Sorry again for the delay.
"I can't believe you do your grocery shopping at seven-thirty in the morning. A ridiculous time of day; on a Sunday! Normal people take advantage of a quiet Sunday morning by staying in bed."
"You were the one who insisted on coming with me," Myka says amused at Helena's grumblings. "You could have stayed in bed longer."
"Yes, but without you curled around me, staying in bed doesn't hold so much appeal," Helena returns coyly.
"Again, I'm sorry about that," Myka says pushing the cart down an aisle, sternly avoiding Helena's gaze. "I don't know why…my proclivity to cuddle as you put it, keeps happening," she says, remembering the way she woke up for the second time in as many mornings with her arms wrapped snugly around Helena. Even now the remembrance of her body flush with Helena's, legs entwined makes her heart beat erratically.
"I'm not complaining, darling, far from it, in fact."
"What?" Myka stops pushing the cart to look at Helena startled.
"Well, you do keep me warm after all," she smirks.
Myka releases a breath as she resumes pushing the cart. "Glad I can be of some use."
"Mmm," Helena hums in response watching as Myka pulls a small piece of paper from her bag that Helena recognizes as the grocery list that was stuck to the fridge in Myka's kitchen. "May I have a look?"
"Sure," Myka responds, handing over the list as she continues down the aisle, grabbing a bag of pasta from a shelf to place in the cart.
Helena studies the list for a few moments then grins. "You organize your grocery list based on the layout of the store?" she asks amused.
"Yeah, it's logical," Myka defends. "Saves time by not wandering around the store, which you should appreciate given that it will save you being on your feet any longer than you have to be. And I shop every week at the same time so that I'm sure to have food to eat when you call to tell me you forgot to do any grocery shopping and ask to come over for dinner," she says taking the list from Helena's hand.
"Yes, well, that is no longer a concern as I will be having dinner with you every night from this point forward indefinitely it would seem," Helena returns. "And now that we will be living together, it's only fair that I share in the grocery shopping duties and cooking."
"Really? You'll come with me every Sunday morning to do the grocery shopping?" Myka asks skeptically.
"Yes. If seven-thirty on Sunday morning is your preferred shopping hour, then so be it. I will be at your side," Helena speaks resolutely, taking the cart from Myka to push down the aisle, missing the amused smile that breaks out on Myka's features as she watches Helena fondly. "Now, where is the produce section? I need carrots to go in the Shepard's Pie."
"You're cooking tonight? Are you sure you feel up to it?"
"It doesn't take very long to prepare. The oven does most of the labor. Besides, with you helping me, it will take no time at all."
"Smooth, Wells. Way to coerce me into cooking too," Myka pretends to be annoyed.
"It's Bering-Wells now, darling," Helena says abruptly coming to a halt to place a quick, chaste kiss to Myka's cheek, smiling at the stunned expression that is her reward. "And I'd hardly consider it a coercion when I know you're more than willing to assist me," she grins before turning back to the cart and moving steadily down the aisle, leaving Myka to follow unsteadily after her.
Myka checks her list again as they continue through the store. "I need another toothbrush to replace the one I gave to you," she says directing Helena down another aisle.
"Which reminds me that I really should go back to my place today if for no other reason than to gather my own toiletries and some clothing so I have something decent to wear to work tomorrow."
"Sure, I'll drive you over whenever you're ready," Myka agrees.
"Anything else left on your list?" Helena asks a hand at her back rubbing soothing patterns.
Myka looks over it again. "No, I think we got everything. Probably good timing too," she says noticing the way Helena rubs her back. "Is the pain increasing?"
"A little," Helena concedes. "But what about something for dessert?"
"You know I don't eat sugar."
"Mmm, your Twizzlers being the exception, of course," she says with raised eyebrows, glancing at the candy inside the cart.
"Yeah except those," Myka smiles. "But what would you like? Ice cream?" she guesses.
"I do have a craving for something sweet and ice cream is appealing."
Myka pushes the cart to the ice cream aisle, taking in all the varieties. "What will it be then?"
