#
Jane exited his car and followed the walkway into the shadows by the wall around the back of the building. Making his way up the path to the rear entrance to Montgomery's townhouse, he knew his suppositions were right. No one would think twice about a man and a woman creeping along in plain sight. Not when one of them was oblivious to her fate and the other was playing the attentive lover. None of that was anything out of the ordinary in a complex of young professionals like this. Just a couple like any other couple returning home from a long day's work and exactly why no one remembered what the man looked like beyond average height, average build, nice enough looking, with dirty blonde to light brown hair.
Definitely not Red John in his estimation…too short and too non-descript.
Pulling the gloves he'd stolen from Lisbon's desk out of his pocket, Jane snapped them over his fingers. Picking the lock on the door and ducking beneath the betraying yellow tape, he entered the crime scene knowing Lisbon, and probably Minelli to some lesser degree, was going to have a few choice words to say over his actions. But, he needed to see the crime scene one more time and he needed to see it alone. Some things were better done without an audience and this was one of them.
Fortunately, Lisbon was distracted with the wedding planner for the next few hours going over last minute plans. They were getting married tomorrow having managed to get everything together for their small ceremony in less than two weeks. Van Pelt had helped Lisbon to select her dress while he'd slipped away to purchase the blue gray tuxedo she didn't know he was wearing. All in all, the arranging had gone much smoother than anticipated. They were only inviting a few close friends and family members all of which knew it would be an elegant; but hastily pulled together affair.
Jane had learned to his amusement being told cost was irrelevant made up for much of the time they didn't have whether it was with their take charge planner, the musicians, or the caterers. Not that their wedding was particularly expensive even with the unanticipated expenses. It wasn't when compared to the usual affair. Besides, all he truly cared about was Lisbon having what she wanted in the end. The how and why didn't really matter. If throwing a few hundred dollars here, or a thousand or two there, made the difference so be it. He'd simply told her don't bother asking. Consider it done.
Walking through the townhouse, Jane purged his mind of his upcoming nuptials withdrawing into his senses instead. While his methods were not Kristina's and he wasn't seeking any kind of "spiritual" interactions, he was seeking answers he wouldn't necessarily find with his eyes alone. What he knew of people and their reactions was a nice place to start. Walking back into the laundry room, Jane studied the door for any signs of forced entry the police might have missed. As he expected, there was none.
Red John had let himself into Montgomery's home while she was at work. If Jane didn't miss his guess, and he knew he didn't, the serial killer had opened that lock with a key the CBI Agent's lover had pilfered from her home or been given by the woman herself. There was no way of knowing at this point which scenario was true. What he did know was Red John had waited patiently for his prey to arrive and get firmly trapped with no hope of escaping before he'd made his presence known.
Walking out of the laundry room into the den, Jane knew this was where Montgomery had become aware she had an uninvited guest. Where she'd come to realize nothing was as it seemed with her lover. Her despair at discovering herself abandoned to her fate all but hung in the air. She'd been brutally betrayed much as Grace had been betrayed by O'Laughlin; but, unlike Van Pelt she'd never had a fighting chance. All of her training had been for naught as she'd been easily overcome before she could protect herself. No doubt by the man she'd trusted…Perhaps even loved…He couldn't imagine a fate worse than that.
Stepping into the hallway, Jane allowed the sensory impressions to flow over him and tried to make sense of the disjointed images flooding through his mind. The one thing he knew with certainty was that terror permeated the atmosphere. Montgomery had deeply trusted the man bringing her here much as Grace had trusted O'Laughlin with that blind affection that could be so debilitating. And that man had used her body and her soul and picked her mind for information in the vilest possible ways in return.
He'd also ensured Montgomery ended up on a cold metal slab when Red John was done.
Shaking his head in disgust, Jane hoped that boyfriend was on the receiving end of a one way ticket to Hell when they finally found him. A bullet through the brain seemed a fitting solution. If it was special delivery by Lisbon's hand it would be even better considering what the loss of her friend had done to her. While Jane wasn't sure he believed in Hell, and had always maintained he didn't, his other half did and that was enough for him. Besides, a bomb vest and a shot to the shoulder for his favorite girl had a way of altering a man's belief system and he wasn't as sure as he used to be that that Big Guy in the Sky didn't really exist. He'd saved a certain cross wearing tomboy more times than she should have been. Jane was grateful for that and always would be. The least he could do was admit He might exist.
