Hello everyone! I was planning on having at least a few more chapters to this story before I wrote an epilogue, but I'm thinking another chapter along with an epilogue will bring this story to its conclusion. Thanks to all of those that are still reading!


Maur, I'm getting out of work early today… no cases and for once our paperwork is finished! Join me for dinner?

Sure Jane, I'd love to. I was actually going to suggest I cook tonight.

I was thinking that maybe we could have a picnic dinner out tonight. The weather is wonderful and we can admire the night sky… what do you think?

I think that sounds incredibly romantic, detective.

That's the point, doctor;) I'll pick you up at 7.

I'll be ready.

Jane had thought it all out. Tonight was the night; she could feel it in her bones. Maura and she had been dating for a year, and she didn't want to waste another minute. Everyone loved Maura, her mother treated her like another daughter, the guys like another sister. That didn't mean they didn't have their opinions when Jane mentioned that she was going to propose. Their concerned words wanted to make sure Jane knew what she was getting herself into. Was she ready to spend the rest of her life with Maura… whatever type of life that may be? She'd gotten angry at her family, her friends, for suggesting that she couldn't, or shouldn't. She'd known from the moment she'd fallen in love and began dating Maura that she was all in, wherever that led. In the end, they'd apologized and made up, congratulating her for taking such an important step. All she had to do now was get Maura to accept…

Jane knew this was going to be the most difficult part. Though they'd been dating for a while and they'd consummated their relationship, Maura at times still showed hesitation. She loved Jane, of that neither had a doubt, yet her fear of the illness that could manifest itself at any moment wouldn't give her complete peace. She knew that Jane was sticking around for the long run, she could feel it with every look, every action Jane did yet she couldn't help but still feel guilty. For the happiness Jane gave her and made her feel, for the life she would give Jane in return in years to come.

They'd had their arguments in the beginning of their relationship, with Maura telling her to leave, that she wasn't good enough for Jane and that she again refused to tie her down to someone with her disease. There were times when she'd even kicked Jane out of her house and spent hours at the door sitting and crying, not knowing that Jane was doing the same thing on the other side. Jane had proved time and again that no matter what Maura said to her or how many times she kicked her out, she wasn't going anywhere. She proved time and again just how strong their love was, and it made their relationship stronger for it.

Jane pulled into Maura's driveway. She was nervous, her heartbeat pumping a lot faster than what she was used to and it made her just a little uncomfortable. She sent up a prayer, wishing and hoping that tonight went in her favor. Maura opened the door looking radiant and beautiful as ever. She'd stuck with casual wear, opting for t-shirt, jeans, and converse. The more time she'd spent with Jane the more relaxed she became in her clothing when it came to dates that didn't involve restaurants or anything fancy. Jane smiled and went in to kiss her girlfriend hello, meeting no resistance whatsoever.

"You look beautiful, as always. You ready to go?"

"So do you, Jane. Let me just grab my purse."

"Trust me, Maur, you won't need it. I got everything covered."

"Oh, alright. Let's go then."

The drive to the park was animated, with Maura telling Jane about her day. Since she had gotten involved with the research department again, she'd seemed happier. There was a bounce in her step again, her smile reached her eyes all the time now, not just in Jane's presence. She was making a difference in the world, and she could feel it.

"I thought that we might enjoy a picnic today because I read somewhere that there was supposed to be a meteor shower at some point tonight."

"I hadn't read about that; how did it escape me?"

"I can't believe there is something science related that I know and you don't," Jane stated with a chuckle.

"Oh quiet," Maura replied playfully.

The two had a nice dinner alone. Jane had stopped by and gotten them some Chinese food and two good bottles of wine, one hopefully for later that night. Taking in a breath and some liquid courage, she began what she'd practiced all day.

"Maura, how long have we been dating?"

"Just over one year; 13 months and 5 days to be exact."

"Time has flown by. I never realized time could go by so quickly."

"I know what you mean."

"Maur, these have been the best 13 months and 5 days of my life, because I've spent them with you. When I went to the park that night, I had no idea that my life was going to change for the better. You have taught me so many things, the most important of which are how to love and be loved. With you, I feel like I can do anything, like I can be anyone. You make me feel whole, Maur, and I hope that you feel that way too."

"Jane, of course I do. Before you came into my life, I didn't have anyone. I didn't know what love was or how to identify it even. You show me what love is every single day and it's something I never want to forget."

"I'll be here Maur, every single day to show you what love is, if you'll have me." Jane pulled out a little black velvet box and handed it to Maura. Maura opened it to reveal a princess cut platinum diamond ring encrusted with diamonds going all around the band. She gasped.

"Jane – I –"

"You are the reason I wake up in the morning, my very reason for breathing, Maura Isles. Make me the happiest woman in the world by saying 'yes'".

Tears sprang from Maura's eyes, though Jane couldn't decipher if they were tears of joy or sorrow.

"Jane, are you sure you want to do this? You want to tie your life to me?"

"Tying sounds like a negative connotation, and this is anything but that. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, Maura, whatever it takes."

Tears were now flowing from Maura's eyes and Jane did everything she could to keep hers from falling.

"I love you, Jane Rizzoli. I don't know if this is the right choice for us, because I don't know what the future holds for me. I don't know what kind of lifestyle I will be able to lead, but I know that I want to spend the rest of my days with you, however long that is. I want you. I choose you. I love you. Yes, I will marry you, if you're sure you'll have me too."

Jane's face split into a mega-watt smile. "I love you, tesoro. And I will treasure you every single day for the rest of our lives." Jane placed the ring on Maura's finger, finding a perfect fit. She leaned up on her knees and kissed her now fiancée, the entire world frozen for the two this special moment in time.


Thoughts?