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Night outside a small farmhouse, Hans Hansen stacks food sacks and tools into a wooden wagon while holding his polished violin case. Stars sparkle above the dirt road, lantern light casting warm yellow on his thoughtful face.
Long ago, Hans Hansen set out on a long journey to help build the temple in St. George. He packed his food, his tools, and—most important of all—his treasured violin. Hans loved music, and his violin kept him company when nights felt long and quiet.
Inside the Nielsen kitchen at dusk, Augustinus ladles steaming stew onto a wooden table where Hans Hansen sits, travel cloak draped over the chair. Mina Nielsen stands nearby in hearth-glow, smiling shyly as laughter fills the cozy room.
At dusk, Hans stopped to rest at the home of the Nielson family. Mina's father, Augustinus, opened the door. "Welcome traveler!" he said. Mina smiled shyly. "Please eat," Augustinus urged. Soon everyone was talking and laughing through the year's stories.
In the candlelit parlor, Hans Hansen raises his violin beneath his chin, bow grazing strings mid-note. Mina Nielsen hums beside the fireplace, eyes closed, while Augustinus claps steady time, neighbors clustered quietly in the doorway.
After dinner, Hans opened his case. 'May I play?' he asked. He tucked the fiddle under his chin, drew out his bow, and began to play. Bright notes skipped as Hans's tune filled the room. Mina hummed. Augustinus clapped time while neighbors listened gaily.
Lanterns swing in the Nielsen yard at night as Hans Hansen plays a lively reel, bow blurred. Nearby, Mina Nielsen twirls mid-spin, skirts fanned and hair flying, both faces lit with bright, shared laughter.
Feet tapped, skirts swished, and voices called, 'Faster!' Hans fiddled lively reels. As he played, Hans noticed Mina—the youngest Nielson daughter. She twirled and laughed, her dark hair spinning with her. Hans couldn’t help watching her whenever she passed by.
At dawn outside the Nielsen house, pink sunlight brushes the wagon as Hans Hansen secures reins and looks back toward the closed front door. Morning mist curls around wheels, capturing his lingering hesitation in soft light.
Morning gold peeked in. Hans hitched his wagon. 'I must keep my promise to reach St. George,' he said. But his mind was full of Mina—her smile, her laugh, her bright brown eyes. 'When I finish work on the temple,' he resolved, 'I'll return and ask for her hand.'
Still beside the gate, Augustinus steps forward, hand raised pleadingly, while Hans Hansen sits on the wagon seat gripping the reins. Early morning sunlight slants across packed road, highlighting their earnest faces and the horse waiting.
Just then, Mr. Nielson hurried outside. “Please stay one more day,” he said. “I’m planning a big party and we need music!” Hans shook his head. “I gave my word I would be in St. George,” he said. “I cannot break a promise.”
Mid-morning in the same yard, Hans Hansen, feet on the ground, leans toward Augustinus with hopeful smile. Sunlight gleams as Hans gestures toward the house, quietly asking marriage permission; Augustinus' broad grin and open arms answer yes.
Augustinus pleaded kindly, 'Just one day!' Hans thought, then grinned. 'If I stay,' he asked, 'may I marry Mina?' Silence fluttered. Then Augustinus smiled wide and said, 'Deal.'
Night party under hanging lanterns, Hans Hansen stands on a makeshift wooden platform fiddling a rapid jig. On the packed-dirt yard, Mina Nielsen dances close, skirts swirling within warm golden light and drifting laughter.
That night, lanterns glowed. Laughter rose high into the air as Hans fiddled quick jigs. Mina danced near. 'Midnight,' Hans whispered, eyes twinkling. Mina grinned and asked, 'A surprise?' Hans winked before finishing a flourish of fiddlery.
Stroke of midnight in the lantern-lit yard, Hans Hansen lowers his violin and raises his voice toward gathered neighbors. Beside him, Mina Nielsen laughs, hand clasped in his, as the crowd erupts into joyful cheers.
At midnight, Hans stilled the strings. 'Everyone!' he called. 'I have an announcement: Mina and I are getting married!' Gasps sounded from the crowd, followed by enthusiastic cheers! Augustinus dabbed happy tears and clapped for the soon-to-be-bride. Mina laughed and said, 'I can't wait another moment—to the Bishop!'
Beneath bright midnight stars outside the small chapel, Bishop holds an open prayer book while Hans Hansen and Mina Nielsen face him, hands linked. Soft lamplight and starlight mix, creating gentle halos around the impromptu wedding trio.
They woke the bishop, who came and married them under the starlit sky. 'I now pronounce you husband and wife,' he said. Mina's heart leapt for joy as Hans smiled before gently kissing her, his beautiful new bride.
Predawn blush colors the yard as Mina Nielsen rests her head on Hans Hansen's shoulder while they slow-dance to his gentle violin notes. Nearby lanterns flicker out, and pink clouds form a dreamy backdrop for their first waltz.
Returning to the party, music rang through the air once more. 'Play our first tune!' Mina laughed. Hans fiddled a gentle waltz. They danced together, step by happy step, until pink clouds of morning dotted the sky.
Under hot afternoon sun at the St. George temple construction site, Hans Hansen lifts a beam while his violin case rests open atop a nearby tool chest. Mina Nielsen approaches with a water bucket, both smiling amid rising sandstone walls.
The next day, Hans continued his journey to St. George. He worked on the temple, Mina by his side. In time, they became the proud parents of 7 children, who they raised in Richfield, UT with music and love. THE END