Walking toward the fateful bedroom, Jane hesitated in the hall closing his eyes and preparing himself for what was to come. Opening his eyes, he took the necessary steps forward and slowly opened the door the retreating cops had closed behind them with gloved hands. He'd donned the latex before entering the crime scene out of deference for Lisbon's sensibilities and out of a futile hope that his impromptu perusal might go unnoticed. He'd know how that played out before too long. As it was, sliding that door open felt too much like opening another door a life time ago.
Fighting to control his emotions, Jane did what had to be done and shoved the door the rest of the way open. Reluctantly halting in the threshold, he allowed the dread to wash over him as he took in first the congealed, drippy face on the wall before absorbing what lay below. It was as it had always been: first the face…then the knowing. The only question remaining was who the hapless victim was.
Dropping his eyes, he relived seeing the body sprawled underneath…Actually, he relived the moment he'd seen Lisbon bowing over Montgomery's lifeless corpse her back ramrod straight as she fought against the emotions threatening to overwhelm her…If he knew his Lisbon, and he did, she was torn between violent cursing and unrestrained tears. She'd been wholly professional instead.
Turning his attention to the blood splattered walls and mattress, Jane knew exactly what had gone down here. Red John had reduced a trained law enforcement officer to a terrorized blob of humanity long before he was done. Montgomery had cursed and cried and begged knowing all of it was future. She'd seen what Red John could do and known whay lay ahead for her. Or she'd thought she had. He'd cut and stabbed her in ways, that while hardly life threatening on their own, were agonizingly painful in their entirety. He'd amped up the emotional duress by telling her everything he would do to her long before he'd done it. He'd preyed on her fears and pain drawing strength from her misery. In the end, he'd finally stabbed and slashed her to death as he'd done so many others. But, he hadn't painted her toes red.
She'd not been a special victim.
The one thing Jane didn't know was if it had been as it was with his other victims. Or if he'd done to Montgomery what he'd done to Miranda Martens. If he'd put her through a woman's worse nightmare, and a female cop's in particular, as they should be able to prevent such things from happening. Or so they usually thought though Jane knew better. He shook himself. They'd have to get the M.E.'s report to know that and they didn't have it yet. At this moment in time, they didn't have a lot of things they would need to solve this case.
Taking one last look around, Jane hoped they would have more than they did by the time he left. He was sure they would. He'd already noted a thing or two he'd missed the first time around and if he'd missed it everyone had. It just might take him a while to fit these newest pieces into the puzzle though. Deciding he'd seen enough, Jane gave one last perusal to make sure everything was exactly as it had been before walking out the laundry room and locking the door behind him. Walking nonchalantly down the path, he decided his visit wasn't in vain.
He was thoroughly convinced that while Montgomery's horrible death was seemingly due to her runaway tongue, she'd died for another reason entirely. And she would have died anyway had she never uttered a single slanderous word.
That tiny piece of cardboard clutched in her hand told the true story.
#
Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Lisbon was glad the design of her champagne colored chiffon gown hid a multitude of sins head on. It was the Empire waist with elegantly ruched, flowing lines combined with the scant fifteen pounds she'd managed to hold onto allowing for that. From the front, she was deceptively slender and deliciously curvy. From the side, she was undeniably pregnant if one looked hard enough.
For the briefest moment, the vain part of her was glad she didn't weigh the good ten pounds more she should at this point in her pregnancy. The maternal part wished things were different. As it was, there wasn't anything she could do to hide the slight rounding curve of her belly. She was pregnant by anyone's standards with not one but two Baby Janes. And she was rapidly approaching the more waddling than walking stage of her existence if her doctor was to be believed though she wasn't there yet. Oh, the joys of impending motherhood….
As quirky as it seemed, Jane felt differently than she did.
He didn't seem to mind the changes at all. In fact, he was taking all of the indignities and unpleasantness of pregnancy in stride willing to share as much of every revolting experience as she was willing to let him. Burying her nose in her fragrant bouquet of varicolored burgundy and pink Austin roses and jewel toned calla lilies, Lisbon admitted that was more than she'd ever expected of any father much less him. She wouldn't have made it through the months of hugging the toilet and kissing the tiles if Jane hadn't been there to lift her up when she felt like going down and she loved him dearly for it. Fortunately, that was finally getting some better and, hopefully, she'd be packing on the pounds as she should. She'd worry about all of that later. For now, she only hoped Jane liked the gown Van Pelt had urged her to buy.
What was there not to like?
