Ivy Crane walked along the beach alone. It had been a long time since she enjoyed the simplicity of a sunset. “Since I was with Sam,” she sighed, kicking the sand with her bare foot.

“What would you say if you could change that?”

“Excuse me?” Ivy spun around, looking for the owner of the voice. When she found no one, she began to question her sanity. Julian had finally driven her over the edge!

“What would you say if I could help you go back…let you change that one night where you returned to Julian?” Fate materialized before Ivy. “I could you know…”

“You mean, you could let me go back and change the one night that ruined my life? You’ll let me stay with Sam?” Ivy’s eyes glittered with hope.

“Well, yea, that’s what I’m offering,” she giggled. Man, were these human’s dense! “But I have to warn you that changing that event in your life will directly affect the lives of those around you.”

“Who cares about everyone else? Ethan will have his real father in his life and I’ll have love!!! “ Ivy clasped her hands and laughed. She was finally feeling lucky!

“What about your friendships? I mean you’ll be losing Pilar…”

“As a worker,” Ivy defended. “She’ll still be my friend; I’ll still have known her for years!”

“And Sheridan…”

“What about Sheridan?” Ivy asked.

“She’ll grow up without any love,” Fate bluffed.

“I’ll…I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen! Sam and I can do that together!”

“I guess you really do want this,” Fate smiled, pulling out her giant crystal. Like she didn’t know Ivy wanted to be Sam’s wife. Honestly! “All right, Mrs. Crane, be prepared to return to the time that changed your life forever. Know that from this moment on, every event from the night before Ethan’s conception has changed and you are no longer the forty-five-year-old wife of a cold hearted drunk; you are now Mrs. Samuel Bennet…well, you will be momentarily.”

Ivy smiled. “Ivy Bennett!! Too perfect,” she giggled like a schoolgirl.

Fate shook her head. Oy, humans were such a pain sometimes! “Touch my crystal and you shall go back twenty-five years to the night before your wedding…but only you will carry the memories of this life Ivy and any mistakes you make will be of your own doing.”

Ivy nodded, her hand slowly reaching out to touch the stone. No sooner had her Ivy’s pale shaking hand touched the glowing jewel then she was back in her bedroom at the Winthrop mansion, the music from her bridal shower playing downstairs while she sat in her room, clutching her locket.

This was too good to be true!

Looking into a mirror, Ivy looked at the long blond locks that fell across her shoulders and the pale pink dress she had worn the night before she wed. She looked so young, so carefree. Had she ever really been carefree before?

“Miss Ivy? Miss Ivy! Sam is here,” Pilar’s frantic knocking stunned Ivy. The door flew open and there stood her confidant. “Hurry, before he leaves!”

Ivy straightened her skirt and grabbed a nearby sweater. “Pilar, if anyone asks for me, I needed some fresh air. Please, don’t tell them I’m with him just now. No one knows he’s home!”

“Of course, Miss Ivy. Now hurry before he leaves,” Pilar ushered her friend down the hall.

Ivy hugged Pilar. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Ivy. Just be careful,” she smiled slightly.

And with that Ivy was gone, dashing down the service staircase and out the back door into her love’s arms. “SAM!”

“Ivy! I thought you weren’t coming,” he pulled her tight against him and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry, I was checking my hair. I needed it to be perfect…” she laughed as he led her to the car, nearly dragging her. He sure was ambitious this evening! “What do you have planned for tonight, Sam?”

“I thought we could elope…” he said seriously.

“What?” she laughed. “Sam, honestly.”

“Ivy, do you love me?” he asked, looking deep into her blue eyes, his large, tan hand cupping her cheek.

“Of course I do, Sam, you know that,” she leaned into his hand.

“And I know you’re supposed to marry Julian tomorrow,” he sighed, looking at the stunning diamond on her hand. “Now your father doesn’t know I’m back yet; in fact, only you know I’m back early. So I plan on making the best of tonight. I want to get married, Ivy. I *need* you to be mine…”

“Sam, I don’t know what to say…”

“Say yes…”

“Yes!” She hugged him close. “A thousand times so!”

“Then Ivy Winthrop, climb on into your chariot because we have a priest to see!”

She giggled. “Oh Sam! I can’t wait to start our lives together!”

“Neither can I,” he pecked her lips. “Neither can I!”

“I don’t know, Fate,” Charity shook her head. “This could be dangerous. We’re playing a game here…a game that changes a dozen lives!”

“Look, Char, buddy, I don’t care. Look how happy she is!” Fate sighed. Everything was working wonderfully.

“Yea, Char,” Honor chomped on some popcorn. “You got to admit they make a sweet pair…”

“But what about Grace Standish? She’ll die in the fire now, which means Charity will never come to Harmony,” Charity sighed, crossing her arms against her chest. “My namesake won’t…”

“Cause a bunch of kids to descend into hell?” Hope laughed. “Come on, Char, even I’ll admit that girl is a flake!”

“Ok, fine, but if she dies then David loses his wife too and what about Kay and Jessica? They won’t even exist because of Ivy and Sam’s relationship…” Charity’s face held a smug smile.

“Not true,” Fate smiled, motioning to the stone. “Kay and Jessica are twins in this scenario, they still exist and are twice as happy without Charity and Grace in the picture! Best part: no tomato soup cake!”

“And Noah?” Charity asked.

“Still there…” Fate nodded.

“But he can’t be with Nikki…” Charity shuddered at the thought.

“Au contraire. Nikki is a Crane still,” Fate laughed.

Honor glared at them both. “You’re killing the soap opera surprises guys. Kindly shut up and let me watch as it plays out PLEASE?”

Fate laughed. “All right, Honor old buddy. Just sit back and relax, Ivy is in for the ride of her life. I promise, this will be better than Days of our Lives!”

“Oh great,” Hope laughed. “This I have to see!” And they all settled around the window to watch life on earth in Harmony.

Chapter One

Honor and Fate huddled at the window, a big bowl of pretzels between them. Honor had only returned from working, tired and cranky but interested in the action below. Fate had enjoyed every minute of the scene below while her fellow angels were off doing work. Sometimes it was beneficial to be a little used angel.

“We need ice cream,” Fate laughed, watching as Sam and Ivy drove along the Coast Road, their hands linked and their song playing on the radio. He was humming along, singing the words he knew, and she was smiling and laughing. They were so in love!

“For his singing we need alcohol,” Honor laughed, popping a pretzel into her mouth and beginning to chomp on it happily…

And then she was hit in the backside with a rubber band, a faint chuckling fill the room. “What in Heaven’s name was that?” she spun around, coming face to face with a little girl angel who was laughing hysterically, rolling around in the soft clouds beneath her.

“That’s Wishful Thinking,” Fate laughed, being silenced only by Honor’s glare, but the smile was impossible to erase.

“What?!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in disgust.

“Wishful Thinking, she’s a mini angel. She’s not perfect enough to start messing with the humans, but not evil enough to be a fallen angel.”

“I know what a mini angel is, Fate, so spare me the definition! What is SHE doing HERE?”

“She’s been assigned to follow Hope for a while,” Fate laughed thinking of her poor friend dealing with this little girl.

“Good for Hope,” Honor pinned her glare on the child as she rubbed her backside. “Wishful Thinking my a…”

Fate covered her mouth. “Your halo is crooked dear!”

Honor fixed her attire and sighed. She really needed to get out more! “Ok, so what’s going on with the love birds? I was assigned to the New York judicial system today and let me tell you that was a job and a half…talk about crooked,” she shook her head.

Fate laughed. “You haven’t missed much dear, I promise.”

“Do I have your word of Honor?” the angel winked, laughing at her own joke.

Fate groaned. “Oh that was so funny,” she rolled her eyes. “The puns, Hon, the puns!”

“Oh hush!” Honor groaned, falling back into her chair. “And turn up the volume would you? I can’t hear the humans.”

Shaking her head, Fate made the sounds louder and settled in for the biggest even of Sam and Ivy’s life.

“I said I love you and that’s forever and this I promise from the heart. I couldn’t love you any better, I love you just the way you are,” Sam sang as he parked his car in the empty lot beside the old stone church, cutting the engine before the song completed. He quickly undid his seatbelt, looking over at Ivy. “Well, we’re here. Ready to get married?”

She nodded, her eyes quickly scanning their location for anything that would tell her which church they had gone to. Her bright blue orbs dimmed immediately as she recognized the place they were now parked. “Sam, this is St. Margaret Mary’s. We can’t get married here. Father Lonigan won’t marry us without a marriage license and we can’t get a license without the blood tests,” she turned to face him, her eyes sad. “I thought you said…”

“I did,” he kissed her cheek, pushing some of her long blond hair back behind her ear. “We ARE getting married Ivy, tonight. I promise that we won’t leave this church until we are.”

“But Sam…” she protested.

“No buts,” he smiled. “I had some of my father’s friends down at City Hall give me a marriage license, even though we didn’t take a blood test, and I fully intend to use it. I also spoke with the good Father and he’s going to marry us tonight.” He quickly got out of the car and went to her side, helping her out before sliding an arm around her waist. “I promised you a wedding…”

“Without witnesses?” she asked, sliding an arm around his as well. “Or wedding bands? Sam, we need those things too.”

