Oops, I Did It Again – Chapter 44

Jane had fallen asleep easy enough last night, but after waking up in the middle of the night she was having a difficult time getting comfortable again. She was so used to sleeping on her side snuggled up with Maura.

In the hospital she was on some heavy pain meds so she just slept and didn't have an issue with not being able to be on her side. When she woke up in the hospital and saw Maura snuggled up to her, she just kissed the top of Maura's head and went back to sleep.

Now she was at home and she was not on as many pain meds, she felt the difference. She was trying so hard not to wake Maura up. Maura was snuggled up to her side but she was in pain, a lot of pain. She needed to wake Maura up, she gently shook Maura, "Maur, please wake up."

"Hmmm," Maura said as she readjusted herself and snugged Jane tighter.

"Maur, I need you to wake up, please." Jane said with a little bit more pain in her voice.

After a few more shakes Maura opened her eyes and looked at Jane, "Jane love, what is it? What's wrong?"

"I'm in a great deal of pain. You know I hate pain meds but I think I need some." Jane told her as she cringed. Maura got up immediately and got some pain meds for Jane. It was 2:30 in the morning and the meds would let Jane sleep for four to six hours pain free, if she was lucky maybe a little more.

Maura woke up at seven and got up and took her shower after checking on Jane. Jane was fast asleep. She was still asleep when she finished so she went downstairs and started fixing breakfast. Her mother was enjoying a cup of tea while reading a magazine at the kitchen island. "Good morning, mother." Maura greeted her mother as she entered the kitchen.

Constance had packed already and her suitcases were by the door ready to go. Maura hated that her mother was leaving so soon but she understood that this was not a planned trip and she had to get back to her work in Paris. "Good morning, darling. How is Jane this morning?" Maura loved that her mother was asking about Jane. She knew her mother rather liked Jane now and was forming a relationship with her. Her mother was changing right in front of her eyes and she liked this more relaxed version of her mother.

"She is asleep right now, she had a bad night with the pain so I had to give her some pain medication. She is trying hard not to take the pain medication because she knows that they can be addictive in nature and she doesn't want to get addicted to them. She is trying to take only what is necessary for her to function. She should be waking up soon." Maura explained. "I'm going to fix some breakfast and take some up to her. Can I fix you something while I'm making breakfast?"

"I will have a little of whatever you are fixing, thank you darling." Constance said as she got up to make herself another cup of tea and give Maura a hug. "I'm going to miss you darling. I'm happy that everything is great between you and Jane now."

"Thank you, mother, me too. I'm glad you came and helped me deal with everything. I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't of come to assist me." Maura said as she returned her mother's hug and finished cooking breakfast.

"You would have figured it out eventually, but it might have taken you a while and meanwhile you and Jane both would have suffered. With that in mind, I'm glad that I came. I had no idea you were so traumatized by Jane's accident. But that is all behind us now and now we must look forward and plan for your wedding. I'm so looking forward to helping you with that in any capacity you desire." Constance said from her heart because that is truly how she felt. It is because of Jane coming into Maura's life that she is being able to be a better mother to Maura and for that is grateful.

Maura knew that Jane would be hungry when she woke up. She figured she would treat her this morning and cooked some real bacon for her. When she finished, she put everything on a tray and told her mother that she was going to take Jane her breakfast and then help Jane get dressed and then they would come they would come downstairs.

Constance was worried, she knew Jane needed assistance and she was thankful that Maura was so willing to help her. She could tell how much they cared about each other. She just hated that this happened. Both of them had been so hurt by this accident. Jane physically and emotionally.

Jane almost lost her fiancée because of Maura's emotional reaction to the accident. Constance just wanted to hug them both and let them know that everything would be okay. She knew that wasn't realistic though. With Jane's job her life was in jeopardy every day. But then things like the accident had nothing to do with Jane's job. Accidents happen and no one's time on Earth was guaranteed. It was with that thought that she told herself she is going to be more present in her daughter's life, because one never knows when it will be the last time you see someone.

Maura arrived upstairs and set the tray down on her nightstand. Jane was still asleep so she took a piece of bacon and put in front of Jane's nose. She watched for a reaction. Sure enough, Jane's nose twitched and her eyes opened. She was greeted by two of her favorite things, Maura and bacon. Then she immediately noticed another favorite item coffee. 'This was going to be a great day,' Jane thought to herself. She leaned her head forward and was able to grab a piece of bacon before Maura put it back on the plate.