The more strapless than halter neckline was adorned with just the right amount of beading conveniently emphasizing her noticeably more generous cleavage thanks to the ruched bustline of her gown…Jane was nothing if not giddily appreciative of her expanding curves. Lisbon rolled her eyes at the thought was he ever. The man couldn't keep his hands, or other movable parts, to himself. Not that she seriously wanted him to. He was quite the multi-talented energizer bunny…The more "halter" aspect of her gown came in with the thin rhinestone strap curving from one shoulder to the other around the back of her neck that was more for looks than anything else.
Staring at her reflection, Lisbon decided she loved the gown all over again from the simple Grecian lines to the short Court Train trailing behind her every step.
She liked the rest of her look, too. From the fuller, more bouffant, flowy hairstyle highlighted by the simple one row rhinestone tiara to her soft, yet brightly hued, make-up. She'd completed her more retro look with her mother's quaint sapphire and diamond studs feeling nothing else was required jewelry wise. Their ceremony was laid back. Just the loving couple with their priest in their living room in front of her family and a few of their closest friends with no attendants, very little formality, and Minelli giving her away as they'd planned.
What would later pass for their reception would scatter from their kitchen to their patio to their backyard if necessary. Thankfully it was a comfortably warm evening so no one would have to stay inside unless they wanted. Not even the caterers.
Lisbon smirked thinking the three ringed circus would come later with the Renewal Ceremony Jane had promised their other family when they finally got to town. Lisbon wasn't even contemplating that one before she had to. It would no doubt take place on the fairgrounds with plenty of carney pomp and circumstance and a much fancier dress as Pete and the boys would expect the renewal to be their real wedding.
Not some understated bunch of words repeated in front of a bunch of marks. She could hear their yapping in her head. There was no way that farce was anything but getting the requisite piece of paper buying their legitimacy in the eyes of the rest of the marks they worked with. Yep, her boys had definite opinions and they weren't shy about sharing them.
Everyone who counted knew the two had become one a long time ago in a trailer parked smack in the middle of carney land. That was the joining that really counted. Oh, and maybe the one making the Baby Janes a few weeks later. It didn't take a theology degree to know those two were meant for each other and it would take far more than a crazy serial killer to tear them apart.
Oh, yeah, that wedding was going to be so much fun.
She'd probably end up riding Daisy in her fancy wedding gown…The one Smokey Joe and Stinky would demand she buy...She'd probably have to model it for them long before the blessed day arrived….
Turning her thoughts back to the wedding at hand, Lisbon felt Minelli's fingers curve gently through her arm as he prepared to escort her to her waiting groom. The groom she considered herself lucky to have. She was still mildly shocked that Jane was willing to stand by her side and allow her priest to marry them. She was even more shocked they'd been able to get a Dispensation from the Bishop as fast as they had. Father O'Hanlan had called in a lot of favors for that one. Or perhaps he'd merely explained all of the extenuating circumstances. All that really mattered in the end was they'd gotten the permission they needed in time.
"You sure you want to do this, Teresa?" Virgil crooked his eyebrow at her not entirely teasing.
"It's a little late to have second thoughts don't you think?" Lisbon subtly rubbed her belly.
"Not necessarily. You have plenty of family to help you with those two." Minelli said with all seriousness reminding Lisbon of exactly how many people loved her.
It went without saying every one of them would support her if she decided to bolt and run. Taking on Jane for the rest of her life was a lot to ask of any woman, even his highly competent handler.
"Yeah, I do; but, I think I'd rather have their Dad. Jane's really cute talking to them through my belly button." Lisbon smiled fondly at the memory.
"So's a bear cub before he bites your hand off." Minelli mumbled.
"Jane's not a bear cub." Lisbon reminded him.
"No, he's worse." Minelli patted her hand.
"Yeah, I guess, he is; but, I love him. And I love you." Lisbon turned slightly to kiss his cheek.
"Love you, too, Teresa. Now, if you're sure you want to do this thing…." Minelli patted her hand again.
"I'm sure." Lisbon reassured him.
"Then let's get to it." Their cue was now playing on the Baby Grand Jane had insisted on buying.
Who knew the man was a musician as well? Considering Angela and his daughter had both been pianist, she shouldn't be surprised. But, she was and she couldn't play a lick so her other half made up for both of them.
Taking that first wobbly step into the point of no return, Lisbon allowed herself to gaze on Jane's face for the first time in several hours. She had to admit he looked every bit as gorgeous as she hoped he thought she did. She hadn't expected him to be wearing a tuxedo…just the all too familiar suit. But, he wasn't. He looked very nice in his monkey suit with his hair just so. Not that she really cared one way or the other. She'd accepted a long time ago that Jane was, well, Jane, and that was okay with her. It truly was.
