A/N: Okay, so I have written and re-written this chapter too many times to count! I know that everyone has high expectations for this chapter, including myself. I thought about many different possible scenarios in which things could go wrong, however, I ultimately decided that our girls have been dragged through hell and deserve at least one happy day! So, here it is, the big wedding. I hope that it won't fall short of your expectations and that it won't leave you disappointed.

N.B. This chapter takes place about five months after the last one and the missing moments will be covered as flashbacks in later chapters.


Maura's POV:

"Come on, buddy. Please let me in."

"I'm sorry, Aunt Jane. I can't do that. I love you, but mommy said it's bad luck."

"I thought mommy didn't believe in superstitions!" Jane yelled from outside the room.

"I don't." I replied adamantly, loud enough for Jane to hear. "But you do."

"I guess I can't argue with that!" Jane relented. "See you on the other side?" She asked hopefully.

"Always." I replied with a smile, even though I knew she couldn't see my face.

"Bye Rosa."

"Bye Aunt Jane. You look really pretty, by the way." Rosa added.

"Thanks buddy, so do you. I've gotta fly now… Your mommy will kill me if I'm not ready on time!"

Jane and Rosa shared a giggle and I just shook my head, unable to suppress my own laughter. Rosa closed the door behind her and came to sit beside me at the dressing table. We finished getting ready without further interruption and I walked Rosa through her responsibilities one last time. She was to walk down the aisle first, toss the rose petals, and I would follow. We would wait at the altar for Jane to arrive, the ceremony would commence, and when asked, Rosa would hand over the rings. Though the instructions were simple, it was a lot to take in for a four-year-old. She was excited though and she seemed to understand well enough.

"Are you ready to go, sweetie?"

"Are you?" Rosa raised her eyebrows knowingly.

I chuckled and held out my hand to her. She immediately laced her fingers through mine and gazed up at me with her big baby blues.

"Absolutely." I smiled. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life."

I observed proudly from the wings as Rosa skipped down the aisle, scattering rose petals as she went along. She was unbelievably cute and, judging by the echo of "awws" from the crowd, everyone else thought so too. I slowly made my own way down the aisle, desperately trying to maintain an air of poise, elegance and grace. It was hard to believe that it was really happening. That today was my wedding day, the day I had fantasized about since I was a little girl. It wasn't exactly how I imagined it would be. It was much, much better.

"Wow, Aunt Jane looks like an angel." Rosa smiled up at me.

And she was right. Jane was the epitome of ethereal beauty. Jane was wearing minimal make-up and her ravishing raven locks were pulled back into a tousled updo, with curls spilling out at the sides and framing her face spectacularly. It was both chic and playful. She was wearing a gorgeous ivory gown with a stunning illusion bateau neckline and back. It was perfect. The intricate lace patterns swept across her shoulders and flowed down the bodice until meeting a floor-length skirt. Her dress was elegant and sophisticated, without being too extravagant or "icky, frilly, girlie and puffy", as Jane would put it. The romantic sheath dress was divine, however, nothing was more perfect than the woman who was wearing it.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join together these two exceptional human beings in holy matrimony. Today, Jane and Maura claim their love to the world with these words. Maura? I believe you won the deciding coin toss, so you shall go first." The minister joked and the room filled with laughter.

Jane pulled me impossibly close and began to caress my body with her magical hands while gently kissing my parted lips. Her talented tongue traced my lower lip and requested entrance, which I, of course, granted instantly. Our tongues battled for dominance and I was overcome by the sweet taste of Jane and the adulation that radiated from her every pore. We stayed that way for a long time. Jane eventually coaxed me into rolling over and she snuggled against the curve of my body.

"I believe that's the best make-out session I've ever had." Jane rasped as she tried to catch her breath.

She sighed contentedly as she relaxed into the pillow and mattress, blissfully happy in the moment.

"You say that every time!" I chuckled heartily.

"And I mean it every time, Maura. Every time I look into your eyes, see your dazzling smile or hear that beautiful laugh of yours, I fall even more hopelessly in love with you." Jane said earnestly.

