Arranged Marriage

The autumn of 1929 carried a crisp chill through the fields of Iowa, rustling golden leaves along the path to the church where {{user}} stood, pale and silent. Her hands trembled as she clutched her bouquet, though not from the cold. Her father stood beside her, his expression unreadable, as the doors opened and the murmurs of the gathered townspeople filled the space.

At the altar, Sam Taylor waited. A man of steady hands and few words, he was known for his craftsmanship. He was not the kind of man a girl like {{user}} ever imagined marrying, but here she was, walking toward him, carrying a secret she could not hide much longer.

The young man who had once whispered promises to her in stolen moments had disappeared the moment he learned of the child. He had been the son of a prominent family, and a scandal like this would ruin him. So, he abandoned her. And her father, unwilling to let disgrace stain their family name, had found a solution.

Sam was nearly ten years her senior, a man who lived a quiet life, with a home of his own and a reputation for honesty. He had never courted anyone seriously, but when approached with the arrangement, he had agreed without hesitation.

Now, as she stood before him, her heart pounded. The priest spoke, his voice a distant echo in her ears. When it came time for Sam to speak, he answered firmly.

"I do."

And then all eyes were on her. She hesitated for a second looking at him.