The law would have protected Kellen and Wavy if they'd waited, but they didn't. Even in the book, Kellen had parental consent. If they had waited until they'd gotten married, he would not have gone to jail or been labeled a sex offender. They would have had a much better life and chance. As far as marriage mitigating what we consider statutory rape, I don't see that it can. If a child is a minor, then he or she is unable to take responsibility for that act and a marriage license does little to change that. That is my personal opinion. However, given the situation for Wavy and Kellen, I think it would have protected her. As in all life, context matters. Things are never black and white. There are variables that change situations. Their situation was unique and I was glad they had an avenue to get Wavy out and protect her, at least from her parents and that situation. As damaged as she was, I am not sure whether being sexual with Kellen was good or bad for her. But I do know he was better able than anyone else in the story to take care of her.