Memories of a life together...Part 7
Title: Memories of a life together part 7: The patter of tiny feet
Author: Loopyem89
Rating: PG
Pairing: Jane/ Maura (Rizzoli & Isles)
Category: Drama/Romance
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. No infringement intended and no profit will be made from their use.
Summary: Think the title says it all...
Author’s Note: Ok so here's the 7th part in the series. Suggestions, comments etc are always appreciated. Also thanks to all of you who have commented so far, glad your enjoying it =)
Memories of a life together: Part 7- The patter of tiny feet
The sounds of crying filtered into the room, waking both of the occupants who had been asleep. Maura moved to get up but was stopped by Jane as she groggily got to her feet.
“Go back to bed sweetheart, you’ve been with her all day, it’s my turn.”
The detective made her way to her daughter’s room as the cries became louder. She bent down and scooped the two year old into her arms as she carefully began rubbing her back, trying to sooth her.
“What is it Evie? Did you have a bad dream?” Jane held her tightly in her arms as she began walking up and down the bedroom to comfort her.
“Ssh its ok, mama’s here; I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” The little girl began to quieten down, her cries becoming soft whimpers as she buried herself in her mother’s arms. Jane tried to lower her back down into bed but crying would soon again ensue, so instead she grabbed a blanket and moved to sit in the rocking chair in the corner of the room.
“How about Mama just sits here for awhile; would you like that?” Her daughter soon became quiet as she settled herself and stared up at the detective.
“I will take that as a yes then,” A chuckle escaped Jane as she pulled the blanket around them and let out a contented sigh. Moments like these were precious to her, she knew that time would go by and her daughter would eventually be talking and running around non stop, so she enjoyed the quiet times as much as she could.
Evelyn Rizzoli-Isles had been a blessing for both her and Maura, especially after the pain and disappointment they went through trying to conceive. Originally when they first started to talk about the idea of children the detective had been hesitant; unsure whether she wanted to bring a child into the world after all the violence and tragedy she had witnessed in life. Yet after much discussion she began to change her mind; realising she and Maura had so much love to give to a child of their own.
The decision for Maura to carry the child had been easy for them; she had wanted the experience of a life growing inside her while Jane on the other hand was not keen on the idea of being resigned to a desk at the station for months on end. They knew that it would not be easy; it had taken them 3 attempts at IVF followed by a failure and a miscarriage, before the arrival of their newborn girl.
The grief that came from the loss of the baby lingered around them in the weeks following the miscarriage, Maura retreated into her mind while Jane used her work as an outlet for her anger. It wasn’t until she came home late from work one night and found her wife crying, curled up on their bed clutching the baby clothes they had brought, that she finally came to her senses and realised they needed to deal with the pain and anguish together. As the weeks turned into months, they were finally able to come to terms with what had happened and realised it was just not meant to be. Instead they began focusing on the future and made the decision to try one final time at conceiving the child they were longing for.
Jane could clearly recall the moment they went to the Dr’s office for conformation of the pregnancy; after all the previous disappointment they hadn’t wanted to get her hopes up, especially since it was still in the early stages but when they looked over at the screen and saw the tiny life developing, they were unable to contain the overwhelming feeling of joy.
The emotional rollercoaster for them both was a struggle but when Jane stood by her wife as she gave birth and then held Evelyn in their arms for the very first time; she knew that it had all been completely worth it.
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12 weeks
Jane awoke to find the space beside her cold and empty, she looked over and saw under the door that the bathroom light was on. Making her way in she found her wife hunched over the toilet, a sight which had become normal over the past couple of weeks.
“Feeling rough again sweetie?”
“Yeah I’m ok though, it will soon pass.”
Knowing that what Maura was going through was perfectly normal didn’t mean she just stopped worrying. She took a damp face cloth and brought it to her wife’s forehead, anything to bring a little comfort and to let her know that she wasn’t on her own.
16 weeks
Jane was stretched out on the sofa, idly flicking through channels while her wife sat comfortably resting against her reading. They were simply enjoying one another’s presence, so she was taken by surprise when Maura suddenly jerked forward with a gasp.
