Noah (Angel Institute #7)

Chapter 11

Eleven

WILL

T he soft chiming of celestial bells fills the air as I make my way through the pearly corridors of the Angel Institute.

I pause outside Henry’s office to center myself and prepare for the meeting ahead. The door before me is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, intricate clockwork patterns swirling across its surface in a dance of light and shadow. I raise my hand to knock, but before my knuckles can make contact, the door swings open of its own accord.

“Come in, Will,” Henry says. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Of course, he has. Sometimes, I wonder if there’s anything that escapes Henry’s notice.

I step into his office and close the door behind me.

Henry moves to sit behind his gleaming wood desk, a kind smile on his face. The light in the room seems to gravitate toward him, casting a gentle glow around his silver hair. “Have a seat,” he says, gesturing to one of the plush chairs.

I sink into the seat, the cushion molding to my form in a way that should be comforting. But comfort is the last thing on my mind right now.

“What’s troubling you, Will?” Henry asks.

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “It’s about Noah,” I begin, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t think I’m the right angel for this assignment. Everything I do seems to go wrong. I tried to help him network with a gallery owner, but he deflected the spotlight to Paige. And now... now I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing. Paige is doing all the work on him—giving him confidence and a reason to spend more time doing what he loves. I’m a very unneeded third wheel.”

Henry listens patiently, his expression one of understanding. When I pause to catch my breath, he leans forward, folding his hands on the desk. “And why do you think Paige is able to influence him so easily?”

“I don’t know. Because he likes her.” I throw my hands up in exasperation. “Because she’s easy to talk to, and she pays attention to him.”

Henry chuckles, the sound like warm honey. “Love is a powerful tool, and unconditional acceptance and love can change people in ways they never saw coming.” He leans back in his chair, regarding me thoughtfully. “Do you remember why you were chosen for this particular assignment?”

I furrow my brow, thinking back to when I first read my assignment letter. “Because... because Noah needs to rediscover his passion? To learn to embrace life?”

Henry nods. “Exactly. And who better to teach someone about embracing life than someone who approaches every moment with enthusiasm and joy?”

His words make me pause. I hadn’t thought about it that way before.

“But Henry,” I protest, “Wouldn’t it be better if I was reassigned to someone who knows what they want out of life?”

Henry’s expression turns serious. “Noah doesn’t have to know every step along the path to start moving in that direction. The changes he’s making now are taking him to a new place; when he gets there, he’ll have to decide if he wants to stay or move on to something else. What he needs from you is someone to walk beside him.”

“He has Paige for that,” I mumble.

“All the better, because she’ll be around for Noah when you are assigned to someone else. Perhaps your purpose should be to strengthen their bond and help the two of them come together.” Henry lifts his eyebrows in question.

I let his words sink in, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Part of me understands what Henry is saying, but another part still feels overwhelmed and unnecessary.

“But what if I can’t do it?” I ask, voicing my deepest fear. “I didn’t take one cupid class, not even as a prerequisite. Maybe I should drop this and start again next semester.”

Henry’s eyes soften. “Will, failure is not measured by whether Noah succeeds, as you think he should. It’s measured by whether you give up on him. God is not in the business of giving up on His children, and neither are guardian angels.”

I scrunch up my nose, holding back the protests that threaten to spill out. Henry’s words make sense, which I don’t like. I want my way, not reason, and common sense. “So,” I say slowly, “you’re saying I should just... keep being myself? But that it’s okay to let Paige work her womanly charms on him—and that’s not going to affect me getting my wings?”

Henry’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Not in the least.”

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. It won’t be easy, I know that. But maybe, just maybe, I don’t have to be the center of Noah’s attention, and I can still help him. That’s it! I’ll help. I don’t know how, but I’m sure he can use an extra hand somewhere.

“Thank you, Henry,” I say, rising from my chair. “I... I’ll keep trying.” With a final nod, I step out of the office and back into the shimmering corridors. I guess I have to let go of my dreams of grandeur and acclaim.