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.

to light a candle for Charlie as well, accompanied by Evelyn. That must have

folding his

still stung. Charlie only ever had him for a

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

his heart, Charles followed the priest to the altar to light a perpetual candle

knelt there, hands clasped, his heart full of silent prayers. Charlie's name echoed

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

...

finished lighting their own candle for Charlie, knelt a

grudges and

that Charlie might find

and

the candle

and holding the flame to the

stubborn candle, then turned to Charles, hands

said quietly, "I'm

Charles. His eyes widened, his face draining of color. He nearly lost control, voice trembling as he demanded,

through the hush of the church. "Charlie can't forgive you,

no satisfaction, only a deep, aching sorrow for Charlie. Charlie had loved Charles so fiercely-how disappointed must she have been,

recoiled as if struck. The idea that Charlie

forgive him-hit him