s number. She knew Maura would pick up, that Maura would listen without judgment. But Jane also knew Maura would be concerned, and the last thing she wanted was to hear her wife try to reassure her.

The phone rang twice before Maura’s familiar voice filled her ear.

“Hey, baby,” Maura greeted, her voice soft and warm, as always. “How’s the test? How did it go?”

Jane leaned her head back against the headrest, staring out the window. How did it go? She couldn’t even bring herself to say it out loud. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had to. Maura deserved the truth.

“It… didn’t go well,” Jane replied, her voice tight with the weight of disappointment. “I failed, Maura.”

There was a pause on the other end, and Jane could practically hear Maura’s brow furrowing in concern.

“You failed?” Maura repeated, gentle but confused. “What do you mean? You’ve been training so hard. It’s just a test, Jane. You’re still strong.”

Jane felt her throat tighten, a lump rising as the emotions of the day threatened to spill over. "I'm unfit, Maura. I couldn’t keep up, and I’m too old for this... I’m not good enough." She let out a frustrated breath, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I feel like such a disappointment. I let myself down, and I let you down."

Maura’s voice softened, immediately understanding the depth of Jane’s frustration. “Oh, baby…” she murmured. “You haven’t let me down. You’re doing something incredible. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about pushing yourself, and you’ve done that. You’re already better than you think you are. You’re already enough.”

Jane shook her head, staring at the steering wheel, unable to meet her own gaze. “But I’m not, Maura. I’ve failed. I don’t know how to move past it.”

“You haven’t failed,” Maura said firmly, her tone a reassuring anchor. “You’ve had setbacks before. You’ll have setbacks again. But failure isn’t the end of the story—it’s part of the process. Every step you take, whether it’s a success or a challenge, is bringing you closer to where you want to be.”

Jane swallowed hard, a wave of gratitude washing over her at Maura’s words. But the doubt was still there, heavy in her chest. “I just… I don’t know if I can do this. I feel like I’m not built for it anymore.”

“You are,” Maura replied without hesitation. “You’ve always been built for this. It’s okay to feel defeated sometimes. But you don’t have to do it alone, Jane. You don’t have to carry all of this by yourself.”

Jane finally looked down at her phone, her fingers gripping the steering wheel. “I just want to be good enough. For you. For Grace.”

Maura’s voice softened even further, full of tenderness. “You already are, Jane. You are more than enough for me. For Grace. For anyone who loves you. You’re stronger than you know, and I’ll be here, every step of the way, no matter what.”

Jane closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound of Maura’s words soothe the jagged edges of her thoughts. She let out a long breath, feeling her shoulders relax. She didn’t have to carry this weight alone. Not when she had Maura. Not when she had her family.

“Thanks, Maura,” she said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. “I needed to hear that.”

Maura’s laugh was light and warm, as it always was. “Anytime, Jane. And remember, this is just one test. There will be others. You’ll get there. I believe in you.”

Jane smiled softly, her heart swelling with gratitude for the woman who always believed in her, even when she didn’t believe in herself. "I’m going to get there," Jane said, the conviction returning to her voice. "But for now, I think I need to rest and regroup. Maybe we can talk more when I get home?”

“I’ll be waiting for you, love,” Maura said, her tone full of warmth. “We’ll talk then.”

Jane felt a bit lighter as she ended the call, finally allowing herself to breathe. It wasn’t the end, just a bump in the road. And with Maura by her side, she could face anything.

She knew that. She had to remember it.

Chapter Text

The door clicked open, and Jane didn’t even need to look up from the couch to know it was Maura. The soft click of the heels, the rustle of her bag, and the gentle sound of Maura’s footsteps always gave her that comforting sense of familiarity. Jane was sprawled out on the couch, Grace curled up in her lap, fast asleep after a long day at day-care. Jane had been waiting for Maura for a while, her mind buzzing with the idea she couldn’t seem to shake—an idea she knew Maura might immediately argue against, but something she felt deep in her gut was the right step for her.

She glanced over at Grace’s peaceful face. Her little girl had been such a joy, a reason to keep pushing forward, but the day had drained Jane. The failed fitness test still hung heavy in her chest, but the exhaustion from chasing Grace around the playground for hours had left her feeling even more spent.

When Maura finally joined her on the couch, setting her things down carefully, Jane gave a soft smile, though it was tired.

“Hey,” Maura greeted, her tone warm, noticing immediately how Jane seemed a little more worn out than usual. She gently placed a hand on Jane’s shoulder, her thumb brushing softly over her skin. “How was your day?”

“Crazy,” Jane muttered, a small chuckle escaping her lips, though it was tinged with a little bitterness. “Spent the whole afternoon chasing a two-year-old around the playground. Think I got more cardio in that way than I did with my test earlier.”

Maura’s lips curled into a soft smile. “I can imagine. You do have a lot of energy to keep up with her. Do you want to tell me more about the test?”

Jane’s smile faded just slightly, her thumb absently tracing circles on Grace’s back as she looked down at her sleeping daughter. She could feel Maura’s concerned gaze on her but didn’t meet her eyes yet. She didn’t want to share the full weight of it all—the guilt, the frustration, and the disappointment that still lingered.

“It didn’t go well,” Jane replied softly, her voice carrying the exhaustion of the day. “But it’s not about that right now.”

Maura tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

Jane hesitated, taking a deep breath. This was the moment—the moment she had been dreading and hoping for. She had been turning it over and over in her mind, wanting to present it carefully, but now that Maura was here, she couldn’t find the right words.

“I’ve been thinking,” Jane started, her voice quiet but firm. “About what I really want to do next. About what I want for us, for me, for Grace.”

Maura raised an eyebrow, sensing something more serious was coming. She settled onto the couch beside Jane, watching her carefully.

“What are you thinking?” Maura asked, her voice gentle, but there was an edge of concern in her tone.

Jane shifted slightly, still holding Grace close, but it didn’t stop the nervous energy bubbling up inside her. “I’ve been thinking about making a change. Something... different. Something that could be more stable, more fulfilling. Something that doesn’t put me, you, or Grace at risk every day.”

Maura’s eyes softened, a mix of curiosity and caution in her gaze. “You mean like... not training recruits?”

Jane nodded, her gaze fixed on the way Grace’s small hands were curled into her shirt. It was hard to say out loud, but it felt like the right thing to do.

“I’m not saying I’m done, training to work in the academy,” Jane continued. “But I think... I think it’s time to also consider something different. Something that’ll give me more of a future with you and Grace. Maybe something else entirely. I’ve been talking to a few people, getting a feel for what my options are.”

Maura’s brow furrowed slightly, her lips parted as if she wanted to respond immediately but held back, sensing Jane needed to finish. Jane kept her eyes trained on the sleeping toddler, her voice quieter now.

“I want to be here more. With Grace. I want to be present, not just physically, but mentally. I want to be the kind of parent and partner you deserve. And I worry that, working at the academy, I can’t guarantee that.”

Maura watched her silently for a moment, absorbing every word. She could see the weight of it all, the uncertainty and the hope in Jane’s eyes. She could feel the love Jane had for their family, how deeply Jane wanted to give them the best possible future, even if it meant stepping away from what she’d known for so long.

Finally, Maura let out a slow breath and reached for Jane’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I understand,” she said softly, her voice calm and steady. “I think you’ve been carrying so much on your shoulders, trying to balance everything. You’ve been through so much already. And I’m proud of you, Jane. No matter what you choose, I know you’ll make the right decision for us.”

Jane exhaled, the tension in her body finally releasing as Maura’s words sunk in. She didn’t know what the future would hold, but she knew, for the first time in a long time, that she was ready for it. Ready to build a life that was more than just surviving day-to-day.

“I just want us to be happy,” Jane murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I want to be happy. And I want you to be happy, too. I don’t want to keep living in a way that makes me feel like I’m not doing my best for us.”

Maura leaned in, brushing her lips across Jane’s forehead, her hand still resting on Jane’s. “You’re doing your best every single day, Jane. And whatever you decide, we’ll do it together.”

Jane hesitated, her heart pounding a little faster than usual. She had spent hours thinking about it, weighing it, letting the idea simmer in her mind. She wasn’t sure if it was a complete fantasy or something that could actually work, but with Maura here, sitting beside her, holding their daughter, Jane knew this was the moment she had to share it.

Her fingers lightly brushed over Grace’s hair, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing grounding Jane in the moment. She felt Maura’s steady presence beside her, and in that moment, she knew that this was what she needed—Maura’s honest opinion.

“I’ve been thinking a lot,” Jane started, her voice soft but tinged with uncertainty. She took a breath, then finally let the idea out. “What if... I opened a day-care at the precinct? For the little kids. The ones who aren’t in school yet. You know, the kids of the officers.”

She paused, her eyes not meeting Maura’s just yet, as if she were afraid of how the idea might be received. She had let the thought percolate, but now that it was out in the open, she wasn’t sure if it sounded like a good plan or just a pipe dream.

Jane continued, her voice quieter. “I could work there, be close by for Grace, and maybe even Luca, too. Keep an eye on the little ones, make sure they’re safe while their parents are out there doing their jobs. It would be like... I’d still be part of the force, just in a different way. And I’d get to spend more time with Grace. We could build something that helps keep kids safe, and I’d be working with people I know and trust.”

She looked at Maura now, meeting her gaze for the first time since the idea had left her lips. Her heart thudded, waiting for Maura’s reaction.

“I don’t know,” Jane added, a nervous laugh escaping her. “It could just be a fantasy. I mean, it sounds nice, right? But it’s probably not practical or realistic... I’ve been working on a few other things, getting some information, but... I don’t know. Maybe it’s just too far out there.”

Her fingers tightened around Grace’s hand, and she let the silence hang between them, her mind racing.

Maura watched her for a long moment, her thoughtful eyes never leaving Jane’s face. Her lips parted slightly, the warmth of her gaze reassuring. Jane had always been so determined, so strong, and Maura could see how much Jane wanted to make this work—wanted to find a way to balance family and career, to do something fulfilling but not leave her own heart aching from the stress of it all.

Finally, Maura spoke, her voice calm and measured, the softness there making Jane’s chest tighten.

“Jane, that idea... it’s not impossible,” Maura began, her fingers lightly brushing Jane’s arm as if to ground her in the moment. “In fact, it sounds like a wonderful idea. Not just because of how much you care about Grace, but because you care about the safety and well-being of other families too. I think... I think it could work. You’d still be able to be involved in the precinct, still be close to the people you care about, and you’d be making a real difference. You could help create a space where kids feel safe, where officers know their children are well cared for while they do their jobs.”

Maura paused, letting the weight of her words sink in before she added, “And it would give you the chance to be there for Grace, to spend more time with her, to see her grow up. You’d still be part of the precinct family, just in a way that gives you more balance. It sounds like something that could really work, Jane.”

Jane felt her heart flutter at Maura’s words, the sense of hope she hadn’t known she’d been craving. She wanted so badly for this idea to be viable, to be something that could work for all of them, but hearing Maura’s honest, thoughtful response made her feel like she wasn’t alone in this dream.

“You really think it could work?” Jane asked, her voice small now, as if she were testing Maura’s belief in the idea before she allowed herself to truly believe it too.

Maura nodded gently, her hand still resting against Jane’s arm, offering her all the reassurance she needed. “I think it could. It might take time to set up, but if anyone could make it happen, it would be you. And we’d make it work. Together.”

Jane looked at her for a moment, searching her face for any hesitation or doubt. There was none. Just faith. Faith in her. Faith in them.

With a soft smile, Jane finally allowed herself to relax, the tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying releasing in a slow breath.

“Thanks,” she whispered, squeezing Maura’s hand tightly. “I’ve been scared to bring it up, thinking it might be too out there, too much of a fantasy... but I feel like this is something I could really do. For us, for Grace... for all of us.”

Maura smiled, her thumb brushing gently over Jane’s hand, the same smile that always made Jane feel like everything would be okay. “It’s not a fantasy, Jane. It’s a dream. And it’s one I think we can make real.”

In that moment, Jane felt lighter. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, and with Maura’s support, she knew she could take the next steps toward making her idea come to life. The future, no matter how uncertain, felt full of possibilities—and for the first time in a long time, she truly believed it.

Chapter Text

Jane had been considering the idea of expanding their family for some time now, but after the appointment at the fertility clinic, things suddenly felt real. There were steps to be taken. Decisions to be made. And the first step, according to the clinic’s advice, was to schedule physicals with their primary doctors as well as appointments with their OB/GYNs. The doctors needed to assess both of them, ensuring they were in optimal health before they moved forward with any procedures.

Maura, as usual, had a more complicated schedule. Between her long hours at the morgue, working with Jane, and balancing Grace, it was difficult to find the time. But she was committed to the process, and she worked with her team to find a suitable appointment.

Jane, on the other hand, had more flexibility. She wasn’t working a strict 9 to 5 anymore—being between jobs had given her the space to move around, and the thought of taking control of this next step excited her. So, when the appointments were available sooner than Maura’s, Jane didn’t hesitate. She made the calls and scheduled them, determined to get things moving.

The first appointment was with her primary care doctor. She arrived at the office with a small flutter in her stomach, but she tried to keep her usual sense of humour intact as she checked in. It wasn’t exactly what she had in mind for a day off, but she understood how important these visits were.

As she sat in the waiting room, flipping through a magazine she wasn't really reading, her phone buzzed. It was Maura.

“Hey, babe,” Jane answered, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Hey," Maura's voice came through, warm and calm, as usual. “I’ve just been looking over my schedule. The only slot I could get at the OB/GYN is next week, right after my shift. It’s going to be tight, but I’ll make it work. How about you?”

Jane smiled to herself. She could practically picture Maura standing at the morgue, her lab coat still on, looking as professional and focused as ever. “I’ve got mine today,” she replied. “It’s at 2:30, and I’m getting a physical as well. Not exactly a spa day, but it’s something. I’m sure I’ll survive.”

There was a pause before Maura responded, and Jane could hear a quiet chuckle on the other end. “You’re so resilient. I know you’re not looking forward to the... ‘spa day,’ but it’s good to know we’re taking the right steps. It’s important.”

“Yeah, I get it,” Jane said, her fingers tapping on the armrest. “I’m just trying to get through it, you know? I don’t want to make this more complicated than it already is, but it feels like the universe is telling us something with all these appointments.”

“Whatever the universe is telling us,” Maura replied, “I’m glad we’re in this together.”

Jane smiled at the words. "Me too. Just promise me we’re doing this right. That we’re thinking it through, okay?"

"Of course. I wouldn't want to do it any other way. We'll take each step carefully."

After their conversation, Jane was reminded how lucky she was to have Maura by her side, to have her unwavering support no matter what steps they took next.

She sat through her appointment, talking with her doctor about her overall health, a quick examination, and a few basic tests to make sure everything was in order. The doctor didn’t seem concerned. She reassured Jane that she was healthy and in a good place to proceed with starting a family.

As the appointment wrapped up, Jane felt a sense of calm that she hadn’t expected. She thought about the next steps with Maura, the future they could build together, and how she was ready—ready for this new chapter. The doctor had signed off on her for now, and she felt a little more prepared to face the path ahead.

After her physical, Jane made her way to the OB/GYN, her heart pounding a little faster than she expected. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was going to hear, and as much as she wanted to be positive, the uncertainty felt overwhelming.

When the nurse called her in, Jane followed with a deep breath. The scan was a bit more invasive than she anticipated, and as the doctor moved through the process, Jane lay back, trying to remain calm.

The OB/GYN, a middle-aged woman with short, dark hair and a kind face, made small talk as she worked, but Jane could feel the tension building. She kept her gaze on the ceiling, trying to distract herself.

After a few minutes of quiet scanning, the doctor finally stopped. She turned toward Jane with a thoughtful expression.

“Everything looks good,” she said, her voice professional but gentle. “Your ovaries are healthy, and I don’t see any issues there. However… given your medical history—specifically the stab wound you sustained—you may have some difficulties carrying a pregnancy to term.”

Jane’s stomach dropped. She stared at the doctor, her mouth suddenly dry. She knew the injury had been serious, but she hadn’t realized the long-term effects could be so significant.

The doctor seemed to sense Jane’s uncertainty. “I don’t want to cause undue concern. It’s not a definitive ‘no.’ It’s just something we’ll need to monitor if you decide to move forward. The injury may have scarred the area around your uterus, and while it doesn’t seem to be causing any immediate issues, it could impact things down the line.”

Jane nodded slowly, trying to process. It felt like a heavy weight settling on her chest.

The doctor continued, “We’ll have to keep an eye on things, and we can look into additional treatments or even assisted reproduction if necessary. But for now, your body seems to be functioning as it should.”

As Jane left the clinic, her mind raced. She didn’t know how to process what she had just heard. The future she had envisioned with Maura suddenly felt more uncertain than ever.

Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialled Maura’s number, pressing it to her ear as she walked to her car. Maura picked up on the second ring.

“Hey, babe, how’d it go?” Maura’s voice was light, upbeat, and comforting, but Jane could hear the edge of concern, knowing that this was a big day for both of them.

Jane swallowed hard before answering, her voice quiet. “It’s… complicated. Everything’s fine, but there’s something I need to tell you.”

Maura’s tone shifted immediately. “What’s going on, Jane? You sound... off.”

Taking a deep breath, Jane leaned against her car, looking out at the parking lot. She could feel the weight of the conversation pressing on her chest, but she knew she needed to be honest. “The doctor said that because of the stabbing... there’s a chance I might have trouble carrying a pregnancy. She said I might be okay, that everything looks healthy, but she couldn’t say for sure if I could actually carry a baby to term. And... I don’t know if that affects our plans or….”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Jane could almost feel Maura thinking, processing the information.

“Jane,” Maura finally said, her voice soft and full of empathy. “I know how hard this is for you. I can only imagine what you’re feeling right now. But we’ve always faced things together, and this is no different. Whatever we need to do, we’ll do it together.”

Jane’s eyes pricked with tears, though she refused to let them fall. “I don’t know how to feel. Part of me wants to just... pretend it’s not a problem and push forward. But I don’t want to put us through something that could hurt us in the end. I just don’t know what to do now.”

Maura’s response was immediate and soothing, her voice a steady anchor. “We don’t have to decide anything right now, Jane. We’ll get all the information we need, and we’ll take it one step at a time. There are so many options for us, and we’re not alone in this. We’ll figure it out.”

“I’m just scared,” Jane admitted, her voice breaking slightly despite her best efforts to sound strong.

“I know, babe,” Maura said softly. “I know. But you don’t have to face this alone. We’ll make sure we do what’s best for us and for our family. And if we need to explore other options, we will. You are so strong, Jane. You’ve been through so much already, and this? This is just another step we’ll take together.”

A few silent moments passed between them, and Jane felt a wave of comfort in Maura’s words. She didn’t know where this path would lead, but she knew they would face it together, no matter what.

“Thank you, Maura,” Jane whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I needed to hear that.”

“Anytime, my love,” Maura replied. “I’m here. Always.”

Jane took a deep breath, feeling a little more centered, but still overwhelmed by everything. She couldn’t say how it would all turn out, but she knew that whatever came next, Maura would be by her side. And that, for now, was enough to hold onto.

Chapter Text

Jane sat at the kitchen table, papers spread out in front of her, a notebook full of ideas and lists. Her mind was racing with possibilities, the excitement of finally making her vision come to life making her feel like she was on the edge of something big. She’d gotten the approval from the higher-ups at the department, and now, it was up to her to turn the idea into a reality.

She picked up her phone, quickly dialling Maura’s number. The ring tone echoed through the quiet kitchen until Maura picked up.

"Hey, Jane. How’s everything going?"

Jane smiled, the sound of Maura’s voice still managing to settle the jitters in her chest. "It’s going great. I’ve been planning like crazy, making lists, figuring out the logistics... I think I have a pretty solid foundation for the day-care."

Maura’s voice brightened. "That’s amazing! I knew you’d make it happen."

"I’m trying," Jane replied, tapping her pen against the notebook as she mentally organized her thoughts. "I’ve been thinking about where it should be in the building. I’m leaning toward the ground floor, close to the parking lot so parents don’t have to walk too far when they drop off their kids. It’ll be easier for everyone, especially with Grace. I want this to be something that’s accessible, you know?"

Maura hummed thoughtfully on the other end of the line. "That sounds like a smart choice. And you’re going to need some help, right? Have you thought about how you’ll manage it—staff, supplies?"

"I’m on it," Jane said confidently. "I’ve already reached out to a couple of people who work in day-care and early childhood education. They’re excited about the idea and are eager to get started. I want to make sure it’s the best for the kids, and we’ll need staff who can handle that responsibility. We’ll make sure it’s a safe, supportive environment."

Maura smiled at the other end of the line, proud of Jane’s determination and her ability to turn an idea into action. "It sounds like you’re putting a lot of thought into it. And I’m sure you’ll get everything organized quickly."

"I hope so," Jane replied, flipping through her notebook. "There’s a lot to consider—names for the day-care, what kind of resources we need for the kids, how we feed them... I just want it to be perfect. You know, I’ve been thinking about Grace, and how this could help her and other kids in a safe environment while their parents are working. I want this to feel like home for them."

Maura’s voice softened. "I think you’re going to create something really special, Jane. You’ve always cared so much about helping people, and this is a perfect way for you to make an impact, especially with everything you’ve been through."

Jane’s heart swelled at Maura’s words. It was exactly what she needed to hear—validation and encouragement from the person who meant the most to her. "Thanks, Maura. You’re right. I’m doing this not just for Grace, but for all the kids whose parents are working in a dangerous job. I want them to know they’re safe, and I want their parents to be able to work without worrying about them."

"I love that," Maura said, a smile in her voice. "And you’re right—this is going to make a big difference."

"I think so," Jane agreed. "I’m planning to get it started as soon as I can, maybe in the next month or two. I’m working on figuring out the layout, making sure we have everything we need, and getting the ball rolling with supplies and the staff. And then—after that? I think we’ll be ready to open it."

"Wow, that’s fast," Maura responded, clearly impressed. "I’m really proud of you, Jane. I know this is going to make a huge impact on so many people."

"I hope so," Jane said softly, leaning back in her chair. "I know it’s a big undertaking, but it’s worth it. For Grace, for the department, and for everyone who’ll benefit from it."

"I’m with you all the way," Maura said. "Let me know how I can help. I’m excited to see everything come together."

"Thanks, Maura," Jane replied with a grateful smile. "I couldn’t do it without you."

As Jane hung up the phone, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose wash over her. She’d worked so hard to get to this point—she was finally doing something that combined everything she cared about: her family, her career, and her desire to make a difference.

She picked up her pen again and started jotting down more ideas, her heart swelling with the hope that this day-care could be the next big step toward something even greater.

xxx

The next day, after a productive morning of research and planning, Jane found herself sitting down with her mom at the kitchen table. Angela was sipping her coffee, listening intently as Jane paced back and forth, her excitement radiating through the room.

"Mom, I've got this idea," Jane started, leaning against the counter. "I know it’s a little crazy, but I think it could really work."

Angela raised an eyebrow, intrigued but clearly curious about what her daughter was about to propose. "What’s the idea, sweetheart?"

"I’m going to open a day-care at the precinct. For the kids of the officers. I’ve already talked to some people, and it looks like it could happen. They gave me the go-ahead," Jane said, her tone almost giddy now. She couldn’t help but smile as she imagined the future of it all—the kids running around the precinct, safe while their parents worked.

Angela sat up straighter in her chair, a big smile spreading across her face. "Jane, that’s a brilliant idea! You’ve always cared so much about helping people, and this will make such a difference for the officers and their families."

Jane nodded, the excitement clear in her eyes. "Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. I want to create a safe, nurturing environment for the kids, and I want it to be convenient for the parents too, especially for officers who don’t always have the best hours or have a hard time finding day-care."

Angela was already bouncing in her seat, full of energy. "You know, I think that sounds like something that’s going to make a huge difference. A lot of the officers will be relieved to know their kids are right there, in a safe place. You’re going to do great with this."

"Thanks, Mom," Jane said with a smile, feeling a bit of relief that her mom was so on board. "But there’s something else I wanted to ask you."

Angela raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "What’s that?"

Jane paused for a moment, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of the table. "I was wondering if you’d be interested in helping me with it. I know you’ve got your hands full with Grace and everything, but I need someone who can work with the kids, help run things, and—well, you’re great with kids, Mom."

Angela looked genuinely surprised for a moment, her eyes softening as she processed the question. "You want me to help you with this? With the day-care?"

"Yeah," Jane replied, her voice hopeful. "You’ve always been amazing with Grace. And you’ve got so much experience with, well... life. I think the kids would love you. You’d be perfect."

Angela smiled, the pride in her eyes unmistakable. "Oh, Jane... I’d love to help. I’m honoured you’d ask me. It’ll be so special to work together and spend more time with the little ones. And Grace and Luca too, of course," she added, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Really?" Jane asked, her voice filled with relief and excitement. "That would be amazing, Mom. I know we’re going to make this work, but it’s so much better knowing you’ll be there with me."

Angela reached out and squeezed her daughter’s hand, her expression warm and full of love. "Of course, sweetheart. I’d love to help. I think this day-care is going to be a huge success. And I can’t wait to be a part of it."

Jane’s face lit up with a big grin. "Thank you, Mom. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. We’ll make it work. I just know it."

Angela’s smile grew as she leaned back in her chair, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Now, about that name... you haven’t asked me for help with that yet."

"Oh, right!" Jane said, a little embarrassed. "I’ve been so caught up in all the logistics. I know it needs a good name, something that reflects what we’re doing but also feels... welcoming, you know?"

Angela’s eyes sparkled as she sat up a little straighter, her mind already working. "Well, let’s think about it. How about ‘Precinct Pals’? It’s playful, and it lets people know that it’s a fun, safe environment. Or maybe ‘Blue Badge Kids,’ like a little nod to the police? We could even make it more personal, like ‘Rizzoli & Isles Day-care,’ in honour of you two."

Jane chuckled at her mom’s enthusiasm. "‘Rizzoli & Isles Day-care,’ huh? That’s pretty cute. But I’m not sure if people would be all that excited about the ‘Rizzoli’ part. We need something that feels inclusive for everyone, not just us."

Angela thought for a moment before her face lit up. "What about something like ‘The Little Blue Line’? It’s got the police connection, but it also shows that it’s for the kids, and it’s something that brings everyone together."

Jane smiled, her eyes lighting up with approval. "That’s actually perfect. ‘The Little Blue Line.’ I love it."

Angela beamed, proud of her suggestion. "I’m glad you like it, sweetheart. I think it’ll be a great fit for what you’re creating."

"Thanks, Ma," Jane said, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I really appreciate your help. I’m so glad you’re going to be part of this."

Angela leaned forward and pulled Jane into a tight hug. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

As they sat there, brainstorming more ideas and organizing plans, Jane felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was building something special, something that would make a difference not only for Grace but for all the children of Boston’s finest. With Maura by her side, her mom’s help, and her own determination, Jane knew she was on the right path.

This was just the beginning.

Chapter Text

The day was packed for both of them. Jane had back-to-back meetings at the precinct, discussing logistics, budgeting, staffing, and the timeline for opening The Little Blue Line day-care. She barely had time to breathe, let alone check her phone, but she knew that Maura had her own important day ahead of her—her appointments with both her primary care doctor and her OB/GYN.

Maura, on the other hand, was more prepared than ever. She had all of her medical history neatly compiled, questions written down, and a full understanding of what the doctors would likely discuss. Still, there was a nervous flutter in her chest. It wasn’t fear, exactly—more like anticipation. It had been a long time since she’d seriously considered the idea of carrying a child herself.

Her first appointment was routine. Her primary care doctor gave her a clean bill of health, noting that she was in excellent shape. When she brought up their plans for another baby, the doctor smiled warmly and reassured her that, medically, there were no glaring concerns that would prevent her from carrying.

Her OB/GYN appointment was more involved. After an initial discussion, they did a full exam, including an ultrasound to check her reproductive health. As she lay there, watching the grainy black-and-white images flicker on the screen, she was struck by the reality of it all. This wasn’t just an abstract conversation anymore—this was real. This could happen.

The doctor was optimistic. "Everything looks good, Dr. Isles. Your uterus is healthy, your ovaries are functioning as they should, and there’s no indication that you’d have difficulty conceiving or carrying."

Maura let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "That’s reassuring."

"Of course, there are always unknowns," the doctor continued, "but from a medical standpoint, you’re an excellent candidate for pregnancy. Have you and Jane discussed who would carry?"

Maura nodded. "We have, and we’re open to either of us carrying, though Jane had some concerns about her previous injuries affecting her ability to maintain a pregnancy."

The doctor hummed thoughtfully. "That’s understandable. If you decide to carry, you’re in great shape to do so. If Jane wants to carry, she’ll need more monitoring, but it’s not impossible."

Maura nodded again, taking it all in.

As she left the clinic, she found herself reaching for her phone, about to call Jane—only to stop herself. She knew Jane had meetings all day, and she didn’t want to disrupt her. Instead, she texted a simple, Hope your meetings are going well. Call me when you get a break. Love you.

Then, with a steadying breath, she got into her car and headed home, her mind swirling with thoughts of the future they were building.

xxx

Maura had barely set her phone down when it started buzzing in her hand. She smiled to herself, already knowing who it was before she even looked at the screen.

“Hello, my love,” she answered smoothly, pressing the phone to her ear as she slid into the driver’s seat of her car.

Jane let out an exaggerated groan on the other end. “Ugh, thank god you texted me. These meetings are killing me.”

Maura chuckled. “That bad?”

“Worse. You ever sit through three straight hours of people telling you how much money something costs?” Jane huffed. “’Cause let me tell you, it’s not fun.”

“I can imagine,” Maura said, her voice laced with amusement.

“How’d your appointments go?” Jane asked, shifting gears immediately. She sounded eager, anxious. “Everything okay?”

A warm feeling spread through Maura’s chest at the concern in Jane’s voice. “Everything is fine,” she reassured her. “My primary care doctor says I’m in excellent health, and my OB/GYN says I’m a great candidate for pregnancy.”

There was a pause on Jane’s end, then a soft exhale. “Yeah?”

“Yes.” Maura could hear the relief in Jane’s voice, and it made her smile.

“That’s… that’s good,” Jane said, quieter this time. “So, if we went that route, you’d be all good to carry?”

“Medically speaking, yes,” Maura confirmed. “Of course, there are always unknowns, but my doctor didn’t see any issues.”

Jane hummed in thought, and Maura could practically hear the gears turning in her head.

“What about you?” Maura asked gently.

Jane let out a small chuckle, but there was an edge to it. “Still unfit, still too old, still a disappointment.”

“Jane…”

“I know, I know,” Jane sighed. “I’m not really saying that. Just—still trying to figure out where I fit, you know? And my OB did say that carrying might be risky ‘cause of my injuries, but, I mean, you already guessed that.”

Maura’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. “But they didn't say it would be impossible.”

“No,” Jane admitted. “Just that it might be tough. But I dunno, Maur. Do I even want to do that?”

“That’s something only you can answer,” Maura said softly. “But whatever you decide, you know I support you completely.”

There was another pause, longer this time. Then Jane’s voice came through, softer, more vulnerable. “You’re really okay with carrying?”

“Yes.” Maura smiled to herself. “If that’s the path we choose, I’d be honoured to.”

Jane let out a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Maura echoed.

“Yeah. Okay,” Jane said, and Maura could hear the small smile in her voice. “Hey, I gotta go finish up these meetings, but thanks for the check-in, Doc. You made my day.”

Maura laughed. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” Jane said. “See you tonight.”

As the call ended, Maura sat there for a moment, just holding her phone and smiling to herself. This conversation—this entire journey—wasn’t easy, but they were in it together. And that made all the difference.

Chapter Text

When Jane finally made it home, her arms were full—stacks of paperwork, folders crammed with notes about budgets, insurance policies, timeframes, all the logistical nightmares that came with opening a daycare inside a police precinct. But nestled carefully in the crook of her elbow was something much more delicate—a pale pink orchid in a smooth ceramic pot, its petals soft and elegant.

She let out a sigh as she kicked the door shut behind her, the weight of the day settling on her shoulders. Maura was in the living room, curled up in the armchair with a book, but she looked up immediately at the sound of Jane’s entrance.

“Good evening,” Maura greeted, eyes flicking over the mountain of papers before settling on the orchid. She blinked, clearly surprised. “That’s… lovely.”

Jane smirked as she crossed the room, setting the paperwork down on the coffee table with a dramatic thud before stepping over to Maura and holding out the orchid.

“Got this for you,” she said simply.

Maura accepted it with gentle hands, her fingers brushing over the smooth ceramic. She tilted her head slightly, studying the flower, her lips parting as something flickered in her expression.

“An orchid,” she murmured. Her voice was softer now, almost reverent. “They symbolize love, beauty, strength, and—” Her fingers trailed along the petals, and she glanced up at Jane, her eyes warm. “Fertility.”

Jane swallowed. She hadn’t said it outright, hadn’t even hinted at it when she’d picked the flower out, but Maura knew. Of course, she knew.

“Yeah,” Jane admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. “I, uh, may have gotten a whole crash course in flower meanings from the florist. She had a lot of opinions, by the way.”

Maura huffed a quiet laugh, but her eyes remained locked on Jane’s face, searching. “You were thinking about it today.”

Jane exhaled, nodding. “Yeah. A lot, actually.”

Maura reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Because of what your doctor said?”

Jane sighed, squeezing her hand. “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s just—it’s been sitting in the back of my mind ever since. We made this decision together, but now it feels… different, you know? More real. More complicated.”

