21st July, 1944
"Just calm down, will you? And try not to be too, uh, well, you."
Evelyn turned and eyed Eugene drolly while he just smirked at her. It was Friday evening and Eugene had finally decided that it was time for her to meet the famous Vera. She was pretty sure he had only relented because she continued to pester him almost daily about her, but she didn't care. After months of pestering it was actually happening, and to say that she was excited was a little bit of an understatement. She was positively giddy as they walked through the village and to the small house where Vera lived near to the churchyard.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Evelyn pouted.
"It's just that sometimes you can be a little, well, excitable," Eugene tried to say kindly. "And you love to ask people all kinds of awkward questions. Of course I find it an endearing quality, don't get me wrong, but for people that aren't used to you, it can be a little off putting."
"Gene, you're acting as though I'm about to walk into her house, shake her hand and ask her what bra size she is or something." Eugene blushed slightly and raised an eyebrow at her. She chuckled and wrapped both of her arms around one of his. "I promise you right now, I will be on my absolute best behaviour, ok? Pinkie promise, Scout's honour, uh… Well I can't think of any others, but you get the idea." Eugene still didn't look exactly convinced though. "Oh Jeez Louise, Eugene, have some faith in me would you?"
"Sorry," Eugene muttered. The air was cool and a few spatters of warm summer rain fell on them as they strolled leisurely. "So, how are you doing?"
"Argh, not you as well," Evelyn groaned, dropping her arms down to her side. "Would everyone stop asking me that? I feel like it's all I ever hear. Evelyn are you alright? Evelyn do you need to talk about it? Evelyn when are you gonna fix things up with Bill? It's driving me mad."
"Alrighty then," Eugene muttered with raised brows. Although in truth, he wasn't the least bit perturbed by her little rant. After two years with her, he was more than a little used to them.
They walked in comfortable silence for the rest of the way until they came to a small house, set back from the others. The black painted metal gate squealed indignantly as Eugene pushed it open gently, and before they could even make it half way up the garden path the front door opened wide to reveal a slender red haired woman with a beaming smile. Evelyn glanced beside her to Eugene who had the same smile plastered on his face. Well aren't they smitten little kittens?
In all honesty though it was rather adorable. She held back a little as Eugene and the woman embraced each other tenderly. Eugene cupped her face and kissed her softly on the lips. Evelyn was a little surprised that he would show such affection in front of her, but at the same time it was nice to see a side of Eugene that wasn't always so reserved and proper, especially around women.
"You must be Evelyn? I'm Vera. I'm so happy to finally meet you at last," the woman turned her attention to Evelyn, who held out a hand to her. But the woman chuckled sweetly and pulled her in for a small hug. "I feel as though I know you so well already from all that Gene's told me that we can dispense with the formalities, don't you think? I've been begging Gene to let me meet you for so long but he's always saying you're too busy."
"Is that right?" Evelyn threw Eugene a pointed look over Vera's shoulder. He glanced at the floor uncomfortably.
"You must come out of the rain, the pair of you," Vera smiled warmly. "Rosie, that's my sister, has gone out for the night so it's just us three for dinner tonight."
Vera led them into the living room and took their jackets before muttering something about getting drinks from the kitchen. Evelyn noticed that Eugene's eyes never left Vera as she bustled around the kitchen busily. Sitting down on the couch, Evelyn glanced around the homely living room that wasn't too dissimilar from the Jones'. However, one thing that set it apart was the sheer volume of photographs dotted around the room. She recognised Vera in many of them.
"Are these your parents?" Evelyn asked, pointing to a photo of a young smiling couple holding a small baby as Vera flounced back into the room and handed her a small glass of sherry.
"Yes," Vera answered, almost with a sigh. "They died during the blitz. They were in London, visiting my grandmother. Ironically, they had gone to try to persuade her to come back and live here with us, what with it being safer out in the country. My mum didn't want to take me or Rosie, so they left us with a neighbour. Anyway, one night, the bomb shelter they were in was hit and nobody survived."
