21 years before

She tried mightily to keep at his heels as they moved through the house. Her feet scurried twice as fast to match with his much longer strides. Yet even with the threat of tripping over herself, Maura kept her head high, chest slightly puffed, walking just as he did. A sense of pride sat warm over her heart from all the two of them had accomplished that morning. Her disappointment from earlier, when he explained that Jane hadn't been able to come over like planned, all but forgotten. It had been since he told her she could be his apprentice while he worked.

Frank glanced down as they walked and smiled at Maura's determined look. It didn't take much to understand why she and his daughter got along like they did. Although Maura presented herself in a manner a little more reserved, they both had an identical bright spark nestled within. They made a short pit-stop in the mud room where he'd left a couple of screws in his coat pocket. He tossed them lightly in his hand and smiled.

"Well, Miss Isles, the only thing left is to swap out that jammed door knob upstairs. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?" She shrugged her shoulders and he laughed. They both knew the answer. Who was responsible. "Didn't think so. But once that is done, I'll be on my way and you can have the rest of your Saturday to yourself."

A heaviness settled in the pit of his stomach as he watched Maura force a smile to her face. How many times had he seen that same look whenever he called Jane so they could go home. He understood what that smile tried to cover. The loneliness she faced once she was with only her parents and other household staff. He gave her a wink, in hopes of erasing some of that hidden pain, and grabbed his box as they both made their way to the stairs.

They stayed silent all the way up and onto the landing, before Maura gently tapped his arm. She held out her hand expectantly, waiting to take over her role, and Frank gave an understanding nod while handing over the toolbox. He kneeled in front of the door, giving it one quick look over, but before he could say anything another tap fell against his shoulder. This time Maura held out the Philip's head screwdriver he was about to ask for.

"Thank you," he said, taking the tool and turning back towards the door. "I'm sure you would of rather had Janie here with you, and I can assure you she wished she were here now too, but I must say I appreciate the help. You know, Janie thinks she's going to join me when she's older, but I don't know. Maybe I should save that spot for you."

Maura stood there stunned for a second. Not just by the kindness of the offer that came from the gruff voice in front of her, but also because as far as she was aware, only Rizzoli's were allowed to help Mr. Rizzoli with the business. Jane had told her of cousins and second uncles and she, Frankie, and Tommy. But never anyone that wasn't blood.

"But, I… I'm not…"

He paused, looking over his shoulder, and as if knowing exactly what was running through her head, Frank said the one thing that cast it all aside.

"You're family, kid." He gave another quick wink as assurance and pointed to the box beside her. "Can you toss me that rag?"

She held out the old cloth, marked with a variety of black stains, an urge slowly building within. Jane had once told her about the gift her father held. How the man could make people spill all that was rolling around in their heads. She mentioned how many times he had done the trick on her and Frankie and Tommy. How they told him everything. Good and bad.

And standing there with him, his kind words still wrapped around her, she too felt the spell. The mention of family and thoughts of Jane and the fact she hadn't told anyone else of their plan. All of it built. Strong and unrelenting. Until finally the words tumbled out.

"We're going to get married."

Frank kept his focus forward, but gave an acknowledging nod. His words came out in a confused grumble. "Who's that?"

"Me and Jane. We're marrying each other."

This time he stopped and turned. In his kneeled position, the two of them came almost eye to eye, and it didn't take him but a moment to see the earnest excitement sparkling in Maura's. He gave an amused grin.

"Is that so?"

She nodded back. The blush on her cheeks slowly fading.

"I see," he continued. "May I ask when this is happening?"

"Soon," she answered. Her stomach fluttered. Partly because of the nerves that came with telling him. Partly in anticipation of getting to marry her best friend. "Once we have all of the plans made and fill out our paperwork, then we're going to have our wedding."

"Is anyone going to be invited?"

Maura paused as the question rolled around in search of an answer. They hadn't talked about that possibility. Everything up until then had been contained to just their own bubble. It had all built around their friendship. Around their desire to always have one another. No one else really mattered. And so eventually the answer was found.

"I don't think so." She gave a soft shake of her head. An idea came to her and she continued. "But maybe we can have another ceremony when were older. After we've been married for a little while. You can come to that one if you want."

