Re: Doug/Maura
"Like I said, they aren't perfect," she replied with a smile. "And they didn't realize they were getting a daughter-in-law, so I'm sure they've been better behaved than they would if they'd known I would end up part of the family." Her smile softened a little as she nodded. "The Rizzolis are the third. They're a large, loud Italian Catholic family about as opposite from the family I grew up in as it's possible to get. It is overwhelming sometimes, having so many people caring, but I love them. I always planned to make Jane wear something frilly and feminine as my maid of honor. She'd have hated it because she thinks she's too much of a tough cop to be able to pull off pretty. Jane and her family have been the ones to keep me going over the last year. My parents are good people and I love them. But, until recently we haven't been very close, each living our separate lives." And the less said about her birth parents, the better.
"I wish my mother could have been here, today. I think she would like you." Squeezing the hand in his, she had to stop and adjust her hold on the dress to keep it from dragging. When she straightened, she regarded him seriously for a moment. "Why do you do that? Compare yourself to your father like that when there isn't a comparison. You're not him, Doug. Even if you think you are, you don't have to be. You're still a young man with your whole life ahead of you to be the kind of man you want to be. Your father wouldn't be the man to suggest a marriage like this, would he? You're a good friend, a good brother, a good son. It makes logical sense that you would be a good boyfriend, lover, and husband as well. I hope we have that discussion in the future because you've found the woman who can show that."
Sighing, she shrugged one shoulder. "If it was just about me, I wouldn't bother. She would hardly be the first. But, as you said, to the rest, I am your wife and part of your family. And, I know enough about law enforcement to know if your families don't get along, it puts a strain on a partnership." Taking a breath, she set her mind to stop feeling sorry for herself. It had never done her any good, anyway. "I shall just have to talk to her. Subtle wasn't Jane's favorite word, either." Laughing, she turned to lean up and kiss his cheek. "It sounds to me like you need a basket case doctor in your family to keep you from doing such horrible things to your health."