would that i • taylor swift

Chapter 3

Taylor woke up early. She didn't even really get to sleep, as she tossed and turned in bed all night, consumed with thoughts of the woman who was supposed to be her bride.

Her bride-to-be didn't seem to be coming around at all. She wanted to be enticed.

She got out of bed, walking down to the kitchen to make herself some strong coffee, ham, and eggs. Once she had everything, she sat down and immediately started eating. She peered over at the stack of papers that she grabbed from the mail last night but didn't get the chance to look at.

As she sipped her coffee, she picked them up. One was just the news, but she moved past that to see invitations, which confused her. She continued with her breakfast while she opened each envelope. A lot had been invitations from single men and women, which was odd, since it wasn't a secret that Taylor was not available. It was bewildering that so many people seemed to want to be with her—everyone but the woman that was actually meant to be with her. And she was interested in anyone but Marina Cavell.

Taylor wouldn't make the mistake of neglecting her fiancée, like she had done in the past, due to the whirlwind of chaos her life had become after her father died. Marina had presented her with a challenge, and while she knew she deserved it, she was also intent on accomplishing it.

She picked up her phone and looked for places in the area that sold flowers.

Once she finished eating, she quickly went to one of the shops that she found to get a bouquet and then she went to the Cavell House.

Marina's mother seemed astonished to see her. "I don't think Marina is awake yet, Taylor," she said, trying to disguise her frown.

"I can wait, if that's alright with you."

Madlen nodded and walked her to the living room.

"I will go wake Marina up and let her know you are here."

"She cannot be here," Marina said unintelligibly, getting changed out of her pajamas. "It's nine o'clock."

"Do you want to wear your blue gown or your pale pink satin one?" Madlen asked, searching through Marina's wardrobe.

"The pink satin." Marina brushed through her hair. She couldn't believe she was going to have to sit and talk to Taylor. She seemed so.... interesting last night, and she really didn't want to actually like her. She was only going to drag her to Pennsylvania, and away from everyone she had ever known and loved.

By the time she was dressed and walking downstairs, she couldn't tell if she was out of breath from the nerves or from rushing to get ready so quickly. Her hands were shaking, and that she couldn't tell if it was because she was cold, annoyance from Taylor, or nerves once more. She chose to believe it was the annoyance. She'd only seen her nine hours ago.

"Taylor..." she said, stopping in the doorway of the living room.

The blonde was crouched on the hearth, setting a match to the fireplace. She glanced over her shoulder at Marina. "I will be with you in a moment."

"B—"

She stood up as the room warmed from the heat of the fireplace.

So her Pennsylvanian woman knew how to make a toasty fire. Marina internally slapped herself. Taylor wasn't heranything. "Why are you here so early?"

Taylor walked to Marina. "I forgot something last night."

"I don't think you did," Marina responded to her accurately. "It was a beautiful night."

A soft smile graced Taylor's mouth. "Excellent. But that is not what I meant."

"What did you mean, then?"