After Mallory had rested and basked in JenniAnn's, Joshua's, and Violeta's attentions, the trio succeeded in convincing her to attend the children's pageant.  Snuggled beside Avi in a bassinet, little Evie was a perfect, serene angel during the show.

Following a round of carols, a festive step-dance, and a Nativity play; the Tunnel children were greeted by thunderous applause from the adults.

"Well done!" Joshua praised as he hugged them.  "Natalie, you were wonderful as my Ama."

Maryam stooped and hugged the small, blushing girl.

"I was truly honored by your performance, dear."

"And Stephen... awesome job as Abi.  Your face when Gabriel appeared was very realistic!" Joshua congratulated.

Yosef laughed and nodded.

"More than I care to admit.  Wonderful job, son."

The little boy beamed from ear to ear.

"And such amazing shepherds and wisemen and angels and animals!  And the singing and dancing...  You were all fantastic!" Joshua enthused.  "And...  I truly loved your performance of 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.'  I know that was Father's favorite Christmas carol and you turned it into a beautiful tribute.  I can just see him smiling down at you all... very proud and very touched."

With tears in his eyes, Vincent nodded.

"It was beautiful, children.  Thank you for your hard work and for sharing your talents with all of us."

Another round of applause followed Vincent's words.  As it quieted, Manny tugged on Joshua's sweater.

"You tell story now?" he requested with huge, beseeching eyes.

Joshua looked to his parents.

"Ama, Abi, what do you say?" he checked.

"I think that sounds like a very good idea," Maryam agreed as Yosef nodded beside her.

Manny took Joshua's hand and led him to the elevated portion of the classroom.  Their pint-size portrayers did the same with Yosef and Maryam.  Once they were comfortably seated, Maryam began.

"Once, when I was a girl about Shelby's age, an angel came to me with the most wonderful news..."

*~*~*

After the children's concert, it was decided that Mallory and Evie would spend Christmas at Willowveil so the former could be nearer to Joshua and the latter to Avi.

While Andrew and JenniAnn busied themselves getting their new guests settled in, Joshua and a handful of the Friends resumed their caroling.  The group, comprised of Violeta, Ivy, Sy, Kemara, Sean, Marty, Shane, Mason, Renee, Kyle, Ana-Maria, and Joshua arrived at an apartment building where Kelly greeted them at the door.

"Merry Christmas!" she cheered as she embraced Joshua.

"Merry Christmas to you, too!  And thanks for getting us inside," Joshua replied.

"Of course!  I know I can trust my neighbors with you."  Kelly beamed at Joshua then turned her gaze to the others.  "Quite the crowd!  Welcome!  Do you wanna come on up to my apartment and stash your coats and bags?"

"That'd be great!" Kemara accepted.

"And we can sing for you first!" Kyle suggested.

As they made their way up to the angel's apartment, she wrapped an arm around Marty's waist.

"How are you doing Marty?  Enjoying your time at Willowveil?"

The others, save Joshua, looked on in surprise as Marty looped his arm around Kelly.

"It's been... very pleasant.  As was the visit to the Tunnels."

"Wonderful!"

"And how has your Christmas season been, Kelly?"

"Oh... good.  Well, bittersweet.  It can be a difficult time for a lot of foster kids.  But it always helps to remember our Birthday Boy."

Kelly smiled back at Joshua who touched her shoulder.

"And I always remember you, Kelly."

The angel unlocked her apartment and ushered the others in before embracing Joshua again.

"Throw your things wherever you can find room," she directed.

"Aww!  Your tree is adorable, Kelly!" Violeta complimented.

"Thanks!  Most of the ornaments were made by the kids I work with.  A few from Jesse."  Kelly smiled tenderly as she touched a plaster hand print painted red and green.

"Will you be spending time with him this Christmas?" Mason carefully asked.

Kelly gave an enthusiastic nod.

