Till Death Do Us Part
Chapter 21
Rizzoli and Isles are the property of TNT and Tess Gerritson. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. I am working hard toward the end here. I have reference a couple of my stories in this as well as the series. There will be an Epilogue. Please, as always reviews are the spice to a writer's life and I like it spicy!
The rehearsal dinner and party had been phenomenal. Jane and Maura had never had a time of more joy than that night. Now as the sun rose Jane stood on the porch looking to the east. She had risen before Maura and snuck out of the house. She now stepped off the porch walking toward the horse paddock. It was unusual for her to rise so early. It was even more unusual for her to leave Maura alone in the bed, but she just needed some time alone. So many things ran through her mind now. The rising sun caused her to think of all the things that she and Maura had been through together. She leaned against the rail of the paddock. Several horses wandered over looking for treats from her. Jane petted them as her eyes grew unfocused and her thoughts strayed.
The first time she met Maura on a crime scene bent over a body in the Jimmy Choos…
The argument over the reddish brown stain…
Crowe calling Maura doctor death and Jane punching him…
The endless moments of Google mouth that Maura voiced…
The fear of a nightmare come to life in Hoyt and Maura comforting her…
Sitting on the counter in the Morgue and revealing to the one person who would hold her secret that she had been accepted to BCU and not gone…
Movies, pizza, wine and beer together on Maura's couch and the feeling of finally not being alone inside…
Angela Rizzoli's endless stream of men and Jane running to Maura in the Morgue with a bottle of wine, a sexy black dress, and regrets that she hadn't kissed her then…
The deep gnawing fear when Maura was taken by Doyle's men and Jane knew she would do, get, or say anything to have her back once again…
A dirty cop, a choice of life or death for Maura. No choice, there could only be one. She willing sacrificed for the women she had realized she was falling in love with…
Hoyt standing over her while Maura screamed No!..
Peter, encouraging her to eat from the dish and Maura's hand stopping her. Those eyes locking with the detectives forcing Jane to see their love and hear Maura's voice…
The images whirled through Jane's mind. How she could have been so blind to love because of fear and the need to be stronger than any man in her job. The wind stirred Jane's unruly hair caressing her cheek as a lover. Gentle hands wrapped around her waist and a warm body leaned into her as lips kissed her softly along the back of the neck.
"Why are you here Jane? Regrets already my love?" The question was asked in a joking manner, but as Jane turned in Maura's arms she caught a slight glimmer of fear in her eyes before the medical examiners expert shields hid it. Jane pulled Maura into her arms slowly kissing her absorbing all the love as memories of stolen kisses in Maura's office, the morgue, Maura's porch, the infirmary of a prison after Hoyts attack when no one was looking ran through her thoughts. Jane broke the kiss first gently tucking an errant hair behind Maura's ear and running her fingers down the woman's jaw.
"No, remembering how full my life has become since you came into it. How much I love you and all the things we have done together for good and bad." The relief shown in Maura's eyes and body as Jane felt her love relax into her more. Maura rested her head on Jane's shoulder. "I love you Maura. I plan on showing you all my life." Maura raised her head and looked Jane in the eyes.
"As do I Jane." The soft whisper breathed out across Jane's face warming her. Jane gathered Maura in a hug just swaying with her in the early morning sunlight enjoying each other's presence.
"You don't have to fear anymore Maura. I will protect you. I will guard you from the seen and unseen. I promise. I may not always be successful, but I will always walk with you through the trials." Jane's voice rumbled down to Maura's heart. Maura dipped her head and leaned into Jane's shoulder. Jane felt the wetness as Maura's tears soaked her cleansing the hurt from the M.E.'s short, but long lonely life. "Shhh, I'm here and I have you. In this life and the next Maura have no doubt." Jane gently rocked the medical examiner.
"Hey you two, come on. You have a big day today." Rebecca called from the porch. "Breakfast is ready." Jane looked over top of Maura's blonde strands toward the form on the porch.
"Come on babe. I can't wait to be Mrs. Jane Rizzoli – Isles." Jane kissed the top of Maura's head. The two began the walk back to the porch arms wrapped around each other's waists as Rebecca and Edward set breakfast out on the table on the porch. Jane separated from Maura reluctantly and hugged Rebecca. Maura hugged Edward and was seated by him in the chair.
"I seem to remember you two are getting married also." Jane said as she took a plate and loaded a tortilla with egg, bacon, and salsa. She then ladled some hash browns and beans onto the plate. Maura grabbed a plate and dished out some food for her. Edward poured coffee for the three women and orange juice.
"Yes, it is, but it is more your day. Even I am willing to take a back seat to today." Jane reached over grabbing Rebecca's hand. Rebecca looked into Jane's concerned eyes smiling. "No regrets Jane. I am marrying Edward and we will have a long, happy life. All is well." Jane took one last long hard look confirming the change that had occurred in her friend and nodding her approval. Edward interrupted Jane's musing.
"Maura and Rebecca will have to get ready soon. The dresses have been hung up. I moved Jane's Armani suit last night so she can dress away from her bride." Edward smirked even as Jane grimaced.
"I don't understand why we have to be separated for the day. I think it's just some plot for you and Rebecca to go shopping." Jane teased Maura. The detective didn't want to be apart from her love, but she understood tradition. Maura leaned over kissing Jane.
"It won't be very long Jane. You can do this, after all you have to go back to work in three weeks." Jane sighed looking at Maura.
"I know, but I want all the time with you I can have. When I go back it's going to be an avalanche of work. Lt. Cavanaugh informed me when he arrived that the cases weren't being solved as quickly. He needs his ace detective back on the job." Jane leaned forward kissing Maura. "So I am going to enjoy this time." Maura nodded squeezing Jane's hand.
"I know. He informed me I would not be allowed to vacation for a long time since the, and I quote here "moron that is filling in for me has already messed up three cases," unquote." Maura said.
"It must feel good to be needed and respected so much." Rebecca stated smiling. The two ladies smiled and nodded. The couples enjoyed the morning quiet together talking of the day, their work, and the weather. Maura listened to the house as it woke. The sounds of doors and voices rumbled outward to the porch as cow hands appeared to do the morning chores. Angela Rizzoli's nasally alto voice could be heard even as the warm brassy timbre of Constance Isles responded to some question. William Isles deep base voice responded to Vince's exclamation of surprise even as Frost's laughter echoed outward. It was going to be a long, wonderful day.