Helena takes a moment looking over the choices. "One can never go wrong with a classic."
Myka laughs. "Chocolate ice cream for the lady it is," she says ducking into the freezer to grab a carton.
"Oh, Myka, they have your favorite as well, butter pecan. Perhaps you'll make one more exception to sugar?" she entices.
Myka looks at Helena's smiling face and smiles back. "Why not?" she says before grabbing another carton of ice cream.
A suitcase lies open on the bed, Helena slowly filling it with the clothing Myka hands to her from the closet.
"I can sell my sofa, there's no love lost there, but I'll have to bring over my bookshelves and my desk of course."
Myka absently nods in agreement, mentally trying to configure how Helena's belongings will fit in her two-bedroom apartment.
"I'll sell my bed but perhaps there's room in your bedroom for the television?" Helena asks, breaking Myka's thoughts.
"Wait, sell your bed? Why?" Myka asks startled.
"Myka, your apartment simply isn't big enough to accommodate a second bedroom."
"I can clear out my office and you can have the second bedroom. I'll move my desk and bookshelves to…to…"
"And you see the problem now, don't you? If we were to move my bed into that bedroom, where will we put both our desks and bookshelves?"
Myka frowns at the thought, knowing Helena is right and there isn't room to accommodate everything.
"So you'll sleep…with me…all the time?" Myka asks trying to clarify, her voice rising slightly.
"Well we've managed well enough so far. And…since we are married…and trying to convince the government of that fact, yes it seems only logical for me to share your bedroom. But if you're uncomfortable with that…" Helena says looking at Myka's panic stricken face.
"No, no, it's fine," Myka waves a hand in dismissal, her voice still sounding odd to her ears. "It makes sense, especially considering Abigail mentioned she could come around at any time. Having two bedrooms would only raise suspicion."
"Yes. Think of it as a slumber party…just one that lasts for weeks, possibly months," Helena quips.
"A slumber party? Really?" Myka says shaking her head amused. "Granted I don't have much experience with slumber parties, but don't they usually entail sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags?"
"Fine. Not a slumber party at all," Helena concedes. "Still, it will be fine, Myka."
"Yeah, fine," Myka exhales a breath.
That night, Myka sits in bed reading as Helena prepares for bed. Her eyes lift involuntarily from the pages of her book periodically to watch Helena cross the room for one thing or another, wearing only the nightly camisole and sleep shorts and Myka wonders again how anyone can be so beautiful as Helena is, wearing her beauty so effortlessly and radiantly. Myka is also pleased to note Helena moves about with much more ease than the past two days. Her back has improved considerably, though her movements are still careful and deliberate.
Helena comes to the bed and sits down, rubbing lotion onto her hands before moving under the covers. The sweet scent of the lotion on Helena's skin makes Myka's stomach coil pleasantly and she can't help smiling to herself as Helena adjusts the pillows behind her back before taking up her own book to read. Myka is just so…happy in this moment. To have Helena beside her this way, comfortably sharing a bed, reading together, it's more than she ever imagined would happen, what she never realized she wanted until now.
Helena tries to concentrate on her book but she is finding the task difficult to do with Myka so near her offering up such a pleasant distraction. For Myka is a vision wearing those dark-rimmed reading glasses that look so becoming on her. Brunette curls brush against her bare shoulders with every turn of a page and the thin white camisole she wears strains deliciously across her ample chest. Helena barely manages to contain a moan at the thought of Myka's breasts and knows she is entering dangerous territory if she continues along this train of thought.
With a defeated sigh, Helena places her book back on the nightstand, knowing she won't comprehend anything she reads tonight, Myka's presence too much of a distraction. Instead she carefully shuffles under the covers, startling when her foot accidentally brushes against Myka's calf.
Myka releases a sharp intake of breath at the contact and meets Helena's amused eyes. "Your feet are cold," she accuses with a laugh, hoping to brush aside the sudden heat she feels in her stomach at the all too brief touch.
