Chapter 18: "Have Means, Will Elope"
Courtesy of Wilbur Brocklyn's kindness and understanding, he agreed to help Denny and Candi do the one last thing they intended to do before Candi would move in with Denny: get married.
They knew that with the Meethlites everywhere, and suspicion mounting given the evidence that Gunner used the suicide vat so close to Candi's home, they didn't have much time.
They also knew that if Candi had honored the wishes of her family and friends back in Gerosha - namely, inviting them - it'd be a death trap! The ceremony was performed with only Wilbur and God as witnesses, an elopement that Candi was more than sufficient to settle for.
It wouldn't be the absolute happiest day of her life; but it was clearly the happiest so far. Even with the dangers all around them, at least the new Levens family members had each other.
It mattered not to Candi that they had to move everything indoors on account of rain...she could not have been happier...unless of course...Donte had been there to celebrate with her.
Denny: "So...how are we...Mrs. Levens?"
Candi: "Never better, Romeo!"
Denny: "In that case...should we start by planning where we'll move to when you graduate, or by planning...."
Candi: "Don't get so technical, Denny, it's our wedding night! Come here, you rascal!"
Denny: Don't mind if I do. But answer the question as to which house we keep...my place or yours?
Candi: "Silly! I'm all yours now...so...your place."
Not long after uttering those words, the two of them embraced for a kiss. They drifted off from clear thought to the surreal soon after, reciting the motions as instinct compelled them.
They cared not about whether they were doing anything correctly. To their best knowledge, they now had all their lives to learn from each other...and no comparisons to others to hurt each other's pride with. Not even Donte's kisses could top what Candi now possessed.
Even as the two souls enjoyed their blessed union, Candi's heart began to fill with doubt. She sensed that somehow, she had made the wrong choice, and was making many wrong choices. But she brushed it off.
All her cares seemed to slip away as the scenery grew increasingly blurry with each kiss. She would come to regret this night; not only because she did not choose Donte, but also because of what it would lead to.
Yet, in spite these logical consequences; she at least rested with comfort in Denny's arms at the notion that finally, she could, without shame, cross that bridge that her sisters had done so long before her.