The reflection in the mirror stared back at Nimiane, deeply in thought. Dark brows furrowed in concentration, hands lingering at the sides of a white gown as if forgotten, dark blue eyes searching for something in the face that looked back at them. Nimiane almost didn’t recognize herself. The white silk gown created curves she hadn’t known had been hiding, its simple train was elegant, the lace sleeves daring. She could almost imagine it a gown for a different occasion. What she could not mistake was the veil, set delicately on top of her dressed tresses, the long lace trailing down her back, the front a thin attempt to hide her features.

“There.” Hastings, the maid the Delaneys had been kind enough to employ for her, stepped back from putting the veil on. The outfit was complete and a smile tilted the lips of the young lady next to Nimiane.

It was real, Nimiane realized in that moment. Her blue eyes gaining understanding. This was no dream, no half made up story, or a thought of a remaining hope. This was her wedding day, a day she had long since given up believing would happen.

The bells tolled ten o’clock. It was time. Nimiane sought the eyes of Hastings, one friendly face. A pang for the familiarity of Marli, her father, even Ben, lingered, but she knew her heart, knew her desires. No matter who was in attendance, she knew what she wanted.

The doors to the church's small parlor opened and Nimiane followed the attendant to the front of the church. No one waited to walk her down the aisle, instead the doors swung open, the music played, and Nimiane began the walk she had never believed she would do. She didn’t notice the few faces who watched, she didn’t notice the Delaney brothers, or even the priest. Her eyes met Shawn’s and her feet seemed to move of her own accord.

Soon she would be Shawn’s and Shawn’s alone. Heart, body, and soul. His eyes were calming, his presence steadying, and any last visages of discomfort melted like snow under the midday sun. He was hers and she was his. A union that was theirs and theirs alone.