Just me

“That was not an everyday thing,”  Jane spoke up, dropping the mascara back in Maura’s bag.  “Only tough cases.  And when we’d had too much to drink.  And sometimes I stayed because I liked the company.”

“Mmhmm.  And did you guys snuggle during your sleepovers?”  Nina raised an eyebrow as she asked, regarding them both.

It was Maura who answered.  “Back then?  No.  Now we cuddle all the time.”

Maya turned to them then, the hair curler held up as she addressed them.  "You never had a slip-up?  Like in those romcoms where they share a bed 'as friends' and end up the next morning curled up in each other's arms?"  Maura could see Jane biting the inside of her cheeks as the tall woman spoke, averting her eyes as she joined her on the couch.  Maya turned her gaze to Maura, who hadn't spoken.  "Nina tells me you don't lie."

"That's not entirely true.  I used to have a histamine reaction to telling lies."  Her hand floated to her chest, where her hives were most likely to occur.  "Jane has since helped to rid me of that reaction.  But now I've spent more of my life telling the truth than I have lying, so I'm not very good at it."

Maya bit back a grin, but her older sister was openly beaming.  "So that's a yes."  The bride again looked between them before looking down, giving them some privacy as they processed the embarrassing line of questioning.

Jane coughed as Maya turned around, grabbing another section of hair.  "So, Maya, what is it that you do?"

"I teach middle school math."

Jane nodded, feigning interest, and Maura imagined she would do anything to change the course of conversation.  "Middle school, huh?  We have a friend who teaches elementary school music.  She said she wouldn't touch middle schoolers with a ten-foot pole."

Maya nodded in agreement as she wrapped a strand of Nina’s hair around the curling iron.  "Middle schoolers are tough.  Too old to be in that cutesy phase, and absolutely brutal when it comes to bullying."  She let the curl free, holding it before releasing it.  She looked over at them again, flashing a devilish grin.  “The good news is that I’m tougher than those pre-teen brats, and can hold my own.”  She put down the iron and started separating Nina’s curls, making them appear more natural.  “I think we’re almost done here.”  The photographer snuck around, taking a picture of the moment between the two sisters.

Maura leaned into Jane as Nina checked herself out, making a few minor adjustments before nodding in approval.  “So who else made the journey from Chicago for you, Nina?”

“You met Zizzy at the rehearsal dinner.”  Since Maya was Nina’s Maid of Honor, and Tommy was the Best Man, that meant Jane was escorted down the aisle by Korsak, and Maura was escorted by Nina’s older brother, Isaiah, who Nina referred to by his childhood nickname.  “My parents came and one of my cousins.  Also my former partner.”  She stood from the chair, turning to face them while leaning against the counter.  “The rest will go to the reception in Chicago next month.”

"That's right.  Ma said she was driving with you."  Jane's grin was devilish.  "Good luck.  Ma's terrible on road trips."

Nina laughed, crossing her arms.  "I have been warned.  But I have a feeling that Frankie and I can make it through that trial."  She wore a smile as she spoke, her eyes reverent at the mention of her soon-to-be husband.

Maya tapped her sister’s shoulder, pulling her attention from the two women on the couch.  "I hate to break this up, but we should start getting dressed."

“Of course.  Where would I be without you?”  Nina embraced her, pressing a kiss to her cheek before moving to the garment bags hanging by the closet.  Each bag had names written on the outside, and she handed them out one by one until she reached hers at the end.

As Maura slipped her gown on, she delighted in the fact that Nina had let them choose the gowns that were right for them.  Each person’s style was so different, yet they all looked like a cohesive group.  Maya’s gown was silver, denoting her as the Maid of honor.  The Grecian neckline looked amazing with her collarbones, and the way the tulle pleated gave her a graceful beauty.  This, and the way her braids were woven into an intricate bun on top of her head made her look both formidable, yet soft.  Jane’s hair had been tamed, her curls blown out and more deliberate, softening the angles of her face.  Her dress highlighted her femininity, and Maura had to fight to keep herself from running her hand up her bare back.  Maura’s dress was just the opposite, angular and structured, the boat neckline high and her skirt coming to a point at her right knee.  She wore her hair up in a tousled ponytail, her bangs giving it an angled look.  She caught a few sideways glances from Jane, only reading love in her eyes, and decided she looked presentable enough.  Each woman in the bridal party wore the silver necklace Nina had picked for them.  Maya had two interlocking circles, Jane a small elephant, and Maura her little shoe.

Nina’s dress was perfect from the moment she tried it.  It reminded Maura of a dress from the twenties, long and shapeless in the front with a scoop neck.  The lace cap sleeves and open back were not from the twenties, modern additions to the fairly traditional dress.  Her train was short, the dress simple, yet when Nina put it on, she glowed.

After getting dressed, Maya brought them outside to take pictures.  The autumn leaves made for a beautiful backdrop, and the temperature was perfect for extended time outdoors.  The photographer had them all shower Nina with fallen leaves as if it were snow, and had them pretend to drink from empty wine bottles, as well as several traditional poses together.  After the photo session, they made their way to the venue.