His whole face softened. Hope curved his smile wide and gave crinkles to his eyes. He could hope for what Maura just said. He'd seen things like this before. Childhood sweethearts that lasted for the ages. And maybe this was meant to be their story as well. For his kids to be happy would be a dream come true. He cleared his throat, followed by an amused chuckle.

"Well, if that's the case, c'mon then." He held the screwdriver out for Maura to take. "Let's teach you how to do this. My daughter can't marry someone that doesn't know how to fix a busted doorknob."

She gladly took the tool in hand and listened as he guided her movements. Each time he praised her as a natural her body buzzed. Even after they were done and Frank had left, the vibrations stayed because soon he and Jane and the rest of the Rizzoli's really would be her family. And that, with Jane, was all she really wanted her life to be.

She remained in the car as the seconds built between then and when Maura had parked. Her mind raced through things, both things she knew and things she didn't. The things Jane knew consisted of: Maura had exited the car already and was waiting on the sidewalk for her, they had parked on a street she had familiarized herself with early in life, just outside one of the few places that never failed to get her heart beating quick and fast, and that she was still inside Maura's car, frozen with anticipation and disbelief. The things Jane didn't know: the exact plan or location of the fundraiser and that she was still inside of Maura's car, frozen with anticipation and disbelief.

Finally, with a will she didn't know her limbs possessed, she climbed out and shut the door softly. Her eyes scanned everything around them. The nearby bars, the banners that hung from lamp-posts, the muted green and bright red that came with being near Fenway. Her giddiness cloaked every like thick fog, jumbling every coherent thought together, until she met eyes with Maura and found herself center once again.

"Maura?" There was a pleading in her voice. A tone that begged Maura to tell her she wasn't dreaming.

"Yes, Jane?" A soft tease traced over the way Maura spoke Jane's name and goosebumps raced over Jane's arms, up her neck and to the base of her skull.

She gave one more scan over the area. She hadn't been there in ages. Life had gotten in the way. And now she couldn't imagine a better way than with Maura. Her words tripped clumsily as they fell from her tongue, not quite certain what she was trying to say. "This… this is… I know you said no questions in the car, but please just answer this one. Are we going to Fenway?"

A triumphant smirk leapt to her face. She gave a quick wink that left butterflies in both their stomachs. "I told you you'd like it."

A soft blush settled atop Jane's cheeks and the words tumbled out before she could stop them. "I could kiss you right now." The color on her face only grew deeper and she stammered until she found a reply that somewhat tried to clean up the mess she made. "I mean obviously I wouldn't, but…"

Much to her relief, Maura let the comment slide and they fell into a comfortable quiet. One where the occasional shoulder bump and grazing of fingers did all the talking necessary. It carried on until the small touches and subtle skims across the other's skin weren't enough. Jane chanced a quick look over to Maura, eyeing her soft t-shirt and worn jeans, before looking back down to her own attire. The simplicity, everyday-ness, to how they were just then, enough to wrap her in a comfort she hadn't felt since they were kids. She let out a soft laugh and Maura turned to catch her with a wide grin.

"What?"

"I know I haven't been any charity fundraisers in my life, well aside from the ones we snuck around when we were kids, but a ballpark in jeans seems pretty relaxed."

Maura's grin matched her own and she nodded. "Normally you'd be right, however, this is more for the kids. Something for them to get to know me and some of the staff and fellow scholarship recipients. So they know they have a network of people behind them that are there to support them through their journey to becoming doctors. That's all I want. For them to know they are supported."

Jane watched as a glimmer of longing flashed in Maura's eyes. An unspoken wish that she had been shown some of the same support when she had been going through medical school. She could only imagine how cold Constance could be if you went against her wishes. And she had the heartbreaking suspicion that Maura becoming a doctor rather than a socialite Constance could control had resulted in just that.

"I'm sure they do, Maura." She pushed her hands into her pockets, her head dropped, watching the cracks in the pavement pass by with each step.

Maura glanced back over to Jane to find her eyes focused elsewhere. The realization brought with it a rush of honesty and boldness, and a flurry of words.

"My mother and Garrett don't really understand my passion behind this charity. Or why I'm always involved and hands-on with every little detail. It's going to sound silly, but with each fundraiser and event and scholarship ceremony, I guess I just hope that one day they'll be proud."

Jane swallowed hard. "For what it's worth, I am. Proud of you."

"That means a lot, Jane. Really, it does."

