Daniel opened his arms and Thomas flew into them. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Daniel nudged him back. “It’s all right now. I forgive you. It’s done. You made it!”
Thomas hung his head. “I was so wrong.” He glanced at Angel, who was smiling his way. “I tried to have you killed!”
She laughed, her eyes sparkling with so much life and love, tears once again streamed down his cheeks.
“I forgive you, Thomas. Welcome to heaven!” She drew him close and embraced him tightly.
A squeal turned him around, In fact several squeals and cries of joy.
Two people and a child surrounded Tori, embracing her with love and happy tears—her sister’s family, no doubt.
Beside her, Nyla and Kyle hugged what must be their parents and the woman she called Tata, her grandmother.
A crowd also formed around Brianna and her two little ones, everyone laughing and hugging and crying at the same time. Grabbing Callie’s hand, Carla dashed toward one of the angels—the only one with wings—and they began twirling and dancing and singing in celebration. More children ran toward them as the other angels joined in.
Thomas couldn’t help but smile at the mighty warriors leaping and skipping for joy right alongside the children as they praised the God of all Creation.
Separating from her family, Nyla searched the enormous field, then scanned the many horses lined up in perfect formation, and Thomas knew who she was looking for.
Her eyes lit and he followed her gaze to see a man walking toward her, emerging from among the horses. Calan! A huge smile beamed on his face. He looked strong, healthy, not at all like the last time Thomas had seen him all beat up with his head on the guillotine block.
Clutching young Daniel, Nyla ran toward him. What a scene it was! Thomas couldn’t tear his gaze away as the couple flew into each other’s arms, hugging and crying and kissing. More tears blurred Thomas's vision as he watched Calan see his son for the first time. Hoisting the young lad up, he flung him around, then kissed and embraced him so much, Thomas was worried the young Daniel might protest. But the boy only grinned and giggled and cried out “Daddy, Daddy!” over and over again.
Wiping his eyes, Thomas watched as all the saints who’d just arrived were reunited with family and friends. Beyond their little group, more people Thomas had never seen before were also greeting their loved ones.
“Your number is small.”
Turning at the voice, Thomas looked up at an angel standing before him. “What number?”
“The saints who made it through the Tribulation without dying,” the large warrior said.
Nodding, Thomas studied him. “I’ve seen you before.”
“Aye, I am Arithem. I was assigned to protect you.”
“To protect me?” Thomas was stunned. “Thank you.”
“Thank the Commander.” He nodded toward a bright light beyond the horses.
The other saints moved beside Thomas, wanting to hear what the angel told him. Even as they did so, other angels joined them, and Thomas knew that these mighty warriors had been their guardians from birth. He shook his head in awe. To think that God valued them so much that He assigned such incredible beings to watch over them. If Thomas had known that on earth,reallyknown it, he never would have been afraid.
Yet instead of saying anything further, the angels began singing and praising God Almighty, rejoicing that the saints they’d guarded had made it into the kingdom.
Thomas could only stare in wonder at the emotions they expressed, the heartfelt praise, the joy, the way they unabashedly worshiped and adored Jesus.
Looking beyond them, Thomas wondered if any of his family had made it, but he saw no one heading his way. Instead, Tori slipped beside him, her smile brighter then he’d ever seen as she introduced him to her family.
A child headed toward them, around eight years old, with gorgeous black hair and green eyes and the brightest, most joy-filled expression on her face. She halted before Tori and gazed up at her.
For a moment, Tori only stared at her with a confused look on her face. Finally, trembling, she knelt before the child. “Are you…?”
The girl nodded, smiling.
Tori swallowed her up in her arms, clinging to the child so tightly, Thomas thought she’d squeeze the life from her. If such a thing was possible in heaven. Who was this child? He longed to ask but couldn’t bring himself to interrupt the heartfelt reunion.
Finally, Tori released the girl. Tears spilling down her cheeks, she ran her hand over the girl’s hair, face, her arms. “You’re so beautiful! What is your name?”
