Chapter 23

Her wedding day was here. Vincent left his chamber for her and Jenny to use while he and JV spent the previous night with Father. She could hear Jenny exclaiming over the fabulous new shower Vincent and Mouse had finished only a few days ago.

Jenny came out of the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel. "I’d fight you for Vincent just for that shower."

Catherine laughed. "You can’t have him. Shower or no shower."

"Maybe I can have that Mouse build one for me."

"Jen, it’s all stone. It wouldn’t fit in your apartment."

"Maybe I could move in with Devin."

"How’s that working out?"

"Slowly, but it is working. Since your attack we’ve gotten closer."

"I hope he doesn’t hurt you, Jen."

"I don’t think he will. The shower is yours. I didn’t waste any water."

Catherine let the hot water rain on her for a minute. Vincent, Kanin and Mouse had chiseled away at the stone and made the shower a little larger, and added a shelf for soap, and shampoo. The hand held shower head now had a rain nozzle. The water would still have to be emptied from the special containers, but it was nice to have a shower when she didn’t go to the bathing pools. Mouse figured a way to keep the water hot all the way to Vincent’s chamber from the pools. Except for the floor which was left a little rough for safety the rest of the gray stone had been polished to a high sheen. Flecks of silver, bronze and gold glittered throughout the gray in the candlelight.

Vincent had brought in an old cherry wood armoire with shelves and drawers for use as a linen closet. Just for Catherine he brought in an old mirror. He still felt uneasy seeing himself reflected in the glass. Her full length antique mirror he’d put in her study.

Her mind went back over the past few weeks. She had healed quickly. The pain in her side was gone. Vincent said it was his blood that healed her, she believed him. No one let them do anything but rest the first week. They were waited on constantly. Vincent went crazy with all the attention.

That first night after she had been tucked in her bed in the alcove by Mary and Ruth Ann she couldn’t sleep. She lay there whimpering quietly. All she could see was herself tumbling out of the chopper to certain death, never to see Vincent again.

He came to her, undid his brace and carried her to his bed. He gently pulled her close to his body. Enfolded in his arms she felt safe and warm and loved. He did this every night that first week. During the day they would read to each other. Many times JV would join them and read his favorite stories. By the second week they were secretly walking to the waterfalls or the chapel to give thanks.

Catherine returned to the shop to finish her gown and cloak. She scolded Louise for not telling her she was married to the Michael Richmond Catherine had known from the tunnels. Louise told her she had never thought Catherine knew Michael until after the first interview. Then she didn’t know how to bring it up in conversation with all that was happening so quickly.

Joe and Diana stopped by to tell her just about everyone connected to Otis Northrup or Jonathan Pope had been arrested. Even Dr Peterson from Bay General Hospital who admitted giving her memory altering drugs on Pope’s orders.

"It will take years to sort out the real estate holdings and deals. All kinds of suits and accusations are pouring in. I don’t know what will happen to all Elliot Burch’s former estate. He had no family."

"See that any money due him goes to a good cause, Joe, in his name." Catherine pleaded.

"I’ll do my best, Radcliff."

"We have a surprise for you," Diana said.

"You two are an item."

"Besides that," Diana laughed, hugging Joe’s arm. "We’ve been able to get your father’s safety deposit box key. You cut it close for the ten year period his bank used. Because of a change in bank ownership the box wasn’t released yet." She handed Catherine the key. "It wasn’t hard to convince the bank president you deserved the key after all you’d been through even though you were over the time."

"I’m sorry Cathy, ten years ago we had to go through that box. You’re a very rich woman. Your father left you a lot of stocks and bonds, even jewelry."

"I am rich, I have Vincent. I’ll probably set up some scholarships for any of the children Below who want to go to college. Set up a fund for JV."

Diana handed her a metal box. "No one has seen these but Joe and me. These are Gabriel’s tapes of you, and Vincent trying to rescue you and JV. We found them at Northrup’s house. Only Joe and I have seen them."

"I’m so sorry Cathy that you had to go through all that you did." Joe hugged her close.

Tears spilled from her eyes. "He tormented me every day in California. Made me watch Vincent being electrocuted until my memory was taken away. Vincent and I will destroy these together."

"I understand now how he could save you. He is never going to let anything bad happen to you again." Joe squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "Your future has nothing but good things waiting for you."

