Till Death Do Us Part
Part 22
Rizzoli and Isles are the property of TNT and Tess Gerritson. I am just borrowing them for a little bit of fun. I hope you enjoy the wedding. I will be centering on Jane and Maura's portion of the wedding. Rebecca and Edward beg some privacy so we will be glossing over there portion quite a bit for our two girls. Please review, as always.
Sometimes when one comes to a fork in the road where they must choose a new path they realize that everything that has happened has led to this moment in time. So it was with Maura Isles as she gazed into the full length mirror with her mother and Angela hovering nearby clucking over her wedding dress. Maura had chosen Vera Wang's Devon dress, a strapless modified mermaid gown with lily of the valley embroidery and criss cross grosgrain detail with back bows. Maura looked beautiful. The wedding veil was a pearl edged white veil with comb that was simplistic in nature, but allowed for the accent of Maura's face. Maura's wedding shoes were Badgley Mischka opel white and ivory. They were gorgeous. Maura wore a blue garter just above her thigh. A silk hanky borrowed from her mother was tucked just above her wrist under the sleeve of her dress. Her grandmothers pearl earrings hung on her lobes as well as the heart pendant Jane had gotten her for Valentine's Day. Everything seemed to be in order, but she was so nervous. Family and friends were in the grotto waiting and yet, Maura felt there was something missing. A knock resounded at the post of the makeshift room where she was dressing.
"Maura, can I speak to you a moment?" It was Jane's voice. Angela quickly ran to where the curtain had been pulled to hide Maura.
"Jane, its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Angela said peeking out.
"Mom, Constance, I need you to leave while I speak with Maura a moment. She doesn't need to let me see her. She just needs to listen." Angela, Constance, and Maura all looked at each other and cringed.
"Alright, but no peeking." Angela and Constance exited while Jane stayed on the other side of the curtain.
"Hey." Jane called to Maura even as her hand slipped through the curtain to find her loves.
"Hey? What's wrong Jane?" Maura could feel the tension coming off her fiancé.
"I have a gift for you that I need to give now, but I didn't want mom or Constance nearby when I gave it. I am kind of worried about how you will take the gift." Jane said the nervousness really starting to seep through in to her speech.
"Oh Jane, any gift from you would be welcome. I promise love." Maura said from behind the curtain.
"I love you Maura. I will be waiting on the end of that aisle even if you don't love me after this gift. Just remember I love you." Maura was bewildered by why Jane was so upset and nervous.
"Jane, I…." The curtain fluttered back as Patrick Doyle stepped inside. Jane's feet shuffled away toward her waiting spot praying Maura would still marry her. She just knew that this was one demon they both had to excise. Jane had to accept Doyle as part of Maura's life. Maura had to accept that Jane had priority before Doyle. Now they would see for sure.
"How? What are you doing here?" Maura stuttered out in shock from Doyle's sudden appearance.
"Jane invited me. She said it was wrong that my only daughter was getting married and I wouldn't be there to see it." Doyle's feet shuffled in the expensive designer shoes as he stuffed his hands in his tuxedo.
"When did she..." Maura didn't get to finish her sentence.
"A couple of days ago, Jane called asking my permission to marry you though she said she didn't need it. She did it out of courtesy. She also asked if I would like to attend with any family that would come. I said I would love to and brought a few members of the family with me. They are here and will be discreet." Maura sat down in a nearby chair feeling the wind come out of her. "Listen, I know we don't see eye to eye. I don't want you involved in my business, but I am proud of you. I am proud of what you have made yourself into and the woman you are going to marry. She is strong, proud, and loving. She would go to the ends of the earth for you. She is everything I always wanted for you Maura. So I just want you to know I love you and thank you for this chance to see another moment in your life." Doyle turned to leave suddenly halting when he heard Maura's whispered voice.
"I can never condone what you do for a living, but you are my father. I would be happy to have you at my wedding." Maura rose and walked over to Doyle. She kissed him softly on the cheek. "Jane will always come first, you do understand that?" Doyle gazed into his daughters eyes.
"As it should be my girl, as it should be. " The strains of the wedding march whispered into the makeshift room. "Come on let me give you to William." Doyle walked out of the room with Maura handing her over to William who recognized the man and smiled. He reached out a hand and shook Doyle's.
"Thank you for giving me a great daughter." William said fervently.
"Thank you for raising her into a fine woman." Doyle said. He kissed Maura softly on the cheek and went to take his place with the rest of the family and friends.
"Ready baby?" William Isles asked his daughter.
"Yes, daddy, I am ready, more than ready." Maura Isles stated. The final pieces of Maura's past seemed to click into place finally repairing the once damaged heart of a young girl. She was always wanted she now knew all because a simple Italian detective had taken the time to search out her deepest pains and attempt to repair them in friendship and love.
Jane looked up the aisle praying as the beginning strains of the wedding march began.
