Startled from her reverie, Angel Boucher raced toward the door. If all that infernal pounding didn’t stop, he was going to wake up Christy.

"Will you stop that pounding--"

Flinging open the door, she gazed into chocolate brown eyes with golden specks, the same eyes that looked back at her everyday. There was no mistake; he was her niece’s father.

Her heart raced as she focused on his handsome face. Lynne sure had good taste. Angel began to think sending the letter had been a mistake. She’d had no right. Christy wasn’t her child. But the deed was done, and she couldn’t change it now.

A door creaked open across the hall. "I’m sorry Mr. O’Leary. He’s had a little too much to drink," explained Angel.

The disgruntled neighbor shook his head as he shut his door.

Angel turned back to her visitor. "There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf."

"Sorry about that." He gave her a cockeyed grin. "Your neighbor doesn’t have much of a sense of humor, does he?"

"You woke him up. Not to mention the rest of the building."

"Look, I’m not feeling so great right now." His faced paled, and he leaned heavily onto his cane. "Could I sit down somewhere?"

The cane. He’d been injured.

"Of course! I’m sorry. Please come inside." She stepped back so he could pass her. Slowly she shut the door, her uneasiness growing. Maybe she shouldn’t have written him that letter.

"Thanks." He moved unsteadily toward the davenport, dropping down on it. He laid the cane across his lap. "I’m sorry I was so loud. It’s the liquor."

Her heart went out to him. If she’d known about his injury, she might have had second thoughts about writing him. He was dealing with enough without the added responsibility of a child. He’d paid a high price to secure the freedom that she and Christy were enjoying. She was beholden to him and so many like him.

She sat down in the floral easy chair across from him. "You never answered my last letter."

"When the letter came I was dealing with the loss of my leg." He leaned his head back against the flowered slipcover and closed his eyes. His face was drawn and pale.

"I’m so sorry." She wasn’t sure what more to say so she remained quiet.

A couple of minutes later, Gabe opened his eyes. His gaze found Angel’s neckline, where she fingered a heart-shaped locket on a delicate gold chain.

"I finally read my mail a few days ago," he said. "Learning I had a baby daughter was a shock. But I’m over that now."

"You are?"

"The way I see it we have only one choice."

"And what is that?"

"We get married."

Her fingers stilled, then tightened against the locket. "Married?"

"Yes, as soon as possible." The room began to swirl again as he closed his eyes against another bout of dizziness.

"Oh no. No, I--I don’t think so." She stood. "I think you’d better leave."

"In her historical romance, A FATHER’S HOPE, author Judy Leigh Peters gives the reader popular themes without the clichés… a pleasant and nostalgic journey. Get out the tissues. This one will make you smile, cry, and sigh with satisfaction at the end."

--Cheryl Norman,
Full Moon Honeymoon,
Storms Of The Heart
Last Resort

"A FATHER’S HOPE is a heartwarming story of a soldier coming back home from WWII. Gabe’s lost one of his legs and most of his self-esteem. Finding that he has a daughter now, gives him a purpose to his life. As this father copes with his handicap, new daughter and his daughter’s mother, you’ll find your emotions riding high and low as you live this difficult process with him. The author exhibits a wonderful gift in the way she tells this extremely moving tale. It’s one you won’t be able to put down and once finished, you’ll want to read again."

--Susan R Sweet
A Deadly Agent

This post World War II Romance will charm you and warm your heart. It’s a journey of love and healing that will keep you enchanted from the beginning through the fitting and satisfying ending."

--Lydia Hawke
FireTrail March 2004

Edited by: Aimee Stoddard

Copy Edited by: Ann K. Oortman

Senior Editor: Sara V. Olds

Managing Editor: Ann K. Oortman

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: Pam Ripling

Photo provided by Judy Leigh Peters

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

http://www.wings-press.com

Copyright © 2003 by Judy Leigh Peters

ISBN 1-59088-212-1

Published In the United States Of America

October 2003

I dedicate A FATHER’S HOPE to my husband, always, who is the wind beneath my wings. And to my children who never stopped believing in their mother. To my Dad, Leon J Pabis who helped me understand the war and post-war era. And to my sisters Mary Lou Hinkey, Sharon MacDonald, for cheering me on.

In memory of my mother, Jeanne D Pabis whose tales of World War II gave me the idea for this book. In memory of Nellie and Sam Peters, my in-laws who were part of this heroic generation who lived and loved during the war. And in memory of my sister, Kathy Sherwood, who died far too young.

This book could not have been written without help of these special people who went all out for me. Author, Mary Lou Widmer, Erin J Caimi, Staff member Pat O’Brien’s, Sally Spier Stassi, Reference Associate, Williams Research Center, Wayne Everard, Archivist, New Orleans Public Library, Graham Haddock, for information on Higgins Plant. Norman Clark, for his expertise of old cars, Ashley Randle, Market Manager, Monteleone Hotel, Andrea Thornton, Director of Sales and Marketing, Monteleone Hotel, Dianne, Louise, Donna, Shannon, for my medical answers and to Peter for his wonderful letter on his grandmother who lost a leg during the war, Kay Steere and to Siliva Salas, for all my aircraft answers.

Special thanks go to The Ladies of the Suwannee: Dolores, Marge, Kat, Donna and Cheryl for all the brain storming and plotting on this book. Most importantly to my critique partners Cheryl Norman and Susan R Sweet. Thanks for always believing in me and A FATHER’S HOPE. None of this would be possible without you. To the Musketeers who were there in the beginning, Patty, Lea, Donna and Tami. And above all to my publisher Wings ePress

New Orleans, Louisiana

The war was over. From the backseat of the taxi, Gabe Stefonelli gazed at the crowds lining both sides of the street. Confetti fell from the office buildings along the way. Fellows in uniform with their girlfriends formed a conga line that snaked up and down the street. A wistful feeling overtook him. He’d give almost anything to be in the middle of that group. But his dancing days were over now. He glanced down at his prosthetic leg. Little had changed here in America, but much had changed in his life.

He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out the well-worn envelope, glancing at the return address. She’d moved. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. The cab pulled up in front of a brick building surrounded by a tall cast-iron fence. Inside the fence yellow mums and white carnations surrounded a small fountain. He looked the building over as he handed the lady cab driver a bill.

"Thanks for the ride." He opened the car door. As he stood up, dizziness engulfed him. He held on to the door. "Whoa! Mixing that hurricane with beer wasn’t a great idea."

"You’re going to have one heck of a headache, soldier. Sure you don’t need some help getting up those steps?" the cab driver asked.

"No, shish a piece of cake. Don’t need anyone to help me. You think I’m an invalid?"

"Of course not." She glanced up at him. "You’re not steady on your feet. That’s all I meant."

"Sorry I jumped on you."

"It’s okay. I’ll wait a couple minutes before I take off." She smiled. "Want to be sure you get inside."

"Thanks."

Gabe managed to get up the two steps to the building entrance. He searched the names on the mailbox. Just his luck--Lynne’s apartment was on the third floor. He shifted his weight to his good leg as he tried to swing open the heavy door. A man on his way out held it for him.

"Thanks. I’m still getting used to this new leg of mine." He leaned on the cane. "It doesn’t always move the way I want it to."

"I bet. Thank God this war is over with. We owe you guys a lot." He tipped his snap-brim- felt fedora, then closed the door behind him.

Gabe turned and waved to the young woman driving the cab. She waved back as she pulled out into traffic. The aroma of red beans and rice seeped out from under an apartment door, making his mouth water. His stomach growled, reminding him he’d forgotten to eat supper. He’d been doing a lot of that lately. It seemed like beer and pain pills had become his steady diet. But that was going to stop now.

The long winding staircase seemed to go on forever.

"Well, Stefonelli, get moving," he mumbled. By the time he worked his way to the second landing, he was short of breath and sweat dripped down the side of his face. He wiped his forehead with his uniform sleeve. "Lynne, it wouldn’t have hurt my feelings any if you got a ground-floor apartment." He struggled up the remaining flight of stairs, amazed when he finally reached the third-floor landing. Suddenly the hallway tilted, the floor swirled. He grabbed the railing.

"Oh boy." He tried to focus on the door in front of him. But it wasn’t easy when the floor kept moving like a ship out to sea. "305, that’s the number I want." He pounded on the door. "Hey, Lynne, it’s Gabe Stefonelli. Open up!"

Nothing.

He pounded harder. "Please, I’ve come to see my daughter." Another wave of motion caused him to grab the doorframe, but his wet palms slipped. The next thing he knew he was falling. He landed hard, banging his knee. For a few seconds, he just lay there. Pain shot up his thigh. Slowly he turned over on his back.

The hallway was really spinning now. He closed his eyes for a moment.

It took him a few minutes but he was finally able to pull himself up by grabbing the railing. He wiped sweat from his chin. Taking the painkillers and chasing them with liquor had been stupid. Nothing was going to stop the pain of his loss. He pounded harder. Why didn’t she answer the door?

~ * ~

Startled from her reverie, Angel Boucher raced toward the door. If all that infernal pounding didn’t stop, he was going to wake up Christy.

"Will you stop that pounding--"

Flinging open the door, she gazed into chocolate brown eyes with golden specks, the same eyes that looked back at her everyday. There was no mistake; he was her niece’s father.

Her heart raced as she focused on his handsome face. Lynne sure had good taste. Angel began to think sending the letter had been a mistake. She’d had no right. Christy wasn’t her child. But the deed was done, and she couldn’t change it now.

A door creaked open across the hall. "I’m sorry Mr. O’Leary. He’s had a little too much to drink," explained Angel.

The disgruntled neighbor shook his head as he shut his door.

Angel turned back to her visitor. "There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf."

"Sorry about that." He gave her a cockeyed grin. "Your neighbor doesn’t have much of a sense of humor, does he?"

"You woke him up. Not to mention the rest of the building."

"Look, I’m not feeling so great right now." His faced paled, and he leaned heavily onto his cane. "Could I sit down somewhere?"

The cane. He’d been injured.

"Of course! I’m sorry. Please come inside." She stepped back so he could pass her. Slowly she shut the door, her uneasiness growing. Maybe she shouldn’t have written him that letter.

"Thanks." He moved unsteadily toward the davenport, dropping down on it. He laid the cane across his lap. "I’m sorry I was so loud. It’s the liquor."

Her heart went out to him. If she’d known about his injury, she might have had second thoughts about writing him. He was dealing with enough without the added responsibility of a child. He’d paid a high price to secure the freedom that she and Christy were enjoying. She was beholden to him and so many like him.

She sat down in the floral easy chair across from him. "You never answered my last letter."

"When the letter came I was dealing with the loss of my leg." He leaned his head back against the flowered slipcover and closed his eyes. His face was drawn and pale.

"I’m so sorry." She wasn’t sure what more to say so she remained quiet.

A couple of minutes later, Gabe opened his eyes. His gaze found Angel’s neckline, where she fingered a heart-shaped locket on a delicate gold chain.

"I finally read my mail a few days ago," he said. "Learning I had a baby daughter was a shock. But I’m over that now."

"You are?"

"The way I see it we have only one choice."

"And what is that?"

"We get married."

Her fingers stilled, then tightened against the locket. "Married?"

"Yes, as soon as possible." The room began to swirl again as he closed his eyes against another bout of dizziness.

"Oh no. No, I--I don’t think so." She stood. "I think you’d better leave."

"Please, you can’t make me leave. Not until I see her. I’ve already lost so much. Are you going to take even more from me?" He reached out as the blackness overtook him.

Angel reached for him. He was dead weight as she tried to ease his body down the davenport so she could rest his head against the arm. Sweating from the effort of moving him, she paused to catch her breath. Her hands trembled as she placed her fingers against the pulse in his neck. She felt the steady beat. "Thank God."

Later, she paced the room. "I shouldn’t have written that letter. I can’t marry him."

She glanced down at him. He looked so uncomfortable with his tie choking his Adam’s apple. Leaning over him, she unbuttoned his shirt and loosened his tie. He mumbled but didn’t wake up. She gently lifted his head, putting a small pillow underneath.

For the first time she allowed herself to take a good look at him. His coal black hair was peppered with gray. One unruly curl hung down on his forehead. She resisted the urge to pat the hair back in place. A waft of Old Spice brought a vision of him with his shirt off. She quickly put the thought out of her mind. His uniform shirt strained against his broad chest that led to a narrow waist.

Reaching across to the far end table, she turned the small fan so it blew on him. Now that he’d regained some of his color, his bronze skin had more of a rugged outdoor look. It was quite a contrast against his black hair. She let out a sigh.

An anxious feeling crept over her. Her head felt like someone was playing a drum in it. What would Gabe do when he learned that she wasn’t her twin sister, Lynne? Would he decide to take her niece away when he learned how ill Lynne was? Maybe Angel should pretend, at least for the time being, until she had a chance to talk to her sister. She hated deceit of any kind, but right now it seemed like the best thing to do.

Didn’t it?

Gabe heard the sound of water running and a voice that sounded like an angel. Had he died and gone to heaven? The way his head throbbed and the taste in his mouth made the thought seem unlikely. He drank too much last night at Pat O’Brien’s.

Another beautiful lyric floated through the bathroom door. He smiled. Her voice sounded vaguely familiar. He wondered if it was Lynne. If only he could remember what he did last night. The last thing he remembered was chasing the painkillers with a Hurricane. After that everything was a blank. Well he’d soon know when she stepped out of the room. Contemplating trouble sure wasn’t helping his upset stomach. He let his head fall back against the davenport.

The light breeze coming through the open window felt good. He flipped the switch on the table fan to a higher speed. He didn’t recognize the green floral davenport or the matching chairs. This wasn’t the same apartment Lynne had brought him to that last night before he left for the Philippines. But then he couldn’t be sure. He’d had other things on his mind back then.

Gabe groaned as pain shot through his leg. He rubbed his thigh. Great, he’d had his prosthesis on way too long. No wonder his leg was throbbing. His stupidity of getting drunk might have caused him more trouble with his stump. He needed to massage his thigh.

Quickly he slid out of his trousers. He listened for her voice, relieved when he still heard her singing. Good. Maybe he’d get the bandages unwrapped before she came out of the bathroom.

He undid the pelvic belt, sliding out of the prosthesis. His pants would hide the stump. He slipped the sock off, then began unwrapping until he got to the end. By this time his leg was really aching. He silently prayed he hadn’t done any further damage. Another mistake like this might very well keep him out of the vineyard for good.

No, he wasn’t going to think that way. If he did, he was doomed. He was going to get through this. He had to if he wanted any kind of normal life. And he wanted that more than anything on earth.

A baby’s crying startled him. Then he remembered the reason why he’d come here: the daughter he had never seen. The baby’s crying grew shriller. He never could ignore a baby crying. His nieces and nephews had figured out early that getting their own way with him was easy. He smiled as he thought about them.

Gabe slipped his pants back on, foregoing buckling his belt. He let his shirt hang loose. Using the arm of the davenport for leverage, he pulled himself to a standing position, struggling to keep his balance. He hopped in the direction of the baby’s cries. Gabe opened the door and peeked inside the room. Her little arms and legs were in perpetual motion.

"Nothing can be that bad, little bambina." He picked her up and cuddled the baby against his chest as he sat down in the rocking chair. Instantly the crying stopped. As he began studying her face, a feeling of pride consumed him. The eyes that looked back at him were chocolate brown speckled with gold, eyes he saw every morning in the mirror when he shaved. He leaned his head against his daughter’s, closing his eyes. For the first time he didn’t feel so useless. He had a reason to get well. A reason to be the best he could be. His daughter was his future.

"You’re what I need right now, little one. You give me hope."

~ * ~

The fan rotated back and forth, directing its breeze to the empty davenport. Gabe wasn’t far. He’d left his prosthesis. Angel looked toward her bedroom’s open door. Her heart skipped a beat as she hurried toward her room. When she saw him cuddling Christy, she stopped. His eyes were closed.

Angel finally spoke. "What are you doing in here?" When he opened his eyes and looked over at her, she saw a tear slide down his cheek. She wanted to take him in her arms and comfort him, but she hesitated. Would Lynne do that?

"She started crying." Gabe swiped his hand across his cheek, then turned away to shield his face. "She’s beautiful."

Angel couldn’t speak as she looked into his warm, caring eyes. His hair was a mess with that unruly curl slipping down on his forehead. She shifted her eyes to his empty pant leg then back to Christy. "I’m sorry I yelled at you. Thank you for checking on her."

"My pleasure."

"If I’d known about your leg I wouldn’t have written that letter."

"I deserve to know about my own child."

He was right, of course. "I only meant--"

"I’m sure you didn’t mean to insult me."

Puzzled by his remark, she reached for Christy. "I’m sure she needs changing."

"Would you care if I changed her?" He smiled, as if grateful for the change in subject. "I’ve six nieces and nephews."

"Wow." She took Christy from him, laying her down in the crib. "She’s all yours." Angel stood back from the crib.

Shoving himself up from the chair, he balanced against the rail of the crib. "Be nice to your old dad, Christy." He quickly unpinned the diaper. "Good girl. It’s only a wet one!"

Angel chuckled. Beads of sweat trickled down her breast. As Gabe interacted with Christy, the love showed in his eyes as he talked to her. Guilt tore at Angel’s heart. She hated lying to this man. But she had to think about her niece. Right now Christy was all that mattered.

"You’re good with her. Here, I’ll put the diaper in the pail. Why don’t you go out to the living room? We’ll be there in just a minute."

"Okay." He hopped toward the door then stopped turning back around to face her. "I don’t remember much about last night. Please tell me I didn’t do anything stupid."

"No, unless you call asking me to marry you stupid."

"Do you think it was stupid?"

"Maybe foolish, but not stupid."

"There’s nothing foolish about my proposal. My daughter needs both a mother and father. Have you thought about it at all?

"No, not a whole lot." Angel reached for Christy. "I figured it was the liquor talking. Drunken men don’t make a lot of sense." She stood facing him, despising herself as the lies fell glibly from her tongue. "So far I’ve managed to take care of her myself. I see no need to change that."

"Well, I do." Gabe ran his hand through his tousled hair. "Are you going to deny her a father’s love?"

"No." She knew about growing up without parents. That was the reason she had decided to write that letter to him without telling her sister. Now she not only was facing a marriage she didn’t want, but she had to tell her sister what she’d done. Panic consumed her as she fought the sick feeling in her stomach.

"I had no idea what you would do. We had a few nights together. I never expected to see you again." Unable to continue looking him in the eye as she lied, she focused her attention on her niece. "I thought you needed to know she existed. Telling you in a letter wasn’t fair. You have enough to worry about now."

"Never mind that. She’s mine." He flung the words at her. "I’m going to do what’s right for her."

"That’s very noble of you to want to take care of Christy. But marrying for a child’s sake isn’t the way I planned my marriage." Angel eased her way past him through the doorway. She couldn’t believe those words had come out of her mouth. Attempting to take on her sister personality was changing her and she didn’t like the change.

For a moment Gabe stood there staring at the empty doorway. Lynne was right. He knew that. But marrying for love wasn’t ever going to happen. She deserved more than just half a man.

He hopped through the doorway, trying to catch up with her. The hurried movement threw him off balance. Some quick moves kept him from falling flat on his face and he slowed down. All he needed was for her to see him lying helpless on the floor. The banging of pots and pans drew him into the kitchen. For a moment Gabe leaned against the doorframe, trying to catch his breath.

"Look, I didn’t mean to come on so strong. But learning I have a daughter doesn’t happen everyday."

Angel nodded, but didn’t look up from the highchair.

"Christy. What is that short for?"

"Christina Gabriela is her full name."

"Hey, that’s nice." He smiled. "She got part of my name?"

"Yes, it was one of my weak moments." She shrugged her shoulders. A half-smile settled on her lips. "Maybe I’m not being fair. I’m sure we could come up with some kind of arrangement for you to see her without getting married." She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a jar of jam, then spread some on a small piece of bread, handing it to Christy.

"That would be a little hard from California." He sat down on one of the kitchen chairs. His leg was beginning to throb again. He flinched, then closed his eyes.

"Are you okay?" She took a few steps nearer him.

"Yes, I’ve an infection in my leg. I’m being treated for it. But last night I wasn’t in any condition to take the bandages off."

"No you weren’t." She knelt down in front of him. Shoving his pant leg up, she took his stump in her hands.

"W--What do you think your doing?" He clamped onto her hand, trying to shove it away.

" Don’t get upset." She shoved his hand back. "I’m just going to massage your thigh."

"You want to touch my leg?"

"Well, that’s the only way I know of massaging it." She kneaded his thigh muscle.

"Where did you learn to do that?" He searched her face for signs of revulsion. But he saw none. Her hands felt so good.

"I used worked in the hospital In my spare time." She massaged his inner thigh, then ran her hand up under the area. He tensed. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, I’m ticklish there." He shut his eyes for a minute, enjoying her touch. "You’re good at this."

"Thank you. What part of California?" Christy let out a cry, and Angel pulled away. "She’s finished her bread. I’m afraid she’s not very patient where food is concerned."

"She takes after her father."

"Why don’t you rest for awhile? Then I’ll make us some breakfast."

"Sounds good to me. " He stood, leaning on the chair. "Guess you don’t remember me telling you about the Stefonelli Family Vineyard in Serenity?"

"That was almost sixteen months ago." She opened the pantry door and retrieved a box of cereal. Christy pounded on the tray and made baby sounds. "These days I’m doing good if I remember what I did yesterday. At times Christy’s a handful."

"The way I remembered it, we didn’t do a lot of talking, if you know what I mean." He winked at her. "I know those were the best nights I ever spent."

"Excuse me a minute. I need to get Christy a bib."

Gabe watched her scurry out of the room but not before he saw the pink flush to her face. Funny, he never remembered Lynne blushing. She didn’t seem the type. But that wasn’t all he noticed that was different.

Her hair was darker, more of an ash blond. He’d remembered it peroxide blond. She wore it long and wavy to her shoulders. It was parted on the side with a pretty jeweled bobby pin holding it back away from her face. But he’d had other things on his mind back then. Right now he felt like a heel. Gabe wished he could take his words back. He hadn’t meant to embarrass her.

"Look, sometimes I have the tendency to let my mouth run off too much," he said when she came back into the room. "Carrying Christy alone for nine months wasn’t easy on you, I’m sure. Especially the way people can talk when you’re expecting a baby and there’s no husband. If you let me, I’d like to try and make it up to you starting right now. I cook a really great omelet with Spam. So I’ll make us breakfast while you feed her."

"You really need to get off your leg for a while." She smiled at him, her eyes filled with concern.

"No, really, it feels a lot better now since you massaged it." He moved to the stove. "Point me in the direction of the food." He slipped off his shirt. "I’m a messy cook."

Christy started whining. Angel laughed. "Christy’s rubbed the oatmeal and jam into her hair. She usually takes a morning nap about right now. I’ll clean her up and put her in her crib with a bottle. I won’t be long." She wiped Christy’s hands and face, then lifted her. "How would you like your bottle?"

Christy clapped her hands. Angel tapped her nose and laughed. "All right, Miss Christy."

Gabe chuckled. "She’ll be talking before you know it."

Opening the refrigerator door, she grabbed Christy’s bottle. She placed it in a pan of water, then turned the flame on low. "Let me know when the bottle is warm, will you? What you need is in here."

Gabe moved behind her, looking over her shoulder into the refrigerator. He smiled as Christy grabbed his dog tags, yanking his body against Angel’s back. Heat soared through him at the moment of contact. He jerked back, forgetting his daughter had a good grip on the chain. It choked him.

"No, Christy let go of the chain." Angel turned to face him, which only drew the chain tighter. "We’re in trouble now. She has a death grip on that chain."

"I’ll just slip it over my head. You can get it from her." Gabe leaned his head forward. Her hand touched his cheek as he slid out of it. "Boy, I’ll remember not to get so close when I’m wearing my dog tags." He rubbed his neck as he hopped back from them.

"Good idea." She looked over at the bottle. "Can you reach the bottle for me?"

Gabe picked it up, sprinkling a few drops on his wrist. "Just right."

"You have had a lot of experiences with babies." Angel took the bottle from him, handing it to Christy; she let go of the chain. Angel quickly handed it to him. "Here, you better hide this while you’re around her."

"Good idea." He slipped it in his pants pocket. "I’ll get busy with the eggs while you’re gone."

"Thanks."

He watched her hips sway as she walked out of the kitchen. He may have lost part of a leg in that accident, but his other organs worked just fine. Time hadn’t dampened his body’s reaction to Lynne. Too bad he couldn’t rekindle their old flame. But he knew better than to expect her to respond to him now in his condition. So just how did he expect this marriage business to work anyway?

~ * ~

Angel stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching him. He towered over the Heartland gas stove. Standing there in his white undershirt that strained against the movements of his powerful arms, he took her breath away. Her pulse quickened as she watched the muscles ripple with each movement. Her stomach felt like she was on a roller coaster. She wasn’t sure she liked the feeling. Well, she couldn’t stand here gawking at him.

"I see you found everything okay."

"All except the Spam?" He smiled, turning to face her. He had his stump propped on a chair for better balance.

"Canned goods are in the pantry." She pointed at the door. "Would you like me to get it for you?"

"Sure, why not." He continued stirring the peppers and onions. In a few seconds she was back.

"Here you go." She handed him the can. "The peppers and onions smell good." Her eyes traveled the length of his body and back. "Why do men wear tattoos?"

"It shows he’s a real man. That needle they use really hurts." He flexed his arm so she could see his tattoo better. "I got drunk one night with a bunch of guys and we dared each other."

"I love bald eagles. Having freedom written underneath really makes you notice it." Angel swallowed as she fingered his arm. He kept himself in good physical shape and didn’t seem to let having only one leg slow him any. There was a lot about this man to admire. He was going to be a wonderful father to Christy.

"At the time, it seemed like a good choice." He rubbed at the tattoo. "Some of the guys had things I’m sure they wouldn’t want their mothers to see or their girlfriends for that matter. You know, like a naked girl."

"Oh, I see."

Angel placed silverware on the linen napkins. Without Christy here she found herself struggling with what to say next. She knew Lynne would never have this problem. Talking to a man came easy to her. Thoughts of her sister brought a feeling of sadness. She stood near the kitchen sink looking out the window at the low hanging clouds. The sky was so blue today. She was glad it was Saturday and didn’t have to go to work.

Gabe cleared his throat. "The eggs are ready."

"I’ll get some plates." Angel looked away, embarrassed that he’d caught her daydreaming. Grabbing the blue fiesta dishes from the cupboard, she handed them to Gabe. "Be careful with these. I just bought them."

"Tell you what. You hold the plate, and I’ll put the eggs on it."

"Okay." She held both plates while he filled them. Then she placed them on the table. Gabe grinned at her. "I’m kind of clumsy myself." She reached up and got the matching blue coffee cups, placing one in front of each plate. "It smells wonderful."

"So let’s eat." Gabe reached to pull out the chair for her, but she did it herself.

"I could have done that."

"Sorry, I’m just not use to having my chair pulled out." She shrugged.

"Oh." Gabe sat down in the chair on the other side of the table. "I get offended easy right now."

"Yes, you can’t wear your feelings on your sleeve--"

"Or pant leg?" He grinned.

She smiled. "You amaze me the way you get around."

"I didn’t have much choice. That’s the only way to move around when I don’t have on the prosthesis. For a while it embarrassed me, but I got use to it."

"Good for you. Oh, I forgot your coffee." She quickly slid her chair back, retrieving the coffee pot. She poured him a cup. "Do you take cream?"

"No, I like it black. Don’t you drink coffee anymore, Lynne?"

"Not since I was expecting Christy. Coffee in the mornings just didn’t agree with me. I drink tea now."

How many more lies would she have to tell him? If only Lynne would hurry up and get well. "Think I’ll have cream with my tea this morning."

"You don’t use it all the time?"

"No, I needed my stamps for the baby’s milk. So I did without."

"You’re a good mother."

Gabe watched Lynne as she sipped her tea. She had surprised him the way she handled his leg. He had a feeling there was a lot more to this women than he could ever imagine. Sixteen months ago she’d just been someone to kill time with before he left for duty. Now, well she wasn’t the same. Of course, having his baby changed her life drastically. He wondered if she ever did get to do any acting like she wanted. He sure messed up her life. Did she hate him for that?

"What happened with the acting?" He took a gulp of coffee. "I remember how much you wanted to be an actress."

"I did a few local shows, but once they learned I was expecting a baby, I was out." She traced the cup with her finger. This lying was becoming far too easy. "Christy was worth the loss."

"I’m glad to hear you say that." He starred at his coffee cup. "I bet you really hated me."

"I don’t hate you."

"That’s good to know." Gabe watched her finish the last of her egg. Watching her lick her lips caused a tightening in his groin. "Guess I better rewrap my leg."

"Would you like me to help you?

"Wrapping my leg or getting my pants off?" he said with a significant lifting of his eyebrows.

She threw the napkin at him. "Wrapping your leg."

"Darn, you got my hopes up for a while." He winked at her. "No, that’s okay." He used the edge of the table to ease himself up in a standing position. "There’s no need for you to look at it again." His eyes caught and held hers.

"Your leg doesn’t bother me." Her green eyes flashed him a warning. "Stop being so hard on yourself."

"Hey, this takes some time to get used to." He turned and made his way through the door. Gabe had been prepared for rejection from her, but not acceptance. He stopped hopping. "I’ve got some errands to run. Can I come back later to see you?"

"I’d like that." She stood. "What time will you be back?"

"Probably not until four o’clock or so. Is that okay with you?"

"Fine."

"Don’t fix anything for supper. I’ll pick something up."

"You’re not going to carry stuff up three flights of stairs." She met his eyes, determined to let him know she meant business.

"So I’ll yell up to you when I get here." He turned to leave but stopped mid-way to face her again. "You can learn to do a lot of things when you don’t have a choice. You of all people should know that."

