WEDDING #1

Saturday arrived, and all plans were in motion for their small, private ceremony by the lakeside fountain.

They had reserved a handful of rooms at a nearby hotel for guests and also to use as changing rooms for the bride and groom.

Teresa was ecstatic to see that Pete and Sam had come! Pete found a seat in the crowd while Sam stayed awhile to help with her dress and such.

Patrick and Cho walked across to the fountain together. Cho felt honored to be Jane's best man (he had also been so relieved when Jane had finally proposed to Lisbon).

As the two men approached the fountain platform, Jane was pleasantly surprised to see that every friend whom they'd invited, had in fact come! He couldn't hide his euphoria at the sight of their dearest friends, gathered to celebrate this momentous day with them.

"You really thought any of us were gonna miss this?" Cho quipped, not surprised in the least at the crowd in attendance.

"Thanks again, Cho," Jane gushed, "This is just… She's gonna… this is amazing!" Feeling tears forming, he worked hard for a moment to get control of himself, before walking to the front, standing near the bishop.

A string quartet - a surprise from the Abbott's - began to play, as Grace and Annie processed down the aisle.

Then, escorted by Minnelli, Teresa came into view, nearly knocking Jane off of his feet. He couldn't hide his complete and utter adoration as she stepped closer. She was an absolute vision in her perfectly-Lisbon vintage gown. No fuss, but lots of class and style.

"Wow." was all he could manage, he was so stunned at how this dress, this day, this moment had amplified her beauty in such a way. He was totally smitten, as was she - made obvious by her beaming smile when she saw him in his new, blue suit.

She looked quickly at the crowd of friends in attendance, and mouthed "wow!," as he nodded in acknowledgment of the love and friendship that surrounded them on this day.

The bishop began "We are gathered here today, to celebrate the joining together of 2 lives into one…"

Jane and Lisbon were lost in each other's eyes, only noticing his words when it was time for their profession of love, and their vows. Wylie had promised to film the entirety of the ceremony, so neither worried too much about missing the other things.

When it came time, Cho stepped forward with the rings.

Jane went first: "Teresa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, of what you mean to me," he choked up a bit at those words, "a symbol of my lifelong devotion to you, until death do us part."

Teresa followed, clearly struggling to speak the words through sobs of joy: "Patrick, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, of what you mean to me," she paused to breathe, "a symbol of my lifelong devotion to you, until death do us part."

There wasn't a dry eye to be found, as the bishop asked: "Is there anyone here who objects to this man and this woman being joined in holy matrimony?" He paused, knowing that no one ever really objected to the archaic question that had become a mere formality.

"I Object!" called a familiar voice from just beyond the barricades put up for the event.

Gasps could be heard as every head turned to see Marcus Pike, arms crossed, standing at the edge of the platform.

"It's clear to me that this relationship is a sham, and that Patrick Jane has tricked Teresa somehow into believing she wants to rush into marrying him." Marcus accused, as the gathered crowd scowled at the interloper (with all three Lisbon brothers standing, ready to defend their big sister, if needed).

Shocked and annoyed, shoulders back (in case she'd have to punch him) Lisbon spoke up, then - Both for herself, and for she and Jane as a couple.

"Marcus I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt here, but I think that you know that's not true." A tense hush fell on the gathered crowd.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you - truly I am - and I did think what we had was real at the time, but my heart knew differently - it literally shook me awake to the truth.

Patrick and I (Marcus winced at hearing her call Jane by his first name) have been investing in each other – in one way or another - for more than 10 years. So through that lens this is not rushing into anything. It actually may be the slowest courtship in history!"

She laughed at herself then, and Jane & their friends chuckled a little, too, as she went on.

"If anyone has been playing tricks on me it has been me, myself. Looking back, I see clearly how long I've been loving him. I just didn't want to believe it, afraid he didn't feel the same way. This is the real thing. Patrick and I are together. For life. Period."

I love you so much, woman! Jane thought as she defended them and their love – their new life together.

Marcus was quiet for a minute, then replied, "I guess your mind is truly made up, then. Goodbye Teresa."

He looked at Jane.

"Congratulations on the win, I guess," he said - somewhat sarcastically, using air-quotes - as he walked away.

Jane tensed immediately on hearing that comment. Teresa wasn't some object or trophy to be won! How dare he speak about her that way!

He calmed quickly when Cho put steadying hands on his shoulders, to ensure he wouldn't spend his wedding day in jail for assault.

Rattled, the bishop continued the ceremony. "If there are no valid objections, he corrected, 'then, Patrick, you may kiss your bride!"

Jane smiled, eyes tearing, as he lifted Teresa's veil, and kissed her tenderly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to present Patrick and Teresa Lisbon Jane!" The bishop announced, to cheers and hollers and cries from the crowd.

Jane and Lisbon were ecstatic - embracing and smiling and kissing and whispering sweet words to each other.