Kane hadn't wanted life to change, but a bullet in the back took away any chance of it remaining the same. He might be an inner-city pastor, but he was also a street priest, and it was his ability to move among his flock that allowed him to get things done. Oh, he broke a few rules and had made his share of enemies within the church because if it, but his record spoke for itself. As did the esteem the kids he tried so hard to help held him in.
The impasse turned into a stalemate and by the time he was ready to leave rehab, the options presented to him by the church were unacceptable so he chose to take a leave of absence and accepted a temporary post at a small college three thousand miles away. He hoped his mobility would improve enough to force the church to reconsider. He wanted St. Mark's back and was not ready to give up.
Stephanie was not prepared for the reality of Father Kane. Actually, nobody was. Priests should not be the best-looking men around. The saving grace there was Kane's complete lack of vanity over it. His slow pace belied the sharp mind that rebelled against it and he slid into his roles as if born to them. He was a fascinating man and people were naturally drawn to him. She was no exception and even though she knew it was the worst thing to do, found herself falling in love.
It was all so much. The bullet and the decision he'd made preceding it. Taking on a role he found he enjoyed more than he wanted to. Stephanie. Never before had Kane felt lust and liking for a sole woman. One or the other, those were normal numbers for any man, but both? He thought he was stymied before, but that was nothing compared to now. Which vows were to God? Which to the church? Did he remain a priest when he knew he'd never been given a worthwhile role again or do he do what he never even considered? He only knew one thing; his faith in God was unshaken. Kane just wished He would talk to him.
