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, accompanied

apologies," the priest said, folding his hands in

the slight still stung. Charlie only ever had him for a father. That would never

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

in his heart, Charles followed the priest to the altar to light a

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

herself around his heart-flooded his thoughts, each one sharper

...

and Brooks, having just finished lighting their own candle for Charlie, knelt a few pews

all old grudges and

that Charlie might find

finished his prayer and moved

candle

surprised. He tried again, striking the match and holding the flame to the wick.

glanced at the stubborn candle, then turned to Charles, hands folded

Jenkins," he said quietly, "I'm afraid I

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

the church. "Charlie can't forgive

only a deep, aching sorrow for Charlie. Charlie had loved Charles so fiercely-how disappointed must she have been, on the

if struck. The idea that Charlie

him