They smiled softly at one another. Their shoulders casually bumping once more.

"Although," Jane started again. "Not quite as proud of you as when you put that fake stain on your mother's 'priceless' rug. Do you remember that? The one in the study?"

She let out a full laugh. "Of course I do. She was horrified until she realized it wasn't actually ruined."

"Yeah," Jane half sighed, both of them already reminiscing on those cherished memories.

They walked past the front gates to a small side entry where a single guard sat waiting, seemingly just for their arrival. He lead them through a few narrow corridors, making sure to mention when they were underneath the Green Monster, and though it was a little dark, Maura saw Jane's eyes light up at the comment. Finally the three of them stopped, pausing for what Maura could only infer was for dramatic effect, before he pushed it open and they found themselves on the dirt warning track in center field.

There were people in the stands by home plate and a few athletes tossing a ball around and signing autographs. All of them contributing to the laughs and yells and cheers wafting through the park, and yet Jane didn't hear a sound. Everything had fallen silent as she absorbed the utterly absurd fact that she was actually on the field of Fenway Park. That she was there because of Maura. Because Maura knew her so well. Because that special bond that had faded over the years was still as strong as ever. She only came to after the guard told them they could move a little further in if they wanted, and so she and Maura walked side by side onto the grass, eventually coming to a stop.

"This is unbelievable."

Maura looked up to Jane, her eyes still drinking in the unique vantage point, and as she did, Maura was sure she had never felt such pure joy before. Looking at an awe-struck Jane.

"I can't imagine sharing this with anyone else."

Jane turned to Maura and stared. Her eyes were somehow wide, though she squinted in the bright sun. A flicker of amazement sat deep within them. Maura shivered as she recognized the look of wonder was directed towards her and not just their surroundings. Jane dropped her gaze a moment later, letting it fall to their dangling arms, and without a moment of hesitation took Maura's hand in hers. Both of them stood surprised for the moment, but didn't let go, and so they simply stood there. Hand in hand.

They both looked out towards home plate and a smile crept to Jane's face, full and wide and causing dimples to appear on her cheeks.

"Do you remember when we got married as kids?"

A coldness ran over her, paralyzing her with a fear like nothing she'd felt before. A fear that this was the moment Jane found out about it all. About everything she had kept hidden. About everything they still were but couldn't be for much longer. That it was the moment everything came crumbling down.

Jane shifted her gaze at Maura's silence. The expression she found, one of confusion and concern, was interpreted for something entirely else than what Maura had running in her head. Mistaken for befuddlement due to forgotten memories.

"You don't remember that?" She half joked.

Maura finally shook free. "Of course I do. You don't marry your best friend every day, right?"

Jane laughed with a nod, unconsciously giving a soft squeeze to their still intertwined hands. A wistful look to her eye as snippets of the past came to mind. Finding home again. "Did I ever tell you my original plan for that wedding? Right after you proposed in that ramshackle fort?"

"No. But now you have to."

"Ten year old me wanted our wedding to be here. Standing on home plate and wearing jerseys of our favorite Sox players. And we would have sung 'Sweet Caroline' at the top of our lungs." She shook her head at the impracticality of it all, a twinge of embarrassment rising like heat up her neck. But through the sudden self-consciousness, Maura picked up on something else, yearning perhaps, piquing her curiosity.

"Do you… do you regret that little wedding?"

"What? No, no of course not. It was perfect. Really it was." Her voice trailed off, the last word coming out as a whisper. "Perfect."

Once again, everything fell quiet around them. Each only aware of the other. Of the suddenly shallow breaths and soft, nostalgic eyes, and weak, but warm, grins. Both fully aware that they were sharing a moment. One that perhaps they shouldn't, but couldn't stop from happening. It broke suddenly with a call from behind them.

"Miss Isles," the security guard that had lead them onto the field shouted her name. He gave a small shake of the walkie-talkie in his hand. "They're calling for you."

"Of course. We'll be right there."

Their hands fell apart from the other's warm comfort. Jane instantly tucked hers in her jean pockets as she gave a little shrug. Maura returned an attempt at a smile. But it wasn't quite the same as moments before. The fragment they both built within their minds, a dream of something else, of a different time and story, shattered into a million pieces that they were each trying to ignore.

