Chapter 4

With the rings selected, her mother called, and the clothing getting narrowed down, Jane starts chatting with Emily about possibilities for getaways. While they talk, Claude arranges for final customizations on Maura's dress and details for Jane's tux. He works hard to keep the atmosphere light and party-like while also progressing the arrangements. He mostly has lines and cuts picked out for Jane, but wishes to discuss final colors and accessories with Maura. Jane wants to talk to her about the ring style she has sketched out and engravings for the inside before sending the jeweler off. Maura however, is still on the phone with Constance.

"Hello Mother. It seems a call is in order as I want you to hear this from me and not another source." Maura greets her mother.

"Ah hello dear, would this other source be Angela? I did receive a 911 text from her with 'big news' and a promise to call ASAP." Her response sets Maura into a mild panic mode.

"Yes Mother. I mean to say, that is an option for the alternate source. The big news does relate to Jane. We are in Vegas together if you recall? For a conference. Well, to make it short and simple: Jane proposed to me on the spur of the moment and I've said yes! It is a surprise and unexpected, but certainly not unwanted. We are currently with Claude, making arrangements for a morning ceremony." Maura finishes a bit breathless, becoming nervous the longer she speaks.

"Well darling. Aren't you full of surprises," Constance replies. "I must say, this is a bit of a dream come true, honestly."

"Whatever do you mean Mother? I mean, it is in the context of Jane realizing she has feelings for me and not wasting time making a bold and unexpected move in proposing. After all, we aren't getting any younger and we've been best friend for years. I suppose there's always been somewhat of an unspoken attraction beyond the platonic, but..."

"Maura," Constance gently (and unsuccessfully) interrupts.

"Yes, I guess it is a dream come true for me. But I don't really understand how it applies from your point of view..."

"Maura!" She says, more insistent this time. "I just mean that there isn't a better partner that I could choose for you. Jane is wonderful. Loyal, protective, loving... If and when you have children, I know that they will be safe and cherished. If you decide not to have children, then I know she will honor and cherish you. I know that she isn't the person either of us would've chosen for you before you knew her, for different reasons. But as you said, you've been best friends for years, and I know for a fact no one will love you more or take better care of my daughter. I welcome her to the family. Speaking of which, are you going to change your name, is she? Or are you keeping your surnames..."

"We haven't discussed it yet, though I like the idea of being Maura Rizzoli. Would it upset you if I took her name?" she asks somewhat tentatively.

"Of course not dear, I was just curious. You will always be my daughter and I will always love you, no matter what."

"Thank you Mother, you have no idea how much that means to me. I love you too. Adieu, on va parler encour tout suite." Maura is so happy and relieved that she begins to cry in earnest.

Jane is immediately at her side. "Maura, Maura? Is everything ok!? Were you talking to Constance? If she said something to upset you..."

Maura actually laughs through her tears, "No, no Jane! She actually approves of our marriage. I asked her if she would be upset if I took your name and she said..."

The idea catches Jane off guard. Maura, her Maura, wants to take her name. She wants to be a Rizzoli. Her heart flutters at the idea. "Wait, you want to take my name?" Maura Rizzoli. Maura Rizzoli. Maura Rizzoli. The name rings through her head.

"Well, Maura Rizzoli does have a ring to it." She breathlessly replies. This is her moment and nothing is going to stop her this time. She lifts her hands to Jane's cheeks, looking deep into her amazed eyes. She brings her lips to Jane's-a firm press, a light brush, an open mouth invitation. Jane responds, and the effect stops the entire room. Bringing her hands to Maura's waist, they share their first real kiss.

Emily laughs, pulling out a crisp $100 bill for JJ. "I should've known better than betting against my wife!" She leans in for her own kiss as she tucks the money into JJ's jacket pocket. "Things are heating up. There was no way they were going to last until the chapel," she adds.

JJ pulls out a $20, "Yeah, but you still won on who initiated the kiss."

The heated kiss happening across the room breaks, though the couple is still lost in each other and somewhat dazed. Jane breaks into a smile, pulling Maura into a tight hug. "I need your help looking over the rings so we can have them made, and Claude has some questions about our clothes." She kisses the tip of Maura's nose. "Also, I love you very much. More than I could've ever imagined."

Maura breaks into the most brilliant smile Jane has ever seen, "And I love you. Back to work I guess."

"Ah yes, but the work this time is fun. And the start of our lives together. Hmm, Dear?" She shakes her head, "No, that doesn't sound right. How about Honey?"

"Hardly Jane. A sweet, sticky substance made by bees. I don't think that suits me."

"OK Poindexter, I'll work on it," Jane replies as she winks.