AN: Thank you so much for all your reviews - they are wonderful. This little bit was inspired by celeste92's review for chapter 3, thanks for the idea. ^^ It's a short update but day 6 of the Advent Calendar needed something. =0)
"I'm going to go inside." Resting her hand on Harry's free arm, Ruth gives it a squeeze before turning to smile at Catherine. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you Ruth." The younger woman offers her own smile, looking from her father to the woman she now knows will be her step-mother. "So you do. I wanted to thank you for coming, I know dad appreciates it and so do I."
"There's no need to thank me, I'm thrilled to be able to celebrate this day with you. It should be me thanking you." Looking up at Harry, she squeezes his arm again before reluctantly letting go. "I'll see you after the ceremony."
"Wait." Reaching out with his free hand, Harry grips her fingers tightly. "Sit with me. In the front row. Please?"
"I'm not family, Harry. Not yet. It wouldn't feel right. I'll be fine in the back." She squeezes his hand, smiling as she leans up to kiss his cheek softly. It's not overtly obvious, but she knows Harry and can see his tells. He's nervous and upset, it's there in his eyes for her to see, and in this one instance, he needs to lean on her. Mouth next to his ear, she whispers for only him to hear, "it'll all be fine."
He smiles at her as she pulls back, their finger tips brushing as she releases his hand. 'I love you.' he mouths to her and feels some nervousness leave him as she mouths the same back.
"Ruth, you're dad's family. Please, sit up front."
Both have momentarily managed to forget Catherine and so Ruth is somewhat shocked at the younger woman's insight.
"Please. Mum has Robin and Graham has his girlfriend Julie. You're dad's fiancée; you're family."
She wants to argue; to point out that it will cause nothing but trouble with Jane and Graham; but one look at Harry has her resolve weakening. Nodding, she smiles once more before moving to the door. Pausing, she takes a deep breath, and then, squaring her shoulders, she enters the room.
It's not crowded; less than 50 people between both sets of family and friends; but still, she finds herself hurrying to the empty seats in the front row. Avoiding the questioning look from Graham and the angry look from Jane, she settles at the end of the row and waits.