“Maura what is it!” When she didn’t respond straight away Jane became concerned and jumped off the sofa to kneel in front of the woman.
“Maura?” A huge smile soon appeared on the blonde’s face.
“It’s kicking!” Confusion crossed over Jane’s features to begin with, before Maura explained further.
“Our baby, it’s kicking. Here feel.” She grabbed the detective’s hand and placed it over the bump that was beginning to show and sure enough Jane soon felt it.
“Wow, that’s amazing. That’s our baby”
A few tears of happiness fell from Maura’s eyes which Jane soon kissed away.
21 weeks
“Jane you’re making me dizzy, why don’t you just come and sit down beside me.”
The detective was pacing up and down the waiting room of the hospital becoming more and more anxious as they waited for the Doctor to come in.
“I’m sorry Maura I just can’t help worrying.”
“I know but it’s going to be fine, everything is progressing as normal so far and this is just a routine scan.”
Jane’s reply was cut off when the Doctor entered and greeted them both. Elizabeth Hanson had been a friend of Maura’s while at medical school and so the familiarity put the couple at ease.
“Ok let’s take a look shall we.” Elizabeth proceeded to begin the ultrasound and soon enough a clear image appeared on the screen in front of them. Jane automatically moved closer next to her wife and grabbed her hand as the Doctor turned around and gave them both a reassuring glance.
“Everything is looking fine and healthy; I count 10 fingers and 10 toes.” She continued with her observation before looking back towards the expecting parents with a smile on her face.
“Would you like to know the sex of the baby?”
Jane let out a huge sigh of relief as she checked with Maura who simply nodded her head, too emotional to speak.
“Bare in mind this isn’t 100% accurate but from what I can see I’m pretty confident that it’s a girl.”
A few tears escaped from Maura’s eyes and even the strong detective had a couple rolling down her face after hearing the good news. That night they sat with one another on the sofa, unable to stop looking at the ultrasound picture which had taken pride place on the living room table. And as Jane lay down to sleep, she kissed Maura before moving and placing a gentle kiss on her wife’s bump
“Goodnight little one.”
28 weeks
Maura was happily relaxing in bed as she watched the detective change out of her work clothes and into her usual sleeping attire of a tank top and shorts.
“We could call her Jane.”
“What! Are your changing hormones affecting your mind and making you crazy? There are thousands of other names out there, why would we name our daughter after me?”
Maura did what was natural and counter questioned her wife “Why wouldn’t we? It’s a nice name”
Jane let out a chuckle as slid into bed next to the other woman. “I want her to have he own identity in life, don’t you think that by having my name she will have some sort of pressure to live up to.”
“I suppose you may be right.”
“I know I’m right. Maura you have a whole book of names, why don’t you just pick the ones you like and stick them all in hat.”
“Jane!” Maura took a playful smack at the detective’s arm
“I’m not going to turn this into a game and randomly choose our daughter’s name. We will continue to discuss this with one another until we come upon one we both love.”
Jane let out deep sigh, knowing that such a conversation could go on for days, even weeks as Maura analysed each name.
“Fine but can we continue it tomorrow, I’ve had a long day at work and all I want to do now is to fall asleep holding you in my arms.”
“Ok but only because you asked so nicely.” Maura turned and switched off the bedside light as she felt Jane’s arms wrap protectively around her. It wasn’t long before they both succumbed to a deep and peaceful sleep.
35 Weeks
Maura let out a huge sigh of relief as she dropped the bags she had been carrying to the floor and closed the door behind her. She rested herself up against it, feeling too tired and sore to move any further.
“Maur is that you?”
Jane appeared and took in the sight of her very pregnant and tired wife. “That’s what you get for agreeing to go baby shopping with Ma.”
Maura held out her arms as Jane moved in and held her close. “I love shopping but after that, even I don’t want to see the sight of another store for a long time. Things weren’t helped by the fact our daughter hasn’t stopped moving around all day”
The detective let out a chuckle, “I did warn you but you refused to listen. I guessed you would be sore and worn out so I ran you a hot bath. Come I’ll even help wash your back.”