"Oh I'm so sorry," Evelyn felt a little terrible for having brought it up. Why the hell hadn't Eugene told her so she didn't put her foot in it? Then again, it was like getting blood out of a stone to get Eugene to say anything much about Vera. "That must have been awful for you."
"It was," Vera nodded. "But I had Rosie, and we got through it together. It's rather important to keep your loved ones close when you suffer a loss like that. Somehow it makes you feel less alone. Why don't you and Gene have a seat at the table and I'll just dish supper out?"
As Vera disappeared again, Evelyn gave Eugene a pointed stare. Meddling Martha.
"I'm just gonna go and help Vera," he stammered, flustered at having been caught out.
… … …
"I am awfully excited to get to know more about you, Evelyn. I want to hear all about what it's like being the only female in a company of men. You must have some rather interesting stories. Don't spare me any of the gory details. In fact, I'm rather looking forward to them," Vera chatted away happily as she sat down at the table.
Evelyn smiled. She liked Vera already. A lot. "I sure do. I've got some right ones I could share with you." Eugene cleared his throat. Evelyn took the hint. "But uh, you know what? They're not really that exciting. In fact, they're pretty dull." A bit like Eugene is being right now. She resisted the urge to snort as that thought ran through her head.
"I do hope dinner is to your liking," Vera said, offering Evelyn the gravy boat.
"It looks amazing," Evelyn smiled, eyeing the mutton and vegetables on her plate. As if to agree, her stomach gurgled loudly. She took a bite and the mutton literally melted in her mouth. She groaned. It was delicious. Even Mrs Jones' cooking wasn't a patch on this. "This is the best mutton I've ever had. But if you ever come to Philly don't tell my mom I said that. She would be heartbroken."
"Thank you," Vera blushed modestly. "It's nothing fancy though what with rationing and all."
"If this is nothing fancy then I would love to see what you can cook when there's no rationig'," Evelyn snorted. "Gene, you better marry this girl quick before some other lucky guy snaps her up."
Eugene shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Oh God, what have I put my foot in now?
"Have you not told her yet?" Vera asked him, her brows furrowed. Even then, she still looked so pleasantly sweet, and Evelyn doubted that she could ever say a bad word to or about anyone.
"I was gonna on our way home later," Eugene murmured, scratching his head. Evelyn had never seen him look so awkward before.
"Tell me what?" Evelyn wondered, thoroughly confused by Eugene's odd behaviour. She looked at Eugene then to Vera then back to Eugene. "Gene?"
"I asked Vera to marry me and she said yes," he finally answered. Try not to look like you've just been handed a life sentence, Gene.
"And the rest," Vera nudged him.
There's more?
"We're getting married on Sunday."
"Sunday? As in this Sunday?" Evelyn's mouth dropped open and her eyes almost bugged.
"There's only going to be my sister and a couple of the other red cross girls going. It won't be anything grand. Just the church and then a small buffet here afterwards," Vera smiled, taking Eugene's hand. "We do hope you'll be there of course?"
"Uh," Evelyn glanced at Eugene, unsure how to answer. She didn't want to impose if Eugene didn't actually want her there. He hadn't exactly been forthcoming about the whole thing, had he? She couldn't decide whether or not part of her was a little upset with him. They were meant to be friends. And she was pretty sure friends would tell each other something like this. But then again this was Eugene. Eugene who was notoriously private; even with her. Plus, the Eugene she knew would never do anything to intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. Perhaps she should give him the benefit of the doubt? Besides, she had already fallen out with Bill, she couldn't afford to fall out with anyone else. It was far too emotionally exhausting.
"We would really both like you to be there," Eugene told her sincerely. "I would really like you to be there."
"Hmm," Evelyn pretended to think about, her eyes twinkling. "If you agree I can be a bridesmaid and wear a bright pink taffeta gown then I'll be there."