“I know and I have that taken care of as well,” he smiled, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

“How?” she was shocked. This man was simply amazing tonight!

“You remember T.C. Russell?” he asked, his hand rubbing her back as they headed up the stairs to the large wooden doors.

She simply nodded.

“Well, T.C. and his current girlfriend are going to be our witnesses and as for wedding bands, remember that ring you gave me to put on the chain while I was away?” He motioned to the chain around his neck that was home to one of her most treasured rings.

Again she nodded.

“I had T.C. take it to a jeweler last week. I mailed him the ring and he had Mr. Moore use it to fit a ring for you. He bought two rings for me and I brought them to Father Lonigan this afternoon. They’ll be used in the ceremony tonight and we can pick out new ones later on.”

“Sam, you thought of everything!” she giggled, hugging him tight as they stepped inside the church. She was glowing now, her eyes bright blue and filled with complete and total joy as well as love and devotion. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he leaned in and kissed her gently, his lips caressing hers sweetly as they stood in the vestibule. Their kiss could have gone on longer, but the sound of someone clearing his throat broke them out of their own private Heaven.

“I was wondering when you would come up for air, man,” T.C. fived his friend in greeting, his bright white smile blinding Ivy. She looked him over, noticing his tall stature and dark coloring. Being a Winthrop, Ivy had never met a black man or woman before. In fact, Pilar was the only person she had met of any non-Caucasian descent. However, she had seen T.C. at the country club in tournaments.

“You’re the boy that played Julian Crane last year,” Ivy whispered, in awe of him. “I watched your game! I was very impressed! No one has ever played quite like you before.” Ivy was tempted to add that the game was especially wonderful because it was the first time a caddy’s child, and a black man at that, played against one of the club members.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he laughed, pulling his girlfriend into his embrace. “I take it you’re Ivy Winthrop…either that or Sammy has some explaining to do.”

Sam laughed. “Yes, this is my Ivy,” his eyes immediately filled with love when he mentioned her name. “Ivy, this is Thornton Chandler Russell, but you can call him TC. He’s been my best friend for…well a very long time,” he caressed her back.

“And this is my girl, Lily,” TC placed a kiss to her cheek. “She’s along to be a witness.”

“Hope you don’t mind,” Lily offered Ivy her hand for a shake.

Ivy shook it, looking the girl over. Again she felt odd, never having touched a colored woman before. This woman was beautiful: soft, youthful skin, deep brown eyes and long, wavy black hair. She was slender and tall, but muscular too, and her dress fit just right on her soft curvy body. “Nice to meet you Lily.”

“Ditto,” she grinned. “Sam had me bring a dress for you…well actually Pilar had it brought to Sam’s house and I was in charge of getting it here. If you come with me I’ll help you get ready for the ceremony.”

Ivy nodded, turning to Sam and placing a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you at the other end of the aisle,” she promised.

“I’ll be the one in the suit,” he laughed, looking at TC. “The shorter one in the suit.”

She laughed and followed Lily away, thoughts of forever filling her head.

“She’s a great girl, Sammy,” T.C. smiled. “Glad I finally got to meet her. God knows you’ve hidden her away long enough.”

“Hey, that wasn’t all my choice. She and I couldn’t let her parents know about us. Hell, her father would have a heart attack knowing we were eloping. But I made the money I needed, T.C., and we’ll have a good life. I’m going to join the force and we’ll finally have what we deserve, what we always planned on having together.”

“Yea, yea, don’t get all sappy, Sammy. Let’s just go wait up front and get you hitched…” T.C. started walking down the aisle.

“I like the sound of that,” Sam followed his friend into the church.

Ivy spun for Lily, her white dress flaring out as she spun. “So what do you think? I wore it to my prom. Sam escorted me…well, almost did,” she giggled. “We never made it to the prom, not that we intended to. We couldn’t be seen together.” She finally sat in the chair Lily motioned to.

“You look beautiful, Ivy. Simply beautiful. Sam won’t be able to take his eyes off of you,” Lily promised, pinning some flowers in Ivy’s hair.

“I hope not,” she smiled. “You’re the only other woman in the church.”

The pair laughed.

“Well, I think we’re ready,” Lily put the final flower in Ivy’s hair. “These are from my mother’s garden, but I’m sure she’ll be willing to part with them in the name of true love.”

“If not I promise to tend to her garden next spring!” Ivy vowed, smoothing her skirt. “I’m nervous. Are you sure that besides Pilar, the only people that know about the wedding are you and T.C.?”

“Yes,” Lily promised. “No one is going to ruin this perfect…night,” she giggled. “You’ll be married tonight, Ivy, I promise.”

Ivy smiled. “Ok, then, I’m ready.”

“Good, let’s go,” Lily opened the door for her. “After you.”

“Thank you,” Ivy walked out, followed by Lily. The two walked aisle and then slowly down it. There wasn’t any music and the only flowers were in Ivy’s hair, but she couldn’t have been happier with her wedding. She met Sam at the end of the aisle, taking her hands into his. She was nervous, so was he, but the two managed to smile at each other, their love evident.

“We’re ready, Father,” Sam stated calmly, but his clammy hands gave him away. Ivy nearly laughed, but she was in no position to criticize. The butterflies in her stomach were working overtime.

“All right,” Father Lonigan opened his Braille Bible. “I’m going to forgo the normal opening and Bible verse since this is such a special case,” he smiled. “Samuel and Ivy, you have come here today in order to become a wedding family before God. In the eyes of the church, marriage is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By making this commitment, you vow to be with each other in all ways until only death tears you apart. With this in mind, I ask you to join right hands.”

Ivy turned to take Sam’s right hand, giving hers to him as well. Their eyes connected, causing bright smiles to form. The love the two of them held for each other was clearly written in their eyes as they gazed at each other.

“Sam, repeat after me. I, Samuel Bennett, take you, Ivy Winthrop, to be my lawfully wedded wife…”

“I, Samuel Bennett, take you, Ivy Winthrop, to be my lawfully wedded wife…” his eyes never left hers as he repeated the words.

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” Father Lonigan finished.

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” Sam mimicked, watching Ivy’s eyes fill with tears that slowly made their way down her cheeks. He reached up to gently bush them away.

Father Lonigan then smiled brightly and said, “Ivy, repeat after me. I, Ivy Winthrop, take you, Samuel Bennett, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live.”

“I, Ivy Winthrop, take you, Samuel Bennett, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” without pause, Ivy repeated her vows clearly and loudly, finishing with a barely chocked sob.

Father Lonigan flipped the page. “The ring is a circle, unending. It continues on without notice of obstacles. It is a tangible symbol of the love you two share for each other now and forever. May I have the rings?”

T.C. dug the rings out of his pocket, handing them to Father Lonigan, who quickly said, “Bless, O Lord, this rings as a symbol of the love this couple shares now and always. May they be bound in heart, mind and soul with their love. Sam, take the ring and place it on Ivy’s third finger of her left hand, repeating these words. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Sam took the ring from the Father’s hand and slipped it onto Ivy’s ring finger, his own voice was filled with emotion as he said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Ivy, take the ring and place it on Sam’s third finger of his left hand, repeating these words. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Ivy took the other ring, placing a kiss to it before sliding it onto Sam’s hand and saying, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Samuel and Ivy have given themselves to each other by the joining of hands, the exchanging of vows and the giving and receiving of rings. By the powers so vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen.”

“Amen,” the quartet replied.

“You may now kiss your bride,” he instructed, shutting his Bible.

Sam smiled. “With pleasure,” he chuckled, pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Ivy immediately wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss she shared with her new husband.

“May I now introduce Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bennett…”

Sam and Ivy broke a part, dazzling smiles on their faces as T.C. and Lily applauded. It wasn’t the dream wedding, but the man was more than she could ever hope for. Tears spilled down her smooth white cheeks as she looked at her husband. “I love you, Sam. Always.”

“I love you too, Ivy. Forever,” he replied.

“PARTY!” T.C. cried, ushering them out of the church and towards Sam’s car, whistling the entire way. “Off to the beach man! We have some celebrating to do!”

Ivy laughed. “Sounds like fun…”

“Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Bennett,” Sam helped her into his car, climbing in as well.

“No place I’d rather be…” she stated honestly, taking his hand into hers. For the first time in her life, Ivy knew this was the place she belonged.

“That’s it?? That’s the wedding?” Honor asked, flinging her handful of pretzels back into the bowl. “Where’s the music? The romance? The flowing white gown? Where’s the bridal party? Come on, Fate, this is a rip off!”

“She gave that up with Julian, Honor. She can’t have it all. Besides, her family doesn’t even KNOW she’s with Sam. Can’t give her a proper wedding when she’s eloping…”

“No fair,” Honor huffed. “I’m going to make Hope leave Wishful Thinking with you for an hour as punishment.”

“Get over it,” Fate rolled her eyes. “It was a very sweet wedding and now Sam and Ivy are inseparable…

“Are not,” Love replied, joining them at the window. “People fall out of love…”

“Shut up!” Honor huffed. “You two give away all the endings!”