"She will come, Jane." Frankie whispered softly in his sister's ear. Jane just nodded. Her two brothers and Frost stood by her. On other side, Maria and Vince stood for Maura. It was an odd wedding, but then to Jane nothing about the wedding had been conventional. Rebecca and Edward also stood nearby waiting on Maura's arrival. Rebecca had walked down the aisle first. Now Maura would come, if she didn't change her mind Jane thought.
"Oh my!" came the exclamation from Tommy. Jane looked toward the end of the aisle even as the violins played the wedding march. Everyone rose as Maura came down the aisles. It seemed like forever as Maura walked down the red carpeted aisle that was strewn with the petals of forget-me-nots and white jasmine, two of Maura's favorites. Once they reached the end William Isles leaned over to Jane and whispered, "Don't you ever hurt her or you will have Patrick and me to contend with Jane." He handed Maura off to Jane as she nodded.
"Dear Family and friends,
We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the Union of Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli in marriage. It is fitting that you, the family and friends of Maura and Jane be here to witness and to participate in their union. For the ideals, the understanding, and the mutual respect which they bring to their life together have roots in the love, guidance, and friendship you have shown them. The union of two people makes us aware of the changes wrought by time. Maura and Jane through your commitment to each other, may you grow and make a love that makes you both better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities that come with a commitment to one another."
Jane couldn't believe that she had arrived at this moment in her life. This woman, who had held her close after Hoyt's attack, never flinched from her friendship when it was difficult, and slowly opened Jane's heart to love in its truest sense.
"True marriage begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of the wedding day continue well beyond the ceremonies end. A brief moment in time and the stroke of a pen are all that are required to create a legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromised to make marriage durable and everlasting. Today, Maura and Jane you declare your commitment to each other before family and friends, your yesterdays were a path to this moment, and your journey to a future of togetherness becomes a little clearer with each new day. No other human ties are more tender and no vows more important than those you are about to take."
Maura gazed on Jane hearing in the back of her mind, "Detective Jane Rizzoli" from the day they met. Little had she known how much that one introduction would open her life that was gray and lifeless to so much warmth and love?
"Jane, you have something to say to Maura." The minister stepped back. Jane faced Maura. Jane took a deep breath and prayed she had the right words for Maura. She looked into Maura's eyes and spoke her heart.
"Maura, you know me better than anyone. I'm a woman built on action, not words. But though my words may be few, they mean a great deal in depth and love. I have loved you for so long. I never thought we would get to this day. I have nothing in the way of wealth, or material goods to give you. I do offer you, as I have from the day I met you, my love, friendship, passion, and utter devotion. I will not stray from you. I will protect you with my life and I will live for you. I swear until my last dying breath to never let you feel alone or unloved again." Jane exhaled as the minister stepped back up to both women.
"Maura, you have something to say to Jane." The minister stated and stepped back once again. Maura gathered herself still reeling from Jane's declaration of love in front of friends and family.
"Jane, never have I met a more vexing and frustrating person in the world." A small chuckle ran through the gathered family and friends. "Nor have I met a truer and more devoted friend. I have seen the world, been to the finest colleges, and institutions. I have wealth and material goods, yet I would and willingly trade them all for a life with you. You have touched me deep inside in ways no one has ever tried and wanted too. You amaze and surprise me at every turn reminding me of my humanity and that I can be loved. Your loyalty to those you love, passion for life, sense of justice for the down trodden, and joy in your family have infused my very soul with yours. I promise to love and protect you. I will always be there to patiently listen, comfort, and care for you till the end. There is no one who could ever take your place Jane. There is no one I could or would ever want, but you." The minister stepped back in even as Jane's eyes over flowed with tears. The minister looked to Frankie.
"The ring please." Frankie pulled the ring from his pocket and handed it to the minister. The minister then handed it to Jane. "Please repeat after me, Jane." Jane shakily took the ring and placed it on the tip of Maura's finger. "I, Jane Rizzoli, - I, Jane Rizzoli
do take Maura Isles as my lawfully wedded wife. - do take Maura Isles as my lawfully wedded wife.
To have and to hold from this day forward, - To have and to hold from this day forward,
for better or for worse, - for better or for worse,
for richer, for poorer, - for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, - in sickness and in health,
to love and cherish, - to love and cherish,
from this day forward until death do I part." - from this day forward until death do I part.
I, Jane Rizzoli, give you, Maura Isles this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment." - I, Jane Rizzoli, give you, Maura Isles this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment." Jane slid the ring into place on Maura's finger. The minister than turned to Vince.
"The ring please" The minister took the ring from Vince and handed it to Maura. "Please repeat after me Maura. . "I, Maura Isles,- I, Maura Isles
do take Jane Rizzoli as my lawfully wedded wife. - do take Jane Rizzoli as my lawfully wedded wife.