"Oh, yes.  Joshua and the Father always let me go Home for Christmas Eve and Day.  So, of course, we have an eternal Christmas together."

"That's really great."  Renee squeezed the angel's hand.  Of all the life stories she, Mason, and Roger had learned since meeting the Friends, Kelly's story had been among the most moving for the young woman.  "I'm sure your Jesse is looking forward to it."

"I know he is.  Speaking of..."  Kelly moved into her kitchenette and retrieved a large, covered tray.  "We used to make Christmas Rice Krispie treats every year.  And I still do in his honor.  Help yourselves!"

After munching on the treats, the group serenaded Kelly with her favorite carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem."  Then she excitedly joined them in caroling throughout her apartment building.  Naturally, Joshua knew just whose doors to knock on and who preferred to be left in peace.

Only Marty noticed that Joshua became increasingly anxious as they made their way through the top floor of the building.

"Last one!" Shane realized as Ivy knocked on the final door.

After a few moments, a smiling face appeared in the doorway.  The woman waved at Kelly then surveyed the group.  When she spotted Joshua, her eyes welled.

"Joshua..." she murmured.

Violeta gasped.  She knew this woman.  Her face was fuller now... she looked much healthier.

Kemara cocked her head, wondering why the stranger seemed so familiar.  And then she remembered... going to Wicked with Joshua, Ivy, and Violeta...  Joshua meeting a patron of St. Genesius' in the lobby... and then the cure.

"Merry Christmas, Talita," Joshua whispered into the weeping woman's ear.  "We were just, umm, caroling and..."

"Milo!" Talita shouted, briefly releasing Joshua.

Her husband appeared behind her, a toddler balanced on his hip.  The man's eyes went wide.

"Come... come in...  Your friends, too," he choked out.

"Who are these people?" Sy whispered to his girlfriend.

Eyes brimming, Ivy smiled.  She'd made the connection when Milo had appeared.

"Remember how I told you that Joshua healed a woman when we went to see Wicked?  That's her."

"The hemorrhaging woman?"

Ivy nodded.

"Wow..."

The group milled into the couple's living room.  

"I just... I can't believe this..." Talita marveled.  "I... I never thought to see you again in... in this life, Joshua.  Please, sit down."

Joshua made no protest as he was ushered into a chair.

Marty watched the encounter with great interest.

"Josh..." Joshua cooed, smiling up at the toddler.

"Would you like to hold him?" Milo offered.

"Very much."

Milo settled his giggling son into his namesake's lap.

"I never made the connection..." Kelly whispered to Marty.  "I knew their boy was named Joshua but not why.  There are so many Joshuas out there."

The scribe nodded.  

Kemara, who had been studying their surroundings, noted photographs featuring two babies then two toddlers.

"Twins," she remarked to Sean.

At that moment, a babyish shout resounded from another room.

Talita laughed.

"Naptime is over, I guess!"

A few moments later, the woman returned with a little girl wobbling beside her.  She clapped her hands and smiled when she saw her crowd of visitors.

"This is Hope," Talita introduced.  "Say 'hi,' sweetie."

"Hi!" Hope chirped.  She made a beeline to Joshua who pulled her up beside her brother.

"They're so adorable!"  Ana-Maria grinned at the two.  "And I love their names."

"We decided on their names as soon as we learned we were expecting a boy and a girl."  Talita studied her visitors.  "You were there..."  She pointed to Kemara, Ivy, and Violeta who all nodded.  "So..."  She turned to Joshua.  "They know?"

"They know," Joshua confirmed.

"And... you both know?" Violeta checked.  "I couldn't tell that day at the theatre."

Milo shook his head.

"We didn't know then.  We'd seen Joshua when he was in Jesus Christ Superstar," he recounted.  "We thought he was fantastic... a wonderful actor.  But nothing more.  And then Talita saw him at Wicked.  He was so kind and gracious when we approached him.  All four of you were.  So then... then we thought he was just a wonderful and kind actor.  But..."

