The Jane-Hernandez wedding was scheduled to occur in Austin almost exactly one year from the day Trey had proposed. In the meantime, the couple had been busy finishing up at USC, finding a place to live in Austin (for now), and securing jobs.
Meghan had gotten a sweet deal from a regional news organization that would allow her to work under the tutelage of an experienced reporter who was retiring soon. She had already begun flitting here and there for interviews and research, and had gotten great support from the senior journalists on staff. Jane grinned ear to ear when he found out her article on human behavior and crime fighting - the same one she had interviewed him and other FBI colleagues for, over last spring break - had been a deciding factor in her being hired. Cho had also written a strong recommendation based on her work in the Boston drug ring case.
Trey was in the final quarter of his internship with the FBI, and had been also working remotely as a secondary composer for a hit television crime drama. Wylie commented to Lisbon and Jane more than once about what a great impression their future son-in-law had made on him. Not only was he catching on quickly, but the man had a knack for efficiency and organization - traits which were necessary to keep up with the responsibilities in his dual careers. Trey maintained that, although he would be juggling two part-time jobs, he saw Meghan as his primary responsibility. "All the money and success in the world would mean nothing at all, if I didn't have you, Megs." He frequently had said, as the two of them ironed out their life plan together.
And now, the big day was drawing near.
Tomorrow afternoon, Meghan Elizabeth Jane was going to marry the quirky, sweet, shy and big-hearted composer whom she'd insisted was only a friend, just a few years ago. Trey Hernandez was a gem, in the eyes of Meghan's parents, who saw the same spark between him and their daughter, that they themselves had always shared. They took great comfort in knowing their beloved girl had found such a wonderful man to share her life with - and at such an early age.
Trey had grown up in the Bay Area, and his parents remembered seeing Jane on TV - both as a fake psychic AND as an acquitted murderer. They were more than concerned when they realized which Jane family their son was hoping to marry into. But, once they met Meghan, they softened their opinion immediately. The couple had still insisted on a dinner date with Jane and Lisbon, during one of their visits to USC. But, between Lisbon's sincerity, Jane's charm, and a notarized affidavit signed by Dennis Abbott about Patrick's years of work at the FBI, Luisa and Manuel Hernandez had given Trey and Meghan their blessing.
Excited for Meg, and nervous for their roles as 'Parents of the Bride,' Jane and Lisbon were laying out their formal wear, and preparing everything they needed for the ceremony.
Taking a break from the deep focus she'd been in, Teresa noticed that Patrick hadn't moved in a while.
"Jane? You alright?"
"I'm fine." He sniffled, suggesting that he was, in fact, not fine.
"What is it, love?"
"I'm not sure I can do this."
"Do what?"
"Give her away."
"Jane. Kids grow up. You knew this day was coming. Besides, she's lived on her own for the past four years. Why is it so hard now?"
"No. not her moving out or growing up or even getting married. I mean the walking her down the aisle. The giving her away."
"Oh. Why not?"
"When I lost Charlotte," his voice broke, and he stopped a moment to regain himself, "I thought I would never have the chance to do all the things a father does for his daughter. It was as if I could clearly see all of the tender milestones that had just been pushed out of my reach forever."
"Oh Patrick…" Her heart was hit with the full impact of her sweet husband's words. She moved closer, and rested a supportive hand on his shoulder.
"And the idea that I have this chance now to share such a meaningful and tender moment with Meghan is overwhelming. It's like my heart is absolutely tearing to shreds with joy."
Lisbon gathered him in her arms and held him as he sobbed. "You have been an amazing father to her. To both of them, you know."
"I've certainly tried to be. And it's such an unspeakably miraculous gift that I've had the chance to father them… that I've had the chance to love you… that I now have the chance to walk with her tomorrow. And I am beside myself with joy about all of it, really, I am."
Teresa squeezed him a bit tighter, in encouragement. He was so filled with emotion, and she loved that he was able to have so many experiences now, that he thought for sure he'd lost before.
