Holding hands tightly, taking a deep breath in preparation for the plunge they were about to take, Patrick and Teresa shared a quick smile of solidarity before stepping into their wedding reception.
The DJ announced the newlywed couple as they entered the room, to the cheering crowd's delight. All at once, dozens of guests were sharing their well-wishes in an informal sort of receiving line. Lisbon was having trouble keeping up, and even Jane was struggling to make mental notes of all the lightning-fast conversations that passed by them as they made their way to their places of honor, at center of the head table.
Once seated, Patrick gently turned Teresa's attention away from the throngs, cradling her chin and holding her eyes in a comforting gaze: "Breathe with me dear… in… and out… it's just you and me, love… nothing else matters… only that we are married…" he shimmered in the candlelight, his face broadcasting his tender care. "Keep breathing, Teresa… and hold my hand… Let all of the nervous energies flow out of you, into me; do you feel that?"
She absolutely did feel that, she nodded gratefully. Even though the events of the day had been rooted in love and utter happiness, the onslaught of well-wishers and the amped-up social expectations had gained on Lisbon's consciousness like an out-of-control freight train as she'd walked to the table with Jane. And the 'front and center' nature of their seats of honor hadn't helped. But Patrick saw her spiraling; he sensed her frazzled nerves. His warm rumbling voice was a release valve to the pressure cooker of her discomfort. And his hands, as they held and massaged her own, were salves of healing.
As dinner was being served, Jimmy Lisbon overheard Danny and Jane discussing the cabin renovation. They had apparently hit a stumbling block regarding the inspection and approval of the electrical system.
"Hey Patrick!" Jimmy joined the conversation.
"Jimmy Lisbon! So glad you could make it - you made your sister's weekend, all three of you flying down."
"Happy to be here - thanks for the airfare by the way!"
"My pleasure; anything for the Lisbon family," he smiled warmly.
"Well, hey, I couldn't help overhearing about your electrical issues with the reno?"
"Yeah, myself and Danny here are at a standoff with the permits on that."
Danny and Jimmy exchanged a quick nod before the youngest Lisbon offered a solution: "I'd like to help. You helped me once Patrick and I owe you; plus, I owe Teresa a lot more," he chuckled, "so can I look at the place? Maybe tomorrow?"
"That would be such a help Jimmy thank you!"
"Maybe I'll bring Stan?"
"Even better!"
Jane smiled full wide as the caterers brought his and Teresa's plates to the table. The look on her face when she saw the giant cheeseburger with extra pickles and a side of fries was totally worth it.
Later, when the meal had reached the dessert phase, Cho stood and got everyone's attention: "When it comes to today, it's hard to beat the sentiment exclaimed by our boss Dennis Abbott when these two announced their engagement. He said, and I quote: 'it's about damn time.'"
The room erupted into laughter, cheers and a few shouts:
"That's right!"
"Damn straight!"
"You go!"
Cho smiled and nodded at the boisterous agreement, then shifted the mood: "But even more powerful is our shared feeling of sincere gratitude for a relationship that has seen it all. I've had the pleasure of knowing both Lisbon and Jane for the full length of their partnership. The day Jane wandered into the CBI, I was there - along with a few others here today. If you would have told me on that day that Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon would someday be married, I would have never believed you. From a very tentative start they eventually grew to become friends; teasing and bickering like brother and sister," the couple and the guests chuckled in recognition.
"Still do!" Jane crowed, grinning wide as his bride playfully nudged him in reprimand.
"But at some point, there came a noticeable change: A depth of care between them. Unspoken glances that made it clear they were closer than close. Rumors began to fly about their being something more to each other - even though they each would vehemently deny it if you asked. But here we are. And here they are. And all is as it should be. Patrick and Teresa - it still feels weird calling you that, Boss - "
Lisbon laughed freely at Cho's aside; the other CBI alumni in the room joined in.
"We are all so glad that you two have found each other… and that you've each found your true selves in the process… that after all you've been through - separately and as partners - you've found friendship, healing, and love together. We all wish you long, happy lives as Mr. and Mrs. - Congratulations!"
The round of cheers that circled the space was quickly followed by the clinking of spoons to glass, prompting the couple to share a tender kiss.
The gathered friends and family were indeed so happy for the two of them, cooing as they delighted in the kiss: Grace needed more tissues as her tears overflowed; Annie looked at her aunt and new Uncle with both her hands clasped to her chest - this was all so romantic! Even the Lisbon brothers seemed to be deeply touched by the glow on their big sister's face today; it was clear that she had finally found her soulmate. Stan was especially amazed: His buttoned-up, by-the-book sister had found her match in a rule-bending showman with a questionable past; who would've thought? He grinned wide, chuckling at the unlikelihood and with extreme happiness for his beloved sister.
As the oohs and ahs from the delighted crowd died down, Cho proposed the official toast: "On this joyful day, as we celebrate the proof that love can conquer so much, we celebrate you both individually, as partners, and now as man and wife. To the Janes!"
"I'll drink to that," Jane grinned adoringly at his bride.
"So will I," she smiled.
"Here's to love, celebration, and champagne," he murmured, just loud enough for his wife's ears.
"Hear, hear! But I'm sticking with water tonight - so dehydrated from such a busy day," Teresa replied, before grasping her glass and wrapping her arm around his.
"Sounds good to me," Jane replied as they sipped in unison, to more happy cheers.
Before long, the DJ was calling for the newlyweds to report to the dance floor; it was time for their 'first dance.'
