A/N: Today is wedding day...and you are invited! If R & I were mine (which they are not), they would go something like this!
CH 11
I woke up to soft kisses on my neck and chin, "Jo…quit…" I grab Maura even as I speak so she won't smack me one.
"Jane!" She tries to pull back from my hold. "I can go get Jo if you want…she could be the only one kissing you!" Her smile softens her remark though.
"Aw, Maur…I'm just teasing….come 'ere…" I take her lips in a kiss full of promise. As we kiss, I pull her on top of me so I can touch her and stroke her back. I even run my hands down to her ass. "This is legally mine after today."
"Yes, I believe it will be…along with all the rest of me….still interested?" Yep. There is that silky, seductive voice and look aimed straight at me. Fifty years will not be long enough for me to get tired of it…
"Interested doesn't even begin to cover it, Doc." We snuggle and kiss a while longer since the sun is just beginning to rise and Jackson has not bellowed for us. When we hear baby boy begin to stir, I sigh and pull my head back to look at Maura. "Baby. I'm going to get going. I'll go change his diaper and bring him to you for breakfast, ok?"
"Ok…I'm going to miss you today."
"I'll miss you, too, but it will all be worth it." One last kiss and pat to her butt, and I take off for the nursery.
After dressing, I head to the kitchen to prepare Jackson's bottle. I cannot prevent myself from smiling. I'm getting married today. I will legally be a Rizzoli. "OK, Mommy…here I am!" Jane brings a smiling baby to me for a kiss. Almost 4 months old…it's hard to believe so much has happen since his birth.
"Good morning, precious! Come see me….Jane are you going to go your old apartment dressed in your sleep clothes?"
"Nah…I'm going to slip up and change then head out…I don't want to disturb little man while he is eating though, so I'll just say good-bye now." A kiss to Jackson's head and a tender cupping of his face lead Jane into her farewell, "Jack. I love you…more than my own life. You were unexpected but you were never unwanted. Never. You are our son and today is another step to making that right. Take care of Mommy this morning and have fun with Patty this afternoon. I'll see you tonight, Ok?"
I can't help but tear up at her words. She doesn't think she is good with them, but very few people speak with such passion and heart. Jane Rizzoli is a wonder… "You are a wonder, Jane…I love you."
"Well, I wander a lot…I don't know about wonder though," her demure smile shows me she understands the compliment but doesn't want to accept it, as usual. "I want you to have fun with your mother. Relax and get all primped…I'll see you at the Common Bandstand…I'll be the one waiting for you with the big goofy smile…k?" A quick peck to my mouth, and Jane bounded out the kitchen door. I stood there a little stunned at her departure for a few beats when she popped her head back in…"Maura?"
"Yes, Jane."
"I love you….marry me tonight?"
Just like the smile I couldn't contain while making Jackson's breakfast, the tears that form in my eyes are unstoppable. "Yes, Jane."
"K!" Jane graced me with her best, completely natural from her heart, drop-dead gorgeous smile that showed her sexy dimple. If I hadn't been lost before…I would have been in this moment.
"Man, I know I gripe when Maur wants to do this stuff, but I have actually had a really good day. That facial was the best one I've ever had…and if they had just left me alone five more minutes, I would have been comatose after that massage! Damn it was relaxing!"
"Janey, thanks for letting me come with you…this has been fun for me, too." Ma shot me an appreciative glance as we buckled up and headed back to my apartment to get ready for the evening. "It was really nice to spend some time with you before the wedding…this is the sorta thing I imagined doing with you before you got married. I can't wait until tonight, Jane…I'm excited about the little things, ya' know? I want to help you get dressed, fuss with your hair, powder your nose, give you something old, something new, something borrowed…"
"Ma! I get it…" I reach to pat her hand, "I want that, too, Ma. I already have something new and blue, but if you want to hook me up with the old and borrowed that'd be great."
"What do you already have?"
"Well, my outfit is new, so that counts…"
"Jane you still haven't told me what you're wearing tonight! What is it?"
"I'm not tellin'….I want to surprise you….c'mon, Ma, don't pout! I didn't tell Maura either."
"Fine….just fine….I'll wait. But what is your blue?"
"Uhmmm. Don't worry about it, just know I've got it covered."
"Jane Clementine Rizzoli! What is your blue?"
