Amber glanced around at the building and tiny yard that had been her home for so many months and sighed. “Yeah,” she replied tiredly. “Let’s go give these mortals the closure they need. I’m ready to go home.”

Ruby frowned. “Amber? Are you all right?”

Amber huffed. “I’m still a little ticked off with the whole mess, if you must know. Thinking that they were dead… there better be some seriously good payoff for putting us through that.” She drew a shaky breath and Ruby just waited. “Sorry, Ruby. I think my exhaustion is getting the better of me.”

Ruby took her arm and they walked towards the road, knowing the taxi they had called would be arriving shortly. “Amber? Why did you ask Charisma and Brianna to offer a eulogy? Isn’t that your place to do so?”

Amber shrugged. “Perhaps. And if it was true... if Es was really dead, I would probably be the only one speaking at her service. But she did so much for these two – I’d like to hear what they have to say about her.”

“Then let’s go,” Ruby commented as the cab pulled up in front of them.

************

“I look around this room,” Charisma said with a soft smile, “and it says so much to me about the kind of person Esmeralda was. Much of society overlooked her... or looked down on her because of who she was and what she did. And yet I’d be willing to bet that every single person in this room considered her a friend. Because that was just who Es was – she was a friend to everyone,” meeting eyes and seeing every head nod its agreement with her assessment. She smiled again. “It didn’t matter to her if you were a Senator or a personal assistant or a colleague... rich or poor... young or old. All Esmeralda saw were friends.” Charisma looked down and cleared her throat. “I can’t speak for the rest of you, but I know having Es for a friend made an impact in my life. And unlike the musical, knowing her did change me for the better... and for good.”

Charisma let her eyes meet Brianna’s and she paused again to blink away the tears. When she was certain she could speak again, Charisma took a deep breath and let her gaze rove over the entire room. “I saw Esmeralda shortly after she died. And as much as it pained me to know I... we,” motioning around the room, “would never again know the wisdom of her counsel or the warmth of her understanding, I couldn’t be unhappy that she’d finally found peace.”

Charisma took another breath and looked up at the ceiling with a smile. “Thank you, Es. I know you’re happy in whatever reality you’re in now, and try not to be too hard on Saphira, okay? Remember everyone deserves a second chance... just like the one you helped make sure I got.”

She took her seat next to Brianna, and Brianna took her hand for a brief moment and whispered something that drew a smile from Charisma even as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Then Brianna stood and made her way to the podium.

“Most of you know who I am, although many of you don’t like me... or at least don’t know how to take me. Because when I came here, I didn’t come to make friends or influence people. I didn’t seek this job; I came here as a favor – to hold the seat until the next election. I figured I could do two years here... no sweat.” Brianna snorted. “And I got lost the minute I got into town,” reaping quiet chuckles from all over the room. Most of them had been in the same situation once upon a time.

“But you know something? I have blessed the day that I came to this pompous, overblown city and gotten lost. Because that little bump in my road caused me to find Esmeralda and Saphira and be reminded that there are real, caring people still left in the world.” Brianna bit her lip and looked around the room. “They reminded me of the Good Samaritan parable I heard in Sunday School as a child – taking care of a stranger for no other reason than it was the right thing to do. And the only thing they asked in return was my friendship.”

Brianna looked around the room again, letting her eyes linger on those people she recognized until she finally met Charisma’s and held there. “I will never be able to repay the kindness shown to me by them, but I would like to think that I’ll be better than I was because of what they gave to me.” She too leaned her head back to stare at the ceiling with a smile. “Es, I know you can hear me, and I know you’re with Saphira again. Be happy, my friends, and thank you. Thank you for making my world a better place to be in. God bless you both.”

Brianna kept her eyes riveted on the ceiling for several moments, before Adam’s voice rang out in the stillness. “Bye, Es.” Then as if on cue, Luke and Kay started harmonizing ‘Amazing Grace’, and it wasn’t long until the entire congregation was singing as well. When the first verse was done, people rose from their seats, slowly taking their leave as they continued to sing. Amber and Ruby stood at the door, accepting hugs from these strangers who had known Esmeralda enough to want to say goodbye.

By the fourth verse, only the Taghertys, Kay’s family and Brianna were left in the chapel and they finished the song as they exited the building, leaving only Brianna and Charisma to say goodbye to Amber and Ruby.

“Thank you,” Brianna said quietly. “For letting us say goodbye. The words were inadequate to the feelings, but I’d like to think that maybe somewhere out there, Es heard them and smiled.”

Amber nodded, tears shining in her eyes. She’d been glad to know that Esmeralda had been as highly thought of by so many as she had, but hearing them all sing together, as if they had been easing her spirit into the next life.... That had moved Amber in ways she hadn’t been touched in centuries.

“I’m willing to bet she did, Senator. I’m willing to bet she did.”

“Will you two be okay getting back...?” Charisma trailed off, not sure exactly where they were headed. Ruby took up the question and nodded with a sad smile.

“We’ll be fine, Senator Tagherty. I know you don’t think much of the Father, but he’s taking care of things now. We’ll be all right.”

“If you’re sure...?” Brianna queried.

“We are. Go on now. Go live your lives and be happy together. You know that’s what Es would have wanted.” Charisma and Brianna exchanged startled looks, then turned wide eyes on Ruby who nodded.

“Thank you, Ruby,” Brianna finally said. “Godspeed your journeys home.” And without another word, they walked down the steps hand in hand and entered the limousine that was waiting for the two of them. Amber and Ruby watched it out of sight before turning to the rest of the Angels who were waiting for them.

“Let’s go home, ladies.”

************

“Are you all right, Love?” Saphira asked as they turned away from the monitor. They had asked the Father to postpone His announcement until the team returned home to hear the news firsthand with the rest of Heaven. He had granted their request, starting their ‘Welcome Home’ banquet instead – that would keep those gathered happy and busy until such time as the rest were home once more.