"Not a chance," Eugene snorted, picturing the image.
"Spoilsport," Evelyn stuck her tongue out, and just like that any hint of upset she felt was gone.
Vera watched the exchange between the two of them with a warm smile.
"Perhaps after supper, we can leave Gene to do the washing up and I'll take you upstairs to show you my dress?" Vera suggested. And then she leaned forward and whispered not very inconspicuously with an impish grin. "And then you can tell me those stories."
"You betcha," Evelyn grinned back.
… … …
"So, what do you think?" Eugene asked her on their walk home. It was late and the village was dark and quiet.
"About what? Vera? Oh, she's a doll. If you weren't gonna marry her, then I think I would," Evelyn joked. "But you on the other hand, Eugene Roe, are a sneaky weasel. I can't believe you're getting married in two days and you've only just told me."
Eugene at least had the good grace to look a little guilty.
"I'm sorry," he said. "It's just that, well, I don't want any of the others to know. And I thought-"
"-That me and my loud mouth would tell them?" she finished for him.
"Something like that," he admitted sheepishly.
"Your trust in me is astounding," she said sarcastically. "You have my word that I won't tell anyone. But let me ask you one thing? Why don't you want any of them to know? You do know that they'd all be overjoyed for you, don't you?"
"I know that," Gene nodded. "But, I dunno, I kind of just want to keep that bit of my life separate. I can't explain it. I don't really understand it myself. The only person that knows, other than you, is Colonel Sink, and that was only because I had to get him to sort all the paperwork out."
"Fair enough," Evelyn shrugged. "You're completely bonkers, but it's your life and your choice. Just do me one favour, yeah? When you guys have a kid, will you actually tell me before it arrives? And I mean like months before, not two days?"
"Deal," Eugene smirked.
When they reached the Jones', all the lights were off. Evelyn lifted the doormat up to see the spare front door key tucked underneath it.
"Thanks for walking me home, Gene," she smiled. "And if I haven't said it already; I really am happy for you and Vera. I think you're both gonna be very happy together."
"Yeah we will be, as soon as this damned war is over anyway," Eugene muttered almost angrily.
Evelyn put a hand on his arm comfortingly, sympathetic to his feelings. She couldn't imagine how he must be feeling, knowing that they could be moving out again anytime soon and he wouldn't know when he would see his new wife again.
"You know we can't all be as lucky as you," Eugene said suddenly, and Evelyn frowned, wondering what on earth he meant. "Well you know, whenever we move out again, you and your future husband get to go together."
"Shut up Gene," Evelyn blushed, punching his arm playfully.
"Good night Ev," Gene smirked. "See you on Sunday."
"Night Gene."
… … …
22nd July, 1944
It was Saturday morning and Evelyn was listening to the wireless in the living room, enjoying the fact that it was finally the weekend. Which meant no training, no aid station and some peace and quiet. The doorbell rang merrily, and Evelyn sighed. She spoke too soon.
"Ev, would you be a dear and get that?" Mrs Jones shouted from the kitchen where she was washing up the breakfast dishes.
"Sure," Evelyn answered, already up and walking to the front door. When she opened it, there stood the one person she had no wish to see. She made a move to shut the door but Bill jammed it open with his foot.
"Ev, please," he begged but she wouldn't be swayed.
"What do you want?" she spat.
"Bill is that you?" Lucy ran down the stairs sounding like an entire herd of elephants was coming down them.
"There's my favourite girl," he smiled, pushing his way into the hallway just as Lucy ran and jumped into arms. "Did you grow bigger while I was gone?"
"You noticed," she beamed.
"Course I did," he set her down on the floor and ruffled her hair. "You ready to go squirt?"
"Yep, I just need to get my cardigan," she said as Mrs Jones came walking into the hallway, wiping her hands on her apron.
Evelyn wanted to ask what the hell he was doing here and where the hell he thought he was going with Lucy, but she didn't want to talk to him nor create a scene, especially not in front of Lucy.