"It's just. I'm afraid of losing control of the joy when we're only halfway down the aisle. What if I start uncontrollably sobbing in front of all of her and Trey's friends and I humiliate her on her big day?"
Teresa leaned back enough to look into her husband's tearful eyes. "Patrick Jane, you have more self-control than any human I've ever known. If you set your mind to it, you can keep your emotions in check through anything."
He smiled quickly, but seemed unconvinced. So, Lisbon offered more evidence.
"Also, Meghan Elizabeth has always been able to see those emotions in you. She knew when she asked you to do this, that the chance existed you may cry yourself all the way down the aisle. She actually told me so herself just the other day. And she said it warmed her heart thoroughly that she had the opportunity to give you this gift, love. She wouldn't be humiliated in the least at seeing your joyful tears."
Even more overcome after hearing his wife's words, Jane pulled her closer, into a fierce embrace. "I love you so much Teresa. All of this is because of you, my dear. Thank you for saving me from myself."
Running her fingers through salted blonde curls, she massaged his neck as he cradled his head on her shoulder. "You know I love you, Jane. And conversations like this are part of why. Your heart is so big, love. I've always been grateful and proud to be your wife. I stand by what I said to you at our wedding - you are magical. I adore being warmed by the glow of your light everyday, sweetest Patrick. Nothing that happens tomorrow will change that."
No more words were spoken. They simply held each other, enveloped by the endless gratitude and love that they shared. Caressed by the vastly rich, hard-fought life they had created together. In awe of it all.
After checking in on the bridesmaids, and giving her daughter a hug of encouragement and love, Lisbon was now seated in the front row of their Austin parish church, in her emerald-green 'mother of the bride' dress, trying to control her emotions and trying to control her nerves for Jane. She silently prayed for his heart and that today would be as perfect as possible for Meghan, Trey, and all who loved them. She occasionally turned in her seat, craning her neck to hopefully catch a glance of the members of the wedding party, or Jane, impatient for things to start. She was looking forward to the day's festivities, but wanted Patrick's big moment to happen sooner, rather than later, so he wouldn't have to stew in his own worry for too long. She was relieved when the organist began the processional.
Soon, couples began streaming down the aisle, in a slow, steady rhythm:
Briar Rose was escorted by Brendan, who was wearing a visibly-expectant smile. Lisbon angled her chin and smirked a little, wondering what that ornery grin on her son's face was about. She hoped he hadn't planned for some sort of Jane-style trick to be played on his big sister.
Caitlyn Turner was escorted by Trey's closest friend from USC, Caleb. Annie Lisbon Wylie was escorted by her husband Jason, of course.
Then, once the smiling, beautiful young men and women had found their places at the front of the sanctuary, Trey took his place front and center, eyes looking expectantly toward the back of the room, eagerly anticipating a first glimpse of his bride in her gown.
Moments before her musical cue, standing just to the side of the open sanctuary doors, Meghan took a deep breath, dabbed at the corners of her eyes, and slotted her right hand through Jane's tuxedoed arm.
"Ready for this, my dear?" Jane sparkled, flashing back to a memory of his little girl playing dress-up as a fairy princess; absolutely refusing to cry.
Suddenly overcome by the significance of the moment, Meg tearfully embraced her father. "I love you, Daddy," she whimpered into his sleeve.
Jane shifted the biofeedback into high gear, at the onslaught of emotion her words unleashed. "Oh, my dear Meghan Elizabeth, I love you more than you'll ever truly know. It has been the joy of my life, seeing you grow up into such a beautiful and amazing woman. Trey is a lucky bastard, indeed." He grinned, in fun, at the last part.
Lifted by her father's trademark levity and sparkle, Meg chuckled, dabbed her eyes again, did a quick eyeliner fix using the small mirror she'd placed in the narthex just for this occasion, and looked back at Jane. "I'm the lucky one." She smiled like sunshine at the thought of the gorgeous, caring man waiting for her at the other end of the aisle.
