Helena offers to obtain the marriage license, but considering her neglect is the reason for their current predicament, Myka decides to take responsibility for the marriage license herself. However, a quick search on the Internet and a phone call to confirm, (Myka is leaving nothing to chance) reveals that both parties must be present to obtain the license, so bright and early Tuesday morning, Myka and Helena are there on the steps of the courthouse waiting for the doors to open.

The September morning is brisk, a chill in the air and Myka is grateful for the steaming cup of coffee in her hands that Helena insisted on purchasing for her on their way to the courthouse. She takes a sip now and her eyes meet Helena's over the rim of her cup as Helena sips at her own hot tea.

"Thank you again for doing this, Myka," Helena says.

Myka waves her off. "That's what friends do right? Marry each other when they're faced with deportation," she laughs lightly.

"I'm not quite sure all friends would be so willing to step up in this circumstance, but you only reinforce the reason why I'm very lucky to call you my friend."

"I'm sure you would do the same for me."

"Ah, but I'm quite sure you would not ask such a thing of me," Helena says despondently.

"Hey," Myka gently chides, laying a hand along Helena's arm to offer comfort, "if that's true, it's only because as you know, I'd have the visa paperwork filled out and completed well in advance," she says, her eyes shining with amusement.

"That is true," Helena concedes. "You're always so organized, dotting every i and crossing every t as it were."

"It's who I am," Myka agrees with a shrug.

"Yes, and I'm extremely grateful that you are who you are," Helena says softly and Myka feels the heat of a blush form in her cheeks at the way Helena is looking at her, her eyes soft and sincere.

Uncertain what to say in response, an awkward silence follows in the space of several heartbeats before Helena is speaking again, somewhat hesitantly.

"I've been giving it some thought…since yesterday that is, wondering what we should do about our names."

"What do you mean?" Myka asks.

"We'll have to sign the marriage certificate once we're actually married. Traditionally, married couples share their name."

A burst of laughter tumbles from Myka's lips. "I'd say our impending marriage is hardly traditional."

"Yes," Helena sighs. "You're right of course."

Myka raises an eyebrow at Helena's…disappointed reaction and feels her pulse begin to quicken. "Wait, are you saying you want to take my name?" she asks confused and is surprised to see a pink hue in Helena's cheeks. It could be affects of the cold, but Myka is fairly certain Helena is actually blushing.

"Well, more like take each other's names. Wells-Bering or Bering-Wells, some variation of the sort. I think perhaps Bering-Wells would be more agreeable…you do have the alphabet on your side…and it does roll off the tongue slightly better," Helena stammers.

Myka is on the brink of grinning at the idea of Helena actually giving thought to what name they should share, but there is a nagging question on her mind. "Why bother changing names if we're just going to get the marriage annulled in three months?" she very logically asks and hates herself a little for it, especially when she watches Helena deflate before her eyes.

"Oh. Yes, well, I just thought perhaps it would look more official on the wedding certificate, I don't actually expect you to legally change your name," she explains.

"Well, if it's only for the marriage certificate," Myka contemplates, "I suppose it makes sense to share our name," she offers Helena a smile.

"Really?" Helena asks.

"Yeah, I mean you're right. We don't have to legally change our names. That would just be extra work to have to change them back later. But on the marriage certificate, it could be a good thing, especially if for some reason we are questioned about the validity of the marriage. It can't hurt," Myka concludes with a shrug.

Helena smiles brightly. "Aces."

Myka feels a rush of warmth spread through her chest at Helena's smile and wants to say…something, anything, but at just that moment, they both hear the turn of the lock in the door and the courthouse is opened for them to enter inside.

The office is empty except for the two women as they step up to the clerk's counter to ask about applying for a marriage license. The woman behind the counter offers them a friendly smile as they state their intention.

"We've gotten quite a few same-sex couples applying for marriage licenses since the law was passed," the clerk says. "It's so good to see people that have loved each other for years finally offered the opportunity to legalize that love for all the world to see."

"Yes, it is indeed," Helena readily agrees as Myka begins to silently fill out her portion of the paperwork.

"How long have you two been together?" the woman asks curiously.

"We've…known each other three years," Helena answers truthfully.

"And have you got your wedding all planned out? Dresses, cake, the works?"

Helena laughs. "Nothing so grand as that. Myka and I aren't very elaborate I'm afraid. A simple ceremony is all we need. In fact, we'll likely be back in this very courthouse later this week for the ceremony."

"That seems a shame. Two beautiful women like you should have a day of extravagance that celebrates you," the clerk says.