"It's so good to see you," Mrs Jones smiled as Bill leaned in and kissed her cheek. "When Harry said you called round yesterday evening to ask about taking Lucy out, I was awfully sorry to have missed you. I'm glad to see you're looking well."
Evelyn frowned. So not only had Bill come around yesterday but nobody had thought to mention it to her, and somehow the eight year old chatterbox had managed to keep her little day trip a secret all morning. Evelyn didn't know whether to be annoyed or impressed at their secrecy. Also, if Mrs Jones had known Bill was coming around then surely she would have guessed it was him at the door when she asked Evelyn to answer it? Why did Evelyn have the feeling she was being hustled?
"I hope you didn't mind me asking to take this little munchkin out, but I needed to repay her kindness in looking after my baseball for me while I was gone," Bill smiled, leaning down to help Lucy with her cardigan. "And I figured going to the movies would be as good a payment as any."
"Oh of course not, she's awfully excited," Mrs Jones smiled. "I've told her that she's to listen to everything you tell her and if she's naughty you'll bring her straight home."
"She'll be fine, won't you squirt?" he winked at Lucy who gave her best and most innocent looking smile.
"Are you coming too Evelyn?" the little girl asked, looking up at her expectantly.
"Oh no, not today," Evelyn tried to smile back, hoping Lucy didn't notice the obvious tension between her and Bill. "But you be sure to tell me all about it when you get back, yeah?"
"Oh please," Lucy begged, clasping her hands together. "Please come with us. We're getting the bus to Swindon and everything. It's going to be wonderful. But it would be even better if you come too."
Evelyn was at a loss. On one hand she couldn't bear the thought of upsetting the little girl who had become like a younger sister, but nor could she stomach spending the day playing happy families with her lying older brother.
"Pleeeeeeeeeaaassssse," Lucy begged. "I promise I'll be really good, and it will be even better having both of you there."
"Now, now Lucy, perhaps Evelyn's got plans for today?" Mrs Jones tried to deter Lucy. "I'm sure she'll come next time."
"Ok," Lucy dropped her head in defeat, a wobble playing at her bottom lip. No, not the bottom lip. She knows I can't say no to the bottom lip.
"Alright," Evelyn sighed reluctantly. "I'm coming."
"Yay!" Lucy squealed excitedly, and Evelyn had a feeling she had been played good and proper by an eight year old. Must be a family trait. "Let's go, let's go!"
"I'm sorry," Mrs Jones whispered to Evelyn as she was the last to head out of the front door. Although Evelyn was pretty sure that Mrs Jones had gotten the exact result she hoped for.
"Don't worry," Evelyn patted her arm reassuringly. "See you later."
The second they were out of the garden gate, Lucy went skipping down the road towards the direction of the bus stop which was on the main road just outside the village.
"I'm, uh, really glad you came with us, Evie," Bill said.
"Yeah well, I'm not doin' it for you," she glared, striding away from him. But Bill caught her by the wrist and stopped her.
"Please Evie," he begged, his eyes pleading. Eyes that were almost the exact same colour as Henry's. Tears filled her own eyes as pain seared through her heart at the mere thought of him.
"You best let go, Bill," she said through gritted teeth.
"And what if I don't, huh? It's been over a month, Evie and you still won't talk to-"
"-Would you stop calling me that?" she yanked her arm away angrily.
"Why are you two fighting?" Lucy's upset voice suddenly asked. "Why were you hurting Evelyn's arm?"
Bill and Evelyn looked down at her, simultaneously plastering smiles onto their faces. Bill rubbed his face wearily, unsure of what to say to her.
"That was us just play fighting' Lucy locket," Evelyn knelt down in front of her. "And Bill didn't hurt me, I promise. Look."
Lucy didn't look convinced even as Evelyn held out her arm for her to inspect. She narrowed her eyes at the pair of them.
