Marianne felt like she was walking on air. She felt better about herself and better about life than she had in the last few weeks. After having to physically recover and get through the emotional trauma of the whole Johnny incident, she was looking forward to moving on. Especially now that she and Christopher were taking the next step and building a life together in a permanent way. Other things might change for them such as career, where they might live, but one thing was certain. They were going to be together and Marianne looked forward to sharing the adventure together.

Marianne did not have to share the news, her friends from University and the band immediately noticed the ring. They had been happy for Marianne about her relationship. They did not question the age difference. Some even said they were jealous of her finding a nice mature man who wanted a serious relationship, not to mention how handsome he was. Marianne agreed with them. One of the things Marianne loved about Christopher was he wanted her have her own time, wanted for her to continue with university, visit with friends and experience life. They could still be a couple and share their interests but she could still have her own separate interests with friends.

Marianne was planning her education and career. She was hoping to be able to get chosen for another special advanced internship for next summer. If she was chosen she would get a year long position at a graphics company and it would count as her final year. She just had to get a good review from her supervisor at the end of her term. If it worked out she could stay on with that company or move on. Christopher's company was one of them that offered this opportunity. She almost hoped she could go back to work with Allison Riley. But was sure it would not happen because of her relationship with Christopher. By then Marianne was hoping to be able to refer to Christopher as her husband.

As she rode her bicycle towards the flower shop she daydreamed about the wedding. She never imagined a big elaborate wedding. She wanted something simple with just a few close family and friends. She already knew Elinor was going to be a maid of honor. Both Christopher and her agreed that they wanted something simple and did not have to be planned way in advanced. They did not want that long of an engagement. All that mattered to them was that they were going to be married. Marianne did prepare herself for her Mum and Adele to come up with a whole bunch of ideas for her wedding. Edward and Elinor had a very small private wedding with just close family and friends. Both were so busy they did not want a huge wedding. Her mother was happy of course but wanted to throw a huge wedding for her. Now it seemed that her dreams of a huge wedding for her daughter was going to Marianne. She just had to convince her that she wanted a small simple wedding as well.

"These look lovely." Anne showed Adele a flower arrangement she thought would be perfect for centerpieces for the reception. "Oooh yes those would be perfect." Adele agreed with glee. Marianne caught a bit of that conversation when she walked in.

"Hello" Marianne said as she walked in and greeted the two ladies.

"Oh there is the future bride!" Adele squealed, practically running over to Marianne and giving her a huge hug. Marianne was taken aback but quickly hugged her back.

"Thank you! I was sure Mum could not wait to tell you." Marianne said as they walked towards the counter together.

"Yes, I was most excited for you and Christopher! We have never seen him this happy. We know it is because of you." Adele explained. Marianne blushed and smiled back.

"Yes, Christopher makes me so happy. We love each other very much. I know it has happened fast and everyone is still getting used to the idea. Everything feels right. I feel everything is now going in the right direction and we can move past what happened." Marianne explained to both women.

Anne reached for Marianne's hand. "Yes, I know how much you love him. It is plain as day how much he loves and adores you as well. I just want you to be happy and can see Christopher makes you happy. I know I was shocked about your relationship but secretly we thought you would be a good match". Anne said gesturing between her and Adele and letting out a giggle. Adele giggled as well as she nodded in agreement with Anne.

Marianne smiled. Anne opened a catalog towards Marianne to show what they were looking at when she came in. "Don't you think these arrangements would be lovely for the tables at your reception?" Anne asked her daughter.

Marianne just grinned and shook her head. "They are lovely. I appreciate you helping but please remember, Christopher and I want a very simple wedding."

"Oh I know! But it couldn't hurt to look to get some ideas!" Anne stated with excitement.

Marianne smiled and nodded while Adele went to get some sample flowers to show her. Marianne decided it was a fight she wasn't going to win. She figured it best for now just to amuse her mother and Adele by looking at some flower arrangements.

Marianne grabbed the post as she walked through the front door. She also had some empty boxes she grabbed from the flower shop to use to pack up her room. Anne wasn't surprised but also a bit saddened that Marianne was planning to move out so quickly. She understood though. She secretly hoped she would stay until the wedding but knew how in love they were and how they wanted to start their life together. Marianne sifted through the mail and stopped when she came across something addressed to her from the courts. She opened it and looked at it. She felt a bit of a knot in her stomach. It was a set court date for Johnny's sentencing. It was to happen the next week. He was pleading guilty on advice from his lawyer. The prosecutor thought it was best that she attend to speak to the judge to help influence his sentencing. A psychiatric evaluation was done on him. Proving that he had become obsessed with Marianne and claimed it was her doing that he did that to her. If she would have stayed with him it would not have happened. He almost blamed her and accused her of basically cheating on him with Christopher Brandon. The lawyer advised Marianne that was not going to work and it was clear that they were not involved in a serious relationship and only dated very briefly. He assured Marianne that is all she had to state. She went out with him once and knew nothing would come of it and broke it off. She knew it would be fine but was still nervous about having to see Johnny. Even though she knew she didn't have anything really to worry about she was still nervous and scared. She needed to see Christopher. He could always bring her comfort and reassurance. She grabbed her keys and headed out the door.