There were no words that could begin to explain the love that I felt for Jane, and in that moment, I decided to convey my feelings with a kiss. It wasn't a fierce or aggressive kiss, it was tender and passionate, and I hoped that Jane could feel the emotion seeping through it.

"I love you." Was all I could say.

In the past, I had always refrained from saying those three little words. They were so powerful and heavy, and I did not want to overuse them to a point where they became meaningless. Those words meant too much to waste on my previous partners, however, with Jane they didn't seem to mean enough. I loved her so much more than those three little words could express.

"I love you too, Maur. It's a shame that's all the action you're going to get for the next couple of weeks!"

I shifted slightly and raised my head to look at her.

"Are you serious?" I asked, unsure if this was another one of Jane's jokes.

She kissed my bare shoulder. "Sure, why not? I'm game if you are?"

"Fine." I sighed. "But you do realise that you're going to have to start wearing more than just your underwear to bed if you want to keep this abstinence vow."

"Deal." She pressed her face against my back and I could feel her hot breath tickling my skin. "But! If I have to wear frumpy pyjamas, then you can't be dressing up in those sexy silk nightgowns of yours!"

"I never said you had to wear frumpy pyjamas!"

"Please! Like you could resist me otherwise!" Jane joked as her finger traced a light imaginary line up and along my hip and ribs.

She was playing dirty and it was incredibly hot. I could already feel my arousal pooling… This vow of abstinence was going to be incredibly challenging.

"Fine. The silk night slips are gone, now stop teasing!" I grunted.

Jane chuckled as I rolled onto my side to look at her.

"So, we have one more decision to make… Our wedding vows."

"What about 'em?" Jane asked.

"Who should go first?"

"Me, obviously."

"What? Why?"

"Because I'm awesome… And I called dibs!" Jane smirked.

"When?"

"Uh, right now!"

I narrowed my eyes at Jane and she rolled hers in response.

"Fine." She huffed. "Let's toss a coin. Does that sound fair to you?"

"Yes, I suppose that would be sufficient." I concurred.

I rolled over to open the drawer of the nightstand and pulled out a quarter. "You call it."

"Heads!" Jane shouted enthusiastically.

I flipped the coin in the air and Jane fell silent, her lips pursed and fists clenched in anticipation. I caught the coin and held it out to her.

"Tails. Looks like I win." I announced and I couldn't suppress the grin that had taken over my lips.

"Whatever." Jane pouted. "At least I can ad-lib and make my vows better than yours!"

I giggled again before tossing the coin back into the drawer and turning out the light. I snuggled down under the covers and felt Jane settle against the curve of my body again. She draped her arms lovingly and protectively around my waist, and nestled her face into the crook of my neck. I couldn't help but smile at the contact; I loved feeling Jane's body pressed against mine.

"I can't wait to be your wife." I whispered.

"My wife. I love the sound of that." Jane remarked and I could feel her lips curve upwards against my neck.

I smiled at the memory before beginning my vows.

"Jane. Before I met you, I thought my world had everything I needed to be happy. I had nothing else to compare it to, and then you walked into my life. And everything changed. I realised how empty my world was without you in it and my whole life was no longer capable of making me happy. Not without you. I love everything about you, Jane. I love the way you challenge me like no one ever has. I love the way you look at me, like no one ever has. And I love the way you love me, like no one ever has." My voice began to waver with emotion and I beamed through the tears that were beginning to emerge.

Throughout my vows, I had maintained steady eye contact with Jane. I watched in awe as the love, joy, and sheer magic swirled within her chocolate orbs. Her emotive eyes glistened and a stunning smile graced her lips.

"I can't imagine spending my life without you, so please say yes to me in a few minutes… Then I won't have to!" I chuckled.

Jane laughed too and her elusive dimples appeared. I loved being the reason for her smiles, her laughter, her happiness.

"Jane." The minister encouraged Jane to begin.

