Rizzoli & Isles: The Three of Us

Chapter One: The Morning Rush

The sun peeked through the half-open blinds of the Rizzoli-Isles family home in Beacon Hills, casting a warm, golden hue across the cozy kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint scent of pancakes cooking on the stove. Jane, standing at the stovetop in a well-worn Boston PD sweatshirt and sweatpants, moved with practiced efficiency as she flipped the pancakes with one hand while juggling a mug of coffee with the other.

"Mommy, where's my teddy bear?" came a small voice from behind Jane's back.

Jane glanced over her shoulder to see her four-year-old daughter, Halston, rubbing her eyes with one hand while clutching a pair of mismatched socks in the other. Her wild black curls, like Jane's, framed her cherubic face, and her pajamas were decorated with bright, Disney princesses.

"It's in your room, sweetie," Jane said, her tone gentle despite the rush. "Go check under the bed. I'll bring your breakfast to the table in a minute."

Halston scampered off, her tiny footsteps echoing down the hall. Jane's focus returned to the pancakes, her mind simultaneously tracking the time and mentally reviewing the details of the case that awaited her at work.

"Jane, we need to talk," Maura's voice called from the doorway. The Chief Medical Examiner, always impeccably dressed even in the early morning, was already in her work attire—a light blue skin-tight dress, her honey-blonde hair falling just below her shoulders.

Jane turned, her brow furrowing. "What's up, babe?"

Maura stepped into the kitchen, her expression serious but softened by concern. "It's about Halston's preschool. They've been sending us notes about her allergies, and I haven't had a chance to review them."

Jane sighed, flipping the last pancake onto a plate. "I'll take care of it. Just remind me tonight."

"Jane," Maura said, her tone more insistent. "We need to be more proactive about this. It's important."

Jane nodded, though the pressure of the day's cases was already weighing heavily on her. "I know, Maura. I'll handle it. Can we talk about it later, after work? I'm already running late."

Maura's eyes softened as she saw the stress etched on Jane's face. "Of course. Let's focus on getting Halston ready and then we can discuss it later."

Just then, Halston reappeared, teddy bear in tow. She plopped down at the table, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Mommy, can I have some syrup on my pancakes?"

Jane smiled, feeling a rush of affection. "Of course, sweetie. And don't forget to brush your teeth before you leave for school."

As Jane drizzled syrup over Halston's pancakes, Maura checked her watch, a habit that always indicated she was running close to her own schedule. She gave Jane a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll be leaving soon. Don't forget, we have that dinner with the Thompsons this weekend."

Jane nodded absentmindedly. "Got it. I'll see you tonight."

Maura grabbed her keys and headed for the door. "Bye, Halston! Have a great day at preschool. And don't forget to listen to your teachers."

Halston waved enthusiastically, her mouth full of syrupy pancakes. "Bye, Mommy! I love you!"

Maura gave a final wave before slipping out the door. Jane watched her go, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to manage everything as smoothly as she'd hoped.

The clock ticked loudly in the background as Jane hastily finished preparing Halston's lunch. She mentally reviewed her plans for the day, the murder case that had been assigned to her looming large in her thoughts. The case was high-profile, and she knew it would demand all her focus. But as she glanced at Halston, now happily munching on her breakfast, Jane was reminded of the balance she was constantly striving to maintain.

"Mommy, when can we go to the zoo again?" Halston asked between bites.

Jane's heart melted at the question. "Soon, baby. We'll plan a trip this weekend if everything goes well with the case."

With that promise, Jane wiped syrup from Halston's cheek and helped her into her coat. The morning rush continued, punctuated by hurried goodbyes and last-minute adjustments. As Jane headed out the door with Halston in tow, she knew that despite the chaos and pressures of their jobs, the love and commitment she shared with Maura and their daughter would always be her anchor.

The day had just begun, and Jane felt ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing she had a family waiting for her at the end of it all.