A/N: Hello all you lovely people! Thanks for the continued support and encouragement. Sorry that this chapter is so late. I was having a battle with my muse and I didn't want to shortchange the end of this story. I am so grateful to be able to share my work with you all, and I am even more grateful to know that people have enjoyed reading it! Thank you for all your comments, favorites, and follows. To all who read along without doing any of those things, I hope you have enjoyed this little series of ficlets. I don't really have a direction in regards to what I will post on FanFiction next…but I will keep my mind open to inspiration! I hope you enjoy this final chapter of Difficult Discussions! Happy reading!


Jane looks over herself in the full-length mirror. Everything is in its place on her person. Her dark navy suit is tailored to perfection, the white collared shirt beneath is crisp and pristine. The red pocket square in her suit jacket completes the ensemble and brings life to the tribute to her beloved baseball team.

The detective's hair is loose, but her usually wild ringlets have been tamed and they frame her face in an orderly fashion. Her make-up is tastefully done. Nothing too extravagant. It's simple and natural, just like she prefers.

Jane catches her own gaze as she finishes her evaluation of her reflection. She inhales a deep breath. Her body is buzzing with nerves. Not the bad kind…the kind one feels when at the threshold of a monumental moment in life.

She is moments away from sharing her vows with Maura and finally marrying the love of her life. It feels like, even though she didn't realize it until recently, her whole life has been leading up to this moment. Every failed relationship, every broken heart, and every time she felt that her path had been broken…it had all been leading her here.

A knock sounds on the door to her private dressing room. She turns around and beckons her visitor to enter.

Frankie tentatively pokes his head in. Upon seeing his sister is dressed and waiting for him, he smiles and steps fully into the room. He is dressed in dark navy slacks, a white collared shirt, and a red bow tie, the color of which matches Jane's pocket square.

Frankie quietly whistles at his sister as he looks her over. "You look great, Jane!"

Jane smiles. She runs her hands down her suit, smoothing out wrinkles that aren't there. "You don't think I look too…man-ish? Ma was kinda devastated when I decided not to wear a dress."

"Nah, this suits you." He starts chuckling and points to her attire. "Get it? Suits you!"

Jane rolls her eyes and turns back to the mirror. "Ha. Ha. You're a funny guy."

Frankie laughs a little more at her reaction, then walks up to stand behind her. "Seriously though…you look awesome. You really clean up."

Jane smirks at him in the reflection. "I can say the same for you little brother."

Frankie smirks back. "And Ma may have been upset about the dress at first…but I literally just had to talk her down from a crying spell when she came out of here a few minutes ago." He then throws his voice and wails in falsetto as he imitates Angela's earlier exclamation. "My baby girl is sooooo beautiful!"

Jane starts laughing. She's happy for the distraction from her growing anticipation. However, when the room quiets down, she feels butterflies blossom like a wildfire in her belly. She clears her throat and strikes up a new topic in an effort to ease herself once more.

"How's Tommy doing? He seemed a little miffed that he wasn't a groomsman, but Maura only felt that she had Suzy to stand with her at the altar. I didn't want to stress her out by making her feel she needed to find another person."

Frankie shrugs. "He actually seems fine with it. He never really liked this kind of thing anyway. You know how he was at practically every family wedding we had to go to…"

Jane chuckles. "Yeah…remember when he faked a stomach bug for Isabella's wedding and Ma let him stay home? She was so pissed when she found out he lied."

Frankie nods enthusiastically and starts laughing again. "Then, when Aunt Clara got re-married, he said his stomach hurt and Ma called bullshit. She made him go anyway and we had to leave in the middle of the service 'cause his appendix was about to burst!"

They both revel in the humor of the memory. Of course, they are only able to because Tommy made it to the hospital in time to have his appendix safely removed.

Another knock on the door interrupts their merriment.

Father Thomas walks into the room with a happy smile on his face.