The pair laughed, shaking their heads at their pouting friend. She stuck her tongue out at them both.

“Ok, ok, we’ll stop. Besides, I have another life to go play with,” Fate sighed. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a date with Katherine Crane,” she disappeared.

“And I have to leave to take care of little Miss Rebecca Osburn,” Love grinned wickedly, rubbing her hands together. “I’m going to have so much fun dealing with that trollop.”

“LOVE!” Honor laughed. “You didn’t just call her a…”

“I did!” she grinned.

“High five girlfriend!” The pair fived each other. “You’ve been learning.”

“Hey, when I’m with you, hon, I’m destined to learn something. Better jet before I miss out on my chance,” she too vanished.

“Woohoo!” Honor stood and turned up the volume on the window. “More human watching for me…and more pretzels!”

And then she was hit with another rubber band that annoying childish giggle filling the air!

“WISHFUL THINKING!” she screamed.

Chapter Two

“What are you watching?” Hope fluttered in, Wishful Thinking immediately silencing herself when her babysitter entered the room.

So NOW she behaved, Honor huffed, looking over at her friend. “Well nothing at the moment. Ivy and Sam are so boring, dancing on the beach with his buds watching and getting drunk. How lame.”

“Disappointing wedding?” Hope laughed.

“How’d you guess?”

Hope shrugged. “Was Wishful Thinking good while I was gone? She couldn’t come on the case I had, too depressing for a tot.”

“Oh yea, she was wonderful,” Honor rolled her eyes. “Might I ask where she learned to use rubber bands?”

Hope sighed and sank into the cloud couch. “I thought I took them all! Did she hit you with one?”

“Right smack dab in the middle of my backside. That child has a Heavenly aim,” Honored rolled her eyes. “Ever thought of turning her over to Love? She’d make one heck of a Cupid.”

Hope laughed. “Yea, I’m tempted. I’m really sorry about it.”

“It’s old news, moving on. I need something to watch. I’d love to sit here and listen to Sam’s…singing…but I need something a bit more entertaining for a few minutes.”

“So then change the station…I want to see what’s up at the Crane mansion.”

“Been there, nothing’s going on besides Fate warning Katherine to get her affairs in order. Poor woman has one foot in the grave and about to leave that poor little darling with the Devil incarnate.”

Hope just clamped her mouth shut. “What about Julian? He around the place getting reamed?”

“No, he was walking the beach a minute ago. I have a bad feeling he’s about to run into Ivy and Sam.”

“Who else can we peek in on?” Hope asked, looking at the list of Harmony residents. “What did Love have in mind for the tramp?”

“Don’t know, she hasn’t made it there yet. Who else can we look over?” she too glanced at the list. “Hmm, the Lo-Fitz clan are all home,” she continued to scan the names. “Oh Oh!!! Let’s check out Eve! She’s in Harmony for the day.”

“No way, Hon, that woman has no use right now. Go back to Julian. I have a feeling he has some potential tonight.”

“Fine…fine, whatever, but don’t yell at me when it’s boring,” Honor flipped the channel back to Julian and groaned. So much for fun…

Julian Crane walked along the shore with no destination in mind. He just didn’t feel like being home anymore because his father was there. If he was told one more time just how stupid and pitiful he was, he was going to explode! Of course his mother would pull him aside, give him a hug and beg him not to listen to Alistair, but how could he not? His father was a very loud man and his point was always made. Too bad his poor little sister had to be raised by that monster!

But that wasn’t his primary thought on this glorious summer night. In fact, it was one of the last thoughts on his mind. His wedding, now that was a main concern. After all, in about twelve hours he would be married to Ivy Winthrop. Even though she was a beautiful girl that was slowly, but surely, opening up to him, he was sure that he didn’t want to be married to her. He was in love with someone else and her name was Eve…

“Eve, my darling, how I wish I were with you and not with Ivy. You were such a tiger in bed…so perfect.”

Eve was definitely the woman he loved and was meant to be with. He knew it the moment he saw her singing on that stage, the tunes coming straight from her heart.

“But Cranes to not mingle with other classes…especially COLORED girls of other classes. At least not in marriage…”

But he didn’t wish to be married just yet either. In fact, marriage was not something Julian Crane looked forward too, especially when it was to little Miss Winthrop. Lord was she a bore. That girl couldn’t keep a man pleased if her life depended on it…

The Ice Princess at best!

And yet, here he was, on the eve of his wedding…

Walking the beach.

A giggling filled the air followed by a high pitched “SAM!” and Julian knew immediately that the voice belonged to his betrothed. Wonderful. The night before their wedding she was with another man…

How charming!

Following her laughter, Julian stumbled upon the alcove where Sam and Ivy were having a little party with T.C. and Lily. He watched from his crouched position behind a boulder as Sam put his arms around Ivy, pulling her closed and kissing her.

“To the newly weds!” T.C. cheered, holding Lily close.

Ivy giggled again. “I think my husband owes me one last dance before we leave, don’t you Lily?”

“Oh heck yea,” Lily teased, leaning her head on T.C.’s shoulder. “I think one very special dance is in order for you two. Something from the romance collection.”

“You didn’t bring that collection of yours, did you?” T.C. groaned. “This woman has more music in her collection than the DJs at the radio stations!”

“Well, put it on,” Ivy clapped excitedly. “Anything romantic will be just fine,” her blue eyes sparkled.

Sam busted out laughing when the song that started on the radio happened to be the same song he had been playing in the car when he picked Ivy up. Billy Joel was immensely popular this evening!

“Sam, don’t sing,” Ivy begged with a laugh. “I want to enjoy our song this time.”

“Oh, you wound me,” he covered the area over his heart with her hand. “So cruel…so cruel!”

Julian rolled his eyes. What a sap! That man was a total and complete ham, but at least he saved him from the biggest mistake of his life! Now that Ivy was happily married to some poor fool from the wrong side of the tracks he wouldn’t have to marry her! Life was good…

Very good!

Quietly, Julian slipped away, leaving the lovers to dance to their song in the moonlight. He just hoped that he didn’t have to be the one to break it to his father that the Crane-Winthrop merger was never going to happen!

But the lovers didn’t see to care either as T.C. and Lily disappeared, leaving Sam and Ivy alone in the alcove with the soft tunes still playing. Of course, it wasn’t long before the newlyweds no longer wished to dance and instead decided to make love in the soft summer breeze under the starlight…

“WOAH!” Honor covered Wishful Thinking’s eyes. “As sure as I am an angel, this is not for little eyes and ears…”

Hope’s eyes were wide open and glued to the window. “Oh Hades no!” she giggled, looking closely at Sam. “Does he have a fiiiiiiine body or what?”

“HOPE!” Honor laughed, looking Sam over herself. “Nice butt! You could definitely do some damage to that with a rubber band!”

Hope laughed. “Isn’t it illegal to look so hot as a human?” she asked, fanning herself as Ivy moaned quite audibly.

If possible Honor’s eyes widened. “He isn’t…Oh my God, they are!”

Hope laughed. “Well well well, she surely seems to be enjoying herself…”

“Eww, what are you two watching?” Purity gasped, glancing at the window. “Are they having sex?” she asked in a whisper.

Honor nodded. “Sure are.”

“Eww!” Purity closed her eyes. “Guys that’s sick! You’re angels for heaven’s sake!”

“Yup,” the two answered, eyes still on the screen.

“Shut it off!” she begged.

“No way…this is getting…”

CLICK!

“NOOOO! Fate how could you!” Hope cried, falling back into the couch. “It was getting…

“Pornographic??? Honestly, you two are some role model for the kid,” she motioned to Wishful Thinking. The child was giggling up a storm at the game they were playing.

“We were only enjoying the view,” Honor smirked, thinking of Sam’s backside without clothing.

“Mmm some view,” Hope added, reading her mind.

“Some view! Some view!” Wishful Thinking giggled.

“Wonderful, you’ve corrupted the mind of an innocent mini angel! Are you two proud of yourselves?”

“Pride isn’t an angel,” Purity replied.

Fate shot her a look. “Shut up.”

“Anger isn’t either…have you been with the fallen ones?” Purity shook her head. “Terrible thing…” she headed out of the room with the rule book.

Fate rolled her eyes and groaned. “One of these days I’m going to take that book and shove it where her halo doesn’t crown!”

“Halo doesn’t crown! Halo doesn’t crown!”

“Wonderful,” she sighed. “Just wonderful.”

Sometimes being an angel wasn’t as glorifying as people liked to think and Fate had it the worst. Sinking into a nearby cloud chair, she kicked the TV. First she had to break the news to Katherine that she was dying and now Purity was going to write up a report. Just what an angel needed to end her day! Well at least Ivy was getting…

Oh she was leaving that one alone…

But Ivy was happy…for now and that was all that mattered.

Chapter Three

A new day in Harmony meant more work for the angels, especially Fate, Hope and Love. All three had a major disaster to divert in Harmony. After all, Sam and Ivy had more than just their families to break the news of their impromptu wedding to. They had to tell the Cranes and all their guests as well.

Which meant the angels had to be in their finest attire for this affair!

