Jane, you have taught me about many things, life, family, ‘fluffernutters’ ( which are delicious)baseball, and most importantly respect and love. I know who I am, so much more clearly now and, while I ache to tell you this, I feel it will impede your recovery. You know how lying makes me go vasovagal so I will tell you everything as I’m aware of it. I am in love with you, completely and totally in love. I have never experienced anything of this magnitude before. I also believe from some of your actions, both conscious and unconscious, that you may have strong feelings for me too. I can only hope this is the case as I fear I am not as good at reading the living as I am the dead but your subconscious reactions give me cause for hope.

Should you happen upon this letter before I give it to you; I hope you can forgive my cowardice in not saying something to you. I also hope that this will not change the dynamic of our friendship should you not reciprocate.

You are the best thing that had ever happened to me and while I long for us to one day be more than friends, your friendship is the greatest gift I have ever received and I do truly treasure it.

To lose that would be worse than the undoubted rejection of my love for you.

                  Forever yours,

                  M. xxxxx

Jane wiped the tears that formed in her eyes and, as the door behind her began to open, stuffed the letter into her pocket, forcing her ‘detective face’ back in place as Maura emerged.

“She’s obviously indulged in a night of passionate love making.” Jane swallowed loudly as Maura’s words hit her. Her eyes searching the doctor for any sign of the feelings she’d just read about. “But it is my opinion that she hasn’t been involved in any physical altercation that wasn’t completely consensual.”

“Oh. Ok.”

“Are you ok Jane?” Maura asked, her hand reaching out for the brunette and gently brushing her forearm, sending bolts of electricity through the detective and leaving her mouth dry.

“Yeah. Sorry Maur.” She shook the clouds from her mind and blinked rapidly to clear the passion that was settling in her mind. “Look, let me sort this and we’ll get dinner, ok?”

Maura’s face lit up and Jane found herself grinning in return. “I’ll see if I can book us a table. I know a great little restaurant that would be perfect.” Maura smiled.

Guiding Shelley from the office, Jane escorted her to the elevator, painfully aware of Maura’s gaze on her as she waited for it. This was going to be an interesting dinner. Of that she was certain.