Written ✓

One

Anne had woken up the next morning in nothing but a robe and her fuzzy socks. Phillip lay shirtless next to her, her palms lay on his chest and his arm around her waist. After the reception, they took a plane ride to France, a place Anne had dreamed of going to. But today was the day they were going back home.

Anne slowly moved out of bed, she was going to wake up every day next to the love of her life. She liked that. She dressed in a coat and pants with boots, letting her frizzy hair fall on her shoulders. Phillip grumbled as Anne swung the curtains of their hotel room open.

"Good morning," Anne said, stroking his cheek as she sat beside him.

Phillip looking up at her eyes, he smiled. She was his now. "Good morning."

Phillip jumped out of bed, putting on a suit and slacks. "We've got a plane to catch. I have a surprise for you once we go back to the circus."

Anne tilted her head, searching for passports. "What surprise?"

While away in France, Phillip had bought her a beautiful white manor near Manhattan, fully furnished. And twenty minutes away from the circus. He smiled just thinking of the expression she would have when she saw it. Phillip grabbed the remaining luggage and they headed out the door.

***

"Anne! You're home!" Lettie cheered, wrapping her in a warm embrace.

Anne was heavily greeted by the oddities, each of them taking turns to look at her gorgeous diamond ring. Phillip smiled, turning to look at Barnum, who had a strained expression on. Lines were making its way to his forehead.

"Rough day, partner?" Phillip asked calmly, shaking his hand as he stuffed the luggage automobile.

"More than rough," Barnum muttered frustratingly. "The press is shocked by your proposal. And it's not the good kind."

Phillip frowned, turning to look at him. "You know, I'd actually take the time to really feel their anger, but quite frankly, tell them that honestly don't care. I'm happy."

Barnum nodded, patting him on the back. "Go along now. It's getting late. I bet you're tired."

Anne emerged from the curtain of the circus, her hands filled with luggage from her old circus house. She was still clueless as to what the house looked like, but she was ready. She waved farewell to W.D one last time. She hopped into the automobile, having only been in one three times. She gripped Phillip's arm as they drove off.

It took them thirty minutes to reach the manor. Phillip ordered her to close her eyes, only to open them with shock and awe on her face. She immediately dropped her luggage, clinging on to Phillip's neck as she wrapped him in an embrace.

"Oh! Phillip, you didn't have to buy me this! I mean, it's absolutely wonderful, but–"

"Hush. Quit nagging me." Phillip chuckled, running to put her luggage in. "Let me spoil you this time. Welcome to the Carlyle Manor."

Anne smiled. Though she was tired, she wanted to cherish this moment. Before she could step into the manor, Phillip swiped her off her feet, she let out a small yelp, clinging on to his next.

"Its tradition." Phillip winked, walking into the house and spinning her around. He put her down slowly, holding her waist. "Do you like it?"

"Like it?" Anne said, chuckling hysterically. "I love it! It's all I ever dreamed of Phillip. No words can express how–"

Their discussion quickly ended when a beautiful blonde woman with a business suit and a clipboard came walking into the manor without question. Her suit was unbuttoned a little. Anne looked at her with bewilderment.

"Hello!" The lady said perkily, shaking hands with Anne and Phillip. "My name's Louis, your real estate broker. You both just need to finalize some paperwork for me and I'll be off!"

She walked up to Phillip first, reaching into her pockets to grab a pen, handing it to Phillip. He quickly signed each page. Louis placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling at him with a spark in her eyes. Anne's eyes gazed upon them. She was being ridiculous, she was a real estate broker, that was her job.

Louis passed the clipboard to Anne, not even bothering to look at her. Instead, Louis rubbed a hand on Phillip's arm. "So tell me, what did you do before the circus?"

"Well," Phillip began thoughtfully, staring up at the ceiling. "I created plays and musicals. But I never really enjoyed it."

"Plays and circus's, the same thing." Louis chuckled, ignoring Anne as she passed her the clipboard. "I'm guessing you'll be hosting the show tonight? While Barnum's at a ballet recital?"

"Yes, he will be performing tonight," Anne said, breaking their one-on-one discussion. She'd better pay attention to her, she was very close to pulling those golden locks out of her head. "With me, of course. You should come and watch us perform."

Louis's lips tightened, she moved back, snatching the clipboard out of her hands as if she was a disgusting animal she didn't want to be around. "Okay. I just might." And she strutted out the door, her hair bounced along with her.

"Plays and circuses aren't the same things," Anne said in annoyance. "Is she living under a rock?"

Phillip licked the inside of his lips as he folded his arms. He swung his head up in laughter. "You're adorable."

"Shut up!" Anne exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him as she softly kissed his lips.

The beginning of everything...

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading chapter One! Will they survive the obstacles between husband and wife? What'll the protestors think? Stay tuned for more!

- E.S.M ()