A Childfor Winterfest
by DawnYzaguirre
Catherinesat on the bed that she shared with Vincent. She looked around thisbeautiful chamber that she loved so much. They had been married fortwo months and were happier than they ever thought possible. She wasreading one of the many poetry books that she and Vincent loved. Shesighed happily and thought about how wonderful and fulfilling herlife had become since she had moved below and married Vincent. Beinga full-fledged tunnel woman was everything that Catherine could haveever hoped it would be. She believed that there was no better lifefor her in the world.
Suddenlyshe became aware that someone was standing in the chamber entrance.She raised her head and smiled when she saw Jamie standing therewatching her. "Jamie how long have you been there?" Catherine askedas she put her book aside. The young woman walked into the chamberand sat down on the bed. "Oh not very long." She told Catherine. "Idid not want to disturb you if you were busy." Jamie told her."Nonsense I am never too busy to visit with you." Catherine told her.Jamie smiled lovingly at her. She truly thought of Catherine as theolder sister that she never had. "So how are you doing?" Jamie asked.Catherine smiled at her when she figured out what Jamie was gettingat. "Jamie I am fine." Catherine told her. "Cathy you have only beenmarried a couple of months and now Vincent has had to go to the lowertunnels for two weeks." Jamie commented. "You must be trulymiserable." She continued.
Catherinesmiled and shook her head. "Jamie we have been separated like thisbefore." Catherine told her. Jamie smiled and nodded. "Yes but beforeyou were living above and you were not married to Vincent." Jamietold her dumbfounded. "Are you telling me that you do not miss him?"Jamie teased. Catherine laughed and shook her head. "You know betterthan that." She commented. "I miss him more than I ever thought waspossible." Catherine told her. "But I have to get used to the factthat there will be times when we are forced to be apart like this."She continued. Jamie smiled then laughed. "You are a veryunderstanding woman Catherine Wells." She commented. Catherine smiledbrightly at the sound of her married name. She truly loved being Mrs.Vincent Wells. Then Jamie rose. She was about to leave when dinnerwas announced over the pipes. "Come on Jamie have dinner with me."Catherine told her as she rose. "I have to help Mary with thechildren later." Jamie smiled and nodded. Then they both left thechamber.
Down inthe lower tunnels Vincent sat on the tunnel floor eating his dinner."Hey Vincent are you okay?" Kanin asked as he sat down beside him.Vincent looked over at him and nodded. "Yes I am just fine." Hecommented. "Vincent you cannot hide the fact that you miss Cathy."Kanin told him. Vincent looked back at him again and slightly nodded."I have never missed her more than I do at this moment." Hecommented. "Listen to me Vincent the two of you have only beenmarried for a couple of months it is understandable that you missher." Kanin reasoned. Vincent nodded. "Yes I know that." Hecommented. "Hey we have had a hard day why don't you get some sleep?"he stated. Vincent smiled and put his hand on his friend's shoulder."Thank you Kanin." He told his friend. Then he fell asleep dreamingof Catherine.
A weekand a half-later Catherine was helping Mary with the children asusual. Catherine found that being around the children helped to easethe ache of missing Vincent. She had found that as the time of hisabsence grew so did her loneliness. She tried not to show it buteveryone knew that she was miserable without him. "Cathy why don'tyou go back to your chamber and relax?" Mary asked. Catherine lookedup at her somewhat confused. "Mary I thought you needed my help withthe children." Catherine commented. Mary smiled and placed a gentlehand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Dear I know that the work crewis due back in a couple of hours." The older woman told her.Catherine smiled and slightly nodded. "Yes they will but I can stillhelp you with the children." She told Mary.
Maryrealized that Catherine was determined to help so she dropped thesubject. "Catherine will you read us another story?" Bobby the newesttunnel child asked as he was tucked in bed. "Bobby you already hadyour story from Father." Mary told him. He smiled shyly and nodded."I know but I love to hear Catherine read." Catherine smiled as shebent and kissed him on the forehead. "Maybe I will read to youtomorrow." She told him. "Now all of you go to sleep." Mary toldthem. Then they left the children in Brooke's care for the night asthey walked out of the chamber.
As theyleft the chamber Mary and Catherine decided to go see Father. Theywalked toward his chamber. He was looking over a ledger when theyentered the chamber. "Jacob we have finished putting the children tobed." Mary told him. He looked up and smiled. "Very good." Hecommented as he smiled up at them. "Were they any trouble?" Fatherasked as they sat down and poured themselves some tea. "No they wereno trouble." Catherine told him.. "You love helping with the childrendon't you?" Father asked his beloved daughter-in-law. She smiled upat him and nodded. "Yes I do." She answered. "Well maybe it will notbe too long before you and Vincent start your own family." Hecommented.
Thisstatement took both Catherine and Mary by surprise. "Our ownchildren?" Catherine asked him shocked. "Why not Catherine you wantchildren don't you?" Father asked. "Of course I do." She answered."But I thought that you would have tried to talk me out of becomingpregnant." She admitted. "Maybe I would have at one time but now thatyou are married it is different." He told her. "Now if you canconvince that husband of yours." Mary commented. Catherine nodded."Yes I have been considering speaking to him about it when theyreturn." Father smiled. "Catherine do speak to him about it he mightsurprise you." He told her. "Father have you heard from the group?"Catherine asked. He was about to answer when a message came over thepipes.