Fate struggled to get her halo to sit on the top of her head flatly, the way it was meant to be worn. Of course, the ring wouldn’t cooperate after her taking a nap in anger when she was delivered the fine for being written up. Her punishment was to spend two hours with a mini angel named Kidding, starting right after Ivy’s news to her parents. “Rotten piece of…”

“Ahem,” a voice cleared behind her. “Having a problems there, sis?”

Fate groaned. Just what she needed to add to her day! Her evil twin sister! “Oh what in Heaven’s name do you want, Hate? I’m busy!”

“Too busy for your fallen twin?” she pretended to be hurt.

“You said it, not me,” she spun to face her sibling. “You and your rotten choices almost kept me from becoming a chosen one. Thanks…really…I appreciate it.”

“Life sucks and then you die...” she smirked.

“We can’t die; we’re angels.” She eyed her sister. “Well some of us are.”

“Sue me,” she fixed her hair.

“What are you doing here anyway, Hate? You’re not allowed past the gates.”

“I told them I was you…”

“Brilliant plan, fly girl,” she groaned, shoving her sister away from her mirror and towards the door. “Get out.”

“Make me.”

“DUH! I am!”

“Hey, something wrong Fate?” Honor asked, coming over with a bag of chips. Why was she always snacking?

“Yea, remember my sister?” she motioned to the angel in red beside her.

“Unfortunately,” Honor grumbled. They all had twins that were the opposite in personality. They were all renamed around thirteen and then became either fallen angels or just angels. Some became part of the choir. Unfortunately, Hate was the worst and now leader of the fallen angels below.

“Such welcoming angels you are. Where’s Charity? I should have her write you all little tickets…”

“Oh go to hell,” Fate rolled her eyes.

Hate gave her a sickeningly sweet smile. “Been there, tons of fun, kinda hot. Reminds me of the place they call Tucson on Earth.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Sarcasm again, haven’t you? See that’s the reason you were kicked off the cloud in the first place. Now if you only would have listened when mother told you to stop fooling around with the wrong crowd…”

“I would have been like you!” she replied. Suddenly a beeping noise filled the tame air around them. “Oh yes! I have a job! Time for me to go fuel the fires of prejudice down in Los Angeles! Tata, lame-oids,” she disappeared.

“The nerve of her!” Fate huffed. “She was always the one getting in trouble. She just HAD to hang out with Pride, Sarcasm and Greed! She always had to fool around!!!”

“Well your mother did name her Hate, what did you want?”

“Thank you o wise one!” Fate stamped away.

“Some angels are just so touchy,” Honor went back inside to watch some TV. It was almost time for the Sam and Ivy fireworks at the Winthrop mansion!

Sam and Ivy walked hand in hand to the Winthrop mansion, their apprehension clear in the way they walked. Neither wanted to do this. In fact, Sam had offered to just load up his car and disappear for the next few weeks, allowing her parents a chance to cool down. However, Ivy wanted to get this over with and he couldn’t refuse her anything.

They didn’t even have to ring the doorbell…

Pilar slowly opened the door and popped her head out. “Dios Mio! Miss Ivy…they are looking for you,” she whispered. “Perhaps you shouldn’t do this today…”

Ivy shrugged. “The reaction won’t be any different tomorrow, Pilar. Besides, Sam and I would like to start our lives together right. We can’t do that if we aren’t honest with our families.”

“But Mr. Crane is here,” Pilar blanched, imaging the look on his face when he heard there would be no business merger. “This is a bad thing, Miss Ivy. He brought the papers for your father to sign!”

“He will just have to burn those rotten papers,” Ivy pulled Sam inside. “I’m doing this today, Pilar, like it or not.”

“I wish you’d reconsider,” she begged. “I have your cases nearly packed…”

“Pilar, who is at the door?” Helena Winthrop’s voice came from the staircase leading upstairs. She gasped. “Ivy! Where have you been?”

“Mother,” Ivy swallowed hard. More than anything Ivy wanted to make her mother proud. Helena was a hard woman to please, but she did love her only daughter. She had vowed that she wanted nothing more than Ivy to be happy, but still she had forced her to accept Julian’s proposal.

“Who is that?” Helena pointed at Sam, her heels clicking on the marble staircase as she descended. “What is he doing here?”

“This is Sam, Mother,” Ivy replied, squeezing her husband’s hand tightly. “My…”

“Your what?” her father's voice boomed from the doorway to the sitting room. “I thought I forbid you to see Sam Bennett ever again! After the way he hurt you this summer…”

“I did no such thing!” Sam defended, pulling Ivy into his arms. “I love her! I would never hurt her!”

Harrison’s eyes filled with anger as he glared at the couple. “Ivy Lynn Winthrop, what is the meaning of this?!”

“Sam and I…we were married last night,” she blurted out, sliding an arm around Sam.

“WHAT!?” Alistair joined the conversation. “Harrison, you agreed to merge with the Cranes! This will not do! This will not do at all!!”

“Alistair, there must be some mistake,” Harrison attempted to sooth his old friend. “Have a seat and my wife and I will deal with this immediately, Alistair.” He looked at his maid. “Pilar, make sure Mr. Crane is comfortable.”

Before Pilar could go off, the three angels appeared behind Ivy, though visible to no one just yet. “All right ladies, we have work to do,” Fate looked at her friends. “Wait, wait! Where in Heaven’s name is Faith? She’s supposed to be helping us here!”

“I had her head over to the mansion already to be with Katherine and Sheridan. She’s going to need some help though, so I left her Wishful Thinking,” Hope grinned.

Fate laughed. Good riddens! “All right! Love, you stay here with Sam and Ivy, they’ll need you more than anything at the moment. Hope, go with Pilar and don’t leave her side. We all know what Big Al is like.”

“What will YOU be doing?” Love crossed her arms. “If you think you’re just going to supervise…”

Fate shot her a look. “I have work to do over at the Crane mansion. It’s time for your little trollop to meet Julian Crane…”

Love smirked. “All right, I’ll guard these two. But if you can get a message to the little Cupid’s I might need the back up!” she motioned to the corner where Greed was hiding. “We have trouble on the prowl.”

Fate sighed. “All right,” she disappeared.

Pilar and Hope left the room to see to Alistair, leaving Ivy, Sam and her parents in the foyer with Love. No one spoke for a moment, merely trying to gauge what the situation was. Finally, Love whispered something in Sam’s ear and he smiled, leaning over to repeat the message to Ivy, who also smiled. Harrison and Helena were furious!

“No secrets in my home!” Harrison demanded, stepping closed to his daughter and grabbing her arm. “Tell me what he said!” his grip tightened drastically on her arm.

Ivy winced. “Nothing!” she swore.

Love looked at Greed. “Make him let her go!”

“Right,” the other angel sat back. “Not my problem. Wrath is controlling him.”

Love moved over to Helena and whispered something in her ear. The woman immediately came to life.

“Harrison! Release her! You’re hurting her!” Helena took hold of his forearm. “Please!”

Harrison’s angry eyes met his wife’s begging ones. He sighed, releasing his daughter. Ivy immediately fell into Sam’s open arms.

“You have two minutes to explain,” he growled, Wrath’s hold on him too firm for Love to save Ivy right now.

Helena stood in between her daughter and husband. “Please Ivy, just tell us why you’ve done this.”

Ivy looked at Sam. “I love him, Mother. I love him so very much. We were married, Mother, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I don’t love Julian and I don’t want to be his wife…I’m Sam’s wife.”

“But Ivy…” her mother sighed sadly. “He isn’t right for you…”

“How do you know!?” Ivy asked. “You don’t even know him!” she cried.

“Nor will we.” Harrison looked at his daughter, eyes turned blank and cold. “You have a choice, Ivy. Either this farce of a marriage is annulled and you leave him for Julian or you NEVER step foot in this hoe again. You shall NEVER be a Winthrop again!”

Ivy held her head high. “If I must chose between my husband and my parents, I will choose my husband!”

“So be it,” Harrison growled. “PILAR!”

His maid came running into the room. “Yes Mr. Winthrop,” he looked frightened after her dealings with Alistair. She was lucky Hope was with her. The dirty old billionaire had attempted to…win her affections, so to speak! Well, he didn’t want her love, only her body. Such a pig!

“Pack Ivy’s clothing. She won’t be returning home…ever,” he stormed off.

Helena began to weep. “Harrison! No!” she cried, going after him.

Ivy’s eyes teared, but she refused to cry. “Come on, Sam, let’s go get my things,” she led him upstairs. “I want to get out of her.”

He nodded. “All right, baby.”

She offered him a weak smiled as they ascended the stairs.

Hope and Love met each other at the doorway to the mansion, Greed and Wrath not far behind.

“That was terrible! Don’t you two have anything better to do then ruin a perfectly good life? Honestly, you two are miserable!” Love shot them an icy look.

“No, I’m Greed and she’s Wrath. DUH!” the one fallen angel replied with a smile.

“Let me guess, you know Sarcasm too!” Hope rolled her eyes. “Do you two know anything about love and commitment?”

“Who cares? Life’s about having fun and being miserable!” Wrath replied. “It’s our job to make sure no one is happy and those two are just two damn mushy,” she shuddered. “Soaps aren’t even so corny.”