That night she and Vincent destroyed every tape...except one, JV’s birth.

She stepped out of the shower, wrapped herself in one of the new thick towels given to her and Vincent. A gift, one of many packed in a trunk for them. Mary and Ruth Ann had surprised them with a small party including Jenny and Diana. A few of the males of the community were also present including JV, Father, Devin, Mouse and Kanin. Joe had to work. The sewing group had filled the trunk with many hand made things. For Vincent there were new denim pants, cotton shirts, two new vests, one quilted and one made in shades of brown suede and leather. There were even two knit sweaters, a wool jacket and nightshirts with matching pants.

For Catherine they had made a wardrobe suitable for the chill of the tunnels. Sweaters, one in a heather blue, one a deep rose and a heavy cream cable knit. A leather and suede skirt and jacket matched Vincent’s vest. Mary swore the leather was old and had been donated. It was as soft as butter. Wrapped in tissue with a satin ribbon were two beautiful, long sleeved heirloom nightgowns of delicate lawn, trimmed with lace, ribbons and fine embroidery. To match there was a long, silken wool shawl.

"I don’t know what to say besides thank you, all of you." Catherine blinked back the tears.

Samantha, a young woman Catherine remembered as a child, gave them a basket full of soap, shampoo, lotions, oils and creams she had made. "I wove the basket myself," she told them. Tucked around the basket were tiny lavender and herb stuffed pillows and lavender wands for the drawers and wardrobes.

Three beeswax candles tied with raffia included a note from Rebecca telling them there was a whole box of assorted candles being delivered to their chamber.

Diana gave them sterling silver backed combs, brushes and a hand mirror on an antique tray from her and Joe.

Knowing how much they loved to read to each other, Father had found two first edition books by William Shakespeare on his shelves.

JV handed them a small flat package. "Aunt Jenny helped me with this." Catherine opened the present carefully. Inside was photo of JV, Vincent and her sprawled on Vincent’s bed laughing. It had been taken shortly after her rescue. "I made the frame," he said proudly. Tiny pebbles of different colors covered the frame. He looked at his father, "I wanted a family photo, dad."

"Only for you and your mom, JV."

Jenny handed Catherine a brightly wrapped present with a big bow. "Now that I have spent some time down here this may be more suitable for your apartment." The box held a slinky lace trimmed satin gown with a long slit up the side and a matching robe in deep blue. There were matching pajamas for Vincent. Tucked into a corner of the box were two tissue wrapped presents with notes saying do not open until your honeymoon. Catherine blushed, "I’m sure I’ll be warm enough, Jen."

Ruth Ann handed them the final present. The quilt. "Vincent, Catherine designed this quilt. I was able to convince her to let those of us here sew it. Word got around we were making this quilt for you both. Everyone wanted to add their touch to it. We didn’t tell Catherine but everyone old enough to sew did some quilting."

Mary handed them a journal. "Everyone who did some quilting signed this journal and wrote you a special message. Catherine quilted the lion and lioness with roses in the center. She said we could name the quilt. We named it Touch of Love."

Catherine cried over the beautiful quilt with all the love that had gone into it. Vincent was speechless. Back in their chamber they read the journal together. Catherine knew Ruth Ann was having many hands help sew the quilt. She hadn’t realized everyone had put their mark on it.

"Father," Vincent read in surprise. "For the dreams and love you share. JV, For mom and dad. I love you. Even Mouse, All’s right, all’s good," he laughed. "The children that you loved Catherine who are now grown, Samantha, Geoffrey, Zack, Kipper," he went down the list.

"Look, besides Jenny she had Devin, Diana and Joe." Catherine ran her hand over the list.

"Catherine, look. Elizabeth...Narcissa."

"They all love you very much, Vincent."

"And you, Catherine."

Jenny helped Catherine put up her hair and dress in the lion and rose embroidered gown. "You look lovely, Cathy. To think when we were in college you couldn’t even sew on a button."

"I don’t think I ever tried." She fastened Vincent’s crystal pendant around her neck. It fit perfectly in the V of her dress. She slipped the matching earrings in her ears. "I’m ready Jen."

"For your hair." She handed Catherine a comb set with small crystals Mouse had made as a surprise for her. "Perfect, Cathy, you look so happy."

"I am. This has been a dream I never thought could come true. Vincent and I had so many dreams long ago. As horrible as it sounds, maybe we needed the last ten years to realize what we missed and how short life can be. Now we’ll let nothing stand in the way of our future dreams."