"Maur, I love you. Thank you for cooking breakfast and bringing it up here. I'm starving."

"Do you only love me because I brought you breakfast in bed?" Maura said as she leaned over and kissed Jane.

"You know the answer to that silly question. But no, I love you every morning, noon and night. I love you all the in between times also."

"Now you are sounding corny, love." Maura admitted.

"Sorry, I just woke up. I'm not at my best before my morning coffee, you know that." Jane said as she tried to reach for another piece of bacon. "Ow, that's painful."

"I will get you situated better and then put the tray on your lap and help you eat."

"You are spoiling me, Maur."

"I want to spoil you Jane, I love you so much."

"Thank you, Maura, I love you also. I can't wait to marry you tomorrow."

"I can't wait either. After we get cleaned up and dressed, we are going to have to figure out what to wear to the courthouse tomorrow."

"I know I have been thinking about that also."

"We will figure something out, we always do."

"Yeah, so what do we have for breakfast?" Jane asked as she was really hungry and wanted to eat. They could talk all day while the food sat there getting cold.

"Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and coffee." Maura replied as she placed the tray in front of Jane. Jane smiled in return and grabbed a piece of bacon. She didn't need any silverware for that, or help.

"Thanks, Maur. What time is my mother coming by?" Jane asked. She was curious. She wanted to be able to talk with Constance before she left and she knew that she would tied up with her cooking lesson with Angela.

"In about two hours. We have just enough time to get you up and dressed and clean up our breakfast dishes."

"Don't we have time for another sponge bath? I really enjoyed the last one." Jane said as she raised her eyebrows at Maura.

"Jane, as much as I would love to give you another sponge bath like that …" Maura paused as she remembered the sponge bath, "We don't have time this morning, we need to get downstairs so we can visit with our mothers. I would like to have our clothes figured out before they get here, in case we need to order something or something tailored."

"True, yeah, I guess we better get moving then." Jane said and helped Maura as best she could in getting herself ready. Jane would be happy when the elevator was installed so that she could have the motorized wheelchair upstairs. She was able to get herself in and out of it rather easily so she knew she would be less of a burden on Maura once they had the elevator.

When Angela arrived Jane and Maura were downstairs on the laptop computer. Maura had a second screen up so their mothers wouldn't see what they were looking at. Maura had spent the last half an hour on the phone with one of the boutiques on Newberry Street that was going to custom fit a suit for Jane. Jane had purchased a few suits from them before and they still had her measurements on file and the tailor had a plan to work around Jane's right leg and left arm. Maura could pick up the suit later that day. They were both happy.

Maura already had a dress picked out from the boutique and it would be ready at the same time as Jane's suit. Normally they wouldn't know what each other was wearing for their wedding but under the circumstances they were foregoing quite a bit of the traditions in favor of just getting married. They would have their traditional wedding later and then everything would be a secret from each other.

Angela arrived just a few minutes before 11 AM. "Maura, do you think we can cook in the guest house instead of the main house so that we won't disturb you and Jane. Plus, if I want to scream at your mother for doing something wrong, you might not hear me." Maura gave a strange look to Angela. "Just kidding dear about the screaming part, not the using the guest house part."

Maura sighed in relief and said, "No problem, Angela. I believe I have the kitchen fully stocked with pans and such, you might want to check." Maura gave Angela the key and she went out to make sure she had what she would need for her cooking lesson with Constance.

When Angela came back, she told Maura, "Maura, that kitchen has everything I need. Thank you!" Angela loved the kitchen in the main house but the one in the guest house was not bad either. It was nicer than what she had in her house, but then with Maura she didn't expect anything less. She knew Maura had the main house upgraded but she didn't know that she upgraded the guest house as well.

"You are welcome, Angela. Have fun and don't yell at my mother too much, please." Maura asked as they all laughed.

"Come on Constance, we have some cooking to do." Angela stated as she wrangled Constance up from her seat and took her arm-in-arm out to the guest house. Jane and Maura were just laughing at the scene and happy that their mothers were getting along.

About two hours later Angela and Constance came back into the main house with flour all over them and smiles on their faces, carrying a plate of gnocchi. "We had a little issue with the flour container but other than that Constance did a great job of making the gnocchi. Would you ladies like to join us for a late lunch of gnocchi?"

"Are you sure it is edible?" Jane joked as she looked at Constance for an answer.

"Yes, darling, we have already had a few bites and we are still hear to talk to you." Constance replied as she playfully smacked Jane on the arm. "Be careful or I will go get the flour container and let if splash flour all over you like it did us when we went to open it."

