In case anyone wasn't sure this is a continuation of Emotional Ties. It takes place several years afterward, and thus I started this new story. I will try to update when I can. How I want to do this, so I don't confuse anyone is I am going to start off when the children are 5, then skip again when they are 7, and one more time till they are 10. So to all my readers who have stuck with me and given me a read thank you, and please continue to do so. Enough talking and on with the story.

Kanan

The hospital was pretty busy today. Many people came in needing immediate surgical attention, more than usual. Although people were in panic almost everywhere, Gabriel did not let this bother him. He was the best doctor in the whole building and never failed to impress his superiors. He has been offered higher positions before, but it would have required him to move, and there was no way he was leaving Rome. It was quite lovely here, and he was doing fine here. He walked into the lobby of the hospital after he had received a call telling him to report there. The lobby was rather dull. The walls were painted gray and all the seats were simple black leather chairs. The people in the lobby were too busy reading their cheap magazines to pay attention to the people in the room. It is almost funny to think you never notice who may be in the same room with you, or in the case of The Tattler, what is in the room. To Isabella, he was the man who gave her this life. She stood in the lobby with Hannah in her arms and Michael holding her hand. Cindy was with her, too. Michael and Hannah had grown up so fast, it seemed like just yesterday they were celebrating their first birthday. They were five years old now. Gabriel smiled and approached them. Hannah wiggled her way out of her mother's arms and Isabella set her down. She smiled and ran through the lobby to approach her father. Her brown curly hair flying behind her.

"Daddy."

Gabriel smiled and picked her up when she reached him. Isabella smiled, how funny he is the only man I know that could be so gentle, and so dangerous at the same time.

Gabriel never made a move to harm anyone unless he was absolutely rude, or dangerous. He had to treat a man that went to court not too long ago. The man was about tall, thin, and had short black hair. His eyes were really dark brown. He was shot in the stomach by the police when he was trying to escape. This man was known for raping women and children, and killing off the husband, if indeed there was one. He was due to go to court next Tuesday, and he would no doubt be found guilty. He was tied up throughout the whole surgery and when Gabriel came back in to check on him. He insulted him and told him and his family. To Gabriel, that was all he needed to finish the man with a small knife. He disposed of the body easily. He gained the trust by almost everyone in Rome, and so he could move around without much curiosity from viewers. The man known as Henry Benard was announced dead the next day. He was found out on the streets with the word, Lust, inscribed on his chest. His body had deep cuts all over, and he had been stabbed in the balls. An appropriate end to this thing. Many people celebrated the man was dead, and some agreed the man didn't deserve to live but his death was too brutal. They didn't really investigate since the man was wanted dead by almost everyone. Some people understood the Lust inscription as Dante, and others just remarked that it was just Henry's sin. Either way, several weeks later, he was all but forgotten. Life went on and with many lives saved. However, you want to look at Gabriel's actions, as violent as they were, saved many lives.

Gabriel kissed his daughter, and Isabella had a passing memory of her running into her father's arms from his long day of work. She had asked him if he caught any bad guys today. Michael hugged his father and Isabella and Gabriel kissed.

"Long day today, huh?"

"There have been quite a few people today I will have to work late again."

"Aaaww, come on." Cindy interrupted, "aren't you supposed to be taking her on a date tonight?"

"I still have every intention of doing so I was wondering if we could move it to the evening though. I figured it would be best anyway for what I have planned. A little romantic evening."

Isabella smiled, "It is a date then."

"So does that mean I get to baby sit again tonight?" Cindy asked.

"If you don't mind." Isabella said.

"Nope. I don't mind at all. It gives me an excuse not to go to work actually."

Gabriel would take Isabella out every several times a month, and Cindy was happy to watch the kids. They were no trouble at all to her, and she didn't have to yell to make them behave. They were all ready very respectful and polite at such a young age. Sure they were still naïve, but that just comes with age.

"How much longer do you think you will be?"

"Another two hours, maybe." Gabriel looked at his watch. The time was 5:05.

"Ok, I will take the kids out to get ice cream and we will be home after while."

Gabriel kissed his children goodbye, and Cindy took them out. Isabella kissed Gabriel one last time before she left. He sighed, why does work have to keep me so busy today? It will definitely be worth it tonight though. He walked off back to work.

Isabella took the kids to the car, and they drove off to the ice cream shop. Isabella was happy with her life. Gabriel never had to work too much, but on occasion he did have some busy days. She did not mind it, because those days didn't happen, but twice a year. She stayed at home with the kids most of the time, but when she does work she actually works as a secretary for her husband. Cindy works at a bar, and she often times comes home with a date. She lives about two blocks from Isabella and Gabriel. She likes to stay close to them in case of an emergency. Isabella parked the car in front of the little shop. She walked in and they all got ice cream. They sat down for a moment to rest. They left after a while and Clarice checked the clock 6:25.

"Well it looks like its time for you to take me home, so you can get ready. Big night tonight." Cindy said smiling.

"Big night? Do you know something I don't?"

"Maybe. So come on lets go. I have a movie for the kids and I to watch tonight."

Isabella smiled. She dropped Cindy off and kissed her kids goodbye. Michael and Hannah were very understanding of why, even at such a young age. They understood their father and mother needed some time together, and they actually looked forward to date night, because they adored Cindy. She always had something to do with them. Isabella was driving back to the house and parked her car in the garage. She was really excited about tonight, and she spent quite a while dressing for tonight's events. She put on a simple but elegant black dress. She put in some emerald earrings and only a little make up. She looked at the clock and the time was 7:05. She was sitting in her room in a chair looking out the window. The bed was directly behind the chair and Gabriel's desk was in the corner next to the chair. The even had a tiny book shelf they kept beside the bed. She waited calmly and quietly watching some clouds come in and the sun disappear over the sky. It was so quiet and peaceful, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Did you use the back entrance?"

"I thought I would surprise you a little, Clarice."

She turned and saw he was all ready dressed in a suit. He looked nice and handsome as always.

"Referring back to our first names. I see tonight will turn out to be promising, Hannibal."

They never really used their real first names only on occasion when they were alone. He took her hand in his and escorted her out the building and into his car. They drove the distance until they reached the opera. Clarice was a little confused at this part. She thought they were only going to dinner, but apparently he had other things in mind. And indeed he did. It was her favorite and the first opera he ever took her to. She enjoyed watching this one, and she couldn't believe he was able to get her in. This opera house was one of the most expensive she had ever seen. She did as she had done the first time they saw it, and she held his thumb in her hand. They smiled at each other for a while. Totally unaware of the world around them. Then he escorted her to dinner. They talked for a while about him and his likings then her and her thoughts on the opera. They laughed that night and drank fine wine and ate their dinner.

"Do you think Cindy would be angry if we asked her to watch the kids for tonight?"

"Are you sure Gabriel? I would hate to have to ask her."

"Would you like it if we were alone for tonight?"

"Of course."

"Good because I dropped off the kids clothes before I came to get you. She agreed and the kids seemed delighted."

"Have you been planning this with her?" Isabella smiled and leaned towards him.

"Maybe, I will never tell." Gabriel leaned in as well until their lips met in a passionate kiss. They always did spend time with the kids and they loved every minute of it, but they were glad to have this night to themselves.

A man sat way across the room at another table watching them. He went unnoticed by most, but that is probably because he blends in so well. After all, it is his job. He ate his food while watching the couple delight in their evening. Keep on enjoying your time. Enjoy your perfect life.

Please review and tell me what you think. All comments and criticisms are appreciated.