AN : I changed my profile name to CollinsJ. Just letting you know. Sorry if it affects anything.
There are some words in the vows that aren't mine. I am not going to go through the proper accreditation, it's just a lot of pick and choose here and there – just the vows part though.
Epilogue Part 1:
Maura was proud to show off her ring. On some days she foolishly wished if she could attach her ring finger to her forehead for everyone to see. She was proud to be in love with a woman like Jane, and she would show it off to everyone who asked.
Angela was obviously beside herself with excited. She was just as excited as Maura was. She said ''my baby is getting married'' to literally everyone. Even Constance sent a congratulatory present for them. The two Isles women and Angela had already begun making wedding plans. Jane chose not to be too involved, that wasn't really her territory. So whenever Maura came gushing about what she wanted for the wedding Jane just agreed.
Jane and Maura (and the extended family) collectively agreed on a summer wedding. June was their chosen month, thereafter, anticipating the arrival of a new family member. It was during the month of May that Maura had received the devastating news that she was barren. This is something she had never considered and it hit really hard to say the least. She experienced a week of severe depression but was resuscitated by wedding plans and her new bond with Constance. She had never in her life been grateful for having been adopted. The experience, albeit worse than horrific, graced her and Constance with common ground. Barrenness was the sole innate trait the two women had. Between the friends she had made at her new job, and the other people in her and Jane's life, she knew of no one incapable of having children. And though Jane had been by her side every second, the brunette couldn't quite fathom the gravity of hurt the situation held. So Maura was more than thankful for her mother, especially at a time like this. Constance helped her come to grips with the life shattering news and she soon learned to move on.
Jane could carry, but she refused only because she thought it would be unfair to Maura. She didn't want to go through something she knew her fiancé yearned for so much but was no able to have. It would have made Maura happy to have part of a real Rizzoli, but Jane knew the ache it would cause in Maura would never go away. Maura would be hurt now because Jane refused to carry, but she knew it was a pain that would soon go away and leave no remnants. She promised to never be the cause of Maura's pain, and she would live to her word till her last breath. So the two decided on adoption. They put in an application before the wedding, knowing it would take some time and by the time the wedding is over they would be closer to having a child.
Maura and her friends, together with Constance and Angela had been fully engrossed in wedding preparation when Jane caught an unsolvable case. It was tearing the Detective Sergeant to shreds and Maura was helpless as to what to do. She tried all manner of console that passed by fruitlessly, until she had to beg Jane to fill her in on the details of the case.
Begrudgingly, Jane related the situation, ''her name is Amy. She's only 17 and in the custody of her 27year old brother. They moved here from Greece five years ago, so they have no family here at all. The brother and his friends made her their sex slave. Who the fuck sleeps with their own sister? That's just wrong. So when a neighbour heard her cries they called the police. One of them shot the other, and the brother and the remaining two friends ran away. The girl was only found this evening – after five whole days. She's with social services and I will be meeting her tomorrow. I don't want to though''
Maura had been moved by the fact that Jane finally opened up. She also felt a pang of pain upon seeing how clearly disturbed Jane was by the whole situation. But when Jane came back from work the next night, she had more news to share – worse news.
''she was raped so many times. She's only 17. We just found out she is three months pregnant, and any of those men could be the father''. Jane wept into Maura's arms that night, as she recalled the poor girls face. She looked damaged beyond repair. She had physical bruises and scaring all over the visible parts of her body. Jane only imagined what was underneath the hospital gown. Part of Maura was delighted she was no longer in that gruesome vicious world. Her occupation held fond and gay days. The most awful would be a child who accidentally fell of the swing set. She felt an inward proudness at her chosen new career path. But that didn't mean she wasn't feeling for her fore lone love. Jane's pain was her pain, and vice versa.
The men were found a week later. Amy had remained in custody being well looked after. Jane made it a point to visit her every day. When the case was closed, and it was determined that the father of the child was the guy who had been shot, Amy finally made a decision. She expressed her desire to return to school and live a semblance of a somewhat normal life. She made it known that she wanted no part in the babies and begged Jane and the social worker to support her in the decision to have an abortion.
