How Long Is Forever?

Engagement Party

The guests echoed Angela's sentiments, their voices rising in a chorus of cheers and applause as they raised their glasses in honor of the newly engaged couple. Jane and Maura shared a tender glance, their hearts overflowing with love and gratitude for the outpouring of support from their loved ones.

As the night continued, the backyard came alive with music and dancing, the air filled with the joyful laughter of friends and family celebrating love in all its forms

As the music swirled around them, Maura gently tugged at Jane's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come on, Jane. Let's dance."

Jane hesitated, a look of uncertainty crossing her face. "I don't know, Maura. I'm not really much of a dancer."

But Maura simply smiled, her gaze soft and encouraging. "It's okay, Jane. We don't have to be experts. We can just have fun and enjoy the moment together."

With a sigh, Jane relented, allowing Maura to lead her onto the dance floor. As they began to sway to the music, Jane's movements were stiff and awkward, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

But Maura simply wrapped her arms around Jane's waist and pulled her close, her body moving in perfect harmony with Jane's. "Relax, Jane," she whispered softly. "Just let go and enjoy the moment."

As they danced, Maura guided Jane with gentle ease, her touch firm but gentle as she led them in a graceful waltz across the floor. With each step they took, Jane felt herself loosening up, her body responding instinctively to Maura's guidance.

And as they moved together in perfect synchrony, Jane felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her—a feeling of freedom and joy that she had never experienced before. In that moment, all her fears and insecurities melted away, replaced by a sense of pure happiness and love.

As the song came to an end, Jane and Maura stood together in the center of the dance floor, their hearts racing and their smiles radiant. "Thank you, Maura," Jane whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "That was... amazing."

Maura smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "You were amazing, Jane. And you know what? I think you might just be a natural-born dancer after all."

With a laugh, Jane pulled Maura close and kissed her slow only pulling a way as she heard whistles coming from her family and friends.

As the lively celebration of Jane and Maura's engagement continued, Angela found a quiet moment to catch up with Maura amidst the excitement of the party.

"Maura, my dear, how's the wedding planning going?" Angela inquired, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she took a seat beside her future daughter-in-law.

Maura smiled warmly, her eyes alight with excitement. "It's going wonderfully, Angela. We've been busy brainstorming ideas and making plans for the big day."

Angela nodded enthusiastically. "That's wonderful to hear! Have you and Jane settled on a wedding date yet?"

Maura's smile widened as she exchanged a glance with Jane, who had joined them. "Yes, Angela, we have," she replied, her voice filled with happiness. "We've decided on next summer. We want to give ourselves plenty of time to plan and make sure every detail is perfect."

Angela's face lit up with joy at the news. "Next summer! How exciting! I can't wait to see what you two have in store for your special day."

Tommy Rizzoli sidled up to his sister Jane and his brother Frankie, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his lips.

"So, I couldn't help but notice you two lovebirds looking mighty whipped tonight," Tommy teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jane rolled her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, please. We're not whipped, Tommy. We just know how to treat our ladies right."

Frankie nodded in agreement, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, that's right. We're just showing them the love and respect they deserve."

But Tommy simply raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Uh-huh, sure you are. I've seen the way you two jump when your girlfriends snap their fingers. You're whipped, plain and simple."

Jane and Frankie exchanged a look, unable to suppress their laughter at Tommy's teasing. "Alright, maybe we're a little whipped," Jane admitted, a fond smile spreading across her face as she thought of Maura.

"And what's wrong with that?" Frankie added, a hint of pride in his voice as he thought of Nina. "Being whipped just means we've found someone worth bending over backward for."

Tommy grinned, clapping them both on the back. "That's the spirit, you two. Here's to being happily whipped for the rest of your lives."

As the celebration of Jane and Maura's engagement continued, Constance Isles found a quiet moment to pull Maura aside for a private conversation amidst the festivities.

"Maura, darling, may I have a word with you?" Constance asked, her tone gentle but serious as she guided Maura to a secluded corner of the room.

Maura nodded, a smile lighting up her face as she turned to face her mother. "Of course, Mother. What's on your mind?"

Constance hesitated for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she carefully chose her words. "I couldn't help but notice that you and Jane have set a wedding date. It's all very exciting, of course, but there are some practical matters that we need to discuss."

Maura's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Mother?"

Constance took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she broached the sensitive topic. "I think it's time we talked about a prenuptial agreement, Maura. It's important to protect your assets, especially given the differences in your financial situations."

Maura's heart sank at her mother's words, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. She had hoped that her engagement party would be a joyous occasion, free from such weighty matters.

"Mother, I appreciate your concern, but Jane and I haven't discussed a prenup," Maura replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "We're getting married because we love each other, not because of money."

Constance's expression softened, a look of regret crossing her features. "I understand, Maura. I only want what's best for you. But I urge you to consider the implications of entering into a marriage without protecting your interests."

With a heavy heart, Maura nodded, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She knew that her mother meant well, but the thought of discussing a prenuptial agreement with Jane filled her with unease.

As she rejoined the festivities, Maura couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that lingered in her heart