Chapter 9 - The Baptism of Light
Three months later.
The historic St. James Cathedral in downtown Chicago was illuminated by hundreds of glowing white candles casting warm light across the vaulted marble arches.
The smell of sweet incense and fresh lilies filled the cool air.
Standing around the grand marble baptismal font was a small, intimate group of loved ones: Dr. Melissa Keller, Nurse Megan Price, Arthur Pendelton, and Richard Vance.
In the center stood the priest in white robes, blessing the water in the silver basin.
Claire stood beside the font, holding eight-month-old Emma, who was dressed in a long, antique lace baptismal gown that had belonged to Claire’s grandmother. The baby girl cooed softly, her bright blue eyes tracking the flickering candlelight above.
Beside Claire stood Victor Vance, holding eight-month-old Noah.
Noah was dressed in a matching white linen suit, his tiny hands playing with the silver cross hanging around the priest’s neck.
“Do you, Claire, and you, Victor, promise to guide these children in love, truth, and courage for all the days of their lives?” the priest asked in a resonant voice.
Claire looked at Victor.
Victor looked down at her, his silver eyes filled with a deep, boundless warmth that lit up his entire face.
“We promise,” Victor and Claire spoke together, their voices harmonizing perfectly in the quiet cathedral.
The priest scooped warm water into his palm, gently pouring it over Emma’s head. “Emma Claire Vance... I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Then he turned to Noah, pouring the water over the baby boy’s dark hair. “Noah Victor Vance... I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
As the priest finished the blessing, the great pipe organ in the balcony above burst into a glorious, uplifting hymn that filled every corner of the vast cathedral.
Dr. Keller wiped a joyful tear from her eye, leaning over to hug Claire. “They are so beautiful, Claire. So healthy.”
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“Thank you, Melissa,” Claire whispered, hugging the doctor tightly. “Thank you for saving us that night.”
“I didn't save you, Claire,” Dr. Keller smiled, glancing over at Victor, who was lifting Noah high into the air as the baby boy giggled with delight. “You saved yourself. He just provided the fortress.”