In the midst of all the gaiety and celebration, Esmeralda had approached the Father, and at His nod, taken Saphira’s hand and led her to the viewing room. Saphira looked around, then back at Esmeralda in question, wondering what had brought them here in the middle of their own gala. “Es?” coming up behind her and wrapping her in strong arms. “What’s going on?” Esmeralda turned in Saphira’s embrace, laying her head on Saphira’s shoulder and smiling into her neck when Saphira tightened her hold. Saphira brushed a kiss over blonde hair and whispered, “Es?”

“I’m okay, Phira. I asked the Father if we could watch my funeral. I know it sounds kind of morbid, but I’m curious.” Saphira cocked an eyebrow, but didn’t release her grip, merely waiting for Esmeralda to continue. “Charisma and Brianna planned your service – they spoke about you, and it made my heart glad to hear what they had to say about you.”

“You think they’ll speak again?”

“If Amber doesn’t, yes.”

Saphira nodded. “All right then... turn it up,” gesturing to the screen that was currently showing the small chapel where Esmeralda’s ashes had been placed. Esmeralda put her back to Saphira’s front once again, and triggered the volume so they could hear. Saphira watched with interest the number of people that were already seated, even as more slowly trickled in behind. “That’s a lot of people.”

“It was the same for yours, Saphira.”

“Really?”

“Yes, now shh....” seeing Matilda approach Charisma and Brianna after she’d spoken to Amber and Ruby.

“I’ll still expect to see you two girls every Wednesday night for dinner,” Matilda scolded without preamble. “No excuses.”

Brianna and Charisma communicated with one another silently for a long moment, then covered each of Matilda’s hands with one of their own. “We wouldn’t dream of missing, Matilda. Es would probably come back and kick our collective butts if we let something that important slide. You don’t treat friends and family like that, you know. We may bring Adam from time to time if that’s okay,” Charisma stated, seeing a twinkle flash in Matilda’s sad eyes.

“Joe and I would like that.”

“Good. We’ll plan on it then.” Matilda moved away then and Esmeralda and Saphira continued to watch the proceedings with interest. Saphira held Esmeralda when Charisma and Brianna spoke, but they both cried when Adam said goodbye. When the assembly began singing, Esmeralda turned back to Saphira and simply held on.

“That was remarkable,” Saphira whispered in her ear as the sound from the screen tapered off into silence. “Do you think the Father would understand if we took a few minutes before the girls get back to collect ourselves?”

“I think He’d be surprised if we didn’t – omniscient, remember?”

Saphira chuckled and Esmeralda laughed, and with that, a weight was lifted from them and they sighed in relief, as a burden they hadn’t known they were carrying was suddenly gone from their shoulders.

“Good - c’mon. I’m sure He’ll send Rudy to fetch us back if we take too long.” She extended her hand to Esmeralda who accepted it with alacrity, then pulled Saphira towards the doorway. Then they were racing for their home, a lightness in their steps causing them to laugh in pure, unadulterated joy.

The Father smiled from the head of the table and continued to bask in the celebration going on around Him.

************

“Brianna? This is Scott Patterson. Look – I don’t really like you, and I certainly don’t owe you anything, but I do think you’re more than capable of carrying out your threat against me. I want you to know that none of this is my doing. So I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention Trevor Carlson in retaliation for the bevy of reporters that are waiting to speak to you and Tagherty. I didn’t call them.”

Brianna frowned when the message tone beeped at her, effectively ending the call. She hit ‘replay’ and listened to it twice more before dialing Charisma.

“Ri... I think we have a problem.”

************

“Senator Tagherty! Senator Tagherty!! Is it true that you divorced your husband so you could ‘go gay’ for Senator Walker?”

“Senator Walker! Did you come to Washington for the express purpose of breaking up Senator Tagherty’s marriage?”

“How long have you been having an affair?”

“What was your family’s reaction to you outing yourself as a lesbian?”

“Does this mean you won’t be running for President?”

“What does Adam think about having two mommies?”

“Okay!!! That’s enough!!” Brianna roared, causing an almost instantaneous hush to fall over the crowd blocking their way into the Senate Building. “You can ask whatever questions you like – we don’t have to answer anything, but freedom of the press and all that. But you bring a child into this and all bets are off, understood?? You leave him out of this.”

The reporters blinked – stunned by the outburst and the one who had spoken. They had been so sure Senator Tagherty would be the one to react. And by the time they had shaken off their surprise, Charisma and Brianna were inside the building.

They looked at one another in stunned silence for a moment, then burst into nervous giggles. “I’m not sure that helped our case any,” Charisma said through her laughter, “but that was fabulous. I don’t think I’ve seen anything that funny in a long time. It was nice to see them get back some of what they give all the time.”

“Yes, well... I probably shouldn’t have spoken out of turn like that, but I really do not like reporters. And when they went after Adam....” The ringing of their cell phones simultaneously cut off her words. When Brianna answered, it was Kay on the other end and Kent was on the other side of Charisma’s call. The next few minutes were spent chatting and laughing – Kay congratulating Brianna on her biting witticism that kept the press at bay; Kent ensuring both Brianna and Charisma were all right. When their calls were over, Brianna and Charisma exchanged glances and entered the lift, clasping their hands together as they headed upstairs.

“I guess we need to sit down and formulate some sort of press release. Because we both know this news has gone viral already.”

“I might have something,” Brianna offered. “I drafted it this morning so it’s a little rough. But I think it says what we want it to.” The elevator stopped and they released each other’s hands as the doors opened, maintaining a sense of propriety in the workplace despite their desire to cling to one another for support. They exited together, ignoring the stares and the whispers they were getting from their colleagues and the numerous staffers apparently scattered randomly down the hallway. Brianna tugged Charisma into her office, nodding to Indi as they passed directing into the inner sanctum. Indi nodded back and continued to answer the phone that never stopped ringing.

