Page 138 of Halo

She pats his arm. “I hope you enjoy the service.”

I reach for Nick and lace our fingers together. “We’re gonna go find a seat.”

My mother’s smug smile tightens, her eyes dropping pointedly to our joined hands.

His grip tightens as we head toward the sanctuary.

I'm sure I'll hear all about this later.

Chapter 35

Nick

The good news is I didn't combust into flames when I stepped into the church building.

Bad news? My presence ignited a cascade of sideways looks and whispers directed at Leah.

But she doesn’t flinch or acknowledge them. Nope, my strong woman gives them kindness they sure as hell don’t deserve, offering warm smiles and friendly hellos as we pass.

The children are a different story. Several of them barrel down the aisle, pure excitement on their faces as they throw their arms around her. Leah lights up as she crouches to greet them.

The sanctuary is divided into three sections of pews with two aisles running between them. A balcony stretches across the back wall, offering several more rows of seating. A wooden pulpit stands at the center of a wide stage toward the front, with choir risers situated behind it. Musicians are set up off to one side alongside a collection of singers, including Leah’s brother.

Above it all, proudly displayed, is a massive floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window. Sunlight spills through panes of deep blue, red, and gold surrounding a cross at its center. Below it is some kind of recessed pool built into the wall, empty at the moment.

Suddenly, the lights dim as the music swells.

“Good morning, family,” Matt bellows, his booming enthusiasm a far cry from the man I met at the hospital. “Let’s honor God in our time of worship! Sing with me!”

The band launches into a song as colored lights and lasers sweep across the sanctuary.

Am I at a rave?

She gives me an innocent shrug as we remain standing, then turns toward the stage, swaying beside me as she joins everyone in song.

After worship and a prayer about “preparing our hearts,” Leah’s dad steps behind the pulpit. Now that I’m seeing him up close, there’s no question where Matt came from. The man is practically his blueprint.

I rest my hat on my knee, trying to pay attention, but honestly, I'm so distracted by everything. The soft murmur of two women behind me catches my attention.

“Do you think Declan knows she’s seeing someone?”

“Maybe that’s why they didn't work out.”

“I certainly didn’t see this coming.”

“Neither did I. Leah always seemed like such a good girl.”

One of them hums in agreement.

“Well, at least he’s handsome.”

A soft giggle. “Oh, he’s more than handsome.”

“Still.” A disappointed sigh follows. “What a letdown.”

My jaw tightens as I watch Leah’s shoulders deflate. Her brave smile stays intact, but I know her well enough to see the hurt she’s trying so damn hard to swallow.

I can't just sit here.