A smile formed on her lips. She looked down at the floor then slowly raised her eyes to him as a strand of her hair fell across her eye. She flipped the unruly strand back. He sucked in his breath. She was beautiful standing there.

Gabe fought the urge to take her in his arms. He couldn’t fall in love with her. She deserved more than half a man and that’s all he’d ever be. Nothing could change that. He’d accepted it. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be a good father. Right now he had some soul-searching to do. Being near her made that impossible. If he weren’t careful, he’d lose his heart to her.

The sun filtered through the bay window of her sister’s room in the sanatorium. It was really a beautiful room with its four-poster bed and ruffled curtains. But lately it held more of an antiseptic smell.

Angel stood for a moment watching her sister as she slept. A paper mask, similar to the one Angel wore, covered her mouth to help keep others from being exposed to the deadly germs.

She looked so much older than her twenty-four years. Her breathing seemed more labored today. Of course, when Angel told her what she had done, the breathing would be the least of her problem. Lynne would probably have heart failure.

Why had Angel lied to Gabe? She knew the answer. Her niece deserved two parents. No one should have to grow up unloved. Her sister’s eyes fluttered open just as Angel sat down in the chair near the bed.

"How long have you been here? You should have woke me up." Lynne eased herself up on the pillows behind her back.

"You looked so peaceful. I hated to disturb you. There’s something I must tell you." She twisted the turquoise sterling ring Lynne had given her when they were twelve the way she always did when in trouble.

"Okay, spit it out." Lynne said.

"I’m afraid to. You’re going to be really angry with me."

"If you don’t tell me what is going on, I might do more than be angry with you. It’s not that bad, I’m sure."

"I sent Gabe Stefonelli a letter telling him about Christy." Angel broke eye contact with her sister.

"You did what!" Lynne screamed. The action caused a spasm of coughing.

"I told him about Christy." Angel jumped up and began patting her sister’s back. Soon the coughing eased. "Here, drink some water." Angel put the glass to her lips. She waited for her to finish.

"Do you realize what you’ve done?" Lynne wheezed.

"Yes, I’m giving my niece two parents so she doesn’t have to grow up like we did."

"No you are not." After a few more ragged coughs, Lynne lay back against the pillows. "I know your heart was in the right place, but what you’ve done has given him the chance to get custody of Christy and take her away from me."

"No, he wouldn’t do that!"

"Be realistic. I’ve got TB. You know how people act when they learn about it." Lynne closed her eyes a moment, then opened them again. "The man I was with loved his family very much. Believe me, he would protect his daughter at all cost."

The frightened look on Lynne’s face told Angel what a serious mistake she had made. How could she have been so stupid? She began pacing in front of the bed, fighting the panic inside, hoping in her heart that her sister was wrong.

"I’m stupid, I’m stupid." Angel slapped her forehead. "I never thought about your condition. I was too busy thinking about bringing the two of you together."

"What’s done is done." Lynne let out a sigh. "Did he answer you?"

"No." Angel started pacing again. "I figured he didn’t care about being a father."

"Good, then there’s nothing to worry about, right?"

"Well not exactly."

"You’re making me nervous. And, you’re going to wear a hole in that floor."

"Sorry." Angel gripped the spindle bed frame. "He showed up at our apartment last night very drunk, demanding to see his daughter. He passed out so he couldn’t see her until this morning."

"So what happened?"

"They hit it off right away. She loves him, and he seems to care very much for her."

Lynne closed her eyes again as though attempting to shut out the world that treated her so cruelly. "I’m doomed."

"That’s not all. When he first showed up, he kept calling me by your name. I didn’t get a chance to identify myself. The next thing I knew, he was asking me to marry him."

Lynne glanced over at her sister with a twinkle in her eyes. "This is good."

"What do you mean good?" Angel looked at her like she was crazy.

"You’ve got to accept that proposal."

"Are you crazy?" Angel plopped down in the chair. "I’m not going to keep lying to the man. And I’m certainly not going to marry him."

"Do you want him to take Christy?" She started coughing again and pointed at the glass of water.

"No," said Angel. She stood up, grabbing the glass off the side table. "Here you go."

Lynne sipped at the water until, finally, the coughing subsided. She leaned back against the pillows again. "Day by day my life is slipping away. I cannot change that, Angel. But I can change what my daughter’s life is going to be like when I’m gone. Thanks to you, I’ve got a chance to make this right. Do you want to deny me that one chance?"

"No, I would never do that!" Angel collapsed into the chair. "But I’m not going to continue lying to Gabe. He doesn’t deserve that."

"Maybe not. But your other choice is to take Christy away from here where he will never find her."

"No!" Angel shook her head. "I can’t do that to him. He has lost his leg. This war has taken enough from him. I refuse to take anything more."

"Oh, my God!" Lynne closed her eyes for a moment. "That must be why he did not answer you. How will he ever work in the vineyard?"

"He didn’t read the letter until a few days ago," Angel replied. "What I’ve seen the man do in the last twenty-four hours leads me to believe he can do anything he puts his mind to."

"That’s good to know." Lynne let out a sigh. "Well, what are you going to do, Angel?"

"Marry him, I guess." Angel placed her hands on her hips. "But this is only until you get well and can take your rightful place with him."

"I just told you…"

"I don’t care what you just told me. I’m ‘holding’ your place, not ‘taking’ your place, you hear?" Angel spit the words back at her. She pointed her finger at her. "You’re not going to die. I won’t let you."

"If only it were that easy, Angel. From your lips to God’s ears." Lynne smiled, reaching for her hand. "Did I ever tell you how proud I am you’re my sister?"

"Too many times to count. I love you, Lynne." Angel felt the lump in her throat getting bigger. She had to get out of there before she burst into tears. "I’m going to go now because you need your rest. I’ll be back in a couple of days. Everything is going to be okay. So don’t worry about a thing."

Angel closed the door behind her. She had given her word to her sister. There was no turning back.

~ * ~

The streets in the French Quarter were still crowded with people celebrating the end of the war. Gabe looked up at the tall buildings in front of him. People were leaning out of the windows throwing confetti. Some fell on his hat and the shoulders of his uniform shirt. He shook it off, laughing. When he turned around, a pretty red head came running up to him and threw her arms around him. He almost lost his footing as she planted a kiss on his lips.

"The war is over. Isn’t it wonderful?" Her eyes traveled the length of him until they came to rest on the cane. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t hurt you did I?"

"Nothing to be sorry about. No, you didn’t hurt me." He shifted his weight. "It’s not every day I get kissed by a pretty girl."

"Thank you, I better go find my friends. Good luck." She hurried across the street.

"Same to you." He waved goodbye.

Gabe shook his head. She couldn’t get away from him fast enough. He wondered if he would ever get used to being treated like he had the plague.

He spotted a quaint antique shop across the street from him and worked his way through the crowd until he stood in front of the old brick building. The window had a border of tiny rosebuds. Across the top in bold italics was Rose’s Attic.

Gabe peeked in the window. A small jewelry box on a blue velvet cloth caught his attention. He liked the unique design on the box. It looked hand-carved. Someone had taken a lot of time to shape something so beautiful. It made him think of Lynne. As he stepped inside, a woman dressed in the brightest orange flowered dress he had ever seen walked over to him. Her carrot-top hair almost matched the dress she wore. She looked to be a couple years younger than he. But war had left him feeling much older than thirty, so she could have been older.

"Welcome to Rose’s!" She spoke with a French accent.

"Thanks, how much do you want for the jewelry box in the window?" He leaned on the cane.

"For a handsome soldier like you, three dollars."

"You just made a sale." Gabe gave her a wide smile. "Could you wrap it for me?"

"Sure." She walked over to the window and picked up the jewelry box. "Is this a gift for someone special?"

"Yes," He watched the woman wrap the package. "I’m trying to get her to agree to marry me."

"Wonderful." She studied his face. "Do you mind if I ask? Is there a problem between the two of you?"

"She had my baby while I was away." Gabe wasn’t sure why he was telling this stranger something so personal. Maybe it was because she was easy to talk to and seemed to care. "I didn’t know she was expecting."

"Oh, I see. Do you love this woman?"

"We didn’t know one another long enough for that. She was just someone to have a good time with before I shipped out." He looked down at the floor, embarrassed by his remark. "I’m not sure what my feelings are for her. But I’m not looking for love."

"Love is a strange creature. It takes a hold of you without you knowing it until it’s too late." She handed him the package. "We have a custom called lagniappe. It means a "little something extra." She reached into a cabinet that contained some beautiful pieces of jewelry. "Here, give this to your lady. It’s been said that whoever wears it will find true love."

Gabe looked down at the antique ring with tiny hearts engraved all around the band. "It’s beautiful. Look, I can’t take this from you. Let me pay you."

"You can’t do that. You must accept my gift or you dishonor me." She looked deeply into his eyes. "I know you don’t want to do that."

"No, I don’t." He shook her hand. "Thank you. Lynne certainly deserves to find love. Just not with me. "

"You may not have a choice if destiny has stepped in." She squeezed his hand. "Always remember that love can survive even the worst that life has to give us. You only have to believe in the magic of love."

~ * ~

Angel collected the two pictures she had of her and Lynne together, then put them in a box and placed it in the back of her closet. Thank heavens Gabe had been too drunk to notice these last night and too involved with his daughter this morning. She hated what she was doing, but her hands were tied. She was responsible for Christy and her letters to Gabe had started this whole mess. Now Lynne insisted that she accept his proposal of marriage. For her niece’s sake, she had to go through with this sham.

She looked down at the sleeping baby. Christy looked so precious with her rear sticking up in the air, sucking her thumb. Angel found it so hard to think that Lynne might die from her disease. The thought broke her heart. They both had been through so much but they always had one another.

How would she ever live her life without her sister in it? Tears formed in her eyes. More than ever she needed to trust in God. He would see her through this awful time as He had so many other times. Lynne had to get well.

The ringing doorbell interrupted her train of thought. She hurried to open the door, then stood there with her mouth wide open. Gabe had a net bag filled with food tied around his neck. How he ever got up the stairs with all this stuff was beyond her.

"Here, take this, will you?" He untied the bag and handed it to her. "I need to catch my breath."

"You were supposed to yell for me." She lugged the bag into the kitchen.

"I figured your neighbor might not care for that." He closed the door and followed her into the kitchen.

"What am I going to do with you?" She set the bag on the table.

"Marry me." He sat down in the chair.

"Will you please stop with the marrying thing?"

"Okay, I will drop the subject for now."

Looking down at the package wrapped in butcher’s paper, she read the word penciled on it and gasped. "Does that say steak?"

"Yes, that says steak."

She shook her head. "Do you realize how hard it is to get steak?"

He leaned back in the chair and winked at her. "Not for me in this uniform. It’s pure gold. Everyone treats us like real heroes."

"Well, you are." She lifted a tall bottle out of the bag. "Wine. I’m impressed."

"I’m Italian. We never celebrate anything without wine."

"Let me stick it in the refrigerator."

"Lynne, you don’t chill red wine, remember?"

Yes, Lynne would’ve remembered. She was the one who dined out and partied. Angel needed to be careful. "I guess the heat is getting to me. I want everything chilled."

"I can’t argue about the heat. Mind if I take off my shirt? I worked up a sweat climbing those stairs." He started to unbutton his shirt, then hesitated. "Is it okay if I take off my shirt? "

"Sure. Let me help." Angel helped him remove his shirt. "I’ll hang it on the balcony to air it out for you."

"Thanks."

Gabe reached into the bag and pulled out the wrapped gift. He placed it on the table where Lynne would see it when she came back. When she walked into the room, he noticed she had changed into a playsuit that showed off her long slender legs. "You changed."

"Yes, I got a little warm." She narrowed her eyes at him. "Quit acting as if you’ve never seen a woman’s legs."

"Sorry." He was beginning to feel very warm himself. "Your legs are prettier than Betty Grable’s."

"Thank you for the nice compliment," she murmured.

"Could you point that fan more this way?" He shook his T-shirt, trying to fan some air. It wasn’t the warmth of the room that was bothering him.

She moved the fan, then busied herself taking the rest of the items out of the bag. She picked up the wrapped package. "What’s this?"

"It’s for you. A peace offering for being a jerk last night." He grinned. "Why don’t you open it?"

"Let’s go into the living room where it’s much cooler." She led the way, clutching the wrapped package to her breast. She sat down on the davenport, patting the space next to her. "Sit beside me."

"With pleasure." Gabe watched as she tore open the package. Her eyes sparkled as she ripped the paper apart. She reminded him of a kid on Christmas morning. He loved that look in her eyes.

"A jewelry box. It’s beautiful." She traced the elegant carvings with her finger. "No one ever gave me anything so beautiful. Where did you find it?"

"In an antique shop in the French Quarter." He leaned his head back against the davenport. He couldn’t believe she had never received a present like that. "It is unique, one-of-a-kind, like you."

"You look tired. Why don’t you lie down here for a while?"

Judging from the red creeping up her neck, she wasn’t used to compliments. Having a baby had taken her out of circulation, he guessed. The Lynne he met at Pat O’Brien’s had more than her share of suitors.

"Sounds good to me." He lay his head down on the arm of the davenport and fell asleep.

Angel leaned over, brushing back the single curl that fell down on his forehead. He mumbled as he clamped onto her hand. She enjoyed the way her hand felt in his for just a moment before slipping it away.

These feelings were all new to Angel. Just touching him did crazy things to her stomach. These feelings were wrong, and she had to stop allowing them to happen. He was going to be Lynne’s husband, not hers. She needed to remember that.

She hurried into the kitchen as she held tightly to the jewelry box.

~ * ~

Gabe awoke to wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. He could hear his daughter banging on the tray of her high chair. Leaning on his cane, he pulled himself up off the davenport and headed toward the kitchen.

Strange, when he first met Lynne, she didn’t seem the mother type. Having a good time was all that mattered. Motherhood had changed her for the better as far as he was concerned.

"Hey! What is all the noise in here?" He gulped in air as his eyes traveled to the rounded derriere facing him. He coughed. It took a second before he could use his voice.

"Something…" He cleared his throat. "Really smells wonderful."

"It’s the steaks." Grabbing the toy she had been trying to reach for under the table, she quickly scrambled from under the table. "I hope we didn’t wake you up. We do get loud sometimes."

"No, the delicious smell woke me up. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal in a long time." He sat down near them. "Especially with such a beautiful cook. Her sidekick’s not bad either."

Gabe held Christy’s hand, trying to put the sight of Angel’s shapely derriere out of his mind. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he wiped it away with his free hand.

"Dada." His daughter giggled grabbing his finger.

"Did she just try to say Daddy?"

"Yes, but don’t get too excited. She doesn’t really know what it means." Angel shrugged. "She likes the sound of her voice."

"Gee, you don’t do much for a man’s pride." He watched Lynne stand up and tried not to look at legs that went on forever. "Have you thought anymore about marrying me?"

The timer went off on the stove. Angel hurried over to check the steaks, glad to not have to answer Gabe’s question at that moment. Going through with this marriage was lunacy. But she’d made a promise to Lynne and she wouldn’t break it.

She opened the broiler and turned the steaks, then set the timer again. She turned around and faced him. "There’s something I need to tell you."

"I’m all yours."

"You’re not making this easy." She sat down across from him.

"Sorry, I’m just trying to lighten things up a bit."

"I was raised in an orphanage so I know how important it is for a child to have parents who love her. In that department, I think we both feel the same way. Am I right?"

"That must have been rough growing up in an orphanage. I come from such a large loving family that I can’t imagine." He took hold of her hand. "Yes, I love Christy. I want what is best for her, too."

"Then I guess there is only one answer I can give you. Yes, I will marry you."

Angel couldn’t believe she’d said the words. She was losing her mind by marrying a man she’d known for only forty-eight hours. She shouldn’t have let Lynne talk her into this. It wasn’t fair to Gabe. She knew lying to him was something that she’d pay for later. Lies had a way of coming back around to get you.

Gabe stared at her. "Did you just say yes?"

"Yes."

He reached out and pulled her down on his lap. He groaned as she landed on his thigh. "Come ‘ere."

"Are you okay? I didn’t hurt your leg did I?" His hand on her back sent shivers down her spine. She shook off the feeling.

"No, you didn’t hurt me. Stop worrying about my leg. Let me enjoy the moment."

"Remember, you’re still healing from that infection."

"Sorry, I got caught up in the excitement."

"That’s easy to do. My heart’s doing funny things right now." Without thinking, she placed his hand over her heart. Heat seared through her body. She couldn’t believe she’d placed his hand on her breast. She was such an idiot.

The timer going off gave her a good escape. "The steaks are ready."

"They smell wonderful. What else are we having?"

"Baked potatoes and a salad." Angel reached inside the refrigerator and brought out a big bowl. "I grew all these vegetables myself in the victory garden behind the apartment."

"That’s great. I heard about those. You really have a green thumb." He picked a piece of tomato out of the bowl and popped it into his mouth. "When do you want to get married?"

"Golly, I just said yes." She placed the bowl on the table, then quickly removed the steaks from the broiler, placing them, too, on the table. Angel opened the oven door and retrieved the potatoes, putting one on each plate.

"My friends will want to be there. Maybe next Friday or Saturday would be good."

"Sounds okay to me." He took the plate she handed him. "You’re lucky having your friends around you." He stared at her, his smile slipping. "You aren’t having second thoughts are you?"

"No, why do you ask that?" Her pulse quickened. The more she thought about the wedding, the more nervous she got. She should tell him right now who she was, but she couldn’t. Her sister’s happiness depended on her silence.

"You seem preoccupied." Gabe took a gulp of his coffee.

"I’m just a little nervous." She played with her napkin. "Help yourself to the food. Do your parents know about us?"

"Not yet. There is plenty of time to tell them." He smiled at her. "Can’t wait to cut into this steak."

"You’re not going to spring something like that on your parents."

"You’re sounding like a wife already." Gabe drummed his fingers on the table.

"They’re your parents." Angel shrugged. "Would you say the blessing for us?"

"Sure." Gabe took her trembling hand. "God, thank you for bringing Christy into my life. Help her mother and me always do right by her. And thank you for this home-cooked meal. Amen."

She smiled and let go of his hand.

"How about getting the license on Monday?"

"It’s okay with me since we can do it on my lunch hour. It’s at one o’clock."

He cut a piece of the steak and moaned. "Boy, this is good."

"Thank you." She stood, picking Christy up out of the high chair. "I’ll have to give my notice at work. I want to finish out the rest of the week."

"That’s fine with me."

"I’m going to put her in the playpen so we can eat in peace. When she’s through eating, she doesn’t want to stay in that chair."

Gabe’s voice stopped her. "Lynne, I’m sorry about sounding off at you. Guess I’m nervous, too."

"You’re forgiven." She patted Christy’s back as she walked out of the kitchen.

~ * ~

Gabe leaned back in his chair. He thought about home. New Orleans was an exciting city, but he missed the rolling hills of Serenity. Nothing was prettier than harvest time in the vineyard. Every bit of earth was covered with hanging vines of red and gold grapes just begging to be picked. He could almost smell their sweet nectar. It would be like that from now until November. How he’d missed home when he was in the steaming jungles of the Philippines.

Visions of the jungle threatened to bring back unwelcome memories--memories of that terrible day. He was in his B-29, smashing through the trees. The mission was supposed to be simple: Bomb the area then head back to base. Only that didn’t happen.

The Lady Jane took a direct hit in her belly. Gabe felt the heat of the fire as he listened to the screams of his men trying to put the fire out and rescue the wounded. A flash of his best friend, Ski, with a big hole in his gut, caused him to cry out. As if through a fog, he heard a woman’s voice and felt a warm hand on his shoulder. When he opened his eyes, he saw Lynne’s beautiful face. He reached out and touched her cheek, then let his hand drop.

"You cried out. I heard you from the living room." Fear took hold of her as she looked into his ashen face. "Are you in pain?"

"No" He wiped the sweat from his face with the napkin. "I sort of dozed off, kind of like a nightmare. It’s nothing."

"Memories of battle? I can’t imagine what that was like." She massaged his shoulder. "I’m a good listener if you ever want to talk about what went on there."

"I don’t." He picked up his fork and pushed the steak around on his plate. He needed to get his mind off the nightmare of losing his leg. He’d be glad when these episodes went away. The doctor told him they would in time. "What are your friends going to think about us getting married?"

"They’ll be shocked. But they’ve always stood behind me in times of need." She sat back in her chair. "Is your steak okay?"

"Yes, it’s very good." He shoved a piece of the steak in his mouth, trying to enjoy his meal. But he’d lost his appetite.

"Oh, I forgot the bread." Scooting her chair back, she reached for the breadbasket. "Hope it’s not cold. I made this while you were sleeping."

"Are you sure I haven’t died and gone to heaven?" He pulled the napkin back and sniffed the delicious aroma. "Nothing smells better than this."

"You’re sure easy to please."

"What is that old saying? The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach." He grinned. "You’ve won mine."

"It does smell good. Thank you for getting the steaks."

"The look on your face is thanks enough." He leaned forward and ran his finger across her delicate lips. "Did you know when you are happy, your eyes turn a deeper shade of green? A man could get lost in them."

"I’m not used to someone talking about my eyes like that."

"Then they really haven’t looked at you." His eyes caught and held hers. "I meant every word."

"Thank you." She cut a piece of meat, slid it into her mouth, then licked her lips. "This is good."

Gabe watched her tongue move across her lips. She closed her eyes. He wondered if her kisses were as good as he remembered, but he didn’t remember her having such a strong effect on him. This was a side he’d never seen.

His daughter suddenly let out a war hoop.

"Christy wants her bottle. It will only take me a few minutes." Angel rose quickly, knocking her chair backwards. "Don’t wait on me." She grabbed the bottle out of the pan on the stove and disappeared into the other room.

The smell of Evening In Paris lingered in the room. He let out the breath that he’d been holding when she walked by him. What had ever possessed him to say something like that? He had no right to talk to her like that. He was only leading her to think he wanted more. That was the farthest thing from the truth. This was a marriage of convenience. Nothing more.

~ * ~

Angel jumped when a firecracker exploded outside the apartment building. She understood all the celebrating but she wished they would stop. Christy was sleeping and she really wanted her to stay that way. Any more fireworks and she could forget that.

Her thoughts were on Gabe. Her body heated as she remembered his remarks about her eyes. There had been no mistaking the desire that she had seen there, but nothing would happen between them. Lynne was going to get well. Then they’d change places. She had to keep that in mind. The buzzing doorbell interrupted her from her daydreaming.

"Coming." She hurried to answer the door.

"We’re back." Her friend Jane, a slender blonde in a seersucker playsuit, flashed her hand back and forth.

"Is that a ring on your finger?" Angel cried out, grabbing her hand. "Oh, it’s beautiful."

"Got good taste, doesn’t he?" Jane held her hand up, admiring the ring. "We’re getting married at Christmas time."

"That’s wonderful!" Angel stood back so Jane could come inside. "Is Tony with you?"

"No, he had to go back to the base. He has a class to teach on Monday." Jane walked past her into the kitchen. "I could use a cup of tea."

"You’re in luck. I just put the tea kettle on." Angel followed behind her. "Where’s Peg?"

"Saying goodbye to Bill." Jane sat down on the red leather chrome chair. "There’s talk he may be transferred next week. She’s not happy about that."

"Gee, that’s going to be hard on her." Angel reached into the cupboard and took down three of the blue fiesta cups. Then she set them on the kitchen table. "She could always go for a visit."

"That’s what I told her." She slipped her pillbox hat off her head, then pulled off her white wrist gloves. "You bought new dishes. They’re pretty. I stopped by to see Lynne."

"How was she doing?" Angel put the tea bag into the kettle to let it brew.

"Her coughing seems worse." Jane traced the ring of the cup with her finger. "They made us wear masks, too. What is the doctor saying?"

"Not much." Angel sat down across from her. "I don’t think she is getting better, which terrifies me. What will I do without her?"

"Whatever it takes for you to go on with your life." Jane patted her hand. "But let’s not think like that."

"You’re right. Let’s not." The doorbell buzzed again.

"I’ll get the door before Peg wakes Christy." Jane headed for the door.

"Okay." Angel picked up the teakettle and poured tea into each cup.

"Where’s that little sweetheart of mine?" Peg, their buxom red-haired friend, strolled into the kitchen.

"She’s in bed for the night, I hope." Angel set the teakettle back on the stove. "Christy had a pretty exciting day today. It wore her out."

"So what exciting things did she do?" Peg sat down in the chair.

"Her father showed up last night." Angel’s gaze darted from one to the other, waiting for the outburst she knew was coming.

"Her father!" They both looked at one another.

"I guess I forgot to tell you I wrote him a letter telling him about Christy." She put milk on the table along with the sugar.

"Are you crazy!" Jane shrieked.

"Shush." She put her fingers up to her lips.

"Sorry." Jane shook her head. "Does he think you’re Lynne?"

"Yes. I promised Lynne I’d pretend I was her."

"So what is he like?" Peg interrupted.

"Very good-looking. I like him." She tried to remain calm. "He lost his leg when he was shot down. Spent a few weeks in the hospital in Biloxi."

"Gee, Angel, coping with getting to know a complete stranger is hard enough without coping with the aftermath of something like that."

"You’d be surprised at what he is capable of doing." Angel answered, with pride. "We’re getting the marriage license Monday on my lunch hour."

"Don’t you think you are rushing this a bit?" Jane took a gulp of her tea.

"We want to get married as soon as possible since Gabe is on his way home."

"Where is home?" Jane asked.

"California."

"California!" They both cried out at the same time.

"Yes, his family owns a vineyard there. " Angel poured herself another cup of tea. "Gabe believes he can still work the fields. I’m not sure about that, but only time will tell. He has seven brothers and sisters. There is a plus to all this. Lynne is finally going to be part of a family like she always wanted."

"That’s what you’ve always wanted, too. Angel, you’re not being realistic. What if you fall in love with him? Plus, you know nothing about this man or his family." Jane squeezed her hand. "California is a long way from here. You will be all alone out there."

"He’s a good man. Really." She slipped her hand out of Jane’s. "He’s the man Lynne made a baby with. I’m not likely to forget that. I have to do what is best for both of them."

For the past three years, Angel had enjoyed the close relationship she’d established with Peg and Jane. They all worked at the plant together, where she first met Jane and Peg. Angel loved them both, but sometimes Jane mothered her too much.

"Well it looks like you’ve already made up your mind." Jane stood and held her arms out to her. "I hope things go the way you want them to, Angel."

She threw her arms around Jane. "I don’t know what I would do without your love and support."

"Give me a hug, too." Peg held out her arms. "When do we get to meet this handsome guy?"

"I’ll bring him home with me tomorrow. Then you can see for yourself." Angel hugged Peg. "I’m going to finish out the rest of the week. I won’t leave them short handed at the plant."

"Where is he now?" Jane eyed her.

"He took a room at a hotel. I’m sure he will call when he is settled in."

Angel looked at the clock on the wall. It was after nine. He’d been gone three hours. What if he didn’t call back? Then her worries would be gone. He’d be out of their life. The last few months caring for Christy weren’t easy. Did she really want to do this all alone the rest of her life? The phone rang. She hurried to answer it.

"Hello."

"It’s Gabe. I wanted to let you know I’m staying at the Monteleone Hotel. Do you have a pencil so I can give you the telephone and my room number if you need to reach me?"

"Gabe, I’m glad you found a room. The Monteleone. Wow! Hold on a minute while I get a pencil." Angel rummaged through the desk drawer. "Okay, I’m ready." She scribbled down the number on a pad.

"Christy asleep?"

"Yes, she was really worn out. But I’m not sure how long with all the fireworks going off."

"Yeah, people are acting crazy right now." He hesitated a moment. "You didn’t change your mind?"

"No, I didn’t." She smiled at Peg and Jane.

"Then I guess I will see you at one o’clock at the shipping yard."

"Fine. One o’clock it is. Do you need directions?"

"No, I’ll take a cab. The trolley is a little too much for me."

"Sometimes I have a hard time with it, too. Usually it’s really crowded. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Gabe."

Angel hung up the phone. For a moment she just sat there. Everything was happening too fast. Part of her felt like taking Christy and running away. But she wouldn’t do that. She’d made a promise to Lynne, and Gabe had a right to be part of his daughter’s life. Lord knows she knew what it was like growing up without parents. She wanted more for Christy.

Sleep would come hard tonight. That much she knew. Gabe would be an easy man to love. No, thinking like that wouldn’t change anything. It would only make her life more complicated. She wished she could forget the image of him cooking breakfast without his shirt. Who was she kidding? That was next to impossible.

"Is everything okay, Angel?" Jane looked concerned.

"Yes, I’m just overwhelmed with the thought of getting married. He is staying at the Monteleone."

Jane picked up her bag off the floor. "I’m really impressed."

"So am I." Angel laughed.

"Well I guess we had better get over to our place. See you Monday at work."

"Okay. Be careful out there. Gabe said everyone was acting crazy."

"We can handle it."

Angel watched them head for the front door. She walked back into the kitchen, picked up the cups off the table, and rinsed them. Stepping out onto the balcony, she watched the stars twinkle. In the distance, she could hear Cajun music playing while fireworks burst in the sky. She found it hard to believe Christy slept through all this.

Thoughts of the orphanage and her mother weighed heavily on her mind tonight. She wouldn’t think about those lonely times or the times she cried herself to sleep wanting to feel a mother’s arm around her. Thank God, her niece would never know those feelings.

That was why Angel was going through with this madness of marrying a stranger. No, she knew something about him: He was a good man, an honorable man. The fact she was being less then honorable tore at her insides. She listened to the music trying to forget about what lay ahead for her, praying that God would see her through whatever she had to face.