"I did just get into bed. I haven't had time to warm up properly," Helena defends. "However, come tomorrow morning, no doubt you won't have any complaints of cold feet when I find you wrapped around me again," she smirks.
Heat suffuses Myka's cheeks. "Again with the teasing," she complains. "This morning you said you didn't mind…that I keep you warm."
"I don't mind and you do keep me warm," Helena says laying a reassuring hand along Myka's arm before removing it to adjust her pillow.
Myka smiles fondly at her. "You seemed to get around easier today. Are you feeling better?"
"I am."
"I'm glad," Myka says sincerely, watching Helena stifle a yawn. "Are you tired?"
"A little."
"I'm sorry," Myka says placing a bookmark between pages. "I can turn off the light," she says setting her book on her nightstand and reaching for the light.
"No wait," Helena says taking Myka's hand to stop her. Myka turns expectant eyes on her. "Perhaps we can talk a little before sleep?"
"Okay?"
Helena gently pulls on Myka's arm to silently communicate she wants her to lie down. Myka adjusts her pillow and slowly shuffles down under the covers, linking her fingers across her stomach in a relaxed position.
Helena remains quiet for several minutes and Myka begins to feel uneasy under her stare. "Helena?" Myka turns to look at the woman beside her. Helena is turned on her side, a hand under her pillow, her dark eyes intent on Myka, almost as if searching for the answer to some unasked question.
The question does come then. "Why…" Helena starts and falters. "Why don't you have much experience with slumber parties?"
Myka looks away, biting her lip recalling their earlier conversation that afternoon. Trust Helena to pick up on that small detail. "It's not really a secret; I didn't have many friends growing up. Tracy was the popular one. Any experience I may have had with slumber parties was through her."
Several silent moments go by, Myka wondering if Helena has dropped off to sleep but doesn't dare look for fear she may see pity reflected in Helena's eyes.
"Those children you knew didn't know what they were missing in having you for a friend, Myka," Helena says quietly.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure they did," Myka laughs self-consciously.
"I assure you they didn't," Helena speaks, her voice so adamant, Myka can't help but look at her to see the sincerity reflected in those penetrating eyes.
Warmth spreads throughout Myka's chest and her lips tug into a crooked smile at the sight. "You mean more to me than any number of friends I might have had as a kid, Helena," Myka says softly.
"Well, at the risk of sounding egotistical, I am one of a kind," Helena smirks.
"You certainly are," Myka agrees with a smile, watching as Helena's eyes begin to flutter closed.
"Myka?" Helena sighs tiredly.
"Yeah?"
"I'm cold."
"I'll get another blanket," Myka says intending to get up but before she has a chance, Helena is moving forward, resting her head on Myka's shoulder and wrapping an arm around her abdomen that elicits a startled gasp from Myka's lips.
"Is this alright?" Helena asks sleepily.
"Yeah…sure," Myka lets out a breath as she reaches an arm to curl around Helena.
"We'll end up in each other's arms in the morning anyway…simply skipping to the inevitable," Helena mumbles into her shoulder before sleep overtakes her.
Myka can't argue with that logic, nor does she want to with Helena soft and warm against her. Turning off the light, Myka pulls Helena closer to her, sighing with contentment before at last closing her eyes to follow Helena into slumber.
Myka frowns as she notices Helena walking towards the elevators, a hand at her back as if to soothe the pain.
"You're sure you want to work today?" Myka asks not for the first time that morning.
"Yes, Myka. I'm perfectly all right. Besides, I don't want Artie getting too comfortable in my absence."
"Fine, but if you feel unwell at any time…"
"I'll be sure to let you know so you may whisk me away, driving me to the apartment, feed me and put me to bed," Helena says drily.
"I'm serious, Helena," Myka chastises.
"So am I. I'm fine, Myka, truly. A little discomfort perhaps, but I'll manage."
"Here, let me take your bag at least," Myka says taking the article from Helena to place over her own shoulder.