"He’s pretty incredible, Cathy."

"Since the day he found me dying in the park Jen, he’s been my savior, my friend, my protector, lover, father of my son, my soul mate. I love him with every fiber of my being. Forever."

They heard a cough in the doorway. "If you lovely ladies are ready, your carriage awaits," Mouse said.

"Carriage?"

"This way."

Catherine put her cloak around her shoulders. She and Jenny followed Mouse out of the chamber. At the entrance to the tunnel she stopped in amazement. Mouse’s good friend, Jamie, stood at the head of a gleaming white pony hitched to a gilt edged cart. Ribbons and roses decorated both the pony and the cart.

"Mouse, how did you get a pony down here?"

"Belongs to a helper. Snowflake visits the children all the time. She’s used to the tunnels." He patted the pony’s neck and fed her a piece of carrot from his pocket. "Can’t have you walking the tunnels dressed like that, Catherine."

He offered her his hand to help her step into the cart, then Jenny. Their bouquets of fragrant roses lay on the seat. Rose petals of every color were scattered along the tunnel floors under the pony’s feet. Many residents holding lanterns and throwing more rose petals lined the way, waving as she went by.

"Big crowd at chapel," Mouse said, leading the pony with Jamie.

"They are showing how much they love Vincent," Catherine responded.

"For you, Catherine. You love Vincent. You make him happy. They love you," he said seriously.

There was barely enough room for the cart in front of the chapel. The area was lit with many lanterns and candles. Mouse helped her out of the cart, took the cloak from her shoulders and placed it on the seat. "Take you and Vincent after ceremony."

Impulsively, Catherine put her arms around him, whispered, "You have long been our best friend, Mouse. Thank you."

"Love Vincent. Love you too, Catherine."

She could hear music from the chapel. JV stood in the doorway. He raised his thumb in the air behind his back then ran to her. "Mom, dad is waiting." He offered her his arm.

Jenny disappeared through the doorway. Violin music started to play Canon in D.

"Ready, mom?" JV asked, a big smile filling his face.

"I’m ready." She stood a moment in the chapel entry. The room was bursting with people. She thought there would only be a few people at the ceremony. She spotted Devin with Diana and Joe. Narcissa was sitting with Elizabeth. All the children she knew, now grown. Louise and Michael, Helen. So many. There were candles and roses everywhere. She looked to the front and saw Vincent. Their eyes locked and all around her was but a dreamy haze. She walked on the arm of her son to her future.

JV put her hand in Vincent’s and kissed them both, tears of joy ran down his young cheeks. He went and stood next to his grandfather who put his arm around him.

"You’re beautiful, Vincent." He wore a black velvet jacket over a white ruffled lawn shirt and the white vest Catherine had embroidered with the lion and rose. The lion and rose pin she had given him the night before was pinned at his throat. He had given up his worn denims for gray wool slacks. On his feet he wore calf high soft leather boots. She wanted to run her fingers through his tawny gold hair.

"I pale next to you, Catherine. I cherish your lion and rose creations. He touched the pin at this throat. Stroked a finger gently down her cheek.

The minister cleared his throat. They both looked at him and smiled.

"Today we are gathered together to witness the union of two very special people in marriage. They have written their own vows. Vincent, you may go first.

Vincent took Catherine’s hands in his, looked deeply into the moss green of her eyes. His words came from his heart.

"I, Vincent, take you, Catherine, to be my wife, my partner in life, my one and only true love.

I will cherish you and love you today, tomorrow, always.

I will live with you, I will laugh with you, I will cry with you, I will dream with you.

I promise to stay by your side in sickness and in health, in joy and sorrow, in good times and in bad.

Whatever may come, I will always be here for you.

As I give you this ring today,

A circle without end.

My love for you is eternal."

Father handed a ring to Vincent. He slipped the lion and rose carved gold band onto her finger, brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. Tears ran unashamedly down his face.

Catherine took his large hands in her small ones. She tried to focus eyes brimming with tears on the glittering blue looking back at her. As she recited the same vows back to him she kissed each finger in a statement of love uttering a soft "mine" each time.

Jenny handed her the ring for Vincent with the same lion and rose carved around the smooth gold. She placed the ring on his finger, pressed his hand to her lips then rested her cheek briefly against the ring. He felt her tears against his skin.