Looking up at the notes signaling Lisbon's slow meander down their makeshift aisle, Jane couldn't believe his eyes. He'd not thought it possible for the woman to be any more beautiful than he found her already. But she was and her wedding dress made her look incredible. He could almost believe she wasn't with child. Not that he cared; but, he knew a part of her wished they had gotten married before the blessed event and not after. Truthfully, he felt the same. He was an old-fashioned man and that meant there was a certain natural order to things. An order they'd not followed this time around; but, that didn't mean he loved her any less.
Gazing at Lisbon, Jane decided she could put her mind at ease. Their offspring would have to look long and hard to note she was a smidge broader through the middle than she should have been given the slenderness of her limbs. As long as they kept those delightfully curvy side view photos hidden in a private photo album everything would be fine. But, that was something neither of them would do as they weren't into lies and subterfuge when it came to their personal lives. If Aislinn and Patrick figured out the truth, or were told by some harpy, they'd surely make them understand before any damage was done.
Work, however, was a different matter. When it came to a case, Jane's motto was clearly "bring it on." He was willing to do whatever it took to catch the bad guys and Lisbon knew it. He'd lie and cheat unrepentantly with the best of them.
Catching his lover's eyes, he noted the slight discomfit in their smoky depths. She was still mildly unsure about this whole public spectacle having much preferred the idea of slipping off to City Hall for a quiet ceremony. He'd been willing to have none of that as he firmly believed they should get married surrounded by the people they loved. It was exactly as he'd done the first time around and he saw no reason to have anything less the second. Besides, Lisbon would regret the moment if they didn't and Jane wasn't having any regrets about their wedding day. He most certainly wasn't. Even if that meant overcoming every well-meant protest she tossed his way.
Eyes sweeping appreciatively over Lisbon from the top of her upswept, elegantly cascading hair to the tips of her fabric clad toes, Jane sent his bride-to-be a look conveying exactly how lovely she was and how much he appreciated every perfect curve peeping from beneath that dress. He liked the dress as well. It suited her. Not too flashy; but, just flashy enough to be a throwback to her Amber days. And those Amber days had been something he'd never forget. Noting his ravenous gaze, Lisbon looked away knowing a becoming blush stained her cheeks. It was too much to expect Jane to behave on their wedding day and everyone knew it. He was already stripping her bare with his eyes.
From the amusement on Cho's face evidenced by the faintest hint of smile, he'd caught that look and known exactly what it meant. Katrinka, his date, had too. Her Korean Agent had also caught her response and found it entertaining though he also seemed to share Jane's opinion. Who'd have thought her Number One thought pregnant women were hot…And his Boss in particular…He obviously did since Jane had called him on it a few days back and Cho had admitted she wore it well…That was before this latest "blossoming" had taken place and her "innie" had become a noticeable "outie" not to mention what was happening with her breasts. She so wasn't going there thank you very much although, again, Jane seemed to have no complaints.
Casting Minelli an affectionate glance as he led her down the aisle formed between the rows of elegantly decorated folding chairs, Lisbon smiled softly at the knowledge Jane didn't seem to have any reservations with her or their difficult pregnancy. He was as enamored of every disgusting stretch mark as he was her plumply swollen breasts. And her tiny belly was driving him to distraction. He couldn't stop touching her and tummy stroking seemed to be the latest in a long line of trends with him. The man was driving her m-a-d.
If he plopped down on the floor beside her while she was eating her slice of wedding cake and started talking to their Baby Janes through the belly button express, he might suddenly find himself wearing that delicious hazelnut raspberry creation complete with the white chocolate butter cream icing on his head…There wasn't any "might" about it. It was more of a promise….
Enough was enough with the crazy stuff.
Feeling Virgil pat her arm before disappearing, Lisbon finally tuned in to what her priest was saying. He was already at the Statement of Intent. She couldn't help thinking it was a little late to be saying whether they were willing to accept children or not as they were already on the way. Maybe it would have been better leaving that whole line of questioning out; but, they hadn't. The good Father had thought it necessary to get Jane to admit before God and man he was willing to have their offspring brought up in the Church. Fortunately, they'd already discussed such matters and her husband-to-be wanted their children to have more to cling to than he'd ever had so he was fine with the declaration. Q and A out of the way, Lisbon smiled softly as Jane took her hand in response to Father O'Hanlan's command.
