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“Y-You’re sure?”
His gaze is fierce when it locks on me. “As sure as if God were my witness.”
Silently, I cup his cheek.
After gracing me with a soft, gentle,lovingkiss, he shuffles off to the bathroom, leaving me to stare at the ceiling.
“I know this is the journey you want us to take, God,” I whisper once the shower switches on, speaking the words though I lie on a bed of sins and broken vows. “But, protect him for me. I need a lifetime with this son of yours.” Then, I place my hand where Savio’s was earlier. “And I’m not just talking about this one.”
CHAPTER 30
The presbytery shower
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
These are my sins.
I broke my vows, Father, and yet, I realize they broke me.
I will be Your servant forever, but I can no longer wear the liturgical vestments, for their hypocrisy chokes me.
I know I may lose Your grace, but I believe Andrea is Your gift. She gives me hope, Father. The possibility of tomorrow is no longer a nightmare.
But even so, I will risk Your gift for the chance to right the wrongs that occurred in my parish.
I will protect Your flock when the police won’t.
I will do what must be done.
It is an honor to shield those who cannot defend themselves.
Perhaps, Your grace is tied to this path and I can have her, a future, and peace in this parish…
Is that so much to ask?
Even now, a new soul could be stirring in her belly. Please, Father, please, if she is carrying my child, let me know them. Let me love them. Let me be a father.
It will be the greatest honor You have ever bestowed upon me, and I will watch over them with my life.
It is not often I beg You for anything, but I will beg You for her. For our child. For a future with them in it.
May Your mercy endure even if I lose Your love.
Amen.”
CHAPTER 31
Andrea
9 Crimes - Damien Rice
When Savio retreats to Santa Cecilia for the service of Sext, I don’t fight the urge to follow him.
If I thought he was going through the motions before, that’s nothing to now. The sermon is short and sharp, just as his mood is. Though, I can sense his relief when Lorenzo turns up but doesn’t pull him aside or ask what happened last night. If anything, the pervert looks like he’s still drunk.
When Savio leaves the pulpit for the confessional, he glances my way once. I don’t smile at him, just remain in my pew, body starting to ache from recent events, eyes shuttered as I wait him out.
There’s a surprisingly long line for confession, but Lorenzo doesn’t wait—he takes off as soon as he can.