When they finally pulled back, Daniel’s smile could have powered the entire city. He helped Juniper straighten up, though his arm remained firmly around her waist. The courthouse steps stretched before them like a stage, the falling snow creating nature’s own spotlight. Juniper felt the music building inside her, that irrepressible joy demanding release.

“Your Honor,” she sang out suddenly, her voice ringing clear across the snow-dusted steps, “I call this heart to the stand!”

Daniel’s rich baritone joined in as he spun her gracefully: “No hearsay when love’s at hand!”