Both women sat in silent awe as he sang. Angela had been right about his voice. It was smooth and rich, like melted chocolate. As he drew the song to its conclusion, Jane sat back in her seat and watched as Maura stared in wide eyes amazement at the man before them, who had paused to take a sip of water.

”Ladies.” Jane’s head spun to look at him so fast, her eyes took a moment to adjust. She’d worked hard to build up trust with Rondo over the years and Maura had extended him more then a professional courtesy in the past, going so far as to allow him to stay at the house for a couple of nights. This evening, Jane had convinced him to sing, for a fee. Nothing more.

She shot him a warning look as he swallowed nervously. ”I’ve known you a while,” he began cautiously, ”and I know how hard it is to get Vanilla’s attention.” He offered her a weak smile. ”Despite my best efforts, I knew no one else stood a chance with you.” Jane swallowed noisily against the lump that was forming in her throat as Maura reached for her hand, their fingers interlacing automatically. ”I knew the Doc here was the one who held your heart.” He grinned as Jane turned her attention to her girlfriend, her eyes softening immediately as she took in the vision before her.

”And you Doc.” Maura turned back to him and smiled. ”I think this is what Jane would like to say.”

Jane frowned up at Rondo. In all the time she’d worked with him, he’d never called her anything other than Vanilla, or Detective Vanilla.

Rondo turned back to the orchestra and gave them a nod. The immediately began with Billy Joel’s ’Just The Way You Are.’

Jane drained her wine glass and wiped at her eyes as Rondo sang. She’d known he had a beautiful voice but she’d never expected him to be so sensitive or in tune with their relationship.

Maura got to her feet, pulling Jane up with her and pulled her into a hug. Both women lost in the others embrace and swaying in time to the music.

”They’re so beautiful.” Angela clutched at her chest as she watched Jane and Maura dance. ”I…” she sniffed and wiped at tears.

”Come on.” Korsak finished setting out their meal of gnocchi and salad with garlic bread. ”I’ll take you home.” He wrapped Angela in his huge embrace and guided her towards the door. As he held open the door for Angela, he glanced back over his shoulder in time to see Maura tip toe up and place a soft, loving kiss on Jane’s lips.

”Goodnight Janie.” he whispered, his own voice tight with happy tears, ”you have a wonderful evening, you deserve it.”

Jane and Maura ate in relative silence, neither noticing as Rondo slipped silently from the roof. As Maura settled her cutlery on her plate, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and sighed.

”I can’t believe you’d do all this.” she watched as Jane sipped her champagne. ”Its so beautiful, Jane.”

”You’re worth it.” Jane shrugged nonchalantly. ”And I know this year hasn’t been easy with me and I want you to know I appreciate you and your being patient with me.”

Maura crossed to Jane and pulled her to her feet. ”I love you, Jane. I’ve always loved you.”

Jane leant in and captured Maura’s lips with her own. A soft and languid kiss that both calmed and excited Jane. Kissing Maura always excited her, even if it was nothing more than a peck on the cheek.

”Come on.” Maura said as she pulled back, a mischievous look played in her eyes and she lead Jane to the door. ”Let’s take you home.”