Vows of the heart

She stood at the altar, her eyes closed, her hands lightly gripping the hymnal. The con

r to wipe them away. The hymn's words weighed heavily on him, stirring emotions he had buried deep for years. Regret and longing flickered across

chief to her face. Her shoulders shook as s

but didn't respond,

ood out among the modest congregation, Fedrick focused entirely on Victoria. Each note of her song seemed to reac

uel whispered, leaning toward him

intly. "She's ama

met Fedrick's, and she quickly looked away, focusing on the priest at the pulpit. But the

ying the hymnals and ensuring everything was in order. Her movements were measured, almost meditative, as

a voice ca

, his posture stiff, his expression conflicted. "May

, she hesitated, memories of pain and rejection flooding her mind. B

her voice steady despit

Victoria," she began, her voice trembling. "We let our fears blind us. Seein

softly, though her heart ac

steadying, his gaze warm but measured. "Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell," he greeted with a

flushed. "Thank

are you coming home with us?" he as

hair from his face. "I... I'll thin

throat. "We need to talk, Victoria.

, who gave her an encouraging nod. "All

ion thoughtful. "It's good to see them trying," he said.

"I don't know what to think," she admitted. "It's been

but gentle. "No one cou

harp voice rang out from the

recognized the figure striding toward her. The

ng you need to k