She is beautiful.
Standing there at the end of the aisle, brown locks shining against the stark white of her dress. She chews her lip and repeatedly runs her hands down the front of her dress, inspecting herself. You want to tell her that she's perfect, that she has nothing to be nervous about, but the time for reassurances is over. She needs to do this herself. You watch her look to you as she slowly makes her way to the priest , but eventually her eyes slide down, glueing themselves to her feet. Frankie is to your right, and you hear his suit rustle as he lifts his sleeve to his eyes. "she's so beautiful" he whispers and you nod in agreement.
Eventually she reaches you, and you reach a hand out, touching her forearm gently before she continues to her final destination. She turns to the man waiting for her at the alter, eyes shining with happy tears. He is a good man, a kind man. He has navigated countless family dinners, endured awkward introductions and interrogations by her family, and earned his place. But now he is taking her away from you, and you are happy for her, really, truly happy, but there is still a heavy sadness in your heart as you watch them look at each other with eyes full of love.
The priest is just about to start when the chapel doors open, a latecomer bursting through, not trying in the least bit to be subtle. You chuckle as you see who it is, someone who you would expect nothing less from. The intruder stumbles to a stop, smoothing down their suit and straightening their tie before making their way to the front of the chapel, a sheepish grin on their face. They slide in to their place next to you, whispering "told you I'd make it" into your ear, smirking as you gently slap them . You smile as they grab your hand before it makes contact, bringing it to their mouth before kissing it in apology as the priest begins. They do not let go of your hand for the entire ceremony.
You cry as she says "I do" , sliding the simple white gold band into his finger, the intruder's hand never leaving yours. And as the priest announces them, your latecomer wraps you in their arms, kissing your cheek as silent tears stream down your face, the wetness from their eyes mingling with yours.
Later, as you are wrapped in their arms, slowly swaying to the music, you glance over at the happy couple, and as you meet the bride's eyes you smile. You think this must be the happiest day of your life, but as your eyes shift back to eyes that are equally brown as the bride's, you are reminded of one day that made you happier.
"our baby just got married Maur" Jane says, bringing her forehead down to rest against yours. You nod, closing your eyes before fresh tears fall. You just reapplied your makeup, you don't want to have to do it again. When you get yourself under control, you look back over to your daughter, dancing with her new husband. Avery Lucia Isles-Rizzoli is a perfect blend of you and your wife. She has Jane's curls and eyes, but your mouth and nose, and while she possesses the famed Rizzoli temper, she also has your curiosity, your love of science and medicine. And between the two of you she has developed a fierce protectiveness, and her work as a prosecutor lets her use her Rizzoli charm and Isles smarts to full advantage.
Daniel is a lovely boy. A detective himself, he managed to not pass out the first time Avery brought him home for dinner with her mothers, even though one was his boss and the other he worked with regularly, and together had enough juice to have him working overnight patrols in Dorchester for the rest of his career.
You smile at your daughter and new son-in-law, and turn back to your wife, kissing her gently.
"yes she did Jane, yes she did".
