Page 187 of Serenity Falls

‘Because you didn’t remember any of it, and you’d changed. You’d found God, and I didn’t think having a baby out of wedlock fitted in with your plans.’

‘I could have changed my plans.’

‘Could you?’

I searched his face, but it was hard to see in the semi-dark of the church.

‘Anyway,’ I continued, ‘I came here because I thought you deserved to know – you saved your son’s life.’

I turned, and Milo caught my arm. ‘Wait. You can’t tell me all this and just leave.’

‘I don’t have any choice. I’m sorry. If we stay, we won’t be safe.’

‘Why? I mean, this is crazy.’

I shook my head. ‘I can’t tell you, and you must promise that you will never tell anyone else.’

‘You want me to lie?’

‘Yes. For your son.’

He stared at me, bewildered. ‘I promise, but … I’m coming with you.’

‘What?’

‘We’ll get married, I can find another church, and we can raise our son together, under God’s guidance.’

I felt sorrow swamp my heart. I tried to pull away. ‘Milo, I don’t think that will work.’

‘We could make it work.’

And suddenly, I had a glimpse of the old Milo, the one who would get crazy ideas that he wouldn’t be deterred from. I used to love him for it, but now I felt a little worried. I could see desperation in his eyes, and something else. The same cold, flat light that I saw when he told me he’d found God.

‘I’m sorry. I have to go.’

‘Okay. Then, take this.’ He reached up and unclasped the crucifix from around his neck. ‘When he’s older, you can give it to Davey. Tell him it’s from his dad.’

I nodded reluctantly and held out my hand. ‘All right.’

He gestured to my neck. ‘Can I?’

‘I guess.’ I turned, and he looped the chain around my neck and fiddled with the clasp.

‘Hold on,’ he said, and I felt him pull it tighter.

‘Milo, that’s digging in.’

‘Just a minute.’

I tried to get my fingers beneath the chain, but it was cutting into my skin.

‘Milo. Stop.’

I felt his warm breath brush my ear. ‘Please don’t keep me from my son.’

‘Mi-lo. You’re hurting me—’

I felt the pressure release. I staggered forward, gasping for air.