"What do you think?"
"I'm no expert on Hollow Earth fashion… but I like it."
Kate's lips purse as she gazes at Helen for a long moment, then back to the mirror. Behind her, Magnus' mouth is still twisted into a wry grin, warmth in her eyes.
"Really? Because I don't have - "
"You look lovely, Kate."
The firm response is exactly what Kate needs in this moment and, lips still pursed, she nods emphatically, much more secure now that she has approval. Funny how she's grown since coming to the Sanctuary. Now she's left the world she knew, become a leader alongside her husband to be - hell, she's getting married. But it troubles her; not the getting married; she's happier than she could ever imagine where that's concerned. Still.
"Listen, I…" The good doctor's brows raise, and her voice catches in her throat, lips parting in silence for a long moment. Helen is expectant, but doesn't go digging for information. It both quells and deepens her anxiety. "I just" - her hand flies up in a nervous gesture before she's able to finish in a rush. "Parents play a big part in the ceremony here too, you know? Giving daughters away and all, but… my parents aren't here. You're the closest thing I've got, and I was wondering if - you." But her eyes move from the floor back up to Magnus' face, and again, she's struck dumb for a moment. "Stupid question, I'm - sorry."
But she's read Helen all wrong, and the older woman shakes her head quickly. "No, not at all," she counters with sincerity, standing up and moving toward Kate with an outstretched hand. Their relationship has never been a physical one - in fact, it's always been a bit distant - but in this moment, it feels right to wrap Kate up in a hug that the younger woman is hesitant about, but soon returns just as fiercely. "I would be absolutely honored to be there," Helen finishes, giving Kate one more squeeze before withdrawing.
A teary glaze is in both of their eyes, and Kate thinks it a little silly, in one respect. She wipes her own eyes and sniffles a little before smiling winsomely up at Helen. "In that case, we should probably go see Garris' mother. She offered to arrange the ceremony. The mother of the bride is usually expected to do the, uh… hair and the makeup and… but she would probably - "
"Kate," she interrupts, lifting her brows again as she gazes at Kate with an odd half-smile for a moment, which transitions into a broad grin. "Hair and makeup are two of my specialties."