Page 92 of Forgive Me Father

"When you wear that ring, what does it mean to you?" I ask, placing my hands on his chest. "Could you walk out in public with it on and still hold my hand?" His jaw tightens.

"Eden, when I wear this ring, it signifies my commitment to something greater than myself. Here, in the privacy of my home, I can ask for forgiveness. But in the church, all I feel is the weight ofjudgment from above."

"So take it off and don’t put it back on," I challenge. "Keep the ring off."

Roman steps back, shaking his head. "I can’t do that, Eden," He sighs, rubbing his temple. "I can’t abandon the one thing that’s made me believe I deserve more than just suffering," He pleads, and I cross my arms over my chest, trying to mask the sting of his words.

"So you and me? What is this to you?" I ask, dreading his answer.

"You’re not a sin, Eden," He whispers, his voice softening. "You’re a blessing, something I never expected but can’t bring myself to let go of. But even blessings come with their challenges. My commitment to God doesn’t change, but that doesn’t mean you’re any less important to me."

His words bring a sense of warmth, but I push forward. "Is it impossible to see what we have as something more? Could it mean more than the oath you took with that ring?"

"That’s the struggle," He whispers, his voice trembling. "I’m trying to find a way to honor both my faith and what I feel for you. As long as I wear the ring, it’s a reminder that I can strive for both."

Watching his inner turmoil unfold, I struggle to find a way to comfort him. I pushed him into this, and now he’s grappling with the consequences.

I jump down from the counter and pull him into a tight embrace, feeling a flicker of relief when he returns the hug just as firmly.

"We don’t have to define anything right now, Roman. You’ve got me, ring or no ring. Wear it for as long as you need."

But what if he never takes it off?

What then?

Roman's hands cradle my face, pulling my gaze to meet his. The intensity in his eyes makes my breath hitch.

"I have never had anything in this life that has felt right after my mother died. I thought it was impossible to feel anything but pain until you walked into my life, and I realized keeping you safe meant more than anything else. You have sparked new life in me, Eden, and that's not something I take lightly—"

"Father Briar!" Zoey’s shrill voice rings out, followed by the loud pounding on Roman’s front door, cutting through the intimate moment like a knife. We both jump at the sudden intrusion.

Roman’s expression shifts instantly, his usual guarded look returning as he releases me. "Did you tell her you were here?" He asks, his voice now cold and controlled.

"No," I whisper, stepping back from him. "But I have a feeling I know who did."

Zoey's voice grows more insistent, almost frantic as she pounds on the door again. "Eden, I swear, if you’re in there open this door right now!"

Roman’s eyes narrow as he processes the situation. "Your brother?" He asks, the tension in his voice unmistakable.

I nod reluctantly, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. "He must have figured it out."

Before either of us can say more, the pounding on the door intensifies. Roman sighs, running a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to maintain his composure. "We’ll talk about this later," He says, his tone firm but resigned.

I nod, turning toward the door. "I’ll handle it," I whisper, giving him one last glance before reaching for the handle, bracing myself for whatever chaos awaits on the other side.

Trying to get ahead of me, Roman reaches for the door, but I’m just as quick, both of us clamoring to grab the handle first.

"She's my friend—" I start, but Roman cuts in.

"Your friend who is going to wonder why the hell you're here—"

We fumble for control, but Roman gets there first, nudging me behind the door as he swings it wide open. The realization that he’s shirtless hits me a second too late, and I catch the faint sound of Zoey’s audible gulp when her eyes land on him.

"Father Briar, I don’t mean to interrupt, but..." Zoey pauses, frustration evident in her voice. "Aiden and I can’t seem to find Eden, and we were wondering if she came to the church at all last night—"

Want to hide me, Roman? Then you’ll have to tie me down.

"I'm right here, Zo," I announce, pushing Roman aside with a bit more force than necessary. His eyes widen slightly at my bluntness.