"Maura Dorthea Isles." Jane grinned. "Before I met you, my world revolved around one thing… Work – ooh and maybe coffee!" Jane added before the crowd erupted into a brief fit of giggles. "And I liked it that way. On my own. But then I met you and you saw through the façade. You saw me. And for some unknown reason, you chose to put up with me! You chose to stick around for the sarcasm, the grouchiness, and the tears. You stuck it out through it all. We have been through so much together and despite how confused I might have been, or lost I might have gotten, there was always you. Finding me and guiding me and saving me. In more ways than you will ever know. I can't possibly describe how much I love you, so I'll tell you why I love you. You see the world in a way that no one else does and you appreciate everything, including me. There is no one in the world like you. And if you say yes in the next few minutes, I'll get to spend the rest of my life trying to see the world through your eyes; appreciating everything, including you. The most unique, gorgeous and intelligent woman I have ever met."

"Maura and Jane, you came here today to exchange these vows. Maura, do you take this woman to be thy wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." I stated with absolute certainty, gazing into Jane's loving eyes.

"Jane, do you take this woman to be thy wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Jane grinned, her eyes twinkling more than ever before.

"The rings, please?" The Minister asked, gesturing for Rosa to step forward.

She looked at me for approval or encouragement, and I nodded with a smile. Rosa shyly held out the little cushion containing the rings.

"Thank you, sweetie." I whispered as I picked up the ring for Jane.

I had wanted my wedding ring to be white gold as my engagement ring was an antique sapphire and diamond ring, set in white gold. I wanted my wedding band to match. However, Jane had picked out a yellow gold engagement ring and she wanted to stick with the yellow gold for the wedding bands because that was more traditional. In the end, we reached a compromise and opted for bespoke wedding rings in white and yellow gold. The fusion of white and yellow gold symbolically uniting two souls as one, and proving that two individuals can blend as one without losing their own identity.

"Jane, this ring symbolises my desire for you to be my wife, from this day forward." I beamed as I slipped the ring onto her slender finger.

"Maura, this ring symbolises my desire for you to be my wife, from this day forward."

"If anyone can show just cause why this couple should not be joined together, speak now –"

"Nobody say anything!" Rosa exclaimed forcefully as she scanned the faces of our guests.

Jane and I chuckled quietly at the adorableness of her outburst. It meant the world to me that she loved Jane and approved of our relationship. The rest of the room joined in with our laughter and Rosa just watched on with a puzzled expression and her bottom lip comically sticking out.

"It's not funny." She pouted.

"I know it's not, buddy. I think everybody's laughing because people don't usually answer the question." Jane replied sweetly as she knelt down to talk to Rosa.

She was so good with her and I couldn't imagine a better parent for my daughter.

"Why would that man ask a question if he knew no one was going to answer him?"

"Because he has to; it's part of his job." Jane smiled.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Rosa mumbled quietly.

"Hey, don't be upset, buddy. It's okay."

Jane offered Rosa one of her special smiles, letting her know that she really meant it, and Rosa cheered up instantly. The minister resumed the ceremony.

"Well, in that case…" He began. "By the power vested in me by the state of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you wife and wife."

"May I kiss my wife now?" Jane beamed.

"You'd better!" I quipped.

Jane covered Rosa's eyes with one hand and placed a chaste and tender kiss upon my lips. Everyone laughed again as Rosa moved to peer over Jane's hand. Following the kiss, a round of applause swept through the church and everyone rose from their seats to show their support.


Jane's POV:

"Jane Clementine Rizzoli! What were you thinking trying to sneak into Maura's dressing room?! It's bad luck, you know better than that!"

"Alright, which one of 'em snitched? Was it Maura? I bet it was Maura. Rosa loves me too much – kid's got my back!" I chuckled.

"Nobody snitched! I had to watch your sorry ass skulk back in here!"

"Ma! Language!" I gasped, faking horror.

"What? Like you've never heard the word ass before! I'm gonna have to get you a leash or something… Maybe borrow Korsak's cuffs." She joked.

"Even they wouldn't be able to keep me away from Maura." I grinned devilishly.

"Stay away from Maura!" Ma warned. "You'll see her again before you know it, but right now, you need to finish getting ready!"

"Yes, ma." I huffed, rolling my eyes.