"Yeah, it's just a game Lou," Bill tried to convince her.
"It didn't look like a game," Lucy commented. "Evelyn looked upset."
"Yeah, she was just upset 'cause she was losing is all. She's a real sore loser," Bill winked. "Now are we gonna hurry up before we miss that bus? Otherwise I think it's a pretty long walk to Swindon."
"We couldn't walk to Swindon, silly," Lucy chuckled at the absurdity of such a suggestion. "It would take a gazillion years."
"Well we'd best get a move on then, hadn't we?" Evelyn stood up and smiled down at her.
"I'll lead the way," she decided, running off ahead of them happily once more.
"I, uh, appreciate what you just did there," Bill murmured uncomfortably.
"What? That I didn't tell the little girl who idolises you what a lying bastard you are?" she asked angrily. "Thank God that when this stupid war is over, she won't have to see you again, because you'd probably end up hurting her the way you've hurt me."
And with that she stormed off after Lucy, leaving Bill feeling even more broken hearted than he had before. Did she really think he was a complete and utter monster?
… … …
Swindon was bigger than Aldbourne, a heck of a lot bigger. Lucy was in her element, jabbering away excitedly and pointing at anything and everything. Evelyn supposed that it was all very exciting for her, considering she had probably only left Aldbourne a handful of times in her life. And Aldbourne was hardly a hive of activity; well, at least when the Americans weren't there it wasn't.
Throughout the movie, she kept on asking questions left, right and centre until eventually an older woman in front of them turned around and told her to be quiet. So, Bill had taken great delight in kicking the woman's seat and then every time she turned to glare at him, he would smile sweetly, sending Lucy into fits of giggles. Even Evelyn was hard pressed not to laugh. But with great difficulty, she forced herself not to.
After their little altercation back in Aldbourne, Bill hadn't tried to talk to her again. Which she was of course glad about. She was. She really was. Yep. Completely and utterly glad. At least that's what she told herself anyway.
The day flew by and before they knew it, they were on the bumpy bus back home to Aldbourne. Home. It seemed strange to call it that, but it kind of was. It was truly like a home away from home. At least to Evelyn it was anyway. As the bus jolted to a stop a few miles outside of Aldbourne, Evelyn realised that it was quiet. In fact, it was probably the quietest it had been all day. Glancing at Bill sat beside her, she realised why. Lucy was fast asleep on Bill's knee, cuddled up into his chest and her head lolloping about with every jerk of the bus.
"I tell you, I had forgotten how much this little one can talk," Bill murmured, gazing down at Lucy with a small smile. "She might even be worse than you."
Evelyn opened her mouth ready to retort angrily, just at the very fact he was speaking to her, but in that one moment something changed. The Bill she saw holding Lucy tenderly in his arms was the same Bill who had done that for her countless times growing up. The Bill who had let her play with him and his friends even when she was annoying him; the Bill who would cover for her whenever she did something wrong and their Mom found out; the Bill who carried her home for four blocks when she was playing in the street and ran into a lamppost. Well, she didn't actually remember him carrying her home because she only remembered hitting the lamppost before everything went black, but she remembered plenty of people telling her about it. In that one moment, she knew she had been unfair. Bill hadn't been trying to hurt her. He had been trying to do the complete opposite. He was just trying to look out for her the same way he always had. And deep down she had known that all along.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Bill looked up at her in surprise, his eyes wide. This was the moment he had been waiting on for weeks.
"I know that I've been a complete and utter bitch, and things I've said to you have been uncalled for. Especially what I said earlier about Lucy. That was just plain nasty," she began to ramble, filling the stunned silence as she swiped angrily at the tears suddenly pouring down her face. "I don't even know why I said half of them. I was just angry and upset. I know why you didn't tell me about Henry, and I know that you thought you were just looking out for me. I don't expect you to forgive me but-"
"-Ev?" Bill interrupted her.
