They ended up spending most of their spare moments throughout the week together.  A lunch here.  Dinner there.  Coffee.  A movie night that was cut short by other mother calling in a panic because she could not find the sorts of roses she wanted for the ceremony.  Despite all that, and the minor interjections of family drama, Eve found herself relatively calm the morning of the wedding.  She sat in one of the guest bedrooms as two women, who had done her makeup and hair for other events, fussed over her.<br/><br/>Her mother entered the room, looking as displeased as she usually did, but there was something else in her gaze.  Something off.  Eve turned once Sharon, the woman doing her makeup, backed up a little.<br/><br/>"Is he here yet?  They were supposed to be here about a half hour ago..."  Eve asked her mother, hopeful that her groom had arrived.  Oddly, her mind did not think he might have pulled out of the deal.  She worried either something had happened during their traveling, or worse, something had happened with his father.  Perhaps he had ended up back in the hospital?<br/><br/>"No sign yet.  You could text him?"  Lauren suggested to her daughter.  "Or maybe it's best if you don't, darling, I--I'd like to speak with you alone for a moment."<br/><br/>Eve smiled up at the two women who had been helping her get ready and they quietly exited the room.  Sharon and Ann were both women she'd known long enough that they understood how her mother was.  They would politely wait outside until this business was done.<br/><br/>"I know you are trying to do what the council wants, but Evelyn, this is too fast.  I still fear that you will be married, unhappy and looking for a divorce in six months and that will reflect poorly on both families.  So I'm asking you to wait.  Perhaps the Murphy boy has seen sense and that is why he hasn't arrived yet."  Lauren said.  Her tone was almost sounded sympathetic, but Eve knew better.  This was not a request, it was an order.<br/><br/>"I've spent the last week with Casey, Mother, he's...We wanted to give his father a chance to see this.  I want to give them this chance.  I know the feud has been going on a long time, but this is a kindness and I don't mind it in the least."  Eve protested.  It was difficult, because beyond that, she did not have a great reason for rushing to the altar, beyond the fact that it just felt right.  Like this was the right thing to do.<br/><br/>"You are risking your entire future and the legacy I have crafted, Evelyn.  I can't--I can't have that.  I know you've become twitterpated with this boy, but if you...if you follow through with this marriage, today, I can't allow you to inherit my seat on the council.  It shows that despite years of tireless work and grooming, you're willing to impulsively follow your heart..."<br/><br/>Eve watched her mother for a moment, though she knew the ultimatum was deadly serious.  She pushed out a sigh and shook her head.<br/><br/>"Mother, if you would be so kind as to check and see if everything is going according to plan and that the room is ready for the groom and his best man to get ready when they arrive, I would greatly appreciate it.   Let Sharon and Ann know they can come back in when you go out."  Her response was clear and politely, not giving into what her mother wanted.  Lauren's face flashed red, but she was not the sort to have a wild fight within earshot of other people.<br/><br/>"Of course.  I suppose I know where your priorities are..."  Lauren said as she turned and left the room.  She likely still hoped her daughter would change her mind, but Eve still knew she was doing the right thing and did not intend to give in.