A/N: It's been unbelievable to watch events unfold in Boston this week. Still thinking of the victims and the community touched by such a terrible and heartless act of violence. Congrats to the law enforcement organisations who did such a great job in such dangerous circumstances.

Jane Austen: "There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature."

Jane is over the moon when she hears Maura's news. She'd done as many background checks as she could without generating suspicion and she has grown to really like what she sees in Heather Stretton. She's looked into her husband Craig and he seems like a stand-up guy. Jane was also kind of excited to learn Donna has a little brother, Scott.

"OK, so this is good Maura, I'll go and talk to Alex and see if I can get her to help rush through legal. You should put in a call to Governor Patrick and get his approval."

"Sure Jane, I'll give him a call now."

Jane notices Maura's tone for the first time. "Maura, what's wrong? What aren't you telling me?" Jane has become concerned.

"Sorry Jane, it's nothing."

"Maura if you've found some reason we shouldn't be encouraging this, you have to tell me."

"No Jane, it's nothing to do with Donna, Hope just came and spoke to me. It was… It was… oh I don't know. It was confusing."

"Are you OK?" Jane does her best to hide her frustration with Hope's timing. Maura assures Jane she's fine. "Alright, well I'm going to talk to Alex, I'll call by on my way back" Jane explains.

"Thanks Jane, I'll call the Governor."

Jane likes ADA Alex Pickerill. She's level-headed, dedicated and cop friendly. Alex hears Jane out and promises to do what she can to get the appropriate legal clearances to get Donna access to her biological family as soon as she can. Jane then heads back to the office. She's eager to catch up with Maura. She's been on such a high since Sunday and it saddens Jane to think her mood has been spoiled. She had expected Hope to react to Maura's speech but she thought she might have given Maura a little more time before bringing it up.

"Thank you Governor Patrick, I very much appreciate your support." Maura smiles at something Governor Patrick says. "No sir, I know I can't save them all. Mother and father share your sentiments." Jane has walked into Maura's office and is listening to the end of this conversation. "I will; thank you… good bye." Maura hangs up. She looks up at Jane, "Governor Patrick has given his support. He'll look out for the papers when they come in from Alex and rush it through personally."

"Good" Jane smiles, "so can we go and see Donna tonight and tell her the good news?" Jane is fighting to contain her excitement.

"I guess so" Maura smiles, "it will give her some time to adjust." Her expression changes in an instant to a frown. "I don't know it might make it too long a wait… good heavens Jane why are you asking me this. I have no idea what we should do now."

"Maura relax" Jane laughs. "Trust me; Donna is going to be over the moon. Knowing that it is going to happen, makes the wait worth it."

"So then why did you ask my opinion," Maura looks at Jane.

"OK, OK… would you like to come with me tonight when I tell Donna this good news? Is that better?" Jane watches Maura's mind clicking over.

"So earlier you weren't asking me if it was the right thing to do, you were asking me to join you. How did I get that so mixed up?" Maura shakes her head trying to process where her interpretation of Jane's statement went wrong.

"Maura" Jane exclaims in light-hearted frustration.

"What," Maura looks at Jane confused.

"Never mind, are you going to come with me to see Donna tonight?"

"Yes, I'd like that Jane… Thank you" Maura smiles. Jane watches; her friend is about to say something else. She's expecting her to open up about Hope but Maura goes in a different direction. "Jane I was hoping to take you and Donna out on Sunday afternoon. I have something I really want to show you both. Is your afternoon free?"

"That depends; is this one of those Maura brainiac activities that mere mortals like me and Donna won't like?"

Maura chuckles she loves Jane's honesty. "No; well at least I hope not. It's pretty important to me though, if that helps?"

"Sure, OK I'll keep Sunday afternoon free. I don't think Donna will mind getting out of the orphanage for the afternoon." Jane decides to bring up the Hope issue that is clearly weighing on Maura's mood. "Are you OK Maura; do you want to talk about Hope; what did she say?"

"You and Angela were both expecting her to say something weren't you?" Maura looks at Jane for clarification.

"Maura your speech can't have been easy for her to hear, but I was hoping she'd give you a little more time before bringing it up." Jane, who has been standing all this time, sits on the corner of Maura's desk.

"Hmm" Maura sighs.

"Come on Maura, talk to me" Jane stares intently at her friend.

Maura looks up at Jane, "I will Jane but I don't know that I can just yet. I think I need more time to think about what she said. You know what; I'm going to go home I'm experiencing some gastralgia. Would you mind calling by my place and picking me up tonight?"

"Whatever that is… Are you sure you're OK Maura?" Jane stands as Maura does.