"I'm quite certain Myka and I will find a way to make the day memorable in our own special way," Helena smirks at Myka, delighting in the way a blush flushes her cheeks.

"Here, your turn to fill out the application," Myka says pushing the paper towards Helena.

"I have to say, it's one of the perks of my job to see such obviously in love couples like you making a lifetime commitment to each other. To love, honor and cherish," the clerk sighs. "I tell you, it makes me feel like there is hope for the world yet."

Myka rubs at the back of her neck, feeling heat rise in her cheeks yet again. She offers the clerk a bashful smile. "Sounds like you enjoy your job then."

"I do," she affirms, "especially when I have two blushing brides on my hands," she laughs.

Myka glances at Helena who offers her a brief smile before directing her attention to the application; and Myka is taken aback to see that the clerk is right, Helena is blushing for the second time this morning. Myka has rarely witnessed Helena blush over anything; this woman whose incessant flirting can bring about a blush to Myka's cheeks as easily as breathing. To observe Helena blushing for the second time this morning is nothing short of extraordinary and she's not sure what to think of it.

Tearing her gaze from Helena, Myka asks, "How long will it take to obtain the license?"

"Can't wait to get married, is that it?" the clerk laughs.

"Something like that," Myka agrees.

"As quickly as my little fingers can type, I should have your license ready for you. Pay the thirty dollar fee and I'd say, in no longer than fifteen minutes, you two can be on your way to a lifetime of happiness, once you have an officiate actually marry you that is," she smiles warmly.

"Thank you," Helena speaks as she pushes the completed application across the counter to the clerk and begins to search through her wallet for the appropriate sum. "We appreciate your assistance with this."

"Ah, the pleasure is all mine. You two are just adorable," she grins before turning to her computer to work in earnest.

Helena offers Myka a soft smile and they walk away from the counter to take a seat on a bench in the empty lobby as they wait for a piece of paper that will unite them in a way that will leave their lives forever changed.

Sitting side by side, Myka thumbs through a discarded magazine distractedly while Helena crosses and uncrosses her legs at least a dozen times, Myka keenly aware each time.

"It's nothing to be nervous about, Helena," she finally speaks after watching Helena cross her legs for the umpteenth time.

Helena looks at her startled. "I'm not nervous, darling," she defends, combing her fingers through her hair.

"Your body language suggests otherwise," Myka grins.

Helena sighs. "You know me far too well, Myka. "All right, I am nervous. It's becoming very real all of a sudden and I just want to make sure…that I'm not going to ruin your life," she says looking down at her hands.

The catch in Helena's voice is enough to set Myka's heart aflutter. "You're not, Helena," she says gently. "I wouldn't marry you if I didn't want to." Helena looks up sharply at the statement. "I mean, you know…to help you," Myka stammers under her gaze.

Helena smiles at Myka's concern for her. "I know," she concedes, "but are you absolutely certain you want to go through with this? It's not too late to change your mind and I certainly wouldn't think any less of you for doing so."

Myka knows Helena is giving her a graceful out. They can forget the plan, they won't break the law and Helena will return to London. Myka intakes a sharp breath at the thought of Helena's possible departure. It's just as painful now as it was the day before. She can't possibly endure Helena leaving…her.

"I'm certain. I want to do this, Helena," she says as she continues to flip through pages of the magazine unseeingly.

"Forgive me for saying so, but you don't appear so certain by the way you're looking through that magazine," Helena smirks.

"I'm just browsing through it," Myka defends.

"It's upside down, darling."

Myka groans when she realizes Helena is correct and quickly closes the magazine and turns it right side up to reveal a parenting magazine of all things.

"The remnants of another who found it imperative to marry?" Helena questions, glancing at the cover.

Myka manages a chuckle. "I wouldn't be surprised," she says meeting Helena's amused eyes. "Okay, I may be slightly nervous," she admits.

Helena laughs. "Perfectly understandable." Studying the cover of the magazine in Myka's hands, she is suddenly struck by a thought. "It's terribly thoughtless of me not to ask before now, but since we are to be married in a just a matter of days, I suppose I should know…do you want to have children someday, Myka?" she asks, her eyes alight and her mouth set in a grin.

Myka feels a familiar heat travel into her cheeks at the inquiry. "It doesn't really matter where we're concerned, does it? I mean, this marriage is just for convenience; we'll be separated in a few months. Not to mention the fact we're two women, so children aren't going to happen without some sort of…assistance," she stammers trying to turn back to the magazine for distraction.

"Still, I'd like to know," Helena continues as she gently pulls the magazine from Myka's hands. "Do you want children someday?" she asks again.

