Well my lovely readers, this is it! The last chapter! I hope you all have loved this as much as I have, and will review and let me know how you've enjoyed everything. I want to thank everyone for sticking around for so long, and for being awesome enough to review, favorite and follow. It means so much to me, and I can't wait to hear from you all on more of my stuff. Thank you, all my love, and happy reading! xoxoxo
Three weeks later
Gabriella sat by the bed of a little girl in the clinic, trying to convince her to let her see her stomach. The girl had been injured during the siege, and had been in to have surgery, and was now back for follow up care. The little girl was now turning shy and embarrassed about her scar, and had tears in her eyes.
Gabriella took the little girl's hand and whispered softly, "Hey, Samantha, its ok. I have scars too, do you want to see?" Samantha's eyes widened and she nodded. Gabriella shifted on her stool and lifted her shirt, showing her the scars from the runes that Lucifer had carved into her.
Samantha gasped softly and squeezed her hand, "Did…did it hurt?" Gabriella nodded and smiled sadly, "Yea sweetie, it hurt a lot. But it's better now. And I just want to look at your tummy to make sure it's ok now too. Can I do that?" Samantha hesitated and then nodded, shifting on the bed. Gabriella gave her a warm smile and lifted up her shirt, inspecting the scar gently, and testing her stomach.
After a few minutes she smiled brightly and lowered the girl's shirt. "You did great Samantha! Everything looks wonderful. Should we go find your mom now?" Samantha nodded and smiled brightly at her, taking her hand and walking beside her happily, chattering away.
Gabriella waved goodbye to the girl and sighed. It was the end of another very long day at the clinic. After the siege of the city, they had spent days digging through rubble to find the injured and buried the dead. They had expelled the 8balls from the city, but they were still loose from Heaven.
Walking to the exit she waved to Ben on her way out, and once again was please to see that he was doing well. He had sustained a mild concussion while helping others escape the siege, but had survived. To her delight, he had met a woman and had told her that he was falling for her.
Gabriella walked slowly through the city and was saddened by the destruction she still saw everywhere. She knew that many people blamed Gabriel, but many more had started to accept his help in the defense of the city and the clean up. The council had been adamant that he be locked up and killed, until she and Michael spoke in his defense, explaining how the city wouldn't have been saved without him.
Gabriel agreed to stay out of the public eye as much as possible, and only had recently begun emerging to fight alongside her and the others to attempt to expel the 8balls and send them back to Heaven.
He had taken quarters in the tower with Michael, on a lower level, and they seemed to be repairing their relationship quite well.
As she rode the elevator up to Michael's quarters she tugged her hair out of its ponytail and scratched her fingers through her scalp and tugged on her long tresses, sighing in pleasure. When the doors opened she grinned, Michael stood at the doors waiting for her, a gentle smile on his face.
He had told her to come to his quarters after work, as he had a surprise. She had been staying in temporary housing because her house had been partially destroyed, and Michael had told her that his place was water damaged.
Michael grabbed her hand and smiled, "Close your eyes." Sighing she did as he asked and followed him, holding tightly to his hand. When they had gone only a short distance, they came to a halt and Michael whispered, "Open your eyes."
When she did, she stared in surprise. His entire bedroom and terrace had been redone…with her furniture added in. The color of the walls had changed too, to a light cerulean blue, just like the ocean. The large fresco on the ceiling had been removed and painted behind the bed and onto the ceiling was a flowering cherry tree.
The whole room was lighter, and freer. Turning to Michael she smiled, "You did this?" He nodded, "Come here" and tugged her into the walk in closet where all of her clothes and shoes now were. Turning around Gabriella took it all in, hardly aware that she was tearing up.
Michael grabbed her hand and pulled her close, "You like it? Is this ok?" Gabriella nodded and wiped away a tear, "Yea…this is amazing. I love it. I love you." She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent.
She pulled away slightly and leaned up to kiss him, softly at first but more passionately after a moment, running her fingers through his silky hair, groaning softly when his strong hands grasped her waist and tugged her hips hard against his.
After a moment Michael broke away, breathing ever so slightly heavily, and whispered, "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you." Gabriella smiled and leaned up, brushing a kiss across his lips, "I'm sure; doc says I'm all healed." Michael raised a brow, "Oh yea, which doc would that be?"
