While getting ready for my niece’s christening, I met a man who was unlike anyone I had ever met. He was gentle, considerate, and had a charm that made him impossible to dislike. However, there was a decision he had made long before our paths crossed, one that created a divide between us. I never expected the way things would unfold—or how deeply it would impact me.
Sarah’s home was in complete disarray—her daughter’s christening was approaching, and she was determined to make everything flawless. I was enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the kitchen when the doorbell rang.
That’s when he walked in.
Tall, poised, and strikingly handsome. Not just in appearance, but in the grace of his movements, the warmth that radiated from his smile, and the quiet strength in his presence.
At that moment, I knew I had to have him.
Then Sarah introduced him: “Claire, this is Father Nathan. He’ll be performing Ellie’s christening.”
My heart dropped. My cheeks flushed. But as for my curiosity? That only deepened.
I found reasons to talk to him, attended his services, hung on to every word he spoke.
And then, one day… I just couldn’t hold back anymore.
We were sitting on a park bench, the warmth of the sun on my skin. Talking to Nathan felt effortless, like it was meant to be.
“You can’t get married. What would you do if you started liking someone?” I asked, glancing at him.
He gave me a teasing smile. “I’d invite her to my services, chat with her, agree to christen her niece, and hope she leaves me alone.”
His gaze met mine, and my heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, I kissed him.
For a brief moment, he kissed me back, warm and certain. But then, abruptly, he pulled away, his face drained of color.
“No, this is wrong,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.” He stood up and walked off.
I sat there, motionless, watching him walk away, feeling as if I had just lost something I never truly had.
The following morning, my phone rang early. Sarah’s voice trembled through the line.
“Claire, he backed out! Nathan won’t do the christening. It’s tomorrow! What am I supposed to do?”
After hanging up, I rushed to the church. Nathan wasn’t there. No one knew where he had gone.
That evening, a knock at my door startled me. When I opened it, I froze. Nathan was standing there, his face unreadable.
I crossed my arms, my tone firm. “Sarah’s in a panic. You need to do the christening.”
Nathan let out a long sigh. “I already agreed. My conscience won’t let me refuse.”
A wave of relief washed over me. “Good. But why are you here?”
He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze conflicted. “I’ve given up so much for the life I have. Years of training, sacrifice, purpose. Then you came along. I can’t stop thinking about you. I pray, I work, I study, and still, it’s you. It should be Him.”
“Forget it,” Nathan muttered, his resolve cracking. Before I could react, he pulled me toward him and kissed me.
I didn’t hesitate to kiss him back.
By morning, I lay next to him, feeling the warmth of his presence, but my mind was spinning.
“I can’t believe you actually went through with this,” I whispered, barely able to speak.
Nathan sat up, rubbing his face in disbelief. “I can’t either.”
We both understood the weight of the situation.
It was the day of the christening. Nathan got dressed quickly, avoiding my gaze. Then he left without saying another word.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the empty spot where he had been. My heart felt like it was sinking, but I forced the feeling to stay down.
The ceremony went off without a hitch.
The tension between us was palpable, filled with so many things left unsaid. I knew this was the end. The moment I had been afraid of.
I sighed and spoke softly, “It’s not going to be me, is it?” My voice shook. “It’s going to be Him.”
Finally, he looked at me. “Yeah.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. My eyes welled up. “You know what’s the saddest part of all this? I love you.”
Nathan pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me for a moment longer before gently releasing me.
“This won’t last forever,” he murmured.
I forced a smile. “So… I’ll see you at mass on Sunday?”
Nathan gave a sad chuckle. “Yeah, but honestly? You’re banned from my services for life.”
He turned to leave, then stopped and looked back.
“I love you too.”
And with that, he walked away.
That was the last time I ever saw him.
