Abbott was meeting with Cho and Wylie when Lisbon and Jane walked through his open office door.
Jane was beaming, and gestured to Lisbon and himself as he shared: "We're getting married!"
"That's amazing!" Wylie exclaimed, giving earnest hugs of congratulations to the partners.
"Congratulations!" Abbott followed. "It's about damn time!" The colleagues burst into laughs of agreement.
"I'm happy to hear it," Cho enthused, "and he's right; it IS about time!"
"So, when's the wedding?" Jason asked with excitement.
"Actually, it's happening the same weekend as the community center launch," Lisbon beamed.
"Wow! That weekend's gonna be a blockbuster!" Abbott crowed.
"It is going to be a lot," Jane agreed. "But we wanted to move forward quickly, having wasted enough time over the years. And it made logical sense: if we had everyone in town for the grand opening of the center, why not have the wedding when our loved ones are already here?"
"Keeping it simple," Teresa shrugged and smiled, looking somewhat anxious, hoping their friends would understand.
"Efficient and smart; I like it," Cho stated with respect.
"Thanks Cho," Jane beamed, squeezing reassurance into his beloved with his left arm as it wrapped around her. We're getting details ironed out, but we'll share all the pertinent information soon."
The colleagues shared a few more niceties before the partners slipped back out to get to work.
"Pertinent information huh?" Lisbon jabbed. "What information's that? The fact that we haven't even started to plan either event?" She chuckled nervously, a little embarrassed about not really having any ideas or opinions about dresses, cake flavors, venues, really any of the traditional points of bridal concern.
"Teresa, we'll figure it all out. In the end, all that matters is that you and I are married."
"I know, it's just… you know how I hate this stuff."
"What if you made a list - a short one, mind you - of the most important things to you, as weddings go. I would be happy to do the heavy lifting, my dear. Whatever helps. I love you and I want you to feel nothing but happiness and joy when you think of our marriage, not stress or expectations. No worries about what you 'should' want or 'should' do; only what you truly do want; only things that will feel most celebratory and meaningful for you… for us…"
"What if I can't think of anything?"
"No pressure, love. I think that I… that is, I think that we know what feels right. And that should be our guide."
"So do I," a relieved Lisbon nodded in agreement, hugging her fiancé gratefully.
Within a few days, Lisbon had in fact come up with a respectable list of wishes for her nuptials with Jane: If it was possible, she would love to have Minelli give her away; he'd been like a father to her in a way, and he was solely responsible for bringing she and Jane together as partners. She wanted her brothers to be invited - their families too.
"You're going to invite some of your family also, right Jane?"
"You are my family," he smiled warmly.
"You know what I mean; what about the Barsockys? Or Danny? Or even Jack your magician friend?"
"Thank you for caring so deeply for me, Teresa. Maybe I will invite some or all of them. But really, you and the teams we've worked with are my closest relatives these days. Besides, my main concern is that YOU are there," he winked.
"Meh, I might show up," she glimmered playfully.
Jane chuckled delightedly at her tease, leaning into her with a nudge before heading to his couch for a thinking nap.
For the next few weeks, Jane excitedly went about the wedding planning: calling faraway friends to save the date, sending invitations, making sure all the paperwork was filled out, hiring an officiant, and reserving a veritable 'wedding in a box' to be delivered to the art house on the date in question. Every time he was in that space he found himself daydreaming about Lisbon in a wedding gown, descending the spiral staircase smiling sweetly at him.
"Jane?" Teresa's voice called out from the kitchen, snapping his attention from the daydream.
"Yes, Lisbon?"
"Do you think live music would be too much?"
"For the wedding?"
"Yeah."
He walked to her and took both her hands in his. "You and I are promising ourselves to each other for the rest of our lives, Teresa. How could anything be 'too much?' "
"Well, when you put it that way," she smiled shyly, pressing a warm kiss onto his cheek.
"Speaking of that weekend, what are your plans on the 'community center' side of things?"
Cho had called Jane earlier that day, concerned that Lisbon might be biting off more than she could chew on that front.
"Abbott, Cho and Wylie have been helping me plan some activities leading up to it. I'm most excited about the day before! I'm doing a self-defense demonstration and mini class, Wylie's showing off the gamer room he built, and the FBI is sponsoring a job fair complete with free resume services and any fingerprinting, testing or background checks applicants may need."
Jane saw why Cho was concerned: "That sounds exciting, but it also sounds like a full plate. I don't want you overloading yourself my dear," his caring eyes held hers gently.
"I'll be fine. As a matter of fact, I filled my schedule a bit more than usual on purpose; figured it would keep me occupied on the day before the wedding so my nerves wouldn't have the chance to spiral. There's too much to think about with a wedding," she looked away awkwardly, not wanting to make him nervous about her nervousness.