"I'd been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer," his wife shared.  "It was... awful.  We'd found out the very day we went to your theatre.  It was very aggressive and I... I didn't think I had much time left.  At the very least, I knew my dream of having children was gone.  They'd already scheduled me for surgery.  But that evening at Wicked... when Joshua touched me... I felt... something.  I thought it was just psychosomatic, you know.  I met 'Jesus' and had an emotional experience.  That's all.  But at my next doctor's appointment... the cancer was gone.  Totally gone."

"We knew then," Milo continued, beaming at Joshua.  "We thought about going back to St. Genesius' and asking leading questions.  And we have been back.  But just to watch.  We didn't need to ask questions.  We knew."  

Joshua smiled up at the two.

"And I appreciated that.  Very much.  I always love hearing from you.  And from your precious little ones."

Talita set a hand on each of the twins' backs.

"Josh, Hope, say your prayers."

Joshua and the others looked on, overwhelmed by the cuteness, as the toddlers lisped their prayer.

"Gah bess Mama.  Gah bess Dada.  Gah bess me.  Tank ooh, Gah."

They ended their prayer by blowing kisses into the air.

Marty turned away, not wanting the others to see the tears spilling down his cheeks.  It was one thing to write about the toddlers' prayer.  Seeing it was much more moving.  He collected himself and turned around.

"Josh, Hope... this is Joshua," Milo introduced.  "This is God."

The twins looking curiously at their father then back to Joshua.

Talita bent down and whispered to them.

In unison, the boy and girl kissed Joshua's cheeks.

"Aww!" Joshua hugged them.  "Thank you!  I love you very, very much!"

"How wonderful..." Renee murmured.

"Very," Talita agreed, her eyes full as she clasped Joshua's hand.  "Thank you... for that night... for my life... for them."  She used her free hand to smooth back the babies' hair.

Joshua brought her hand to his lips.

"You're very, very welcome.  I'm so pleased with how you're using the life that was restored to you...  Both of you."

Milo squeezed Joshua's shoulder.

Knowing the family would later want it, Kyle snapped a photo.

"Well... we came here to sing for you," Joshua reminded.  "So... we best get to that.  And I happen to know these little ones' favorite carol."  He gently set the children down then began to sing.  "Jingle bells, jingle bells...'"

As the adults joined in, the excited toddlers shimmied and swung bells their mother gave to them, delighting their parents, visitors, and, especially, the Birthday Boy Himself.

*~*~*

Monday, December 24th, 2018

It was well after midnight when Mallory awoke.  Briefly, she panicked.  She'd gone up to the room that JenniAnn had prepared for her at 9:00 and had fallen asleep shortly thereafter.  Evie never let her sleep for three full hours.

Then Mallory remembered that, on top of welcoming her into their home, Andrew and JenniAnn had also agreed to watch her baby girl through the night.  She prayed Evie hadn't kept them up...

Nervously, Mallory made her way down to the couple's room.  She hovered outside their door... listening.  And she heard nothing.  Maybe Evie was actually sleeping!  Or maybe Joshua had taken her.  He'd offered to if Andrew and JenniAnn needed help.

Mallory was about to head back up the stairs to check on Joshua when she felt a pang in her belly.  She hadn't eaten much at dinner.  There'd been so much food but she'd been too nervous and overwhelmed.  But JenniAnn had told her that everyone had free reign of the kitchen, no matter the hour.

As quietly as possible, the young woman descended the final set of stairs and crept to the kitchen.

She halted as soon as she entered.  Someone was already there... Marty.  She was shrinking back into the darkness of the hallway when he spotted her.

"Hello," Marty greeted.

Mallory forced herself to re-enter the kitchen.

"Hi...  I, umm...  JenniAnn told me I could get a snack if..."

"She told me the same."  Marty held a plate of cheese and crackers out towards the woman.  "These were calling my name.  Care to join me?"

