Chapter 7: Unveiled—A Promise Kept

But the groom had to stay outside drinking, so I waited alone, hungry.

I paced the room, nerves jangling. My stomach rumbled, but I didn’t dare sneak a snack.

I’d have loved to toss off the veil and fan, but you only get to be willful for so long.

Never mind—Caleb had let me slide so many times, I owed him this one.

I sat quietly, so much so the housekeepers outside peeked in, surprised at how well-behaved I was.

The door opened.

I tightened my sash, holding my breath.

“Autumn! No, I mean, Sister-in-law!”

That voice—it was Zoe.

I relaxed a little, about to lower my fan, but Zoe stopped me:

“Don’t—Caleb is particular about this. If I see your face now, even as your sister-in-law, he’ll get jealous!”

I flexed my wrist, suppressing a smile.

Zoe said, “Caleb will be a while—he kept everyone from bothering you, but now they’re making him drink more. Mom said you must be tired, so she sent me with snacks; Caleb was worried you’d be bored, so I came to keep you company.”

She handed me a plate of cookies, their scent warm and comforting. I nibbled one, feeling a little less alone. Warm sugar and butter—almost like home.

I took the cookies, nibbling. They were sweet sticky rice cakes, fragrant and soft.

The taste reminded me of home, of childhood. I felt tears prick my eyes, but blinked them away.

Zoe propped her chin, smiling. “Surprised? With Caleb’s personality, you never saw this coming!”

She grinned, her eyes dancing. I just shook my head, still trying to process everything.

I nodded, wanting to say something but hesitated.

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Zoe waited, patient.

Zoe whispered, “Don’t tell Caleb I told you.

He said, Autumn seems carefree, but is actually reserved, always overthinking, often letting others decide for her. He said, for something as big as marriage, you have to speak your mind—if people guess wrong, you can’t bear the consequences, and neither can he. So he forced the issue, making you face it head-on.”

“Don’t be mad—he said he knew he’d scare you, and he’ll apologize properly!”

I lowered my eyes.

Sometimes he understood me better than I did myself.

He cared so much about my wishes, knew my flaws, and that’s why he was so stubborn about hearing my answer.

For someone like me, always hedging, Caleb was the perfect match.

I suddenly thought of the pear behind the school, and couldn’t help but laugh.

The memory was sweet, a reminder of how far we’d come.

If only I could be as resolute as him, maybe I wouldn’t have gone in circles.

But in the end, after all the circles, it was still him.

Zoe said, “He was right to hurry—he’ll be leaving for New Orleans soon.”

“Dad and Mom say it’s a tough world—if he wants to succeed, he’ll have to stay for years. By the time he’s settled, who knows where you’ll be… So he couldn’t wait, begged Dad to agree.”

I was surprised. “Isn’t your mom in charge?”

Mrs. Morrison had always worried me, but as a new bride, I didn’t dare ask much.

Zoe smiled, “Mom is like Caleb—firm but cares about family, especially Dad’s opinion. Let me tell you…”

Zoe said that day, she saw Caleb seek out Mr. Morrison, curious, and eavesdropped on their conversation.

That day, Caleb had just been turned down by Mrs. Morrison and was called out to drink with his dad.

In the backyard, Caleb hadn’t said much, but his dad’s mind was elsewhere.

He poured himself cider, sighing, “When I was young, I drank this all the time. Now, with age and pride, I can only steal a few moments to relive old memories.”

Caleb played along, “It’s because the past can’t be replaced by glory—we must seize the day.”

She said, when he looked down, he was calm and gentle, but unyielding.

I knew that look—I’d seen it recently.

That day, the sky was clear, the wind gentle. Bright blossoms clustered on the branches, a petal fell into the cup, rippling the cider, blurring the scene, then clearing again.

Mr. Morrison said, “Your mom means well—she wants the best for you, but can’t see it clearly.”

Caleb didn’t argue, just made his position clear.

“You’ll be staying in New Orleans now?”

Mr. Morrison sipped his cider, mustache catching a blossom—drinking with spring flowers, truly poetic.

“Yes, I’ll be starting in a month.”

Caleb fiddled with the blossom, unsure why his dad was being so roundabout.

Mr. Morrison smiled, “You’ve grown up—I can’t stop you. When you’re in New Orleans, keep a low profile, don’t show off. Your grandma loves you, but she has many grandchildren—don’t trouble her.”

…

“Actually, Caleb’s ups and downs with the SATs really affected Dad’s mood.”

“People say we’re upset because Caleb didn’t do well, but that’s not it—he still passed, right? Dad and Mom have accepted it—kids have their own blessings. Mom’s a little disappointed, but not too demanding.”

Zoe swung her legs, “Mom actually likes your personality—you and Caleb are both perceptive, but one is easygoing, one is firm, complementary. She always thought you’d be a good match… But you know, Grandpa’s side is a bit stubborn—it rubs off.”

“At first, she was angry, but not at you. Think about it—she has five kids, but only Caleb never gave her trouble. Now, even her favorite is going against her! She’s just worried about her family—Caleb…”

Zoe saw my confusion and changed the subject. “Dad told her, when he was young, he was even poorer, but got where he is because Mom saw something in him.”

“He said Caleb may seem gentle but is actually stubborn—once he’s decided, he won’t change. If they forced him to give in, he’d obey, but after the ceremony, what then? Would he come home to a cold face, or leave his wife alone? Every child is precious to their parents.”

Zoe took my hand, “They wanted us to have smooth lives, but now they know—their path isn’t ours. For Caleb, it can only be you!”

I was moved, but still worried, “But your mom’s concerns are real—I may not be much help to Caleb in the future…”

I drooped, but Zoe flicked my forehead, “Caleb would be mad if he knew he made you sad! Autumn, what are you thinking? Success isn’t just about marriage ties! Marriage is about happiness!”

“You have your path, Caleb has his. As long as you’re safe, that’s enough—no need for rank or glory, those are just distractions! Dad has only one request.”

I was surprised. “One request?”

“Not status—character,” Zoe said solemnly.

After Zoe left, I felt dazed and uncertain.

I sat on the edge of the bed, fingers twisting in my lap. The world felt big and small all at once.

Today, of all days, I felt more nervous than ever.

But as soon as I heard his footsteps at the door, a little unsteady—

Oh no, was he drunk?

I tossed all my worries aside, telling myself not to hold it against him.

Somehow, I had changed—a little. All my doubts vanished when I saw him, replaced by happiness.

The future was promising.

But he wobbled around, not coming to lift my veil, even laughing softly.

Did I look funny?

I felt nervous, shrinking a little.

Outside the veil, it was quiet—he stood nearby, stiff as a board.

Was he really drunk?

I almost laughed, about to ask.

But before I could speak, I was swept up in a big bear hug.

Like a child, like a game.

He leaned on my knees, and through the veil, I met those familiar eyes.

Clear and bright, flushed with drink, full of joy—like a child.

He grinned, and for the first time in forever, I felt like I was exactly where I belonged.