“Gilly’s back,” she whispered once the film had started. “She brought some brochures in case we’d like to go to Maui for our honeymoon.”
“Lovely as that sounds, how would you like to fly to Tahiti instead? There’s a remote little island where I can get you all to myself.”
His choice of words coupled by the intimate tone in his voice sent tingles of awareness through her nervous system.
“I wish it were Christmas right now.”
“It’ll be Christmas for me on a twenty-four basis once I can go to bed with you every night.”
She let out an unconscious sigh. Their wedding was only a few days away now, but it seemed like a lifetime.
“I’m in agony, too.” He read her mind. His thumb made circles against her palm. His touch was like liquid fire, dissolving her insides. By the time they left the theater to walk to their cars, the ache building inside her was close to unbearable.
When they reached the apartment and he’d walked her to the door, she linked her arms around his neck. “I haven’t asked Gilly yet, but I thought it would be fun if she and Alex came for dinner tomorrow night. If you’ll tell me your favorite food, I’ll fix it.” The last was whispered against his lips. She needed his kiss desperately.
In her amorous state, she was slow to pick up on the fact that he’d grown quiet and didn’t exhibit the passion he would normally have shown. Something was holding him back. She lifted her head.
“What’s wrong, darling?”
A pleading look had entered his eyes, as if he were hesitant to tell her what was on his mind.
“Have they moved up the date of that absurd hearing?”
“No. This is something else.”
“If you’re hurting because your family hasn’t responded yet, don’t let it ruin this time for us. Like you told me earlier, you haven’t given up hope on them. In time they’ll have to come around. How could they not?” she cried.
“This isn’t about my family, Sydney.” She heard him draw in a sharp breath. It alerted her that whatever was on his mind was so serious, he was afraid to tell her. That could only mean one thing…
Her mouth went dry. She eased out of his arms. “A-are you having second thoughts?”
“I knew you were going to ask that. It’s a question I refuse to answer because you know the truth. But what I have to tell you is going to upset you.” Tension palpitated between them. “The bishop has sent for me.”
That did it all right. The bombshell she’d been dreading. They hadn’t even taken their vows yet.
“When we were in my office earlier, I told you I had to make a phone call before we could leave. It was to return his call.”
On a level of one to ten for pain, with ten being the highest, hers was a twenty. “Do you think the Pope has given permission for you to leave, and the bishop wants to tell you in person?” She was grasping at straws and he knew it.
That dreaded look of pity entered his eyes. She hated that look. He reached out to smooth some curls off her forehead. “No, Sydney. It’s way too soon for that to happen, if it’s ever going to.”
“Could you ignore him then? I—I mean…legally? I mean, within the bounds of the Church?”
“I know what you meant,” he whispered gently. “Of course I could ignore him. My business in Cannon is finished.”
“But not your love for him or the Church—”
“No. That will never be finished. He’s been a close friend for ten years. Naturally I couldn’t turn him down.”
“I know.” She tried to smother her sob, but he heard it. His arms crushed her to him. Her face burrowed in his neck.
“Do you have any idea what this is about?”
“No.”
“So it’s as easy as that? He calls, and you come?” Her voice trembled. She hated herself for asking that question, but she couldn’t help it.
“The bishop is probably the most understanding man I’ve ever met in my life. He wouldn’t ask this of me if it weren’t serious. I have to go.”