Gabriella smirked, "Ben. You aren't still jealous are you?" Michael thought about it for a moment and then leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Not when it's my name you're moaning." Laughing, Gabriella nodded and leaned in for another kiss.
Michael grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the bed, a mischievous smile on his face, "Come on, don't you want to try out the new bed?" Gabriella laughed, "Michael…we're supposed to meet with Alex and Claire in 30 minutes!"
He grabbed her by the waist and tossed her lightly on the bed, and stood staring at her with a hungry expression while he stripped off his shirt. Pulling her own shirt off and kicking her boots off, she waited, her heart pounding, for Michael to join her. She watched his eyes take in her scars and then come to rest on her face.
Saying nothing, he lay down beside her and began to trace his fingers lightly over each scar, then lowered his head and kissed each one delicately. Each brush of his lips made her tingle and shiver with delight, and want to weep with relief. He hadn't touched her like this since the siege, and she had been afraid he hadn't wanted her anymore.
Michael knew Gabriella thought he hadn't wanted her, but that wasn't the problem. He had been afraid to see the scars, see the damage wrought by Lucifer and Gabriel.
Now, as he placed kiss after kiss on the body he loved so dearly, he wondered how he ever could have been worried. He saw nothing but her, and the scars only served to enhance her strength and beauty.
Gabriella pulled Michael up and kissed him, their embrace growing more passionate, their hands roaming freely to touch and tease and draw moans from each other. Pulling away, Gabriella glanced over to the clock on the wall and grinned, "Baby, we really gotta hurry."
Michael smiled slowly, "Is that a challenge?" Gabriella smirked, "Take it as one if you want" and ran a hand down his bare chest, tucking her fingers into his waist band to draw his hips into hers, rolling her hips into his, smiling when he took a deep steadying breath and grasped her hip, pulling her tighter against him.
Moving quickly, Michael undid her bra and tossed it aside, brushing brief kisses across her breasts as he leaned away to pull her pants and underwear off. Gabriella watched with hungry eyes as he undid the button on his pants and slid them off, biting her lip to keep from groaning. She would never get tired of wanting him, of loving how they felt together.
Michael moved back to Gabriella and grasped her hips, pinning her to the bed as he bent down and kissed her inner thigh, nipping the skin ever so lightly, making her suck in her breath and squirm. When his mouth focused on her already damp center, her hips jerked up, seeking out release.
Michael licked her slit, dipping his tongue inside her, making her cry out in delight. When he began to repeat the gesture and began swirling her clit at the same time, Gabriella saw stars appear in her vision. Her heart raced and she gasped out Michael's name, her hips rolling against his skillful ministrations.
Michael pulled his mouth away and replaced it with two fingers thrust deep inside her, feeling her walls clamp down hard around him. His dick ached, wanting to be held fast inside her, thrusting towards release together, but he wanted to make this time good, to make her feel wonderful after what had been inflicted on her.
As he pushed her harder towards an orgasm, Gabriella moaned and writhed, calling out his name, begging, "Please Michael, I want you inside me." Her words were almost enough to make him stop and plunge in, but he held out, knowing she was close, and a few moments later, she shuddered hard around his fingers.
Giving her little time to rest, Michael grabbed her hips and rolled her over, lifting so that she was on her hands and knees, with him holding her hips for control. He spread her legs ever so slightly and groaned as he entered her, his dick throbbing at the feeling of being back inside her.
Gabriella let out a breathy gasp, the angle was so good. After just a moment Michael began to pump in and out of her, not taking his time, snapping his hips hard. With each thrust Gabriella gasped and thrust backwards, the friction building inside her again.
Soon they were both gasping with their thrusts and crying out nonsense, only trying to reach ecstasy together. Michael reached a hand down from Gabriella's waist and as he was thrusting, began to tease her clit again, drawing loud moans and curses from her.
Gabriella clutched the bed tightly, each wave of pleasure rolling over her like a tidal wave. She was so close again. She shifted and angled her head and torso down, and after a moment, Michael began to thrust even deeper, hitting the new angle, and hitting the sensitive gspot she had exposed.
Moaning loudly, Gabriella felt the explosions in her body growing to one large one. She looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Michael, "I-I'm coming" she gasped out. He nodded and never looking away from her gaze, thrust harder into her, swirled her clit more, and after a few more moments, sent her crying out and gasping his name over the edge.
