Okay guys… this is it. Thanks so much for the great reviews. They make me smile J

Disclaimer: Not mine.

If It Kills Me

SIX MONTHS LATER

"Patrick," Teresa snapped impatiently. "Where are we going?"

But he just grinned.

She sighed, exasperated.

He had told her that they were going out for a nice dinner. He'd told her to dress nice. She had followed instructions. But now… they were not at a restaurant. They were in the middle of the woods.

Patrick held her hand, leading her deeper and deeper into the trees. She followed, irritated and confused.

He finally stopped, and turned to face her. "Okay," he began. He seemed nervous.

"What?" she asked.

"Well, first, I need to explain something to you."

"Alright…"

A smile slowly crept across his face. "A few weeks ago, I had a dream about you and I." He paused, then revised. "That isn't so unusual, because you're in my dreams every night." His smile widened, and Teresa blushed, despite herself. Jane went on. "But the dream I had a few weeks ago… it took place in the trees, just like where we are now."

Lisbon waited, and when he didn't continue, she sighed again. "What happened in the dream, Patrick?"

His grin got even bigger, if possible, and that made Teresa a little nervous.

"Let me show you," he whispered.

"What-" Lisbon began, but as soon as she understood what he was doing, her heart completely stopped.

Patrick Jane got down on one knee.

"Oh my God," she murmured.

Jane reached out and took Teresa's hand. By now, her heart had started again and was pounding in her ears.The love of her life took his other hand and reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a small, black satin box.

Teresa's breath caught in her throat. She thought she might pass out right then and there.

Patrick opened the box, and there, in the satin, was the most beautiful ring Teresa had ever seen in her entire life.

"Teresa Lisbon," Patrick said. He looked just as nervous as she felt. "I promise to love you every single second of eternity." He paused. She assumed it was for dramatic effect, but she just found it cruel. He was trying to build up suspense.

"Will you marry me?" he finally finished.

An overwhelming wave of joy and love and happiness flooded through her. She laughed a careless laugh, let a tear slip from her eye, and threw her arms around Patrick Jane.

"Yes," she whispered into his ear.

He laughed, sounding almost… relieved. "I love you." Then, he kissed her on the lips with as much passion to last a lifetime.

Oh, wait. He was going to last her lifetime.