The whistle blew announcing the lunch break. Angel took off her mask, placing it on her workbench. She headed for her locker where she changed into her navy linen suit. On the way out she spotted Jane on her way to the lunchroom. Angel motioned for her to come over to her locker.

"Good luck." Jane smiled and placed her hand on Angel’s shoulder. "Remember, you can always change your mind. You always have us."

"I know and I appreciate that." She reached in the locker for her navy clutch purse. "How do I look?"

"You always looked good in that straight linen dress." Jane smoothed the edges of the lace collar. "The short jacket really sets it off."

"Do you like the heels?" Angel held out the open-toed shoes for Jane to see. "I’ve had them for ages but they do go with this outfit."

"And they match the white bow in your hair."

"It looks all right?" She slipped her work shoes off and slid her feet into the heels.

"Yes, it does. You look really pretty. I’m sure Gabe will think so, too." Jane frowned. "There’s just one thing."

"Yes?"

"You can’t take out a marriage license in Lynne’s name. That’s fraud, isn’t it? And they ask for ID, don’t they?"

"I’ve already thought about that." Angel sighed. "My full name is Angel Lenore. I’ll just tell Gabe that Lynne is a nickname, short for Lenore."

"Okay." Jane chewed at her lip.

"What now?"

"Well, what about if Lynne gets well--"

"When Lynne gets well!"

Jane sighed. "Anyway, what then? Lynne won’t be his legal wife. You will be."

Angel shook her head. "I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it." She didn’t want to admit her fear that Lynne wouldn’t get well. That was unthinkable.

Jane gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Sure. You’ll think of something."

"I better hurry. I’m sure he’s waiting outside for me."

"Here, take the car." Jane started to hand her the key.

"Thanks, but he came in a cab." Angel hugged her, then hurried toward the outside door. She spotted Gabe near a cab and waved.

"Hi, are you ready?"

"Yes."

Angel slid across the seat. He handed her his cane and slid in next to her. He leaned over the seat. "Take us to the courthouse."

Angel wiped the sweat from her brow. She pulled at the back of her linen jacket. The material clung to her back. It was one o’clock and already the humidity was unbearable; It was going to be another hot day.

She found herself wondering what the weather would be like in California. Maybe the heat would be different there. Angel noticed Gabe looking out the window as they left the warehouse district on City Park Avenue heading for St. Charles Avenue. Was he nervous, too?

The cab driver broke the silence by switching on the radio. Frank Sinatra crooned "Star Dust." The almost-mournful melody fed Angel’s feelings of anxiety. Tommy Dorsey’s band followed with a dance tune. But Lynne had been the dancer, not Angel. Lynne had been different in so many ways. How long could Angel impersonate her lively, party-going sister?

~ * ~

The heat was unbearable as Gabe waited outside the building where Angel worked. It was five o’clock in the afternoon, but you sure wouldn’t know by the heat. He hoped it would have cooled down, but no such luck. He couldn’t believe they had gotten their marriage license without a hitch earlier that day.

The door opened, and Angel walked toward him. She smiled.

"Hi, how did your day go? You look tired." He grabbed her hand.

"It was a busy afternoon." She waited for him to open the cab door, then scooted across the seat. "How did you spend your time?"

"Buying my daughter some presents." He pointed to the packages on the floor as he slid in beside her. "Take us to the Rockery Inn."

"Did you forget you were coming over to the apartment to meet Jane and Peg?" She gave him a puzzled look.

"No, I ordered some special food for tonight. Figured we ought to celebrate getting the marriage license." He smiled. "They have great fried chicken there."

"Yes, I know." She touched his hand. "That was sweet of you."

"That’s me, a sweet guy."

The cab pulled up in front of the Rockery Inn. A sailor and his girlfriend sneaked a kiss as they sat in a car waiting for their food. Angel looked away as a pink flush crept up her cheeks.

"Couples enjoy more then the food here." He winked at her.

"I see that."

"Think it would be faster if I go up to the window. They should have it ready for me." He climbed out of the cab and held on to the door getting his balance. "Be back in a few minutes."

Since when did a kissing couple embarrass Lynne? he wondered.

Angel watched him limp. He was getting better walking without the cane. She shook her head. He had to be the strongest man she’d ever met. He was determined to not let his missing leg stop him from doing what he wanted to.

"That guy of yours sure doesn’t let his leg slow him down any." The woman looked in the review mirror.

"No, he doesn’t," Angel, said with pride. "Thank God he is a fighter or he never would have made it home."

"You’re right about that." She smiled at Angel.

Angel looked out the window again. Gabe was coming back with a pretty young woman toting a large bag. She grinned. Leave it to him to get the aid of a pretty girl. "What did you do, buy the place out?"

"Not really." He took the bag from the woman and gave her a tip. Then he slid into the back seat. "Take us to 324 Orleans Canal."

He leaned his head against the seat. He’d been on the go since early morning, and it was catching up with him.

"You look tired." She reached into her purse and pulled out a hanky. Angel wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"Guess I did too much today." He closed his eyes.

"And your leg is hurting."

He nodded. "Yes. But don’t worry about it. I won’t let a little pain interfere with our celebrating."

"We can celebrate tomorrow."

"No, I’m looking forward to it. Celebrating with a beautiful woman like you can make me forget about a little ache."

A little ache? Angel realized that dealing with his handicap was going to take every ounce of strength and time he had. He was the most determined man she’d ever known or the most stubborn.

Twenty minutes later the cab pulled up in front of her building. She gently shook Gabe’s arm. "We’re here." She scooted from the back seat, then hurried around to help Gabe. She grabbed the package of food from his hand. "You work on getting up those stairs. I’ll take care of this. Okay?"

"Okay, I’m not going to turn away your help this time. Climbing those three flights of stairs is a job." He swung his leg out, then used the door for leverage. He leaned on the door a moment.

Gabe leaned over to pay the driver. "Keep the change."

She held the apartment building door open for him, but he hesitated. "You go on ahead of me." He looked toward the stairs. "Can you manage the packages alone?"

She shifted the packages in her arms. "I’m used to carrying things up these stairs." She watched him grab the railing, step up with his good leg, then slowly rise to the next step using his cane for leverage. Angel knew the energy it took to do that. She wanted to pull him into her arms and tell him how proud she was of him. But she didn’t. "I’m sorry about all these stairs."

"Not your fault. You didn’t build it. Go on. This will take awhile." He shoved himself up another step. "I’ll be okay. Quit worrying."

Angel noticed a slight redness creeping up his cheek. To keep from embarrassing him, she started up the steps, hesitating halfway. What if he fell? She had to let him do this on his own. That was the way he wanted it.

She turned back around to face him. "Do you want me to wait for you at the top of the stairs?"

"No. " He motioned her on to the apartment. "Go on. I’m fine."

Angel continued up the steps. She could hear Gabe’s heavy breathing. Boy, she wished this building had an elevator. By the time she got to the top step she was winded herself. She put her key in the door and opened it.

"Hey, it’s me." She leaned in the door. "Did you remember to get Christy?"

"Yep." Jane stood in the doorway of the kitchen. "She’s eating."

"Where’s handsome?" Peg asked, looking up from the desk. "I thought you were going to bring him to meet us."

"He’s on his way up the stairs." Angel looked toward the door. "I’m not so sure I should have left him like that, but he insisted."

"How on earth does he manage all those stairs?" Peg shook her head.

"Moving very slowly, one at a time."

"Boy, I bet he’s got some kind of muscles in his shoulders and arms by now." Peg stopped working on the letter she’d been writing her mother. "I’ll go check on him."

"No, that would be the worst thing you could do." Angel shrugged. "He’s trying to prove to everyone he can make it with what the world dealt him. We just have to be patient. He brought supper for us from Rockery Inn."

"Wow! I love this guy already." Peg trailed her into the kitchen. "How is Lynne doing?"

"Not good," Angel began taking stuff out of the bag. "I called her before I went back to work. I can’t believe she isn’t making more progress. It’s been six months. She misses Christy so bad."

"I know she does." Jane put her arm around Angel. "Things will work out. From what I’ve heard of TB, it gets worse before it gets better. Just keep the faith."

"Right now that is all that is keeping me going." The doorbell rang. Angel let out a sigh of relief. "There he is. Now remember try not to act surprised when you see how he looks. Those stairs are rough on him."

"Don’t worry." Jane smiled at her.

Angel kissed Christy on the cheek, then hurried for the door. "Well, I see you made it." She held the door open for him.

"Boy, those stairs get longer every time I come up them." He wiped the sweat off his face with his hand. "I need to sit down."

"I know what you mean." Jane came toward him with her hand out. "I’m Jane. It’s good to meet you."

"Nice to meet you." He shook her hand.

"Gabe, this is Peg."

"Hi, Gabe." Peg broke into a wide-open smile. "Lynne was right! You are handsome."

"Very settled, Peg." Angel blushed.

"Oh, sorry." Peg shrugged. "So how did you get your leg cut off?"

"I’m sure Gabe doesn’t want to talk about it." Angel gave Peg a shove.

"It’s okay." He leaned heavily on the cane as he limped to the couch, plopping down on the soft cushion. "We had to crash land when my plane took some bad hits. Let’s just say my landing wasn’t the best. The trees tore the plane up pretty bad. Some medal parts crushed my leg. They had no choice but to cut it off."

"That’s too bad." Peg patted his hand. "You seem to handle it well."

"Don’t have much choice." Gabe rubbed his thigh. "Thank God it was only one leg."

"You’re right. I’ve seen too many guys with no legs." Peg plopped into one of the overstuffed chairs. "You’re very brave."

"No, I’m not. You do what you have to. It’s no big deal." He rubbed his head. "Would you have a couple of aspirins?"

"I’ll go get you some, Gabe." Angel sprung to her feet. She felt like choking Peg.

"Chow’s on." Jane leaned out the kitchen door. She gave Peg one of her evil eye looks. "You stay put, Gabe. Lynne can bring you a plate."

"Sounds good to me." He leaned his head back, shutting his eyes.

"That was really smart, Peg. Why did you have to ask him about his leg?" Jane whispered.

"Not talking about it doesn’t help him any." Peg put some chicken on her plate. "Let him get things off his chest. Believe me it will be better all around."

"I hate to admit it, but she’s right." Angel filled Gabe’s plate, then poured him tea. "I’ll take this to him with the aspirins." Angel heard his even breathing as she came into the living room. She set the plate and the tea on the side table, then lifted his legs onto the hassock to make him more comfortable. She returned to the kitchen and set his plate on the stove. "He’s asleep."

"Bless his heart," Jane said.

"He’s been on the go since early morning. It finally caught up with him. I’m going to let him sleep. He can eat later on." She covered his plate with a napkin and set it inside the oven. Then she got herself a plate of food and sat down close to Christy. "Hi, pretty girl." She ruffled her hair. "Your daddy is sleeping."

"Da." She pointed her finger in his direction.

"Yes, honey, he’s in there." Angel buttered a piece of bread and handed it to her. She watched Christy shove it into her mouth, then gobble it down. Picking up a piece of chicken, Angel began taking some off the bone. Then she placed the small pieces on Christy’s tray.

"I like him." Jane looked over at her.

"Me, too," Peg replied.

"I’m glad." Angel took a bite of her chicken. "We’re going to get married on Friday at the courthouse. Do you want to stand up for me?"

"I’d love to," Jane replied.

"Me, too," Peg added.

"Yes, even if you do have a big mouth." Angel patted her hand.

"I bet we could talk one of the guys into being the best man." Jane poured herself more tea. "Want me to ask?"

"That’s a great idea."

Everything had gone off without a hitch. Both Jane and Peg seemed to get along well with Gabe. Angel was trying not to let herself get too nervous, but her thoughts were on how it would be when they were finally married. Did he intend on consummating the marriage or was it still to be in name only? After all, he’d been intimate with Lynne in the past.

Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about it. At least she wasn’t a virgin, which would have definitely given her away. The thought brought back memories of Michael and that night so long ago when she had given away that precious gift. He didn’t deserve it. To him she had just been another conquest. But he had taught her a valuable lesson. Men couldn’t be trusted.

Suddenly she wasn’t so sure she wanted to go through with this marriage. Angel shook the thoughts away. She couldn’t let fear consume her. That was all there was to it. This was for her niece. Wasn’t it?

The judge’s chamber at the courthouse was small but pleasant. There were potted plants on the windowsill. A couple had pretty blue flowers on them, making the room feel homey instead of cold.

Being hoarded in like cattle made Angel feel like it was just one more injustice. She knew that weddings were very popular right now. Everyone was getting married. If only this were really her wedding day, but it wasn’t a real marriage. At least Jane, Peg, Tony, and Bill were here. Mrs. Johnson, her trusted neighbor and good friend, had kept Christy.

Angel’s legs felt like rubber as she stood in front of the judge. She looked over at Gabe, so handsome in his dress uniform. He’d made eye contact with her a couple times. He was as nervous as she was.

In less than fifteen minutes, she was Mrs. Gabriel Stefonelli. The judge said, "You may kiss the bride."

Gabe’s lips covered hers. They were warm and sweet and tasted of coffee and toothpaste. Just when she started to enjoy the kiss, he ended it.

"You can give the money to the clerk. Congratulations." The judge shook both their hands. "Please ask the next couple to come in."

That was it. Strange she didn’t feel married. In fact, right now the only thing she felt was disappointment. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be, not the way she always dreamed her wedding would be. Thanks to Lynne’s request, she was stuck in a loveless marriage. At this moment she didn’t have loving thoughts about her sister. It was unfair what she was asking of her. When Angel married, she wanted it to be the forever kind of love. She let out a sigh.

"Not too romantic, was he?" Gabe leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Don’t worry. We can get married in the church later, if you want to."

"It doesn’t really matter." Angel looked down at her wedding ring. For the first time she got a good look at it. The ring was delicately carved with tiny hearts that surrounded the band. "This ring is beautiful."

"The lady in the antique shop said whoever wore it would find eternal love. I’m not sure I believe in that kind of mumble jumble, but we could use some luck right now."

"I believe it." She tilted her head. "But then I’ve been told I’m a romantic at heart."

"Really." He draped his arm across her shoulder. "Then I promise to be very careful with that romantic heart."

"Don’t make a promise you might not be able to keep." She moved away from him. "Let’s get out of here."

Gabe raised his eyebrow. "You mad at me?"

"No. I just want to get out of here."

"Let’s go pick something up and take it over to Pat O’Brien’s to celebrate." He maneuvered himself around the crowd outside the chambers.

"I’d like that." When she turned to smile at him, someone shoved her really hard. Angel lost her balance, falling backward into the crowd. "Gabe," she yelled, reaching for his hand.

Gabe swung his cane at the crowd. They moved out of his way. Angel was lying in a heap on the floor. He cried out to Jane. "Help me get her up."

Jane quickly knelt down next to her. "Lynne, are you okay?" Jane patted her face.

Slowly her eyes opened. "Boy, remind me not to turn my back again" Angel touched a spot on the back of her head. "Ouch."

Gabe reached for her hand to help her stand. "Are you okay?"

"It’s only a bump." She took his hand and let him help her. "Don’t look so worried."

He pulled her into his arms. "You scared me. I felt so useless. I couldn’t move fast enough. Thank God, Jane was here." He pressed her into his chest. "I’m sorry, Lynne."

"No one could have gotten to me. It happened too fast." She touched his cheek. "You’re here now."

Gabe looked into her eyes. They were warm and caring. And he saw something else. Was there a spark of love? No, he didn’t want her to love him. She deserved so much more then he could ever give her. And now he was keeping her from finding someone who deserved her love. But Christy came first.

"You’re overreacting, Gabe. Don’t look so scared."

"Who’s acting?" He cleared his throat. "Come on. Let’s celebrate."

~ * ~

Pat O’Brien’s wasn’t as crowded as it was at night. They’d found a table out on the patio. Gabe sat with Angel, Jane, and Peg. He tapped his hands to the beat of the music that came from a near by radio.

He looked at Angel. "Are you having a good time?"

"Wonderful." The warm breeze carried the smell of roses that surrounded the patio. "Aren’t the gardens pretty out here?"

"Yes, they are." Gabe smiled at her. "But you are much prettier."

"Here come Bill and Tony with the drinks."

"That’s good. Saying I do gets you really thirsty." He grinned at her.

"Yes, it does." Angel smiled. "Gabe, be careful with the alcohol, okay?"

"Since you became my wife only a few hours ago, you get away with that remark." Gabe reached for the beer that was handed him. "Just so you know. I’m only having one beer."

"I’m not trying to cause you problems." Angel took a sip of her coke. "I just worry about you."

"Stop worrying. I learned my lesson." Gabe took a big gulp of beer. He didn’t care much for her remark in front of everyone. But when he saw the hurt look in her eyes, he felt bad. He leaned toward her. "I’ll be back in a minute."

Angel watched him move through the tables. She could tell he was upset with her. When was she ever going learn to keep her mouth shut? She was worse than Peg. Gabe was an adult and could make his own choices.

Jane asked, "Is Gabe mad at you?"

"Yes." Angel twisted the wedding ring on her finger. "I shouldn’t have said anything."

"You were only trying to help him. He needs not to have such a chip on his shoulder." Jane patted her hand. "Give him time to cool off."

It was several minutes before he came back.

"Here." Gabe handed her some roses in a small vase. "A peace offering. I’m sorry I spouted off at you."

"Oh, Gabe, they’re beautiful." Angel touched the red velvet petal. Leaning toward him, she let her lips slide across his. "Thank you."

"Hey, I guess I should do that more often if it gets me a kiss." He winked at her.

"Pops!" A soldier yelled from across the room as he hurried toward them.

"I don’t believe it, Cowboy!" Gabe shoved his chair back. Standing up, he gave the guy a big hug.

"Boy, I thought you were dead." The young man shook his head. "You’re looking pretty good for an old man."

Gabe laughed. "You’re the only one that has ever gotten away with calling me that."

"Oh, no Ski was a lot better at it than me. How is he doing?"

"He got killed." Gabe ran his fingers through his hair. "Jap bullets tore his section up really bad. He didn’t have a chance."

Cowboy shook his head. "Why the cane?

"My leg was crushed when the plane crashed." Gabe tapped his thigh. "Thanks to this wooded one, I get around okay."

"There I go again, sticking my foot in my mouth." The soldier shook his head. "I guess I better get back to my buddies."

"Cowboy, there’s someone I’d like you to meet." Gabe put his hand on her shoulder. "This is my wife, Lynne. We’ve got a beautiful little girl, too."

"Wow, you know how to pick them, Pops." Cowboy smiled, shaking her hand. "A little girl, too. That’s great. You got a great guy there, Mrs. Stefonelli."

"Yes, I know." Angel smiled. "Cowboy. Does that mean you’re from Texas?"

"Is there any other place?" He grinned at her. "Well, I better be going or they will come over here. Believe me you don’t want that."

"It was good meeting you, Cowboy."

"Same here. Gabe, you take care of yourself. You’ve got my address, so drop me a line once in a while."

"I’ll do that." Gabe watched him walk away. A sadness settled over his face. He turned to Angel. "What do you say we get out of here?"

"Okay." She looked over at Jane. "Are you coming with us?"

"No, we’re staying so we can see Mr. Eddie play those trays of his. It doesn’t start until eight o’clock. I’ll call you in the morning."

Angel headed for the door with Gabe following her. She was glad to be leaving. Gabe’s eyes had taken on a haunted look after his friend left. Something was really bothering him, but he didn’t seem to want to talk about it. Once they were outside, she spoke.

"Are you okay, Gabe?"

"I’ve been better." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I’ll flag a cab down."

Angel watched him whistle as he flagged a cab coming down the road. She walked over as he held the door for her. Angel slid across the seat, making room for Gabe. He climbed in next to her.

"Would you take us to 214 Royal Street?"

"Sure thing, soldier." The young women smiled as she drove the cab into traffic.

"Gabe, where are we going? Angel touched his arm.

"You’ll see when we get there." Gabe leaned back, shutting his eyes.

Angel wanted to go back to the apartment. It had been a long day, and she wanted to be in the security of her own place. She’d made a big mistake. He didn’t need to be tied down now. But it was too late. Events were set into motion. She’d honored her sister’s request, and there was no turning back…

The cab pulled up in front of the luxurious Monteleone Hotel with its sculptured European design. Flags from every country hung from flag poles attached to the structure. Wrought-iron flower boxes decorated the windowsills. The lower boxes held blooming flowers of different hues. Two lanterns from each side cast a golden light over the entrance. A doorman in a white short-sleeve shirt with navy-blue pants ushered a woman through the doorway.

"Why are we stopping here?"

"It’s your wedding present." He slid out of the cab.

"We’re spending the night here?" Angel handed him his cane.

"That’s the idea." Gabe leaned on the cane. "You deserved a better wedding so maybe this will make up for it. This is supposed to be one of New Orleans finer hotels."

"Yes, it is." Angel’s heart raced. "I don’t have any night clothes."

"Jane took care of that. Your bags are in the room." He bent down and gave the cabbie some money. "Thank you. Come on, Lynne, let’s go take a look at the place."

"Is Gretchen watching Christy?" Angel followed him.

"Mrs. Johnson? Yes, until they get home."

"They’re getting Christy--"

"Calm down, Lynne. Everything is going to be fine. Don’t worry."

Angel waited for the doorman to open the door. She stepped inside and waited for Gabe. She never expected anything like this, but was sure happy that they were here.

"Why don’t you sit down here and I will go check in."

"Okay." She sat down in an upholstered Queen Anne armchair, folding her hands on her lap.

The most beautiful crystal chandler she’d ever seen twinkled with light reflecting off the cut glass. She bet she could see her face in the two-toned marble floor. Angel ran her hands along the deep rose tapestry material in the chair. It was the finest piece of floral fabric she’d ever touched. The Oriental rug had the same deep rose shades as the furniture.

Tall green plants stood in every corner. Freshly cut bouquets sat on every polished table. A turn of the century grandfather clock chimed five times; its beautiful tone echoed through the enormous room. Angel marveled at the hand-carved beauty of its woodwork. Whoever had carved it had done so with love.

How much was a night in this palace costing Gabe? She smiled as she remembered the time the hotel manager had asked her to leave here.

"What’s the big smile for?" Gabe stood in front of her.

"I thought about the time I got kicked out of here."

"You? Never."

"Really. I was twelve years old. I had to walk by here on my way home from school. One day some girls dared me to go inside." She wrinkled her brow. "You know how it is when someone dares you."

"Yes, I do." He shook his head. "Got me into more trouble than I care to tell you about."

Angel grinned. She could just imagine the kind of trouble he got into as a kid. "Guess the floor person knew by the way I was dressed I didn’t belong here. So he asked me to leave. I never forgot that."

"Well no one is going to ask you to leave this time." He held his arm out to her. "Shall we go see our room, Mrs. Stefonelli?"

"Certainly, Mr. Stefonelli," she said with a light-heartedness she didn’t feel. She stood up on shaky knees. Soon they would be in a room with a bed in it. "I’ve always wondered what the rooms would look like."

"You’ll be even more surprised with this one."

"What do you mean?"

"It’s a suite."

"A suite." She placed her hand on her chest. "Gabe, that costs a fortune."

"Nothing is too expensive for my wife." He winked at her.

Gabe pushed the elevator button. Angel didn’t know what the night would bring or what was on his mind as they waited for the elevator in silence.

~ * ~

Gabe watched Angel’s expression as she entered the elegant room. She was like a kid looking at a Christmas tree with all the trimmings. She picked up a small, solid gold clock. Tracing its delicate lines with her finger, she then carefully set it back down on the fireplace mantel. A Spinet desk of solid mahogany stood in front of a huge glass window. The blue and gold brocade drapes matched the upholstery fabric in the davenport and two wingback chairs.

The large davenport’s hardwood frame was beautiful, but probably uncomfortable for sleeping. Gabe had a feeling that was where he’d wind up tonight. Antique blue Tiffany glass lamps on carved occasional tables cast a soft light from either end of the davenport. In front, a coffee table with a delicate carved design sat with a crystal vase of spring flowers on it. He tapped the side of the vase with his finger. A musical tone sounded.

He smiled. "Real crystal. This place is too classy for anything less."

"Oh, Gabe, this has to be the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen." Angel sat down on the davenport and ran her hands across the material. "This is beautiful."

"If you think this is beautiful, go take a look at the bedroom." Gabe pointed to the French doors.

She hesitated, then moved slowly toward the doorway as if she were afraid. Strange way for her to be acting. Then a light went on in his brain. She thought he wanted to get her into the bedroom. They had made love, but that was when he was a whole man.

"Don’t be afraid of me, Lynne. I’m not going to force my attentions on you. This marriage is in name only. I just want you to have good memories of this day. Okay?"

Lynne opened the French doors. She let out a gasp. Gabe wondered what impressed her most. The walnut four-poster bed, the floor-to-ceiling windows, or the dresser and dressing table with the same dedicate carvings as the bed? The bedspread was blue, green, and gold brocade with a matching bed skirt. The cool blue walls gave the room a formal, yet cozy feel.

"Wow!" Angel fingered the bedspread.

"Why don’t you take a look out here?" Gabe stepped over to the window. He waited for her to join him.

"Oh, Gabe. You can see the whole city from here." She slipped her arm around his waist. "It’s a beautiful city, isn’t it?"

"Yes, it is." Gabe looked out on all the lights. "I’m sure the city is finally glad to be able to burn all these lights now that the war has ended."

"There will be lots of things we can do again. We can finally have Mardi Gras again. It’s going to be heavenly."

"You’ll be leaving shortly."

"For a moment, I forgot." She stared out the window.

"The hotel left us a bottle of champagne. What do you say we give it a try?" He turned away from her.

"Okay, but I’m not much of a drinker." She followed him out of the bedroom.

He chuckled. "Since when?"

"Since Christy."

"Don’t worry, it’s not my intention to get you drunk." He looked in her direction. "You just seem so tense. I thought it might relax you some, that’s all."

"Does it show that much?" Her cheeks reddened. "I’m just not sure what you expect of me."

"While we’re around other people, you act like the loving wife. When we’re alone, you act normally." He lifted her hand and touched her wedding ring. "Can we make this work for Christy’s sake?"

"Yes. We both love her very much." She covered his hand with hers. "Now that I know what you expect of me, it makes this easier. This suite was a wonderful surprise. It’s made me very happy."

"Good." He took the champagne out of the ice bucket. Was that relief he heard in her voice? Did she find sleeping with him that repulsive? Thinking like that wouldn’t do him any good. Sleeping with her wasn’t an option. "You’d like the Stefonelli wine better, but hey, it’s free."

"Tell me what the vineyard is like."

"It’s the most beautiful place in the world." He handed her a glass of the bubbly. "When the grapes are ready for harvest, the smell is intoxicating, and you’ve never seen so many colors. Harvest gold, deep purple, just waiting to be picked. The vineyard lies in the middle of a green valley. Like nothing you’ve ever seen before."

"You love the land, don’t you?"

"Yes, but not as much as my father does. He eats, sleeps, and dreams about the place."

"I see. You sound like that bothers you." She took a sip from the glass. "The bubbles tickle my nose."

"Mine, too." He grinned. "My father is strong and opinionated. I’m afraid I’ve never lived up to his expectation. How do you like the champagne?"

"Not bad, but then it’s my first glass." Angel sat down on the davenport holding the glass on her lap.

"I thought we drank champagne the night before I shipped out."

Angel giggled. "Did we? I must’ve forgotten."

"That’s not a night I could easily forget."

She drained the glass, then held it out for a refill. "That was a long time ago, Gabe."

Gabe frowned. What had her so nervous again? Maybe another glass of the bubbly would calm her.

"We were talking about your father. Guess I was lucky not having parents. I didn’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations but my own."

"He’s hard on me, but I’m glad he is my father."

"How is your leg feeling?"

"My leg is somewhat better." He hoped she couldn’t tell he was lying. He sat down in the chair across from her. Strange, but he thought she loved champagne. Now she acted as if this was her first time drinking the bubbly. "You don’t drink champagne anymore?"

"Your tastes change after a while." She took another swallow of the drink. "I meant I’ve never had this kind before. The good stuff tastes different." She traced the ring around the glass. "My life is different now."

"Yes, we’re married."

She suppressed a yawn. "I guess I’m tired."

He picked up the bottle of champagne and poured more in his glass. Right now he needed this drink. He’d relieve her mind and tell her he wasn’t going to be sleeping in that big bed with her either. That ought to make her feel better. "You can have the bed. The davenport will do me just fine."

"You can’t do that. It’s too small." She set her glass down on the table. "That is a big bed in there. There is no reason we can’t share it."

"You’re right. There is no reason." He raised the bottle toward her. "Let’s make a toast."

"Yes, that’s a good idea."

"To Christy." He raised his glass.

"To friendship." Their glasses clinked.

Gabe sat down in the chair across from her. She was so quiet. "Don’t worry. When my head hits that pillow, I’ll be out like a light." He traced the edge on the rim of his glass. "If it will help any, this isn’t exactly how I thought I’d spend my wedding night, either. Guess in this life we don’t always get what we want, huh?"

"No, we don’t." She walked over to the window. "The stars are beautiful tonight. Don’t you think?"

"Yes, they are." Gabe stood next to her. He took a gulp of the champagne. A cooling breeze flowed through the window. He stared up at the stars as Angel leaned back against him. He shut his eyes, inhaling the smell of Evening in Paris, lost in the nearness of her.

~ * ~

The clock on the fireplace mantel struck twelve times. Angel looked at the fine china plates on the small table. Gabe had surprised her with dinner for two in their suite. She felt like a princess. "It’s getting late."

"Boy, I’ve really talked your ear off." Gabe pushed himself to a standing position. Pain shot through his thigh, and he flinched. "I’ve got to get this leg off."

"Yes, you do. I’m sorry I forgot." Angel looked toward the bedroom. "Did you say my things were in there?"