Jane watched from just off to the side as Maura mingled between donors and staff and scholarship recipients. Every so often Maura would look over, a subtle glance shared only by them. Every so often Jane was mesmerized by her kindness and intelligence and overall goodness. And equally every so often, as Maura shook someone's hand or gave a light hug, the quick flash of her engagement ring reminded her of their current reality.

Eventually they found their seats and the friendly game began. Though they initially cheered and watched, after a while it fell to the background. Jane listened as Maura told her more about what the charity actually did. Jane caught Maura up on Frankie and Tommy and anything else Rizzoli. The game finished quicker than either of them wanted. But like the rest of the attendees, they too made their way up to the concourse and away from the field. Away from where all the magic of the day seemed to lie.

They stopped near a shuttered concession stand and Maura quickly scanned the thinning crowd, pinpointing little things that required her attention. "There are a few things I need wrap up here, but if you wouldn't mind waiting, we could get a drink if you'd like."

"Yeah, I'd love t…" A buzzing in her pocket paused her answer. She gave an apologetic wince as she held the phone up and gave it a quick shake. "Sorry, just give me one minute."

Maura nodded, watching as Jane turned and took a few steps away.

"Hey Frankie, can I call you ba…" Again she stopped mid-sentence. Her face fell as he continued to speak on the other end of the line. "Alright… yeah, I'll be there… no, I'm not at the store… just give me a bit, I'll be there."

The sudden, small tremors in her hand made it difficult for her to shove the phone back into her pocket. Slowly she turned back, her eyes wider, more frantic than Maura had ever seen. And Maura's stomach dropped.

"Something just came up and… and I have to go."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah." Jane's voice shook slightly, leaving Maura unconvinced and worrying even harder. She began to walk backwards towards the exit. "Thank you for today. I had a great time. We'll talk soon."

Maura watched as Jane picked up her pace, moving from a hurried walk to a light jog, before she vanished.

She stood at the door, her eyes bouncing between the small room's two occupants, Jane to Frank back to Jane. Every flicker back and forth only compounded everything she was feeling. Fright and uncertainty and even some relief at seeing Jane steady and Frank stable. She took a couple of steps forward, able to see that Frank was asleep, and so she turned her focus to her best friend.

"Jane?" she whispered

Jane looked up. Her eyes looked as though they were at the beginning stages of becoming hollow. Dark and slightly sunken. Nothing like how bright they had been just hours earlier. She stood slowly from the worn loveseat pushed away in the corner and Maura could just how much mental energy it was taking for Jane to process she was actually there.

"Maura?"

She walked to the edge of the hospital bed, her eyes wide and soft, as she tried to flood her with a steady stream of reassurance and hope. How many times had Jane given her the same look when they were younger. To say she was there for her.

"I hope it's alright that I'm here," she said as Jane stopped before her, both standing closer than they first realized, each silently blaming the small room, but neither making any move to give more space between them. Maura softly cleared her throat. " You scared me when you left, so I called Tommy to check up and he said you were here and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"Of course it's alright." Jane placed her hand light atop Maura's forearm. A light shock raced through them both. Simple static electricity. And yet it didn't feel simple at all. "I'm really glad to see you."

A shiver shot down her arm, giving a small spasm that caused the two of them to pull away. Maura turned to the man in the bed. Her eyes flickered over him and all the IVs and sensors that wound around him.

"How is he?"

"He's good. Told me he wanted a cheeseburger earlier, so I'd say pretty much himself."

"I'm so glad to hear that."

A gentle grin appeared on Maura's face the longer she stared at him. Her concern for him poured from her in every way possible. The quiver of worry to her voice. Her nervous but hopeful watch. The way she relaxed just a touch once Jane had told her he was going to be okay. He had been more of a father to her than her own. There was never any question. And that bond was still evident. Still so cherished.

She turned back to Jane and was met with a warm, appreciative smile.

"It means a lot that you're here. Really, Maura. I can't even…" Jane trailed off with a shake of her head.

Maura reached for her hand, her palm pressed against the tops of Jane's knuckles, and squeezed. Jane gave a quick squeeze back, light and lingering, before they dropped away once more.

"He's going to love to see you. I mean if you want to stick around. I'm not sure when he'll be awake again though, so it may be a while, which you definitely don't need to…"

"Jane," she paused her rambling. "I'm not going anywhere."