Maura nodded, bringing Jane’s hand up to her lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “It is real, Jane. And complicated. But that doesn’t mean we won’t figure it out together.”

Jane let out a breath, some of the tension in her shoulders easing. “You really think we can?”

“I know we can.” Maura reached out, tracing her fingertips over the orchid’s petals. “This was a thoughtful gift. More thoughtful than you probably even realized.” She met Jane’s gaze again, something unwavering in her expression. “We’re going to be okay. Whatever happens.”

Jane didn’t know how Maura always managed to say the exact thing she needed to hear, but she was grateful for it.

“Yeah,” she murmured, finally pulling Maura into her arms, pressing a kiss into her hair. “We will.”

xxx

Grace's cries echoed down the hall, piercing through the quiet of the house. Jane sighed as she sat up in bed, rubbing her face. This was the third time in two hours, and she could already hear Maura moving, her footsteps quick but careful as she slipped out of bed.

"Stay," Jane mumbled, even though she was already following Maura down the hallway, both of them drawn by instinct to their daughter's room.

Grace was sitting up in her bed, her curls damp with sweat, her cheeks flushed. Her tiny hands gripped the edge of her blanket, her big brown eyes glassy with distress.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Maura murmured, immediately reaching for her, pressing a cool hand to her forehead. “You’re so warm.”

Jane frowned, stepping closer. “She’s been having nightmares all week, but this—” She exhaled, worried. “This feels different.”

Maura nodded, gently picking Grace up, rocking her in slow, soothing motions. “She has a temperature,” she confirmed. “It’s not dangerously high, but enough that it’s making her uncomfortable.”

Grace sniffled, burrowing into Maura’s shoulder, her tiny arms wrapping around her neck.

Jane reached out, running a hand over their daughter's back. “Hey, baby girl. You’re okay.”

But Grace whimpered, her grip on Maura tightening.

“She’s miserable,” Jane said softly. “What do we do?”

Maura swayed side to side, her voice gentle. “I’ll take her temperature properly, give her some medicine. We should cool her down, but not too fast—cold compress, lukewarm bath if needed.”

Jane nodded, taking Grace from Maura’s arms, bouncing her lightly. “You get the thermometer; I’ve got her.”

Grace sniffled again, tucking her head under Jane’s chin, her body still trembling.

“It’s okay, Gracie,” Jane whispered, rubbing small circles on her back. “Mama’s got you.”

Maura returned quickly, and together they went through the routine—checking her temperature, giving her a small dose of medicine, dampening a cloth to press against her forehead.

Still, Grace refused to settle. Her little fingers clung to Jane’s tank top, her body curled as close as possible.

“She doesn’t want to be alone,” Maura observed, watching the way Grace gripped onto Jane.

Jane sighed, nodding. “Then she won’t be.”

So they took her back to their bed, settling Grace between them. She shifted immediately, curling into Jane’s side while Maura stroked a hand through her curls, whispering soothing words.

After a long, restless hour, Grace’s breathing finally evened out, her tiny body relaxing.

Jane met Maura’s gaze over their daughter’s head. “That was rough.”

Maura smiled softly, brushing her fingers over Grace’s cheek. “But she’s okay.”

Jane exhaled, resting her hand on Grace’s back, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breath.

“Yeah,” she murmured, finally allowing herself to relax. “She is.”

Chapter Text

Jane stared at the ceiling, the soft glow from the nightlight casting gentle shadows across the room. Beside her, Maura had finally drifted off, her breathing deep and even, one hand still resting on Grace’s back. Their daughter had settled too, her fever finally breaking, but Jane couldn’t seem to turn her brain off.

She had spent the last few hours doing everything she could to comfort Grace, and still, it had felt like nothing was enough. That helplessness—that moment when she realized she couldn’t immediately fix it—was gnawing at her.

She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb the two people she loved most in the world. Her hand rested on Grace’s tiny back, feeling the slow, steady rhythm of her breathing.

If I struggled this much with my own kid, how the hell am I supposed to look after a whole day-care full of them?

The thought made her chest tighten. She had been so excited about this, so sure that she’d found her next purpose, something that let her stay close to her family while still doing something meaningful. But what if she wasn’t cut out for it?

What if she couldn’t handle it?

She closed her eyes, inhaling slowly, trying to push the doubts away. This was just one bad night. Grace was sick. It happens.

And yet… she had been so confident before, so sure that this was the right move for her. Now, all she could think about were the moments she had been unsure, the way Maura had known exactly what to do while Jane had felt like she was grasping at straws.

What if she wasn’t patient enough? What if she messed up? What if she let someone else’s kid down?

She swallowed hard, tightening her arm around Grace just a little.

She needed to figure this out.

xxx

Jane was sitting at her old desk, trying to kill time before her next meeting. The pile of paperwork in front of her—budget estimates, insurance policies, child safety protocols—wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it was necessary. Her day-care, right there in black and white. It was real, or at least, it would be soon.

She stretched her arms over her head, checking the time on her phone. Another sixty minutes before she had to sit down with some city official to discuss liability waivers. Thrilling.

Across the bullpen, Frost and Korsak were both at their desks, half-focused on their work. It had been surprisingly easy to fall back into her old habits here, even if she wasn’t actually on the job anymore. Well, not officially.

Korsak’s desk phone rang, and Jane barely paid attention until she caught the shift in his expression. His shoulders straightened, his face losing its usual easy-going look. Frost’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing in question.

Jane sat forward instinctively. Something’s happening.

“Yeah?” Korsak said into the phone, listening intently. “You sure?” A beat. “Okay. We’re on it.”

He hung up, already grabbing his coat.

“What is it?” Jane asked.

“Sighting on the suspect from the kindergarten kidnapping,” Frost said, pushing back from his desk. “Somebody thinks they saw him in an abandoned warehouse in Southie.”

Jane felt her stomach tighten. That case had been plastered all over the news—five-year-old girl taken from her classroom, no forced entry, no struggle. The theory was that she’d gone willingly, meaning the suspect was likely someone she knew. It had been a week, and every passing day made it less likely that she’d be found safe.

Frost and Korsak moved quickly, but just before they headed out, Frost hesitated. Then, he turned to Jane.

“Wanna tag along?” he asked casually.

Jane blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You know,” Frost said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Just in case she’s there. Kid might feel safer with a female presence.”

Korsak nodded, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “We’d keep it off the books.”

Jane looked between them, reading exactly what they weren’t saying. They knew it was against the rules, but for her, they didn’t care.

Her first instinct was to refuse. She wasn’t a cop anymore. This wasn’t her job.

But then she thought about that little girl. Alone. Scared. Maybe crying for her mom.

And suddenly, there was no other choice.

Jane grabbed her jacket. “Let’s go.”

xxx

The warehouse was as decrepit as expected—rusted metal beams, broken windows, the scent of mildew clinging to the air. Jane followed behind Frost and Korsak as they moved carefully through the darkened space, their footsteps quiet but purposeful.

They found the suspect easily enough. He was trying to slip out the back when Korsak’s voice rang out, steady and firm.

“Boston PD. Hands where we can see ‘em.”

The guy tried to run, but Frost was faster, tackling him to the ground. There was a brief scuffle, but it was over before it started. Jane barely paid attention—her focus was elsewhere.

“Where’s the girl?” she demanded.

The suspect didn’t answer, his face pressed against the concrete as Frost restrained him.

Korsak was already moving, scanning the room. “Start looking,” he said gruffly.

Jane’s heart pounded as she took in the space, searching for anything—any sign of a child. And then she saw it.

A narrow air shaft, just big enough for a small body.

She approached slowly, her stomach twisting when she saw the little girl curled up inside, her arms wrapped around her knees. Scared. Dirty. Malnourished.

Korsak knelt down and reached toward her, his movements careful. “Hey, sweetheart—”

The girl flinched so violently that he stopped mid-motion, exchanging a glance with Jane.

Without a word, he moved back, giving Jane space.

Jane lowered herself to the ground, shifting onto her knees. She softened her expression, keeping her voice light, gentle.

“Hey there,” she murmured. “My name’s Jane. What’s yours?”

The girl just stared at her, eyes wide with fear.

Jane nodded like that was okay, like she wasn’t unravelling inside.

“I bet you’re really scared, huh?” she said. “I would be too. But I promise you, you’re safe now. That bad guy? He can’t hurt you anymore.”

The girl’s tiny body trembled.

“I bet your mommy misses you a whole lot,” Jane continued. “And I bet she can’t wait to hug you. What do you say we get you out of there and take you to see her?”

There was a long pause.

Then, slowly, the girl crawled forward, hesitantly reaching for Jane’s outstretched hand.

Jane held her breath, waiting.

And then—contact.

The little girl gripped her fingers, small and weak, but trusting.

“That’s it,” Jane whispered. “You’re doing great.”

She helped her out carefully, pulling her close the second she was free. The girl clung to her, burying her face in Jane’s shoulder, and Jane rubbed soothing circles on her back.

She didn’t let go. Not when they walked out of the warehouse. Not when they loaded into the ambulance. Not even when the sirens wailed, carrying them toward the hospital.

It wasn’t until they arrived—until the girl’s mother burst through the doors, sobbing, reaching for her—that the child finally released her hold.

Jane stepped back, watching as the mother collapsed to her knees, cradling her daughter like she would never let her go again.

She felt Frost and Korsak at her side, silent.

“You good?” Korsak asked after a moment.

Jane took a shaky breath, nodding.

Yeah.

She was good.

Chapter Text

As soon as the little girl was safe in her mother’s arms, Jane took a step back, watching the way the woman clutched her daughter like she was afraid to let go.

It was always a bittersweet moment—seeing the fear and relief crash together in an emotional storm. Jane had seen it plenty of times before, but this time, it hit a little differently. Maybe because she had a daughter of her own now. Maybe because, for a split second, she imagined what it would be like if it had been Grace.

She exhaled, shaking off the thought, and ran a hand over her face.

That’s when she felt it—her phone vibrating in her pocket.

She pulled it out and frowned. Multiple missed calls. First from the department contacts she was supposed to meet with. Then a few from Maura.

Her stomach clenched.

“Shit.”

Korsak gave her a look. “Something wrong?”

“I, uh—kinda missed my meeting.” She frowned down at the phone. “And Maura called a couple of times.”

Frost raised an eyebrow. “She probably just wants to know why you’re late. You gonna call her back?”

“Yeah,” Jane muttered, already pressing the button.

The phone barely rang twice before Maura answered.

“Jane.” The relief in her voice was obvious. “Are you okay?”

Jane rubbed at her temple. “Yeah, I’m fine. I, uh… got a little side-tracked.”

“I gathered that,” Maura said, though there was no anger in her tone—just concern. “You missed your meeting.”

“Yeah, about that…” Jane sighed. “I was at the precinct, waiting for it to start, and Frost and Korsak got a lead on a kidnapping case. They asked if I wanted to come, and—”

“Jane.” Maura’s voice was even, but Jane could hear the underlying worry. “You’re not a detective anymore.”

“I know,” Jane admitted. “And I swear, I wasn’t running after a suspect or anything. They just—there was a little girl, Maura. She was terrified, hiding in this air shaft. Korsak thought maybe she’d be more comfortable with a woman, so I talked her out. I rode with her to the hospital.”

There was a beat of silence on the other end.

Jane could picture Maura’s face perfectly—the way she’d press her lips together, her brows furrowing as she processed.

“You helped a scared little girl,” Maura finally said, voice soft.

“Yeah.” Jane swallowed. “I couldn’t say no.”

“I know.”

Another pause, then Maura sighed. “I called because I was worried, but also because your meeting contacts called me when they couldn’t reach you.”

Jane groaned. “Great. They probably think I’m a flake.”

“I handled it,” Maura assured her. “They rescheduled for tomorrow. Same time.”

Jane breathed out a laugh. “What would I do without you?”

“Let’s not find out.”

That made Jane smile.

“Are you coming home soon?” Maura asked.

“Yeah, just gotta wrap things up here. Maybe grab something sweet for Grace on the way—think she’d be mad if I brought her a cookie this close to bedtime?”

“She wouldn’t be mad. I might be.”

Jane grinned. “Noted. See you soon?”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Jane ended the call and exhaled, tucking the phone back into her pocket.

She glanced toward the hospital room where the little girl was still wrapped up in her mother’s arms, safe and sound.

Yeah. She might not be a detective anymore. But she was still exactly where she was supposed to be.

xxx

Jane hurried through the front door, her keys clinking as she dropped them in the bowl by the entryway. She kicked off her shoes, the weight of the day still pressing on her shoulders, but there was an odd sense of relief hanging in the air. She didn’t miss the detective work. In fact, this last incident had only confirmed what she’d already known deep down.

She didn't need to be chasing criminals to make a difference. She didn't need to be on the force to feel fulfilled. She had a family. She had a purpose that had already shifted, that was moving in a direction she felt more at peace with.

Maura’s soft voice floated down from the hallway, the sound of her humming drifting through the house. Jane followed the melody, her heart warming at the thought of her wife—steadfast, grounded, always there, as she'd been through everything.

“Maura?” Jane called softly as she reached the living room.

Maura turned from the counter, a look of concern on her face as her eyes met Jane's. She didn’t say anything right away, just set down the dish towel she’d been holding and walked over to Jane.

Without saying a word, Jane reached for her, pulling her into a tight embrace. She buried her face in Maura's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of her skin and the lavender-scented soap she always used.

“I’m sorry,” Jane murmured, her voice muffled. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just… I wanted to help.”

Maura gently pulled back and cupped Jane’s face in her hands, her eyes soft and searching. “You don’t need to apologize for helping someone, Jane. But you should have called me.”

“I know. I got caught up, and then…” Jane sighed, shaking her head. “It didn’t make me miss being a detective, Maura. I swear it didn’t. But it did make me realize that… this, this day-care, it’s not going to be as hard as I thought. I can do it. We can do it.”

Maura raised an eyebrow, waiting for Jane to elaborate.

Jane continued, her hands moving as if trying to make her words clearer. “I thought I might not be able to handle it. You know, kids—keeping them safe, making sure they’re okay. But after today… I know I can do it. I’ve got you. And I’ve got Angela. And hell, Grace is the perfect practice, right?”

Maura chuckled softly, her fingers tracing the line of Jane’s jaw. “Grace is definitely helping prepare you for the chaos. But she’s also the greatest joy. And, Jane, I know you can handle it. You already handle everything so well.”

Jane let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing. “I think that’s the part that I didn’t understand. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to juggle everything, and I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to take it all on. But I am. And I’m excited. Really excited.”

Maura smiled warmly, her thumb brushing over Jane's lips. “You’re going to be amazing at it, just like you are with everything you put your heart into. I have no doubts.”

Jane met Maura’s gaze, feeling that familiar, overwhelming warmth flood her chest. “Thanks, babe. And I promise, from now on, I won’t keep things from you. I just needed to get my head on straight.”

“I understand,” Maura whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Jane’s forehead. “But please, always talk to me first, okay?”

“Okay,” Jane agreed, her voice sincere. “Always.”

They stood there for a moment, just holding each other, the weight of the day finally lifting as they both took comfort in the quiet, the peace they’d built together.

“So,” Jane finally said, pulling back just enough to look at Maura with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You think Grace would mind if I brought her some cookies?”

Maura laughed, shaking her head. “Grace would never mind. But I might. You know, bedtime and all.”

“I can handle that too,” Jane teased, wrapping her arm around Maura’s waist and leading her toward the kitchen. “Besides, what kid doesn’t love cookies before bed?”

“Just make sure you’re not spoiling her,” Maura said with a wink. “I have a feeling she’s going to be very spoiled with all the love and cookies she’s going to get from you.”

Jane grinned as they reached the kitchen. “Good. Because I’m ready to spoil her rotten.”

They both shared a quiet laugh, knowing that, no matter what came next, they would handle it together—stronger than ever.

Chapter Text

The day-care space had transformed over the past few weeks. What had started as a dull, unutilized corner of the precinct was now a bright, welcoming environment for kids. The walls had been painted a soft pastel green with colourful murals of animals and flowers. There were small tables for the kids to work on arts and crafts, shelves lined with books and toys, and little cubby holes for coats and personal belongings. Jane could already imagine the excited chatter of children running through it, the sounds of laughter filling the air. It was starting to look like the safe, comforting place she had always dreamed of creating.

Angela was in her element. She’d always had a special knack for making spaces feel warm and inviting, and her hands were all over the design. She had even brought in a few old quilts and stuffed animals from Jane’s childhood, giving the space a more homely vibe. It felt less like a day-care and more like a little community within the precinct. Angela was also keeping an eye on the logistics, making sure everything was running smoothly, and checking on supplies as they came in.

Jane was still shocked by how much work was involved in getting everything up and running. From dealing with the city’s regulations to figuring out the budget and making sure everything would be in place for the first batch of children to arrive, it was an exhausting process. But there was no part of it that Jane would’ve traded. Seeing the space evolve each day gave her a deep sense of fulfilment. It was like everything was coming together.

Maura had been instrumental in helping fund the day-care, a donation that allowed them to purchase everything from comfy mattresses to educational toys. She had also been a quiet but steady source of support, whether she was helping Jane organize paperwork or just offering words of encouragement when things got overwhelming.

One day, as Jane took a break from setting up the new play area, she found herself standing back, surveying the room. She was exhausted—physically drained, to be honest—but there was a warmth deep in her chest, a sense of purpose she hadn’t had in a long time.

Maura walked into the room, carrying a cup of coffee in one hand and a concerned look on her face. “You’re looking a little worn out there, Detective. I thought we agreed you’d take some time off, at least for the next few days while we finish everything up?”

Jane rubbed her temples, smiling tiredly. “I know, I know. But it’s all coming together, Maura. I can’t stop now. This is everything I’ve been working for.”

Maura approached her, setting the coffee on a nearby table before stepping closer to wrap her arms around Jane. “I know it’s important to you, but you’ve been running yourself ragged. You don’t have to do this all on your own. We’re a team, remember?”

“I know,” Jane sighed, leaning into Maura’s embrace. “But it feels good to be hands-on. I can’t help but feel like if I don’t keep pushing forward, things won’t get done. I want everything to be perfect, for Grace and for all the kids who will be here.”

Maura’s voice softened, her thumb gently stroking Jane’s back. “It’s already perfect, Jane. It’s exactly what you imagined. And if you need help—whether it’s with the final details or just taking a break—I’m here.”

Jane let out a breath, pulling back to look at her wife, feeling the exhaustion catch up with her. “I don’t want to fail at this. I want this day-care to be the best it can be. I want Grace to have a place to grow up in, where she’s safe and happy, and where she can make friends, where she can feel like a part of something special.”

“You won’t fail,” Maura assured her, her eyes bright with unwavering confidence. “You’ve already built something wonderful. And you have people—me, Angela, everyone—who are here to support you. We’re in this together.”

Jane smiled at Maura, feeling her heart swell at the promise of support, at the reminder that she didn’t have to carry the weight of this on her own. “I know, Maura. Thank you.”

Maura kissed her gently on the lips. “You’re doing something incredible, Jane. I’m so proud of you.”

Angela called out from across the room, drawing their attention. “Hey, I’ve got a surprise! The new play mats just arrived! We can start setting up the reading nook!”

Jane gave a playful groan, shaking her head. “Another task. But it’s okay. I’m ready.”

“Come on, Detective. Let’s put those muscles to work,” Maura teased, taking Jane’s hand. “We’re a team, remember?”

Jane smiled as they walked over to help Angela with the new mats. The tiredness was still there, but now there was a fire in her belly, a purpose she hadn’t felt in a long time. No matter how long it took, no matter how much effort she had to put in, she was going to make this day-care something incredible—for Grace, for the kids, and for herself.

And with Maura by her side, she knew they could do anything.

xxx

The day-care was officially ready. Jane stood in the middle of the room, taking in everything she had worked so hard to make happen. The bright colours, the little tables, the bookshelves filled with toys and stories, and the cosy reading nook she had insisted on. She couldn’t help but smile as she glanced over every little detail.

Everything had come together, and now, with the final inspection scheduled for a couple of weeks away, Jane found herself with some unexpected downtime. It was a strange feeling, considering how busy her life had been over the past few months. With no more immediate tasks to complete, she had spent the last couple of days researching fertility options again.

The day-care was a dream she had worked toward for months, but the next chapter in their lives—growing their family—was still at the forefront of her mind. The idea of having another child with Maura was something she had dreamed about for years. They’d talked about it off and on, but now it felt real. The idea that it could actually happen was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The decision to move forward with fertility treatments was something they’d been dancing around for a while. Jane had been making appointments on her own, learning more about the process, but she knew that Maura deserved to be part of that conversation, especially since this wasn’t just about Jane’s desires—it was about their family and their future together.

Sitting at their kitchen table, her phone in front of her, Jane started drafting an email to the fertility clinic. She knew she needed to talk to Maura first, though, and get her thoughts. As much as Jane wanted to move forward, she didn’t want to make any decisions without Maura fully on board.

Her mind wandered as she gazed out the window. The neighbourhood was quiet, the early spring sunshine spilling into the room. Grace was napping peacefully, giving Jane a rare moment of solitude. She had been so focused on the day-care that she hadn’t given herself much time to process everything. But now, with things finally in motion, she felt the weight of it all settling on her shoulders. There was so much to think about—so much to plan.

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to quiet her racing thoughts. She was about to make one of the biggest decisions of her life, and she needed Maura’s opinion. She needed to know what she wanted.

That evening, when Maura came home from work, Jane had prepared dinner, a simple meal of pasta and garlic bread. They sat down to eat, the sounds of Grace playing in her room making the house feel alive. As they finished eating, Jane leaned back in her chair, trying to figure out how to approach the topic.

Maura noticed the slight change in Jane’s demeanor and raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay? You’ve been quiet tonight.”

Jane smiled softly, trying to ease the tension that had crept up on her. “Yeah, just thinking. I’ve been doing a lot of research about... you know... our next steps. About the fertility clinic and all that.”

Maura’s eyes softened, and she set her fork down, giving Jane her full attention. “I figured you were. Have you made any decisions? Or are you still gathering information?”

Jane took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Maura’s. “I wanted to talk to you about it before I make any further appointments. I know we’ve talked about it here and there, but I wanted to make sure that this is something we both really want. I’ve been looking into options, and... well, I guess I just need to hear what you think before I go ahead.”

Maura reached across the table, taking Jane’s hand in hers. Her touch was warm and grounding, and it helped calm the nervous flutter in Jane’s stomach. “Of course, Jane. You know I’m with you, no matter what. But... I want to know what you’re feeling about it. Are you ready for another baby? I know we’ve talked about expanding our family, but I want us both to be on the same page. I want us to do this together.”

Jane squeezed Maura’s hand, grateful for her openness. “I’ve thought a lot about it, and honestly, it feels right. I love the idea of growing our family, of giving Grace a sibling. I just want to make sure we’re both ready. It’s not just about the baby—it’s about what’s best for us and what we can handle, as a family.”

Maura nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning Jane’s face as if trying to read the unspoken words between them. “I feel the same way. I know the timing is complicated with everything that’s been going on—your work with the day-care, my schedule, all the other things—but I do want another child. I want it with you. I’m just... a little cautious. I think we should take things one step at a time and make sure we’re both ready to give this little one the love and attention they deserve.”

Jane’s heart swelled at Maura’s words. She had never doubted Maura’s love, but hearing it spoken aloud made the decision feel even more real. “I agree. I want to make sure we’re both fully ready. But I think, deep down, I know that this is the right step for us.”

Maura smiled softly, her thumb tracing small circles on Jane’s hand. “I’m ready, too. I’m glad we’re having this conversation now. Let’s take our time with the next steps. We can talk to the clinic, get a clearer idea of what’s involved, and then make an informed decision together.”

Jane nodded, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders. “I think that sounds perfect. I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

“Always,” Maura replied with a soft smile, her eyes filled with warmth. “We’re in this together, Jane.”

The conversation felt like the beginning of something new, a chapter that wasn’t just about starting a day-care or growing their family—it was about the journey they were on together. With Grace, with the day-care, and with whatever came next, Jane knew that they would face it all as a team.

And that thought, more than anything, made her feel ready.

Chapter Text

Maura had taken the day off work, a rare occasion where she could just be with Jane, focusing on their future together. They had been lucky to get an appointment so soon, the clinic visit that would give them more insight into the next step in their fertility journey. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, but also an undercurrent of nervousness as they drove to the clinic together.

When they arrived, they were greeted by a friendly receptionist, and after a short wait, they were led to a small but welcoming consultation room. The walls were decorated with soft images of families and babies, and the air smelled faintly of lavender. Jane felt a strange sense of calm as she sat down across from Maura, but she could tell that Maura was just as anxious, her hands fidgeting with the sleeve of her blouse.

After a few minutes of light conversation, the door opened, and their fertility specialist entered the room. Dr. Harper was warm and approachable, with a reassuring smile. She shook their hands and asked them to sit back comfortably before starting the consultation.

"So, Jane, Maura, thank you for coming in today," Dr. Harper began. "Based on your physicals and everything you've shared with us about your health history and family plans, we’ve reviewed your options. I understand you're both interested in having a child together, and I know it’s a big decision, so we’ll take this one step at a time.”

Jane glanced at Maura, unsure of how to phrase her thoughts. Maura gave her a soft, encouraging smile, and Jane felt her nerves settle just a little.

“Right,” Jane began, her voice steady but soft. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and one of the options I’m leaning toward is having one of us donate the egg, and the other carry the baby. I don’t know if Maura would want the baby to have her genetics or if she'd prefer that she carry it. I just… I don’t know if that’s something we’ve talked about enough. I want to make sure we’re on the same page, and I want her to have the choice.”

Dr. Harper nodded. "It's a good question, and it's a decision that both of you need to feel comfortable with. There are several paths we can take depending on what feels right for you both. There are a few things to consider with each option: genetics, who will carry, and the emotional impact. So, let’s break it down a little."

She turned to a chart on her tablet and pulled up some detailed information on their options. “Option one: We can have Maura provide the egg, and Jane, you could carry the pregnancy. The baby would share Maura's genetics, and you would be the one physically carrying the child. Or, option two: Jane, you could provide the egg, and Maura could carry the baby. This would mean the baby would have your genetics, and Maura would carry. Both options have their pros and cons in terms of physical involvement, but emotionally, you both would be involved in different ways.”

Jane listened intently, but as Dr. Harper spoke, she could feel her heart racing just a little. There were so many factors to think about, and it was difficult not to imagine how each scenario might play out. Her eyes shifted to Maura, trying to gauge her reaction.

The thought of carrying the child herself felt right in some ways. She had been the one who had always been the more physical one in their relationship, but at the same time, she didn’t want to take away the chance for Maura to have that experience. On the other hand, the idea of Maura carrying the child felt beautiful and empowering to Jane, too. Maura had always been so strong, but gentle at the same time. The thought of seeing her carry their child felt like a dream.

Jane’s thoughts were interrupted when Dr. Harper spoke again.

“Both options are entirely valid,” she said, looking directly at Maura. “There’s no right or wrong choice here. It’s really about what feels best for you both. Some couples feel strongly about one option, while others don’t have a preference at all. What’s important is how you both feel emotionally about the decision and how much weight you place on the idea of the baby sharing one of your genetics.”

Maura, who had been quietly listening, turned to Jane, her expression soft but filled with a quiet intensity. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot,” she said, her voice calm. “And honestly, I’m not sure. I can’t say that I have a strong preference one way or another. I think, at the end of the day, what matters most to me is that we’re bringing a child into this world together. But, I also know that it would mean a lot to me to carry the child. I don’t know if I’d feel differently if I knew I was the one carrying, but I think it’s something I’d want to experience.”

Jane nodded, her heart swelling at Maura’s words. “I get that. And I want you to have the chance to experience it, too. I’m just trying to figure out where I fit in all of this. I guess, for me, the most important thing is that we’re doing this as a family.”

Dr. Harper smiled at them both, clearly understanding the depth of the conversation. “It sounds like you both have a deep connection and understanding of each other’s desires. That’s a wonderful place to start. I would recommend giving yourselves a little more time to think it over, especially since there’s no immediate rush. I can schedule another consultation in a couple of weeks, and we can discuss the next steps when you’re ready.”

Jane squeezed Maura’s hand, both of them feeling a bit lighter after the discussion. It wasn’t about making a decision in the next few minutes—it was about taking the time they needed to make sure they were both comfortable with the choice.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Jane said with a smile. “Let’s take our time.”

Maura nodded, returning the smile. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

They both stood up, the weight of the decision still hanging in the air but feeling a little less heavy now. Whatever path they chose, they would face it together, as they always did. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was certain: they were in it together, and that made all the difference.

Chapter Text

That evening, after dinner, the house was quiet. Grace had been tucked into bed, and now it was just Jane and Maura, sitting together on the couch, a soft, comfortable silence between them. Jane could feel the weight of the day still lingering, the conversation they'd had at the clinic echoing in her mind. She wasn't one to shy away from tough conversations, but this one, about their future and the potential of having another child, felt different. It felt deeper, more vulnerable than anything they had talked about in a while.

Jane shifted slightly, glancing over at Maura, who was absentmindedly toying with the hem of her sweater, clearly lost in thought. Jane reached out, gently taking Maura's hand in hers, feeling the warmth of her skin and the comfort of having her so close. Maura looked up, meeting her eyes, and for a moment, they just held each other’s gaze.

"Maura..." Jane began, her voice soft but filled with a quiet intensity. "I know we talked about it today, and I don’t want to rush you into any decisions. But I need to know… what do you want? What do you really want out of all of this?"

Maura’s brow furrowed just slightly, her thumb brushing against Jane's hand as she thought. It wasn’t a question of love or partnership—it was a question of the future, and Maura understood the gravity of it.

"I’ve been thinking about it, Jane," Maura started, her voice steady but full of emotion. "I’ve always wanted a family with you. I’ve always wanted to share that with you. And I’m not sure I have a clear answer yet, but I know I want this to be something we both feel connected to. I want to be a part of this process, but… I also know that whatever we choose, it has to be something we’re both comfortable with."

Jane nodded, squeezing Maura’s hand a little tighter. "I know. I don’t want you to feel any pressure, but I also don’t want you to feel like I’m not listening to you. I just need to hear you say it, Maura. I want to know what you really want. Whether that’s carrying our child or giving me the opportunity to carry it. I’ll support you no matter what, but I just need to know what would make you feel whole in this."

Maura shifted slightly, her eyes searching Jane’s face, as though she was measuring her words carefully. "I think… I think I want to carry the baby, Jane," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "I think I’d like the experience of carrying our child, feeling that connection, knowing that I’m the one nurturing it from the inside. But that doesn’t mean I’m not open to other options. I just… I want it to feel right for both of us."

Jane let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. "I want you to carry the baby," she said softly, her voice full of love and certainty. "I think it’s beautiful, Maura. And I’ll be here every step of the way, helping you, supporting you. Whatever you need. And if that means I don’t carry this time, then so be it. This is about us, about our family."

Maura smiled, her heart swelling at the depth of Jane’s words. "Thank you," she whispered. "I love you. I love you so much."

Jane leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Maura’s forehead. "I love you too, more than anything."

They sat there for a moment, the air around them filled with a quiet understanding. Jane’s heart felt lighter, the weight of the decision not as heavy now that they had spoken so honestly with each other. They didn’t have all the answers yet, but they had each other, and that was enough.

"I just want you to know," Jane continued, her voice steady, "that I’d do anything to make you happy, Maura. You don’t have to carry the burden of deciding alone. We’ll make this work. Together. Whatever comes next, we’ll do it as a team."

Maura nodded, her eyes glistening with tears she hadn’t been expecting to shed. "I know," she whispered. "I feel the same way. And that’s all I really need to know—to know that we’re in this together."

With that, they leaned into each other, the quiet comfort of their shared love surrounding them like a protective embrace. The future was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, they both felt that they could face whatever came next, hand in hand.

Chapter Text

The morning of the day-care inspection arrived with a quiet urgency. Jane had been up early, making sure everything was in place—papers organized, toys arranged, and safety protocols checked one last time. She'd been preparing for this day for weeks, and now that it had arrived, she was feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

But as luck would have it, Maura was swamped at work, and Angela had a last-minute appointment she couldn't reschedule. That left Jane to handle the inspector on her own. She stood in front of the day-care space, taking a deep breath. Everything was as ready as it could be, but there was always that lingering doubt. Was it enough?

"Alright, Jane," she muttered to herself, "you got this."

She adjusted the collar of her shirt, squared her shoulders, and walked over to the door. As she opened it, she heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway. The inspector—an efficient-looking woman in her late thirties—was arriving with a clipboard in hand. Jane greeted her with a firm handshake and a smile.

"Good morning," Jane said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I’m Jane Rizzoli. I’m the one who’s been overseeing the day-care setup here."

"Nice to meet you, Jane," the inspector replied with a polite smile. "I’ll be conducting the inspection today, just a standard procedure to make sure everything’s up to code. It should take about an hour."

"Sounds great," Jane said, nodding. "I’ve made sure everything’s in order. Feel free to ask about anything you need, I’ll be right here."

The inspector started her walkthrough, taking detailed notes as she inspected the room, checking the fire exits, safety measures, furniture, and overall cleanliness. Jane stood by, watching intently, answering questions as they came. Every now and then, she’d glance at the clock. Angela was supposed to meet her here later, but Jane didn’t want to interrupt the inspection process.

