At three o’clock, Evan stopped by the central desk. “Rita, I’m gone until Thursday. Nathan is in charge.”

“Got it, Chief. I’ll see you at the street dance tomorrow night, though.”

“Would you do a favor for me and call old man Reynolds and ask if Mitchell and I could use the drag strip?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks, Rita.”

“Don’t get cold feet now, ya here?”

Evan smiled. “Not a chance,” he called as he walked out the door.

Since Mitchell and Evan couldn’t see the girls tomorrow, they decided to go fishing at the Gregory’s with Thomas, and they were getting dressed there so the girls could have the house. He wasn’t about to leave Ginger tonight after her delivery today. Screw tradition. Knowing she was safe was far more important. He’d agreed to leave in the morning, but that was it, and he knew his soon to be mother-in-law wasn’t happy, but was glad his father-in-law helped him out.

Mitchell met him in the driveway before he could get out of the car. “Park over there. The photographer doesn’t want any cars in the pictures for tonight.”

“Fuck, I thought this was supposed to be a quiet ceremony,” Evan said.

“Apparently, this is quiet, or so I’ve been told,” Mitchell said.

“How many people are coming tonight?” Evan asked as he got out of the car.

“Including us and the girls, about forty or so,” Mitchell replied. “I think we’ve planned on fifty though.”

“For a rehearsal? Please tell me it’s the same people tomorrow, right?”

“I think so.”

“I’m ready for this to be over with. Ginger doesn’t do well with a lot of people, and I don’t want her getting nervous.”

“Do you have security for tonight?”

“Yes, a couple off-duty county officers will be here. We’ve got to pay them fifty bucks each.”

They walked inside as someone yelled, “The caterers are on the way. Where are they setting up?”

“We left a bay open in the garage. There’s electricity and plenty of room for food, eating, and dancing,” Mitchell said.

“I’ll watch for them while y’all take showers. What time are Roger and the guys getting back? They can handle the caterers during the rehearsal, right?” Thomas asked as he shook Mitchell and Evan’s hands. “Are the two grooms getting nervous?” he asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.

Evan and Mitchell flipped him off where no one could see them, and Thomas burst out laughing. He slapped them on the back as he moved outside.

“Where’s Ginger?” Evan asked.

“The girls are getting ready in one of the bedrooms,” Mr. Monroe said as Evan walked toward him.

“Good to see you again,” Evan said. “I’m going to jump in the shower before the preacher shows up.”

“Me too,” Mitchell said as they headed in opposite directions.

Evan found Ginger on his way to the shower. “Hey, darlin’. How are you?”

“Can I speak to you a minute?” Ginger asked as she grabbed Evan’s arm. Her eyes were wide, and she was shaking.

“Darlin’, you okay? You aren’t about to leave me at the altar, are you?” Evan asked, only half-joking.

“Evan, my mother is driving me crazy. She and Mrs. Gregory are over the top. Can we highjack the preacher later and just get married? I don’t have to walk down an aisle. We can grab someone to witness, please,” Ginger stage-whispered. She wasn’t joking.

“Darlin’, take a deep breath. I’m here, and I’ll try to run interference for you. Come get dressed with me,” Evan calmly said.

“What am I going to tell them?”

“Tell them I want you to dress with me,” Evan said very slowly to emphasize every word.

“And what about tomorrow? You won’t be here tomorrow,” she said.

Evan pulled her close and held her tight. “Ginger, you need to calm down. You’re going to make yourself as well as the baby sick. I’ll help you get your things. We’ll deal with tonight and figure out tomorrow later,” he kissed her head. Her body relaxed in his embrace, which made him feel better.

When he released her, he followed her back into the guest room, gathered what Ginger told him to, and started back toward the door. They’d made it to the doorway when Mrs. Monroe appeared.

“Where are you taking Ginger’s things? She’s getting ready with us girls. You need to put those back. Ginger?”

“Mrs. Monroe, it’s good to see you.” Evan leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I need Ginger with me for a little while. She’s going to get dressed with me. I know she’s going to miss out on some girl fun, but I’ve missed her today. I’m sure you understand,” Evan said with a sincere, polite smile.

“I’ve missed him too, Mom. Thanks for understanding,” Ginger said as she slipped past Evan.

They walked into their room, and Evan locked the door. He hung up Ginger’s dress and laid her shoes by the sofa. “Relax and take a deep breath while I take a shower. When I get out, I’ll help you with your dress.” He gently kissed her before he walked into the bathroom.