Wicked Ever After (Wicked & Devoted #2) - Shayla Black Page 0,103
never known anyone as kind and compassionate.”
The man’s mouth twisted. “She was always that way—until she met you. Now she’s secretive and willful and—”
“No, she’s private. And with all due respect, she’s not willful; she’s an adult who shouldn’t need your permission to live her life. She’s become so self-aware and strong. After last night, I know she’ll fight when she has to.”
“Before you, she never needed to. She had never been in danger.”
One-Mile couldn’t refute that, so he didn’t try. “I know you’ve always protected her. I respect that. But I promise you, I would lay down my life for her.”
“I heard you tried last night.” The reverend pressed his lips together. “So did you come here to tell me how you see my daughter?”
He didn’t want to make enemies with this man. Brea was the one who would suffer most, and he’d do anything to avoid hurting her. “No. I came to introduce myself, clear the air, and talk about the future.”
“You’re very direct.”
“In my line of work, I have to be.”
“I don’t approve of your line of work. It should be up to God to decide when someone’s time is up.”
One-Mile didn’t want to get in a theological argument with the preacher; he’d lose. But he needed the man to understand his world.
“As a society, we’ve organized for war. We recognize that some enemy combatants target innocents as leverage. When these combatants become an eminent threat, someone with the will and the backbone is tasked with putting down the threat. I’m that someone. It’s a responsibility I take seriously. I have to live with the blood on my hands and the deaths on my conscience. But I can bear it to keep people like you, your fiancée, and Brea unharmed.” He raised a brow at the man. “Could you handle that responsibility?”
Reverend Bell was mute, his expression considering. Then he sighed. “No.”
“Without people like me, how many more lives would we grieve?”
“Even one is too many,” the man admitted, though his tone said he didn’t like the logic or One-Mile’s job.
“You don’t condemn Brea for ending Clara Montilla last night to save me, herself, and our baby, do you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “She did what she had to.”
At least they saw eye-to-eye on something. “I’ve come today because I want you to know that I love Brea more than anything. I never expected someone like her in my life. She stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on her. Nothing and no one has ever been more important to me. It was never my intention to disgrace her, you, or your church. I didn’t intend to get her pregnant, but I won’t say I’m sorry for it. I am sorry, however, that things outside of my control kept me from meeting you sooner and assuring you that I want to make Brea my wife and raise our family together. So I’ve come to ask for your blessing.”
Brea’s father was silent for so long One-Mile started to sweat. But he forced himself to remain still, regulate his breathing, mute his panic, and meet the man’s direct gaze.
“I know nothing about you, your character, your family, or your faith. How can you expect me to simply hand over my only daughter, whom I love with all my heart, to a stranger?”
One-Mile had thought about this. “I could answer in one of two ways. Strictly being matter of fact? I’m here as a favor to you. I’ll do or say whatever it takes to make Brea my wife. I will never stop, never tire, and never give up. I want a life with love and laughter, compassion, and a reason to come home after what often feels like war. Brea wants that, too. With me. If you make her choose…not to be harsh, but you won’t win. So I’m here apologizing and willing to get down on one knee to ask for her hand. Mostly for her sake. But for yours, too.”
The preacher didn’t like that answer. “And if I refuse, would you take her from me?”
“Do you want her to deny what’s in her heart so she doesn’t leave you?”
His face tightened. “Don’t manipulate me.”
One-Mile held up his hands. “I’m just being honest. The other way of looking at this is, I want to pay you my respects. You’ve raised a remarkable woman. I admire and love Brea with my whole heart. As the man who wants to share her life, it’s my responsibility to ensure she