In the Arms of the Angels

Niles donned his overcoat and scarf and went outside and tried out his new Christmas present.

He aimed it directly up at the nighttime sky.

The snow clouds from earlier had disappeared, leaving behind a sky filled and painted with stars.

He looked through the eyepiece of his telescope and smiled.

All the stars seemed more brilliant and radiant that night.

It reminded him of the story his Mother had told him and Frasier when they were young boys when their grandfather died. Whenever the stars were more brilliant and radiant, it indicated that heaven had a new resident and that the deceased person had made their way safely home and was now in the arms of the angels.

He set the telescope down and wrapped his arms around his now trembling shoulders.

As tears slid down his cheeks again, he looked up and offered his farewell.

"Sleep in heavenly peace Mother."

It is a brisk, clear night, and the sky is full of stars.

I aim Niles' telescope up at those stars.

As I scan the nighttime sky, the stars suddenly become much more radiant and brilliant.

My tears were now clouding over the lens of the telescope, so I set it down and get Noelle.

When we return, a few random snowflakes start to drift downward. Noelle, bundled up in me arms, snags one of the snowflakes with her tongue.

She closes her eyes and giggles.

Moments later a tiny smile, just like her daddy's, forms across her face.

It was at that moment what I had thought only minutes earlier while looking up at the stars was reaffirmed.

I look up to the still radiant and brilliant stars again, and through my own tears, I bid him my farewell.

"Sleep in heavenly peace, My Love."

I can't help but smile for Niles, My Love, was home…

And in the arms of the angels.

The End

A/N: To all my loyal readers/reviewers (Renee, Remus, Nancy…you know who you are, even if I may not) I thank you for your encouragement, comments, feedback, reviews etc. It was because of you and your support of not only me but for the belief you had in this story and its potential that provided me the courage to continue when I had my reservations. Thank you everyone for your patience through longer then anticipated delays and for sticking with the story and me. I dedicate this chapter to every one of you with a special extra thanks to Renee. (-: DHPFAN