SPRINGTIME PROMISES *complete*

CHAPTER 17: STEADY HEARTS

Spring had just started to show its first signs of life. The snow had melted, leaving behind damp fields and fresh, cool air. Earl Bruton, steady as ever, had spent the morning working on his farm, turning over soil and preparing for the new planting season. The days were still crisp, but there was a promise of warmth in the sunlight that made the long hours in the fields feel hopeful. As he straightened from his work, wiping the sweat from his brow, his thoughts drifted to Louise Wolsey.

It was early April, and although their wedding date was set for November 16th, Earl felt no need to rush. Unlike his brother Harry, who had been swept up in a whirlwind courtship with Eva, Earl had taken his time with Louise. They had been courting for over a year now, and each step they took felt deliberate, measured—just like everything else in Earl's life.

As he put away his tools and prepared to head into town, Earl's mind turned to Louise, wondering how she was spending her day. She had a quiet nature but there was a depth to her that Earl had come to appreciate more with each passing month. Their romance wasn't filled with grand gestures or passionate declarations, but it was steady like the land beneath his feet—reliable and comforting.

By the time Earl arrived at the Wolsey household, the sun had dipped slightly in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard. Louise greeted him at the door, her face lighting up with a warm smile. She had a natural grace about her that Earl always admired. Her English and Irish roots had given her a fine-featured beauty, with dark hair and soft brown eyes that held a quiet strength.

"Earl," she greeted him, stepping aside to let him in. "I wasn't sure if the fields would let you go today."

Earl smiled, his calm, steady demeanor never far from him. "They'll still be there tomorrow."

They settled into the small sitting room where the fire in the hearth cast a gentle glow. Louise poured them each a cup of tea, and Earl leaned back in his chair, feeling at ease in her presence. It was one of the things he cherished about their relationship—he never felt rushed or uneasy with Louise. She had a way of making even the simplest moments feel meaningful.

"How's your father?" Earl asked, genuinely interested. He knew Louise's family well by now. 

They had a good, solid reputation in the community, and Earl had spent more than a few evenings with her parents as their courtship progressed.

"He's doing better," Louise replied, her tone soft. "Spring always seems to lift his spirits a bit. He's looking forward to getting the garden started."

Earl nodded, taking a sip of his tea. They spoke for a while about the coming planting season and the usual town news, but Earl's thoughts kept circling back to something more personal. Their wedding was still months away, but he wanted to make sure they were both on the same page about the life they were building together.

"Louise," he began, his voice quiet but firm, "I've been thinking about the farm."

Louise looked up from her tea, her eyes meeting his with curiosity. "What about it?"

Earl shifted slightly in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "I want to expand it. There's some land next to mine that's come up for sale. It'd be a lot more work, but I think it's a good opportunity for us, once we're married."

Louise listened intently, her expression thoughtful. She didn't speak right away, and Earl appreciated that about her. She always took her time to consider things carefully, just like he did.

"Do you think we're ready for that?" she asked after a moment. There was no doubt in her voice, just a genuine curiosity about the future they were planning together.

Earl nodded. "I do. I wouldn't be suggesting it if I wasn't sure. I've been saving up, and I think it'll give us more security in the long run."

Louise smiled softly, setting her tea down on the small table beside her. "I trust you, Earl. You've always been careful with decisions like this. If you think it's a good idea, then I'm with you."

Her words settled something deep within him. Earl reached across the small space between them and took her hand in his. "I want to build something for us. Something lasting."

Louise squeezed his hand gently. "We'll make it work, Earl. I know we will."

The quiet strength in her voice reassured him. Earl had always known that Louise was the right woman for him, but moments like this—where her steadiness matched his own—solidified his choice. He wasn't the type of man to rush into things, and neither was Louise. That's why they worked.

As they sat in the soft glow of the fire, Earl allowed himself a moment to imagine their future. He saw them working side by side on the farm, building a life that was as steady and reliable as the soil beneath their feet. He didn't need excitement or drama. What he needed was someone he could count on - someone who understood the value of hard work and quiet companionship, and with Louise, he had found just that.

The wedding would come soon enough, and Earl felt no anxiety about it. November 16th seemed far off now, but he knew the months would pass quickly. In the meantime, he would continue to court Louise in the same careful way he had been, making sure that when the day finally arrived, they would both be ready for the life ahead of them.

As he left the Wolsey household that evening, walking back to his farm with the cool April breeze on his face, Earl felt a deep sense of contentment. He might not have the fiery romance that Harry had with Eva, but he didn't need that. What he had with Louise was something quieter -  something more enduring. And that, Earl knew, was all that mattered.