In spite of her unfamiliarity with the rather imposing angel, Mallory joined him at the table.

"Can I get you anything else?" Marty offered.  "There's a lot of fruit and vegetables and dip in there."  He waved to the refrigerator.  "And cookies in there."  He indicated the pantry.  "Leftover sandwiches... pastries..."

Mallory smiled and shook her head.

"No, this is fine.  I just wanted a little something."

"Very good then."

The two sat quietly, nibbling on the cheese and crackers for several moments before Marty spoke.

"Your little one is precious."

Mallory was momentarily startled by his voice but quickly recovered and smiled.

"Thank you.  I... I love her so much but... sometimes I'm not sure I'm cracked up to be her mom."

"Why would you say that?"

"I'm just... sad.  I... I'm not like JenniAnn or Emma or Kylie.  Their faces light up when they're holding their babies.  I... I just feel bad for Evie.  Fatherless, living off the kindness of others, lonely..."

Marty's face softened.

"She is not fatherless.  Her father may come back.  And even if not... she has the same Father as all of us.  He will never leave."

Mallory smiled sadly and nodded.

"I know.  And I feel very blessed to have actually met Joshua.  When I came to the Tunnels for that first Winterfest after he made himself known...  I... I thought everyone had lost their minds.  But then the first time I met him... I knew they were right. I knew who he was.  But... he's not here all the time.  Not... physically.  He... he probably won't be there to catch Evie when she take her first step.  He's not going to be here for all the Father's Days so many of the other children will celebrate.  He... he won't walk her down the aisle."

Marty raised an eye brow.

"She's not even two months old.  I think it's a touch early to fret over her wedding, don't you agree?"

In spite of her grief, Mallory laughed.

"Yes, I suppose you're right."

"Further, maybe he will be there.  He walked Emma down the aisle.  And others since."

"Yes...  I had heard that."

"As for the other things... no, maybe Joshua won't be here in the flesh.  But so many other people will be.  And as for the loneliness..."  Marty frowned.  "Sometimes we choose to be lonely."

Mallory looked at the scribe in surprise.

"You get lonely?"

Marty considered.

"Perhaps lonely isn't the best word.  I'm never alone.  God is always with me.  But... wistful, I suppose.  I record everything... and experience very little outside of my interactions with the Father, Joshua, and the Spirit.  I have others in my department, of course.  I once counted Violeta among them, in fact."

"Aww.  I love Violeta.  She... she just makes me happy to look at her."

Marty's cheeks flushed.  He found Violeta exhausting.  She was so... very nearly human.  And yet there was nothing he could say against her.  She was a sweet girl whose abject love for Joshua was obvious.  He shouldn't be so put-off by her.

"Why don't you come visit more often?" Mallory inquired.  "I'm sure Andrew and JenniAnn would always find a place for you."

Marty considered as he stacked up crackers.

"I... don't know."

"Do you... not like us?  Humans, I mean?  I... I wouldn't blame you if you didn't.  The things I read in newspapers...  It... it makes me scared to think I'm raising a child among such... awfulness."

Hearing those words coming from such a bright, young woman hit Marty hard.  The sentiment was embarrassingly close to what he sometimes felt.  And he knew that was wrong...

Marty adamantly shook his head.

"No... no, Mallory.  You... you can't live like that.  Yes, terrible... hateful things happen in this world.  But... there's so much that doesn't make the papers.  So much that doesn't get passed around online on all those social media platforms you humans spend so much time with.  It doesn't make the cover of the New York Times when someone buys a meal for a homeless person.  You see endless news coverage of mass shootings but don't hear about it when a child leaves his lunch table to sit with the girl everyone teases.  You read about men who murder their wives but not about the ones who eat ramen noodles for lunch for a year to buy engagement rings."