The venue was a brewery, with large space, and huge barrels that also made an interesting backdrop for photos.  Maya helped Nina out of their car, making sure she didn’t get anything on her dress, and joined Jane and Maura to help block her from any wandering eyes.  The dress was the last thing she had been able to keep a secret from Angela, and she wanted it to remain a secret until the curtains were pulled away at the end of the aisle.

“Janie!”  Tommy’s voice as they entered the building was jarring, the younger man bounding over to them with overwhelming energy.  His tie, which was still untied and hung haphazardly off his shoulders, matched Maya’s dress, while Korsak and Isaiah’s matched Jane and Maura’s.  

“Jeez, Tommy!”  The brunette chastised him, speaking through her teeth as she reached for the fabric hanging from his neck.  “I grew up in the same house, so I know Ma taught you manners.”  As she tightened the knot, she gestured to Nina with her head.  “You should at least greet the bride before scaring the shit outta me!”

This made the youngest Rizzoli roll his eyes, letting out a huff.  He peered around his older sister and offered Nina a smile.  “Hey, Nina.  You look nice.”  He refocused on Jane as soon as it was out of his mouth, ignoring the snickers from the other adults in the staging area.  “Janie, Pop’s here.”

To the untrained eye, Jane’s, “so?” response would not have meant much.  But Maura could see it, the tensing of her body, the set of her jaw, that pointed to underlying anxiety that she wasn’t expecting to face.  “It’s his son’s wedding, Tommy.  What kind of asshole would he be if he decided not to show up?”

“Well, he didn’t RSVP, so Frankie didn’t know if he was coming or not.”  As Maura reached out for her, to comfort her, Tommy looked between the two of them.  “Listen, we have dinner when he comes home.  But I haven’t told him about you guys.  It’s not my place.”  His eyes looked panicked as he spoke, glancing between them like he didn’t know what to do.

Jane reached out to him, grabbing his shoulder.  “Tommy, it’s fine.  I didn’t expect you to.”  She offered him a smile.  “Thanks for the heads up, okay?”

Tommy took a breath, relaxing.  “Okay.”  He pointed behind them, looking around his sister’s head.  “I should go stand with my partner.  She’s making sure I don’t screw this up.”  Maura looked behind them to see Maya waving, beckoning him over with a laugh on her lips.

“Yes.  Go.”  With a final adjustment of his tie, she sent him away with a tap on his shoulder.  Taking a breath, she turned to face the blonde, and when she grabbed her hands, Maura could feel her shaking.  “My dad is here.”

“I heard.”  Maura squeezed her hands, meeting her eye and offering the first solution that popped into her head.  “Jane, you know I love you.  And I love our relationship.  But if you need me to pretend…”

“Absolutely not.”  Her eyes widened and her grip tightened as she shook her head with fervor.  “Listen, it’s Frankie’s wedding, he won’t cause a scene.  Just give me some time after the ceremony to tell him before you kiss me, or whatever.”  She flashed a playful smile, but Maura could tell it was masking her own worries and insecurities.

Reaching up, Maura fixed a stray curl, pulling it away from the center of Jane’s face.  “Okay.”  She pressed a chaste kiss to the brunette’s lips.  “I’ve got you.”

“I know.”  Jane squeezed her hand.  “And I love you.”

Slender fingers that did not belong to Jane lightly grazed Maura’s shoulder, and she turned to see Maya’s smiling face.  “I know ya’ll are busy being cute and all, but my sister’s waiting to get married.”

“Right!”  Jane dropped Maura’s hands, standing with her back straight and letting out a breath.  “Rizzoli family drama can wait.”

With a laugh, Korsak jabbed her with his elbow.  “In my experience, Rizzoli family drama waits for no man.”

“He’s got that right!”  Tommy joined in, his voice loud, earning shushes from everyone else in the room.  He craned his neck around everyone lining up to address the bride.  “Are you ready for that, Nina?”

Grinning, Nina wrapped her arm around her Father’s, her bouquet settling at her abdomen.  “I’ve been ready.”  With those words, the music started, and soon Maura was walking down the aisle after Jane, separating from Isaiah as they got to the end.  Frankie beamed as Nina walked down the aisle, and Maura could see Angela wiping a tear from her eye as she watched from the front row.

Nina’s Reverend did the wedding, so it wasn’t a large Catholic affair, but her church was small, so therefore the service was more personal.  Reverend Beverly was a small woman, with long brown hair starting to grey at her roots and black wire glasses.  Maura had met her at the rehearsal dinner and found her to be quirky and charming.  So when she stood up and talked about Nina, it felt like listening to stories told by an old friend.

She spoke about Nina stumbling in one day, alone and quiet, sneaking into a pew at the back of the church.  How she snuck out afterward before anyone could learn her name.  She described getting to know Nina over time, learning that she had lost her love, left her family, and started over somewhere new.  She spoke about meeting Frank (Frank Sr. seemed to startle a bit at hearing this development), and how he managed to compliment Nina, to stand with her and not above her, like a true partner.  And she marveled at how the woman had grown in just a few years.