"Geez, Ma, it's bad enough I have to hear my middle name tonight in front of everyone, you don't have to pull it out now! Look, I went to Victoria's Secret and got my blue, OK? Now let's drop it for the love of Pete!"
"Oh…oh…well, OK then. As long as you are…covered…" and then my Ma started to laugh. She was laughing at me….laughing at my frilly underwear…frilly underwear that she now knows is blue and for Maura to see…Dear God, get me outta this car!
"Oh, Maura…darling…you are simply stunning! My beautiful child…I can't believe this day has come!" Mother's eyes were clearly filled with unshed tears as she took in my gown. I had opted for simple yet classic. The dress was an ivory tea-length slender fit that hugged my curves. The top dipped down to accentuate my chest a bit and it fell delicately off-the-shoulder. A matching shall drape gave it a more old-world feel. My father had given me a perfect pearl necklace which he purchased in Paris before he returned to Boston for the wedding and his mother's pearl earrings. I never really knew my paternal grandparents as they died when I was very young, but I had seen these earrings before on my Mother during very special occasions. From head to toe, I was quite pleased with the way I looked.
"Thank you, Mother…does it all come together well? My accessories? Shoes?"
"With you making the selections, dear, how could it be anything less than perfect?" With that she came closer and kissed my cheek. "Jane will not remember how to breath."
"Respiration is an automatic biological function and does not require thought…oh, sorry…I can still be quite literally at times….Yes, Mother…I would be very happy to take Jane's breath away." For the first time, I looked at my Mother's attire. "Mother, you look gorgeous yourself! That dress is wonderful…the color suits your own tones so well…" A knock at the door of my parent's hotel suite interrupted our conversation."
"Ladies, may I come in?" My father slipped his head in the door but did not enter until he was invited in.
"Father, please, join us."
"Maura…you are perfect." He, too, came to me and kissed my both my cheeks in the tradition of Europe. "It is my greatest privilege to escort you tonight, dear. I hope only that I do not make you look bad…I feel like the ugly, hidden uncle of the family next to you two."
"Father! You are a dashing, handsome man…I'm happy to be on your arm….Is it time?" I make a quick check to be certain. "Oh! It is! Shall we?"
Father holds out each of his arms , one to me and one to my mother, "Constance. Maura. We have a wedding to attend."
The bandstand/gazebo in Boston Common has been the site of protests, rallies, concerts, political speeches…events of history and events of no real consequence…tonight? Tonight is was the center of my world. I heard the things Maura and our mothers said about the decorations, but it really didn't mean much to me. I basically heard…blah, blah, flowers, lights, blah, blah. Yeah, I know that's bad, but I trust M and it didn't matter to me as long as I got to marry her. As Frankie and I walk up, my little bro says it best, "Holy shit!"
Yep. That sums it up for me.
There is a white tent set up behind the bandstand on the grass. It is illuminated with candles and hurricane lamps so it sorta glows in the darkening sky. I can see service staff arranging dinner inside, and I can just make out the silhouette of our wedding cake at one table. Pretty damn cool!
Between the tent and the bandstand are luminary candles forming a walkway to guide guests from the ceremony to the reception. The candles then circle the gazebo and proceed up the stairs. There are stairs on one side of the bandstand, but they are divided into two sets. I will walk up one side as Maura walks up the other. We will meet at the landing at the top and enter the ceremony area together. Tiny white lights surround the bandstand and will give virtually all the light for the ceremony. Two tapered candles sitting at a table in front of the area set aside for our vows will be lit as we begin; other than that we will depend upon the twilight.
White chairs have been set out for the some 50 guests who will be attending. The guests will be surrounded by white roses. Dozens and dozens of white roses. They seem to be everywhere…and they smell awesome. Petals on the ground all around the bandstand…petals lining the way to the tent…petals up the stairs where we will walk. Bunches, or bouquets I guess, sit on top of some sort of poles to make them stand about 3' tall. They were beautiful. What strikes me is that everything is white…the flowers, the lights, the candles, the chairs…it looks…I don't know pure. It reminds me of Maura. I like it…I like it a lot.