"Why Miss Bering, carrying my books to class? How chivalrous of you," Helena quips. "Are we going steady now?" she grins as they step into the elevator.
Before Myka can make a reply, they both hear a shout, "Hold the elevator!"
Myka holds the door as a tall, attractive man steps inside. "Thanks….Myka, hi!"
"Hi Sam," Myka smiles. "Running late today?"
"You could say that," he laughs. "Just had to be like you the other day when you were late I guess."
"I think I still have you beat," Myka says. Catching a glance at Helena, she notices the way she grasps the chain she wears around her neck. A chain Myka knows holds a wedding ring and thinking of the chain she also wears carrying a matching ring, she smiles. "Sam, this is Helena, my friend and coworker," she introduces.
'And wife,' is what Helena wants to blurt out but manages to only smile instead, taking Sam's outstretched hand to shake.
"Helena, it's nice to meet you," he says before his eyes shift their focus back to Myka. "You're lucky to have Myka for a friend."
"I'm extremely fortunate indeed," Helena adamantly agrees glancing at Myka who smiles softly at her. "But how do you two happen to know each other?" she asks curiously.
"We frequently share an elevator on the way to the office," Myka explains.
"Elevator rides and a coffee date," Sam reminds her with a smile.
"That's right there was one coffee date, a few weeks ago," she amends with a nod.
"Too long ago," Sam says.
Thankfully before he can say another word that might entail asking Myka for another coffee date, the elevator doors chime open and Helena practically pulls Myka off the car with her.
"Bye, Sam," Myka manages to say before Helena is further leading her down the hall to their office. "It appears your morning caffeine has kicked in with this sudden burst of energy," Myka looks at her quizzically.
"Something kicked in, yes," Helena agrees, not wanting to give name to the sudden emotion rising in her.
Myka opens the door to the small publishing office and they are both immediately bombarded with questions.
"HG! How's it going, grandma?" Pete asks with a snicker. A snicker that dies the moment Helena fixes him with an icy glare that may be an after effect of her encounter in the elevator, witnessing the way Sam looked at Myka.
Pete audibly swallows under her glare and pulls Claudia in front of him to huddle behind her.
"Dude, what the frak? If HG is going to shoot daggers at you I don't want to be in the line of fire," she complains shaking off his hold.
"Pete knows HG wouldn't hurt you," Steve says.
"Exactly! HG loves you, Claud. She won't go through you to get to me," Pete says looking at HG slightly terrified.
"Wouldn't I? This morning I think it would be to your benefit, Pete not to test me."
"Ah, Pete, I suggest if you want to remain the proud owner of essential body parts that will help you become a father sometime in the future, then don't insult Helena right now…or you know…ever," Myka helpfully offers.
"How are you really, HG?" Leena asks concerned.
"Tolerably well. There is still some pain but it's manageable, thank you for asking, Leena."
"Was there a staff meeting called I wasn't aware of?" Artie barks from his office doorway.
"Artie, lovely to see you as always," Helena quips. "I was just being welcomed back by those who care. Even Pete has expressed his concern for my well-being in his own delightful way," she says smirking with satisfaction at the way Pete steps behind a chair in an attempt for protection.
"HG," Artie begins to say something sarcastic but stops abruptly at the pleading stares of both Myka and Leena. "I…I trust you're feeling better then?"
"Considerably, yes," she replies with a quirk of a brow at his unusual concerned inquiry.
"Good. Now that everyone has been briefed on the status of HG's health issues, there's work to get back to," he says turning on his heel leaving the small group to disperse.
"Thank you for carrying my bag, Myka," Helena says taking the bag from her and moving towards her office.
"If you need anything…" Myka calls after her, frowning as Helena only waves a hand before disappearing inside her office.
Myka is reading in bed again. Reading may not be entirely accurate. More accurately she is watching Helena get ready for bed over the pages of her book again. Watching Helena's lithe form as she hangs her clothes in the closet where Myka made room for them before crossing the room to pull back the covers on her side of the bed.
Myka gives up all pretense of reading now, setting her book in her lap.