Lightly squeezing Jane's hands as he repeated his vows, the rest of their audience ceased to exist for Lisbon as she gazed into his eyes knowing, as not one else did, that he was reliving his past even as he joined their futures. He couldn't help but remember another day, and another woman, as he pledged the same words he'd once said to Angela to her. As he vowed to be by her side from this day forward through better and worse, richer, poorer, in sickness and health as he'd already proven time and again.
Lisbon wanted to be jealous she was being forced to share her moment; but, she wasn't. She couldn't be. Angela was exactly where she should be: a welcome part of their lives and she wouldn't begrudge the long gone shade the remembrance of the love they'd once shared. The love Lisbon knew was now hers. She was losing nothing in allowing Jane his memories as they were making new ones of their own at the very same time. As for that whole death doing part line, let him try. Neither of them was going anywhere anytime soon.
Seeing Father O'Hanlan staring at her and Jane smirking that she'd lost her place, Lisbon resisted the urge to discretely kick him in the shin as she repeated the same vows he'd just said to her without the reflective shadow in her eyes. Hearing Father O'Hanlan declaring what God had joined let no man divide or whatever the actual words were, she steeled herself against the onslaught of emotion she knew would accompany the slipping of that ring on her finger…The pivotal moment when everything would suddenly feel real…When she'd know beyond that shadow of a doubt she was Mrs. Patrick Jane.
Hearing the Father droning the Blessing, Lisbon was only aware of Jane taking her hand and smoothly saying the words she was waiting to hear. The words pledging his love and fidelity in a way only Jane could do. Words he would never break as he wasn't that kind of man. If his devotion to his before family hadn't proven that, his devotion to her had.
Feeling the wide gold band slide easily on her finger followed by her engagement ring, Lisbon gazed at their joined hands before opening her mouth to pledge her own love and fidelity. Sliding the matching band on his finger, Lisbon remembered the day that other band had come off. That Jane had been willing to do such a thing had literally brought her to her emotional knees. She'd fallen in love with him all over again as she'd done a thousand times since.
Jane might be a cad of the first water in some respects; but, he was her prince in so many others and she wouldn't change a thing.
He wouldn't be her Jane is she did.
Hearing Father O'Hanlan give them permission to kiss, Lisbon smirked knowing Jane was going to play that one for all it was worth and she wasn't disappointed a few minutes later when she was finally released blushing and thoroughly ravished in a way that had her refusing to meet her priest's eyes and knowing her team was thoroughly amused. If she didn't miss her guess, Bertram had taped the whole thing. She fully expected to see a clip somewhere on the evening news heralded as the kiss to end all kisses. Unfortunately, Bertram was keeping the public of Sacramento frequently updated on the Lisbon-Jane Romance, and indirectly, Red John as well though Lisbon refused to consider that on her wedding day.
Hearing herself proclaimed "Mrs. Patrick Jane," she didn't fight the urge to brand her husband. Turning around in his arms, Lisbon gave him a kiss to rival the one that had embarrassed her so. It was Jane's turn to blush at having his desires so blatantly exposed to everyone present. Not that he really minded. Cho would give him hell; but, that was something he could levy right back.
He wasn't the one with a thing for his very hot, very pregnant lady boss.
Then again, maybe he was.
But, unlike Cho, he was now married to the very hot, very pregnant lady boss and he'd had a big hand in making her both hot and pregnant.
Shaking his head at his wayward thoughts, Jane ambled across the room to join his bride who was already talking animatedly to Rigsby and Van Pelt with Minelli hovering nearby. It was already apparent, with the exception of cutting that humongous cake, he wasn't likely to get that intimately close to Lisbon for the rest of the night. They had food to serve and guests to entertain. A garter to throw that Rigsby would catch. Or Jane hoped he did. He wouldn't be nearly as happy with Cho. And Lisbon had a bouquet to toss. His money was on Grace; but, he wouldn't put it past that little barracuda Cho was dating to out maneuver her. Jane was already embracing the joys of the coming evening…and wishing the darned thing was already over including the upcoming conversations with the Brothers Lisbon.
They still weren't overly happy about their bad assed sister coming back from goodness only knew where impregnated by her psycho Mentalist. That it had taken him several months to set things right hadn't endeared him to most of the Clan no matter what they'd said over the telephone. But, Tommy had assured him, all of that would change once they saw how happy their sister was. Looking at James, Jane wasn't so sure about that. Peter was less of an enigma. He seemed okay. But the biggest brother still looked like he might like to sock him in the nose.
Jane could only hope not. Lisbon's punch had hurt like hell. He couldn't imagine what that one would feel like and he didn't want to know.