Jane quickly adjusted her veil, and Meghan put her hand back around her father's bent elbow, right as the organ sounded its bridal signal. Jane leaned to press one more kiss onto his precious girl's veiled cheek before walking her down the aisle, both of them beaming, through the parted sea of friends and family who had come to celebrate this miraculous moment with them.
Patrick continued to double-down on his self-control as he and Meghan passed by a veritable family tree… or maybe more like a living chronology of his own history, and that of his time with Teresa: Danny Ruskin and his recent bride; all three Lisbon brothers, along with their brood of young adults and teenagers; the ever-present Barsockys, who were beginning to show their age; the empty-nested Rigsbys; Alex Jane, who had continued to be a supportive grandfather, and had also continued to be honest and open with his son, as promised. And, it seemed like the entire FBI was also attendance to celebrate today; including Cho, and a couple of dear friends from the DC branch, in Dennis and Lena Abbott.
Jane successfully managed to give his sweet Meghan Elizabeth away, without breaking down. Once he sat beside Lisbon, though, and looked up to see the photo of five-year-old Charlotte Anne, whom Meg had chosen as an honorary bridesmaid, he caught his breath. Meghan had forewarned her parents of the decision, of course, and both Jane and Lisbon had given their support, but there was something about the juxtaposition of the joy Patrick felt at sharing this day with Meghan and the loss he harbored at not having been able to share such a day with Charlotte, that caught him off-guard. Teresa had suspected he might be affected by the photo, so was already poised to squeeze his hand and lean into him, comfortingly. Her support was joined by two hands on Jane's shoulders, from Danny and Alex, who were seated behind him.
After the touching, modern Catholic ceremony, everyone in the party and on the guest list gathered at the reception venue to continue the celebrations. As host, Brendan quieted the crowd, and guided everyone's attention to the screen onstage behind him.
Trey had composed "Meghan's Theme" as a wedding gift, putting the soaring, uplifting, cinematic orchestral piece against a slideshow documenting their history as a couple; complete with the very first pic of them together, chatting at The Hotel Cafe that long-ago summer, and a handful of video segments and spoken phrases that he felt summed up their relationship.
Meghan spent almost the whole length of the video with eyes wide, shining with tears, and one hand over her mouth; Frequently erupting into a giggle or exclamation, with surprise or remembrance. She was deeply touched by Trey's tender-hearted tribute to them as a couple, and was thoroughly impressed - though not surprised - with the depth of the music and the pro-quality of the film. She had always heard her mom describe her dad as 'magical.' But Trey's wedding gift had confirmed that he was a magician, too - of a different kind.
As the final notes fell away, and the gathered guests applauded wildly, all Meghan could do was squeeze her new husband tightly, beaming the biggest Jane-smile ever.
When it came time for the tossing of the bouquet, the gathered crowd made room for all the eligible women to take their places. Meghan and her bridesmaids giggled to each other. They had enjoyed a laugh before the wedding, rolling their eyes a bit at the antiquated ritual.
"As if it actually works!" Briar had quipped in her street-smart Boston way. "When have you ever seen the girl who catches the bouquet actually be the next to get married?!"
The women shared a huge laugh at that.
"Never happens!" Caitlyn shouted.
Meghan nodded. "True! But still, it is kind of sweet. Plus, I love seeing the eyes wide open on the younger girls during a bouquet toss. I think to them it feels like a sort of fairytale moment. I remember catching the bouquet at my Uncle Tommy's second wedding when I was like ten. It felt like magic! So, I know it's cheesy, but I just had to do it. What can I say, I'm sentimental." She smiled and shrugged.
"I remember that!" Annie exclaimed. "It really was an adorable moment."
Briar chimed in. "You've got a big heart. That's why we love ya, Meg!" The singer punctuated the sentiment with a lighthearted punch to Meghan's right arm.
