Memories of A Life Together: Part 6
Title: Memories of a life together part 6: I Do
Author: Loopyem89
Rating: PG
Pairing: Jane/ Maura (Rizzoli & Isles)
Category: Drama/Romance
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. No infringement intended and no profit will be made from their use.
Summary: Think the title says it all...
Author’s Note: Ok so here's the 6th part in the series and i have plenty more ideas that im thinking about working on.Anyway suggestions, comments etc are always appreciated. Also thanks to all of you who have commented so far, glad your enjoying it so far =)
Memories of a life together: Part 6- I do…
“Happy Anniversary!”
The shock that appeared on Jane and Maura’s face upon entering the Rizzoli’s house was one of genuine surprise. They were greeted with cheering as Angela came up to envelope them both in a hug.
“I should have known you were up to something Ma, when you called.”
“But isn’t it nice though, your eighth wedding anniversary and you’ve even made it passed the seven year itch.”
“It’s lovely Angela, thank you.” Maura took hold of Jane’s hand, a gesture of support which also happened to calm her wife. Jane had been irked in the car after her parents had called insisting that she along with Maura came over to bring their daughter’s favourite toy bear which she always slept with. Their plans for a cozy, romantic night in together were soon forgotten when the older Rizzoli would not take no for an answer.
“No Ma it’s great I just wished you would of told us beforehand.”
“Nonsense, if I did that it wouldn’t have been a surprise. Now come along, there are people here who all want to talk to you.”
Almost an hour later, Jane slipped away from the party and headed upstairs to her old room where her daughter was sleeping. Maura had noticed and soon excused herself to follow. She didn’t have to guess where the detective had gone, even when they were at home Maura would often find her just sitting in their daughter’s room, especially if there had been a bad case and she was unable to sleep. Amongst all the horror and tragedy they witnessed in their work, Evelyn Rizzoli-Isles served as a reminder to them both of all that was good and innocent in the world. Jane pulled the blanket which had fallen down back up around the little girl and tucked her in after dropping a kiss to her forehead.
“I get the distinct impression that you’re trying to hide from everyone downstairs.” Maura came up and wrapped her arms around the woman in front of her and rested her head on her shoulder. A smile appeared on Jane’s face at the familiar feeling; she leaned into Maura and brought up her hands to cover those which had encircled her from behind.
“I just needed a little breathing space, all those Rizzolis can be a little overwhelming, even for me and I’m related to them all.”
“I have to admit I don’t recall a lot of them myself and yet your mother insists we’ve met them all.”
Jane let out a little chuckle. “We probably have met them, although it’s likely we haven’t seen many since the wedding reception eight years ago.”
“Ah now that’s a logical explanation for why I can’t remember. I forgot just how large your extended family is.”
“Now you remember why I told Ma I only wanted close family and friends at the actual ceremony.”
The two of them remained in a comfortable silence for a few minutes as they stood watch over their two year old daughter.
“I guess we had better get back down there before Ma comes looking for us.” As if on cue they heard the voice of Angela Rizzoli filter up from downstairs.
“Jane? Maura? It’s time for a speech!” The detective let out a small groan as her wife led them out the room and back to party. On their way they came to a stop as they passed a photo that Jane’s parents proudly had hanging up among the other family snapshots. It was of the two of them on their wedding day; Jane lovingly had her arms wrapped around her new wife from behind as she looked into the camera, while Maura on the other hand gazed up at the detective with nothing but adoration in her eyes. The beaming smiles they both wore reflected just how wonderful the day had been for them and for those who had gathered to celebrate.
“You know Maura, standing there in front of everyone as I declared my love for you was one of the most amazing moments of my life.”
“It was exactly the same for me Jane; you saw how emotional I became when we read our vows to one another.”
“How could I forget…You looked so beautiful I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”
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Jane breathed in the smell of summer flowers as she stood outside in the gardens of the hotel under the early afternoon sun, waiting for Maura to come down. All the guests had already gathered and were settled into their seats on the lawn ready for the ceremony to begin.
Both she and Maura had wanted to keep it simple and so they had decided to have both the wedding and reception within the grounds of an elegant hotel on the outskirts of the city. Although Angela had insisted on inviting the entire Rizzoli clan, Jane had managed to persuade her that they only wanted close family and friends for the ceremony. And so as she looked out into the ensemble that had gathered, she spotted all the people that mattered most to her and Maura; Frankie, Korsak, Frost, even her estranged brother Tommy had come after they had settled their differences in the months previously. The only noticeable absence was that of Maura’s adoptive parents, they had had little contact with them over the past two years since a relationship that was already strained, came under further pressure after Maura had told them about Jane. Although the woman had insisted she was ok, Jane knew how much it had hurt when her parents had declined to attend the wedding. She was soon torn from her thoughts when Frank Rizzoli appeared at her side.
“You look beautiful Jane; you don’t know just how proud I am of you.”
“Thanks Pop.”
“Your mom and Maura should be on the way down any minute now. You better prepare yourself since she looks stunning as well.”
The detective let out a shaky breath as she smoothed out any wrinkles in her suit assemble. After much deliberation, she had decided upon a white satin waistcoat laced up at the back, worn with a matching jacket and trousers. She had toyed with the idea of wearing a dress but decided that comfort and ease took priority for the most important day of her life, even if her mother didn’t necessarily agree.