#
Closing the door having watched the last of the caterers safely depart to their vans, Jane stepped inside and armed the security system for the night. As much as Minelli had wanted to put a guard detail on them for the night, they'd refused not knowing who they could trust at the CBI beyond their team and Virgil himself. As much as he hoped otherwise, Jane had a feeling their guys would be lurking out there most of the night while he and Lisbon were doing a little lurking of their own inside. He couldn't stop them if that was what they wanted to do.
Speaking of Lisbon, since she wasn't downstairs waiting on him, she must still be up in their room getting changed. Checking the French Doors to make sure they were locked, Jane walked through the bottom floor doing a thorough perusal of every room reassuring himself everything was as it seemed. No one was hiding in the guest bathroom or in the library. That was a good thing. He and Lisbon had issued a major challenge to the monster in the shadows by getting married today. Though they'd been very low key about the ceremony, their actions wouldn't go ignored forever he was sure. The form the retaliation would take was something he didn't want to consider. But, retaliate he certainly would.
Deciding everything was as it should be, Jane walked slowly up the stairs giving Lisbon the private time she needed after all of the enforced togetherness. Shrugging out of his tuxedo jacket and hanging it in the closet, he thought over an earlier conversation they'd had a few days ago.
He'd been lying in their bed propped against the headboard waiting for Lisbon to do exactly what she'd done: plop down between his legs like she belonged there. Who was he kidding? She did. The woman fit perfectly against him like she'd been made for him and he wouldn't have it any other way. She always had. It was one of the first things he'd noted about her when he'd gotten the chance. Kissing her forehead, he'd shown her the handful of brochures he'd picked up from the travel agency down the street.
Closing his eyes, he recalled the whole ridiculous scene right down to Lisbon's silly embossed yellow tank and matching frog covered shorts so clearly he could hear their voices in his head:
"Tahiti, Jane? You've got to be kidding me." Lisbon had snorted like a randy goat as she set the brochure aside. "I'm hardly in bikini shape."
Again, he'd known exactly what she was thinking. It wasn't that she wouldn't like to go to Tahiti. She would. But now so wasn't the time for a place like that. Between morning sickness and the probability of suddenly blowing up like a bowling ball, what was he thinking? She'd not said the words out loud; but, she'd certainly thought them.
"What about any of the rest?" Canada or Hawaii would be nice and they weren't that far away.
"Be real, Jane. We just got back a few weeks ago after a seven month absence. We can't suddenly ask for more time off." Lisbon had reminded him.
"You have a point there I suppose. How about after the Renewal Ceremony? We can start planning now. I'm sure Virgil and Mae will keep the scamps for a few days." He'd suggested.
"Right, you keep telling yourself that." They both had a feeling their bundles of joy were going to be more of a handful than anyone thought and she refused to take anything for granted.
"Lisbon, you deserve the honeymoon you never got." He'd pointed out.
That was the point where Lisbon had quietly reminded him he was as full of crap as a Christmas turkey for even entertaining such a thought. She'd then quietly reminded him as well that they'd had a very long honeymoon in carney land and they had the babies to prove it. If he didn't believe her, here, all he needed to do was this and she'd rubbed his palms over the small bump of her tummy underscoring the truth of her words.
Besides, it didn't get more exotic than having pygmy goats and an elephant for a pet and a real live fortune telling Gypsy for a next door neighbor. If that wasn't enough, she'd toss Smokey Joe in there for Exhibit 4. Enough said. Jane tended to agree with her. It was hard to top the uniqueness of life on the carney circuit no matter where they went.
Jane hung his vest in the closet along with his shirt and pants. The other accouterments like cummerbunds and the like soon followed on the top shelf. Slipping into his pajama top and bottoms, he briefly wondered if he was going to have to fetch his bride from her hiding place in their palatial bathroom. She seemed to be enjoying her alone time a little too much considering they hadn't had thirty minutes together all day.
No doubt she was taking in the subtle ripening having taken place in her body over the course of the night. A ripening he'd noted this morning he was sure she'd not as she'd been far too busy preparing to become a bride. That being said, he'd give her the time she needed. What were a few more minutes after the day they'd had?
Watching Lisbon finally exit the bathroom with her hair flowing around her shoulders, Jane admitted she looked different. It was more than her awe at her ever blossoming body. Unlike most women, Lisbon was very accepting of the changes of her quickening form. It was more than the pretty silk and lace ecru gown she was wearing instead of the usual nightshirt or pants and tee she favored revealing more of her bountiful breasts than it concealed. It was more than the shimmering touch of makeup still adorning her glowing face.
It was that silly piece of paper making all the difference for both of them.
