A/N: Okay, so I am now officially posting the sequel to Beyond The Sea. This one is a little different in three ways; one: the series of drabbles will tell of their first few hours/days as Mr and Mrs Carson so the timescale to this one is drastically shorter than the last. Two: the theme this time is 'firsts' so in each drabble there will be some kind of first (mind out of the gutter people, although yeah we will get there too). And three: this set of drabbles is not complete. I don't usually post incomplete fic anymore, but you are all so encouraging and have suggestions and I love that. So, if you have any suggestions for firsts you'd like to see, I'd love to read them. I know where this story is going, but there is a lot of leeway in the individual drabbles and I definitely welcome any help you wonderful people can give!

But, on to drabble one: the first 'i love you'

_those sweet words_

She is a vision as she approaches, white dress, white veil, white shoes - white face from nerves and the same anxious need he has, to no longer be separate people, to not be kept apart.

The dress is simple and plain but she could be wearing one of Lady Grantham's finest and she could not look more perfect to him than she does now.

He can just see her smile through the veil, knows there is one bigger, sillier on his own face. Does not care because he is marrying her today, now and he cannot think of things like dignity and propriety when it is taking everything in him not to rush down the aisle and sweep her into his arms.

Soon, soon he can touch her when he wants, can kiss her lips, her skin and not stop when his heart races, his blood rushes and he knows that much more and he won't ever hear the door opening for Mr Barrow, or Mrs Patmore's happy tread.

Can run his fingers through her hair, so tightly pinned now to her head. He doesn't know how long it is loose, does it curl on its own if left to dry, will it spread out like a dark puddle around her head when she lays against their sheets?

Will she leave her pins in each evening so he can pull them out himself, one by one, kiss her neck, behind her ears as they disappear beneath the fall of locks, tangle his fingers in and tip her head back. Kiss her like a man kisses his wife - like lovers.

His cheeks heat and she smirks at him as the veil is lifted from her face, eyebrow raised.

"I love you," he says as they turn to the altar, takes her hand in his.

"Daft man," she says and gives his fingers a quick squeeze.

Next time: the first 'Mrs Carson'.