"Stomach pain and yes I'm fine; I'm just going to go home and lie down for a while. Are you OK to pick me up or do you want me to meet you at the hospital?"

"No I'll come get you; I'll pick you up at 6:30."

Maura nods and leaves. Jane watches her for a minute, 'damn Hope' she thinks. Jane then heads upstairs to call Heather Stretton with the good news.

As Jane and Donna come out of the main entrance of Mass. General Maura is waiting for them. "Hello Maura" Donna gives her a warm hug.

"Hello" Maura smiles. As they start to walk towards the local McDonald's Maura stops them. "Oh I forgot. I'm sorry Donna, I know you are small and have an excellent Body Mass Index for your age, but I can't let you eat another burger. I've made a reservation for us at Antonio's."

"Oh" Donna looks at Jane who just shrugs.

When they are seated Donna has no idea what to do. Jane notices and gives her pointers, Donna follows her lead. Donna orders Spaghetti Bolognese, Jane orders pizza and Maura orders Muscles on a wholemeal linguine. Maura and Jane enjoy a glass of wine and Donna tries a sparkling cranberry juice. It's clear to both Jane and Maura that this is a very new experience for Donna and they enjoy watching her clearly enjoy the experience.

When the meals have concluded and Jane and Maura are sitting over coffees and Donna enjoys a hot chocolate, Jane gently brooches the subject.

"So Donna, last Monday a woman came into the police station to see me after seeing your photo in the paper."

Donna was about to have a sip of her chocolate instead she freezes. Her big eyes scan between Jane and Maura. Maura and Jane look at each other.

Maura continues. "When we had dinner on Monday night Donna, I kept your straw so I could run some tests to see if what this woman was claiming was true. Jane and I found out today that what she says is true."

Donna puts the cup down. She doesn't say a word but she is trembling ever so slightly. Jane can see she's afraid to breathe.

"Sweetheart, it's OK. It's good news." Jane takes her hands. Maura gently rests a hand on Donna's forearm. "Donna we've found your mummy."

Tears start to spill over Donna's cheeks and eventually all she can say is "really?" Jane and Maura nod; Maura is crying and Jane is doing her best not to join them. Jane gets her voice first.

"Yeah, really; Maura and I have started all the paper work and we have people who are helping us to rush this through so you can meet her as soon as possible."

Donna breaks out of Jane and Maura's hands and grabs the sleeve of her jumper and wipes the tears away from her eyes. She goes to wipe her nose on it but Maura draws the line at that and hands her a tissue. Eventually Donna looks at them, "have you met her? What is she like?"

"We have and she seems lovely" Jane explains. "She's married to a very nice man named Craig who really wants to meet you too and you have a younger brother named Scott."

"I have a brother" Donna's voice starts to shake. Again Jane and Maura nod, neither able to answer the question for their own emotions.

Eventually Maura speaks. "So sweetie we need you to be patient but we're doing everything we can. The other thing is you must not tell anyone for now. Can this be our secret? Donna just gives Maura the biggest nod. Jane and Maura laugh. "Good, oh and I have a surprise for you and Jane on Sunday afternoon so we'll be by to pick up at 12. I'd like you to wear your new outfit, if that's OK?"

"Oh hang on" Jane pipes up. "You didn't say anything about having to dress up." Donna starts to giggle. Maura just shakes her head.

In the car on the way back to Maura's Jane again brings up Hope. "So I'm guessing your speech made Hope feel a lot of guilt?"

Maura turns from looking out the window, "is that what it was about Jane?"

"What did she say" Jane asks.

Maura drops her head to one side a mannerism Jane's seen a lot. "Well… She said sorry a lot. Then she said she hoped we could past whatever it is, this is."

"OK, so that's a good sign, right Maura?"

"To be honest Jane, I don't know how to process it. Let's face it; I'm thirty-five years old and have only now figured out how to have some sort of relationship with my parents."

"That's not really your fault Maura, that's theirs" Jane offers.

"This is why I prefer to be around dead people Jane. I never had these problems when I stayed away from the living" Maura shakes her head and looks back out her window.

As Jane pulls up out the front of Maura's she says, "Maura I don't believe that. You can't tell me what we just had with Donna is not better than performing an autopsy. You had a ball on Sunday night; you were thrilled that everyone came back to your place. Maura you had fun. OK, so the upsides come some downsides; that's true for all of us. One of the things that makes me really happy for you is I'm seeing so many more upsides in your life then when we first met."

Maura looks back at Jane, "what I'm really struggling with is I think I know what Hope wants… and I know what the right thing is to do… but I just don't want to do it. Jane I'm not ready to… I am still angry and hurt by what she said at my house that day. There, I said it. I know it's selfish of me, but it's how I feel."

