Though she well knew the teachings of her church, there were, nonetheless, certain impressions from her childhood that she’d never quite lost. Angels were always female, though there might be men among the saints. Those men were old and bearded, however, while the angels were always young and fair. But a new angel came to her this night. He was dark—and a man. His eyes were deep and fiery and his smile was so beautiful as to nearly blind her. He burned her with his touch, and yet she longed for that fire. He reached out a hand to her and she did not hesitate to take it. Then he lifted her up, making her giddy with the sensation of flying. Up in soft wafts of sunshine. Higher until the clouds kissed her cheeks and neck with the lightest of caresses. He was taking her to heaven, this mysterious dark angel. He did not speak but he beckoned her with his eyes and that beautiful smile. Oh, yes, he would bring her to heaven had she but the courage to follow him. Joanna pressed her cheek into the curve of his hand.