Together they finished their vows.

"I will not leave you or return from following after you

For where you go I will go

And where you stay I will stay.

And where you die I will die and there I will be buried.

May the Lord do with me as He will when death parts me from you

From this day forward we will live our dreams. We will take the journey none have ever taken, together.

The minister placed a hand on each of their heads, " I now pronounce you husband and wife. Vincent, you may now kiss your bride."

He lowered his mouth to hers and couldn’t let her go. Gradually the cheers and clapping penetrated his brain and he reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers. She tucked her hand under his arm and slowly they walked out of the chapel. He helped her into the waiting pony cart and sat beside her. He looked at her and said in a hushed voice, "My wife, always."

"Yes, Vincent. Forever."

Mouse led the pony from the chapel under a rain of rose petals.

Vincent put his arm around Catherine, she rested her head on his shoulder, placed her hand inside his shirt against his heart. "Our dream has come true, my love."

His arm tightened, he kissed her hair. "Mouse, stop here." He stepped out of the cart and offered Catherine his hand. "Will you walk with me, Catherine?"

She jumped down into his arms. "I will follow you anywhere, Vincent."

"Mouse, take the pony for the children to play with. Catherine and I will walk for awhile. Tell everyone we will be there soon." He reached for Catherine’s cloak and put it over her shoulders. He took one of the lanterns hanging from the cart to light their way and his own cloak.

Mouse kept looking at Catherine. "What Mouse?" Vincent asked.

Mouse looked at him a little frightened. "Vincent, can I kiss the bride?"

Vincent looked at him, a big smile on his face. "Ask her, Mouse."

Mouse turned to Catherine. She held out her arms, "Mouse, you are our dearest friend. Of course you can kiss me."

"Don’t want to make Vincent mad."

"You won’t."

He hugged her tight and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations."

"Thank you for Snowflake. She was perfect."

Vincent slapped Mouse on the back. "Thank you, Mouse, for always being here for us."

Mouse nodded his head and led the pony away.

Vincent held up the lantern, Catherine tucked her hand under his arm. "Where are we going?"

"A small, private place of mine." He led her through the tunnels to a small chamber overlooking the waterfalls. Blankets and pillows were scattered on a long, low outcropping of rock. "I come here often to think and listen to the water. To read. To think about you when I thought I had lost you. Now I’d like to share it with you." He put down the lantern, she stepped into his arms.

"My wife," a tear rolled down his cheek.

"Vincent," she tenderly touched his face.

"Today, tomorrow and always, Catherine."

"Forever," she whispered. Her hands slid under his cloak, up the soft velvet of his jacket, locked behind his neck. She offered him her lips.

With a muffled growl from deep within his chest, he pulled her tightly against him, enfolding her within the circle of his arms, his lips hungrily sought hers. He found them soft and warm and giving. He pulled the pins from her hair, the glossy brown strands brushed his face.

He lowered her to the pillow covered ledge, buried his face in her neck, breathed in the scent of her. His tongue burned a trail down her throat to the valley between her breasts where his crystal pendant lay a flame of fire against her skin.

She lifted her hands and though they trembled they framed his face. His body felt so strong against hers, so solid, so powerful.

Her fingers stroked his hair. "We really must go," she breathed.

"I know. I can’t share you yet." He needed another minute of her, of the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms. He kissed his ring on her finger. "I had it engraved inside. ‘ In my heart, always. Vincent’."

"I had yours engraved, also, ‘A lifetime and more, forever. Catherine’."

"I didn’t think I’d like wearing a ring." He held out his hand. "Somehow, it feels perfect. All things are now possible, Catherine." His mouth sought hers once more. "Oh, Catherine. You are my heart’s desire." He leaned his forehead against hers. "You’re right. We’d better go. Everyone will be waiting for us."

She could feel her hair around her shoulders. "Somehow I must make myself presentable before we return. Help me find my hair pins."

"You look beautiful."

"I’m sure I look ravished," she laughed.

His wild blue eyes glinted in the candlelight. "Tonight," he whispered.

Jenny watched Catherine leave with Vincent in the pony cart and sighed.

"Why so sad?" Devin said behind her.

"Not sad, just a little envious, I guess.

"Yes, they have something special. Since Vincent met Catherine she’s been his heart’s dream. When he thought he lost her, others tried to take her place. I don’t think he even noticed."