Michael gritted his teeth and watched as Gabriella's eyes fluttered half shut in ecstasy, her mouth hanging open in a moan, her hips still moving against his. He thrust harder, and after a few more seconds followed her over the edge.
Collapsing on the bed together, they lay panting and content. After a few minutes Michael nudged her shoulder with his until she looked up. "Hmmm?" she muttered.
He pointed to the clock, they still had 10 minutes to spare. "Pretty good huh?" Gabriella smiled and shook her head, "Yea, yea. Now we need to get dressed and get over to Alex and Claire's….and I'm not sure I can walk."
Michael chuckled, his laugh vibrating through the bed and into her chest, "Well we can always fly." Turning her head to look at him, she raised a brow, "And expose me to the city after the Council explicitly told us not to? No thanks."
After a moment she sat up and began to get dressed quickly, shooting Michael a look, "Come on flyboy, we gotta go!" He grinned at her and got up, dressing just as quickly until they were both ready and heading downstairs in the elevator.
Making their way quickly across the city, they arrived at the Reisen lodgings and were escorted in to see Alex and Claire, who were sitting in a bright, sunshine filled veranda. Claire was sitting in Alex's arms, smiling up at him, speaking softly. Both turned and smiled at the angels when they sat on the chaise opposite the couple.
Gabriella leaned forward and asked, "What's up guys? Why did you ask us here?" Alex and Claire shared a brief look before Claire nodded and Alex turned back to Gabriella. "General Reisen has given us his permission to marry."
Alex smiled brilliantly, "I was hoping that you would stand up as Claire's maid of honor, and Michael, you would be my best man?" Gabriella nodded happily, "Of course Alex! I would be honored to be Claire's maid of honor. When are you getting married?"
Claire smiled and reached a hand out, smiling when Gabriella took it, "Thank you Gabriella. It means so much to me that you would be my maid of honor. Because of the baby, we are getting married in three weeks. Would you be able to help me plan?" Gabriella nodded eagerly, "Of course!"
Claire stood, still holding her hand, "Then come with me!" Gabriella laughed and was towed along willingly, waving at Alex and Michael over her shoulder.
Michael smiled and watched them leave before turning back to Alex. "You must be overjoyed Alex. How can I help you plan?" Alex laughed, "Man, according to Claire all I have to do is show up in the suite she picks out and not be late." Michael smiled softly, "Well, should you need anything from me; all you need is to ask."
Over the next three weeks Gabriella was kept busy between the clinic, hospital and helping Claire plan the wedding. Claire had thrown off the expectations of the Council and decided to have a wedding that was open to all citizens of Vega, and a feast that all could attend. Upon the announcement, the people of Vega had rejoiced, the mood of the city lightening greatly after weeks of mourning and rebuilding.
The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, the bride and groom both being tended by their friends. Claire stood waiting in her chamber with Gabriella, her fingers twisting nervously in her dress. Gabriella smiled softly and reached out to take her hand, "Shh, it's going to be wonderful."
Claire smiled back nervously, "Are you sure?" Gabriella nodded, "I can feel it. Nothing will go wrong today." Claire smiled brighter, reassured. She looked stunning in her mother's lace wedding gown, the pearl buttons going down the back exuding elegance of another time, and the three quarter length sleeves hugging her arms delicately.
Gabriella stepped back and picked up the delicate lace veil, fixing it tightly into Claire's beautifully upswept hair. Dropping the veil over her face Gabriella smiled and stepped back, squeezing her arm, "You look stunning Claire. Alex is going to be bowled over."
Claire grinned and pressed her hand to her mouth, holding back tears, "Oh, oh man. Ok. Let's do this." Gabriella nodded and walked to the door, opening it slightly to find General Reisen outside. She tapped him on the shoulder, "She's ready!"
Stepping outside, she allowed him in the room for some time along with Claire in the moments before they would proceed outside into the large square where the ceremony would be held. Gabriella walked down the hall to where Michael was waiting, dressed in an iron grey suit with an emerald green tie. In her matching knee length dress, they made a stunning pair.
Michael turned at her footsteps and smiled, admiration and joy lighting his face. Gabriella slid into his open arms willing, kissing him softly before pulling back. "Get ready, it's our turn to walk out and then the bride will be out."
