by Taylor Hart
“Enough!” Gracie held up a hand, her lips tight with anger. “I’ve heard enough. I don’t need the events of my life spelled out for me to know I was a dismal failure. I get the point.” A tear slipped out.
Compassion filled Gertrude’s eyes. “We all have our own list of regrets,” she said kindly. “You have a chance to learn a few things … and to help others. It really is an awesome responsibility.”
“But why can’t I do something important like cure world hunger? I wouldn’t think the Man upstairs would be that concerned with piddly relationships.”
Gertrude was amused. “You don’t think relationships are important?”
She shrugged. “I mean, I guess they’re important, but not as important as curing world hunger.” She could tell from the peeved look on Gertrude’s face that she’d said the wrong thing.
“I’ll have you know that relationships make up the foundation of human existence. The relationship between a man and woman is the purest and most sacred expression of love. Devoted husbands and wives rear happy and productive children. Families are the central part of God’s Creation and must be protected at all costs.”
“Geez, sorry,” she inserted when Gertrude paused long enough to take a breath. “I didn’t mean to ruffle your feathers.”
“Through this assignment, you will come to know how vital relationships are.”
Gracie let out a breath. “Okay, you’ve made your point. When do we start?”
“There’s no time like the present.”
Gracie looked down. “Oh, one more thing. I appreciate these clothes, and I’m sure my mom would love them ... but …”
Gertrude let out an impatient huff. “I can see that you’re going to be a demanding one.”
Gracie shrugged. “What can I say? I may be dead, but that doesn’t mean I have to look like crap.”
“You’re starting to push my buttons.”
Gracie gave what she hoped was her best convincing smile. “Please, you want me to feel comfortable, don’t you?”
“Very well.” Gertrude waved a hand. Suddenly, Gracie was wearing one of her favorite outfits—a long, black sweater, patterned leggings, and black lace-up boots. She gave Gertrude an appraising look. “Wow, I’m impressed. You’ve obviously done your homework.”
“I always do,” she quipped. But she looked pleased, making Gracie suspect that she might be a big softie underneath that stern exterior.
“Hey, when do I get to do that wave thing?”
“Wave thing?”
“Yeah, making things appear. That’s pretty cool.”
Gertrude chuckled. “Oh, give it a millennium or two … you’ll get the hang of it.”
Gracie’s face fell. “What?” How long was she going to have to do this angel thing? Then she saw the mischievous glint in Gertrude’s eyes. She pointed. “You got me.” She lifted her arms in the air and stretched, inhaling deeply. “All right, Gertie. What do you say we get this show on the road?”
“It’s Gertrude,” she countered stiffly.
Gracie just laughed. “Gracie and Gertie. Has a nice ring to it. Don’t you think?”
Gertrude shook her head and looked up. “Why me?”
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Additional Works
Additional Works
By Taylor Hart
Sweet Romance Books
Young Adult Books
About the Author
Taylor Hart has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her dreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don’t really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune—maybe in the next life. Find Taylor at:
www.taylorhartbooks.com │ Twitter: @taylorfaithhart │ Facebook: Taylor Hart
