Guardian Angel

By Vibert Miller

Angela and her loving husband, James, were in a train crash in which James perished but Angela survived. Angela feels guilty that she lived, but accepts the hand fate has dealt her. She carries on with her life, raising her teenage daughter and running the business she and James had started together. Then one day she meets Steven, the architect she hires to design her new building, and soon falls for him. But she has a problem--the spirit of James has returned as her "guardia angel." He continues to show up in her life, becoming a meddling ghost only she can see and who is threateneing to derail her future with her new man. She is now faced with the task of banishing him, but will she succeed while keeping her relationship with Steven intact?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vibert Miller
• Release date: May 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201608828

Vibert Miller

Vibert Miller is the author of fourteen books, msot of them romantic thrillers with a touch of paranormal and science fiction. He lives in the Pioneer Valley of Western Masssachussetts.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

James Wentworth and Angela Macy sat in the first row of the auditorium. This was the day they had waited a long time for. It was the day they would receive their diplomas proclaiming they were now MBAs and equipped to go out into the world and make their marks. They secretly held hands as they waited, looking resplendent in their rented black gowns and funny-looking ‘mortarboards.’ They were among a group of about a hundred people who were there for the same purpose. The auditorium was filled with invited guests all anxiously awaiting the speaker.

The slight buzz quieted when the drapes parted, and Dr. Joshua Clark, president of the university, approached the podium. Dr. Clark, Dr. Josh to most people, was a tall man whose slightly bent posture came from his habit of bending over to listen to people. He stood looking over the audience, his hands gripping the podium on both sides, and being the showman he was, waited for the dramatic pause. He raised one hand to his brow and gave it a mock wipe.

Whew, he said, I thought this day would never come, when I can get rid of all of you. His broad face was all smiles as he said this and a roar went up from the audience.

It had often been said of Joshua Clark that had he not become an educator; he would have been a great stand-up comedian. He never missed an opportunity to prove this. In addition to his duties as president, he often taught a class or two, ‘to keep his hand in,’ he said, but most people believed it was to give him a ready audience. His students loved it, and his classes were often over-subscribed.

Commencement over, the young couple and their parents settled into a restaurant to enjoy a celebratory meal. The parents were proud of their offspring and were looking forward to marking this milestone with them. Until it all went south.

So, what’s next? Curtis Wentworth, James’s father said. I guess jobs. Have you applied anywhere yet?

No, Dad, James said. First on the agenda is marriage. The table was silent.

It was a large round table. James and Angela sat together. On Angela’s left, going clockwise was her mother Abigail, then her father, Jacob. Continuing the circle was Curtis Wentworth then Jane, James’s mother who sat next to him.

Marriage? Curtis said. Wouldn’t it be more prudent to get jobs and work awhile before settling into marriage?

Probably, James said, but we can’t wait.

Why can’t you wait? Abigail placed her hand on her daughter’s arm and asked gently.

Because I’m pregnant, Mom. And we don’t want to be unwed parents.

My God, Jane Wentworth uttered and fell silent. The silence around the table was almost solid until Curtis broke it.

Are you sure it is yours, son? he asked.

Angela roared to her feet, almost knocking over her wine glass which James caught.

How dare you? she exploded. Are you saying I sleep around?

Yeah, Dad, James said. That was unnecessary, uncalled for and downright cruel — a new low, even for you. But to answer your question directly, Angela and I love each other dearly. There has never been any room for cheating in our relationship. Yeah, I’m sure.

Angela, who was still standing, threw her napkin on the table. I’m done here, she said, I’m leaving. I am not hungry. With that, she started moving away from the table. James stood and reached for her.

Wait for me, he said. To the group, I’m not hungry, either.

What about all this food we ordered? Curtis Wentworth said.

You eat it, James tossed back as he took Angela’s arm and left the restaurant. Silence again as the parents watched their children’s retreating backs.

Curtis, Jane Wentworth said, you’re a certifiable jackass. You open your mother and senseless stupidity comes tumbling out.

James heard his mother when she said this. I can’t believe it, he said, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard my mother put my dad down.

Maybe there is hope for her yet, Angela said.

Back at the table, there was still silence until a server approached to refill their water glasses.

We’d like to change our orders, Curtis said, only four will be dining.

Only three, Abigail Macy said, I’m leaving too.

Only two, her husband Jacob said, I’m taking my wife home .

In that case, we would like to cancel our orders, Curtis said to the server.

The server stopped pouring and said to them, just a minute, please, and she went over to get the manager.

Is there a problem? the manager asked.

Yes, Abigail answered. We would like to cancel our orders.

I’m afraid that’s not possible at this point. The kitchen is already in the process of preparing your orders.

Alright, then, Jacob said, have your server make up the bill, and I will pay it.

What about the food?

There is a homeless shelter not two blocks away. Call them and have them pick it up.

After the manger left to make the call, Curtis said, look, this is my fault. Me and my big mouth. It’s only fair that I foot the bill.

Tell you what, Jacob replied, let’s split it. With that, he reached out his hand to Curtis who took it.

James and Angela sat dejectedly in James’s car for a minute while gathering their thoughts.

James put his arm around her and whispered in her ear, "I’m sorry. Sometimes my father can be a complete a-hole. My mother is right.’

Look, Angela said, pointing. James followed her finger. Across the parking lot, there was a line of four people marching in single file, bearing down on them with Curtis Wentworth leading the charge.

What the hell, James said. Let’s drive away.

We can’t unless you’re planning to disown them.

Not a bad idea, he replied, but I will miss my mother.

The army of four reached the car and were ranged on the driver’s side. Curtis signaled James to roll down his window.

Since I’m the one who caused this ruckus, it was agreed I would be the spokesman.

Spokesman for what, Dad. You’re not addressing a meeting of your employees.

I know that. I guess it is well known that I operate under the command, ‘open mouth, insert foot,’ Your mother reminded me of that. I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Angela. What I said to her was stupid and hurtful. I promise I will be the best father-in-law she could hope for.

Angela got out of the car and approached the group. First, she hugged her mother and then her father-in-law-to-be.

Dad, she said to her father, you’ve been very quiet. Nothing to say?

Nothing except, we have a wedding to plan. Let’s get on with it.

CHAPTER 2

James’s and Angela’s daughter, Elizabeth, had just turned five years old, when Angela’s father, Dr. Jacob Macy, died. Jacob Macy was a dentist with a thriving practice, well-liked and respected in the community, especially for his philanthropy. He set aside one day of