Bethany looked out over the lake Metatron had promised her. He was right, it was probably the most beautiful place she had ever been. The setting sun cast the sky into bright shades of pink, orange and purple, the colors reflected in the water. Trees surrounded the lake, shading the paved path that ran along its perimeter.

"Wow. You weren't kidding, this is beautiful." She breathed.

"It's one of my favorite spots, a great place to be alone and think." He said from beside her. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.

"We shall." Bethany said, hooking her arm into his.

The pair started down the path in silence, which was fine, but the time they had together was limited, so Bethany decided-as usual-to get him to talk.

"I've never been out of the country before,"

"I know. Just thought I'd give you a little treat before the baby comes." He said.

"You know when she'll be born?"

"Of course," he said.

"Care to share?" she asked, hoping he'd let her in.

"I can't."

"That's not fair, you already know more about her than I do." Bethany grumbled.

"That's not true."

"Yes it is. You knew I was pregnant before I did, you knew that she'd be a girl before I even thought to ask and now you even know when she'll be born." Bethany listed.

"Those are minor details, all of them unimportant. I only know about her, I won't get the chance to actually know her."

"What do you mean?"

"I won't be the one to teach her how to walk or talk. I won't be there for her first day of school or even when she learns how to ride a bike." Metatron said, matter-of-factly.

"What about all of that not wanting to be a deadbeat dad stuff you told me the last time we spoke? You're never going to see her?"

"I wouldn't go that far. I'm going to be around, protecting you always; but I cannot be seen." Metatron explained.

"What am I going to tell her when she asks?" Bethany asked him. She had just assumed that he'd take on his human form around her and drop by to visit- if he wasn't going to be around at all, what could she tell her daughter?

"Tell her the truth."

"What? 'Your father was an angel'? She'll think I'm crazy." Bethany rolled her eyes.

Metatron stopped walking and stood in front of her. "I meant an easier version of the truth. Just tell her that I'll come to her when she needs me the most."

Bethany's brow furrowed, "What do you mea-agh!"

Bethany looked down at her shoes, which were now covered in slippery membrane. She gaped up at Metatron, her eyes wide and frantic. "I-my water just broke!"

Metatron smiled, and didn't look the least bit surprised or worried. "And not a moment too soon, either. That baby has impeccable timing. Now, let's get you home."

Metatron snapped his fingers and Bethany found herself right outside of her hospital. She quickly went inside and up to the front desk. "My water has just broken, I need to see Dr. Reyes." She said quickly.

The nurse behind the desk sprang into action. "Dr. Reyes to the front, stat." Se called over the intercom. Another nurse had Bethany sit in a wheelchair and took her to a room. "You're doing fine, and Dr. Reyes will be with you shortly." She said before leaving.

Bethany stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking about what would happen once the baby was born. She was afraid. Before, the baby was just the round bump of her stomach that kicked in the night.

Giving birth would make it real.