Mallory looked across the table in awe.  The angel had tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Today... today I met a beautiful little boy and girl who are only alive because Joshua healed their mother," Marty continued.  "And... they danced along to 'Jingle Bells' and Joshua's face... it was lit up as if they were singing the most beautiful canticle to him.  Joshua did that.  And he... he's human, too.  So when we find ourselves feeling disgusted with humanity... we need to remember that.  No evil can ever diminish the good that he's done.  And there are people who follow him... truly follow him... who try to bring peace and joy to others.  They don't make the news, either.  Not often enough.  But they're there, Mallory.  All... all around you.  Around... us.  You just have to let yourself see them... let yourself allow them into your life, into your heart."

Mallory's own eyes were brimming.

"B-but... what if they leave me, too?"

"They won't leave you... not like Hector has.  I... I haven't allowed myself to get to know them as I should.  But I've recorded their lives and I know, Mallory.  They won't leave you," Marty reiterated.

"Will... will you be my friend?" Mallory beseeched.

Marty drew in and let out a deep breath.  He smiled through his tears and nodded.

"Yes.  Yes... I will be your friend."

Mallory leaped up and embraced Marty... who found he enjoyed the hug very much.

*~*~*

While Mallory and Marty were sharing in their mutual revelation in the kitchen, above them JenniAnn had made a realization of her own.

"She's going to steal my son...  That girl is going to steal my baby..." she whispered to Andrew as they peered down at the infants, snuggled together in Avi's crib.

Andrew chuckled softly.

"That's a bit dramatic, don't you think, Laja?"

JenniAnn shook her head.

"Uh uh...  That's some Catherine and Vincent level mojo going on there.  How else do you explain how Evie cries incessantly... but never when she's beside Avi?"

"You said she stopped crying when Joshua held her," Andrew reminded.

"Well, yeah... but that's Joshua!"

"If it was a Vincent/Catherine thing... wouldn't Avi be upset when separated from Evie?"

JenniAnn considered then shook her head.

"No.  Because maybe he can feel her wherever she is.  Like Vincent can with Catherine.  But she can't in return.  At least... not as well.  Like... like Evie sends out a signal that Avi always hears.  But the signal he sends out is... patchy coming in.  So it frustrates her.  So she cries.  A lot."

"All right...  I think someone needs to get some sleep..."  Grinning and shaking his head, Andrew wrapped his arm around JenniAnn's waist and tried to lead her towards their room.

"Just one second..."  JenniAnn cocked her head and gently stroked the babies' hair.  "They are both so adorable..."

"They are," Andrew agreed.  "Absolutely precious."  He sighed happily and kissed JenniAnn's hair.

"Maybe it's okay," JenniAnn mused as they settled into bed.  "I mean... I was pint-size when I started fixating on you.  I turned out okay."

Andrew kissed her brow.

"Totally okay," he agreed prompting a smile and a kiss.

Calmed, JenniAnn snuggled against Andrew and, soon, the two drifted into an easy, restful sleep.

*~*~*

Still further above, Joshua stared up at his ceiling and smiled as his Dad told him of the goings on elsewhere in the castle.  He was pleased that both Marty and Mallory had realized they needed to let others into their hearts and lives.  It would bring Marty far greater joy in his work and set Mallory on the path to recovery.

As for JenniAnn... she was closer to the truth than Andrew would have guessed.  Their little Avi could sense Evie and would grow to love her dearly and she him.  Evie couldn't sense Avi when he was apart from her, nor did she mourn his absence when they were separated... not yet, at least.  But the girl was exceedingly empathetic and, small as she was, felt for her mother.  Avi's tranquil, jolly spirit gave her respite when they were near.  In the years to come, Avi would learn how to protect and shelter Evie.  But, in the meantime, she and her mother would embark on a new life, filled with the warmth and love of family and friends, buoyed by the generous spirit of the Tunnel community.

Joshua sighed contently.

"Thanks, Dad.  G'night.  I love you," he murmured before snuggling into his pillow.  He drifted off and dreamed of the day to come.

