Dear Angela,

I thought it best to write you a letter with my intentions. This will give you an opportunity to consider and contemplate this. I will of course speak to you in person as well, but I think that you need time to get accustomed to the idea.

Angela, I would like to pursue Jane romantically with the intension of asking her to marry me.

I know it is sudden and unexpected, but I have been thinking about this a very long time. It has come to the point where I either need to act on my feelings or move away. I want to have your blessing first before I approach Jane. Your acceptance will make her inner conflict less burdensome.

She does not know how I feel, but there are times that I think that she may be harbouring the same feelings. Of course I don't have any substantial proof, but it is in the way that she looks at me. It is in her touch and in her smile. It is in the way she speaks to me, teases me and never just let me be.

I am jumping to conclusions now and I may be wrong. However, I may never know unless I take courage now and see where this is going.

Alas, I don't have much to offer Jane. I have money, yet that never made an impression on Jane. It never impressed you. Money can't buy happiness, health or safety. Money can't buy love. It only makes life easier and more enjoyable. I am not a slave to money and I will never enslave Jane with it. I will love to share it with her.

I am afraid that my family is also counting against me as a possible suitor. I have been adopted by the Isles family. The Isles are a respected family here as well as abroad. I know that it is difficult to see beyond the icy facade, but their hearts are in the right place. My family always proudly supported various charities and notable organizations.

My biological parents are even worse. My biological mother seems acceptable, but the trauma that she suffered in the past has left a mark. She will never be more than an acquaintance to us. There is also Paddy Doyle, the notorious leader and 'enforcer' of the Irish Mob. He had Tommy restrained once and he had admitted that he would not hesitate to shoot Jane. I cannot justify him; I can only vow to keep his interaction and interference to a minimum.

I am well educated, both academically and otherwise. May I add that I am a doctor? Albeit, one that work on the dead, but I am capable to help the living as well if there is a need. I know that my education often makes Jane feel inferior, but she had acknowledged in the past that it is not my fault. It is more her own insecurities. There is no reason why Jane should feel insecure. I will spend my life to show her that.

All I have to give Jane is me – all of me. I came to depend on Jane to always come to my rescue. Jane has saved my life countless times. When my life was shattering, she was always there to help me put the pieces together. I supposed that it makes me a damsel in distress, one that will always put your daughter in danger. Yet, please believe me that I will lay down my life for Jane any day.

Reading this, I have to agree that I am a burden to Jane. That maybe she would be better off without me in her life. But I truly believe that I can give her everything that she need.

Jane is my caregiver, but I take good care of her. I ensure that she remembers to eat and I even get her to eat some vegetables as well. I let her drink water and not just coffee and beer. I have convinced her to have her shots and even to wear her vest when she is in the field. I make sure that she gets a sufficient amount of sleep.

Jane is my protector, but I am the guardian of her heart and soul. I am the one who she turns to when it all becomes too much. I know when to turn a blind eye to her pain and when to pull her close to shelter her from the world. Evolution has made my shoulders well adapted to catch her tears. I know when to hand the tissues, when to comfort and the exact moment to cry with her.

I give Jane the freedom to share her fears with me. If she is scared, I give her safety and security. I am there for her, I silently help her to regroup and recharge so that she could face the demons of the world again. I am her silent rock. She does not have to exchange her independence, control or bravery for it. I don't judge, I am just there. I know that Jane is a human, a warm blooded and caring creature even if she is the best, tough-as-nails detective in the world.

At night I ease her through nightmares. They are less frequent than when I met her, but from time to time, Hoyt and Dominic do pester her. I will whisper assurances to her until they leave or she calms down. Jane thinks I don't know it, but sometimes when she is petrified, she will latch on to me like I am her teddy bear. She always let me go before she thinks I am awake. We never talk about it, but I know that it makes her feel safe. I would love to pull her in my arms every night and always be her teddy bear. My arms will be her safe haven.

I know that we will have fights, but I will never again shut Jane out. I will always be at her disposal, even when she hates me.

It is rather simple actually. I love Jane, with my heart, soul and very essence of my being. I want to convince her of my love for her. I want to take care of her every day, every moment in more ways than a best friend can. I promise I will never hurt her.

Will you please grant me permission to court your daughter?

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Maura Isles

AN: I do apologize for this Maura's lack in grammar and spelling. My English is atrocious at the best of times.

Yes, I am supposed to concentrate on other matters at the moment. I won't tell if you won't.