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My father wasn’t dead because I hadn’t finished him. I had given him yet another chance to torment me.
And Carlos…he’d helped me. Saved Stone. He was deeply immersed in our father’s world, and I wasn’t sure how that would affect him. I decided not to call him.
“He’s really out, isn’t he?” Vivian whispered from the doorway.
Stone’s sleeping form was half under the covers, his bare chest exposed.
I pointed toward the hallway, taking another peek at him. His face was slack, free of pain and worry.
“It’s the meds,” I said softly, leading her to the kitchen. “I imagine all the moving around wore him out too.”
“He’s tough. I can’t believe he walked from the car up here on his own.” Vivian traced the edge of the counter.
“Stubborn, I believe, is the word you meant.”
She gave me a wry smile. “Same thing. How are you holding up?”
“It’s still surreal. I’d like to go to church, but I don’t want to leave him.”
“Want me to go with you? I’ll get Daniel to stay with Stone. He needs to come out of that damn office anyway.”
“No. You’ve just returned from your trip and need to rest. I won’t be long.”
“I could drive. Sit in the car.”
I lifted a brow. “Do you have instructions not to let me go anywhere without a chaperone?”
She shrugged sheepishly. “Didn’t need any.” She tapped her temple. “Came up with it all on my own.”
“He’s in no shape to come after me. And believe me, he wouldn’t send anyone else.”
Vivian’s chest deflated. “Okay. But text me when you get there. And when you start home.”
“Call me if he wakes up.”
“I will.”
The chapel wasquiet as I slipped inside. I shrugged off my coat and draped it over my arm.
“Muriella, we missed you at the meeting.”
I jumped at the sound of my name, but quickly smoothed my expression. “Hello, Valentina.”
“I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“I had my mind somewhere else.” I smiled politely. She was spearheading the children’s event between our two churches this year. The planning meeting had completely escaped me.
She gestured toward the ceiling. “I’ve always loved Saint Pius, especially around Christmas.” Two trees with twinkling white lights adorned the altar, along with a sea of poinsettias down front. “I wanted to attend here, but my husband’s cousin is the priest at ours, so…” She lifted her eyes toward the heavens.
I snickered. “Probably wouldn’t go over well at family get-togethers.”
“Best to keep the peace when possible.”
We wandered down the center aisle toward the altar.
“Is everything set for the event next month?” I asked.
“Oh, I think the children will love it. I don’t know why we didn’t think of ice skating before.” She laughed.