Next came the readings, the candle lighting, and the vows.  They opted for traditional vows, dropping the word ‘obey’.  As Frankie spoke he teared up, and the telltale sniff from beside her told Maura that Jane was fighting back tears as well.  When Reverend Beverly announced they could kiss and pronounced them married, the whole room erupted into cheers as their lips met, Nina’s arms wrapping around her husband’s neck.

The next few minutes were a blur of activity.  They followed the Bride and Groom out of the room, still next to their partners, but much less formal now that the ceremony was over.  Once out of sight from the main guests, everything devolved.  Frankie was pulling everyone into a hug, thanking them.  Maya shouted from the doorway, trying to gather people for pictures.  Nina was asking Isaiah to get their parents and the Rizzoli's outside.  As Jane reached for Maura, an overexcited TJ pushed through them, pulling a blonde woman Maura didn’t recognize out the door to catch up with his Father.  Jane’s slender fingers again found Maura’s arm, her dark eyes calming, and Maura found she could breathe again.  Pulling her in and linking their elbows together, Jane led them both outside with the rest of the group.

“Janie!  Maura!”  The youngest Rizzoli was waving them over, his smile wide as he held on to the woman TJ had been running with.  He pushed her in front of him as they walked closer, presenting her to them.  “This is my girlfriend, Paige.”  She looked younger than him, but not by much.  Her blonde hair was stick straight and cut to her chin.  She wore a blue dress that reached the floor, the silk-like fabric giving it a flattering drape.

Jane reached out a hand first, her smile welcoming.  “Paige!  Yeah, Ma raves about you every time we talk on the phone.”  This caused the younger woman to let out a relieved chuckle, her stance relaxing as they talked.  “It’s nice to be able to put a face with the name.”

“Same.  If only you knew how much Angela brags about her daughter, the FBI agent.”  She turned then, facing Maura and holding out a hand.  “And her other daughter, the Doctor.”

Maura accepted the handshake, feeling the blush rising to her cheeks.  “Lovely to meet you.”

“Auntie Jane!”  If Maura hadn’t been holding onto her girlfriend, the five-year-old might have knocked the brunette over with the force of his embrace.  After a few moments, he grabbed ahold of Maura, his arms wrapping around her thighs and his head resting on the softest part of her abdomen.  “Hi Aunt Maura.  I miss you guys.”

She wrapped her arms around him as best she could, squishing his head into her more.  “We miss you too, TJ.  Auntie Jane especially.”  Maura could feel the warmth bubble inside her as she watched Jane’s soft grin stretch across her face.

From a large oak tree, Maya stood with the main photographer, calling them all over.  “We have to do this while the light is right!”  So with a little prodding, Maura was able to get the little boy moving toward the rest of the wedding party.

The photographer had them all line up with Frankie and Nina for different series of photos.  The whole wedding party in the first one.  Next the bridesmaids, then the groomsmen.  Maya and Tommy got to be in one together,  and then their parents.  Maya’s husband and their daughter joined a photo with Nina’s entire family, the little girl even donning a small blue wedding fascinator.

“Okay, the Rizzoli’s now!”  The photographer ushered in the next group, and for the first time that day, Maura found herself frozen.  Jane took a spot next to Nina, Angela, and Ron standing behind her, while Tommy, TJ, and Frank stood next to Frankie.  Maura watched Paige walk towards her boyfriend, hesitating when she saw Maura still standing along the sideline.  Her brows furrowed, the younger woman began to creep backward, taking her cue from the other yet-to-be-in-law.  Angela was having none of this and began gesturing at both women to join the line.  Frantic, Maura began to shift her focus from a concerned Jane and insistent Angela, to Frank who hadn’t noticed anything.

While trying to figure out what the hold-up was, he met Maura’s eye and scanned the scene in front of him.  “Wait, we’re missing Paige.”  He pointed to the woman who had settled next to Maura.  “You’re practically family, get in here.”

The younger woman looked first at Maura, her blue eyes searching for an answer.  “It’s okay,”  Maura told her, putting her hand on her back and giving a nudge.  She hoped her smile was reassuring enough.

It was TJ’s voice that cut the tension, the child voicing out loud what the adults wouldn’t.  “What about Aunt Maura?”

Frank’s hand came down on his shoulder.  “Aunt Maura’s gonna sit this one out, bud.  This is a family picture.”

TJ turned, his arms crossing.  “Yeah, but that’s my Aunt Maura!”

Frankie stepped forward a bit, leaning so he could see around the commotion.  “Pop, why is Paige allowed in the picture but Maura isn’t?”

The patriarch threw up his arms, exasperated.  “I mean no disrespect, I know you all feel like Maura is family.  Can we please get one picture that’s just us Rizzoli’s, and then we can get one with her later?”

The Groom copied his father’s hand movements.  “Paige isn’t a Rizzoli, Pop.”  He shifted his focus to the blonde.  “No offense.  I mean, someday, maybe, you get what I’m doing here, right?”