They made their way into the bedroom where Maura undressed before heading into the bathroom. Her wife meanwhile had made herself busy sorting through the bags that were now covering the majority of bed, shaking her head she began putting things in order, remembering never again to let her mother and Maura lose with her credit card. She was so engrossed in the purchases that she didn’t hear the object of her affections appear in the doorway of the en-suite until her voice broke the silence.
“Jane do you think I look fat and undesirable?”
Confusion appeared on the detective’s face as she moved and brought the other woman to sit next to her on the bed.
“Sweetheart you’re the most beautiful and attractive woman I know and in case you haven’t forgotten you are carrying our child. You’re meant to put on weight.” Cupping Maura’s face she soundly kissed her to punctuate her point before wrapping an arm around her and bringing her close.
“What’s brought this on sweetheart?”
“It’s silly, just something somebody said to me this afternoon about looking overweight when I walked into a store.”
Jane’s temper flared, “What the hell!”
“Don’t worry, your mother soon put them in their place.”
“Good, who do they think they are making comments like that? But just for the record Maura, to me you’re still the most gorgeous, stunning women I know and love.”
“I wouldn’t usually get this upset. Just blame it on the hormones.”
The brunette placed a kiss upon her wife’s forehead, still upset that some random stranger had made the woman she loved doubt herself.
“You stay here and get some rest; I’m going to finish off the nursery ready for your inspection later.”
Maura let out a laugh, “Thank you Jane, for everything.”
The detective smiled her trademark Rizzoli grin as she got up and made her way out.” You never need to thank me Maura, I love you.”
40 Weeks
Maura smiled as opened the door to reveal Detective Frost standing in front of her.
“Barry! It’s nice to see you. Come on in.”
“Thanks Maura, I just came in to drop these files of for Jane, she wanted to take a quick look over them.”
“Well I will make sure she gets them when she comes home, although I was expecting her back already” The women started to walk up and down as she took in a few deep breaths.
”Maura are you ok?” Her response was cut off as she hunched forward in pain.
“Maura! What’s wrong? ” The detective lunged forward as he heard the cry come from the doctor.
“It’s ok Barry, I’m in labor. It started a couple of hours ago and it was fine. Jane was due back and so I was waiting for her but it would now seem our daughter is in a hurry. I think I made need you to drive me to the hospital.”
A look of panic appeared on the man’s face as the words he heard sunk in.
“Of course! The car is just down stairs.” He grabbed Maura’s hand and helped to support her as they made their way out of the apartment.
“Barry can you grab that bag by the door for me as well.” He did as he was told as he helped the woman downstairs and into his car.
“Do you have your phone, I need to call Jane and tell her to meet us at the hospital.”
****
Jane let out a frustrated sigh as the traffic in front of her came to a standstill, a collision up ahead had closed part of the road and had left her with no option but to wait. Her phone on the seat next to her began to vibrate and she noticed her partner’s name come up on the ID display.
“Frost this had better not be a case, I promised my wife that until the baby is here the only work I would be doing is looking over some old files at home.”
“Jane, it’s me.” Concern crept into her mind upon hearing the woman’s voice.
“Maura? Why do you have Barry’s phone? Is everything ok?”
“At the moment everything is fine Jane but I am in labor and on the way to the hospital. I was waiting for you to come home but things seem to be progressing quickly. Luckily Barry showed up and I asked him to take me.”
A wave of fear and panic overcame her as she realised what was happening.
“Ok Maura listen I’m stuck in traffic but I’m going to try and get there as soon as I can. I promise you I’ll be there.” She heard a cry of pain come down the phone as Maura felt another contraction and her partner’s voice came on the line.
“Think she’s a little occupied Jane, you better get your ass to the hospital ASAP.”
“Frost tell her not to worry and that I’m on my way. I love her.” She shut the phone as she frantically began beeping her horn in some vain hope that the traffic would move out of her way. Sensing that wasn’t going to happen, she instead jumped out of the car to survey the scene in front of her, noticing that there was no way she was going to be able to move anytime soon. The detective had promised her wife that she was going to be there and it was a promise that she planned on keeping, so realising she had no other option, Jane grabbed her phone and keys before locking the car and running off in the direction of the hospital.