As themessage started the three of them stopped to listen. Catherine smiledvery brightly as she heard the message—Work crew on theirway home
WhenCatherine entered their chamber she noticed the mess on the floor.I better clean this up before he sees it. Shethought to herself. She picked everything up and put them away. Thenshe looked down at the tunnel dress she wore. She walked over to thebureau and picked out Vincent's favorite of her tunnel outfits thenshe left to change.
Whenshe returned a few moments later she ran into the chamber and put thedirty clothes away. Then turning toward the tunnel entrance she rantoward the lower tunnel entrance to meet her beloved husband and theothers. As she approached the group other tunnel women waiting fortheir husbands met her. Catherine noticed that Olivia was standing bythe tunnel wall. Catherine walked over to her. "Are you as ready tosee them as I am?" Catherine asked. "Oh yes Cathy this has been oneof the longest separations that Kanin and I have had in a long time."Olivia commented. "Yes it has been a very long separation." Catherineagreed. "I bet it has been especially hard for you." Oliviacommented. "Well it has been very hard." Catherine admitted. "Cathyit is understandable that this would be hard for you when theaccident occurred you and Vincent had only been married for a shorttime." Olivia commented. "Yes but I know has responsibilities."Catherine told her.
Oliviawas about to speak again when the first group entered the hub. Oliviasmiled as Kanin approached them. "Oh honey I have missed you!" Oliviacried as she and Kanin embraced. "And I have missed you and thechildren." He told her. Then he looked over at Catherine. He smiledand hugged her. "Hello Cathy how are you?" he asked. "I am fine Kaninwelcome home." She responded. "Vincent is in the second group withCullen." He told her. Then they walked away from her.
Catherinesmiled as she watched them disappear around the corner. She thoughtof how happy they were. And how happy that she and Vincent were nowthat they were together and living their dream. Then Catherine leanedback against the tunnel wall and let her mind drift back to the raidon Gabriel's house that led to her and Vincent's happy reunion andtheir life together.
Gabrielhad held Catherine for almost seven months. He had told her thatVincent and everyone else believed that she were dead. He hadadmitted that he had taken a picture of her while she was unconsciousbecause of a morphine injection. And that he had the pictureddoctored to make it look as if she were dead. After hearing thisCatherine started to run out of hope. And she doubted that she wouldever see Vincent again.
Thencame the evening of the raid. Gabriel entered her room. "So MissChandler I guess you should know that the police are coming." He toldher. "Good now you will get what is coming to you!" she screamed athim. "No Miss Chandler all they will find is you and your loverdead." He told her. Catherine looked at him confused. "Oh yes Iforgot to tell you I have Vincent in a cage in my basement." He toldher. Catherine gasped as she put her hand to her mouth. "Don't youhurt him!" She screamed. "Miss Chandler all I can do to him now isput him out of his misery." He told her. "After all I have convincedhim that you are dead." Catherine was horrified. "He would notbelieve that!" she argued. "Yes Miss Chandler I have convinced himand all your friends that you are no longer living." He statedsmiling. Catherine put her face in her hands and started to cry."Well at least we will be together in death!" she sobbed. Gabrielsmiled as he turned to leave the room. "Goodnight Miss Chandler." Hetold her as he closed the door.
Downin the basement, Diana snuck into the room. She grabbed one of theguards from behind and knocked him out. Then picking up the key tothe cage she ran and unlocked the door. "Come on Vincent I am here toget you out of here." She told him. "No Diana just leave me here." Hetold her sadly. "No way Vincent the police will be here any momentand Father is below waiting." She told him as she unlocked hisshackles. Then she helped him to his feet. They climbed down into thetunnel a few moments later. There they found a very happy andemotional Father waiting for them. "Oh Vincent you are alright!"Father cried as he pulled Vincent into his arms. "No Father I am notalright." Vincent corrected told him sadly. "I doubt I will ever bealright again." He added.
"VincentI have to go back to the house and meet Joe." Diana told him. Vincentturned to face her. "Diana thank you for everything you did andattempted to do." He told her. "I know that Catherine would haveappreciated your efforts. "It was no problem Vincent I respectedCatherine very much." Diana told him. "I will miss her." Shecontinued. "So will I." Vincent sobbed as his tears started to fall.Then Diana turned and left the tunnels. "Come son let's get youhome." Father told Vincent as he put his arm around him. "AlrightFather." Vincent cried as he put his head down on Father's shoulder.Father wondered how his son would come through this terribleloss.
WhenDiana returned to Gabriel's house Joe met her. "Bennett what are youdoing here?" He asked. "Just doing my job." She told him. Then Gregyelled down to Joe. "Joe we found Gabriel dead in one of thebedrooms." Joe was shocked. "I wonder how that happened?" he askedaloud. "Joe I killed him." Diana commented. He turned and looked ather. "What?" he asked. "Joe he was about to shoot me it was selfdefense." Diana told Joe. "Well he got what he deserved for murderingCathy." Joe spat angrily. Joe had also received one of the doctoredphotos in the mail.
