Page 97 of Forgive Me For My Sins

Was I sorry? I suppose, on one hand, I really didn’t enjoy leaving the parish to be one priest down again, but for the first time in my life, I’m chasing happiness. A fucking phrase I never expected to be thinking.

“This is a lot to take in. I’ll have to schedule some follow-up time with you. When is your last day?”

Greg starts scanning my resignation letter.

“Two weeks from today.”

He leans back in his deep chair and gives me a firm nod, accepting my decision.

“You’ll still manage this gala through to the end?”

“Of course. I know it’s a tough spot I’m putting you in, but I plan to fulfill these final duties. It just wouldn’t have been fair to the parish to have come to this decision and stayed on.”

I head back to my office feeling like one of the last weights on my shoulders has been lifted off. There’s still much to go through, but this is one giant step forward to a life with Avery Parker by my side.

Chapter 22

A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

After leaving Lachlan on Sunday, I knew I had to reach out to Noah right away. I’m still waiting for my divorce from Kevin to be finalized. Kevin isn’t making it easy on me, even though it should be the clearest-cut divorce case to ever take place in South Carolina.

In this state, traditionally, you have to be separated for one year before filing for divorce. My situation is grounds to skip that rule all because I have video evidence of Kevin sleeping with his assistant on my beautiful rug. Cheating is a clause that means I can speed up the process.

I let my attorney know more of the pieces that Lachlan and I discussed. He asked me to meet him in his office on Tuesday to go over the next steps. I just want this to be done with.

I never wanted this long, drawn-out process to take place. I want to move on with my life and forget that the past three years even happened. I want to remove the image of Kevin fucking his assistant, Lemon, on my rug from my mind. But he’s just not letting me.

I have a feeling if Kevin catches wind of me knowing about this new company that he won’t be happy about it. For some reason, he has gotten me involved in something he shouldn’t have. But that’s it—he just never saw me leaving him.

I open the light-blue front door to Noah’s office and immediately find a friendly, petite, blonde woman ready to greet me. A shiny gold sign on the wall above her head reads, “The Law Offices of Reynolds and Mullhound.”

“Hi, I’m here to see Mr. Reynolds. I’m Avery Matheson.”

I hate still having to say his last name. I can’t wait until I’m legally divorced and able to return to being Avery Parker officially.

“Of course, right through this door,” she says while gesturing to the open door to her right for me to go through.

“Thank you.”

I make my way down the short hallway to his office. I’ve been here a handful of times now, but I’m surprised I remember where to go. We usually communicate by phone to keep it all as easy as possible. I like that he isn’t a bullshitter. Not trying to extend conversations or meetings just to bill more hours for my case.

Noah’s office door is open, and he’s leaning against it, waiting for me.

“Noah, it’s nice to see you,” I greet him while sticking out my hand to shake his.

“I’m not sure how nice it is to see your attorney, but the pleasure is mine,” he laughs.

I laugh as he goes in to shake my hand.

“You’re right, Noah.”

We both go to take our seats.

“Well, Avery, I’ll cut right to the chase. I don’t have good news.”

I exhale an audible breath. This is exactly what I was dreading coming here.

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