Twenty minutes passed without any sign of a taxi but luckily she spotted two patrolmen up ahead leaning against their vehicle. As she got closer Jane recognised one of them from a couple of scenes she had recently attended. Slowing down in front of them, she had to catch her breath before she was able to speak clearly.
“Officer Daniels right?”
“Yes can I help you?
Jane helped up her badge for him to see. “Detective Rizzoli, homicide. You and your partner feel like helping out a fellow officer in blue?”
“Sure what can we do Rizzoli?”
“Get me to the general hospital as quick as possible, my wife is about to have our baby and she won’t be happy if I miss it.”
“Get on in.” With its lights switched on, the car sped off carrying one anxious detective.
Frost paced up and down outside Maura’s room as he heard another cry come from within. He had felt uncomfortable standing around watching the woman, so he had excused himself with the promise that he would find Jane. He decided that he needed some fresh air and would also try calling his partners cell, so he made his way out towards the hospitals entrance. He had barely made it outside before he saw the patrol car come skidding to a stop in front of him and one Jane Rizzoli jump out of it.
“Thanks guy, if you ever need a favor you know where to find me.” Turning around she noticed her partner standing there and immediately headed towards him.
“How is she Frost?”
“In pain and asking for you a lot.”
“Show me where she is will ya?” The two of them made their way inside as the male detective led the way. Maura looked up and a smile graced her features when she saw her wife quickly come through the door.
“I was worried you weren’t going to make it in time.”
“I made you a promise Maura and when have I ever let you down.” The other woman was about to reply but was cut off when she felt another contraction hit. She grabbed Jane’s hand as she tried to work through the pain.
A few moments later Elizabeth Hanson entered the room. “Ok ladies from what the nurses have told me; it seems like the little one is ready to come out and meet her parents.”
Forty minutes later Jane stood proudly holding her wife’s hand as she encouraged her to do one final push.
“Come on sweetheart, you can do it, you’re almost there.” With as much strength as she could muster Maura pushed again and finally collapsed against the bed when she heard the cries of a baby filter into the room. The minutes that followed were a blur and it wasn’t until she felt Jane’s kiss upon her forehead that she began to focus.
“Congratulations you two, you have a healthy baby girl weighing 8lbs and 5 oz.” Elizabeth appeared in front of them as she carefully placed the bundle of joy wrapped in a blanket, into her mother’s arms.”
Tears crept down Maura’s face as for the first time she held her daughter. “She’s perfect Jane.”
The detective looked on in awe at the scene before her, finding it hard to believe that their little girl was now there in front of her. “Yeah she is, just like her mom.”
She moved and placed a gentle kiss to her daughter’s forehead before capturing Maura’s lips with her own, ignoring the nurses who were still in the room.
Elizabeth interrupted them as she made her final checks and headed out of the room.
“So does she have a name?”
Maura smiled at Jane as she answered, “Evelyn. Evelyn Rizzoli-Isles”
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Maura came looking for her wife after she had awoken to find the bed cold and empty. As she opened the door the sight that greeted her was one of pure contentment that tugged at her insides. Jane had fallen fast asleep in the rocking chair while Evelyn had done the same curled up in her mama’s arms. She took a moment to stop and watch, allowing her the opportunity to fully take in the scene before her. Yet although she didn’t want to disturb them, Maura knew Jane would awake with a sore neck in the morning if she didn’t move now and so reluctantly she moved across the room.
Quietly and as gently as possible, she picked up the sleeping girl, placing her back down to lie in her bed. She then knelt down in front of Jane, lightly shaking the detective’s knee to wake her. Maura soon found herself looking into those familiar eyes she loved so much as they fluttered open.
“I fell asleep here didn’t I?”
“Yes you did.” A moment of panic passed through Jane as she realised Evelyn was no longer in her arms. Maura, recognising her distress, soon put her at ease.
“It’s ok, I put her back down, now come back to bed love.”
Jane allowed herself to be led out of the room but not before turning and taking one last look at to check and see that her daughter was peacefully sound asleep.