How Long Is Forever?

Is This A Snapshot Into Married Life?

As the Red Sox game blared from the TV, Jane, Frankie, and Tommy Rizzoli were sprawled out on the couches in Jane and Maura's cozy living room. The air was thick with excitement as they cheered on their favorite team, their banter and laughter filling the space.

Just as the game was reaching a thrilling climax, the front door creaked open, and Dr. Maura Isles entered, her expression a mix of surprise and dismay at the unexpected gathering.

"Jane, I thought we agreed to have a quiet night in," Maura said, her tone gentle but firm as she took in the scene before her.

Jane's face fell as she realized her mistake, her brothers exchanging sheepish glances at Maura's obvious discomfort. "Sorry, Maura, we just couldn't resist catching the game together. We'll keep it down."

Maura nodded, her exhaustion evident as she sank onto the couch beside Jane. "It's okay, Jane. I suppose I can tolerate it for a little while longer."

Frankie and Tommy offered their apologies as well, promising to keep the noise to a minimum. "Sorry, Maura, we didn't mean to intrude," Frankie said, a hint of guilt in his voice.

Maura waved off their concerns with a tired smile. "It's fine, really. I'm just going to go grab a book and relax in the bedroom for a bit. Enjoy the game."

As Maura made her way upstairs, Jane couldn't help but feel guilty for disrupting her quiet evening. "I'm sorry, Maura," she whispered, her voice filled with regret.

But Maura simply smiled and squeezed Jane's hand reassuringly. "It's okay, Jane. I'll just be upstairs. This is your home too."

As Jane ascended the stairs, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart. She knew she had unintentionally disrupted Maura's evening of relaxation, and she was determined to make it up to her. Pushing open the door to the bathroom, she found Maura luxuriating in a warm bubble bath, her eyes closed in bliss as soft music played in the background.

"Hey, Maura," Jane said softly, her voice carrying a note of apology. "Mind if I join you?"

Maura's eyes fluttered open, surprise flickering across her features before a warm smile spread across her lips. "Of course, Jane. The water's just right."

With a grateful smile, Jane quickly shed her clothes and slipped into the tub beside Maura, sighing contentedly as the warm water enveloped her body. As they settled into the soothing embrace of the bath, a comfortable silence descended between them, broken only by the gentle lapping of the water.

After a moment, Maura reached out to take Jane's hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Thank you for joining me, Jane. It means a lot."

Jane squeezed Maura's hand affectionately, her heart swelling with love for the woman beside her. "I'm sorry for disrupting your quiet night, Maura. I should have checked with you before inviting Frankie and Tommy over."

Maura shook her head, her expression softening with understanding. "It's okay, Jane. I know you didn't mean to. And besides, this more than makes up for it."

As they soaked in the warmth of the bath, the tension of the evening melted away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment in each other's company.

— — —

As Jane and Frankie stepped into the bustling atmosphere of the batting cages, the rhythmic thud of baseballs meeting bats filled the air around them. With each swing, they found a release from the pressures of their day-to-day lives, the repetitive motion a welcome distraction from the weight of their responsibilities.

As they took turns at the plate, Jane couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with her brother, their shared love of the game a bond that ran deep