When Amy had been having conversations with Jane, she had neglected to mention that she was carrying twins. So when she spoke of terminating her pregnancy, Jane made the decision to ask her to adopt the child if she agreed to follow through. When she learned they were two, she became hesitant to tell Maura. Jane wasn't sure if they were ready for two – at the same time.
Hesitantly, she mentioned it to Maura finally. The blonde was elated. She didn't even know what to do with herself. ''JANE! Do you understand that we could have TWO babies in six months?'' Maura was crying and laughing and screaming and jumping up and down all at the same time. Jane faintly wondered why she hadn't told Maura the first day Amy had given her all this information.
It wasn't an easy process, falling alongside the wedding preparation, but they finalized the agreement. Amy relented to giving Jane and Maura her babies, who in turn offered to take in the girl when she was seven months pregnant till the birth. What made the process move smoothly was that Amy was turning 18 in two months, so she could make her own decisions.
''This is even better Jane. We sort of become part of the pregnancy. Because we get to see Amy every day, and feel them kick and…..'', Maura was just a ball of joy throughout everything. She could barely contain herself. Jane knew she would never tire of seeing different facets of Maura. If she compiled a list of all the Maura's she had witnessed since the day they met, it would make a pretty impressive one. But all those different Maura's were like accessories. They could be put on and removed on any given day. There was a Maura, the real Maura. the one that protruded through the Chief Medical Examiner, through the New Zealand country girl, through the broken, confused, insecure and fragile woman, through the wedding bells and baby jitters. That was the Maura Jane loved the most. The Maura Jane could never do without. That was the Maura with a heart bigger than all the planets combined, the Maura who saw through Jane, the Maura that loved her with transparency, the Maura that held her tight when she cried, the Maura that made her believe she could do anything, the Maura that made her smile and laugh when she was feeling down, the Maura that made love to her till she cried with pleasure, but most of all, the Maura that held her hand and took every step with her regardless of where they were walking towards. That was the Maura she was marrying, that was the Maura she was going to raise children with – accessories or not.
As it turned out, the baby jitters outweighed the fancy wedding – much to everyone's surprise. Jane and Maura devoted most of their time to spending it with Amy, learning all they could about their soon-to-be babies. That left little time to wedding preparations, so they ended up planning a very small affair. By the time June rolled over, Amy was five months pregnant and totally invited to the wedding.
They put together a neat garden wedding at one of the resorts funded by the Isles'. The place held a limited number of guests and it was just what the pair need. On the list were Jane's close work mates as well as Maura's. A handful of the Rizzoli relatives, Tommy and Frankie's connections as well as Maura's parents.
Jane chose to spend the night before the wedding in her 'man-cave' with the guys drinking and playing pool. She had surprisingly befriended two female officers that were somewhat butch like her and were also spending the night at her place. Maura on the other hand, spend the night at Angela's with said Rizzoli matriarch, her mother, and her two bridesmaids (her friends from work as well). The night went well in both households in anticipation of the big day. Jane and Maura weren't too concerned with making the day perfect to point. The schedule was flexible and not timed to every second. They wanted it to be a happy day and in all honesty, they had no one to impress. Everyone invited knew them well and loved them just the way they were. Everyone was there to celebrate and have a nice time – and that is exactly how it went.
''Jane'', she heard her name being called as she had finished her last touch up and was about to head out and get married.
''I'm finished, come in'', Jane yelled. She was sure it was one of her brother beckoning her to hurry. Frost was her 'best-man', and Frankie was the other 'guy'. Jane hadn't been comfortable calling him any of those titles like groomsman or whatever.
The brunette was slack jawed when she saw Mr Isles walk in. ''Mr Isles'', she nervously extended her hand.
''Sergeant'', he did likewise.
''Call me Jane, please''
''Jane'', he paused, clearly trying to gather his thoughts before he spoke. Jane and Maura's father had never had a conversation alone. He was very distant, never condescending, but just appeared passive to a fault. ''I know we haven't had the time to speak privately'', he broke through Jane's thought.
