SPRINGTIME PROMISES *complete*

CHAPTER 12: UNSPOKEN CONNECTIONS

As the days passed following their first meeting, Harry and Eva found themselves crossing paths more often, although not always by design. They would exchange brief glances at Sunday services, offer polite nods when their families attended town gatherings, and, occasionally, share a few words when circumstances aligned.

Each time they spoke, there was a sense of anticipation—an unspoken attraction that neither fully acknowledged but both quietly recognized. For Harry, who had always been cautious and serious, it was unfamiliar territory. He had lived his life with a certain predictability, working diligently as a clerk and upholding the values instilled in him by his parents. Falling in love, or even entertaining the idea, was not something he had expected to happen so soon - especially with someone as lovely and graceful as Eva Curl.

For Eva, there was a similar sense of newness mixed with an almost overwhelming awareness of what might be expected of her. Though she had been raised with love and care by her older brothers, she knew that her future would involve making decisions about marriage, family, and her own place in the world. Meeting Harry had stirred something in her that was both exciting and daunting—something she wasn't quite sure how to approach.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the market in Kingston was particularly lively, with vendors calling out their wares and townsfolk bustling about. Eva, having come into town to pick up a few items for her brother Norman's household, found herself scanning the stalls when she spotted Harry standing not too far from the cobbler's stand. He seemed to be deep in thought, his brow furrowed as he inspected a pair of shoes, likely debating their quality.

Eva hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach. She told herself it was only polite to say hello—they had spoken several times now, after all, but a part of her knew that this small interaction was something she looked forward to more than she cared to admit.

"Harry," she said softly, her voice barely rising above the noise of the market.

Harry turned, surprised but pleased to see her. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

 "Eva. It's nice to see you here. Shopping for your brother's family?"

"Yes," she nodded, gesturing to the basket in her hand. "Just a few things for the house, and you?"

"Shoes," he said, holding up the pair he had been inspecting. "Mine are a bit worn from all the walking to and from the store. I figured it was time for a new pair."

There was a brief pause, and then, without realizing it, they both began to walk together, slowly making their way through the market as they talked. It was nothing formal, just a quiet stroll, but for both of them, it felt like something more.

As they walked, the conversation turned naturally toward their families. Eva spoke briefly of her siblings, especially Norman, who had raised her after their parents passed away. There was a quiet strength in her voice, a resilience that Harry admired. He could sense how much responsibility she carried and yet she spoke of her family with such love and devotion.

It was this shared understanding of family expectations that drew them closer, even if they didn't fully realize it yet. Both were aware of the responsibilities they carried, the unspoken rules about how they should conduct themselves and who they should choose as partners, and while neither openly acknowledged it, they knew their growing connection would soon raise questions—questions from their families, and from themselves.

*****

As the afternoon light began to fade, they found themselves standing at the edge of the market, where their paths would soon diverge. Eva glanced at Harry, her heart beating a little faster than usual. There was something about him—his steady presence, the way he listened carefully, the quiet thoughtfulness in his eyes—that made her feel safe and yet also excited.

"I suppose I should be getting home," she said gently, though she didn't want the conversation to end.

Harry nodded, his expression softening. "Yes, I should too, but it was nice talking with you, Eva."

"It was," she agreed, a shy smile forming on her lips. "Perhaps we'll see each other again soon."

"I'd like that," Harry said, his voice low but sincere.

They stood there for a moment longer, neither quite willing to say goodbye, but knowing they had to. There was a tension between them - not one of discomfort, but of something new—something they both sensed was just beginning to unfold.

As they parted ways, walking in opposite directions, both felt the lingering pull of the other. Harry couldn't help but glance back, watching as Eva disappeared into the crowd, and Eva, though she didn't turn around, could feel his gaze on her, her cheeks warm from the awareness of it.

Both Harry and Eva were cautious by nature, careful not to overstep the boundaries of what was expected of them, yet there was no denying the excitement that stirred in each of their hearts.

The town of Kingston, with its small, familiar streets and its tightly woven community, was a place where word traveled fast. Families would soon begin to notice the way Harry and Eva looked at each other, the quiet smiles they exchanged and the way they seemed to seek each other out, even in the busiest of crowds.

For now, though, Harry and Eva were content to let things unfold at their own pace. There was no need to rush. After all, the best things, they knew, often took time, and in the quiet moments between their conversations, they found themselves thinking more and more about what might come next, filled with both excitement and caution as they considered the future that might lie ahead—together.