Page 58 of Fighting for Julia
Marvin studied Miguel’s hands. “And what is your ring size, Officer Rivera? Size nine?”
“Yeah.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll have the most elegant and original wedding rings ready for you by Tuesday.”
Miguel wasn’t worried about that. He had far greater issues on his mind. “How much do I owe you?” When Marvin quoted a ridiculously low price, he protested. “No. That’s too far below the value of the diamond, not to mention your time and materials.”
“You’re an honorable man, Officer Rivera. I’ll double the amount and call the rest I would normally charge a wedding gift.”
“Fair enough, Marvin.” They shook hands. “Do you need a deposit?”
“No. You can pay me on Tuesday.”
Miguel nodded. “See you then.”
Fifteen minutes later, Miguel parked in his driveway. He climbed out of the SUV and gazed at his humble home, evaluating it through Julia’s eyes. Though constructed in the 1950s, the previous owners had maintained it well. The large yard, a green carpet of grass, was fighting its way back from winter. Some of the plants in the flower bed that graced thefront of the house beneath a set of evenly spaced windows had already begun to bloom. Huge trees that surrounded the property provided plenty of shade. When Miguel bought it five years ago, he’d painted the exterior sky-blue, trimmed in white, and remodeled the kitchen and two bathrooms himself. He also extended the patio and screened it in. An in-ground pool was next on his list, but the cost had doubled in recent years, and his modest savings account wouldn’t cover it.
Miguel unlocked the door and stepped across the threshold. He dropped the duffel bags and breathed deeply. At least his home smelled fresh and clean. He gazed at his comfortable but well-worn furniture. Miguel loved every piece, especially the overstuffed armchair, but now he wished he had replaced it with something newer.
In anticipation of being gone for the better part of the year, Miguel had cleaned out his refrigerator and freezer but had left a few bottles of water. He grabbed one and drank a quarter of it as he considered what to do next.
Call your priest.
Miguel pressed the number for Father Dominguez, an elderly priest who’d known him since he was a young boy. Father Dominguez held Mass in the old Spanish mission in the hills and ministered faithfully to his parishioners in the surrounding area. Miguel attended Mass whenever he could, and now he wanted to get married there, if Father Dominguez was willing.
“Hola, Miguel. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”
“I’m sorry, Father. Do you have time to see me today?”
“Noon Mass begins in an hour. I can see you afterward.”
“Yes, Father. I’ll be there.”
Miguel drained his water bottle and sent Julia a text.
Miguel:Running errands. I feel great. Hope you’re enjoying your shopping trip.
Julia repliedwith a happy face and red heart.
Miguel arrived at the old Spanish mission just before Mass began and slipped into a pew in the back. Memories assailed him. Memories of Easter cantatas and Christmas pageants, of learning catechism with his brothers and sisters, of softball games played against St. Francis Cabrini, of potluck dinners after Mass. Yes, he wanted to get married here, to begin his life with Julia in this sacred place. Miguel bowed his head and prayed for guidance.
After the few parishioners who’d attended Mass filed out of the sanctuary, Father Dominguez made his way down the center aisle to meet Miguel. They embraced.
“Stirring message, as always, Father.”
“Thank you, my son. Shall we speak in my office?”
“Yes, Father.”
Miguel followed Father Dominguez to the mission’s substantial library that also served as the priest’s office. The sight of the floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with ancient, dusty books and the faint smell of incense cast Miguel back in time. He’d spent many peaceful hours reading religious texts in the big armchair by the fireplace.
“You look troubled.” Father Dominguez settled into the armchair across from Miguel.
“I am, Father.” As succinctly as possible, Miguel explained his current predicament. “So, you can see this is a life-or-death situation for me and for Julia…the woman I’ve fallen in love with.”
Father Dominguez nodded, his expression grave and contemplative. “I do not condone the taking of lives, my son,but I know in your line of work it is regrettably unavoidable. You can trust in God’s mercy and forgiveness. Now, about this other matter, the one that brought you here today, you have thoroughly searched your heart?”
“Yes, Father. This isn’t just about protecting each other in a dangerous situation. It’s about falling in love. Commitment. I won’t abandon Julia. Ever.”
