SPRINGTIME PROMISES *published*

CHAPTER 25: ECHOES OF UNCERTAINTY

As the crowd began to disperse after Harry and Eva's wedding, the warm spring air still hummed with the remnants of celebration. Guests trickled out from the church, their voices mingling with the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong, yet, amidst the smiles and well wishes, there was an undercurrent of something deeper, something quietly guarded.

Ulrick stood at the edge of the gathering, his blonde hair catching the sunlight, his blue eyes calm and composed. He had been careful, blending in with the guests, exchanging polite greetings, and nodding along when anyone inquired about his heritage. Most assumed he was Dutch, as they did not fully grasp that "Deuchland" meant Germany. It was better that way - easier. The war was still fresh in everyone's memory, and any hint of a German background would raise eyebrows - or worse.

Pastor Lemon, who had introduced Ulrick to the congregation, was none the wiser—or so Ulrick hoped. Lanecea had informed Ulrick of Lemon's Loyalist roots, a detail that made Ulrick even more cautious. The Loyalists, with their deep ties to the British Crown, had never looked kindly upon Germans - especially now. Ulrick remained focused on his true purpose, keeping a low profile while carefully planning his next move. He wasn't here merely as an observer but with a mission—one that centered on accessing the church records. Those old books held more than just the history of births, marriages, and deaths. They held power—knowledge Ulrick needed for reasons only he and Lanecea were aware of as they mingled among the wedding guests.

From the corner of his eye, Ulrick watched as Minnie Bruton stood by the doorway of the church, her eyes lingering on the departing newlyweds. Her face was still drawn with a mixture of joy and sorrow, the conflict of watching her son being pulled into a new life with a bride who seemed to take charge of everything. She had her reservations about Eva, that much was clear. Ulrick could see that Minnie had a heart that pulled in two directions—toward her son and toward a duty she felt was slipping away.

Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Lanecea had already departed. She had given Ulrick his instructions and slipped away quietly, her presence always a shadow of mystery. Ulrick knew she had her own reasons for involving herself in the church - her own ties to the past that remained largely concealed. For now, Ulrick's focus was simple: gain Pastor Lemon's trust and find a way into the church archives without raising suspicion.

He approached Pastor Lemon, who was standing by the church doors, greeting the last few guests as they trickled out. Lemon, an older man with deep-set eyes and a kindly demeanor, nodded when he saw Ulrick approach.

"Pastor Lemon," Ulrick said in a soft tone, offering a respectful nod. "It was a beautiful ceremony. I wanted to thank you again for allowing my wife and I to attend as guests."

"Of course, of course," Pastor Lemon replied, his voice warm. "It's always a joy to have visitors. And you've come all the way from Deuchland, you say?"

Ulrick's smile didn't waver. "Yes, from a small town not far from the border. It's been...enlightening to see how different the customs are here. I'm grateful for the opportunity to observe and learn."

Pastor Lemon's eyes brightened at that. "We're proud of our history here, as I'm sure you've gathered. Loyalists built this community. The church holds a deep connection to those roots. I'd be happy to show you more, perhaps even introduce you to some of the church's history."

Ulrick's heart quickened beneath his calm exterior. This was exactly what he had been waiting for. "That would be an honor," he replied smoothly. "I've always had a deep respect for the preservation of history."

Pastor Lemon smiled, unaware of the true depth of Ulrick's intentions. "I'll have to show you our records sometime. You'll find them fascinating, I'm sure."