"Teresa?"
She looked back to him. "Hmm?"
"Do you love me?"
"You know that I do," above her painfully sincere eyes, her brows pushed together in concern: she knew it; she had projected too much anxiety and now the poor man was worried.
"Do you want to get married?"
"Of course! Jane, just because I admitted to some nerves doesn't mean- "
"Then there is only one thing to think about with the wedding: our love drawing us into lifelong partnership. Simple. Nothing else matters."
She was calmed thoroughly by the sincere adoration she saw in Patrick's eyes as he shared his loving sentiments. "You're right," she smiled, sighing away some anxiety. "Thanks, Patrick."
While Lisbon worked with their FBI colleagues to get the community center launch in place, Jane was spending most of his non-wedding time at the cabin by the duck pond, drawing up plans for their eventual home there.
"Nice place, Boy Wonder!"
Patrick turned quickly to see Danny Ruskin at his door. "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle! Danny?! How'd you- What are you doing here?" Jane asked with pleasant surprise.
"That cop lady friend of yours- "
"Her name is Teresa and she is my fiancée not just 'that cop lady,'" the Boy Wonder corrected with a wink and a smile.
"So she said, when she called me the other day."
"Wow! How'd she track you down?"
"She said you'd ask that question, and wanted me to remind you that she's a detective."
Jane laughed heartily: not only at the truth of the statement but at the fact she'd known his exact reaction to Danny's words. A detective indeed, he beamed.
"Duly noted, but you didn't answer my other question: why are you here?"
"When the cop lady- uh… when Teresa called, she wanted me to know about the wedding, but also mentioned you might be able to use help with this construction project you've got going?"
"Are you available for hire?"
"Matter of fact I'm between jobs right now, so would love to be on your team!"
Jane stifled the reflex to take a jab at what 'between jobs' might actually mean, and instead crowed: "Welcome to the team!"
"Thanks!"
"And Danny?"
"Yeah?"
"You realize it's a team of two, right? We're gonna have our hands full"
"Just the way I like it!" Ruskin snarked with a chuckle.
"Ha! Great," Jane grinned amiably. "And hey… Danny?" The ex-carny grew serious, and a bit nervous.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay with… I mean, do you think that…"
"I think that my sister loved you immensely, and so did your sweet little girl. I think that they would be so relieved to know you were finally happy again. Annie would definitely approve of your wedding - especially knowing that your new wife isn't afraid to kick your ass when you need it," he laughed.
"True!" Jane snorted.
"And yes, I'm okay with it. Remember what I said: guilt is for marks. You've more than done your time, brother," Danny extended his hand. "Congratulations, Paddy!"
Jane gratefully accepted Danny's extended hand for a shake, then pulled him into a relieved, brotherly hug. "Thanks Danny. I'm so glad you could be here."
The day of the ceremony arrived just in time: Jane could hardly wait another moment to claim Lisbon as his own, and Teresa had filled her plate to capacity, such that she would have surely collapsed from exhaustion had she had even an hour more to stew about the events of the day.
Patrick was gleaming as he tiptoed to the upstairs bedroom, new tie and all, hearing the giggling chatty voices of his bride with her small band of female supporters. Annie had flown in with her father, and was maid of honor today; Grace Van Pelt was a bridesmaid along with Kim Fischer, who'd flown back from Portland for the celebrations. The groom peeked his head around the doorframe and surprised the women with a mischievous "Boo!"
In the midst of surprised laughs, Teresa chided: "Jane! You're not supposed to see me yet!"
Annie and the others slipped out to allow the couple some privacy on their big day.
"Teresa it's not a problem; you're not superstitious and I'm… non-traditional."
"Ha! All true," she glimmered, leaning close for a kiss. "So, what's up?"
"Just wondered how your adorable nerves were doing, my dear."
"Annie and the others have been doing a wonderful job of keeping me focused on what's important."
"I'm glad to hear that," he grinned. "I'll see you soon, love… I think you'll approve when you hear the live music I found."
Teresa saw an ornery glint in her love's eye as he slipped back into the hallway. Not the troublesome kind, but the 'up to something' kind. She wasn't more nervous after the comment, but her existing state of excited suspense was amplified greatly.
The heightened suspense was short-lived: within minutes, the warm soulful sounds of a solo saxophone meandered up the staircase to Teresa's ears. She gasped when she recognized that instrumental timbre: "Willie!" She had no clue how her partner had found the man after all these years, and was thrilled to hear he was both alive and back to playing his horn. "Only you, Jane," she whispered with affection. As usual, he'd anticipated her needs and spared no expense for her well-being. She couldn't believe how amazing her life was right now.
