Love's Sweetest Deliverance by Flora Reigada

Author:Flora Reigada
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Romance, Christian Thriller, Romantic Thriller, beach romance, st augustine fl, florida, mysteries set in florida, Victorian restoration
Publisher: MillerWords, LLC
Published: 2020-08-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

In Jack’s condo, it had been a rough night on the couch for Carlos. Tyler was not feeling well and had cried on and off throughout the night. This, as well as Stella’s trips to the kitchen and bathroom to care for the tot, kept Carlos awake. When Jack came home from work at 3 a.m. after closing the bar, that also woke Carlos. Then at 6 a.m., Tyler “escaped” from bed and ran into the living room, jumping hard on Carlos’ bad leg. He woke to excruciating pain, protecting his leg from another onslaught.

“Tyler! Go back to bed.”

Stella emerged from the bedroom.

“Let Uncle Carlos sleep,” she said, scooping up the boy.

It was after seven by the time everyone fell asleep and ten when Carlos’ phone rang, jangling him awake.

“Good morning Carlos. It’s Father John.”

Carlos’ voice was groggy. “Good morning, Father. How are you?”

“I’m well, thanks. You sound tired. Did I wake you? I can call later.”

“No problem,” Carlos replied, scrambling to gather his thoughts. “It’s about time I got up. I have work to do. I’m staying with Jack. His daughter and grandson are here too. The baby was sick and awake all night. That meant everyone else was awake too.”

“Well, I hope he feels better and you are all able to get some rest,” the priest responded.

Carlos sat up with the blanket pulled up to his chest. “What can I do for you, Father? Do you need me to cantor during mass or translate for immigrants who showed up at the church?”

Father John took a deep breath. “If only it were something like that. I usually don’t put much stock in anonymous calls, but since I know your family so well, I wanted to discuss this with you. Someone called the church and spoke with Sister Mary Catherine. The caller said you were involved in an immoral relationship with your girlfriend and that you were slapping her around.”

In the next few seconds, Carlos felt rage as never before. He clenched his jaw while blood burned in his face. However, knowing the priest was not at fault, he spoke with forced control.

“Father, I hope you don’t believe I would ever hurt Liz. I love her with all my heart. I’m sure that was her lying ex-husband who called. He’s been stalking us, not because he loves Liz or wants her back. He hates both of us and he’s doing everything he can to make our lives miserable. Yes, Liz and I were living together, but we’ve decided to stay apart until we marry. That’s why I’m with my brother.”

Wiping his brow, Carlos realized he was dripping perspiration. He threw the cover off, sitting there in his pajama bottoms.

The priest was reassuring. “I believe you because I know you, Carlos. You would never strike a woman, especially Liz. It’s obvious how much you love each other. I can see it when you’re together at church. I commend your decision to live apart until you are married. You’re doing the right thing.

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