Jane nodded back and gestured to the small half-couch Maura had found her on earlier. They sat snuggly close, shoulders and thighs pressed against one another in order to fit. Each of them acutely aware how stiff the other one was. All the touches they'd shared during the day suddenly felt like possible oversteps they didn't want to repeat. But the hesitation washed away as a yawn swept over Maura and she let her head fall to Jane's shoulder.

Maura felt Jane relax underneath her. Jane could have sworn she felt Maura nestle a little closer. They both began to drift when a question came to mind. Something unimportant and that she didn't need to ask, but that gave her an excuse to keep their conversation going. Even if just for a few moments longer.

"Maura?" Jane whispered.

"Yes?" She whispered back.

"How did you manage to get in here?"

"What?"

"I just mean… I had to put up a fight with the staff to stay to stay here overnight. How did you convince them to let you stay?"

Thoughts of earlier raced to mind. How she too had been met with resistance, given a quick rehearsed line about visiting hours and family only, before the nurse spilled they were making an exception letting Jane stay and that she had to have a very good reason to join them. And then how the words tumbled from her mouth, somehow both the truth and a lie, but enough to let her through.

"I told them that I was your wife."

This time the words didn't come out as easy. The weight of all they actually meant for her and Jane filled her whole body. And for the second time that day, she wondered if this was the moment when it all came out. But then she felt the vibrations, like a warm buzz, move from deep in Jane's chest up to the low laugh that sprung free.

"Maura Isles, have you learned to lie after all these years?" Jane joked.

She smiled into her shoulder as the worry melted away. "I'm not going to answer that," she quipped back.

"Fair enough."

They fell back into silence. Both tired, yet energized. And as they slid once again towards sleep, with certainty Jane felt Maura nestle a little further into her side.

Maura slowly stirred awake a few hours later. Early rays of sunlight seeped through the half-drawn blinds. The steady rhythmic beeping and light hum from monitors and machines were soothing. She shifted as her eyes blinked open, only then realizing how she had fallen even further into Jane during the night. Tucked under her arm. Head upon her shoulder. Jane's jacket draped over her.

A hint of a smile curled at the corner of her lips as she took in a deep breath. The now familiar scent of lumber, metal, and laundry detergent filled her lungs and crept across her limbs. Almost washing away the dull aches that came from sleeping in such an awkward position.

Carefully she pulled away, almost instantly wishing she hadn't as the warmth of their mingled bodies dissipated. Jane's head lolled a little as it hung forward, chin against her chest, but the steady rhythm of her breaths told Maura she hadn't woken. She draped the jacket as best she could across her chest and stood, slowly taking a few short strides across the room to stretch.

She stopped near the head of the bed, her eyes glancing over charts and vitals. She hadn't truly realized how much she missed medicine until then. How much she truly missed the freedom she had felt these last few weeks. The wonder of what could have been crashed over her, leaving her lost to the world for a few moments until the call of her name pulled her back.

"Maura?"

"Mr. Rizzoli," she replied, slightly shocked.

"I thought that was you." His voice became smoother with each word as the thickness of sleep fell away, but still there was a hint of the gruffness she'd known so well as a child. "And please, call me Frank."

Maura nodded. Without thinking, she dropped her fingers into his calloused palm, and was slightly surprised when he gently squeezed back. And for a brief moment, that small, simple gesture felt as though she were being welcomed back. Back home. Back to where she belonged.

"How are you feeling? Do you need anything? I can get a nurse…"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," he cut in. His eyes, though they held more creases around their edges, were still just as warm as she remembered as he stared at her a few moments. Slowly his head began to shake side to side and a soft grin appeared. "It's been such a long time. It's wonderful to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Frank." The words didn't feel like enough. Because it was so much more than just great. It was more than she could begin to describe. "Although, I wish it were under better circumstances."

He nodded in agreement. "Yeah, this really isn't the best place for a reunion, is it?"

She smiled at the lightheartedness to his words. His spirits had clearly been unaffected by this minor scare. But he was right. There were so many other places she would rather have seen him again.

"I'm really sorry for ruining your date." Her confusion muddled any other thoughts of reunions as she tried to comprehend what he meant. Her brows furrowed the more she tried to make sense of it. "Yesterday. Weren't you and Janie doing something together. It was all she'd been talking about leading up to it."

