In The Safety Of A Lie - COMPLETED!

Chapter 1

4 Years Earlier

"Evelina, we're going to be late." Zach Molner yelled to Evelina Jones. He paced back and forth with his hands gripped behind himself. "Your parents are going to beat us to the restaurant. Our engagement is going to be old news if you don't hurry up."

"I'm coming!" Ev yelled down the stairs. "We're not even ten minutes away from the restaurant. My parents are coming from my great aunt's, they have a much farther drive. And besides, we haven't told anyone yet. It's not going to be old news by the time we get there, Zach!"

Zach shook his head and adjusted his tie in a mirror by the door. "That's what you think." He muttered.

"What was that?" Ev rushed down the staircase, shoes in one hand and a hand purse in the other. Her normally blonde hair had been dyed auburn red, making the silver earrings stand out. She blew her bangs out of her eyes when she stepped onto the main level of the house.

Zach ignored her question, giving her a kiss as soon as she reached him. "You look stunning, my fiancé."

Ev returned the kiss. Her cheeks flushed. "It's so surreal to hear you say that! I can't believe you finally proposed to me." She gently punched his shoulder.

"Hey! It's only been three or four years! We haven't even reached your parents' seven-years of courtship yet." He winked at her.

"Not everybody's old school like they were!" She jumped up and down, pulling her heels onto her feet.

"No, but I think they knew what they were doing when they waited that long." Zach commented, grinning at his woman struggling to slip on her shoes. "Need a shoulder?" He leaned his over to her.

"I don't need assistance in getting on my own shoes, Zachary Molner." She gave him a look of independence, reminding him of why he loved her so much.

"I can see that." He smiled wider and reached for the door. "Quit jumping like a bunny then and get them on."

"Ha ha ha." Ev gave him a playful glare while pulling on the other shoe. She tromped past him. "Now who's behind?"

Zach rolled his eyes and shut the door behind him. He jogged passed Evelina and got the door for her. "My lady."

Ev smiled up at him. "My oh my, what a gentleman."

"Mhmm, and you better not forget that." He reminded her and shut the car door.

Evelina waited for him to get in the driver's side. "Think my parents will be surprised that we're engaged?"

"Maybe your mom." He commented as a heavy rain began to drench their vehicle, attempting to flood the road as they drove. The windshield wipers were on full force and it was still difficult to see the shiny road in front of them.

"Not my dad?" She looked at him curiously.

"Eh, he probably would have been." Zach tried to keep his face serious. He chanced a glance over at her, an eyebrow cocked up. "If I hadn't asked him for your hand first."

"You didn't!" Her eyes were wide as she waited for him to answer her.

"Oh, but, darling, I did." He smiled, but kept his eyes on the road. "Your parents aren't the only old fashioned people around. I still have a little bit of that charm running through my veins."

Ev laughed. "I'm glad you only have a little bit of that charm running through your veins, otherwise our engagement could be three or four more years just to get to my parents' seven-year mark."