Shortly thereafter, the bridesmaids returned to help with Lisbon's final touches and to get lined up. On cue, Willie Shubert began his jazzy rendition of the wedding march.
Standing at the far end of the living room with the local judge he'd hired to officiate, Patrick's eyes were glued to the top of the stairs, breathlessly anticipating the procession. He couldn't wait to see Teresa - and especially couldn't wait to see her expression when she saw her favorite musician playing at their wedding.
Filling out the room were dozens of FBI colleagues, friends and family. Aside from the Lisbon brothers and a few carnies, the majority of the guests couldn't choose 'bride's side' or 'groom's side' having met the couple at the same time. So, Lisbon's silent worries that Jane's family would unfairly be less represented at the ceremony were unfounded: both sides of the aisle were standing room only. On a slightly elevated platform to the left of the crowd, Jason Wylie had a tripod camera panning the room, moving the focus to the spiral staircase.
Jane's line of groomsmen all stood along the upstairs railing, each waiting to escort Lisbon and her court to the ceremony: Cho had been the only choice in Jane's mind for best man; then Abbott, Rigsby and Danny filled out the group. At the end of the row, Virgil Minelli stood proudly, waiting to grant the wish of his star agent in giving her away today.
With the familiar processional lilting from the bell of Willie's saxophone, the crowd turned to watch as, one by one, the slow parade of well-dressed couples began on the spiral stairs: Danny and Kim descended first. Jane stifled a giggle, seeing his 'in and out of jail' brother-in-law escorting an FBI agent. Next were the Rigsbys, then Cho followed with Annie Lisbon on his arm.
Jane took a large preparatory breath as Willie played the bridal fanfare, causing all in attendance to rise and turn to the stairs. He couldn't contain his joy and adoration when he saw his favorite cop with her arm around Minelli's bent elbow. But when her eyes turned to him, and she smirked that shy smile, he pressed his lips together and struggled to contain the tears that threatened. This moment was such a dream. He was so proud to be linked to this woman. Heart throbbing that she had chosen him out of all of the men in the world, and beaming that everyone in the room today could see it. He couldn't take his eyes off of Teresa, right up to the moment Minelli placed her hand in his, and walked to his honorary seat with the Lisbon brothers.
The judge said a few words, and Willie played a chorus of a song near and dear to the couple, as the two lit a candle in unison, symbolizing the joining of their lives into one life.
Wow, Teresa noted that practically everyone either of them knew was here right now. And wow, Jane looked exceptionally handsome in that blue suit. She couldn't remember ever seeing him in a tie before; deciding she preferred his typical style, with his chest peeking through his unbuttoned collar. But still, today was a special occasion. She was certainly more formal than usual, and she appreciated the fact he'd worn something extra special too. She could not wait to be married to this man; he was so beautiful, inside and out.
Teresa's mind was spinning with the overabundance of good surrounding her in this moment. The onslaught of endorphins and the quick thumping of her heart made the whole ceremony seem to blur together a little. She noticed, though, that when she kept her focus on her gorgeous partner's sparkling eyes, they kept her feeling grounded and comfortable. Before she knew it, it was time for Patrick to recite his vows, in that warm baritone rumble of his. She had never been surer of her choices than she was right now.
Jane turned to Cho long enough to grab Lisbon's ring, exchanging a quick smile with the agent and friend who had been there from the very beginning of his partnership with this amazing woman.
"Teresa Lisbon, this amazing day starts a new chapter of the lifelong promise I made to you. Today, I forever link my heart to yours… my life to yours… my soul to yours. Whatever time we have left, I want to spend it with you, my dear. I promise to do whatever I need to do- "
"Within reason," she broke in nervously, with a characteristic 'Lisbon' look that warmed him thoroughly.
"Within reason," he repeated with a chuckle, in adoration of his rule-following love, "to be the husband you deserve - no matter how far I have yet to go in order to be that man. I owe you everything, and I cannot express how proud I am to be your partner, and now your husband. I love you beyond measure, and I cannot wait to keep every promise from now until forever. Starting with these vows that take my breath away; I promise to be here for you in whatever way you need… always… no disappearing - unless you're disappearing with me; I promise to be loyal and true 'til death do us part; I will never stop loving you with everything I am. With this ring, I marry you, my beautiful Teresa."