Brianna closed the door behind them, then led Charisma directly to the couch, seating her and plopping into the cushion beside her. She popped the locks on her briefcase, and withdrew a yellow legal pad. Charisma’s eyes widened in delight, recognizing the handwriting she had missed. Brianna chuckled at her expression.

“Charisma?”

“You still....” holding up the pad. “I missed this. I missed reading your raw stuff. I used to love it when you’d come in and pass me one of these. I never knew what I was going to get, but I always knew it would be good.” She frowned. “Is this how Fontana writes?”

Brianna laughed. “Depends on my mood, actually – and whatever’s available to me when inspiration hits. But yes... sometimes this is still the way Fontana writes.”

“Good,” Charisma muttered, and turned her attention to the page in front of her.

************

“And in a joint statement from the offices of Senator Charisma Tagherty and Senator Brianna Walker about the rumors flying around the capital about their illicit affair, the two had this to say....” The reporter glanced down at the screen set into her desk - though it was completely unnecessary with the teleprompter that was positioned next to the camera – before she faced the lens squarely. “While it is true that we are together in a very new romantic relationship, we have been in love for a very long time. Senator Walker recognized it in college – Senator Tagherty refused to. It is what caused us to be apart from one another for twenty years. Though we realize people want to hear the dirty laundry being aired, there is simply nothing inappropriate between us to share – no illicit affair; no secret liaisons; no hidden funny business – just two people finally acknowledging something that had been true for years. That being said, the divorce between Senator Tagherty and her husband Kent Rockwell was both mutual and amicable, and was in fact instigated at Mr. Rockwell’s behest.”

The reported glanced down, then back up at the camera. “Mr. Rockwell had this to say,” as a monitor started rolling footage of Kent Rockwell. “Charisma and I were friends long before we decided to marry – we were content as a married couple, but we were never happy like she is now. Brianna Walker makes her happy and as her friend, I want her to be happy.” He shrugged. “Who knows – maybe I’ll find that kind of happiness myself.”

The screen came back to the news anchor and she spoke again. “The Senators’ statement continues – At some time in the near future, we will have a press conference to allow questions. Until then, we won’t be answering any inquiries – please try to respect that and keep in mind that Adam Tagherty is completely off limits in all aspects. Those who have difficulty with either of those concepts will not be permitted to attend the press conference.”

The reported cleared her throat. “Several of the Senators colleagues were approached by various news agencies and were basically stonewalled. We’re not sure what caused this unprecedented closing of the ranks, but we’ll keep digging.”

************

“So what happened?” Charisma asked as she leaned forward to accept the drink from Laura. Brianna sipped on hers as she leaned back to watch the other two Senators. Laura walked from the bar and took a seat on the couch across from the one Brianna and Charisma were settled in. She studied them and shook her head even as she chuckled.

“I’m not sure – I didn’t send out any instructions.” She snorted. “I’m a little surprised to tell you the truth. You know how cutthroat some of the people in this business are. I’d have thought....”

“... that they’d take advantage of a perceived weakness?”

“Yes... exactly. Although,” Laura turned to Brianna, “you were exceptionally forceful this morning with the press, and not many can hold their own against those vultures without the benefit of security and a written speech. Guess that being a writer thing helps you think on your feet, huh?”

“Sometimes,” Brianna conceded. “Do you know who they talked to? The reporters, I mean.”

“I can find out. Why?”

Brianna shrugged. “Just curious. I wonder how many of them were at Es’ service.”

Laura rubbed her forehead. “Why would that matter?”

“Because we both spoke about the value of friendship – it was something Es was especially good at. And everyone who was at her funeral knew that.”

Laura sighed. “I wish I had known her. She sounds like she was a truly remarkable woman.”

“She was, Laura. She really was.”

Saphira extended her hand as Esmeralda did the same and they held hands as they moved in tandem to the doorway of their home. Saphira looked at Esmeralda with a question in her eyes and Esmeralda just nodded her head. Saphira opened the door....

... and was nearly punched in the face when Amber went to bang on the door again. Only Saphira’s quick reflexes kept her from harm – which only lasted until Amber could twist out of her grip and shove Saphira out of her path as she stomped in the door. Saphira’s expression contorted into something less than welcoming, and it was only Esmeralda’s hand on her arm that kept her from lashing out. Instead, she wrapped her body around Esmeralda’s from behind and simply waited. Esmeralda covered Saphira’s arms with her hands and spoke softly.

“Hello, Amber. Please come in and make yourself at home,” seeing Amber was still standing in the foyer, arms crossed over her chest glowering at both of them. “What can we do for you?” Esmeralda asked, stepping forward out of Saphira’s embrace and approaching Amber cautiously when the silence started to grow uncomfortable.

Amber snorted. “You’re kidding me, right?” backing away from Esmeralda before she could touch her. “Do you have any idea how furious I am at the moment??” She turned her gaze to Saphira. “I can forgive Es – she was dying because we thought you were DEAD, Saphira!!! How could you do that to her, huh? How could you do that to us??” moving in close enough to take a swing and wincing when it actually connected. She had fully expected Saphira to stop the blow... just as she had at the door. Instead, Saphira just let it make contact, warning Esmeralda back with her eyes and the tiniest shake of her head. Esmeralda sighed unhappily and crossed her arms as she watched the tableau play out in front of her. She knew it needed to happen, but it didn’t make her any happier to witness.

Saphira lifted a hand to her face, casually wiping blood from her nose and split lip. She stared at her hand, then glanced down at her robe, realizing she didn’t really have anywhere she could wipe it. Esmeralda sighed loudly and left the foyer, confident that Amber’s anger had been tempered by her action enough that nothing else crucial would happen in the few moments she would be gone. She was correct – when Esmeralda returned, neither Amber nor Saphira had moved from the spot she’d left them in.

