It was a lazy afternoon in early fall. Leaves were changing, a slight breeze was blowing, and Andrew felt as though he didn't have a care in the world. But he knew that wasn't true, not in the least. He glanced ahead at his companion as she tried to pick one last bouquet before returning home.
Monica was one of his dearest friends. She always had a smile for him, never wanted him to feel discouraged or lonely. She told him the truth when he needed to hear it, but she always did so in love. There had been times when he'd wanted to throw in the towel, times when he'd felt overwhelmed from the duties that came with his job. But Monica somehow always knew just what to say to cheer him up, to encourage him to keep going.
If they'd been human, their relationship might be characterized as romantic. But angels didn't think in such terms, and Andrew was perfectly comfortable being friends with Monica. But as he strolled up behind her with some flowers of his own, he couldn't help mentioning the one thing he wanted her to know.
"Have I ever told you…how much I love you?"
Andrew offered the flowers that he'd picked, and as Monica accepted them, the smile on her face gave Andrew an incredible sense of pleasure. He lightly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, unable to keep from whistling as he walked home with the greatest gift God had given him.
His friend.