''Yes sir''
''We never really got the time. The ladies were all over the place and you seemed rather occupied.'' He let Jane digest those few words to begin with. ''I am not here to make you feel uncomfortable. I know you may have been thinking I don't care about all this-'', he flailed his hands, ''-the whole time''
''No sir-''
He cut Jane. ''it's ok. I wouldn't blame you if you did. I may have been silent, but I didn't have my eyes closed. I saw all that unfolded before me. I won't pretend to understand exactly why Maura, or you, would choose to be with another woman. I don't condone homosexuality Jane, I just don't understand it well enough. But despite what anyone may think, I love my daughter. I haven't done the best I could, but it doesn't mean I don't love her. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her smile. I couldn't make her happy, neither could her mother. But because she is smart, and beautiful, and lucky, she found her own happiness – she found you. I have nothing to offer you except my gratitude. Thank you for being the person you are to her. Thank you especially for respecting her and understanding her. I worried a lot about her, but I didn't know what to do to help her. To make her fit in with others. But somehow you managed it, so thank you for that''
''You're welcome'', Jane interrupted unsurely.
''You have my full blessing to marry my daughter. I ask that you keep her forever as happy as she is today'', he finished off.
''Thank you'', Jane spoke through the lump in her throat. She resisted the urge to embrace the man. Fortunately he saw it, and initiated the embrace – surprising Jane. With that, Jane was ready to marry the love of her life.
The brunette stood beside Frost and Frankie in white trousers and a matching white blouse. The top snugged to her slender form with gold beads that matched her brides dress. The two men beside her wore black suits, white shirts and gold vests that also matched the brides dress. Jane had her hair neatly pulled to the back in a lose ponytail, just the way Maura liked it. She wore much flatter heels so she wouldn't tower over Maura too much.
She was starting to feel butterflies as she patiently waited for Maura. The blonde had vehemently refused to show Jane her dress telling her to wait till the wedding. Jane knew better than to beg, when Maura said no in that tone, she meant no - even the gossipy Angela wasn't budging.
The piano sounded the traditional 'here comes the bride' song, as Maura and Constance made a grand entrance. Maura had picked her mother to give her away instead of her father. She knew her father preferred detachment and she had no desire to make him more uncomfortable than he already was. Besides, she preferred Constance do the job, they had formed a sort of strong bond and Maura couldn't deny how good it felt especially having been void of it throughout her life.
When Jane's eyes racked Maura's frame, the brunette was stunned beyond words. She had never seen Maura so beautiful. She was smiling a big smile, tears already threatening to fall from the overwhelming moment. Her gold locks were done in bountiful curls, covered half way with the small veil she wore. She was glowing; the sun had nothing on her. She wore a pale gold satin dress with matching shoes. The dress was long and simple. It had stiches that framed her body to perfection, leaving a heart shaped front that exposed an ample amount of cleavage – for Jane's viewing pleasure. The whole dress was rounded in gold beads and she held a small bouquet with flowers that complemented the wedding colours (gold, black and white).
Jane had not taken her eyes off of Maura the whole time she walked down the aisle, neither had Maura taken hers off Jane. She couldn't help the tears that trickled down her cheeks when Maura finally stood in front of her. ''I can see the wait was worth it. You don't look like you have taken a single breath since you saw me walk in'', Maura tried to sound smug but it was washed away by the feeling of unadulterated joy.
''You look so beautiful Maura, I don't even know what to say''
Maura wiped away Jane's tears with her thumb as she looked deeply into Jane's soul. ''You look beautiful too Jane, so beautiful''
Jane had made it a point to tell the Reverend not to interrupt them if they felt they wanted to express themselves at any given time. So the entire crowd was in complete silence as they watched Jane and Maura look at each other like they were all alone in a world of their own. Maura's brides maids stood behind her wearing dresses similar to hers, except they her knee length and a darker shade of gold, with a black belt around the waist.
The ceremony began smoothly with the Reverend going through the obligatory speech. Angela was weeping and Jane and Maura couldn't help but chuckle a little – it was funny really.
''…the ladies have prepared their own vows'', they heard the minister finally say.
