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"Right."

"You don’t believe me?"

"Not here to debate the merits and demerits of the institution." I scowl. "And I called to speak to Edward my friend, not Edward the priest."

There’s silence, then Edward replies, "Not that the two can be differentiated from each other."

"Come on, man, I could do with a second opinion."

"None needed, you’re in love," he declares.

I swear, "Thought you, at least, were beyond that childish stuff."

"Think what the others found with their women is childish?"

I blink. "They were exceptions. Lucky bastards, who connected with the right woman at the right time."

"And here you are, on a boat, with the woman you’ve worshiped from afar—"

"Worshipped?"

"—but never had the balls to tell her how you feel about her."

"Now, hold on." I plant my phone on my other ear. "That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? Considering she’s been a thorn in my side all this time."

"No kidding. You guys have had it bad for each other since you first met."

"Yeah, we can’t stand the sight of each other."

"And yet, you didn’t throw her off your boat."

"Not like I could have dumped her out in the middle of nowhere."

"Instead, you’re passing the time how?"

"Uh, she wants me to father a child with her."

"What—?" he shouts. "And you’re telling this to me… A priest?"

"And my friend."

"You know what I’m going to advise you then?"

"To marry her?" I venture

"Or walk away from her."

"I don’t know..." I ponder my choices.

He blows out a breath. "So how can I help you then?"

"Is it wrong for me to want to be a part of this child’s life?"

"Assuming a child does result from your relationship, you mean?" he reminds me.

How strange, I’ve been so very sure that I’ll have her pregnant very soon. I shake my head, "Yes, exactly."

"I’d expect no less from you."