Justas they were about to look around the house for any other men. A copyelled down to Joe. "Mr. Maxwell there is a woman up here in one ofthe bedrooms." Joe and Diana looked at one another then they ranupstairs. "Who is it?" Joe asked as they reached the hallway outsidethe bedroom. The officer was about to answer when his partner broughtCatherine into the hallway. "Oh God Cathy!" Joe cried as he movedtoward her and embraced her. "Cathy we thought you were dead." Dianatold her. "I know but the picture was doctored." Catherine commented."He had given me an injection of morphine that knocked me out." Shetold them. "Well at least you are safe now." Joe commented. Catherinelooked back at him and shook her head. "No Joe I am not safe." Shetold him. "Joe I am leaving the city." She told him. Joe was shocked."Do you have to do that?" he asked. She smiled slightly and nodded."Yes Joe I do." Then Joe smiled at her. "Are you going to thatspecial place of yours?" he asked. She smiled again and nodded. "YesJoe I am." She told him. "To that mystery guy Vincent?" Joe asked.Catherine only nodded her head. "Well I will miss you Cathy." He toldher as they embraced again. "I will miss you too Joe." She told him."Now Cathy come on I will get you out of here." Diana told her. "Yeslet's get out of here now." Catherine told her. Then with one lasthug for Joe they left.
Asthey entered the tunnels below Gabriel's house Catherine suddenlystopped. "Cathy are you okay?" Diana asked her. "No Diana what willthis do to him?" Catherine asked her. "Cathy your 'death' has beenvery hard on him." Diana commented. "Those pictures were veryconvincing." Diana continued. Everyone who saw them believed that youwere dead." Catherine nodded sadly. "I know." She commented. "Gabrielreally got his kicks when he told me that everyone that I lovedbelieved that I was dead." Catherine continued. "Come on Cathy let'sget you home." Diana told her. Then they began to walk once again.
Asthey reached the hub Jamie came walking out of Father's chamber. Shestopped suddenly when she saw Catherine walking beside Diana. "Cathyis it really you?" The young girl asked hopefully. Catherine smiledand nodded. "Yes Jamie it is." She told her friend as they embraced.
Whenthey separated he looked over at Diana. "Thank you for bringing herhome." Jamie told her. Diana smiled. "It was my pleasure." Shecommented. Catherine then addressed Jamie again. "Where is Vincent Ineed to see him." She stated. Jamie hesitated in answering.
Thenthey heard the sobbing coming from the direction of Vincent'schamber. "Oh God where is he?" Catherine asked. "Father and Mary arewith him in his chamber." Jamie told her. "I have to go to him."Catherine told them. "Yes Cathy go to him he needs you now." Jamietold her. With that Catherine ran down the tunnel. Jamie and Dianasmiled at one another as they watched her go.
WhenCatherine reached Vincent's chamber she stopped suddenly. She took adeep breath then gathering her courage she walked toward the entranceof the chamber. She stopped short when she saw Vincent sitting on hisbed in Father's arms. "Oh Father how will I survive without her?"Vincent asked as he sobbed. "We will help you Vincent." Mary toldhim.Vincent raised his head from Father's shoulder and looked at her. "NoMary nothing can help me now." He cried. "Without Catherine I do notwant to live."
Fatherwas about to respond when they heard a sob in the entrance of thechamber. Turning around all three caught their first glimpse ofCatherine. "Vincent please do not say things like that." Catherinebegged. Then she entered the chamber. Vincent rose from the bed. Heslowly approached her. "Catherine is it truly you?" he asked herhopefully. She smiled as her tears began again. "Yes my love it is."She told him. Vincent stopped suddenly.
Thenwith a sob he opened his arms. "Catherine come to me." He cried. Shesmiled brightly then with a sob of pure joy she ran to him. "Hold metightly Vincent!" she cried. "Yes my darling angel." He whisperedagainst her ear.
Fatherand Mary smiled and rose from the bed. They knew that the coupleneeded time alone so the quietly left the chamber. "Catherine whathappened?" Vincent asked as they separated. "I was given a morphineinjection that sedated me then he took a picture of me and had itdoctored to look like I was dead." She told him. "Oh Catherine I wasso sure that I would have to live without you." He cried. "No mydarling you never have to live without me again." She vowed. Vincentlooked down at her shocked. She smiled at him and nodded. "My lifeabove is over and I am here to stay if you will have me." She toldhim. Vincent was shocked. "If I will have you?" he asked. "Catherineyes please stay with me forever." He begged. She smiled and nodded."Yes darling forever." Then he captured her lips in a passionatekiss.
Catherinewas brought back to reality by a woman's voice speaking to her."Cathy dear are you okay?" Mary asked as she put her arm around her.Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes Mary I was just remembering when Icame home to Vincent." Catherine told her. Mary smiled and nodded."Yes that was a wonderful miracle for all of us." Mary told her. Thenboth women looked toward the hub entrance. "Here comes the lastgroup." Mary whispered. Catherine smiled and nodded as her tearsbegan to fall. Then the rest of the crew entered the hub. Catherinemoved forward when she saw Cullen. "Where is he Mary?" Catherineasked when she did not see Vincent. Catherine looked back at thetunnel entrance. "There he is." She pointed out as he entered thehub. Catherine looked toward the direction Mary was pointing. Thenshe moved through the crowd toward him.