“Hey!” Love crossed her arms. “I like corny.”

“The defense rests,” Wrath and Greed laughed.

“GRR! You two need some serious therapy. Have you ever heard of a thing called electric shock?” Love crossed her arms.

“Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Life’s a Bitch’?” Wrath asked.

“I’d have you cursed to eternal damnation, but you’re already there!”

“And loving it,” the two disappeared.

“I ought to beat those two to a heavenly pulp!” Love stormed down the road. “Come on, I want to get to the Bennett house before Sam and Ivy! Maybe we can make Margaret and Ben more…accepting!”

“Doubt it,” Hope mumbled. “I think the Hell’s Angels are going to beat us there,” she motioned to the Harley’s flying away. “Darn fallen one’s and those rocking motor cycles,” she sighed.

“Can we just get going?” Love grabbed her friend and both disappeared. They had enough to do without being envious. Besides, Envy was a fallen one too!

Chapter Four

Fate slowly walked down the halls of the Crane mansion. She sighed; Alistair was due home any minute and he wasn’t going to be happy. That was an understatement! He was going to be ripping! Of course a lot of things were about to explode and the Crane mansion was a dangerous place to be today. Very dangerous…Thank goodness angels didn’t have to worry about danger.

“Pst, Fate!” Faith called from down the hall, holding Wishful Thinking by the collar of her gown. She was looking around cautiously as if someone might see her. “Why the Heavens did I get stuck with her? Isn’t she Hope’s problem?”

“She’s here to entertain Sheridan. Someone has to keep the little one out of the way today. Besides, we thought you’d be lonely.”

“Wonderful,” Faith rolled her eyes. “Next time, don’t do me any favors! She’s hit three maids with rubber bands so far! She’s going to give us away…”

“JULIAN! KATHERINE! GET DOWN HERE!” Alistair’s bellow interrupted them. Both jumped and the little mini angel shivered in fear.

Fate checked a nearby clock. “Darn he makes good time! We’re in trouble now! I was hoping to warn Katherine before he returned.”

“Guess that’s not happening, now is it?” Hate appeared, Pain and Pride beside her. “Pain, Pride, meet the competition…Fate and Faith.”

“And Wishful Thinking,” the tot smiled, stomping hard on Pain’s foot. “Oh that looked like it hurted. I sowwy,” she giggled, watching as the older angel hopped around like a rabbit clutching her foot.

Fate tried not to laugh. “Did I ever tell you I loved you kid?”

“Nope,” she grinned. “Love you too,” she kicked Pride in the shin. “Ouchies, you really should watch where you’re standing.” She laughed some more.

Hate’s eyes glowed red. “Rotten Brat!” she lifted the angel by her curls, but the mini angel didn’t even flinch. Aiming, she hit Hate right between the eyes with a rubber band. Hate released her right into Fate’s arms. “Damn it!”

“OHHHH! She said bad things,” Wishful Thinking giggled. “You’re gonna get a ticket!”

Fate laughed. “She always does. Come on Faith, let’s leave these three for now,” she ushered her friend down the hall, leaving the Fallen ones to lick their wounds. “Where did you learn to act like that?”

“The three stooges,” Wishful Thinking giggled. “Honor watches lots of TV.”

Faith laughed. “Yea tell me about it,” they walked down the staircase and looked around. “Where are they?”

“SHE MARRIED A BENNETT!!!” Alistair’s enraged voice came from the sitting room.

“Answered that question didn’t it?” Fate laughed. “That man is so darn loud! He’s going to wake the dead.” They stopped. “Ok, Wish darling, we’re giving you a very important job. Little Sheridan will be coming down those stairs soon. She’s only about three and she’s going to be very scared. We want you to teach her how to shoot rubber bands. Can you do that?”

“Sure!” Wishful Thinking’s eyes lit up as she pulled out a hand full of tan rubbed bands from her robe. “I can learn her in no time!”

“Good. Wait here and DON’T touch anything…just sit still until she arrives. Ok?” Faith begged.

“Sure…what bout the bad angels?”

“We’ll take care of them,” Fate winked and then she disappeared into the sitting room with her friend. Fate stood behind Katherine and Julian, watching Alistair pace. Faith remained by the door to keep the look out on the fallen ones and to watch Wishful Thinking.

“Alistair, we knew Ivy wasn’t going to be the one for Julian. You said as much the other evening…the girl was having doubts…”

“She eloped with a no named local!” he growled, glaring at his wife. “We needed that merger and your no good son was too damn incompetent to win her affection.”

“I didn’t want her affection…” Julian cut his father’s rant off. Before he could even react, Alistair grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him from the chair and staring into his eyes.

“What did you say?”

Julian only choked, his oxygen being cut off.

“Fate! Do something!” Faith called from the door. “Sheridan’s coming down the stairs!”

Fate closed her eyes and touched Katherine. “It’s all right dear…we’ll protect the little one. Save Julian.”

“Alistair! NO! You’re killing him!” she jumped up, grabbing a vase and hitting her husband with it. He dropped Julian and backed away, eyes dark with rage. Fate looked around and found Hate in the corner talking with Pain.

“Don’t you do it! Leave Katherine alone!” she growled at her sister. She knew her plans.

A slap filled the room and Katherine fell to the floor.

“YOU BASTARD!” Julian screamed, attacking his father. “You son of a bitch!”

Fate glared at her sister. “If I could hit you I would…”

“Do you worst,” she waved her hand. “Go on, Alistair, take care of her…”

Fate turned and watched as Alistair kicked his wife in the ribs as Julian’s fist connected with his eye. In a flash of light, she froze them in place. “Faith! Get Wish and Sheridan OUT of the house! Now!”

Katherine whimpered on the floor.

“Hurry!” she watched her friend leave. “Lord help us all,” she prayed, bending down and taking her place in front of Katherine, ready to take the brunt of the hits. Another flash and Alistair swung again, hitting the angel instead of his wife.

In the hall, Wishful Thinking was just stopping Sheridan on the steps. “Hi, I’m Wishful Thinking, an angel. Wanna play with me?”

“Sure!” Sheridan shrugged, noticing that the little angel looked like her. “I’m Sheridan! I’m three and a half,” she grinned proudly.

Wishful smiled. “I’m five. Know how to shoot rubbed bands?”

“No,” Sher shook her head.

“Here, I’ll show you,” she helped Sheridan position the band and then shoot it. “Wow! That one went far!”

“Thanks!” Sher giggled. “Can I try again?”

“Sure,” Wishful helped her aim, just as Faith rushed into the hall. Before she could make them leave, the door flew open and Alistair started to walk out. The scene that happened next was something even Fate didn’t see coming. Both Wishful Thinking and Sheridan shot a rubbed band at the same time, hitting Alistair.

“SHERIDAN!” he growled, storming towards her with purposeful steps. He grabbed her little arm and lifted her by it. “Who let you out?”

“I…I…” she cried. “Help me!” she whimpered.

Katherine weakly crawled to the door. “No! Alistair! Let her go.”

His eyes flashed red and he smiled evilly. “Would you like Daddy to let you go?” he asked sadistically.

“Ye…yes,” Sheridan cried.

“No…Faith he’s hurting my friend!” Wishful cried, kicking his shin. “Let her go…”

Faith looked at Fate and the other angel shrugged. This hadn’t been shown to her…the dark angels had won.

“Fate, help her.”

“I can’t,” she whispered. “Hate controls his heart.”

Alistair’s hand lifted Sheridan higher. “May you suffer like your mother does,” he said evenly and slowly released his hand.

Wishful Thinking lifted her arms. “Float…believe and you can float.”

Sheridan closed her eyes as her father’s fist finally released her, dropping her little body to the floor…

But she never hit the marble…

Because she believed and floated like a feather on the breeze. Both Fate and Faith looked amazed at the little tot that saved Sheridan’s life. Alistair laughed wildly and stormed upstairs.

And the fallen ones all disappeared.

“Katherine,” Fate knelt beside her. “He’s weakened you. You shall leave Sheridan soon. Be ready,” she touched the blond’s head. “We’ll protect her.”

Sheridan looked over at Wishful Thinking. “Thanks.”

“Welcome,” she handed her a few rubbed bands. “Always remember when your heart is full of love, angels are there to save you.”

Sheridan hugged the little angel before they all disappeared.

“Wow, who would have guessed the little one would be so useful?” Faith asked as they headed for the Bennett House.

“Not I,” Fate lifted the tot into her arms. “But I’m glad she was around.

Wishful Thinking smiled proudly. “I knew rubbed bands would come in handy some day.”

The older angels laughed. This kid was too much.

“Fate, what’s going to happen to Sheridan and Katherine without us there?” Faith asked.

Fate turned at motioned to the roof. There sat Joy and two doves of Peace, behind her was Death. “I’m afraid it’s truly almost time,” she said sadly. “Soon Sheridan will be free and Katherine will worry no more.”

“Such a pity,” Faith cried, her tear falling to the ground, causing a lily to bloom.