"You know, Janie" ma began, her tone soft and filled with love. "You are officially the most beautiful bride ever."

"Ha! Clearly I'm not the only one who hasn't seen Maura yet!"

"You look gorgeous, Janie… and you're not even in your dress yet!" Ma joked, ignoring my comment about Maura.

She wrapped her arms around my shoulders from behind, and we gazed at our appearances in the mirror.

"You are gonna look so beautiful in that dress." Ma blubbered, suddenly overcome by happy tears.

"Ma, don't! Cause if you cry, then I'm gonna cry and I really don't wanna have to redo my makeup… It took me long enough the first time!" I joked, feeling my own eyes well up a little.

"Okay, alright. I'm sorry." Ma muttered as she rubbed under her eyes. "I just – I'm just so happy!"

"Me too, ma. Me too." I beamed as I stroked my fingertips along her arm.

"Right, well, I'm gonna leave you to get ready, and go claim my seat before Constance or Hope steal it!" Ma snickered. "Good luck, baby. And whatever you do… Don't trip!"

"I'm not gonna trip, ma!" I groaned.

"Love you." Ma exclaimed, blowing me a kiss as she left the room.

"Love you too." I called after her.

I studied my face in the mirror one last time before casting my gaze towards my dress. There it was, in all its glory, hanging on one of those dress mannequin thingies. For once in my life, I wanted to look nice and feel pretty. I know it's not just about looks, it's what's on the inside that really counts… But it was my wedding day, for god's sake, and I wanted to look pretty. As I slipped into my gown, it all became real. I thought back to all of the planning that went into this particular day.

"Jane, we really need to talk." Maura sighed as she stood before me.

"It wasn't me! I didn't do it!" I responded quickly as I shuffled uncomfortably on the couch.

"Didn't do what?" She frowned.

"Nothing. What – what did you want to talk to me about?"

Phew. I was so relieved that she hadn't noticed the juice stain on one of the couch cushions. I had been having a tickle fight with Rosa earlier and I learnt the hard way that that is never a good idea when the kid has a juice box! I was planning to ask ma to help me get the stain out before Maura noticed.

"We need to decide tonight."

"What?"

"Everything. The only thing you've decided about our wedding is that you'll be coming down the aisle to the Mission Impossible theme-tune!" Maura huffed.

"It's an excellent score." I smirked.

In all honestly, I was only joking when I made the suggestion and the look on Maura's face was priceless!

"To which I said a definitive no!" She exclaimed and I chuckled. "So, here's the deal… I will take off one item of clothing for every decision you make." Maura added seductively.

"Okay, you have my full attention." I smiled as I sat up straight, zoning in on the stunning seductress in front of me.

"Wonderful. So, where would you like to get married?" Maura asked as she tugged on the buttons of her blouse.

"Well, ma always wanted me to get married in a pretty church and she says she knows a lovely minister."

"Is that what you want?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Jane, this is our wedding day! You do not just guess!"

"Fine, yes. That is what I want… But only because Fenway Park is out of the question!"

"Okay." Maura smirked as she unbuttoned her blouse to reveal a lacy black bra.

"Oh my god." I sighed as my eyes devoured her.

She removed her blouse and threw it onto the couch. God, my girl was hot.

"And seeing as you already answered my next question of who should marry us, I suppose I should lose this as well." Maura added as she slowly unzipped her skirt and stepped out of it.

"I have no idea why anyone would complain about planning their wedding!" I chuckled. "This isn't stressful at all!"

"Maid of Honour?"

"Damn!" I muttered as I clutched my head in my hands.

"Maid of Honour!" Maura repeated as she teasingly tugged on the clasp of her bra.

"This is so hard!" I threw my hands up in defeat.

"You have to choose someone!"

"But I don't have any close female friends! And – and neither do you! Who have you picked?!"

"I was thinking of asking your mother."

"My mother?"

"Yes, she has been such a good friend to me over the years. Do you think she'll mind?"

"Mind? Maura, I think she'll be thrilled. It's just, you know what my mother's like… She's going to want to take over everything and it'll drive you crazy!"