When Claire's door opened and she and her father emerged, Gabriella nodded to Michael, looping her arm through his. They made their way out of the building and down into the square where thousands of people were gathered to watch.
When they approached the front row, Gabriella saw Consul Thorn with a bitter expression on her face, her gaze locked on Michael. Gabriella knew that the two had been involved before she and Michael had become involved, but apparently the woman still harbored resentment.
Gabriella smiled at Michael as he brushed a kiss on her cheek, hearing the waves of whispers his action caused as they parted to stand on separate sides of the aisle. Gabriella watched as Claire came down the aisle with her father, and looked over at Alex, smiling when she saw him grinning like a kid.
The ceremony proceeded quickly, with both Alex and Claire crying during their vows, embracing passionately and smiling joyously at the cheering crowd.
Later, at the feast, while Gabriella was dancing with Alex, she looked over and saw Michael unhappily agreeing to a dance with Rebecca Thorn. Alex whispered in her ear, "You don't need to worry about that you know; he loves you." Gabriella smiled, "Oh I know. He knows I'll kick his ass if he ever tried anything."
Knowing that with his angelic hearing that Michael could hear her, she smirked over Alex's shoulder at Michael. Turning her attention back to Alex she spoke softly in his ear, "I wanted to tell you later, but since we'll be leaving tomorrow at first light, now's the only time. Michael, Gabriel and I are leaving tomorrow to go after the 8balls and send them back to Heaven. With Raphael and the others, we can work together to send the back. It won't be easy, but it'll work."
Alex pulled away slightly and stared incredulously at her, "Are you kidding? It doesn't work without me, right? How will you guys make this work?" Gabriella smiled, "Now that I have my powers in full after being linked to the gateway, I can open it, keep it open, and force the 8balls out of bodies. It's something Michael and I have been practicing."
Alex shook his head, "I think it still sounds dangerous. I should come with you." Gabriella shook her head softly but firmly, "No Alex, you need to stay here with your wife and child. Your destiny is here now. Trust me." Alex stared at her for a long moment and then nodded.
The party lasted long into the night, and eventually both pairs of friends left the revelers behind. Gabriella and Michael bid Claire and Alex an emotional farewell, not knowing when they would see them again.
The next morning dawned grey and cold, with Gabriel, Michael and Gabriella leaving Vega behind quietly. Raphael and the others had plans to meet them in a day. Once again, they were leaving all they knew behind for a journey with no end.
Ten years later
Looking out on the ruins of the city before her, Gabriella turned at the sound of wings, and smiled to see Gabriel. Years ago, she would have been incredulous to think that she would be friends with Gabriel, but after fighting many battles against the 8balls and higher angels who had joined their ranks to form a resistance, she now considered him to be not just a friend, but family.
"What are you thinking about so intently love?" he quipped softly. "Hmm, not much, just what it's going to be like when we don't have to fight. When we can go home, and see our Father and family again." Gabriel looked at her in surprise, "You really want to go back? I know how much you love humanity, and especially Claire and Alex."
Gabriella nodded, "I can't leave them behind forever, but I want to see Heaven again for more than a glimpse. I want to see my parents…" she trailed off with a sigh. She had felt over the years the souls trapped in purgatory being stewarded into Heaven, and she suspected it was because their Father was returning home.
Their fight was almost over; the last stronghold of resistance fighters was here in the remains of Paris. Once they sent the last of the 8balls back to Heaven, she and Michael were flying back to Vega to see Alex and Claire and their niece, Charlie.
It had been two years since she had seen Charlie, and she missed the little girl desperately. She was a whip smart, bold, and hilarious child that had a very special place in Gabriella and Michael's hearts.
That night
Gabriella waited at the top of the Eiffel Tower as Gabriel and Michael herded the 8balls towards her, the dogs desperately fighting against the archangels' control. She waited until they were in sight and then opened the gateway to Heaven once more.
When the 8balls were at the base of the Eiffel Tower she reached down with her power and reformed reality, stripping away their ability to stay in their human bodies. Forcing them out, she pushed them into Heaven, one after the other. When the last of the 8balls had been forced back into Heaven, she flew down to the base of the tower and began checking on the human vessels.