And now, Meghan was in place, flowers ready to launch over her head to the gathered women. She was a little worried that Briar might bow out after what she'd said earlier, which would throw a huge wrench in a plan Meg had made with her brother days before. So, she grinned wide with relief when she saw both of her two eligible bridesmaids amongst the crowd, despite their earlier teases about the ritual.
Brendan emceed the whole thing, from a brief history of the tradition, to the suspenseful countdown.
"Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Toss!"
The next moment seemed to go in slow motion, as the flowers flew through the air, over and behind the bride's tiaraed head, showering the crowd below with a few loose petals as it traveled. When the jockeying for position and the squealing of anticipation stopped, all eyes turned to sparkle at the lucky girl who had been chosen by fate to receive the magical bundle.
Eyes wide, with eyebrows high, Briar Rose looked at the bunch of flowers in her outstretched hands. She hadn't even been trying to catch them, but there they were. She looked over to Meghan and the other bridesmaids with shock, and all four women burst into raucous laughter. Briar, the biggest cynic of them all, was the chosen one.
"We have a winner!" Brendan called from the stage, with an appreciative wink to his sister. "And now, if everyone would please clear the floor for Meghan and Trey's official first dance!"
The floor cleared, and the bride and groom took their place at its center. Brendan cued up the band, and sang a special song. After Meghan had told Trey about the 'what you mean to me' words on her bedroom wall, and what they meant, he had immediately remembered Brendan's music camp song from summers ago. The two had claimed "What You Mean to Me" as 'their song' ever since.
Understandably, Jane and Lisbon were also quite moved at this reprise of the gift their sweet boy had given them at The Hotel Cafe. They joined the happy couple on the dance floor, as others began filtering in, too. Jane couldn't contain the sparkle in his eyes, as he floated around the dance floor with the breathtaking 'mother of the bride.'
"My dear, Lisbon, you have never looked more beautiful." He glimmered, unable to take his eyes off of his favorite FBI agent. Even now, he was capable of catching her off-guard with his charms; bringing a flush to her cheeks and a shy smile to her lips.
"I feel the same way, love." She kissed his cheek and pulled him closer, pressing into him tenderly; praying fervent thanks for how things had turned out between her and this man who had shaken loose so many of her preconceived notions all those years ago.
Spinning in slow, tender circles, the two looked deeply into one another. Patrick occasionally kissed Teresa's forehead, or ran his fingers through her hair. And she alternated between massaging the back of his neck and caressing his smooth-shaven cheeks. Despite the crowd around them, and despite the fact that today was all about Trey and Meghan, for the length of the song, Patrick and Teresa seemed to be alone, in their own private world.
After singing the final words, Brendan stayed at the mic, smiling as the bride and groom went back to their seats, and the applause died down.
"I wrote that song in honor of the crazy-deep love and connection my mom and dad have with each other. I played it at the showcase for a USC music camp me and Trey did."
Jane and Lisbon clung to each other; eyes still full of tears at the precious memory of the song's premiere.
"The words in the title brought my parents together after many years of being just friends. And from what I understand, those same words helped to bring Trey and Meg together in a similar way."
The gathered crowd applauded at the mention of the bride and groom. The applause was accompanied by the clinking of forks on drinking glasses, signaling for the happy couple to share a kiss - a request with which they happily complied. The crowd cheered and grinned at the loving pair, before turning their attention back to the stage.
"It's funny because, although it had a stunning effect on everyone there that night - especially my parents - to me it was a song just for the two of them. So, I haven't really played it since. But," he turned his eyes to his favorite rockstar bridesmaid, "Briar Rose, this song has started playing again in my mind. It started the day we met, when I caught a glimpse of the connection between you and me. And it's stayed with me every day since."
Briar's tough-girl face didn't stand a chance against Brendan's sweet words. Still holding Meghan's bridal bouquet, the singer's lips trembled as she tried to hold in the tears that were forming in her hazel eyes. She was overcome by just how amazing her sweet Brendan was. Despite the shell she had been crafting and perfecting since the age of thirteen, he always found ways to touch her hidden heart and turn her to mush.