"Hello you two. Everything is set and everyone is in place. Are your ready to go?"

Jane feels the butterflies, which had been previously contained to her stomach, flutter up her throat. She takes a shaky breath and stares at her long-time priest with wide eyes.

Father Thomas steps forward and places a steady hand on her shoulder. "You'll be wonderful, child. God has graced you with a strong and brave soul. Are you ready?"

The detective draws in a more steady and confident breath. She smiles back at him and nods her head.

Father Thomas leads the way, followed by Jane and then Frankie. They exit the dressing room, walk down a short hallway, then exit the building and continue out into a beautiful, warm, autumn day in Boston. There is hardly any wind, and the trees all around them have begun to take on their fall colors.

Since Jane picked the venue for the wedding reception, Maura picked the venue for the actual ceremony. It came as no surprise to anyone who knew her when she selected the Boston Museum of Science. The historic building sets on a bridge that hoovers over the Charles River and has gorgeous views of the city.

They choose to have their wedding in the outdoor pavilion. With the river and city skyline as the backdrop, the scene is immersed in everything Boston, Massachusetts.

As the trio nears the open-sided structure, Father Thomas gives a nod to a vigilant usher, who signals to a small string quartet to begin playing their selected music. All three of them then pause at the beginning of the designated aisle.

Each side of the pavilion is lined with rows of white folding chairs. A long white sheet has been laid out down the aisle, which leads to an ornate trellis at the far end. The aisle is bordered on each side by a line of red flower pedals and the trellis has been decorated with the same type of flowers, which cascade down either of its sides. The pavilion is simply decorated with a few more white and red embellishments. The point of the simplicity is to not detract from the spectacular views of the water and architecture of the city.

The seated guests turn around in their seats at the sound of the music and Jane flushes at the sudden attention. Father Thomas proceeds down the walkway first.

Jane spares a glance off to the side, where a sturdy white tent has been constructed close to the pavilion. She feels an overwhelming sense of excitement, knowing that her bride is concealed inside of it. She has a sudden desire to walk over and enter, traditions be damned, and take her love into her arms.

Luckily, Frankie is behind her and nudges her with his elbow. Jane, slightly startled, looks at him. He motions with his head down the aisle and Jane turns to see that Father Thomas is in place and is looking at her expectantly. She flushes again but smiles anyway.

Looking much calmer than she feels, Jane begins her journey toward the trellis. She is hit with the sudden realization that this is the last walk she will take as an unwed woman. She will never again be "Miss Rizzoli"…and she can't be any happier about the fact.

As Jane reaches the end of the aisle, she glances off to her side and looks at her mother. Angela already has happy tears in her eyes. She holds a handkerchief to the corner of her eye with one hand and she gives a small wave to Jane with the other. Jane smiles at Tommy, who is sitting beside Angela, then takes a moment to lean down and give her mom a kiss on the cheek. Angela hiccups a little in response, but she beams up at her only daughter as the woman straightens back up and takes her place beside their priest.

Frankie is not far behind. He takes his position beside his sister with an excited smile on his face.

Once they are all in place, the usher signals to the string quartet once more. The group of musicians makes a seamless transition into a different composition, which is the cue for Maura and Suzy to make their appearance

Jane holds her breath and her knees begin to tremble as the usher opens the tent and the two women step out.

Suzy is in the lead, wearing a dark navy dress with a red sash over her shoulders. She holds a bouquet of white flowers at her waist. She does not hesitate to begin her walk down the aisle.

And then, there is Maura. A vision of absolute perfection in her white dress, cradling a bouquet of red flowers in her hands.

Maura looks at Jane with the sweetest smile the detective has ever seen. Jane takes a deep breath, her heart swelling to the point of near pain…and then, Maura is walking toward her.


"You are stunning, Maura. Truly. Absolutely radiant."

Maura smiles at her devoted friend and assistant. "Thank you, Suzy. I'm quite pleased with the outcome."

