SPRINGTIME PROMISES *published*

CHAPTER 23: BENEATH THE SURFACE

As Harry and Eva walked hand in hand down the church steps, the soft spring air seemed to hum with promise. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the day that marked the start of their new life together, yet beneath the surface of their quiet smiles, an unspoken tension simmered.

Harry glanced at Eva, her face radiant with joy, and felt a flicker of doubt rise within him. His mother's tearful expression during the ceremony had not gone unnoticed, and Harry could feel the weight of her disapproval. The decision to marry in the Methodist church had been Eva's, driven by her desire to forge her own path—a path that Harry hadn't been entirely sure of himself. Minnie's unease echoed in his mind, making him wonder if, in breaking with tradition, he had also broken something else.

Eva, on the other hand, felt a thrill of accomplishment. She had always been the one to lead - to make decisions without hesitation. Her siblings had doted on her since the loss of their parents, and now, as she stood beside Harry, she felt a sense of pride in their whirlwind romance and their bold choice to marry sooner than expected. She had no regrets about their wedding in their Methodist church despite knowing it had caused pain for her mother-in-law, but now as she caught a glimpse of Harry's furrowed brow, a small seed of doubt planted itself in her mind. Had she rushed them into this, thinking only of what felt right to her? She shook the thought away, reminding herself that they had made their choice together.

The path before them was lined with family and friends, all cheering and throwing rice as the couple passed by. Yet, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. His mother's silent sorrow lingered like a shadow, and he wondered if she had been right all along. Had Eva—used to getting her way after her parents' death—been the one steering their relationship from the start? Was he ready for marriage? The doubts crept in, despite his love for her.

Eva, meanwhile, felt the absence of her own parents as she looked around at the gathered crowd. Her mother and father should have been here to see this - to share in her joy. Instead, she had her siblings who had loved and protected her but could not fill the void left by her parents' deaths. The moment felt bittersweet, her triumph tempered by the empty space where her parents should have stood. Her mind wandered back to their memory, flickers of childhood warmth and safety stirring in her heart.

As they approached the waiting carriage, Harry paused for a moment, his hand tightening slightly around Eva's. He looked at her, his heart full of love yet heavy with the weight of unspoken concerns. Eva met his gaze, smiling brightly, although deep down, she too sensed the questions that lingered just beneath the surface. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, they would face it together.

The next step in their journey had begun, but it was clear that it would not be without challenges.

****

Though Minnie's heart ached with worry as she'd watched her son Harry and Eva exchange vows, she couldn't help but feel an undercurrent of sympathy for the Curl siblings. Eva was certainly strong-willed and had always seemed to get her way since the tragic loss of their parents, but Minnie's nurturing instincts kicked in. The Curl children had lost so much, and Minnie's heart softened knowing they had been through unimaginable hardship. Despite her reservations about the dynamics in Harry and Eva's relationship, she couldn't stop herself from wanting to mother the Curl siblings, even though they were all grown.

As the wedding celebration shifted from the church to the Burton home for the afternoon gathering, Allace and Lillie found themselves brimming with excitement, hardly able to contain the news Lanecea had shared with them. After spending years doting on Eva, this was their chance to start something new—something for themselves, but they were careful not to overshadow their sister's special day, choosing to save the details for later.

While Ulrick lingered behind, deep in conversation with Pastor Lemon, Lanecea had quietly slipped away, instructing Allace and Lillie before she left. "Report by eight in the morning," she had said with a soft smile, "You'll have time to do your chores beforehand. My little ones will be glad to see you."

The sisters could hardly believe it. The offer seemed too good to be true—starting work for the enigmatic Lanecea, a woman who had immediately felt like family, even though they had just met. It was almost as if she could sense their readiness for a new chapter. Still, they knew they had to stay focused on the wedding for now, ensuring Eva's day remained the center of attention.

As they made their way to the reception, they exchanged knowing glances, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. They couldn't wait to share the news with Norman, George, and the rest of the family, but they agreed it could wait until after the festivities. Eva deserved this moment, and Allace and Lillie had always been her biggest supporters. Their news would be shared in its time.

At the reception, the siblings gathered around, beaming with pride as they celebrated their sister's marriage. Norman's steady presence was a comfort to Eva as he reassured her that their parents would be proud. George lightened the mood as he spoke of their father's practical advice and humor, causing Eva to smile, her heart warmed by their support.

Through it all, Minnie observed quietly. Her worries about Eva leading Harry down a path he might not be ready for still tugged at her mind, but seeing the bond between the Curl siblings touched something deep inside her. Despite her wariness of Eva's influence, she couldn't help but admire the way they had all come together, raising each other through hardship. The impulse to take them under her wing was still there, even stronger now.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the gathering, Allace and Lillie shared one last knowing glance. They had a future ahead of them—a future they hadn't even realized was possible until today—but for now, they would hold onto the warmth of their sister's wedding day, letting her moment shine.

Tomorrow, a new chapter awaited.