Esmeralda slipped between them, taking care *not* to push Amber away as she tended to Saphira. She gently wiped the blood from Saphira’s face and hand with a wet cloth, wincing in reflex when Saphira flinched. She patted it dry, pleased to see her ministrations were successful in stemming the blood flow. Esmeralda lightly kissed first the nose then the lips, smiling when the injuries began to heal. Then she stepped back away from the confrontation, understanding they needed to finish what had been started long before Amber had come crashing into their home.

Saphira kept her arms at her sides, looking at Amber with sadness in her eyes. “Do you feel better, Amber?” she asked with concern, no trace of anger or sarcasm in her tone. Amber studied Saphira’s countenance for a minute, then dropped her gaze to the floor.

“I think your face broke my hand,” she muttered. Saphira sighed and looked at Esmeralda. As a clean-up Guardian, she was much better equipped to heal than an Angel of Vengeance such as Saphira was. Esmeralda shook her head and walked between them again, catching Amber’s wrist in her hands and tenderly lifting it enough to examine it.

“I think you’re right,” Esmeralda replied, gently manipulating the bones back into place. Amber clamped her jaw tight, grinding her teeth hard enough that Esmeralda could hear the squeak. “I’m sorry, Amber; I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“I know, Es. And it’s my own fault, so nothing for you to be sorry for. Can you kiss it and make it better like you did for Phira?” not seeing Saphira relax when she heard the familiarity roll from Amber’s lips. But Esmeralda felt it and smiled.

“I can kiss and make it start healing – it’s going to be a little uncomfortable for a bit, though. The bones still have to re-knit themselves whole again.”

“I know,” watching as Esmeralda ghosted her lips over her knuckles. “Thanks, Es.”

“Anytime, Amber,” Esmeralda offered, cupping Amber’s cheek with her free hand. “Are you ready to go sit down and talk about this rationally?”

“Not really,” she mumbled. “I’m still very angry.” She sighed and carefully removed her hand from Esmeralda grasp. “On the other hand, we need to get this settled before the Father sends someone after us to return to the banquet. He seems kind of anxious to make His announcement... whatever it is.”

Esmeralda gestured towards one side of the house, then reached back and took Saphira’s hand, and together they joined Amber in the living room. They seated themselves across from her and waited for Amber to speak. Finally, Amber looked right at Saphira, staring into her eyes as though to divine the truth without speaking. When Saphira held her gaze without flinching, Amber nodded and spoke.

“Why, Phira? Why did you let us think you were dead? Why... how...?” She ran her fingers through her hair and groaned. “What were you thinking??”

Saphira waited another moment, wanting to be sure Amber was done before she started to speak. When she was satisfied, she nodded slowly and clasped Esmeralda’s hand a little tighter. Then she cleared her throat and replied.

“I had very little choice once a course of action had been decided on,” Saphira said. She held up her free hand before Amber could interrupt. “Es was dying, Amber; being kicked out of our home was killing her – I know you could see it,” watching as Amber nodded her reluctant agreement. “I did what I needed to do to make her healthy again. I had no way of knowing I was going to die as a result... or that Es would follow because our bond was broken.” Saphira drew a shuddering breath. “That wasn’t actually something I was made aware of until after I was gone.”

“And after? Phira, I know she couldn’t find you in her dreams.”

“My situation and yours were very similar, Amber. Just as you could not contact her without the Father’s permission once you returned home, I was not allowed contact with anyone except Rudy and a couple other cherubs who occasionally stopped by the holding place where I was waiting. I was allowed to watch, but I couldn’t interfere.”

“To what purpose?”

Saphira shrugged. “We haven’t been told.”

“I still think it was a test of faith,” Esmeralda chimed in.

“Whose?” Amber asked plaintively. “Because if that’s the case, I think there was a lot more testing being done than just the two of you.”

“I don’t know,” Esmeralda responded honestly. “I don’t think we’ll ever know if He decides not to share.”

Amber sighed. “Did you really not know you were going to die?”

Saphira shook her head. “I had no idea. I sincerely apologized for the actions that got us banished, and acknowledged that I could have looked for other ways to handle the situation. The only thing I expected was to be offered forgiveness and a chance to come home. I knew Es would heal here.”

“You admitted you were wrong?!?”

“Sort of, I guess... but not exactly,” Saphira answered.

Amber chuckled. “It kills you to admit you made a mistake doesn’t it?” ignoring the glare Saphira was sending her way. She laughed, but held up her hands in surrender when she felt Saphira shifting in frustration. She knew what that meant, and they were so close to putting this whole debacle behind them – she didn’t want there to be more trouble. No amount of teasing was worth going through another mission like this one had been… EVER. “I’m glad it worked out, regardless of what you had to do to get it done. Next time, though – ask for a few more details and try to share them. I can speak for the whole team when I tell you none of us was thrilled to be left in the dark.”

“If it makes you feel better, Amber, I was in the dark too until I got here, and even then, I didn’t know everything. I still don’t.”

“Is your bond back?” Amber asked bluntly as she looked between the two of them, having little doubt of the answer, but wanting to hear it from them directly.

“From the moment I took my last breath on the Earthly plane,” Esmeralda replied, her expression one of such joy, Amber couldn’t doubt her words. “It’s the reason I was smiling, Amber.”

Amber snorted. “Yeah, you did seem suspiciously content. I, on the other hand....”

Esmeralda leaned forward and took Amber’s undamaged hand in hers. “I’m sorry Amber. I didn’t know....”

“I know. How could you?” She squeezed the hand covering hers lightly before releasing it. Then she slapped it on her leg and stood. “Now, what do you two say to us going back to that banquet? I’m pretty sure you’re expected, and everyone is waiting for you to return before the Father makes his announcement.” Her stomach growled, and she smiled sheepishly. “Besides, I’m starving. I haven’t eaten in a while.” She turned to Saphira. “We all right?”

Saphira gave her a cocky half-smile. “Aren’t we always?”

Amber smirked and headed towards the door. “I dunno about you, Phira, but I’m usually spectacular.”

“And modest,” Saphira mumbled, though it was loud enough for Amber to understand her. Amber snickered.

