Hi. This story is AU. It is something that I have been working on that I decided to put a little Rizzoli and Isles spin on it. I am not sure how many chapters this will be but if you all like it, I will continue forward with it. This was inspired by the Bruno Mars song "I Think I Wanna Marry You". What would you do if a stranger came up to you and told you that they have until midnight to find someone to marry them in order to win a drunken bet? Just want to say that Frost, Frankie and Jane all work for Boston Homicide. Nina is a D.A. that works closely with Boston Homicide. Korsak is retired and Maura, well... just read on and see. For this story, even though I have it set in modern times, I do have the ladies being in their 30s and I took liberty with their birthdays. As I said, this is AU so some things may be a little out of character for our ladies but hopefully you will stay for the ride and let me know what you think. I am really looking forward to hearing your feedback. Please note this is not written for any profit and all characters are the property of TNT, Tess Gerristen, Janet Tamaro, Jan Nash.

Prelude: Decisions, Decisions

"So, Doc, I don't want to beat around the bush. I want to get right to what I believe my issue is," I said, shocked that I actually want to be open with my feelings. Dr. Dorsey raised one eyebrow as she tapped the flat screen of her iPad, ready to capture the notes necessary to assist me.

"Our third session, Jane, and you're ready to get rid of me already. Your boss told me that you would be a difficult one but you know that we have seven more sessions to go before I can sign off on and you're removed from desk duty so try to indulge me just a little longer. I will bite, though, and ask you what do you believe is your issue?" The way that the words come from her mouth cause me to falter in the self-truth I thought I had discovered on my ride over. I just want to get these sessions over with, get the sign off to go back to full duty versus this desk duty mess. I really don't want to work through my emotions but with each session, I realize how screwed up I have been.

You see, I've never been one big on speaking with therapists. I've always believed that my friends and family were there to be my therapists, my sounding boards. Yet, after the past year that I've been through, even my friends seem unable to help me. And after the incident at work, Cavanaugh and HR decided I needed to go to these mandatory therapy sessions instead of being stripped of my detective badge. So, here I am sitting in the chair of Dr. Jasmine Dorsey, certified psychologist, and life coach. Our first session was merely an introduction of sorts. Our second session dealt more so about family history, Italian upbringing, Catholic guilt, and my first love, Isabella. Now, I have returned to talk about the one who has captivated my thoughts and won over my heart in such a short period of time. And the cause of my outburst at work. Ugh. I know the decisions I need to make, but Dr. Dorsey's overall demeanor kinda scares me.

"Well, Doc, I believe that Maura is too good to be true. Because of the hurt I experienced with Isabella, I'm scared to trust myself and the feelings I have for Maur. I doubt that someone like her can be real."

I watch as glasses slide down her nose, causing me to grow anxious by the moment. She glides her fingers across the screen of her iPad, capturing notes that I want to read. The couch I've relaxed upon has me captive, afraid to move as if the world will fall out from under me, taking the truth I seek from the grasps of my mind. Repositioning her glasses, Dr. Dorsey extends her long legs to a different position. I've never been a legs woman but seeing her long, elegant legs, so toned and exquisite, made the anxiety began to leave me. Suddenly I realize that I've been openly ogling at her as I hear her voice penetrate my conscious again.

"I'm sorry Doc, you were saying," I clear my throat as I make eye contact again. A smirk I swear she wears as she shifts once again to sit in a more authoritative position.

"If you want to stare at my legs for the entire session to avoid this discussion, well that will have to cost you more, Detective," flow from her lips with the same smirk, " I said, Jane Rizzoli, that you may be on the right track but please, tell me about this Maura. Why do you doubt that she is real? What qualities of hers do you find too good to be true?"

"Well, Doc, that is the million dollar question. It's a long story. How much time do we have?"

Looking down at her tablet, I feel the pause as she begins to calculate. Glancing back up at me with a smile, she says "We have plenty of time. Just start from the beginning…"

Chapter One: Unlikely Proposition

One Year Earlier
Dirty Robber
November 4, 2019
10:42 pm

The shot of Whiskey felt like fire to my throat. Forgoing any form of chaser, I allowed the liquid courage to ease down my esophagus, allowing my mind to become loose of the day's trials. Shouts could be heard as everyone slams their glasses to the table. Our drinking was now close to entering its third hour and even though we were keeping it lightweight in the beginning, we will all need a designated driver if we don't slow down.

