A/N: I would like to dedicate this last bit to every person who has read, followed or favorited any of my stories. I can only assume you chose to do such things because you've liked/loved the stories, so thank you. Now, I opened this can of worms in Maura's POV and by that I mean 'LLH' as well as this story, so lets bring this fiery-themed thing home in the same fashion shall we?

-Quatorze-

`Epilogue: Anniversaire de mariage d'un an

I find myself often marveling at how quickly my life changed the moment Jane came into it. Now I daresay even on that day I boarded that plane I was utterly miserable, but it all just evaporated as soon as I saw her. Still I don't believe in love at first sight, even though all the evidence says I should be its most loyal believer. Now just over three years since that day, my life feels like I'm actually living it; participating, rather than being some spectator with a limited view on my own existence. But every single day since I met Jane has been an experience like no other and I know, had I not met her, I would have continued to remain absent even in my own life. I didn't really think being married would change anything between us and I was blessedly right, because Jane is far too noble to really withhold anything from me, nor would I ever with her. So when the subject of me being adopted came up again, I told Jane that I have no interest in knowing them, because some things are best left undisturbed, and besides now I have all the family a person could ever hope for.

I know Jane refrains from talking too much about her ex-husband around me. And I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't want to know that much about him, in fact every time I hear some small detail about Casey, I'm wholeheartedly glad I will never have to cross paths with him. But at the same time I desperately want Jane to confide in me, but I will never push her to do so, because if there is one main element I've learned about her is this: somethings she will only do on her own timetable and pushing her will get you nowhere. In fact our only minor disagreement in the last year, turned out to be a misunderstanding on my part. I asked Jane randomly one morning over breakfast why she was suddenly using her right hand to touch me intimately? I feared she had hurt her left and was just reluctant to tell me. Jane of course blushed and hedged a bit; which she does about on the subject of sex, but finally she said it was because she didn't want to have to take off her wedding ring every time we made love. I ended up blushing myself, because I wasn't prepared for such a concession.

So waking up to our first wedding anniversary; like any other day, I couldn't refrain from just watching Jane sleep for a while before I got up and started my daily routine. Jane starts hers by taking out Jo, who does sleep with us some nights, but more often than not she chooses to remain downstairs to guard the house. Which Jane says is a smack right in her face because Jo never did that at her house, but she rationalized the change had everything to do with more territory to watch over with our much larger home. Four days ago Jane told me to pick out what I wanted us to do today for our anniversary and I reluctantly agreed, but not at first. It wasn't until further reflection that I realized Jane doesn't really want to be in complete control of our relationship, she truly wants everything to be equal between us, which I also desire.

When I brought that to her attention, she merely said that I was right, and that the truth was she trusts me to know my own mind and to just tell her what I want or need. It goes without saying, that I voiced my sudden want right then and there at Jane's display of selflessness. However, last night when I told Jane how we are going to start the day, she was less than enthused or rather the sound of her voice belied that she found my suggestion completely ridiculous. I won't lie and say that it didn't wound me a bit emotionally, but having realized my distress she was quick to say she was only kidding, but said it still sounded like something a tourist would do. I smiled warmly at her as we left our home and started our adventure, and spending time with Jane is always that and more.

When we arrived at our destination her colorful commentary reared its head: "Oh snap Maur, she's teal and her name is Fenway Fanny!"

"Oh my gawd Maura! We're passing the fashion mecca; Newbury Street, shall I make him pull this thing over?"

"Maura how long does this thing last...what only eighty minutes...good times?"

I only chuckled at Jane's faux enthusiasm as our day together progressed, and looking back now our first year wasn't too stressful, just busy. My caseload increased due to more children being born to unsuitable parents, who then divorced or sadly put them up for adoption or were removed due to abuse. Those facets of my civic duty make me cringe, but I have the stomach for it. As for Jane, she tried to stay close to home, but some circumstances simply wouldn't allow for that and I had to soldier on alone for a few days here and there. But that doesn't matter because here we are and it's a beautiful day in more ways than just weather related. I pull my jacket tighter around me as the Boston Museum of Science can now only been seen in the driver's rearview mirror, as our mode of transportation makes its descent into the Charles River.

