I sat at the windowsill watching the sun break over the horizon, my chin in my hand and my head in the clouds. I heard footsteps as Mr. Todd... I mean, Harnett... walked up behind me and laid a hand on the back of my chair.
"You seem sad. This is your wedding day, love." he whispered in my ear.
"I'm not sad, Mr... Harnett. Just... distracted." I replied, lifting the other hand over my chin.
"Well, try and perk up. Mrs. Lovett, Johanna, and Anthony will be here any minute." he said, mussing up my already bed-ridden hair. I groaned and stuck my head in my hands.
"Can I at least get you breakfast, love?" I asked him, standing up, and his smile sent my heart soaring.
"Sure, why not?" He kissed the top of my head, and I laughed. "It's just nice to see you so happy."
"And the feelings are mutual, Mr. Todd." I said, grabbing the tea pot and frying pan. "Eggs, as usual?"
"Of course." he agreed, and I wondered, So this is what a real couple is like. Not worrying about the law, whether this person will be missed or not, or if hiding's truly enough. I guess it would take some getting used to, being normal. But I can adapt. I have once before.
*~~~*
"VIOLET!" I heard Nellie yell, and I looked up from the water-filled basin.
"Hello, Violet!" Johanna's sweet voice called up, "Are you ready for us to help you?"
"Uhm..." I hesitated. "Yes. Please!" I looked at the lacy, ivory dress laying across my bed. The thundering noise up the stairs told me Nellie was going to be first in my room, which is exactly what happened. She embraced me forcefully as soon as she burst through the door.
"OH! Violet, love, I'm so happy for you!" she squealed, and I laughed.
"You mean Katherine, right? I mean, if you're going to call me Violet, at least keep your voice down." I explained, and they both nodded. "And Mr. Todd is now Mr. Harnett, or Todd."
"Alright, Katherine, so how do you want to play this out?" Nellie asked, lifting up my dress by the shoulders.
"I think that's a beautiful dress." Johanna said dreamily, and I stood between them.
"Well, the plan was to centre the wedding around this dress." I showed them my antique-looking ring and shiny ivory shoes.
"Wonderful." Johanna complimented, and I smiled at her. I think that my wedding was going to go just fine with these two standing next to me...