"Listen, the way I see it Hope has opened the door for you. She wants to get closer and she wants to have you in her life in a better way than it is now. It doesn't mean you have to say yes, now, just because she's ready. Maura you are more than entitled to take your time. You are one of the kindest, most decent people I know and I know at some point in time you'll find the right place for you and Hope, but it's OK to take your time." Jane puts a hand on Maura's shoulder.

Maura pats Jane's hand, "thank you."

"Are you OK or do you want me to come in" Jane asks.

"I feel better Jane, thank you and it's late. I'll see you tomorrow." Jane squeezes her shoulder and Maura gets out of the car.

Before Jane drives away, she buzzes the window down "Call me if you need me." Maura waves, Jane waits until she's inside before heading home.

Jane spends Thursday and Friday completing paperwork. First thing Thursday Maura sent Hope an email thanking her and asking for more time. She'd received a very nice reply. Other than that she and her team continue to formally identify their thirty-four victims. By Friday afternoon, they've made good progress and have twenty-two children formally named.

On Sunday morning Jane rings Maura in a flap. "So what am I supposed to wear today Maura; please don't say a dress and high heels."

"What you always wear when we go out Jane."

"So my favourite jeans and leather jacket are OK?"

"Well they're not what I would wear, but yes Jane; if that's what you want to wear that's fine," Maura smiles.

Maura drives, when they pull up at the hospital Jane races downstairs to pick up Donna. She looks fabulous in her striking red dress, Maura smiles as she comes into view. Jane and Donna tease Maura for the forty-five minutes it takes for Maura to drive to their destination. When they pull up at the main gates of Isles Parkland Estate, both Donna and Jane fall silent.

Jane whispers. "What are we doing here?"

"You'll see," Maura drives in. She waves to the guard who smiles at Maura and waves in return. Maura drives through to the entrance to the private garden. There are security gates. Maura pulls up and enters a code and the gates start to open. As they enter Jane and Donna look around; the area is stunning. Maura parks and they all get out of the car.

The perimeter of the private garden is guarded by high trees. Maura explains they are Ostrya virginiana or American Hophornbeam trees. The area guarded by these trees has immaculate lawns. They are interspersed with beautiful trees and gardens of amazing variety.

"I love this garden" Maura explains. "I come here when I need peace and quiet; it's my sanctuary from the city" she adds.

"Maura this is beautiful" Jane is in awe.

Donna spreads her arms wide and spins as she lets out an awestruck "wow." Maura beckons them to follow her. She leads them to what looks like a smaller sanctuary within this haven.

Maura takes Donna's hand and leads her to a small plaque. It reads 'Billy Darcy, 1999 – 2013. Donna's best friend.' Donna reads it and then looks up at Maura.

"You found him?" Donna fights tears. Maura nods. Jane watches on, she is just in awe of Maura at this moment.

Maura pulls something out of her pocket. "Donna, the morning after the fire I was looking around in the ashes of the building and I found this. I know it was Billy's and I think he'd like you to have it."

Donna un-wraps the tissue paper and finds Billy's Saint Christopher medal. Maura's had it polished up and it positively sparkles. It takes Donna a minute to look up, through her emotions she explains. "This was Billy's most favourite thing; look it has a message from his mother on it." Maura nods. Donna hugs Maura and thanks her through the tears that are falling freely now. Donna breaks the hug and kneels down to the plaque. "I miss you Billy, you were the best ever best friend" Donna says. "I'll never forget you."

Maura wipes away a tear and Jane walks over beside her and puts and arm around Maura's shoulders. "You are amazing; you know that" Jane smiles.

Maura smiles and leans into Jane momentarily. When Donna stands Maura says. "Come with me Donna there's someone I'd like you to meet."

As they walk towards the Garden House, Jane whispers. "You didn't, did you?"

Maura whispers. "Yes, the Governor rushed it through. I went and saw Heather yesterday." When they enter the building they are greeted by a very nervous group of people. Heather is there with her husband Craig and their six-year-old boy Scott. Jane walks over and hugs Heather then takes her hand.

"Donna, this is Heather Stretton; this is your mother." Jane puts out a hand for Donna. For a minute Donna doesn't want to let go of Maura. To lighten the moment, Maura introduces Donna to Craig and Scott as well. Maura has organised a lunch. It's all very tentative at first but over a meal Donna starts to loosen up. She starts asking questions which Heather does her very best to answer. Jane and Maura are impressed; Heather is honest and does a pretty good job engaging with her daughter.