"Yes, beside the bed. You can have the bathroom. I’ll be taking care of my leg."

"If you need any help, yell."

"I won’t." He picked up the bottle. "No use wasting the rest of this."

"Gabe, I really wish you wouldn’t."

"Don’t worry I won’t get drunk. This stuff doesn’t work on me like that."

"You don’t need a headache in the morning. Besides it’s not good to mix pain pills with that stuff."

"One thing for sure, you have the nagging part down to a tee." He took a gulp of the champagne.

"Do what you want." She headed for the bedroom. Angel lifted the small bag on the bed and yanked it open, flinging the top back. All she needed was for him to get drunk again. In her opinion he drank too much. Drinking never solved anyone’s problems. She rummaged through what Peg had put in the bag, finally finding a nightgown. She groaned as she held it up in front of her.

"Is something wrong?" Gabe stood in the doorway.

"Yes," She held the gown up for him to see. "Peg’s idea of what I should be wearing isn’t exactly what I would have chosen."

"Oh, I don’t know. That would have been my choice." He grinned at her, raising his eyebrow.

Angel flung it at him. It landed on his head. She chuckled. He looked so silly with the see-through gown dangling off his head. "Men, you all think alike."

"Look, I have a pair of pajamas in my duffel bag. You can wear the top." Hobbling over to the bed, he grabbed the bag and flung it on the bed. He reached inside and pulled out the pajamas. "Here."

"Thank you." She held the top up to her. The shirt came down past her knees. It was cotton with blue and white stripes. "Yes, this is much better. I’m glad you had them."

"If you say so." He winked. "Normally I don’t wear pajamas, but they cover up my leg."

"Gabe, your leg doesn’t bother me." She retrieved some clean underpants, hiding them under the shirt.

"Well, it bothers me. No one should have to look at that," he said through clenched teeth.

Angel walked over to him. She touched his face. "In my eyes, you’re the same man I met at Pat O’Brien’s. Your missing leg doesn’t change that. So stop thinking it does." She hated how easily the words came to her now. Almost like she’d turned into Lynne.

Gabe placed his hand on top of hers. Angel looked into his caring eyes. Heat radiated through her body. She found it hard to breathe. "I’ll hurry."

"Take your time." He started unbuttoning his shirt.

Angel walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her, wondering how she was ever going to sleep with him lying next to her. Why had she ever suggested it?

Gabe smiled, shaking his head. Tonight was definitely going to be a challenge. He held up the thin ivory gown. Visions of Lynne in that gown caused his heart to beat rapidly. She’d look like an angel, he thought.

Well, there was no use thinking about it. Seeing her in that gown was never going to happen. He tore his shirt off and threw it onto the chair. He fluffed up the pillows, then lay down on the bed. It felt good. He looked in the direction of the bathroom. He heard the water running and listened as she hummed a song. Visions of her slipping into a tub full of bubble bath consumed him. With eyelids heavy from the alcohol, he closed his eyes.

Angel stepped out of the bathroom. Gabe was lying on the bed sound asleep. Maybe this was the answer to her prayers. If she didn’t wake him up, they both might be able to sleep better. No, she couldn’t do that to him. The bath had really refreshed her. Gabe deserved the same pleasure.

Angel gently shook his arm. "Gabe. Wake up."

He blinked, focusing on her. "Sorry, guess I dozed off."

"I thought you might want to take a bath." She stood back so he could get out of the bed.

"No bath. It’s too hard getting in and out. A shower would be easier." Smiling, he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Not me, I need my hot bath after I’ve worked a hard day at the plant. If you would really like a bath, I’ll help you out."

She watched his eyes widen in disbelief. She was his wife now and that meant caring for him in sickness and in health. "Go ahead."

"You can’t be serious." Gabe made eye contact with her. "I’ll be butt naked."

"Well, it’s not like I haven’t seen you that way before." Angel forced a casualness she didn’t feel. "You can yell when you’re ready to get out."

"Are you sure?" Gabe struggled to a standing position. "That warm water sure would feel good on my stump."

"Then do it." Angel busied herself with the bedcovers so she wouldn’t try to help him.

Gabe stared at the pajama top she wore. It came down to her knees, but he gaped as if it were invisible. "The shirt’s a little big, but on you it looks great."

"Thank you."

He hobbled over to the bathroom door. "I’ll give a yell when I’m ready." He shut the door behind him.

Angel let out her breath as the door closed. What had ever possessed her to agree to help him out of the tub? Well, it was too late to change her mind now. She’d offered him help and somehow she’d get through this. She removed the suitcase from the bed, pulling the bedspread to the foot of the bed.

Restless, Angel walked to one of the tall windows. She looked out at the stars twinkling in the sky. If God was looking down, she hoped He would bless this marriage because right now she wasn’t very optimistic.

She’d married Gabe under false pretenses. When this was all over, her sister would be with him and Christy. Once again Angel would be alone. Part of her wished that she had met Gabe and Christy were hers. But that wasn’t the way it was. She loved Lynne and whatever it took to bring her some happiness, she was going to do it. Someday she’d find her own kind of love.

She looked at the clock on the bed stand. It was one o’clock in the morning. Did she dare call Jane and see how Christy was doing. Why not? Jane would be up still. And if she woke her up, she’d be getting even for that gown Jane had packed for her. She sat on the bed and waited as the switchboard operator dialed the number. It rang several times before she heard Jane’s sleepy voice answer.

"Hi, it’s me. How’s Christy doing?

"Do you know what time it is?"

"Yes, but normally you are still up at this time."

"When I’m not taking care of a very active little girl. How’s everything going there?"

"Okay." She sighed.

"What’s wrong?"

"I offered to help Gabe out of the tub."

Jane laughed out loud. "Oh, then the nightgown worked, huh?"

"No, it didn’t!" She leaned up against the headboard. "When I saw that gown, I wanted to choke you."

"Hey, you need something pretty and sexy."

"No, I don’t!"

"Look, you’ve got to play the game if you want him to believe that you are Lynne."

"I know." She played with the sheet. "That doesn’t mean I have to like it."

"No, you don’t. But you should’ve thought of that before you made a promise to your sister. Now I don’t see that you have any choice."

"You’re right, I don’t have a choice. I’ll talk to you later." She hung up the phone.

"Who were you talking to?" Gabe stood in the bathroom doorway.

Angel’s eyes darted to the large towel wrapped around his middle. His body glistened from the beaded water running down his chest. Her gaze traveled the length of his muscular chest, smooth but for a few patches of hair that extended below the towel line. Heat radiated through her body as she tried not to look at the spot. But looking at his brown eyes was even a bigger mistake. Her heart started racing.

"How--how did you get out of the tub?"

"My pride wouldn’t let a woman help me get out of the tub." He hopped over to the dresser. Grabbing his shaving kit out of the duffel bag, he turned and frowned at her. "You were talking about choices?"

"Jane was talking about choices for her wedding. She’s getting married at Christmas." She slipped beneath the covers. "It doesn’t concern you."

"We’re married now. Everything you do matters to me." He bent over, trying to reach his pajamas. "Could you hand me the bottoms?"

Angel grabbed his pajama bottoms and threw them at him. "You may be my husband, but I do make my own choices." She smoothed out the comforter. "You would do well to remember that."

"And you remember that I don’t like being ordered around." He hopped toward the bathroom.

"Do you need any help?"

"No, I can get my pants on by myself." He slammed the door behind him.

Angel fell back against the pillow and sighed. It seemed everything she said was upsetting him. She felt a headache coming on fast. This was no way to be starting off with whatever kind of relationship they were going to have. When he came out, she’d apologize to him. Oh, God please help me get through this night.

Her prayer was interrupted by a loud crash coming from the bathroom. Angel bounded out of bed. She flung open the door. Gabe was sprawled out on the floor in his underwear.

"Are you hurt?"

"Just my pride." He rubbed the back of his head as he flung the prosthesis across the room. "There was water on the floor. I didn’t see it until it was too late."

"Gabe, accidents happen." She slid her arm around his back. "On the count of three. Ready?"

"Ready."

"One, two, three." Angel used all of her strength to get him standing. "Let me help you get these on."

Gabe sat down on the toilet as she held out his pajama bottoms. He put his good leg in first, then stood as Angel slipped them on the rest of the way. He snatched the string from her and tied it. "Thanks."

"Anytime."

He hopped out of the bathroom, and sat down on the bed.

"Are you sure you’re okay?" She stood in front of him.

"I’m okay. I have a hard head."

"You’re right about that." She grinned. "Here, let me feel." She reached around him to the back of his head, which forced her breasts into his face.

"I’m okay." He shoved her away, causing her to lose her balance. She fell backwards over the small stool beside the bed.

"Oh, God." He tried in vain to reach out to stop her fall.

Her laughter echoed in the room.

"I’m glad you find this situation so laughable."

Angel stood and rubbed her elbow. She came over and sat down beside him. She didn’t say anything. What could she say? She’d made a mess of everything. Her eyes misted up and a tear slid down her cheek.

"Ah, gee, I didn’t mean to hurt you." He turned her so she was facing him.

"I’ve made a mess out of this night." She wiped the tear away with her sleeve. "The look on your face just made me laugh. I couldn’t decide who was the bigger klutz."

Suddenly, Gabe laughed and shook his head. "We make a good pair."

"Yes, we do." She touched his cheek. "I’m sorry I keep saying all the wrong things."

Gabe met her gaze. He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Then he leaned toward her. Very slowly his lips brushed lightly against hers. He deepened the kiss.

Angel moaned. The man could kiss, that was for certain. She could lose herself if she weren’t careful. Remembering he still thought she was Lynne, she stiffened. What was she doing, enjoying a kiss with Gabe? He wasn’t hers, not really.

He pulled away. "I’m sorry."

"That’s all right."

"You deserve more than me."

"You’re wrong, Gabe. Marrying you was the right choice."

"We better get some sleep." He slid under the covers, holding them up for her.

She slid in next to him, watching as he closed his eyes. The fact that she was now married and would soon leave New Orleans tore at her heart. She feared that if she couldn’t carry this off, everyone would lose. She needed his strong arms around her.

"Gabe, I’m scared. Would you hold me?" Her eyes filled, and she blinked back the tears.

Gabe slipped his arm around her and pulled her against him. "You’re trembling."

"I--I’m leaving the only city I’ve ever lived in and all the people I know."

"I know." He kissed the top of her head. "Everything’s going to work out just fine, Lynne. You’ll like California. Now close your eyes." He rubbed the side of her arm. She snuggled closer.

"As long as you hold me like this, I feel safe." She closed her eyes. That, at least, was one truth she’d told him.

Gabe tried to ease away, but she snuggled even closer. Finally he gave up, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. This wasn’t happening. But God help him, he was starting to have feelings for Lynne. She didn’t seem to see him as damaged goods. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she really needed him. She acted as if she really cared about him. There was neither pity nor disgust on her face when she touched his hideous stump. Was he falling in love? He didn’t know. Could she love him? Who was he kidding?

A moment later he heard her even breathing. He closed his eyes, secure in the knowledge that tonight he was going to just enjoy holding her. Whatever tomorrow brought, he’d face it.

A gentle breeze blew through the floor-length window. Birds sang their early morning songs. Angel slowly opened her eyes, surveying the unfamiliar room until her gaze rested on Gabe. Then she remembered. She was in the Monteleone Hotel with her new husband. She lay still, not moving a muscle, as she watched him unwrap his leg until he got down to the stump. He ran his hand along his thigh, kneading it.

"Would you like me to do that?"

"About time you woke up." He smiled at her. "That would be great."

Angel hopped out of bed and walked over to where he was sitting. She bent over and placed her hands on his thigh. Slowly she kneaded the area, ignoring the heat that traveled up her arm from the moment she touched his body.

"Boy, you have magic in those hands of yours." He leaned against the back of the chair. "How did you sleep?"

"Great, what about you?" She continued working the muscles in his thigh.

"Good. You know, sometimes it’s like you’re two people." Gabe played with the end of her long strands of hair. "You’re not like the girl I met before I shipped out."

"That’s good. I’d like to think I’ve grown up since then." She smiled at him, hoping he hadn’t noticed the guilty look on her face. "I hope you aren’t disappointed."

"I’m not." Gabe brushed her nose with his finger. "I like the change."

She couldn’t help the thrill his words gave her. "Where are the new bandages?"

"Over there in my duffel bag. Should be on top in a black bag."

"You stay put. I will get it." Angel retrieved the black bag. "I found it."

"Good." He reached for the bandages.

"Let me do it."

"Are you sure?"

"Don’t be so self-conscious, Gabe." She began wrapping the bandage over his healing incision.

"I’m surprised you know how to do this."

"My volunteer work was on the amputee ward." She continued wrapping the stump until she ran out of bandage, then secured the end. "There you go."

"There’s a new sock in there. Can you get it for me? I think it’s on top, too."

Angel went over to the bag and reached inside, quickly locating the sock. "Here it is."

Gabe took it from her and slipped it on over the bandages. "The sock gives it more protection. I’ve been having trouble with rubbing from the prosthesis."

"Was that what the infection was from?"

"Yes. It’s bothersome."

"Here." Angel handed him the prosthesis. "Are you sure you’re ready to wear this again?"

"The doctor said it was okay." He slipped the prosthesis on his stump, adjusting it into place, then buckled the pelvic belt around his waist. "It feels as if I’m starting all over with this thing again. This contraption takes time to get use to. Hope it’s not bothering you too much."

"It doesn’t bother me." Angel winked at him.

"You aren’t like most women. I really believe they would find it revolting."

"Then they are the ones who lost not knowing a very special man." She watched him stand up and steady himself. "We’d better get moving. I’ll be done in fifteen minutes."

Gabe watched her swaying hips as she headed for the bathroom. Lynne was something else. He never would have believed she’d touch his leg without looking away or pulling back from him. It seemed like he was learning something new about her everyday. What he learned only made him like her more, which wasn’t too smart considering theirs was a marriage of convenience.

Soon they would be in California. Maybe he’d feel differently once he was on familiar ground. Gabe wished he could shake the feeling that something wasn’t right here. He didn’t know what it was, but he needed to be conscious of his gut feelings. They’d never been wrong. There was more to lose here than his heart. There was Christy.

~ * ~

The small suitcase was packed full. Angel doubted she could get one more article of Christy’s clothing in it. This one would be easier to get to when she needed to change diapers. She looked around to see if she’d forgotten anything. Sadness came over her as she looked at the luggage. It was hard to believe that most of her life was packed into these four suitcases.

She looked around the bedroom. For four years this had been her home. Now she was going far way from here and the people she knew and loved. All because of a promise she’d made to her sister in a moment of weakness. Now she wished she’d never made such a promise. But thinking about it wouldn’t change things. What mattered was Christy.

"How’s it going?" Jane asked as she entered the room. "Christy is with Mrs. Johnson. Figured she might want to spend a little time with her before you left."

"Good. I’m sure this is going to be hard on her. She loves Christy so much." Angel let out a long sigh.

"Looks like you have everything. Seems empty in here now."

Angel glanced around the room. "You’re right,it does. I’ve shared some special moments here with you and Peg."

"Yes." Jane swallowed hard and held back tears. "I’m going to miss you very much."

"I’ll miss you, too." Angel threw her arms around Jane. "I’m scared. I’ve never been out of New Orleans. What if I fail?"

"You’re not going to fail. Gabe’s a great guy, and he loves Christy." She hugged her tighter. "Look, Lynne’s going to get better, then you can come back here and Peg and I will help you get through all this."

"Thanks, Jane." Angel wiped a tear away. "I pray every night for that. What was Gabe doing?"

"Outside trying to figure how to get all that luggage in the Chrysler." Jane picked up a couple of suitcases. "Might as well take these down for him. By the way, I talked to Lynne last night. I told her all about your plans. You’re supposed to call her once you get to California."

"Oh, thank you so much. I was wondering how I was going to let her know what was going on."

"That’s a nice sanatorium she’s in, not like some I’ve heard about."

"It’s really a private home that was turned into a sanatorium. I’m lucky they took Lynne in. At least I don’t have to worry about her being cared for."

"The people seem very nice."

"Oh, they are. I guess I better check around one more time." Angel opened up each drawer in the bureau. "I hate it that I can’t see Lynne one more time before I go."

"It’s better this way. Hand me the other suitcase." She stuffed it under her arm.

"Jane, will you call me after I’m out there?"

"You know I will. Mrs. Johnson is going to take turns with me, going over to see Lynne. That way someone will always be near her."

"Oh, that’s wonderful."

"Sometimes it’s hard to believe you two are twin sisters. You’re so different."

"Don’t judge her too harshly. Lynne just had all these big dreams that kept her head in the clouds. They never came true for her. So I’m going to make sure this one does. One thing I know for sure is that Christy is the most important thing in her life."

"I know that." Jane stood just outside the door. "Sometimes you have to let go of dreams and grow up."

"Who needs to grow up?" Gabe’s leg softly thumped the floor as he limped toward Jane. He bent leaning his chin on her shoulder.

"One of our co-workers." Jane looked in Angel’s direction. She made a face and mouthed. "Sorry."

"Hey, you having a party in here?" Peg came up behind Gabe.

"Gee, we would never have a party without you." Angel laughed. "How about helping us with these other two bags."

"I can do that, Lynn." Gabe started to grab the suitcases.

"Gabe, let her take them. That is too many trips up and down those stairs. We don’t want your leg acting up. We have a long way to go."

"Women aren’t supposed to carry heavy bags," he grumbled.

"Hey, Gabe. The war changed all that." Jane grinned at him. "I’m as tough as you now." She flexed her arm muscle.

"Coming from you I believe it." Gabe winked. "Just don’t get so tough you don’t need us. That would really kill a guy’s pride."

"There are some things a women needs and wants a man for." Jane winked back. "Come on let’s get these in the car."

~ * ~

Gabe shoved the last of the luggage into the trunk of the Chrysler. He shook his head. It was a good thing Lynne didn’t have one more suitcase. He had no idea where he’d put it. He saw her coming down the steps holding Christy. Mrs. Johnson, Jane, and Peg followed her.

"Hate to say it, Lynne, but we need to get going. We have a long trip ahead of us."

"I know." Angel handed Christy to him. Then she turned and wrapped her arms around Mrs. Johnson. "You’ve been like a mother to me. I’m going to miss you."

"Well, I’ll miss the both of you. But I couldn’t put you in more capable hands. Gabe is a good man. He’ll always treat you right."

"I know." She kissed her cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Don’t you dare cry." Jane turned her around. "This is a great adventure for you. You’re going to love California, and I’ll have a place I can visit."

"You mean you and Peg will come and see us?" Angel sniffed.

"Of course we will, might even bring Mrs. Johnson if she wants to come," Jane replied.

"You couldn’t keep me away." Gretchen kissed Christy on the cheek. "We’ll see you soon, honey."

"All of you are welcome to come for a visit," Gabe said. "There’s plenty of room at the Villa."

"Then we’ll plan on it." Jane gave Angel a hug, then Gabe and the baby. "You take good care of her, you hear me?"

"Will do." He didn’t ask which "her" she meant, but he had a feeling Jane meant Lynne. No wonder Lynne was nervous about leaving. Although she had no family, she had loyal, supportive friends. He opened the back door of the car and lay Christy into the travel bed he’d made up for her. He handed her the bottle he’d stowed in his pocket. "We should be in Lake Charles in a couple of hours. We’re staying overnight, then we’ll catch the train in the morning. Lynne will call you."

"Reverse the charges."

"No need for that. Thanks for loaning us the car." He held the driver’s door open for Angel. He smiled at her as she slid into the driver’s seat. It took several seconds for Gabe to get situated in the passenger seat. "You ready?"

"Ready as I’ll ever be." Angel slipped the key into the ignition. She put it in neutral, adjusted the choke, then pushed the starter button on the dash. It started. She shifted into gear, gave it gas, and eased the old Chrysler out into traffic.

Gabe looked over at her. Tears were running down her cheeks. He felt bad for her. Leaving her friends and the place she grew up in had to be hard. He remembered how he felt when he left for boot camp. Part of him always longed for home. Maybe he should have given her more time. But he needed to get home. The grapes would be ready to pick now and his father would need every hand in the fields.

"It’s going to get easier, Lynne. I promise." Gabe touched her knee. Christy jabbered away in her own baby language behind him.

"Well, somebody seems very happy to be going to California." Lynne smiled.

"Wish her mother felt the same way." Gabe half-smiled at her. "I feel I’ve just ruined your life again."

"Again? You haven’t ruined my life, Gabe." She looked over at him. "I’ve never been away from New Orleans. I’m bound to feel a little sad."

"Boy, it’s hard to believe you’ve never been out of the city. No wonder you’re feeling so bad." He felt like a heel, remembering her talk about her dreams of acting. Her dreams of seeing the world. He hadn’t stopped to think about the consequences when he’d been making love to her. But it did no good dwelling on past mistakes. "Don’t worry. You will have a great time seeing all these places."

Angel passed the city limits sign: Leaving New Orleans. She shook her head and smiled. But Gabe saw the tears she bravely blinked away.

"You’re right, Gabe. This is a new adventure for me."

"Let’s make it a good one." He’d do whatever he could to see that she enjoyed the trip.

~ * ~

Angel glanced over at Gabe. The ride to Lake Charles must have pushed his threshold of pain to the limit. Sweat beaded up on his forehead when he moved to stretch his leg. He groaned.

"What’s wrong Gabe?"

"My leg’s giving me trouble." He fished his pocket watch out of his pants pocket. "Why don’t we find a place to get something to eat? I could really use some coffee."

"Good idea. Keep your eye out for a place." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Some tea would be nice. How’s Christy doing back there?"

Gabe looked back over his shoulder. "She’s playing with her baby doll. Boy, I can’t get over how good she’s been. I sure wouldn’t like to be cooped up very long."

"I’m amazed, too." Angel looked in the rearview mirror. "Guess she has some gypsy in her blood."

"Takes after her daddy." Gabe stared out the side window. "Growing up I always wanted to see what lay beyond Serenity. The war took care of that. Now, home is the only place I want to be."

"That’s the way New Orleans felt to me." Angel let out a sigh. "I hope California will soon feel like home."

"It will. I promise." He brushed a strand of her hair out of her eyes. "Maybe I’ll give mama a call while we’re stopped here. Boy, I hate telling her over the phone, but it wouldn’t be fair to just show up."

"No, it wouldn’t, especially with Christy." Angel gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"My mama has a heart of gold. She’ll be okay with this. They’re all going to love you."

All except you, she thought, then wondered why. But of course she wanted Gabe to love Lynne, so they could all be a happy family when Lynne recovered. Not for the first time she wondered what would happen then. Could they hide the truth forever? Then she’d never be able to see Christy or her sister again. But if Gabe learned the truth, he’d probably take Christy away and hate both Lynne and her.

"Gabe, I’m not good with meeting someone for the first time."

"Just be yourself."

If only she could. But she couldn’t be herself. She was Lynne now. She caught sight of a diner. "How about that place?"

"Looks good to me."

Angel pulled to a stop in front of the diner. The outside looked like a passenger train. Lights blinked welcoming them to Kathy’s Place. She opened the car door and climbed out, stretching her arms over her head. It felt good to get out of the car. Angel reached inside to get Christy and noticed Gabe was having a hard time maneuvering his prosthetic leg out of the car. "Need some help?"

"No, just give me a few minutes." He replied sharply.

"Suit yourself."

"Sorry, I get annoyed with this thing."

"I understand." Angel shifted Christy to her other hip. "I’ll take Christy inside and find us a seat. That’ll give you all the time you need."

"Thanks." He rubbed his leg. "Be there in a bit."

Christy giggled, reaching for Gabe. "Dada."

"No, Christy, daddy needs to rest a minute. Let’s go inside and get you something good to eat."

"See you in a minute, sweetheart." Gabe shook Christy’s leg.

The look on Gabe’s face when Christy reached for him tore at her heart. He was too sensitive about his leg. Somehow she was going to get him to feel more at ease. Gabe couldn’t keep up this tough guy act all the time. He had to know he could lean on her when things got too tough.

Angel opened the diner door and smiled at the woman standing behind the counter. To her amazement, the place looked like the dining cars she’d seen in the train pamphlet Gabe had shown her. White lace curtains hung at each window. On the wall were pictures of all models of trains. There were only a few people seated at the tables in front.

"Come on in. You need a high chair for the baby?" A woman who appeared to be about Angel’s age stepped out from behind the counter. "What a little doll."

"Thank you. That would be great." Angel followed her to a table in the back.

"How’s this?"

"Perfect."

"What can I get you?"

"My husband will be in shortly. I’ll wait for him." Angel slipped Christy into the high chair.

"Okay, I can do that." The waitress limped back over to the counter.

Gabe stood in the doorway a few minutes later. Angel waved at him to get his attention. The waitress rushed back to the table and smiled at him as he slowly made his way to the table.

She stepped aside so he could sit down. "This must be the hubby. What can I get you?"

"Coffee for me." He handed Christy her doll.

"You can make mine tea with cream. Do you have any soda crackers you could bring my daughter?"

"Sure do." She touched Christy on the head. "Bet this little one is a daddy’s girl."

"You bet." Gabe leaned back against the seat. "Would you have an aspirin?"

"I’ve got some in my purse." The waitress walked back over to the counter. Reaching around, she pulled out a black felt handbag and withdrew a bottle. "Here you go. I always carry aspirin."

"Usually I take a pain pill, but they dope me up too much." He looked over at Christy. "She’s far too active for me to be in that condition."

"Couldn’t help notice you limped in here, soldier."

"I’m slowly getting used to using this prosthesis of mine." Gabe slapped his leg, then grimaced. "At least it allows me to stand up and be able to walk."

"That’s rough." She half-smiled. "You seem to be handling it pretty good."

"Some days are better than others." He dumped four aspirins into his hand, then handed the bottle back to her. "Could you bring me a glass of water?"

"Sure thing." She started to stuff the bottle into her apron but changed her mind. "Here, you keep these. You might need them. Be back with your drinks and some crackers for the baby."

"She’s real nice." Gabe watched the waitress limp away. "You think she owns this place?"

"Maybe." Angel noticed the pained expression on his face. "You’re really hurting aren’t you?"

"It’ll pass. Just need to take these." He closed his eyes.

Again, he’d brushed aside her concern. He was a proud one. Would she ever really be able to reach him? "Here she comes."

Gabe opened his eyes. No one looked as good as that waitress did right now. He took the glass from her and popped the pills into his mouth, drinking down the water. He set the glass down on the table. "Thanks." He then took the cup of coffee she handed him. "Would you happen to know Elizabeth Zeylinski?"

"Everyone knows Liz." The waitress smiled at him. "She owns the boardering house here in town."

"You wouldn’t happen to have her telephone number, would you?" Gabe took a big gulp of the black coffee.

"Sure do. I’ll get it for you." She handed them both a menu. "I’ll get your order when I get back."

Angel glanced up from the menu. "Has the pain eased up any?"

"A little." He tried not to look her in the eye for fear she’d know he was lying. "Sure could use those magic hands of yours right now."

To his surprise, Angel got up and knelt down in front of him. She began massaging his thigh. "What are you grinning at?"

"You must have been thinking something wicked because your face is red." Gabe winked.

Angel roughly kneaded his thigh. "My thoughts are my own."

"Okay, Lynne, I got your point. I’ll quit teasing you for now."

"I’m sorry if I hurt you, but you were asking for it." Angel got up from her squatting position. She sat back down in her seat.

"Touché, I deserved that." Gabe held the menu up in front of his face. He didn’t want her to see him smiling again. She had spunk; he liked that.

"Did I give you enough time to decide what you want?" The waitress stood next to Christy’s high chair.

"You can give me steak and potatoes." Gabe handed her the menu.

"Here’s that phone number you wanted." She handed him a slip of paper.

"Thanks."

"Want a salad with that steak?"

"Sure, why not."

"I’ll take the vegetable plate." Angel handed over the menu.

"Vegetable plate? Is that all?" Gabe asked.

"I’m not very hungry. If you could, I’d like a small plate, too. That way Christy and I can share."

"Pretty name for a pretty baby." The waitress tucked the menus under her arm. "Be glad to bring an extra plate. Shouldn’t take too long."

"Do you have a phone I could use?" asked Gabe.

"There’s one in the back near the ladies room." She pointed it out to him.

Gabe noticed the limp again. Maybe that was why she’d been so sympathetic. She had a handicap also. "Think I’ll try this number and see if Ski’s mom is home." He stood, using the table to regain his balance. He started in the direction the waitress had pointed. "Be back in a few minutes."

~ * ~

Angel watched Gabe slowly move toward the table. She was proud of the way he was adjusting to his prosthesis. Every day he got better with his balance and weight of the leg. She was certain this was bound to be helpful working out in the fields with his family. He didn’t want them to think he was different now. That mattered very much to him.

Gabe sat down. "She was home. We have been invited to spend the night there in one of her rooms."

"That was sweet of her." Angel smiled. "A comfortable bed will feel good tonight."

"Boy, you can say that again." He took a big gulp of coffee. "They sure make great coffee."

"My tea’s good, too." Angel looked over at Christy munching on a cracker. "Guess Christy is liking her cracker."

"Looks like it." Christy pushed the cracker out to him. "No, it’s all yours."

"Here you go, folks." The waitress set the heavy tray on the next table, then served their food. "I brought an extra bowl of beans you can mash up for her."

"Thank you." Angel touched her hand. "Do you own this place?"

"Yes, I’m Kathy and that handsome guy back there in the kitchen is my husband Joe." She nodded in the direction of the kitchen.

"You have a great place here." Gabe tipped his head to her husband. He looked over at Kathy. "How’d you hurt your leg?"

"Fell off a horse. Messed up some bones pretty bad." She finished putting the rolls and butter on the table.

"Doesn’t seem to slow you down any." Gabe nodded toward the brace below her skirt.

