Chapter 9

Much To Do

Samantha’s plan had worked out perfectly; Catherine had brought down plenty of white and red construction paper with tape and glue for the children to use. But when Samantha saw the glue she immediately told Catherine to take it back, relating the story of how the children had gotten poor Vincent covered in the stuff and had to cut some of his fur and mane off in order to rid himself of it. Catherine laughed, imaging poor Vincent with patches of fur removed from his hands and head. She decided to keep the pot of glue and whenever he gave her any trouble she would threaten him with it.

The next day at the children’s craft class, Samantha had sent little Cathy to fetch Vincent, he could never say no to the little girl so she was perfect for the task. They began making the big rings for the garland and then as planned they started making rings of paper for their fingers including Vincent’s. When Vincent was going to rip the rings off Samantha quickly stopped him pointing out that they could use them to make smaller garlands. She slipped them all off his fingers and carefully pocketed the important one. Then she had run the band of paper from Vincent’s ring finger up to Catherine’s apartment and happily accompanied her to the jewelry store.

Catherine explained to the old man behind the counter what she wanted, showing him the drawing Cullen had made for her. He looked it over then brought out a selection of plain silver bands; Catherine handed him the circle of paper indicating the ring size needed. He clucked over it remarking that he didn’t think he had anything that large on the tray in front of them and sure enough the largest one wasn’t big enough. He thought a moment and then went into the back room bringing out a small box. Opening it Catherine saw a beautiful silver band with beveled edges.

"This was made specially for a wrestler, but it was never picked up. We’ve had it for years; it’s made of platinum so it’ll be more expensive, but it’s the right size." He held the paper circle to it showing that indeed it was just the right size.

"Money is of no object," Catherine stated matter-of-factly, taking the ring out of its nest of black velvet. "Can it be engraved?"

"Yes of course we can do that as well as set it with the ruby and diamond just as you’ve described."

"That’s great! Now on the inside I would like the date April 12^th and the year along with the words ‘love forever’, is that possible as well?"

"Yes we can do it just the way you want it, you’ll need to leave a deposit and we’ll call you when it’s ready."

Beaming Catherine handed over her credit card and gave Samantha a hug of thanks; it wouldn’t have been possible without her. After leaving the shop Catherine took the girl out for dinner by way of thanking her for all her help. Samantha was overjoyed that she could be part of what she considered a fairytale wedding.

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The following weeks were filled with so many things to do. Mouse, Cullen and Kanin helped Vincent install a secret entrance to the tunnels in the basement of the house. They also installed a light system by the door, if the red light was on it meant there was someone in the house and not to come up, if the green light was on then the coast was clear. They also wired up a buzzer, to alert the couple when a tunnel resident was on their way up. When the phones were hooked up Catherine asked Mouse if an intercom unit could be installed in Father’s chamber linking the house with it. He did his ok good, ok fine and in no time they were wired up.

Catherine had brought down furniture catalogs so she and Vincent could furnish their house together and they happily spent hours doing so. Getting furniture that matched was a rare treat for Vincent he was so use to an eclectic style of decorating.

She would have a moving company bring the things she wanting from her fathers house out of storage and the few items from her apartment on the weekend before April 12th. If she couldn’t be there for furniture deliveries then Jenny or Jaime stepped in.

The tunnels were bustling with preparations for the wedding. Cullen, Vincent and the Bishop had made benches for the chapel. Cullen had a beautifully carved sideboard that he had rescued from a wrecking ball that was to serve as an alter.

The Bishop had administered the sacraments to Vincent claiming he never had a finer, more attentive student. He was elated with the intelligent conversation, the discussions they’d had; Vincent was had a wealth of knowledge with and a quick, sharp mind. He was enjoying his life in the tunnels, he liked the people here and they liked him, more and more were attending the daily masses he performed. He felt useful here, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. The Bata lessons were going well too, Vincent would soon be beyond his skill. They would have to find him a more experienced teacher and sparing partner. When this was mentioned to Catherine she thought she knew just the right person, but that could wait till after they were married.

Jenny had come down with Catherine and was completely floored by what she saw, marveling at the underground community. Then unbeknownst to Catherine, Jenny had come down on her own to bring decorations and any other items she felt would be appropriate for the wedding. All the helpers were notified and for the most part would be coming. April 12^th was a Thursday and they had set the time of the ceremony for 5:00 trying to accommodate, as much as possible, those that worked.

Devin had been called and would be coming with Charles. He very excitedly accepted the honor of being his little brother’s best man.