At least three of them were close to death, and it took all of Gabriella's powers to bring them back from the brink. Gabriella helped a woman near her age stand and walked with her down the street to where Gabriel was waiting.
The young woman looked at Gabriel curiously and then shook her head, "I can't believe you started all of this. I almost died because of you." Gabriel cocked an eyebrow at her, "And yet, here I am saving your life. Maybe because I changed?"
The woman stared at him, "Maybe. That doesn't mean that I trust you, or that what you did is absolved." As she walked away Gabriella saw the look of pain on Gabriel's face and reached out to squeeze his arm, "Forgiveness takes time. And not everyone has it in their hearts to do."
Gabriel nodded, "I know, it's just…I ruined thousands of lives, and was responsible for the deaths of millions. How do you wash yourself of that?" Gabriella smiled sadly at him, "I know sweety. But you're taking the steps to make it better. And the world is going to be better for it."
He nodded and watched as the young woman walked away, a thoughtful look in his eye. "I'll catch up with you, ok?" he asked softly. Gabriella smiled and nodded, watching as he flew the short distance to catch up to the young woman. The woman barely reacted to his landing beside her, only continuing to walk without looking at the angel now at her side.
Gabriella smiled; maybe the woman would prove to be another good step forward in Gabriel's healing process.
She turned to find Michael by her side and smiled up at him when he wrapped an arm around her waist. Sighing she asked softly, "Do you think we can go home now?" He smiled as he pressed a kiss to her hair, "You mean Vega, or Heaven?" Gabriella laughed softly, "Vega. We need to see Charlie and Alex and Claire. Then we can go home to Heaven for awhile."
Michael nodded, "The Cradle is expanding and humanity is coming back. It's time for the angelic hosts to return to Heaven." Gabriella stared up at him, "You really think so? I think that they'll need us more than ever now. They have growing and changing to do, and they need to see that help from Heaven can be a good thing."
Michael sighed, "I don't know love. They need help, but they may not want it. Also, if Father has returned, he may not want us to be on Earth anymore. We may not be allowed to stay." Gabriella sighed and nodded, "Well, let's get going then. I want to see our family."
Michael nodded and as one, they spread their wings and flew off into the night.
Two days later Gabriella and Michael were in Vega, relaxing and playing with Charlie. Gabriella would chase her through the gardens of Vega and just when Charlie had gotten away, Gabriella would spring into the air and fly after her, picking her up and through the air, laughing at the little girl's shrieks of joy.
"Gabriella! Come on! Dinner's ready!" Alex called. Gabriella swooped down to the terrace and set Charlie down gently, smiling broadly when the little girl hugged her tightly, "Thanks Aunt Gabby!" "Anytime sweetie" Gabriella whispered, hugging her back.
Gabriella sat down at the table and smiled when Charlie sat next to her. "Hey Aunt Gabby? How long are you staying for this time?" Gabriella shared a look with Michael and then smiled at Charlie, "You know sweetie, I think we're going to be here for a few weeks. But we have to go back to Heaven soon; we have to see our family there."
Charlie sighed, "Well, I think you should stay forever. Why does Heaven need you if all the angels are back?" Gabriella looked over at Michael and smiled, sort of sounded like what she had said-"Well sweetie, we want to stay, but we have to go back. Things are in disarray in Heaven right now. Kind of like how when you were little and the Cradle was expanding and things were unhappy for awhile?"
Charlie nodded, "Yea, I get that. I-I'm just going to miss you guys." She stared at her plate, her expression terribly sad. Gabriella's heart ached, she didn't want to make her sweet niece unhappy, but they had to return to Heaven sometime.
As they dug into their dinner, chatting and catching up on how things were going in Vega and the surrounding cities, Gabriella noted how much older Alex and Claire looked. She and Michael looked the same as they had ten years earlier, and it made her laugh to see all of them together.
After dinner as they sat around the now empty table, Charlie snuggled up in Gabriella's lap with her feet in Michael's. Gabriella gently stroked her hair and smiled at Alex and Claire, "So how are things going? Is the new Council working well with you and the other Councils in the other cities? The Cradle seems peaceful and prosperous."
Alex and Claire nodded, smiling. Claire spoke softly, "Things are going well, though Helena proved troublesome. We had to have multiple sit downs with Uriel to convince her to allow our representatives into the city, and to allow any citizens of Helena who wanted to leave, to do so of their own volition."