“I don’t need to be modest – I’m just that good.” They laughed together and the tension fell away, then they headed back to the banquet.

************

The cheer that went up when they re-entered the banquet hall was deafening, and it caused the Father to leave His throne again to greet them once more. “Welcome back, ladies!” He said with His arms outstretched, garnering another round of cheers. “I trust everything is settled now?” giving Amber a significant look.

“Yes, Father,” they replied together.

“Very good,” gracing them all with an indulgent smile. “Come then – it is time for you to feast. Then I will tell you all a little story.”

************

The Father had risen from His throne, but remained on the dais looking out at the vast company of Angels seated around as far as the eye could see. Saphira and Esmeralda had taken seats on the top step, but the rest had spread out on the golden floor, not wanting to impinge on whatever it was that the Father had in mind for Esmeralda and Saphira. The Father maintained His vigil for long moments, meeting the eyes of each and every individual in the room, grateful beyond measure for their unfailing loyalty in spite of everything. They watched the proceedings with interest, and as His eyes moved on to the next, the silence in the room grew to absolute stillness. Nevertheless, they were all thankful for the outstanding acoustics in the room when the Father began to speak in His normal, soft tone.

“My children,” He began. “I know there has been a lot of confusion and hurt and even anger in your midst in recent days. And though none of you spoke out to Me about it, I am aware of the resentment and frustration many of you have felt. I assure you it was necessary.

When you have been a society for as long as we have, you reach a place where stagnancy and complacency become the way of life, and that will destroy you. For us, it has the tendency to destroy those that we are supposed to care for – not just each other... but our mortal charges as well.

“What happened between Brianna and Charisma should never have occurred. Their watcher grew lazy, and by the time he saw fit to notify us, it was too late.” The Father took a deep breath. “I knew what was happening of course – that omniscient thing again – but given the rules we operate under, there was little I could do to change it... at least immediately.

When Saphira took matters into her own hands – when she broke the rules because she felt it was the right thing to do – she provided the opportunity that allowed us to send a team in to help Brianna and Charisma. However, since she was being punished for her rash actions, there had to be some consequence – she and Esmeralda were cut off from us and made human. I didn’t do it to be cruel – I wanted to know how they would cope, living as humanity does.”

He strode back and forth on the platform, aware that every eye in the room was following his movement. “I had a reason – actually, I had several reasons. Esmeralda believes it was a test of faith.” He nodded. “I suppose you could look at it like that. A few of the Angels that served on this mission think it was some sort of experiment.” He shrugged. “Perhaps, but not in the way any of you envisioned. I wanted to know how they would function with the unexpected – no real resources... able to count only on one another.” He looked down at Esmeralda and Saphira and smiled.

“You two passed my wildest expectations, because it wasn’t just the two of you for very long. You went out and made friends and found people who cared because you cared first. It was quite amazing to watch you create another family – one you hadn’t been born to but that loved you just the same. And when you helped Brianna Walker that first time, with no thought of yourselves... providing for a stranger from what little you had because it was the right thing to do – that’s when I sent the rest of the team in. I was confident you could pull off a victory with those two.”

“But why didn’t you give us the support we needed, Father? This all could have ended so much quicker with the same results if we’d just had....”

“Would it, Es?” the Father queried kindly. “Charisma Tagherty possesses a stubbornness to rival your mate’s. And Brianna Walker was tired in her very soul. Do you think you would have achieved the same success any faster with more support... knowing what you do about them?” He waited patiently for her answer as did the rest of heaven.

“Perhaps... not,” she conceded.

“Besides,” the Father reminded her gently, “there was still Saphira’s punishment to be gotten through. And you chose to share that with her. As much as I love you, I wasn’t going to negate your choice by forcing anything. Had you elected to leave her to return home, you would have had access to every resource available. But we both know that would have been an epic fail for everyone involved,” looking around when snickering broke out across the room. “What??” He asked plaintively. “It’s not like I’m not aware of this stuff, and I get tired of everything being a disaster.” He turned back to Esmeralda.

“No – despite all the grumbling and frustration, things played out the way they should.”

“So we were supposed to die? You couldn’t have just brought us home?”

“Your deaths were to give closure to those left on the human plane. You had become so integral in the lives of those you were mentoring that simply disappearing would have been intolerable; it would have undone all your hard work to get them together because they would have been focused on finding you instead of working on becoming a couple. Unacceptable. Keeping you alive and moving you would have caused... complications.” He turned His attention to Amber. “And before you ask, it needed to be real – they needed to be convinced that it was real to be able to say goodbye. So I kept it as real as I could.”

“Can I ask why?” Amber replied. “What was so important that You needed to cause so much chaos for so many of us here? I understand the human element – I do work with them on a regular basis. But why the elaborate scheming? Why couldn’t we know the truth? What could possibly be worth...?”

The Father held up His hands and Amber trailed off. “When Esmeralda and Saphira were first mated to one another, it wasn’t a surprise for anyone here was it?” listening to the negative murmurings all over the room. “Of course not – even though it happened much sooner for them than it has for most of you, it was unmistakable. There’s an aura around them that everyone can feel even if they can’t see it – humanity is sensitive to it as well. All of you have one to some extent and when you meet your mate, it blends and becomes stronger.

When Saphira and Esmeralda merged, they became more than mates – they became a family. And over time, they wanted more. Each of them – separately and unknown to the other – came to me and made a request. They wanted a child... their child.” Excited rumblings ran around the room and the Father stood perfectly still waiting for it to die down. Saphira and Esmeralda gripped one another’s hands, stunned to realize what their shared appeal to the Father had been.

When it was quiet again, the Father looked out at the multitude, smiling benignly at the excitement he could feel throughout the room. “Saphira once commented about my regretting giving humanity free will.” He smirked at the blush that traveled up her face. “I don’t regret it as much as I wish I had been a little more selective about some things. And this assignment gave Me a second chance to do that - it gave Me the opportunity to see how Saphira and Esmeralda responded to the unfair and the unexpected and the unknown. It was very enlightening and you far exceeded any expectations I had for you. And it made Me realize that it was time to reward the depth of your love for one another.”