"That’s because I won’t let it. You live with what God dealt you. Don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I’ve got this place to run and five kids to care for. Keeps me plenty busy."

"Wow, five kids." Gabe shook his head. "That’s why you seem to get along with our daughter so well. I come from a big family too."

"How about you, honey?" Kathy looked in Angel’s direction.

"No, there was only me. I was raised in an orphanage." She dished out some of the beans on a plate to cool for Christy. "I often longed for a brother or sister." Angel looked down at her plate hoping they couldn’t tell she was lying.

"That’s too bad. Big families are great." She looked over at Gabe. "She’s built to have loads of kids, don’t you think?"

Gabe coughed, then swallowed. He cleared his throat. "Right now, one is all we can handle."

Angel was glad he ended that part of the conversation.

"On that note, I’ll leave." Kathy smiled. "Enjoy your meal."

They continued eating without conversation, except for Christy’s jabbering.

Finding Ski’s house hadn’t been difficult. Kathy’s directions led Gabe right to the house. They stood on the wraparound porch. Gabe hesitated a moment before he rang the bell. He looked over at Angel.

"Boy, I hate doing this. I’m not sure if I know what to say to her." Gabe ran his fingers through his hair.

"Just act normal, Gabe. I’m sure she’ll be very happy to see you and to hear about her child." Angel touched his arm. "Go ahead and ring the bell."

Gabe pressed the bell. A silver-haired woman wearing a flowered dress opened the door. Her resemblance to Ski was remarkable. Gabe took off his hat. "I’m Gabe."

"Yes, I’d know you anywhere from the pictures my son sent me." She held the door open for them. "Come in, won’t you?"

"Ski wanted me to bring you some of his things if anything ever happened to him." He motioned for Angel to enter first.

"Ski?" Mrs. Zeylinski looked puzzled, then smiled. "Oh, Lee’s Army nickname. Please, let’s go into the living room. We’ll be more comfortable there."

As they entered the room, she invited them to sit, then asked, "What do you have for me?"

Gabe reached in his pocket and pulled out the envelope, handing it to her. He watched as she fingered the envelope. She pressed it to her breast for a moment. Slowly she lifted the flap and let the contents drop in her lap. She sucked in her breath.

"My Saint Christopher medal." She held it against her heart with trembling hands. "I gave this to him the day he left."

"He told me that one night when we were out on the town." It was hard for Gabe to look her in the eyes. He saw such pain there. "The letter was written the day before we took off on our mission."

"The one that killed him?" Mrs. Zeylinski tried to keep her composure as she held up a folded letter. "I’ll read this later. I know you must be tired. Let me show you to your room."

Gabe’s guilt weighed heavy on his heart. He had no right feeling sorry for himself. He’d survived the war. Now he was going home with a new wife and his little daughter. He should be thankful for that. But part of him found accepting his fate down right awful. He never understood how he survived and Ski didn’t. He’d have to live with that the rest of his life.

"I hope these stairs aren’t too hard on your leg." She walked up to them slowly. "It’s just this one flight of stairs."

They followed her up the stairs then stopped in front of a room. Gabe waited as she opened the door. He motioned for Angel to go in ahead of him. He followed behind, exhaling a long breath. The conversation had gone okay.

"This used to be Lee’s favorite room because it has a balcony. He loved to go out there and climb into that big cypress tree." Mrs. Zeylinski opened the doors leading to the balcony.

"The view is beautiful." Holding Christy, Angel stepped onto the balcony. Beyond was a large lake. "Bet the fishing is good on the lake."

"Yes, it is. Many tourists come here just for that reason."

Angel walked back into the room.

Mrs. Zeylinski faced Gabe and pointed toward the balcony. "You be sure and keep that door locked so the baby doesn’t get out there."

"Don’t worry about that." Gabe turned to retrieve the suitcases from the car. "Would it be okay if we leave our car here with you? Lynne’s friend will come and get it sometime tomorrow. The car belongs to her."

"Of course you can. It’s the least I can do for Lee’s friend. I best get back downstairs. Don’t want the customers to think no one is here."

"You’ve been very generous to us. The room is beautiful." Angel put Christy down on the floor. The minute her feet touched the ground she took off crawling all around the room. "She can be a holy terror sometimes. I’m not sure how safe these knickknacks are."

"Don’t worry about anything in here. There’s nothing in here that couldn’t be replaced. Just enjoy your night here."

"Thank you. We will." Gabe smiled at her.

"Were you with Lee when he died?" She fingered the apron she wore. "My worse fear was that he would be alone. No one should die alone."

"Yes, his last thoughts were of you and home. He asked me to see to it you got the medal and his letter."

"It’s good to know he didn’t suffer. I’m glad you were with him." She put her arms around Gabe and hugged him. "Thank you."

Gabe embraced her knowing she needed to hold on to a son. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t hers. The pain on her face when he’d given her the medal lingered in his mind. Thoughts that he would soon be facing his own mother tore at his heart. Would there be pain on her face seeing him not as a whole man? Or would she just be happy he’d come home?

There was no use thinking about what would be. He’d stopped doing that the second week he was in the hospital. Gabe had learned not to expect too much out of people. That way, he was never disappointed. What he hadn’t been prepared for was the likes of Lynne. Everyday she brought something new and wonderful into his life.

Mrs. Zeylinski released him. He stood back from her. She took a hanky out of her apron and blew her nose. Then she turned and left, closing the door behind her.

"Now I know why Ski bragged about her so much." Gabe spotted Christy standing by herself. "Look at Christy!"

"Would you look at her?" Angel clapped her hands. "Big girl."

Christy joined in the clapping. The movement caused her to fall. She landed on her rear with a surprised expression. She looked first at Angel then Gabe.

"What’s wrong, Christy? Can’t you figure how you got there?" Gabe laughed as he grabbed her up in his arms. He kissed her forehead.

For tonight he was going to put the war behind him and enjoy his family. Sometimes he forgot that his marriage was just an arrangement for his daughter’s benefit. He almost forgot he and Lynne weren’t in love. Just for tonight, he could dream, couldn’t he?

~ * ~

The Sunset Limited passenger train was a flurry of activity as soldiers, sailors, and marines boarded in a hurry to get home to loved ones. As Gabe worked his way down the aisle, he had to stop a few times. It was difficult to get through all the people. Angel moved slowly so she wouldn’t run into him. She could tell it wasn’t easy for him, but he continued through the crowd looking for their Pullman car.

Ahead of her, Gabe tripped over a bag stuck out too far in the aisle. There was nothing he could grab to stop his fall. Angel held her breath. But just at that moment strong hands reached out and grabbed him, stopping his fall.

"You got to watch the floor, too, mister." A colored porter steadied him. "Let me have your ticket. I’ll show you where your compartment is. Would you like me to carry the baby for you, ma’am?"

"No, thank you. I can handle her."

The porter waited for Gabe to get the ticket out of his pocket. Then he eased his way through the crowd, holding the bassinet in front of him. "Please, make way. We’ve got a soldier here with a bad leg."

Angel tensed. Gabe shook his head. He wouldn’t appreciate the porter drawing attention to his injury. She was thankful he’d been there to help Gabe. Without his help, she and Christy would’ve fallen, too. She hadn’t expected the train to be this busy. This was the first time she’d ever been on a train, and far, it was a little intimidating.

"How’s Christy doing?" Gabe asked her after they’d reached the air-conditioned compartment. He took the travel bed from the porter.

"She’s fine. Jabbering away at all the people." Angel patted Christy’s back.

"You got you a pretty baby there, ma’am." Angel smiled at him, and Christy gurgled and cooed. The porter stopped in front of an open doorway. "This gives you some privacy." He stepped inside the car. "Your seat here pulls out and the toilet is in here."

"Is that where we sleep?" Angel asked.

He pointed to a bunk overhead. "This lets down into a bed." He adjusted the chain so they could see how it worked. "The dining time will be announced. All meals are served in the dining car, which is located three cars up. Just go right down the aisle. If you need anything else, ask for Sam." He stepped outside to give them room.

Gabe tipped the porter, who then headed down the aisle. Angel walked into the compartment. It was a little cramped but looked comfortable. Christy would be able to look out the large window, which would keep her occupied. She could make the trip bearable for the next three days. That was how long it would take to get to Serenity.

"This is very comfortable." Angel made a palette on the floor for Christy out of the blankets she’d stuffed in the travel case. "Here, Christy." Angel set her down on the blanket and handed her some toys. "You play while I take care of daddy’s leg."

The expression on Gabe’s face told her he was in agony. The mishap had caused more pain to his leg. He needed to get the prosthesis off so his thigh could be massaged. His stump was sure to be swollen again.

"Gabe, sit down."

"Sounds good to me," he replied through gritted teeth, sliding the door shut. "Leave it to you to see the best in an overcrowded noisy train."

"Mrs. Johnson told me to look at this as a new adventure. So that’s exactly what I am doing. Take off your pants."

"Anything for you, baby," he said, wiggling his eyebrows. At least the man still had his sense of humor. He unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants.

Angel grabbed the bottom of his pant legs and slowly eased them down so as not to snag the prosthesis. She folded his pants neatly and placed them on the bench seat. "How long has the leg been hurting?" She asked as Gabe unhooked the straps around his waist.

"When is it not hurting?" He handed her the prosthetic, then slipped the sock off his stump.

"Here, let me do that." Angel knelt down in front of him. "Lean your head back and rest."

Angel slowly began unwrapping the bandage. She flinched at the blood. He had to have been in such pain. She eased the rest of the bandage from the affected area. She sucked in a breath. The prosthetic had been on too long.

"Your leg is really swollen. I don’t like the color of it." She threw the bandages into a trash bag, then she reached into Gabe’s small canvas bag. "What do I need?"

"That brown bottle and the tube. Hand me that square white pad." Gabe reached for it. "I’ll put this under my thigh, then you can just dump it on the area."

"Do you have smaller gauze pads so I can apply the salve and leave them on the area? It will cushion it and keep the bandages from rubbing."

"Yeah, just dig in there. You will find them." She felt his gaze on her. "You really know what you’re doing, don’t you?"

"I told you, I’ve worked with amputees."

"I know. But you aren’t afraid to handle the wound."

"Afraid?" Or had he meant repulsed. "No."

"Not exactly what you planned to do on your honeymoon is it?"

"No, but then it’s not a normal marriage." She located the smaller pads. "At least I’m able to honor the vow in sickness and health. That makes me feel better about our arrangement."

"Well, this isn’t forever." He leaned back.

"Maybe not for you, Gabe, but I only plan on being married once." She pressed the gauze pad against the wound, then added new bandages and a clean sock.

"I didn’t mean the marriage. I was talking about my leg. The soreness will go away. Then it won’t require so much work."

"Oh. That will be good. I hate to see you in so much pain."

"I’m getting used to it."

"I’m afraid you’ll be uncomfortable on this seat."

"This compartment isn’t so bad. At least we’re not out there in the crowd. It looks like more guys have come back from Europe."

"Yes, it was really crowded. I feel sorry for that woman sitting on her suitcase. Did you notice her little girl was doing the same thing?" Angel picked up the dirty bandages and added them to the trash bag.

The thought of spending so much time in such tight quarters with Gabe bothered her. But being on an over-crowded public car wasn’t where she wanted to be, either. She’d manage somehow.

After all, it wasn’t like he couldn’t keep his hands off her. In fact, he hadn’t really tried anything since that kiss. She’d always been the plain Jane. Lynne had been the glamorous twin. If Gabe didn’t want to consummate the marriage, then he only confirmed what she already knew…and what Sister Agnes always said, "No one wants you. Even your own mother didn’t." Angel had heard that from the time she was nine years old.

Angel fought thinking about that time in her life. All it brought was heartache. She and Lynne both learned early that whatever happened in either of their lives, they’d have each other. Little did she know how drastically that would change her life now.

She thought how crazy this whole situation was. What had ever possessed her to accept Gabe’s proposal? Did she really think she could pull this off? Taking over her sister personality had changed her normal actions. Now she had to keep up this charade or lose Christy.

Gabe touched her arm. "Penny for your thoughts."

"I’m wondering what California will be like." Angel handed Christy the rag doll she’d made her. She smiled as Christy cooed over it.

"You’re going to love it. To me, it’s the closest to paradise. The thought of the vineyard kept me going after I lost my leg." Gabe rubbed his thigh.

"Do you have flowers?" She tried not to look into his dark warm brown eyes. Her breathing had become a struggle for some reason. And it was too warm in the compartment.

"Every kind you could think of. Mama has a green thumb. I don’t think there is anything that doesn’t thrive when she is taking care of it." Gabe settled back against the seat.

"We’ll be there in three days?"

"Yes." He lifted his bandaged leg to the seat. "Riding the train will be a lot more comfortable then driving in the car. We never would have been able to get that much gasoline right now."

"You’re right." Angel watched Christy cuddling the doll. She was thankful her niece was behaving. "Christy seems to really be enjoying herself."

"Yes, she’s a good baby." Gabe watched his daughter play. "You know, my mama is going to be thrilled to have another granddaughter. We don’t have too many girls. In fact, Christy will make three. There are six boys so far."

"Gee, your family really took that Bible verse about being fruitful and multiplying serious." Angel grinned at him.

"We’re Catholic and Italian."

"That says it all." Angel looked out the window trying to forget how much Gabe was becoming a part of her life. A few minutes later, she saw that Christy had fallen asleep on the pallet.

Gabe stroked her hair. "You looked so sad a moment ago."

"Nerves." She leaned back against the seat, avoiding his touch. "Will we be living with your family?"

"There’s a guesthouse behind the villa. We will stay there if you like. That way we’ll have our privacy."

"A real house of my own is something I’ve never had." Angel couldn’t help grinning. Oh, wouldn’t Lynne love having a real home? She gazed out the window as the train moved across a bridge. "At least we won’t feel like everyone is watching us."

"I know this isn’t easy. But we both agreed getting married was the only alterative we had." Gabe ran his hands through his hair. "This doesn’t have to be a problem, so don’t make it one. I’m dealing with enough right now."

Now what had she said wrong? "We’re both dealing with changes in our lives. I’m willing to call a truce if you are." Angel reached her hand out to him. "Shall we shake on it?"

Gabe enveloped her hand in his. His felt warm and strong. Again, heat flooded her as he pumped her hand. "Truce it is." He smiled at her. "I need to shut my eyes for a bit. I’m really tired."

"Okay."

Gabe leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Angel wished she could relax like Gabe and Christy. She’d take one thing at a time. Otherwise, how would she cope? And the next step was facing Gabe’s family. She closed her eyes, not to rest but to pray.

Tomorrow they would be in Serenity. Angel doubted she’d find serenity there, but she’d have to try. She looked over at Christy, sleeping quietly beside her on the small bunk. The motion of the train seemed to finally put her to sleep. She’d been restless most of the afternoon. It worried Angel that she hadn’t eaten her dinner. It wasn’t like her. Normally she couldn’t get enough to eat and drink. Angel pulled her blanket up around her. She could hear Gabe tossing about below her.

The quarters were cramped. She knew he was probably miserable down there. His light snoring didn’t bother her. In fact, the noise comforted her. What if his mother and father didn’t like her? She couldn’t imagine going through the rest of her life unwanted again. She’d lived with rejection in the orphanage.

Christy stirred, then cried out, tugging on her ear lobe. Angel ran her hand across her niece’s forehead, trying to relax her. As she touched her, she jerked her hand back. Christy was burning up. Once again she touched her forehead, feeling the heat. Panic engulfed her. What was wrong? She was too new at being a mother. Nothing had prepared her for dealing with a sick child.

For the past few weeks, she’d learned how to take care of Christy. All had gone smoothly until now. Christy’s crying grew louder. Angel slipped her arms around her and rocked her. But nothing seemed to help. Christy wouldn’t quiet down, her crying becoming more demanding.

"It’s okay Christy. I’m here." Angel gently rubbed the side of her head.

Gabe’s eyes flew open when he heard the cries. He rubbed his eyes, then looked around his surroundings. Where was he? Then realization hit him. He was on a train heading home. His daughter and wife were above him in the bunk. He managed to get his body out of the small space and stood.

"What’s wrong with Christy?" The look on Angel’s face alarmed him.

"Christy is burning up." He heard the panic in her voice. "I don’t know what to do for her."

"Hand her to me." Gabe reached up for her. He gently leaned her against his shoulder. "What’s the matter, sweetheart?" She quieted down as she looked at Gabe. Her fingers wrapped around his index finger, and she made a little giggle sound. Gabe felt her head. Lynne was right. She was burning up.

"We need to get some of these clothes off her." Gabe began undoing her sleeper. By this time Angel had gotten down off the bunk. "Wet one of her diapers. We’ll use it to sponge her down."

"Do you think there might be a doctor on board?" Angel laid the wet diaper across Christy’s chest, then dampened her forehead. "Is this the right way?"

"You’re doing great. You keep it up and I’ll go see if there is a doctor on the train."

"Thank you, Gabe." Angel smiled. "I’m new at this. She’s never been sick."

"Don’t worry. All new mothers panic when their kids are sick. I remember how my sisters were."

Gabe slid the door open, then slid it back as he stepped into the aisle. He located Sam, the porter, who said he’d check to see if a doctor was on board. If there was, he’d send him to their car. Gabe thanked him, then went back to the car. He could hear Christy’s cry. Poor Lynne must be climbing the walls by now. He slid the door back.

Angel paced as she rocked Christy. The baby cried harder. Tears slipped from Angel’s eyes.

"Here, let me have her." Gabe took Christy from her. Gently he patted her back. "Don’t worry. It’s probably her teeth. I know that happened with one of my nieces. She used to run a high fever when she was cutting teeth."

"Oh, I hope so." Angel wiped a tear away. "I’ve never felt so useless."

"You’re not useless, just scared. Babies pick up on that. Now try and relax. The porter is checking on a doctor for us."

"Good." Angel sat down on Gabe’s bunk. "You probably think I’m a real baby, don’t you?"

"No, just a frustrated mother." He grinned. A tap sounded at the door.

Angel answered it.

"I’m Doctor Ward. The porter said your child was sick?"

"Yes, she’s burning up with fever. Please come in." Angel stepped back so he could get by her.

"Let me take a look." He took the baby from Gabe and placed her gently on the bunk. "She is very warm." He pulled a couple of instruments from his satchel. First he looked in her ears. "Here’s the problem. Her ear is really red."

The doctor reached back inside his bag, then handed a small bottle to Angel.

"This sweet oil will help the pain in her ear. Just put a few drops in twice a day: once in the morning and again at night before she goes to sleep. I’m also giving you some aspirin for her fever. Just smash a tablet and put it in her juice. She should start feeling better soon."

"Thank you so much." Gabe handed him some bills.

"You don’t owe me that much." The doctor handed him back some of the money.

"No, you keep it. My wife and I are very happy you were on this train. We’re both new at this." Gabe rubbed the back of his neck. The tension was mounting. His leg was hurting again.

"We civilians owe you a lot. Thanks to you, this war has come to an end." He looked down at Gabe’s leg. "You paid a big price for our freedom."

"So did lots of other guys. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m going home." Gabe shook his hand. "Thanks again, doc."

"If you need me again, just let me know." He closed the sliding door.

"Gabe, I don’t dare move her. I don’t want to wake her up." She covered Christy with her blanket. "Do you think you can handle her okay?"

"Sure." He eased his body in without waking her. "Don’t worry. I’ve cared for a sick baby before."

"Thanks." She climbed up the ladder to the upper bunk. "If you need help, just say so."

"Don’t worry, it’ll be okay." Gabe shook his head. Poor Lynne was having a hard time letting go of Christy, even though she was only a few feet away. He knew now if he’d walked into her life and taken the baby, she never would have survived. Marrying her had been the right choice.

Gabe could hear Lynne’s even breathing. She’d finally fallen asleep. He knew this was a hard trip on her in many ways. Taking her away from the home and people she knew was a real killer. He remembered how he’d felt in boot camp, then later at the base in Guam. Funny how lonely a guy gets for his homeland. Many a night he went to sleep remembering the green grape vines and his family bringing in the harvest. When things worsened for him after he was shot down, he’d automatically sent his mind back to those places so he could forget his pain and loss.

He looked over at Christy. She was so precious and his only chance of leaving a part of him in this world when he was gone. Strange how much he thought of that after he lost his leg. Maybe that was because there were so many in the war that didn’t come home.

While he lay in that hospital bed, there were men next to him with no faces and who had lost both legs. Yes, he was in far better shape. The thought that he’d ever be as good with the grapes tore at his heart, but he wasn’t going to let it stop him from doing what he loved to do. And he did love to watch the vines bloom and spring forth their wonderful grapes. As for the stomping of the grapes, he’d have to be satisfied just watching. If that was the way it had to be, so be it.

Gabe pulled the blanket up more over Christy. He gently touched her soft cheek. God gave him a very special gift and somehow he’d be the father she deserved. "You’re very special, my little angel." He touched her hair and she stirred without waking. "You’ll soon be better."

He shut his eyes. Soon morning would be here and his family would be waiting on his arrival. He hoped that their arms would also be open for Lynne and Christy.

Of course they would. What was he thinking of? From the few things Lynne had said, she’d experienced rejection most of her life. If nothing else, he could show her what a loving family was really like. His family was truly that. Lynne deserved to know that kind of love. They’d probably suffocate him with love and attention, now that he was wounded. But for a while he’d enjoy being looked after by his mama and grandmother. At least that would take some of the pressure off Lynne.

~ * ~

Getting off the crowded train wasn’t easy, but they somehow managed it. Christy wasn’t as cranky and was sleepy, which made it easier for Angel to carry her. She found it far easier to carry her inside it.

"Do you see our bags?" Angel asked as the conductor helped her off the train. "Your bags are with the man in the red cap." He pointed to him.

"Thank you," She watched as Gabe made his way toward the man. She could tell his leg was bothering him this morning. Sleeping with Christy had probably been uncomfortable.

The trip from New Orleans to California had been grueling, in more ways than one. Angel was glad to have her feet firmly planted on solid ground. Christy was a lot better, too. The first chance she had to call Lynne, she was going to find out about Christy’s inoculations. Knowing all she could about Christy’s medical history was a must now that Angel was so far away from her sister. It had been a week since she’d talk to Lynne. She was anxious to know if her condition had gotten any better.

"You have a far away look in your eyes. Are you okay?" Gabe asked.

"Just still worried about Christy." She was sound asleep, her head resting on Angel’s shoulder. Angel felt her forehead. "Her fever seems to be gone."

"The trip was hard on her." Gabe scanned the crowd. "Thought one of my brothers would be here to pick us up."

"Hey, big brother." A shout came from across the road.

Gabe looked in the direction of the shout. Angel followed his gaze and saw a young, dark-haired man hurrying toward them.

"You’re a sight for sore eyes." The young man threw his arms around Gabe and hugged him tightly. "I’ve missed you, Gabe. Tough break with your leg."

"That’s part of war. I’m thankful Dad needed you here." He pushed his brother back so he could get a look at him. "You’ve grown up, Antonio."

"That’s from working the fields. The family’s all out there today. We’ve picked up some new accounts. You know how Dad can be." Antonio looked over at Angel and smiled, then patted Christy’s hand. "Who are the pretty ladies here?"

"You didn’t tell your family about us?" Angel couldn’t hide the disgust in her voice.

"Don’t start." His eyes warned her to keep quiet. "Telling mama over the phone didn’t seem right."

"Nothing has been right for the last three weeks. Dropping in on your family is wrong." Angel looked in Antonio’s direction. "I’m Gabe’s wife, Lynne, and this is his daughter, Christy."

"Wife…" Antonio sputtered. "When did all this happen?"

"We got married a week ago."

Gabe’s brother frowned. Then his expression changed from one of confusion to realization. He looked over at Gabe then back at her.

"So brother finally got nailed. It’s sure going to break a few ladies hearts around here. They were looking forward to seeing him."

Angel tried to hide her embarrassment. He didn’t have to be a genius to know Gabe had married her because he had to marry her. At least that is the way his brother would look at it and the way the whole family would look at their marriage.

She just wanted to die. Christy chose that time to wake up and start fussing. "Maybe it would be better if Christy and I stayed at a hotel. That way your family can have more time to adjust to the idea of us."

"No, you and Christy go where I go. We’re family now." Gabe placed his arm possessively around her shoulder. "Mama will handle this just fine."

"Gabe’s right. Mom is easy. Now, our papa is another thing." Antonio held his arms out to Christy. She looked him over, then went to him, giggling. "Don’t worry, Lynne, this little girl will win everyone’s heart."

"Yes, she has that effect on everyone she meets." Angel smiled.

"Gee, I didn’t know there was going to be anyone else so I brought the truck."

Antonio walked in the direction where he’d parked. Angel and Gabe followed. He stopped in front of a blue Ford flat bed.

"Christy and I will ride back there." She started to climb up, and Gabe placed his hands on her waist, giving her a boost. The warmth as his hands touched her body made her tingle. What made her react that way to his every touch?

"You’re trembling again," Gabe said. "Everything is going to be okay. Quit worrying." He took Christy from his brother and handed her to Angel.

Christy leaned her head back against Angel’s chest as she looked up at the bright blue sky. Angel watched her clap her hands. "You like that blue sky with all those white fluffy clouds, don’t you?" Angel patted Christy’s legs. Christy laughed as she continued clapping.

Gabe started to climb up, too.

"No, Gabe." She touched his hand. "Riding inside the truck will be more comfortable for you. I know your leg is really sore."

"You’re right. Are you sure you’ll be okay back here?"

"We’ll be fine. Besides, you and your brother have lots to talk about." Angel tried not to let him see how insecure she was feeling right now. "Go ahead."

Gabe stared at her, as if wanting to say more. Finally, he murmured, "Thanks, Lynne."

"We’re only twenty miles outside of town, so the ride won’t be too long," Antonio said, climbing into the truck.

"Don’t worry about us, Antonio. Just being outside that train is pure pleasure."

"Listen, little brother, don’t drive like you usually do." Gabe winked at her as he climbed in next to his brother.

The truck started up with a jolt. Angel held tightly to Christy as the jarring motion rocked them back and forth. Christy didn’t seem to mind at all as she watched the clouds floating in the sky. In a few minutes she was sound asleep. Angel felt completely lost and wished so much she was back in her own apartment in New Orleans. Marrying Gabe had been crazy. Now, she was about to meet his family who knew nothing about her. God help her.

The view was breathtaking as she tried to relax against the back of the truck. Off in the distance she could see enormous mountains that reached to touch the blue sky. The hue of colors was like none she’d ever seen. There were so many different shades of brown and reds. The terrain was jagged and rough-looking in spots. Angel had heard many people describe this area as God’s creation. She now understood what they meant. This sight would forever be embedded in her mind. As well as the fear of what lay ahead.

~ * ~

The sudden stopping of the truck woke Angel. She looked over at Christy as she slept soundly. Angel scooted over to the side of the truck. There was a stone fence with a black wrought-iron gate. Stefonelli Vineyards was printed in large gold letters. Off in the distance, she saw staked vines in long rows that seem to go on forever. In the distance, at the center of the grove, stood a huge house.

Antonio climbed out of the truck. He opened the wrought-iron gate and walked to the back of the truck. "We’re almost there, Lynne. Hope I didn’t jar you too much."

"You didn’t." She smiled. "How’s Gabe doing?"

"Think his leg is hurting really bad. He keeps rubbing it." Antonio met her gaze. "Does he have this kind of pain all the time?"

"Not all the time. But he needs to take his prosthesis off." Angel pulled her hair away from her face. "There is a lot he puts up with to be able to stand."

"Just tell me what I have to do and I’ll be glad to help you with his care." He touched her arm. "My brother is very important to me and so is his happiness."

"Thank you for the offer, but Gabe is very stubborn. He seldom asks for help." She looked down at Christy. "She’s the only one that he allows to see his softer side."

"Hang in there. Things will work out for you." He climbed back into the truck, put it into gear, and sped down the road.

The truck pulled up in front of the most magnificent Mediterranean home Angel had ever seen. It was a mansion. A gray-haired older man and woman stood in front. They waved as Antonio pulled up to the house. Angel leaned back so they couldn’t see her. Gabe yelled something in Italian as he swung the door open and climbed out quickly. Before he could move, the older man grabbed him in a big bear hug lifting him off his feet. The woman yelled at him. Slowly the older man released Gabe.

"Forgive me, Gabriel. I forget your leg."

"Nonno, it’s okay. You didn’t hurt me."

Angel felt as if she were eavesdropping. "Nonna, I’ve missed you so much." Gabe said.

"If you don’t quit hugging me so tight, you’ll break these old bones," the older woman said.

"I know I’m home now. I just got my first scolding from you."

"You look pale and so thin. But that will change. I will fatten you up."

"Where are papa and madre?" He didn’t mask his disappointment. "I thought they’d be here to welcome me home."

"In the fields, where else? Your madre tried to talk him out of it, but you know how stubborn he is."

"Boy, do I ever." Gabe glanced back at the flatbed. He’d completely forgotten about Lynne and Christy. "There is someone I want you to meet."

Gabe reached for his cane then limped to the back of the truck. He motioned for Angel to get out of the back. She scooted toward him with Christy in her arms. Christy let out a cry, reaching for Gabe.

"It’s okay, sweetheart. There is someone I want you to meet." He pulled her into his arms, shifting her to his left hip. "Nonno and Nonna, meet your great-granddaughter, Christina Gabriela Stefonelli."

"You have a child." His grandmother touched the little girl’s hand. "She looks just like you did when you were little. May I hold her?"

"I think she’d like that. She’s reaching for you." Gabe handed her over to his grandmother.

"Look at her, Gino. Isn’t she beautiful?" His grandfather ran his hand over her dark curls. "She is a beautiful flower. Brings back memories of you, Gabriel."