"So, everything seems to be in order here," the inspector said after a while, stopping by the set of cribs that Jane had painstakingly arranged. "It’s clear you’ve put a lot of work into this. The toys and learning materials are age-appropriate, the space is clean, and I’ve noticed there are a lot of safety measures in place. I just have a few more things to check off the list."

"Good to hear," Jane replied, trying to keep the nervousness from creeping into her voice. "Anything you need from me?"

The inspector nodded, flipping through her clipboard. "Yes, I just need to verify a few more documents—your background checks, licensing information, and insurance papers."

Jane quickly pulled out the folder where she had neatly organized everything, handing over the requested paperwork. "All here. I triple-checked it all myself."

The inspector took the papers, quickly flipping through them. Jane held her breath, feeling the weight of each moment. She couldn’t shake the worry that something, however small, might be wrong. But after a moment, the inspector looked up and gave her an approving smile.

"Everything is in order," she said. "I’ll be able to submit the report today, and if all goes well, you should be approved to start taking in children. I’ll send you the official confirmation in a few days."

Jane felt a wave of relief wash over her, her shoulders finally relaxing. "Thank you," she said, offering the inspector a genuine smile. "I’ve been looking forward to this, and I’m glad to hear everything looks good."

"Of course," the inspector replied, packing up her clipboard. "I’ll leave you to it. You’ve got a great setup here."

As the inspector walked out, Jane couldn’t help but let out a small laugh of relief, her heart still pounding in her chest. She grabbed her phone to text Maura, letting her know that the inspection had gone smoothly and that everything was officially on track.

The next step was getting the official approval, but for now, Jane was finally able to breathe easy.

Just then, Angela walked through the door, a big smile on her face. "Well, well, how’d it go?" she asked, already knowing the answer by the look on Jane’s face.

Jane grinned. "We’re officially ready to go. The inspector said everything looks great. I’ve got the paperwork, and once she submits the report, we’ll be good to open."

Angela’s eyes lit up, and she stepped forward, giving Jane a tight hug. "I knew you could do it," she said, her voice filled with pride. "I’m so proud of you, honey. You’ve worked so hard for this."

Jane squeezed her mother back. "Thanks, Ma. It feels like a huge weight’s been lifted. Now we just need to get the official go-ahead and we’re set."

"I’ll be here to help with whatever you need," Angela said with a wink. "You know I’m your biggest cheerleader."

Jane smiled, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. "Thanks, Ma. That means more than you know."

The moment was short but sweet, and it reminded Jane how lucky she was to have such a supportive family. With the day-care officially one step closer to opening, she felt like she could handle anything that came next.

Just then, Maura called, and Jane quickly answered. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know the inspection went great," Jane said, her voice full of relief.

"That’s wonderful," Maura replied, her voice filled with warmth. "I knew you’d handle it just fine. I’m so proud of you."

"I couldn’t have done it without your support," Jane said, a smile spreading across her face. "But we’re almost there. Just a few more steps to go, and we’ll be ready to open the doors."

"I can’t wait," Maura said softly. "And when everything’s settled, I think we should take some time to relax together. You deserve it."

Jane laughed, her eyes glinting with affection. "You bet we will."

As they talked, Jane felt a deep sense of contentment. She had no doubt that the day-care would be a success. It was just another chapter in the adventure she was building with Maura, one filled with hope, hard work, and love.

Chapter Text

Jane sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly at the piles of paperwork surrounding her. The day-care was almost there—so close she could almost taste it—but the delay in the official approval was driving her crazy. The waiting, the uncertainty, the inability to move forward, all piled up like a weight on her chest. It wasn't that she minded a little downtime, but being stuck in limbo made her feel restless.

She checked the clock. It was late afternoon, and Maura was still working her long shift at the morgue. Jane had already texted her, telling her everything was fine. She didn’t want to bother her with how bored and anxious she was feeling. Maura had her own stress to deal with, and Jane didn’t want to add to it.

But, as she sat there in the quiet of their kitchen, the buzzing in her head became more difficult to ignore. She had so many things she wanted to focus on—so many things that had been put on hold while they were sorting out the day-care. And there was the baby journey they’d started together, too. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping by, that maybe she needed to take the next step in their fertility process.

Taking a deep breath, Jane reached for her phone. With steady fingers, she opened up the number for the clinic that had been guiding them through the process so far. She had a few questions about what the next steps would look like, what she needed to do to begin egg retrieval. They’d talked about it briefly, but she hadn’t gotten into the specifics. She was ready for them now.

The phone rang for a moment before a friendly voice answered.

“Good afternoon, Dr. Sanders’ office. How may I help you?”

“Hi, this is Jane Rizzoli,” Jane began. “I’ve been working with Dr. Sanders and the clinic on fertility options with my wife, and I was hoping to get some information on the egg retrieval process.”

“Of course, Mrs. Rizzoli. We’ve been expecting your call. Are you ready to move forward with the retrieval?”

Jane nodded, even though she knew the woman couldn’t see her. “Yes, I think so. I’d like to know more about what I’ll need to do, how to prepare, and what the timeline will look like.”

“Great,” the woman said, her tone warm and professional. “We’ll need to schedule you for some preliminary tests. These include blood work to check hormone levels and an ultrasound to assess your ovarian health. Once that’s complete, we’ll be able to decide on a stimulation protocol to prepare you for the retrieval. This process usually takes about two weeks of preparation before the actual procedure.”

Jane listened carefully, her mind already going through the details. She liked having a clear plan of action, something concrete she could focus on.

“What about timing? How soon can we start?” she asked, her voice low with anticipation.

“We can get the process started as soon as you’re ready,” the woman explained. “We’ll schedule the tests in the next few days. Once we’ve got your results, we’ll tailor your stimulation protocol based on your individual response.”

Jane felt a little surge of energy at the thought of moving forward. It felt right. There was so much she could control in this process, and that brought her comfort.

“Okay, that sounds good,” she said. “Can you send over the details for the tests? And what about medication? I’ve heard some things about injections…”

The woman chuckled softly. “Yes, the injections are a part of the process. They’re used to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. We’ll provide a full breakdown of the medications and how to administer them once we have your appointment scheduled. It’s all fairly straightforward.”

Jane nodded again, her nerves settling. She had done her research, and she knew what to expect, but hearing it all laid out made her feel a little more in control.

“Thanks so much,” Jane said, feeling a bit lighter. “I’ll get the tests scheduled. I’m looking forward to starting this next step.”

“We’ll be here when you’re ready,” the woman replied with a reassuring smile in her voice.

Jane hung up the phone and sat back for a moment, letting the calm settle over her. She was moving forward. The uncertainty about the day-care was still hanging over her, but this? This was something she could take charge of. She felt like she had a new sense of purpose, even if there was still so much work ahead.

The thought of giving Grace a sibling, building their family, made her heart swell. She couldn't wait to start the process, and now, she finally felt ready.

Picking up her phone again, she shot Maura a quick text:

“Just called the clinic. I’m ready to move forward with the egg retrieval process. I’m feeling good about it.”

As she hit send, she leaned back against the chair, a sense of calm coming over her. The day-care would come together. And now, she and Maura were one step closer to expanding their family.

With Maura working a long shift, Jane could focus on the paperwork for the day-care, and then later, when Maura was home, they could talk more about their next steps. This was the beginning of another chapter, and Jane was ready to face it head-on.

But first, she’d take a moment to herself. She deserved that.

For now, Jane was in control, and for the first time in a while, that felt like exactly what she needed.

xxx

Maura walked into the house, ready to shed the weight of her long day at work. She was eager to see Jane and hear more about her day, and perhaps talk through a few things that had been on her mind regarding the baby plans. But as soon as she walked through the door, she saw Jane sitting on the couch, her phone in her hand, and a look on her face that Maura knew all too well—a mix of nervous anticipation and hope.

"Hey," Maura greeted softly, kicking off her shoes and walking over to where Jane was. "Got your text."

Jane looked up at her, a soft but determined look in her eyes. "I called the clinic today," she said, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of excitement. "I’m ready to move forward with the egg retrieval process. I feel good about it, Maura."

Maura nodded, her heart swelling with pride. She could see that Jane had made up her mind, that she'd thought this through. "I’m glad you feel that way," Maura replied, sitting down next to her. "I think we’re both ready for this."

Jane gave a small, relieved smile. "I know we are," she said, her voice a little softer now. "But I just want to make sure we’re both fully on the same page. I mean... we’ve already decided that I’ll donate the egg, and you’ll carry the baby, right? But I just want to make sure you’re okay with that. I want to hear what you feel about everything, Maura. Because I know I’m all in, but I need to know you're really, truly okay with it, too."

Maura took Jane’s hand in hers, squeezing it gently, her thumb stroking over Jane's knuckles in a quiet act of reassurance. "I am. I’m more than okay with it," she said, her voice tender. "I trust you, Jane. I trust us. And I’m excited—genuinely excited—about the idea of carrying our baby. I’ve thought about it a lot, and I’m ready for this. To take that step with you."

Jane exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as Maura spoke. "Okay," Jane whispered, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Because I know this is going to be a lot, and I just wanted to make sure we were both ready."

"We’re both ready," Maura said, her voice firm but gentle. "And I think this is the right time for us. The right step. We've been through so much, and I know we’ll get through this, too. Together."

Jane leaned her head on Maura’s shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment as the weight of everything they had discussed settled in. "I love you," she said, her voice low but filled with emotion.

"I love you too," Maura replied softly, kissing the top of Jane’s head. "And I’m so glad we’re doing this together."

They sat there in a peaceful silence for a while, both of them thinking about the journey ahead, but feeling more certain than ever that whatever came their way, they would face it as a team.

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived. After months of planning, organizing, and waiting, Jane stood in front of the day-care, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and excitement. The space, now fully transformed, was filled with bright colours, safe play areas, and cosy corners for napping. The scent of fresh paint and new furniture still lingered in the air, but the most important thing was that it was ready. The day-care was finally ready to welcome its first children.

As she stood at the entrance, Jane's thoughts flickered to the journey that had brought her here. From the late nights researching the logistics, to the countless meetings, to the first time she'd walked through the empty space imagining what it would become, it had all led to this moment.

And it wasn’t just her own journey, either. Maura had been there every step of the way—offering her support, donating to the cause, and even helping with the little details, like picking out the right furniture and making sure everything was perfect for the kids. Jane smiled to herself as she thought about the team effort that had gone into this dream of hers.

Inside, the day-care space was bustling with activity. Angela was already there, helping set up some last-minute things while keeping an eye on Grace and Luca, who were both exploring the new environment. Grace was eagerly trying out one of the playmats, giggling as she jumped from one side to the other, her energy infectious. Luca, still a bit younger but with the same mischievous twinkle in his eye, was content to sit and watch, a toy in his hand as he observed his older cousin.

"Mom!" Grace called out, her little voice ringing through the room as she spotted Jane in the doorway. She immediately ran over, her tiny feet pattering on the floor. "Look, look! It's fun!"

Jane knelt down, catching Grace in her arms. "I see, sweetie," she said, her heart melting at the sight of her daughter’s excitement. "I’m so glad you like it."

Just then, the door opened, and the first group of kids arrived with their parents. Jane stood up, greeting them with a welcoming smile, her nerves replaced by a sense of confidence and purpose. She exchanged pleasantries with the parents, showing them to the designated areas where their children would be spending their day.

It was a small but significant group to start with—just a handful of kids—but the energy in the room was already palpable. Jane felt a surge of pride as she watched them interact with the space she had created. The joy, the curiosity in their eyes—it was everything she had hoped for and more.

"Looks like you're already making an impression," Maura’s voice broke through Jane’s thoughts as she walked into the room, holding a thermos of coffee in one hand. She was dressed casually, having taken the morning off to support Jane on her big day. "Everything looks amazing."

"Thanks," Jane replied, her eyes lighting up when she saw Maura. "I couldn’t have done it without you. And Grace... she’s been such a big help."

Maura smiled, glancing over at their daughter. "She certainly has. But I think you’re the one who’s been working the hardest. I’m so proud of you, Jane. This is such an incredible achievement."

The two of them stood there for a moment, just taking it all in—watching Grace play with her little friends and Luca babbling happily nearby. It was a dream they had built together, one that Jane had poured her heart and soul into. And now, it was happening.

A few hours passed, and the day-care ran smoothly. Jane had everything under control, but she found herself constantly checking in with Maura, making sure that she was doing okay, that she was still on the same page. Maura kept her company during breaks, offering encouragement and talking about other plans for the future, but for the most part, Jane felt like she was in her element. She was exactly where she needed to be.

As the day wound down and the first group of children was picked up, Jane felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. The kids had been happy, safe, and well taken care of. It wasn’t perfect—there were definitely moments of chaos—but Jane had learned that the beauty of this job was not in perfection, but in the connection and care she was providing.

By the time the final parent had picked up their child and Grace was in her arms, ready to head home, Jane and Maura were both exhausted but elated. As they walked out of the day-care, Jane took Maura’s hand, a contented smile on her face.

"Today was good, Maura," Jane said softly, her voice filled with satisfaction. "It was everything I hoped for."

Maura smiled warmly, squeezing Jane’s hand. "You did an incredible job, Jane. I’m so proud of you."

The walk home was peaceful, the two of them reflecting on the day and the journey ahead. They had created something meaningful, something that would continue to grow and flourish. And as they looked toward the future, both of them knew they were ready for whatever came next—together.

Chapter Text

The first few days of Jane’s fertility treatments were a blur. Between the constant rush of day-care-related tasks and the daily routine of her life, she was adjusting to a new rhythm. The injections and medications were making her feel more than a little out of sorts. Every night after Grace had gone to bed, Jane would prepare her shots, feeling the anticipation in her chest as she readied herself to face the process.

She had done her research, of course, and had gone through all the necessary appointments and consultations. But nothing could truly prepare her for the hormonal rollercoaster that followed. Her body felt different—bloated, sore in places it hadn’t been before, and she could feel the weight of it all pressing down on her. But she powered through, determined not to let it affect her work or her family.

Maura, ever the supportive partner, was there for her every step of the way. She’d been helping Jane with the injections, her fingers gentle as she prepared everything for Jane each night. It was an intimate moment between the two of them, but one that Jane couldn’t fully embrace yet, her emotions fluctuating wildly from one moment to the next.

The hardest part, though, was the changes in her mood. One moment, she was up, energetic, eager to work on the day-care, and the next, she was feeling tearful and frustrated for no apparent reason. The weight of her decision to undergo this process, combined with the stress of everything else, was taking its toll. But she didn’t want to burden Maura with it all, not when she was still adjusting to the changes in her own life, particularly with her work at the morgue.

One evening, after an especially difficult day at the day-care where a miscommunication with a parent had left Jane feeling frazzled, she found herself in the living room, staring out the window. She hadn’t realized how much time had passed before Maura found her, standing there, looking as if she were trying to hold herself together.

"Hey," Maura said softly, her voice full of warmth and understanding. She walked up behind Jane, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

Jane sighed, glancing over her shoulder at Maura, feeling a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "I don’t know. I’m trying so hard to keep it together. Between the day-care, the fertility treatments... everything’s just kind of hitting me all at once."

Maura squeezed her shoulder, her touch grounding Jane in a way that helped calm her frazzled nerves. "You’re doing amazing, Jane. I know it’s a lot. But you don’t have to do it all alone. I’m here, okay? And you can tell me when you need a break."

Jane closed her eyes, leaning into Maura’s touch, grateful for her unwavering support. "I don’t want to burden you with my mood swings. I can’t seem to keep up with myself right now. One minute I’m fine, and the next... I don’t even know what I’m feeling. I just want to get through this, for us, for the family. I want to give you a sibling, Grace a sibling, but... I don’t know if I can handle it all."

Maura gently turned Jane to face her, lifting her chin to meet her gaze. "You don’t have to handle it all, Jane. We’re in this together. The hormones are making you feel all over the place, and that’s okay. But I want you to know you don’t have to shoulder it by yourself."

Jane felt a tear slip down her cheek before she could stop it. It wasn’t something she was used to—feeling so vulnerable, so unsure of herself. But in that moment, she couldn’t help it. Maura wiped the tear away with her thumb, her eyes soft and loving.

"I just want everything to be perfect. For you. For Grace. For our family." Jane’s voice broke slightly as she spoke, the weight of it all crashing down on her. "I want us to be ready, and I don’t want to let anyone down."

Maura stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Jane, pulling her into a tight hug. "You never have to worry about letting me down, Jane. You already give me everything I could ever want and more. The fact that you’re willing to go through this for us is all I could ever ask for."

Jane held onto Maura, letting the warmth of her embrace settle the storm inside her. "I love you, Maura. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"I love you too," Maura whispered back, kissing the top of Jane’s head. "And we’re in this together. Forever. We’ll make it through. We always do."

They stood like that for a few moments, holding each other in the quiet of the evening, until Jane felt the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. She knew there would be bumps along the road. She knew the next few weeks, maybe even months, would be tough. But with Maura by her side, she felt like they could face anything together.

The next day, Jane was back at the day-care, more focused and determined than ever. Her body still felt strange, the hormonal changes leaving her drained and occasionally irritable, but she powered through, making sure every corner of the day-care was just right. And even on the toughest days, when her patience was thin and her body felt like it was betraying her, she knew she had Maura to lean on, and that made all the difference.

Chapter Text

Jane was sitting at the kitchen counter, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows, but she barely noticed. Her hands were wrapped around a warm cup of coffee, her thoughts elsewhere. The day-care was finally running smoothly, and she had started to feel like she was in control again, but today something had thrown her off balance.

Her phone buzzed on the table in front of her. It was a message from Cavanaugh—nothing unusual, except the request that followed: "We have a new case, very similar to an old one of yours. We need your expertise as a consultant."

Jane wasn’t sure how to feel. The old case—the one where she had almost lost herself to the job, the case that had left scars both physical and emotional—was something she had worked tirelessly on. The case had cost her more than she was willing to admit, and it was part of the reason she had left the force to focus on other things. The possibility of dealing with a similar case again stirred something in her chest: a mixture of hesitation, dread, and, strangely, an odd sense of responsibility.

She had been able to separate herself from the job for so long, but now, with this request, the line between her past and her present was starting to blur again.

Maura had just walked into the kitchen, her bag slung over her shoulder, the usual calmness in her expression. But when she saw Jane’s furrowed brow, the way her fingers tightened around the coffee cup, Maura immediately knew something was on Jane’s mind.

"Everything okay?" Maura asked, her voice soft, sensing the tension in the air.

Jane shook her head slightly, holding up the phone. "Cavanaugh text. They’ve got a new case... It's like one of my old ones. He wants me to consult."

Maura set her bag down on the counter and leaned in, her eyes scanning Jane’s face. She could see the mix of emotions flickering behind her wife's eyes. "That sounds... complicated," she said carefully, as she sat next to Jane.

Jane sighed deeply, rubbing a hand over her face. "It is. I thought I was done with all that. I mean, I’ve been focusing on the day-care, our family... all these other things. But now, it’s like... it’s calling me back in. And I’m not sure I’m ready to go there again. I don’t know if I want to dive into all that darkness again, Maura."

Maura placed a hand on Jane’s, her thumb gently brushing over the back of her knuckles. "It makes sense that you’re conflicted. That job... it was a hard one, and you’ve worked so hard to create a life that doesn’t involve the chaos of the job. I can understand why it feels overwhelming. But you’ve also built this strength, Jane. You know what you're capable of."

"I don’t know," Jane said quietly, her gaze focused on the coffee cup as if the answer were hidden in the dark liquid. "I’ve been out of it for so long. I don’t know if I can go back. And if I do... I don’t know if I can handle the emotional toll that comes with it. I’ve built this life for us now. I don't want to risk it."

Maura's expression softened as she watched Jane wrestle with the decision. "You don’t have to make the decision alone. If you feel like it’s something you want to do—whether you’re consulting or just offering advice—it’s okay. But if it feels like it will pull you back into a place you don’t want to go, then you don’t have to. You’ve worked so hard to get here, to create this new chapter. And I’ll support whatever you decide."

Jane let out a long breath, the weight of the decision settling more heavily on her shoulders. "I don’t know what I want. Part of me feels like I could help, like I could make a difference. But another part of me is scared of getting sucked back into it all."

Maura turned Jane’s hand over, linking their fingers together, the quiet intimacy of the gesture helping to ease some of Jane’s anxiety. "If you decide to consult, we’ll figure it out together. You don’t have to do this alone. But if you choose not to, that’s okay too. Your well-being matters, Jane. And I’ll support that decision just as much."

Jane met her eyes then, feeling a warmth flood through her. Maura always knew exactly what to say to make her feel grounded. "I know you will. I just wish it didn’t feel so... complicated."

"Because it is," Maura agreed softly, squeezing Jane’s hand. "You’re dealing with a lot, and it’s okay to take your time with this decision. Don’t rush yourself. It’s your choice."

Jane nodded, her thoughts swirling. She had wanted to step away from the force, wanted to step away from the things that had once controlled her. But could she really ignore her experience, the skills she had honed over years? Was walking away from this case letting someone else down? Or was it time to completely let go of that old life and focus on the new one she had created?

"Thanks, Maura," Jane said finally, her voice a little quieter now. "I’ll think about it. Maybe I just need a little more time to figure out if I’m ready to go back to it."

Maura kissed the top of her head. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We’ll figure it out together."

As Jane sat there, her fingers still wrapped around her coffee, her mind was quieting slowly. She knew she needed to make a decision, but she also knew that whatever choice she made, Maura would be there, guiding her, helping her navigate the uncertainty. And for the first time in a long while, that gave Jane the peace of mind to know that, no matter what happened next, they would face it together.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jane felt more resolved. After a long night of tossing and turning, she'd come to a decision about Cavanaugh's request. She would help—she would use her experience, her expertise, to help solve the case. But she had to be clear about the boundaries, clear about what she would and wouldn’t do. No more late-night callouts, no more running into dangerous situations, and absolutely no more using her gun. That part of her life was over.

She picked up her phone and dialled Cavanaugh’s number, her mind already made up. When he picked up, she didn’t waste any time.

“Cavanaugh,” Jane began, her voice steady, but firm. “I’m willing to help with the case. I’ll consult. But there are some conditions I need you to agree to before I move forward.”

“Conditions?” Cavanaugh's voice was surprised, but Jane could hear the understanding in it. He knew Jane well enough by now to know she wouldn’t be stepping back into the game without some serious boundaries.

“Yeah,” Jane replied, taking a deep breath. “I’m not going out in the field. I’m not chasing anyone down, and I’m not going to be called out at all hours of the night. I won’t be using my gun, and I won’t be doing anything that puts me in danger. I’m not a detective anymore. I have other priorities now.”

She paused, letting the silence hang for a moment before continuing.

“If you want me to help, I need this to be in writing. I need to make it clear that my priorities are with my wife, my daughter, and the day-care. That’s my focus. If you can confirm all that, then I’ll get to work.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Jane held her breath for a moment, wondering what Cavanaugh’s response would be. She knew she was pushing it—asking for things in writing, making sure there were clear lines drawn—but she wasn’t going to compromise her new life.

Finally, Cavanaugh spoke. "Understood, Jane. Let me talk to the brass, get it all documented. I know this is a big ask, but if you're willing to help, I’ll do what I can to make sure it's all official. I’ll get back to you with the details."

Jane nodded even though he couldn’t see her. "Thanks, Cavanaugh. I appreciate it."

After they ended the call, Jane let out a long breath, feeling a sense of relief settle over her. It wasn’t just about consulting—it was about taking control of the situation, setting the boundaries she needed to protect her family. Her new life was non-negotiable, and no matter how much she cared about helping, it wasn’t worth sacrificing what mattered most.

As she put her phone down, she glanced over at Maura, who was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, flipping through a file for the day-care. Jane hesitated for a moment before walking over to her wife, sitting down beside her, and taking her hand in hers.

“I made the call,” Jane said, her voice quieter now, more at peace. “I’m going to help with the case, but on my terms. No more late-night calls, no running into danger, no more using a gun. And I’m going to make sure everything is in writing, to make it clear that I’m not stepping back into the old job. My focus is here. With you. With Grace. With the day-care.”

Maura met her gaze, her eyes softening with understanding. "That sounds like a very healthy boundary, Jane. I’m proud of you for making that decision."

Jane smiled, squeezing Maura's hand. "I just need to make sure that everyone knows where I stand now. I can help, but my family comes first."

Maura leaned over, pressing a kiss to Jane’s temple. "You’ve come so far, Jane. I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. And I’ll be here, every step of the way, no matter what happens."

Jane let out a contented sigh, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "I know you will."

And just like that, she felt the final piece of the puzzle fall into place. The case wasn’t going to be easy, but she could handle it. She could do this on her terms. Her family was safe, and that was all that mattered.

Chapter Text

The morning of the procedure, Jane woke up to an empty bed. She blinked at the clock, taking in the time, then stretched, trying to shake off the nervous energy in her chest. Today was the day. The egg retrieval.

She turned over, expecting to see Maura’s neatly written note on the nightstand—something sweet and reassuring—but there was nothing. Instead, her phone buzzed, and she grabbed it, already knowing what she’d find.

Maura: Called out to a scene. Looks like a homicide. I’ll keep you updated. Love you.

Jane swallowed, staring at the message.

Maura didn’t remember.

She was supposed to be coming with Jane to the clinic this morning, holding her hand, offering that calm, clinical reassurance that only Maura could. But it was clear—she had forgotten what today was.

Jane sat up slowly, running a hand over her face.

She could remind Maura. One text, one call, and Maura would drop everything. She could already picture it—Maura’s guilt, the way she’d berate herself for losing track of the day, for not being there when Jane needed her. And that was the last thing Jane wanted.

So, instead, she typed out a simple response.

Jane: Be safe. Love you too.

She forced herself to get up, to move through the motions of getting ready. The drive to the clinic was quiet, too quiet, and for the first time in a long time, Jane felt completely alone.

No one else knew what they were doing. No one knew about the appointments, the medications, the injections. They had agreed to keep it quiet until Maura was actually pregnant. So, here she was, walking into a clinic for a significant procedure, alone.

The nurse greeted her warmly, going over the steps of what would happen. Jane nodded along, pretending like she wasn’t on the verge of second-guessing everything.

She changed into the hospital gown, laid back on the sterile exam table, and stared up at the ceiling.

It’s fine, she told herself. She could handle this alone. She had handled worse.

And yet, as the IV was placed in her arm and the anaesthesia began to creep in, she wished—more than anything—that Maura was there.

xxx

Jane stirred, her head heavy and limbs sluggish as she drifted back into consciousness. The fluorescent lights above her were too bright, and the beeping of a nearby monitor pulsed steadily in time with the dull ache in her abdomen.

She blinked a few times, her vision clearing. A nurse was checking her vitals, offering a warm smile when she noticed Jane was awake.

"Welcome back, Mrs Rizzoli," the nurse said gently. "The procedure went well. You might feel some cramping, but that’s normal. How are you feeling?"

Jane swallowed, her throat dry. "Like I got hit by a truck," she muttered, her voice rough. Then she realized—she was alone.

No Maura.

Of course not. She was still at work.

Jane shifted, trying to sit up, but the nurse placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Take it slow. We’ll get you some water in a second."

She nodded, barely listening. Instead, she reached for her phone on the side table. Her fingers felt clumsy, still affected by the anaesthesia, but she managed to unlock the screen.

No messages.

Jane exhaled sharply, staring at the blank notifications. She wasn’t mad at Maura—she couldn’t be. They had both been overwhelmed with work and life and Grace, and Maura had never forgotten something this important before. But that didn’t stop the sharp sting of disappointment from settling deep in her chest.

The nurse returned with a small cup of water, helping Jane take a few sips. "Your ride should be here soon," she said kindly.

Jane furrowed her brows. Ride?

"I… I didn’t set one up," she admitted, frowning.

The nurse looked surprised. "Oh, well… someone called to let us know they’d be here soon to pick you up. Should be just a few minutes."

Jane's confusion deepened, but before she could ask anything else, the curtain around her recovery bay was pulled back—and there, standing slightly out of breath, eyes wide with worry, was Maura.

"Jane," Maura breathed, immediately moving to her side. "Oh, God, I’m so sorry. I—I completely forgot what today was until I saw your text, and then I checked the time, and I—" She shook her head, guilt written all over her face. "I should’ve been here."

Jane blinked, taking in the sight of her wife—flushed cheeks, slightly dishevelled hair, clear distress in her eyes.

"You left work?" Jane asked, her voice still hoarse.

Maura scoffed, giving her an incredulous look. "Of course I did. The second I realized—" She exhaled sharply, taking Jane’s hand and pressing it to her lips. "I should’ve been here from the start."

Jane squeezed Maura’s fingers, a small, tired smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You’re here now."

Maura’s eyes softened, and she nodded. "I’m here now."

Chapter Text

The next few days were a blur of tiny footsteps, juice spills, and finger paints—exactly the chaos Jane had hoped for when she dreamed up the day-care. But her body had other ideas.

She moved slower than usual, stiff and sore, her abdomen aching with every crouch or twist. The bleeding hadn’t let up either, a dull, nagging reminder that her body was still recovering from the egg retrieval. But Jane was stubborn—more stubborn than most—and she refused to take a step back.

Grace had clocked her mother’s sluggishness almost immediately. “Mama, you walking like Nonna,” she said with an exaggerated waddle and a proud little grin. Jane couldn’t help but laugh, even as she winced and muttered, “Thanks, kid.”

She was trying to juggle everything: keeping the toddlers from eating crayons, answering phones, and conducting interviews for potential staff. They were looking for experienced childcare workers, but more importantly, ones who understood the unique needs of a precinct-adjacent day-care. It needed to run on holidays, during snowstorms, on weekends—whenever officers were called in and their kids needed a safe place to go.

Angela had taken Grace to the little nap corner with Luca, singing lullabies in her half-Italian hum while Jane sat across from a bright-eyed young woman with childcare certifications and a résumé that impressed even her. Maura had helped design the interview process, structuring questions and evaluation forms, though Jane rarely needed them—she could tell a lot about someone based on how they handled a crying toddler and a spilled juice box.

She shifted in her seat, trying to ignore the ache, pushing through the discomfort as she wrapped up the interview.

After the candidate left, Angela reappeared at her side, watching her like a hawk. “You need to sit down. Really sit down,” her mother scolded. “This place will still be standing if you take five minutes to rest your body.”

Jane sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I can’t let up, Ma. We’ve got two more interviews this afternoon, and I still haven’t figured out the weekend rotation.”

Angela crossed her arms. “You’ll burn out before long if you keep this up. You’re not invincible, Janie.”

That landed harder than Jane expected. She looked over at the kids—Grace and Luca curled up with their blankets, another pair building blocks on the rug—and the weight of it all settled deeper in her bones. She was doing this for them, and yet she’d pushed herself so far past her limits she hadn’t even given herself time to recover.

“I’ll rest,” Jane said finally. “After today.”

Angela gave her a look that clearly meant not good enough, but she let it go… for now.

That night, when Maura got home, Jane was already curled up on the couch, heating pad on her stomach and a blanket over her lap, laptop balanced precariously as she finalized the new staff schedules.

Maura didn’t say a word—just walked over, plucked the laptop from her wife’s lap, and kissed her forehead. “You’ve done enough for today. Now let me take care of you.”

And for once, Jane didn’t argue.

xxx

Jane slipped into the tiny cloakroom, shutting the door softly behind her. The day care was alive with the usual noise—kids laughing, a toy xylophone clanging, Angela’s voice carrying as she tried to negotiate with Grace about why fruit snacks weren’t a full meal. But in here, in the dim light between tiny jackets and cubbies, Jane had a moment of quiet.

She pressed her phone tightly to her ear. “Yeah, this is Jane,” she said, voice low, heart hammering.

“Hi, Mrs. Rizzoli, this is Rachel from the clinic. I have the results from your egg retrieval.”

Jane sucked in a breath, bracing herself. “Okay. Lay it on me.”

“Well, we were able to retrieve twelve eggs, and out of those, nine were mature and can be fertilized.”

Jane closed her eyes, pressing her free hand against the shelf beside her. “Nine,” she repeated, letting it sink in.

“Yes. That’s a great number. They’re being monitored closely, and over the next few days, we’ll see how they continue to develop. But I wanted to update you right away.”

Nine. Nine chances. Nine little maybes. Jane exhaled, nodding even though the doctor couldn’t see her. “That’s… yeah. That’s good. Thank you.”

“We’ll call again with the next update in a few days,” Rachel assured her.

Hanging up, Jane leaned against the wall, staring at the row of tiny sneakers lined up under the cubbies. Nine.

This was real.

They were really doing this.

A small knock at the door startled her, and Jane straightened instantly. “Mama?” Grace’s little voice came through the door.

Jane cleared her throat and tried to shake off the weight of the moment. “Yeah, baby?”

“You hiding?” Grace asked, and Jane could hear the smile in her voice.

Jane smirked. “No, just… just taking a call, bug.”

“Come play,” Grace urged, already losing interest in whatever game she thought Jane was playing.

Jane ruffled her own hair, took a breath, and opened the door, scooping Grace up in her arms. “Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

She wasn’t ready to tell anyone yet—not until she talked to Maura—but she held Grace a little closer as they walked back out into the noise, feeling, for the first time, like their future was really starting to take shape.

Chapter Text

Jane sat down on one of the tiny chairs by the colouring table, pretending to be interested in a conversation about dinosaurs that Grace and her friend Gabriel were having with total seriousness. As soon as Grace got distracted by a glitter marker emergency and Angela’s enthusiastic rescue mission, Jane slipped her phone out of her pocket.

