Katrina's Charm

Disclaimer: Sleepy Hollow doesn't belong to me (neither the movie nor the novel) and I'm making no money with this.

Chapter 1

It was Ichabod's and Katrina's wedding day. They had decided to get married in New York, because Katrina wanted to burn her bridges and to start over new. She had sold her father's house and land and taken the next train with Ichabod and Masbeth. They were standing in a small chapel, only the three of them and a priest, who was asking Katrina and Ichabod to say their vows now.

"Miss Van Tassel, do you want to start?" He asked.

Now is the last chance to tell him before he marries you, Katrina told herself. But how he would he react? Would he freak out? Did she even have to tell him? There was a good chance he would never find out on his own. If his love for her was real, nothing would change between them during the next days. But what if it was only based on an illusion? Would the magic of their love be gone soon?

"Miss Van Tassel?" The priest asked. Ichabod looked concerned at his wife-to-be.

Katrina gave him a quick smile and met his gaze. "Ichabod, you are the most caring, kind and smart man I have ever met. I was fascinated by your friendly voice even before I saw you. And when I finally opened my eyes to look into your tender eyes, I was lost. What was fascination at the beginning grew deeper with each day. And when you gave me the most previous gift I've ever received – a bird, beautiful and perfect, mine, but still free - I knew for sure that I loved you. And I started to believe that this is how love can be- how our love can be. We can love and treasure each other; we can belong to each other, but still be free and whole as individuals. I love you, Ichabod Crane, with everything I have and with everything I am and I will always do. Please do not forget that ever, no matter what the future brings," Katrina said, her voice quivering at the last words.

"Mr. Crane, are you ready to reply?" The priest asked.

Ichabod nodded trying to blink away the tears in his eyes. "I did not believe in magic when I came to Sleepy Hollow but my first meeting with you proved me wrong. A kiss by a stranger challenged my whole world. As a scientist, I did not believe in love at first sight. I was wrong. I have been under your spell since this very first moment. I tried to deny that, but I could not help it. My heart races and my mind spins whenever I look into your eyes. And for the first time in my life I am not searching for an explanation. I am just happy and enjoy the being bewitched by you. I love you, Katrina Van Tassel and I want to spend the rest of my life under your spell."

Tears were streaming down Katrina's face now. But it weren't happy tears like you might think. It were tears of fear and guilt. But he did say he fell in love with you this very first day. Was that true or was his confused mind playing a trick on him and influenced his memory?

"Now that Katrina Van Tassel and Ichabod Crane have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. You may now kiss the bride."

Ichabod kissed Katrina and she returned the kiss with desperate passion.

Later that evening, Ichabod stood in their bedroom, nervously waiting for Katrina to come out of the bathroom. He was afraid to disappoint Katrina during their wedding night. How should he tell her that he had never been with a woman before? Something else was bothering him, too. Katrina had been quite withdrawn and sad during the ceremony. Was she having doubts? Was she already regretting marrying him?

Katrina stood in the bathroom. She had been ready changing into a beautiful night gown for half an hour, but was afraid to come out. I have to tell him now. You can't base a marriage on a lie. But how could she tell him what she was and what she had done?