And here it is! Part 2! I had a hard time with the song choice in the last section, but I feel like I found a fitting one! Hope you all will agree!
There will be one more chapter to this particular story! But don't worry, I'm already thinking about Part 3 for the series!
Thanks so much for reading - J
Chapter 21- The Wedding (Part 2)
It was time. As the music began to play, Jane stood by Angela's side, watching as Tommy, then Frankie walked down the aisle, which Jane noted was now lain with flower petals; the backyard completely transformed to a more beautiful wedding location than Jane ever could have imagined.
"Ma," Jane suddenly turned to Angela, knowing she needed to start walking in a moment as her Mother turned her attention towards her. "I love you," she smiled, suddenly grateful for her Mother's constant love and support.
"I love you too Janie," Angela replied, tears already filling her eyes. "I am so happy for you and Maura…I just…I'm so proud of you Janie."
"Thanks Ma," Jane smiled big, leaning forward and giving the older woman a kiss on the cheek before looping her arm through Angela's. "Now let's go. Just don't let me fall alright?"
"Don't worry Janie, I've got you," Angela gave her daughter's arm a squeeze as the pair heard their cue and began their short walk down the aisle to where the Rizzoli men waited.
When they reached the altar, Jane once again turned to her Mother, giving her a kiss before taking her place beside Frankie, who had a big grin on his face, obviously excited for his big sister. Turning back towards the house, Jane felt a nervous excitement, anxious to see Maura, but grinning when Amelia appeared at the door, beaming with happiness.
Amelia had practiced her job as flower girl/bridesmaid for the last week, basket of flower petals in hand as she dropped them around the family room. And in typical, Maura fashion, Amelia began dropping her petals with a perfected poise, a smile on her face as she made her way towards Jane.
It wasn't until she reached the brunette and she was finished her job that Amelia broke concentration, running the last few steps and throwing her arms around Jane's waist.
"I did it Mama!" Amelia beamed, making everyone in the yard laugh.
"You did great Baby," Jane couldn't help but laugh as she noticed Frost making an appearance on the back porch, the doors shutting behind him so Maura could make her entrance. "How about you go stand over there with Uncle Frostie though," she suggested to the little blonde. "Mommy's gonna come out in a minute. We don't want to miss it okay?"
"Okay Mama," Amelia nodded, leaning up for a kiss, which Jane quickly gave her, before joining Frost, who gave Jane a wink before taking his place on the other side of the altar.
"This is it," Frankie whispered beside Jane as the guests once again stood, everyone turning their attention to the back door.
As soon as the back door opened, Jane was covered in goose bumps, a big smile lighting up her face as tears stung her eyes as soon as hazel eyes locked with hers from across the yard. As Maura and Constance got closer, Jane took a step forward.
"Wow you look…wow…" Jane whispered, feeling completely speechless.
"You look beautiful," Maura beamed, her eyes full of tears. "I can't believe…wow…"
"Perhaps you should discuss this later ladies," Constance laughed, taking Maura's hand and giving it a squeeze before handing it over to Jane. "Take care of her for me Jane."
"Always," Jane nodded, allowing the Mother and Daughter to share a kiss, before leading the blonde to the altar where Korsak was waiting to begin the ceremony.
Jane tried to pay attention as Korsak began to speak, she really did, but with Maura standing in front of her, wearing that dress; Jane couldn't focus on anything else. The couple's eyes eventually locked together, both hazel and brown orbs sparkling with happiness as they both focused on nothing but the woman in front of them; as if the rest of the yard simply disappeared around them.
"Jane would you like to share your vows with Maura?" Korsak eventually turned to the brunette, whose gaze was still locked on Maura. "Jane," he repeated, laughing when Jane turned towards him looking startled. "Your vows?"
"Oh. Right," Jane blushed, giving her head a slight shake before turning back towards Maura who had a smile on her face. "Almost two years ago I took a trip down to the basement at work, hoping to introduce myself to the new Medical Examiner," she began, clearing her throat nervously. "I walked down there hoping to get in good with the Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth but I got a whole lot more," she grinned. "Because instead of finding you I ran into a little blonde, sneaking around the basement, who eventually introduced me to her Mom," she laughed, looking over Maura's shoulder at Amelia who was grinning from ear to ear. "I didn't know it at the time but that day changed my life, because I didn't just meet a work colleague, I met my best friend…my two best friends and I cannot imagine my life without you and Amelia in it. You were my best friend first, but at some point I realized it was so much more than that. What we have is so incredibly special and I promise to never lose sight of that. I promise to love you and Amelia no matter what and I will always be there for both of you. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives together as a family and I cannot wait to start this journey with you. I love you Maura," she said, her voice cracking slightly as tears once again stung her eyes. "I love you so, so much."
"Maura," Korsak turned to the blonde, giving her a short moment to compose herself. "Would you like to share your vows with Jane?"