Maura takes another moment to evaluate her appearance in the mirror of her tent. Her dress hugs her figure in a manner that both accentuates her femininity, but is appropriately modest. Her hair has been braided and secured in an ornate up-do. Her make-up is flawless, which highlights her porcelain skin and dazzling hazel irises. She smiles at herself, still satisfied with the result of hours' worth of preparation.

Suzy sighs dreamily. "I still have a hard time believing that this is finally happening."

Maura faces her friend again and grins. "We did take a while to act on our attraction."

"Oh please!" Suzy retorts. "I didn't think you two were ever going to realize how good you'd be together…much less that you'd actually get married. I doubt you know how many people at headquarters were rooting for you as a couple. People were treating it like a live soap opera. 'Will they or won't they finally get together? Find out next week on Rizzles Passions!'"

Maura laughs but tilts her head to the side in question. "Rizzles?"

Suzy answers with laughter of her own. "Rizzoli and Isles…Rizzles. It's a thing that started around the department."

Maura quirks her brow. Suzy shrugs. "Like I said, lots of people have been rooting for the two of you…for years."

The doctor smiles again. "I suppose I'm grateful to have so much support…even before I knew I needed it."

Suddenly, the tent is filled with the sounds of a classical composition as the string quartet begins to play from outside.

Maura's mouth falls open and her eyes go wide. Suzy's face breaks out into a brilliant smile.

"Oh my God!" Suzy excitedly whispers. "It's time!"

The doctor feels her heart flutter. She places her hands over her stomach and begins breathing exercises. The anticipation of the moment has reached an abrupt climax and its making her feel light headed.

Suzy, ever the faithful side-kick, steps in front of Maura. She grabs the woman's hands off her belly and takes them firmly into each of her own. "Doctor Isles. You look breath-taking, the venue is perfect, and the other half of your heart is just on the other side of this tent. Don't lose confidence now. You and Jane are already perfect together. Nothing about your relationship is going to change aside from your titles. You can do this."

Maura fights back the moisture that springs to her eyes at her friend's beautiful words. She smiles and nods her head, not trusting herself to speak in this moment.

Suzy nods back, then releases her hands. She retrieves Maura's flower bouquet and hands it to her, then picks up her own.

Before long, the music changes. Suzy steps up to the tent's exit and Maura takes her place directly behind her.

When the tent opens, both women step outside into the glorious day.

Maura takes comfort in staring at Suzy back. She allows herself to be led to what she knows is the beginning of the aisle. She pauses as the white floor covering comes into view in the bottom portion of her peripheral vision, then takes a breath as Suzy continues walking, and leaves her behind.

As Suzy walks away, Maura can no longer stare at her back. Instead, she is able to look toward the trellis and she catches sight of Jane.

The detective's lips are ever so slightly parted, and her eyes are wide with wonder as she stares back. Maura feels herself blush and she smiles at her waiting bride. She watches Jane's chest swell with a heavy breath, then her face splits into wide smile.

Maura has to fight the urge to sprint down the aisle and jump into her betrothed's arms. When she sees Suzy reach her destination, Maura begins her own journey.

She is vaguely aware of the smiling faces of friends and family, a few of which are her own. By some miracle, both her mother and father have actually shown up. But, she really only has eyes for Jane. She holds her beloved's gaze the entire time, not breaking it even as she steps under the trellis and they turn to face each other.

Maura can see the adoration shining in Jane's beautiful brown eyes. She feels like she could melt into a puddle at the warmth she finds there. There is no denying, in this moment, that she is loved and cherished…and that she will be for the rest of her life.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…"


The reception is in full party mode. The newlyweds shared their first dance to one of their favorite songs, they cut their masterpiece of a wedding cake and fed each other in kind, and they spent the following hours basking in the glow of the joyous occasion.

