Are you saying shes no longer banished? Buniel asked.
She never was truly banished, Gabriel said. She has always done exactly as her Father hoped she would do.
Darafer snorted. I told her she was being used.
Gabriel gave the demon a hard stare.
Darafer shifted his weight and grimaced with a pained look.
Gabriel turned back to Marielle. If you are concerned that you have somehow been manipulated, I can assure you that you have not. It is true that the Father hoped you would do as you have over the centuries, and it is also true that the Father created you with an inclination to rebel and do as you have done. But you also have free will, and your decisions were always your own. Because they were your own, that makes them even more precious to the Father. He is most pleased with you.
Tears slipped down her cheeks. Thank you.
Blessed is he who finds his destiny and fulfills it. Gabriel gave Darafer a pointed look.
Darafer turned pale. Im out of here. His wings unfurled and he vanished.
If Marielle was never banished, then she can go back to heaven? Connor asked, glancing nervously at the Archangel.
She can if she wishes to. Gabriel smiled. Connor Buchanan. It was never about Marielles redemption. It was about yours.
He flinched.
Gabriel laid a hand on Connors head. Dear soul, the Father loves you greatly.
I can be forgiven? Connor whispered.
You have proven yourself worthy. Ask the Father and you will receive. Gabriel stepped back and looked at Marielle. Have you made your decision?
She nodded and wiped away her tears. Im staying here with Connor.
What? Connor turned to her. No! Ye canna do that.
It is my decision.
Nay. I willna let ye do it. Ye canna give up heaven for me. It is yer home.
She smiled. My home is here with you.
No! Ye canna give up yer immortality. I canna forgive myself if ye die because of me. I lost one wife that way. I canna bear to do it again!
Hush! Gabriel gave them an annoyed look. This is a simple matter. Marielle Quadriduum, do you wish to take Connor Buchanan as your husband?
I do.
And Connor, will you have Marielle as your wife?
Aye, but
Enough! Gabriel placed his hands on their heads. You will be husband and wife, each living as long as the other and remaining as you are now. He stepped back. Are we done now?
Sheshes still immortal? Connor asked.
As much as you are. Gabriel gave him a wry look. You can still die, but Im not in any hurry to see you again.
Thank you. Marielle bowed.
Gabriel grinned. Thank you. Our Father is greatly pleased. He spread his wings and with a flash of light, disappeared.
Congratulations! Buniel ran forward to hug Marielle.
Zackriel approached her slowly. I hope you can forgive me. I was told to take your wings. I didnt want to hurt you, but I was hoping you would help bring about Casimirs defeat. He smiled at her. Well done, Marielle.
Thank you, Zack.
He inclined his head. May your days be blessed. His wings unfurled and he vanished.
Youre married! Buniel grinned at her.
She laughed. I guess I am. She glanced at Connor, who appeared stunned. Youre all right with that, arent you?
Aye. He ran a hand through his hair. Holy Chri Sorry. He gave them an apologetic look. I thought I was going to end up in hell tonight.
You are, Buniel joked. Its called marriage.
Marielle swatted Buniel on the shoulder. How dare you. Marriage is a holy sacrament.
Connor stared at her in amazement. I thought I would go to hell, but Im in heaven.
Marielle hugged him. Were married, Connor!
He grinned. Aye, we are.
Buniel laughed. Ill leave you with a final blessing. He rested his hands on their heads, then stepped back. There. You are completely healed. Go forth and multiply. He gave Connor a pointed look. Tonight.
Then his wings unfurled and he disappeared.
Bye, Bunny, Marielle whispered.
What did he mean by tonight? Connor asked. And he said I was completely healed? He felt his fangs. Nay, Im still a Vamp.
Marielle smiled. I believe it was your sperm that was healed. At least until you fall into another death-sleep.
Connors eyes widened. Ye mean tonight? We could Holy Christ! He swung Marielle up in his arms and strode away from the henge.
She laughed. Thats why he said, Go forth and multiply.
Aye. Connor ran up the hill with her in his arms. For once I think we should follow orders.
She laughed again.
He reached the top of the hill. Thats yer home down there. I hope ye like it.
She glanced at the large stone house. I love it.
Connor started down the hill toward the house. Bugger. I should have just teleported you straight to the bedroom.
I like being carried by my husband.
Aye, but we could be there already. I could have yer clothes off by now. And I could have you naked in bed.
She nodded. I see the Three-Step Rule is still in effect.
What is that?
She laughed. Ill tell you later. She kissed his cheek. I love you, Connor Buchanan.
He grinned. I love you, Marielle . . . Buchanan.
THE END