The Father looked between the two of them and smiled, then offered them His hands to pull them up on the dais beside Him. “If you both still desire to add to your family by having a child together, you have my blessing.”

Saphira and Esmeralda didn’t hear the cheers and applause that rang out around them. They only had eyes for each other. The Father stepped just out of their view and they met in a long embrace – Saphira had set herself immediately, knowing Esmeralda was going to jump into her arms and Esmeralda didn’t disappoint. For long moments they remained wrapped up in one another, heads buried in each other’s necks as they trembled with excitement and joy.

Finally, Saphira felt Esmeralda mumbling against her skin and pulled back just enough to look into sparkling green eyes. “Es?”

“We’re gonna have a baby, Phira. We’re gonna have a baby!!” Her eyes widened and she turned her head to look at the Father. He had returned to His throne and was watching them with a contented smile resting on His lips. She tugged gently on Saphira’s neck, and Saphira released her to stand on her own once more. Esmeralda caught Saphira’s hand in hers and walked to the throne, dropping to her knees when she reached it.

“Thank you, Father. We couldn’t have asked for a greater honor.”

“You’ve earned it, Esmeralda. You both have. And it will be nice to have some fresh blood here; we could use it.” He looked around and saw the team that had served with Esmeralda on so many occasions waiting for them at the base of the stairs and jerked His head in their direction. “I think you have some people waiting to congratulate you. Go. We will talk soon and iron out the details.”

They bowed their heads. “Thank you, Father,” they offered together. Then they rose and walked towards their friends. For the first time in a very long time, heaven was alive with excitement, and they were ready to celebrate. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new era, but tonight was all about being home again. It was good to be home... at last.

Digging into Charisma’s life had nearly the same result – she had been planning her political career almost since she could speak, and definitely since she could read and write and there was simply nothing there for them to find – no dirt to dig up... no scandal to embellish upon. In fact, despite the press’ best efforts and their frustration with their inability to produce any sort of ignominy they could exploit, there was a grudging admiration for Charisma’s strong ethics. That in and of itself was story worthy at a time when shame and disgrace seemed to be the norm and not the exception.

The only action she had taken that could be considered morally questionable was her divorce from Kent and her subsequent liaison with Brianna Walker, and even that was progressing so slowly in public that Victorian standards would be considered loose by comparison. So far, the most anyone had seen was them holding hands and staring to the point where the action became serious eye sex. Once they had been witnessed leaning into one another, wrapping their arms around each other for support. Charisma had actually brushed a kiss against Brianna’s temple, but otherwise things between them publicly remained almost Puritan in nature.

That isn’t to say they didn’t indulge in some heavy petting and long make-out sessions when they were alone together, because they certainly did. As soon as the divorce decree had been signed they had stepped up their physical intimacy by mutual, unspoken consent, though they had yet to completely consummate their union. Not from lack of desire, but rather a longing to make it special for each other, and rushing for a lack of time or privacy wasn’t especially romantic. It did make for a lot of frustration and grumpy mornings though. They were both secretly counting the days until their European trip.

Still, their public decorum was, in point of fact, very maddening for members of the fifth estate – there was nothing for them to dramatize. The public, however, was quite fascinated. It was like watching a faery tale come to life and surprisingly, most weren’t concerned that the two principal players were women. They were more enamored with the story being told in front of them.

Of course, as the saying goes – into every life a little rain must fall – and Brianna and Charisma were no exception to that... especially as there was a small minority whose entire political platforms focused on hatred and bigotry towards anything that varied from their own very public moral code. Even though their colleagues had originally rebuffed any inquiries made about them, those select few felt they could further their own righteousness by focusing attention on the perceived moral ambiguity that Charisma’s and Brianna’s actions had caused in an otherwise stellar career.

Thus, only two weeks after their statement to the press, and only a month before their scheduled trip to Europe, the Ethics committee convened with the intent of removing what some wanted to view as an embarrassment to the office. It was unfortunate for them that they chose not to let sleeping dogs lie, because things would have blown over on their own had they been left to do so. But then... hindsight is such a wonderful thing.

************

“Senator Walker, do you know why you’re here this morning?” the Chairman asked as she seated herself behind the microphone. Brianna had not risen to show her respect for the Chairman’s position when she entered the room, and she was more than a little put out by the lack of deference to her office. It was definitely time to put this woman in her place – show her how things were intended to run here. One couldn’t get ahead if they didn’t play by the rules like everyone else and after almost a year here, Brianna Walker should understand that fact. The Chairman peered over her glasses and frowned, hoping to intimidate her with her glare. Instead, Brianna snorted to keep from laughing aloud at her posturing, leaning back in her seat to regard the Chairman with humor.

“Of course. I am here because you have a stick up your ass and need to pick at something that is actually none of your business to keep your mind off it.”

“Excuse me?!? You will not speak to me or anyone else involved in these proceedings with such disrespect, Senator. We have rules and processes that we follow and respect is key to that.”

“Bullshit!” Brianna snapped with a vengeance, causing every person in the room to flinch. “You think because you were elected to office to SERVE,” her emphasis on the word so strong, those listening could hear the capital letters in her voice, “that you’re ENTITLED. Let me tell you something, Senator,” sneering, “you’re not *entitled* to anything. And you certainly haven’t earned MY respect. You want me to excuse you?? There’s no excuse for any of you, and trust me... I’ve looked.”

“Senator Walker....”

“Nono... you don’t get to talk now,” holding up a hand and standing, walking around the table so she could lean against it to regard her accusers. Suddenly, the committee was thankful for two things – that they had decided to keep these actions closed and away from the press and that they had never faced Brianna Walker in court. It already felt as though she had eviscerated them thoroughly, and it was obvious from her stance that she hadn’t even gotten started yet.