She smiled at him. "Their life is a fairy tale romance. They get to ride off in the horse and carriage while we get to hoof it."

Devin laughed. "Don’t worry, we only have to hoof it over there a little bit," he pointed toward the tunnel everyone was headed down. "Come, sit with me by the pool."

Rose petals drifted across the mirror surface. He put his arm around her shoulders. "When I’m Above I never forget how beautiful and serene it can be down here."

"All this under the hustle and bustle of New York City. Who’d believe it," Jenny murmured. "Don’t you miss it when you’re away?"

"Yes, but there is always the pull of the unknown, the unexplored. When Vincent and I were boys we were always going to explore the world together. Then I realized he could never leave the tunnels... I was selfish and went without him."

"That’s one of the reasons you come back so infrequently. You didn’t want to remind him of things he cannot do with you."

"With Catherine, there is nothing he cannot do."

"You no longer have a reason to stay away, Devin."

"No Jen," he looked deep into her dark eyes. "I have another reason to stay in town." He cupped her chin in his hand and gently kissed her lips.

Joe and Diana threw rose petals on Vincent and Catherine. "Love conquers all," Joe said, looking around unbelievably. "What is all this, Diana?"

"A world you can never reveal, Joe. Vincent and Catherine put their trust in you by letting you come to their wedding. So many lives depend on you keeping this secret. They have their own laws and ways of dealing with any crime."

"Vincent."

"Sometimes, but they have a tribunal that decides things."

"I’ll keep the secret, Diana. After seeing those tapes of Vincent and Cathy, what they have gone through, I would do nothing to jeopardize their happiness. I hope they will let me come again."

"Do you want to see something really incredible? Bring one of the lanterns and follow me." She led him through a narrow, twisted passage to a small window sized opening in the stone. He could hear the thunder of water. "Look, Joe."

He was stunned. Some distance from them he saw a beautiful waterfall bathed in light..

"It is too far to go to today. Maybe another time."

"We are under New York, right?’

"Right. I don’t know where the water and light come from but it is incredible."

"I can’t believe no word of this place has ever leaked out."

"Believe it, Joe. These people are very careful to make sure their secrets are kept."

He shook his head and just stared at the falls. "Beautiful, " he turned to her. "Beautiful," he whispered against her mouth.

Catherine saw Jenny watching for her. "Do you have my purse? I can’t go in looking like this."

"Well kissed," her friend laughed, looking at Vincent.

Catherine blushed. "Help me Jen."

Jenny hugged her. "I have everything you’ll need in here. This room is set up for the women." There was a mirror, framed with candles, on a small vanity. A few cushioned benches. A curtain covered the entrance.

Diana peeked in.

"Help," Catherine begged.

Diana and Jen laughed. "Can’t he wait until tonight."

"We can, he didn’t," she sputtered, her cheeks pink.

"I’ll get the doorway," Diana said. "You two repair the damage." She pointed to her neck behind Catherine’s back.

"I saw that," Catherine said, looking at her neck in the mirror. It was covered with small bite marks from Vincent’s teeth. She applied fresh makeup and pinned her hair back into place. Along with her crystal comb she added a few roses to her hair. "I’m ready." JV and Vincent were waiting for her outside.

Joyful music greeted their entrance. Loud cheers, clapping and rose petals fell everywhere around them. Father welcomed them with a speech.

"Today is one of the most joyous we have ever had. Everyone has come together to celebrate this wonderful occasion. The love Catherine and Vincent share with each other and their son warms all our hearts. They have always had a dream. They never let anyone stop them from dreaming. Today that dream has come true Congratulations."

Everyone cheered and surrounded them, clapping Vincent on the back, kissing Catherine’s cheek and squeezing JV’s shoulder. Some of the women were bold enough to kiss Vincent’s cheek.

Huge platters of food were placed on long wooden tables. A small, round table was set for Vincent, Catherine and JV.

Devin clinked his glass to get everyone’s attention. "I’d like to make a toast to my baby brother and his bride. You may be bigger than me but I’m older so the honor of this toast is mine. We grew up together here in the tunnels, had fun, raised hell, parted. In all our years I have never seen you happier than when you are with Catherine. She has brought you peace, taught you love and given you a son. She is your other half who has now made you whole. I wish you both a future filled with happiness and everlasting love."