Taking the mic from the stand, Brendan stepped down to the floor, directly in front of his love. "Briar Rose Sullivan, I don't ever want the song to end." He dropped to a knee.
The guests gasped, the bride and groom clung together in anticipation, and Briar slapped a hand to her mouth in surprise.
"Please, let me show you what you mean to me…"
Jane reached for Lisbon's hands, and she grasped his with emotion, as a diamond ring 'magically' appeared in their son's hand.
"Please, marry me?"
With that, Briar Rose's tough-girl image was in shambles. She was so overcome that she could only manage a whisper, but the impact of the embrace that followed the question showed all in attendance that her answer was definitely "Yes!"
As they dried their eyes, Jane turned to the Hernandez's and quipped, "I taught him that coin trick. So proud." He sniffed, truly overcome by the swelling of his dad-heart.
From beside him, Lisbon glimmered profusely at the light emanating from her sweet husband. She knew what it meant to him, seeing the children he had fathered and raised become such wonderful, loving, human beings; Seeing his own magic sparkling in them. Teresa just allowed herself to steep in his joy, and in this opportunity for him to see more evidence supporting her claims that he was, and had always been, a good man.
"Well Lisbon, looks like another wedding is in our future!"
"You're right, Jane. You called it!" She twinkled in acknowledgment.
"One step closer to that early retirement, eh, Teresa?" He grinned hopefully.
With an eyeroll and a nudge, Lisbon chuckled. "We'll see, Patrick. Still early days."
Alex joined them, just long enough to beam with pride at his grandson. "Son, did you see how smooth your boy was up there just now? It makes me smile to see that the Jane tradition of showmanship is still alive - and in an honest way, these days!"
"Yes, I saw, Dad." Jane grinned, unable to contain his own sense of pride in the matter.
"He really is at home onstage, Alex. It warms my heart to see so much of Patrick's sparkle in him when he's in front of a crowd." Lisbon gleamed at her husband as she spoke. "And the magic really made an impression on sweet Briar Rose. I'm so happy for both of them!"
"I'm so happy for all of us." Jane sighed, as Alex left to congratulate the newlyweds. "Look around, Lisbon. I never believed that I would ever be surrounded by this much love and joy. It's just..." He shook his head in awe, before looking back to his wife. "I love you, Teresa. You continue to amaze and entrance me, my dear."
She glanced down, with a shy smile, trying to hide the glorious blush his words had rendered; then stepped closer, tenderly taking his hands in hers. "Sweet Patrick, I love you more than I can say. The scene around us is overwhelming to me, too. You are what made all of it possible, love. This much wonder and bliss would never have happened for me without you. I would've played things too safe. I would have missed out on all of it, if it weren't for your sparkling, mischievous self, coaxing me out into the open." She grinned wide at the look in her husband's eyes, at her admission.
They stood, beaming at the scene surrounding them, each with one arm around the other, for the longest time.
After awhile, Jane leaned close, and quietly said: "So, what you're saying is that you enjoy it when I coax you into things?"
Pressing her lips together, suppressing a knowing smile at having possibly walked right into trap, she cautiously answered. "Sometimes..."
He knew he had her now. Jane adored nothing more than flustering his adorable Lisbon with his irresistible teases.
"Risky things? Like running away from work and traveling the world?" Grinning wide as ever, he wiggled his eyebrows hopefully.
"Oh, here we go!" She shook her head and playfully rolled her eyes at her husband. She could never resist him when he got this way.
"Far be it from me to hold back, when your well-being is at stake, my dear." He nudged, with a snicker.
"You? Hold back?" She winked, playfully poking his ribs with satisfaction at the resulting yelp from her favorite jokester.
"Oh, Teresa... You will regret that poke..." He glowed with roguishness, before threatening a payback tickle - starting a flirty chase around the dance floor.
Watching from the head table, Meghan leaned over to her new husband. "Are you sure you're ready to be a part of this crazy family?" She giggled.
"Aw, Megs," he glimmered, "I wouldn't have it any other way."