Maura's mouth fell open a little, her head tilting without her realizing. And though she went to speak, her brain and mouth refused to cooperate with one another. Until finally she forced herself to say something. All of it coming out in a stammer. "Oh, right. Well…"

A groan from behind her stopped the sputtering. Maura's shoulders eased away from her ears, the tension and tightness that appeared with Frank's statement disappearing at the sound of Jane rustling behind her .

"It wasn't a date, Pop. How many times do I have to tell you that?" Maura noticed a hint of annoyance in Jane's tone, from her father or just waking up, she wasn't sure. But it was gone by the time she turned to face her, greeted by a groggy smile and unruly curls.

"Good morning," Maura managed.

Jane moved to stand next to her. The groggy smile brightened the closer she came. "You're still here."

"Of course."

Once again, just as yesterday, they let themselves be swept into a moment. One rooted in the deep appreciation for one another. Jane was grateful Maura stayed. Maura was grateful Jane made her feel as though she could. That they both wanted to be there. Together. And once again the bubble was popped too quickly.

"Well," Frank broke the growing silence. "Then how was your not-date?"

Maura turned quickly back to him, a soft tint along the tops of her cheeks as though she had just been caught. Jane cleared her throat behind her. Both answered at the same time.

"It was good."

"We had a lovely time."

Maura dropped her head for a brief moment as the blush grew, missing the look Frank shot Jane. One that caused Jane's own cheeks to redden. One that said he saw a lot more than either of them were willing to admit.

"You know," Maura started, looking up to them both. "I should really get going. I'm sure Garrett's wondering where I've been."

"Right," Jane said, biting down on the inside of her cheek at the mention of her fiancé. "Let me walk you out."

"No, no. You stay here with your father." She turned back to Frank. "It was great to see you, Frank. Feel better soon."

"I'll do my best." He gave a soft tug to her hand and she leaned in closer. His next words so soft only they two of them could hear. "After all, I've got to be healthy for that wedding you promised I could attend all those years ago."

Her face blanched and she practically choked as she stood straight again. She had forgotten about that conversation. How had she forgotten? A knot twisted in her stomach. Because now she actually could invite him to a wedding. Just not the one he was thinking.

She recovered quickly, giving a squeeze to his hand one last time. Jane gave them a questioning stare, but she stepped past her, moving for her bag, and the questions fell away. Jane followed her to the door. Maura wished she were a slow walker as she felt the heat from Jane's hand hovering, but not touching, at her lower back. But they were at the hall in a blink.

"Bye, Jane."

"Bye."

Jane stood at the door and watched until she disappeared into the elevator down the hall. And even after she was gone, Jane remained frozen in place, as logical thoughts and confusing emotions fought within. Her head and heart pulled in opposite directions. Until finally there was a winner. And not by the one she particularly wanted.

She shook her head and sighed. The reality and truth and logic attempting to set her straight. She was the best friend. The past. The trial run. Nothing more. No matter what she wanted or hoped.

His eyes were on her the moment she walked back into the room. More than just normal observation. No. She has had plenty of exposure to the gaze currently falling heavy upon her. Years and years of it. And after a few moments of attempting to ignore it, she finally faced it.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You can't 'nothing' me. You have the look."

His eyebrows scrunched together. "What look?"

"The one you get when you really want to say something, but aren't sure if you should. That one."

He remained quiet. And the longer they stared, the more she realized she knew exactly what was on his mind.

"Actually," she corrected herself. "Don't say it. I don't want to hear it, Pop."

"You don't have any idea what I'm going to say."

"Yes, I do. I know exactly what's running around up there."

Frank folded his arms across his chest in a challenge. One he knew his daughter couldn't resist. That shouted 'prove it!' without making a sound. And though she knew he was baiting her, Jane decided to continue, with narrowed eyes and a half smirk.

"It's about Maura. About how it was so great to see her and how she's still as lovely as she was back when we were kids. And that the way we were with each other just now was like no time had passed at all. Because we were inseparable back then and you can see that our bond is still there, just as strong.

"And then you'd say something like how you maybe pictured us becoming something more that just best friends because you could see so much of the magic you had with Ma flowing between the two of us. And that's not something that comes around often. That's what you'd try and tell me. Am I close?"

"Okay, so maybe you know me pretty well."

Jane laughed and tossed her jacket over her shoulders.

