Work Text:
Mr. Knightley lay in the dark room, lit only by the autumn moonlight streaming in the window. He lay on his side with his head propped up, enjoying his new favourite activity - one of his new favourite activities - watching Emma sleep.
Their wedding had been beautiful; a whirlwind of excitement, nervousness, and happiness. The guests had at long last departed, Emma's father had gone to bed, and then finally he and Emma had retreated to their new room, and had spent the following hours getting to know one another as husband and wife for the first time.
Emma was now fast asleep, but although Mr. Knightley was also exhausted, he could not join her in sleep. His heart and his mind were too full of thoughts of his beloved wife. He couldn't imagine how he had been so fortunate as to secure the affections of a woman so intelligent, so beautiful as she. He looked at her in wonder - her long golden hair loose on the pillow, her smooth skin, her even breathing as she slept. After some time, he couldn't resist moving a lock of hair that had fallen over her face and smoothing it back.
Her eyes fluttered open and he saw her look up at him in confusion for a moment. After all, neither of them had slept with another person before - it was normal they would not be used to sharing a bed.
"Is this a dream?" Emma whispered and reached up to gently touch his face and run her hand through his dark hair.
"No my dearest Emma, it is real. I am your husband, and you are my wife," he whispered in reply.
"Oh I am so happy." She smiled and her eyes closed again. Shortly she resumed her even breathing and Mr. Knightley knew she had fallen asleep once more.
He resumed his silent vigil, his heart full to bursting with happiness and love.