Prior to reading this, read the prologue. It's found under the story Going Home. Please comment and review. Thanks so much 3

Episode One

Annie bit her lower lip as she managed to slip baby Eve's arms into the onesie. She was not getting any bigger, as if that were possible in Heaven, but Eve was getting stronger… somehow. Annie knew this but some part of her wanted to see her little girl grow up. Wasn't this a normal desire? Annie thought so and shrugged it off.

Annie bounced the baby up and giggled when the baby smiled and made the gurgling sound babies make when they are trying to catch their breath and laugh at the same time. "Aren't you a big lady?" Annie planted a smacking kiss on the baby's plump cheek. "Who's Annie's princess? Who's Annie's-" Annie cried out and almost dropped Eve, when a warm hand landed on her shoulder.

Annie turned around and met Mitchell's smug grin. "So you fancy yourself smart?"

Mitchell pouted his lower lip feign offense. He had his arms crossed over his chest, but immediately reached them out towards Annie as she grabbed Eve's blanket and stuffed bunny, named Lolly. "Dearie… wait love. I was just havin' a bit o' fun. Yeah?" His dark green eyes softened as they caught the early afternoon sunlight of September seeping through the windowed curtains. Annie noticed this, and it did take her breath away as they always had every time, but this time she was upset. He knew how much she hated to be surprised, especially with the baby in her arms. But, no, Mitchell had to do it. He once said he liked the way she squealed. She tried to stop it for a while, but he encouraged her with surprises like presenting flower bouquets when she showered.

It was Eve's nap time and Annie was determined to read to her a story about a fuzzy caterpillar and hum her to sleep. So, she made her way past Mitchell, ignoring his pleading and hoping he would not see the smile forming at the corners of her mouth.

"Com'on, love… don't be mad at me. I swear I didn't mean nothin' by it." Mitchell followed her out of the sitting room and up the stairs. "I love it when you get scared."

"You love it! That is the craziest thing I've heard," she quickly turned around, "and have I heard some crazy things."

"Yeah, but you like it… I know you do." Mitchell looked up at her, taking the moment to soak in her stern look, which was becoming more and more comical every passing second. He had no restraint and let go a chuckle.

"Uhhh…" Annie swung around and found Eve's room.

To only aggravate her more, he entered as well and sat on the floor by her feet once she tucked Eve in the crib.

"So, you're just going to follow me about?"

Mitchell nodded, "I am going to do that for all eternity." He didn't mean for it to come out all sappy, but at seeing her light up he was glad he said it. He, then, knew he meant every word. He loved her and if that was going to make her shine and giggle and jump up and down, he was going to do it forever… Luckily, he had the opportunity and moreover the certainty of Forever.

Annie had nothing to say. So, she just smiled; until it was at the tip of her tongue. "That's a long time. Won't I nag you?"

"No, love…" Mitchell got up and pecked her lips. "You are not just going to nag me, but give me a headache, make me run after you like a fool, make me pout and stomp my feet-"

Annie couldn't take it anymore and threw her arms around his neck to draw him close. She kissed him deeply, inhaling him and wanting him. Oh, how much she loved him. Too much for words. But the emotions sufficed, filling her heart with such tender warmth it spread to her toes, making her sigh in sweet satisfaction. She choked upon the simplest three words, "I love you."

At this, Mitchell pulled away to look into her eyes like he treasured doing. Therein, he could see how much she meant it, how much happiness it brought to her. He felt the same way and thought of all those years he had been searching for such love on Earth. He was sure he had it at one time during the 1970's, but as he looked back now, nothing could compare to what he and Annie shared. It was the perfect completion of two souls. He had found his best friend. He had found his other half- that part that was missing, every time making him feel incomplete, misunderstood. "I love you, too." He kissed her lips, gentle and slowly this time, savoring its warmth and softness. It was so good to be alive. Well, they were dead, but alive in Heaven… their second chance.

It had been a year since Annie came home, with Eve in her arms. Since then, Annie and Mitchell had resumed a growing relationship, of which Annie was hoping he would propose anytime soon. She shared her hopes of a fall wedding with Nina, who was just as excited and expecting. Annie wanted it to be simple, since her planning her earthly one did not end so well, let's say the morbid in-a-coffin type. She did not want to jinx it; so, settled with a ceremony at home, with George, Nina, and Eve as witnesses and the local parishioner as the overseer. The thought of wearing white made her blush, and she secretly stored the evening dress she purchased at a local boutique by the theater. All that was needed was a proposal. She had hinted it several times; of every one he did not get. But she was determined to be married before the year was out, still clearly understanding the countless years to come. Nonetheless, being married to Mitchell was something special to her, something sacred. She thought of it as moving onward, turning another page in their book. She was ready… but in the back of her mind the question burned if he was.

Their eye gazing was broken when George appeared at the doorway. He had that comically quizzical look upon his face, only it was more comical at seeing the love birds raptured in the world they created and escaped to quite often. He shook his head, like an old man wondering at the foolishness of youthful people. Only he did not look old, but rather silly with his glasses pushed forward at the tip of his nose and his brow knotted. "How's the princess?" He inquired, walking into the nursery and peering over the side of the crib at his sleeping daughter.

"Just fine," Annie let go of Mitchell's hands after giving them a squeeze and got up. With a finger, she caressed the child's cheek. Eve stirred but remained asleep.

George turned to Annie and discreetly tilted his head towards Mitchell. "It's lovely out. Why won't you two take a walk?" George raised his eyebrows at Annie, and she knew then that Nina had told George everything. But Annie was hoping this might be her chance.

"Come, love, let's go by the pier." Annie tugged Mitchell's arm as she headed out the door. Mitchell did well not to complain or object.

The weather was indeed beautiful, clear and full of promise that fall had fully settled. The leaves were falling down in colors of brown, red, and gold. The sun casted a warm yet distant light across the sky. Annie had her gray cardigan on and Mitchell his leather jacket. They held hands and walked slowly down the boardwalk, the smell of seawater carried in by the gentle breeze. They walked in silence for a while, basking in the simplicity of the moment, savoring it, branding it into memory.

Annie broke the silence, "Remember the time you came after me?"

Mitchell silently nodded, without turning to her, his gaze focused on the horizon.

"We walked down this same boardwalk. That day was the best day of my life." Annie did not look up at Mitchell, but felt his eyes on her. He said nothing for he knew she was not finished. "I… I never thought you cared about me so much, especially since I can be a bother, always reminding you of things you know, always thinking I know better… No one has ever gone to hell and back for me… No one…"

This time Mitchell answered, "And I'll go back again."

Annie squeezed his hand, "You're my guardian angel."

"Yes, I am," Mitchell whispered.

And that was all Annie had to hear... for now.

They walked down the boardwalk for a while, taking in the common jogger, curious hound, and fisherman who always seemed to peer too far over the railing. But finally when they reached the waterfront, they were alone, just them two and the dipping sun shimmering over the calm waters. They breathed in the fresh air. It was so cool and comforting. Mitchell was about to tell Annie something, when another onlooker joined their company. Oddly, it sent a chill up his spine, but he shrugged it off. He turned to get a better look, but the person wore a raincoat and fine hat. Mitchell had the feeling so many times before… the feeling that it was better to run.

Quickly, he took Annie's hand and was about to make a run for it, when the stranger turned. "You thought you were rid of me?"

Mitchell stared back in horror and Annie realized it was Herrick.