Maura could see the pained expression on Frankie’s face, how apologetic he was about leaving another person out to protect Jane and Maura’s secret.  The blonde standing beside Maura could see it too, and to her credit, she did not look upset, only determined.  “I do.”  She stepped back as she spoke, standing directly next to Maura again.  “It’s okay, I’ll sit this one out.”

“No, you won’t!”  Frank stepped out of line, facing the family.  “Paige and Tommy are getting serious.  She should be allowed in the picture.”

“Can we all please stop!”  Jane had stepped forward, speaking with authority and making the whole crowd look at her.  “Frankie, thanks for trying to help.  I didn’t want to make your wedding about anything other than you two.”

“We know that, Jane.”  Nina reached out a hand and gave Jane’s a reassuring squeeze.  “Let’s just take the picture.”

“Wait a sec.”  She turned again to face her Father.  “So you’re saying Paige should be in the picture because she and Tommy are serious?”

“Yes.”  He slowly backed up into the space he had occupied before this argument broke out.  He gestured to Paige, who remained rooted in the spot next to Maura.

“So if Maura were dating a Rizzoli, and it was serious, could she be in the picture?”

“Of course.”  He addressed Maura now, and she could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks.  “I have nothing against you.  Honest.”

Maura nodded back at him, her feet rooted as she tried to figure out what to say.  Before she could, she felt a hand in hers that pulled her attention away from him.  She locked eyes with her girlfriend, her smile soft as she slowly pressed a kiss to the top of Maura’s head.  When she pulled away, the grin that settled on her lips was smug, her point made.  “Join us for the picture, babe?”

Maura searched the brunette's face as she pulled her toward Angela and Ron.  Despite the trepidation earlier, Jane now exuded confidence, as if she'd never been more sure about anything in her life.  Maura felt her shoulders relax, things slowing down around her as she borrowed some of her girlfriend’s confidence.  "Anything for you, my love."  She knew what it did to her, that one pet name, and watched as Jane beamed as soon as the words fell from her lips.

Angela let out a triumphant laugh, one that broke the tension and brought levity to the group again.  The matriarch pressed a kiss to Maura's cheek once they reached her, her hands coming up to squeeze her shoulder.  In the midst of this, Jane addressed her youngest brother's girlfriend.  "Paige, go stand with Tommy.  If you both want in this crazy family so badly, you both should be in the picture."

The blonde let out a sigh, a smile stretching over her face.  She stood next to Tommy, TJ in front of them, her hands resting tenderly on the young boy's shoulders.  Tommy pecked her cheek, his arm snaking around her to rest at her hip, and together they glowed.  Just beyond the happy trio stood Frank, his mouth agape as he flicked his eyes between Maura and Jane.  His eyebrows raised as Jane wrapped her arms around Maura's waist, Maura leaning back into the embrace.

"Is everyone here?"  The photographer’s camera was held to the side, and she tapped her finger on the buttons with impatience.

"Dear God, I hope so!"  The answer came from Frankie, who'd attached himself again to his wife's side, his head bouncing back and forth as he looked at his family.  "Let's take it quick before someone else shows up, though."  This earned a chorus of laughter as they all lined up again for the photo.  A quick glance over showed that Frank’s smile seemed genuine, so Maura relaxed, leaning back into Jane and beaming, happy to feel like she belonged.

After a few clicks, she dropped the camera to her side, gesturing toward the center of the group.  “Alright.  I would like some shots with the Bride and Groom, the rest of you are free to go.”

That was all Jane needed to hear, and with a whispered exclamation of joy, she laced her fingers together with Maura’s and led them away.  A glance backward revealed a hint of sadness on Jane’s father’s face, a glint of amusement on Angela’s.  Before long they were far enough away that Maura was able to concentrate on the tall brunette leading her astray.  She stopped, planting her feet and making Jane lurch in front of her.  As the brunette turned, she responded only to the look on Maura’s face.  “I’m okay.  I promise.”  Her face softened as she spoke, and she leaned in to press a kiss on Maura’s lips.  “That wasn’t how I expected the conversation to go.  But at least now everyone knows, and he knows that the whole family is behind us if he says something stupid.”

Squeezing the brunette’s hand, Maura silently pleaded for her to listen.  “Jane, I don’t think your Father is homophobic.”

This statement made the taller woman stop, her brows furrowing together as she thought.  “Based on what evidence?”

Maura played the previous transaction back in her head.  “Your Father’s primary emotions were shock and sadness.  I could not detect a hint of disgust or shame.”

Jane took the information in.  “So you’re basing this on the shape of his eyebrows?”

“It’s much more complicated than that.”

“I know, Maur.  But humans are more complex.”  She let go of Maura’s hand as she spoke, placing her hand instead in the small of her back and nudging her toward the venue.  “I mean, is it possible that he was so shocked that it overpowered the disgust?”

“Anything is possible, but typically…”

“I just prefer to approach this with caution.”

Maura sighed, the cues from the brunette indicated that she didn’t want to push the issue.  “It upsets me that you’re convinced that your Father hates you.”

