You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 27

Sooner than they would've liked, it was time to head back to California. Dean had an engagement at the Dunes in a few days and it was almost the end of summer.

As they were packing up their luggage, Angela appeared in Chrissy's room. "Hi, doll," she said quietly.

Chrissy smiled, "I hate to leave. Being back here is like a warm hug. We're coming back for Christmas though!"

Angela gave a small smile, "Listen, I want you to have something. My Mama passed it on to me, her mama to her... it's been in the family for generations. They brought it all the way from Italy. I was holding onto it for one of the girls, but I don't know how much time I have left. I want you to wear it when you marry my Dino, then I want you to give it to one of the girls for their wedding."

"Angela... Dean and I haven't... I can't..."

"Christina, please. You and Dean will. All the girls can wear it for their weddings and pass it on or if you and Dino have another baby, you can give it to her since she won't get to meet me."

"Angela..." Chrissy was at a loss for words. Tears were streaming down her face.

"I'm not dead yet," Angela said as she sat down next to Chrissy. "I don't know what will happen and if I'll have my wits about me, so I want to tell you my wishes now, alright?"

Chrissy nodded.

"Here," Angela handed her an old box. When Chrissy opened it, she saw the most beautiful necklace with an opal pendant.

"This is beautiful, Angela."

"I know, and that's why I'm giving it to you. You'll keep it passed on through my family. I wanted this from the day my Mama showed it to me. I wasn't blessed with a little girl to want the same. I just figured one day I would find a daughter-in-law that I trusted enough to give it to..." Angela had tears in her eyes, "When I found out I was sick, even before you and Dino were together, I was going to give it to you. I knew that you would make sure the girls got it and passed it on."

Chrissy wrapped her arms around Angela. "I love you... and I love your son... and your family... and I will take care of all of them. Don't worry about a thing."

"I know, Chrissy. I love you too. Knowing that you're with Dino, makes everything much easier. He's a fragile man. Mr. Cool puts out this tough, carefree exterior, but inside he's so fragile. Only you and I have ever seen that side of him."

Chrissy gave a weak smile and tried to wipe away the tears that were running off of her cheeks.

"Now, I'm going to live the best I can until I can't. So you and Dino go live your lives, get married, and maybe I'll be around to see another grandbaby."

"Angela, I don't want to get your hopes up for that. I don't think I'm meant to have another baby. After what happened..."

Angela smirked, "I just have a feeling, but live your lives... Come visit when you can, but don't come here to stare at me when I'm too sick. Let's enjoy the time while we have it."

Chrissy gave her another hug, "I won't let you down."

"I know," Angela smiled.

On the plane ride home, Chrissy was pretty quiet. When Dean woke up from a nap, he reached for her hand, "Penny for your thoughts?"

"They're lousy," Chrissy sighed, "Not worth a penny."

"Even more the reason to share what's bothering you."