It was three days before the show and Ace, Cosmo, Angie and Dave were once again at the Ring Theatre going over all the tricks, but especially the new one. Ace wanted everything to go perfectly on that one, with no unexpected problems.

"It went perfectly the last three times we did it, bro," said Cosmo. "It'll go perfectly when we do it in the show."

"And it's so beautiful, Ace," Angie added. "Michael and Gina will love it."

"But, it still needs the right background music. I hope Mona comes up with something very soon."

"Mona has come up with something, Ace." All of them turned to see Mona walk into the control room. "And, I believe you'll agree that it's just what you were looking for."

"I'd like to hear it. Can you play it for me now?"

"I can do better than that." She took a CD out of her purse and handed it to Cosmo, who put it in the player. "Come with me, Ace," she said, picking up a mike and walking out on stage. Ace followed her, wondering what was going to happen.

As the opening of the music started, she took Ace by the hand and led him to the center of the stage. Then she began to sing to him, still holding his hand.

When we met, it was the start of something magic,

But I never thought that it would be so fine.

Our friendship grew to be

The most precious thing to me

And I felt that I was on Cloud Nine.

As Ace listened to the song, he felt tears come to his eyes. He realized that Mona had written the song herself, for how else could it touch his heart so. And it was perfect - the right song, not just for the trick, but for the two of them.

The music faded and he lifted her hand to kiss it. He said, "Mona, that's so - I have no words. You wrote it, didn't you?"

"Yes, Ace. The music came to me that night, after I promised to help you. The words didn't come until the night we had our date. It was so perfect," she said quietly, for his ears only, "I couldn't sleep. I walked outside and, while watching the ocean, the words came. I just knew it was right, in so many ways, Ace. I'm so glad you like it."

"Like it! Mona, I..." Words failed him, and he took her in his arms, holding her close, letting his actions tell her how he felt, not just about the song, but about her for creating it. She snuggled close, happy just to be right where she was.

It was the night of the show. Ace and Angie were in top form, performing each trick with panache. But, finally, it was time for the new trick, which Ace would perform alone - or so he had thought originally.

Mona had told him later the afternoon that she brought him the song, that she wanted to sing it live on stage the first time he performed it

"I'd love it, Mona. But, do you think your father will let you?"

"He won't have any choice in the matter. I'm going to perform this song live, and that's all there is to it. Call it my contribution to the overall performance."

"But you've contributed so much already."

"Now, Ace. It's a song, and only one time. You, Cosmo and Dave have contributed far more to the success of the trick. Please, let me do this. I'll stand over to one side of the stage. You don't even have to have a light on me. In fact, it's better if you don't, so it won't take away from the overall effect." Mona looked at Ace pleadingly.

He couldn't resist that look. "Okay, provided you don't get into any trouble with your father by doing it."

"Great! Then it's all settled." She kissed Ace on the cheek, smiling. "I've got to run. I'll be in touch later today." She left the control room, with a spring in her step.

"Ace, she sure has you wound around her little finger," Dave said with a grin.

Ace glared at him, then relaxed, laughing. "I can't think of a better place to be," he said. "Besides, it's perfect for the trick's first performance."

Angie smiled. "And for other things as well." She chuckled. "I'd give a lot to be a fly on the wall in Jack's office, when she tells him."

"Me too, sis. I'd love to see his face," added Cosmo.

All of them had a good laugh, thinking of Jack's reaction.