The group of musicians, made up of tunnel residents and helpers played softly while everyone ate. One of the vocalists stood, "Vincent and Catherine have requested this special Ira Gershwin song, Long Ago and Far Away, for their first dance."

Vincent took her hand in his and wrapped his other arm around her waist as the first soft strands of music swept the silent room.

"Long ago and far away

I dreamed a dream one day

And now that dream is here beside me."

They waltzed around the room, eyes locked. No one uttered a sound, mesmerized by the love they could see the couple shared.

"The dream I dreamed was not denied me

Just one look and then I knew

That all I longed for long ago was you

That all I longed for long ago was you."

They finished in the center of the room to complete silence. Vincent pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers in a long kiss. The silence continued for a moment and then deafening cheers split the air. Vincent released her lips but not her hand. He bowed to her, she sank in a deep curtsey her eyes never leaving his. People hit their glasses and mugs with forks and spoons continuously.

"Kiss me again," she said breathlessly.

He pulled her close, then, dipped her back across his arm, his blue eyes wild.

"Vincent," she clutched his arm.

He crushed her mouth once more with his own. She clasped her hands behind his head and held on. More cheers erupted around them.

The rest of the day was filled with music, food, laughter and friends, old and new. A tall cake decorated with fresh roses was brought to the middle of one of the wooden tables. The musicians started to play a favorite of Catherine’s. ‘I Promise You’. She and Vincent cut the cake and enjoyed a bite. He took her in his arms once again for their final dance as the vocalist sang.

‘I will promise you, yes I promise to

Love you for all your life

Love you every day and night

I will always be there for you

I’ll be in your arms, you’ll be in my heart

I’ll love you forever, I promise you

We’ll be together our, whole life through

There’s nothin’ that I, I wouldn’t do

With all of my heart, I promise you

I will take your hand, and I’ll understand

Share all your hopes and dreams

Show you what love can mean

Whenever life gets too much for you

I’ll be on your side, to dry the tears you cry

Oh I will always be in your arms

And you will always be the flame

Within my heart

Vincent guided Catherine out of the hall. Someone handed them their cloaks. Rose petals rained down on their heads once again. He helped her into the pony cart, slipped his arm around her and with the other hand took the reins from Mouse. The little pony pulled the cart down the tunnel while strains of music echoed behind them. Catherine placed her head on his shoulder and murmured, "I’ll love you forever, I promise you."

He answered her, "We’ll be together, our whole life through. I promise you."

Chapter 24

 

Vincent stopped Snowflake near his chamber. "We’re home." He jumped from the cart and lifted Catherine down. Rose petals drifted around them, clung to their hair. His lips brushed hers gently.

Mouse appeared from nowhere. "Take pony," he said. "Goodbye." He led Snowflake back through the tunnel.

"Goodnight, Mouse," they called after him. "Thank you."

Vincent took Catherine’s hand, "Home. It is your home now, too." He lifted her into his arms to carry her inside.

"What!" he exclaimed.

"Oh, my," she said in amazement.

The chamber had been totally redecorated since she and Jenny had left it in the morning. Vincent’s huge bed had been replaced by her large leather couch. Candles were lighted all around the room. Many of the walls were still lined with books except one, where her lion quilt hung, his blue eyes watching over them.

Vincent’s big, wooden table had been cleared. In the center was a round crystal vase full of roses. Presents were piled in a corner against the far wall. His large velvet and wood chair had been paired with a smaller one for Catherine in gold and burgundy. A small footstool sat in front of the chair. The couch was draped with a quilt of the California redwoods she had done. The chairs had golden chenille throws.

He carried her to the alcove that was now their bedroom. His bed was covered with the quilt the community had done for them, many pillows covered in matching fabric were piled at the head. Scattered over all were more rose petals. Vases of fragrant roses sat on the highly polished dressers, wardrobe, and night tables. Candles burned brightly everywhere. Antique carpets covered the floor. The painting of them done by Kristopher Gentian rested against the wall.

"You can put me down now, Vincent."

He set her gently on her feet. He pulled the pins from her hair, it fell around her shoulders. A wave of desire flowed over him. She leaned into him, touched her lips to his.

"I have a present for you," she whispered, pulling away reluctantly. She handed him a cardboard cylinder from her dresser drawer. "I did this just for you."