Vincentsmiled as he and Father embraced. "Welcome home Vincent." The tunnelelder told him. "Thank you Father." Vincent told him. Then Vincentslowly began to move out of Father's arms. "Father where isCatherine?" Vincent asked. Father was about to answer when he sawCatherine approaching. "She is around here someplace." Father toldhim. Vincent could not understand why she was not there to greet him."Hello my love." Catherine told him as she wrapped her arms aroundhis waist. Vincent turned around and came face to face with hisbeautiful bride. "Catherine I have missed you!" he cried as heembraced her. "And I have missed you darling." She told him.
ThenVincent turned and addressed Father. "We are going to our chamber wewish not to be disturbed." Father smiled and nodded mutely. Vincentturned and took Catherine by the hand. He led her down the tunnelaway from the group. Father smiled at Mary as they watched Vincentwrap his arm around Catherine's waist as they walked down the tunnel.
Whenthey entered their chamber Vincent stopped suddenly. He turned andpulled down the tapestry over the entrance. Then turning around hewordlessly pulled Catherine into his arms. "Oh I have missed holdingyou these last couple of weeks." He told her. "And I have missedholding you my love." Catherine told him as they held each other. Shewas about to speak once again when Vincent placed a finger to herlips. He smiled then bent forward and kissed her for the first timesince his return. Catherine moaned and wrapped her arms around hisneck as he lifted her off her feet. The kiss quickly became verypassionate. Catherine moaned once again as she felt Vincent's lipsmove over her face and down her neck. "Catherine please let me loveyou." He begged breathlessly. Catherine smiled at him impishly. "Notuntil you clean up." She told him. Vincent sighed and set her backdown on her feet. "Alright I will return shortly." He told her. Shesmiled and nodded. "You better." She told him as he walked swiftlyfrom the chamber.
A fewmoments later Vincent entered the chamber once again. Catherinesmiled brightly as she looked up from the book that she was reading."Well hello you." She told him. He smiled at her as he put hisbathing supplies away. Catherine smiled again as she rose and walkedover to him. He opened his arms and she walked into his embrace. "Ilove you so much." Catherine told him. "I love you to my Catherine."He whispered huskily. Then he once again captured her lips in apassionate kiss.
Whenthey parted this time Vincent was the first to speak. "Catherine Ineed you." He told her as he stroked her face with one of his claws.Catherine smiled as she leaned into his arms. "Yes Vincent love meplease." She told him. Before he kissed her again he released her. "Iwill return in a moment." He whispered. She smiled up at him andnodded. He turned and walked toward the tunnel entrance. Taking anunlit lantern he then left the chamber. Catherine smiled impishlythen she quickly undressed and slipped into bed.
WhenVincent once again entered the chamber he smiled as he saw hisbeautiful wife lying in bed waiting for him. She smiled back at himas she rose upon one elbow. Then stretching out a hand she spoke onceagain. "Come here to me my love." She told him. He smiled again andslowly stripped out of his clothes. Catherine smiled as she watchedhis boldness. When he was naked in front of her he slowly approachedthe bed. Catherine smiled as Vincent lay down beside her on the bed.He turned toward her and opened his arms. Catherine smiled lovinglyas she moved into his arms. "Do you know how much I have missed you?"She asked as they held each other tightly. He looked down into herface and smiled. "Tell me." He requested. "I have felt so alone theselast two weeks." She began.
Vincenttightened his arms around her as he felt her emotions. "Even though Iwas around our family I felt so isolated." She continued. "Andsleeping alone in this bed was the worst." She told him. "I missedyour arms holding me tightly at night as I slept and the feel of yourlips on mine." Vincent smiled slyly then moved closer to her. "Wellmy beloved I am home now and I will make it all up to you." He toldher as he started kissing her again. "Vincent I need you now!" shemoaned. "Yes my love it is time for me to love you." He told herhuskily. Then moving over her he joined their bodies. Catherinesquirmed happily beneath him. "Oh Vincent you are my life!" shemoaned. "As you are mine." He told her breathlessly.
LaterCatherine awoke to see the beautiful face of her husband. He waslooking at her with so much love in his eyes. "I thought that youwould have needed more rest especially after our latest activity."She told him as she caressed his chest. He smiled down at her andonce again embraced her. "I slept very well but I woke up a shorttime ago and just wanted to watch you sleep." He whispered. Catherinesmiled and burrowed down deeper into his embrace.
"So howdid the repairs go?" she asked. "Well I am glad to say that theyshould hold." He told her. "Good I do not think that I could standanother long separation." Catherine told him. "Neither could I."Vincent agreed as he kissed her forehead. "So what did you do while Iwas away?" he asked. "Well I helped Rebecca with the winterfestcandles." She began. "I also helped Mary with the children." Sheadded. "I know that you loved that." He told her. She smiled andnodded. "Yes I did." She answered. "And I went above a couple of daysago to see Joe and Jenny." She told him. Vincent hated it when shewent above but he did not mind when she visited their friends andhelpers. "So how are they doing?" Vincent asked. "Well it looks as ifthey are going to have a baby." Catherine told him. "That iswonderful." He responded.
ThenVincent noticed that Catherine was very quiet. "What is itCatherine?" he asked as he looked down at her. "Nothing don't worry."She told him. Vincent placed a hand under her chin and lifted hereyes to meet his. "Catherine please tell me." He told her. "I wasjust thinking about how wonderful a mother Jenny will make." She toldhim. "Catherine do you want to have a baby?" Vincent asked. Catherinewas shocked. She rose onto one elbow and looked down at him. "I don'tknow." She told him. "Catherine yes you do." He chided lovingly. "YesVincent I do want to have a baby." She admitted.