Myka sighs. "I don't know? Maybe…if I'm with the right person and it's something they want too. Right now, I'm more focused on my career, and children are not part of that."

"Fair enough," Helena concedes. "I think it's good to be well established before having children anyway."

"What about you then?" Myka asks genuinely curious. "Do you see yourself having children?"

Helena adjusts in her chair as she struggles for an answer.

"Helena?" Myka prods. "Turn about is fair play," she nudges her shoulder playfully.

Helena sighs. "All right then, yes, I see myself having children. Or rather, having a child. A little girl to be specific," she answers seriously.

"Really?" Myka asks surprised. "You've actually thought about this, haven't you?"

Helena turns dark eyes to meet Myka's bright ones. "I haven't just thought about it, Myka," she speaks softly. "I've dreamed about her, many times," she says looking away, suddenly self-conscious about her very personal admission.

Myka takes a moment to process this new information, to realize that Helena would like to be a mother someday. It's a revelation to Myka who has always seen Helena as independent and carefree, but whom she knows is equally loyal and caring. She slips her hand into Helena's then, squeezing it gently. Helena turns quickly to look at their entwined fingers, then meets Myka's eyes once more.

"What does she look like?" Myka gently encourages and feels her heart flutter at the smile that breaks out on Helena's features at the question.

"She has dark hair like my own and her eyes are…" Helena stops abruptly, realizing the little dream girl's eyes are the exact shade of green flecked with gold looking intently at her now; Myka's eyes. "They're bright and intelligent," she hastily says instead. "Anyway, she's a sweet little girl, and so inquisitive. She's real to me, Myka," she finishes softly.

"If she's your daughter, no doubt she'll be as intelligent and beautiful as you are," Myka speaks before she can rein in the words. Her eyes widen at the confession she has just made to Helena's beauty, but Helena only laughs.

"Thank you, darling," she says squeezing the hand in hers. "I've long suspected you found my appearance pleasing, but it's nice to know for certain," she smirks.

Myka feels a blush creep up her neck once more and wonders what to do about Helena's hand in hers, if she should continue holding on or let go, but is thankfully interrupted by the clerk calling for them.

"Bering and Wells?"

They both stand then, their hands dropping at their sides as they step forward to collect their marriage license.

"Will you two be keeping your own names or sharing a name?" the clerk asks curiously once they approach the counter again.

"Sharing," Helena answers. "We've agreed upon Bering-Wells."

"Wonderful," the clerk beams in approval. "I know some couples like to keep their names, everyone is so independent these days it seems, but I'm a little old-fashioned that way and think families should have a common name. Makes it simpler too if any children should come along," she winks at Myka who manages a weak smile in return.

"Now, no doubt you're already aware, but once you're actually married, the officiate will have you sign the marriage certificate with your new name, but that doesn't legally change your name. You'll have to go to the social security office to do that," she explains.

"Yes, we're aware," Helena responds.

The clerk nods. "I just have to say again, you two just look like you belong together," she gushes at them. "I've seen plenty of couples at this counter over the years, and I can tell, you two are going to make it."

Helena glances at Myka, noticing her rubbing at her neck in embarrassment and smiles at the clerk. "That is very kind of you to say Ms…"

"Oh, my name's Theodora, though everyone just calls me Ted," she laughs.

"Thank you, Ted, you're very kind," Helena says sincerely. "Myka and I are fortunate to be in your esteem."

"Yes, thank you," Myka manages to speak, carefully taking the license from her and placing it in her satchel.

"Best wishes to you both," Ted calls after them as she watches their retreating forms, Helena's hand on the small of Myka's back, guiding her through the doors into the cool autumn day.


As Myka and Helena begin their descent down the courthouse steps, Helena broaches another topic. "I suppose we should consider obtaining wedding rings now."

Myka stumbles on a step at the statement, feeling Helena's hand under her arm to help steady her. "Thanks," she says straightening.

"I'm sorry if I startled you, darling" Helena apologizes.

"No, it's fine," Myka waves her off. "I just tripped, you know how clumsy I can be sometimes."

"Indeed," Helena agrees, her eyes shining with amusement. "I recall when you managed to spill red wine on my cashmere sweater at Thanksgiving two years ago at your family's home."

"That was an accident and I told you how sorry I was," Myka says.

"Over and over again, yes I remember," Helena smiles. "Still, it was cashmere, and I bought it specifically to make a good impression on your family since you were kind enough to invite me."

"You bought a sweater just for dinner with my family?"

"Yes, I wanted to look my best."

"Well, sorry…again," Myka says rubbing her neck awkwardly.