He carefully opened the quilt of her, JV and himself. She had named it ‘Family.’

"Catherine, thank you," he said softly. He took her face in his hands and lowered his mouth, taking hers in a kiss of quiet, desperate tenderness. She felt it deep in her heart. "I have a present for you, too," he murmured against her lips. He handed her a small crystal box that glittered in the candlelight. The top lifted off to reveal a deep blue velvet pillow to protect anything she wanted to place inside.

"Oh Vincent, it’s beautiful. Did you get the crystal in the Crystal Cavern?"

"Yes. I thought we could see it on our honeymoon. I want to show you all my world."

"I’ll follow wherever you lead, Vincent. The first stop is in your arms. Tonight I want to feast my eyes on all of you. No more hidden shadows. Will you let me?"

"Yes." He brought in many of the candles from the outer chamber, brightening the bedroom. He reached to unclasp his cloak.

She stopped his hands. "Let me," she whispered. She undid the clasp, ran her hands up his chest, pushing the heavy black and brown mixture of fabrics off his shoulders. She placed the cloak along with her own on a chair.

She unpinned the lion rose pin at his throat, placed it in her crystal box along with her pendant and earrings and his small leather pouch holding the ivory rose. Her fingers slowly untied the cloth at his neck, parted the ruffles of his shirt. Her lips trailed down the exposed flesh to his heart where the beat was strong.

He stood, head lowered, watching her. Blue eyes darkening

She wanted to look, show him that no part of his body was distasteful to her. She wanted to savor the power, the strength, the sensitivity, feel the muscles quiver, feel the heat pumping out of his pores. And know deep inside that she had caused it. She wanted to kiss the injuries. He had gone through hell for her, would do so again if need be. The candlelight danced off the gold of his hair. She stroked her hands over the long strands.

He eased out of his gray wool slacks and soft leather boots. Did she have any idea how exciting she was, he wondered. Did she know what she was doing to him? He wanted to touch her so badly. He waited, let her look. He no longer felt uneasy under her gaze but his body was telling him to hurry while his brain was telling him to go slow.

She let her hands roam where they pleased, over rope taut muscles, through the soft, golden, silky hair covering his body. When he quivered again and his breathing grew thick and ragged, she scraped her fingers slowly up his sides and down his back. She barely felt the feather light touch of his fingers on the zipper of her gown. It pooled at her feet.

His hands skimmed under the satin and lace chemise, slipped it over her head. She smelled of roses and lavender and summer flowers. Of something else that made his blood sing. Then he kissed her. He slid his arms behind her back, holding her as he very slowly lowered her onto the bed. "Catherine," he breathed. "Look later, I have to touch you, now." His mouth teased and tormented hers.

"Vincent," his name escaped her lips. She kissed the pulse that was hammering under his jaw.

Her body gleamed in the candlelight. The stab wound in her side had paled to a thin pink line. He trailed it gently with his tongue. He placed his hand over her heart, pressed hers to his chest. Looked deep into her eyes. The heartbeats echoed each other. His usually slower beat raced with hers. His hands slid down her thighs, over the gossamer silk of her stockings. "Catherine..."

"Mmm."

"I don’t...."he stammered. He didn’t want to rip or tear with his claws.

She laughed, slipped off the stockings, leaving only a small wisp of satin and lace between them.

Many of the candles had burned out, those still burning added a soft romantic light to the room. The fire still gave off plenty of warmth from its glowing embers.

He ran his hand down her leg to her toes, brought his mouth to her ankle. He took small nips as he worked his way up to her knee. He continued along her thigh, his tongue hot and moist on the soft flesh. Her back arched in anticipation. His hands took over and slowly slid over her hips and across her stomach, stopping for a moment when his lips returned to her mouth.

His hands continued up over her ribs, cupped her small breasts. His mouth burned along her throat, lower. Her body began to tremble. Very gently, he caught her nipple between his teeth. He used his tongue to keep her trembling.

"Vincent," her fingers dug into his shoulders.

He raised up on his hands, his eyes on her face. Her skin was hot and flushed. "Look at me, Catherine."

She raised her eyes to his, saw the deep fire burning within the smoldering blue. She brought her hands to his face, smoothed his hair back. Her fingers stroked up and down his arms and over his shoulders, gently kneading the muscles in his back. Her eyes never left his as her hands roamed lower. His eyes went dark when her fingers closed and gently squeezed.