"Korsak!" I hear loudly in my ear as Frost yells to get the attention of the bartender. Korsak, a veteran of the Boston Police department and my former partner, took over running the Dirty Robber two years ago after he retired and married his wife Kiki. On Fridays, the place is packed with the same crowd, unwinding from a long workweek with finger foods and decently priced drinks. Korsak looks at Frost and the rest of our group, waiting to hear what we will drink next. Korsak knows what we want but still waits for us to say it.

"Can we get another order of wings, some water, and another round of shots?" Frost bellowed above the noise. With a head nod and a smile, Korsak began to prepare our order while attending to his other customers surrounding the long bar. Being regulars, we positioned ourselves at a booth close to the bar but far enough to keep our conversations still private from the growing crowd standing around. Looking at my counterparts, I began to feel my face loosen as my mind reminded myself that I still had to make the drive back home. Generally, with our weekly Friday meeting, I would carpool or Uber but today I had court and therefore will have to either sober up or leave my car to grab in the morning.

"Frost, do you still have a liver?" Frankie asked as he looked at his Samuel Adams beer now as if it were poison.

"Frankie, stop being such a lightweight. Man up and down that beer. Three shots and you're already ready to wave the white flag in defeat. Why are you being such a wuss right now?"

"Frost, stop messing with Frankie. He can't handle his liquor. Tommy and I always been able to drink him under the table.

Giggles escaped my lips as I finished my Blue Moon. I was now about to order number 4 and wasn't sure if I would make it to my birthday at midnight. Generally, as the time approached 11pm, we would all have gotten into our cars, cabs, or public transit and headed towards our homes, anxious to walk into our doors and strip away the long work week. Yet, tonight, on the eve of my 35th birthday, the gang holds me hostage. Their guise of discussing my life up until now and what they were prepared to do to make the latter half of my 30s better than crap that had come my way after rising the ranks to become one of the youngest detectives to ever join Boston Homicide.

"You know," Nina began, "you have avoided this subject all night Jane. You are a little over an hour away from turning 35, and you haven't ventured out once to do as we discussed."

I begin to cough on the beer that I had just swalled. The rest of the gang wasn't aware of the full details of the conversation I had with Nina before their arrival. Their eyes trained on me and I could feel my throat becoming dry.

"What have you done Janie?" Frankie began to inquire.

"Nothing," I stepped in to say as I stood to go towards the bar. I looked back at the group as they shook their heads, Nina's face and hands clearly showing me that she was very animatedly re-telling our previous conversation. My head bowed as I waited for Korsak to come my way. It wasn't that I was scared of Nina's suggestion but more so not ready for it. As I lifted my head to order, I spotted a woman enter into the bar. My eyes became glued to her. Something spoke out about her, and I almost forgot about the fact that Korsak was standing in front of me until he came to block my view.

"Hey, Rizzoli, you okay?" he asked, oblivious to where my eyes had wandered.

"Yea, I'm good. Sorry… something caught my attention. Uh, let me get another Blue Moon."

"Jane, you already told me. It's right in front of you," He laughed as my eyes looked down to the drink sitting in my hands. Turning around he looks in the direction I was gazing. Seeing the woman who has taken a seat at the end of the bar, Korsak turns around and smiles at me.

"I'll send her a drink from you but I'll let it be on the house. Only because I see how you are looking at this one. Don't be so shy now," Korsak pushed my shoulder a little as he walked off. Slowly I made my way back to my booth, with all eyes on me.

"So Nina tells us that you're supposed to be introducing yourself to women tonight, making the first move for once. No one running interference. So, if that's the case, why are you sitting here on your ass?"

"Because she's scared, Frost," Frankie allowed to slip from his lips as if it's the absolute truth.

"I'm not scared, Frankie. I'm just not up for it tonight."

"Not up for it means scared. Come on Jane, we talked about this. We all love you but let's face facts. You spent almost all of your 20s trying to be in denial and finally you are being true to yourself. You are happy for you but you are getting closer to 40. You can't still have your friends run interference for you. You have to become confident in yourself. You're an amazing woman. You're smart, funny, and "handsome". Any woman would be damn lucky to be with you." Frost laughed as he bumped my shoulder.

"Yea I know, I know. I just…" the words leave my mouth as my eyes wander to the young woman again at the end of the bar. As if feeling my gaze, she turns around and smiles. Her lips mouth out 'thank you' as she turns back to nurse her drink.

