Chapter 24

“That’s a lot of always.”

Robert playfully cuffed his brother on the chin. “When you met Edward your life changed for the better.” He paused. There were tears in his eyes. “After the orphanage and we’d gone our separate ways, I felt alone myself. Many times.”

“But you found God,” Leslie said, “or had this wonderful conversion or whatever you call it.”

“I realized there was more to life than I knew or could comprehend. Yes, let’s just say I found a vocation and put an end to it. We got off track here. What I want…need you to know is what we’re about to do today, and, in your own words if you remember them, is such a small thing in the grand scheme. In a world where there’s so much hate, it seems we should celebrate love wherever we find it.”

“You’re not afraid of being disconnected or put out of commission—”

“Excommunicated? Not unless someone tells.”

“They won’t hear a word out of any of us,” Leslie said with obvious conviction.