"You know what else I know? She's engaged."

"So?" He said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"So?!" She let out a heavy sigh, running her hand through her hair. "Pop, she's getting married in a few months."

"Which means that everything is just a plan. And let me tell you Janie, plans change."

Her eyes half-glazed over as she became lost in thought. The fighting of heart and head resumed again. But she was faster this time and pulled herself away before it got too far. Before there was a chance her father's words could sway a victory for the side she was truly rooting for. She shook her head and focused on him again. Her eyes were sharper and mouth a bit more stern.

"Not with Maura. Not with something this big."

He stared for a while. Soft and gentle against her brave and stoic. He understood where that stubbornness came from. Where the need to protect herself despite what she really wanted was rooted. And usually he was proud of her ability to hold her composure. But now, with Maura, he wished she wouldn't. Eventually he gave a small, half-hearted shrug.

"Fine. Fine."

"I'm going to get a coffee. I can try to sneak one up here for you if you want."

"That would be great."

He closed his eyes after she left, making a silent promise to himself not to say anything more on the subject. But as more thoughts weaved their way through his mind, he couldn't help the smile that also crept across his face at the thought. His Janie and Maura. Together again.

Maura stood in the foyer, unable to move any further. The entire 24 hours had crashed into her with a force and left her feeling heavy. Her clothes were suddenly made of lead. Her mind had become a thick sludge she couldn't wade through. Her eyes fell shut and she tilted her head back, raising it to the ceiling, as she breathed slow and steady, eventually beginning to ease away. The moment of peace and clarity was brief, as Garrett came racing in from a different room.

"Maura?" He pulled her in for a hasty hug and kept his hands on her shoulders as he took a step back. His touch not quite as gentle or electric as Jane's. "Where have you been? I tried calling, multiple times actually, and it went straight to voicemail."

"My phone died."

"Where were you?" He asked again, his tone not simply of concern. No. She recognized the hint of annoyance that weaved within his question. "Do you realize what you missed last night?"

Slowly the wheels and cogs in her brain began to turn, sifting through her internal calendar, trying to remember before eventually she figured it out. She set her hand atop his. Her eyes softened with guilt.

"Your dinner. I'm sorry Garrett."

His hands slipped from her shoulders as he dropped his head and stepped back even further, leaving a few feet between them. He shook his head a couple of times before he looked back up, his eyes a mix of confusion and offense.

"I don't understand, Maura. You knew how important that dinner was for me. You gave me your word that you'd be there. Do you know how many questions I had to field about why my fiancée wasn't there with me? Things like this can't happen once we're married. What happened?"

The day flashed like rapid fire through her mind. Quick and unrelenting. Most of them focused on the small and insignificant moments between her and Jane that had steadily built to more. All of it cumulating in something she knew he wouldn't understand if she told him. Not when she had missed something so important to him. So she kept it vague and short.

"A friend of mine had a medical emergency. I was at the hospital all night."

"Oh." His voice softened. "Are they alright?"

"They'll be fine."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that." His bristliness disappeared. Replaced with his normal proper and semi-cold disposition. "There's still some coffee in the French press if you want. Just made so it should still be warm."

"Thank you."

They both stood silent, wondering if the other was going to say anything further. And when neither of them did, Garrett pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead and left towards his office. Eventually the faint smell of the coffee he'd promised drew her into the kitchen. Each sip, warm and bitter, felt like a small cure for the complicated mess her life had suddenly become. By the time she reached the bottom of her cup, the coffee had done its job.

As she set the cup in the sink her phone buzzed in her pocket with a text from one of the staff from the charity. A link to the cloud where a folder of the photographs taken at the game sat newly created. She hired photographers for every event. Her mother made it known how tacky she thought it was, but she liked the idea of capturing memories for everyone that attended.

She scrolled through them, lingering every once so often when a picture was especially joyous, before moving on. Until she came across one she thought she might look at forever. One of her and Jane. Candid and perfect. Her hand was extended, clearly pointing to something happening on the field, while Jane simply stared at her. Her breath hitched the longer she looked at it. Because she wasn't sure anyone had ever looked at her the way Jane was in that captured moment.

And for a brief second she couldn't help but think that perhaps this was definite proof. Proof that everything that had been buzzing between them wasn't simply a figment of her imagination.