"Well, it was very kind of you to bring us here by limousine." Mom said as she and Dad sat upon the sofa in the study.

"Yes, very kind of you, Sire." Dad said, inclining his head.

When the butler opened the door, Mom's eyes found me, and she surged forth, hugging me tightly. When she let go of me, Dad hugged me next. I missed them dearly and the joyous tears proved that. But I knew that seeing them now would ease any fear or pain I may have endured if I hadn't seen them today!

Now Mark stood behind the chair I sat in with his hands clasped behind him. He realized that Jay looked like her mother and Angie looked like her father. Interesting.

"You're welcome, Mr. St. John." Mark said deeply from behind me.

"Please call me Jakobe." Dad said with a smile.

Mom shook her head and sighed.

"And you might as well call me Juli."

I smiled, knowing they were slowly accepting him.

"And as you see, this is my future husband and the man that saved my life: Mark Calaway." I said and smiled up at him.

He smiled warmly down at me then looked up at Jakobe and Juli. They looked happy for their daughter and so maybe his speculation in his room was just plain superstition.

"I cannot believe both of our daughters have found kings. Now that is more than coincidence here." Juli said and glanced at Jakobe.

He nodded.

"Yes. When your soul claims a mate, that's it. The same was for us." He said and laid his hand upon his wife's hand.

She smiled softly and nodded.

"Yes, I remember."

I cocked my head slightly as Mark sat upon the arm of the chair I sat in. He folded his hands together in his lap and listened intently.

"You never told Jay and I how you met. How did you two meet?" I asked curiously.

They looked at one another before Mom spoke.

"Well there was a war going on when I was about twenty three and with being a Healer, most if not all Angels were recruited to heal the wounded soldiers. Your father was badly injured on that day. His leg was nearly blown off, that's why he walks with a small limp to this day."

My eyes widened.

"Now I understand that." I said with a nod.

Dad nodded as well.

"Exactly,"

"So when the aids brought him in, I immediately tended to him. He was unconscious due to the massive shock his body endured as well as the blood loss. I did what I could then let him rest. About two days later, he awoke and as soon as he saw me, recognition flitted over his face and in his eyes."

Mom looked at Dad and smiled softly.

"I knew that look, and being intrigued, something told me in my heart that we were meant for one another. I know the Ancients did right with this man. After a few weeks later, we became inseparable as he slowly healed. Six months later, Jay came along then four centuries later, you were born. We have been together for quite a while."

"Wow, now that's true love." Mark said with a smile.

I nodded.

"Yes it is. We love each other dearly and that'll never change."

"What about your parents, Mark?" Mom asked curiously.

He frowned, and I clasped his hand in mine, reassuring him.

"Juli, his father was killed in the Battle of Rage." Jakobe said quietly.

Her eyes grew wide as she looked at Mark.

"I am sorry, Mark. I did not know." She said sincerely with furrowed eyebrows.

"It's all right." Mark said softly.

"What about your mot-"

"Why don't we have some dinner?" I asked quickly, cutting Mom off.

She glanced at me, bewildered. Mark gave me a subtle grateful nod then stood. Jakobe stood as well, and both began walking toward the large dining hall, leaving Mom and I alone.

"Why did you do that, Angelica?" Mom asked after a moment of silence.

"Because that subject is a sore one for Mark."

"Why?" She persisted.

I frowned and shook my head.

"I believe I have the right to know about the man who is destined to marry my youngest daughter."

I sighed.

"She gave him up as a baby because of the being he is. She was racist, bigoted against her own son."

Her eyes grew wide.

"Oh, I am sorry. I understand now."

I nodded then stood.

"Come, dinner's ready…"

Space

We all ate Harley's specialty stew and talked and laughed. When Mom and I arrived to the hall, Mark glanced at me and I nodded. He frowned slightly but it had to be done either Mom would have harassed him about it later on.

Mark and I spoke of how we met, and my parents smiled at us. Mark smiled, feeling victorious because he was accepted finally by those either close to him or soon to be close to him. Life was good.

"So when is the wedding?" Mom asked with an excited smile as we ate Harley's hot apple pie.

I smiled and looked at Mark. He smiled as well and grasped my hand in his.

"Whenever my lady suggests." He said deeply, looking at me.

My eyes widened.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"Really, really, love."

I looked to my parents, who smiled softly back at me. I thought for a moment.

"It could be a Christmas wedding. Oh, that would be so beautiful!" Mom exclaimed.

I thought about it and Christmas would be in a couple months. I looked to Mark, who nodded with a grin.

"Then it's settled! December twenty fifth!"

"Excellent, darlin'. The date is set then."

I squealed and hugged Mark. He and my parents laughed…

Space

"You're more than welcome to stay." Mark said as we all stood in the large foyer.

Mark's arm was around my shoulders as Dad's arm was around Mom's waist. They both declined.

"That's very kind of you but we're sorry. Thank you very much for a delicious dinner, by the way." Jakobe said with a smile.

"Anytime," Mark said, smiling as well.

"Rain check on that offer to stay here?" Juli asked.

Mark laughed, and I smiled.

"Of course!" Mark and I said simultaneously.

We smiled at each other as Mom held her arms out to me. Mark released me, and I hugged them closer.

"We are so proud of you, Angelica. We will always be rooting for you, no matter what you do or what paths you take in Life. Angelica, we are so very proud of you and your life. We love you dearly." Mom said softly and kissed my cheek.

I hugged them tighter as we smiled through the tears. Mark stood still, a small smile upon his face as he watched us.

"I love you too, Mom and Dad. And I'm exceedingly proud of you both as well."

Dad pulled away then Mom pulled away, gently wiping the tears away with her thumbs. She kissed my cheek then Dad kissed my other cheek.

"We will be in Aeroso on December twenty fifth. We love you…"