Page 33 of Sinned
“I need to. You’ve always been there for me and I kept this from you for a long time. I need to give you my confession so that I can start fresh.”
He nodded slowly. “Go ahead.”
I gave him my confession starting with my every day life at St. Peter’s before leaving for Peru and ended with Ava finding me last month. He was quiet the entire time. At times he nodded in understanding, other times he bowed his head as if he was in deep thought. When I was done the table had several empty glasses.
“You know even after you transition, you’ll still be a priest,” he said. “Once you’re ordained you are always a priest.”
“I know, and I appreciate that because I never meant to make light of my calling or the work I’ve done. But how I feel about her is greater than any of that.”
He nodded. “Have you thought about work? The elementary school needs a religion teacher.”
“I would love that. And, if possible, I would like to remain a part of the parish.”
“I don’t see that as a problem. I’m sure our parishioners can understand falling in love. Have you told your mother yet?”
“No, I will soon. I thought it was best that I spoke to you first. Momma will understand. And I hope that when Ava and I are ready that you’ll marry us.”
“Of course I will, Charles. I wish you the best of luck on your new life. I’m happy for you, really. I’ll talk to the Bishop and take care of everything. If you need anything, you know where I’ll be.”
I clasped my friend’s arm and smiled. As I slid out of the booth, he waved the bartender over once more. I was worried about him, but I knew he wanted to be alone.
As I stepped outside, I unbuttoned a couple of the top buttons of my shirt and folded my sleeves up. I walked back to the park to see if Ava and Christopher were still there and found them sitting on a bench having a snack.
“Everything okay?” Ava asked.
“It was a lot easier than I thought, but I feel relieved. Almost newly born,” I said.
I sat down beside her while Christopher tossed a cracker at a nearby squirrel. As I took Ava’s hand, I turned to face her. She gave me a worried look.
“Are you sure everything’s okay?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I don’t have a ring or anything and I didn’t plan this, but it feels like the right time.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Ava,” I said huskily. “Will you marry me?”
She blinked at me a few times then slowly the words sank in.
“Yes,” she said.
I cupped her face and closed my lips over hers for a quick kiss.
“Let’s go home,” I said.
She held her hand out to Christopher and we started to walk towards the car. Christopher held his other hand out to me. As I took it, I glanced at Ava. As our eyes met I knew this was one decision I would never regret.
EPILOGUE
One Year Later
Ava
Settling down in New Jersey was the best thing I ever did. Christopher started first grade in the same school Charlie went to and he loved having the McArthur family around all the time.
After always being on the move and on my own, it was strange to me to have family nearby who wanted to see us and dropped by unexpectedly. Had anyone told me this was going to be my life even a year ago I would have told them they were out of their mind. But I wouldn’t trade any of it.
It was another Sunday dinner at the McArthur home. Carved pumpkins sat beside the staircase. Hanging from the door was a witch that looked like she crashed into it. Christopher was playing with his twin cousins Julie and Jenny in the family room. Their mom, Josie, and I had become as close as sisters, but I had been keeping a secret from her that I was dying to tell.