"Good point. Perhaps we can mull it over for a little while longer." Maura agreed as she dropped her hands down to her sides.

"Hey, no fair! We had a deal!" I huffed.

"The deal was that I would remove an item of clothing of my choice whenever we made a decision, and a decision has not yet been reached for this particular matter. Thus, it is absolutely fair that I should keep my bra on."

"Fine." I relented. "Come on! Hit me with the next one!"

"Honeymoon?"

"Paris. You've always said how much you love it there and I've never been before. I'd love to explore the City of Love with you."

"Excellent choice." Maura beamed before removing the offending item of clothing.

"First dance song?"

"Biggest Part of Me!" I joked.

"I am not taking my panties off for Ambrosia!"

"But it was on the mixed-tape I made you! Take off your panties!" I ordered playfully.

"I will not!" Maura stated jovially before scampering off into the bedroom.

As always, I was hot on her heels and before long, my pursuit of her had evolved into a passionate make-out session. One of the best make-out sessions of my life. We were both curled up in each other's arms, enjoying the sensation of bare skin against bare skin. Our hearts were beating in unison as I gazed into Maura's alluring hazel eyes.

"I love you Maura, and I am so happy we're doing this." I grinned.

It was hard to believe that my wedding day was finally here. This was the first day of the rest of my life and I couldn't wait to become Maura's wife.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, halting my sweet reverie.

"Morning Jane, you look nice." Korsak informed as he entered the room.

"Boy am I glad to see you! For a minute there, I thought it was gonna be my mother again!"

"Nope, only me." He chuckled quietly. "So, how are you feeling? Nervous?"

"Oddly enough, no. You know, I always thought I'd be a nervous wreck on my wedding day but I'm not. I'm cool as a cucumber! The woman of my dreams is just across the hall, waiting for me to marry her. Waiting to start the next chapter of our lives and live happily ever after. What's there to be nervous about?" I replied confidently.

"That's a good sign. I was a mess on all three of my wedding days… Maybe that means you and Maura will have better luck!"

"Here's hoping!" I quipped heartily and Korsak joined in with a chuckle.

I turned my attention to the folded-up handkerchief on my dressing table. I carefully picked it up and unwrapped it, the action not going unnoticed by Korsak.

"What have you got there?"

"Something old." I smiled as I rolled the token across my knuckles. "It's one half of a token from Boston May Fair '89. I was thirteen and I met a boy there. We went on a bunch of rides together. It was the first real crush I ever had." I chuckled to myself. "I don't even remember his name anymore but, at the time, it all felt so real. Anyway, at the end of the night, we only had one token left. It didn't seem fair that only one of us should have it, so we decided to break it in half. I kept it all this time to remind myself that somewhere out there, if I'm lucky, is my other half. Someone out there who is perfect for me."

"Cute story." Korsak smirked.

"It is! And now –" I whispered pensively. "Now I've found my other half."

"I'm really happy for you, Jane." Korsak stated affectionately.

"Thanks Korsak." I began. "And thanks again for agreeing to give me away. I know you're not my father –"

"I'm not old enough to be your father!" Korsak joked. "But I am so honoured that you asked me."

I smiled before swiftly enveloping him in a hug, catching him off guard.

"I couldn't ask for a better father figure; you've always been there for me and you've always had my back, no matter what. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing it." I replied honestly.

As a kid, I always imagined that pop would give me away. He would tell me how proud he was of me and he would be there waiting to dance with me for the highly anticipated father-daughter dance. But now, the vision had changed. There was no way I would ever let my father give me away, not after the way he disrespected ma and tore our family apart. And especially not after all the things he said about Maura and our relationship. There was no longer a place for him at our wedding, and no longer a place for him in our lives.

Korak pulled away from my embrace, chuckling at how soppy and mushy we were acting. "Come on, kid. Let's get you married! Do it right and you'll only have to do it once!"

Korsak bent his arm and I linked mine through it. We slowly made our way from my dressing room to the chapel door and we waited patiently outside for what felt like eternity. Finally, the heavy oak doors opened and a soft melody met my ears. My heart began to flutter and butterflies began to materialise in my stomach.