"Good day everyone and welcome to the water portion of The DUCK boat ride, my name is still Captain Will DuctTape and I'm still your con-duck-tor today since none of you have staged a mutiny against my command."

The tour guide's jovial spirit makes me smile, but I can feel Jane rolling her eyes, as she leans closer to me in our seats, "Captain Ducks-R-Fantastic looks like a gay pirate."

I cover my mouth with my hand quickly to keep from laughing, since our guide is still expounding on subjects of interest.

"The D.U.C.K is a World War Two style amphibious landing vehicle, whose predecessors played a crucial role in the allied invasion." Our rather morbidly attired guide says smiling, "And up ahead you can see The U.S.S Constitution; known affectionately as 'Old Ironsides' which is the oldest fully commissioned vessel in the Navy which is permanently berthed here in the Charlestown Navy Yard."

"He sounds a little like you, Maur."

I chuckle lowly and shake my head, while I opening the brochure about the tour.

"By that I surmise you mean my 'Google' capabilities." I say while scanning the brochure briefly, before looking at Jane. "But I feel it's more relevant to point out the fact that he is a tour guide, and it's an integral part of his job to be informed."

Jane just laughs under her breath, "Sure I'll buy that, but I know deep down you just don't wanna admit he might actually be some good competition in super nerd jeopardy."

I smile and laugh with Jane, but out of my peripheral I notice that our black clad guide is looking rather pointedly at us. And now I see why Jane wanted us to sit further back, so she could 'heckle' in an attempt to amuse herself and make me lose my composure in a public setting. The guide adjusts his tricorn hat that is decorated with fluffy yellow feathers, which is the only real color present on his costume and clears his throat.

"Boston Harbor is the home of the very first lighthouse built in the United States. The original was destroyed during the American Revolution, but it was later rebuilt after the war and the replacement still stands today."

Jane snorts, "I take that back, screw jeopardy. I bet you two could have a 'Google-Off' and even though he's good, my money would still be on you." She says speaking lowly and I can't help but squirm at the natural sexiness of her voice. "But honestly I'm surprised you haven't commented on his ensemble." I roll my eyes at Jane's thinly veiled hand flourish, as she continues. "Well since you won't go there I will, not only does the dude look like a gay man-in-black pirate, he also looks like he's in mourning that he ran out of his favorite eyeliner and also found a run in his stockings this morning."

"Jane!" I admonish as quietly as possible while reigning in my laughter.

"Ye olde scullery maids stole me duck booty...arrgh."

Jane's poorly executed pirate impersonation renders me unable to contain my laughter any longer, so I hide behind my brochure and laugh.

"Well ladies and gentlemen we appear to have some of our own sight-seers." Our pirate themed guide states excitedly; as my laughter subsides some, while drawing our attention to the flock of ducks gathering on both sides of our floating vehicle. "Hey everyone, take out your duck whistles or just quack back to our visitors." The man's voice seems to always be very joyous, but it's not enough to make me take heed to his suggestion. I only purchased the duck whistle as a souvenir, but it's rather amusing it quacks instead of whistles.

"I. Am. Not. Quacking...at ducks!" Jane firmly states and I turn in my seat slightly to glance at her.

Of course I end up smiling at the expression on her face-the completely adorable frown line between her dark eyebrows, her wide eyes; showing more of their warm chocolate coloring. And I can't help but to giggle at her, which in turn garners a smug smirk, because she got me to laugh again. Some of the other people on this tour do quack at the ducks, and oddly I notice it's the same number who quacked at the people we passed on the street during that portion of the tour, once again at our guide's urging. Jane simply covers her mouth and I watch her shoulders shake with restrained laughter, I laugh too while nudging her in the side. Eventually our loud floating quack party moves off the river, and our guide turns back to address us.

"Well folks we're coming close to the end of the tour, but that doesn't mean there isn't any more to see."

"Polly want some more fun facts." Jane bird squawks low enough for only me too hear, and I end up snorting in a very unlady like fashion.