To have and to hold from this day forward, - To have and to hold from this day forward,
for better or for worse, - for better or for worse,
for richer, for poorer, - for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, - in sickness and in health,
to love and cherish, - to love and cherish,
from this day forward until death do I part. - from this day forward until death do I part.
I, Maura Isles, give you, Jane Rizzoli this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment." - I, Maura Isles, give you, Jane Rizzoli this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment." Maura slid the ring onto Jane's finger.
The minister stepped forward again. "By the power vested me in the state of Texas and the state Massachusetts, I now pronounce you Wife and Wife. You may now kiss. "The kiss started out slow and tentative soon deepening into much more as the couple lost themselves in each other. The couple was pulled from their kiss by the cheering and clapping of family and friends.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Jane and Maura Rizzoli-Isles." Family and friends continued to clap, holler, and whistle. Soon the assembly quieted once more watching as Jane and Maura moved to the side and Rebecca and Edward to forefront. The vows were repeated once again as declarations of love were exchanged.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Edward Saxton." The clapping and cheering began once again.
"You are all invited to a Texas Down Home celebration here in the grotto by the wedded couples." The couples began their walk down the aisle exiting as family and friends congratulated them once again. People moved to the dance floors and bar. Jane and Maura moved to where the tables had been set up followed by Rebecca and Edward. Jane leaned into Maura just absorbing her warmth and love. The nervous butterfly's that had wracked her during the ceremony were now gone. She could say that at this moment she was the happiest woman in the world.
"Hey, Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles, I love you." Maura whispered softly relaxing into her wife. Jane turned to Maura kissing her softly as her eyes glittered with unshed tears.
"I love you too Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles." Jane whispered as she hugged Maura close. The musicians began playing music as the assembly moved toward the BBQ pits. Brisket, Sausage, Ham, Chicken, Charro beans, potato salad, Cole slaw, pickles, jalapenos, onions, and bread were laid out. An appetizer table was covered in food of all sorts, along with the table holding the wedding cake. It was a beautiful 4 layer cake with a black and white wreath of flowers that encircled and drifted down the side of the cake. Jane and Maura ate alongside friends and family enjoying the lively flow of conversation. Soon there came a tapping of glasses as Frankie stood near his sister.
"I have had the honor of knowing Maura Isles now for four years. I have watched as she slowly and cautiously burrowed into my sister's heart and stole it from all others. I want to thank you Maura for being brave enough to do what no other could or would. I would like to propose a toast to Maura and Jane. May your days be bright, your nights filled with passion, and your years many! To Maura and Jane!" Everyone drank up and cheered. Vince stood next.
"Jane, you are the daughter I never had. Your strength and loyalty knows no bounds. It has been an honor watching you over the years fall in love with Dr. Isles. I believe I have never seen someone so confused and messed up as you were!" Chuckling rose from the surrounding crowd as Jane blushed. "I know from the first pronouncement of a reddish brown stain she had you in her grasp. You have defended her, protected her, and loved her from afar for so long. Now she is all yours rightly won through hot pursuit! To Jane and Maura!" Another drink as the toasts continued back and forth between Jane and Maura and Rebecca and Edward.
The guests began to dance around the dance floor the music a mixture of country, pop, and rock and roll. Already the drinking and congratulating were in full swing.
"Could Jane and Maura Rizzoli-Isles and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Saxton come to the dance floor?" Jane and Maura stepped onto the dance floor. Edward and Rebecca soon arrived. The band began playing a Thousand Years by Christina Perri as Jane pulled Maura close to her.
"Hearts beat fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow"
"You know this song really embodied how I feel about you Maur. I don't think you would ever know how afraid I was to fall in love with you. You Maura Rizzoli-Isles scared me to death." Jane whispered as she swung her wife around the dance floor.
"I have died everyday waiting for you
Darlin don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more."
"You were afraid? Jane, you terrified me. Here you were this amazing real life hero afraid of nothing and no one. Then you became my friend and I got to see the real you. The part whose will was so strong that even when she was afraid or doubted herself she convinced herself to go forward. I just could never understand what you saw inside of me." Maura watched as Jane shook her head and smiled one of those secret smiles.
"Time stands still beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every Breath
Every hour has come to this
One step closer"
"What didn't I see Maura. Brains, beauty, and passion, but even more a woman who was fun to be with, a challenge in all areas, and one who held my heart from the first." Jane kissed Maura deeply never stopping their dancing.
"I have died everyday waiting for you
Darlin don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more."
"You are amazing Jane Rizzoli – Isles. You haven't stopped charming me from the day we met. I hope I am half the woman you think I am. I am going to enjoy showing you how much I love you the rest of your life." Maura hugged Jane closer. "You are Maura, and even more." Jane whispered back.
"And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
One step closer
One step closer"
Jane and Maura danced in their own little world as the chorus repeated. Nothing could separate the two hearts at this moment. Family and friends partied long into the night as the two couples basked in the warmth of love.