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry too, you know. I honestly thought I was doing the right thing by you. It never crossed my mind that you might have found out from someone else. In hindsight it was the dumbest thing I've ever done, but all I could think about was keeping you safe the only way I knew how."
If Evelyn hadn't have felt so guilty and upset, she would have probably made fun of the fact that the great Bill Guarnere had actually apologised off his own back. Usually it took their mom or Frannie to wrangle a very reluctant apology out of him. But this was sincere and from the heart, and it meant everything to her.
Bill shifted Lucy on his knee gently so that he could extend his free arm out to Evelyn, who burrowed her head into his shoulder and began to cry. Bill wasn't sure if she was crying with relief or sadness, but he didn't care. All he cared about was that he had his Evie back and that it was him she was crying on finally and not someone else. She sobbed and sobbed as the bus rocked them gently from side to side. Bill looked around and realised that they were the only other passengers on the bus. Quite fortunately actually because they were probably making a bit of a spectacle.
When Evelyn finally stopped crying she looked at him, her face all puffy and red and, well, a little snotty.
"I really am sorry," she apologised sincerely. "Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry."
"Yeah, you've said so three times," Bill grinned. "I don't need any more apologies, I'm just glad to finally have you back. You're my baby sister and I adore every bone in your body. Nothing that you do or say will ever make me stop loving you, nor will I ever not forgive you for something. Actually no, that's a lie. If you end up acting upon this stupid crush you've got on Liebgott then I might have to disown you." She glared at him, although relieved that his teasing meant everything was back to normal. And also slightly surprised that he knew about her 'stupid crush'. Either she was really obvious or George had been gossiping. She opted for the second option. Damn you, Georgie Porgie. "Then again, looking at the state of you now, I don't think I'd have to worry about him reciprocating those feelings. I mean, look at the state of you."
"I'm about this close to falling out with you again, William Guarnere," Evelyn held her thumb and finger about an inch apart to demonstrate.
"Nah, you're not," Bill smirked. "But seriously though, Liebgott's a schmuck. You could do a lot better."
"Well, first of all, it's none of your business," she said indignantly. "Second of all, there's nothing going on and I doubt there ever will be, especially in the middle of a frigging war, so don't fret yourself, ok?"
"Fret myself?" Bill grinned. "Jeez, you're turning into such a Limey. You'll be offering me a cup of tea next."
"Actually, I think the English are right," she smirked. "A cup of tea pretty much solves everything."
"Oh my god, we need to get you back to Philly quickly," Bill laughed. Evelyn smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I really do love you, you know," she said contentedly.
"You too kiddo," Bill replied, snaking his arm around her shoulder and squeezing it gently.
The bus carried on travelling past green fields and farms, almost on the outskirts of Aldbourne. Neither spoke for some time, just enjoying the peace and quiet of each other. To Evelyn, it felt as though they had never been apart. As though they had never fallen out. Everything finally right again. Well, not right. Things could never be right now that Henry was gone from their lives forever, but making up with Bill had helped to start the healing process already. She could feel it. It didn't matter now how much it hurt, because she wasn't hurting on her own. Eventually it was Bill who broke the silence.
"You, uh, still having the nightmares?"
Why wasn't she surprised that he knew about them?
"Nothing gets past old Gonorrhoea, huh?" she said quietly.
"Not when it involves you, no," he answered simply. "So, are you? Still having them?"
"Yeah," was all she said, closing her eyes to try and block out the images that haunted her sleep night after night. But it was like they were seared into her brain. They never really left her, even when she was awake.
Bill sensed that she didn't want to talk about it, and he decided not to push it. Especially not when they had only just cleared the air. If, and when, she wanted to talk about the nightmares he would be there, but until then there wasn't much he could do.
"Did you get a letter from Gina?" Evelyn asked, trying to distract herself from her dark thoughts.
"Yeah," Bill nodded. "She said she sent you one too."
