That night Halt asked Pauline to go for a walk around the garden. They dawned heavy cloaks to block out the winter chill and Pauline looped her hands in his arm. She smiled at him softly.
"What is it?" He asked.
"All those things you said... you were very sweet" she said.
He smirked and shook his head.
"And who told you I was good with a knife?" She said quizzically.
"Crowley may have mentioned it" Halt said.
"Oh?" She said knowing there had to be more to the story.
"He may have mentioned that if I disappointed or hurt you that you could make short work of my... family heirlooms" he said.
Pauline nodded "hmm that I could but I'll have to leave them be for a while yet if we want to get a jump on those grandchildren my family wants so badly."
Halt mumbled something incoherent and Pauline shook it off looking up at the stars. In a few short weeks she would be married to the man she never would have thought and she couldn't be happier.
"I love you" she said softly caressing his cheek gently.
"I love you too" he said resting his forehead against hers.
The three weeks passed quickly, Halt had healed for the most part and had himself on a vigorous work out routine his muscles having been suffering from lack of use over the past month. Pauline had scolded him for doing to much to quickly but it had little effect so she busied herself getting ready for the wedding and packing up the last of her things. The Baron had gladly offered them housing in the fief but they had denied it accepting only a small apartment for Pauline to stay in when Halt was away. When Pauline saw how disgruntled Halt had looked at having to let go of his cabin she had agreed to stay there when he was home and come and stay in the fief when he was away. Besides she found the thought of sharing a little cabin in the woods quite romantic. They had moved the few things Pauline owned the day or two prior so that things were ready post wedding.
That morning Halt had left early to go to the fief he was not permitted to see Pauline until the ceremony Crowley helped him prepare as best he could with Halt shoeing him all the while. The hall was decorated and people were pouring in, friends, family, coworkers, everyone. Halt would have preferred a more quiet and private occasion but status called for lavishness but he would do whatever it took to make the woman he had come to love quite dearly happy. He stood at the altar near the Baron who was the officiant for the ceremony waiting for Pauline patiently as music began to play.
Finally, the doors opened revealing his bride escorted by her father. He couldn't take his eyes off her she looked beautiful her white gown flowing elegantly, she was quite the vision. He took her hands in his as she approached and the ceremony began. He wasn't entirely sure he heard anything the Baron said till he heard his name knowing to at least say "I do" when she repeated the phrase he slid a small silver ring onto her finger and she reciprocated with a brushed silver one, the polish catching to much light and attention for his job, and with that the words you may now "kiss the bride" was said and the couple shared and brief but loving kiss. The room erupted and Halt suddenly wished he had his cloak to hide in.
Their wedding feast following as well as the bridal dance both of which went surprisingly well. The party was long and by the time evening fell the couple was quiet ready to go home. The couple rode out to the cabin in a comfortable yet slightly nervous silence the moon brightly lighting their path. When they stopped Halt had helped her down and even carried her over the threshold as was his duty as husband. He settled her feet to the floor and she kissed him softly.
He returned it gently "I'll settle the horses in, I'll be right back."
She had nodded and waited till he left to let out a breath, tonight they would share a bed for the first time and though she knew she loved him the new-ness of the situation made her nervous. She had no idea what to expect or be prepared for and she was the woman who was usually prepared for everything. She knew their marriage wasn't technically legal until it was consummated and she knew her duty as a wife entailed bearing children but now that the time was here she found herself feeling a bit like a frightened deer. She had spent time with him in the little home and it had always been a comfortable and safe place. She breathed deeply when he came back in and tried to let herself relax.
Halt entered the door and watched her breath deeply. When she approached him and started to speak finally having aquired enough nerve "I know what is expected of me-."
He stopped her with a gentle caress to her cheek "Let's get some rest tonight" he said softly knowing she was nervous and he was too.
She smiled and kissed him knowing that the moment would be saved for another time finally let her relax and she realized how tired she really was "that sounds lovely" she said.
She took his hand and lead him to the bedroom. He was courteous enough to turn as she changed into her sleeping gown and climbed in bed as he stripped down to his trousers he contemplating keeping on his shirt as well 'she is your wife... relax' he mentally scolded himself and stripped it off too. She smiled at his bareback taking in his form as he changed and then turned to the bed as well. He crawled in with her and at first stayed distant unsure but after a moment he moved close curling up against her back and let his arm drape around her waist, he seemed to wait a moment for her to approve the position so Pauline smiled at his boldness but found the embrace comforting and safe she rest her head on his shoulder and took in his warmth happily and he finally untensed. She had never felt more content than in that moment, she snuggled in close kissing his shoulder where her head rested lightly to which he responded by kissing her hair. The two fell asleep easily in a feeling of bliss and comfort.