The Divine Temptation (18+) (Forbidden Priest Romance)

45. Blessed & Blushing

'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

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Evangeline

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"Today we gather to reflect on one of the most profound and transformative commandments given to us by our Lord: to love one another. In a world often filled with judgment and division, the call to love can sometimes feel challenging, especially when others around us are quick to judge the ones we love. But it is precisely in these moments that our love must shine the brightest."

Gabriel is standing up behind the pulpit addressing the congregation, It's been days since our religious exploration, on said chancel, now bringing us to Sunday's service, I was sat at the front next to gram's who was discharged from the hospital the day after last. Surgery not required thankfully.

"In our own lives, we may find ourselves loving someone who is judged harshly by others. It could be a friend, a family member, or a partner who is misunderstood or criticised for their past, their choices, or simply for who they are. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:7, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Gabriel continues, keeping the attention of everyone in the church. Neither Gabriels father, or Bethany has been seen since Tuesday, however after a cheeky confessional from one of Bethany's peers, it's rumoured that Father Richards and Bethany's affair started not long before Gabriels returned to take on his role.

All three of us Gabriel, Gram's and I sat down to discuss what now happens next, settling on us moving away just after New Year, Cassiel set up a home for us in New York, ready to occupy at our earliest connivence.

"Enduring all things calls for a resilient love, one that does not give up in the face of trials. It is a love that walks alongside the judged, offering support, compassion, and understanding. It is a love that reflects the patience and kindness described in 1 Corinthians 13, and it is this love that has the power to change hearts and lives."

Gabriel looks me in the eyes as I speak, my cheeks warm as he doesn't even hide his evident love from me on the chancel.

"Today, I stand before you not just as your priest, but as a man deeply in love. The woman I love has been judged harshly by many. Yet, I have come to know her heart, her kindness, and her unwavering support. She embodies the very essence of love that I have spoken about today—unconditional, steadfast, and transformative."

My heart swells and gram's hand tightens around my own, as I watch his confession.

There are a wave of awes from a select few located in seats around the church. His eyes constantly glancing and holding mine.

"Because of such judgement I've unfortunately come to the decision that it would be best for me to part ways with this congregation. These past couple of months have taught me important lessons, one of which is knowing when to do the right thing. And for that I've decided to part ways not only with this lovely church and parish, but also Pinevale, I know this will come to a shock to many of you, especially given my short term here, however I will be leaving you in the best of hands. Today will be my last day, I hope over the next couple of days, you will welcome you new priest with open arms, while allowing me some time to spend with my family before I leave"

His eyes now look between gram's and I smiling at each of us.

"May the Holy Spirit guide us in this journey of love, giving us the strength to love boldly, even when it is difficult, and the grace to love others as we ourselves are loved by God. Amen"

As the service draws to an end, a lot of people give their thanks and goodbyes before leaving, or mingling with others, I hang back with gram's until he finds me amongst the assembly and walks towards me, taking my hand in his. There are a few chattering perishers and eye glances, at our display of affection. Then Evangeline a couple of weeks ago would have burned to the ground in sheer shame, and embarrassment, yet in this exact moment, I couldn't care less, for right now, all I had eyes for, was for the man I loved.

♱ ♱ ♱

"Gabriel, can I ask something from you"

"Anything"

Everyone has since left the church, Gram's with Margaret and the rest elsewhere, leaving only Gabriel and I, packing up his things.

"I know it's not normally allowed, but would you rechristen me?" I smile sheepishly, a little bit shy at the request. "I mean it's only a once in a lifetime thing and my first baptism if for life, its just with everything thats gone on, I feel like I lost my faith for the wrong reasons"

He listens intently, taking a step forward and my hand in his.

"It would be a honour to, come we can do it now." He guides me out to the front, his fingers still linked with mine as he takes us towards the baptismal font.

He manoeuvres us both so I'm standing to his right, his hands on my waist as his kisses the top of my forehead.

"Are you ready?"

I nod my head, as he guides my head down low, so my head is just over the water.

"I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Gabriel says, as he dips the pouring vessel in the water and gently pouring it over the front of my hair and forehead, he keeps me there for a moment, his hand on my back before placing his hand under my chin and guiding my head up, a towel in his other hand as he tenderly dries the water from my face, my eyes closed.

His had moves to my cheek running his thumb under my eye, my eyes slowly opening as I look up at him, he's smiling down at me, his love for me swimming in his eyes, as I smile back, and lean up and peck his lips.

Nothing could have prepared me for these past couple of months, the whirlwind of emotions, of falling in love with a man I never would have know existed if I didn't face my fear and my past by coming back, and I wouldn't change it for a thing, I pull my lips from his my cheeks warming at this intimate moment between us. Our eyes and hearts intwined into one.

"Look at you all blessed and blushing" 

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brb, I'm off to cry...

I cannot put into words my gratitude for everyone who has taken the time to read one chapter or the entire book. 

Last year I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and turned to reading and writing as a means of escape, I know this isn't Shakespeare writing and I'm not the next best big author, but it has done its job of allowing me to explore a different world of my own, and to remove me from my life for a period of time. 

Fortunately it's not the end of their story, and I look forward to expanding on their story for the published version, the goal of including more chapters, more tension, and maybe more spice ;p

I look forward to sharing the epilogue with you in the next couple of days, and look forward to updating you with information regards to the published copy, that I hope to release around December this year! 

Thank you again my lovelies!