"Oh no," Teresa muttered; she had just gotten quasi-comfortable with being seated on a pedestal, and now they wanted her at center stage. She'd honestly forgotten about this tradition before now.
"But you love this song!" Jane stood and held his hand out in invitation. "Come on, Lisbon, you can pretend I'm one of those boys you secretly fawned over from a distance who never paid you any attention in high school," he teased, hoping the throwback to his first ever dance invitation would lighten the anxious mood he saw on his love's face.
The sweet humor of his words hit Teresa just as she was recognizing the song in question. "You would remember our first dance wouldn't you," she beamed as she accepted his outstretched hand and followed him to the center of the room.
As the DJ played her favorite 1990's ballad, Willie added some tasty saxophone melodies. All eyes were on the newlyweds; so entranced by the tender sight that no words were spoken in the crowd.
Lisbon's eyes glanced nervously around at all the guests holding their rapt attention on the couple. Jane did his best to keep his bride in a calm state of enjoyment throughout the ritual, wearing the most adoring expression as they danced.
"Look into my eyes, love… we are the only ones here… It's just you and me, Lisbon… let your worries go," he rumbled.
"Easy for you to say," she chuckled nervously.
Jane chuckled quickly in understanding. "Easy today, maybe, but Teresa you have no idea how hard that real first dance was for me."
"How do you mean?"
"Well… It started out as a game; to see if I could convince you to do something as ridiculous as slow dancing with me on a case."
"Well, that's on-brand for you," she winked.
"Ha! Yeah; but once we were dancing, I was faced with unexpected feelings… and what started as a clever joke ended with me struggling to suppress those feelings for the length of the song - and for a decade after that, actually."
Teresa's anxious eyes were softening, and getting teary. She had gone through a similarly unexpected struggle during that same time. "Well, there's no need to suppress any feelings today, Patrick," she pulled him closer, resting her head tenderly on his shoulder, allowing all of the feelings to envelope her.
Jane closed his eyes and rested his cheek gently on Teresa's head; basking in this miraculous moment, steeped in gratitude and adoration.
The two were so focused on each other that they danced a few beats past the end of the song; stopping only after applause from their guests woke them from the tender spell.
Within seconds the dance floor filled with people as the DJ upped the tempo. The couple moved through the crowd as the beat pulsed through the space in quantized movement. Friends and family happily shared smiles and congratulations as they danced by. Occasionally the Janes stood still in the midst of the disco with colleagues to share and laugh over a memory or an old story. Despite truly enjoying the socializations at long last, Teresa found herself growing quite tired. Even though it had been a truly hectic week, she was still surprised by the level of exhaustion she was feeling. Her husband noticed when she began to wilt, and took immediate action for her care.
"Let's get out of here," Jane mumbled in her ear, as he took Lisbon by the hand and stole away through the doorway of the reception room, back to the spiral staircase; the two perching side by side on a step about halfway up.
"So, how're you feeling?" Patrick peered into his partners eyes with care.
"I'm so happy," she gleamed as she leaned into him.
"Me too," Jane happily admitted.
Teresa pulled away slightly, looking a bit coy.
Jane gazed thoughtfully at her, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "What?"
His wife pressed her hand flat against her stomach as she smiled with all the excitement of a barely-kept surprise. "I have something to tell you," her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Focusing his attention on the position of her hand, Jane correctly took her hint: "No…" he grinned in delighted disbelief, "you're kidding me…"
"I'm not kidding," she beamed, beyond grateful to share this happy news with the man who'd captured her heart after enduring so much tragedy.
"You are?!" The loving, excited sparkle in Patrick's eyes could barely be contained.
"I am!" Teresa was glowing as her husband pulled her close.
"That explains it," he mused.
"That explains what?" she challenged in fun, with a nudge.
"The choice of water during Cho's toast – dehydration indeed," he teased, drawing a play-punch from his wife. "But also explains how sleepy you are right now, my dear" he caressed her cheek with affection.
"Yeah," she leaned into him, her head resting heavily on his shoulder. "I was proud of that water explanation; pretty good, wasn't it?" she grinned as they chuckled together.
"Very," Jane poked.
"But I can't believe how tired I am right now. I feel like a ton of bricks," the tough as nails cop confessed with a yawn.
"It takes a lot of work to grow a new life, Teresa," he gazed so sweetly at her. "My job is to make sure you don't overdo it… and to make sure you take care of yourself." Jane, massaged her back as he spoke, completely enamored of this glorious new turn their story had taken. He could not wait to take full advantage of this perfectly acceptable excuse to dote heavily on his fiercely independent love.
"MmHmm," Lisbon chuckled; too tired to argue the point.
The Janes held each other tenderly, full of adoration and wonder. This day had begun with love and anticipation; and Lisbon's news had amplified both of those emotions.
After a long while, they loosened their embrace - each beaming at the other. Jane couldn't believe what a lucky bastard he was. He had already been so fulfilled by the privilege of being Teresa's husband; but this news about the baby was overwhelming his system with elation. Lisbon was especially overjoyed by the unfettered happiness she saw on her partner's face; this happy ending had been such a long time coming.
"Well, from now on we need to promise that we'll always look at the bright side," Jane glimmered.
Lisbon sparkled back: "I promise."
THE END
(A/N: Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed the fluffy goodness of this story as much as I did :) Coming soon: there's new story taking shape - based on my one-shot "Worth a Shot." Stay tuned!)