Thenshe lay down again. "But we can talk about it some other time." Shetold him. "Catherine I would love to have a baby with you." He toldher. Catherine smiled brightly. "I was afraid to bring up thesubject." She told him. "Why love you can talk to me about anything."He told her. "I know but I did not want to rush you." She commented."Catherine I have been thinking about it for the last two weeks whileI was gone." He admitted. "I was worried that you were not ready." Hetold her. She smiled down at him impishly. "Yes love I am veryready." She told him as she leaned down and kissed him. "So am I." hebreathed. Then they were once again lost in their passion.
Laterthat evening Vincent rose from the bed. Catherine was happilysleeping. He looked down at her beautiful face and smiled. He lovedthis beautiful woman so much that he could not believe it. He dressedand sat down at his writing table. He pulled out his journal andopened it. Taking his pen in hand he began to write.
TodayI returned from a two-week absence. I never thought that it waspossible to miss Catherine more than I did. She is the light of mylife and the best part of my world. Now we have made the decision totry to have a child. I believe that this is the best decision that wecould have made. Catherine will be a wonderful mother and I can nolonger rob her of this. I can only hope that any child that comeswill have the looks of his or her mother. Therefore not limiting itto the existence that I have led. But whatever comes I will accept.
As heclosed his journal he felt two arms come around his shoulders. "Imissed you." Catherine whispered. "I woke a while ago and wanted towrite some things in my journal." He told her. "That is all right butnow come back to bed." She told him. Vincent smiled and rose. Hepicked Catherine up and walked back toward their bed.
Acouple of weeks later Catherine was sitting in bed. She had woke upthat morning feeling ill. Vincent was once again working in the lowertunnels. "Catherine dear how are you feeling now?" Mary asked as sheentered the chamber. "I am still feeling quite nauseous." Catherinetold her. "Cathy may I ask you something?" Catherine looked up at herand nodded. "Dear have you missed you period?" Catherine thought fora moment then smiled. "Yes Mary I did not realize it but I shouldhave had it a week ago." Mary smiled brightly. "Catherine I believethat you are pregnant." She stated. "Mary do you think I could be?"Catherine asked happily. Mary smiled and nodded. "I will have Fathercontact Peter so that he can come below and give you a test." ThenMary left the chamber.
Whenshe was gone Catherine sat there smiling. She prayed that she was infact pregnant. Later that day Peter and Father entered the chamber.Catherine was dressed and sitting in her favorite chair. "So are youfeeling better?" Peter asked. Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes thenausea ended around mid morning." She stated. "Well let's get thetest done." He told her. A while later Peter left the chamber. "Iwill be back later tonight with the results." He told her. "Finemaybe Vincent will be here when you get back." She told him. Hesmiled and nodded. "Father I hope I am pregnant." Catherine told herfather in law. "So do I Catherine." He stated as he leaned down andkissed her forehead. "Now young lady get some rest." He said as heleft the chamber. She smiled and nodded.
Thatevening Catherine joined Vincent and the others for a councilmeeting. They were busy discussing preparations for winterfest thatwould be held in December. When the meeting was about to adjournFather looked up and saw that Peter was standing in the entrance ofthe chamber. "Peter please come in we were just adjourning." Fathertold him. Everyone rose to leave but Peter spoke up. "I would like tospeak to Father, Vincent, and you Cathy." He stated. Peter smiledbrightly at her. She felt a rush of excitement run through her.Vincent noticed her face and looked at her. "Catherine what is it?"he asked. "You haven't told him anything?" Peter asked. "No I did notwant to tell him then get bad news." She responded. "Catherine pleasetell me what is going on." Vincent begged feeling very apprehensive."Peter are you telling me that I am?" Catherine asked hopefully.Peter looked over at Father then smiled at Catherine. "Yes honey itlooks as if you are two months pregnant." Peter told her. Catherinesuddenly squealed with happiness. "Oh Vincent did you hear that?" sheasked.
Shelooked up and saw Vincent standing beside her. He was smiling andcrying at the same time. "Love are you all right?" Catherine askedhim suddenly concerned. "Yes my beloved angel I am wonderful." Hetold her as they embraced. "Catherine this is wonderful." Hewhispered. "I am so happy." Catherine softly began to cry. Vincentsaw this and wiped away her tears. "Oh my love don't cry." He begged.She smiled up at him. "I can't help it I am just so happy." Shecried.
Afterthey had calmed down Catherine turned and looked at Peter once again."So when is the baby due?" she asked. Peter thought a moment thensmiled. "Well sweetheart I would not make any plans for the weekaround winterfest." He told her. She smiled as her tears began tofall. "Oh that is wonderful!" She cried. Vincent embraced her andheld her tightly. "Now little mother let's get you to our chamber sothat you can rest." Vincent told her as he smiled. Catherine gaspedhappily at the use of the word mother. "Oh Vincent I have alwayswanted to be a mother." She told him. "I know my love." He responded.Then they turned to Father and Peter. They both embraced the olderdoctors and then left the chamber.
Oncethey reached their chamber Vincent led Catherine inside. He pulleddown the tapestry and took her by the hand. "Come my love you shouldrest." He told her. Catherine smiled and giggled. "Vincent I amfine." She told him. "I know that you are but I am not going to letanything happen to you or our child." He promised. Catherine smiledand hugged him. "I know you won't I love you." She told him. "As Ilove you." He told her then they kissed passionately.