“Don’t cry for Sheridan…cry for the evil that lives in that house…” She watched Rebecca walk up the path to the Crane mansion. “Cry for the other souls that will be born there. The ones that will never be free…”

Chapter Five

“Hoooope, what are you doing?” Love whined, looking around for he friend and finding her amidst the motorcycles the fallen angels had ridden to the Bennett house. When they had arrived at this tiny little home, Hope had immediately spotted the red and black Harley’s sitting our front, the symbol on the side clearly marking them as the bikes that belonged to Greed and Wrath. Of course, she had practically salivated over the idea of riding such fine looking modes of transport, but Love had dragged her past them…

Or so she thought.

“Nothing,” she said an innocently as she could muster as she played around with a piece of something from beneath the bike. The sound of clinking metal filled the air, followed by a sarcastic laugh as Hope stood up, clutching something beneath the sleeve of her formerly white robe.

“You have oil on your dress robe!” Love gasped, crossing her arms in a motherly fashion. “Purity is going to write you a week’s worth of cleaning duty tickets for THAT!”

“Purity can take her tickets and…”

“Don’t even finish that,” Love grabbed her friend’s arm. “While you’ve been messing around with those stupid bikes, the fallen ones have gone inside and started messing around with the little boy inside!”

“What little boy?” Hope peeked in through the window. “Oh damnation…”

“Yup, Hank! I thought Fate said he would be out with the Lopez-Fitzgeralds today!”

“Me too!” she sighed. “Look, we don’t have much time. Do you want to go in and take care of Sam and Ivy while I take care of Dipus and Dorkus?”

Love smirked. “Where do you come up with those names?”

“Yea, let’s waste time talking about inappropriate nicknames while little Hanky Bennett sets the Barbies on fire!”

Love’s eyes widened. “Was that…”

“Barbie better hope those aren’t silicone,” Hope went inside. “Look, the backups are due from the mansion soon. Send me Wishful Thinking, she should entertain Hank.”

“And what should the rest of us do?” Love asked.

“Pray for all I care but keep Sam and Ivy safe!” she went into the room they had seen Hank in.

“I always get the sarcastic partners,” Love sighed, going into the living room. Looking around, she noticed the picture of Sam and his parents on the mantle. It was from his graduation and he was smiling so brightly that it hurt her eyes. His parents looked proud as his Mother clutched the back of Hank’s shirt to keep him from running off.

“Maggie, where’s today’s paper?” Ben asked, entering the living room as he cleaned his glasses on the bottom of his shirt. Benjamin was a handsome man, tall with dark brown hair and eyes; he was the chief of police in Harmony since his father had retired from the force. Only the tiniest speck of gray was appearing at his temple and his body was still in perfect shape from his years on the force. Kind and compassionate, he hated no one…

Save the Cranes…

“Same place it always is dear,” she called from the kitchen where she was making lunch.

“If it was there, Mags, I wouldn’t have to…” he stopped, picking up the newspaper from the coffee table. “If your son would stop moving it.”

“Oh stop being an old grump,” she laughed, coming into the living room with flour on her cheek. Obviously this was why Sam would later be attracted to Grace in the other life he had. It was the Oedipus complex. Margaret Bennett, happily known as Mags and Maggie, had auburn hair and shinning blue eyes. Fair skin and barely showing her age, Maggie was one of the most popular women at the PTA. She loved her family more than anything else and was the perfect Mother, especially when it came to making her sons go to church. She was best friends with Pilar and Annette Wallace. Often sharing recipes with the pair.

“Where is Sam today, dear?” he asked, unfolding the paper. “I didn’t hear him come in last night.”

“He was up quite early this morning, darling. I believe he came in late as well. I’m so glad he’s back from the fishing work. I missed him dreadfully.”

“Yes, and I certainly enjoyed the fish smell the laundry had,” Ben laughed.

“Oh you!” she playfully slapped his arm. “You know you missed him too.”

“Indeed I did,” Ben smiled, pulling his wife into his lap. “Where is Hank?”

“I believe he’s playing in the den. Why?” his wife asked, kissing his cheek.

“Alone?” Ben asked worriedly.

She giggled. “What trouble could he possibly get in?” she removed herself from his lap and returned to the kitchen.

“Loaded question,” both Love and Ben mumbled. Ben started to read the paper, his feet finding the ottoman near the chair, while Maggie sang and cooked in the other room. Hank exited the den, a big grin on his face as he thought of the burning plastic in the metal waste paper bin in the den.

“What are you doing, Hank?” Ben asked without even looking.

Hank pushed some of his unruly brown bangs out of his eyes. “Nothin’, Dad. Can’t a kid just come into a room without being questioned?”

“Not when the house smells of burnt rubber,” Ben laughed. “How many times have I told you to stop stealing Beth’s dolls?”

“Oh but Dad! This one had it coming to her,” he laughed. “She was a firefighter!”

Ben tried not to laugh and was grateful when the front door opened to reveal his eldest son in the doorway. Sam never looked so disappointed or angry in his entire life. Ben stood up, dropping his paper on his vacated chair as his son pulled something, or someone rather, inside.

“Sam, I don’t know if…” she stopped, seeing Ben in the archway to the living room. She blushed.

“Hi, Dad,” Sam clung to Ivy’s hand. He could literally feel her tense as Ben’s eyes looked her over, noting her rumpled appearance.

“Hello, son. Where have you been?” Ben asked, watching Hank’s eyes glitter mischievously. Oh yea, this kid was ready to pop from the excitement of his brother being in trouble!

“I was at Ivy’s house,” Sam replied, sliding his arm around his wife. “Ivy, this is my Dad.”

“Hello Mr. Bennett,” she whispered softly, terrified that his reaction would be like her parents’.

“Nice to meet you, Ivy. Sam, isn’t it a tad early to be calling for a woman?”

Sam looked at Ivy. “Well, Dad, that’s something we wanted to talk to you and mom about.”

“Ohhh Sam’s been out having sex again!” Hank laughed.

“Shut up,” Sam glared at him.

“Hank, your room. Now!”

“But Dad!” he whined.

“No buts!” Ben gave him a look. With a sigh, Hank stormed up stairs, his little feet slamming on the wood.

“No one EVER wants me around,” he cried before slamming his door.

“Excuse him,” Sam kissed Ivy’s cheek. “He was dropped on his head as an infant.”

“For real?” Ivy asked, shocked.

Sam smirked. “No, Ivers, I was kidding,” he laughed.

Ben cracked a smile too. “Why don’t you two come into the kitchen? I think Maggie made some ice tea.”

“Sure, Dad, we’ll be right there.”

Ben nodded, walking through the living room and into the kitchen, leaving the two alone.

“Sam, maybe we shouldn’t tell them,” Ivy looked towards the kitchen. “What if they don’t like me?”

“How could they not?” he asked, kissing her gently. “They’ll love you like I do.”

“Sam…”

“Come on, baby. There’s nothing to worry about.”

She nodded, sliding her arm around him. “I love you, Sam.”

“I love you too, Ivy,” he led her into the kitchen. His mother was chopping up carrots and adding it to a salad she was making, still humming as his father hunted down some clean glasses. Ivy laughed when he rolled his eyes behind his wife’s back, mumbling something about her constantly moving things. “Hey Mom.”

“Sammy,” she smiled, stopping to push a piece of her curly hair behind her ear. “I’m so glad you’re home in time for lunch.”

He chuckled. She was always trying to stuff food into people’s mouths. The good news: her cooking was the best in Harmony. The bad news: you gained ten pounds just looking at it.

“Who is this lovely girl?” Maggie smiled.

“This is Ivy…” he hesitated, waiting for Ivy to start breathing again. She was holding her breath and he was sure she would faint soon.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ivy,” Maggie wiped her hands on her apron.

“Same here, Mrs. Bennett.”

“Please, it’s Maggie.”

Ivy blushed. “Maggie.”

“How come we haven’t met this beauty before?” Maggie winked, returning to her carrots. “Have you two been hiding from us?”

‘In a way,’ Ivy forced a giggle, trying to be polite.

Sam began to rub her back gently. “Actually, Mom, if you and Dad would sit for a minute, there’s something Ivy and I would like to tell you.”

Maggie’s head nearly twisted around one hundred and eighty degrees at the seriousness in Sam’s voice. “Sammy, Ivy isn’t pregnant is she?” she asked, immediately worrying.

Sam coughed, trying his best to hide his smile. Ivy’s blush brightened as she buried her head in Sam’s chest. Oh yea, this was going well.

“No, Mom, not yet,” he chuckled.

“Yet?” Maggie sank into a wooden chair. “Oh Dear Lord,” she made the sign of the cross.

“Mom, calm down,” Sam left Ivy to kneel beside her chair. “This isn’t anything bad…”

“Actually, Mrs. Bennett, it’s very good.”

“Good?” she asked.

“Don’t keep us in suspense, kids,” Ben finally spoke up.

“Go on, Sam…” Ivy implored.

“Mom, Dad. Ivy and I were married last night by Father Lonigan.”

“Married?!” Maggie shrieked, looking over at Ivy. “Eloped? Without your family?”

Ivy looked at the floor, her hands playing nervously with the edge of her shirt as tears filled her eyes.

“What about college?” his father asked.

