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I stare at it a moment. “Thank you. This is so kind of you. I feel like I might have bullied you into giving it to me.”

“You didn’t. Like I said, I truly want you to have it.”

I swallow and hold the piece close to my chest. Before I can tear up, I set it onto the coffee table and lace my fingers through Logan’s. “Come on. You’re reading. I’m cooking.”

August 23, 1955

It’s almost midnight. Aunt and Uncle are sleeping. So, I’m sneaking out to meet Seth. The thrill! My life is so much fun now that I have Seth. He makes everything better.

Amelia

August 24, 1955

I am terrified. And shocked. And somewhat in awe.

It’s so hard to know what I’m feeling after the day I’ve had.

I didn’t sneak back into my uncle’s house until nearly four in the morning. I should have been able to sleep in—it’s Sunday—but Aunt came into my room before dawn. She turned on the lights, threw off my quilt, and told me to get up. I had no idea what was happening. She grabbed me by the arm and dragged me behind her. I wasn’t even awake, let alone functional. Once we were outside, she handed me a rag and a bucket and told me to start with the front walk. Aunt has never been the friendliest woman, but she’s never been cruel.

“Oh no,” I say, my fingers to my lips. “They know.” This journal tells the story of another lifetime; nothing can be changed. The events happened years ago—they’re over and done—and yet, my hands tremble. I am afraid for this young, vibrant, in-love Amelia. I’m afraid for Grandma, for outcomes that no one and nothing can change.

Logan lifts his brows. “What is it?”

I nod. “Keep going.”

I washed the whole walk, bewildered and scared, when she came back out. Yanking me up by the arm, she dragged me to the back walkway and told me to get to work.

I begged to know what was happening, and that’s when she said, “I told you to stay away from Seth Garrison.”

She knows.

I thought my uncle must know too. But then, she said, “This is your warning, Amelia. You see him again, and I’ll tell your father and Herb.”

I began to sob. I couldn’t help it. I was so tired and so worn. And I love Seth. I don’t know what Father would do—but he wouldn’t let me stay here. So, I begged her not to say anything. She promised not to, as long as I never see Seth again.

That isn’t an option.

I’d been up for hours by the time I got to the store. Seth came during my lunch. But I was frightened for him. What would she or Herb do if they found us together? Could they get him fired? Would Uncle Herb want to fight Seth? I honestly have no idea. But my aunt’s tactics worked. I am very much afraid.

I rushed him to the back office where I was certain he wouldn’t be seen through the front windows. I explained everything that had happened—quite deliriously, as I am an exhausted emotional waste. He was so angry. I think he would have confronted Aunt if I hadn’t protested.

Then the most unexpected and amazing thing happened. I can hardly come up with words. Seth pulled a ring from his pocket, a simple gold band. He said, “I didn’t plan on waiting long. So, I might as well ask you now.” Then he fell to one knee. “Will you marry me, Amelia?”

Tears filled my eyes, my head aching from all the crying this morning. But it was the happiest moment of my life. Seth, the best man I know, wants to marry me.

I slouched to the ground next to him and kissed him. After which, he reminded me, “You haven’t given me an answer.”

“Yes,” I said. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

He slipped the band on my finger. “It belonged to my grandmother,” he said.

There’s no diamond, and it’s nothing fancy. And yet, it is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And it fits me perfectly.

It’s written in the stars.

We cannot tell anyone yet. If my aunt and uncle knew, they’d tell Dad and ruin everything. So, Seth is keeping the ring for now. He has a plan and knows a preacher who will marry us in secret. At least, he hopes he will.

Soon, I will be Mrs. Seth Garrison. When it’s a done deal, we’ll tell everyone, and no one will be able to separate us.