CHAPTER 2

The gentle ocean breeze and the pleasant noise of small waves delicately kissing the white sand lulled the two angels in human form in their quietness. Once their sweet kiss was over, both angels remained locked in each other's embrace, resting their foreheads together with a slight smile constantly playing on their lips.

"This is one of those perfect moments that I wish would last forever." Monica spoke, as he entangled his fingers through her auburn strands, some of them were dancing with the gentle breeze that was blowing from the now calm ocean.

"I promise to give you many moments like these, my beautiful angel." He spoke, almost in a whisper, making her smile even more.

"And I wish all the messages I have to give were as easy as this one!"

The sudden voice made them pull away a little, in surprise.

"Tess!"

"Hello, babies!" the supervisor was glowing beautifully in her angelic form and greeted them with a smile.

"Hey, Tess..." a slight hint of worry clouded Andrew's face, and he unconsciously moved one hand to delicately grab Monica's arm.

"Hullo, Tess, I thought you were on an assignment..." the Irish angel's smile also faded at the realisation that her presence there would mean their separation. "Did something happen?"

The oldest angel rolled her eyes with impatience and mock annoyance. "I am on assignment, Miss Wings, and yes, something did happen!"

Monica turned to look at Andrew now certain that she would have to bid him goodbye for a while. "But... I thought we would have more time..."

"I thought so too, Tess."

The supervisor gave one step forward and shook her head, finally with a smile on her face. "You didn't understand, baby. What I am here for has nothing to do with you two going into separate ways... Much on the contrary!"

The couple of angels exchanged a rather confused glance and looked back at her. "Sorry, Tess... I guess I don't understand..."

She placed a gentle hand over Monica's shoulder, eyeing her like a mother would look at her daughter. "I came here not only as your friend but also as an angel, and I have a message from the Father to both of you..."

As they stared at her in expectation and totally clueless about what she had to tell them, Tess kept on talking. "Your loving father has granted you a special blessing. He approves your union as he approves all unions that come exclusively from pure love. And He and I know that what ties you two is nothing but the deepest and most beautiful feeling we've ever witnessed."

Those words seemed to be taken from a dream and for a split second they wondered if they had heard it right. The fear of their impending separation that Monica held inside her heart was replaced by so much joy that tears immediately moistened her eyes and fell down her cheeks. She bit her lower lip unable to speak, and looked at her beloved Andrew to see equal happiness reflected in his green pools. His broad smile at her and his evident emotion only confirmed again what she already knew. He loved her so deeply and so dearly that existing for so many centuries was worth it just to be living that very moment.

The angel of death held Monica's hands and looked at the beautiful angel standing before him in wonder. "So I have been given the greatest honour a living creature could be granted with?" he asked, technically to Tess but without taking his eyes off Monica.

"Well, I'd say so, angel boy!" the supervisor replied, amused and happy at the same time. She then took a more serious tone of voice. "Your hearts and souls belong together, babies."

"Andrew..." Monica's crying voice was moving and on the following second, she was in Andrew's arms. "...I'm so happy... I don't think I've ever been happier..."

He kissed the top of her head repeatedly, pressing her head against his chest as he already felt her sobbing against him. "I don't think I've ever felt more grateful..." she closed her eyes at his whispered words.

Andrew allowed her to cry softly for a few moments and then cupped her face with both hands, making her turn to look at him. "I love you... And I'm gonna marry you, my beautiful angel..."

"That's everything I want..." she spoke, blinking through tears of emotion.

"And it will happen tomorrow, in a very special place." Tess added, enjoying their second surprise.

"Tomorrow, Tess?" Andrew asked, his eyes never leaving Monica, though he could barely speak through the emotion in his throat.

"That's right, Angel Boy! So you two better get some rest as tomorrow will be a long day!"

Tess vanished from their sight immediately and the little angel looked up into Andrew's eyes through her own blurry vision, "This is really happening, isn't it? It's finally going to happen."

His thumbs swiped at her falling tears as he looked at her with so much tenderness it caused another sob to escape her, "Monica, I was never going to let it not happen. If I had to beg the Father for the rest of eternity I would have done so. Thankfully, it didn't have to come to that. He already knew what was in our hearts."

Tearfully, Monica took his hand from her face and laid it over her chest, "Then He already knew that mine beats just for you."

Unable to help himself, the Angel of Death lowered his head and captured her lips in a loving kiss, her essence intermingling with the taste of her tears. A minute later, their lips parted and she left out a contented sigh as she leaned up against his chest.

Kissing the top of her head, Andrew whispered, "Come, my angel. You heard what Tess said. You need to rest. Tomorrow is going to be very special. I promise."