Asthey separated Vincent scooped her up into his arms and carried herto the bed. Catherine smiled as he laid her down amongst the pillows."Are you joining me?" she asked. He smiled and nodded his head. "YesI am joining you." He told her. Then he backed away and went towardthe entrance of the chamber. He took one of the unlit lanterns andleft the chamber. A few seconds later he returned. He smiled when hesaw that Catherine appeared to be sleeping. He undressed and slidinto bed beside her. He encircled her in his arms noticing that shewas naked. He smiled at the feel of her skin against him. "What areyou smiling at?" Catherine suddenly asked smiling herself. "Nothingmy love." He responded. Then they settled down and fell asleep.
As themonths went on Catherine began to grow larger. Their physicalrelationship had to change but neither Catherine nor Vincent seemedto mind. One afternoon in Catherine's fourth month of pregnancy sheand Vincent were snuggled up together on their bed. Suddenly therewas an emergency call to Vincent on the pipes. He listened intentlythen rose from the bed. "I have to go below to the lower tunnels andhelp with some repairs due to the rains." He told her sadly. Shesmiled then moved over toward the edge of the bed. She smiled andheld out her hands. "Will you please help me up?" she asked with agiggle in her voice. Vincent smiled and nodded. Then he gently pulledher up and into his arms. "I love you Catherine." He whispered intoher ear as he held her. "And I love you." She told him. "I will walkyou to the lower opening of the tunnels." She told him. Vincentlooked at her unsure. "Catherine is that a good idea?" he asked. Shesmiled and nodded. "Yes Mary and Father both told me that walking isgood for me." She responded. Vincent was still not sure but herelented. "All right love." He told her. Then he took her by the handand they left the chamber.
Oncethey reached the lower tunnel opening they found the others waitingfor them. "Vincent I am sorry that you have to go." Father told him.Vincent smiled and shook his head. "I know that Father but Catherinewill be fine with you." He responded. Catherine smiled and nodded."Yes we will be fine." She responded as she stroked her tummy."Catherine will you join Father and me in his study?" Mary asked.Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes I will." She told her.
ThenVincent took his arm from around her. "I have to go now." He toldher. Catherine smiled and nodded. "I know love." She told him. "Iwill be back by dinner time." Vincent told her. She smiled and noddedagain. "I will either be with Father or in our chamber." Sheresponded. Then he bent forward and gently wrapped his arms aroundher as much as he could. "I have not been able to hug you very closethese last months." He told her smiling. She smiled up at him andnodded. "Yes I guess I am just too fat." She teased. Vincent shookhis head. "No you are just perfect." He told her. Then he gentlykissed her. "I love you and I will see you tonight." She told him. Hethen released her and the work crew left for the lower tunnels.
Afterthey had left Catherine walked toward Father's study. When shearrived she found him there with Mary. "Oh Cathy dear come in." Marytold her as she rose from her chair. Catherine walked down the stepsand sat down in a chair next to Father. "So I suppose they haveleft." Father commented. Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes eventhough I do not think that Vincent wanted to leave too much." Shecommented smiling. "Cathy that is only normal you are four monthspregnant with your first child after all." Mary commented. Catherinesmiled and nodded. "Yes but really Vincent has been absolutelywonderful." She told him. "He is forever doting on me and spoilingme." Mary smiled over at Father. "Cathy that is what an expectantfather is supposed to do." Father commented. "And my son is veryexcited about becoming a father." He added. "Even though I was trulysurprised that he agreed so easily." Father chuckled. "So was IFather I thought that I would have to talk him into it." Shecommented. "But he surprised me and agreed." They spent the nextcouple of hours visiting.
Aboutfour o'clock Vincent and the crew entered the hub. They had finishedearly and decided to come on home. "Vincent are you going to speak toFather now?" Kanin asked. Vincent smiled and shook his head. "No Iwill speak to him later." He commented. "I am sure that you want togo see about the expectant mother." Cullen stated smiling. "Yes infact I do." Vincent told him. "Well then my friend go on." Kanin toldhim. "I remember what it was like to be an expectant father." Vincenthanded his tools to Kanin. "I will come get these things later."Vincent told him. Kanin smiled and shook his head. "Vincent do notworry about that now go find Cathy." Vincent smiled then ran down thetunnel toward his and Catherine's chamber.
When hearrived at the chamber he stopped in the entrance. There in front ofhim was Catherine sitting in the rocking chair that Cullen had madefor her. She was stroking her belly and smiling. "Well little one weare looking forward to your arrival." She said in a whisper. "Thenyou are going to find out what a wonderfully special man your daddyis. He loves you so much and he is very excited about you." Vincentsilently walked into the chamber and knelt down beside the rockingchair. "And you have a beautiful wonderful mommy." He said as hetouched her belly.