She opened her messages and typed quickly, thumbs hesitant for a split second before committing:

JANE: Hey, babe. Just got off the phone with the clinic. They retrieved 12 eggs, and 9 were mature and successfully fertilized. We’ll get an update in a few days, but… it’s a good start. ❤️

She stared at the message for a beat before hitting send. It wasn’t the kind of moment she wanted to deliver by text, but Maura was probably elbows-deep in an autopsy or dissecting a blood spatter pattern, and Jane didn’t want to interrupt—just include her.

Phone still in her lap, she glanced over at Grace, now giggling hysterically with Luca over some sticker drama. Jane’s chest softened with emotion, a mix of relief, nerves, and excitement curling through her.

This was happening.

She took a breath and tucked the phone away just as Angela returned with a juice box and a story about how she used to calm Frankie down with raisins and sock puppets. Jane smiled, resting her chin in her hand and letting herself imagine what the next year might look like—with Grace, with Maura… and maybe, just maybe, a new little one in the mix.

xxx

When Jane pulled into the driveway, Grace already half-asleep in the car seat after a full-on toddler energy day, she still hadn’t heard back from Maura. No text, no call—not even a thumbs-up emoji.

That silence gnawed at Jane in the quiet moments between cleaning up glitter spills and passing out apple slices. Maura always responded. Especially about this.

Jane carried Grace inside, the little girl's head resting on her shoulder, arms wrapped loosely around her neck. As she unlocked the front door, she noticed the porch light was already on, the soft yellow glow spilling over the welcome mat. That was her first clue.

The second clue was the smell—rosemary and garlic and something warm and comforting, floating through the air the moment she stepped inside.

And then, Maura.

She was in the kitchen, still in her work clothes but barefoot, hair loosely tied back, sleeves rolled up, stirring something on the stove. She turned the moment Jane stepped in and her whole face softened.

"Hey," Maura said gently, walking over, her eyes immediately going to Grace. “She’s out?”

“Yeah,” Jane whispered, trying not to jostle the little girl. “Long day. You didn’t text me back.”

Maura’s face folded in instant guilt. “I know. I saw it while I was finishing up with the DA and then got called into a consult. I came straight home. I wanted to be here. I’m sorry.”

Jane shook her head, exhaling with relief, her body untensing now that she was here, now that Maura was here. “You scared me.”

“I know,” Maura said again, softer this time, reaching out to brush a piece of hair from Jane’s forehead. “But I’m proud of you. Nine mature eggs is amazing.”

“Yeah?” Jane asked, voice small.

Maura leaned in and kissed her temple. “Yeah.”

Jane smiled and stepped closer, letting her forehead rest against Maura’s for a second. “Let me put Grace down and then I want to sit with you. Okay?”

“I made that soup you like,” Maura said quietly, her fingers squeezing Jane’s hand. “And there’s fresh bread. I know you didn’t eat much lunch.”

“You’re too good to me,” Jane whispered.

Maura just smiled, and with one last glance, Jane turned and carried Grace upstairs—her heart a little steadier, her breath a little deeper, and her world right where it should be.

xxx

It was one of those rare, quiet moments in the middle of an otherwise chaotic day. Maura had insisted Jane come eat lunch with her—just the two of them—so now they were curled up together in Maura’s office at the precinct, a little bubble of calm amidst the usual storm of backlogged reports and second hand toddler glitter from Jane’s morning shift at the day-care.

Jane sat on the edge of the couch, her knees pulled up, snacking on apple slices and peanut butter from a container she’d swiped from the day-care kitchen. Maura, ever more refined, was neatly picking at a small grain bowl with her favourite gold fork, legs tucked primly beneath her.

They weren’t talking much—just enjoying being near each other. The quiet between them was easy, comforting.

Then Jane’s phone buzzed on the table beside them, loud in the stillness.

They both looked at it.

It was that number.

Jane felt her stomach flip, and she looked at Maura, who immediately set her fork down and reached for Jane’s hand without saying a word.

Jane answered, voice a little shaky. “Hello? This is Jane.”

Maura leaned in, trying to catch the tone of the voice on the other end.

“Hi Jane, it’s Rachel from Dr. Sanders office,” the familiar voice replied. “I’m calling with your update.”

Jane sat up straighter. “Okay… yeah. I’m listening.”

Maura squeezed her hand.

“We were able to successfully fertilize six of your eggs. And as of this morning, four embryos are developing beautifully. Everything looks right on track.”

Jane blinked hard, her free hand covering her mouth. “Four?”

“Yes. They’re looking strong, and we’ll continue monitoring them closely. The doctor will call with more details on potential transfer timing soon.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” Jane murmured, her voice tight with emotion.

She hung up slowly, still processing, and turned to Maura, her eyes wide and glistening.

“Four embryos,” she said softly. “We have four, Maur.”

Maura didn’t hesitate. She set her lunch aside and pulled Jane into her arms, holding her tightly, like she could anchor her there in that moment.

“That’s amazing,” she whispered into Jane’s hair. “That’s… incredible.”

Jane laughed wetly. “I know it’s early, and I know there’s still so much to do, but… four chances, Maura. Four tiny little beginnings.”

Maura pulled back just enough to look at her, brushing her fingers gently down Jane’s cheek.

“I already love them,” she said simply.

And Jane believed her.

Chapter Text

The hours had crawled by. Jane had barely slept the night before, tossing and turning with a thousand thoughts racing through her mind. This was it—the moment they had both been waiting for, dreading, and praying for. The final update. Would there be viable embryos for implantation?

Jane was sitting at the kitchen table, a cold cup of coffee abandoned in front of her. She had barely touched it. The day-care had kept her busy that morning—keeping up with the kids and the staff—but her thoughts were always with Maura. She had just returned from checking in on Grace, who was playing in the living room with her toys, happily oblivious to the storm of emotions swirling in the kitchen.

Her phone buzzed on the table, and her heart skipped a beat. She glanced down, seeing the familiar number from the clinic flash across the screen. She could feel the heat of her palms as she grabbed the phone with trembling fingers.

Taking a deep breath, Jane swiped to answer, trying to sound calm, even though she could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

“Hello?” she said, her voice hoarse.

"Hi, Jane. This is Dr. Sanders from the clinic. I have the final update for you regarding the embryos."

Jane’s breath hitched, and she bit her lip, trying to keep herself together.

"Yes. Please—just… tell me. How did it go?"

The doctor’s voice was calm, steady, professional. "We’ve been able to assess all the embryos we retrieved. After careful evaluation, I’m happy to inform you that we have three viable embryos for implantation."

A flood of relief washed over Jane. She felt like she could finally breathe again.

"Three," she repeated, as if saying it out loud would make it more real. She let out a shaky laugh, trying to hold back tears of relief and joy. "Three. That’s... that’s amazing."

"Yes," Dr. Sanders agreed. "We’ll be in touch to schedule the implantation for next week. I’ll go over the details with you then, but I wanted to give you this update as soon as possible."

"Thank you," Jane said, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much."

After a moment of silence, she added, “Can you make sure Maura gets this update too? She’s been—she’s been waiting for this too.”

"Of course," the doctor responded. "I’ll reach out to her as well."

Jane hung up, the phone still in her hand, her fingers numb from the grip. She sat still for a moment, letting the news sink in. Three viable embryos. That was all they needed to move forward.

She heard the soft sound of footsteps behind her, and before she could turn around, Maura was standing in the doorway of the kitchen. She had come home from the morgue earlier than expected, and she must have sensed the change in the air because Jane's body had frozen in place.

Without saying a word, Maura crossed the room, her gaze locked on Jane's face. There were no words yet—just that look Maura had, the one that always made Jane feel like she was the only person in the room.

"Everything okay?" Maura asked softly, her voice a little unsure, but her eyes full of hope.

Jane stood up slowly, not caring that her hands were shaking now. She reached out for Maura, pulling her into a tight embrace. She buried her face in Maura’s neck, and when she spoke, her voice was muffled against her skin.

"We’ve got three," she whispered. "Three viable embryos."

Maura pulled back slightly to look at Jane, her eyes wide, as though she didn’t quite believe it.

“Three?” she repeated, as if she needed to hear it again. “We… we have three?”

Jane nodded, a tear finally escaping down her cheek. “Yes. Three. We’re one step closer, Maura. One step closer to making our family even bigger.”

Maura’s expression softened, and Jane could see the tears starting to gather in her eyes too. She didn’t even try to hold them back. She wrapped Jane in a gentle, tender hug, her hands running through Jane’s hair as she whispered into her ear.

“Thank you,” Maura whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for giving me this. For giving us this.”

Jane held Maura tighter, allowing herself to relax into the moment of pure joy and relief. It wasn’t over yet, but this was a huge step. And with Maura by her side, they could handle whatever came next.

"I love you," Jane murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "And I can't wait to do this with you. All of it."

Maura pulled back slightly to look into Jane's eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I love you, too. And we’ll get through it. Together."

In that moment, with the weight of everything they had been through, they both knew they were stronger than ever. They had faced obstacles, uncertainty, and challenges, but they were one step closer to building the family they had always dreamed of.

And Jane couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.

Chapter Text

The morning had arrived. Jane’s heart was pounding in her chest, her thoughts racing as she tried to distract herself by getting ready for the day. She moved around the kitchen in a haze, putting together breakfast for Grace, who was happily babbling at the table. But Jane wasn’t really focused on anything else but the overwhelming nerves churning inside her.

Maura was quieter than usual, moving around the house with purpose as well. She kept glancing at Jane, as though silently checking in, but she was trying to maintain the calm composure that had become second nature to her. Jane knew she was just as anxious—just as excited—as she was, but they were both trying to hold it together.

Jane had asked Angela to keep Grace for a few extra hours that evening, but she couldn’t quite think of an excuse for why she and Maura would be missing from their usual routines that day. Angela had been so inquisitive, so full of questions. Jane had simply smiled and deflected, feeling the weight of the secrecy surrounding the procedure. She didn’t want to talk about it just yet, didn’t want to share everything, not until they had the results, the confirmation.

When the call from Angela finally came, Jane knew she couldn’t avoid it any longer. She let out a slow breath before picking up the phone.

“Hey, Ma,” she answered, trying to sound casual.

“Jane! Why aren’t you at the day-care? You’re supposed to be there already. And where’s Maura? What’s going on today? Why are you two both off?” Angela’s voice came through, filled with concern and, as always, a touch of nosiness.

Jane shifted uncomfortably on the phone. "Uh, things just… came up today, Ma. I just needed to, you know, take care of a few things, and Maura’s got a lot going on too. So we’re both out for the day."

"Out for the day?" Angela repeated, clearly not buying it. "Come on, you don’t just disappear for a whole day without telling me what’s going on. You’ve been working like crazy lately—what’s all this hush-hush? Is everything okay with Grace? Is something wrong?"

Jane took a deep breath, trying to force a smile that Angela couldn’t see. “Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine with Grace. I just need you to keep her a little longer today. That’s all. I’ll explain later, Ma. Really. Don’t worry.”

Angela was quiet on the other end for a moment, no doubt trying to read between the lines. "You know I don’t like secrets, right? I’m your mother. And I know you, Jane—this sounds like something important. Just… be careful, alright?"

“I will, Ma. Thanks for keeping Grace. I promise, we’ll talk later.” With that, Jane hung up before Angela could ask anything else, not wanting to deal with her incessant questions.

Jane glanced over at Maura, who was now standing in the doorway, watching her. Maura raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension.

“Is she still on the phone?” Maura asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Yeah, she kept asking questions I don’t want to answer yet,” Jane muttered, pushing the phone into her pocket. “But we’re good now. I… I just want to get this over with.”

Maura crossed the room and took Jane’s hands in both of hers, her touch gentle, reassuring. Jane couldn’t help but lean into the warmth of Maura’s presence, taking comfort in her calm demeanor.

“We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” Maura said softly, her eyes searching Jane’s face for any sign of hesitation. “We’ve been through so much already, and I’m here, no matter what happens.”

Jane shook her head, giving Maura a small smile. “No, we’re doing this. I’m doing this. It’s just—everything is happening so fast, and it feels like a lot of weight to carry.”

Maura nodded, squeezing Jane’s hands gently. “I know. But you don’t have to carry it alone. You never will. We’ll face everything together. And whatever comes next, we’ll do it side by side.”

Jane let out a shaky breath, feeling a mix of nerves and relief. Maura was always her rock, always so steady. “Thanks. I just want this to work, Maura. I really do. I want… I want our family to grow. I want Grace to have a sibling, I just want to make sure that you are happy.

“I know. I want it too,” Maura said quietly. “And I am. More than you know. Whatever happens, we’ll handle it together. Just like we always have.”

Jane pulled Maura into a tight hug, feeling the weight of the moment settle over them. She knew this was just the beginning, that there was still so much more to come, but she couldn’t imagine going through it with anyone else but Maura.

After a long moment, they pulled apart, and Maura gently cupped Jane’s face in her hands.

“Are you ready?” she asked, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

Jane nodded, feeling the calm wash over her now. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

Together, they walked out of the house, their hands intertwined, both of them feeling the same mix of anticipation and hope. The day ahead held uncertainty, but with each other by their sides, they knew they could face whatever came next.

And as Jane looked over at Maura, she realized that this moment, this path they were on, was something they had both chosen together. And no matter what the future held, they were going to face it as a family.

xxx

The procedure had gone smoothly, but Jane could hardly contain the swirling emotions inside her. The moment Maura was out of recovery and cleared to go, she was by Maura’s side, her gaze full of love and concern. Maura, still a uncomfortable from the procedure, smiled softly up at her wife, but Jane’s attention was already fully on her.

“Are you okay?” Jane asked, her voice tinged with an almost frantic edge. Her hands were hovering near Maura, as though she didn’t trust herself not to knock her over by accident. She had this overwhelming urge to protect Maura, to keep her from any harm, even though she knew it was a routine procedure. Jane, however, had never been good at doing things halfway, and right now, she was in full-on mama-bear mode.

Maura chuckled lightly, the sound soft and warm. “I’m fine, Jane. Really. It wasn’t that bad. Just a little tired.”

Jane’s eyes darted to Maura’s abdomen as if it might hold the key to the future, and her hand was already on Maura’s shoulder, gently rubbing, as if offering reassurance. “Are you sure? You should rest. Don’t do anything. Just—just sit back. I’ve got you.”

Maura’s heart swelled at the tenderness in Jane’s voice. There was something undeniably beautiful about the way Jane cared for her. It wasn’t just concern for her well-being—it was this fierce love that seemed to come out in every protective gesture, every glance that spoke volumes.

“Jane, I’m really fine. Honestly,” Maura said, reaching out to gently hold Jane’s hand. “You don’t have to hover over me. I’m not fragile.”

Jane’s eyes softened, but her posture remained tense, like a guard dog watching over a sleeping child. “You’re not fragile, Maura,” she replied in a whisper, her thumb brushing over the back of Maura’s hand. “But I’m going to treat you like you are, okay? I just need to. I need to know you’re safe.”

Maura could feel her heart melt. She knew Jane wasn’t just worried about the procedure—she was worried about the potential of a new life growing inside her. And she could see the protective instinct in Jane’s every action. It was as though Jane was already imagining their future, their family, and she couldn’t bear the thought of anything going wrong.

“I love how much you care,” Maura said softly, her voice filled with affection. “I do. It makes me feel so cherished.”

Jane’s expression softened, and she leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Maura’s forehead. “You’re my world. I’d do anything to make sure you’re okay, to make sure this works.”

“I know,” Maura murmured, her smile widening as she met Jane’s gaze. “And I love you for it.”

Jane’s heart swelled at the sentiment, but she couldn’t shake her protective feelings. “I’m going to go grab you some water. You just stay here and relax. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

Maura laughed softly, watching her wife leave the room with that determined, almost frantic look in her eyes. She loved Jane’s overprotectiveness—it was a little much at times, but it made her feel cherished. As Jane hurried out of the room, Maura settled back into the bed, smiling to herself.

She loved how fiercely Jane loved her, how, in moments like this, it felt like she could do no wrong in Jane’s eyes. And as much as she knew Jane could be a bit much when it came to her protective instincts, she couldn't help but appreciate how deeply Jane cared for her, especially when they were about to embark on something as important as growing their family.

The door creaked open a moment later, and Jane returned with a glass of water, holding it as if it were something precious. She carefully sat down beside Maura, making sure she was comfortably positioned before offering her the glass.

“You need to stay hydrated,” Jane said, her voice soft but firm. “And no moving too much. I don’t want you overexerting yourself. Just… let me take care of you today.”

Maura took the glass with a smile, grateful for the love and care Jane was showering on her. “You’re already taking such good care of me,” she said, sipping the water and setting it down beside her.

Jane hesitated for a moment, her hand resting lightly on Maura’s. “We’re going to be okay, right?”

Maura looked up at her, eyes filled with nothing but reassurance. “Yes, Jane. We’re going to be okay. Whatever happens, we’re in this together. We’ve always been together.”

The warmth in Maura’s words soothed Jane’s nerves, and she felt her tense muscles relax just a little. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time, she felt a sense of calm. She was doing this with Maura—together. And that made everything feel just a little more possible.

Jane smiled down at Maura, her heart full. “I love you so much, you know that?”

“I know,” Maura said softly, her voice full of affection. “I love you too.”

They sat in silence for a moment, Jane still holding Maura’s hand, making sure she was comfortable, and Maura simply soaking in the love and devotion Jane was giving her. In that quiet moment, they both knew one thing for sure: no matter what came next, they would face it as a family.

Chapter Text

The days after the implantation procedure felt like they were moving at a snail's pace. Jane had become almost unbearable in her overprotective tendencies—hovering around Maura, constantly asking if she felt okay, if she needed anything, and even refusing to let her do simple things like bend down to pick something up off the floor. Maura didn’t mind. She was grateful, really, even though Jane’s constant attention was like a force field she couldn’t break through.

The clinic had given them clear instructions: no pregnancy test until the specified date—two weeks after the procedure. It was meant to avoid false positives or false negatives, but the waiting felt like torture.

Maura, ever the scientist, tried to remain calm, focusing on her work and their life. But the subtle tension in the air was undeniable. Every time Jane looked at her with those soft, searching eyes, Maura could tell she was doing everything in her power to keep herself from asking, to keep from worrying too much about the future.

The end of the two-week wait finally arrived. Both women were on edge. They had spent the night before talking quietly, discussing everything from the potential future to what they were going to have for breakfast—anything to distract themselves from the growing sense of anticipation.

The morning of the test, Maura had woken up first, her usual habit, and had gone about making coffee while Jane lingered in bed, scrolling through her phone with a distracted look on her face. The clock ticked down on the time they had been waiting for.

“Maura,” Jane called from the bedroom, her voice thick with emotion. Maura turned around to find her wife sitting up, her face pale and tense. There was a certain vulnerability in Jane’s expression that Maura couldn’t ignore.

Maura walked over to the bed, sitting down next to her. “Hey, it’s going to be okay,” she reassured her, brushing Jane’s hair back from her forehead.

Jane shook her head, anxiety pouring out of her with a long sigh. “I know, but I—I’m scared, Maura. I just... I need it to be good news, I need us to have a chance at this, you know?”

Maura nodded, squeezing Jane’s hand gently. “I know. I feel the same way. But whatever happens, we will handle it. Together.”

The phone call from the clinic had been clear: don’t take a pregnancy test before this day. Yet, despite knowing that, both Jane and Maura had thought about it every single day. The anticipation, the uncertainty, was maddening.

Finally, they had arrived at the day they had been dreading and longing for. Jane got up, crossing to the bathroom, her mind racing with every possible outcome. She paused at the door and looked at Maura.

"Are you sure you want me to be here for this? It could be negative," Jane said, her voice uncertain.

Maura stood up from the bed, walking over to her. “Of course I want you to be here. We’re in this together, remember?”

Jane swallowed hard, but nodded, thankful for Maura’s unwavering support. They had waited for so long—one more minute didn’t seem like it would make a difference. They both knew the stakes, but they also knew this was the moment that would either solidify or shatter their dreams.

With that, she stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Jane paced back and forth outside, anxiously waiting for the tell tale sound that would signal Maura was done. Every second felt like an eternity.

Finally, the door opened, and Maura stepped out, her face unreadable. Jane’s heart was pounding in her chest as she looked at Maura, who held the test tightly in her hand.

“Well?” Jane asked, her voice quiet and almost breathless.

Maura took a long, shaky breath before lifting her hand and showing Jane the test. The words on the stick were clear: Pregnant.

The air between them seemed to stop moving. For a few moments, neither woman spoke. Then, with a slow exhale, Maura’s shoulders dropped and she let out a soft laugh—a mixture of relief, joy, and disbelief.

Jane blinked, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at the test, then back at Maura. “Oh my God,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Are you... are you sure?”

Maura smiled, her heart bursting. “Jane, I’m sure. Look, it says it right here.” Her voice shook, as though she couldn’t quite believe it either.

Jane shook her head in disbelief, unable to process the enormity of it all. Her hands went to her face, her breath hitching in her chest as she stepped closer to Maura. “Oh, Maura...” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Maura couldn’t hold it back any longer. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Jane in a tight embrace. “We’re going to have another baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Tears streamed down Jane’s face as she clung to Maura, her heart overflowing with love and joy. “I can’t believe it... Grace is gonna have a brother or sister.”

Jane kissed the top of Maura’s head, holding her tighter. “We’re going to do this together, Maura. Every step of the way.”

For the first time in days, the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders. The future, uncertain as it may have been before, suddenly felt within their grasp. And as they stood there together, wrapped in each other’s arms, both women knew that no matter what the future held, they had already won—because they had each other and Grace.

And now, they would have another child.

Chapter Text

The first few weeks after they received the news that Maura was pregnant had been a whirlwind of excitement, joy, and a little bit of anxiety. But for Maura, the excitement was tempered by Jane's relentless overprotectiveness.

Maura had always been the more independent one. She was used to handling things herself, to being strong and self-sufficient. But Jane, in her maternal protective mode, had taken things to a whole new level. From making sure she was drinking enough water, to reminding her to rest every hour on the hour, to practically shielding her from doing anything that might possibly cause harm—Jane was smothering her in love, but also driving her a little insane.

It wasn’t that Maura wasn’t grateful. She was. She loved Jane for wanting to take care of her and their baby, but at some point, the constant hovering was beginning to feel suffocating.

So, one evening after dinner, as Jane was once again on her third attempt to convince Maura to take a break and sit down, Maura finally had enough. She stood up from the couch and gently took Jane's hands, guiding her to sit down.

“Jane,” Maura said softly, her eyes locking with Jane’s, “we need to talk.”

Jane looked up at her, confused. “What’s wrong? Are you okay? You’re not feeling any discomfort, are you?”

Maura sighed, brushing her thumb over the back of Jane’s hand. “I’m fine, I promise. I’m just—well, I’m just a little overwhelmed.”

Jane’s eyebrows furrowed. “Overwhelmed? By what?”

“By you,” Maura said, her voice gentle but firm. “And your constant hovering.”

Jane’s face shifted in surprise. “Hovering? What do you mean?”

Maura took a deep breath. “I know you’re excited, and I know you’re trying to take care of me, but I need you to listen for a second. I need you to let me be a little bit more independent. This constant overprotectiveness—it’s starting to make me feel like I’m fragile. I’m not fragile, Jane. I’m pregnant, yes, but that doesn’t mean I’m incapable of taking care of myself or making decisions. I need you to trust me a little more.”

Jane’s face softened as she processed Maura’s words. She had been so wrapped up in the idea of protecting their baby and taking care of Maura that she hadn’t realized how stifling her behaviour had become.

“I just—I just want everything to be perfect,” Jane said quietly, her voice full of vulnerability. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, or to the baby. I don’t know what I would do if something went wrong.”

Maura’s heart softened at the sight of Jane’s concern. She sat down next to her, pulling her close so that their heads rested together. “I know, Jane. I know. And I love you for caring so much. But I also need you to remember that we’re in this together. We’re going to be parents to a toddler and a newborn, and that means trusting each other—trusting me, too.”

Jane nodded slowly, her heart heavy with the weight of her emotions. She had spent so much time worrying about Maura’s safety, about the well-being of the baby, that she hadn’t stopped to think about how it was affecting Maura.

“I’m sorry,” Jane whispered. “I just—I guess I’m scared. I’m scared of not being enough, of not being able to protect you or the baby the way I should.”

Maura pulled back slightly, looking into Jane’s eyes. “You are enough, Jane. You always have been. And I want to do this with you. I want to experience this pregnancy, this journey, with you by my side—but not as someone who has to protect me from everything, just as my partner. As the woman I love.”

Jane’s eyes glistened with emotion as she reached for Maura’s hand. “I want that, too. I just… I just want you both to be safe.”

“And I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know,” Maura said softly. “But we’re in this together. And I need you to let me take care of myself a little bit, too. We’re a team.”

Jane sat back, the weight of Maura’s words settling on her heart. “I can do that. I can trust you more. I’ll try, I promise.”

Maura smiled, leaning forward to kiss Jane’s cheek. “I know you will. And you don’t have to be perfect, Jane. None of us do. Just be here with me. That’s all I need.”

Jane’s heart swelled as she leaned in, kissing Maura’s lips softly. “I’m here. Always.”

And in that moment, Jane realized that being overprotective wasn’t the answer. Love, trust, and partnership were what would carry them through this journey.

xxx

The day of their first official scan had arrived, and Jane was feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness that she hadn’t expected. After all the tests, the procedures, the waiting, it was finally time to confirm that their little family was about to grow.

Maura had been more relaxed than Jane, always the calm and collected one, but even she was showing signs of nervous anticipation. As they got ready for the appointment, Maura kissed Jane on the cheek, her fingers brushing over her still flat stomach with a smile that made Jane’s heart swell.

“Today’s the day,” Maura said quietly. “We’ll finally see our new little one.”

Jane smiled, but the unease she had been feeling all morning was still there. She couldn’t help it—this was all so new, so uncertain. They had decided to keep the pregnancy a secret for now, to wait until they had confirmation from the scan before telling anyone. They didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up until they knew for sure, especially not their families.

But Angela, as much as Jane loved her, was getting suspicious. The subtle questions, the knowing glances when Jane wasn’t acting quite like herself, the fact that Jane had been spending more time at home and less time at work—Angela was starting to put two and two together. Jane had been doing her best to dodge the questions, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Angela caught on.

Today, however, it was about them. It was about the three of them—Jane, Maura and Grace —and the possibility of adding a new life to their family.

Grace, their sweet, bubbly nearly-three-year-old, was happily clinging to Jane’s side as they got into the car, ready to go with them to the scan. Jane had been debating whether or not it was too early for Grace to be there, but in the end, they’d decided that this moment, this first look at the baby, was something they all should share as a family.

The drive to the clinic was filled with light chatter as Jane tried to keep things light, but her mind kept racing. The scan would tell them if everything had worked, if the embryos had implanted successfully. Would they see just one heartbeat? Or maybe two?

When they arrived at the clinic, Jane felt a flutter of nerves. They were shown to the waiting room, and Grace, full of energy as usual, immediately started playing with the toys in the corner. Jane’s heart ached a little, watching her daughter so innocent, so unaware of the journey her parents were about to take. She couldn’t wait to see the joy on her face when she found out she was going to be a big sister.

Angela had called twice that morning, but Jane had avoided the calls, not wanting to tip her off. She knew that Angela would want to be there, and as much as Jane loved her mother, she didn’t want her there until they were sure about the pregnancy. If things didn’t go as planned, Jane didn’t know how to break that news to Angela just yet.

Maura sat beside her, holding her hand as the minutes ticked by, Grace’s energy filling the space around them. The scan was just moments away, but Jane was feeling a little like she was holding her breath.

Finally, a nurse came to get them. The room was quiet as they followed the nurse to the exam room, and Grace bounced ahead, running towards the bed where Maura would lay down. Jane couldn’t help but smile at how excited Grace was, even though she had no idea what was going on.

After the nurse gave some instructions and set them up, Maura laid back, and Jane stood by her side, holding her hand tightly. They both looked at each other, their gazes meeting in an unspoken exchange of reassurance.

"Ready?" the nurse asked, holding the ultrasound wand in her hands.

Maura nodded, squeezing Jane's hand. "As ready as I’ll ever be."

The nurse applied the gel, and Jane’s heart raced. Grace stood next to the bed, holding onto Jane’s leg, looking up with wide eyes.

The sound of the heartbeat came through first.

Thud-thud. Thud-thud.

Jane froze, her heart pounding in her chest. It was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. The nurse adjusted the screen, and Jane's eyes locked onto the fuzzy black-and-white image, waiting for confirmation.

The nurse smiled as she moved the wand a little more. "There it is, and there’s the heartbeat," she said, pointing at the screen. "Everything looks great."

Maura let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Jane leaned in, pressing her forehead to Maura's, both of them overwhelmed with emotion.

"It's real," Jane whispered.

Maura nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. "It’s real."

The nurse continued with the ultrasound, and it wasn’t long before they could see another faint image—the second embryo, slightly smaller, but with a tiny flicker of a heartbeat as well.

"Twins," the nurse said, her voice calm but cheerful. "Both embryos took, and both are healthy."

Jane felt her knees weaken, her breath catching in her throat. "Two?" she whispered, staring at the screen, trying to process it. "Two new babies?"

Maura squeezed her hand tighter, her voice barely audible. "Two."

Grace, still clinging to Jane’s leg, smiled up at her. "Baby? Two babies?" she asked with a curious giggle.

Jane laughed, her eyes watering as she looked at her daughter. "Two babies, sweetie."

After the scan, they were given some time to relax and process everything. But as they left the clinic, Jane couldn’t shake the feeling that Angela’s suspicions were only growing stronger when she received a text message from Angela:

I need to talk to you. Something’s going on. I’m not blind, Jane.

Jane sighed, glancing at Maura, who was sitting quietly next to her, still processing the news of their twins.

“I’m going to have to tell her,” Jane said softly, breaking the silence.

Maura nodded. “It’s time.”

Jane knew that Angela was going to have a lot of questions, but for now, all she wanted was to enjoy the quiet moment with Maura and Grace. She would tell her mother soon, but today was about them, their family, and the two new little lives they were about to bring into the world.

And nothing would change that.

Chapter Text

Maura was curled up at the end of the couch, one hand resting lightly on her belly, even though it was far too early for any signs to show. Jane sat at the other end, legs stretched out, a bowl of popcorn balanced between them. Grace was already in bed—thankfully—and they were left in the rare quiet of the evening, just the two of them.

Jane tossed a piece of popcorn into her mouth and glanced over at Maura. “So,” she said, voice casual, but with a sly glint in her eye, “how do we tell my very nosy mother that you’re pregnant with twins?”

Maura gave her a look over the rim of her glass of water. “Preferably not with a heart attack.”

Jane grinned. “Yeah, good point. I was thinking maybe we get Grace to do it. You know, like… we get her a shirt that says something like Big Sister Times Two or Promoted to Big Sister, and just let her run wild.”

Maura considered it, smiling softly. “That’s sweet. And very… Jane Rizzoli.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Jane smirked. “Or, better yet—we could just have Grace hand Angela an envelope with one of the ultrasound pictures inside. Let her connect the dots.”

Maura hummed. “That could be nice. More subtle than a shirt, we did do that to announce Luca. And photos are not too subtle. She’s your mother, Jane—she’ll demand answers the second she sees anything that even smells like news.”

Jane laughed, leaning back against the cushions. “Yeah, and then she’ll yell at me for not telling her sooner. ‘Why didn’t you tell me? I’m your mother, Jane!’” she said in a perfect Angela imitation, waving a piece of popcorn for emphasis.

Maura chuckled, then reached for Jane’s hand. “Whatever we do, I want it to feel special. This… this isn’t just big news. It’s the biggest. And we’ve been through a lot to get here.”

Jane’s grin softened into something gentler. “Yeah. You’re right.”

They sat in silence for a moment, Jane rubbing her thumb across the back of Maura’s hand, the weight of it all settling over them.

“What if we have Grace give her a framed photo?” Maura said suddenly. “A double photo frame—on one side, a picture of Grace. On the other, the ultrasound. She’s old enough to say something cute like, ‘That’s me, and that’s the babies.’”

Jane’s whole face lit up. “That’s it. That’s the one. It’s sweet, and simple, and it lets Grace be part of it.”

Maura smiled and nodded. “Alright. Then it’s settled.”

Jane reached over, kissed the top of Maura’s head, and whispered, “She’s gonna freak out.”

Maura laughed quietly. “Yes. But in the best possible way.”

xxx

The day-care was already in full swing when Jane and Maura walked in a little later than usual, hand in hand. The scent of oatmeal and washable paint lingered in the air, and somewhere in the back, Angela’s voice floated through—half stern, half amused—calling after Samuel, who had apparently taken it upon himself to reorganize the book corner one hardcover toss at a time.

Jane looked down at Grace, who was holding a neatly wrapped frame in her small hands, her brow furrowed in concentration like she was about to deliver something extremely important—which, in a way, she was.

“You remember what to say?” Jane murmured, brushing a stray curl from Grace’s forehead.

Grace nodded seriously. “Uh-huh.”

Maura leaned down to kiss the top of her daughter’s head. “Okay, go find Nonna.”

Grace toddled off across the room, weaving between small chairs and scattered toys until she reached Angela, who had just managed to coax Luca into handing over a drool-covered board book.