Lisbon was overwhelmed by the uncharted level of sparkle she was seeing in her beloved partner. With some effort - and a fist bump from Cho as he handed her Jane's ring, Teresa found her voice, and began her vows to Jane, starting in her snarky tough girl way, before softening to full-on Lisbon earnestness; drawing a rare blush and even more sparkle from her beloved:
"My incorrigible, infuriating, irreplaceable and indescribably beautiful partner, Patrick… My closest friend and confidant… My one and only true love… Today I forever link my heart to yours… my life to yours… my soul to yours. Jane, I want to make the most of every day with you - I know you won't let me get away with anything less," she winked in fun and affection. "And my promises to you are forever, love. I promise to care for you and to protect you; anyone who tries to hurt you - they'll have to deal with me." Lisbon's badass cop nature was firmly present in her eyes and her voice for those words. Jane pitied the fool that may ever try to mess with him now; how lucky was he? "So, no more running, no more fear and no more heartbreak; only home, healing and love. I promise to help you see the good in yourself every day. Patrick Jane, there is no one for me but you. I am so proud to call myself your wife; it's a title and an honor I don't take for granted.
I promise to be here for you in whatever way you need; I promise to be loyal and true, 'til death do us part - and even longer if I can work that out," she winked in fun, before quickly turning sincere once more: "I will never stop loving you with everything I am. With this ring, I marry you, beautiful Patrick."
"Patrick, do you take Teresa to be your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I sure do," he sparkled profusely.
"And Teresa, do you take Patrick to be your husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she glimmered, pushing through nerves and heightened emotions, in this tender moment of significance.
"Patrick, you may kiss your bride," the judge beamed.
The two partners paused for a moment that seemed to suspend in time. Jane folded back Lisbon's lacy veil, and held her face gently in his hands. Teresa reached up to cradle Patrick's face as well. After searching each other's eyes, thoroughly affected by the treasure trove of love found there, the two leaned toward one another and shared the most tender kiss ever to have been shared in the history of the art house - and maybe even the FBI, or all of Texas.
The loving spell was nudged forward by the joyful cheers that the kiss unleashed from the attendees.
"By the power vested in me by the great state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife." She then had the couple turn to their guests as she announced: "Ladies and gentlemen: Patrick and Teresa Lisbon Jane!"
The newlyweds happily clung together for all the cheers, photo snaps, hugs and well-wishes that followed their marriage.
As the guests slowly cleared from the ceremony space to the reception area, some special friends caught Patrick's eye: "Pete! Sam!"
Jane and Lisbon were both over the moon at seeing their friends emerge from the crowd.
"Congratulations you two! I always knew there was something between you - only true love would handcuff a man to his own truck in order to save you Paddy," Pete chortled.
"Ha!" Lisbon laughed. "I can't believe you remember that! I'm never gonna live it down, am I?" She laughed, play-punching Pete in the arm as he laughed and shook his head.
"And sorry we were late," Samantha shared, the traffic helpers in the lot saw the RV and thought we were here for the community outreach instead of the wedding," she snorted. "They were all tryna nudge me to the self-defense signups and I kept telling them I can fend for myself."
"I know that for a fact," Pete chuckled.
"We finally got the jump on them though, and made it just in time to see the beautiful bride make her appearance," Sam gushed.
"Well, we are thrilled you made it," Lisbon said, pulling them into a group hug with Jane. "Today just wouldn't have been the same without you guys!"
"We're both just so happy for you," Pete said with great sincerity. "Paddy, my boy, it's more than we can say, how great it is to see the joy in your eyes today."
"It's true, Pete. I have not been this happy in a lifetime – maybe never. I have no idea how I ended up here with this amazing woman, but I'm so grateful for all of it."
"Jane," Teresa looked away shyly.
Sam moved around to look at Lisbon face to face. "You are the only woman who could have turned his heart around, Teresa. You know that, don't you?"
"MmHmm…" she sniffled despite her attempts to control her overflowing heart. She had always felt like she was special to Jane, and he was definitely special to her. There had always been something about their partnership that had seemed pre-destined somehow.
"God moves in mysterious ways, my dear. I'm so glad he moved you both into each other's lives. This pairing is such a miracle, Lisbon – always remember that," Mrs. Barsocky squeezed her hand to punctuate the sentiment.
Feeling even more teary, Teresa nodded: "Oh I know for a fact it's a miracle that we found each other, Sam… He's just so… I just love him so much," she hugged Sam for a long time, feeling like she was somehow embracing Jane's honorary mother.
Giving the happy couple some time to regroup, the Barsockys made their way to the reception. And, once their emotions had evened themselves out, the Janes followed.
"So, the family has taken a liking to you, Lisbon," Jane glimmered, unspeakably happy.
"I'm glad; I've taken a liking to them, too," she kissed him sweetly.
A few more steps and they were at the cusp of the entryway.
"Well, Mrs. Jane, are you ready for this gauntlet?" he grinned excitedly – totally thrilled to celebrate their new status with their friends.
"With you, Jane, I'm ready for anything," she winked – amazed at how she could love someone so infinitely, but still so enjoy teasing him at will.
"Touché, my dear," he chuckled, taking her hand with a smile. "Okay, here we go... "