I try to stifle my laughter and direct my attention back to our guide.

"The Boston Public Library contains over fourteen million volumes of the printed word and...alright that's it, you two ladies on the left, fourth seat from the front would one of you like to come up here and drive the DUCK?"

Jane and I stop laughing to glance around at the other patrons who are now staring at us. I smile and look to Jane for assistance, but she only winks at me before addressing the tour guide.

"No that's okay there Captain DuctTape we...you see..." Jane says but her voice trails off as she looks at me smirking. "You know what, my wife Maura here would love to drive this thing and educate the people." I turn in my seat more to glare at Jane as my jaw goes slack.

"Alright then, everybody let's welcome Maura to the helm." My head snaps in the direction of the tour guides amused voice, and then I feel Jane grab my hand; squeezing it quickly and then letting go. I briefly glance at her before standing up, and then I slowly move to the front of the vehicle to stand next to the aptly dubbed-gay pirate.

Captain Will gives me a rather unfriendly appraisal, but the look quickly fades and he eventually smiles at me smugly. "So Maura what can you tell us about Boston?"

I exhale and fidget with my wedding ring while looking towards Jane, and she gives me two thumbs up followed by a bright smile and I feel my own demure smile grow wider.

"Well...Boston was originally named Shawmut by the local Native Americans and it was founded on September 17, 1630." I glance at our tour guide before continuing, "Harvard University was founded in 1636, and it is the first college established in the United States, or rather the colonies at the time." Confidently, I look over the gathering of people in our tour, and they all seem oddly entranced with my fun facts, as does our guide for that matter since he's failed to interrupt me even once. "Another interesting facet of Boston history is that from 1659 to 1681, it was against the law to celebrate Christmas because the pilgrims felt it was debauched." I expound while smiling at my audience that is surprisingly smiling back. Once again I look at Jane and she mouths for me to keep going. "And on a fun note, candlepin bowling was invented in Boston in 1880, also a golden pinecone sits atop of the gold dome at the State House."

I hear a faintly uttered 'Wow' from the tour guide, followed by a few more from the assembled collective. I'm used to directing the attention of arrogant attorneys, brash plaintiffs and the occasional irksome defendant in my court, but this clearly a different venue as well as context. And then suddenly clapping erupts from everyone onboard; even Captain DuctTape, and I look to Jane and she is smiling while most likely clapping the loudest of them all.

Smiling, I turn to our stunned but politely applauding guide, "Uh...thank you Maura, you're obviously a very knowledgeable citizen of our fair city."

"You're welcome and I'm going to return to my seat now." I say with a smile before moving back to my seat. "Because I really don't want to drive this vehicle without reading its manual first."

I pass more than a few smiling faces on my way back there, and of course I'm greeted by the most beautiful smile courtesy of the most charming person I've ever met. I sit back down next to Jane as our guide resumes what's left of the tour, while the DUCK's diesel engine drones on as an added coloring to the experience.

"I did say you could kick his ass didn't I?" Jane says playfully as she leans over and kisses me on my cheek. And in this moment I'm too overcome with joy at the amount of pride Jane is showing in me, to chastise her for the tame profanity.

"And after all, the force is strong with you." Jane adds, lowering her voice to try and emulate that older gentleman from Star Wars. I laugh and shake my head at Jane, as I reach for her hand to hold in mine.

"I still can't believe you put me in that position." I say as Jane locks our front door behind us, while I move to the closet to hang up the light jacket I wore for the day.

"And I can't believe you didn't check out a few dozen library books while we were in the vicinity of millions of precious tomes." Jane retorts very sarcastically as she passes by me on her way to the kitchen no doubt.

I laugh as exit the closet to catch up with her, and predictably she is inspecting the refrigerators contents. Admittedly, I'm rather envious of Jane's apparent high metabolism, but I still wouldn't eat even a fraction of the things she buys when we go food shopping.

"Seriously why would you do that to me?" I say while adding that pout to my voice that makes Jane cave, most of the time.

Granted I'm not upset at all. The experience was invigorating but still her motives have left me curious.

