But he accepted Sean’s hand, almost as if remembering a different world, and a different phase of his own existence. They shook hands. Then they rose together.

Lucian grinned suddenly, making a Star Trek symbol with his fingers. “Live long and prosper!” he quoted. “Damn, but I do love movies!” he told Sean. “Living through centuries of technical advances does have its advantages.”

Sean laughed, returning the hand sign.

“Good-bye, Canady, and good luck.”

Sean nodded. He suddenly heard his name being called. He looked toward the stairs. Hearing her voice as she called him, he knew that Maggie was back.

He turned to say good-bye to Lucian, but no one was there. Leave it to Lucian to make another such exit.

“Sean!”

He hurried down the stairs. She was waiting for him in front of the register desk. She was breathless, eyes alight with a glittering skim of moisture, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

“Maggie, what is it?”

“It’s unbelievable!”

“What?”

“I mean, impossible, but true—”

“What, Maggie, what?”

“Sean, I’m pregnant!”

“What?”

He slipped his arms around her, somewhat startled. She’d never even mentioned the possibility. She had told him that there wasn’t such a possibility. Well, with so much going on, naturally ...

But she nodded vehemently now, so happy that her very warmth seemed to flow into him like sunshine.

“I’m pregnant.” She was trembling.

“But I thought that you couldn’t—”

“I know! Now I can! I’m so happy, I can’t believe it. Sean, something has happened. I don’t know what I’m different. I’ve no strength, no powers. And I’m pregnant. I made them do four different tests!

It’s for real. Oh, Sean, we’re going to have a baby! Somehow, we’ve more than survived this, Sean.

We’re ... we’re both ...”

“Mortal,” he suggested softly.

She swallowed hard, nodding. “Oh, Sean ...”

He held her close.

“How can it be?” she asked softly.

“Faith,” he told her. “Love.”

“I’m still so afraid to believe—”

“Don’t be afraid. We can’t be afraid. We have to take each moment and simply be thankful for it.”

“Are you glad about the baby?” she asked him.

“Delighted. Nothing in this world has ever made me happier. Except just being with you.” She drew away from him, searching out his eyes, then burrowing against his chest again.

“Now, as for you—are you happy?” he asked her seriously.

“Me? Of course. Oh, God—”

“Maggie, you’re going to age now. We’re both going to get old. And we’re going to die.”

“I know. Isn’t it wonderful? Sean, I want to get old with you. And death ... death will be fine. Just as long as they bury us together.”

He laughed softly, taking her hands.

“Certainly. We have a family vault right on the property. But first ... we do have a lifetime to live.”

“A baby, Sean.” She was trembling. “Oh, Lord, I can’t tell you, I couldn’t believe it, I was so pleased myself, I just hope that you—”

He lifted her chin. “I’m thrilled beyond measure. I’m not a kid, you know.” He smiled. “I’m going to be a dad. I owe you more and more.”

He kissed her lips tenderly. Then he slipped an arm around her shoulders.

“Oh, Sean, do you think—”

“Maggie, let’s not wonder. Let’s just marvel about our good fortune.”

“My love,” she murmured.

“Let’s go home.”

Outside, he looked up at the night sky. The moon was full and golden. Maggie was warm in his arms.

They were going to marry and start their family.

A prayer fluttered out toward heaven, straight from his heart.

Thank you, God.

Life was good.

Life was a gift.

He meant to live it to the fullest.