CHAPTER 4

New York City

The two angels spent the afternoon exploring the city and Andrew didn't miss the worried look that flickered in Monica's dark eyes from time to time. New York City was by far one of the busiest places he had ever seen and though Monica had been there a few times on assignment, she had never been truly comfortable with it. Parts of it fascinated her; watching the people and the many street vendors trying to make a living by selling trinkets and artwork along the sidewalks, but the cars and the constant honking of impatient cab drivers made her flinch.

They stopped for lunch and coffee in a little bistro, at a table by the window. Andrew bought a newspaper at a little market next door and together they perused apartments in the city, preferably close to the fire station so that Andrew could walk to and from work. They quickly realized that more was going to be needed.

Monica gave a small sigh and sat back in her chair, her hot mug of coffee steaming in her small hands, "The apartments here are very expensive." Her voice was small and worried. She had seen more than one homeless person curled up in a box shivering or in the archway of a building and thought her gentle heart ached for them, she didn't want to see she and Andrew wind up with them.

"They are," Andrew remarked, his brow knitted together with tension, "My starting salary is good and can easily pay the rent on a couple of them, but we still have other things to consider, such as food and other necessities."

Silence fell between the two angels for a moment, before Monica reached across the table and slid the newspaper her way, turning the pages until she found the "Help Wanted" ads.

"Angel, no," He could hardly bear it. It wasn't that he wanted to be the sole provider for her, but the thought of her being out there, alone in the city nearly undid him. He had always been protective of Monica the angel; it was something ingrained in his soul, but he was quickly finding that Monica the human, he could easily be in danger of smothering with his innate need to keep her safe.

"Andrew," She gave him a pointed look, "If we are going to make this work, and we are, then it is going to require two incomes."

"I'll take a second job-."

"And then when would I see you exactly?" Her dark eyes implored him, but she knew she had just won this part of the argument, "Yes, you could work two jobs, but then what is the point of us being here if we won't be together much anyway?"

His sigh was impossibly long but then he met her gaze and knew she was absolutely right, "Forgive me, Angel. This city is so big and there are times you seem so tiny, that it makes me forget how determined you are and how capable."

"That's right and don't you forget it," Her quirky grin caused a chuckle to escape him and relief filled her heart when he took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Well, let's have a look then."

Andrew moved his chair closer to hers and together they scanned down the tremendous list of jobs, immediately crossing some off as definite "no's and others they circled as possibilities. He occasionally cast secret glances at Monica when she was deep in thought, reading the ads. She looked adorable, in her straw hat and pretty yellow sundress. Her bangs and the long hair around her face, swayed delicately with each little movement she made and he found his breath snatched away more than once. Yes, they would make this work, whatever it took. He would make certain of it.

"Andrew," The sound of his name, excitedly stated with her gentle Irish brogue, brought him from his reverie, "Listen to this. Wanted, full-time teacher for small kindergarten class uptown Manhattan. Experience and resume required. Please call for interview."

A grin spread across his face, "You've taught before, baby. A resume will be simple enough and there are computers in the hotel lobby. We can call them when we get back and then get to work on your resume."

She nodded her head eagerly, a smile on her pretty face and Andrew couldn't resist closing the small distance between them to brush a kiss over her lips, "I love you so much, Angel."

Her dark eyes twinkled happily, "That's good to know, Mr. Angel of Death because I love you too. With my entire heart."

X

The rest of the day was busy. After lunch, they went back to the hotel and Andrew paid for another night while Monica called the number from the newspaper. The woman on the other end of the phone, Mrs. Semler, sounded very interested in meeting with Monica and an interview was set up for the next morning.

For the next hour, the couple sat together at one of the computers in the lobby, with Andrew typing, while Monica rattled off the different schools where she had taught on various assignments. Her angelic mind was still firmly intact as she was even able to recall the names of the principals and the phone numbers for the schools. Andrew already had little doubt that the ad in the paper had been for Monica's eyes only and that the job was already hers.

The only problem they ran into was a last name. Last names were something they had never had, but just putting "Monica" on a resume would certainly raise eyebrows. They quietly tossed around a few possibilities and then in a moment of curiosity, Andrew pulled out his wallet and found two social security cards. Beside Monica's first name, was the last name of "Angell."

"Rather fitting," He smiled as he handed her the card.

"He's providing for us, Andrew," She whispered excitedly, "Every moment I see new proof of his love for us."

The happy tears in her eyes went straight to his heart, as he caressed her cheek tenderly, "Of course he loves us, Angel. How could anyone know you and not love you?"

The deep blush that colored her cheeks made him laugh as he kissed her forehead lovingly, "Now come on. Print that out and then we have one more place to go today." Her expression of natural curiosity caused her brow to knit together and her nose to crinkle, though she smiled when he surprised her by kissing her nose affectionately. A tiny giggle and then she hit "Print".