Smiling, I turn to face my friends who are watching me with peeked interest.

"Um, you care to share with us, Rizzoli, what that little exchange was about?"

"It's nothing. I saw her walk in and Korsak saw me looking at her so he sent her a drink on my behalf. That's all."

"No, no, no. See, this is exactly what we are talking about. You can't have us, Korsak, hell even your mother make the first move for you. You have to do it yourself. This isn't about getting over Isabella. We want you to be confident in yourself. You're confident when you're wearing that badge. We need you to be confident with a woman in your first meeting and confident enough to initiate the first date and to keep that confidence throughout your interactions. There is nothing wrong with a little shyness but that shyness will not keep a woman. And you will not meet another Isabella," Nina spoke with determination, having Frost and Frankie nod their drunken heads in agreement.

All I could do is sigh at the words. Nina has always been the blunt one of our little Motley crew while Frost and Frankie try to sugar coat and simply be supportive.

"I hear what you are saying Nina. Loud and clear," comes out more in frustration than smoothness to end the discussion.

"Look Janie," Frankie turns towards me, bumping my shoulder, making sure his body language is subdued and not hostile, "You are my sister and I love you. Even though you are confident, I know that you are shy when it comes to being expressive of your feelings. And that's okay but you have so much to offer Sis. I can't imagine how hard it was for you to hide this part of yourself when we were younger but you don't have to hide who you are anymore. We just want you to be happy Jane."

"Alright. Alright. I hear you for real. And I'll go over there and get that woman's number without assistance from any of you," I say as our round of shots appear.

"Man, these look like Korsak just poured the whole damn bottle. They have to be triples! He is trying to get us plastered before midnight." Frost shouted.

"Korsak wanted me to let you all know these are special 'birthday' shots for Jane. So drink up. I was told not to share what's in them," our waitress laughed as she walked away.

"Bottoms up!" Nina and Frost laughed as we all toast before downing the shot. Frankie coughs as I feel the sweet liquid warm my throat. Whatever it was, I had no doubt it would have an effect on us soon and very soon.

"So,' Nina began, 'I have a wager." Immediately I began to shake my head. No doubt this would not be good. "This doesn't sound like it will be good," Frankie utters my thoughts.

"Hush up boy. The only way this will not be good for us is if we lose this bet." At the word, 'bet' my ears perk up. I try to shake the buzz feeling that our round of shots has given me. I am not sure what is up Nina's sleeve but I have a feeling that the alcohol is starting to speak for her.

"Let's make sure your birthday starts with a bang, shall we. Now, Frost and Frankie, I will need your assistance on this. It shouldn't involve a lot. I don't think that Jane will be able to go the distance. Here is my wager, ladies and gents. Jane, I challenge you to walk up to that young woman whom Korsak sent the drink to on your behalf and you have until midnight to convince her to marry you. And she can't just say Yes for the sake of saying Yes. She has to be willing to participate in a legitimate ceremony right here in this bar with the both of you completing and signing a marriage license and myself officiating the ceremony. I officiated a wedding over the weekend and still have some blank copies of the marriage license in my briefcase along with my notary stamp. IF and I mean IF you are able to persuade her to marry you, I'll give you $1500 and will spot for the young lady to have a suite at the Revere Hotel Boston Common for the entire weekend with whatever she wants from room service. You'll only be married for the night and I'll make sure that I destroy the license. I want this thing to be like legit. If only for 24 hours. Heck, if you do this Jane, I'll give you five grand."

"Janie, I can't believe I am saying this because this will definitely clean out my savings BUT if you are able to pull this off, I'll match Nina and you'll walk away with ten thousand dollars. Frost, you want in on this?" Frankie all but yelled as his face brighten up. The challenge issued making him excited like a kid at Christmas. Barry Frost looked at us all and let a laugh escape from his belly so deep I wasn't sure if he was laughing because he doubted I could live up to the challenge or he felt we had all went crazy or he thought the money being wagered was ridiculous money. It could have been a combination of all three. Once he finished his laughing fit, I watched him begin to look at the woman at the bar and then back at me, his mind deep in thought. Then, as if he had an epiphany, I heard the words I didn't think I would hear from him.