Three violinists softly play as guests arrive. Frankie holds Jackson, who I cannot believe is in a little baby tuxedo! He is so cute! His Mommy and Grandmother Constance had been doing last minute shopping apparently. Next to Frankie sits Frost and Korsak. Tommy showed up, and sits like a little kid in a corner. I guess I'm glad he came, but I meant what I said…if he hadn't, I wouldn't have lost sleep over it. A few other BPD folks are seated in the next few rows, like Riley and Cavanaugh. A few friends of my Ma's from the neighborhood are here. I recognize some of Maura's staff, and some people I've met over the years at Isles' charity events or at Constance's art shows. It isn't a large group; just like we wanted it.
"Janey…you ready? Steven just gave me the high sign to get in place." I was going to be escorted to my side of the stairs by Ma while Maura would come from the other side with her Father. The guests could look down off of either side and see us approach, but we can't see each other.
"Yeah, Ma…I'm very ready…let's go…and Ma, you look beautiful tonight…" I take her hand and walk very carefully in my heels. I can't wait for Maura to see my dress…yep, dress. Ma almost passed out with excitement and shock…I wasn't sure whether to be pleased or pissed off….I picked pleased for everyone's sake.
The violins play Weidor's entry march. I held Ma's hand and followed the path of rose petals and candles around my side of the gazebo. When we reached the stairs, I kissed Ma on the cheek and helped her start her trek up. I could see her reach the top and could see Maura's father join her. They went in together, and I knew they were walking together to the table that held the two small candles…and one larger one. Ma would light the candle placed on my side while Dr. Isles would light the one on Maura's. As they complete this, the music suddenly changes signaling Judge Hamilton to ask the guests to rise as the musicians play the most traditional wedding entry song…is it wrong that I can't help myself but to sing "here comes the bride, all fat and wide"? At least I don't do it out loud…I don't want to start my marriage off with a fight!
I know my Father has lit the candles with Angela because the music has changed. Now it is my turn to ascend the stairs. Everything looks just as Mother and I had planned it. I love the white…the candles, drapes, lights, and flowers. It feels like a dream. If it is, please no one wake me. As I get to the top steps, I see Jane meeting me from the other side. Her hair is pulled partially up, but one can still see the length and beauty of her dark curls. She has on a fitted ivory jacket with mid-length sleeves. Her blouse is silk and must have been made to go with the jacket. It is lovely. The only jewelry I see is her engagement ring. Her makeup is perfect…very Jane. Simple foundation with a hint of blush and lipstick, and perfectly executed eyes.
Then as we come completely to the landing, I really see what she is wearing. I assumed her jacket was to a suit. I was fine with Jane wearing pants; I know she is most comfortable that way. She is gorgeous in whatever…she easily could have been a model rather than a police officer. But there are no pants. Jane is in a pencil ankle-length skirt. The entirety of her wedding attire is spectacular. She is spectacular. The finishing touch is the four-inch matching heels. Oh. My. God. I'm marrying a goddess.
I must look stunned because Jane reaches for my hand and softly asks, "Maura, sweetheart? Are you ok? Is everything alright?"
After a heartbeat, I give her my biggest smile. "Marry me…right now, Jane…I want you out of that drop dead gorgeous dress as soon as possible….but leave the heels on… please?"
All I could do was laugh! Maura made a joke…and hung heavy sexual innuendo in the air as we started our wedding. That kinda stuff is my job! "So I take that as a good sign that you like my choice of attire,
Dr. Isles?"
"Damn straight, Detective."
"Language, Maura," I took her hand in mine, and we walk together into the gazebo to our places.
Everyone sits as we come in front of the good Judge. "Ladies and gentlemen. Friends and family, welcome to this glorious occasion. An occasion upon which we will witness the union of two accomplished women. Women of substance and passion and integrity who have chosen to become one from this day forward. Tonight you will serve as witnesses to the marriage of Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli." Maura and I look at each other and nowhere else. It's as if no one else is anywhere around. My world has narrowed to her…period…no Jackson, no Ma, no work, no Frank…nothing, but my Maura. I can vaguely hear Steven speaking about the foundation of marriage and the commitment that it represents…blah, blah, blah. I don't need him to tell me how important this is…just tell me, where do I say 'I do'?
