#prepping for

When it came time for Mr. Blanc to place the ring on her finger, his hands were warm around hers, and she found herself keeping all her attention on how his skin felt against hers. It felt like an anchor against the wave of feelings coursing through her. 

The ceremony continued in that same blur, and sooner than she had thought, it was over and they were married. They were presented to their friends and family, most of who looked on with smiles. In a mirror of her walk down the aisle with Harlan, she slipped her arm in Mr. Blanc’s and allowed him to lead them out of the church. 

Once outside, Mr. Blanc led them a short ways away from the church and turned to her. “Are you alright?”

Surprised by his question, she nodded. “I am alright.” 

“It is overwhelming to suddenly find yourself married,” he said, his tone light, but empathetic. 

She knew he had upturned his life just as she had. The look in his eye told her he would be an ally in this, and she felt a sort of calm settle upon her. “It is,” she said with a small nod, “but it does not follow that what comes after should be unpleasant.” 

“I would not have it so,” he said, with an earnestness that only deepened the reassurance she had felt. 

“I would not have it so either,” she said, hoping to convey her gratitude and the desire she felt to do her part in their marriage.

He nodded, before motion at the door of the church caught their attention. Their friends were coming to greet them now, and they needed to make their way to the wedding breakfast. 

He turned back to her, a soft smile on his face. “Shall we, Mrs. Blanc?”

The clergyman had said it first, but it sounded different coming from her husband’s mouth. 

Mari's long overdue design update!

same character, different pose