Had there been others present in the church... Malachi still wouldn't have cared. There were only so many things he could concern himself with, and keeping Nettie at a distance for the sake of propriety was not one of them. His devotion to the people he served was immense, but for all the love he had for them, his niece was perhaps the only person that had ever had any love for him in turn. He liked to think that she did, anyhow, and that alone was enough to sway him from bothering too much with professionalism.

Nettie had been a part of his life since before that professional veil had even existed. He would not hide from her.

Malachi returned her embrace easily. As easily as he smiled, too, once she'd stepped away enough that he could see her face. Almost instinctively, he leaned down to allow her to inspect his hair as she wished, and said, "I was told to, yes."

That about conveyed his feelings on the matter. He would not deny that its current length was more presentable, and closer to what was expected of a priest's appearance. To him, it was... fine. Nothing more. Just fine.

"Ah," Malachi straightened up. "Not to worry. I haven't seen you in too long, and if anyone is truly in need, Father Richards can assist them."

Perhaps not with a confession, but who said they couldn't wait a bit? Malachi's smile softened as he looked at her, and he gestured to the door.

"Let's go for a walk?"