Merrick rose early, his body sore from the fight with Kent. After lighting a candle, he spent time reading the Bible and conversing with his Father, getting direction and guidance for the new day. When he was done, he sat beside the bed and watched the angel sleeping there. At least she had been able to get some rest after last night's trauma.

Her back was to him. As the light filtered in through the window, she stirred. The delicate curls of her hair flowed over the pillow ...