Angela turned at the tug on her cardigan. “Oh! Hi, my sweet girl,” she beamed, crouching down. “What have you got there?”

Grace held the package out with both hands, eyes wide with excitement.

Angela took it curiously, peeling back the simple wrapping. When she saw the frame, she smiled immediately. One side held her favourite picture of Grace—chubby-cheeked and face-painted, grinning wide in the day-care yard.

But as her gaze shifted to the second photo—an ultrasound image with two unmistakable shapes—Angela froze, her expression softening into something between confusion and awe.

Before she could speak, Grace pointed proudly at the photos.

“That’s me,” she said, jabbing a tiny finger toward her painted-face picture. Then she turned that finger to the ultrasound. “And that’s the babies.”

Angela blinked once. Twice. Her eyes darted back and forth between the two images, and then slowly up to Jane and Maura, who were standing side by side, watching her carefully.

“What…?” Angela whispered, rising to her feet. “Is this… are you two…?”

Maura smiled, her voice gentle. “We’re pregnant.”

“Twins,” Jane added, sliding an arm around Maura’s back. “We just had the first scan yesterday.”

Angela gasped and immediately slapped a hand over her heart, the photo frame still clutched in her other hand. “Twins? Oh my god—twins?!”

Jane laughed. “Told you she’d say it like that.”

Angela surged forward and wrapped both of them in the kind of hug only a mother could give—tight, emotional, somehow comforting and overwhelming at once. She let out a watery laugh, her voice shaking. “My girls… my girls are having babies.”

Grace squeezed herself between their legs to hug them too, completely delighted to be part of this big moment.

Angela pulled back just enough to look at them. “You kept this from me? I knew something was going on—you’ve been all mysterious and running late and hovering.”

“We wanted to wait until we knew everything was okay,” Maura said softly. “Until we heard the heartbeats.”

Angela sniffled, wiping under her eyes before pulling Grace into her arms. “Oh, sweet girl, you're gonna be the best big sister in the world.”

Grace beamed. “I know.”

The daycare buzzed with joy that morning—staff grinning knowingly, Angela already planning snacks for a reveal party no one asked for, and Jane and Maura holding each other close, the secret now shared, the family growing by the minute.

Chapter Text

It had been a whirlwind few weeks.

Jane was juggling day-care responsibilities with surprising ease—at least on the surface. She managed nap schedules and snack times with the same precision she’d once used to build timelines for homicide cases. The consulting work, which had started out feeling like a toe dipped back into old waters, had grown steadier—predictable and bounded by the limits Jane had laid down for herself. She was thriving, in her own way.

But Maura... Maura was fraying at the edges.

She didn’t say anything at first, brushing off the tightness in her chest as just stress. Late autopsies, endless paperwork, departmental meetings that seemed to stretch into eternity. She’d always managed the balancing act—high-pressure job, motherhood, being a partner. But now she found herself hesitating in quiet moments, hand on her stomach, wondering if they’d overestimated themselves.

Three under four.

It echoed in her mind like a warning bell, especially when she walked through the day-care and saw how exhausted Jane looked by day’s end, despite the smile she always gave Maura. Or when Grace had a meltdown in the middle of the morning rush, and Jane had to talk down a parent panicking about separation anxiety while cradling their crying daughter on her hip.

And it wasn’t just the noise or the chaos—it was the future. The way Maura’s body ached more each day, the long shifts, the growing discomfort, the worry that Jane’s old issues might flare up again when the babies came and they were both running on fumes.

That night, when Grace was finally asleep and the house had settled into its familiar hush, Maura found herself in the living room, curled up on the couch with a cup of tea she wasn’t drinking. Jane was at the kitchen counter, laptop open, scrolling through background checks for a new weekend staffer. The glow of the screen lit up her face—tired, but focused.

Maura cleared her throat. “Jane?”

Jane glanced up immediately. “Hey, babe. You okay?”

Maura hesitated. “Can you sit with me for a moment?”

That got Jane’s attention. She closed the laptop and joined her on the couch, slipping an arm around her shoulders, eyes searching her face. “You look like you’ve been stuck in your head all day. What’s going on?”

Maura leaned into the touch, exhaling slowly. “I’ve been thinking. A lot.”

“About the babies?”

Maura nodded. “About everything. The day-care, our jobs, our health… you.”

Jane frowned slightly, sensing the worry behind her words. “You having second thoughts?”

“No,” Maura said quickly, taking Jane’s hand in hers. “Not second thoughts. I want these babies, Jane. We wanted them. But I’m scared.”

Jane’s thumb rubbed across her knuckles. “Of what?”

Maura turned to face her more fully, her eyes glassy but calm. “Of not being enough. Of stretching ourselves too thin. You’ve got the day-care and the consulting work, and I’m barely keeping my head above water at the morgue. I’m already feeling this pregnancy even at this stage, and I keep asking myself—what if we can’t do this? What if we’re biting off more than we can chew?”

Jane was quiet for a moment, pulling Maura in a little closer, pressing a kiss to her hairline.

“Hey,” she murmured. “You’re allowed to be scared. This is a lot. But... you’re not doing this alone.”

Maura let out a soft laugh. “I know. But I still needed to say it. Out loud.”

Jane shifted so she could look her directly in the eye. “Look, if it ever gets too much—if you need to take a step back, or slow down, or even ask for help from Angela more than we already do—we’ll do it. We’ll figure it out. Just like we always do.”

Maura smiled faintly, her body relaxing against Jane’s.

“You still want this?” she asked quietly.

“With everything I have,” Jane said, her voice sure and steady. “I want them, I want you, and I want this life we’re building—even when it’s messy, and scary, and full of diapers.”

Maura laughed for real that time, leaning into her wife’s shoulder.

“All right,” she whispered. “Then let’s do it.”

They sat like that for a long time, the weight of the conversation settling in, but the tension slowly ebbing out. It wasn’t that the fear disappeared. But now it had a voice—and a partner to carry it with.

xxx

The morning started like a normal day did, in a blur of cereal, tiny socks, and one particularly stubborn braid that Grace insisted had to look “like Elsa’s, but better.” By the time Jane and Maura got her settled in at the day-care—Angela too distracted with a crying toddler and a spilled box of animal crackers to ask too many questions—they were slipping out the side door almost undetected.

Almost.

“Where you two headed?” Angela had called after them, suspiciously narrowing her eyes.

“Errands,” Jane said with a sheepish smile, pulling Maura along by the hand before her mother could dig in any deeper.

Angela had muttered something about how many “errands” these two had been running lately, but she was already distracted again before she could press further.

Once outside, Jane squeezed Maura’s hand. “Well, that wasn’t subtle.”

Maura gave a soft smile, one that didn’t quite hide her nerves. “She knows we’re pregnant, I’m sure she can guess what’s going on.

That earned her a real smile, and they walked hand-in-hand through the parking lot, heading toward the car and the clinic beyond.

-

The waiting room felt quieter this time, or maybe they were just better at sitting in it. Maura’s shoulders had relaxed slightly over the last few days. With Jane at her side for every appointment, every late-night worry spiral, every vitamin alarm and perfectly timed snack—she didn’t feel like she was doing this alone.

They were ushered into the ultrasound room with familiar ease, the lights dimmed, the technician friendly. Maura lay back on the table, and Jane pulled her chair closer, immediately taking her hand without saying a word.

When the image flickered onto the screen, both women held their breath.

There it was.

A soft, steady rhythm.

A single, unmistakable heartbeat.

The technician moved the wand slowly, checking everything carefully. “There’s one strong heartbeat,” she said, smiling. “Everything looks right on track.”

Maura blinked, her brows furrowing just slightly. “Just one?”

The tech nodded. “Sometimes with multiple implantations, only one embryo continues developing. It’s not uncommon at all. The surviving embryo looks very healthy, though. Measurements are perfect for where you should be.”

Jane’s thumb brushed over the back of Maura’s hand. “So... we’re still pregnant?”

“Very much so,” the tech said warmly. “Congratulations.”

Back in the car, Maura sat silently for a long moment, one hand resting gently on her stomach. Jane didn’t start the engine. She just waited.

“I thought I would be more upset,” Maura said softly.

Jane looked over at her. “Are you?”

Maura shook her head. “No. I think... I feel strangely calm. A little bit of sadness, maybe, but mostly—relief.”

Jane reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her wife’s ear. “One baby. One heartbeat. One tiny human we already love like our Gracie girl.”

Maura gave a watery smile, eyes shimmering. “It’s still our miracle.”

“Damn right it is.”

They sat in that soft quiet for a moment longer, the thrum of city life outside the car a distant hum. Then Jane turned the key in the ignition, ready to head back to the day-care. Back to Grace. Back to Angela, who would almost certainly be narrowing her eyes at them again.

But it didn’t matter. Because no matter how the journey changed, they were on it together.

Chapter Text

The day-care had quieted to a calm hum by the time Jane and Maura returned. The last of the kids had been picked up, leaving only Grace—half-asleep on a nap mat with a stuffed hippo tucked under one arm—and Angela, humming as she wiped down the snack table.

Jane opened the door slowly, the little bell jingling overhead. Angela looked up, her face softening the moment she saw them.

“About time,” she said, tossing the damp cloth into the laundry bin and brushing her hands on her apron. “She’s been asking when you were coming back every ten minutes.”

Maura smiled and crouched to scoop Grace up into her arms. The toddler stirred, blinking blearily as she wrapped her arms around Maura’s neck. Jane stepped beside them, placing a hand on her wife’s back.

Angela eyed them both, narrowing her eyes the way she always did when she knew something was going on.

“Alright,” she said, hands on her hips. “Where’ve you two been sneaking off to this time?”

Jane exhaled, casting Maura a quick glance, and then stepped forward to meet her mother’s gaze.

“We went to the clinic,” she said gently.

Angela’s expression immediately shifted. “Oh.”

“The scan showed there’s only one embryo,” Maura added, her voice calm and even despite the weight behind the words. “Just one heartbeat.”

Angela blinked, her mouth opening slightly. Then she took a step forward, reaching instinctively to touch Maura’s arm, then Jane’s.

“Are you both okay?” she asked, quieter now.

Jane nodded, swallowing the small lump in her throat. “Yeah. Yeah, we’re okay. It’s... not what we originally thought it’d be, but—” she looked at Grace, nestled peacefully against Maura, “—it’s what it’s meant to be.”

Maura gave a small, teary smile. “We’re grateful. Very grateful.”

Angela looked between them both for a long moment. Then she nodded slowly and opened her arms.

Jane didn’t hesitate. Maura stepped in too, careful not to disturb Grace, and the three women folded into a quiet, firm embrace.

“Then I’m grateful too,” Angela whispered into Jane’s hair. “One heartbeat is all it takes to change the whole world.”

They stayed like that for a moment longer—together, quiet, holding everything that mattered.

xxx

It started gradually, as it always did with Jane.

A hand on Maura’s lower back as she stood from her desk. A furrowed brow as Maura shrugged on her coat for a scene visit. A soft but constant “Are you sure you should be doing that?” when Maura reached for another heavy case file or bent over her microscope a little too long.

Maura, for her part, had expected it.

Now that her bump had begun to show—subtle but unmistakable beneath her tailored blouses—Jane’s natural instinct to protect had kicked into high gear. At first, it was sweet. Jane making Maura tea unprompted, carrying her bag without being asked, insisting she take the more comfortable chair in the breakroom.

But then came the hovering.

“Maura, are you really going to the scene alone?” Jane asked one morning, watching Maura wrap her scarf with the same intensity she might watch someone diffuse a bomb. “I mean, can’t someone else handle it? What if it’s in a sketchy area?”

“It’s in Back Bay,” Maura said, voice patient, amused. “At a bakery. Hardly sketchy.”

“Still.” Jane crossed her arms. “You’re carrying precious cargo.”

Maura turned, closing the distance between them with a smile, one hand smoothing the lapel of Jane’s jacket. “Jane Rizzoli, are you suggesting I should stop doing my job entirely?”

Jane hesitated, eyes flicking to Maura’s belly and then back up. “I’m suggesting that maybe... you pause on doing the parts that come with more risk. The scenes, the late nights. Maybe even hand off some of the workload if it’s too much. You’re exhausted, Maur. I can see it.”

That stopped Maura cold. Not because Jane was wrong—but because she was right. The fatigue had crept in, unwelcome and unrelenting. Her feet ached more than usual, the lights in the lab seemed brighter, and every now and then, when she sat down at home, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to get back up.

She sighed, leaning her forehead briefly against Jane’s chest. “I don’t want to be coddled.”

Jane wrapped her arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of Maura’s head. “You’re not being coddled. You’re being loved. Fiercely. And maybe... stubbornly.”

Maura chuckled softly. “That, I believe.”

They stood quietly in the doorway of the morgue for a long moment, cocooned in their own little world.

“I’ll talk to Cavanaugh,” Maura murmured eventually. “See if we can adjust the rotation for scene visits. And I’ll let Suzie handle the late-night files. But don’t expect me to let you carry everything for the next six months.”

Jane grinned. “Deal. But I’m still bringing you snacks and rubbing your feet.”

“Only if you stop glaring at everyone who walks within a ten-foot radius of me.”

“No promises.”

Maura just laughed, shaking her head as she stepped away—but not without one last lingering kiss to Jane’s cheek.

Chapter Text

Things were going great for the little family.

Maura, after some gentle nudging and one particularly heartfelt conversation with Jane, had managed to hand off some of her extra duties at the Medical Examiner’s Office. Her schedule was still demanding—homicide didn’t slow down just because she was pregnant—but she wasn’t doing it all alone anymore. Jane was thriving, pouring herself into the day-care, steadily growing the team and working closely with parents and the precinct alike. She was having sporadic check-ins with Dr. Sullivan, and they were going well.

They had found a rhythm.

It was Jane’s lunch break. She’d stayed inside today—Luca had been cranky before nap time and, after some coaxing, had fallen asleep sprawled across her chest, his little fingers curled into the collar of her T-shirt. Jane sat on the beanbag chair in the corner of her office-slash-nap room, soft kids’ music playing from the little speaker on the shelf, a half-eaten sandwich forgotten on the table beside her.

She was just closing her eyes for a moment when it happened.

A scream. Sharp.

Then the unmistakable, high-pitched cry of her daughter.

Grace.

Jane’s whole body tensed as every protective instinct she had roared to life. Carefully, but quickly, she shifted Luca to a nearby mat, making sure his blanket was tucked around him before sprinting down the hallway, heart pounding in her ears. The moment she shoved open the back door to the playground, she was moving before her eyes even finished scanning the scene.

Angela was already there, kneeling next to Grace, who sat on the mulch by the slide, cradling her arm and sobbing. One of the assistants stood nearby, speaking softly to a little boy who looked stricken, holding a small red plastic shovel.

Jane was at Grace’s side in an instant, dropping to her knees, adrenaline humming under her skin.

“I’ve got her,” she said quickly to Angela, who nodded and moved back.

Jane gathered Grace into her arms, brushing curls out of her tear-streaked face. “Hey, hey, baby girl, I’m here. What happened?”

“He hit me, Mama,” Grace hiccupped, eyes wide and watery. “With the shovel and then he pushed me off the slide. My arm hurts.”

Jane looked down at her daughter’s small wrist, already red and starting to swell.

“Okay, alright, let me see—gently,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm despite the firestorm in her chest. “You’re going to be okay, I promise.”

Grace whimpered as Jane gently examined the wrist. There was a graze on her palm where she’d clearly held her hand out to break her fall. It needed checking.

“Let’s go inside,” Jane said, standing up with Grace in her arms. She looked at the assistant with the little boy. “We’ll talk about it after. Make sure he’s okay, too.”

Once inside the office, Jane settled Grace on her lap again, her voice soft and comforting as she pulled out the emergency ice pack and held it gently to her wrist.

Grace sniffled and leaned into her. “Mama, it hurts.”

“I know, honey. But we’re gonna get it checked out. Just to be safe.”

Jane reached for her phone with one hand, still holding the ice pack with the other. She typed quickly:

“Grace got hurt on the playground. She’s okay but has a swollen wrist. Taking her to get checked out. I’ll keep you updated.”

She didn’t want to worry Maura, but she also knew her wife would never forgive her if she didn’t know right away.

The paediatrician's office was already familiar with them and fit Grace in immediately. Jane bundled her into the car, kissing her temple as she buckled her in.

“We’re gonna go on a little adventure, you and me,” she said, trying to make it feel like anything other than the spiral of fear still whispering in the back of her mind.

As she drove, one hand on the wheel and the other reaching back to Grace’s little shoe swinging from the car seat, Jane thought about how fast everything could change. How one second, you’re holding a sleeping godson, and the next, your daughter is screaming and hurt.

And still, even as her chest ached, Jane knew something else for certain: she could handle this.
She could handle anything for them.

Her wife. Her daughter. Their growing family.

xxx

Jane carried Grace into the paediatric urgent care with calm on the outside and a thousand thoughts swirling underneath. Grace clung to her, her little arms wrapped tight around Jane’s neck, quiet now, her face buried against her shoulder.

The X-rays didn’t take long. The technician was gentle, the nurse kind, but Jane’s gut twisted when the doctor came in with a clipboard and a too-serious expression.

“Distal radius fracture,” he said gently, showing Jane the scan. “Clean break, not displaced. She’ll need a cast, but she’ll heal just fine.”

Jane exhaled, long and slow, brushing a kiss to Grace’s forehead. “You hear that, peanut? You're gonna be okay.”

Grace sniffled and nodded, but didn’t let go of Jane for a second.

They fitted her with a small cast, blue, at Grace’s insistence. “Like Cookie Monster,” she mumbled, a tiny smile flickering when Jane promised to get googly eyes to stick on it.

Jane sent Maura a quick update after the cast was on, still cradling Grace in her lap:

“It’s a distal radius fracture. Clean. She’s gonna be okay. We’re coming home soon.”

Maura didn’t answer right away. Jane figured she was in the middle of something and focused instead on getting Grace home, giving her some children’s ibuprofen, and settling her in a nest of pillows on the couch with her favourite movie playing quietly.

It wasn’t long after that the front door opened.

Jane heard the heels before she saw her—Maura’s purposeful steps echoing down the hallway. And when she stepped into the living room, eyes falling instantly to the casted arm, her expression crumpled.

“Oh, Grace,” Maura breathed, crossing the room in seconds and kneeling beside her. Grace reached her good hand out, and Maura took it gently, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

Grace looked up at her with wide eyes. “Mommy got me Cookie Monster blue,” she whispered.

“I see that,” Maura said softly, brushing a strand of hair back from her forehead. “Very brave.”

Jane watched them, a hand curled around a mug of tea she’d forgotten to drink, heart aching again. She didn’t want to admit how close she’d come to crying in the car, or how scared she’d been seeing her daughter in pain. But what she hadn’t expected was Maura’s reaction when she gently explained how it happened—about the playground, the shovel, the little boy.

Maura went still. Her eyes narrowed. “He hit her? He pushed her?!”

“He’s four,” Jane said carefully, her voice low. “It was an accident. The staff were on it fast.”

Maura stood, arms crossing, pacing a slow line. “That’s not just roughhousing. That’s unacceptable.”

“Maura,” Jane said quietly, “you think I don’t want to go full Mama Bear on him too? But it wasn’t malicious. It wasn’t even personal. Kids have bad days. They lash out. It happens.”

“It shouldn’t happen to our daughter,” Maura snapped, and then instantly looked guilty.

Jane stood and walked to her, reaching out, grounding her with a hand on her waist. “I know. And I hated seeing her like that. But getting angry isn’t going to fix it. We just need to keep teaching them how to be gentle. How to be kind. He’ll learn. And the staff are already on it.”

Maura’s shoulders sagged, and she let herself lean into Jane, her hands covering Jane’s on her side.

“I’m pregnant and hormonal and very protective,” she muttered, her cheek brushing Jane’s collarbone.

Jane smiled softly. “Yeah, no kidding.”

They stood like that a minute, quiet, until Grace called sleepily from the couch, “Mamas?”

“Coming, baby,” they said in perfect unison, and went to her together.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jane was already dressed, looking ready for a day of relaxing, but her mind kept drifting back to Grace, still nursing her broken arm and the general sense of unease she felt about leaving her at day-care with the incident still fresh in her mind. So, she decided to go in. She didn’t have any meetings planned and figured spending the day with her daughter would help both of them.

It wasn’t like she didn’t trust the staff, but the thought of Grace being alone when she wasn’t 100 percent just made Jane want to be there for her. So she grabbed her bag, made sure her phone was charged, and headed out to the day-care with Grace in tow, the little girl still clutching her blue cast protectively.

As soon as they arrived, Grace’s face lit up with excitement. "Nonna!" she squealed, darting ahead to the play area where her grandmother was sat with Luca, her usual energy back in full force despite the fracture.

Jane smiled, her heart lightening a little at the sight of her daughter back to her usual bubbly self. She walked over to the staff and gave them a quick rundown of what had happened, just to make sure everyone was still aware of the situation. But soon, she fell into an easy rhythm, helping out where she could, and keeping a watchful eye on Grace as she played.

Maura, on the other hand, was trying to focus on her own work at the precinct, but she was still upset, still bubbling with a mix of emotions that were hard to shake. She had a lot to deal with that morning, but she couldn’t help thinking about Grace and the other kid. The frustration hadn’t really faded since yesterday. She was so protective of Grace.

When lunchtime rolled around, Maura had a few minutes before she had to rush off to her next meeting. She figured she would pop by the day-care, just to check on Grace, and perhaps catch up with Jane for a moment. She didn’t tell Jane she was coming, not wanting to interrupt her day, but she felt the need to be close.

As Maura stepped into the day-care, she scanned the room, spotting Jane immediately talking with one of the staff members near the art table. Grace was laughing with a couple of kids, her cast still a conspicuous blue. But Maura’s attention was drawn to the entrance, where she saw a familiar figure—the father of the boy who had hurt Grace yesterday.

Of course, it was the same obnoxious guy from the communications department. The guy who always had something to say about other people’s lives but was utterly dismissive of anything that didn’t fit his narrow worldview.

Maura’s blood began to simmer. She could already feel her temper starting to rise as he approached the door, his son in tow, a smile on his face like everything was normal. He was speaking a little too loudly, and Maura could hear his words from across the room.

“Two moms. That’s gotta be some real confusing shit for a kid,” he sneered as he looked over at Grace. “Especially with one of them pregnant. Can you imagine?”

It was like a slap in the face.

Maura’s hand instinctively tightened into a fist. Her first instinct was to say something, to confront the idiot right there. To ask him how it felt to have no clue about real love or parenting. But before she could take a step, Jane appeared, striding into the scene with the energy Maura hadn’t seen coming. Her voice rang out, sharp and cold, full of force.

“Excuse me?” Jane's tone was dangerously controlled, her eyes narrowing. She wasn’t angry yet—but—there was something in her posture, the set of her jaw that made it clear she wasn’t taking any crap.

The guy, who hadn’t even noticed Jane walking up, looked up, his expression going from smug to surprised. “Oh, uh, didn’t think you’d care. It’s just a joke—”

“A joke?” Jane interrupted, her voice rising just a little. “You think calling my daughter ‘confused’ because she has two parents who love her is a joke?”

Maura blinked, surprised to see Jane step up like this, her usual reserved demeanor around the kids replaced with a new, forceful energy. She took a step back, still tense, not sure whether she wanted to intervene or just let Jane handle it.

The guy opened his mouth, as though trying to think of a way to get out of the situation, but Jane didn’t give him the chance.

“You don’t know anything about our family,” she continued, her voice growing more firm with each word. “About what makes us happy. So unless you’ve got something to say about the way we raise our child that’s constructive, I suggest you keep your narrow-minded opinions to yourself.”

There was a beat of silence, the weight of Jane’s words hanging heavy in the air. Maura couldn’t help but feel a little proud of Jane’s fierceness, but she could see the guy was starting to get defensive.

“Alright, alright,” he grumbled. “Don’t have to make a big deal about it.”

Jane stood there for a moment, her arms crossed, making it clear she wasn’t done yet. “Good. Now go ahead and get your son inside. I’m sure you’ll do a better job of making him into a decent human being than you are of being one.”

With that, the guy’s face flushed a little, and without another word, he grabbed his son’s hand and practically yanked him into the building. Jane turned to Maura, her face still set in determination, but when their eyes met, the tension in her posture started to ease.

Maura stepped forward and pulled Jane into a tight hug, resting her head against Jane’s shoulder. “That was... impressive,” Maura murmured, her voice quiet. “I didn’t know you had that much in you.”

Jane chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around Maura, her heart still racing a little. “Don’t mess with my wife and my kid, Maura,” she said simply. “I’ve been on the receiving end of enough hurtful words. And you two—you’re my world. No one gets to talk down about her, especially not like that.”

Maura smiled, the anger from earlier finally subsiding. “I couldn’t agree more.”

They stood there for a moment, just holding each other in the warm, bustling room, knowing the day would continue on, but it would always be shaped by the love and protection they had for Grace.

And no one—no one—was going to take that from them.

Chapter Text

A week had passed since Grace's injury. The little girl was adjusting to life with a cast on her arm, but despite her best efforts to maintain her usual energy, she was still a little slower, a little more careful. Jane, of course, was still hovering like a protective mama bear, though she was starting to let Grace regain some independence, if only in small doses. Maura, on the other hand, was starting to slow down herself. Between managing the investigation, her pregnancy, and her ever-increasing workload, she was already thinking about transitioning out of the homicide department and finding a new Medical Examiner to take over for her during maternity leave, which was just a few months away.

It was a quiet morning at the day-care, and Jane and Grace were nestled in the reading corner, a cosy little nook with soft cushions and shelves full of books. Jane watched Grace intently as the toddler flipped through a picture book, still concentrating hard despite the cast on her arm.

"Mama’s coming soon, honey," Jane murmured softly to Grace. "We'll have lunch together."

Grace didn’t respond at first, too absorbed in the pictures, but she eventually looked up and smiled a little, her innocent face brightening at the mention of lunch. She’d come to love those moments when they all sat down as a family, no matter how crazy the world outside might have seemed.

Maura had been running a little late that morning—she’d been tied up with work, and Jane knew how stressful her day-to-day had been. She couldn't blame Maura for taking a little extra time; between pregnancy and preparing for maternity leave, things had been piling up.

As Jane and Grace waited, Angela, who had been working most days at the day-care, came out of the back office. She waved at Jane and Grace with a knowing look and gave a slight nod as she walked past them toward the door.

"See you later," Angela said with a wink, a playful expression on her face that made both Jane and Grace frown.

Jane was not able to decipher Angela's cryptic little wink, but she had learned long ago that Angela rarely let a moment go by without trying to play matchmaker or push some sort of agenda. Jane wasn’t in the mood for it today, not with everything else going on, but she just pushed it to the back of her mind, figuring she’d have a better chance of discussing it with Maura later.

A few moments later, Maura arrived, her hand on her stomach as she walked into the day-care. Jane’s face lit up when she saw her wife walk through the door, despite the slight tiredness on Maura’s features. As she approached, Jane got up and offered her a small, but affectionate, smile.

"Hey," Jane greeted her, feeling her heart swell at the sight of her.

"Hey," Maura replied softly, her voice gentle. She looked at Grace and leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead. "How’s my girl?"

Grace smiled, lifting her good arm to give her mother a quick hug.

"Ready for lunch, honey?" Jane asked, already holding Grace in her arms, her voice warm and filled with love.

Maura nodded, smiling as she leaned in to kiss Jane’s cheek. "Definitely," she said. "I’m starving."

Just as they were about to head out, though, Angela popped her head back around the corner, her eyes twinkling with something Jane couldn’t quite place. She shot them another playful wink as she walked past them and made her way to the door.

"Have fun," Angela said, her tone teasing, before leaving.

Jane shot a confused glance at Maura, but Maura just smiled, a little confused but not willing to question her mother’s antics too much.

"She’s… weird," Jane muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes, trying to shake off the nagging feeling that Angela knew something they didn’t.

Maura chuckled softly and nodded, agreeing, "She certainly is."

Hand in hand, the couple, with Grace cradled in Jane’s arms, headed toward the door. The familiar sounds of the day-care’s bustling activity filled the air as they made their way to the entrance, ready to grab a bite together.

But as they reached the door, ready to leave the building, they came face to face with none other than the father of the child who had hurt Grace just a week ago.

He stood there, a sheepish look on his face. Dressed in his usual sharp suit and holding a briefcase, his usual air of arrogance was gone. Instead, he seemed more subdued than Jane had ever seen him.

"Hey, uh..." He cleared his throat awkwardly, his eyes flicking nervously from Jane to Maura. He looked slightly uncomfortable, as though he’d been dreading this moment.

Jane raised an eyebrow, instinctively tightening her hold on Grace. She wasn’t sure what was coming, but she was ready for anything. Maura’s hand, resting lightly on Jane’s arm, squeezed her gently, a reminder to stay calm, no matter what.

The man cleared his throat again and seemed to gather his thoughts. "I just wanted to apologize," he said, his tone more sincere than they were expecting. "I... I’ve been thinking about what happened with Grace, and the things I said... I didn’t mean it. I was out of line, and I’m sorry. I’ve been an ass, and I shouldn’t have said what I did." He glanced down, ashamed. "Especially about you two. I... I didn’t know what I was talking about."

Jane was momentarily taken aback by his contrition. She’d expected some smug deflection or worse, but this was... different. She glanced at Maura, who looked equally surprised but kept her expression calm.

"I should’ve been more considerate," the man continued, looking genuinely remorseful. "I realize now that it wasn’t my place to judge. And I’m really sorry for how I treated your family."

Jane stood still for a moment, processing what he’d just said. She was used to seeing him as a pompous figure, but this... this apology was unexpected. She felt a tiny flicker of something—maybe relief, maybe just surprise—that he was owning up to his mistake.

"Thank you for saying that," Jane said, her voice soft but firm. "We all make mistakes, but it’s how we fix them that counts."

Maura nodded in agreement, offering him a polite smile. "Thank you for your apology," she said. "It means a lot."

For a moment, the man seemed at a loss for words. He seemed almost as if he were waiting for a response, maybe even a sign that he’d been forgiven. Jane and Maura shared a brief glance, silently agreeing that this was a step in the right direction.

He hesitated, then turned to leave. "I’ll make sure my son doesn’t cause any more trouble," he said. "Again, I’m sorry."

With that, he walked off down the hallway, leaving Jane and Maura standing in the doorway, exchanging a look that was equal parts relief and disbelief.

As they walked out of the day-care and headed toward the parking lot, Jane couldn’t help but feel the weight of the last week start to lift just a little. Grace was still hurt, but it felt like the situation had taken a step toward resolution.

Maura glanced over at Jane, her expression softening. "I wasn’t expecting that," she admitted quietly. "I thought we’d be dealing with an arrogant apology, not an actual one."

Jane smiled, though there was still a note of uncertainty in her voice. "Yeah, me neither. But... maybe he’s not all bad after all."

They reached the car and buckled Grace into her seat, both feeling a sense of peace they hadn’t anticipated. They’d handled the situation with dignity, and in the end, they’d gotten an apology.

xxx

Later that evening, Jane and Maura were at home, sharing a quiet moment as Grace played on the floor with her toys. Just as they were winding down from a long day, the doorbell rang.

Jane opened it, only to be met by Angela, who stood there with an expression of pure satisfaction on her face.

"Mom?" Jane asked, confused.

Angela raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, stepping inside when Jane moved aside. "I had a little chat with your friend, Mr. Smug-Pants."

Both Jane and Maura exchanged a look, the realization dawning at once. "You talked to him?" Jane asked, incredulous.

Angela’s smile widened. "Oh, I talked to him. You see, I can tell what he said was weighing on you, and I wanted to make sure that he was aware of what he had done. I told him exactly how I felt about his attitude and his treatment of you two."

Jane couldn’t help but laugh a little. "What did you say?"

Angela leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I told him, ‘You may think you’re untouchable, but you just made a huge mistake hurting my girls. And let’s not even get started on what you said about Grace being raised by two moms. I don’t care who you are, you don’t mess with my family.’"

Maura raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You really said all that?"

Angela nodded, her expression fierce. "Damn right I did. And I didn’t stop there. I made it clear that if he didn’t apologize properly, I’d have his boss on speed dial and make sure he knew how I felt about his employee’s behaviour."

Jane could only shake her head, both impressed and a little amused. "I guess we know who’s really got our backs."

Angela grinned. "You bet. And when he apologized to you two, you better believe it wasn’t just because he felt guilty. I made sure he understood exactly what the consequences would be if he didn’t make it right."

Maura smiled, touched by Angela’s protective nature. "Thank you, Angela. It means the world that you’re standing up for us."

Angela shrugged nonchalantly. "Family sticks together. And no one messes with my girls."

Chapter Text

Jane watched Maura move around the house, preparing for the busy day ahead. It had been a constant whirlwind lately—Maura’s long hours at the medical examiner's office, her dedication to the job, and her unrelenting determination to get everything in place before her maternity leave. It was all too much, and Jane could see it.

There was the slightest dark undercurrent to Maura’s usual energy lately. She was starting to look a little worn out. Jane had noticed the subtle signs: the small bags under her eyes, the slight slouch in her posture that hadn’t been there before, the way she sometimes paused, almost as if to gather herself before going on.

Jane wanted to help, but she didn’t want to be that overbearing wife—she didn’t want to smother Maura. Maura’s independence was something Jane admired deeply, and while she knew her wife was strong, she also knew that there were limits.