Catherinesmiled and looked over at him. "Hello my darling." She told him. Hesmiled and leaned up. He gently kissed her lips. "Hello to you myangel." He commented. "What have you been doing today?" Vincentasked. "Well most of it I spent with Father and Mary." She commented."Then Jamie and I went for a short walk." She added. Vincent lookedat her concerned. She noticed this and smiled. "Father said that itwould be all right." She assured him. He smiled and nodded. "Wellthat is good." He told her. "How did the repairs go?" She asked.Vincent sighed frustratingly. "We were only able to repair some ofthe pipes." He commented. "Does that mean you have to go again?"Catherine asked. Vincent nodded. "Yes I have to leave for a couple ofdays tomorrow." He told her. "I will have Father keep an eye on you."He added. "Vincent I will be fine." She told him. "Now let's go todinner." He told her as he gently pulled her to her feet. Then theyleft the chamber.
Thenext afternoon Catherine was sitting in their chamber alone. "Cathycan I come in?" Jamie called from the entrance of the chamber.Catherine looked around and smiled. "Of course Jamie." She told theyoung girl. Jamie entered and sat down on the bed. "So how are youdoing?" Jamie asked. "I am fine just a bit lonely." Catherine toldher. "Well I thought you might be so I am staying here with you untilVincent returns." Jamie told her. Catherine smiled and shook herhead. "You don't have to do that." Catherine told her. "I know but itwill give us more time to gossip." Both women giggled. "Come on let'sgo to dinner." Jamie told her as she helped Catherine stand. "Allright let's go." Catherine commented. Then they left the chamber togo to the dining chamber.
Laterthat night Catherine was lying in bed. She was wide-awake andthinking about Vincent. "Cathy are you all right?" Jamie asked fromher cot a few feet away. "Yes Jamie I was just thinking of Vincent."Catherine told her. Jamie rose and walked toward the bed. She satdown on the bed facing Catherine. "I know that you miss him but theywill be back tomorrow afternoon." Jamie told her. "And I happen toknow that Father has decided that Vincent is to stay home with youunless it is absolutely necessary." Jamie told her. Catherinesuddenly felt very guilty. "Jamie I do not want to interrupt his lifethat much." Catherine told her as she began to cry. Jamie saw thetears and embraced her friend. "Cathy you are not interrupting hislife he wants to be close to you." Jamie told her. "But Jamie I don'tknow why." Catherine sobbed. "What in the world do you mean child?"Mary asked as she rushed into the chamber. "Mary I am so big now andI feel so unattractive to Vincent." Catherine said through her tears.Jamie looked at Mary who motioned for her to leave them alone. "I amgoing to get you some warm milk." Jamie told Catherine. Catherinesadly nodded.
OnceJamie was gone Mary moved over and sat beside Catherine. "Now tell mewhat is going on." Mary directed. "Oh Mary I feel so ugly now."Catherine told her. "Vincent has always told me that I was beautifulbut how much longer will he be able to say that?" Catherine asked."Cathy listen to me." Mary directed gently. "When I was pregnant withmy son I felt the same way that you feel now. I thought that myhusband found me very unattractive. I worried constantly that hewould find someone that was more attractive than me." Mary told her."Then one evening we were sitting at dinner and he took my hand andkissed it. I looked up at him shocked. Then he smiled at me and toldme that he never saw me look more beautiful." Catherine dried hereyes and smiled. "I bet that made you feel wonderful." Catherinecommented. Mary smiled and nodded. "Yes and very special."
SuddenlyFather came through the entrance of the chamber with Jamie."Catherine dear are you all right?" He asked. Catherine looked up athim and smiled. "Yes Father I was just feeling a bit depressed." Shetold him. "Are you going to be all right now?" Mary asked as she rosefrom the bed. Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes I think that I cansleep now." Catherine told her. Mary smiled and nodded. "Cathy callus if you need us." Father told her. Catherine smiled. "I will." Sheresponded. Then they left the chamber. That night Catherine sleptsoundly.
Thenext day Catherine slept late. When it was announced on the pipesthat the crew was returning she was still sleeping. Vincent enteredthe chamber and saw her. He smiled lovingly and silently walked outof the chamber. When he arrived at Father's study he found him therewith Mary. "Oh Vincent is everything fixed?" Father asked as Vincentsat down in his chair. "Yes Father everything is done." He commented."Vincent have you seen Cathy?" Mary asked. Vincent smiled and nodded."Yes Mary she is sleeping in our chamber." Father looked over atMary. "Well she was up a bit late last night." Mary told him. "Whathappened Mary?" Vincent asked as he suddenly rose. "Nothing happenedto the baby." Father told him. "Vincent we had a talk last night."Mary told him. "About what?" Vincent asked. "Well she feelsunattractive to you because of the pregnancy." Mary told him. "Mary Ihave never seen Catherine more beautiful than she is now." He toldher. Mary smiled and nodded. "I know that dear it is her hormones."Mary responded. "She feels fat and ugly." Then Vincent turned andwalked up the steps. "Father please see that we are undisturbed." Herequested. Father smiled and nodded. Then Vincent left the chamber.
Vincentarrived back at their chamber to find Catherine still asleep. Hequietly removed his clothes and climbed into bed. Catherine turnedover toward him and slowly opened her eyes. "When did you return?"she whispered. "A few minutes ago." He told her. Then he encircledher in his arms. "Catherine I love you more than anything in mylife." He told her. "You spoke to Father and Mary didn't you?"Catherine asked as she looked down. Vincent would have none of it. Heplaced his hand under her chin and brought her eyes up to meet his."Yes I did and they told me about last night." He commented. "OhVincent I am so sorry." Catherine told him as she began to cry."Catherine please listen to me now." He requested. "You are the mostprecious thing in my life. You have always been beautiful to me butnow that you are carrying our child you are even more beautiful."Catherine leaned back and smiled. "I love you so much Vincent." Shetold him. "And I absolutely adore you." He told her. They talkeduntil the rose for dinner.