“I thought he hated me long before we started dating, Maur.  This is probably the icing on the cake.”  She stepped to the side, nudging Maura’s shoulder with her own.  “But the number of people we have here supporting us tells me not to worry.  You shouldn’t either.”

Maura settled into her side, the space always feeling like it was meant for her.  “I’m not worried.”

At this, her girlfriend laughed.  “Maur, you have social anxiety and are about to enter a room full of extended Rizzoli’s, which doesn’t even begin to cover my Mother’s side, and you want me to believe you aren’t worried?”

Turning, stopping their movement, Maura stood on her tiptoes, her hands resting on Jane’s hips as she pulled a kiss from her lips.  Leaning back she smirked, taking the brunette’s hand.  “I’ve got you to keep me calm.”

Snickering sounds came from behind her as Maura pulled them along.  “Babe, have you met me?”  Maura couldn't help but giggle in response, relishing in the levity of the present moment.

The Grand March introduced Frankie and Nina together as a married couple for the first time, and with Jane’s arm around her waist, Maura listened to the chorus of cheers, her mind wandering to a time not so far in the future.  As they entered they sat at the head table, Maura’s seat between Maya’s and Jane’s.  She searched out into the crowd for familiar faces.  Kent was there, sitting at a table with Kiki, Linn, Sidney, and a few other people Maura recognized from the station.  Frank sat with TJ and Paige.  Angela and Ron sat with people Maura had yet to meet.  A few seats down from her, Tommy stood, tapping his fork on the side of his glass.  “I know what you all are waiting for, the food is coming!”  The crowd laughed in response, and the youngest Rizzoli grinned.  “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Tommy, and this big doofus is my older brother.”  Another wave of laughter as his hand fell on Frankie’s shoulder.  “I’d like to thank you all for coming out tonight and celebrating with Frankie and Nina.  I know I’m not alone in saying that I’m excited to see where their story leads.”

The audience cooed as he spoke, and Frankie took the moment to grab Nina’s hand, looking at her in awe.  Maya then stood, blocking Maura’s view of the newly married couple.  “And I am Maya.  I taught Nina everything she knows, so naturally she made me her Maid of Honor.”  Maya spoke with laughter, and a hint of sass.  “Tommy and I will be your MCs for the night.  We will keep things running smoothly and on schedule.”

“Has she met Tommy?”  The voice came from Maura’s right, Jane’s head on her shoulder as she whispered her comment into her ear.  Playfully, Maura jabbed an elbow into the brunette’s side, not daring to shush her, but shooting her a knowing look.

“And he’s right, food is coming.  But first, Reverend?”  Maya gestured for the quirky woman standing by the first round table.  “Would you say grace?”

The room bowed their heads.  Not wanting to be disrespectful, Maura did the same.  She watched Jane’s hands as her head bowed, the Reverend’s blessing of the food and the union reducing to background noise.  She watched the clasped together hands, Jane’s thumb running up and down the back of her other thumb, in a soothing gesture.  Her eyes moved upwards to look at the brunette’s face.  She was so still, not a twitch in her face, and Maura wondered how long it took her to master this as a child given the stories she’d heard about a wild young Jane.  Her eyes were closed, Maura hypothesized it was so that she could focus better on the Reverend’s words, and every once in a while she would nod at particular points.  When she whispered, “amen,”  the Doctor looked away, not wanting it to be obvious that she had been studying her instead of paying attention.

In DC, Jane began attending an Episcopal church with a leader who was a part of the LGBTQ+ community.  She didn’t want to give up the beliefs that she was raised on, and the Episcopal church shared a lot of the traditions she grew up with.  She always left the door open for Maura to go with her, but didn’t push.  Maura had yet to take her up on her offer, and as such, she had never studied a praying Jane before.  “Amen,” Maura managed to be a half a beat behind the rest of the room as she spoke, and a glance in Jane’s direction showed that she wasn’t as discreet as she’d meant to be.  The brunette wore an amused grin as she chuckled to herself, her dark eyes meeting Maura’s as the blush spread across the Doctor’s cheeks.

To her left, Maya clapped once, commanding the attention in the room.  “Thank you, Reverend!  I won’t keep you guys waiting, the waiters will be by with your food momentarily.”

“Enjoy!”  Tommy ended their joint address with a smile and a wave, taking his seat again next to the groom.  The DJ began to play some popular music while the waiters began bringing food out to the tables.  The majority of the room had chosen some sort of pizza, Jane had picked the one with all the hot peppers on it.  Maura and Maya seemed to be the odd ones out with their mozzarella sandwiches.  The brewery had several craft beers on tap, as well as a few wines to pick from.  Maura noticed TJ and Nova, Maya’s little girl, tapping their forks on the glass and squealing with delight when Frankie and Nina would kiss.  “They’re gonna do that all night.”  Jane groaned beside her as the sound rang out.

“There’s something really wonderful about having that kind of control at their age.”  She marveled, watching Nova grin as she struck the glass.  “A small action on their part influences the behavior of the adults around them.  It makes them feel powerful.”