"You've been awfully quiet all evening."
"Have I? Just tired I suppose," Helena answers cryptically.
"I hardly saw you at work; your door was mostly closed and I missed you at lunch."
"I had a great deal of work to attend to, Myka," Helena says as she begins to massage lotion onto her hands.
"If something is bothering you…you know you can tell me, right?" Myka asks gently.
Helena knows Myka means well, but the truth of what is bothering her, the way Sam spoke to Myka, gazed at her with something of longing, is not something Helena can put words to for herself, let alone Myka.
"Helena?" Myka gently prods.
"I'm just tired, darling. And I certainly didn't appreciate Pete's grandma remark this morning, though I must concede, there may be some truth to it," she sighs.
"You're not old, Helena, you're in pain. There's a difference."
"At the moment, I fail to see it. I think I'll make an appointment later this week and have my back massaged. Perhaps that will help."
Myka contemplates Helena's words, silently watching as Helena tries to rub at her lower back, attempting to massage the pain.
"I could massage your back…if you want," she offers.
Helena looks at her surprised. "Really?"
"Yeah, I mean, why not? We can try it and see. If it doesn't work, you can always make that appointment."
"Alright," Helena says moving to lie down on her stomach.
Myka scoots off the bed to move to Helena's side and tentatively touches Helena's lower back over her camisole. "Tell me if I hurt you okay?"
"Mmm," is all the answer Myka receives as she moves her fingertips over Helena's back, adding pressure to her touch that elicits a moan of pleasure from Helena. Myka continues her massage, kneading Helena's back with varying degrees of pressure.
"Is this alright?" Myka asks as she continues her movement.
"Heavenly," is the murmured response.
Several silent moments go by, Myka develops a rhythm to her touch and is so concentrated on her efforts that she's startled when Helena speaks up.
"Sam seems like a nice…fellow," she says haltingly. "Very attractive."
"Sam?" Myka asks surprised by the topic.
"Yes. You both seemed quite chummy this morning in the elevator."
Myka laughs at that. "Sam is nice, at least from what little I know of him."
"He mentioned you had a coffee date."
"One fifteen minute break spent in the building's crowded cafeteria where we discussed our careers; I'd hardly call it a date," Myka says adding a little more pressure to her touch, the sound of Helena's appreciative moan causing her stomach to flutter and jump.
"He fancies you, you know."
Myka briefly stops massaging, startled at the statement. "I don't know about that…"
"I do. The way he looked at you, Myka…he's interested in you."
"Well, it really doesn't matter," Myka says beginning to massage Helena's back again.
"Why not?"
'Because he's not you,' are the words Myka wants to say. "Because I'm not interested in him that way," she does say.
Helena feels relief at the words. "Not to mention you being married to me dampens any kind of romantic attachment you might form with another," she says wryly.
"Yeah, there is that too," Myka laughs.
Helena has made light of their situation but now she sobers at the thought of keeping Myka from anyone she does desire. "I am sorry, Myka, that I've entangled you in my mess as it were…."
"Helena," Myka says firmly, "we've been over this. I wouldn't have married you if I didn't want to so stop feeling sorry about this because I'm not."
"Righty-ho then," Helena smiles.
Myka stands at the stove, stirring the sauce, removing the spoon for a quick taste test. Satisfied with the result she puts the burner onto a simmer before checking her watch. She expected Helena to be home already and can't help worrying just a little that she isn't home yet. Trying to push aside any anxiety, she sets the table for dinner. Two plates, two glasses, two sets of silverware, Myka smiles to herself at the sight. She hasn't eaten alone all week. The novelty of that leaves her with a feeling that defies description. Myka has never minded eating alone before. Her thoughts and the occasional TV watching were always enough company for her. But now, having shared dinner with Helena every night this week, it's difficult to imagine going back to eating alone. The fact that she won't be eating alone for some time keeps a soft smile on her lips.
