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Calm. Calm and so light and happy. She doesn't really hear him speak, this man, this stranger reciting the words that would make them man and wife. Barely realizes she's speaking her vows until Charles squeezes her hand and quirks an eyebrow as she promises to 'obey' him always.

She can't help the small laugh that escapes her then, how well he knows her. Obey? Never, not blindly, not for some antiquated view about the subservience of women. But love? Forever and always. Every part of him, the stubborn old booby heavily attached to tradition, the cheerful Charlie who danced his way through the halls and into her heart. The passionate soul who argues, but listens, values her thoughts and feelings. The sweet, gentle giant who needs protecting, needs her to soften the blows of change, needs protecting from those who are careless with his feelings. And the man. The man who simply loves her, offers to cherish her always, protects her however he can.

Tears fall from his eyes as she looks at him as if she sees every part, understands everything he is, loves him in spite of it, maybe even because of it. He takes a shaky breath, and she reaches for him, brushes the tears from his cheek.

His skin is warm against her fingers. She can do this now, she can touch the man who is about to be her husband. The man who is displaying his love for the world to see, showing her the depths of his devotion. She grasps his hand tightly once more and his thumb gently traces over her fingers.

Just like that the words have been said, spoken by a stranger, and they are bound in the presence of God and the law.

Now he may kiss her, his bride, his Elsie for the first time as her husband and it is the most perfect moment of his life. He feels her hands on his chest as she tugs him forward and he leans in, running his fingers across her face, behind her ear as he cups her cheek. He pauses and their eyes meet, breaths mingling for a moment before she closes the distance, presses her lips against his. It is warm, soft, sweet, and breaks only because Elsie can't contain her smile. His hands are still on her face as they pause, foreheads touching, eyes closed.

"Next couple please." Their moment of peace at an end, Charles presses his lips to her cheek and takes her hand. He can do nothing but stare until she pulls him forward, through the doors and down the hall, as another couple takes their place.

They stop in the entrance of the building and Charles pulls her close. Too close for friends, for colleagues, but a perfectly respectable distance for husband and wife. His hand rests on her waist as he speaks.

"Well Mrs. Carson, what would you like to do with our free afternoon?"

She beams at her new title, can't help but brush the curl from his forehead as she answers.

"I don't know about you husband, but I have quite the appetite. Looking at our new home was certainly – exhilarating." A blush covers his face at her words, but it's the proud smile that accompanies it that makes her laugh out loud.

"I suggest that we have a nice big meal, and maybe get a room at an inn where we can discuss our plans in greater detail?"

"A room at – at an inn?" He still holds her close, but seems almost bashful as he speaks.

"Yes dear, an inn." She pats his chest gently.

"An inn."

"Yes Charles."

"Where we can discuss our future?" Her hand slides to the back of his neck.

"Mhm, yes sweetheart, I feel an in-depth, rigorous discussion is in order."

"A discussion." She steps closer and leans forward on her toes so she can reach him.

"Yes dear, a discussion."

"About our future." She smiles and presses a kiss to his lips before leaning back and taking his hand.

"My darling I do hope this isn't a demonstration of your conversation skills now that we've become husband and wife?"

He places his hand on top of hers, gives it a squeeze before he continues.

"Sorry, it's just that, I want to be sure you're ready for a discussion."

"I am."

"And that you know that we don't need to discuss anything, that I don't need to discuss anything until you're absolutely ready. I need to be sure you will tell me if you want the discussion to stop at any time."

"I won't need it to stop, but I will tell you Charles, if that is the case."

"And – " He pauses now, can't hold her gaze, so he studies his shoes.

"And?"

"And that you won't be – disappointed by the discussion, I want to be sure it won't hurt, and that you are, well - completely satisfied with the outcome of the discussion."

He looks so shy now, maybe a little bit scared and it breaks her heart. She had been so focused on her own insecurities that she hadn't considered that he would have some as well. Of course she hadn't, he is a beautiful man, she'd always thought so. Strong, powerful, with a commanding presence, but perhaps he didn't see that.

He felt her fingers on his chin, tilting his head to meet her gaze. She gave him loving look and a soft smile before she spoke.

"I promise you, my darling Charles, that there is no way I could possibly be unsatisfied with you. Just being near you, holding you, feeling your hands on me, I feel more whole than I ever have when we are apart."

He felt hope well within him. "Truly?"

She grabbed his hand, brought it to her chest before placing a tender kiss to his knuckles.

"Truly."

She felt herself being swept into his arms for a moment before he pulled back.

"Well then dear wife, your wish is my command. We shall have a magnificent wedding feast before we settle in for a - discussion."

"Alright then." She laced her arm through his as they struck out on their first walk as husband and wife.

Ta da! Another chapter. Thank you for reading - I hope you enjoyed this one:)