SPRINGTIME PROMISES *published*

CHAPTER 19: RUSHED VOWS

April had arrived, bringing with it a whirlwind of blossoming flowers and a flurry of emotions for Harry and Eva. The air was rich with the scent of spring, yet it was the intensity of their romance that filled Eva with both excitement and apprehension. They had quickly fallen for each other, their connection deepening with every shared moment, but the world around them remained a constant reminder of the expectations that came with their union.

Sitting on the porch of the Curl family home, Eva felt the warmth of the sun on her skin, but there was an unmistakable chill in the air—a sense of urgency that was becoming impossible to ignore. Over the past few weeks, they had spent countless hours talking about their dreams, their future, and how they could build a life together. Each conversation only intensified their desire to solidify their commitment.

Harry leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. 

"I know we said we'd wait until May, but..." He paused, glancing over at Eva with a mix of hope and apprehension. "Maybe we should consider doing it sooner?"

The suggestion hung in the air, electrifying yet daunting. Eva's heart raced at the thought. Could they really push the wedding date up? It was a significant leap - one that she had to consider carefully. She could feel the pressure from both families—the Curls and the Brutons—each with their own traditions and expectations weighing heavily on her shoulders.

"I've been thinking about that too," Eva admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "With everything that's happened lately...Maybe it would be best to get married sooner rather than later. There's so much talk and speculation as it is."

Harry nodded, his eyes brightening at her response. "The sooner we're married, the sooner we can start our life together without all this noise."

Eva felt a wave of relief wash over her. The thought of tying the knot sooner felt like a release - a way to escape the mounting pressures. 

"I don't want to rush it, but I also don't want to keep postponing something that feels right."

"Then let's do it," he said, the excitement bubbling up in his voice. "Let's set a date!"

As they discussed their options, the idea of an April wedding solidified between them. With only a few weeks left in the month, their decision began to take shape. 

"How about April 29th?" Eva suggested, a sense of urgency fueling her words.

"April 29th it is," Harry replied, grinning widely as he reached for her hand. "We can tell Rev. Lemon today. He'll help us plan everything quickly."

Their pastor, Rev. Walter Lemon, had always been supportive of their relationship, guiding them with wisdom and warmth. The church, located at 30 Colborne Street in Kingston, would provide the perfect setting for their ceremony. Eva envisioned the vibrant spring flowers framing the altar, echoing the life and love that would soon surround them. In that moment, Eva felt a surge of joy - a sense of liberation that came from taking control of their future. They were choosing to prioritize their love, a commitment that felt like a beacon in the midst of uncertainty.

The next few days were a blur of activity as they planned their wedding in haste. Both families were taken aback by the sudden announcement, but the excitement in Eva's heart drowned out any lingering doubts. The support from her siblings further fortified her resolve. They rallied around her, helping with preparations and soothing any lingering worries.

As they finalized the details, Eva couldn't shake the feeling that she was making the right choice. She glanced at Harry who was also brimming with enthusiasm, eager to embark on this new chapter of their lives. She felt the weight of her parents' absence, but in the midst of their joy, she began to believe that they would be with her in spirit, cheering her on as she stepped into her new life.