The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 546

When Charles tried to stand up,

his legs buckled beneath him. He'd been kneeling for so long that pain shot through his body the moment he moved, cold sweat breaking out across his forehead.

His tall, broad-shouldered frame swayed unsteadily. He reached out just in time, bracing himself against the doorframe to keep from collapsing onto the polished church floor.

It took several moments for Charles to catch his breath and muster the strength to stand upright, teeth gritted against the throbbing ache in his knees.

Step by step, he forced himself forward, making his way deeper into the chapel.

He was led to the priest, and with a voice full of earnest sincerity, Charles said, "Father, I'd like to light a perpetual candle for my daughter, Charlie."

At the mention of Charlie's name, the priest gave Charles a curious look. "You're also Charlie's father?"

That word-also-made Charles freeze.

He was Charlie's only father. What did the priest mean, also?

The question soured something deep inside him. His voice dropped, sharp with irritation. "What do you mean by that?"

Just then, Brooks and Evelyn emerged from the back of the church, standing together in the soft glow of stained glass.

Charlie as well,

said, folding his

stung. Charlie only ever had him for a father. That would

and Evelyn standing side by side, but he forced himself to focus-today was about Charlie. He wouldn't let

the ache in his heart, Charles followed the priest to the

full of silent prayers. Charlie's name echoed over and over in

tears, the way she'd wrapped herself around his heart-flooded his thoughts, each

...

own candle for Charlie, knelt a few pews

all old grudges and resentments faded away.

that

and moved to light

the candle refused to

hesitated, surprised. He tried again, striking the match and holding the flame to the wick. For a brief moment,

candle, then turned

said quietly, "I'm afraid I

nearly lost control, voice trembling as he demanded, "What do you mean, you can't? Why won't the candle light

"Charlie can't

no satisfaction, only a deep, aching sorrow for Charlie. Charlie had loved Charles so

as if struck. The

him-hit him harder