Elsbeth slips into her robe and steps into it. Securing the belt around her waist, she faces him and drops the towel free. His eyes go dark as he realizes she wears nothing underneath.
“As much as I would like to lock you up somewhere safe, I am aware that you would not like it.”
With a smile, she opens the door to the bathroom and steps into the bedroom. “No, I would hate that, but I am really tired of being everyone’s punching bag.”
He follows her into the bedroom. She sits on a chair and looks at the beautiful angel in front of her. He notices the circles under her eyes. “How are you sleeping?”
She stares out of the window “I don’t sleep much anymore. The nightmares won’t leave me be.” Trying to blow it off, she says, “but that’s when I do my best work.”
Simeon keeps his distance from her, “Tonight you can rest, I will watch over you.”
“That is not a good idea Simeon,” she says standing up in surprise.
He moves closer as he tells her, “I was not offering. You need to sleep and I need to make sure you are safe.”
“I will not risk your soul again.” She says moving away from him, deciding to put some distance between them. Walking to the dresser, she pulls some clean clothes out and turns to find him directly behind her again. Elsbeth plants a hand on his large muscular chest and gives him a firm push. “Simeon you have to stop crowding me. I can’t think with you this close to me.”
Understanding crosses his face, “I am sorry, I did not mean to cause you further pain. I will bring food while you get dressed.”
In a flash, he is gone and she sighs. She pulls on her clothes she walks to the window, and watches the scene unfold outside. As she rubs her shoulder, she worries for all of them. Moving to the temporary worktable she has set up she looks over the pieces she has made.
“They are amazing, your best work yet.” Simeon says from the doorway.
Touched, she looks at the tray of food, he carries and her stomach growls. She hides a yawn and tries not to show her fear. “How will I make enough for all the watchers in the world, Simeon? I am responsible for the protection of all of God’s chosen people. No pressure, right?”
Frowning at her he asks, “Do you think this task would have been given to you if you were not capable of doing it? Do not let doubt weaken your faith, Elsbeth. I believe in you. We will figure this out together. Come and eat, so you can rest.”
Simeon smiles and instantly a table for two appears set with candles and she looks at him with tears. “It’s beautiful, Simeon. Thank you.”
“No more talk of war” she thinks, “tonight I will take this gift and savor it.”
Simeon knows his time with her is limited and tomorrow he would return to the battle being fought in Heaven, but tonight he will take the gift of time with her, and give thanks for it.
Later when the candles have burned low, she stands and says “Simeon” holding out her hand to him. He takes her hand and pulls her close as he lifts her in his arms and walks to the bed. He wraps his golden wings around her, stroking her silken hair, Simeon stretches out with her. He will hold her until the sun breaks across the morning sky. Elsbeth presses a kiss to his sculpted chest and sighs. “Thank you” she whispers as she sleeps secure in his embrace.
Christmas Eve
As the first light of the new day breaks across the morning sky, Ronnie swings his axe over his shoulder and heads into the woods. We will not save the world today, Ronnie thinks, and it is almost Christmas day. In all the turmoil that has occurred, they have forgotten the meaning of the holiday. Death and new life will wait for no man. They have been blessed to experience both in the last few days. To honor that he plans on finding an enormous tree and creating some good memories with his family while he still can.
Ruby watches him head into the woods with a smile on her face. Sipping on her first cup of coffee, she hears the baby cry. Softly padding down the hall, she sneaks a peek and sees Varena rocking the baby in the corner chair. She knocks on the door as she pokes her head in.
“Good morning, need any help?” Ruby asks from the door.
“She has a good set of lungs, doesn’t she? I hope she didn’t wake you?”
“No, I was up. Curse of old age, you long for sleep, and then when you finally can, you can’t. Why don’t you let me take her while you rest?”
Varena looks at Ruby and yawns, “I would love to get cleaned up. Do you mind?” she asks looking at her newborn daughter.
“Are you kidding, I would love to hold her! Hunter hogs her, he won’t let any of us near her,” Ruby says cuddling the baby in her arms.
With a laugh as she thinks about him, Rena says, “He is amazing with her. I am so thankful to you all. I won’t be long.” She heads to the bathroom for her shower.
Ruby walks out to the living room choosing a chair near the fire. As she looks at the newborn snuggled up in her new white blanket Alex picked out for her. “You are so beautiful, yes you are. What a gift you are! Today is Christmas Eve. You got here just in time for the excitement. Don’t you worry; Santa just went into the woods to cut down the largest tree he can find. You won’t be forgotten.” Her tiny hand clutches Ruby’s fingers and she lowers her head and presses a kiss to the fist holding so tightly to