It wasn’t just Maura Jane was worried about anymore, though. It was the baby. The little one growing inside of her, who had already brought them so much joy and hope, but who also brought new fears Jane hadn’t expected to feel. The idea of Maura overexerting herself while pregnant had Jane on edge.

But what could she say? She didn’t want to come across as nagging, or worse, like she didn’t trust Maura to know her own limits. They’d already had conversations about balancing work and rest, but Maura’s relentless drive to push forward had her back in the office more than Jane was comfortable with.

In the end, Jane decided it was time to talk to someone. She needed a way to handle these feelings without overwhelming Maura. So, while Maura was still at work, Jane made an appointment with her old therapist—someone she hadn’t seen in a while but who she knew could help her navigate her thoughts and feelings in a way that didn’t put unnecessary stress on her wife.

The therapist’s office had the same calming atmosphere as it always had—soft lighting, the familiar smell of lavender, and a quiet, comforting space. It felt safe here, a place where Jane could finally speak about the fear she’d been carrying without it feeling like a burden.

When Jane walked into the office, the therapist smiled warmly and gestured for her to sit.

“Hi, Jane. How have you been?” the therapist asked, her tone gentle and welcoming.

Jane sank into the chair, sighing heavily. “I’m okay... I think. But, honestly, I’ve been really worried. About Maura. About the baby.” She paused, eyes looking down at her hands. “I know I can’t control everything. And I don’t want to make things worse by constantly hovering over her, but I can’t help it. She’s working herself to the bone, and it’s... it’s scaring me.”

The therapist nodded, her expression understanding. “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot right now. You’re concerned about Maura’s health and the health of the baby, but you also don’t want to overstep. It’s a tricky balance.”

Jane let out a breath and ran a hand through her hair. “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to nag her, but at the same time, I don’t want to just sit back and let her burn herself out. How do I help without making her feel like I don’t think she can take care of herself?”

The therapist sat back in her chair, taking a moment to reflect. “You’ve recognized the heart of the issue: wanting to protect your wife, but also respecting her independence. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re both going through this big transition—becoming parents again, navigating pregnancy in a busy career, and all of the unknowns that come with it. You’re doing your best to support her, but part of that support is understanding that you’re both adjusting to a new rhythm.”

Jane nodded, though her worry didn’t fade entirely. “I just don’t want her to feel like I’m criticizing her. I don’t want her to think I don’t trust her judgment. But I... I don’t know what to do if she keeps working like this. I’m scared for her.”

“It’s natural to feel that way, especially with the added responsibility of a new baby,” the therapist said. “But it’s also important to trust in your partnership with Maura. You’re both going to need to lean on each other in different ways. Part of being in a marriage is stepping up when the other person needs support, and that doesn’t always mean saying something directly. Sometimes it’s about actions. Offering help, making space for her to rest, or finding small ways to remind her that her health and well-being are the priority.”

Jane’s brow furrowed as she processed the advice. “So... I should just help her find time to slow down? Without making her feel like I’m telling her she’s doing something wrong?”

“Exactly,” the therapist replied. “Be present without pushing. Sometimes, Maura may not even realize how close she is to the edge until someone shows her a way to step back. But it’s important that you’re not doing this out of a place of frustration or control. Offer her love, and be the calm in the chaos. Let her see that you’ve got her back, even when she’s too busy to notice she’s running on empty.”

Jane sighed again, the weight on her shoulders feeling a little lighter. “I guess I’ve been so worried about making the wrong move that I didn’t stop to think about how she might be feeling, too.”

“Exactly,” the therapist agreed. “Your anxiety is understandable, but remember that Maura might be feeling a lot of pressure herself. So, it’s not just about slowing her down. It’s about offering her space to find balance. Let her know that you’re there for her, but also give her room to manage things in her own way.”

Jane nodded, a sense of clarity starting to wash over her. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I think I just needed someone to help me figure out how to do this... without pushing too hard.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” the therapist replied warmly. “It’s about support, not control. And the love you have for each other will help you both find that balance.”

xxx

Later that evening, as Jane returned home, she found Maura already in the kitchen, preparing a light dinner. Her hands rested on her back as she leaned against the counter, looking a little more tired than usual, but still trying to keep the pace.

Jane walked over and placed a gentle kiss on Maura’s cheek, letting her hands linger on Maura’s waist. She felt a little more at peace, a little more sure of how to move forward.

“How was your day?” Jane asked softly, her voice tender.

Maura gave a small smile, though her eyes were still shadowed with exhaustion. “Busy. A little more tiring than I expected, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Jane took a step back, still holding Maura’s hands in hers. “I know you can handle it, but I don’t want you to do it all on your own. We’re in this together, okay? If you need me to pick up the slack or just help you slow down, I’m here. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.”

Maura’s eyes softened, and she nodded. “I know, Jane. I appreciate you more than you know. I just... sometimes it feels like there’s so much to do.”

“You don’t have to do it all,” Jane said, a sense of calm settling over her. “And if you need me to step in, I will. No questions asked. You don’t have to carry the weight of everything, especially not while you’re growing our family.”

Maura’s smile widened, her tiredness momentarily fading as she leaned into Jane’s embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you.”

Jane smiled, holding her wife close. “I love you, too. We’re in this together. Always.”

Chapter Text

Maura had barely slept the night before. Between the case files she hadn’t finished reviewing, the baby shifting in uncomfortable ways, and Jane’s soft snores beside her, it was a restless night. But morning had come all the same, and with it a call to a new scene. She’d kissed Grace on the head as the toddler clung to Jane’s side, accepted her travel mug of ginger tea, and headed out the door.

It was supposed to be a routine drive across town. Maura had been extra careful—she always was, especially these days—but a reckless delivery van changed lanes without warning, clipping the front of her car and sending it spinning partially off the road. The airbags deployed, the seatbelt dug painfully into her belly and chest, and for a moment, all she could hear was the sharp ringing in her ears.

Thankfully, both she and the baby had seemed fine at the time. Shaken, sore, but uninjured. She had insisted she was fine to the responding officer, accepted the EMT’s offer to check her vitals, and then—despite their recommendations—had waved off a trip to the hospital. She called the precinct to inform them she'd be late, called for a tow, then climbed into a cruiser heading toward the crime scene.

What she didn’t do, however, was call Jane.

She knew how Jane would react. The worry would hit first, sharp and immediate, and then it would stew, growing into protectiveness and frustration. And after the scare they’d had just a few months ago, Maura didn’t want to add more stress to Jane’s already over-full plate. Between the day-care, the consulting work, and Grace, Jane had her hands full. So Maura told herself she’d wait. She’d tell her later—when Jane could see for herself that everything was fine.

Only... as the day went on, Maura started to realize she wasn’t fine.

At first, it was just a mild headache. Then her back started to ache—dull and low, radiating toward her hips. She pushed through it, brushing it off as normal pregnancy discomfort. But by early afternoon, standing in the middle of the crime scene with a clipboard in hand, her knees buckled slightly. She gripped a table to steady herself, heart pounding, breath shallow.

The detective beside her raised an eyebrow. “Dr. Isles, are you okay?”

Maura offered a tight, practiced smile. “I’m fine. Just... a little lightheaded.”

But it was more than that. A pressure was building low in her abdomen. A twist of nausea. A sense that something wasn’t quite right.

She excused herself and stepped out to the car, sinking into the front seat with trembling hands. Her phone buzzed then—Jane, of course. A picture of Grace with a crown of pipe cleaners on her head, grinning wildly. The caption read: Our daughter is ruling over snack time like a benevolent dictator.

Maura stared at the image for a long moment, and her chest ached—not just physically now, but emotionally. Because she couldn’t keep this from Jane anymore. Not if something was wrong.

She hit call.

“Hey babe,” Jane answered, cheerful and a little breathless. “Miss us already?”

Maura closed her eyes, swallowing. “Jane... I need to tell you something. Please don’t panic.”

There was a pause—just long enough for Jane’s cheerful tone to drop. “What happened?”

“I was in a minor accident this morning. I didn’t want to worry you. I thought I was fine, but—” she inhaled shakily “—I think something might be wrong. I’m going to the hospital.”

There was silence on the line. Then the rustle of movement. “Where are you going? Which hospital?”

“Boston General.”

“I’ll meet you there,” Jane said firmly, no hesitation.

Maura’s voice cracked with emotion. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

“Too late for that,” Jane replied softly. “But we’ll worry together, okay? I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

As Maura ended the call and sat there waiting for her ride to the hospital, she placed a hand gently on her belly and whispered, “Hold on, little one. Mama’s coming.”

xxx

Jane burst through the sliding doors of Boston General like a storm, wild-eyed and breathless, her messenger bag slapping against her hip and her badge—rarely used now, but still carried out of habit—flashing from the front pocket. She didn’t pause at the front desk for more than a second.

“Maura Isles. She was in a car accident earlier and came in complaining of pain. She’s pregnant. Where is she?”

The nurse behind the counter gave Jane the kind of look they usually reserved for panicked parents, then offered a gentle nod. “She’s already been taken back for evaluation—OB triage. I’ll have someone bring you to the waiting area.”

Jane hated the idea of waiting, but she forced herself to breathe. She texted Angela—Grace is still okay at day-care, right?—got a heart emoji back and a stop texting me while you're panicking, I’ve got her, and pocketed the phone.

The nurse led her to a small, private waiting space outside the maternity wing, all soft lighting and outdated magazines. Jane sank into one of the stiff chairs and stared at the floor, one hand gripping the armrest so hard her knuckles went white.

Her heart pounded with a steady ache of worry. She kept picturing Maura’s face from their phone call—pale, tired, guilt in her voice. And her stomach twisted thinking about everything Maura had said and everything she hadn’t.

Why didn’t she call her right away?

Why didn’t she know something was wrong?

She scrubbed a hand over her face. This wasn’t the time for blame. All that mattered now was that Maura was in the right place, getting checked out. Still, it felt like the longest wait of Jane’s life.

After nearly forty minutes, a nurse finally emerged. “Jane Rizzoli?”

Jane was on her feet before the woman even finished saying her name. “Yes. That’s me.”

“She’s in here,” the nurse said with a reassuring smile. “They’ve done the initial scans and labs. Dr. Isles is asking for you.”

Jane didn’t need to be told twice. She followed the nurse through the corridors until they reached a room tucked in the corner of OB triage. Maura was lying on the hospital bed, a blanket pulled up to her waist, wires monitoring her vitals. Her hair was a bit mussed, her lips pale, but her eyes were bright with relief the moment she saw Jane.

“Hey,” Maura said softly.

Jane crossed the room in two strides, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “Hey. Jesus, Maur…”

“I’m okay,” Maura murmured, squeezing her fingers. “They’re still waiting on a few more results, but they’ve done an ultrasound. The baby’s heartbeat is strong.”

Jane’s breath hitched as emotion surged into her chest, quick and unforgiving. “You’re sure?”

Maura nodded. “I saw it. Heard it.” Her eyes welled up a little. “It’s okay.”

Jane leaned down, pressing her forehead gently against Maura’s. “Don’t scare me like that again, you hear me?”

“I didn’t mean to—”

“I know,” Jane said quickly, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “I know you didn’t. But you don’t have to protect me. Not from this.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, Maura’s thumb brushing the inside of Jane’s palm. Finally, Maura sighed. “They’re going to monitor me for a few more hours, just to be safe. If everything stays normal, they’ll send me home later tonight.”

Jane nodded, brushing some hair back from Maura’s forehead. “Then I’m not going anywhere.”

Maura gave her a faint smile. “You didn’t stop at day-care?”

“I told Angela you had a consult that ran late and I had to meet you here for dinner.” Jane shrugged. “She didn’t buy it. But she also didn’t press.”

“Smart woman.”

“The smarties.” Jane leaned in and kissed her softly, her lips lingering. “Next time, though? No heroics. If you even stub your toe you call me.”

Maura chuckled, tired but warm. “Okay, Detective Mama-Bear.”

Jane rested a hand on Maura’s stomach. “Just taking care of what’s mine.”

Chapter Text

The house was quiet in the way it only ever was when Grace was somewhere else. No toys clattering across the floor, no giggles echoing down the hallway, no lullabies playing softly from her tablet. Jane had almost forgotten what the silence felt like.

It was kind of nice.

She came back into the bedroom with two mugs of peppermint tea, handing one to Maura, who was propped up in bed against a stack of pillows, her book resting on her rounded belly. Jane took her place beside her, sipping her tea and letting the comfortable quiet wrap around them.

After a few moments, Jane glanced over at her wife and spoke, voice soft. “So, tomorrow’s officially a long weekend.”

Maura looked up from her book with a small smile. “It is. Thank you for talking me into taking the day off.”

“Technically, I think it was your blood pressure and the minor car accident that talked you into it,” Jane teased gently. “I just… reminded you that you’re not actually invincible.”

Maura exhaled a little laugh. “A rare lapse in judgment.”

They sipped their tea for a moment before Jane set hers down on the nightstand. She hesitated, then reached out and let her hand rest lightly over Maura’s. “There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.”

Maura’s eyes flicked to hers, alert and curious. “Of course.”

“I’ve been thinking—” Jane paused, scratching at the back of her neck, “we haven’t really had any time to be close. Not just because we’ve been busy. I mean, really close. Intimate.”

Maura’s expression flickered, and Jane watched as she slowly set her mug aside.

“I know,” Maura admitted quietly, eyes drifting down. “I’ve noticed.”

Jane’s heart clenched at the sadness in her voice. “Hey,” she said gently, “this isn’t pressure. I just… miss you.”

Maura met her eyes again, vulnerable now. “It’s not you, Jane. I promise. It’s me. I don’t feel…” She hesitated, hand brushing over the curve of her belly. “I don’t feel like myself. I’ve gained weight, I can’t find a single piece of lingerie that fits, I sweat in places I didn’t even know existed, and I haven’t seen my own feet in three weeks.”

Jane blinked at her, then gave her a look—soft and amused. “Maura Isles, are you telling me you think I wouldn’t want you because you’re carrying our baby?”

“I know it sounds irrational.”

“It doesn’t. But it is,” Jane said softly, leaning in. “You’re pregnant, you’re glowing, and honestly, I’ve never wanted to bite your thighs more than I do right now.”

Maura let out a startled laugh, covering her mouth. “Jane!”

“I’m serious,” Jane grinned, inching closer. “You’re sexy, Maura. You always have been. But this? This is a whole new level. You’re carrying our kid. You’re radiant. Strong. Soft in all the right places.” Her hand skimmed down Maura’s arm, reverent. “And if you’re comfortable… I’d really like to spend some time showing you just how attractive I find you.”

Maura’s eyes filled with emotion, and she blinked slowly. “I’m not… sure how much I can do right now.”

Jane nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Then let me do everything. Let me take care of you.”

There was a beat of hesitation, then a soft smile.

“Okay,” Maura whispered. “I’d like that.”

Jane smiled, leaned in, and kissed her slowly—no urgency, just warmth, reverence, and a promise: You’re beautiful, and you’re mine.

xxx

The soft afternoon light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue over the bedroom. The tea had long gone cold on the nightstand, forgotten. The room was quiet now, save for the occasional hum of the city outside and the steady rhythm of Maura’s breathing.

She lay tangled in the sheets, one arm draped lazily across her eyes, chest rising and falling slowly as she caught her breath. Her hair was tousled in a way Jane found impossibly endearing, her cheeks flushed, her skin glowing in a way that had nothing to do with pregnancy and everything to do with love and pleasure.

Jane was still gently stroking Maura’s skin, trailing patterns that had no destination—just a lingering devotion. Her touch was slow, reverent—like a worshipper at an altar, like she couldn’t quite believe she got to love this woman, got to touch her like this. She brushed her lips across Maura’s temple, and when Maura shifted slightly beneath the sheets, Jane caught a glimpse of one of the faint marks on her collarbone.

“I think I broke you,” Jane teased softly, lips brushing over Maura’s shoulder.

Maura let out a tired, breathy laugh. “You might have.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of Jane’s mouth.

Maura followed her gaze and groaned softly, tugging the sheet up to her chin with one hand. “You left marks,” she said, voice muffled, cheeks flushed in a way that had nothing to do with heat.

Jane chuckled, dipping her head so her words brushed right against Maura’s ear. “I did.” Jane grinned, leaning over to kiss her again—this one soft and lingering, “you said you didn’t feel desirable. Thought I’d remind you what I see. You didn’t seem to be complaining at the time.”

“That was in the moment,” Maura huffed, but her protest was weak at best. Maura turned her head to look at her, eyes heavy-lidded but full of affection. “You did more than remind me. But now I’m going to have to wear a scarf. Indoors.”

Jane leaned back, eyes raking over her, admiring the way the soft bites dotted Maura’s skin—her neck, her collar, a trail lower still, where the sheet barely covered her. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” she murmured. “And yeah, I marked you. I’m not even sorry.”

Maura gave a half-hearted glare, but it melted almost immediately under Jane’s gaze. “You’re completely shameless.”

Jane grinned, her fingers brushing lightly across another faded kiss of bruised skin just above Maura’s heart. “Shamelessly in love with my wife.” Jane’s hand came to rest on her belly again, thumb stroking gently. “I meant every word, Maur. Every kiss. Every touch. Every curve, every change—your body is incredible. You’re incredible.”

Maura’s lashes fluttered, her hand finding Jane’s and curling their fingers together. “I feel… cherished.”

Jane pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Good. That’s exactly how you should feel.”

Maura’s eyes softened, and she sighed, the kind of sound filled with love and surrender. “You’re lucky I love you.”

Jane’s expression turned earnest, thumb tracing the slope of Maura’s cheek. “No, Maura. I’m lucky because you love me.”

There was a beat of silence, a moment that stretched warm and deep between them. Maura tugged Jane down into another kiss, this one slower than the others had been—less hungry, more filled with promise and everything that still lay ahead for them.

When they parted, Jane settled beside her again, arms wrapped protectively around Maura and the life growing between them. “I’ll rub your shoulders later,” she whispered. “Since I did… tire you out.”

Maura snorted, nestling closer. “You better. And tomorrow, you’re helping me cover those hickeys.”

Jane laughed, pressing a kiss to her crown. “Deal. But only if I get to add a few more later.”

Maura just hummed, already half-asleep, wrapped in love, contentment, and the arms of a woman who saw her not just as beautiful—but as everything.

Chapter Text

The morning light slipped gently through the curtains, golden and warm, casting soft patterns over the sheets tangled around their legs. Jane stirred first, blinking against the sunlight as she registered the weight of Maura tucked into her side, her hand resting protectively over her bump, their legs intertwined.

For a few seconds, Jane just watched her.

Maura’s hair was a bit of a mess, her lips parted slightly as she slept, one hickey barely hidden beneath the shoulder of Jane’s worn Harvard t-shirt she’d pulled on sometime during the night. Jane smiled to herself, brushing a curl off Maura’s cheek and letting her thumb linger there.

She whispered, “How’d I get so damn lucky?”

Maura stirred with a soft sound, her nose scrunching slightly before her eyes fluttered open. “Mmm… because I was very, very patient,” she murmured, voice hoarse with sleep, “and you’re extremely slow on the uptake.”

Jane laughed softly, dipping to kiss her nose. “Fair. But you’ve got to admit, I’m making up for it now.”

Maura’s lips curved lazily into a smile. “You’re doing wonderfully.” She stretched, winced a little, then settled back into the pillows with a pleased sigh. “I’m sore. In ways that are… mostly enjoyable.”

Jane grinned, resting her hand gently on Maura’s bump. “Sorry, not sorry.”

“I noticed,” Maura said, glancing down toward the collar of the shirt she was wearing. Her fingers brushed against one of the faint marks there and she gave Jane a mock glare. “I look like I lost a fight with a vampire.”

Jane shrugged, completely unrepentant. “A very passionate vampire. Who loves you and finds you very sexy.”

Maura blushed, biting back a smile. “I suppose that makes it slightly more acceptable.” She shifted a bit and reached for Jane’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Though you are helping me with cover-up before we pick up Grace.”

“Already planned on it.” Jane squeezed her hand gently. “And maybe you can let me cook you breakfast first. Something that doesn’t involve a microwave or cereal.”

Maura arched an eyebrow, amused. “Are you offering to make me something from scratch?”

Jane nodded. “Pancakes. With that fancy syrup you like. And fruit. Doctor Isles-approved fruit.”

Maura smiled softly, leaning in for a kiss that lingered. “You really are trying to spoil me.”

“I’m not trying,” Jane said, kissing her back. “I’m just loving you.”

They lay there for a few more minutes, tangled in each other, wrapped in peace. No rush, no phones, no day-care chaos, no precinct demands. Just the two of them, in their little pocket of morning light, preparing for another day—but starting it in the best way possible: together.

xxx

Maura had dressed with care that morning. A soft, flowing blouse, pale cream with delicate buttons, paired with maternity jeans that hugged her growing bump just right. She’d even taken the time to put on mascara and a bit of blush, and she'd braided her hair loosely to one side to keep it off her neck.

It wasn’t until they were pulling into Frankie’s apartment parking lot that she noticed Jane glancing at her a little too smugly.

“What?” Maura asked, narrowing her eyes.

Jane grinned, not even trying to play innocent. “Nothing. Just admiring my handiwork.”

Maura reached up to touch her neck, immediately realizing the tell tale heat lingering just below her ear.

“Jane.” Her voice was a whisper of horror. “You said they wouldn’t show.”

“I hoped they wouldn’t show.” Jane leaned over and kissed the corner of her mouth. “They look good on you. Very... loved.”

Maura flushed scarlet. “I am going to murder you.”

“You’ll have to catch me first, doc.”

Frankie opened the door just as Maura tried to tug her braid further around her neck.

“Hey, Frankie,” Jane greeted breezily. “We’re here for our tiny terror.”

Grace barrelled toward them with glee, but Frankie’s eyes were already on Maura—and then he frowned.

“Uh... Maura?” He pointed vaguely toward his own neck. “You, uh... got a little something there.”

Maura gave him her best neutral, dignified smile. “Yes, thank you, I’m aware.”

Frankie blinked. “Oh.”

“Frankie,” Jane added, arm slung around Maura’s waist, “don’t say it unless you really want to hear details.”

He held up his hands in surrender. “Nope, no details, I’m good. Super good. Great, actually. Wow. Look at the time.”

xxx

Lunch with Angela was meant to be calm. Pleasant. Full of good food and gossip. They were already seated when Angela breezed in, eyeing both of them like a hawk.

Maura, still flustered from the earlier encounter, kept her chin up and her blouse buttoned all the way to the top—too late.

Angela’s eyes locked in on the faint purpling at Maura’s collarbone like a sniper. “Oh, my god.”

Jane winced. “Ma…”

Angela ignored her, grinning wickedly. “Maura Isles, look at you. I see you’re keeping things spicy.”

Maura's blush spread all the way to her ears. “Angela, please—”

“I mean, I know hormones are a thing but damn, I didn’t think Jane had it in her!” Angela tilted her head and gave Jane a look only a mother could master. “You’ve got a baby in your belly and another baby at the table. You two couldn’t wait one more trimester to get back to being teenagers again?”

“Ma!”

Angela waved them both off and took a sip of her lemonade. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I think it’s cute. Your wife’s still got it.”

Maura shot Jane a look that promised retribution later. Jane, on the other hand, looked like she was trying not to burst with pride. “Told you you were sexy.”

“Next time,” Maura muttered, buttering a roll with unnecessary force, “warn me before you go Jackson Pollock on my skin.”

Angela burst into laughter again, wiping her eyes. “You two are gonna give that poor child therapy bills.”

From her spot beside Maura, Grace was cheerfully munching on breadsticks and humming to herself, blissfully unaware. For now.

Angela was still chuckling into her napkin when the server came by to take their order, barely getting through the specials without stealing a few glances at Maura’s flushed face and Jane’s barely-contained smirk.

“I’ll have the risotto,” Maura said primly, lifting her chin with all the grace she could summon.

Jane leaned in, chin in her hand. “You sure you don’t want something a little spicier?”

Maura didn’t even look at her. “I have had quite enough spice lately, thank you.”

Grace, not missing a beat, parroted, “Mama spicy.”

Jane bit her lip, failing not to laugh. “That’s right, baby girl. Mama’s the spiciest.”

Angela choked on her iced tea and swatted Jane across the arm. “Behave, Janie.”

“Hey,” Jane shrugged, nudging Grace’s sippy cup closer. “She started it.”

Grace beamed, clearly proud of herself.

Midway through the meal, Angela leaned over and looked at Maura’s plate. “So, how are you feeling, sweetheart? You look radiant—but exhausted.”

Maura dabbed her lips with her napkin and smiled softly. “Tired, mostly. Work’s been intense. But we’re making it work.”

Angela gave Jane a pointed look. “You keeping her off her feet, at least?”

“She barely lets me,” Jane muttered around a bite of pasta. “I’m lucky if I get to carry her bag.”

“That’s not true,” Maura replied, reaching under the table and squeezing Jane’s knee. “You’ve been… more than wonderful.”

Jane gave her a look that was so soft it made Angela stop mid-chew. “You’re the one growing a tiny human while running a full department. I’m just here trying to keep up.”

Maura blushed again, more gently this time.

Angela watched them for a second, eyes narrowing. Then she turned to Grace. “So, Gracie, you excited to be a big sister?”

Grace nodded enthusiastically. “I’m gonna help with everything.”

“You gonna teach the baby how to read?”

“Yes! And colours and letters and how to pet the kitty gentle.”

Jane chuckled, nudging Maura’s shoulder. “See? She’s got it covered. We don’t have to do anything.”

Maura smiled, resting a hand on her bump. “I think this baby is already very lucky.”

Angela sniffled quietly into her napkin. “Don’t mind me. Just overwhelmed by all this cuteness. Again.”

As dessert came—ice cream for Grace, tiramisu for Jane and Maura, and a cappuccino for Angela—Maura reached over and laced her fingers with Jane’s.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Jane gave her a look. “For what?”

“For still looking at me like I’m your whole world,” Maura whispered. “Even when I’m tired. Even when I’m covered in hickeys and hormones.”

Jane squeezed her hand. “You are my whole world. Just... slightly rounder right now.”

Angela groaned loudly. “Ugh. Someone pass me that wine list. These two are gonna give me a cavity.”

Jane leaned across the table to kiss Maura’s cheek. “Totally worth it.”

Chapter Text

The second they got home, Grace made it her mission to reacquaint herself with every stuffed animal she’d left behind. She ran through the living room with Bunny tucked under one arm, waving at the couch like it had missed her too.

Jane dropped their bags and followed her in, shaking her head fondly. “You were gone for less than a day.”

“Long enough for Bunny to forget the way to the kitchen,” Grace said with dramatic sincerity, already piling her stuffed animals on the rug.

Maura hung up her coat and gave Jane a look that was half exasperation, half heart eyes. “She gets that from you.”

“Obviously,” Jane grinned. “You think I didn’t miss my couch too?”

After a quick clean up and Maura changing into soft loungewear, the three of them ended up snuggled together on the couch—Grace in the middle, happily tucked under a shared blanket with her movie of choice playing in the background. Maura's head rested on Jane's shoulder, one hand lightly stroking over the curve of her own belly as the baby squirmed. Jane reached over to thread her fingers with Maura’s, their daughter giggling softly at something on screen, the warmth of the little family wrapped around them like armour.

Later, after an early dinner and a bath full of bubbles and chaos, Grace yawned her way through two bedtime stories before finally drifting off with Bunny under her arm and Maura’s hand smoothing over her curls.

They crept out of her room like it was a tactical operation.

In their bedroom, Maura turned to Jane, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “You know… I never got to return the favour,” she said, stepping into Jane’s space and running her hands along her wife’s waist.

Jane arched a brow. “Oh yeah?”

“I’d like to try,” Maura said softly, brushing her lips against Jane’s.

And Jane let herself be guided backward to the bed, all too happy to follow. Maura kissed her with growing hunger, her hands sliding beneath the hem of Jane’s shirt—and then stopped moving entirely.

Jane blinked. “Maur?”

The only answer she got was a soft breath, warm against her collarbone. She glanced down to find Maura curled half on top of her, completely asleep.

Jane chuckled, kissed the top of her head, and carefully adjusted them both so Maura was tucked in and comfortable. “Well, I guess I was just that good,” she murmured to no one in particular, grinning to herself.

She turned off the lamp, wrapping her arms gently around her wife, bump and all, heart full to bursting.

Tomorrow, Maura might complain about the hickeys again. Grace would probably leap on their bed at 6 a.m. with Bunny and questions about breakfast. There’d be day-care, and cases, and hormones, and life.

But for now, in the hush of the evening, Jane just held her family close and let it all wait.

xxx

The day began—loudly.

“MOMMYYY,” Grace called from the hallway, stomping toward their bedroom with as much drama as her little cast would allow. “My arm is ITCHY and it’s STUPID and I HATE IT.”

Jane sat up, rubbing her face. “Good morning to you too, sunshine.”

Grace stood beside the bed, frowning down at her cast like it had betrayed her. “I don’t want it anymore.”

Jane reached out and pulled her onto the bed, catching her before she could wobble. “I know, baby. But we’re so close—like, just a few more days and you’ll be free. You can splash in the bath again, remember?”

Grace considered that. “…Can I take Bunny in the bath too?”

“No,” Jane said, deadpan. “But Bunny can sit on the towel and cheer you on.”

This got a reluctant grin from their girl, and Jane kissed her temple. “Go tell the kitchen I need coffee, okay? I’ll be right down.”

Grace clambered off the bed with a mission. Jane stretched, yawned, and padded across the hall, assuming Maura would already be halfway through her hair routine. But when she opened the bathroom door, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Maura stood at the counter in her underwear, head tilted, gently dabbing concealer over the faint purplish marks blooming across her collarbone and down her neck. Jane leaned against the doorway with a slow smile.

“You know,” she drawled, voice low and lazy with affection, “if I’d known watching you do your makeup half-naked would be this sexy, I’d have planned better lighting last night.”

Maura’s hand faltered, a little colour rising in her cheeks—though that might’ve just been the effort of blending. “I didn’t realize just how bad I lost the fight with the vampire until I saw myself in the mirror.”

“You didn't lose,” Jane said smugly, walking up behind her, sliding her arms around Maura’s middle. “You surrendered. Very gracefully, I might add.”

Maura gave a quiet laugh, leaning back into her. “You’re impossible.”

“And you're stunning,” Jane whispered, brushing her lips just behind Maura’s ear. “Even with the battle scars. Especially with the battle scars.”

Maura rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself, and leaned into the embrace for a beat longer before sighing. “I suppose I should finish getting ready. We’ve got a lot to do now the weekends over.”

Jane kissed the spot her concealer hadn’t quite covered. “We’ll survive. It’s only a few more days until the weekend again.”

From downstairs, they heard the unmistakable crash of something breaking, followed by Grace yelling, “I didn’t mean to!” and then, “Bunny fell!”

Maura winced. “...You better go.”

Jane grinned, grabbing her hoodie and tossing one last wink over her shoulder. “Try not to seduce me again before breakfast.”

Maura just shook her head, smiling into the mirror, as she picked up her concealer once more.

Jane took the stairs two at a time, landing barefoot in the kitchen just in time to see Grace on her knees beside a broken cereal bowl and a very damp, slightly milk-soaked Bunny.

“I was just trying to give Bunny a taste,” Grace said, big brown eyes wide with guilt and milk splashes on her pajamas. “She likes the crunchy kind.”

Jane pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. “I’m sure she does, sweetheart. But maybe next time, let Bunny eat pretend cereal, yeah?”

Grace nodded solemnly. Jane grabbed a dish towel, scooped up the plush toy, and started patting it dry. “We’ll get Bunny in the wash later. For now—how about toast instead?”

Grace nodded again, then promptly asked, “Can I have toast AND fruit gummies?”

“...Nice try.”

By the time Maura joined them—looking flawless, if slightly flushed—Grace was halfway through her toast and had insisted Jane braid her hair, claiming that it helped her “think better.”

“Good morning,” Maura said, stepping into the kitchen, eyeing the small puddle of milk still under the table.

“Morning, babe,” Jane said, glancing up. “We had a minor breakfast casualty. Bunny’s recovering.”

Grace lifted her now-damp bunny with one arm. “She says thanks.”

Maura smiled and leaned down to kiss Grace’s head. Then, brushing a thumb gently over the corner of Jane’s mouth, she murmured, “You have honey on your face.”

Jane grinned. “Occupational hazard.”

They were just pulling on coats when Jane’s phone buzzed. She checked the screen, sighed, and showed it to Maura.

Frankie: Bringing Luca in early. Ma said she’s swapped her shift and she’s working today. Just a heads-up.

“Angela’s in today?” Maura asked, brows lifting.

“And probably armed with a thousand questions,” Jane muttered, zipping up Grace’s coat. “And a magnifying glass for your neck.”

Maura flushed again. “She wouldn’t.”

“She would. She will. She has.”

Maura groaned softly. “Let’s just pretend we’re normal for five minutes.”

Jane leaned in, whispered in her ear, “Never once wanted normal with you,” and then gently herded Grace toward the door before Maura could reply.

—

The day-care was already buzzing by the time they arrived—Angela in full force, chatting with two of the newer parents while somehow juggling three travel mugs, a clipboard, and a half-peeled banana.

“Finally,” Angela called as Jane and Maura entered. “You two took your sweet time!”

“We were busy,” Jane said innocently.

Angela narrowed her eyes. “Busy doing what?”

Before either of them could answer, Grace piped up helpfully, “Mommy was putting stuff on Mama’s neck because Mama got weird ouchies.”

