Heaven Knows

A tear formed in Stuart's eye as he cradled his treasured wife. If he ever lost her, he'd be lost. She had so thoroughly captured him and making her happy was his delight. He protected her from the world. He promised himself he'd give her everything she needed. Anything she could possibly want he'd lay at her feet if she just stayed with him for always. Her love was his anchor. He wouldn't know what to do if she were gone.

.

Every part of Gabe came back to life as he stood before Heather. Feelings he thought he'd never have again filled him. He reached out his hand to touch her face to make sure she was really before him. Maybe this was just another dream, and he was sleeping in his bed. He'd wake up, and she'd be gone.

Nathaniel turned his head just as Heather stepped out the patio door holding her baby daughter. One glance at her struck him in the heart. She was perhaps even more beautiful, and all the feelings that he had before rushed back into him. These were the most futile feelings because Heather was married. She had four children with Stuart. Nathaniel took in every detail of her. She wore a long-printed skirt with a white, cotton, flowing shirt cinched in with a belt. Her pale blonde hair was a bit longer than he remembered. Her body was even more rounded—her curves more defined. He found himself walking toward her.

With sadness, Elisa watched Gabe at the front of the cruise ship pinch the bridge of his nose, then swipe at the tears falling out of his eyes. Her Gabe was crying yet again. She recalled the sheer happiness of her silly Gabe. He was so very handsome—so broad and well-formed. His dark eyes used to have such a beautiful pinprick of light in them. She would look for that little light in his eyes. Strangely, after he became engaged to Heather that little pinprick was gone. Now she had a choice. She could continue to watch him from afar or give to him the heart that she had preserved for him.

With eyes still closed, Heather reached up her fingers to touch her lips. She felt the spirit of her husband. Oh, God, she felt him! He was there with her, making love to her, holding her, drawing her to heights of passion. And in his embrace, she felt his grace. She felt his love—his tenderness. His mist-like arms held her now in the aftermath of their love, and she felt perfectly right—perfectly freed—released from guilt—released from loss.

What she felt now was peace . . . such beautiful peace.

Oh, how she loved her forever lover.

She felt his very last kiss. Then he was gone.