“I never wanted to go,” Sam stood, going over to his wife. “I love Ivy and this was the only way we could be together…”

Maggie was muttering the Hail Mary as quickly as her lips could move, but Ben laughed. He could see a lot of himself in Sam, especially the protective way he was holding this mysterious Ivy. It was love all right, no denying that.

“Congratulations,” Ben smiled, standing up and crossing to them. He hugged Ivy and shook Sam’s hand. “Welcome to the family, Ivy.”

Her blue eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Mr. Bennett.”

“Dad,” he insisted. “Now I don’t much approve of the way you were married, but I accept you as the woman my son loves. We’ll just have to make sure you two get a real wedding.”

Sam smiled. “We’d like to one day, Dad, but Ivy’s family ain’t real fond of me.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“Ivy is a Winthrop…”

“Ah! And now I know where I’ve seen you before,” he motioned to the living room. “You’re on the front page of my newspaper.”

Ivy blushed. “I was supposed to marry Julian Crane today.”

Ben laughed. “Now I love you even more,” he continued laughing. “Oh the Cranes must have loved this. A local stealing the princess! Too good!”

“Ben!” Maggie shrieked. “How can you be so jolly? He eloped!”

“Maggie, it’s a marriage in a church, it’s not Vegas dear!” Ben shook his head.

Maggie sighed. “I would have liked to have seen my son be married.”

“You will one day, Mom. Ivy and I had to do this or else we would have been torn apart by her family. I love her.”

“I know,” Maggie replied sadly. “I know.” She paused, looking at Ivy. “We’ll have to teach to you cook. I’m sure you don’t know how.”

“Not at all, but I’d be honored to learn from you,” she smiled.

Maggie grinned, loving cooking best of all the things she did around the house. “Welcome to our family, Ivy.”

“Oh! Thank you!” she cried, rushing over to hug Maggie. “Thank you so much!”

Maggie hugged her back. “Where will you two stay?”

“We don’t know yet,” Sam replied, picking a carrot from the salad. “We didn’t exactly work out all the kinks.”

“You can stay here until you get a job and your own place,” Ben insisted. “We have the little apartment over the garage. With some paint it could be a fine little home.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Sam smiled.

“Well, come now, Ivy,” Maggie stood. “Let’s set the table so we can eat. Then you’ll have to tell us all about how you met so we can embarrass Sammy.”

Ivy giggled. “All right,” she kissed him as Maggie led her to the hall to get an apron.

“She’s a fine woman, Sam. Beautiful too.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Sam popped an olive into his mouth. “I sure do love her.”

“I can see that. But be careful, Sam, the Winthrops and the Cranes have a lot of power in this town.”

“I know, Dad, but they can’t take away the best thing I have and that’s Ivy’s love. We’ll be fine…”

“I hope so,” Ben stood. “Come on, let’s go check out the sports pages,” he led his son out of the kitchen.

Fate peeked her head into the room. “Ok, coast is clear,” she sighed. “Where were the fallen ones?”

Hope chuckled. “Well, when they were done making pyromaniac Hank torch the Barbie dolls, I dropped them a little hint that someone was messing with their Harleys…”

“And?” Fate asked.

“Well, they’re probably looking for this,” she held up pieces of their engines. “I love motorcycles.”

“Oh man! That’s great!” Fate busted up laughing.

Love smirked. “Where are the others?”

“Wishful Thinking was tired from attacking a few people, so I had Faith take her home for a nap. She deserved it after today.”

“You’ll have to tell us what she did on the way home,” Love signed. “Are we done here?”

“Yea,” Fate looked around. “Come on, let’s leave these guys to themselves.”

The others nodded and left the house together. “Hey Fate, I thought you said Rebecca was going to meet Julian.”

Fate checked her watch. “They should just be meeting in the hall…and Katherine should be packing Sheridan’s things.”

“Packing? Why?”

Fate saddened. “Death comes for her tonight. She has to get Sheridan to Pilar’s until the will is read.”

“Oh,” Love’s eyes teared. “Poor thing.”

The others agreed.

Hope cleared her throat. “So…what was this about Wishful Thinking beating up people?”

“Well…” Fate began.

Hank watched the angels leave from the window and shrugged. Just what he needed! The only five year old in town that hallucinated in the middle of the day without being sick! O well! At least Sam was in trouble! He laughed. Oh yes, being the baby was best!

Chapter Six

Fate stood in the light drizzle of the late night, the dark, silent Crane mansion looming before her. She didn’t want to be here for this, didn’t want to see Katherine give away the daughter she loved so dearly. It was paining her to see the mother in such a distraught state as she packed her daughter’s tiny things into a bag, selecting her favorite toys and books for a second bag. The work was done quickly, quietly and sadly and Katherine’s blue eyes continued to grow a brighter red as she sobbed, her daughter fast asleep.

What made the entire situation ten times worse was the fact that she, Fate, had been the cause of Katherine’s pain. Since Ivy hadn’t become Julian’s wife, Alistair had been enraged, attacking the woman and taking the remaining strength she had. The illness she had been fighting was taking over her body and by morning she would be nothing more than a memory for three and a half year old Sheridan. Katherine’s will claimed the truth about little Sheridan and where she was to go now that her mother wouldn’t be around...

Sighing, Fate closed her eyes as the cold droplets hit her face. “Lord this isn’t easy,” she whispered, wrapping her robe more tightly around her cold body. The silent darkness surrounding her made her shudder. Wishful Thinking was standing beside her, dancing beneath an umbrella one of the other angels had given her. The tapping of the droplets on the material seemed to echo as Fate waited for Katherine to leave the house.

“Fate, when will I see little Sheridan again?” the excited mini-angel asked. “Will it be soon?”

“Very soon,” Fate said feebly. “Sheridan is going to come outside with her Mom, so she might be asleep.”

“Is something bad happening to her Mommy?” Wishful Thinking asked, eyes filling with tears. “Is she going to come and live with us?”

Fate swallowed hard. “I’m afraid so kiddo.”

Wishful Thinking sniffled, trying to be brave. “My poor, poor friend,” she wiped at a tear on her cheek, trying to put up a brave front for when she saw her friend.

The front door opened, the dim lights of the hall flooding the outdoor porch. Katherine Crane, wrapped tightly in a cotton trench coat, held her daughter Sheridan tightly in her arms, her shadow draping across the porch before she stepped beneath the overhang onto the top step. Sheridan’s blond hair peeked out from beneath a beautiful purple quilt, which Katherine had made while on bed rest. In her tiny arm was clutched a beautiful doll and teddy bear, both of which were pressed tightly against her mother’s chest.

An old black car pulled up, the engine sputtering and the tires squeaking as the it was put into park. The man inside looked around nervously before stepping out of the car and rushing around to the passenger side. “Mrs. Crane,” he quickly mounted the steps.

“Mr. Fitzgerald,” she nodded. “Thank you for doing this. It means so much to me.”

“It’s Martin,” he replied, smiling as best he could. “And I would do anything to help out the little angel. Are you coming along?” he asked, taking Sheridan from her arms.

“Yes, yes I would like to see her settled in,” Katherine replied, shutting the whitewashed oak door behind her as silently as possible.

Lightening flashed overhead before a clasp of thunder rolled through as the summer storm worsened. In the window upstairs stood the darkened shadow of Julian Crane, who watched from behind the curtain in the hall as his mother slid into the front seat of the rusty old car before taking his little sister from the man he had only met once before. The door shut and Martin shoved two suitcases into the back seat before climbing back into the driver’s side and leaving the grounds without turning on the headlights.

Fate shook the water from her hair as she and Wishful Thinking settled beside Sheridan’s bags. The little angel grew very excited, bouncing on the creaky, faux leather seats that were cracking from use and age.

“Ohhhh, I’ve never been in one of these before!” Wishful Thinking grew excited, clapping merrily as they bounced along the roadway. “Do you think we can get one too?”

Fate laughed. “No, we don’t use cars. We walk...and fly.”

“Ohh but the bad angels have cars!” Wishful Thinking whined, remembering the cool motorcycles she had seen pull up earlier that day. “It’s not fair!”

“Welcome to life,” Fate mumbled, looking over the front seat at Sheridan’s face. The child was blissfully unaware that she was no longer in her safe, warm bed but now in her mother’s arms on the road to Pilar’s. The poor babe had no clue that when the sun rose in the morning, Katherine would be taking her last breath as breakfast was served to the Lopez-Fitzgerald household. Sheridan would never truly know her mother’s love.

“Martin, when they...when...I would like Sheridan to stay away from Alistair at all costs. When I...please, don’t bring her,” she fumbled, trying to explain her feelings to a man she barely knew.

Martin understood, looking over at the slightly aged woman next to him. Her hair was no longer blond like the newlywed he remembered seeing before and her eyes had dulled over years with Alistair Crane. He had stolen her life from her, killed the youthful innocence that Katherine had been known for once. He barely recognized the woman his friends had ranted about, but her knew one thing had never changed. Katherine Crane had a heart of gold and she would do anything for the child she was holding now…

Even give up her own life…

Katherine placed a kiss on Sheridan’s forehead. “She is my angel, Martin, the only thing I have left in this world. I beg of you and Pilar to love her like your own...at least until she is placed with her real family.”

