Rafael chuckled and walked out into the hall. “Never.”
IT HAD BEEN years since I’d attended a Sunday morning mass, usually preferring to slink into these hallowed halls in the darkness of night. But as I took my spot in the front pews beside Rafael, I had to admit there was something innately peaceful about the way the sun was shining through the stained glass and washing over the morning parishioners.
St. Andrews had been such an integral part of my life from childhood to adulthood, but as I sat there now, staring up at the crucifix, I felt a sense of peace I’d never felt before.
“Are you okay?” Rafael sat beside me looking as regal and statuesque as any of the sculptures inside the church. He’d always been handsome, but as the sun shone over his blond hair and illuminated his smooth skin, he looked almost otherworldly in his perfection.
He was breathtaking.
And he was mine.
“I’ve never been better.”
Rafael smiled and pressed his thigh up against mine, and it took everything I had not to reach for his hand. Everything not to lace my fingers through his and bring them to my lips. Everything to sit beside this beautiful man and not tell the world—and Him—that he was mine.
But I resisted out of respect for Rafael, respect for the church, and, begrudgingly, respect for Archbishop Dick—De Vecchi, who was standing behind the pulpit this morning in Rafael’s place.
Thathad been a surprise, to both me and St. Andrews regulars, and it hadn’t escaped the parishioners’ attention thattheir favorite reverend was sitting amongst them today, in casual clothes and not his usual holy garb, but if that bothered Rafael in any way, he didn’t show it.
He sat tall and proud beside me, every part of him touching every part of me that he could without visibly holding hands. His message was clear:I choose you, in front of God and everybody. I love you.
It was the most precious gift he could give me.The only thing I’d ever truly wanted—his love.
De Vecchi gave the final blessing and then dismissed us all with his usual “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” As the mass concluded, I noticed several people looking in Rafael’s direction.
“You’re quite the celebrity around here today,” I said by his ear, and Rafael chuckled.
“More like the scandal.”
“You don’t seem too upset by that.”
“Because I’m not. I have no reason to be. I made my choice, and it’s one that’s brought both peace and love to my life. What else could God want for me?”
“What indeed?”
The archbishop’s familiar baritone had my spine immediately stiffening. I turned to see him standing before us with his hands clasped in front of his robes, a knowing look in his eyes.
“Your Grace.” Rafael got to his feet, reached for De Vecchi’s hand, and kissed his ring.
Oh, right, he’s all fancy now. I have to kiss the ring.
“Rafael, it’s wonderful to see you here this morning.” His attention shifted to my getting to my feet. “You too, Alessio. It’s been far too long.”
I took his offered hand and bowed my head.“Yes, Your Grace. It was a beautiful mass,” I said, and, shockingly, meant it.
“It was. God was showing off today with that sunrise.”
Rafael smiled at me, and my heart felt close to bursting.
“Illuminating our choices, perhaps?” I said.
The archbishop’s brow rose at my smartass response. “Maybe so. Would you mind my stealing Alessio away for a minute, Rafael?”
Wouldhemind? What about me?
The last time we’d talked, it ended horribly. I was having a good day. I didn’t need De Vecchi ruining it.
“Of course.” Rafael put a hand to my back, and I felt the warmth of it through my entire body. “I’ll come and find you in a few.”
