His answer came in the form of another question. Did you love your ex?

Her reply was simple. Yes. I guess I still do in some ways. And you?

Yes. A short pause and then he added, Is that the real problem? Are you so in love with your ex that you aren't ready to fall in love a second time?

Peter deserved the truth-but not yet. He admitted he'd loved her once, maybe still did, but preferred not to discuss her.

What Peter couldn't know was that she had information he didn't....

Listen, let's put the matter of our former marriages to rest. His next words flashed across the screen. My wife and I behaved badly. We were both at fault and I've accepted that our problems were complex. I've moved on and apparently so has she. Although painful, the divorce was for the best.

The best? Beth read those words and her throat tightened.

I wish her well and I'm sure you don't begrudge your ex-husband happiness. Am I right?

Yes, she typed back.

Good. Then let's drop the subject. Agreed?

Beth read his words, then pressed her fingers to her lips as she wondered how to respond. Agreed...only I'm not sure the timing is right for the two of us.

In what way?

It's Christmas, and I have enough family pressures without worrying about what will happen once we meet.

I know what you mean.

Shall we put this off? she asked.

For how long?

Why don't we wait until after New Year's.

Okay.

His clipped reply implied that he was disappointed. Well, she was, too, but she couldn't spring the news on Peter like this, two days before the biggest holiday of the year.

You aren't going to duck out on me again, are you? Peter asked.

Beth appreciated his directness. No, she typed. I'd just like a little more time.

Whatever you say. But I believe it's important for both of us to put the past behind us.

"Behind us," Beth repeated aloud. Little did Peter know how impossible that would be.

"After New Year's?" Goodness gasped, leaning over Beth's shoulder to read her messages.

"What's wrong?" Mercy asked.

As far as Goodness was concerned, everything was wrong. Nothing was going the way she'd planned. She'd worked so hard, too, trying to bring these two lonely humans together.

"They have to meet before Christmas Eve," she muttered.

Mercy nodded. "So what are you going to do about it?"

Goodness smiled; a plan was already taking shape in her mind. She didn't want to intervene in human events; strictly speaking, that was against the rules. However, Beth and Peter weren't giving her much of an alternative. Either she acted on their behalf or Gabriel would have to report that she'd failed. No one would blame her for a small intervention, least of all Gabriel, but so far her track record had been exceptional-if she did say so herself-and she wanted to keep it that way.

Everyone in Heaven knew that humans were difficult subjects. At times they required a clear and unambiguous sign, or a bit of coaxing. Or both. And some people needed more help than others. In Goodness's opinion, Beth was one of those.

"Well, you have to admit we all had a shock," Mercy said, reminding Goodness of the scene in Leavenworth the day before.

"I agree." Goodness frowned as she contemplated her next move. Letting Peter and Beth stumble into each other on the street would be too convenient-and too subtle. No, whatever Goodness arranged would have to be dramatic. Personally she'd prefer a car crash, involving a massive explosion-no deaths, of course. The possibility of a SWAT team thrilled her and if she could manage it, a helicopter rescue. That would make her day. Those boys in black always did get her adrenaline going.

"Goodness," Mercy prodded gently. "I recognize that look in your eyes and I don't like the way your wings are fluttering."

"I think it might be best if you left now," she said primly.

"Goodness!"

"I don't want you to get in trouble, too."

Mercy's wings lifted her off the ground. "What are you going to do?"

Goodness pressed her lips together and shook her head. "It's better for you not to know."

That was when Shirley arrived. "What's going on here?" she demanded.

"I've got a few problems," Goodness said.

"You do?" Shirley muttered. "Well, you aren't the only one. My assignment's not working out the way it's supposed to."

Mercy frowned, and her gaze swung back to Goodness and then to Shirley again. "Do either of you have the feeling we might've been set up?"

Goodness sent her a puzzled glance. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," Mercy said. "Shirley gets what would usually be a dream assignment. Just how hard can it be to give a boy a dog?"

"Well, actually, this prayer request is one of the most difficult ones I've ever received." She sighed. "Not only do we have the issue with Carter's father, there's this one dog that refuses to go away."

"I see."

"But under normal conditions, it wouldn't be difficult, would it?"

Shirley lifted one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug. "Not really. The thing that troubles me most is this dog. He doesn't seem...ordinary. And he simply won't leave. I think that problem's finally been solved, though. He's at the animal shelter and he'll probably be adopted soon."

"Good."