Disclaimer: I don't own R&I and the song.

Chapter 24

"Later than the sunset

Later than the rain

Later than never

To love you again."

~Later by Fra Lippo Lippi

A year has passed and Jane and Maura has been happier than ever. Sure there were fights, misunderstandings due to their differences and beliefs. They even came to the point when they were questioning if what they did was a good call or they should remain as best friends only. But whenever they fight, they always try to remember why they wanted to be together in the first place like what Angela told them before. And they made it. They resolved their issues and their bond became stronger than ever. Their love for each other grew stronger even. And now here they are in their first anniversary as a couple. Maura wanted to go back to Casco Town where Jane brought her months ago and the brunette obliged. Yes, she also wants to go back to that place. A place where she first felt how Maura loved her dearly.

Maura was talking to the caretaker to get their keys as soon as they arrived at Casco Town. Jane, on the other hand unloading their luggage from the trunk and wondered why Maura brought at least three luggage when they will only stay there for three days and two nights, not to mention the shoulder bag Maura brought, too. Jane rolled her eyes when she was finally done unloading their things. Maura has yet to get back to her and help her but when she turned around, Maura was busy talking to the caretaker of the cabin. Maura was laughing and Jane watched her as she leaned on the car, crossed arms and with a smile on her face. Jane will never get tired of that smile. That Maura's smile that could light up even the dark corner of the room. She just hopes that that smile of Maura will never leave her face. And she vowed to herself, she will do everything she can just so she could see that smile everyday.

A year ago, Jane was this lonesome person who was so distanced to her best friend because of the great relationship Maura had with Jack. Or she at least thought it was great. She thought she was being left behind and Maura didn't need her anymore. But she was wrong. Maura needed her. Maura loved her. And Maura chose her. And Jane couldn't be any happier than that. She was grateful. And happy that her best friend chose her no matter how stubborn, hot tempered, and sarcastic she is. No one in her entire life put up with her attitude like that so far. No one but Maura.

Maura was done talking to the caretaker. When she turned around to get back to Jane, she saw the very woman leaning on the car, watching her, smiling. Maura stopped walking and smiled back as Jane's smile was so contagious. Who knew they will end up together? Who knew they will get this far? All Maura ever wanted in her life was someone to accept her, flaws and all. Her being dorky. Her awkwardness. Her being goofy and ice cold sometimes. Jane was that person. Jane didn't only offered her friendship, also her family. She brought so much things money can't buy into her life and she will be forever grateful for that. What Maura didn't expect was for that very same person to be the love of her life. Thinking back to their conversation years back when Maura told Jane that Ian was the love of her life, she thought it was true. Maybe it was true before when there was only friendship between her and Jane. Now it was a lie. Because that person, the one who is the love of her life is Jane.

Slowly, Maura walked back to Jane with a smile on her face and Jane's smile never left her face also. Maura stopped inches away from her and she could see the love shining in the detective's eyes. Nothing but pure love.

"Hi." Jane greeted. She couldn't take off of her eyes from the doctor.

"Hi back." Maura greeted back as they both chuckled.

"So, you're done talking with them? You got the keys?"

Maura nodded. "Yes. And also I asked them if they could reserve a dinner date tonight for the both of us to that restaurant we wen to before."

"Great. You really planned this all out, huh?"

"Uh huh. By the way, here's your key." Maura handed her the key with a 'J' key chain on it.

"Wow, what a coincidence. The key chain is my initial."

"It's not a coincidence, Jane."

Jane frowned, not following Maura. "Huh? What do you mean, Maur?"

"That is yours, Jane. And this is mine." Maura showed her a spare key with an 'M' key chain on it.

"Okay? I'm lost here. Can you explain?"

"The cabin where will we stay is ours Jane."

Jane gasped. She didn't see it coming. "You bought the cabin?" Maura nodded. "That very same cabin?"

"Yes, Jane. I did."

Jane is still shocked. She's trying very hard why Maura bought the cabin. "But why?"

"Because I remembered you said you wanted to buy a cabin here someday. So I bought that very same cabin where we stayed before as a gift for you."

Jane was speechless. If there's someone who can make Jane speechless other than her mother, it sure is Maura. In a good way, anyway.

"You didn't like it?" Maura's smile dropped and she started to panic.

Immediately, Jane cupped Maura's cheeks with both her hands and looked directly at Maura's eyes. "Hey, hey, no. I mean, I like it. I was just trying to process everything. I mean, you did this for me?"

Maura smiled again. "Well, I just wanted to thank you for everything. You know, I didn't expect someone who will accept for who I really am. Yet here you are. You brought joy and -"

Maura wasn't able to finish what she was about to say when Jane's lips landed on her. Jane captured Maura's lips in a long sweet kiss. It wasn't hurried, nor soft. Yet, it is wanted and welcomed. Perfect.

When they both parted, Jane pressed their foreheads together. "Thank you. I promise I will take care of it as I will take care of you."

"I know. That's why I trust you with all I have." Maura gave Jane a peck on her lips.

Jane brought something with her, too. But she planned on giving it to Maura during their dinner date. But she can no longer wait for dinner to arrive. And it seems like this is the perfect time to give it to Maura.

Slowly, Jane got something from her pocket. A small, black velvet box. When she looked at Maura's eyes, there were lots of questions she found in those hazel eyes of her. She opened it a revealed a white gold necklace with an infinity symbol as pendant. There were two birthstones embedded on it. Her and Maura's birthstones.

"Will you hold the box for me, please?" Jane asked and Maura obliged.

Slowly, Jane got the necklace and put it around Maura's neck. "It has our birthstones on it."

"Very observant Dr. Isles."

"Jane..."

"This is me Detective Jane Rizzoli promise you Dr. Maura Isles that I will take care of you and love you for the rest of my life. I will always be here for you." When Jane looked at Maura's eyes, she saw tears shining in the other woman's eyes. Tears of joy at least. She wiped them with her thumb.

In return, Maura cupped Jane's cheeks and leaned in for a short kiss. "And this is me Dr. Maura Isles promise you Detective Jane Rizzoli that I will be forever yours. And yours only."

A year ago, Jane and Maura were suffering through the effects of their strained friendship. Now, a year later, their friendship is back and their bond was even greater. Better late than never, huh?

END.

AN: Thank you everyone for riding with me in the roller coaster emotions this story has. Thank you for the feedback, alerts and faves. They are all greatly appreciated. I give you now the ending of the story. I hope you enjoy this one as I enjoyed writing this. Until next time if ever there is. Again, thank you all.