“I think I'll have to negotiate with my nephew,"  Jane spoke between bites of her food.  "He can pick three songs at the wedding that I will guarantee the DJ plays.  In return, he keeps his utensils away from the glass."

With a smile on her face, Maura placed her hand over Jane's, making the brunette stop eating to look her in the eye.  "That may work for TJ, but how are you going to stop your Mother?"

The woman beside her groaned in annoyance, not finding the question nearly as funny as Maura had.  "I'll ignore her.  I've been perfecting that art for over thirty years."

"Hmmm.  You are quite good at it."  This at least made her girlfriend chuckle, her eyes wrinkling in the corners as she grinned, her hand reaching out to playfully shove Maura away.  Returning to her meal, Maura had to suppress a chuckle as TJ once again tapped his glass with the knife he stole from the empty place next to him.

Next came the dances, Nina dancing with her Father to Stevie Wonder, Frankie and Angela dancing to Etta James.  For their first dance as husband and wife, they danced a choreographed routine to Billy Joel, their smiles bright and their laughter infectious despite their missteps.  With that, the dance floor was officially opened.  An excited TJ dragged Jane out to the center of the crowd to dance with him, his favorite aunt’s protests ignored.  Although Jane was not usually one to let loose, she did manage to entertain the young boy.

“Maura!”  Angela’s voice pulled her attention from her dancing girlfriend, the older woman beckoning her over to a table.  Taking a deep breath, Maura walked over to join her, taking care not to pull away at her pseudo mother’s hand attempting to soothe her.  “I want to introduce you to some extended family.  Since Jane seems to be otherwise occupied.”

“TJ has her attention.  But I know she’s missed him, so I’m not going to complain.”  Facing the table of people she’d never met, Maura offered a shy smile.  “Hello, nice to meet you all.”

“These are my brothers, the only De Marcos left.”  Angela offered some quick introductions, allowing for a brief amount of small talk before gently pulling Maura to another table.  There, she repeated the cycle again, pulling away before anyone could ask anything too deep.  Maura recognized what she was doing, the soft introductions to the extended family, pulling away before Maura could get overwhelmed.  Every three tables or so, Jane would break free from TJ’s grasp and join them.  Her presence behind Maura was grounding, the ease in which she discussed their life in Virginia helping to cement her place as a staple within the family.  Then TJ would find them and pull Jane away, leaving her with Angela once again.

When seven tables remained, Maura had to step back.  “I apologize.”  Meeting the older woman’s gaze, she made sure to grab her hand and squeeze it tight.  “I appreciate this, I do.  I just need a moment before meeting other people.”

“Of course.”  Angela pulled her in, pressing a kiss to her cheek.  “Go sit, have some water.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Maura let go of her hands.  “Thank you.  I’ll come find you once I’m ready.”  Angela stroked her arm and nudged her back in the direction of the head table.  The Doctor took care to walk at the edge of the dance floor, careful not to cut through any groups as she made her way back to the front of the room.  Sitting, one hand on her water, she pulled out her phone and began looking through the photographs she’d taken that day.

It was a few minutes later she heard an unexpected voice beside her.  “What kind of weird music is this?”  Looking up, Maura was shocked to see Frank Sr. at the edge of the table.

“Considering the invitations asked for music suggestions, I would hypothesize that someone in your family requested it.”  Frank’s face was frozen as he took in her words.  It was clear that he didn’t know how to take them.  “I’m assuming you didn’t come over here to talk to me about music.  Which is probably for the best, because I’m not great at small talk.”  With her foot, she pushed out Jane’s chair, inviting him to sit.

“I did kinda remember that about you.”  Frank accepted the chair, turning it slightly so it would face her better.  “I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you better before I moved.”

“That goes both ways.  Granted, when I knew you, I did not yet know the impact Jane would have on my life.”  Placing her phone on the table, she gave Frank her full attention.

“That’s what I wanted to talk about.”  He dug his thumb into his palm as he spoke, his gaze drifting off to the dance floor, his eyes fixating on what Maura assumed to be Jane.  “Why didn’t she tell me?”

Maura’s mind drifted over years of conversations with Jane, of all her fears, of her anger, her varying feelings about her Father, trying to piece together an answer to his question.  “Frank, your views on family are fairly traditional.  Which is fine, I would never fault someone for wanting a traditional family.”  Her girlfriend’s Father turned his head to face her and listen.  “But in the past your views have caused you to attempt to leave me out of discussions and events, despite my involvement with the rest of your family.  Jane understands that this hurts me, and tries to protect me from it.  Jane also worries that with your traditional view on family, you won’t support her like Angela does, and that scares her.”  Her gaze drifted to her girlfriend, who hadn’t noticed Maura’s strange company.  “I’ve seen criminals say some of the nastiest things to her, and it doesn’t phase her.  I’ve also seen Angela disappointed with her, and how it breaks her.  If our relationship disappoints you, it will destroy her, and she’s terrified of it.”

