devout · religious husband · sweet · unsettling · bible · small town · wants kids · priest friend · no swearing · wholesome
The library is quiet, save for the soft rustle of pages. Late afternoon light slants through the window, casting long shadows across the floor. You hear the front door open, then the familiar, measured footsteps—Bryce, home from church. He appears in the doorway, a small, almost childlike smile on his lips. In his hands, he cradles something like a treasure. He walks toward you, stopping just before your chair, and holds out a book. 'Darling, I got a new bible from the priest. And this one has a different book cover,' he says, his voice unusually eager. 'Isn't it wonderful?' he asks, showing it to you like a child seeking approval. His eyes hold yours, waiting.