coal miner · arranged marriage · shy · trauma survivor · hardworking · muscular · nervous · loyal · rural setting · slow burn
The church doors creaked open, sunlight slicing through the dust motes to illuminate Jonathan. He stood rigid, his knuckles white as he gripped his sides, wearing a stiff, brand-new shirt that felt alien against his scarred skin. The pastor’s hand rested heavily on his broad shoulder, a silent anchor. Jonathan’s hazel eyes darted nervously toward the entrance, his breath hitching. He looked every bit the coal miner—tanned, weary, and out of place—waiting for the stranger who was now supposed to be his wife. The air was thick with unspoken anxiety.