"Okay, what are we going to be doing today?"

"We trained pretty hard yesterday. Let's do something simple. Punching bags?" River suggested and I nodded. I chose a punching bag; he stood on the opposite side.

I punched it with my right hand and he punched it back to me.

"So, when are we telling everyone about our, um, engagement?" River asked awkwardly while I kept my eyes on the punching bag.

"Tonight?"

"In the cafeteria?" he queried, uncertain.

"Yeah. Is that a problem?" I murmured, lifting my foot to kick the bag.

"Not at all, " he answered quietly.

I nodded. "Tonight it is, then."

The rest of the day, we continued to train in absolute silence. We both had a lot to process.

For me, the idea of marrying River had always been a dream. A fantasy, really. I hadn't actually expected it to ever come true. And now that it had, I wasn't as excited about it as I would be.

River wasn't who I thought he was. He wasn't my childhood crush, he was a completely different person.

That doesn't change the fact that River Ashmore was the first person I had ever loved. As a husband, he will also be my last. It was either that or he will die. As much as I wanted to find my true love, I wouldn't wish for someone to die because of my choice. Especially River.

His father chose me and I felt responsible for River now. Although River probably had loads of women wanting to marry him, who'd be better than someone who used to love him with everything they had?

—

My stomach felt strange. It was turning and doing somersaults.

"What is this? The Organs Olympics?" I muttered. I tried to shake away the feeling and decided to check on Blair.

I stopped at her door, contemplating whether I should enter or leave. Taking a courageous breath, I opened the door and step inside.

She was pacing back and forth. I gulp, taking the time to look at the woman I was going to marry. Blair's eyebrows were slightly furrowed in thought and she looked anxious. I didn't blame her.

"Hey."

Blair looked up, startled by my presence. "Oh, hi."

"Are you okay?" I asked as I stepped towards her.

"Somewhat."

"I feel the same way."

"Are you nervous?" she murmured, looking down. I could tell she was embarrassed.

"If I'm being completely honest, yes."

"Me too, " Blair sighed and I motioned for her to sit down on the bed. When she did, I sat beside her, noticing how she fidgeted with her hands.

"We can do this some other day, you know. Tomorrow, next week, anytime you want, " I reassured her.

"I know, " Blair locked eyes with me and I held my breath for a second. "But, I want to do this now."

"Get it over with?"

"Exactly."

I caught a flash of emotion in her eyes and I put my hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, are you okay?" I questioned, concerned.

"I'm..." Blair hesitated. "I don't really know."

I opened my mouth to speak, but she cut me off. "We have an engagement to announce, don't we?"

She was trying to ignore her emotions. I had some experience in that. I gave her a small smile, nodding. "Yes, we do."