“I suppose you’re wondering what I’m doing here.â€?

“Eve I…â€?

“No let me start… please.â€? James waited. “When I walked here, I fully intended to walk in and look magnificent to show you that you didn’t break me.â€?

“I never meant…â€?

“Shhh. I know. I realized that as soon as I saw you. And then you came to me, and held me. I never felt so safe.â€? A veil of tears welled up in her large eyes. “I’ve missed you so much!â€? Eve broke down, sobbing. “I love you. I know it’s wrong, I know you love your God above all else.â€? Her voice hitched and she slipped to the floor, on her knees before the priest. She reached for his hands. “I’m sorry.â€? she whispered, burying her face in his lap.

James trembled. He gripped her hands tightly. Bending down he gently kissed the top of her head. Eve looked up, her lips mere inches from his. They looked at each other for what seemed an eternity before James caressed Eve’s cheek. Moving in swiftly, he kissed her again with a passion that had had too much time to build up.

“I love you.”