*~*~*

After catching up with everyone at True Light, the Chrysalis, and the Phoenix Inn; a cohort of Friends made their way to the FS headquarters. 

"Ho!  Ho!  Ho!" Adam greeted as they entered.

"Merry Christmas!" Kylie added.

Andrew chuckled.

"I didn't know you two were going to be here.  You didn't say anything."

"We wanted it to be a surprise," Adam explained.  "Jolie wanted to hire a Santa.  Kylie and I were available and so... here we are!"

"You make such a wonderful Santa!" Zelda applauded.  "Can Logan and I get a photo with you both?"

"Of course, little girl!" Adam agreed.  "Right this way!"

Joshua shook his head in wonderment as they walked further into the room.  He'd known of Jolie's plans before he'd left Heaven but the way they'd come together...  The offices had truly become a winter wonderland.

Salma took several snaps as Logan and Zelda posed with Adam and Kylie in front of Santa's Workshop. 

"You're here!" Isolde shrieked as she dashed across the room with Marco behind her.  She handed him her drink and hugged Joshua.  "Everyone is so excited to meet you.  All three of you!"  She beamed at Joshua, Marty, and Andrew.

Marco took a sip of his wife's drink and wrinkled his nose.

"What is this, anyway?"

Isolde giggled.

"It's called the Three Wisemen.  One part peppermint schnapps, one part Kahlua, one part Bailey's Irish Cream.  All parts yummy!"

Joshua laughed. 

"As delightful as that sounds, I think I'll pass.  But thank you.  Anyone else?"

"I'm not so afraid of getting tipsy," Andrew confessed.  "More that I'd go into sugar shock."

"Well, let's get you all something to eat and drink!  C'mon!"  Isolde indicated for the new arrivals to follow her towards where most of the guests were congregated.

As the group drew closer, a hush went through the crowd.

"Joshua!"  Josef approached and embraced him.  "I'm so glad you're here!  And now... can I introduce you?  Can I?  Can I?  Can I?"

Joshua suspected Josef's giddiness had nothing to do with the Three Wisemen.  In fact, the overall atmosphere was that of absolute joy on the cusp of bubbling over.  He looked to Andrew who nodded agreeably and to Marty who braced himself before also giving silent assent.

"Of course, Josef.  Thank you."

Josef clapped Joshua on the back then grinned out at his employees, friends, wife, and daughter.

"Everyone, it's my honor to introduce to you the three men responsible for finding and delivering the cure to all of us.  Everyone, please meet Joshua, Andrew, and Marty."

A throng of people pushed forward, several with babies in their arms.

Josef laughed.

"Wait, wait, wait!  I know everyone's anxious to speak with them but maybe we should have some sense of order."

Adam pressed closer and whispered in Josef's ear.

"All right.  Good idea.  Friends, Santa and Mrs. Claus have graciously offered use of their workshop for personal visits with Joshua, Andrew, and..."

Josef turned back around to his guests.  He knew Joshua would be thrilled with the chance to connect with his children.  And Andrew was always game for meeting new people.  But Marty...

"Marty, would you rather not?" Josef quietly asked.  "I know it could get overwhelming and..."

Marty shook his head. 

"No... no.  I would like to meet them."

"Awesome!"  Josef turned back to the crowd.  "And Marty!  So let's give them a chance to grab some food and drinks and maybe start a line over there by the, umm... sorry what is that again?" he inquired as he waved over to a structure.

"It's a Christmas wishing well," Jolie explained as if it were obvious.

"By the... Christmas wishing well," Josef relayed.  "But first..."

Amber-Marie handed out glasses of cider to Joshua and the others.

"A toast to our heroes.  Glasses up, everyone." 

The assembled crowd raised their glasses.

"To Joshua, Andrew, and Marty... for restoring to us the lives that God gave us, for giving us hope, and... and for our little ones."

During the resulting cacophony, Joshua, Andrew, and Marty looked upon the crowd with teary eyes and proud smiles.