“Janie!” The brunette turned around after hearing Angela call her name but her attention became focused on the woman who was standing next her.
“Maura…” The detective slowly made her way over to wear they were standing; her eyes never looked away as she took in the beauty that was Maura Isles, standing before her in her custom made white sheer silk v neck dress.
“We’ll give you two a few moments alone.”
“Thanks Ma.” Angela hugged them both before she joined her husband and headed out side to gather with the other guests on the lawn.
“Wow Maura you look stunning.”
“Thank you Jane, the same goes for you.”
They stood quietly with their eyes fixed on one another, enjoying the intimate moment before their union. Never did Jane imagine that she would be about to marry the woman, who had walked in, turned her life upside down and captured her heart. Maura for her part- after being devoid of close affection and warmth growing up- was grateful to have found somebody who she wanted to share her life with, someone who loved her for just the way she was.
Eventually the two of them made their way to Frank Rizzoli, who gladly escorted them both down the aisle together. At that moment; with his daughter and soon to be daughter in law on either side of him, he couldn’t have been more proud. As they stood before the registrar and the ceremony began, Maura smiled as she looked around and saw everyone who had joined with them to celebrate. A wave of sadness momentarily passed over her as she thought of her parents’ absence but it was soon forgotten. Jane for her part, kept her eyes firmly focused on her wife to be, it was a sight she knew she would never forget.
“The time has now come for both Jane and Maura to take their vows, which they have written for one another. Jane if you would like to go first.” The detective didn’t falter as she began to recite the words that she had agonized over for weeks.
“Maura from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were truly someone special; it was your beauty, spirit, and strength that allowed me to discover the meaning of real love. Now I know life will be full of trials and tribulations which are going to test our inner strength, our devotion, our love for one another. However through it all, I also know that I will never again feel alone; that you will always be there as someone who I can laugh and cry with. I know that during my darkest of days when I need someone to share my innermost thoughts and fears, you will be there without fail, And as I know you’ll be there for me, I swear to be there for you; I vow to be honest, caring and truthful, to love you as you are and to grow old with you as your love and your best friend. I will forever be by your side, ready to face anything and everything the world has to offer us.”
Maura didn’t try to cover up the tears that slipped from her eyes upon hearing the words that had been spoken for her. Jane reached up and brushed them away, her brilliant smile unbroken throughout it all.
“Maura if you would now like to take your turn.” She took a deep breath as she tried to calm the overwhelming emotions, she was feeling inside
“Jane I never thought that I would find someone that I could love, somebody who would love me back unconditionally but yet here I am, truly blessed to have found the truest form of love with you. You are without doubt one of the most passionate and caring people I know; my days have been filled with so much laughter and happiness since you became part of them and I never want that to change. So as I stand here today ready to start our journey of married life together, I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honouring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. You are the one constant in my life, my best friend and regardless of what life may bring us; I will from this day on, always stand steadfast at your side with your hand in mine.”
Even Jane was unable to stop her own tears from forming this time after hearing Maura deliver her vows. She was still unable to quite believe just how lucky she was to be standing making a commitment with the woman she loved.
“May I now have the rings.” Frankie was up immediately as he handed over the rings the he had been entrusted with.
After a quick blessing Jane took the simple silver band and placed it on Maura’s finger. “I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion. It is a sign of my commitment to you and our life together.”
More tears fell as Maura did the same. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you.”
All of those who had gathered to witness the union had smile on their faces as the registrar brought the ceremony to an end
“By the power vested in me by the State of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss one another.”
Loud cheers soon erupted as Maura with tears on her face, wrapped her arms around Jane’s neck and pulled her in for kiss. The detective moved to deepen it, as she wrapped her arms around Maura and brought their bodies closer together.
“I love you Jane, more than anything.”
“Right back at ya. You’re my life Maura and I’m going to spend to spend the rest of my days showing you just how much you mean to me.”
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“It sounds cliché Maura but when I laid eyes on you in that dress, you really did take my breath away. And even now, you continue to it, you’ve never been more beautiful.”
“Aww Jane...” Maura pulled her wife in close as she wiped away a few stray tears. They stayed that way until Angela once again appeared and interrupted them.
“There you two are, it’s time for you to make a speech.” Neither had a chance to respond, as she hurried them into where the guests were and quickly signalled for them to all be quiet. Maura taking hold of Jane’s hand stepped to stand a little behind her, signalling to the detective to do the honour.
“Well first of all on behalf of both me and Maura, we would like to thank you all for coming and sharing this with us and to Ma and Pop for organizing it. Secondly I would like to make a toast to my beautiful wife.” Jane wrapped her arm around Maura as she addressed the friends and family in front of her.
“Ten years ago this amazing woman standing right beside me walked into my life and ever since then, things have never been the same. I admit that it hasn’t always been easy, we’ve had our highs and we’ve had our lows, yet I don’t regret a single moment that has passed. Why? Because through it all, Maura has always been by me side, sharing all the burdens and all the joy too. She is my best friend, the mother of my child and the love of my life. To Maura!”
Loud cheers of her name erupted from those who had gathered. Like herself, some even had tears in their eyes. She didn’t’ hesitate as she moved in to kiss her wife. In that moment, as the detective’s arms wrapped around her, she had never felt so happy. Life couldn’t get any better, she had her family, she had her daughter and most importantly she had Jane.