CHAPTER 1

The sound of the ocean once again touched the little angel's ears as they reappeared on a deserted beach and again, she felt the presence of tears in her dark eyes. Monica knew she was still struggling given the months she had stayed in the jail and she also knew that Andrew was aware of it, yet she tried so valiantly to hide it so that he wouldn't worry about her more than he already did.

"It's so beautiful," She murmured as she felt Andrew wrap his arms around her waist as he stood behind her small form.

"Not half as beautiful as what I'm looking at right now," he replied with a smile as he watched a blush creep up into her cheeks, though her smile was not as bright as he wished and it didn't come close to reaching her eyes.

Pulling her more snugly against him, Andrew kissed her cheek and watched her expression relax a little bit, "You know, Angel, you're going to get past everything that has happened the last few months."

Leaning her head back to rest against his chest, Monica closed her eyes briefly, "I know. I just wish it would happen a little faster is all."

"Don't push yourself so hard, baby. It was a long and difficult assignment and you were so brave through all of it."

She let out a hard laugh, "Brave? I think you must have me confused with some other angel, Andrew. Remember, I'm the one who was crying in your arms most nights."

Tenderly, he released her and then turned her to face him, his hands firmly on her shoulders and his expression serious, "You were very brave, Monica. You've always been the bravest little angel I've ever had the blessing of knowing. You were thrown into this just because some men changed the course for you, and you never once gave up. You worked on getting through to Abby even though she rejected you and you found out the truth about why she was there in the first place. You are the one who led me, Angel, because it was you who discovered that Abby's husband had worked for the same company as Edward Nowels," Gently, Andrew wiped away the few tears that escaped her eyes, "All through that assignment I was reminded a hundred times each day why I love you so much. So don't ever let me hear you say you aren't brave, because you are the bravest angel God ever created and if you ever doubt yourself again, I will be right here to remind you of that fact."

This time, the tearful smile was genuine as Monica moved to hug him tightly, "I love you so, Andrew."

"And you know how much I love you, sweetheart," He replied softly, before he pulled away and reached into his pocket, "And I think it is time you had back the object that symbolizes just how much I love you."

The tears were back again as Andrew slipped the Celtic designed engagement ring back on her finger. She had hardly dared to dream it would be returned to her, though now, she had no idea as to why she had felt that way. She had just felt so broken the day she'd had to give it to Tess, and then every day since then when she would habitually run her thumb against her ring finger, only to find it empty.

"There were times I... I even thought it wouldn't be possible... That you and I would have to... to postpone our love..."

With a slight smile, he shook his head and cupped her cheek with one hand; with the other one Andrew held her right hand. The deserted beach and the golden sky, painted with the afternoon sunrays and hues of orange and blue, framed the image of the two heavenly creatures standing face to face.

"My love for you, angel, is urgent. I've existed a small eternity before I met you, and every second was worth it as all these centuries led me to this very moment. I don't believe God would bless me with you and with your love, and then keep me away from you."

A silent tear rolled down her cheek as she tilted her head and eyed him; her eyes were sparkling with love and affection for the one who was able to touch her angelic heart in a way that no living creature had done before. "A long time ago, before I met you... even before I met Tess, when I was just a... a little angel who used to walk around the fields of Ireland with my bare feet, I was certain that I knew what love was..."

The image she had just described went straight to Andrew's heart and it warmed his soul at the same time it made his smile grow wider - he would give everything to have met her then, he would make any sacrifice to have spent all those centuries by her side.

"And then I existed thinking that I knew everything about love... thinking that I knew it in its entirety... until you." She added, eyeing him adorably and with her lips curved in an beautiful smile.

He moved his hand to stroke her cheek, even so tenderly. "I treasure every day of my existence since that day, my angel. Now I know that on that day, even though I met a cute pouting little angel, I had found the best part of me..."

Andrew felt rewarded as her smile grew wider, and he brought his face closer to hers. She could even feel his warm breath against her lips and the power of his green gaze made her heart ache with so much love. "I'm so grateful for the eternity we'll have together..."

Slowly, he broke their gaze to look at her rosy lips, and Monica closed her eyes in anticipation. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest as her beloved Andrew brushed his lips against hers, initially in a soft caress, cherishing that brief contact. "My beautiful angel..." he whispered against her mouth as he encircled his arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him. His other hand now caressing her auburn locks, which were now dancing with the wind. "I promise you I'll fight to erase these sad days... I promise you I'll make them up for you..."

Her trembling smile came along with her whispered words back at him. "You already do, Andrew... Just by being you..."

But the Irish angel was then silenced by his sweet kiss, as now he pressed his lips against hers more firmly, yet so gently. And Monica returned that loving caress with the same intensity, certain that now she too had found that love in its entirety when their worlds collided.

The two halves were now complete.