Forgotten Souls (The Saving Angels 2)

"Well, you're in for a treat because my double chocolate chip cookies are Heavenly, no pun intended," she said, making quick work of mixing the ingredients together in a large stainless steel bowl.

Less than fifteen minutes later, the first batch was in the oven smelling as Heavenly as she promised. Grace and I talked about trivial things as she prepared another batch on a second tray. She was easy to talk to and I felt like I had gained an older sister.

Soon the smell of fresh baked cookies drew a crowd as everyone came in to check it out.

"Yum, I see you're treating everyone to your famous cookies," Thomas, Grace's Link said, joining us in the kitchen. He snagged an uncooked cookie from the cookie sheet and planted a quick peck on her cheek, dodging her swat with the spatula.

"The first batch is almost done," she said affectionately.

"I know, and I'll eat those too, but these are just my appetizers," he said, making a grab for another one, but this time Grace was ready for him. She smacked his knuckles lightly with the rubber spatula warding him off.

"Out," she ordered, giving him a playful shove. "Or no cookies for you," she added, giving him a warm smile, totally contradicting her words.

Thomas gave her bottom an affectionate pat as he headed out of the kitchen, winking at me on his way out.

I couldn't help laughing at their easy banter. Watching the older bands interact gave me insight into what my future could be, warming me from the inside out with happiness. I knew from conversations we had, that Thomas and Grace were the proud parents of a beautiful bouncing baby boy. Grace showed me pictures of him and I had to smile at how closely he resembled a replica of a cherub with springy blond curls framing his adorable, round face. In the picture, he was toddling after an orange tabby cat, obviously trying to catch him. I could almost hear his squeals of delight as the cat eluded him.

After she showed off her pictures, the rest of the Guides pulled out their own pictures too. It was amazing to see the next generation of Links as babies. I wished we could have met them firsthand, but I was immensely relieved that they were all in a secure location being protected by the last remaining fighting band.

"As soon as the threat is over, we will all get together," Grace had assured me as I studied the pictures.

Watching Grace and Thomas show their affection, I was anxious for my own life with Mark to begin. We knew each other better than anyone else and had spent more time together in our dreams than most married couples spent together.

Grace handed me a platter of steaming cookies straight from the oven. Carrying it through the living room, I balanced the tray on my hip while I twisted the door handle. The door swung open as Shawn opened it from the outside.

"I thought I smelled something good," he said, grabbing one of the cookies off the top of the pile. "Holy cow, these are delicious," he said, devouring the whole thing in one gobble. He reached out to snatch another one before I could set the tray down.

"Hey, these are for everyone, greedy-meedy, " I said, trying to elbow his large frame away to no avail.

"Hey, they snooze they lose," he said, tugging on my ponytail before he grabbed a third cookie.

"Ooh, cookies," John said, spotting the tray of cookies. "Please tell me these are Grace's famous double chocolate chips," he said, grabbing several.

Before I could answer him, everyone crowded around the tray making a mad grab and within seconds, only crumbs remained.

"Hey, I didn't get any," I complained loudly, watching all the delicious chocolate walking away.

"That's why I always make a triple batch," Grace said laughing, coming up behind me with a second overflowing tray in one hand a stack of plastic cups in the other. Thomas brought up the rear, carrying an oversized glass jug of ice cold lemonade with fresh lemon slices floating on the top.

"Here," she said, handing me several cookies.

"Thanks," I said taking a bite out of one of them. "Oh my God, Grace, these are fantastic," I said, savoring the mouthwatering bite in my mouth. I sat down in one of the padded chairs across from Grace.

"I know, right. It's a good thing we train so much or Thomas and I would be huge," she said, laughing as she helped herself to several of her own delicious creations.

Grace's sweet nature and easy laughter took my mind off my worries, and by the time Haniel returned for our afternoon training session I was ready to tackle it head on.

"How was it at your mom's?" Mark asked as we walked on the beach later that night with Sam and Shawn. Having the other bands here was cool, but the crowded space had us seeking refuge in our nightly strolls.

"The same," I said, sighing deeply. "I had to send Haniel over there."

"Really?" he asked, knowing my feelings on the issue.

"I just couldn’t see any other way. She was harping heavily on the time I'm spending here. I was afraid that an ultimatum wasn't far behind."

"I'm sorry babe. I know you hate deceiving her like that," he said, dropping a kiss on my brow. "I wish I could send you away to some place safe. It seems like every time I turn around your life is in jeopardy."

"Such is the life of a Guide," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.