“You asked me a question – I’m quite willing to give you an answer. You brought me here with the intention of putting me in my place – making sure I towed a moral line *you* determined. You really think you can do that, Senator Gilbert? Rhetorical question,” she instructed when the Chairman opened her lips to respond. “You don’t want to answer yet. Because if you choose the wrong answer, there will be consequences.”

“Are you threatening us, Senator Walker?”

“Not at all, Senator Gilbert. I’m simply explaining the truth to you. Surely you’re acquainted with Newton’s law – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. I think you should be aware of what that reaction will be if you decide to pursue this course of action.”

Gilbert held Brianna’s eyes for a long moment, searching them for any hint of falsehood. When she found none, she leaned back in her chair as nonchalantly as she could manage and reached for the glass of water. When she noticed her shaking hand, she simply motioned for Brianna to continue instead.

“Thank you, Senator Gilbert,” Brianna nodded graciously, her tone quite civil. “Before you start flinging spears and arrows at either me or Senator Tagherty for some sort of perceived moral shortcoming, let me suggest that you worry about your own business. You see, Charisma Tagherty is one in a lifetime – she’s the real deal. Honest, forthright, stands by her convictions. Can the rest of you say the same? Don’t answer – I already know. Every single one of you sold out a long time ago, and you’re just *dying* to bring Senator Tagherty down to your level – it justifies your own actions.

But you can’t – she’s worked hard for the people of our state and it shows in the latest polls. Most of her constituents aren’t concerned with us being a couple now - she was faithful to her husband for the duration of their marriage. In fact, despite the fact that she discovered her feelings for me, neither of us acted on that while she and Kent were married nor would we have. Because unlike you, Senator Danvers,” pinning the woman with an intense stare, “I’m not a home wrecker. I was fully prepared to walk out of her life again. And unlike you, Senator York,” watching the man flinch, “Charisma Tagherty believed that fidelity was part of the marriage vows she took.”

Brianna smirked as she watched the faces that had entered the room with so much righteous indignation and accusation on their features, pale and turn ashen with each casually revealed secret.

“Should we talk about the dominatrix sessions you attend every Wednesday night, Senator Gilbert? With a woman who looks nothing like the husband you claim to have been faithful to for thirty-five years? Would you like to discuss Senator Morris’ son’s drug problems and the illegal strings he’s pulled to keep him out of jail?”

She glanced around the room. “Would you like me to continue?” looking at the three committee members she hadn’t yet called out and watching them shake their heads frantically in the negative. Brianna smirked again, and dropped her eyes to the floor in an effort to contain her laughter. If she’d been them, she wouldn’t have wanted those particular bits of dirty laundry aired either. “I have files upon files filled with items like these – and not just for the people in this room.” Brianna locked eyes with each of them one at a time, smiling in such a way that they were reminded of any number of Disney villains. Only this time, it was readily apparent that the villain was going to win any encounter they instigated. “It’s amazing what you can find out about people when you know the right people.”

“You have no proof.”

“Are you sure? Are you willing to bet your career... risk jail time on that possibility? I assure you, Senator Thomas, I have proof that would destroy each and every one of you, and it would certainly be my pleasure to do so,” the fire in her eyes lending credence to the truth of her words.

“What do you want, Senator Walker?” Gilbert finally asked resignedly.

“Aside from each of you becoming the leaders you were elected to be?” Brianna snorted. “You leave us alone. I don’t care if you support Charisma or not, but you don’t get to question her ethics or her morals anymore. Not one of you is in a position to do so – none of you has a moral leg to stand on, and if you think I’m going to stand by and let you persecute and obliterate her....”

“Anything else?”

“Yeah,” Brianna replied. “If you try to isolate or undermine her or make things personal, I will ruin you – each and every one of you... one at a time. And I promise – you won’t see it coming and each blow will be worse than the last. Not a threat – just a statement of fact. I don’t like most of you – you are lower than the dirt on my shoes... wheeling and dealing and forgetting why you’re really supposed to be here. Does that make me naÔve?? Probably, but at least I sleep nights. Can you say the same?” Everyone reacted to that, no matter how minutely, and Brianna knew she’d made her point.

“I won’t let you ruin what could be one of the brightest promises for the future of this great country with your petty bigotry and hatred. So drop your agendas against Senator Tagherty. I won’t let you try to damage her further – she deserves better. She’s actually earned the respect you demand.”

The Chairman looked to her left, then her right before turning her attention back to Brianna. “We accept your terms, Senator Walker. Can we trust that you’ll do nothing with the information you have?”

“Lady, I haven’t given you a single reason *not* to trust me.”

“Perhaps,” Gilbert conceded, “but trust is something that is earned as well. Can you see why we might have a bit of difficulty doing so? Despite what you call it, you have threatened us all.”

Brianna shrugged. “I suppose you could see it that way. But the fact remains that I have had this information in my possession since shortly after I arrived here and I haven’t made it public – that should count for something.” A pause as they absorbed the evidence she had just given them. “As long as you behave, so will I. I play to win, but I play fair... relatively speaking, of course,” sneering at their disbelieving stares. Brianna gathered her papers together and slipped them back into her briefcase, then turned her attention back to the committee members that were watching her every move.

“A word of caution, ladies and gentlemen – do not test me, and don’t think you can destroy the evidence I have on you. There are numerous copies of the charges I have laid before you today, and any sort of retaliatory action against me or Senator Tagherty will trigger the accusations to go public. Are we perfectly clear?” Every head bobbed slowly in acknowledgment. “Very well. If we’re done here, I have a lunch date. Have a pleasant day.”

Then Brianna turned and made her way out the door without pause. Only when she was gone and the portal closed completely behind her did the committee exhale and look at one another.

“Now what?” Senator Lopez asked. “Do we...?”

“We do nothing,” Senator Gilbert announced as she straightened the papers in front of her.

“But....” from Senator Zimmerman.

