Jane and I have safely arrived back in Boston.

The flight...while lengthy...was as tolerable as one could hope for. Our plane landed smoothly, made the short trek across the tarmac to our gate, and connected to the exit ramp. A few short minutes later, we departed the aircraft.

We're both exhausted from our travels...but exceedingly happy with the many things we discovered about ourselves and each other.

With a small bag slung across my arm and a backpack secured on Jane's shoulders, we begin walking, hand in hand, from our arrival gate to baggage claim.

After a fairly short journey, we come to the area that separates the terminal from the public waiting space.

Jane spots a group of familiar people, a little ways in the distance. She points in their direction and I recognize the faces of a number of our friends and family.

When they catch sight of us, they begin to wave enthusiastically.

Before we cross the security threshold, I release Jane's hand and slowly come to a stop.

I am struck with a wave of hesitancy...I wasn't expecting a 'welcome home' party in the airport. I thought I had a little more time before I had to relinquish the safety of being just the two of us.

Jane turns to look at me. She tilts her head and quirks an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

She suddenly looks and sounds as hesitant I feel...

I clear my throat before attempting to calmly speak.

"I didn't think to ask how you wanted to inform everyone...about us. There's no need to rush into it if you'd rather wait and get settled from our trip. We can ease them into the status of our new relationship...we don't have to say anything now."

I spare a glance back to our waiting group. They're looking at us with obvious curiosity.

Jane steps close to me, places her hands on my upper arms, and rubs them soothingly.

"Hey...look at me."

I don't. I continue to stare at the group and anxiety begins to creep into the corners of my mind.

When I fail to respond to her, my lover speaks again. Her voice is soft but I cannot ignore the authority behind her command.

"Right now."

I quickly meet her gaze.

"You are nothing to hide, Maura Isles. This love is nothing to be ashamed of."

I suddenly feel lightheaded. A warming sensation flows from my heart to every part of my body. My previous anxiety melts away and I revel in the feeling of Jane's hands, massaging a path from my elbows to my shoulders.

This situation is suddenly very surreal. For the past several weeks, Jane and I have been in our own world. This world provided a separate reality that enabled us to be together without having to overcome the obstacles which await us here in Boston. Now that we're back, we will have to deal with circumstances that will test our relationship.

However, despite these worries...I am overcome with an overwhelming and astounding realization.

This is real.

Jane and I are in love. We're back home and that fact hasn't changed.

It's like waking up from a heavenly dream to find that I am still in a state of pure bliss. All of the hopes and desires that we fulfilled while we were away, are still very much alive.

Jane and I are in love. It isn't just a dream...it is an indisputable fact.

Jane and I are in love.

And we are going to nurture this love for the rest of our lives.

Her voice pulls me back to the moment at hand.

"Hey..."

I regain my focus and lose myself in the depths of her eyes.

"...are you okay?"

No. No I am not 'okay'.

I am overjoyed. I am devoted. I am ecstatic. I am committed. I am in awe.

I am in love.

Instead of taking the time to use all of these words...I replace them with three simple ones.

"I love you."

She gives me a radiant, and perhaps slightly mischievous, smile.

In the middle of this crowded airport, in front of the attentive eyes of our family and friends, Jane places one hand on the back of my head and wraps her opposite arm around my back. She carefully supports me in a strong embrace as she dips me ever so slightly backward and claims my lips in a passionate kiss.

I carelessly drop my expensive carry-on bag to the floor and wrap my arms around her neck in response.

My eyes slam shut and vibrant colors flash through my darkened vision. I believe this is what people refer to as 'seeing fireworks'.

I quite enjoy it.

It's a good thing she has such a sturdy hold on me. My legs go weak and I'm pretty much dead weight in her arms.

Before too long, she pulls her head back a fraction and whispers against my slightly parted lips.

"I love you, too."

My lids flutter open and I gaze up into the warm chocolate eyes of my smiling lover.

I'm still a little dazed. When I manage to speak, it is nothing more than a breathless whisper.

"Show off."

I didn't think her expression could get any more loving...but it does.

Jane chuckles and kisses the tip of my nose before straightening up and returning me to my upright position.

Without another word, she picks up my discarded bag and laces her free hand together with my own.

We turn back to our loved ones and resume walking.

Among our friends and family, I catch sight of; a few shocked faces, a few knowing grins, several twenty dollar bills being handed from one person to another, and one raised piece of paper that has a hastily written '10' on it.

So much for 'easing everyone into the status of our new relationship'...

...but, no matter. In this moment, I am happy and secure...for no other reason than my lover is at my side.

She is the protector of my body and soul.

She is a guardian angel.

Her once broken wings have been mended.

Our once suppressed love has been freed.

Hand in hand and heart in heart, Jane and I embark on the new and exciting journey that is the rest of our lives together.

-The End

A/N: Alas, we knew this day would come. Thank you so much for the support you have given me throughout this fic. I hope it has been as engaging for you as it has been for me. Thanks to everyone who favorited and followed...and also to those of you who have simply read along as the story has been posted.

I'm still planning on writing a few one shots with the music that was suggest after chapter eleven. I don't want you to think I've forgotten. ;)

Thank you to all who wished me well on my future career as a police officer. I am very excited to start a new chapter in my own life!

Special thanks to all who reviewed this story. Your words have been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize you for the time you took to offer your thoughts and opinions. I respect you all so much and I am very grateful for the comments and conversations you offered.

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And of course, all of the guests!

(I went over this list several times...but I wouldn't be suprised if I managed to leave someone out. If I have...please accept my deepest apologies.)

Thank you all once again. I bid you farewell...for now. I welcome any parting comments concerning 'A Guardian Angel's Broken Wings' or opinions on material that you may like to see from me in the future. I sincerely wish every one of you all the health and happiness in the world. Until we meet again. -SJR