Chapter 6

Early evening was setting in, with everyone having a good time. Father Williams gathered Scott, Vicky, Brad, Abby, Derek, Peter, Dan, Karen, Doug, Cathy, Kevin, Diane, and Brenda. He also guided Wendy, Tina, and Lisa to the garden where the wedding took place.

“I must confess to you; I’ve been summoned by a higher power to bring you all together like this at this moment,” Father Williams said.

Everyone wondered what Father Williams was talking about when the same cool breeze, as earlier, swept over them. “I smell Mommy!” Abby cried out. Several seconds later, first one, then a second white puffball appeared, grew larger, and then magically materialized into Maryanne Kendall and Laura Hayward.

The others, except for Brad, Abby, and Father Williams, were stunned beyond belief. Maryanne and Laura wore identical shimmering white low-cut gowns. Their physical appearance was the same as their last day on earth.

“Mommy!” Abby cried again, instantly going to her. Maryanne’s glow brightened as they hugged. She didn’t feel quite whole, almost sponge-like.

“I told you, Abby, we’d be at your wedding, and a very beautiful ceremony it was. I’m very happy and proud of you.”

“We had to use a lot of travel points with the big guy to come here,” Laura joked.

“Maryanne?” Scott questioned.

“Mom?” Derek and Peter said it in unison.

“Yes, it’s me, my loves.”

“Laura?” Dan couldn’t believe it, squeezing Karen’s hand tightly.

“Mom?” Cathy, Doug, and Kevin said it loudly. Diane and Brenda were also astounded.

“I could not allow this day to go by without letting you know there is more to life after death and to see our babies get married.”

Maryanne hugged her children. Scott almost fainted with the sensation he never expected to happen as long as he lived. Her glow brightened again as they embraced and kissed. Derek and Peter were the same in the presence of Maryanne. She showed equal affection for Vicky.

“I love how you and Abby have bonded as mother and daughter.”

“I don’t know what to say. I hope I’ve made you proud,” Vicky said.

“You have, plus you don’t take any crap from Peter and Derek,” she grinned.

Dan and his children were just as stunned by the appearance of Laura. His body seemed to energize as the essence of Laura merged with him; her glow was also increasing. Laura’s grown children were like little kids, hugging her as tears flowed freely.

Karen grew visibly shaken as Laura went to her. “You saved my life. I was supposed to die going over that cliff.”

Laura wiped a trailing tear from her cheek and kissed her. “I know, honey, but Dan shouldn’t celebrate his birthday and your death on the same day. He loves you and has proven that many times.”

“I know he does,” she smiled, embracing him.

“We can’t stay too long. It takes a lot of energy to be here like this,” Maryanne said.

Laura went to Wendy, Tina, and Lisa. “I want to thank you, along with Karen, for loving my Dan. He was mine, and now he belongs to you four. It felt like their souls were being purged as she embraced each one. I’ve snuck peeks at you in bed with Dan, each other, family, and friends. I’d jump at the opportunity to be with each of you if I could. Please continue to love Dan, and he’ll love you in return.”

“Can I take your picture, Mom?” Kevin asked, taking out his cell phone.

“All you’ll get is a blurred image. Angels are supposed to be not seen and not heard.” He tried several pictures, as did those who had a phone or camera with them. Each one showed a blurred image and a faint shadow on the ground, but they knew who it was.

Frank was standing by the entrance and, not intruding on an obvious family moment, used his telephoto lens to capture many pictures.

Laura took Dan aside and said, “I don’t know if I should approve of your sexual relationship with Cathy and having created a beautiful girl with her.”

“I know I’d probably burn in hell, and Cathy would risk her marriage with Ben to have another baby with me. I keep trying to stall her, but she’s just like you in looks and determination.”

“Something I’ll say that she said to you. Would you put her marriage to Ben above the love of your daughter?”

“Of course I wouldn’t.”

“Then you have your answer and love Cathy like you love your wives. Ben will make a decision tonight that will end the problems he has with Cathy. He won’t harm her.”

Cathy joined them after talking to her brothers and taking Dan’s hand. “You don’t approve of my loving dad like a daughter shouldn’t.”

“I’m not saying I disapprove; I’m just a little surprised, though I shouldn’t be. You were always close to your dad growing up, and continue that close relationship as lovers,” Laura mentioned.