Jane leans out of the refrigerator to look at me, "What? You took to it like a duck to water."

"Very funny and a clever euphemism as a bonus." I concede while pushing past Jane in the open refrigerator door to grab a bottled vitamin water; unscrewing the cap.

I watch as Jane closes the door somewhat firmly and turns around rolling her eyes, while her hands settle on her hips. The refrigerator and its contents forgotten for the meantime.

"Okay, I had fun in end but only because of you." Jane says and I smirk and take a long drink of water to hide my amusement. "And I'm really not one for showing off in public, but I really wanted that silly tour guide and those people to see what I see, I wanted them to see how special you are...all by yourself." Jane says reverently as a faint blush begins to highlight her high cheekbones.

I place my bottled water down on the countertop and close the small distance between us, and I observe that Jane's pupils dilate and her respirations increase slightly, both of which make me smile knowingly.

Jane clears her throat, "And I figured it was just a matter of time before Captain Duck Lover busted up my fun, which he did and my retaliation was intellectual death on the high seas by the Isles Of Dr. Smartypants."

With a laugh I wind my arms around Jane's trim waist, and let my head come to rest against her chest.

"Thank you, Janie." I say against her heartbeat, as her arms encircle my shoulders. "You know after trying out your nickname for a year, I believe I prefer to just call you Jane."

My best friend and the love of my life laughs and I squeeze her a little tighter to me.

"Excellent choice, because there's no way you can compete with me and my vast array of clever nicknames for you." She says rather smugly.

I pinch Jane on her side, "Ouch Maur! What is it with you and the pinching, is that your expression of tough love?"

I lean back from Jane's embrace and look up into her eyes, "Maybe, but in all fairness I need something in my arsenal against your ever expanding nicknames for me." I retort while letting my hands wander down to Jane's hips briefly, before moving back upwards to settle on her fantastic abdominals. "And I know you secretly like it."

Jane visibly shudders at my touch, "Zero to seduction...how about that for a nickname?" She retorts smirking at me.

"Hmmm, I can live with that so long as it's not spoken outside of this house." I reply seductively as I run my hands up over Jane's soft yet firm breasts.

"I swear sometimes I think you..." I silence Jane with a finger gently applied to her lips, "Less talking, more this." And with that said I quickly replace my finger with my mouth.

My mind always frantically scrambles over itself when I'm kissing Jane, or rather that I become conscious of only one thing. The logical side becomes static; white noise and then goes sense and reason, until all that's left is my emotional side. And what I feel like is a fierce being that was only awakened by the person who is in my arms now. I love kissing her; driving her to the brink of that monumental moment-the gravity of a pure surrender. I moan and press my body against Jane's, which elicits a small string of noises from her in return.

"Bedroom Maur...bedroom...now." Jane mutters against my lips and I smile.

I exhale deeply and squeeze Jane tighter to me, as my left hand rests just under her breast and my thumb rubs the underside of it lightly.

"You know Sigmund Freud linked orgasms to sexual development. He argued that clitoral orgasms were characteristics of the young and immature, and that vaginal orgasms represented a more healthy sexual response."

"Gotta love your version of pillow talk." Jane says under her breath while moving out of my arms to turn over on her back, I frown slightly at the loss of contact but I end up giggling at her nonetheless. Jane chuckles as well and tilts her head to the side to look directly at me. "So keep going, what's next in your sexual dissertation Dr. Isles?"

I narrow my eyes at Jane and move in for the kill as the popular phrase goes.

"Did you know that the average woman's vagina can handle an object nine inches long and eight inches around? Because when aroused the vaginal walls are very elastic, which stretches in length and width."

Jane makes a pained expression and inhales loudly through her teeth, "Okay that's just gross. So I'm going to run to the kitchen for a snack," She throws the covers off and pads across the room naked to her closet, and in less than a minute later she emerges with shorts on and a shirt in her hand. "That is if I can get that mental picture you painted out of my head to put food in my mouth, and have it stay down long enough to digest."