Maura went first. They had discovered that Jane had a much better handle on her emotions as opposed the blonde. If Jane started, Maura feared she wouldn't be able to say a thing. Maura took Jane's hands in her own, looked at Jane and began speaking to her, ''everyone thought I had it all, but I had absolutely nothing until I met you Jane. I didn't know it, but I had so much love bottled up within me, and no one to give it to – then you came along. It was as if the flood gates of love were opened and everything just oozed out of me'', everyone chuckled. Jane used all the will power she possessed to not just scoop Maura off her feet into the tightest hug. ''I want to be your soul provider, and I want to stay that way for the longest time. If I could freeze a moment in my mind, it would be the second that you touched your lips to mine. Because that's the way I always want to feel'', Maura knew it might have been a tad inappropriate to share such an intimate feeling amidst their loved ones, but it was her wedding, and she was telling the woman she loved the most what was in her heart, so what anyone else thought didn't concern her in the slightest. Jane didn't even bother to stop and think about etiquette, she just soaked in all of Maura's words. ''You have my heart in the palm of your hands, and I know for a fact that that is the safest place it could ever be. Love brings me home to you every night, and it will for the rest of our lives Jane''. Maura punctuated the end of her vows with a kiss to each of Jane's hands in her own.
A few sniffles could be heard from the dead silent audience. It was a moment where no one wanted to miss a word of what was said. Their vows held no rare words or academy award phrases. They were just words spoken directly to a loved one. What captivated people was the reverence and honesty in which they were uttered. Waves of pure love washed over everyone that late afternoon. By the time Jane began to speak, their guests were drowning in sap – the good kind.
''I have never been more proud of anyone as I am of you. Your patience and kindness blow my mind away. Every day you let me love you, and you let me be me. For that, I am forever thankful. I am honoured to be able to declare my love for you in front of everyone'', Jane brought both of Maura's hands to her heart. ''the love I feel for you in here, it's not going anywhere. And the way I feel for you today, is same way I will feel for you every single day of our life together – till NOTHING does us part'', she placed as much emphasis as she could muster on the word nothing, hoping Maura could understanding the underlying meaning. Hoping Maura would know that NOTHING could come in the way of their love. She looked at Maura, waiting for comprehension to dawn on her. The room was silent as Maura let out an audible sob. Those that knew their history understood the gravity of the word NOTHING, those that didn't just soaked in the moment. A long pause passed as Maura gathered herself. Jane wiped Maura's tears with the tissue the minister handed her and lifted her head so they could face each other again. ''I'm so sorry Maura'', she wasn't sure what she was apologizing for exactly, but somehow Maura knew and she fell into her arms. A mini 'breakdown' wasn't really part of the plan, but no one had the audacity to instill order. When they broke apart, they smiled at each other, knowing the past had been buried in that moment - Jane's kidnapping, Maura's rush actions and disappearance, Jane's relationship with Casey, Maura's insecurities, and the baby issues. It was like a computer hard drive that had just been wiped clean instantly. They both felt a weight lift off their shoulders as they looked at each other – standing at the alter on their wedding day, before their family and friends (yes, life was good, and fair).
Jane summed up, ''If I can make you laugh anytime during the day, I know my day was worth living. I found a best friend, a lover, and a partner in you - like one of those all in one packages'', everyone burst into laughter, including Maura. ''there we go - the laugh that marks my days' worth.''
A chorused ''awwwwww….'', resounded from the guests before the Reverend proceeded to the ring exchanging bit. They did that part separate from their personal vows opting for the ''with this ring i…..'' lines. When that finished the Reverend announced, ''ladies and gentlemen, I now pronounce the two Mrs Rizzoli-Isles'. May you kiss your bride'', he directed at them. They embraced first – a full bone-crushing bear hug. Jane lifted Maura lightly off her feet then gently let her down without breaking contact. They shamelessly shared a searing kiss, giving a show of a glimpse of what happened behind closed doors. Jane held Maura firmly by the hips as close to her as was humanly possible. Maura's arms hung from Jane's neck as she slid her tongue into Jane's opened mouth. Their tongues battled as Maura brought her hands to cup Jane's face, then they finally broke free. Everyone was stunned beyond doubt. A wave of silence passed through for a few seconds as everyone recovered from the impromptu miniature make-out session. ''Is that the way you always want to feel?'' Jane referred to Maura's vows.
''Always''
They turned to look at everyone staring at them in complete shock. ''What'', Jane said to the crowd as Maura tried to hide her very visible blush.