As she waits for Helena to arrive, she sorts through the mail. It's mostly the usual bills and useless catalogs, but there is also a small, thick envelope with a return address from the county courthouse. Myka's interest is piqued, especially since the envelope is addressed to Myka & Helena Bering-Wells. She brushes a thumb over the combined name; another smile forming to realize it's the first time since their marriage to see the shared name in print. Deciding the envelope should be opened with Helena, Myka carefully places it at Helena's place at the table and smiles yet again at that thought. Helena has a place at her table now.
Returning to the kitchen, Myka pulls the garlic bread from the oven and sets it on the counter to let it cool. She begins to mix a salad, hoping the work will take her mind off the fact Helena still hasn't arrived home. She just finishes mixing the salad and places it on the table when she hears a key turn in the lock and sighs with relief when Helena steps through the door.
"Hey you," Myka calls from the kitchen where she is slicing the bread. "I was beginning to get worried you wouldn't show."
"Yes, I apologize for the delay. Last minute details to wrap up at the office, you know how that is," Helena says removing her coat and satchel.
"Well you're just in time for dinner."
"It smells heavenly," Helena says stepping into the kitchen to see Myka dishing spaghetti onto plates. "I'm sorry I wasn't home sooner to help."
Myka waves her off without looking up from her task. "Spaghetti is one meal even I can't mess up," she laughs.
"Nonsense, you're a good cook, Myka."
"I have my specialties, that's all and spaghetti happens to be one of them. It's no Shepard's Pie after all."
"Which happens to be one of my few specialties," Helena says. "Still, I'm sorry I'm late."
"I'm just glad you're home now," Myka says finally looking up to see Helena leaning against the counter holding a bouquet of pink, red and white roses in her arms. Myka's heart speeds up at the sight. "What…what's all this?" she stutters gesturing to the bouquet, hoping Helena doesn't hear the slight waver in her voice.
"It occurred to me on the way home that today marks our one week anniversary. And it also occurred to me that we didn't have any flowers at our wedding. An oversight on my part that I'm attempting to rectify now."
"Helena, you didn't have to get flowers," Myka says softly.
"Oh, well…it's nothing really," Helena attempts to deflect the brief hurt she feels by Myka's less than enthusiastic reaction. "I just thought they might be a way of expressing my unwavering gratitude to you…for all you've done for me this week…not the least of which was marrying me."
Helena is rambling, they both know it, but Myka also notices the way Helena looks away from her and realizes she's made a misstep somewhere to cause Helena's rambling. She steps forward then, and Helena's dark eyes look up meet hers.
"They're beautiful, Helena," Myka says sincerely, taking the bouquet from Helena, their fingers brushing in the process. "Thank you."
The smile that lights Helena's face then spurs an unquenchable desire in Myka to step closer to kiss her. It's a desire that Myka knows must remain unfulfilled though, so she quickly turns away. "They're perfect for the table setting," she says instead, opening a cupboard to search for a vase to place them in.
"I'm glad you like them," Helena says watching Myka fill the vase with water and begin arranging the roses. "Is there anything left I can do to help with dinner?"
"I was thinking we'd have wine with dinner tonight, if you'd like. There should be a bottle in the fridge."
Helena finds the bottle of wine easily enough and begins filling the glasses with the burgundy wine. Noticing the envelope at her place, Helena picks it up for inspection. "Myka, what is this?" she asks as Myka sets down their plates of steaming pasta.
"I'm not sure. It came in the mail today and since it's addressed to both of us, I thought we should open it together."
Helena uses a fingernail to break the seal and open the envelope removing the contents. "It appears to be our marriage certificate."
"Already? That was good timing," Myka laughs.
"Indeed. There's also a note here from Ted. 'Best wishes in your new life together.'"
"That's sweet," Myka says looking over the note Helena hands to her.
"There's something else as well."
"What?"
"Photographs of the ceremony," Helena says moving beside Myka to share them.
"Oh," Myka sucks in a breath as she views the first photograph that happens to be of their kiss. Myka is transported to that moment exactly a week ago when the judge pronounced them married leading to the kiss. She remembers how panicked she felt at that second and how in the next moment, Helena touched her cheek to guide her into a soft, sweet kiss. "Well that's…nice," she manages to choke out.