Jane could see it in her countenance and knew she could see it in his. He liked being married. He always had. And he'd wanted to marry Lisbon for much too long. Now that he finally had, he couldn't help his self-satisfied demeanor. He'd never been a "the grass is always greener" kind of man. He never would be. When he finally decided on a woman he decided. That was the end of that and he'd decided on Lisbon.
His wife was a different story. Jane marveled at how easily he'd gotten used to that word when applied to the woman walking towards him. As for his wife, she'd never believed she'd get married in the first place and she'd certainly never expected one child, much less two of them. That didn't mean she hadn't subconsciously wanted either or both of those things deep down inside.
He'd seen the wistfulness in her eyes after that unexpected encounter with her ex-fiance. She'd wondered briefly what it would be like to have become Mrs. Greg Tayback as she'd almost been. To have never become the lady cop she'd become. To have become a wife, partner, and mother instead. In the end, she'd realized she'd made a lucky escape. Such a life wasn't for her. Something better had been waiting in the wings. Or he hoped it was.
But, that didn't mean the case hadn't reawakened longings she'd long ago laid to rest. He'd known then he'd have to act at some point soon or risk totally losing her. That was something he'd not been willing to do. All things considered, that might have been the turning point in their relationship. It was certainly the moment when he seriously considered just how far he was willing to go to keep the woman he was sure he loved in his life though he'd made light of that realization in his usual manner. He'd not meant that to happen and he'd certainly never expected it to. But it had.
Somehow, over the years when he'd not been looking, he'd fallen head over ass for a saucy, sassy, irreverent cop of all things…every cons sworn enemy. Who'd have thunk it?
Jane laughed out loud ignoring Lisbon's questioning look clearly asking if he'd lost his mind.
"Nothing you need to know about." Jane smiled at her bemusement.
"You sure about that?" Lisbon asked really wanting to know.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Jane repeated.
"Why don't you let me decide?" There was something a little off about that laugh.
"It's nothing, Teresa." Jane tried again realizing he was done. "Fine. It suddenly hit me I'm a con and my wife's a cop. We're natural enemies in the real world and we don't often mix unless the cop's dirty. And you're far from dirty in any way. We certainly never marry the squeaky clean ones." While that didn't mean it had never happened, he'd never heard of a single case.
"You're not a con anymore, Jane; you're one of the good guys." Lisbon defended him.
"Keep telling yourself that and you might believe it one day." Jane said as he dropped a kiss on her nose.
"Fine. You only con the bad guys and that's okay with me." Lisbon reminded him.
Anyone coudl say what they wanted, the man solved cases.
"As long as you know what you've got, I'm okay with it." Jane dropped a kiss on her lips.
"I've got a good man who loves me and loves our babies. That's all I care about." Pressing into him, Lisbon wrapped her arms around his neck and forced him to look at her. "I've always known all bets were off when it came to cases; but, when it comes to us, like this, it's different. You know it and I know it so cut the crap and any self-doubts you're still entertaining you aren't good enough. It doesn't really matter whether you are or you aren't, there isn't anyone else and there never will be. Not for me. Got it?" Lisbon set the record straight for the last time.
"And there's no one else for me." Jane said as he caressed her arms with smooth, comforting strokes.
"I know." Lisbon snuggled a little closer knowing he couldn't make that any clearer than he already had. "You know, they can't say anything now."
"Sure they can, My Dear, but do we really care if they do?" Jane denied her supposition. "The worse the gossipmongers can squeak to anyone foolish enough to listen is we got married for the babies and they'd be telling the truth. We did. But, more importantly, we got married because we love each other. As that's all that truly matters, I suggest we ignore the nastiness. None of their mumbling can hurt us unless we let it." Jane said as he dropped a kiss on her lips. "You smell good and you look even better."
"Shush, Jane, you're just trying to get in my panties." Lisbon rolled her eyes at him teasingly.
"Since I'm always trying to get in your panties, do you think anything's changed now that I have a ring on your finger?" Jane asked.
"I hope not." Lisbon said honestly.
"I didn't think so." Jane agreed "If I didn't tell you earlier, you took my breath away. You still do."
"Shush, Jane." Lisbon felt her cheeks heat exactly as he expected.
"There's something about this gown I really like." Jane plucked at the silky lace. "It's a shame it has to come off."
"I'm not so sure I feel the same." Lisbon purred in his ears. "I think that's why I put it on. So you could take it off."
"Are you saying I have one last wedding present to wrap?" Jane liked the way her mind worked as his worked the same.
