The Secret of Fatima by Peter J; Tanous Page B

me.”
    Kevin returned her smile. “The seminary is six years. I learned as much as possible about other religions. I’m particularly fascinated by Judaism. After all, it was Christ’s religion.”
    Back at the restaurant, the waiter appeared with a tray of tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and semifreddo. “With our compliments, Padre. Grazie.”
    Katie looked at Kevin again, this time seriously. “I was about to tell you something before we were called away,” she said.
    Kevin smiled, pointing. “I’m sure you noticed the tiramisu on the tray. I remember it’s your favorite dessert, Katie. Go ahead. Have a piece. Tell me what’s on your mind later.”
    â€œNo, I don’t feel like it. Honestly.”
    â€œWell, it must be something really important.” Kevin motioned for the bill. “I’ll walk you back to your hotel.”
    The bill settled, they strolled leisurely under the full moon, its silver light casting a warm glow over the cobblestone street.
    â€œI’ve been trying to tell you this for a while,” Katie said, “and, as a bit of a preface to what I’m going to say … I still love you. I want you to know that.”
    Her words were like a stiletto cutting its way to Kevin’s heart. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, too. But he couldn’t.
    Kevin took her hand, squeezed it, then let it go.
    Katie didn’t expect him to respond. She continued, “I’ve been seeing someone in Washington.”
    His jaw dropped. Now the stiletto felt real. After he took a deep breath, he opened his mouth to speak. Nothing came out.
    â€œHe works for an investment company,” Katie went on. They walked slowly and she avoided his eyes. “We’ve been going out for a couple of months. I met him at church. I thought you’d like that.”
    â€œWell, if he’s Catholic, at least that’s something,” Kevin said, trying to lighten the mood.
    â€œAs a matter of fact, he’s Jewish. He comes to our church because he’s interested in Catholicism, as well as other religions, too. He’s kind of like you.”
    Kevin shook his head. “You’re full of surprises, Katie.”
    Katie smiled awkwardly. “I’ll bet his Hebrew isn’t as good as yours, though.”
    â€œWhy haven’t you mentioned this until now?”
    â€œThere’s been a major development, Kevin.” She paused for a moment. “Well, he’s asked me to marry him.”
    Kevin didn’t want to ask the next question.
    â€œAnd you said?”
    â€œKevin, you know I would’ve married you, don’t you? I’ve told Jimmy about you. That’s his name, Jimmy Stein. He knows about us. Under different circumstances, he may not have been the man of choice, but I do love him. Kevin, I want a family,” she said with a faint sob.
    They stopped walking. She turned to Kevin. “I said yes.”
    Kevin was struggling for control of his emotions. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered. “I know I let you down. A family, Katie? I thought you can’t have children.”
    â€œThat’s true, Kevin. We’ll adopt. I’ve been speaking to Father O’Hara at Holy Trinity. He was close to my mom. He told me about a number of orphans in Bosnia and Herzegovina, part of the former Yugoslavia, where my mother’s family came from. These are children who need parents.”
    â€œOh my God!” Kevin said. He looked at her. Could she see his utter despair, the sadness in him?
    Katie could see it, felt sorry for him and close to him. But it would be different between them now.
    â€œKatie, does it make sense for me to consider renouncing my vows?”
    â€œStop it, Kevin. Please. Every time this comes up, you become tentative and insecure. Every major decision in life has consequences. You sacrificed us, Kevin, and now, following you, I am, in turn,