Jarod entered the bishop’s private lounge. Only a few weeks ago he’d sat in this very room while they’d said their goodbyes. Being back here so soon was like déjà vu, except the intervening time with Sydney had changed him in ways that he was no longer the same person. Yet he couldn’t deny the feeling of homecoming which was powerful.
The bishop sat down opposite him wearing a robe over his pajamas. No doubt he’d been asleep when the housekeeper had awakened him to tell him Jarod had arrived.
Tall and trim, he made an imposing figure, with or without his priestly vestments. He reminded Jarod a little of his own father, except that the bishop was warmer by nature and more open with everyone.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why the call, and why the haste? For your information, Jeanine Adams, one of your parishioners, was hit by a car this afternoon on her way home from the high school.”
Jeanine?
Jarod’s eyes closed tightly. It was she who’d been instrumental in his finding out where Sydney had moved.
“Was she killed?” he whispered. The sight of her motherless three children flashed before his eyes. A deep despair washed over him.
“No, but if she recovers, she could be paralyzed.”
He groaned in pain.
“It’s my understanding that when she came to, she called for Father Kendall. Everyone wants and needs Father Kendall.”
Jarod got to his feet.
“Like the rest of the parish, she’s been told you’re still on retreat. Father Lane has been with the family. Rick Olsen and his wife have organized some other families to take in meals and see about the children’s care while her husband stays at her bedside.”
Jarod covered his face. Talk about pain…
“It’s devastating I know,” Tom commiserated. “I also realize it’s especially hard for you to hear bad news like this at this vulnerable point in your life.”
Jarod stiffened.
Yes. He was vulnerable. He had self-doubts—fears that he couldn’t live up to Sydney’s expectations—concerns he might not be all things to her.
Did Tom believe Jarod was also vulnerable enough to consider returning to the priesthood?
Jeanine’s accident was a monumental tragedy, something no one could have foreseen or imagined. But by sending for Jarod, Tom knew how the news would impact him.
The older priest had made it clear he was personally pained by Jarod’s decision to leave. In his own way, Tom had treated him like he would a son if he’d had one.
Did he hope this horrific situation might pull Jarod back into the fold? He knew Jarod was conflicted, that a part of his heart remained with the priesthood.
His hands knotted into fists. “I’m no longer a priest. I can’t go to her in that capacity now.”
The bishop eyed him for a long time. “Maybe not now…”
Maybe not now?
Jarod had his answer. Tom still hadn’t given up on him.
Sydney’s fears were well founded.
Like a father who’d lost a son and yearned for him, Tom wanted him back in the society that had brought them together in the first place and had brought both of them so much joy.
He couldn’t deny he missed that camaraderie known only by those who made up its ranks. The desire to rush to Jeanine’s side and try to give what little comfort he could was almost overpowering.
But he could only be there for her as a friend, not as the priest who had the authority to bless her and use his office to pray with her. If he showed up at the hospital, it would be as a mere man, one who’d left the priesthood.
The shock of learning his changed status might do incalculable damage to her both emotionally and physically.
“God has given you this opportunity to rethink your decision, Jarod. With more contemplation and prayer, you could once again wear the mantle that has fit you so well. You’re beloved to all who know you.”