Angela blinked.

Jane covered her face.

Maura sighed, absolutely crimson.

Angela smirked, she'd seen the obvious hickey's but it was clear from the embarrassment in the room that there were more.

“Oh,” she said, far too innocently. “Is that right?”

“Okay,” Jane said, scooping Grace up and heading for the classroom. “Day-care time! Say bye to Nonna!”

Grace waved over Jane’s shoulder as they disappeared.

Maura lingered behind, straightening a stack of paperwork that didn’t need straightening.

Angela leaned in and murmured, “It’s the quiet ones you gotta watch out for.”

Maura smiled primly. “I have no idea what you mean.”

Angela gave her a look. “Just remember to stay hydrated, sweetheart.”

Maura fled to the safety of her office.

-

Later, after lunch, after naps and story time and a round of finger painting that left Luca more paint than boy, Jane and Maura finally curled up with Grace for their usual post-lunch wind down. Grace wedged herself between them, sleep-heavy and content, her casted arm tucked carefully across her chest.

Maura rested her cheek against Jane’s shoulder. “You think she’ll remember all of this when she’s older?”

Jane smiled. “Not all the details. But she’ll remember being loved.”

Maura reached for her hand. “That’s all I want her to remember.”

They stayed like that for a while—just the three of them, warm and safe in the quiet moment before the afternoon chaos returned.

Chapter Text

The hospital smelled like antiseptic and too-strong coffee, and Grace was practically vibrating with excitement as she skipped ahead down the corridor, her blue cast clunking softly against her coat.

“Stay close, Gracie,” Jane called, adjusting the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder as she followed. “We’re not running a marathon here.”

Grace only grinned, clearly unfazed. “I’m just practicing for when I get my arm back!”

Jane couldn’t help but smile, even as she reached to gently usher her back toward the wall. “That’s not how arms work, kiddo.”

They turned a corner toward the outpatient surgical suites when Jane heard the unmistakable sound of heavy boots and rattling metal. Two prison transport officers were coming down the corridor from the other direction, heads forward, the lines of their faces drawn and alert.

Jane’s instincts kicked in immediately. She paused, posture tightening, eyes scanning—

And then she saw him.

The gurney between the guards moved slowly, and strapped atop it was a man whose face was burned into her memory like a brand.

Charles Hoyt.

Even gaunt, even pale and shackled, his eyes were unmistakable. Cold. Bright. And staring right at her.

Jane froze.

Her breath caught in her throat, the hallway narrowing like a funnel.

Hoyt’s expression didn’t change—but his eyes flickered, just slightly, the smallest twitch of recognition passing over his face like a shadow.

He knew her.

Of course he did.

Grace tugged on her sleeve. “Mommy?” she asked softly, “Who is that man?”

The question pulled Jane from the fog. She scooped Grace up onto her hip with the kind of practiced motion that hadn’t left her since Grace was a baby, turning them both subtly to shield her daughter from the passing gurney.

“Just someone from a long time ago,” she murmured, her voice quieter than usual. “Someone who doesn’t matter anymore.”

But inside, her stomach churned. The air felt colder now, like the shadows he’d once cast were reaching forward again.

She held Grace a little tighter as the transport team disappeared around the corner and out of sight.

Jane sat in the exam room ten minutes later, silent while Grace chattered happily with the nurse about getting her cast off and how excited she was to be able to splash in the tub again.

But Jane’s hands were clenched in her lap. Her mind was miles away, in a dark basement with a scalpel pressed to her skin and a voice whispering threats she hadn’t heard in years.

She hadn’t called Maura.

She didn’t want to worry her.

Not yet.

Grace glanced over. “Mommy?”

Jane blinked. “Yeah, baby?”

“You’re squeezing your hands too much,” Grace said, frowning. “Are you nervous about my arm?”

Jane forced a smile. “Not even a little.”

Grace smiled proudly. “’Cause I’m really brave.”

Jane nodded, brushing a curl from her daughter’s face. “You are. The bravest girl I know.”

But in her mind, she saw those eyes again—Hoyt’s eyes—and knew this wasn’t over. The thought of him knowing about Gracie’s existence made her nauseous.

xxx

Back at the day-care, Grace was bouncing—now fully freely—on both legs, beaming as she showed off her newly freed arm to Angela and the other kids. Jane stayed for a little while, watching Grace proudly explain to Lila how the saw had been “super cool” and “not even scary, ‘cause Mommy held my hand.”

But Jane’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

She ruffled Grace’s curls, kissed her forehead, and told Angela she’d be back in time for pickup. “Couple hours,” she promised. “Just… need to check on something.”

At home, she dropped her keys in the bowl by the door and made a beeline for the cabinet in the back of the hallway closet. It took a little effort to haul out the old banker’s box. It was labelled with her handwriting—Hoyt – CLOSED—and it hadn’t been touched in years.

She sat cross-legged on the living room floor, the soft afternoon light pooling through the windows as she opened the box. The smell of old paper and manila folders hit her, bringing memories she didn’t want. Photos, transcripts, copies of her own reports. Maura’s autopsy notes from the victims. Her own testimony.

Her fingers lingered on a picture of him, taken during his arrest—the cold glint in his eye, the thin curl of a smile that had haunted her dreams long after he was locked away. He was older now, thinner, but that smile was the same. It had been there for a moment, she was sure of it, in the hospital hallway. Not at her—at Grace.

Jane shivered, closing the folder. She didn’t think he could do anything from where he was. But Hoyt had always been ten steps ahead. He had hurt her before—nearly killed her. He’d taken from her. He had tried to destroy her.

And now she had Grace. And Maura. And a whole life worth protecting.

She ran a hand over her face and stood up. She needed to talk to someone—maybe Cavanaugh, or Frost. Just a quiet check. Just in case.

Because Jane Rizzoli didn’t believe in coincidences when it came to Charles Hoyt. And the thought that he’d seen Grace—even for a second—made the edges of her world feel far too sharp.

xxx

Jane stared down at the closed folder in her lap, her thumb absently running over the ridges of the manila tab. Her stomach twisted in that old, familiar way she hadn’t felt since she’d last chased monsters through alleys and basements. Only this time, the monster had looked at her child.

She reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found Korsak. Her thumb hovered, but only for a second, before she pressed Call.

He picked up on the third ring, his voice warm and steady as always. “Hey, Rizzoli. What’s up?”

“Can you come by the house?” she asked without preamble, her voice lower than usual. “I just… I need to talk to you. It’s about Hoyt.”

There was a pause. “You okay?”

Jane let out a short breath. “Yeah. Grace is fine. I’m fine. I just… I saw him. Today. At the hospital.”

Another pause, heavier this time. “Be there in twenty.”

True to his word, Korsak knocked on her door just under twenty minutes later, holding a coffee in one hand and a paper bag in the other.

“I brought doughnuts,” he said as she opened the door. “I figured if we’re gonna talk about that bastard, we should have sugar.”

Jane cracked a small smile despite herself, then stepped aside to let him in. “Thanks.”

They settled in the living room, Jane pushing aside the baby blanket and a tiny plastic pony that had somehow migrated onto the couch. She passed him the box of files, and for a while, Korsak said nothing as he flipped through them, familiar with most of the contents, but now looking at them with fresh eyes.

Finally, he closed the folder and looked up at her. “Tell me everything.”

So she did—quietly, her voice tight. About the hospital, the prisoner transport, the way he’d looked at her, and the way Grace had innocently asked who he was.

“He looked at her, Korsak. Really looked at her. I know that look. He’s planning something, I can feel it. Even if I’m being paranoid, I can’t shake it.”

Korsak leaned back and rubbed his jaw, then nodded slowly. “You’re not wrong to feel the way you do. You’ve got good instincts. Always did. But he’s been locked up tight for years, Jane. There’s no way he orchestrated something while under transport, unless he got help from the inside.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” she admitted. “I don’t want to bring this up at the precinct yet. Not until I know if I’m chasing shadows.”

“And Maura doesn’t know.”

“No,” Jane said, eyes fixed on her knees. “I didn’t want to stress her. She’s already pushing herself too hard. I can’t throw him into the mix.”

Korsak reached over and gave her knee a squeeze. “Okay. Then we do this smart. I’ll make a few quiet calls, see if there’s anything weird going on with his transport logs, visitors, guards. If there’s something to find, we’ll find it.”

Jane nodded, shoulders easing just slightly. “Thanks, Korsak.”

He gave her a look—soft, understanding, but still firm. “You’re not alone in this, Jane. You’ve got Maura, you’ve got Grace, and you’ve got me. Whatever this is, we’ll get ahead of it. Together.”

And for the first time since seeing Hoyt, Jane believed that maybe—just maybe—he wouldn’t win this time either.

Chapter Text

Korsak moved like the seasoned vet he was—low and quiet, careful not to raise any alarms. He knew better than anyone what it meant when Jane came to him like this, with that guarded edge in her voice, a storm brewing behind her eyes. And if Hoyt was involved, even peripherally, it wasn’t something to ignore.

He looped in Frost first. Trusted. Loyal. Sharp as hell. The kind of man who didn’t ask unnecessary questions and knew how to chase a lead without leaving footprints. Then Cavanaugh—because if there was a breach or a concern on the official end, they needed someone high up to keep things contained without the entire department getting spooked.

They kept it tight. No emails, no paper trail. Quiet phone calls, coded texts. Korsak got his hands on Hoyt’s transport logs and found a discrepancy almost immediately—two minutes unaccounted for in the security footage from the loading bay. A delay. Minor on paper, but enough to raise a brow.

Meanwhile, Jane buried herself in old files during Grace’s nap times and late nights when Maura had fallen asleep with a book on her chest. She started mapping out connections—people who had visited Hoyt in prison over the years, corrections officers with disciplinary marks, court-appointed doctors. Anything that could point to how the hell he might have gotten word about her life now.

She was meticulous, but also discreet. Maura had a sixth sense when it came to Jane’s moods, so Jane overcorrected—she brought Maura coffee at the morgue unprompted, kissed her bump more, laughed a little louder at Grace’s knock-knock jokes. She hated keeping secrets from her wife, but she hated the idea of Maura worrying even more. Especially now.

There were moments when she wanted to blurt it all out. Like when Maura would reach for her hand absently while they watched TV, or when Grace curled up in her lap during bedtime stories. But Jane swallowed the urge every time. Not until she had more. Not until she was sure.

What none of them realized—not yet—was that Hoyt’s interest wasn’t just an echo from the past. Something had shifted. And Jane’s instincts? As always, they were dead-on.

xxx

The package was innocuous enough at first glance—small, brown, unmarked aside from Jane’s name, scrawled in that almost lazy handwriting. No return address. No postage that made sense. It had been dropped off at the day-care front desk, the officer on duty assuming it was something for Jane or Grace. She’d smiled politely, taken it with steady hands, and the moment she turned away her stomach dropped like a stone.

She didn’t open it there. She couldn’t.

Instead, Jane casually mentioned she was heading upstairs to visit, shooting Angela a smile that didn't reach her eyes and promising she’d be back in time for story hour. But the second she stepped into the elevator, her fingers tightened around the box like it was ticking.

Korsak was in his office when she arrived, phone tucked between his shoulder and ear. The moment he saw her face, he ended the call mid-sentence.

“Jane?” he asked carefully, already halfway out of his seat.

She didn’t say anything—just held up the box.

They shut the door. Korsak cleared off his desk and set the box down gently. Jane folded her arms tightly across her chest, trying to still the way her pulse was hammering in her ears.

“You want me to—”

“No,” Jane interrupted. “I need to see it. I need to know.”

Korsak nodded. He grabbed a pair of gloves from his desk drawer, just in case, and slit the tape with the tip of his pocketknife. The lid came off with a soft rustle, revealing layers of tissue paper, folded with precision.

Jane took a step back.

Korsak peeled the paper away, and there—sitting innocently in the bottom—was a single item.

A tiny pair of pink ballet slippers.

Toddler-sized.

Worn at the toes, dirtied like they’d been dragged through something. But unmistakably used.

Jane’s breath caught, a flash of panic crashing through her chest like a wave. Her voice cracked when she finally spoke.

“Grace doesn’t take ballet. She’s never worn those.”

Korsak’s face darkened as he stared down at the shoes.

There was a folded scrap of paper tucked beneath them.

Korsak unfolded it carefully and read the words aloud.

"A perfect pirouette takes time, Detective. But don’t worry—I’m watching the steps."

Jane’s knees almost buckled. Korsak was at her side instantly, steadying her.

“We’ve got you,” he said, voice low and fierce. “We’re not letting him touch your family.”

But Jane wasn’t hearing him. All she could see was Hoyt’s eyes in that hospital hallway. His smirk.

This wasn’t just a game anymore.

xxx

That night, Jane wore the mask she’d perfected in her years on the force—the calm, steady expression that gave nothing away, even when her heart was hammering so hard she could hear it in her ears.

Dinner was loud and messy. Grace, now cast-less and drunk on freedom, refused to sit still, bouncing in her seat with bursts of energy that made Maura laugh and sigh in equal measure. Maura was radiant, one hand resting unconsciously on her baby bump as she told Jane about a ridiculous autopsy report and an even more ridiculous intern.

Jane smiled. She nodded. She even teased Maura a little, the way she always did. She kissed Grace’s forehead goodnight and read her three bedtime stories because “Mommy always says one more.”

She held Maura longer in bed than usual, fingers trailing lightly over her stomach, lips brushing her shoulder in silent affection. She murmured something about how lucky she was, how beautiful Maura looked, how proud she was of the little life they were building.

And Maura—Maura smiled sleepily and pulled her closer, none the wiser to the way Jane’s mind was still caught in that moment at the precinct. The slippers. The note.

The certainty.

After Maura fell asleep, Jane slipped out of bed and into the hallway, closing the door quietly behind her. Her phone was already in her hand, message halfway typed.

JANE: I’m going. Tomorrow. I have to.

The reply came back quickly.

KORSAK: Figured. I’ll set it up. You’re not going alone.

Jane stared at the message for a long moment, then turned off the screen.

She wasn’t sure what Hoyt would say. What he wanted. But she knew that she needed to look him in the eye again. To feel the monster breathing on the other side of the glass and remind herself who she was.

Not the victim he tried to carve her into.

Not just the wife. The mother. The woman running a day-care and tucking babies into bed.

But Detective Jane Rizzoli.

And she was done being scared.

Chapter Text

The prison was cold in a way that had nothing to do with the air. The kind of cold that seeped under your skin and made your bones ache with old memories.

Jane sat across from Hoyt for the first time in years, the glass between them thick but useless—his voice, that same serpentine drawl, cut through easily. Korsak was beside her, arms crossed and jaw tight, watching every twitch of Hoyt's face.

Hoyt leaned forward with a lazy smile, hands cuffed, chained to the table on his side of the glass. He looked older, more fragile, but his eyes were the same. Hungry. Sharp.

“Jane,” he purred, “how poetic. You look good. Radiant. The glow of domestic bliss suits you.”

Jane didn’t respond. Didn’t flinch. She kept her gaze steady.

“What do the slippers mean, Hoyt?” Korsak asked, cutting in.

Hoyt turned his head slowly, as if he’d only just noticed Korsak was there. “Detective,” he said, dripping mock surprise. “Still lurking in the shadows for your little protégé?”

Korsak’s fingers twitched. Jane reached under the table and stilled them with a quick press of her hand. “Don’t,” she murmured.

“Don’t what?” Hoyt asked, smirking. “Don’t react? Don’t show me how well I still know how to pull your strings?”

“We’re not here for your games,” Jane said, voice flat.

Hoyt tilted his head, regarding her. “But you came. You brought her,” he said, his voice lowering. “To the hospital. Your little one. She looks like you, Jane.”

Korsak surged forward but Jane stopped him again with a glare. She leaned closer to the glass.

“The slippers, Hoyt. Why? What do they mean?”

He smiled again, snake-like. “You always did like to dance around the truth. But they’re not for you, Jane. They’re for her. Tiny toes, soft steps... so easy to misstep. You know how delicate children are.”

Jane’s breath caught in her throat.

Korsak stood so fast the chair screeched across the floor.

“Say another word about her and I swear—”

But Jane cut in, her voice steel. “That’s enough. We’re done here.”

She stood, the weight of Hoyt’s grin chasing her up into her spine. As she turned, he called after her.

“Tell the ballerina I said hello. And Jane... I always did like the way you moved.”

They walked out in silence, past buzzing doors and guards with tired eyes. Once outside, Korsak exhaled like he’d been holding it the whole time.

“He knows more,” Jane said.

“Yeah,” Korsak muttered, jaw tight. “And he’s still the sick bastard we remember.”

Jane clenched her fists. “He’s not done. Not yet. And I am not letting him anywhere near my family.”

Korsak nodded. “Then we figure out what this means. And we end it—for good this time.”

They got in the car. Jane didn’t look back.

xxx

Dinner was Maura’s homemade butternut squash ravioli, rich with sage and brown butter, served alongside warm bread and a light salad Grace had insisted on helping "decorate" with cucumber stars. It should’ve been a peaceful, warm evening. Their cosy kitchen glowed under the soft overhead lights, Grace babbling about the cast-removal process between enthusiastic bites.

Jane smiled at all the right moments, laughed when she should, even ruffled Grace’s hair as the little girl held up her empty plate for a second helping. But beneath the surface, everything in her felt tight. Like an elastic stretched too far. One sharp tug from snapping.

She poured Maura a glass of water, her hand trembling just enough for a drop to spill. Maura’s eyes caught it instantly.

“You okay?” she asked gently, voice low as she glanced toward Grace, who was too busy humming and dipping bread in sauce to notice anything.

“Yeah,” Jane said too quickly. Too brightly. “Just tired. Long day.”

Maura didn’t press—not yet—but Jane could feel her gaze lingering. Studying her like a puzzle that suddenly had missing pieces.

As they finished up dinner, Grace declared, “I want ice cream!” and Maura chuckled, standing to fetch the tiny containers from the freezer.

“I’ll get the spoons,” Jane offered, turning toward the drawer, but her hand froze just as she touched it. A jolt of cold slid up her spine.

Hoyt’s voice still echoed in her ears. Tiny toes. So easy to misstep.

She blinked hard, jaw clenching, then forced her hand to move.

Maura returned with the ice cream, but paused mid-step. “Jane.”

It wasn’t a question. Just her name, filled with concern.

Jane looked up. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“I’m fine,” she said again.

Grace piped up, “Mommy’s not fine. Her eyes look like when she has an ouchie head.”

Maura crouched down to gently distract Grace with her dessert, but her gaze stayed on Jane.

Later, after Grace was tucked in and the kitchen had been cleaned, Maura found Jane out on the back porch, sitting on the steps in the dark with a glass of water clutched between her hands.

“I saw you today,” Maura said quietly, sitting beside her.

Jane exhaled, shoulders sagging. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s not,” Maura said. “You’ve been quiet since the hospital.”

Jane didn’t speak for a long time. Then, “I saw Hoyt.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

Maura’s breath caught. “What?”

“He was on a gurney. Transported for something, I don’t know. Just… there. In the same hallway. He looked right at me. At Grace.”

Maura’s hand found hers. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jane looked at her, pain flickering across her face. “Because I didn’t want to scare you. I didn’t want to say it out loud. I thought if I could just… deal with it quietly, it’d go away.”

Maura squeezed her hand. “You don’t have to carry that alone. Not anymore.”

The mask cracked fully then. Jane leaned into her wife, forehead pressed to Maura’s shoulder, letting the weight of it all slip out in a single, shuddering breath.

“I’m scared,” she whispered. “Not for me. For you. For Grace. I can’t let him take anything from me ever again.”

Maura wrapped both arms around her, kissing the crown of her head. “And he won’t. Because this time, you’re not alone.”

Chapter Text

Jane was in the middle of cleaning up a glue-and-glitter disaster at the day-care when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw Korsak flashing across it.

Her heart jumped.

She wiped her hands quickly and ducked into the office, closing the door behind her before answering.

“Tell me you’ve got something,” she said without preamble.

Korsak didn’t waste time. “I think I might.”

Jane sat down slowly. “Go on.”

“There was a girl,” he said. “From Hoyt’s past. Way before we ever knew his name. Her mother dated him briefly—early '90s, just after his first stint in juvie. She had a daughter, maybe three or four at the time. Kid went missing after ballet class. Vanished. Case went cold.”

Jane's fingers curled around her pen so tightly she could hear it creak. “Why wasn’t he a suspect?”

“They broke up years before the girl disappeared,” Korsak said. “No contact. No known bad blood. Cops looked into close family, teachers, a known sex offender in the area. Never looked at the mom’s old boyfriends.”

Jane’s chest felt tight. “And you think it was him.”

“I know it was,” Korsak said grimly. “That package he sent you? The ballet slippers? It wasn’t a threat. It was a message. A trophy.”

Jane’s stomach turned. “And he wants me to know about her. Now. Why?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Korsak admitted. “Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s him playing games. But Jane—if we can prove this, it means closure for her family. And maybe leverage. Something to keep him from going any further.”

Jane ran a hand through her hair, her mind racing. “Get me everything you can find on the girl. Her name, her mother, the case files. I want to see it all.”

“I already pulled the file. I can drop it off tonight,” he said. “But Jane… don’t get too deep into this alone. You’ve got a lot to protect now.”

“I know,” she said quietly.

But deep down, she knew she’d already stepped too far in to walk away.

xxx

The day-care was unusually loud for a Tuesday afternoon, and Jane was elbow-deep in finger paint and glittery pipe cleaners, trying to help a group of toddlers make "fire trucks" that looked more like abstract nightmares. Her phone buzzed against the counter just as one of the kids accidentally dumped red paint across the floor.

She reached for the phone with a sigh, not bothering to check the number. “Rizzoli.”

There was a pause—just a breath, but something in it made her spine stiffen.

Then came the voice.

“Red paint. How fitting.”

Her entire body froze. Her hand tightened around the phone, knuckles going white.

“Hoyt.”

A soft laugh. Too calm. Too knowing.

“I always did enjoy your chaos, Jane. I wondered when you’d stop pretending you could play house forever.”

Jane’s jaw clenched. She stepped quickly into the day-care office and closed the door behind her. “What the hell do you want?”

“I just wanted to see how you were settling into domesticity,” he said smoothly. “Day-care director. Devoted wife. Doting mother. It’s sweet. Really. But how long do you think you can keep all of it safe?”

Her mouth went dry.

“You’re in prison,” she snapped, trying to steady her voice. “And that’s where you’re going to rot.”

Another pause. “And yet, you’re answering my call. Why is that, Jane? Maybe… because you know I’m already out there. In some way. In someone.”

The line went dead.

Jane stared at the screen, her heart pounding so hard she could barely hear anything else. Her hand was shaking.

She barely noticed Angela poking her head in a few minutes later, asking if she was okay.

Jane nodded. She was fine. Totally fine.

But the truth was, the moment she heard Hoyt’s voice again, the world she’d fought so hard to build—a world of finger paints and shared lunches and soft family mornings—had started to shake at the foundations.

She couldn’t tell Maura. Not yet. Not until she knew how deep this went.

She picked up the phone again, hands still trembling, and dialled Korsak.

“Change of plans,” she said when he answered. “He called me. And he knows more than he should.”

xxx

The days began to blur, each one folding into the next like a weighted blanket pulled tighter and tighter over Jane’s shoulders. The cheerful noise of the day care became background static, a rhythm she moved through on muscle memory alone. Her smiles were rehearsed. Her laughter was shallow. Only Grace ever got something real—and even then, it was a flicker, dulled at the edges by the quiet war raging inside her.

Maura noticed, of course. She always did. But Jane was good at redirection. A kiss to Maura’s growing belly, a whispered “I’m just tired,” a tight hug at the end of the night. She promised herself she’d tell her soon. Just… not yet.

The calls between her and Korsak grew more frequent and more desperate. Frost had pulled the missing persons report on the little girl—Kara Lennox, age four, vanished from her dance class nearly twenty two years ago—and was buried in the notes. He hadn’t said it aloud yet, but Jane could see it in his eyes: they were starting to believe Hoyt had taken her. Starting to believe that the monster had been grooming his legacy long before anyone realized it.

They had nothing concrete. Just whispers, stretched timelines, and Jane’s gut—which twisted more painfully by the day.

Korsak was exhausted. Frost, tenser than Jane had ever seen him, nearly snapped at a junior officer for asking the wrong question. Even Cavanaugh looked like the weight of it all was settling deep into his bones.

And Jane? Jane was unravelling in slow motion. She slept in pockets, never more than a couple hours at a time. Her old nightmares had returned—basement walls and slick floors and cold, cold eyes. She found herself obsessively re-reading Hoyt’s letters, his old case files, the victim statements. Looking for some missed detail, something that would make it all click.

At night, when Maura drifted off beside her, one hand resting protectively over her belly, Jane would sit on the bathroom floor with the door closed and her head in her hands, willing herself not to fall apart.

But she was. Bit by bit.

Grace’s laugh could still ground her. Maura’s touch could still slow her racing heart. But it didn’t last. Not with Hoyt’s voice still echoing in her ears. Not with the growing certainty that something worse was coming.

She just didn’t know how to stop it.

Chapter Text

Jane was unravelling.

She doesn’t see it. Not really. Not at first.

She tells herself she’s just focused. Determined. That she has to solve this before it spirals further. Before Hoyt finds a way to twist the knife even deeper.

But everyone around her? They see it.

Korsak sees it in the way Jane zones out mid-conversation, eyes hollow, jaw clenched. The way she’s stopped eating, stopped sleeping. The way she’s falling back into old habits—ones she worked so damn hard to break.

Frost sees it in the way she snaps at people who don’t deserve it. The way her hands shake sometimes when she doesn’t think anyone’s watching.

And Maura?

She sees it in the way Jane has started looking through her instead of at her. The way she flinches when Grace tugs at her sleeve, like she wasn’t expecting her own daughter to be there. The way she kisses Maura’s forehead at night like a goodbye, instead of a simple goodnight.

Jane is slipping.

And it terrifies Maura more than anything else.

And then Jane gets the phone call.

She’s at the day-care when it happens, hunched over her desk, flipping through reports for the hundredth time. Her burner phone rings—the one only a handful of people know about. She answers without thinking.

And it’s Hoyt.

His voice is raspy, weak, but still full of venom.

"You never did learn how to let go, Janie."

Jane freezes.

"Such a shame, really. That you never figured out how to separate the past from the present. I wonder how your little family feels about that."

Her stomach drops.

"Tell me, Janie… does your wife still sleep on the left side of the bed?"

The line goes dead.

Jane stares at the phone in her hands. The edges of her vision blur. She can’t breathe.

Her hands tremble as she calls Korsak. He picks up immediately.

"He knows where I live." Her voice is barely a whisper.

Korsak swears.

And that’s the moment Jane realizes—she’s not just losing herself.

She’s already lost.

And she doesn’t know if she can find her way back.

Maura tries to reach her.

That night, when Jane comes home late, Maura is waiting.

"Talk to me."

"I can’t."

"Jane, please—"

"I said I can’t, Maura."

And for the first time in years, Maura doesn’t recognize the woman standing in front of her.

Jane won’t meet her eyes. Won’t touch her.

Won’t let her in.

Maura doesn’t know how to fix it.

And she’s terrified that, this time, she can’t.

But then, the case breaks.

Korsak finds the missing link.

 The girl, the kidnapping. The connection no one saw before.

Jane should feel something.

But all she feels is tired.

Still, she pushes forward. Because that’s all she knows how to do.

They track down an address. A remote property on the outskirts of the city.

Jane goes in first. No gun. No badge. Just a gut instinct and a name that’s been haunting her for days.

Kara Lennox.

She finds the girl in a locked basement. She’s alive. Barely. Twenty six years old and barely the size of someone half her age.

Jane carries her out herself.

Hands her off to paramedics.

And that should be the moment she comes back to herself.

But it isn’t.

Because Jane has been running on fumes for too long.

Because Hoyt still got to her.

Because Maura’s due date is creeping closer, and Jane is still lost.

And then Maura calls.

"I think my water just broke."

And Jane—who has faced down death more times than she can count—runs.

Not toward danger. Not toward vengeance.

But home.

Toward Maura. Toward Grace. Toward their unborn child.

Because if she doesn’t?

She might never find her way back.

xxx

Jane had made a promise—one she whispered to herself through sleepless nights and lonely drives back from the precinct, one she clenched between her teeth like a vow she didn’t trust herself to say out loud.

She would not let fear win.

Not this time.

Not when Maura was standing in front of her, hand pressed low on her swollen belly, breath hitching in discomfort and nerves and—God, Jane hoped—excitement.

Because it was time.

And Jane had almost missed it.

She had let herself get swallowed whole by the shadows of her past. By a man who, even behind bars, knew how to twist her into knots. She had shut everyone out—even the woman she loved most in the world—and now, here Maura was, on the precipice of bringing their child into the world.

And Jane was done letting the fear win.

Her razor-sharp focus, the one that had once honed in on every detail of every case, the one that had consumed her while she hunted through evidence and stared down the ghosts in her mind—was now trained fully, completely, on Maura.

On every wince.
Every breath.
Every tiny tremor in her fingers.

And Jane was there.

Holding her hand as they drove to the hospital.
Brushing Maura’s hair from her forehead during contractions.
Whispering soft encouragement, cracking half-hearted jokes that only earned exhausted smirks but were worth it every single time.

She didn’t let herself spiral.
She didn’t let herself think about Hoyt.
Didn’t let herself imagine all the terrible what-ifs that still clawed at the back of her mind.

Because right now, Maura needed her.

And this baby—their baby—deserved a mother who was present. Grounded. Fierce in the right ways.

So when Maura cried out and the room shifted into the blur of final pushes and nurses shouting encouragement, Jane stayed anchored.

To the room.
To the moment.
To them.

And when the baby’s first cry split the air, fragile and loud and real, Jane felt something inside her break open.

Something hard.
Something heavy.
Something she hadn’t even realized she’d been carrying.

Tears blurred her vision as she kissed Maura’s forehead, whispering, “You did it… God, Maur, you did it.”

Maura, breathless and teary and exhausted, leaned into her.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

And for the first time in what felt like months, Jane believed that.

Because she was here.

Not haunted.
Not hunted.
Just here.

Holding Maura’s hand.
Listening to their baby’s cries.
And letting herself feel everything.

Even the fear.
Even the joy.
Even the love.

Because this was the only battle that mattered now.

And she was going to win it.

Chapter Text

The exhaustion hit Jane like a wave. It wasn’t the kind of tiredness she was used to, the kind that came from long nights of chasing down leads or the mental strain of hours spent in interrogation rooms. No, this was different. It was a deep, bone-crushing fatigue, the kind that made her feel like her very bones were weighted down, like she could collapse at any moment, but still had to keep standing, keep moving forward.

She didn’t remember ever feeling like this before—not when Maura had been abducted and she had fought every day to bring her home, not when Grace had colic and would scream for hours on end, keeping them both up for months. This was something else, something more insidious that seeped into her bones and weighed her down from the inside out.

And yet, as she sat beside her newborn daughter, a shock of dark hair peeking out from beneath her tiny hospital hat, Jane couldn’t imagine closing her eyes, even for a second. The tiny girl in her arms—their girl—was the most perfect thing Jane had ever seen, and she couldn't bear to miss a single moment.

Maura had fallen asleep briefly after the delivery, but Jane could see the way she stirred even in her sleep, the tension in her brow and the worry in her eyes as they opened. Jane had told Maura to rest, but Maura was just like her—unable to stop, unable to let go, even in the face of exhaustion. Maura’s protective instincts, just as sharp as Jane’s, refused to let her sleep, and Jane hated that it was because of her.

She hated that Maura felt responsible for everything, that somehow this pregnancy and the months leading up to it had left Maura feeling fragile. And Jane hated herself for letting that happen, for not being the kind of partner Maura needed earlier, for getting lost in the shadows of her past.

But as Jane watched Maura’s eyes flicker open again, those tired, glassy eyes that still held so much pain and uncertainty, Jane knew she couldn’t leave her like this.

So, with their baby tucked gently in her arms, she moved the recliner next to Maura’s hospital bed, the soft leather creaking under her weight as she sat down. She laid their daughter across her chest, the tiny girl’s head nestled against her, and gently took Maura’s hand in hers, lacing their fingers together.

“Maura,” Jane whispered, her voice thick with the exhaustion she tried so hard to keep hidden. “I know you’re scared. But you need to rest. You need to recover from everything… You’ve been through so much.”

Maura’s lips parted, her breath shaky as she struggled to push through the fog of exhaustion, her eyes flickering between Jane and the baby in her arms. “I don’t know if I can,” she admitted quietly, her voice hoarse from the strain of labour. “I can’t stop thinking about everything… about how fragile she is. I need to protect you both.”

“I know,” Jane said softly, bringing their daughter closer against her chest, feeling the soft weight of the baby on her heart. “But you need to sleep, too, Maura. We’ve both been through a lot… she has been through a lot, too. Let me take care of you. Let me take care of both of you.”

Maura’s fingers tightened around Jane’s, and Jane could feel her hand trembling slightly. She squeezed it back, a silent promise. “You’re not alone, Maura. Not anymore. I’m here. I’m sorry I almost went away but I’m back. I’m here to stay. I’m not going anywhere.”

Maura blinked, her eyes moist with unshed tears, and after a few long moments, she finally let herself lean back against the hospital pillows, her eyes fluttering closed. Jane could feel her tension ease just a little, but she wasn’t fooled. She knew it wasn’t just physical exhaustion; it was the weight of everything—the trauma, the worry, the exhaustion of it all.

