"It went better than I expected. I mean, I didn't think Merlin was going to be rude. It's Merlin. He's amazingly polite, I think even when he wants to deck someone and that's one of the reasons I love him." Charlie fidgets, shifting on her heels briefly.

"But it went well. I think dad approves. So...that's something?" A sigh, a faint wringing of fingers and then...

"Pepper, is it wrong to want something with alcohol before the wedding? I keep thinking the City is going to pull something last minute and really, that's the only thing worrying me today."