"Oh my god, I'm gonna trip! I'm gonna trip, Korsak!" I muttered nervously and quietly in Korsak's ear.

"You are not going to trip." He stated vehemently. "Just breathe. You've got this."

I glanced down at my high heels and carefully placed one foot in front of the other, letting out a deep and shaky breath as I did so. After a few steps, I felt the overwhelming desire to look up. And, once I did, I was greeted by the most amazing and beautiful sight. Maura. In the crowded church, she was the only one I could see. Just Maura. Nothing but Maura. Her delicate features appeared softer than ever, as smile graced her luscious lips. Her eyes shone brighter than the sun and lit up her entire face. Her gorgeous curls were pulled into this half up, half down hairstyle… I'm sure it has some fancy name but you'd have to ask Maura what that is! She was wearing a white veil that complemented her dress perfectly. That dress. Her gown was silk charmeuse with an empire waist… Just like she'd fantasised, well, minus the twenty foot train! She looked positively radiant and one look at her was all it took to calm my nerves.

"You're right. I'm not gonna trip." I beamed, my eyes never leaving Maura's. "We've got this."

Finally we reached the altar. Korsak released my arm and placed a feather-light kiss upon my cheek. I stepped up to meet Maura, and let out a sigh of relief and contentment. I couldn't suppress the broad and goofy grin that invaded my mouth. This was it. The happiest day of my life. The moment where our hearts entwined and our souls officially became one. Always and forever.


"Wow! Look at this place! You and ma should do this for a living!" I exclaimed as I looked around the room in awe.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and now our wedding reception was in full force. The room was full of our loved ones; family, friends, and colleagues. It looked like everyone was having a blast, engaging in their own private little conversations and their laughter resonating throughout.

"Ladies and gentleman, at this time I'd like everyone to direct their attention to the dancefloor as I introduce to you, for the first time anywhere as wife and wife, Mrs and Mrs Rizzoli-Isles!" The DJ announced and the crowd went wild as Maura and I made our grand entrance.

I held onto her hand so tightly, never wanting to let her slip away. Our smiles were brighter than they had ever been and our hearts lighter than I ever thought possible as we made our way onto the dancefloor.

"And now for their first dance." He continued and the crowd offered an encouraging applause.

"This doesn't sound like Ambrosia!" I joked, knowing full well that Maura would never let our first dance be along to 'The Biggest Part of Me' as I had jokingly proposed!

"That's because it isn't. I know you're a huge fan of Elvis Costello, so this song seemed particularly fitting." Maura smiled knowingly.

The luxurious laughter, the sensual murmur faded away under the swelling music of the piano and the subsequent introduction of various other instruments. Almost instantaneously, I recognised the song and returned Maura's smile. It was an excellent choice, not that Maura would have settled for anything less. I securely wrapped my arms around her, with my right hand clasped around hers. We fused together, feeling the words and the rhythm of the music and expressing it though our minds and bodies. I could feel the unmistakable passion ignite between us as I could feel her beating heart thumping against my own. We continued to press against each other, gently swaying to the beat, for the duration of the song. And we would whisper sweet nothings and steal chaste kisses at every given opportunity.

She – Elvis Costello:

She

May be the face I can't forget

A trace of pleasure or regret

May be my treasure or the price I have to pay

She may be the song that summer sings

May be the chill that autumn brings

May be a hundred different things

Within the measure of a day.

She

May be the beauty or the beast

May be the famine or the feast

May turn each day into a heaven or a hell

She may be the mirror of my dreams

A smile reflected in a stream

She may not be what she may seem

Inside her shell

She who always seems so happy in a crowd

Whose eyes can be so private and so proud

No one's allowed to see them when they cry

She may be the love that cannot hope to last

May come to me from shadows of the past

That I'll remember till the day I die

She

May be the reason I survive

The why and wherefore I'm alive

The one I'll care for through the rough and ready years

Me I'll take her laughter and her tears

And make them all my souvenirs

For where she goes I've got to be

The meaning of my life is

She

Once the song ended, another one began and our guests joined us on the dancefloor. It felt unbelievably good to be surrounded by our closest friends and family, to have them share in our love and our joy. To experience the magical bond that Maura and I shared, and to support us as we began the exciting new chapter of our lives together.