Jane gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Maura’s face, careful not to disturb the sleeping baby, and kept her hand firmly clasped in Maura’s.

While Jane held her family together in the quiet comfort of the hospital room, across town, the investigation into Hoyt’s twisted legacy continued to unravel.

Korsak was at the scene of the house where Kara had been held captive, the house where Hoyt’s last victim had been found. The woman who had owned the property was being questioned, her face gaunt and drawn, her eyes full of the kind of guilt that only came from hiding monstrous secrets. Korsak could see that she was scared—scared of what she had been a part of, but also scared of what might happen next.

“You need to talk to me, Miss,” Korsak said in his no-nonsense tone, flipping through the case files as he leaned in close. “Why didn’t you come forward? Why didn’t you say anything about Hoyt all these years?”

The woman’s face twitched, her eyes darting to the corner of the room, the fear palpable. “I didn’t know,” she whispered. “I never knew what he was doing. But I—I saw things, things that didn’t make sense, and I was too scared to ask. After all those years, he’d just show up, bring her with him, and leave. He made sure I never asked questions.”

Korsak leaned forward, his frustration growing, knowing full well that Hoyt had managed to manipulate the situation. The woman wasn’t entirely innocent, but she wasn’t the mastermind either. There was more to the story, and Korsak was determined to get to the bottom of it. The case, the twisted puzzle that had been stretching over years, was finally beginning to show cracks.

Back at the hospital, Jane was fighting against the pull of sleep, knowing she had to be strong, had to be there for Maura, for the baby. The world felt heavy, the weight of everything pressing down on her chest. She wanted to help Korsak, to be there for him, but right now, she couldn’t afford to pull herself away from Maura—not with everything they had just gone through.

Her family was her priority, and she wouldn’t let anyone, not even Hoyt, threaten that.

But deep in her heart, a part of her still feared that the ghosts of her past would never let her go.

Chapter Text

The stark, shrill sound of alarms cut through the quiet of the hospital room like a blade, jerking Jane out of the deep, exhausted sleep she hadn’t wanted to fall into. She blinked rapidly, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to orient herself in the disorienting haze of sleep and fear.

The bassinet next to her was empty except for the soft blanket, a gentle rise and fall signalling the baby’s steady breathing, meaning the nurses must have come in and checked on her while Jane had dozed off. But the alarms were still blaring, and that could only mean one thing.

Maura.

With a gasp, Jane’s body snapped upright in the chair, her heart racing. She turned sharply to find Maura lying on the hospital bed, her face pale and drawn, her eyes half-lidded, barely conscious. The machines monitoring her vitals were flashing wildly, indicating that something was very, very wrong.

Panic surged through Jane, swallowing her in an instant. She didn’t think—didn’t pause to breathe. Her hands trembled as she reached for Maura, moving the blanket off her wife’s body to check for any signs of what had happened. But the moment the blanket shifted, Jane’s breath caught in her throat.

There, spreading out beneath Maura, was a pool of dark, crimson blood. It was far too much for Jane to even process at first, but then the sight of it—the overwhelming amount, staining Maura’s hospital gown, the sheets beneath her—made her stomach turn.

A guttural scream broke free from Jane’s throat, a sound that felt like it was coming from someone else. She shook Maura’s shoulders, her voice hoarse as she desperately tried to wake her.

“Maura! Maura, wake up! Please!”

But Maura’s eyelids fluttered weakly, and she didn’t respond. Jane’s mind raced as she tried to stay calm, but panic threatened to tear her apart. She couldn’t make sense of it—couldn’t understand what was happening. This couldn’t be happening, not now. Not when they had finally made it through everything, not when Maura had just held their daughter. Jane had promised to protect her, to keep her safe, and yet here she was, unable to stop this.

Her vision blurred with tears as she reached for the emergency button beside Maura’s bed, her hands shaking as she pressed it repeatedly, shouting for help. “Help! Please, someone help!”

The nurses arrived in a flurry, their calm professionalism at odds with Jane’s frantic state. She tried to pull away to let them do their jobs, but she couldn’t make herself stop, couldn’t pull herself back. She had to know what was wrong. She had to understand why Maura was slipping away from her.

“Jane,” one of the nurses said gently, but firmly, trying to pull her back. “You need to let us work. Please, step aside.”

“No! No, please, she’s—look!” Jane’s voice broke as she pointed to the pool of blood on the sheets. “What’s happening? What’s going on with her? Why is she bleeding like this?”

The nurse didn’t answer immediately, but her face was grave. She motioned for the others to assist, her voice clipped as she began to direct the team. “We need to get her stabilized. Now.”

The panic swelled in Jane’s chest, suffocating her, as she saw the urgency in their movements. They wheeled the bed away quickly, the sound of the metal bedframe clattering against the floor adding to the chaotic noise in Jane’s head.

“Maura!” Jane called, but her voice was barely a whisper as she watched the medical team rush to work. She wanted to follow, to stay right there beside her wife, but they were pushing her away. The doctor who had just entered the room shouted instructions, his tone sharp as he barked out commands to the nurses, his focus entirely on Maura as they moved her out of the room.

Jane wanted to scream, wanted to run after them, but her feet were rooted to the floor, her body frozen in place by the overwhelming rush of terror that had settled deep inside her. She stared, helpless, as the trail of blood—dark and ominous—dripped from the edge of the bed, marking a path in the direction they had taken her.

Time seemed to stretch into an endless void as Jane stood there, numb, watching the faint red stain in the hallway grow fainter as they disappeared down the corridor. She couldn’t tear her eyes away, unable to accept the reality of what was happening, unable to even think beyond the image of Maura’s pale face and the blood that was now soaking into the sheets.

She felt like she was drowning. Every breath was a struggle, every thought too clouded, too far out of reach. Her mind was spinning in a spiral, unable to process the severity of what had just happened, unable to accept that the woman she loved so deeply might be slipping away from her once again.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It couldn’t be.

In the silence that followed, Jane was left standing in the room, her arms at her sides, the baby in the bassinet forgotten for a moment as her mind raced with thoughts she couldn’t control, a storm of worry and panic that wouldn’t let her breathe.

A part of her was trying to hold onto some semblance of hope, telling herself that this was just another scare, just another complication. But the reality of the situation was too raw, too real. She couldn’t do this again. She couldn’t lose Maura. Not like this.

A few moments later, the door opened, and Korsak appeared, his face a mask of concern. “Jane… what’s happening?”

Jane didn’t respond immediately, unable to find her voice. She just looked at him, the tears falling freely now, the weight of everything crashing down on her.

“I… I don’t know, Korsak,” she said, her voice breaking. “I don’t know what’s happening. I can’t lose her again. I can’t…”

Korsak stepped forward, putting a hand on her shoulder, a comforting presence amidst the chaos. But nothing could calm the storm that was raging inside Jane. Nothing could undo the fear that was threatening to consume her whole.

Not until Maura was safe. Not until Maura was back beside her.

Chapter Text

Time became a blur—was it seconds or hours? Jane couldn’t tell. The minutes stretched, an endless, suffocating fog where nothing seemed real, nothing seemed important except one thing: Maura. Where was she? Was she okay?

Korsak had stayed with her, offering comfort, talking in the background, but none of it reached Jane. She couldn’t focus on anything except the raw, terrifying reality of what was happening. The words he spoke—the updates, the progress, the details about the investigation—bounced off her, meaningless. The only thing that mattered was that she had no idea what was happening to Maura.

Her hands shook as she picked up the baby from the bassinet. Their daughter. The little girl they hadn’t even named yet. Jane hadn’t even thought about names for her. She couldn’t focus on anything other than the sound of her own heartbeat in her ears, the hollow feeling that seemed to swallow everything in the room.

She held the baby against her chest, her arms instinctively pulling the tiny, warm body close. The baby, so small and delicate, didn’t know the turmoil, didn’t understand why her mother was shaking with the weight of it all. Her daughter’s steady breathing, the warmth of her body, the way she snuggled against Jane's chest, provided a small, fragile anchor in the midst of the storm.

But even holding her daughter couldn’t chase away the numbness that had settled into her bones. Jane’s mind felt detached, floating above the situation like she was watching herself from a distance. She wasn’t even sure if she was breathing properly. The air felt thick, and every breath came in shallow, jagged gasps. She just wanted to feel Maura’s touch again, hear her voice, see the reassuring warmth in her eyes.

She glanced over at Korsak, who was talking about the latest findings. His mouth moved, and for a moment, Jane tried to focus on his words. She tried to make herself understand, tried to gather whatever information she could, but it all felt too far away. The words didn’t matter. What mattered was that Maura wasn’t here, that she was somewhere in this hospital, and Jane had no idea what was happening to her.

The baby made a small noise, a soft coo as she squirmed in Jane’s arms, and Jane adjusted her, pressing her daughter’s tiny head against her shoulder. The scent of baby lotion and the soft, rhythmic sound of her little breaths should have been comforting. But all Jane could think about was how fragile Maura was right now, how fragile their little family had become. The fear clawed at her chest, leaving her breathless.

The steady beep of the machines in the room where Maura had been, the feeling of her absence, was deafening. It was like Maura’s presence had been erased, replaced by sterile hospital sounds and the weight of silence.

“Jane,” Korsak’s voice finally broke through her haze, and she looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale with exhaustion. “I… I know this isn’t easy, but we have some information. We’re getting closer, Jane. We’ll get him. We’ll get Hoyt. We’re not letting him get away with this.”

Jane swallowed hard, her throat tight, and for the briefest moment, she felt the sharp tug of anger. It was just another reminder that Hoyt was still out there. He was still part of this nightmare, still lurking in the shadows of their lives. But all she could focus on right now was Maura.

“Is she okay?” Jane whispered, her voice barely audible. She didn’t even recognize it—it was hoarse, raw, strained. “Is she going to be okay?”

Korsak hesitated, his face filled with concern. He didn’t know how to answer.

“I don’t know, Jane,” he said quietly. “I wish I could say something more. But I’m telling you, we’re doing everything we can.”

Jane nodded, though she barely heard him. Her hands were still trembling as she cradled their baby, still unsure of what to do, what to feel. She wanted to be strong. She had to be strong. For Maura. For their daughter.

But the strength that had always come so naturally to her, the courage that she had fought with in the face of every challenge, felt like it was slipping through her fingers. What if Maura didn’t come back? What if something happened to her, to their family, and Jane didn’t get the chance to make things right?

The fear was suffocating.

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breathing, trying to stop the chaos in her mind from overwhelming her. She had to stay strong. Maura needed her. The baby needed her.

But she was drowning.

Korsak let her have her moment of silence, his gaze steady and kind as he watched her, giving her space to breathe, even as the chaos swirled around them. He knew Jane was struggling more than anyone could understand, and he knew she wasn’t ready to hear any more information, not yet.

“I’ll go check on things,” Korsak said softly. “You stay here with her. I’ll keep you updated.”

Jane didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on her daughter’s tiny face. She felt a sense of calm wash over her as she looked at the little one, so innocent, so perfect. But still, the question lingered.

Would Maura come back to them? Could they make it through this?

The silence in the room stretched on, and all Jane could do was wait. Wait for any sign that Maura would be okay. Wait for any sign that they could survive this nightmare, that they could hold their family together.

Because right now, she didn’t know how to keep going without her.

Chapter Text

The minutes stretched, thick and suffocating, until they felt like hours, days. The air in the room grew heavy around Jane. She clutched their daughter closer, rocking her slightly in a futile attempt to find something to ground herself. But the panic was a living, breathing thing, clawing at her insides. Every breath felt shallow, every sound distant, like she was underwater. She hadn’t moved—she couldn’t move. How could she, when Maura was out there, alone, and Jane had no control?

She had been holding on to the faint hope that this was just a scare, that Maura would be back in the room with her soon. But the clock on the wall seemed to tick in slow motion, and Jane's heart felt as if it was pounding louder than anything else in the sterile silence.

And then the door opened.

Jane looked up, her pulse spiking instantly, only to see the doctor entering, his face grim, his expression unreadable. Her stomach twisted. She couldn’t focus on anything. She could feel the blood draining from her face, the dizziness threatening to overtake her. Her grip tightened around their daughter, her hands shaking.

Korsak had been walking the halls when he spotted the doctor entering, and he rushed in right behind him. His face was filled with concern, his eyes scanning Jane as if trying to assess whether she could handle what was coming next.

The doctor didn’t waste any time. He spoke softly but firmly, the gravity of the situation settling between them.

"Mrs. Rizzoli, we’ve been able to stabilize Dr. Isles, but the situation is very serious," the doctor began, his voice calm but somber. "There’s been a large amount of anticoagulants injected into her IV. It’s causing massive blood loss and her body has gone into shock. We’re doing everything we can to counteract the effects, but we can’t be sure she’ll make it through this."

The words hit Jane like a physical blow. She felt the room spinning, the edges of her vision blurring as the doctor’s voice became a dull hum in her ears. She couldn’t process it. Not now. Not after everything. She held her breath, praying this was some kind of nightmare she would wake up from.

Korsak stepped forward, his face pale, his jaw tight as he absorbed the words. His eyes met Jane’s, and for the first time, he didn’t have any reassurance to offer. He didn’t know how to fix this. None of them did.

"Right now, Dr. Isles is sedated while we try to stabilize her further," the doctor continued, the tone of his voice never changing, always clinical, detached from the fear that Jane felt growing in her chest. "We can’t predict how her body will react. We just don’t know."

The weight of his words crashed down on Jane, suffocating her. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she couldn’t allow herself to cry. Not now. Not while Maura was fighting. If she could fight, Jane would fight right along with her.

"Someone in the hospital injected her," the doctor continued, the words clicking into place like a twisted puzzle. "We’ve confirmed that it wasn’t a medical error. The staff are being interviewed, and the building is currently under lockdown. Police are on their way, but the situation is very concerning. We don’t know who is responsible yet, but we are taking all measures to ensure this doesn’t happen again."

The shock of it all began to pierce Jane’s numbness. Someone in the hospital. Someone had deliberately tried to hurt Maura.

"Who did this?" Jane’s voice broke as she spoke, her grip tightening around the baby. The words were out before she could stop them, a desperate plea.

"We don’t know yet," the doctor replied. "But we're investigating all leads. Right now, we need to focus on Dr. Isles and getting her stable."

Korsak placed a hand on Jane’s shoulder, his grip firm, but even he didn’t have the answers. Jane couldn’t even bring herself to look at him as her mind spun. The room felt like it was closing in, her breath coming in short bursts, panic creeping at the edges of her control.

The doctor’s gaze softened as he turned to leave, a quiet understanding in his eyes. "We’ll keep you updated. But I strongly recommend you stay with her. We’ll do everything we can, but it's in her hands now."

As the doctor exited, leaving them in the harsh, clinical silence of the hospital room, Jane couldn’t move. Her limbs felt like lead. The weight of the world was pressing down on her chest, and she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. She stared blankly at the door, the sound of the beeping monitors in the background almost too much to bear.

Korsak didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. He could see it in Jane’s eyes. He knew how far gone she was in her own fear, how much she was struggling to keep it together. He knew Jane better than anyone—he knew how deep her love for Maura ran, how this wasn’t just her wife who was lying on that bed. It was her everything.

"Jane, we’ll figure this out," Korsak said quietly, his voice soft but determined. "We’re going to get whoever did this. You’ve got to believe that."

But Jane didn’t know if she could. Her hands shook as she held their daughter. The thought of losing Maura—the person who had been her rock, her other half, the mother of their children—was too much.

She couldn’t even process the idea of a world without Maura in it.

And then, as if to remind her of what was really at stake, the baby made a small, soft sound. Jane glanced down at the tiny face, the innocent, perfect little girl who had no idea what was happening in the world around her. This little girl needed her mother, and Jane was barely hanging on.

"I can’t lose her," Jane whispered, more to herself than anyone else. "I can’t."

Korsak gave her a moment, but he knew the fight wasn’t over. There was still hope. There was still a chance.

But in that moment, all Jane could do was wait. Wait for the answers, for Maura to come back to her, for their family to be whole again. Because right now, nothing else mattered.

Chapter Text

The hospital room felt suffocating. The sterile scent of antiseptic, the endless beeping of machines, the fluorescent lights above that hummed like a constant reminder of everything Jane was losing… it all felt too much. Jane hadn’t left Maura’s side in almost two full days. She couldn’t. Not when Maura was unconscious, not when she had no idea how long this would last, or if Maura would ever wake up.

She hadn’t seen Grace since the day before, hadn’t even called her—too lost in a haze of worry, exhaustion, and overwhelming terror. She hadn’t eaten anything, not really, and she could feel her body trembling with hunger, but the knot in her stomach was too tight to allow for anything to pass her lips. She hadn’t slept either. Her body ached, every muscle screaming at her to just close her eyes for a minute, but when she did, she only saw Maura’s pale, unconscious face, and she woke up drenched in a cold sweat.

The nurses had insisted. The doctor had prescribed something—something mild, just enough to give her a few hours of rest. She didn’t want to take it, but Korsak had insisted too. “You need to rest, Jane,” he’d said, his voice so much more fragile than she was used to. "She wouldn’t want you like this."

And so, reluctantly, Jane had agreed. The sedative had worked quickly, drawing her into a brief, shallow sleep that was more like unconsciousness than rest. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, a haze of dizziness overwhelming her senses. But when she opened them, the sight of Maura’s unconscious form still remained the same. Nothing had changed.

And Jane’s mind, despite the few hours of reprieve, was still spiralling.

The door to the room creaked open, and Jane’s eyes barely shifted. Frost stepped in, looking like he hadn’t had any better rest than she had, his face drawn with concern. But there was something in his eyes when he saw her—a glimmer of a message she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear.

“Korsak found him, Jane,” Frost said quietly, taking a seat beside her. “We got him. He’s in custody, and he confessed.”

Jane blinked, her heart stuttering in her chest. The words didn’t register right away. She was too tired, too lost, too far gone in the horror of her wife lying unconscious in front of her to focus on anything else. She couldn’t think. Not yet.

“Who?” she managed, her voice hoarse.

Frost paused for a second, letting the weight of the words settle.

“The guy who did this,” he said. “He’s already confessed. And… he told us everything. He explained how Hoyt was involved. Coercion, threats. He was scared for his family, Jane. He said he was doing it for him. He didn’t want to, but Hoyt had forced him.”

Jane’s pulse quickened, her vision going blurry for a moment as she tried to process it. She wasn’t ready for this. She didn’t want to hear anything about Hoyt, not now. Her hands trembled on the edge of the bed, her grip tightening around Maura’s.

“He’s been arrested,” Frost continued, his voice soft. “Korsak already took care of it, and it’s all in the system now. The bastard’s not going anywhere.”

For a long moment, Jane didn’t respond. The anger and the pain churned in her gut, rising up with the bitterness of what had happened. She should feel relieved. It should be enough to know that the man who had hurt Maura would face consequences. But it didn’t matter. It didn’t change what had happened to Maura.

“I need her back,” Jane whispered, the words barely escaping her lips, filled with desperation. “I need her to wake up. I can’t… I can’t do this without her, Frost.”

Frost didn’t say anything for a long time. He just sat there, quietly offering his presence. He knew there was nothing to say that would make this better.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” he finally said, his voice low. “We’re here, Jane. Korsak, me… we’ve got this. And we’re not going anywhere.”

Her chest tightened at the reassurance, but it didn’t stop the weight of the world from crushing her. She just wanted Maura back. She wanted to feel her hand in hers again, hear her laugh, see that soft smile she gave only to Jane. All of the darkness felt endless, stretching further than she could see.

As if on cue, the monitors beeped again—steady, consistent. Maura’s vitals were holding. She was alive. But how long would that last? Would Maura be able to fight through this?

Jane couldn’t keep the tears back any longer. They fell freely, silently, as her gaze stayed fixed on her wife’s pale, still form. She gently wiped her eyes, trying to pull herself together, but the reality of it all was too much.

“Thank you, Frost,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I know you’re doing everything you can.”

Frost gave her a small, solemn nod. “We all are.”

Before he left, he gave Jane one last look. “Get some rest, okay? We’ve got this. Maura’s strong. She’s not giving up.”

But Jane couldn’t sleep. Not yet. She couldn’t tear herself away. Not when the woman she loved more than anything was still in the fight of her life.

Her eyes never left Maura’s form, her hands clutching her daughter a little tighter as she tried to steady her own rapidly unravelling mind. The world had flipped upside down, and Jane was clinging to the fragments, trying to piece everything back together. She wasn’t sure if she had the strength left to do it.

But she would. For Maura. For Grace. For their new baby. She would fight.

Chapter Text

The room was quiet, save for the soft murmurs of family and friends gathering for the special day. The church, bathed in sunlight, felt warm, filled with the soft scent of flowers that adorned the pews and altar. Jane held her daughter in her arms, still adjusting to the newness of it all—the baby, the life they were building. She could feel the little body pressed against her chest, the tiny breaths that made her heart swell with love.

Angela sat beside her, her eyes glistening as she held Grace in her lap, the toddler's attention fixed on the cross around her neck. Jane stole a glance at her, smiling softly, before turning her attention back to the front. Today was meant to be a celebration, a fresh start for their family. It had been eight weeks since their daughter’s birth, and despite the weight of everything that had happened before, today they would mark a new chapter.

And yet, something still felt different, the air slightly too heavy. Jane couldn't place it, but she felt the need for reassurance.

Then, the priest’s voice broke the stillness, calling out their names: “Jane and Maura Rizzoli-Isles, please come forward.”

For a split second, Jane froze, the sound of her name feeling like an echo. And then, she blinked, realizing it was happening. She didn’t even have to look beside her. She knew Maura was there. She could feel her presence.

Maura was alive.

She looked to her side, and there Maura stood, a quiet smile on her face, her hand resting gently on Jane’s arm, as if to remind her they were in this together. The truth, all this time, was that Maura had made it through—she was here, she was holding their baby, standing beside her. The relief hit Jane like a wave, but there was no time for a long exhale. Not yet. They had a life to raise.

Maura was a bit paler than usual, but she was standing, looking stronger than she had in weeks. Her presence next to Jane, as they both stood, was nothing short of a miracle.

Jane’s heart thudded in her chest, a mixture of emotions swarming over her as she slowly stood from the pew, her grip tightening around the baby, still cradled in her arms. Maura met her gaze, her eyes filled with the same love and quiet strength, as they walked side by side toward the front of the church.

As they approached the priest, Jane felt a sense of grounding, of certainty in the midst of everything else. This was real. They were here. Their baby was about to be baptized, and today would be a day of joy. No matter what had happened, no matter how close they had come to losing everything, they had survived. Together.

The priest’s hands were warm as he placed them gently on the baby’s forehead, his voice steady as he spoke the words of baptism.

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” he intoned, before continuing, “I present to you, Faith Rizzoli-Isles.”

The name was a soft, beautiful sound in the church, the finality of it marking this moment as one they would cherish forever.

Maura’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she looked down at their daughter, the weight of the moment not lost on her. This was the moment they had been waiting for. This was the moment they were whole.

Jane squeezed her wife’s hand, a wordless promise, a bond between them that would never break. Today, the world felt as it should be: full of hope, of love, of family.

xxx

The past eight weeks felt like a blur, an endless mix of chaos, love, fear, and healing. It had been a journey—one Jane had never expected to take, filled with moments she could never have prepared for. But she had survived it. They had survived it.

It wasn’t easy at first. Maura’s body was weak, a shadow of the woman Jane had known, and Jane was relentless in her care. She didn’t leave Maura’s side, not even when Maura had insisted she could handle things herself. But Jane wouldn’t let her. The woman who had been so strong, who had fought through so much in her life, needed Jane now more than ever. She’d seen the fear in Maura’s eyes—more fear than Jane had ever seen in the woman she loved. Fear of losing her, of losing the life they were just starting to build with their baby.

The first time Maura had stood up on her own after everything, Jane had cried—quietly, so Maura wouldn’t notice. But Maura did notice. Her eyes were soft, understanding. She had reached for Jane, wrapping her arms around her and whispering, “We’ll get through this. Together.”

xxx

Grace had been so excited to meet her sister. When Jane and Maura finally brought the baby home, Grace was there at the door, holding her stuffed bunny like it was the most important thing in the world. She had stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of her baby sister, before Jane had bent down to pick her up.

“This is your little sister,” Jane had said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Grace’s big brown eyes widened. “She’s so tiny,” she said, her voice full of wonder. Jane couldn’t help but laugh, looking at Maura, who was leaning against the doorframe with a gentle smile.

Grace had been nervous at first, unsure of how to hold the delicate little bundle in her arms, but she had been so proud, so eager to help. “I’m her big sister,” Grace had declared, as if it was the most important job in the world.

Maura had stood beside Jane, her hand on her back, watching as Grace carefully kissed the baby’s forehead. There was so much love in that moment. The family was complete.

xxx

The phone call had come in the middle of the night, and it was Korsak who delivered the news. Jane’s heart had stopped for a moment, her mind refusing to process it. Hoyt, the monster who had done so much damage to their lives, to Jane’s life, was gone.

“He’s dead,” Korsak had said bluntly. “Murdered in prison. Someone got to him.”

It was hard to feel anything but relief—relief that Hoyt would never hurt anyone again, especially not Maura, not their family. But at the same time, a sense of closure was missing. For years, Hoyt had loomed over their lives, a shadow they could never escape. Now, the shadow was gone, but the hole he had left behind was still there.

Jane had hung up the phone, not sure how to feel. She had looked at Maura, who was standing beside her, her eyes wide, trying to make sense of what had happened.

“What does it mean?” Maura had asked, her voice trembling slightly. “Does it make things easier?”

Jane had shaken her head. “No. But it does give us one thing. He can’t hurt us anymore.”

xxx

The babies name had been a long process—something they had both needed to figure out together, something that felt right, something that was theirs. Maura had wanted something unique, something elegant. Jane had been less concerned about the meaning behind the name, but more about how it felt when she said it.

One night, lying in bed together, their baby daughter between them, Jane had turned to Maura. “How about Faith?”

Maura had smiled softly. “Faith is perfect. It’s strong, and it sounds beautiful. This whole journey to get her has been a work in faith—which seems fitting for this little one. She’ll make a difference.”

Jane had kissed Maura’s forehead, nodding. “Faith. That’s her name. It matches our family. Constance, Hope, Grace. A virtue name, A perfect addition to our family.”

Maura had leaned in and kissed Jane, whispering, “Our perfect little girl.”

They had spent the night talking about their future, their daughter, and all the things they would teach her. They had dreamed together, knowing the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy, but with their love, they could handle anything.

xxx

The church was silent as Jane and Maura stood at the altar, holding their precious daughter between them. The weight of everything they had endured hung in the air, but so did the warmth of their love, the joy of a family finally coming together. Maura’s hand was tightly clasped in Jane’s, and as the priest spoke the words, Jane could feel the fullness of the moment—the unity, the love, the life they had built despite everything that had tried to tear them apart.

The priest spoke the final words, and Jane’s heart soared as he announced, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Faith Rizzoli-Isles.”

Jane looked at Maura, her heart swelling with love as they both gazed down at their daughter. She was perfect. Now they had Faith.

Their family was complete. And they would face whatever came their way, together.

xxx

Jane had slipped.

It had been so easy to fall back into old habits during the weeks when Maura had been in the hospital, when the world had felt like it was falling apart around her. Maura’s life had hung by a thread, and Jane had gripped onto what she could. Control. The feeling of being in charge, of keeping things together, of managing it all the way she always had. The tension had built in her chest, and though it wasn’t as overwhelming as before—when everything had felt like it was unravelling—Jane had still found herself making choices that weren’t healthy.

Her need for control had once been a constant, a crutch she leaned on in a world that had often felt out of her reach. But now, with Maura alive, recovering, and their family growing stronger each day, that need to hold it all together, to be the one who didn’t crack, began to slip away.

It wasn’t as bad as before.

Before, when Jane had shut herself off from everyone, when she had numbed herself with work, with obsession, with running from the fear that consumed her. Before, when she had refused to deal with the overwhelming emotions, the feelings that she wasn’t enough, that she wasn’t safe, that nothing in her life was guaranteed. That’s when she had slipped so deeply, and it had almost destroyed everything she cared about.

But now, the urge to control, to push everyone else away in the name of holding it together, wasn’t as powerful as it had been.

It was a slow process, rebuilding the trust in herself, in her family. It was finding balance—finding the strength to lean on Maura, to be vulnerable again, to allow herself to be cared for, not just to care for others.

Maura had always been her anchor. Through everything. And when Jane had let herself fall apart again, when the stress of the past months had threatened to swallow her whole, Maura had been right there beside her. Gently pulling Jane back to the surface, reminding her that she wasn’t alone, that they were a team.

And Grace.

Their beautiful, vibrant daughter, full of life and laughter, had become the centre of Jane’s universe in a way she hadn’t anticipated. She had always been a protective mother, but now, with Faith joining their family, Jane’s love for them was something deeper, something more primal than she had ever known. She was fiercely protective, but she also realized that she couldn’t control everything. She had to let go.

Faith, too, had become part of the family’s healing process. Seeing her tiny hand curl around Maura’s finger, watching her grow stronger each day, reminded Jane of what she had almost lost and what they had gained.

In the quiet moments at home, as Maura held Faith while Grace played nearby, Jane had finally allowed herself to exhale. There was still a long road ahead, but for the first time in months, she felt like she could breathe again. The suffocating grip of fear, of needing control, had loosened.

She looked at Maura, at their two daughters, and for the first time in ages, Jane smiled with a sense of peace. She wasn’t perfect, and she knew she would slip again—life was never going to be simple, especially with the chaos they had lived through. But she didn’t need to control everything anymore. All she needed was right in front of her. Maura. Grace. Faith.

Her family.

And that was enough.

xxx

The house was quiet, the hum of the world outside blending with the soft sound of Grace and Faith playing in the living room. Jane sat by the window, the fading light of the sunset casting a warm glow over her face. She hadn’t been this still in so long—so much had happened, so much they’d all been through—but now, with the soft, rhythmic sound of Faith's quiet cooing in the next room and Grace's laughter floating in from the other side, Jane felt as though the world had finally slowed down.

Maura came up behind her, her hand gently landing on Jane’s shoulder. Jane turned, finding herself looking up into the face of the woman she loved. Maura’s eyes were soft, full of a peace that hadn’t always been there. It was a peace Jane had longed for, a peace they both had worked so hard to rebuild.

"You’re thinking again," Maura said softly, her voice gentle.

"I know," Jane smiled faintly, "Just... thinking about how far we’ve come." Her eyes flicked over to Grace, who was sitting with her stuffed animal, chatting to it as if it were the most important conversation in the world. "And how much farther we’ve got to go."

Maura sat beside her, reaching for Jane’s hand, her fingers curling around it with familiarity and ease. "Whatever comes, we’ll face it together. Always."

Jane leaned into Maura, resting her head on her shoulder. "I know. It’s just... there was so much I had to carry before. I didn’t always share it with you, and I—"

"You don’t need to apologize," Maura interrupted softly, brushing a strand of Jane’s hair behind her ear. "We’ve learned, and we’ve grown. Together. That’s what matters."

Jane closed her eyes, feeling the weight of Maura’s words sink in. She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed to hear them until now. Her mind was still tired, her body still catching up with the whirlwind of the past months, but in this moment, with Maura beside her, their daughters nearby, she felt something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time: peace.

"I love you," Jane whispered, the words simple, yet carrying so much more than their simplicity could show.

Maura’s smile was all tenderness. "I love you, too. And I’m so glad we’re here. With our family."

They both turned as Grace scampered over, climbing into Jane’s lap with her usual energy. Faith, just a few months old now, was in her bassinet beside Maura, gazing up with wide eyes. Grace’s tiny hands reached out to Jane, her fingers gently wrapping around her mother’s necklace.

"Mommy," Grace said, her voice small but matter-of-fact, "I love you. I love Faith, too."

Jane laughed softly, squeezing Grace tightly. "I love you, too, kiddo. You and Faith... you both are my whole world."

Maura reached out, her hand brushing against Grace’s hair, her gaze softening as she looked at both of their girls. "We’ve got our little family. Our whole world right here."

Jane looked over at Maura, their eyes meeting for a moment, a quiet understanding passing between them. Everything they had been through, all the pain and heartache, had brought them here. Together. And with Grace and Faith, their love had grown in ways they had never imagined.

"This is it, huh?" Jane said, her voice a little thick with emotion. "This is everything we fought for."

Maura nodded, her voice barely a whisper, "Yes. This is everything."

Grace, sensing the calmness in the room, yawned, stretching as she settled into Jane’s lap. "Mommy, I’m tired," she mumbled, snuggling close.

"Me too," Jane said, gently rubbing Grace’s back as she slowly closed her eyes.

Maura stood and walked over to Faith’s bassinet, picking up their youngest daughter with a soft smile. As she sat back down next to Jane, she nestled Faith against her chest, her voice low as she spoke.

"Everything we’ve been through," Maura murmured, "has brought us here. To this moment. To this family."

Jane nodded, her heart full, a smile curving her lips. "And this is just the beginning."

The two of them sat there, quietly, surrounded by the hum of their little family. Grace asleep in Jane's arms, Faith resting peacefully in Maura's. Their home, their lives, their love—all intertwined. The chaos of the past, the uncertainty, had faded into the background, leaving only the future ahead of them. A future full of promise, full of love, and full of their family.

For the first time in a long time, Jane felt like she could breathe.

FIN