“No buts,” Gilbert bit out. “Can any of you afford to have your constituents know those kinds of things about you? Because I certainly can’t. I’m just barely holding onto my seat as it is. And somehow, I believe Walker when she says there’s evidence. We all know what kind of shadows lurk in her past, and even though we can’t use it against her because she’s maintained her distance from those connections, there is still every possibility that those connections work well for her when the need arises.” Gilbert’s pointed glances garnered her reluctant agreement from the rest. “Very well. This meeting is adjourned. I need a drink.”

“Me too,” piped up several of the others. Then they rose from their seats and headed out of the room.

************

The sky was clear and the air was hot as they walked hand in hand down the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old City towards Trevi Fountain. The first part of their holiday had gone so smoothly, and they had filled up several memory cards with pictures of the many places that they had already visited on their trip thus far. And of course, there were those instances that weren’t captured by anything more than their memories – things too private to share with anyone beside one another.

It had been all they had hoped for and more than they had dreamed and for the first time, Brianna felt whole. She turned to stare at Charisma as they neared the fountain, and cocked her head at the odd expression on Charisma’s face. Charisma caught her and smiled bashfully. Brianna blushed, but grinned back at her.

“What?” Charisma demanded, her voice playful and husky.

“That’s what I was going to ask. You had a strange look on your face.”

“Did I?” chuckling when Brianna nodded pointedly. “I was thinking about how amazing this trip has been; about how the similarities make it seem familiar while the differences,” squeezing Brianna’s hand for emphasis, “make it feel new all over again. I was thinking how grateful I am that you were willing to give me one more chance, because I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.” They rounded the corner, and the noise from the fountain was almost overwhelming, so they hesitated for a moment to allow them time to adjust. Charisma loosened her hand from Brianna’s, so she could cup her face and look into her eyes. “I was thinking how wonderful it is to be whole again. I love you, Brianna Walker.”

Brianna clasped a hand around one of Charisma’s and eased it from her face. She slipped a coin into it, and Charisma’s face lit up in comprehension. They turned their backs to the fountain, then kissed the coins and tossed them over their shoulders, laughing while snapping pictures that they hoped would come out later. A kindly older man asked if they’d like him to take a picture of them together, and they nodded and handed him their cameras. He grinned and stepped back, and they turned towards one another with the fountain in the background. Brianna laced her fingers behind Charisma’s head, threading them into the dark hair that hung loose. Charisma’s hands naturally fell to Brianna’s waist and they moved together until there was no space left between them.

“For the record,” Brianna whispered as she tugged Charisma’s head down, “I love you too.” Then their lips met, and everything else became ambient noise. They didn’t even notice the man taking pictures until he cleared his throat to separate them long enough to return their cameras. They blushed, but only pulled apart enough to receive them. He smiled and shook his head when they offered him money.

“Yep,” Brianna drawled, that mischievous twinkle shining out of those pretty green eyes again.

“You can’t stop there, Brianna Brianna. That wasn’t our story ending... it was just the beginning, just like Es said it was.”

“Who’s the writer here?” Brianna challenged.

“Who’s the President here?” Charisma retorted. “Pretty sure I outrank you.”

“Out there, maybe,” pointing towards the bedroom door. “In here, no, and here,” holding up a familiar yellow tablet, “I’m the boss.” Brianna laughed and Charisma crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.

“That’s not fair,” Charisma mumbled. “I’m the President,” she reiterated.

“Maybe, but it is life and life is not always fair. This is just the introductory installment, Ri,” Brianna told her with a tender smile. “I have more writing to do – you have more history to make. We have a life to continue living together, and I can’t write about it until we do that.”

“That was mean,” Charisma grumbled.

“You still love me,” Brianna insisted as she leaned forward to claim Charisma’s lips. A knock on the door caused them to stop millimeters apart and they sighed and settled for a quick peck before Charisma called out, “Come in.”

Adam poked his head in the door, shaking it as soon as he realized he’d interrupted them... again. For as long as he could remember, his moms had been in love, and though they tried to be prudent about sharing too much of their intimate life with the world outside the family and closest friends, they were naturally demonstrative and affectionate in the privacy of their home. More than once he’d caught them together in the middle of a kiss... or a hug... or very intimate conversation.

“Sorry,” he murmured automatically. “I just wanted to let you know that Ame put Dad upstairs – he wanted to be close to the gym. He dropped his luggage off and headed out to an appointment.” Adam shrugged to indicate he didn’t know anything else. “Gramma called a few minutes ago – something about Es’ hot chocolate recipe?” Adam shrugged. “You’ll probably want to call her back... she wasn’t real clear. Anyway, I’m headed out to pick up Jenna so we can get to the Natural History Museum on time. Do you need anything before I go?”

Charisma rose from the couch she been snuggled up on with Brianna and wrapped her arms around her nearly grown son. Where had the time gone? she wondered as she straightened his bowtie and brushed at the sleeve of his tuxedo. He hugged her gently, then did the same with Brianna. “Just be careful and ask the Andrews for copies of their pictures please since I can’t go take my own without causing a national incident apparently,” Charisma instructed slightly aggrieved. “And be home early – you know how your Gramma is during the holidays and she’ll be here soon. She’ll expect to see you first thing tomorrow regardless of how long your winter formal goes on tonight.”

“Yes ma’am,” he acknowledged, then slipped out of the room before she could caution him any more. Charisma turned back to Brianna.

“Well, well,” she drawled softly. “It seems we have the house to ourselves at the moment. And what do you know? My work is done for the day. If you’re really finished for the moment,” nodding her head at the legal pad currently discarded on the table, “what do you say to calling the kitchen? A little food, a little wine and an evening of wild lovemaking?”

Brianna smirked and began undressing Charisma as she urged her gently towards the massive bed. “I think, Madame President, you’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse.”

And from somewhere above two Angels smiled in satisfaction as they stood sentinel while Brianna and Charisma consecrated their love once more.