Taking a deep breath to control her emotions, Maura turned towards Jane, who gave her an encouraging smile. "I never imagined finding someone like you. I never imagined a friend like you and I never imagined falling in love with my best friend either," she smiled. "The truth is you are beyond anything…beyond anyone I ever could have imagined spending my life with. You are the strongest woman I have ever met and Amelia and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. You have been so good to us and so incredibly strong for us and there is no one else in this world I would want to be a Mother to Amelia with me," she said, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I love you so much Jane and I promise that love will only get stronger each and every day. I promise to stand beside you through the good and the bad and I promise to always be your best friend first. You and Amelia are my whole world and nothing will ever change that. I love you."
"Jane do you take Maura to be your wife?" Korsak asked the brunette, who was holding back her tears as hard as she could.
"I do," Jane nodded, as a single tear finally escaped.
"And Maura do you take Jane to be your wife?"
"I do," Maura smiled tearfully.
"Men," Korsak looked to Frankie and Frost. "Do you have the rings?"
Both reaching into their jacket pockets, Frankie and Frost pulled out rings, Frost handing his to Maura while Frankie handed one to Jane.
"Maura, with this ring, I promise to be your best friend and your wife as long as we both shall live," Jane said, slipping the silver band onto Maura's ring finger where it fit perfectly with her engagement ring.
"Jane," Maura slid Jane's ring onto her finger. "With this ring, I promise to be your best friend and wife as long as we both shall live."
"Well then, ladies it is my honour to pronounce you wife and wife," Korsak announced, beaming happily. "You may now kiss your bride."
RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI
"Jane you look…this dress is…I can't even believe…you look incredible," Maura struggled to speak, trying to get a really good look at Jane's dress while the brunette kept trying to capture her mouth with hungry kisses. "The way it fits you…Jane…"
"Maura," Jane groaned, resting her head against the Doctor's shoulder. "We have like two minutes alone before our Mothers are going to bust in here and make us go pose for pictures and mingle," she said, trying to keep her voice low as they were currently hiding out in the laundry room where Jane had quickly pulled Maura after the ceremony. "You really want to talk about my dress right now?"
"I'm sorry I just can't help it," Maura laughed, giving Jane a brief kiss before pulling away again. "It's just that you hardly ever wear dresses and this particular dress is just…wow…I can't quite get over it," she said, allowing Jane to pull her in for another kiss, which the brunette immediately deepened. "Jane," the blonde laughed again when she eventually pulled away. "We really shouldn't start anything we can't finish. There will be plenty of time for all of this tonight. Your Brother is taking Amelia and your Mother for the night after all."
"Mmm thank God for that," Jane grinned, reaching up and placing a hand on Maura's cheek. "We're married," she smiled even wider. "I can't believe it. We're actually married."
"We are," Maura chuckled. "Are you happy?"
"The happiest I've ever been," Jane nodded, making the blonde laugh. "You look amazing too by the way. When you came down the aisle…you completely took my breath away. I still can't believe I get to call you my wife."
"Well you better believe it because I am officially Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles and I plan on keeping that name," Maura grinned just as there was a knock on the laundry room door.
"Mommy? Mama? You guys in there?" Amelia's little voice called from the other side of the door, bringing identical grins to both women's' faces.
"And there is the soon to be little Rizzoli-Isles," Jane grinned as she opened the door only a crack, grabbing Amelia's hand and quickly pulling her inside, eliciting giggles from the miniature-Maura. "Hi Baby."
"Are you guys hiding? Nona said you're hiding," Amelia said, wrapping her little arms around Jane.
"We aren't hiding Darling," Maura was the one to reply. "Mama and I were just taking a moment to ourselves. We're both just very happy." She said. "We're married now Little Girl. Are you happy?"
"I'm happy Mommy," Amelia nodded enthusiastically as Jane ran her hand over the little blonde's head. "I get adopted soon?" She asked looking up at Jane for an answer.
"In a couple days Baby," Jane grinned, anxious for their date at the courthouse for Tuesday afternoon. "But first we've got a party to enjoy."
RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI
"Hope! Cailin!" Maura found her birth Mother and sister as she mingled with her friends and family, after taking photos, everyone waiting for dinner to begin. "I'm so glad you could both make it."
"The ceremony was beautiful," Hope smiled as she gave Maura a warm hug, one, which Maura was surprised to find wasn't the least bit awkward. "Everything looks wonderful and it's just so intimate."
"And you look great," Cailin added a little uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. "That dress is gorgeous."
"Thank you Cailin," Maura smiled, giving her half-sister a brief hug. "Jane and I are quite happy with how everything turned out. To be honest I wasn't really sold on the backyard wedding idea at first, but this has been more than I could have ever imagined," she continued. "Have you two been able to speak to Jane? She's around here somewhere but I'm afraid I keep losing her."
"You talking about me?" Jane suddenly appeared, Constance at her side. "I was hoping we would find you three," she said, knowing it was time for Constance and Hope to meet, no matter how anxious it made her wife. "Mia's with Frost, Ma says we need to get started soon. I thought now would be a good time for some introductions."
"Oh yes…of course," Maura nodded, grateful when Jane took her hand. "Mother this is…Well…She's uh…."
