Penelope pov

"Those people are idiots," Timothy says firmly. "You've earned your place here. Through actions, not birthright."

His faith in me means everything. Even when I doubt myself, he believes. Two months after the promise ring, we face our first real test as a couple.

Marcus's trial is scheduled. Timothy has to testify against his father once again, and it's tearing him apart.

"I don't know if I can do it," he admitted the night before. We're at his place, and he's pacing the living ...