"It is," Helena agrees and then she is shuffling through the other two pictures. One shows them with their arms around each other, both looking at the camera a little dazed perhaps, but also looking content. The other is much more intimate, more intimate than the photograph of the kiss even. It was taken just after the kiss, Myka remembers. She had been startled by the sound of the camera snapping a photograph that she had broken the kiss to stare instead into Helena's eyes. It was the moment she realized she was in love with Helena.
Myka carefully takes the photograph from Helena's hands, biting her lip, wondering if the look on her face in that picture reveals the secret she is trying so hard to conceal. She can feel Helena staring at her now but doesn't dare look up.
"Judge Miller was quite a character, wasn't he?" Myka says lightly as she takes her seat at the table, setting the picture down at her side.
"He was indeed," Helena manages a soft chuckle. "But he got the job done, and takes impressive photographs as well," she replies sitting down at the table.
"Yeah," Myka agrees with a last glance at the intimate photo before turning it over and focusing her attention instead to dinner. Myka raises her wine glass. "Well, here's to…"
"Us," Helena rushes to say raising her own glass. "Here's to us making it through our first week as newlyweds. Happy anniversary, darling," she says clinking her glass against Myka's.
"Happy anniversary," Myka echoes before taking a long sip of her wine, watching as Helena does the same. Her hand trembles slightly when she returns the glass to the table and she mentally tells herself to take a deep breath. It's just dinner with Helena the way she's shared dinner with her so many times before.
Despite the nervous beginning, dinner passes by companionably, the conversation of topics drifting between work matters to their plans for the weekend to continue packing up Helena's apartment.
They're lingering over their second glass of wine. Myka leans forward to absentmindedly stroke the petal of a rose, Helena watching her intently.
"Thank you again for the roses, Helena. They really are lovely," Myka speaks lowly.
"They're my way of thanking you, Myka," Helena responds quietly. "I'm truly grateful for all you've done this past week and continue to do."
"I'm not so sure you're going to feel so grateful when we have dinner at my family's this weekend."
"Whatever do you mean? Your family is delightful," Helena smirks.
Any response Myka intended to make dies on her lips at the sound of a knock on the door.
"Expecting company?" Helena asks.
"No. You?"
Helena shakes her head.
"Maybe it's Pete?" Myka says hopefully.
"For once, I happily wish it were," Helena says demurely as both she and Myka rise from the table; Myka to clear their dishes and Helena to answer the door.
"Abigail, how lovely to see you again," Myka hears Helena speak to their guest and though she expected it would be Abigail from the moment the knock came, Myka still startles when that expectation is confirmed, dropping the dishes into the sink with a loud clatter.
"Myka, are you alright?" Helena asks concerned rushing towards the kitchen with Abigail on her heels.
"Fine," Myka spins towards the two women. The dishes just slipped from my hands. You know how clumsy I can be sometimes," she laughs nervously, brushing her thumb across her wedding ring making sure of its presence.
"Yes I know," Helena smiles fondly, the sight immediately putting Myka at ease. Helena holds her hand out for Myka to take hold of, and Myka does so, relieved to notice Helena is wearing her ring also. It's become routine to wear their rings on chains around their necks during working hours so the rings are hidden but close and then slip the rings on fingers when they're home, just for such an occasion as this one.
"I'm sorry if I've interrupted your dinner," Abigail apologizes, taking notice of the glasses of wine and roses on the table.
"You didn't interrupt at all. Myka and I have already finished dinner. We were just conversing as we enjoyed the rest of our wine. Would you care for a glass?"
"Thank you, no," Abigail responds.
"Would you like a glass of water instead?" Myka asks.
Abigail nods her assent. "Water would be great, thank you."
"I suspect you're here to ask further questions," Helena says brightly. "Would you prefer to sit in the living room or at the table?"
