Angels at the Table (Angels Everywhere #7)(10)

“Oh dear. Is Mom all right? She’s diabetic.”

“Not to worry, her blood sugars are stabilized.”

Lucie grimaced at the thought of her mother in pain. “I’ll be right there,” Lucie said, doing her best to control the sense of panic she felt. She paused at the top of the stairwell and looked out at the city. The view of the Empire State Building showed in the background. There was no help for it now. No way would she be able to make the appointment with Aren. Disappointment settled into the pit of her stomach. This was divine intervention. Despite her decision he’d be there waiting for her … and she wasn’t going to show.

Lucie was at her mother’s bedside when Wendy woke following the surgery. Her mother blinked at Lucie and then frowned.

“You met Aren, didn’t you?”

Rather than respond verbally, she shook her head.

“I told the hospital not to call you.”

“Mom, I needed to be here to talk to the doctors. What happened?” Lucie already knew. Her mother’s blood sugar had dropped again and she’d fallen. Thankfully she was within sight of a neighbor lady who immediately called 911.

“Oh, Lucie, I feel so bad for you. This is all my fault.”

“Mom, it wasn’t meant to be.”

“No, no, I don’t believe it. I just don’t believe it.”

Her mother tightly squeezed her eyes shut and her lips started to move.

“What are you doing?” Lucie asked.

“Sh-h, I’m praying.”

“Praying for what?” Lucie teased.

“You and Aren. I’m asking God to bring you two together again in His timing. He’s going to do it, you know. Trust me. God is going to work this out because He knows I’ll never forgive myself if you lost out on meeting the love of your life because of me.”

“That’s very sweet, Mom, but I believe God’s got more important prayers to answer than this.”

Wendy scoffed. “Don’t be a silly goose. And don’t be surprised if you and Aren cross paths within the next few days. Mark my words on that. Mark my words.”

“Yes, Mom.” Although Lucie agreed, on the inside she had a storehouse of reservations that Almighty God really cared about something as minor as this. And at the same time she couldn’t keep from hoping He did.

Chapter Four

December

Eleven Months Later

Gabriel opened the huge book of prayers and scanned through the large number of requests that crossed his desk on an hourly basis. He issued orders to the Prayer Ambassadors left and right. Heaven was abuzz with activity.

They were coming upon the Christmas season, which was often their busiest time of year, stretching the angels assigned as Prayer Ambassadors to their limit. Earth was hectic at this time of year; humans were harried and Gabriel wanted to stay ahead of the rush as much as possible.

He ran his finger down the lengthy list and paused when he found one that remained unanswered from a New York woman named Wendy Ferrara. It was almost eleven months old. He frowned and then tapped his foot. Something tugged at his mind, a nagging sensation that he hadn’t been able to put to rest.

Ah, he remembered this prayer. Upon receiving it, he’d ordered an investigation. Once the report was back, he’d read it, grumbled under his breath, and then set it aside until he could decide the best way to handle this awkward situation. Apparently his three favorite angels had taken matters into their own hands. And worse, they had dragged their young apprentice into it, too. Gabriel had assigned Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy as mentors to Will, and they’d done an excellent job. Well, other than this one not-so-minor indiscretion. This was a delicate matter that required careful handling.

The time to deal with Wendy Ferrara’s prayer was now. He called for the three Prayer Ambassadors and their apprentice. No sooner had he sent for them when Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy appeared, their wings fluttering with excitement and anticipation.

Taking on a serious pose, Gabriel looked up from his desk. The three were all smiles.

“You asked to see us,” Shirley said, looking serene and sublime. These angels were magnificent creatures. Some of God’s finest work, along with the Warrior Angels and, naturally, humans, who were created in God’s own image.

“I know why you sent for us,” Goodness bragged.

Gabriel arched his thick white brows. “You do?”

“You’re ready to give us an assignment on Earth.”

Mercy nodded eagerly. “You’ve already run low on Prayer Ambassadors and are looking to put us back in action. Our methods might not be conventional, but we get prayers answered.”

Gabriel didn’t respond as he made a show of turning the page of the prayer request book. “Actually this has to do with—”

“Sorry I’m late. I was …” Will popped in, and seeing Gabriel with his three mentors, he stopped short.

“I’m pleased you could join us,” Gabriel said with just a hint of sarcasm. He quite liked the lad and felt Will would serve God well once he was properly trained.

“I’m glad, too.” Will straightened to full attention, folding his wings tightly against his body, and stood with his back straight, his look respectful.

Gabriel stepped around his desk and clasped his hands behind him. “It’s come to my attention that the four of you made an unscheduled visit to Earth last January.”