They all cheered for them and threw confetti as they walked down the aisle hand in hand. When they got to the row Amy was sitting on, they pulled her up to them. Between the two married women she walked. She was carrying their children; therefore she was a big part of the wedding.
Everyone filed out to where they sat in their designated seats and enjoyed their meal. Jane and Maura hated this part the most because they had to attend to everyone and couldn't really have time to themselves. Photographs were taken as people seemed to have a jolly time. Then the dancing began. Jane and Maura requested an untraditional wedding dance.
They had a gazebo set up a little farther from where all the action was. They timed their dance to when everyone was also dancing so they wouldn't draw too much attention. The time they had had their first dance in New Zealand, then the second in their hotel room after their second date had taken their breath away. They wanted a moment like that for their wedding, perfect and alone – and that's exactly what they got, save for the photographer.
While Jane remained a little detached from the particulars of the wedding arrangements, she had taken one specific task in hand. She said she was picking the wedding song and wasn't telling Maura what it was. Maura had protested until Jane told her it was fair because Maura wasn't showing her her dress too. That being said, the mystery was awaiting Maura.
Jane took Maura's hand and kissed her ring. ''Mrs Maura Rizzoli-Isles. I don't think there is anything in the world that sounds better than that''
''I beg to differ'', Maura countered.
Jane raised an eyebrow in question. Maura took Jane's hand and duplicated the brunettes' actions. ''Mrs Jane Rizzoli-Isles''
''Touché''
They stood in the middle of the gazebo as the rhythm of the song began. Jane eagerly repeated their stance from the kiss – her hands gripping Maura's hips and Maura's hands drapped around her neck. They just fit so perfectly like that.
'' Took my hand. Touched my heart. Held me close. You were always there. By my side. Night and day. Through it all. Maybe come what may. Swept away on a wave of emotion. Over caught in the eye of the storm. And whenever you smile I can hardly believe that you're mine, Believe that you're mine…..''
Maura listened to the lyrics and instantly teared up. Jane was just so perfect. She had never listened to Westlife's Unbreakable, but was already convinced it was her best song in the whole world. Jane topped it off by reiterating the words into Maura's ear, to make sure HER WIFE heard them clearly.
'' Shared the laughter. Shared the tears. We both know. We'll go on from here. Cause together we are strong. In my arms. That's where you belong. I've been touched by the hands of an angel. I've been blessed by the power of love. And whenever you smile. I can hardly believe that you're mine….''
Maura wanted to really really cry. There are those moments in life that are so precious and so perfect a person can hardly contain themselves, this was one of those moments. The camera men continued to do his job, neither of the women even noticed him. From a distance, the other guests stole glances at them and inwardly prayed for that kind of love. Angela and Constance didn't tear their eyes away for a single second. The two women could not for the life of them imagine how the love Jane and Maura had existed in the world, it was just surreal – like some overly dramatic romantic novel.
''….This love is unbreakable. Through fire and flame. When all this is over. Our love still remains….''
When the song got to the last bit of the chorus, Jane pulled from Maura and cradled her face as the blonde moved her hands to take hold of Jane's waist.
''…. This love is unbreakable. It's unmistakable. And each time I look in your eyes. I know why. This love is untouchable. I feel that my heart just can't deny. Each time you whisper my name. Oh baby, I know why. Cause each time I look in your eyes. Oh baby, I know why…..this love is unbreakable.''
They embraced for a long time before pulling themselves together. ''My wife. I can get used to that'', Jane tasted it on her tongue.
''I hope you don't 'slip up' and refer to me as your girlfriend again''
''Why would I do that?'', Jane asked
''You may forget. This is all relatively new''
Jane laughed a full throaty laugh. ''Oh Maura. You have no idea how I want the whole world to know you are my wife. I doubt that is something any sane person can 'slip up' on''
They got a few last photographs taken before heading back to the others.
AN: As you can see, I couldn't help myself. My fingers just kept going. So part 2 of the epilogue up next. About a couple of days. It's the last part I swear. Again – I changed my name to CollinsJ, again – sorry for any inconveniences. thanks a lot guys, for all the supports.