"Rizzoli, I know that this is going to cost me a pretty penny from my savings but I'm in on this crazy bet. Only thing that I ask is when you do convince this mystery woman to marry you, split the funds with her. A suite at the Revere is nice. I would recommend Boston Harbor Hotel for the views alone. Yet, as much as the suite is nice, she shouldn't get a suite that will cost $500/$600 a night for the weekend when you will profit fifteen grand. True, she will be married to you less than 24 hours, the fact remains she will be married to you and should at least get some of the profits. So, those are my stipulations. Do you accept our terms because all this talking is giving you like not even a full hour to make this happen?"

Frost finished his speech with a look of complete confidence within me. Having him on my team, I did what I didn't think I would. Downing my drink, I look at the 3 people who have known me at my worst but still been the most supportive and dedicated family and friends I could ask for. They were right. While I am still confident in my abilities as a detective, the trauma I experienced from doing my job and having to combat the labels make me hesitant to take risks when it comes to dating. I wasn't going to get to the happiness that I wanted playing it safe all the time. I have to be spontaneous. I have to be confident. I have to just go out there and do something adventurous, like persuade a complete stranger to marry me. If I can do this, it will give me the confidence with women that I never felt before. And with the alcohol running through my veins, my courage said why the hell not.

I grabbed Nina's hand and shook it. "Deal. Get ready to write the checks. I would say I want cash but since the banks are closed, I'll go for a check. Book the best suite you can at Boston Harbor. I want Mrs. Rizzoli to have the water view this weekend."

As I stood up, I tried to smooth out my clothing and pop a mint in my mouth. I didn't want to smell like liquor. Not with the future Mrs. Rizzoli. The more that I say that, the more my nerves become shaky. Well, here goes nothing I tell myself as I venture over to the far end of the bar. Getting closer I can see more of the beauty's form. From first glance I thought she was attractive but as I draw near, I see just how beautiful she is. She is dressed pretty casual in jeans and a deep purple sweater that seems to hug curves and a frame, at first glance, that speaks to my type. Her skin seems flawless, almost like she stepped out of a magazine. Her honey blonde hair cascades in layers down her back.

As I get closer, I hear her laugh and immediately I want to hear it again. I pause in my movements as I see someone standing beside her, blocking full view of her face. As I maneuver to the other side of her, I see that it is a guy who is trying his best at flirting. Coming into her line of sight, I hesitate for a moment in the mission I'm on until I see the smile that graces her face. And then I hear her voice and feel butterflies for the first time in a long time.

"Baby! There you are! I was wondering what kept you!" is spoken to me with a look that begs for me to just go along with it.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting. We were interviewing a suspect connected to our homicide case. Hi, Detective Rizzoli," I say as I place a kiss to the young woman's cheek before turning to extend my hand to the gentleman looking as though I've messed up his plans for the night. Walking away without touching my hand, it's obvious that his mood took a downturn. Hearing the laugh that I wanted to hear, I look at the beauty I'm standing next to.

"Well, somebody looks like I just ruined his party. Hi. I'm Jane," I say as I move a little closer so that I'm able to be heard over the crowd that seems to get louder around us.

Hearing a giggle escape exquisite lips, I can't help but smile as I await to hear the voice as smooth as honey speak again. "Hi Jane. I'm Maura. Thank you. I sometimes misjudge social cues but I think this guy missed that I am not here to meet a man tonight. He was persistent but just wasn't my type."

Laughing, I motioned for Korsak to come over our way. "Can I get another beer and a refill for this beautiful woman?" Smiling at me, Korsak gave a nod and walked away.

"Are you a regular here?" Maura asked as she sipped the last of what looked to be red wine, turning in her chair to face me more. As I begin to answer, I notice her eyes for the first time. A blueish green hue, I'm captivated to the point that I realize I'm staring and believe that I should just give a straight forward approach to my quest.

"Yes, my friends and I,' I point to the group who has been staring at us since I walked over, causing Maura to turn in her chair to wave and smile, ' Well, we all worked together with Korsak and would hang out here from time to time until he retired and we decided to make it a weekly thing to come and hang out. We have to keep an eye on the old man. It's our way of relaxing from our demanding jobs. The one that kinda looks like me is Frankie. Next to him is Frost. We are all homicide detectives with Boston PD. And the woman who is giving us her poker face is Nina. She is a district attorney and the reason I am over here." I'm surprised at the way I divulge information regarding us.

