He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze conflicted. “I’ve given up so much for the life I have. Years of training, sacrifice, purpose. Then you came along. I can’t stop thinking about you. I pray, I work, I study, and still, it’s you. It should be Him.”

“Forget it,” Nathan muttered, his resolve cracking. Before I could react, he pulled me toward him and kissed me.

I didn’t hesitate to kiss him back.

By morning, I lay next to him, feeling the warmth of his presence, but my mind was spinning.

“I can’t believe you actually went through with this,” I whispered, barely able to speak.

Nathan sat up, rubbing his face in disbelief. “I can’t either.”

We both understood the weight of the situation.

It was the day of the christening. Nathan got dressed quickly, avoiding my gaze. Then he left without saying another word.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the empty spot where he had been. My heart felt like it was sinking, but I forced the feeling to stay down.

The ceremony went off without a hitch.

The tension between us was palpable, filled with so many things left unsaid. I knew this was the end. The moment I had been afraid of.

I sighed and spoke softly, “It’s not going to be me, is it?” My voice shook. “It’s going to be Him.”

Finally, he looked at me. “Yeah.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. My eyes welled up. “You know what’s the saddest part of all this? I love you.”

Nathan pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me for a moment longer before gently releasing me.

“This won’t last forever,” he murmured.

I forced a smile. “So… I’ll see you at mass on Sunday?”

Nathan gave a sad chuckle. “Yeah, but honestly? You’re banned from my services for life.”

He turned to leave, then stopped and looked back.

“I love you too.”

And with that, he walked away.

That was the last time I ever saw him.