Food and drinks were flowing freely, people were unabashedly dancing to the expert beats of a renowned DJ who had been hired for the celebration, and Jane and Maura were showered with a slew of compliments and well-wishes.

Jane and her family had taken the opportunity to leave the reception hall and walk out onto the field of Fenway Park. Hundreds of pictures were taken throughout the evening and, eventually, both women were starting to tire from all the excitement.

After hours of celebration, with the sun having set, Jane and Maura stepped up to the microphone behind the DJ booth.

"Hey everyone!" Jane says into to mic. "Simmer down a bit, will ya? I know everyone's got a good buzz going, but my wife and I would like to say a few things before the party ends."

A rumble of laughter sounds through the crowd of guests before they go quiet.

Jane smiles once she has the room's attention. "First of all, I want to say thanks to everyone for being here today. This has been the best day of my life and I'm happy you could all share it with us. As many of you already know, Maura and I will be getting on a plane in just a few hours to go on our honeymoon. We'll be leaving the reception soon, but feel free to keep celebrating…but not too much. I'm talking to you Uncle Tony!"

The Rizzoli's in the room erupt in laughter as a portly man at a table raises his most current alcoholic beverage of many over the course of the night. He smiles at the comment, well aware of the antics he has pulled at family celebrations over the years.

Maura takes the microphone next. "I would also like to express my gratitude. This has been, undoubtedly, the most amazing day I have ever experienced. Jane makes me the happiest that I have ever been, and I am so humbled and grateful for the way that I have been accepted into the Rizzoli family. Thank you all for being a part of our special day!"

There is a pause as both women finish speaking. Then, from somewhere in the crowd, a voice hails "To the brides!"

The room breaks out into applause and Jane and Maura share a kiss.

The next thirty minutes are spent saying farewell to their guests. As the time passes, the urgency for the brides to leave increases.

Finally, they make their way to the exit. The rest of the guests turn their attention back to the celebration, until the only people left to say goodbye to are Angela, Frankie, Tommy, Constance, and Arthur.

Hugs and kisses on the cheek are exchange all around.

"Have fun on your tropical island, Janie. Lucky dog." Frankie says.

"Yeah, where did you say you were going?" Tommy asks.

"Bali." Maura answer, already envisioning her dream honeymoon.

"That will be lovely." Constance comments. "Indonesia is beautiful this time of year."

Angela can't resist sweeping in and gathering her girls in a firm embrace. "I'm so happy for you! I love you girls so much!"

Jane and Maura glance knowingly at each other as they do their best to hug Angela back. Once they are released, they give a final farewell, then exit the hall. They walk out to a waiting limo and are soon on their way to the airport.

"I'm so happy we loaded everything on your family jet yesterday. I'm exhausted." Jane says. She allows the soft leather seats of the vehicle to engulf her as she leans heavily into them.

Maura settles herself against Jane's side. She smiles as her wife puts her arm around her shoulder and presses a kiss to her temple.

"I have to admit, I'm rather tired myself. And, although our outfits are wonderful, it will be nice to change into more comfortable clothing."

"Hear, hear!" Jane agrees.

The women start to doze during the car trip, but they are roused by their driver as they reach the airport. The limo drives onto a portion of the tarmac that is available for vehicle traffic. The Isles private jet is ready to receive the newlyweds and the woman step out of the car when the door is opened for them. The driver retrieves two overnight bags from the trunk of the car and carries them aboard the aircraft as Jane and Maura stand at the bottom of the plane stairs and bask in the moment.

They turn to face each other. Maura throws her arms around the back of Jane's neck and the detective links her own hands together at the small of her wife's back.

"I love you so much, Jane." Maura says, gazing into her eyes with the greatest happiness she has ever known.

"I love you two, Maura. Thank you for choosing me."

The wives share a tender, yet passionate kiss. When they break apart, they ascend the steps, ready to begin their lives anew.


A/N: There you have it folks! Thank you again! I wish you all health and happiness!

SJR