"Constance, I'm not too sure I like this new you. You are becoming a smart ass." Jane said and instantly she could hear in unison from all three women, 'language Jane.'

"I am just following your lead darling. If you don't want me to act like this then you need to stop acting like this."

"Touché, I guess I will behave myself in your presence. Okay, let's try this gnocchi already." Jane said as she wheeled herself up to the kitchen table. Wondering if she would be able to trap the gnocchi on the spoon and feed herself.

Maura and Angela got the plates out of the cupboards while Constance found the perfect wine to accompany their lunch. She placed a can of root beer in front of Jane. "This is the only kind of beer I can give you at the moment. I hope you enjoy it."

Jane acknowledged the root beer and said, "Thank you Constance. I appreciate your sense of humor. I'm going to miss you."

"I will miss you too darling. But Arthur and I will be back in a few months for a short visit. By then Angela should be all moved into the guest house."

"Yes, Frankie and Tommy will help me move in starting Tuesday. I'm sure Frankie will be happy to have his apartment all to himself again." Angela stated as she finished setting the table and started serving the gnocchi.

They enjoyed a nice meal and while Angela and Maura did the dishes Constance went to change clothes and get ready to go to the airport. Her pilot had notified her that the plane was all gassed up and ready to go once she arrived.

Constance said her goodbyes to Jane and Maura. Angela rode with her to the airport. The driver would take Angela back to Frankie's after seeing Constance off. Maura and Jane would have gone to the airport, but they knew it was too much for Jane getting in and out of the car, so they said their goodbyes at the house. Jane had already stated that she didn't want to go in the car unless she had to.

Once the mothers had left. Maura left to go to the boutique to pick up their clothes for their wedding. They were both excited. They were secretly getting married tomorrow.

When Maura arrived home, she had Jane try on the suit and everything fit perfectly. The left arm sleeve had been adjusted so that it would fit over the cast. The right leg fit perfectly also. Maura took a picture of Jane in her suit and sent it to the tailor. She replied back to Maura that she was happy with the fit. Maura's dress fit like a dream.

Before they had a chance to change out of their outfits there was a knock at the door. Maura went downstairs and was surprised to see her friend at the door, "Hello Martha, this is a surprise. I thought I wouldn't see you until tomorrow."

"Well, my assistant, Callie," she pointed to the young lady standing beside her, "and I were talking and she knew that Jane had a cast on her left arm and right leg and that she was in a wheelchair. So, we thought we would make a house visit." Martha said as Maura invited them into the house.

"Give me a minute to go upstairs and get Jane." Maura said as she led them into the living room to sit and wait for her. Maura ran upstairs to bring Jane down. Within five minutes Jane and Maura were sitting with the Judge and her assistant Callie.

"Hello Judge Summers and Callie, how are the two of you?" Jane asked as she wheeled herself over to where the Judge and her assistant were sitting.

Martha and Callie both smiled at each other and then Jane. Martha replied for both of them, "We are fine Jane, we had a question to ask you and Maura." Jane nodded and Martha continued, "Well, being as it looks as if you and Maura are dressed for your wedding tomorrow, how would you like it if we conduct the ceremony right now?"

Jane and Maura both looked surprised and they both smiled. Jane hadn't been looking forward to going to the courthouse in the wheelchair. It would be an ordeal and she would have to be searched separately as she wouldn't be able to go through the metal detector with the wheelchair.

Maura was the first to speak, "Really, can we do that?"

Martha told her, "Yes, I have the marriage license with me and you have the paperwork that you would have given Callie tomorrow, right?" Maura nodded. "Well then, why not. Callie can file the paperwork tomorrow so technically the only thing we are doing is not making Jane suffer through the ordeal of almost being strip searched by the officers at the metal detector. They all laughed but that was about the extent of what would happen to Jane at the entrance to the courthouse.

"I am all for that Judge Summers. Thank you." Jane replied.

"Jane, please call me Martha, unless you want me to keep calling you Detective Rizzoli in your home.

"No, Jane is fine Martha, thank you both for doing this. Wow Maura and I were just trying on our clothes for tomorrow, so your timing is perfect." Jane said as she appraised her and Maura's clothes. "Oh, but we don't have any flowers? I wanted to pick up a bouquet for Maura before our wedding."

