#3 Lily and Dev's story

     Roused from a drug-induced stupor, Major Courtland gazed in bemusement at the blond-haired, blue-eyed cherub who grinned in return.

     "Papa!" the cherub beamed.

     "James, dearest," a second angel called from further afield. "James Leslie, come to Mama."

     "Papa," the cherub stated once again, indicating the source of his pleasure with a grubby little finger.

     "No, my love, that is Major Courtland," the angel replied. "He is sleeping, dearest, and must not be disturbed."

     "Papa," the cherub mouthed silently, reaching out to gently pat the coverlet in fond solicitude and seemingly unshaken of his belief. Still smiling, he glanced back over his shoulder as the angel drew him away.

     Major Courtland's eyes drifted closed once more. Curious, he reflected as he sank back into slumber. To have avoided the marriage mart assiduously since his majority only to be granted a wife and child in the afterlife. Had all of his bachelor comrades, fated to fall at Waterloo, awakened to such altered circumstances?

"Come, my love," Lily coaxed softly, "it is time for luncheon."

     "Cake?" James Leslie queried hopefully as he and his mama traversed the cool, dim hallway hand in hand.