Claire sighed, "It's been tough, we've been working on getting communications re-established with South America, Canada, and parts of Europe. With those populations growing and establishing more cities, we've been able to start setting up trade routes again. Manufacturing and agriculture is growing, and more children are born every day in Vega."
Alex smiled fondly at Claire, "Speaking of which, we wanted you guys to be the first to know, we just found out that we're having another baby." Gabriella let out a gasp of surprise and Michael raised a brow, "Really? After all this time?"
Alex nodded, "We wanted to wait in between kids, and then we realized that with all the time that running the city was taking, and devoting our energy to Charlie, we just didn't have the spare resources for another. Things have evened out enough in the past year for us to sit down with Charlie and ask her if she would be ok with a little brother or sister."
Claire laughed, "She actually asked us why we had waited so long. Apparently she's been waiting for a sibling for a long time." Gabriella laughed softly, "Oh you guys, I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to be an aunt again!" Michael nodded, "If the next one is anything like Charlie, you guys are going to have a handful with the two of them."
Alex and Claire laughed, and Claire nudged Alex's shoulder, "Well this one is already wrapped around her finger, so let's hope it's a boy so the spoiling gets evened out a bit."
As the night deepened, Michael picked Charlie up and carried her to her room, her small form so light in his arms. As he laid her down in her bed and tucked the blankets around her, her small hand caught his and clung fast, even in her sleep. Not wanting to disturb her, he lay down beside her and curled her into him softly, remembering when she had been a tiny baby, and he had held her.
He and Gabriella loved her more than anything, and knowing that they wouldn't have children of their own only deepened their love for her. After a short time his exhaustion caught up to him and he fell asleep, still cradling the niece who was like a daughter to him.
When Gabriella came in later to check on him, she smothered a laugh and roused him lightly, smiling when he looked around groggily and then looked at her sheepishly. They bade goodnight to Alex and Claire and flew back to the tower to head to their own beds, exhaustion dragging them down into sleep quickly.
Over the next two weeks they spent all their spare time with Alex, Claire and Charlie, visiting and enjoying their time together. They made frequent visits to Helena to visit with Uriel and to ensure that the bonds of friendship and trust between humanities growing cities were well fed.
Finally, the time came for them to leave and return to Heaven. After bidding goodbye to Claire and Alex, Gabriella and Michael shared a teary goodbye with Charlie, all of them unable to pull away from their embraces easily.
Turning from their teary faces, Gabriella and Michael took to wing and flew into the gateway that Gabriella opened. When they had emerged in Heaven, the gateway closed behind them. Gabriella looked around and smiled, so many of the angels that had left Heaven were here. Many had been lost in battle, and for that loss, they all grieved.
Now, as they moved through the ephemeral gauziness of Heaven Gabriella could tell that their Father had returned; she could feel his power in Heaven once more. Motioning to Michael she took off in search of Him, flying swiftly through the great halls and simple houses until she came to the wooded grove that she had been in before in her vision states.
Landing softly she walked quickly through the forest until she was by the creek, Michael at her side. Their Father emerged from the forest and greeted them with a warm smile, followed by an even warmer hug. He gestured for them to sit on the rock outcropping and joined them, "My wonderful children, you did so well. I am so sorry for the losses you have suffered. But I am most pleased that you have found each other and grown in your love and trust of each other. I am more pleased and proud that you have guided humanity to a gentler, nobler path than they have ever been on before."
He looked at Michael, "I am especially proud of you my son for finding it in your heart to forgive your brother Gabriel. He is on a journey of his own now to finding self forgiveness. Without your love and trust, that would not be possible."
Michael bowed his head, "It is only because of Gabriella and you, Father, that I was able to find it in my heart to move forward. Without the loving heart you made in me and Gabriella to remind me of it, things may have been very different."
Their Father nodded, "You are bonded forever, and your hearts beat as one, there is no problem that you cannot overcome together. It is possible that your brother may someday find such a bond to heal his heart."
Gabriella smiled, she had wondered about the young woman from Paris…Reaching her hand out tentatively, she touched His hand softly, drawing his warm gaze. "Yes, my dear?" "Father…are…are my parents here yet?"