Holding Jane's hand as Uncle Steven addresses us and the crowd is quite surreal. I know I am hearing his words and his charge to us, but I could not possible tell you what he is saying. I just want to soak in the experience of holding Jane's hand and looking into her eyes in this place. Finally, I recognize Uncle Steven has begun the vow part of the ceremony, so I squeeze Jane's hand. I don't want either of us to miss this. "Maura Dorothea Isles. Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife…do you promise to stand beside her, to hold her, and to support her in all things good and bad? Do you promise to love her and forsake all others for her for as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes, I do." Not even the threat of smearing my makeup can prevent me from letting the tears flow freely now. I held on when I saw the wedding area and when I first saw Jane…but now they can come.
"Jane Clementine Rizzoli." I hear the snickers from Frost, Korsak, and Frankie at the use of Jane's middle name. I think Jane is too focused on the ceremony to have noticed…thank God. "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife…do you promise to stand beside her, to hold her, and to support her in all things good and bad? Do you promise to love her and forsake all others for her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Jane's response is barely a whisper and her voice is huskier than usual. I may have been the only one to hear her words, but I am the only one who matters.
"Ladies, if you will join your candles." Jane and I release each other's hands so we can turn to the candles in front of us. We each take the one lit by our parent which sits in front of us and use it to light the larger candle in the middle. We do it together; once the center is lit, we put our individual candles back on the table. "Jane and Maura used the candles lit by their parents which represent their lives as individuals to light a larger candle. This central candle represents their new marriage and new family. It is created by them and will now be the center of their lives burning with surety. However, they do not extinguish their own candles as they will continue to be women in their own right bringing their unique strengths to their family. They burn brightly as individuals and brighter still as partners and wives….Now, Jane, do you have your ring and personal vows?"
"Yes," Jane places the wide gold band on my hand alongside my engagement ring. When I cannot wear the engagement ring at work because of the diamond setting, I will always be able wear my wedding band. Jane will have the same. "Maura…I fought this love between us for a long time…in my mind I was never good enough for you or I thought you could never have romantic feelings for me like I did for you…I would dream of you. Of this…but the reality is so much better. You are my best friend, my partner, my touchstone…you make me better and you make me want to be better…I will never fail you, Maura…I will always make mistakes…I am a Rizzoli, ya' know…" giggles from around the crowd meet that comment. "But I will never hurt you intentionally and I promise to be the best wife to you…I promise to make you smile and laugh every day for the rest of my life…take this ring as a symbol of my love." She kisses my hand as she finishes. Dear Lord…how am I going to make it through my vows.
"Maura. Do you have Jane's ring and your vows to her?"
Taking my hand, Maura places my wedding band on my finger and kisses it. "Jane…you steal my very breath…I love you so much. Thank you for making me complete. Thank you for seeing me…the Maura that I do not show the world. Thank you for teaching me about baseball, and teaching me that the Yankees suck…before you I was unaware of that fact," oh God! If she had been serious, I might not have cried. But Maura being sweet and funny and looking at me like she is…I'm toast…so I just let the tears come. "thank you for giving me my family… both the Isles and the Rizzolis…As a little girl I dreamt of a perfect stranger who would swoop in to rescue me. I didn't know I would need rescuing from myself. My loneliness, my studies, my work…Most people don't get to realize their childhood dreams. I am. Jane, you are my hero. You came in on a figurative white horse to save me and to love me…I promise to stand by you forever, to hold your hand, to comfort you, and to love you forever and beyond…take this ring as a symbol of my love…You are my world, and I am proud to be your wife."
"By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss."
I reach out before he finishes his thought and run my hands into Maura's hair that she has left down and flowing for the ceremony. Pulling her into me, I kiss her with all the passion and love I possibly can. She responds equally. We stay kissing for apparently too long, because when I come back to myself a bit, I hear some chuckles, some cops commenting, and Maura's Uncle Steven clearing his throat. So sue me…have these people looked at this woman? I pull back briefly then kiss her one more time…screw them. Ok…now I'm done.
"Honored guests, it is my privilege to present to you, Dr. Maura Rizzoli-Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli-Isles." Cheers erupt from the people gathered in that gazebo on a crisp fall night in Boston. As they stand, Maura releases my hand to step from me long enough to gather Jackson in her arms. She slips in beside me again, and I kiss the top of our son's head. No matter what happens in my life from this point forward…nothing will feel as good as this does. Nothing.
TBC...honeymoon, anyone?