Eileen Wilks - Good Counsel

Abe smiled slowly. “An unconventional approach, but one the Church can support. I see no obstacles to performing your marriage ceremony.”

It was only then, when the man truly relaxed, that Abe knew just how studied his earlier pose had been. “Good. Thank you. That’s . . . it means a lot to Cynna.”

And to you, Abe thought, but either wisdom or grace kept him from saying so. Not that there was much difference between the two.

They spoke a little longer; Abe still had to deliver the usual cautions and suggestions and explain the Church’s views on the sacrament of marriage. They ended up going over their alloted hour, but Abe had left room in his schedule for that possibility.

He stood and offered his hand again. This time Seabourne gave him a grin along with the handshake. “It’s been a pleasure, Father.”

Abe smiled. That was probably the least honest thing this particular supplicant had said to him, but he accepted it in the spirit it was intended. “Call me Abe. I’ve enjoyed meeting you, but I’m still curious. What’s the real reason you insisted Cynna marry within her Church?”

For a moment Abe thought the lupus wouldn’t answer. That gorgeous face grew still, a slight smile lingering as if he’d forgotten it was there. Then Seabourne gave a graceful shrug as if what he were about to say didn’t matter—which told Abe it did, very much. “You offer the lifetime deal, don’t you? If I were interested in anything less, I wouldn’t bother making this legal.”

“I see.” Abe nodded and walked to the door. They said the conventional parting things; Abe thought they both meant them. As Seabourne left, Abe saw that his next couple was waiting in the small anteroom.

Caitlyn Murphy was young, bubbly, and madly in love with her fiancé. That didn’t keep her from noticing Seabourne, of course. Her eyes widened, then lit. Her mouth widened in a grin.

Seabourne gave her a wink. It was mildly flirtatious, but suggested a certain shared, cocky humor: quite a face I’ve got here, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it.

Caitlyn’s fiancé noticed the small byplay, too. And didn’t like it at all.

Abe repressed a sigh. Mike Donahue had some jealousy issues. “Come in,” he told the couple.

“I’m glad you could make it today.”

Funny. Mike and Caitlyn had the best chance statistically of making a go of their marriage.

They’d known each other for years, came from similar socio-economic backgrounds, and their families were very supportive. Both had been raised in the Church and were active parishioners .. . and they weren’t starting their marriage with a new baby.

Cullen Seabourne and Cynna Weaver had none of those advantages. And yet, if he had to bet, he’d put his money on Cynna and her lupus.