Fell In Love With Beauty | j.stamper ✓

Twenty Four

☘️ March 🍀

Charlotte—

I honestly felt like pulling out my hair as I stared at myself in the mirror. This felt like the hundredth dress I've tried on, and our wedding was months away.

I've never felt so stressed out. In the past month, I started getting out more and taking more pictures. Attempting to make some extra money for surprise expenses; hardly ever letting me see Joey.

"Hey, Charlotte, you okay?" Kelsey asked, poking her head past the curtain. She then gasped, "That dress looks beautiful."

I sighed, looking at the tight dress that soon frayed out near my knees. I shook my head, "It's just not me."

"Want me to help?" She asked.

I smiled, "Please."

Kelsey grinned, stepping fully into the stall. "Of course, honey."

"I'm just so stressed out," I muttered.

"That's okay," she whispered, "Let's find that dress."

I nodded, "Thank you, so much."

"Do you have any certain looks you want?" Kelsey asked.

"I want a ball gown dress, but I didn't see one that I liked." I sighed, crossing my arms.

Kelsey smiled and patted my shoulder. "I'll be right back, see if they have any in the back."

"You are a life saver, Kels." I laughed.

"That's what I'm here for," she winked, slipping past the curtain.

Minutes later, Kelsey came back with a different dress in her arms. She hands to me, then slipped out of the stall once again, leaving me alone.

~*~*~

I sat in my car, after everyone left and we found my dress. It was now nearing four in the afternoon.

I stared at my phone, debating on if I should call Joey. I smiled, hitting his contact and putting the phone to my ear.

"Hello?" Joey answered, his voice spreading a smile across my lips.

"Hey, baby. You busy?" I asked, tapping my nails against the steering wheel.

"No, but I thought you had appointments tonight, and for the next two weeks," he sighed, disappointment lacing his voice.

I sighed, looking down and feeling the guilt fill my body. I bit my lip and shook my head, "I'm cleaning out my schedule. Baby, I just need you."

"How about this; I'll pick up some pizzas on my way home and we can meet at my apartment. Sound good?" Joey suggested.

I grinned, looking up. "Yeah, yeah. Sounds amazing, babe. I'll be there in thirty. I love you so much, Joey."

I could hear the smile in his voice, "I love you too, Charlotte. I'll see you soon, angel."

Joey hung up, leaving the dial tone ringing in my ear. I closed my eyes briefly, tossing my phone into the passenger seat and gripping the steering wheel.

"Thank you, Lord. For everything. For staying in rough waters and calm. Thank you for giving me such an understanding man." I whispered.

I shoved my key into the ignition, and turning over the car. I was so happy to be leaving the bridal shop, in all honesty.

I couldn't wait to see Joey, seemingly it felt like I hadn't seen him in forever.

~*~*~

I pushed myself off of Joey's door, seeing him step off the last stair, going through his keys. I grinned, standing there.

He looked up as he came to the door, just now noticing me.

"Charlotte," he whispered.

I smiled, "Hey, baby. I missed you."

Joey grinned, shoving his keys back into his pocket. Slowly, he rested his forehead against mine.

"You have no idea how much I missed you, angel." He mumbled.

I leaned up, gently pressing my lips to his. "Come on, Netflix and pizza. Perfect way to end the day, eh?" I asked.

"Yeah," he laughed, "Come on. Let's go, I'll let you wear my sweatpants, even."

I smirked, reaching into his back pocket for his keys. Easily finding his apartment key, I turned around; unlocking the door, stepping in and holding the door open for Joey.

"I really did miss this," I stated, "I'm sorry for being so busy lately. I just thought that maybe we could use some extra money in case anything came up." I explained.

Joey sat the pizzas on the counter, came back into the main room. He laid his hands on my waist and gently kissed my forehead.

"Don't worry about it, I understand. All that matters is that we'll be married in just five months." Joey grinned.

I smiled, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Hm. I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, angel." He murmured, "Let's get those sweatpants. I wanna cuddle."

I giggled as he took my hand, forcing me to follow him to his room. Cardboard boxes filled his room, leaving me to guess that he was eager to be moving.

I sat on his bed as he dug through his drawers. Then his closet, looking for shirts.

I grinned at him as he handed me a pair of gray sweatpants, and his black "run to the sea" tank top; his favorite one.

"You're favorite shirt? What is this?" I laughed.

He simply smiled, quickly kissing me.

"My favorite shirt, for my favorite girl. I'll let you dressed in here. I love you so much." He mumbled.

I didn't have a chance to reply before Joey was out the door and closing it. I sighed, shaking my head. He did do that; a lot.

I quickly changed, laying my clothes on his bed, then quietly making my way back to his kitchen. Joey had his back to me, his tattoo visible on his bare skin. Slowly, I stepped towards him, watching as he flinched as I laid my hand on his shoulder.

"You never let me finish; I love you too, Joseph Patrick," I smirked.