"Maybe." Lisbon said as she reached for the top button of his pajama top.
"Maybe?" Jane arched brow questioningly.
"Yeah, maybe, if I get to do the same." Lisbon said as she unbuttoned the second button.
"I'm certainly not stopping you." Jane said as he drew her in for a welcoming kiss.
"I didn't think you were." Lisbon said as she dragged his shirt off and tossed it across the room. "And I'm not stopping you."
"No, you aren't." Jane agreed reaching for the hem of her gown and deciding he liked the changes Lisbon had been hiding all day.
"You are such a perv." Lisbon rolled her eyes at the appreciative twinkle in his eyes upon realizing everything had gotten a little bigger over night.
She was lucky her dress still fit. But Anna Maria had wisely left the alterations in a state where a judiciously placed pin or two hidden away could bring in certain areas if anticipated changes hadn't taken place. Fortunately they had and her gown fit as close to perfect as possible under the circumstances.
"Hardly a perv; but, very much an "I did this" kind of man." Jane agreed as he ran his hands over her enjoying the feel of lush curves and smooth skin beneath his palms.
"While that might be true, I think you had a little help with all of this." Lisbon said kissing Jane lightly against the lips enjoying the familiar easiness between them. "And I think you should lose the pants."
"What about these." Jane fingered the ecru lace string bikinis matching the gown he'd tossed across the room still adorning her hips.
"Do I need to count to three?" Lisbon smirked as she reached down to remove the offending garment fully expecting Jane to do the same only to see him hesitate. "Get naked, Jane."
"I will; but, at the moment I'm trying to decide which Lisbon I like better." Jane said quietly knowing it was true. "You're beautiful either way."
"Why don't I believe that?" Lisbon asked knowing she was attractive woman but hardly beautiful when compared to Van Pelt.
"Because you're being foolish as women are wont to be." Jane said as he dropped a kiss on her head smirking at the way her hands were pushing against his pajama bottoms. If he wasn't willing to do it, Lisbon would do it for him. "You have lovely, expressive eyes and a top lip that curls out in a manner made for kissing. You're slender and shapely, smart and feisty, compassionate and tough…What's not beautiful about that?" Jane asked forcing her to look at him. "At the moment you're also exquisitely curvy and ripe in that way women with child get."
"Shush, Jane." Lisbon said as she tossed his pajama bottoms across the room to land on her discarded gown.
It didn't matter that both of them were more interested in talking than getting physical at the moment, she was enjoying the feel of naked skin against skin as she was sure Jane was. They'd get around to making love eventually. They always did.
"Regardless of the difficult time you've had, pregnancy suits you. The crush he'd have had on you years ago if you weren't his boss aside, Cho wouldn't find you so fascinating if it didn't." Jane continued.
"Shush, Jane. Cho doesn't have a crush on me." Lisbon's eyes darted away refusing to consider such a thing.
"No, he doesn't; but, he would have had you been just another agent and he finds pregnant Lisbon very appealing. Most men do. There's a certain attractive vulnerability you've always had that your condition enhances. I'd say you're very tempting for a lot of us." Jane told her honestly enjoying the way she was cuddling into him in her embarrassment.
"Shush, Jane." Lisbon said from against his chest.
"There's no reason I should shush when I'm only speaking the truth." Jane defended himself.
"Fine." Lisbon said as she suddenly straddled his lap. "If I can't shut you up one way, I guess I'll have to do it another."
"And what way might that be?" Jane asked irreverently fully aware of what Lisbon was capable of when challenged.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe we'll start with this." Lisbon leaned in to run her tongue lightly over his lips.
"I don't think that's enough to stop me from talking." Jane teased.
"Then maybe I'll do this." Lisbon leaned in to press her lips more firmly against his.
"That's on the right track." Jane whispered against her lips.
"You think?" Lisbon asked as she moved in for the kill fully expecting Jane to flip her on her back and deepen their kiss exactly as he did.
Wrapping her legs loosely around his waist, Lisbon broke their kiss laughing at the predictability suddenly striking her as much too funny. Far from being upset with his bride for interrupting his fun, Jane reached down to rub her belly and tickle her sides adding to the laughter filling the room. It wouldn't be long before they would have to get far more creative in their coming together. At the moment, they were fine to continue as they'd always been…enjoying a very vanilla position that was anything but vanilla between them.
That being said, he was going to try that whole kissing his wife again.
If he was lucky, one thing would lead to another as it always did and he'd end up a very happy man.
And if he was very lucky, which he always was, his Lisbon would feel the same.