*All characters are at least 18 years of age.
I studied myself in the mirror, quite pleased with the smoothness of my shave. It went nicely with my buzz cut. I fixed my glasses, and tucked my shirt into my pants. Checking my watch, there was still plenty of time. I liked to get to the church early and prepare my sermon. I grabbed my blazer and hat as I left.
"Handsome man!" my wife, said as she hung out of me.
I pecked her lips as she pressed up against me. She got a kick out of exciting me like that. Oblivious to us, Lucy and her brother darted from a bedroom; chasing each other down the hallway. They were probably used to our shows of affection by now. I was glad. Expressions of love shouldn't be something to hide away I'd always preached. I sighed as Ellen winked at me before following the kids. It seemed every day another wrinkle etched at her beauty. Though it took longer, she didn't seem to mind putting in the extra effort to get me hard. I removed from my mind any concerns about a brother chasing after his half-dressed sister. Harmless fun.
"Father, can you come in here?"
"Maria?" I said, arriving at the doorway. "Are you nearly ready, darling?"
Sitting on a stool, with her legs tucked under her makeup table, I could see she was. She wore heels, and a pair of tights under her pencil skirt. All in black except for the blouse. I could tell it was loosened from the way she rubbed her neck.
"I need your special touch, father," she said, her eyes darting back at me in the mirror.
It was only a subtle line of mascara, but I was amazed at how it could alter a woman's look.
"What's the matter?"
"I've done something to my neck, I think. In the shower. Your healing hands are needed."
I looked at my watch. I didn't like being late, but there was still plenty of time. It was mostly gone now, so I carefully laid the shield that was my hat and jacket on her bed.
"Practicing your singing too vigorously?" I said. "I could hear you this morning."
I lifted fiery red hair off her neck. Her shirt half open, I rolled the collar down and placed my hands on soft shoulders.
"God, that feels good," she said with a sigh.
"Now, now. Don't be taking his name in vain, Maria."
"Sorry, father."
I nodded to her repentant reflection as I ironed tender muscles. As I worked, she emitted the type of sound that only her mother made.
"Was my voice ok? I just want to be good for the choir. For you. And God of course."
Some hair whipped my pants as she turned her head. I gently eased her back around by her chin.
"Keep still, honey. You'll hurt yourself more. And don't worry. He's certainly blessed you, Maria - with the voice of an angel."
Seeming pleased with my response, she closed her eyes and relaxed. I studied our image in the mirror. There was a mature sharpness to her face that cut away any link with the girl she used to be. Swaying back and forth, I would be lying if I said I didn't catch a glimpse of what filled her black bra. A young women for sure. I averted my eyes to look at more innocent things. A bible rested on her bedside locker. Rosary beads hung from the corner of the mirror. Though I respected the traditional teachings of the church, I could never have followed them all in my own ministry. I knew my nature well enough to rule out a life as a celibate priest. Some hymn sheets lay open before her. My daughter was a good, obedient girl. Even at 19, she never gave me or her mother a day of trouble. My eyes strayed back to dark places. I slid my finger under the thin bra strap and let it snap back down on her skin. Her eyes stayed closed as lips curled.
"Maria? Is this colour not a bit...obvious under such a light top?"
Shoulders shrugged in my hands.
"I saw it in a magazine. I'll change to a white one instead, daddy."
I kept working as she undid her blouse. I pretended not to notice, but did a terrible job. She had it half way down her back. I promptly pulled it back up on hearing footsteps. I noticed how she held the blouse over her chest, but let it fall loose again on seeing him enter.
"Hey, dad," Mark called. "Mom's wondering where you are. Nearly ready?"
"Hi Mark," Maria innocently said from her stool.
I shook from my mind any absurd feelings of jealousy.
"You know what, I'm actually glad both of you are here. Son, come," I said, pulling him by the arm. "Take a good look at your sister. Be honest, what would you say about her?"
Maria shared my smirk as we waited for his response.
"Go on. The first thing that comes to mind," I said.
"I...uh...she's nice...pretty, I guess."