"Auntie Reese I just can't believe it!" Annie was gushing like crazy over her Aunt's ever-growing baby bump, ecstatic about her future cousin.

"Me either, Annie! But I have never been happier." Lisbon answered honestly. And to think that she had believed things couldn't get any better, when she'd said 'yes' to Jane in her abandoned CBI office, or when they'd last been in Chicago, celebrating their wedding, or when Jane had returned home from the hospital all those months ago. The idea that her connection to this man (who had been a never-ending source of wonder for her, for longer than she could remember) had resulted in the creation of a new life was overwhelming - But also a fitting metaphor for the two of them. Connecting with Jane… no… connecting with Patrick, had given her a new life - even before there was a Little Jane. She knew he would say the same was true for him, and she loved the positive changes she'd seen in him since they'd gotten together.

Jane caught the way she was looking at him just then and beamed even more brightly than he had the moment before. He was already a veritable human lighthouse, on account of the baby, but he always seemed to have an extra level of illumination for Lisbon. He moved closer to her and slid his arm comfortably around her.

"Thanks Annie! We're all in a bit of disbelief about it but I am beside myself with excitement and am completely in awe of your Aunt! Isn't she absolutely stunning right now?" His eyes caressed Teresa as he spoke, summoning a rare blush. Smiling wide, he tenderly kissed her tinted cheek. Leaning close, he spoke softly in her ear. "It's absolutely the truth, my dear. You are a vision. I may burst from loving you so much."

Feeling a bit trembly from his words, and the close rumble of his voice, she pulled him into a full embrace. She didn't let go for the longest time. "I'm so in love with you, sweet Patrick, and I'm so in love with this baby." She was feeling overly emotional, as was her norm, of late. She hadn't known how much she wanted to be a mom until she found out about Little Jane. Honestly, she had always told people that she didn't want to have kids at all. But it was clear to her now, that she just hadn't found the right partner before. With Jane, the whole prospect felt different in such a wondrous way. Every time she thought about having a little bit of him - of them - growing inside of her, a heatwave would simply overtake her heart and body. She wanted him to know how powerful these feelings were for her, and how strongly she felt that there was something especially extraordinary between them. "Getting to share this experience with you is magical, Jane. We've always shared a special connection, but now… I can't describe how much Little Jane's existence has amplified that."

"I feel it too, Teresa." Jane looked into her eyes with a smoldering gaze. It had always been clear to him, the magnetic pull between them. He couldn't explain it, but he couldn't deny it either (and didn't want to). They had always been drawn to each other, like moths to flames, from their very first encounter. It made him breathless just thinking about it.

He quickly sensed that he should lighten the mood, to avoid any embarrassing public displays of overzealous affection. Or at least to avoid him losing all control with his gorgeous wife, making passionate love to her on her brother's front porch. "And just imagine how connected we'll feel after our second wedding tomorrow!" He glinted.

"Very funny!" She smacked his shoulder lightly and smirked.

It had taken longer than the prescribed 6 months to take their marriage preparation classes and make the official Catholic ceremony happen, on account of Jane's recovery time after the shooting, and the ensuing FBI travel obligations to Lebanon.

Lisbon had only agreed to go through with the second wedding, while visibly pregnant, because she'd already had the 'real' wedding months ago at the fountain. Her husband had assured her that they could postpone if she wished, but she had said no. She preferred to get things squared up with God and the church sooner rather than later, and figured it would be even harder to coordinate once the baby was born.

Jane worried that it might be too much for her, having the ceremony on the same weekend as her Chicago family's baby shower for them. The pregnancy was causing Teresa more exhaustion than she was used to, but she insisted that she would be fine, and reminded him that this ceremony was smaller in scope, with just them, the priest, and her brothers' families attending.

He had contacted the Lisbon brothers shortly after they'd announced the shower, asking them to keep any wedding receptions to a minimum. So, they decided on a backyard cookout at Stan and Karen's. He was relieved at the small size and casual nature of that, and also at the idea that Lisbon would have the opportunity for naps whenever she may need them during the low-key dinner party.

"Let's get back to the families, love. I want everyone to have their chance to wish us well, so that we can get you to bed at a decent hour." He said, with gentle concern.

"You're right, love, we should get back. And I am completely on board with you getting me into bed." She winked flirtatiously and walked quickly back inside the house.

Jane chuckled at how his wife had played him just then. Next, he took a slow, deep breath to center himself, and followed her inside.


As far as Catholic weddings go, Jane and Lisbon's second round of nuptials was remarkably brief. Jane was relieved that, although it was a beautiful setting and he was happy to publicly declare the depth of his love for Lisbon once again, everyone involved seemed to understand that wedding #2 was a mere formality.

Once they were back at Stan's, enjoying burgers and beer (alcohol-free for Lisbon), the couple relaxed together on a wicker sofa outside. The three brothers and Annie were playing a game of two-on-two football while Karen and Jimmy's fiancée chatted about some local gossip.

"How're you holding up, my dear?" Jane placed a tender kiss on the top of her head.

"Enjoying the chaos from the sidelines, but wishing I had the energy to join in the game." She snickered, imagining what that would look like in her current condition.

"Soon enough, you'll be fielding your own family games, love. Patience." He grinned at her competitive spirit.

"Little Jane and I are gonna take you!" She boasted, with a smirk and a nudge.

"Oh yeah? You think so?" He glinted, with mock pride.

"I know so!" She played along, with a convincing 'game face' and a grin.

"We will just see about that!" He smiled wide, and tickled her, causing a moment of piercing laughter that was so impressive, the backyard football game ground to a halt - players on both teams beginning to guffaw at the scene on the couch.

He didn't torture her long, though, suddenly afraid of inducing an early labor. "Sorry. Couldn't help it." He chuckled.

"It's okay, Jane. BUT - when you least expect it… EXPECT IT!" She retaliated with vigor, and the football crowd was rolling with laughter as Jane yelped and began laughing uncontrollably.

After what she deemed an appropriate amount of payback time, Lisbon relented - allowing her beloved a chance to catch his breath again.

"God, I love you, Teresa!" He panted.

"I love you too, gorgeous!" She hummed, pulling him close.

The two relaxed together, full of post-tickle endorphins, well into the evening. At Lisbon's first yawn, Jane stood up and made their excuses to the families. Sleepily, Teresa made her way through the family receiving line, with a thank you hug for each.

Jane followed, with handshakes and hugs of gratitude, before rescuing his sleepy little princess to their hotel room.