Marty let out a shuddering breath... remembering the pain that had led to the flowers which had become the cure for vampirism.  He looked over at Joshua and remembered a tiny baby in a manger, a passionate man teaching about God's love, and a dying man upon a cross.

It had all been worth it.  Marty saw and felt it in that moment.

All worth it...

*~*~*

Tuesday, December 25th, 2018

Joshua smiled as he gazed around the Willowveil ballroom.  All around, the Friends were unwrapping presents and making excited, pleased exultations over them.  Because buying for everyone was out of the question, they'd done a Secret Santa and now laughed and chatted with their gifters and recipients.

But there was one present still left to be opened.

"For you!" Jacob declared as he set a tissue paper filled bag in front of Marty.

"For me?  But... I wasn't here when names were drawn," he protested.

"Everyone gets a present," Shelby insisted. 

"Open!" Belle cheered.

"Well, all right then..." 

The children and Joshua gathered around as Marty pulled various items out of his bag.  There were paper weights with their hand prints in them, brightly painted desk organizers, file folders covered in crayon drawings, and more.

Marty beamed.

"Children... this... it's all wonderful!  I love my presents very much!  Thank you!  I can't wait to bring them to Heaven and put them in my office."

"Not for Heaven," Omar protested.

Marty cocked his head.

"Check the bottom of the bag," Joshua encouraged.

Marty pulled out more tissue paper and noticed an envelope.  His name was written on it in Joshua's familiar hand.  After carefully opening the envelope, the scribe read.

Dear Marty,

I'm so pleased that you chose to spend Christmas here.  I think being among the Friends suits you.  I know you love Heaven and, trust me, you'll have plenty of time there.  But I have a new task for you.

Our friend Logan has set up a blog for you.  You'll remain anonymous.  Don't worry about that.  But every day, I want you to share one good thing with the world.  There's so much bad news out there... but so much that's beautiful and inspiring and true and good.  Share those stories. 

And I think it'll help you write them if you're a little less closed off from our human friends.  So... Andrew and JenniAnn have agreed to dedicate the room you're using to you.  Think of it as a sort of writer's garret. 

Enjoy, my son!

Merry Christmas!

Love always,
Joshua

Marty let the note fall to his lap and looked up at Joshua with tear-filled eyes.  He clasped his hand and brought it to his lips.

"Thank you...  It... it's the perfect gift."  He searched for Andrew and JenniAnn and found them standing near by, with Ichabod sprawled across their feet.  "Thank you."

"Of course!  You've always been welcome here!" Andrew reminded.

"And now you know it!"  JenniAnn handed him a wooden plaque bearing the words "Marty's Room" which Andrew had made.

Smiling, the angel accepted the plaque.

"Thank you..." he repeated.  Then he held his arms aloft.  "And thank you all for the wonderful writing supplies!" 

The children rushed forward, crushing Marty in a group hug that made him laugh heartily.  It was the loudest, happiest laugh the Friends had ever heard come out of him.

Maryam moved to stand beside her son and wrapped an arm around him.

"Well done, my boy."

"Thanks, Ama."  Joshua rested his head on hers.  "He looks so happy."

"The happiest I have ever seen him," Yosef agreed.  "Well, excepting one time..."  His face glowed as he remembered his boy's triumphant return to Heaven.

"Happy birthday, my own," Maryam murmured.

"Happy birthday, Yeshu," Yosef echoed.

Joshua linked his arms around both his parents and let out a contented sigh.

"Thank you.  And thank you for being my Ama and Abi."

Maryam and Yosef kissed their son on his cheeks then peered happily at the angel surrounded by giggling, giddy children.

Unprompted and merely inspired, Mason began to sing a song he remembered from his childhood.  His voice wasn't strong but the emotion was obvious.

"Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me."

Beaming, Mallory joined in.

"Let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be."

Soon, all the Friends were singing.

"With God as our Father,
brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
in perfect harmony.

With ev'ry step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me."