Helena laughs. "It's fine, darling. You were very sweet finding me something more suitable to wear for the rest of the evening. An old college sweatshirt I believe it was?" she asks, her eyes full of mirth.

Myka rolls her eyes. "It's all the clothing I had left in my childhood bedroom and I don't remember you complaining at the time."

"No and I'm not now, darling. Simply remembering. And then last year you slipped on the driveway just as we were leaving, managing to take me down with you in the process. I was sore for days."

"You were sore? I was the one who bared the brunt of that fall with you landing on top of me," Myka says blushing at the memory of Helena's body pressed against hers for a few awkward moments while they tried to untangle from the fall. "And it was icy, if you'll also remember."

"Yes, it was," Helena acquiesces. "I'm just wondering what to expect for this year. Perhaps I should bring a change of clothes and a suit of armor."

"Or maybe I won't bother to invite you this year and you won't have to worry about either," Myka returns haughtily.

"But you wouldn't want to exclude your wife from a family dinner," Helena quips earning her a glare from Myka. "I'm sorry, darling, you're just so easy to tease sometimes."

Speaking seriously again, Helena says, "Now, about the matter at hand, the wedding rings…"

"Do you really think we should get rings, Helena?" Myka asks uneasily. "I mean, they aren't necessary to get married…and it's not like we'll be wearing them anyway as they would only raise unwanted questions."

"That is true," Helena concedes. "However not having rings at the ceremony might also raise unwanted questions."

Myka nods. "You're probably right. What about the expense though? It's a lot of money to spend on something neither of use will end up wearing."

"I'm sure we can find something inexpensive to fit our needs," Helena assures. "Shall we take the time now while we're away from the office to go to a jeweler?"

It makes sense to take care of this errand while they're already together but still Myka hesitates. She's feeling like everything is hitting at once and suddenly finding it difficult to breathe under the weight of it all.

"I don't know, Helena, I really should get back to the office…and we still have another day yet before the ceremony. Maybe we can plan on getting the rings tomorrow on our lunch break?" she asks hopefully.

Helena studies Myka carefully, sees the trepidation in her eyes and smiles gently. "Of course, darling, whatever you prefer."

"Tomorrow then," Myka breathes.


The appointment at the courthouse that morning only took an hour. Myka, at her desk by nine-thirty, falls into her chair oddly exhausted. Brushing a strand of curly hair from her face, she sighs heavily. Everything that happened this morning has finally taken its toll on her. Talk of marriage, name changes, children, rings…it had all suddenly become too much for Myka to withstand when Helena mentioned looking at wedding rings on the courthouse steps and Myka had to just slow down enough to breathe. She laughs at herself now as she realizes that if the mere thought of looking at wedding rings was enough to set her to panicking, however is she to survive the actual ceremony?

Trying to put aside personal matters, she turns to her computer screen, intending to work, but instead stares blankly at the screen, watching the cursor mock her until she has to turn away, standing to look out the window instead.

She watches in silence as rain begins to steadily fall, the drops splashing off the pavement below. Walkers hurry along the sidewalk, some with brightly colored umbrellas, some without. Cars move through traffic with a quiet ebb and flow viewed from her twelve-story window. But none of it matters.

What matters is that she is planning to marry Helena in less than two days. She is going to marry Helena Wells. This is actually going to happen. The marriage license safe inside her satchel proves that it will happen. Myka is still uncertain how to feel about this turn of events. In some ways, it seems nothing more than a bizarre dream, because only in a dream would she ever willingly break the law to do this. Only in a dream would Helena want to marry her. And yet, this is no dream. Helena proposed a marriage between them and Myka is willing to break the law to keep Helena here, near her always.

Myka sighs, dropping her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the rain continue to fall. Helena said nothing would have to change, but things will change; she can feel it. She only hopes she can endure it.

"Hey, Mykes, everything okay?"

Myka startles at the sound of Pete's voice from the open doorway. She clears her throat as she quickly steps away from the window to sit at her desk. "Yeah, Pete, why?" she asks not glancing up to meet his eyes, focusing her attention instead on her computer screen.

"I don't know you seem a little distracted these last couple days. And this morning, you were gone for a while. It's not like you. So, are you…okay?"

Myka slows at the typing she began as a distraction from Pete's gentle interrogation, trying to come up with a valid explanation to set her friend at ease. Finally she stops typing altogether to meet Pete's concerned stare. She smiles at the sight.

"I'm fine, Pete, I promise. I've had a…personal matter to attend to, but it's taken care of."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely. Now, get back to work, slacker," she teases.

Pete retreats from her door with a shrug and Myka turns back to her computer, the cursor patiently waiting for her to begin again.