In The Safety Of A Lie - COMPLETED!

Chapter 26

MAJOR CONTENT WARNING!: **WEDDING BELLS ARE DINGING** ;)

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The few days flew by and the elopement was now upon them. It wasn't anything big or fancy, but it was satisfactory and special. Evelina had refused to wear a white dress. She might have been promised forgiveness and a re-purification through her faith, but that didn't make her any less guilty of the things that she had done.

Nakita took it upon herself to find Evelina the perfect dress. After making her try on dozens of dresses the Friday before, they had finally found the perfect one. Eloping was meant to be simple and casual, but they wanted it to be different then most elopements. This wedding was going to be memorable, even if it was short.

Joey waited patiently for the ladies to arrive outside of the small building. He looked rather dashing in his black tux and black tie. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his watch and the time it was.

"We got here early, Joey." Jimmy reminded him.

"I know, but what if she decides not to come? What if she's changed her mind?" Joey nervously watched for their car to drive into the parking lot. He paced back and forth, realizing he could be standing here like a fool. What woman in her right mind would marry a man like him? A man with baggage and danger twisted within his name. A man who didn't know the first thing about marriage. A man who wasn't even sure he knew the first thing about real love. His thoughts were quickly interrupted.

"Joey, you need to calm down." Jimmy watched his friend's tenseness. He couldn't let him get anymore worked up.

"I am calm." Joey glanced at his friend, failing at his forced calmness.

Jimmy leaned against his car with his arms folded against his chest. "Really?"

"No, not really! I'm a nervous wreck!" Joey threw his hands up in the air. He felt like he could be bordering a panic attack. He forced his breathing to stay controlled enough to fight that attack.

"I'll say." Jimmy watched his pacing, plopping a toothpick halfway in his mouth.

Joey nearly jumped out of his socks when someone tapped his shoulder. He snapped around in a flurry.

Evelina smiled at him. She looked gorgeous in a silky, sleeveless, light aqua blue dress. There were dark blue swirls all over it. It went down to her knees and was a little lower cut on the top then he had expected to see her wearing. If his heart hadn't been racing before, it surely was now. Her baby bump was pretty obvious, but it added something to her sexiness. Her soft blonde hair was curled and piled high up on her head in a loose style with scattered white flowers completing the look. She kept her jewelry simple, yet elegant, and her makeup light.

"Well, what do you think?" She smiled at him. Her hand gracefully resting on her belly.

"You look beautiful." Joey was short on words and breath. All worries disappeared the second he had laid his eyes on her. This was really going to work. They were really going to get married.

"And you look stunning." She took in his full appearance. "I'm glad you didn't change your mind about marrying me." She managed a wink.

"Of course I wouldn't! I love you." He said quickly.

Evelina clearly approved of his answer. "I love you, too, Joey. More than you could ever imagine. Let's get married before anyone tries to stop us." She gave his arm a squeeze and began walking toward the building in front of them. She walked as quickly as she could, clearly cold from the impending winter freeze, and knowing full well that Joey wouldn't be far behind her.