“That’s not fair,” I say, refusing to think about it.

“Just think about it,” he says. “Sit down and think about it.”

“Even if I don’t want to, Justin, I have no choice,” I say, and when he starts to say something, I cut him off. “I am not taking money from you.”

“Sweetheart,” he says, and I glare. “Stop being so stubborn.”

“I have to go get ready,” I say to him and walk to the bedroom. With a heavy heart, I get dressed in jeans and a shirt. I kiss Justin and Dylan goodbye and make my way to the church.

When I walk in, Father Rolly is there waiting for me. “Caroline,” he says and comes over to me. “I’ve been thinking about you since Sunday.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t come into work yesterday,” I say, and he waves his hand in the air.

“I read about Justin in the paper.” He starts to say. “You’ll know that I went down to the police station yesterday to give my side of the story. I saw everything and so did a couple of the parishioners.”

“Thank you so much, Father,” I say.

“It’s a shame that his team is suspending him,” he says, and I look at him.

“Sorry, what?” I ask, confused.

“The team put out a statement last night saying that until they get to the bottom of it, he is suspended,” Father Rolly says. My heart sinks, and I sit down in the chair.

I’m about to lose it when the door opens, and I’m suddenly terrified it’s Andrew. My hands start to shake, and I hate to admit that Justin is right. I think I hold my breath until I see it’s Parker with Viktor following her. “What in the world are you guys doing here?” I ask, my heart beating normal now.

“I was going to hit up a meeting,” Viktor says, and I look at him. “I’m three years clean.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that,” I say, and I have so many questions. “Father Rolly, this is Justin’s mom, Parker, and his brother-in-law, Viktor.”

“Father,” Viktor says, nodding at him.

“I just found out that Justin is suspended,” I say low and try not to let the tears come, but they do anyway.

“It’s going to be fine,” Parker says, and I nod and look at Father Rolly.

“I’m sorry to do this to you, but,” I say, taking a deep breath, “I can’t work here anymore.” I’m expecting him to be a bit mad, but instead, he smiles. “I know I need the job, but just now, I was shaking thinking that Andrew was walking in here.”

“The job is going to be here no matter how long you decide,” he says, and then I look over at Parker.