I turn over and laugh into my pillow, but not enough to obstruct my view of Jane getting dressed and I greedily watch her pull on her shirt.

"Jane why are you wearing boxer shorts?" I say while lifting my head off the pillow more to see her fully. She snorts and pulls her long hair out of the neck of her shirt.

"Yes, I'm wearing such a thing, but just so you know I got them with you in mind." I can't help but look confused at Jane's playful confession. "And don't worry they're one hundred percent cotton, not the poly crap you hate." Jane continues while grinning at me, before turning around. "And for some reason I thought you might like them."

I watch intently as Jane lifts the tail of her shirt, which is an old and unbelievably soft Aerosmith T-shirt that says 'Janie's Got a Gun' on the back that I occasionally borrow.

"Jane! There is a tortoise on your behind." I exclaim and my hand goes to cover my mouth.

The next thing I notice is that directly above the image is a phrase and after reading it I simply can't hold in my laughter. I collapse back on the bed clutching my hands over my face; my eyes leaking lacrimal fluid from the corners.

Jane laughs, "I knew you'd love my sexy and comfortable 'Kiss My Bass' underwear." I move my hands off my face at the sudden nearness of Jane's voice; looking up she is in fact standing over me on my side of our bed. "So I'm taking requests, what kind of sustenance do you require at this time?"

I giggle and sit up on the bed, deliberately letting the sheet fall down to expose my top half to Jane's eyes; which even in the dim lighting swiftly react.

"Just water and some fruit please." I say and oddly my voice is only a tinge seductive. "And don't mistakenly grab some of Bass' snacks."

Jane blinks slowly but then smirks, "You know that I know what you did just then, and you play dirty."

"I have no idea what you mean." I hedge playfully. "Because over the years you have seen me in every possible state."

Jane exhales loudly through her nose and turns to leave, "I'm going to the kitchen now, be back in a bit...Dr. Tease."

I laugh while staring after Jane as she moves across the room and opens the door to our bedroom.

"Happy anniversary Maur." Jane says warmly and I smile broadly at the endearingly sweet, funny, gorgeous and passionate person that I look forward to waking up with for as long as my lungs convert oxygen to carbon dioxide. But perhaps being a tad more poetic I should say: For as long as my body, which is carbon based, can sustain life and within that time frame I don't want to be without Jane.

-END-

Soundtrack:"Holehearted" by Extreme, "Hot In The City" by Billy Idol, "Up In Flames" by She Wants Revenge, "Hot Like Fire" by Aaliyah, & "Ring Of Fire" by Social Distortion

Afterword: We're done here, as of now this story stops just a few months before 'SOF' begins. And just so you know I held nothing back while writing this, because I deliberately tried to completely exhaust every little interesting and fun option I could think of as far as this thing goes. So I do hope you enjoyed the journey, which was always delivered briskly in the first person (not a fan of writing in the ever popular third, or rambling on and on over every little detail.) I have to say I was completely surprised with how this story turned out; not just the size of it, but with the first half I was worried that I might not be able to replicate how 'LLH' read. While the second act so to speak, from six to now, was its own animal-a totally new voice that didn't have to sound like the other two stories. I'm glad to be finished with my trilogy but I just might miss writing it. I had one goal in mind when I started this all those months ago, and that was to make people laugh. Because it never escaped me that looking at the R & I fandom, the view is mostly 'angstafied' and sometimes just plain 'WTF'. I would like to say neither one of those elements are bad, to each their own I say. So my intention was to inject a bit of levity while still answering to what I thought was the readers greatest craving-Rizzles. I'm not going to measure my failure here to attract an audience, but I will say I was disappointed by the experience of writing for this fandom. I don't know when or if I'll write another story for R & I, since it's been a bittersweet experiment for me; one that I quietly slipped into and one I'm going to quietly slip out of.

Addendum/December 2015: It's been two years and I've written a fair amount of stories for different fandoms since this. It was fun in a sense to revisit my past and with a little metaphorical spit and polish made it a little bit better than it was. So I bid you happy reading to those who've stumbled on this, and to those who've come back again and still leave with a smile on their face.