Miracles in the Making Page 10

For well over an hour. A handsome young man rambling along the Chicago streets, his head lost in the clouds and his heart a cataclysmic upheaval. With a wise dip of his head, Gabriel looked to his partner.

“The boy has learned his lesson. Anyone can see that truth. He is ready to return to his position—but, do you think it will make him happy?”

Beside him, an angel twisted to face him, his ruffled brown hair dusting about with of the remaining breeze. His gaze traveled far below them. The tiniest edge of a smile quirked his lips at one edge. “If you are sure you want my opinion…I don’t see how it could be the right decision. It’s obvious the boy shifted his course, whether he knows as much or not.”

Frustrated, Gabriel scratched at the thick mass of curls swirling atop his head. For once, he had no positive inspiration on how to handle the problem before him. Such trouble seldom struck him. Most times, when it did, he easily steered it away. Then again, he never before found such trouble so close to home.

“Any ideas?” he wondered.

Daniel dared a short, brisk laugh. “I did have one or two; pardon me, if you’re willing.”

Rapping his foot Against the cotton-like shell of the clouds, he readily asked his partner, “Would you like to explain a little further?”

“All right then.” Daniel relaxed to the ground. “I don’t know how you feel about the concept, but what would you have to say about allowing the boy the choice? So close to Christmas already, it would make for a good gift. Were we to perform the task on the Eve prior, this would allow him and his girl Christmas Day. At least, one of the pair would like to think of it that way.”

Gabriel’s delayed reaction indicated he was pleased. “You think the youngling would appreciate this sort of offer?” he inquired, already mentally confirming his decision.

“Christmas Eve is what you had in mind?”

“I would like to think it’d be the most reasonable time. Do we have ourselves an agreement?” Daniel continued to watch his friend as he moved along the city streets, happy to believe he’d found satisfaction at some time in his life.

Gabriel’s foot ceased its knocking and along with it the rushing pulse, that had been causing the winds to dance. “I only have one question for you…will you make this precipitate delivery or will I?”

“I hadn’t altogether considered that end of things. This is the first time I’ve stopped to consider the option. Why not the two of us together?”

“Very well then, that’s the way it shall be handled.” The glow returned to Gabriel’s face. “Don’t get too comfortable, you know as well as I do, when you’re waiting for something how time tends to fly.”

“I’m no longer a student,” the second angel responded, his expression matching in satisfaction.

On most days, he would have been sure to offer a firm reprimand for the second angel’s behavior, but today he restrained. Daniel had been a great help, Gabriel silently added, He was still being exactly that, and more.