A/N: Sorry this chapter is short. But it was tough to write, and I knew where I wanted it to end, so here we are. I should be able to update more regularly now with the holidays over, though!

Cassandra slipped away without waking Jenkins. Clearly, he was exhausted. And it was going to be a long day. But she needed to go back to her apartment for her luggage. They had all agreed to get hotel rooms in Rome so that they all would have a place to change. The Library wasn't ideal for such activities. And Jenkins had actually been able to configure a remote control system so that they could trigger the magic door from outside the Library. As long as it never fell into the wrong hands….

Jenkins awoke slowly, peacefully. He stretched. As the reality of the day entered his mind, he became slightly more nervous, but then dismissed it. This was happening. Being upset over his fate, or of Cassie's, would not help the situation. Though he knew the anger was still there, smoldering underneath millennia of careful control.

He packed in silence, and dressed. He was not a vain man, but simply a thoughtful one, even about clothes. No matter how he felt about the situation, he very much wanted to please Cassandra. He looked at himself in the mirror. He had learned so much about her in the last few days, he was actually just starting to believe, if even just a little, that he just might be a good match for her.

The day seemed both frenetic and well-organized at the same time. Now in Rome, things started to get serious. The girls giggled and had a good time as they all fussed with Cassandra's beautiful hair, Charlene unbending enough to tell several adventures of the first Guardian and Librarian. Cassie's mom came into the room for only a moment, hugged her and wished her well, but left quickly, knowing she would only make the situation more awkward.

Flynn knocked on the door to Jenkin's room. "Hey, Jenkins, we need to get going," he said through the door. The door opened to reveal a transformed man. While Jenkins had always been well-dressed in Carson's mind, he had nailed the look for today. He had clearly done something to his hair, toning down the silver. The dark tuxedo (Carson wore one to match) was perfectly cut, accentuated his height, giving Jenkins a truly regal bearing.

Flynn also noted that Jenkins had lost some weight in the intervening days. Most likely not being able to eat from being…preoccupied with the situation. While not the best reason for losing weight, it did look good on him - made him look younger.

Flynn concealed a grin, which he thought Jenkin's might misunderstand. He was truly sorry that his friend had been dosed this way, but he did think they would be a good match.

"I would not wish us to be late," Jenkins said calmly, though taking note of Carson's approval. "Cassandra is coming separately, yes?"

"Yeah, I've got a car waiting for us and the guys. We should be there first, I think?"

Jenkins nodded, but paused as he closed his hotel door, head bent forward in thought.

"I know you're worried," Flynn began quietly, "I would be, too, if I were in your position. And I'm truly sorry that your work in the Library brought you to this. But my advice is… to trust in Cassie. She's tougher and knows herself better than any of us, I think."

Jenkins nodded again, slowly. "I know it must seem as if I'm brooding about something than cannot be changed," he said softly, "but truly, my concern is for her. I would have never have expressed…."

"I know, you never would have said anything you thought "inappropriate," Carson finished. "But maybe that's the silver lining here? She's been crazy for you since we came to the Annex." Jenkins looked at Flynn, startled. "You thought we didn't all know? The only one that didn't see it right away was Jake, I think."

"And what do you think of me, Mr. Carson?" Jenkins looked at him fiercely, with a bit a steel in his voice. "What kind of old man would want –"

"You are a man, period. You are both adults. I trust you both, you'll work it out."

Jenkins nodded with acceptance. But he was certain he would need to hear this again and again over the next nine months.

Pope Francis had arranged to use the official papal quarters for the service, though he didn't actually use them regularly himself. The Pope was an unusual man, eschewing the normal privileges of his position. Jenkins had always liked him.

Everyone had arrived. Cassandra stood just outside the door, trying to calm herself. She could see everyone through the crack, and yet she didn't move. She knew she was waiting for…something. But what?

"I do hope that I am welcome," said a dry, Germanic voice behind her.

Cassie sucked in air. Dulaque. Jenkins' father.