"Uh huh," Ev nodded back. "I ain't replied yet though. And I know I should write to mom and dad too, but I just have no idea what to say to them."
"Me neither," Bill sighed. "Maybe we can write them one together? There ain't much we can say to them to help the situation, but maybe if they know that we're both doing alright it'll make things somewhat easier on them?"
"Are we though?" Evelyn looked up at him. "Are we doing alright though? 'Cause you know what Bill? I don't think I am. I miss him so much it hurts. I don't think I'm ever gonna be alright again."
"Me too," Bill leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "But I promise you right now, that we will get through this. Together."
… … …
23rd July, 1944
"We're here."
"What? This is the big surprise? Evie, I've already been to church once this morning with everyone else. Why the hell do I wanna come here again? You've not had some kind of religious epiphany, have you? And why the fuck are we in our dress uniforms?"
"Do you wanna see the surprise or not?" Evelyn tapped her shoe on the pavement impatiently at her brother.
When Bill had dropped Ev and Lucy back off at the Jones' the previous afternoon, Evelyn had asked him if he had plans on Sunday afternoon. When he'd said no, she had told him to meet her at half past three as she was taking him somewhere. But she wouldn't tell him where. Only that it was a surprise. Now, standing outside Aldbourne's small yet picturesque church, Bill was perplexed.
"Will you just tell me why we're here?" he frowned.
"Nope," she shook her head, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the church doors. "Now hurry up or we're gonna miss it."
"Miss what?" he muttered to himself, following behind her.
"You wait there," she said to him, pointing to a little alcove at the back of the church. "And watch for my signal."
Now Bill was more confused than ever, but nonetheless did as he was told.
"Gene!" Evelyn called out to Eugene who was waiting alone at the altar.
She cringed a little when her loud voice echoed around the quiet church. On the left hand front row sat three girls all coiffed and made up, who she guessed were Vera's red cross friends. They all turned and looked at her. Giving them a quick smile, she turned her attention back to Eugene who was smiling warmly at her. However, underneath his calm façade, she swore she could sense a flicker of nerves in his eyes. "I hope you don't mind Gene, but I kind of brought someone with me." She held up a hand to stop Eugene before he could say anything. "Before you get annoyed with me, just let me show you who it is first, ok? Ok?"
"Ok," Eugene sighed. Evelyn turned and gave a wave to the back of the church. Eugene's almost scowl turned into an expression of shock before one of happiness when he saw Bill approaching. He looked at Evelyn questioningly, but she just shrugged.
"I figured it was time to stop being such an idiot," she grinned.
"About time," Gene snorted. "I guess you both better take a seat then. She's gonna be here any minute."
"Who's gonna be here? I swear the pair of you better start talking or-"
"-Bill, just shut up and sit down," Evelyn rolled her eyes at him.
The vicar came over and murmured something to Eugene who took a deep breath and nodded. Evelyn gave him a huge squeeze and kissed his cheek.
"Good luck," she smiled, taking her seat, next to Bill who was still muttering to himself. When the organ started up, they stood and Bill's jaw dropped when he saw Vera begin her ascent up the aisle in the beautiful lace dress that she told Evelyn had been her mother's, followed by her sister holding the train.
"Well isn't Doc a sly dog," Bill grinned. "Wait 'til the guys hear about this."
"They won't," Evelyn whispered, giving him a warning glare. "And if they do, I'll never ever talk to you again."
"Alright drama queen, my lips are sealed," Bill rolled his eyes before chuckling to himself. "Still though, she's a real looker. Doc did well there. I'm only sad I didn't find her first."
"Pig," Evelyn muttered, nudging him to be quiet as Vera and Eugene turned to face each other at the altar.
The Vicar bade them all to take their seats once more and the service began. For the first time in weeks, a feeling of peace and contentment came over Evelyn. When Eugene and Vera gazed lovingly into each other's eyes and began to recite their vows, it felt as though finally there was just a bit of joy left in the world after all.