"The table will be fine," Abigail answers, pulling out a chair for herself and gathering a notepad and pen from her satchel.
Myka returns with the water for Abigail and sits down beside Helena.
"Thank you for the water, Myka," Abigail says taking a sip, noticing the way Helena takes Myka's hand over the tabletop, her thumb grazing Myka's knuckles tenderly and the soft smile Myka gives her in return.
"It's been a week since you were married, is that right?" Abigail asks looking at the roses on the table.
"Yes," Helena answers. "In fact, Myka and I were surprised to receive our wedding certificate in the mail today," she says pushing the document towards Abigail who takes a moment to inspect it. "The clerk was also kind enough to provide us with a few candid photos of the occasion," she says passing those along as well.
"You both make beautiful brides," Abigail remarks as she studies the photos. "It's a shame there are only these few photos to commemorate the occasion. But I must say they are quite compelling," she says taking notice of not only the photo of the kiss but also the photo that captured the shared look between the two women. A look that appears very much like reverence, if not love.
"Myka and I don't need any photographs to prove our love for each other. We know it instinctively. Still, I'm grateful we have these, if for no other reason than to share with Myka's family this weekend. They were sorry to miss the ceremony."
"Then you've shared the news with your family?" Abigail directs her question to Myka.
"Yeah, my mom and sister came by last Saturday. Helena and I shared the news with them then. They were…ecstatic," she says recalling the memory of that morning and the surprise and relief she had felt at their reaction.
"And they weren't too upset over missing the ceremony?"
"My mom said she wished she could have seen us married," Myka admits, "but when Helena explained the circumstances for why we married so quickly, she understood."
"Tracy, my new sister-in-law, is threatening to throw us a bridal shower. If she has her way, it will no doubt be some elaborate affair and more than make up for missing the wedding," Helena laughs, offering Myka's hand a comforting squeeze.
"I'm glad to hear your family has taken the news so well, Myka," Abigail responds. "It's always so much more pleasant for all concerned when families are supportive."
"Yeah I guess so," Myka agrees, absently thinking of her father. Her mother told her she would break the news to him of the marriage and now five days later, she has yet to hear from him.
"And what about your brother, Helena, have you told him the news?"
"Not yet. I've…we've been busy this week with work and slowly packing up my apartment, as evidenced by all the boxes scattered around here," she gestures to the room. "But I have no doubt Charles will be thrilled with the news. He was quite taken with Myka when he came for a visit."
Helena doesn't mention the way Charles flirted incessantly with Myka to such a degree that Helena took it upon herself to sold him about it, only to have him, with a devilish smirk, accuse her of being jealous. "Sister dear, you've got it bad for that one," he told her. Helena had sputtered her denial citing she and Myka were only very good friends but Charles irritatingly continued to smirk, disbelieving her explanation. Thankfully though he had taken her request to heart and ceased his flirting, as much as he could, being Charles.
"Why is important to you that our family know of our marriage?" Myka asks. "Will you be interviewing them?" she asks troubled at the thought.
"Not necessarily," Abigail tries to assure. "In some cases, it is necessary to interview family, friends, sometimes even coworkers, but that is usually for cases that show substantial evidence that the marriage is a fraud. At this point, I'm not anticipating an interview with your family or friends will be necessary, but that could change based on my assessment of your interactions during my visitations."
"How long exactly will you be assessing us?" Helena asks.
"That again depends on both of you. Some cases have been open as long as two years."
Myka and Helena glance at one another, each seeing the worry etched across the other's face and Abigail sees it too.
"Personally, my cases have all wrapped up in a matter of months, sometimes weeks even. There are signs that tell if a couple is truly in love or if they're not," Abigail states.
"And what is your feeling regarding Myka and I?"
Abigail glances at their joined hands and attentive expressions. "The jury is still out on you two," she smiles kindly. "But think of it this way, I'm only here to verify that your declaration of love for each other is truthful. The more I interact with you, the sooner I can make that determination and leave you to live your life of marital bliss."
"That would be ideal," Helena sighs.