"Catherine," he gasped, collapsing against her, fighting for breath.

They lay together, breathless and hungry, burning with an insatiable desire for each other’s love. His hand removed the last barrier of lace between them, carefully he stroked her with his fingers.

Her body sang at his touch. "Vincent," she begged. His hands grabbed her hips pulling her tighter to him.

His roar, wild and joyous echoed off the walls. She screamed his name.

"Catherine," his voice was thick. "My wife, I’m so in love with you. You are my heart and my soul. My life. Always." He rolled his weight off of her, pulling her on top of him.

She sprawled on his chest enjoying the warm feeling of him for a few moments more. This man with the heart of a lion and the soul of a poet was her husband. She traced his eyebrow with her finger and gently ran it down his nose and the cleft above his upper lip. "I love you. Forever," she breathed into his mouth, let her lips linger on his.

She curled into him. "It was a beautiful wedding."

"Everyone will party all night." He scraped his teeth across her shoulder.

"I wish we could get some more food. I didn’t eat much."

"Father promised to leave a food basket for us, later."

She rose from the bed and extended her hand. "Come with me, Vincent." She led him to the shower. All the new soaps and lotions, creams and oils they had received were lined up on the shelf.

He turned on the water and let the warmth rain softly on them until they were wet. He poured fragrant soap in his hands and ran them over Catherine’s shoulders and down her back. His arms wrapped around her, he slid his soapy hands to her breasts, tugged gently on her nipples. His teeth fastened on her neck. She fell back against him her body craving his touch. His hands lowered, found the sweetness of her.

"Not yet, not yet," she moaned. She could feel him hard against her. She turned and kissed him, let more water slowly fall on their faces. She put a puddle of his shampoo in her hands, gently massaged it into his hair, rubbing small circles on his scalp and at his temples. She loved his hair, so golden, soft and thick. The long untamed strands fell beyond his shoulders. "Your shampoo smells wonderful."

"Try some." His fingers soaped her hair. She put her face to the rain and laughed as it ran over her. His hands framed her face, his mouth covered hers.

She spotted a bottle that said massage oil and reached for it. "Turn around, Vincent." She turned off the water, put some of the spicy oil mix on her hands and worked them up and down his back, gently at first then harder as she kneaded the powerful cords under her fingers.

"I’ve never had a back rub before." He put his head and hands against the shower wall.

She kissed his back and rubbed harder and lower down his spine and over the firm muscles of his butt. She added more oil to her hands, he turned to face her. She ran her hands over his chest in smaller circles. She massaged the shoulder he had dislocated. He closed his eyes, put his head back and sighed. She brought her mouth to the hard nubs of his nipples and sucked. He held his hands to her head, keeping her mouth on him. "Please... Catherine, don’t stop."

She rubbed more oil into his neck, massaging gently. She raised her lips to his, ran her tongue confidently around and over his sharp teeth seeking his, stroked. He took her in, reveling in the taste of her.

She leaned into the long length of him, pressing her body close. He was ready, aching for her, but held back. He wanted to sustain the pleasure for them both, draw it out. He ran his hands down the satin smooth wetness of her back and thighs, his hands soft with the oils. He gently stroked the silk within her.

"Vincent, now," she cried, collapsing against him, her muscles turning to jelly.

He turned the shower back on and the rain fell. "Soon," he whispered against her neck He bent his head, cupped her nipple with his tongue and drew it into his mouth, closing his teeth lightly he tormented the tip as she shuddered against him. His fingers continued to touch and stroke. She could barely stand. Her stomach and pelvic muscles were clenching and pulsing with each erotic touch.

She reached for him, sending tremor after tremor through him. When the need was unbearable his hands gripped her bottom, raised her over him. She gripped his back, held tightly, wrapped her legs around him.

"Vincent," she cried his name as he catapulted her to new heights. She never wanted to let go. He soared right behind her.

The gentle fall of water teased them erotically as Catherine slid bonelessly down his body.

As promised, Father left a food basket outside their chamber. They enjoyed a second wedding feast, then fed each other wedding cake. He pulled her gently toward him and let his mouth hungrily seek hers once again. His heart, his soul, the very essence of his being reached out to her. Need was already kindling, spreading.

They lost count of the times they came together during the night. There was slow sweetness, wild passion, and always loving generosity.