With slow and reverent steps, I moved between the ancient pews toward the altar, all while staring at the magnificent artistry of glass presented in a window display of opulent color.
I brushed just the tips of my fingers from one pew to another. The lonely church was a place of rustic beauty, where time hadslowed to the pace of a ticking clock, and the scent of incense clung softly to the worn velvet kneelers.
Once directly in front of the altar, the teachings from my youth pushed me into making the sign of the cross.
Hearing Donatello’s steady footsteps behind me created a surprising and blasphemous response.
Desire.
How inappropriate.
“My mother always told me that no matter what I was going through, I would find answers inside the church,” I said with continued quiet reverence, immediately noticing my voice echoed. Maybe the good Catholic girl still existed inside.
He said nothing, merely moving beside me.
“She reminded me that we all have a finite time on this earth and whatever choices I made would affect the rest of my life.”
“Your mother is a very wise woman.”
“Yes, she is. She had more courage in her little finger than most people do in their lives and her love of my father was the very reason romance novels will always be popular. Each would die for the other.”
“Is that what is bothering you,il mio bellissimo angelo? Are you worried that I won’t die for you if necessary?”
My beautiful angel. “I’m no angel, Donatello. To answer your question, no, that’s not what’s bothering me.” I turned to face him. “I’m terrified that you’ll need to make good on that promise.”
He took my hands into his and by the expression on his chiseled face, I sensed he was trying for the right words. “And I would do so without a second of remorse. I love you, Emmeline. I want you as my wife. For better, for worse. For richer and poorer.” He pulled me even closer. “In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish until death do us part. And even then, I will never leave you. I’ll be right by your side.”
Hearing the words coming from such a gruff, dangerous man left me with butterflies in my stomach and hopes for the future.
“We can’t get married today.”
“Why is that?” The twinkle in his eye deepened.
“Because it takes months in Brazil and we don’t have our passports. Plus, we need rings, which we also don’t have.”
“Those are the only reasons we can’t get married today?”
Why did I know he had something up his sleeve? “The only ones.”
Footsteps drew my attention coming from a small alcove off to the side. At least three sets.
As he reached into his pocket, he arched a single eyebrow. “You underestimate both my skills and my connections. I’m hurt.” When he pulled a small velvet bag into his hands, I pressed my fingers against my mouth.
The rings were nothing special in the sense of what so many couples had begun to choose, but the simple gold bands were all that was needed. Jewelry didn’t make a marriage. Only the two people involved and their willingness to do whatever it took to make their relationship work could keep their union happy and sacred.
Whatever it took. A promise he’d already made to me.
And one he would never ignore.
“Você já encontrou as respostas que procura, minha criança.” The deep voice was comforting, a peaceful yet knowledgeable tone that drew my attention.
You’ve already found the answers you seek, child.
As usual, although I wouldn’t admit it, Donatello was right. Someone had been here. So where had they parked or had they walked here?
“Como assim, Padre?” With Donatello taking my hand into his, I turned my head toward the priest, his simple attire including his clerical collar giving no illusion to his position within the church.
How so, Father?