"Jane, we are just happy that Maura asked us to perform your ceremony for the two of you. I would much rather see you in my courtroom for your wedding then for the murder trials that we have seen each other for. I rather enjoy weddings and I haven't been the officiant at a wedding in a few years so it is my pleasure. Callie, came prepared. We will go back out to the car and bring in what we brought with us in case you said yes." Martha stated as she rose with Callie to go out and get everything.

Maura took this opportunity to help Jane with her hair and a little bit of makeup. Martha and Callie came back in with flowers and a video camera on a tripod. Jane just smiled. She looked at Maura and said, "Maur, we are getting married right now. Are you sure you want to marry a cop?"

"Jane, I love you and you are so much more than a 'cop.' Yes, I want to marry you and because your job is that of a police officer, I want to marry a police officer." Maura said as she kissed Jane.

"Okay, ladies. Have you written your vows or do I need to perform the standard ceremony?" Martha asked as she looked at both Jane and Maura.

Maura replied, "We have written our own vows." She looked at Jane for confirmation and Jane had a puzzled look on her face.

"I started them Maura, but then the accident happened and then …" Jane said with a sad look on her face.

Before Maura could speak Callie spoke up, "Jane, I know how much you love Maura, we have talked about it every time we see each other. I feel confident that you can speak from your heart and that will be great vows. Just tell Maura what you have told me over the past couple of months while we waited for the hearings to begin."

Jane smiled at that. She could do that. She had lots to say on the subject of Maura Isles. "Yes, I can do that, thank you Callie."

"That's what friends are for Jane. I would like to consider us friends outside of the courtroom. I feel like I know you well enough after all these years that you have been coming to testify at court."

"Yes, Callie, I do consider you as a friend and appreciate you putting this together for us. I was dreading coming to the courthouse tomorrow because of the casts, definitely not for the reason because I want to marry Maura more than anything."

"Okay, so this is what we will do, I will perform the ceremony here in your living room tonight. Callie will file the paperwork tomorrow afternoon, after she and I get back from our extended lunch break because of course your 11 AM slot will still be on the books. You two will then be considered married in the eyes of the State of Massachusetts. Does that sound like a plan?"

"Yes." Jane and Maura said at the same time as they looked at each other.

"Okay, let's get into position then. Callie is going to tape the ceremony for you." Martha said as Callie handed the bouquet to Jane so she could present it to Maura. "Do you have wedding rings? I guess I should have asked that a while ago."

"Yes, let me run upstairs and get them." Maura said as she took off towards their bedroom where they had placed the rings. Maura touched up her makeup really quickly and then came downstairs with their wedding rings. She handed them to Callie and picked up her bouquet again. She was ready now to marry the woman she loved.

Martha skipped the whole line of 'friends and family we are gathered here today' and got right to the meat of the matter. "Jane and Maura, you have both expressed your love to each other and have decided to join each other in wedded bless. It is my pleasure at this time to help you enter into your marriage. Being as both of you have decided to express your commitment to each other through your own vows I would like for you to begin. Maura, please recite your vows to Jane." Martha smiled at Maura who took a deep breath and then began.

"Jane, I knew there was something special about you from the very first time we met. I know it hasn't been that long ago but I feel as though I have known you for such a long time. You are kind, generous, beautiful and loving. You have shared your coworkers and family with me when I was new here and didn't know anyone. Sorry, Martha, I know I knew you but …"

"It's okay Maura, continue." Martha stated as she laughed to herself. She had known Maura since she was a small child. As she was friends with her adoptive parents.

"I enjoyed our Wednesday coffee chats and was so happy that after our required time you continued to come to the coffee shop. That meant so much to me. I wanted to continue to spend time with you. When you first asked me out, I was nervous because I didn't want to make a mistake and cause you to stop seeing me. I soon realized that you cared for me s much as I cared for you. we were meant to be together and I will spend the rest of life, loving and cherishing the time we have together. I could have lost you recently with that car accident." She paused, the mere mention of the car accident still upset her but she pushed on, Jane was alive and right in front of her getting ready to become her wife.

"I promise to love you and comfort you, to remain your very best friend, to remind you each day that I chose you to be my partner in life, not just for today but for every day. I promise to listen to you, even if I think you are wrong and I am right. I promise to continue to try and get you to eat healthy. Most of all I promise to love you for as long as I live. I don't ever want to be without you in my life. You are a force Jane Rizzoli and I love you and want to be your wife." Maura so wanted to kiss Jane at that moment as Jane smiled so widely at her but Martha interrupted her.