They sit together for another hour or so and Donna is becoming more and more relaxed. At one stage when Donna is playing with Scott, Craig and Heather come over and hug Jane and Maura. The four adults look back at the two children; I don't think any of them can believe how well this has gone and what a special moment they are witnessing.

When it's time to leave Maura calls Donna over. "Sweetheart, you don't have to do anything you don't want to at this stage. Heather and Craig are happy for you to take your time, but they want you to be with them as soon as possible."

"They do" Donna asks nervously, Maura smiles and nods. "What about you and Jane, will I see you again?"

"Just try to stop us seeing you again" Jane says confidently. "My Ma says you get to pick the next movie on girl's night out."

"Really" Donna looks at Jane and Maura, her apprehension all over her face.

"Really" Maura hugs Donna tightly. "So, Heather and Craig can drop you back at the orphanage or they can pick up your things and you can go and stay at your new home tonight; whichever you would prefer."

Donna looks at Maura and Jane, "I'd like to start my new life today." Maura hugs her again and then Jane gives her a big hug. Jane and Maura walk out to the Stretton's car with Donna and her new family. They reassure Donna to call her whenever she needs them and with that; Donna is gone.

"Wow, what an afternoon. Maura you really are amazing. You could not have handled this any better. I'm really impressed."

"Thanks Jane" Maura smiles. "Oh there's one more thing I want to show you before we leave." Jane follows Maura deep into the far reaches of the garden. Eventually Maura stops in front of another plaque. "Jane, I hope you don't mind, but one of the conditions of my resignation was that the Governor exhume Dougie and allow me to bury him here… for you."

Jane just stares at the plaque. 'Douglas 'Dougie' Smith, 1977 – 1995. You're forever in my heart.'

When Jane doesn't say anything, eventually Maura says. "I hope its OK Jane, I couldn't leave someone you loved lying alone in an unmarked grave."

Jane still doesn't look at Maura, although Maura can see that she is struggling to get words out. "Maura, can you please leave me alone" Jane says through gritted teeth.

"Oh, of course; I'll be in the garden house. Are you sure you're alright?" Maura's worried as she hesitates before leaving Jane alone. Jane nods and turns away from Maura. Maura sits in the garden house for what seems like forever. She is actually going out of her mind. She'd thought Jane would be pleased; she did not expect the reaction she got. Sometimes no matter how hard she tries, she just does not understand her best friend. Who is she kidding Maura doesn't understand most people.

Its dark by the time Jane comes back to join her; it's turned cool outside and Jane has her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she enters. She walks over and sits in a chair beside Maura. Eventually she releases her hands and rubs them together for warmth. Slowly she looks up at Maura who is still not sure what to expect.

"Thank you Maura" Jane says sincerely.

"You're alright then?" Maura can't hide her relief.

Jane looks earnestly at Maura, "I hate that I told you about him. I hate that you saw me lose it over him; that you saw me so broken. In my mind we were never going to go over that night or Dougie again."

"I'm sorry Jane, I didn't understand. I wasn't trying to bring up something you were trying to forget; I promise. I was trying to be as good a friend to you as you've been to me. I'm not very confident at this whole being best friend's thing."

Jane just stares at her. "Maura, trust me, even without this... I have never had a better friend."

Maura smiles with relief, "that's good because I've never really had a friend so I'd hate to lose the first one I've found."

"Maura this is huge, I don't know that I'll ever be able to thank you for this." Jane shakes her head.

"Jane it's not about thanking me; I had an opportunity to make something that was wrong right for someone I care about. That's thanks enough for me." Maura puts an arm around Jane who drops her head.

They both sit in silence for a little while then out of the blue Jane slaps Maura's thigh, "you know what I want to do?"

At first Maura jumps in fright. "What" she laughs?

"I want to go and see the Sapphires again." Jane stands.

Maura lets her shock show; "you want to go and see it again!"

"Yeah it made me feel great…" Jane sings. "Sugar pie honey bunch; you know that I love you, can't help myself… I love you and nobody else."

Maura laughs, "Jane you can actually sing; you should sing more often."

"Yeah right Maura, are you coming or not?"

Maura follows Jane towards her car. She latches an arm through Jane's and joins her in a rousing rendition of sugar pie honey bunch. Jane laughs as she looks to the heaven's and thanks God quietly that there's no one around to hear them.

The end

Footnote:

I know a lot of people had hoped I would bring more closure to Maura and Hope's relationship. For my part I try to write within the context of the show. In my mind Maura and Hopes relationship is not resolved yet so I did not want to presume how that will play out. Thanks for reading and for all your thoughts and comments. You've been great. Cheers TI