Page 52 of Dark Prince

“Thank you, Father. You’ve heard correctly, and we're very excited,” I reply, my hand instinctively moving to rest on my belly. But beneath the pleasantries, an underlying tension remains. Something about being in the church—perhaps the peacefulness of it, the sense of shelter it provides—makes me want to open up, to seek counsel.

“Father, could we speak alone?” I ask quietly.

“Of course, Maura. Let's step into my office for some privacy,” he suggests, leading the way.

Once seated, I gather my courage, taking a deep breath before diving into what's been weighing on my heart. “Father, there's something I've been struggling with about my relationship with Luk,” I start, my voice a bit shaky.

“Yes?”

“You’re aware of the life he leads as it’s much like the life many around here do,” I begin.

Father McCarry nods, his hands steepling under his chin. “I think I know where this is going,” he states.

“Yes, I suppose you do,” I reply.

Before I can go any further, Father McCarry continues. “Maura, I can’t say that I agree with the way some…” he pauses, “…businessmen approach their dealings, but I can say that if you are truly repentant, you can be forgiven.”

I feel almost instant relief as I know Luk’s decisions are not made without careful thought and never without regard for how they will affect the people around them.

“And what does it say of me to love a man who sometimes has to make those difficult choices?” I ask for my own sake.

Father McCarry sits back and smiles. “Maura, I’ve known you since you were born. I baptized you myself. I know your heart is a good one. I also know that you are not responsible for your husband’s decisions any more than you were responsible for your father’s. You, my dear, are your own woman, and the love you give to others is a reflection of the love God gives to you. Do not be troubled.”

His words lift a weight off my shoulders, a burden I hadn't fully realized I was carrying until that moment. The guilt and uncertainty fade away, replaced by a newfound confidence in the love Luk and I share.

“Thank you, Father,” I say, my voice filled with gratitude. “You've given me a much-needed sense of peace.”

He offers a gentle nod, reaffirming his role as a guide and confidante: “I’m always here to help, Maura. Remember, love is the greatest commandment of all.”

As I step out of the church, my personal security squad is there, as always, giving me the nod that it's time to roll out. As we head to the car, though, that weird prickle on the back of my neck returns—like someone's watching me.

I sneak a peek over my shoulder, but again, there’s nothing but the regular Bridgeport buzz.

I try to shake off the heebie-jeebies, reminding myself I'm about as safe as it gets with my crew around. Besides, after speaking with Father McCarry, I'm feeling pretty invincible.

I hop into the car, and one of the guards shuts the door, a solid, secure sound. That feeling of being watched is still there, but it's taken a back seat to the excitement of getting home to Luk.

Chapter 31

Maura

In the lush calm of the garden, I sit with Elena and Lily, sipping tea while basking in the delightful vibes of a golden afternoon. It feels like one of those snapshots of time you wish you could just freeze.

“We’ve been brainstorming names for the little guy,” I say, giving my tea a lazy stir. “Got any ideas?”

Lily, eyes lighting up, throws in, “How about Jonas? I’ve always thought that was a cute name.”

Elena snorts, amused, “Not bad. But knowing Luk, he’ll probably want something with a bit of a badass vibe.”

We all crack up, picturing Luk’s face upon hearing our cute, gentle suggestions. It’s the kind of laughter that makes your sides ache, the kind that comes from deep within when you're with your people.

Curious, I ask, “What about you two? Have you ever considered diving into motherhood? Maybe someday?”

Lily nods, a dreamy look on her face. “Yeah, if Mr. Right ever decides to show up. I do find myself fantasizing about having my own little family, though, regardless of whether he does or not. There are so many options today that would allow that to become a reality.”

Elena’s response to my question, however, is quite different from Lily’s. She bursts out laughing, almost spilling her tea. “Me? Please. I’m swamped with trying to keep this family’s heads above water. I can hardly fit in a date, let alone think about kids.”

I nudge Elena playfully. “Don’t close your heart. Love’s sneaky—it shows up when you least expect it, and suddenly, you find yourself making room for it.”

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