Angel slid to the edge of the flatbed and cleared her throat. Gabe looked over at her, embarrassed that he’d forgotten all about her. If it weren’t for Lynne, he wouldn’t have his daughter.

"Forgive me, honey. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to forget about you." He slowly lifted her from the truck bed. Their eyes met. For a long moment, he held her in his arms. Then he set her down and took her hand. "This beautiful woman here is my wife, Lynne."

"We are so happy to meet you." His grandmother smiled at her. "My grandson has always been the one to surprise me with something. Today he has outdone himself."

"I’m so sorry he didn’t tell you right away so you would be forewarned." She looked down at the ground, pushing a small stone with her shoe.

"All that matters is you are all here safely with us." She kissed Christy on the cheek. "Come inside where it is cooler." His grandmother led the way.

Gabe held Angel’s hand tightly, as he followed his grandparents inside the house. He was very pleased with the way his grandparents had treated his family. Now if only it would go so well with his parents. His mother would be just as gracious, but he feared his father’s reaction. This would just be another strike against him. He was prepared, but Lynne wouldn’t be. He would somehow have to protect her against his father’s anger.

~ * ~

Angel sat stiffly in the huge dining room chair. She tried not to look at Alberto, Gabe’s father. She hadn’t been prepared for the man’s anger toward her. He practically accused her of being a gold digger and trapping his son into marriage. The heated looks between Gabe and his father added to the tension. She barely touched her food.

"You don’t like Italian food?" Gabe’s grandmother asked.

"Yes, I’m just very tired." She fingered her napkin.

"Why don’t I show you where you’ll be staying?" Gabe’s mother slid her chair back. "Let me carry my granddaughter for you."

"That would be nice." Angel touched Gabe’s hand. "You can stay. I’m sure your mother will help me get settled in."

"You sure?"

"I’m sure." She leaned over and placed a kiss on his lips. "See you later."

"Okay." Her kiss seemed to surprise him. "I won’t be too long."

Angel followed his mother out of the dining room, happy to escape the stares of his father. She watched as Mrs. Stefonelli interacted with Christy. She liked Gabe’s mother, and Mrs. Stefonelli seemed to like her.

"Gabe told me that you are letting us stay at the old homestead. I really appreciate that."

Maria stopped by the hallway entrance and slipped a key from the hooks near the front door. She turned to face Angel, smiling at her. "I must apologize for the way my husband is treating you. He’s very angry with Gabriel and is taking it out on you."

"Your husband has every right to be angry. Gabe should have called and told you before we left New Orleans." Angel looked down at her hands then back at her. "Please believe me when I tell you I am not after Gabe’s money. Getting married was not my idea. I would never trap a man that way."

"I believe you." Maria turned back around and walked out the front door.

"How far is this place?" Angel shut the door behind her.

"See the path leading toward the other grove?" She pointed. "It’s only a few feet away."

"Good. These shoes aren’t made for walking long distance." Angel followed her down the path.

After a few feet they stepped into a clearing. Angel looked up to see a large white bungalow-style house. Two large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked a wraparound porch at the front of the house. The roof had a Mediterranean look with two gables. Flowerbeds bordered the porch. Angel couldn’t believe her eyes.

"It’s beautiful."

"When we first came to this country, this was the first house we built." Maria walked up the stucco steps onto the porch. "This will be perfect for you. Don’t you think?"

"Oh, yes." Angel followed her inside the bungalow.

The living room settee had two matching easy chairs. They were overstuffed, with rounded arms, round backs, and square cushions. Slipcovers were done in a flowery pattern in blue and green with a beige background. Each back was covered with a crocheted antimacassar, which protected the fabric. Graceful flowing drapes covered both of the floor-length windows. They were the same print as the slipcovers. An end table on each side of the settee held matching glass lamps that sat on crocheted doilies.

A telephone was perched on top of the one nearer the door, reminding Angel that she needed to call Lynne. "Is this connected?"

"Yes, but it is on a four-party line."

Angel nodded as she walked around the shiny hardwood floors. "I’m used to sharing phone lines."

In front of the settee, a coffee table held a beautiful carved crystal bowl that sat on a crocheted spread. A large console radio stood in front of the windows. The sidewall held a bookcase filled with books and a deep red vase on it. She paused to examine the small square carpet in the center of the room. "It’s all so beautiful. This has everything we need to make a home."

"You and Gabe will make it a home, my dear. Without people, a house is just a house." Maria tapped Christy gently on the nose. "How do you like your new home?"

"Home." Christy clapped her hands.

Angel laughed. She let her hand slide across the radio. "You have wonderful taste."

"These pieces have been passed down. They’re very old."

And valuable, Angel thought. She’d have to put the breakables out of Christy’s reach.

"Here let’s put you down so you can explore the place." Maria sat on the floor near the footstool.

"Are you sure that’s a good idea?" Angel looked around at the vase and crystal bowl. "She’s at the age where she wants to pick up everything."

"This house has seen many children in it." Maria patted Angel’s arm. "There is nothing more valuable then she is to me. Let her enjoy herself."

"If you say so." Angel shrugged.

"Here is the key. Why don’t I let you get used to your new home?" Maria hugged her. "The place has three bedrooms. Perhaps you would like to fix up one room for Christy."

"Oh, that would be wonderful. She has always shared a room with me."

"If you’d like, tomorrow we can go into Serenity and get supplies for the house and some fabric for curtains for her room. I’m pretty good at sewing. Would you mind if I made her some curtains?"

"Mind? I think it would be wonderful." Angel hugged her. "Christy is going to love having you as her grandmother. Actually, you’re her only grandmother."

"Your mother is dead?" Maria held her away from her.

"Yes. So is my father." Angel looked away from her. "I was raised in an orphanage."

"I’m so sorry. That must have been hard growing up without a family." Maria put her arm around her. "I lost my mother and father on the way to this country. They caught a sickness. But I was lucky, I had a mother and father-in-law who always treated me like I was their own daughter. They’re very loving people."

"You were very blessed."

"So are you now." Maria smiled. "See you tomorrow. Enjoy your new home."

Angel watched her walk down the steps to the path. She was so lucky to have Maria on her side. Now if she could just get Alberto to accept her. She let out a sigh.

"Come on Christy." Angel picked her up. "Let’s go look at our new home."

~ * ~

The pink dotted Swiss curtains crossed on the windows. She stood back admiring them. It looked frilly, just how a little girl’s bedroom should look. Angel let her hand slide across the crib that Gabe and Antonio had put together. It looked almost new after they finished painting it. She found it hard to believe that it had gone through six children. The quilt that Christy’s great-grandmother had made looked beautiful with the curtains. She was so lucky to be a part of this family. The front door slammed.

"Gabe, is that you?"

"Yes." He walked toward the back of the house. "What are you doing in here?" He stood in the doorway of Christy’s room.

"Admiring our daughter’s room. Aren’t the curtains beautiful?" She smiled. "Look at the quilt your grandmother brought over today."

"Very nice." He folded his arms across his chest. "We’ve been invited to dinner tonight."

"That means facing your father again." She shook her head. "I’m not sure I’m up to that."

"This can’t go on forever. He has to give in sometime. Believe me, my mama will see to it." Gabe walked over to her. He touched her cheek. "I’m sorry he’s acting this way."

"You can’t help it." She played with the buttons on his shirt. "I would think less of him if he didn’t try to protect you against someone hurting you."

"You’d never hurt me." He slid his lips across hers. "Trusting you is something that comes easy."

"Gabe, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you." She looked down at his chest, not wanting to look in his eyes. Angel couldn’t go on with this charade. He had to know the truth.

"There isn’t time now. We’ll talk later. I have to wash up." He kissed her nose then disappeared.

Oh, Gabe, why did you stop me? She let out a sigh. Her bravery wouldn’t come again so soon. "Trusting me is the last thing you should do.

~ * ~

"Christy, how does mommy look?" Angel was wearing a navy polka-dot suit dress. It was accented with a sailor-type collar, lace border, and contrasting buttons. The shirred jacket waistline gave it a very slimming fit. Her matching three-gore skirt hung just below her knees. "Does it make me look pretty?"

"Very pretty." Gabe stood in the living room. "You’re going to make quite an impression in that outfit."

"Good, because I’ll need it with your father." Angel bent over, gathering Christy into her arms. "You know I think that man is more stubborn than you are."

"Where do you think I get it from?" Gabe slid the towel across his face to dry it. "The heat out there today was killing."

"Gabe, don’t you think you’ve been overdoing it a little?" She watched him limp into the kitchen. "You don’t have to work in that field everyday."

"Yes, I do." He opened the refrigerator and began drinking out of a bottle filled with water. He sat down on a stool. "Showing my family I’m weak is something I can’t do. Right now it’s important that I’m able to handle whatever he dishes out."

"You push yourself too hard. But I’m sure whatever I say can’t get you to change your mind." She headed in the direction of Christy’s bedroom. "You need to finish dressing. It’s almost five. We don’t need to be late."

"You know, I don’t need a second mother. I have one already." He slammed the refrigerator shut. "Sometimes you need to leave it alone."

Angel flinched like he’d hit her. She stopped walking. She wasn’t trying to be his mother; she was just afraid of him getting sick. If he did, that would be one more thing his father would blame on her. Of that she was certain. "I’m sorry. It’s just I worry about you out there." Angel wouldn’t let him pass her. "If Christy and I have become a problem, we can leave. Your father doesn’t want me here."

"He’s not the whole family." He unbuttoned his shirt. "Forget what I just said. I’m hot and tired. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be ready to face them. Lynne, you look beautiful."

"Thank you." She turned and walked into Christy’s room, glad to put distance between them. His muscular chest with water dripping down between the black patches of hair was making her stomach do funny things. "Your clean clothes are lying on the bed."

Gabe limped past her, catching a whiff of the scent of lilacs. Or was it Lynne’s Evening In Paris perfume? The dress she had on really showed off her slim figure with all the right curves. Those legs of hers seemed to go on forever. He wondered how they’d feel wrapped around him.

His thoughts weren’t helping to calm his mood. Lynne had really been putting up with a lot from his father. She didn’t deserve for him to treat her that way. After all, he’d forced the marriage on her. No matter how many times he tried to tell his father, he still refused to believe it. All Gabe could hope for tonight was that the man would be civil to her.

Gabe grabbed his clean underwear and headed into the bathroom. What he really wanted to do was forget about this dinner and take Lynne to bed. Only that was never going to happen. He wasn’t the man she deserved, and she’d made it clear she wanted no more intimacy with him. In fact, she’d acted terrified of it, not that he blamed her. For her sake and his, he had to keep his distance. That shouldn’t be so much trouble. He wasn’t in love with her.

"Oh, hell, Stefonelli! Who are you trying to kid?" He slammed the bathroom door behind him.

~ * ~

You both look beautiful, Lynne." Maria leaned over, planting a kiss on Christy’s pudgy cheek. "Doesn’t she look beautiful, Alberto?" She placed a large plate of spaghetti in front of him.

"Beautiful," he grumbled, twirling the pasta around his fork. "What Lynne looks like has never been the problem. What is in her heart is another matter."

Angel tried to swallow what was in her mouth, but it seemed to be stuck there. She reached for her glass and took a big gulp. She glanced at Gabe, who looked ready to burst with rage.

"Papa, you never let anything go." Gabe set down his fork. "I’m going to tell you one more time. Lynne didn’t force me into marrying her. I had to talk her into marrying me. Don’t mention it again. Don’t force me to leave here."

There were outbursts from both sides of the table.

"Lynne, I am sorry for my harsh words. But I cannot lie. What I believe is in here." He pointed to his chest. "Tomorrow, you come to the fields. Show me what you have in here for this land. Then just maybe you can make me change my mind."

"What will I do with Christy?" Angel looked him in the eye.

"My mother will watch her." He pinned his mother with a stare. "Isn’t that so?"

"Of course that is so. She is my great-granddaughter." Rosa looked with pride at Christy. "That little one is slowly becoming the love of my life."

Angel looked over, smiling at Gabe’s grandmother. Her words had touched her heart. She was a very proud woman whom she held great respect. For Angel, loving such a women came easy. She felt Gabe’s arm around her. He leaned his head against hers whispering into her ear. "What do you want me to do?"

"Your father seems to have forgotten us Rosie the Riveters. I’ll show him exactly what I can do." Angel leaned forward, her lips brushed lightly against Gabe’s. He received the kiss awkwardly at first, then covered her lips with his own, deepening the kiss until Angel forgot where they were.

Alberto cleared his throat "You haven’t given me the answer."

Angel came back to earth when cheers and laughter erupted around them. Gabe’s eyes searched hers. The passion she saw there nearly took her breath away.

He turned to face his father. "Lynne will be glad to work the fields with me." He picked up his glass of wine and lifted it as if in a toast. "You may have met your match, papa."

"We will see."

A light breeze blew through the fields, cooling Angel’s sunburned skin. She leaned back, stretching her arms over her head. She glanced over to see Gabe staring at her. His sexy brown eyes seemed to deepen in color. Was it desire she saw there? No, that couldn’t be. Hadn’t he told her so many times this was a marriage in name only? Maybe he’d changed his mind. That thought sent shivers through her heated flesh.

"Are you cold?" Gabe placed a bunch of grapes in his box.

"Not likely in this heat." Angel shaded her eyes with her hand against the blistering sun. "The way you keep looking at me makes me uncomfortable, that’s all."

"What look?" Gabe raised his eyebrow.

"I don’t know. Like maybe you want to do more then look at me." Her face grew hotter, and she quickly looked away.

"Because I do." Gabe removed his hat and placed it on her head. "Here, this will keep the sun off your face."

"Gabe, this has to stop. You’re confusing me. One minute you push me away, then the next I see such desire in your eyes it scares and pleases me at the same time." She took the blade and sliced through the vine.

"Look, Lynne, I don’t mean to confuse you. I’m trying really hard to keep this marriage the way I promised you. But you do crazy things to me." Gabe reached in his pants pocket and pulled out a scarf. He folded it then wrapped it around his forehead. "Maybe we both need to reconsider our feelings."

He picked up the box and headed for the truck. His words echoed in her mind. He was feeling the same way she was. What would she do if he asked her to make love? She knew the answer to that. More than anything in the world, she wanted to feel what making love to him would be like. But it was wrong. Committing herself to him in that way would only make leaving him harder when she had to go. And what if she became pregnant? Of course, there were precautions they could take.

Could she leave without knowing what making love to Gabe was like? No, she couldn’t. In the end that would be all she would have. She let out a sigh.

"Such a sigh, my child." Rosa handed her a glass of lemonade. "Is something wrong?"

"Rosa--"

"Call me Nonna." Rosa smiled at her. "I’m your grandmother now."

"Nonna, there is something I’ve needed to tell Gabe for a while now. But when I do, it could change the way he sees me." Angel placed the cold glass against her forehead. "What should I do?"

"Honesty is something that should be there from the start. Don’t you think it would be better if he learned this from you than someone else?" Rosa put her arm around Angel. "There is great love in my grandson’s eyes. That kind of love can’t be destroyed very easy. Freeing yourself of this burden will make things better between you, I promise."

"You’re right." Angel looked over at Gabe. She saw him grab his thigh while holding onto the side of the truck. He turned ghostly pale. "Gabe!" she screamed, dropping her glass to the ground. She took off running. Rosa was close behind her.

"Lynne, help me." He reached for Angel. "Something is very wrong with my leg."

"Can you walk?" She grabbed his arm and put it over her shoulder. "Here, lean on me."

"Grandson, you are so pale." Rosa stood on the other side of him. "Let me help." She grabbed his other arm and draped it over her shoulders.

He started to move, then gasped. Sweat beaded over his upper lip. He clenched his jaw. "You better get help. I can’t move."

Rosa took off toward the area where Alberto and Gino were working.

Angel had never seen Gabe like this. She helped him to sit on the tailgate. His face was pasty white now. He let out a groan, rubbing his thigh. She reached for the button on his jeans. "We need to take the prosthesis off."

"Go ahead. I can’t take this pain." He grit his teeth as she slipped the jeans down his legs. "Why is it hurting like this?"

"Sudden pain like this could be serious." She undid the pelvic belt, then slipped the leg off, letting it drop to the ground. "Did you bump it?"

"No." He flinched as she frantically unwrapped the bandages. "Well, I did the first night I came to your place. But surely it can’t be from that."

"Yes, it could." Finally she got to the end. The area was discolored and badly swollen. Dread knotted in her stomach. He needed a doctor right away. "I’m taking you to the hospital, so don’t fight me on this."

"Believe me, I won’t." He sucked in a breath. He was really in pain to give in so easily. His family hurried toward them. "Please get my pants. I don’t want them to see this."

Angel slipped his good leg into the pant leg, then slid it up the rest of the way. By the time the others got there, Gabe had the button fastened. She saw the relief on his face. His eyes were filled with gratitude. He touched her cheek. She covered his hand with hers.

"Thank you."

"That’s what a wife is for." She fought back tears wanting to give him all the strength she possessed.

"What is wrong?" Alberto and Gino cried out, running toward them.

"We must get him to the hospital. He’s in agonizing pain."

"Do you know what it is?" Gino touched his grandson’s arm.

"No, I just know it hurts worse than anything I’ve ever experienced before." He started to get up, then groaned. "Help me slide up in the back a little."

"Wait! There is a blanket in the truck." His mother quickly grabbed it from the seat and folded it behind his back.

"Gabe, I’m going to slide your legs over." Angel placed her arms under his leg slowly moving him sideways. "Are you okay?"

"Stop a minute, Lynne." He took a deep breath then let it out slowly. "Okay."

Angel eased him in the rest of the way. By this time Antonio had arrived.

"What’s wrong?" Antonio rushed up to join the other family members.

"His leg. Something’s wrong with it. I’m taking him to the hospital."

"You climb up there with him. I’ll drive you." Antonio jumped into the truck.

Angel crawled up beside Gabe. She banged on the side of the truck. "Get moving, Antonio."

"We’re coming." Maria and Alberto climbed into the truck.

"Godspeed," his grandfather shouted. "Don’t worry about the grapes. We will take care of them."

"I’ll bring Christy over to the main house. Don’t worry about her." Rosa turned toward the house.

"Oh, Gabe. I’m a terrible mother. I forgot about Christy."

Gabe grimaced as the truck lurched forward. He squeezed her hand. "You didn’t forget Christy. You’re with family. You know someone is there to help."

"I took it for granted. But I shouldn’t have."

"You just aren’t used to being part of a family yet."

"That’s true." Suddenly, she realized how much she yearned to be a real member of the Stefonelli family.

She looked up toward the sky.

~ * ~

The waiting room was nearly empty except for Angel and Antonio. She looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost one o’clock in the afternoon. They’d been there since ten that morning. Maria and Alberto had gone to get something to eat. She looked over at Gabe’s youngest brother. He was pacing the room.

"Antonio, you’re going to wear a hole in that floor. Why don’t you go see if you can find me some hot tea? I could sure use a cup."

"Sure." He headed toward the cafeteria.

Angel glanced at the phone booth. She opened her clutch purse and pulled out her change purse. Now would be a good time to check on her sister. It was three o’clock in the afternoon in New Orleans. Inside the booth, she waited for the long distance operator to tell her how much change to deposit. Then, after several minutes waiting for the nurse to bring Lynne to the telephone, her sister came on the line.

"Hello."

"Lynne, honey, you sound so weak." Angel could barely hear her.

"They’re giving me something to help me breath better. Don’t worry; its standard procedure."

"Are you sure?" Even long distance, Angel heard her wheezing.

"Yes, quit worrying." Lynne coughed. "How’s it going there?"

"Not too good. Gabe’s had some trouble with his leg. They’re operating on it right now."

"I’m sorry. Is he going to be okay?"

"Well, the doctor seems to know what he’s doing. I’d just feel better if they’d come out and tell me something."

"You know how doctors can be." She coughed again.

"Keeping the truth from Gabe is getting harder everyday." Angel let out a sigh. "Don’t you think it would be better if I told him?"

"No, you can’t do that!" Lynne’s coughing worsened.

"Okay, okay. Calm down." Angel didn’t want to aggravate Lynne. "I won’t tell him."

"Good girl. Look, I can’t talk anymore. I need to get back to bed."

"All right. My three minutes are about up, anyway."

"Let me know how Gabe makes out."

"I will. Please get better."

"That will never happen. You need to accept that."

"No, I’ll talk to you later. Goodbye." Angel hung up the phone.

For a moment she just stood there. Fear gripped her insides. What would she do if her sister died? That would mean she’d have to continue the lie or risk losing Christy. No, she wasn’t going to think that way. God wouldn’t let that happen to Lynne.

Angel stepped out of the booth and walked over to where she’d been sitting. Antonio walked down the hallway carrying a cup. "Found you some tea." He handed it to her.

"Thank you."

"Has the doctor come out yet?"

"No." Angel took a sip of the tea. "This is perfect."

"Lots of cream and two teaspoons of sugar. Right?" He smiled.

"Right." The door to the surgery room swung open abruptly.

"Mrs. Stefonelli, I’ve completed the repairs on his stump." The doctor pulled his surgical cap off his head.

Angel rushed over to meet him. "What caused all the sudden pain?"

"It’s what we call a haematoma." He rubbed the back of his neck. "They look far worse than they really are. His bleeding was severe. I withdrew the blood and closed the blood vessel. While I was in there, I removed some excess tissue. He shouldn’t have any more trouble, but he has to be careful of trauma to the area. He can’t tolerate prolonged pressure from the prosthesis. That means no more working in the fields at the vineyard."

"That is my husband’s life." Angel looked over at Antonio, then back at the doctor.

"Not anymore." The doctor’s stare warned off argument. "Unless he wants us to keep cutting away at his leg."

"Did you tell him yet?" Angel bit down on her lip.

"No, he’s in recovery."

"Please let me tell him."

"Okay, but make him understand that he doesn’t have a choice in this."

"I will. Thank you, doctor." Angel reached out and touched his arm. "When can I see him?"

"You can go in for a few minutes right now. Come with me."

"Go ahead. I’ll wait here in case Mama and Papa come back." Antonio patted her shoulder. "It’s going to be okay."

Angel followed the doctor. She prayed for strength. Telling Gabe that he could no longer do what made him feel normal wasn’t going to be easy. Could her life get any worse?

~ * ~

"Is that quack crazy?" Gabe threw his pillow across the room. "Just how does he expect me to make a living for my family?"

"I don’t know." Angel picked up the pillow. "But acting like a child isn’t going to change the situation any."

"I’ll act anyway I want to." He folded his arms across his chest.

"Gabe, I know this is a blow to you. But you must do as he says." Angel walked to the window and looked out at the setting sun. "I can’t get over how beautiful sunsets are around here."

"Changing the subject won’t make it go away, Lynne."

"No, it won’t." She let out a sigh.

"If you think I’m taking this badly, wait until you see my father’s reaction." He rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on fast.

"I’m sure he’ll understand the seriousness of the situation."

"No, he won’t." Gabe leaned his head back. "He will see it as another excuse to take me away from the grapes."

"Gabe, I’m sure you’re wrong about this." Angel walked over and took his hand. "He’s your father. He wants what’s best for you."

"The only thing he’s ever cared about is his vineyard." Gabe’s fingers entwined with hers. "Most of my life I never lived up to what he thought his son should be. This will just be another disappointment."

"Well he’s a very stupid man then."

"You should see your eyes." Gabe smiled. Her pride in him as a man filled him with unexpected pleasure. "You remind me of a mother protecting her cub."

"Stop making fun of me." She lowered her eyes.

Gabe reached over and raised her chin. "I’d never do that. Without you I’d never get through this time in my life." He grabbed her sweater and pulled her toward him. His lips covered hers in a searing kiss. If he wasn’t stuck in the hospital, he’d show her just how much she meant to him. "Thanks for standing up for me."

There was a rap at the door. Gabe’s parents sauntered into the room.

"How are you feeling?" Alberto stood near his bed.

"Better." He looked over at his mama. "I’m sorry for causing you worry."

"What did this doctor say?"

Gabe looked over at Angel then back at his father. "My days in the field are over."

"This can’t be. Did you tell him that fields are your life?" Alberto paced in front of him.

"Alberto, let the boy explain." Maria put her hand on her husband’s arm.

"Papa, if I continue to stand on my leg like I’ve been doing, they’ll have to keep cutting on it until there won’t be anything left." He rubbed his neck that grew tight with tension. "I can’t go through anymore surgery. I won’t live my life that way."

"Then so be it. You never cared for this land anyway." His father turned and stormed out of the door.

"Oh, Gabe." His mother looked over at him. "He didn’t mean that."

"Yes he did." Gabe rubbed the side of his temples. "I’ve always been a disappointment to him."

"Well, you never have been to me." Maria bent over and kissed him on the forehead. "You get well. I will deal with your papa."

"He’s right, you know. I never have cared about the land like he has." He took his mother’s hand. "But this time I wanted to show him I could be counted on."

"Your papa needs to know that this vineyard isn’t the only thing that matters." Maria patted his hand. "It’s about time someone told him so."

"I love you, mama."

"I love you, too." Maria looked over at Angel. "Thank you for being there for my son."

"Always." Angel smiled at Maria. "Tell Alberto that I will work the grapes in my husband’s place."

"Wait just a minute." Gabe sat up and look at her.

"Close your mouth, Gabe." She turned back to Maria. "Will you tell him for me?"

"Yes, I will." Maria walked over to her. She gave her a hug. "My son made a good choice in a wife. See that he does what he is supposed to do."

Gabe waited until his mother shut the door before he spoke. "I’m not letting my wife do my job."

"You don’t have a choice." Angel stood in front of his bed. "You can care for Christy, while I’m helping in the fields."

"Great. Just one more thing my papa can throw at me." Gabe shook his head. "Caring for a child is women’s work. Are you trying to make me feel less of a man?"

"You listen to me, Gabe Stefonelli. There is nothing to be ashamed of in taking care of your child." She placed her hands on her hips. "Both you and your papa have too much pride. It stands in the way of what you really feel in your heart. There is no use in fighting this. I’m doing it, and you’re going to take care of our daughter. So that’s that."

Gabe watched her storm out of the room. She’d won this battle.

~ * ~

The sun peeked through the trees in the valley as Gabe sat on the wraparound porch. He loved this time of morning when life was just starting to stir. Lynne had left for the vineyard a few minutes ago. Christy was still curled up in her crib with Gabe’s old teddy bear. His mother had given it to her right after they arrived. Christy latched on to it and since then it was with her all the time.

Taking care of Christy was a full-time job, but he had to admit he was really enjoying getting to know his daughter more. He couldn’t get over how Lynne managed to work in the fields then come home and take care of them. She’d really made this place something special. He was so thankful they had it.

Living under his papa’s roof right now would be a nightmare. He and Papa found excuses to stay away from each other. He was still hurt by his papa’s reaction, but he hadn’t been surprised. To his papa, he was turning his back on his heritage. Gabe shook his head. Why had he ever thought he’d change?

A roar of an airplane motor distracted him from his thoughts. He looked up in the sky. A Stearman Kaydet crop duster circled the house, then circled around flying low. As it got near the house, the wing tipped. There was only one person Gabe knew who could fly that low. That had to be Hangar on his way to a job. He suddenly had the urge to talk to him. Through the years, Hangar had always been there to lean on and talk to when things weren’t going right at home. Maybe he’d go over and see him later today.

Christy’s cry pierced the quietness. He jumped up too quickly. His good leg buckled, causing him to fall back in the chair. It flipped backwards, knocking the breath out of him when the chair hit the floor. For a minute, he just lay there. But Christy’s insistent cries of dada caused him to struggle harder to get up out of the rocker. He had to get to her, which meant he had to calm down and figure out how he was going to get himself off the floor.

He noticed a rope dangling from the side of the railing. If he could just move the chair sideways, he could grab it and pull himself out of the chair. Gabe started rocking the chair until it finally moved close enough. He lunged for the rope, grabbing it on the first try. By this time, Gabe was drenched in sweat.

For a few seconds he rested then grabbed the rope with both his hands. Christy’s crying was getting louder. He had one chance at doing this right. Gabe yanked hard on the rope, easing himself to a standing position. He grinned as if he’d run a mile. He hobbled to his daughter’s room. Her cries had turned into heartbreaking sobs now.

"Daddy’s coming, honey." Gabe hurried into the room. The sun filtered through the window onto her crib. Floating sunbeams flickered in the light where Christy sat curled up in the corner holding the teddy bear for dear life. He reached into the crib for her. "It’s okay, honey." He rubbed the small of her back. "Bet you need your diaper changed."

"No, no, no, no!" Christy pointed her finger at him. She sniffed then wiped at her tears.

"Okay, it can wait for a little while. How about something to eat?"

Christy nodded. "Eat, eat." She hiccupped.

"When you finish, Daddy will get you cleaned up. Then we’ll go bye-bye. Would you like that?"

She started clapping her little hands in joy. "Go, go."

Gabe held her closely as he awkwardly moved down the narrow hallway, shifting his weight evenly on his prosthesis the way he’d been taught. He’d have to learn more patience and be careful how he got up and down now. His body was different now, and he had to remember he could no longer do things the way he used to. This time Gabe was able to get to her but what if he couldn’t next time? The thought caused his stomach to knot up tight. She was his world and he’d never do anything to harm her. He kissed her on top of the head.

His thoughts drifted to Lynne. She was out there in the hot fields taking his place. That was one more reason to feel badly about himself. The thought tore at his gut. But Lynne had made him feel good about looking after their daughter, like he was doing something very noble. The fact she’d been doing it from the day that Christy was born didn’t seem to count for her.

For the first time, he thought about them as a real family. Did he have the right to think of Lynne as a real wife? Was it fair to her? Some part of him still thought she deserved more than him. But as each day went by, he found himself wanting to be near her. Needing to be near her. Maybe these thoughts would lead him to pain, but for now he didn’t care.