He smiled at her brightly, "Of course my dear. I believe it is long past time for you to see them." Standing he waved a hand, "Follow me."
Gabriella and Michael stood and followed, grasping hands tightly as they walked. Moments later they were in a meadow, light by a clear light, and in the center, stood two figures. Michael felt Gabriella's hand grasp his tighter, and heard her sharp intake of breath.
"Enjoy your time with your family, my dear beloved children" their Father spoke softly, leaving quickly. Gabriella took a half step forward and hesitated, looking to Michael, "Come with me?" she whispered. "Of course" he whispered back.
As they walked towards the other couple, Michael saw the similarities between her and her mother, and even some of her father's strong features were shared as well. Stopping just a foot away Gabriella had tears in her eyes when she reached a hand out to her parents, "Mom? Dad?" With a sob, her mother wrapped her in a warm embrace, quickly followed by her father's arms.
Michael stood, watching their love overflow and felt his own eyes prick with unshed tears. Pulling away from her parents, Gabriella wiped away a tear and smiled at Michael, "Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Michael." Michael stood straighter as her father stepped forward to appraise him, his gaze level with his own, and his build the strong and firm one of a military man forced to battle every day for life.
Finally, after what seemed like the longest moment, her father stuck his hand out, "Michael, I'm Andrew Tucker. I'm happy to meet the man who could keep up with my little girl." Michael shook his hand and nodded, "She keeps me on my toes sir, but I gather that has a lot to do with how you and your wife raised her."
Gabriella's mother stepped forward and opened her arms, embracing him in a tight hug. "It is wonderful to meet you Michael. I am so pleased to call you my son." Michael looked down at her in shock, and then smiled, "I am happy to call you my mother."
They sat amongst the flowers, speaking for hours, telling their stories of the past ten years, reveling in the laughter and joy. Michael found himself laughing at Andrew Tucker and Malia Hasan's jokes, their easy humor and teasing quality. He could see where Gabriella got her sense of humor and her beauty, inner and exterior.
After many hours, their Father appeared at the edge of the meadow again, and approached. "My children, I have a favor to ask of you. I would have you go back to Earth and guide humanity in their rebuilding. If you can also keep an eye on your brother that would be well."
Michael and Gabriella stood, nodding. Michael spoke, "Of course Father, we would be pleased to do so." Gabriella turned to her parents, "I'm sorry, we have to go, and so soon after we have been brought back together." Her mother shook her head, "No, no dear, go! We're proud of you. And we'll see you when you can come back. You just be safe."
Gabriella hugged her mother tightly, inhaling her sweet scent, tears filling her eyes, her heart aching. "Oh mom, I've missed you." "I've missed you too sweetie" her mom whispered, hugging her tighter.
After a long moment Gabriella pulled away and turned to her father, hugging him as well, "Oh daddy, I can't believe I have to go so soon." Her dad pulled away and smiled at her, a reflection of her own smile, and pointed to her heart, "Baby, we'll always be with you, right in here."
Blinking through the tears, Gabriella nodded and hugged her father one last time, and then her mother. Reaching out blindly for Michael's hand she grasped it tightly as they walked away and back towards the gateway. As they stood at the gateway, Gabriella wiped her cheeks dry and smiled up at Michael, "Well, you finally met my parents, that wasn't too bad huh?"
Shaking his head, Michael smiled and stroked her cheek, "Not at all. Had I met your father when he was younger, I think he would have been a tough match." Gabriella stared up at him and then burst out laughing, "You realize if my father had been younger, I would have been just a teenager…and that would have been weird?...Right?"
Michael sighed, "I just….I just meant that your dad isn't a man that I would want to mess with, especially about his daughter." Gabriella doubled over with laughter, "Oh man sweetie. Oh man…that was so funny." Leaning up she brushed a kiss to his cheek, "I love you my dearest flyboy. Now let us return to humanity, it appears that they need us, and your brother needs an eye on him."
Michael smiled down at her, "Wherever you go my love, I will follow." Gabriella grinned and spread her wings, diving down into the gateway, "Then come my love! It's time for another adventure!" she called with a laugh.
Michael grinned and shook his head but followed swiftly. Theirs would be a life of adventure and joy, tragedy and death, life and birth. For in their journey they would guide humanity into a new era, one of prosperity and growth. And after, they would have all of eternity with each other.