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.

as well, accompanied by Evelyn. That must

priest said, folding his hands in front of

slight still stung. Charlie only ever had him for a father. That

side, but he forced himself to

ache in his heart, Charles followed the priest to the

silent prayers. Charlie's name echoed over and over

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

...

and Brooks, having just finished lighting their own candle for

all old grudges and resentments

that Charlie might find

his prayer and moved to

the candle refused

striking the match and holding the flame to the wick. For a brief moment,

the stubborn candle, then turned to Charles, hands folded with

quietly, "I'm afraid I can't

of color. He nearly lost control, voice trembling as he

of the church. "Charlie can't forgive you, Charles. She doesn't want your candle. She can't accept it—not after

sorrow for Charlie. Charlie had loved Charles so fiercely-how disappointed must she have been, on the day she died, to carry that hurt with

if struck. The idea that Charlie

forgive him-hit him harder