"We did it." Maura beamed as she gazed adoringly into my eyes, her own shimmering like globes of pixie dust. "We really did it!"

"Yes, we did." I stated emphatically, my heart swelling with love.

"So, what now?" Maura asked, refusing to avert her gaze.

"I don't know." I chuckled and Maura joined in. "I'm kinda new to this whole marriage thing. I guess we'll just have to figure it out as we go." I smiled.

"That sounds good to me." Maura replied, her dimples appearing as she spoke.

"Really?! You don't need action plans or schedules?" I quipped, affectionately nudging.

"No." Maura shook her head. "Because I have you and that's all I'll ever need. I love you, Jane."

"I love you too, Maur." I whispered in her ear before kissing her tenderly and sensually.

The music began to fade and I was alerted to the swift, uplifting hustle and bustle of the people around us. The room was silenced by the clinking of Frankie's champagne flute and everyone turned their attention to my wonderful little brother as he prepared to make a toast.

"I'm not the most eloquent speaker, so I thought I would borrow a few words from my old friend, The Bard… You know, just to get the ball rolling! 'Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.' When life gets hard, when things change, true love remains the same." Frankie nodded at Maura and me, and offered us a warm smile. "Everyone in this room has witnessed the magic, the chemistry, between Jane and Maura. They do something that's so special and very rare to see in anybody. They give their hearts to each other. Unconditionally. And that's where the magic lies. That's what true love really is. It's not this fairy-tale life that never knows pain, but it's two souls facing it together and diminishing it. With unconditional love. The love that they share can give us all hope that we, too, might be so lucky. So here's to Jane and Maura. Here's to hope and here's to a love that will not alter."

My heart swelled with pride and joy. Frankie really hit it out of the park with his touching speech and the audience lapped it up, offering him an enthusiastic round of applause.

"I love you, little brother." I whispered with a smile.

"I love you too, Janie."

"And now, this time I need all the single ladies to make their way onto the dancefloor… Jane and Maura have something they want to toss your way!" The DJ announced in his charismatic voice.

After hearing his request, Maura and I raced to grab our bouquets. I glanced behind us to see ma, Cailin, Nina and Hope, all standing in the front row, all eagerly anticipating the ceremonious bouquet toss.

"Okay, girls. When you're ready!"

Maura and I exchanged competitive smirks before turning our backs to our female friends and tossing our bouquets. The flowers flew gracefully through the air before the women leapt up and tried to grab them. I swear, ma practically wrestled Maura's bouquet out of Cailin's hands and she was waving it above her head like it was an Olympic trophy! My bouquet, on the other hand, had a much more pleasant flight and landed safely in Nina's unsuspecting arms. I'm not sure who looked more nervous, her or Frankie!

"What are you thinking about?" Maura asked lovingly as she gazed into my eyes.

"Frost." I smiled sadly. "You know, when he found out that I was in love with you, he asked me if I wanted to marry you someday. I told him that I did, and do you know what he said to me? He said that he was gonna be the best maid of honour… Better than Patrick Dempsey!" I chuckled at the memory.

"I'm sorry, Jane. I don't understand that pop-culture reference. Who is Patrick Dempsey?"

"You know, McDreamy from Grey's anatomy!" I looked at Maura who remained just as bamboozled. "Nope? Never mind. Anyway, he was in a movie where he played a male maid of honour. You really don't watch many romantic comedies, do you?"

"You should know by now that I really don't!" Maura chuckled.

"I'd like to think he's here with us today, that's why I left the spot open. Just for him."

"Patrick Dempsey?"

"No! Frost!" I exclaimed with a chuckle. "I couldn't give a crap if McDreamy was here! I was more of a McDimples kind of girl anyway."

"McDimples? And McDreamy?" Maura frowned before shaking her head and laughing. "Wow, these characters have some interesting names."