“You never did explain...”

“You will understand in time, Martin,” she caressed Sheridan’s pale cheek. “When God gave me this child, he reminded me that life was short and we should live each and every moment to the fullest. Sheridan is my whole world and I’d be lost without her...I’m only thankful I won’t be able to see her while she’s lost without me.”

Fate brushed away a tear in the back seat as Wishful Thinking stood to see over the seat-back. The little angel’s nose barely reached over the high seat in front of her, tiny fingers clutching the material. She sighed, turning to face the adult she was with.

“Faaate,” she whined. “Sheridan’s asleep!”

“Shh,” Fate hushed her, giving her that ‘no questions right now’ look. The child immediately backed down, though the pout was a dead give away that this was far from over.

“We’re here,” Martin pulled up to his house, looking at the small home he shared with his wife and sons. “It’s not much, but there’s only four of us right now. Sheridan will be all right for a few days.”

Katherine nodded. “I’ll never forget this kindness...I’d say as long as I live but we all know that’s not long,” her eyes saddened at her miserable attempt at a joke.

“Mrs. Crane...”

“Please, it’s Katherine.”

He nodded. “Wait here,” he stepped out of the car and into the rain, huddling under his jacket as he ran to the front door of the house. Katherine watched him from the car, her arms tightening around her daughter. “I love you so much, Sheridan,” she whispered, looking at the man that was saving her daughter. “That’s why I’m doing this.”

Not long after Martin opened the front door, Pilar appeared with two small boys, both of whom were interested in meeting the Princess that would be living with them. The smaller one was dressed in a worn blue superman pajama set while the older was wearing a simple red and blue flannel set. Martin kissed Pilar’s cheek, squeezing her hand before he turned back to the car.

Martin returned to the Katherine, removing Sheridan from her arms and leading the woman inside. Pilar immediately took the child from his arms while he went for the bags and Katherine followed Pilar into the recesses of the small home. Fate and Wishful Thinking followed in the rear.

“She looks pretty,” Antonio smiled, trying to see more than the blond tuft of hair in his mother’s arms. At nearly seven-years-old, the small boy was easily excited and very interested in the young girl coming to stay with them. While most boys his age thought girls to be disgusting, Antonio found them quite interesting.

“She’s a girl,” five and a half Luis was just the opposite. He hated girls and the small blond in the purple blanket was definitely a girl. Not to mention she was younger and richer than he was and that just left a bitter taste in the small boy’s mouth. He might have been young, but even he knew the Cranes were rich and his mother worked for people like them.

“And girls, like Mama, are pretty,” Antonio insisted as they made way to what was Luis’ bedroom. Luis arms were crossed as his bare little feet padded across the flooring. He didn’t want to share his room with her too! Today was just getting worse and worse. First he had to dress up like a dork to go to a wedding, which never happened, and now he had to live with a girl! Would wonders never cease!

“It is cute,” Katherine remarked as Pilar tucked Sheridan beneath the quilt on Luis’ bed. It was decided that he would be happier in his sleeping bag on a cot they had borrowed from the Bennetts.

“Would you like some time to say goodbye, Mrs. Crane?” Pilar asked, brushing some of Sheridan’s shoulder length hair off her forehead.

“Yes...please,” she replied, sitting on the bed.

Pilar nodded, shooing Antonio out of the room, smacking his small behind gently when he wouldn’t leave. She turned to Luis. “Come on, Luis,” she said, rather insistently as she reached for his hand.

But Luis wouldn’t budge.

“He shall be fine, Pilar,” Katherine smiled, looking at the determination that shown in Luis’ face. Something told her that he and Sheridan would be good friends one day, perhaps even more. “He can show me the way back out,” she added.

Pilar nodded again and shut the door, shooting Luis a look before leaving the trio alone. The door clicked shut and Katherine sighed, looking at her still sleeping daughter before looking at the little boy with the chocolate brown eyes. His tiny arms were still crossed, his lips tightly pressed together and eyebrows in a frown. Katherine couldn’t help the smile that formed, or the tiny giggled that escaped her lips at the thought of Sheridan, her stubborn little girl, being with Luis, this terribly obstinate little boy.

“My name is Katherine, what is yours?” she asked Luis.

“Luis,” he replied, looking at the little girl in the bed. “Why is she here?”

Katherine brushed her frail fingers against Sheridan’s chubby cheek. “Beside I am sick, Luis, and Sheridan needs a place she can stay. Her Father does not love her like yours does.”

Fate pushed Wishful Thinking forward. “Go on, tell him what to say,” she instructed, knowing the child could change his mind.

“But Fate! He’s a boy,” she huffed. “They never wanna listen. They’re annoying.”

Fate laughed. “Tell him, Wish, otherwise he’ll do something bad…like saying something stupid. You don’t want him to hurt Sheridan, do you?”

Wishful Thinking rolled her eyes, removing a rubber band from her robe and twisting it around. It shot off her finger and hit Fate in the foot. After that she knew she had to do as told. “Fine, fine,” she whispered in Luis’ ear and felt him relax a little. The angry eyes cooled and he even smiled a little.

“What did you tell him?” Fate asked, looking at the child.

“That since Sheridan’s Mommy is going to heaven, he’ll need to be a big brother to her ‘cause he’s older than she is.”

“She can stay here,” Luis climbed up onto her bed, sitting beside Katherine and Sheridan. He touched Sheridan’s little hand but quickly pulled away to make sure Katherine wouldn’t be angry. When she smiled, he continued, “She needs a big brother right now,” he smiled back and took hold of Sheridan’s little hand. “Besides, Antonio is right, she’s kinda pretty.”

Katherine’s smile was bright as ruffled his hair. “I am sure you are going to be a good friend to my little girl,” Katherine’s sad blue eyes filled with tears. She bent and placed a kiss on Sheridan’s forehead, putting a letter she had written on the nightstand. “Will you stay with her, Luis? I must go home now. It is getting very late.”

“I’ll stay with her,” he promised, hugging Katherine. “Tell the angels I’ll be a big brother to her,” he said. “And call us from heaven.”

Katherine choked on a sob as she nodded, hugging the little boy. “Bless you,” she murmured, standing and leaving the room before she broke down.

Luis looked over at Sheridan. “Ok, so you’re very pretty. But if you tell anyone I said that I’ll slug you.”

Sheridan mumbled something and her eyes fluttered open. She slowly looked around, her little blue eyes trying to take everything in. The walls were covered in sports, the bed with superman and she was positive the only thing she knew besides her blanket was Kathy, her doll. She came to the not so sudden realization that she wasn’t in her bedroom and that frightened her, causing her to dart up and hold her doll close to her chest. “Where am I?” she sobbed.

Luis patted her hand. “You’re at my house. Your Mommy said you’d be sleeping over for a while.”

“Where is my Mommy?” she sniffled, looking at him with teary blue eyes.

Luis had to look away, the pain in her eyes breaking his heart. He didn’t want to see her so sad. “She went home.”

“Noooo,” Sheridan wailed, sobbing into her dolls hair. “I want my Mommy!” she cried.

“You’ve got me,” he tried to placate her, still not meeting the dull, teary eyes. “I’m not a Mommy…but I tell stories,” he smiled.

Sheridan looked at him, her sobs slowing, but not ceasing. “You…you do?”

He nodded. “My name’s Luis…”

“I’m Sheridan,” she tried to smile. “Luis, will you stay with me? I don’t wanna be alone here.”

He nodded. “Sure!” They crawled into bed and he held her hand. “I’m five…how old are you?”

“I’m three and a half,” she smiled slightly. “Luis…is my Mommy going to go to heaven tonight?” she asked, looking at her new friend.

“I think so,” he replied. “She’s sick; the angel told me so.”

Sheridan sighed, sobbing again. “I don’t want to lose my Mommy.”

“She promised to call us some day from Heaven!” Luis reached over and shut off the light so they could get some rest. “Besides, the nice angel ladies promised to take good care of her.”

“You met them too?” she yawned, moving closer to him. “Did the little one show you her rubber bands?”

“Yea, I met them, but I didn’t see no rubber bands,” he put an arm around her.

“Night, Luis,” she closed her eyes.

He looked at the beauty in his arms and kissed her cheek. “Night, Princess.”

Katherine looked at the pair from the doorway, having witnessed the exchange. She knew; deep down inside she knew these two would be together forever. She saw the dark shadows in the corner and knew her time was drawing to a close. “Goodbye Sheridan, I love you.” She turned and followed Martin back to the car.

“Wish, I need you to stay here and sleep with them, ok?” she looked her little partner in the eyes. “Sheridan was rather asleep when she met Luis, she’s not going to remember much in the morning. She’ll need you.”

“All right,” Wish climbed onto the cot. “Fate?”

“Yea, Wish?”

“Make sure the new angel gets to see Sheridan from the cloud,” she looked over at her friend. “Oh and make sure someone feeds my turtle.”

Fate rolled her eyes. “Just stay out of trouble or else your turtle will be dinner!”

“Yea right,” the little angel closed her eyes.