"You must be Hope," Constance helped her daughter out. "Of course you are; the resemblance is quite obvious. Constance Isles," she held out a hand for Hope to shake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Hope replied. "This is my daughter Cailin," she introduced the teen. "I'm glad we're finally able to meet like this," she then said. "I've been…well I've been hoping to meet you since…well since all of this started."
"I'm happy to meet you as well," Constance smiled, a smile that Maura was happy to see looked genuine. "And what better way to meet than at such a wonderful celebration. I hope you'll come sit with Angela and me during dinner. I would love to get to know you better."
"Of course. I'd like that very much," Hope agreed, just as Jane noticed Korsak approaching the makeshift podium they had for him near where the head table was now set up on the patio, the rest of the yard now filled with tables ready for dinner.
"Speaking of dinner I think we're about to get started. We better get up there," Jane said, giving Maura's hand a squeeze before heading to their table. "Well that went well."
"Incredibly," Maura nodded happily.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen if everyone could please take their seats, dinner and speeches will be starting shortly," Korsak told the small crowd, all of whom immediately complied, drinks in hands.
Though she had originally wanted to skip on the big formal, sit-down dinner, Jane had allowed Maura to convince her to have the event catered, and now she had to admit it was probably a good idea. There was quiet chatter throughout the small group gathered in the yard while dinner was served and everyone began eating before Frankie stood up and everyone fell silent.
"One thing I've always known about my sister is that she's strong," Frankie began as Maura took Jane's hand in hers. "Ever since we were kids Janie has had this strength that I always admired because she was tough…fearless almost," he continued with a smile. "Sure Janie has always been caring and compassionate. She has been looking out for me and Tommy since we were kids, but it wasn't until she met Maura and Mia that I saw a completely different side to my sister," he said, turning to the couple. "Maura changed Jane. She's still tough and strong and fearless, but she's also…softer," he laughed as his sister shot him a glare. "Don't worry Janie it's a good thing," he joked. "I got to watch Jane and Maura fall in love and I got to watch my sister become a Mother to Amelia and I've got to say it has been amazing. The love that this family has is amazing and I truly hope that one day I will find someone who loves me as much as Maura and Jane love each other. So Janie, congratulations. I am so happy for you. And Maura…welcome to the family! Cheers."
"Cheers!" Everyone repeated, clinking glasses while Jane and Maura stood to give Frankie a hug before Frost got ready for his speech.
"Hello," Frost grinned as he got to the podium. "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Barry; Maura's best Man," he introduced himself. "I actually met Maura around the same time that Jane did. We met at work and to be honest at first I thought she was a little strange," he laughed, giving the blonde a wink. "You see, even though I'm a homicide Detective, I've always had a bit of trouble with blood and I just couldn't understand how someone could do the job that Maura does," he explained. "The more time I spent with Maura at work though, the more I learned from her. I learned about compassion, and helping people and giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. I learned that Maura is probably the smartest person I will ever meet, but also the kindest," he smiled. "Maura has such a big heart and that's one of the reasons she has become one of my best friends and probably the reason that Jane fell for her the way she did. I think that everyone here can agree with me when I say that these two were made for each other. I truly believe that Jane and Maura and Amelia belong together and I'm so happy that I was able to be here today for this special day and I can't wait to watch them continue to grow together. So here's to Jane and Maura," he raised his glass. "May they have nothing but happiness and love together."
"To Jane and Maura," everyone brought their glasses together.
"Thank you Barry," Maura smiled as she gave the Detective a hug. "That was beautiful. It means a great deal to me."
"To both of us," Jane said. "We're so glad you're here with us."
"Me too," Frost grinned. "And as great as this all has been. I'm ready to party."
RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI-RI
Heart beats fast
Colours and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid
To fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer
"I love you," Jane pulled Maura close as they danced together in the middle of the yard, their guests watching all around them. "I love you so, so much."
"I love you too," Maura smiled, kissing the brunette's neck. "And I cannot wait to get you alone."
"Dr. Isles," Jane tried to sound scandalized while Maura simply giggled, placing another kiss against her neck.
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
"Today has been perfect," Maura whispered, her arms wrapped around Jane's neck. "Everything has just been perfect. You are perfect."
"I'm far from perfect," Jane shook her head. "But today has been incredible."
Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this
One step closer
"Mia," Jane called out to the little blonde who was holding Frankie's hand, swinging his arm back and forth while she swayed to the music. "Come here baby," she said, bending down and picking her up when she ran over, while Maura wrapped her arms around both of them.
"I get to dance with you!" Amelia grinned, wrapping an arm around each woman's neck.
"Of course you do," Maura kissed her daughter's head. "It's our first dance as a family."
"Are you having fun Baby?" Jane asked.
"The most fun," Amelia nodded.
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid.
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
One step closer
One step closer
"I love you two," Jane said, bringing their heads close together so all their foreheads were touching. "I love you both so, so much."
"We love you too Mama," Amelia beamed, kissing the brunette's nose. "You're the best Mama ever! Right Mommy?"
"Yes Baby," Maura agreed, leaning in and giving Jane a kiss. "Yes she is."
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid.
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand year
I'll love you for a thousand more
****The song is Christine Perri's "A Thousand Years"