“I’m not disappointed.”  His eyebrows creased as he spoke.  “I mean, I’m disappointed that she felt like she couldn’t talk to me, but I have no problems with the relationship.”  His eyes studied Maura’s face.  “I mean, is she happy?”

“I can’t feel how Jane feels.”

Frank let out an exasperated sigh.  "I know that."  He clasped his hands in his lap, brown eyes that reminded her so much of Jane's meeting her gaze.  "But you two are involved, you'd know if she were unhappy."

Maura let her mind drift back over the last year.  She thought of the look on Jane's face when they realized they both wanted the same thing.  She remembered her first night at Jane's apartment after moving from Boston, how Jane triumphantly showed her a small space in her closet so she had space for some of her clothes.  She thought of Jane’s difficult days, how she always found solace in Maura’s arms.  The participation in the discussions of their future, as if there is not a question in her mind that they will have one.   The way they compromised with each other, pushing each other’s boundaries just enough to try new things.  Focusing her attention back on Frank,  Maura’s head tilted.  “If Jane told me she was unhappy, I would be surprised.”

Frank took her answer in, his eyes downcast and his thumb again digging into his palm.  “Yeah, she looked happy once you joined the picture.”  He stilled, meeting her eye once again.  “I suppose I should apologize to you, for making you feel like an outsider all these years.”  His gaze drifted once more to Jane, who was now watching them, her brows knotted together.  “And I suppose I should let her know that I’m happy for you two.”

“I think she would like that.”  Maura spoke to him while looking at Jane, nodding her head and smiling so she would know she was alright.  Her hand came up to call the brunette over, hoping she could break free from her nephew’s attention.  She could see her hesitate, but it wasn’t long before she started walking over.  “Looks like now is your chance.”

Jane joined them at the table, sitting behind Maura and taking a sip of her water.  “I can’t keep up with him.”  Her eyes were wide, her laugh airy, and she still managed to avoid her Father’s gaze.  “I don’t know how Tommy does it.”

“He, ah, pawns him off on your mother every once in a while.  Lets Grandma chase him around for a night.”  Frank joined the conversation with a shaky voice, his eyes looking past Maura at the woman behind her.  “He hasn’t left you alone.”

“Well, now he’s playing with Nova.  We’ll see how long I’m free for.”  Jane stayed looking ahead, but she had answered.  It was a start.

“How is teaching?”

Maura saw the sides of her face twitch into a small smile.  “Different.  But nice.  Ma doesn’t worry as much, and my schedule is more regular.”

“And how do you like DC?”

“It’s similar to every other city I’ve lived in.  Except it’s really hard to find Fluff.”  She turned then, meeting Maura’s eyes.  “Speaking of, we should grab a few jars while we’re here.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle.  “We can stop before we leave to stock up.”

“Good, because I used the last of mine last week.”  The flick of her eyes from Maura's to Frank was almost imperceptible.  "Last I knew you were thinking of moving back."

"I did.  It's nice to be near Tommy and TJ."

As if he heard his name, the five-year-old appeared at Jane's side, tapping her on the shoulder.  "Auntie Jane, come do the Cha-Cha Slide with me!"

Her hand went up to ruffle his dark hair.  “I would love to, bud, but I need a break.”  His face fell as she spoke.  “But Aunt Maura likes to try new things, maybe you could show her?”

“Oh, Jane, I don’t know it.”

But the boy was oblivious to her misgivings, grabbing her hand and pulling her along.  “It’s easy!  Just do what it says!”  He set them up behind other people, pointing to the speakers.  “Listen!”

To his credit, TJ was not wrong, all Maura had to do was listen.  The party yelled as they counted their hops, and Maura giggled as TJ stomped with the wrong feet, not yet secure on which side was left or right.  The only command that made her pause was ‘cha-cha real smooth,’ as no one in the room was cha-cha dancing.  Thankfully, Nina, who was close, yelled over the noise, telling her to just do what felt natural.  Every four rotations she would be facing the head table, where she watched Jane and Frank talk, the two connected for the first time in years.  She understood that one conversation would never fix years of distrust and hurt, but at least Jane would know that her Father was not disappointed in her.

After the Cha-Cha Slide, the music slowed down, and TJ’s face fell.  “Great, a slow song so all the grownups can kiss.”  He made a face, sticking out his tongue in disgust, making Maura giggle.

The blonde knelt down to his level, straightening his bowtie as she spoke.  “Can you do me a favor?  Can you get Auntie Jane for me?  I want to steal her from you for one song.”

The boy nodded, straightening up.  “Mission accepted!”  He was smaller, making it easier for him to snake through the couples joining Maura on the floor.  She stepped aside as she waited, making room for Angela and Ron, her eyes sweeping the room to find the couples that she knew.  Linn and Sidney danced in the corner, not far from Korsak and Kiki.  Paige and Tommy were on the other side of the room.  Frankie had taken Nova, while Nina danced with a different little boy, one of the De Marco cousin’s children, allowing their parents time together during the slow song.  Maura turned to face the main table, seeing TJ pulling along Jane, who could not weave between people as easily as he could.  In fact, she bumped into quite a few.  In her haste to avoid bumping into Ron, she stepped on the back of TJ’s shoe, falling to the ground.  Maura scooted past a few people, finding Jane on her knees, reaching out for her.  “Maura, can I get some help here?”