Grabbing my drink from Korsak, I raise mine up to my friends eyeing me and give them a salute before drinking it in what seems to be one gulp. Placing the bottle back on the bar top, I face Maura to see her giving me a raised eyebrow. Wow, I think, she looks like a Goddess right now. Well, either this woman is going to think we are crazy and laugh in my face or by some sort of miracle, go along with this crackpot plan.

"Maura, I try to be an honest and transparent person. In saying that, I hope you will let me completely finish before responding." I say as I wait for some sort of acknowledgement that I may continue. Looking at me with piercing eyes, I'm given a nod and a smile. Immediately I start to smile and almost forget what I was going to say. Her smile is definitely infectious. Grateful that my mind is still somewhat sober, I take a deep breath before putting all of my cards on the table.

"In less than an hour, I will turn 35. Ever since I was 13, I knew I was attracted to women. Growing up in a Catholic Italian family, I had to hid my feelings from even myself. Throughout high school, I didn't date. I had crushes on women but just couldn't bring myself to act on them. The Catholic guilt hung heavy on me. I attempted to date men and had a slight run with this one guy but once I decided that I was going to go into the Academy, I cut off dating and focused on becoming the youngest detective in homicide. Needless to say, this ambitious drive helped me to gain a little confidence but most women didn't want to be with a "closet" lesbian with a mountain of Catholic guilt. Plus a meddling Italian mother asking about marriage and grandbabies. Through the support of family and close friends, I finally came out but as I have gotten closer to 35, I have always had to have someone run "interference". To be my wingman. Most times it would be one of the 3 nerds at the table, doing a hook-up of sorts or my ma playing matchmaker to overly show her support. Never have I truly made the 1st move with someone I found attractive. When I first arrived here tonight, Nina challenged me to walk into year 35 confident in myself. Her challenge was for me to approach a woman and make the first move. To strike up a conversation and in turn, ask her for her number." I pause and look over at my friends. They seem to all have their eyes glued to me. Taking a deep breath, I keep going.

"When I walked up to the bar and saw you, Korsak kind of messed up the challenge. He saw how your beauty took time and slowed it down for me. So much so that I didn't realize I had already ordered my drink and had it in my hand. When he sent the drink to you on my behalf, Korsak had come up with the idea to do it, not me. I told Nina and the rest of the crew, of which they felt that I still had "assistance" in making the first move. After drinking another round of shots, apparently the alcohol finally began to seep into everyone's brains because what I am about to say next will either have you laughing or ready to slap me. Or maybe both. Or maybe you may think we are all crazy. Yet, I hope that you will say yes."

I look at Maura and I can tell that she is trying to read me. Her smile is still present but her eyes show she is thinking, trying to understand where this is all going. I step a little closer to her, making sure that she is able to hear me and I am able to hear her. Looking her directly into her eyes, I take the leap and say the craziest thing I have ever said in my life.

"I have been challenged to come over here and convince you to marry me. Tonight. For some crazy reason, Nina has marriage licenses in her vehicle. We would fill one out, sign it, and then she notarize the document and perform the ceremony. For tonight only, we would be wife and wife. After tonight, the marriage license will be properly destroyed and it will never go on record. IF you were to agree to this crazy and bold dare that my friends have decided to pull you into, they are willing to give us both $7,500 cash and will give you a best suite money can buy at Boston Harbor Hotel for the weekend with anything you want from room service included. Now, if you decide that we are crazy, that marriage is sacred and you can't marry a stranger, that I'm not your type, that we are crazy. Did I say the crazy part already? I figured the only way to do this is to just put it all out there and ask. Only thing you can say is no. And if you do, I can walk away at least saying that I tried and in a sense, that helps me more than you know. Yet… if you were to dare say yes, when I tell you, I will have bragging rights for the next year. The money is great but I think the bragging rights will make things so much sweeter."

I step back and feel for the necklace around my neck. Taking it off, I allow the two bands upon it to fall into my palm. Holding the smaller one up, I look at Maura's hand and the ring. They actually may be a fit. She looks at me with a strange look. I don't know if she is trying to figure out how to let me down gently or how to tell me and my friends we are bat-shit crazy. She may be trying to figure out how I just happen to have a set of rings with me. I hold out my palm to her with the smaller ring as I realize that I didn't actually ask her THE question.

"Maura, will you do me the honor of marrying me and being my wife for the night?"

I know this is definitely AU. This is taken from a novel that I have been working on for the past few years. I thought I would challenge myself by putting a Rizzoli and Isles spin on it and hopefully this will get my creative juices flowing so that I can actually finish it.