Her Guardians Lost(92)

“Sometimes you come up with the most genius of ideas. What can I say?”

“That’s your department, not mine. You’ve been there for me every time, Billy. You got me to see it was Stephen I truly loved and not Michael. You got me to find my head when I was in that dream trying so hard to open a door that wouldn’t open. So simple a solution, but you thought of it all. Not me.”

“Anyone could have thought it, Cassie. You just needed someone on the outside looking in. It’s so easy to get clouded with thoughts when it’s your own problems you’re having to deal with. That’s why sometimes it’s so nice to have someone around with whom you can share your burdens. Someone who can listen without judgment and offer a solution.”

I cringed, thinking about my argument with Simeon only a few hours ago. He pretended to be all those things when he was plotting and scheming the whole time. Another angel who thought he was above everyone else. I just couldn’t understand how he could be brought up to love unconditionally, yet he seemed so consumed with hate.

With a smile plastered on my face, I walked over to Billy and straightened his tie. “You’re one in a million, Uncle Billy.”

Shrugging, he waved his hands in the air. “Well, you know, sometimes the world needs a ‘Billy’.”

I laughed at that. How true he was. The world definitely needed a Billy. “Are you feeling more relaxed now?”

He pursed his lips a little in thought. “You know what? I really am.”

Patting his shoulder, I sighed with a smile. “Good.”

The doorbell rang, interrupting any further conversation. “That must be Lisa-Marie and Catherine.” I virtually skipped to the door to answer it. I didn’t know what was quite wrong with me this morning. I had a definite spring in my step. Who was I kidding? I was in love and loving every minute of it. What I had before was a glimpse at the tiniest bit of hope for Stephen and me. Now it blossomed so wonderfully, I thought my heart would burst with pride. I didn’t know what the future held for Stephen and me, but I could go away with the knowledge that I had been strong enough for us. I had broken down those barriers and remembered something no other angel had ever achieved. I could be a little bit proud of myself for that at least. And, okay, a little bit smug.

All I knew was I hoped my father would honour his side of the deal and finally let Stephen and I have our time. Unfortunately, though, I still had this little seed of doubt in my mind that he would let Stephen go quietly. Because I now knew who I was, I also knew just how against our matching he was. No one could help falling in love with one another. I just couldn’t understand how, as a father, he couldn’t see it in him to respect and trust my judgment. I was his daughter, and I had never given him just cause to warrant his ferocity against our being together.

I could only sit and wait, hope, and pray he would let Stephen be with me. Surely my father could see the good in him by now. Surely, by now, he had realised he saw the bad in the wrong brother. I knew my father was a very proud man. I knew him admitting anything of the sort would be like prying candy from a baby.

Whatever worries and doubts I was feeling now had to be pushed aside for today. It was Billy and Chris’ day, and I had to concentrate on them. It still didn’t damp down the hope that maybe Stephen would turn up for the wedding. If I had him there to hold my hand, it would complete the day.

Answering the door for Lisa-Marie and Catherine, I was met by two very excitable girls. Lisa-Marie looked stunning with her auburn locks, light brown eyes, and cream floral dress. Catherine looked equally as stunning with her long blonde hair up in a bun, her cheeks flushed a healthy pink, and a beautiful off-the-shoulder lilac dress.

“Wow, you both look stunning. Merry Christmas.” The hugs began and the shrills of excitement rang throughout the hallway.

“Merry Christmas, Cassie. You look beautiful, too. Where’s Stephen?”

Oh shit. I wasn’t prepared for that. Of course everyone would want to know, but how did I explain? They could both tell there was something wrong.

Stuttering, I managed to get out something that was conceivable. “He…he has really bad stomach flu. He’s been up all night. He feels really bad he can’t make it, but he’s too sick to come. Besides, he doesn’t want to infect anybody else.”

With their sympathetic stares, Catherine wrapped her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Cassie. You’re all on your own today. We’ll keep you company, though. We’ll be your chaperone, won’t we, Lisa-Marie?”

“Without question,” she smiled. “Now, where’s the groom-to-be?”