Maura and I continued to dance for what felt like forever. Not that I minded though. I was more than happy to sway with her and allow myself to get lost within those gorgeous green-hazel orbs. The stillness of the moment settled for much more than a moment… That is, until a little hand tugged on my dress and shook me from my trance.

"Aunt Jane? May I have this dance?" Rosa asked so very sweetly and politely.

I looked over at Maura and couldn't hold back the hushed whisper of an "aww" that slipped my lips. Rosa was too cute for real words! Maura gave me an enthusiastic nod and we broke away from each other's embrace.

"I'm just going to peruse the Hors d'oeuvres." Maura excused herself with a smile.

I scooped Rosa up and rested her on my hip, the sudden movement eliciting a giggle from the little blonde. We gently swayed along to the music and exchanged pleasant chit-chat. Maura had brought her up to be so polite; it was adorable, she was totally a mini-Maura. In every way.

"I love your dress, Rosa. It looks really pretty on you." I smiled.

"Thank you, Aunt Jane. Mommy let me choose it myself. I wanted to wear a pink dress but mommy preferred a white one with a pink bow. I gave her the puppy dog eyes, just like you taught me, and she let me have this one. She said it isn't pink pink, it is 'barely blush.'" Rosa added, doing her best impression of Maura.

"Well, I think it's a very pretty pink colour!" I chuckled.

"Aunt Jane, can I ask you a question?" Rosa asked seriously.

"Sure, buddy. You can ask me anything, you know that." I smiled softly.

"Have you always called your mommy 'ma'?"

"Um, no. When I was little, I used to call her mama." I replied, very confused as to why she was suddenly interested in what I used to call ma.

"Okay." Rosa smiled.

"Okay?" I repeated.

"Yes, I wanted to know what you called your mommy so that I would know what to call you. I already have a mommy, so I can't call you mommy as well. But I can't call you Aunt Jane anymore either."

"Buddy, you can still call me Aunt Jane if that's what you want. You can call me whatever feels right to you."

"I like mama. You feel like my mama." Rosa beamed.

Suddenly, my body was overwhelmed by this warm and fuzzy feeling. 'She called me mama.' I thought to myself and I couldn't help but grin like the Cheshire Cat. She called me mama. It was the best feeling in the world and I just wanted to bottle it up so that I would always remember how incredible it felt. That day wasn't just the day I became a wife, I also officially became a mama. Who am I kidding? I could never forget that moment.

When the song ended, Rosa kissed me on the cheek and scurried off to play with TJ. I found my wonderful wife standing in front of the buffet table, and I delicately wrapped my arms around her waist. She sighed into my embrace and I rested my head on her shoulder.

"I was wondering if I'd ever get my wife back!" She joked as she turned around in my arms, trying to face me.

"She called me mama!" I chorused happily.

"What?" Maura furrowed her brow.

"Rosa. She – she called me mama!" I beamed once more.

I watched as Maura's expression became unreadable. Suddenly my heart plummeted. Was that not okay? Maybe I should have asked Maura first before allowing Rosa to call me mama. She was her daughter after all.

"Jane." Maura sighed before continuing. "You tell her stories, you tuck her in at night, you look after her when she gets sick, and you even coach her little league team! I've always considered you to be my daughter's other mother."

"So, you're okay with it then?"

"Okay with it? Jane, I couldn't be happier! You are a wonderful mother to our daughter and you deserve the title of 'mama'. You've earned it!" Maura chuckled before capturing my lips in a tender kiss.

That day was a day like any other, but I had changed. I was now a wife and a mother, almost in an instant. And the person I was, before Maura and Rosa crept into my life, had disappeared. That Jane was gone forever. I was lost for them to find, and now I'm theirs and they are mine. Always and forever. I will love them unconditionally, I will protect them at all costs, and I will cherish them both until the day I die.


A/N: I would like to thank all my readers for their positive and constructive reviews. Although I am an adult, I am not a world-renowned author. Not even close and I didn't ever claim to be. At the end of the day, all of the authors on this site are regular people with passion for writing. We have feelings. So please be kind.