After he fed Christy, he’d wander over to Hanger’s place. Talking to him was just what he needed to do right now. Maybe together they could come up with some idea of what he was going to do with the rest his life. While he loved being with his daughter, he needed to make a living for his family. Christy needed her mother to be with her.

The roar of the Stearman Kaydet coming in for a landing drew Gabe to the window. A feeling of regret overwhelmed him as he remembered how it felt to fly. Of course, back then he didn’t expect that what he loved so much would cost him one of his legs. Gabe watched as Hangar came in for a perfect landing. He couldn’t remember when he’d ever seen him make a bad one.

"This little lady is a real beauty, Gabe." Maxine bounced a giggling Christy on her lap. "Why did you wait so long to come and see us?"

"Wasn’t sure I could handle being around a plane again." He half-smiled at her. "You look good so I guess business has been good."

"Too good." Max held up one of her cookies. "Is one of my cookies okay for her?"

"Don’t know why not. I grew up on them." He sat down in the chair in front of her desk.

"How old is she?"

"She’s nine months now. Trying to walk already." He couldn’t keep the fatherly pride from his voice.

"You know, Hangar could use your help."

Gabe raised an eyebrow. "Afraid my flying days are over."

"Well it’s about time you came over to see us. What has it been three weeks since you came back?" Hangar let the door slam behind him as he reached for Gabe. He threw his arms around him, giving him a big bear hug. "How have you been boy?"

"It’s good to see you, Hangar." He hugged him back. "Guess I didn’t want to see the pity in your eyes."

"You know me better than that." He handed Max some paperwork. "Attach this to Joe Filipino’s bill."

"That can wait. Take a look at Gabe’s little girl." She held Christy out to him.

"Would you look at this child? She’s the spitting image of you." Hangar played with her hand, kissing the palm. "What’s her name?"

"Christy." Gabe smiled at his daughter. "She quite a handful. I’m watching her while her mommy is working in the vineyard. The doc told me I couldn’t work the field anymore. Can’t stand on my leg that long."

"What are you going to do?" Hangar gave him a quizzical smile.

"That’s a good question. There’s nothing else I’m trained in." He rubbed the back of his neck. "So it doesn’t leave me much to choose from."

"You are wrong there. I’ve got a job for you right now." He handed Christy back to his wife. "What would you say about coming to work with me here?"

"Hangar, you’re ridiculous. I can’t fly." Gabe started pacing in front of the desk.

"What, you forgot how?"

"No, I didn’t forget how to fly. Truth is, I’m not sure I could even go up in one again."

"How did you feel when we were up there as close to God as we can get?" He stared at Gabe.

"Like I never wanted to do anything else." He couldn’t break his eye contact with Hangar. It felt like he was looking right into his soul. "What if I’m right?"

"You’ll never know unless you try. So let’s see what you’re made of."

"Go up there now?" Gabe swallowed. "I--I don’t know Hangar. What about Christy?"

"Max is here, and I’m sure she can find something to make her happy while we’re up there flying." Hangar looked over at his wife. "Is it okay with you?"

"Of course. We can find plenty to do here. Can’t we, Christy?"

The baby clapped her hands, giggling as Max bounced her on her lap.

Gabe walked over to the screen door and looked out at the plane. When he’d heard Hangar this morning, his heart had done a flip-flop. The longing to be up there with him had surprised him.

But did he have the courage to go up? Would he have flashbacks of the crash? He realized how silly that thought was because for the last several weeks he’d experience the flashbacks without being near a plane. He let out a long auditable sigh. "Guess I’ll never know unless I do it."

"Now you’re talking!"

He looked over at Hangar. "Let’s go before my nerve fails me." He walked over to Christy and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "You be a good girl. Daddy’s going to go with Hangar for a little while."

She made baby sounds patting his cheeks. "Go, go."

"Well you can’t do any better than that. You just got flight clearance from your daughter." Maxine patted his shoulder. "You can do it, Gabe. I have faith in you."

"Thanks, Max. You’ve always been a good friend."

~ * ~

The sun bore down on Angel’s back as she bent over to cut the grapes. She carefully placed them into the straw basket by her feet. Her back felt like it was going to break. She stretched, raising her arms over her head, moving her body one way then the other. Angel rubbed the ache in the small of her back.

Reaching into her pocket of her blue cotton slacks, she pulled out her watch. It was three-thirty in the afternoon. They would be stopping for the day soon. The work they did today was the last of the grapes. Then they would be on their way to be crushed into wine. Some of the grapes would be crushed here for the family’s use.

She looked over at her father-in-law. He lifted a large box onto the flatbed of the Chevrolet truck. He was in really great shape for being almost sixty. She could see the resemblance to Gabe. He favored his father more than the other boys did. Maybe that was why his father was so tough on him. She found it hard to believe that he could blame Gabe for his war injury. Saving the rest of his leg was all that mattered to Angel. Didn’t it matter to Alberto? There was no doubt in her mind where Gabe got his stubbornness. They were two peas in a pod as far as she was concerned.

Being part of this family was special to her. Thinking about it made her think about Lynne. It had been over two weeks since she’d had a letter from Jane. She’d promised to go and visit Lynne, but two weeks was a long time not to hear anything. Maybe tonight she’d ask Gabe if she could call Jane. That way she could find out the news right away and not have to wait on the mail. She prayed that Lynne’s condition hadn’t deteriorated any more. The last time she’d talked to her twin she sounded so weak.

She felt eyes on her. Angel looked over to see her father-in-law watching her. Angel half-smiled then bent over and resumed picking the grapes.

"You can go ahead and go home, Lynne." Alberto jumped down off the truck.

"I’m almost through here." She hurriedly picked the rest, then bent to lift the box.

"Antonio will get those. Go head. Go home to your baby." He smiled at her.

"Thank you." She turned to leave but stopped after a few steps. She turned toward him. "When are you going to stop being angry with Gabe?"

"With that one it is hard." Antonio gripped the side of the box. "He always seems to know how to get--how you say--under my skin."

"Your son has a lot of pride. I think he comes naturally by it." She raised her eyebrow. "He was hurt by the way you treated him when you found out what the doctor said."

"You are right. I am a proud man." He placed the last box of grapes on the truck. He reached in his back pocket, pulled out a bandana, and wiped the sweat from his face. "This vineyard has been my life. In my heart, I want them to love it as I do. Is that so wrong?"

"No, but Gabe doesn’t feel the way you do. He loves this land but he’s smart enough to know that he can’t do what you want." She took his hand. "Sometimes accepting the ones we love just as they are is not always easy. But if you don’t, you will lose him."

"My son married a smart woman." He kissed her hand. "Soon I will make peace with my son. I promise you."

"If I can help, just let me know." She let go of his hand.

"No, this I will have to do myself."

Angel headed for the house, determined that somehow she’d bring these two hardheaded men together if it were the last thing she ever did. As she made her way down the path to the guesthouse, she saw a plane coming straight at her. She dove for the ground, keeping her hands over her head. The noise was deafening, but in a short while, the plane passed overhead. Gabe’s younger brother came running toward her.

"Are you okay, Lynne?" Antonio bent to help her.

"Whoever that is, they must be crazy." Angel stood and brushed the dirt off her slacks.

"Looks like Hangar’s plane." Antonio laughed. "He’s a crazy old coot. But he and Gabe are really close. He taught Gabe how to fly."

"Oh." Angel watched the plane until it was out of sight. Her legs suddenly felt like rubber. The plane had shaken her. "I’m not so sure we should be glad he did after what has happened to Gabe."

"Gabe would not agree with you, Lynne." He smiled. "I know my brother. He has no regrets about flying. He loves it. When he is up there, it’s probably the only time he really feels alive."

"Well I’m glad he’s not doing it anymore. I never did like planes. If God wanted us to fly, he would have given us wings. I’ve got to get going. I’m sure Gabe is ready to be relieved of Christy by now." She turned hurrying toward the house. "Thanks for checking on me." She waved as she took off running.

"Sure, anytime."

Angel noticed the rocking chair turned over as she stepped onto the porch. She wondered what happened as she set it upright. As she opened the door, the silence stopped her in her tracks. Where were Gabe and Christy? She hurried down the hallway toward the bedrooms. She looked in all three rooms but no one was there. Her heart began to race. Had something happened to Christy? She ran out the front door, heading for the main house. By this time her heart was beating so fast she could hear it in her ears.

"Please God make her be okay."

The house never looked so good as she ran up the steps to the back door. She knocked once then entered the kitchen. Her mother-in-law was cooking at the large stainless-steel stove. She looked up as Angel rushed toward her.

"What’s wrong?" Maria placed the lid back on the large saucepan.

"The rocker was turned over on the porch, and Gabe and Christy are gone. Did he come over here at all?"

"Calm down, Lynne." She grabbed her by the shoulders. "Gabe came by and told me he’d tumbled over in the chair. Had a devil of a time getting up. Christy is fine."

"Thank God." She let out a long breath.

"Gabe took Christy and went over to see his old friend Hangar. He hasn’t been to see him since he got home. Gabe wanted to show Christy off."

"Are you sure? Because Antonio said that was Hangar who flew over the place so low." She picked up the apple on the table and took a big bite out of it. Angel hadn’t realized how hungry she was from working in the fields all day.

"Really. Maybe Hangar took Gabe up in the plane." Maria began slicing the remaining apples on the table.

"Good Lord, you don’t think he’d take Christy up with him do you?" Her legs felt like rubber again. She sat down in the chair near her. "If he has, believe me he’s in big trouble."

"Gabe wouldn’t do that, Lynne." Maria stopped chopping. Italian words rolled off her tongue. "Sorry. Surely you know my son, your husband would never put his child in danger."

"Forgive me, Maria." Angel lowered her head, twisting her wedding band. "I don’t like planes very much. You’re right. Gabe wouldn’t put her in danger. I know that."

"You’re forgiven. With five boys I know how sometimes they drive you crazy." Maria picked up the knife and started chopping again. "Would you like to help me?"

"No, I think I’ll go home and make a pie myself." She smiled. "Yours made me hungry for one. I’m sure Gabe will be back shortly. Now that I know where he is, I feel better."

"Good. When Christy gets home give her a kiss from her Nonna."

"I will."

Angel closed the door behind her. As she made her way back to the guesthouse, an uneasy feeling consumed her. Could he really be thinking about flying again? No, she wouldn’t allow herself to think that way. Gabe wouldn’t risk his life again.

~ * ~

Gabe pulled the stick, back then leveled the plane. Being up here in the clouds with blue sky surrounding him and Hangar working the rudder pedals made him feel alive again. Up here he could forget about his leg. In this plane he was a whole man like everyone else. For the first time in weeks, he felt more hopeful about his future. Was it possible that Hangar could rig up hand controls for him? Could he really fly again? The thought brought goose bumps down his spine.

"It’s getting late, Hangar. We have been up here for an hour." He spoke above the loud roar of the plane. "You better land this bird."

"No can do, son." He shouted back at him. "You land her."

"Are you crazy? I can’t do that." He broke out in a sweat.

"You won’t know unless you try. That way, we will know if we have to fool with the hand gears." He pointed down at the landing field. "Take her down, son. You can do this!"

Gabe gripped the stick tighter until his knuckles turned white. His heart raced in his chest. He looked down at the landing field, judging the distance. She swayed and dipped smoothly as he nursed her with delicate and quick little movements of stick and rudder. He forgot about his prosthetic leg and easily lined up to the runway. He held back…back…then, to his utter joy, he gently touched down; the ground bumping beneath him as he taxied down the runway.

"I did it, Hangar!"

"You sure did boy!"

~ * ~

The smell of apple pie greeted his palate as he opened the front door carrying Christy. He looked over at the clock on the fireplace mantel. Great, it was six o’clock, past dinnertime. On his way home, Christy had become fussy. She was tired, he was sure, but he doubted she was too hungry. Max had filled her up with cookies. Maybe that wasn’t really good, but Max sure did enjoy doing it.

He set Christy down in her playpen with her toys, then headed for the kitchen. He stood in the doorway watching Angel bent over the oven door. Her shapely rounded bottom caused a tightening in his chest. As quiet as he could, he slipped behind her and put his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.

"Stop that!" She twisted out of his arms. "Where have you been?"

"Calm down." He leaned against the sink. "I took Christy to see some old friends of mine. Time got away from me."

"Were you up in a plane today?" Angel placed her hands on her hips. "Don’t lie."

"Why should I lie? Yes I was." He ran his hands through his hair. "You just ruined my surprise."

"Please tell me you didn’t have Christy up in that contraption. Where is she?" Angel tapped her foot on the floor.

"No, I didn’t have her up in the plane. Give me some credit, will you? She is in her playpen. I wouldn’t do anything that would put my daughter in danger." He clenched his jaw. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"You don’t understand." She turned away, but not before he saw the tears pooling in her green eyes. "I thought something had happened to her."

"Look I’m sorry." Gabe felt like a heel. "No wonder you’re so upset." He turned her to face him. "Next time, I’ll come by and tell you where I’m going." Gabe lifted her chin so she had to face him. "I should have picked the chair up. I guess I just forgot about it"

"What was your surprise?" She looked away from him.

"I’ve got a job." He smiled. "Hangar wants me to help him with his crop dusting."

"Oh, I see." She swallowed. This wasn’t exactly the reaction he’d wanted. "How are you able to do it with your leg?"

"That’s what surprised me." He let go of her and started pacing. "Everything came back to me. You know, like riding a bicycle. My leg did just fine on the rudder."

"I really wish you’d think this over. I wouldn’t feel right with you up in the air." She twisted her wedding band.

"Lynne, you don’t understand." He stopped pacing. "Up there, I’m a whole man."

"You’re a whole man, Gabe, no matter where you are."

Did she really believe that? Or were they just words? "For the first time I feel useful. I can take care of you and Christy."

"I know how much that means to you."

"Do you really?" He took her in his arms. "You belong here with Christy. And I need to feel whole again."

" Promise me something?" She placed her hands on his chest. "That you won’t do any crazy stunts like that Hangar did when he flew over this house. He scared me to death. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you."

"No stunts. I promise." He looked into her caring warm eyes. They darkened. "Your eyes are beautiful. A man could get lost in them."

"How you talk, Mr. Stefonelli." She traced his lips with her finger. "You know what I want right now?"

"I’m afraid to ask." His heart began racing. In her eyes he saw raw passion.

"A kiss." Standing on tiptoes, she touched her lips to his.

Her kiss was gentle. She tasted like sweet apples. He returned her kiss with reckless abandonment. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the wonder of her. She felt so right in his arms. He felt a tremble course through his body. If he didn’t end this right now, he wouldn’t be able to stop. He ended the kiss, stepping back from her.

"I’m all sweaty. I need to clean up." He turned and walked out of the kitchen. His blood felt like it was boiling. A vision of her standing there with her lips swollen from his kiss lingered in his mind. He stood next to the playpen, watching his daughter play with her rag doll.

"You know, your daddy’s a dope, Christy. I had a chance to make love to your mommy and I stopped it. I already regret that." He ruffled her hair as she reached for him. "Your daddy’s going crazy. Come on. Let’s change that diaper of yours. Dinner is almost ready."

~ * ~

Angel reached up and touched her lips. She shivered as she thought about her body pressing into his. How could she have been so bold?

She knew the answer. This had been building up for several weeks now. The realization that she might have lost him was too much. She could still see the look of passion in his eyes right after he broke the kiss. Oh, God, how she wished the kiss had never ended.

Angel was falling in love. This could not be happening. If she were smart, she’d tell him the truth now before she lost anymore of her heart to him. She’d tried to tell him, at least a couple of times. Now she’d lost her courage. Torn between being truthful to Gabe and keeping a promise to her sister, Angel knew her niece’s future and her sister’s happiness depended on what she did here. She’d made a promise and she had to stand by it.

She let out a sigh as she reached into the cupboard for the dishes, praying that this charade would soon end so she could get on with her own life, a life without Gabe and Christy in it.

~ * ~

"Hope dinner’s ready." He slipped Christy into her highchair. "She’s chewing on her hands."

"It’s ready." Her hand shook as she placed a dish on the table. She hoped he didn’t notice it. From now on, she had to be more careful. No more kisses. She set the other dish down, then got out the silverware. Gabe stood next to her. The scent of his Old Spice teased her senses. She pressed the utensils against her chest. For a moment she just stood there looking at him.

"Is something wrong?" He took the silverware from her. "Why don’t you feed Christy first, then we can eat later? There is something’s we need to talk about."

"Okay." She headed for the stove, needing some distance from him. Fear gripped her. Did he know the truth? Had he somehow found out about Lynne? She began putting food on a plate for Christy, praying that what she feared wouldn’t end the happiness the last few days had brought. She loved him and nothing was ever going to change that. If only God could step in and change things.

She sighed. "You ready to eat, Christy?"

~ * ~

The sky had turned to a burnt orange. Gabe watched the sun setting beyond the hills. He rubbed the back of his neck. Lynne had been quiet during supper, talking only when he addressed her. Whatever was bothering her, she was keeping it to herself.

Was now the right time to tell her what he was feeling for her? If he told her he loved her, would she reject him? Did he dare speak what was in his heart? If she rejected him, would he be able to take that now? So many thoughts were swirling around in his head. The scent of her Evening In Paris made him realize she was standing near him. He looked over at her.

"Did you have any trouble with Christy?"

"No, she really wore herself out today." She looked up at the stars. "What a beautiful night."

"Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?"

"Yes, it does."

"I’ve been struggling with a decision I’ve made."

"What decision?" Angel bit her bottom lip.

"For the last couple of weeks, my feelings for you have been changing." He twisted his ring. "That kiss we shared today proved that we can’t go on the way we have been."

"I don’t understand." She crossed her arms in front of her and rubbed them as if chilled.

"When I asked you to marry me, our marriage was supposed to be in name only. But now I feel different. I want to make love to you." The words rolled off his lips before he could stop them. "I love you."

"No, please don’t say that." She backed away from him. "We’re not supposed to fall in love. This marriage was for Christy’s sake. Not ours."

"It could be." He began pacing. "Are you telling me you don’t feel the same way?"

"I didn’t say that." She twisted the ring on her finger. "You’re making this difficult for me."

"What’s so difficult, Lynne?" He pulled her into his arms. "Either you love me or you don’t. But I need to know before I make any more of a fool of myself."

"I love you, too." She mumbled, pressing her face into his chest.

Gabe held her away from him. Her eyes deepened in color. The love he saw there warmed him to his very soul. He lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle at first, then more powerful as their bodies molded together. Desire coursed through Gabe’s body. It was as if he couldn’t get close enough to her. Then he suddenly broke the kiss.

"Once I take you into our bedroom, there is no turning back. Are you sure this is what you want?" He traced her lip with his finger.

"You are what I want." She slipped her hands inside his shirt. "God help me. I want you more then I’ve ever wanted anything in my life."

"Your wish is my command." He bowed, then pulled her into his arms. "Tonight we’ll make memories that will last us a lifetime."

"That may be all we have." She rested her head against his chest, inhaling his masculine smell.

"Don’t worry, my love, we have a lifetime."

A chilly breeze drifted through the window. Gabe pulled Angel closer against him. He inhaled the beautiful scent of her. His first thought was that he wanted to stay in bed making love to her all day long. Last night she had taken him to heaven and back. He didn’t want to leave her, but he knew he’d have to soon. Christy would be waking up, and he had three jobs to do today. She stirred next to him.

"Are you awake?"

"Barely." Her eyes slowly opened. "You’ve got a mighty big grin on your face."

"I’m a satisfied man." He planted a kiss on her lips. "Last night was wonderful."

"It was, wasn’t it?" She played with the hairs on his chest. "You’re a wonderful lover."

"Oh, you’ve done this many times?" He covered her fingers.

"No I haven’t." Her face grew crimson. "Everything that happen last night was the first time for me."

"Are you forgetting we already made love before?" He gave her a questioning look.

"No, but it’s the first time I knew I really loved you." She started to rise.

"Do you mean that?" He pulled her down on top of him.

"Yes," She slid her lips across his.

"I’m afraid if I leave this bed, what we shared last night will just be a dream. It won’t really have happened." He watched her eyes change to that wonderful deep green again. "Tell me you love me one more time."

"I love you now and I’ll love you all the days of my life." She sealed her vow with another kiss.

A loud outburst from Christy ended the moment.

"Remember this position. We’ll begin again tonight." He smiled at her.

"What a wonderful thought to carry me through the day." She flung the covers back and climbed out of bed. "Promise me you’ll always feel the way you do now."

"Forever, I promise." Gabe watched her walk out of the room. Life was good and getting better. Lynne loved him, they had Christy, and that was all that mattered.

~ * ~

Angel hated the way Gabe and his father seemed to go out of their way to avoid one another. This had to stop. She knew that they both loved each other deeply but were too stubborn to bridge the gap. So it was up to her to bring them together. A plan was forming in her head. But first, she had to talk to Gabe’s grandmother.

She picked up Christy. "How would you like to go see your Nonna?"

Christy clapped her hands. Shaking her head. "See Non."

"Okay."

Angel headed for the front door, then followed the path that led to the main house. She waved to the ladies in the field. They waved back. When she got to the front yard, she noticed Gabe’s mother working on the flowers in front.

"Good morning."

"Well if it isn’t my two favorite people." Maria stood up, brushing her hands off on her coveralls. "How’s my granddaughter doing?" Christy reached for her. Nonna plucked her from Angel’s arms.

"She’s great." Angel put her hands up to shield her eyes from the sun. "Where is Rosa?"

"In the kitchen cooking." She kissed Christy’s hand.

"Good, I have an idea and I need her help."

"What about?"

"Getting my husband and his stubborn father together." Angel smiled at her.

"This I have to hear." She walked up the steps to the house. "Whatever you can do is better than what is going on now."

"I thought you might agree." Angel followed her.

"Mama, Lynne has an idea how to bring Alberto and Gabe together." She sat Christy in a wooden high chair. She handed her a cookie.

"Hello little bambino." She planted a kiss on Christy’s cheek while she stirred noodles in a large pan on the stove. "Come tell this old woman what you have in mind."

"He and Gabe have been ignoring each other, which is compounding the problem. They just get farther apart." She sat down on the stool close to the stove. "I need to get them together. Dinner at the guesthouse is the perfect place. Don’t you think so?"

"You are a smart woman. I could see that from the start." Rosa smiled at her. "Come I will teach you how to make my son’s favorite dish." She put her arm around her, hugging her to her big breast. "Your eyes are those of a woman in love. I think you finally found your way to my grandson’s heart. Am I right?"

"Yes, you are right." She smiled, aware of the heat that was creeping up her cheeks.

"Come, you have lots to learn."

~ * ~

The lasagna was baking in the oven. She opened the door and peeked inside the oven. It smelled really good. But the final test would be when Gabe’s father tasted it. Angel carefully closed the oven door.

Maria had taken Christy back to the villa, so that gave Angel time to get the place and herself ready. Her plan had to work because she was getting really tired of the tension between father and son. It really put Gabe in a foul mood.

Angel looked around the place. She adjusted some flowers in the vase she had on the dining room table. She was pleased with the way everything looked. So now all she had to do was wait for the lasagna to bake. The idea of a hot tub to soak in sounded great.

Angel headed for the bathroom humming "The More I See You." That had turned out to be their song. She’d even caught Gabe singing it once when he thought she was outside. Complimenting his voice seemed to deepen his embarrassment and she hadn’t heard him sing since. Too bad. He’d sounded happy when he was singing. Maria had mentioned that he’d sang as a boy in the church chorus. Angel loved hearing all about Gabe growing up here. She wanted to know everything about the man she loved.

Bubbles covered her body as she leaned her head back against the tub. She hadn’t relaxed in a tub in a while. It felt good. She closed her eyes enjoying the steaming water.

"Hey, Lynne, where are you?" Gabe yelled.

"Back in the bathroom."

Gabe headed for the bathroom, where he heard Lynne humming. He tapped and opened the door.

"Well, how do you rate enjoying a bubble bath while I’m slaving away?"

"Because I’m special."

"Well, you’re right about that."

Lynne looked so alluring lying in that tub with bubbles around her. Gabe reached his hand into the water, testing the temperature. A smiled crossed his lips. "What do you say I join you in there?" Gabe unbuttoned his jeans.

"I’m not sure there’s time. What time is it?"

"Just five o’clock. Christy’s over at Nonna’s place." Gabe slipped off his jeans. In no time he had his prosthesis off, maneuvered himself, and slid in behind her. "I stopped there on my way home."

"Did they tell you anything?" She leaned back against him.

"No, only that Nonna was watching Christy for a few hours. What’s up?"

"Your folks are coming to dinner tonight."

"Lynne, why did you do that?" Gabe lifted her so her bottom was on his lap. "Seeing my papa is the last thing I want to do."

"You can’t stay mad at him forever." Angel wiggled her rear.

"You’re playing dirty again." He kissed her shoulder. "I can’t resist you when you are wiggling your body like that."

"That was the plan." She looked over at him. "So dinner is okay?"

"Why not?"

Angel scooted around and kissed his chest. "I knew I could get you to change your mind."

"So what do you say we find out what it’s like making love in all these bubbles."

~ * ~

"That was wonderful, Gabe." Angel let out a long sigh. "But I’ve got to get dressed and you do, too." She wrapped the towel around her and sat on the vanity chair. "Hurry up, now."

Gabe smiled. "I think we need to try bubble baths again." He used his arms to push himself out of the tub, then started drying himself off with a towel she handed him.

"Need any help?"

"No, I can manage." Gabe busied himself rewrapping his leg. The bubbles had really made his leg feel good. Of course, he wouldn’t want it to get around that he like bubble baths. Gabe slipped his prosthesis on then slipped the belt around his waist. He reached for his bathrobe off the hook on the back of the door.

"You’re much better at getting around. I guess you don’t need me." She smiled at him, hoping to show how proud she was.

"I’ll always need you." His smile slipped as he wrinkled his nose and sniffed.

"Lynne, do you have something in the oven?"

"Oh, Lord no." She jumped up from the vanity table. "My lasagna is burning!" She almost knocked him down, running for the kitchen. She opened the oven door. Reaching in, she lifted the casserole dish out of the oven and set it on the top of the stove. Smoke from the blackened remains of her lasagna dish filled the kitchen. Tears slipped down her cheek. She turned to Gabe, who watched from the doorway. "Everything is ruined."

"I’m sorry, Lynne." Gabe put his arm around her, pulling her into his chest.

"Your grandmother taught me how to make his favorite dish. I was going to surprise him with it tonight." Angel wiped at the tears with the back of her hand. "Once again, I’ve made a mess of things." The knocking at the door caused her to jump. "Oh, no, they’re here."

"I’ll answer it." Gabe walked toward the front door. He adjusted his bathrobe, then flung the door open. "Hi."

"What’s that terrible smell?" His mother asked trying to look past him.

"Dinner." Gabe stepped back so they could come in. "The lasagna burned."

His parents looked at him in his bathrobe. Then they looked at Angel in her robe. Embarrassment flooded Angel. She had ruined dinner, and Gabe’s parents knew why. Alberto fought a smile, which only deepened her humiliation.

"What are the tears for?" Alberto walked over to her.

"I made your favorite dish, only I let it burn." Hanging her head, Angel twisted her wedding ring.

"You did this for me?" His voice softened.

"Yes, I hoped you and your son could relax and stop this awful feud." She tried not to look into his eyes. She didn’t want to see the rejection that would be there.

Alberto placed his hand under her chin, raising it so she had to look at him. Then he pushed a strand of hair away from her face. "It is very hard for me to admit I’m wrong. But I will. You see, I was wrong about you. You are good for my son. It is I who am so proud that you are part of our family. Can you forgive this foolish old man?"

"Oh, yes." She threw her arms around him. "There is someone else you owe an apology, too." Angel looked over at Gabe.

"This is a tough woman you have here." Alberto looked at his son. "But she is right. I was wrong to treat you the way I did."

"Yes, you were." Gabe ran his fingers through his hair. "But I think I know now why you did. Flying over this land everyday fills me with wonder. I understand what it means to you. And why you work so hard."

"I see a different look in your eyes." He gripped Gabe’s arm. "You love this woman and that love has made you see things more clearly. That is good. May I come down to this airfield and watch you sometime?"

"I’d like that." Gabe smiled, covering his father’s hand with his.

Alberto pulled him into a big hug, then let him go. "Good."

Gabe walked over to Angel. He pulled her into his arms.

"Thank you."

Alberto cleared his throat. "We celebrate tonight. Get dressed and we will take you to Camarilla’s."

"You will love Camarilla’s. Such food!" Maria kissed her fingers.

"What about Christy?" Angel asked.

"We all go." Alberto put his arm around his wife. "Tonight Lynne is a Stefonelli."

Angel sat reading a Better Homes and Gardens magazine in front of the glowing fireplace. She flipped through the pages, not really interested in what she was reading. Her mind was on her twin sister. A feeling that something was wrong had been bothering her since she woke up this morning.

She’d put off calling the sanatorium until Gabe was out of the house. He’d gone into town with his father and brother for a meeting of the wine growers. Christy had gone to bed without much trouble tonight. Usually she wanted Gabe there to say goodnight.

Angel put down the magazine, picked up the telephone, and waited for the operator. She’d learned to place the calls Person-to-Person because it took so long for the nurses to get Lynne out of bed and into a wheelchair. Then they had to roll her down the hall to the telephone. She waited even longer tonight. She hoped they hadn’t awakened Lynne.

"Hello."

"Lynne, is that you?" Angel could barely hear her. "You’re voice sounds so weak. Are you okay?"

"Yes, but the coughing has gotten worse."

"What’s that hissing sound?"

"They have me on oxygen now. It helps me breath better." A spasm of coughing overtook her. Finally, she could speak again. "That’s why I took so long. They had to hook me up to a tank so I could leave the room."