"Jane, would you like to share with Maura?" Martha had no idea what Jane was going to say as she didn't have her vows written out.

"Thank you, yes, I would. Maura Isles, you say I am a force, I would have to disagree with you. Do you know how much my life has changed since I met you. These two ladies her present can attest to how I used to be and how I have changed for the better. I am not as wreck less as I used to be. I take care when I am out on the streets chasing leads. I do eat healthier. I am nicer to my Ma, even though sometimes I don't want to be." Maura smiled at that, she knew Jane like to argue with her mother. She liked to egg her on and get her flustered.

"I felt drawn to you when we first met. I knew as long as we were seeing each other in a professional capacity I couldn't act on my feelings but as soon as that relationship ended, I felt like I wanted another one to begin. I wanted to be friends with you and spend as much time as possible with you. I went to the coffee shop that first Wednesday because I felt comfortable there, I felt a sense of belonging. I wanted to continue that feeling and when I saw you sitting there, I was so happy. I felt that you must of have sensed it also." Jane paused.

"I knew from that moment on that I had a friend in you. My feelings kept growing though as did yours. We took our time and got to know each other and eventually started dating. I fell in love with you Maura and I only prayed that when I got down on one knee and asked you to marry me that you would say yes, and you did. I pledge the rest of my life to loving and cherishing you. I even promise to eat healthy sometimes. You have got to let me have my cheeseburgers once in a while though. I love you Maura Isles and I want to spend the rest of my days on this Earth showing you how much." Jane stopped and looked at Martha to let her know she was finished.

"Now because you both have requested, I will recite one paragraph from the traditional marriage vows. Jane, do you take Maura, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Jane immediately replied, "I do."

Jane responded so fast Martha hardly had a chance to catch her breath before she continued, "Maura, do you take Jane, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Maura had tears running down her face as she said, "I do."

"May I have the rings please?" Callie stepped forward and gave Martha the rings. Martha took the ring that Jane was presenting to Maura and said, "Jane, please repeat after me."

Jane nodded and Martha continued, "This ring I give in token and pledge."

Jane repeated, "This ring I give in token and pledge."

Martha continued, "As a sign of my love and devotion."

Jane repeated, "As a sign of my love and devotion."

Martha continued, "With this ring I thee wed."

Jane repeated, "With this ring I thee wed," and she placed the ring on Maura's finger and then kissed the finger.

"Maura, please repeat after me." Martha asked.

Maura smiled and nodded and Martha continued, "This ring I give in token and pledge."

Maura repeated, "This ring I give in token and pledge."

Martha continued, "As a sign of my love and devotion."

Maura repeated, "As a sign of my love and devotion."

Martha continued, "With this ring I thee wed."

Maura repeated, "With this ring I thee wed," and she placed the ring on Jane's finger and leaned down and kissed the ring on Jane's finger. Maura immediately rose and looked at Martha as she took Jane's right hand in hers.

"Now, that you have pledged yourselves to one another and offered tokens of your pledge to each other. I now pronounce you married. You may kiss the bride."

Jane didn't need to be told twice, she pulled Maura down so she could kiss her. Soon Maura was in Jane's lap and they were headed to the kitchen. Maura told Martha and Callie, "Please come join us in a toast."

Martha and Callie followed Jane and Maura to the kitchen. Maura carefully climbed off of Jane's lap and pulled glasses down as Jane pulled a bottle of Champagne out of the refrigerator. Maura popped the top off and poured three full glasses and one partial glass. Jane couldn't drink while on her medication but a few sips in celebration were warranted.

They chatted for a little while and then Martha and Callie left. They were very happy that they had come over and conducted the wedding ceremony for them at the house. Jane and Maura were ecstatic, they were now married. They didn't want to hide it but they knew how much their mothers were looking forward to helping them plan their wedding so they vowed that in the morning they would take their wedding rings off and place them back in the drawer. They knew in their hearts they were married a ring not being on their finger didn't change that.

Once the paperwork was officially filed and they received a copy of the official marriage certificate Maura would take it down to HR and file the appropriate paperwork. Meanwhile she would meet with her lawyer Friday afternoon. He was coming over to the house so that Jane could be present. She had already told him that she was getting married Friday morning so the appointment was no surprise to him. He knew Maura was very diligent about her financial affairs.

The elevator was being installed Monday morning and Angela was coming over Monday to start getting the guest ready for her things to be moved in so they had a few days to themselves with no interruptions, or so they thought.