It was a position Maura hadn’t seen her in since they talked at the restaurant.  Giggling, she pulled the brunette up, taking notice to make sure she wasn’t hurt.  “You know, if I didn’t see you fall with my own eyes, I would have thought you were pranking me again.”

“At my brother’s wedding?  Never.  I wouldn’t want to take any of the attention away from Frankie and Nina.”  She grabbed Maura, her hand low on the Doctor’s back, swinging them to the rhythm of the song.  “It’s bad enough that I came out to my dad today.”

“How was your talk?”

The brunette shrugged, her face twitching into a half-smile.  “You were right.  He’s not homophobic.”

“Yes, we talked.”

“Right.  He told me he apologized.”

It was Maura’s turn to shrug.  “Well, he almost apologized.  He acknowledged I deserved one.  Which I think will be the closest I ever get.”

Jane chuckled then, her hand changing position on Maura’s back.  “I think you’re right.”  She paused then, focusing on the rhythm and moving them, and Maura decided to give her that time to process her conversation with Frank.  Taking a breath, she continued.  “I’m just not sure how to move forward from here.”

Studying her face, it was clear to see that Jane had some conflicting feelings she was trying to sort out.  “Do you mind if I give some of your advice back to you?”  This seemed to puzzle the Instructor, her eyebrows knitting together as she listened.  “It’s natural for you to want a relationship with your Father.  I also understand the strain you feel based on his actions.  But no one is going to judge you if you decide to rekindle.”  Maura reached up, brushing a stray brown curl behind her girlfriend’s ear.  “Whatever you choose, I’m on your team.”

Jane pushed in then, pressing her lips against Maura’s as they swayed together.  Jane’s hand rubbing a pattern up and down the Doctor’s back, Maura took the opportunity to rest her head on Jane’s shoulder, straining to hear her heartbeat as they danced.  “I needed to hear that.”

“As I recall, it helped me out with my own complicated family.”  It wasn’t perfect, and most likely would never be.  But similar words said by Jane had given her the strength to ask for what she needed from her biological mother, and in many ways, it was what had strengthened their relationship.  “However I can help, my love, let me know, and I’ll do it.  No judgment.”

The song soon ended, the pace picking up on the dance floor.  TJ found a new person to dance with, an exhausted Angela, who let him dance on her feet.  Jane stayed with Maura and the rest of the BPD crew on the dance floor, Kent and Linn being the two most likely to drag both women out of their comfort zones without embarrassing them.  It wasn’t long before Frankie and Nina cut the cake, and threw the bouquet.  Maura was shocked to catch it, given her lack of athletic ability.

Frankie and Nina left the party as the entire group lined up outside with sparklers.  They took a few pictures, said their goodbyes, and thanked everyone for coming.  Slowly, the rest of the guests began to leave.  Jane and Maura stayed behind afterward, helping to clean up what they could now so they wouldn’t have to wake up as early tomorrow.

Angela stood beside Maura, packing centerpieces into a box.  “So, you caught the bouquet.  Anything I should know?”

Maura laughed, wrapping the glass in paper as they talked.  “I know Jane is planning something.  I don’t know when or how, but she has been preparing me.”

“Good.”  The matriarch spoke with finality.  “It’s meant to be.  You’re soulmates”

“Angela, there are too many people in this world to think that…”

“Up bup bup.”  Angela silenced her, placing a hand on her shoulder.  “I’ve seen the way you look at each other.  I saw it before you started dating.  Soulmates.”

Taking a moment, Maura glanced at the woman she loved across the room.  She and Isaiah were winding up the strings of lights, her hair starting to curl more as she sweat, her laughter audible as she and Isaiah poked fun at one another.  For the briefest moment, their eyes met and Maura’s breath hitched.  Soulmates were improbable.  The idea that they were split before birth and put in the same spot on the giant earth did not compute in any mathematical sense.  But it hit her hard as she watched her love from afar.  “I don’t believe in soulmates, Angela.  But Jane is easily the closest thing I will ever have to one.”

This made the older woman laugh.  “Just because you don’t believe it, doesn’t mean it’s not true.”  Angela leaned up, pressing a kiss to her cheek and tucking hair back behind her ear.  “I can’t wait to see you two get married.”

She thought back to their discussions, the ways to blend their opposite tastes.  The wedding she started picturing in her mind over the last few months was looking less fantastic and more realistic.  Jane a vision in white in Maura’s mind’s eye, her hair pinned back elegantly.  Vows she’d started writing and rewriting hundreds of times.  Each time she imagined it, it was slightly different, but every version was perfect.  Grabbing Angela’s hands, she couldn’t help but smile.  “I can’t wait to marry your daughter.”

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So my computer broke, and after I got it back I had zero motivation... so, sorry for the long wait.