"Do you want me to come back?" Angel waited. The coughing finally stopped.

"No, you stay where you are." Lynne cleared her throat. "There is nothing you can do. How is my daughter doing?"

"Growing like a weed. She is walking all over the place now."

"That’s wonderful." Lynne let out a sigh. "What I would give to see her like that."

"I know. Every time she does something new, I want you to be a part of it so bad. It’s just not fair."

"What ever made you think life was fair?"

"Let’s not talk about bad things." Angel gazed at the flickering logs in the fireplace.

"You’re never going to believe the truth, are you, Angel?"

"The truth about what?"

"That I’m dying." Lynne took a deep breath, taking in some more oxygen.

"No, because I can’t think what my life will be without you in it."

"You’ll do just fine. Now that Christy is with her father and she has you, I don’t feel so bad about leaving this world."

"Please don’t give up. I just know that God is going to make you well." Angel’s voice cracked. "Then you can come here and be with your child and Gabe."

"That’s not going to happen. Don’t blame God for this. I’ve made my peace."

Angel didn’t want to argue with Lynne. She sounded so weak, and the coughing seemed to make talking even more difficult.

"How is Gabe’s family treating you?"

"They’re wonderful." Angel let out a sigh. "For the first time I feel like I really belong. You’re going to be so lucky having them as your family and Gabe as your husband."

"Your voice changes when you talk about Gabe. Do I sense something special there?" Lynne paused. "Have you fallen in love with him?"

"Oh, Lynne, I never meant for it to happen." Angel bit her lip. It took her a moment before she could speak again. "We made love."

"That’s wonderful." Lynne’s excitement caused another spell of coughing. It was several minutes before she stopped.

"It’s not wonderful. This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. Gabe should know the truth. Then he could come and talk to you."

"No! Promise me you won’t tell him the truth. He never needs to know." She sucked in some more air. "My daughter has the home I always wanted for her. Don’t you say or do anything that might upset that. Do you hear me?"

"How can I not hear you? You’re practically shouting at me." Angel leaned her aching head back on the davenport. "I made you a promise and I’ll keep it."

"Thank you. I’m sorry I yelled at you. You know I love you, funny bunny."

"I love you." A sob broke loose. "Lynne, I can’t talk anymore. I’ll call you in a few days. Try to rest."

"Angel, I’m glad God made us sisters."

Lynne heard the click. She pressed the phone against her breast wanting to hold on to the connection for the last time.

Angel dropped the phone into the cradle. She had to pull herself together before Gabe came home. How would she explain the tears? Or the twin sister she’d promised to keep a secret?

~ * ~

From beneath her oxygen tent, Lynne looked out the window. The sky was covered with brilliant stars. She found herself thinking about Sister Margaret and the way she had described heaven to her. There was beauty there like nothing she’d ever seen before. She hoped so because that was all she would have soon.

"God I know it’s been a long time since I really talked to you. But I’m not asking for myself. It’s for my twin sister and my daughter." Her breathing became more labored. She could barely whisper the words. But God would listen. "For twenty-four years there was always one constant in my life. I always knew I had Angel to turn to. She was the one who always saw good in everything. I saw the world like it really was--hard and cold."

The anxiety she’d been feeling faded away. In its place came a gentle peace. She closed her eyes for a second, enjoying the new feeling. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes again.

"Angel has faith in you, God. So could you look after her and make sure that she and Gabe find a future together? I know what I asked her to do was wrong, but it was the only choice I could make. Once Angel told Gabe about Christy, she opened the door." Lynne smiled. "Or was it you that opened that door? It was, wasn’t it?" She grinned. "I’m acting like I expect you to answer me. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the head?" Lynne looked beyond the oxygen tent, as if it were no longer there, out at the stars in the night sky. One star seemed to get brighter and brighter as she watched it float farther away from the others. Its beauty brought tears to her eyes.

"You did answer me." Lynne’s energy was gone. She felt like she was floating. Her pain slipped away. "I’m so tired God. I love you, Christy and Angel. Please God, take me. I’m ready to come home to that beautiful place you promised me." Lynne closed her eyes, giving herself to God’s loving mercy, where she would be forever loved and wanted.

~ * ~

Lynne, where are you?" Gabe’s voice echoed in the room.

"Coming." Angel picked Christy up and headed for his voice. She found him in the kitchen getting water from the refrigerator. "What are you doing home so early?"

"I thought you and Christy might want to ride into San Francisco with me. You’ve never seen the city." He took a big gulp of the water. "I have to pick up a plane part for Hangar. But after that, I’m free. Hangar even gave me the next day off so we could spend the night there."

"Oh, that would be wonderful. I’ve always wanted to go to Fisherman’s Wharf."

"Well, go throw a change of clothes in a bag. I’ll let my folks know where we’re going."

"Okay." Angel shook her head. Packing for three of them this quickly wasn’t easy. But a day and night in San Francisco was just what she needed right now. Maybe it would take her mind off Lynne.

When she’d called earlier, she’d waited for the operator a long time. Then the operator announced that her party wasn’t available to take the call. Angel then agreed to talk to the doctor, but he had already left for the day. It worried her that she’d had no word from Lynne. Distraction was just what she needed. Once in the bedroom, she rummaged through the closet for a small suitcase. She threw it open on the bed. Hurrying to Christy’s room, she retrieved a few things for her to wear. As she laid them in the suitcase, she heard the screen door slam. "Is that you Gabe?"

"Yes," He headed in the direction of their bedroom.

"Mama’s going to keep Christy." He put his arms around her waist pulling her up against him. "She thinks we need some time alone. What do you think?"

"Sounds wonderful." She enjoyed the feel of his arms around her. "I’d like to stand here like this for as long as we could, but that won’t get the packing done."

"Okay, I’ll behave myself. But look out when we get to that hotel room." He gave her a wicked grin.

"Get out of here." She gave him a playful push.

"I’m going." Gabe smiled. "I’m looking forward to being alone with my wife."

~ * ~

The sky was so many shades of red as Angel looked out the window of the restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. The sun was sinking toward the water. So far, it had been a wonderful day. Gabe had warned her that it was chillier in the city, but the cool wind had been a relief from the valley’s heat. Now, here beside the bay and beneath the sky, it couldn’t be better.

If only she’d been able to reach her sister, everything would be perfect. Well, she’d try again tomorrow.

"You’re daydreaming again." Gabe picked up her hand, kissing her fingers.

"This has been such perfect evening, I hate for it to end." She smiled.

"What makes you think it’s going to end?" He raised his eyebrows. "The night’s only beginning."

"Oh, Gabe, you’re going to make me blush."

"Really." He raised his eyebrows up and down. "You’re so cute when you do that."

"Well I hate it."

"You weren’t so quick to blush when we first met."

"I wasn’t in love with you then, silly." That, at least, was the truth.

A sudden chill coursed through her body as she saw a black raven swoop down sharply. It pecked at the worn wooden dock, then flew off toward the heavens. Angel felt like she couldn’t breathe. Then just as fast as the feeling came, it was gone. "Did you see that raven?"

"What raven? I didn’t see anything except you turning a deathly white." Gabe grabbed her hand. "Are you all right?"

"For a moment I couldn’t breathe right. But I’m okay now."

"You scared me." He rubbed her hands.

"I’m okay, really." She played with the napkin in her lap. "Would you mind if we left for home?

"We could get that hotel room. It’d be a lot closer and you could lie down."

"I’m not sick. I just…" How could she explain it? A black bird had spooked her? "Can we just go home?"

"If that’s what you want." He stared into her eyes. "Something is really wrong. Why can’t you tell me what it is?"

"There nothing to tell. I just have the need to hold Christy in my arms. That’s all. I miss her." Angel shoved her chair back. "Please, let’s go."

Gabe placed some bills on the table as they left. He draped his arm around her shoulder. "I had this funny feeling one time. I couldn’t say what caused it, but I was suddenly afraid something bad was going to happen.

"When was this?" Angel asked, dread and fear warring in her stomach.

"That day my life changed forever. It was right before our mission. Our last mission."

Angel gasped. Was something else bad about to happen? "Let’s go get Christy."

Gabe didn’t argue.

~ * ~

The weather had dropped a couple degrees, which made it a comfortable working day. Dusk was just settling in as Gabe pulled up in front of the bungalow in his 1941 Oldsmobile convertible coupe. He loved being able to drive again. The Olds had set him back a pretty penny, but was worth it because of the fully automatic hydra-matic transmission. Coming home with the top down had been chilly, but he did so love the fresh air blowing through his hair. The leaves were starting to turn, bringing the splendor of beauty to the hills surrounding the vineyard.

He loved September and October. The weather was just the way he liked it. Not too hot and not too cold. It was hard to believe that September was almost over with. It had been six weeks since he’d brought Lynne and Christy here. So much had happened in that time. His daughter was growing like a weed and walking everywhere. He marveled at the things she learned to do everyday. She was the reason he’d tried so hard to overcome the challenges he faced.

Then there was Lynne. She’d become more to him than he ever thought possible. Last night, when they’d returned from San Francisco, they’d made love until the wee hours of the morning. Neither mentioned what had happened at the restaurant.

The lights coming from the bungalow looked so warm and inviting. As he stepped up on the porch, he noticed a telegram stuck in the screen door. Without thinking, he opened it and read the contents:

Gabe noticed the name at the top: Angel Boucher. Then, he looked at the sender’s identification: Robert Dupree Sanatorium, New Orleans, Louisiana. His chest felt like someone was squeezing it. For a moment he couldn’t breathe. Dazed, he eased into the rocking chair. His eyes scanned the telegram again. This wasn’t happening. Lynne wasn’t dead. He could hear her in the kitchen, humming "The More I See You." He’d go inside and Lynne would tell him that this was some horrible mistake. Of course! She was Lynne Stefonelli, not Lynne Boucher.

But something wasn’t right. She’d said she had no family. In fact, she’d said her name wasn’t really Lynne. It was Angel Lenore. A number of memories surfaced at once: Don’t you drink coffee anymore, Lynne? ...Guess you don’t remember me telling you about the Stefonelli Family Vineyard… Lynne, you don’t chill red wine, remember?... I thought we drank champagne the night before I shipped out… You weren’t so quick to blush when we first met… Sometimes it’s like you’re two people… You’re not like the girl I met before I shipped out...

His blood roared in his ears. All this time, he’d been living with an imposter. He’d fallen in love with whom? Lynne’s twin sister, Angel Lenore? What he was thinking couldn’t be true. She hadn’t deceived him. There had to be another explanation.

Gabe stood, then flung the screen door open with a bang. His movements were unsteady as he headed toward the kitchen. He had no idea what he was going to say. His stomach churned. He could taste the acid in his mouth.

Lynne--whoever she was--was standing over the stove, stirring something that was bubbling in a saucepan. The slacks she wore showed the shapely curves of her rear end. His eyes traveled the length of her long slender legs. Only last night they’d been wrapped around him as she took him to heaven and back. Now he felt like he was in the fires of hell.

"Gabe." She smiled as she turned. "You’re just in time. Supper’s almost ready. We’re having spaghetti with meatballs. Your mother helped me with the recipe."

"Where’s Christy?"

"In her playpen. Didn’t you see her? You had to walk right by her." She laughed. "Where is your mind tonight?"

"At Robert Dupree Sanatorium." He shoved the telegram in her face. "Why didn’t you tell me about your sister?"

She grabbed the yellow paper from him. Her eyes filled as she read aloud: "Lynne Boucher passed away this morning." She pressed the page against her chest, backing away from him until her back hit the stove. Slowly she slid to the floor.

"No, this wasn’t supposed to happen." Tears slid down her cheeks. She sobbed. "Lynne can’t be dead."

Gabe stood, watching her. Part of him wanted to shake her until she told him it was a lie. But the other part wanted to take her in his arms and kiss away the pain he saw on her face. Instead, he just stood there, unable to move as he listened to her sobs.

When he could stand it no longer, he reached for her. "Let me help you up."

"No, I can get up myself." She shoved herself up to a standing position, sniffling.

Gabe reached in his jeans pocket and pulled out a hanky. "Here."

"Thank you," She blew her nose. "I owe you an explanation."

"You sure as hell do!" He gritted his teeth.

"I’m Lynne’s twin sister, Angel." She backed away from him.

His worst fears realized, he clenched his hands at his sides, barely containing the rage seething inside him.

"I see." He dropped onto the kitchen chair. "Whose idea was it to trade places? That’s what you did, isn’t it?"

"Yes, but it was only until she got better and could take her rightful place here with you and Christy." Angel sat down across from him. "It’s all my fault this happened. I’m the one who wrote and told you about Christy. Lynne didn’t know."

"I find that hard to believe." He ran his hand through his hair. "Why didn’t you tell me the truth that very first night at your apartment?"

"Because I was afraid if you learned about Lynne’s tuberculosis, you would take Christy away from her. I couldn’t let you do that."

"You’re right. I probably would have. But not forever." He leaned back against the chair. "I would have married her and taken care of them both."

"Even if you didn’t love her?"

"Yes, because it would’ve been the right thing to do." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Family means everything to me. You should know that."

"Not back then. All I knew for sure was you were my niece’s father." She blew her nose again. "What I did was for my sister and her child."

"Maybe so." He gritted his teeth. "But later, before we made love, why didn’t you try and tell me?"

"So many times I tried, but you always stopped me." She played with the pearl buttons on her sweater. "Then I found myself falling in love with you. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself."

"Love." He snorted. "Forgive me if I don’t believe you. When you love someone you don’t deceive them like you did." He shoved the chair back and stood. "I can’t stay here tonight. I’ll be at my mother’s place."

"Gabe, please don’t leave me. I need you now, more than I ever did. I don’t want to be alone."

"You should have thought of that before you lied to me."

"Will you go with me to New Orleans?"

"I can’t." He walked out of the kitchen.

Angel heard the screen door slam shut. She sat there unable to move for what seemed like eternity. When she finally stood, she walked over to the stove and turned off the sauce.

The house seemed too quiet. She made her way to the living room. Christy wasn’t in her playpen. Gabe had taken her with him to his mother’s. If there had been any doubt in her mind about what her role was going to be in her niece’s life, it was clear what he’d decided: none.

For now there was nothing she could do. She had to go back to New Orleans and make arrangements to bury her sister. The telephone rang, interrupting her train of thought. "Hello."

She heard the hollow echo of a long distance connection. "Angel, it’s Jane."

"It’s so good to hear your voice." Tears welled up in her eyes. One slid down her cheek. "Lynne is dead."

"I know, honey. Do you want me to come out there?"

"No," she sniffed. "Will you meet me at the airport when I get there?"

"You know I will." She waited a moment then spoke again. "Does Gabe know this?"

"Yes, he opened the telegram thinking it was for him." She twisted the cord. "He left me and took Christy with him."

"I’m so sorry. Will he come with you?"

"No," She let out a sigh. "The worst part of all this is I’ve fallen in love with him. And for a while he loved me. Now he hates me."

"He doesn’t hate you. He’s hurt. Give him time. Let all this sink in."

"He won’t forgive me for lying to him."

"Gabe will turn around. You wait and see."

"No, not after what I’ve done to him. I deceived him in the worst way possible. For that I don’t deserve to be forgiven." She looked down at her wedding band. "He may be able to put me out of his heart and out of his mind,. but for me that will never happen. I’m going to love him for the rest of my life."

"Come home, Angel. We’ll help you through this."

"You always have. I’ll call you back later when I know what time I’ll be there."

"Try to get some sleep tonight. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. I’ll wait for your call."

"Goodbye, Jane."

Angel kept the operator busy, first connecting her with the airlines, then with Jane. She gave Jane her reservation information so she’d know the time to get her. Her arrangements made, she needed to pack. But she wasn’t up to the task yet.

She walked over to the davenport and sat down, pulling the quilt around her legs. The room had suddenly grown cold. Angel looked down at her hands. Her wedding ring sparkled in the light from the tiffany lamp. Slowly she slipped the ring off her finger and place it on the table near the lamp. She had no right to wear it.

A knock at the door startled her.

"Can I come in?" Maria called.

"Of course. Have a seat." Angel blew her nose on the handkerchief Gabe had handed her before he’d stormed out of her life. "Gabe told you what happened?"

"Yes, but it was like pulling teeth. You know how he can be."

"Do you hate me like he does?" Angel fingered the quilt. "I never meant to hurt anyone."

"No, I don’t hate you." Maria sat down next to her on the davenport. Putting her arm around her, she gave her a gentle hug. "I’ve come to love you like a daughter. I don’t care if your name is Angel or Lynne. I know whatever you did, you did it because of love."

"Yes, I did." Tears slipped down her cheek. She wiped them away. "Maybe it was crazy but I thought that I could make a place for my sister here. Then when she was well, she could take over. She kept telling me she was dying, but I refused to believe it. Then I…"

"Fell in love with my son." She patted her hand. "You listen to me. My Gabriel is as bull headed as his father. That pride of his has always been his downfall. But this much I know. He loves you in his heart and that kind of love never goes away. Give him time."

"That’s the same thing my friend Jane told me." She sniffed. "I’m leaving in the morning to go back to New Orleans."

"Would you like me to go with you?"

"No, Gabe needs you here with him. I feel much better knowing Christy has you to look after her."

"Only until you come back." She smiled.

Angel shook her head. "I won’t be coming back. Christy is where both my sister and I wanted her to be, in a big loving family. She will grow up knowing the kind of love we never had. I couldn’t want more for her. If I leave her now, it won’t hurt as bad. With all your love, she will soon forget me."

"That is crazy." Maria stood up pacing in front of her. "There is no reason for her to forget you. How long have you been looking after her?"

"For about a year." She looked up at her mother-in-law. "My sister came to me real sick. I found the sanatorium that would look after her. It was near our apartment, and I could go and see her all the time."

"You loved her very much, didn’t you?" Maria stopped pacing. "Take care of the arrangements for your sister. Then you come back here."

"I don’t know." She bit her lip. "Gabe is so angry. He doesn’t want to even look at me."

"That will pass." She picked up Angel’s wedding ring from the table and held it out to her. "Put this back on your finger where it belongs."

"I don’t deserve to wear it." She looked down at the ring in the palm of her hand.

"Poppy cock. Put it on."

Angel did as she was told. "If I could have picked a mother, she would have been you."

"My heart will be there with you." She pulled her into her arms. "God will heal your broken heart, and my son will make new memories for you. Now come with me. I’m going to feed you."

"No, I can’t go over there." She stopped pulling back.

"Do you really love my son?"

"More than anything in the world."

"Then fight for him." She shoved her toward the door.

~ * ~

The sky was filled with tiny stars. Gabe sat in the porch swing. Christy had finally fallen asleep. She’d cried herself to sleep every night for the last week. Every other word was "mommy."

If Angel had ever thought her niece didn’t love her, she was sadly mistaken. When he thought about it, he realized that Angel was probably the only mother she remembered. For more than a year she’d been watching her. Little minds forget things easily.

How he wished his mind could forget what Angel felt like in his arms. Saying her name had become easier. Angel rolled easily from his lips. The name fit her well. He felt like a big heel for the way he’d treated her. Once again his pride had kept him from doing something he wanted. When was he ever going to learn to put it aside? Angel had done what she did because of love.

The more he thought about it, the more amazed he was. Angel had sacrificed everything for her niece’s welfare. Right or wrong, she’d honored a promise to her dying sister. She’d paid the price of his and Lynne’s affair. Putting her own life on hold, she’d left the only friends and home she’d ever known so Gabe could have a family with Christy. And the one time when she needed him, he’d abandoned her.

He stood up stretching his arms over his head. The telephone rang. He moved as fast as he could to answer it. He picked it up on the fifth ring. "Hello."

"You sound out of breath. I didn’t mean to bother you." Angel’s voice reached across the miles to him.

"I was out on the porch."

"Swinging, huh?"

"Yes." There was so much he wanted to say to her, but the words wouldn’t come.

"I’ve finished everything here." She paused before she went on. "How is Christy doing?"

"She misses you very much."

"I miss her."

"When are you coming back?"

"I’m not."

"What do you mean you’re not coming back?" Gabe roared.

"You made it very clear what your feelings were for me." Her voice grew softer. "You don’t have to worry about being tied to me any longer."

"Did you hear me say anything about a divorce?" Gabe took a deep breath to calm himself. "You can’t just walk out of Christy’s life."

"I’m only thinking of her." She let out a sigh. "Don’t make this harder than it has to be. She’ll forget me."

"But I won’t." Gabe held his breath, waiting for her response.

Angel gasped. "What did you say?"

"That I can’t forget you. There isn’t a moment that goes by that I don’t remember how you felt in my arms or how your lips tasted." He groaned. "Come back to us. I’m begging you. Come home."

"Gabe, do you mean that?" Her voice broke.

"More than anything." He gripped the phone tighter. "If you were here I’d show you just how much I love you. I’ve been a fool. You did what you did because you loved your sister and your niece. I know that now. Come back, please."

"You’re confusing me. I need some time to think this out." Angel paused a moment. "Can you give me that time?"

"Three days. Then I’m coming for you."

"It’s been a week, mama." Gabe slammed his coffee cup down. It sloshed onto the table. "I gave her all the extra time she needed."

"She has her pride, too." She tossed him a wet cloth. "After all, you were the one who acted like you wanted nothing more to do with her."

"Don’t rub it in." Gabe wiped up the spilled coffee. "What do I do, mama?"

"Do you love this woman?" His mother sat across from him and took his hand.

"More than anyone will ever know." He cast his eyes downward.

She lifted his chin so he had to look at her. "Son, for once in your life don’t let that Stefonelli pride stand in the way of what you really want. Go to her and do whatever it takes to bring her back here."

"What do I do if she rejects my love?" Gabe ran his fingers through his hair. "I couldn’t stand that."

"You stay there until you get her to change her mind." She patted his hand. "Remember, I talked to her before she left. Take my word for it. She loves you very much, Gabriel."

"You’ve always been right, mama. This time I’m going to listen to you." Gabe shoved his chair back. "I’m going to take Christy with me."

"No, Gabriel." His mother stood. "This is between the two of you. When she comes back, you want it to be because she loves you. You’ve already seen what she’ll do for Christy’s sake. It’s the only way you will know for sure."

"You’re right. I don’t want her coming back just because of Christy. That wouldn’t be fair to either of us." Gabe gripped the doorframe. "Whatever it takes, I’m bringing her back where she belongs."

"Christy will be fine here with us."

"I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. It’s a three-day train ride--"

"Train ride? You’re a pilot. I’ll bet Hangar can spare a plane for a few days."

~ * ~

Angel tapped her fingers on the table in time with the music at Pat O’Brien’s. She, Jane, and Peg were listening to Mr. Eddie perform with Mercedes and Sue. Lights glistened off the top of the twin copper baby grands. Here Angel could forget about Lynne’s death and Gabe’s ultimatum. Although he’d given her three days, it had been a week. The deadline had passed, and he hadn’t shown. She still wasn’t any closer to making a decision.

Gabe had sounded sincere on the phone. But believing him was hard. She knew having a family for Christy was important to him. Maybe his sweet talk had just been a ploy to give him what he wanted. This time she wasn’t willing to settle for a marriage for his child’s sake. She wanted him to want her because he really loved her. All her life she had settled for less. Never again. Her sister’s death had taught her how precious and fragile life was.

"Come back to earth, Angel." Jane patted her hand. "You were thinking about Gabe again. Weren’t you?"

"Yes, but that was a safe guess. I’m always thinking about Gabe." Angel took a sip of her non-alcoholic Hurricane. "If I believed he meant the words he spoke to me on the phone, I wouldn’t still be here."

"Staying away from him isn’t going to help you know the truth." Jane touched her hand. "Why don’t you go back and see. What could it hurt?"

"No, I can’t do that to Christy." Angel leaned back in the chair. "To think that everything started here. Lynne had no idea that one night would change her life forever."

"I’ve always told you good things happen here." Jane smiled.

"They’re playing your song," Peg added.

Angel looked toward the pianos, hearing the notes of "The More I See You." Why did they have to play that song? She started to escape to the powder room when a man in uniform stepped beside one of the pianos. Angel decided it was silly to avoid everything in life that reminded her of Gabe.

The lights lowered. Mercedes spoke. "There’s a lady in the crowd out there who has doubts about this soldier loving her. So he’s going to tell her with song. Sing your heart out soldier." She started playing.

Gabe couldn’t believe he was doing this. But when he’d gone to Angel’s old apartment, Gretchen had told him where to find Angel. His mama’s words kept coming back to him. Do whatever it takes to bring her back here. He was about to forego his pride and make a fool out of himself. His stomach churned. But what better way to let Angel know how much he loved her then to tell her where the whole world was listening?

Praying he wouldn’t fall flat on his face getting off the stage, Gabe began singing the words as he stepped forward on stage. Now if only his voice didn’t give out on him. He hoped all those hours spent singing in the chorus didn’t fail him.

He began the words of their song. "The more I see you, the more I want you." His deep baritone didn’t let him down at all. He didn’t even need a microphone.

Love gave him the courage he needed. He moved through the crowd. He bungled a few of the lyrics, but kept singing. Angel’s eyes lit up with recognition. Her mouth dropped. He headed for her table, where she sat with her friends. They, too, were watching him as if in shock. By the second verse, he stood beside Angel. Every person in the crowd knew the object of his love.

Her beautiful skin flushed crimson as he lifted her hand and held it. She trembled. Her green eyes glistened with tears. The look on her face stopped every doubt in Gabe’s heart. His surroundings faded away as she stared at him with such pure, sweet longing. His heart filled with joy as the last words of the song came from his lips. "I know the only one for me can only be you. My arms won’t free you and my heart won’t try."

Angel slowly stood up and touched his face. "You’re crazy."

"Crazy about you." He pulled her into his arms. The crowd fell eerily silent, as if straining to hear what the two lovers said. "I meant every word I said on the phone. Since I can’t get down on my knees, I figured there was only one way to convince you. Call me a fool but I want you in my arms the rest of my life. You’re the only women for me, the only one I’ll ever love."

"Oh, Gabe, I love you. I always will. I just had to know for sure it was me you really loved. You’ve convinced me."

Gabe covered her lips with a searing kiss that claimed her as his for all to see. Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd. The spell was broken. "Let’s go home, Mrs. Stefonelli. Our daughter’s waiting for us."

"Home is such a beautiful word. I’ve waited a lifetime for this." Angel hugged Jane and Peg. "If we hurry we can catch the next plane out of here."

"I’ve already arranged it." He took her hand and led her through the crowds amid more cheers and handshakes. Finally outside, he pulled her into his arms.

"You already have us on a flight?"

"Yes, sweetheart. But before we can leave, there’s a condition." Gabe put his arm around her shoulder.

"What condition?" She asked as he nuzzled her neck.

"You have to make love with the pilot."

The radio filled the room with Christmas music as Angel finished wrapping the last packages. She stood to stretch and looked at the Christmas tree. It was the prettiest one she’d ever seen, so green and full. She smiled as she thought about the three of them picking out the tree. Christy had been so excited. Of course, Gabe had acted like a big kid, too.

"Mrs. Stefonelli, you have the prettiest smile on your face." Gabe handed her a cup of hot tea. "Here. I made you tea."

"I was thinking about picking out this beautiful tree. Wasn’t Christy so cute?" She took a sip of the tea. "Just right."

"She really did get excited." Gabe looked at all the packages. "I hope we’re through because I don’t think we can put any more under there."

"Here is an early Christmas present." Angel handed a small box to him. "I wanted to give it to you while we’re alone."

"Oh, being secret again." He winked at her.

"I hope you like this secret." A mischievous smile crossed her face.

Gabe opened the lid. Inside was a glass booty.

"Hey, this is cute. Now Christy will have her own decoration."

"Look closer at the date." Angel sat down close to him.

Gabe glanced at it. "Christmas 1946." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Christy was born in 1944." Angel grinned.

"So." Suddenly a light went off in his head. "That’s next year?"

"It’s for the new baby." Angel waited for her words to sink in to her husband.

"New baby!" Gabe cried. "We’re going to have a baby?"

"Yes." Angel patted her stomach. "I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure."

Gabe lifted her on to his lap. "When I learned about Christy, I felt hope for the first time. She gave me so much to live for. Now. Wow! I’m the luckiest man in the world."

"You’re not upset? Two babies cost a lot more." Angel fingered the button on his shirt.

"That doesn’t matter. What is important is now Christy will have someone to grow up with. Maybe with God’s will, they’ll grow up to love each other as much as you and Lynne did." Gabe touched her lips. "You’ve made me the happiness man on earth."

"Really?"

"Yes." Gabe kissed her, a gentle, slow kiss. "Let’s put it on the tree."

Angel climbed off his lap. She watched as he placed the decoration beside Lynne’s angel. "Do you think Lynne knows?"

"Maybe." Gabe put his arm around her, pulling her close.

Angel looked on in amazement. Gabe pulled her tighter to him.

"I think we just got our answer."

Angel touched the glowing object. It felt warm to her touch. "Lynne once told me that even after death she would be near."

Gabe placed his hand on her stomach. "If it’s a girl, we’ll call her Lynne."

Angel smiled. "You’re a very special man Gabe Stefonelli. I love you."

His lips brushed against hers as he spoke. "I will love you always and forever."

Together they would build a future full of love and hope, the greatest gifts of all.

Judy Leigh Peters lives in rural Florida with her own hero, husband, David, who served twenty-eight years in the USAF. They have been married thirty-nine years. Now retired, their time is spent working on the weekends in their store and traveling. Judy is blessed to have two sons and their wives, daughter and son-in-law living only a few hours away, which enables her to spend time with her nine grandchildren whom she loves dearly. Becoming published in novel length fiction has been a life-long dream. Thanks to God who gave her the talent and Lorraine Stephens and Wings ePress, that dream has come true.