As timecrawled by Catherine and Vincent were enjoying every moment. One dayduring her fifth month of pregnancy Catherine was standing in theirchamber with Olivia and Lena. "Cathy we both brought you some of thebaby clothes that we have." Lena told her. Catherine smiled as shelooked through the clothes that lay on the bed. "Oh these arewonderful." She told them. She was looking at the clothes when shegasped and put her hand to her stomach. Both Lena and Olivia turnedand looked at her. "Cathy what is it?" Lena asked as she moved thebaby clothes so that Catherine could sit down.
Oliviaturned and was about to run from the chamber to find Vincent when heand Father both appeared in the chamber entrance. "Catherine what iswrong?" Vincent asked as he came and knelt in front of her. Shelooked up at him and he noticed that she was crying and smiling atthe same time. "Vincent the baby kicked for the first time." She toldhim happily. Everyone in the chamber smiled. "Are you sure that wasall it was?" Vincent asked still concerned. Catherine smiled andnodded. "Yes love it just took me off guard." She assured him. "Welleven so young lady I want to examine you." Father told her. Shesmiled and nodded.
Oncethe examination was complete Father packed his instruments. Then heturned and looked at the expectant parents. "Well I must tell youthat I have never seen a more healthy mother to be in my life." Hetold them. Catherine smiled as Vincent sat down beside her. He tookher into his arms and held her tightly. "Thank you so much Father."Vincent whispered. Father smiled and shook his head. "No problem myson." Then he turned and left the room.
"Sowhat were you doing when you were alerted to this?" Catherine askedtrying to bring things back to normal. Vincent smiled at thequestion. "I was about to beat Father soundly at a third game ofchess." He told her proudly. She smiled and laughed lovingly. "Andwhat may I ask is all this?" Vincent motioned toward the baby clothesbehind them. "Oh these are baby clothes that Lena and Olivia gaveus." She told him. "Aren't they beautiful?" she asked as she strokedone of the outfits. "Yes but not as beautiful as you are." He croonedlovingly. Catherine smiled up at him. "Why thank you." She told him.Then he gently kissed her again.
Suddenlyshe got a beautiful smile on her face. "Give me your hand." Shedirected. Vincent looked at her confused but did what she asked. Sheplaced the hand on her belly. "Wait for a moment." She told him. Thensuddenly he felt a small jerk from her stomach. Vincent looked up ather surprised. "What was that?" he asked. She smiled at him again."That was the feel of ourchild kicking again." She told him."Catherine that was wonderful." Vincent told her. "Yes and so areyou." She told him lovingly. Then she leaned up and kissed himgently. Vincent wrapped his arms around her as far as they would goand returned her kiss.
Onenight as they lie in bed Catherine and Vincent was talking. "So whatare we going to name this baby?" Catherine asked. "I was thinking ifit were a girl that I would like to name her Melissa." She continued.Vincent thought for a moment then smiled. "I like that name." He toldher. "I do to I have always liked it." She stated. "And what if it isa boy?" Vincent asked. Catherine rose onto one elbow and looked downat him. "Vincent if we have a son I want to name him Jacob." She toldhim. Vincent smiled at the sentiment. "I think that Father would beproud of that." He told her. "Well he has become a father to me and Ilove him." Catherine stated. "And I love you." Vincent told her as hepulled her back down into his arms. They fell asleep happily dreamingof their baby.
A fewweeks later there was an intruder alert from the park entrance.Catherine looked up at Vincent as he rose and put on his cloak."Catherine I will return as soon as I can." He told her as he helpedher to her feet. "Love please be careful." She requested. Vincentsmiled at her lovingly. "I will my darling." Then he ran from thechamber. Catherine retrieved her shawl and wrapped it around hershoulders. She then walked out of the chamber toward Father' study.
Whenshe arrived she found Father and Mary there waiting for Vincent toreturn. "Father do you know who is here?" Catherine asked as sheentered the chamber. Father looked at Mary. "Jacob she has to know."Mary told him. "I have to know what?" Catherine asked suddenlyfrightened. "Catherine it looks as if Lisa is back in New York."Father told her. Catherine got a very strange look on her face. "Whyis she back?" She asked. "Well dear she wants to come back to thetunnels." Mary stated. Then Catherine looked at Father. He noticedher expression and shook his head. "No Cathy she is not being allowedto come back." He assured her. "That is what Vincent is telling hernow."
ThenCatherine turned and walked toward the entrance of the chamber."Where are you going dear?" Mary asked. "I have to go make sure he isall right." Catherine told them. "Is that a wise idea especially inyour condition?" Father asked. "Father he is my husband and I willnot let her hurt him in any way!" Catherine told her father in law.Then she walked out of the chamber.
As shereached the park entrance she could hear arguing. "But Vincent thisis not fair!" Lisa told him angrily. "Lisa many things have changed."He told her trying to remain calm. "Name one thing that has changed!"She challenged. "Well Lisa the one major thing that has changed isthat I am here now." Catherine told her as she stepped out of thetunnel. Vincent swiftly turned toward her. "Catherine you should bewith Father." He told her. "No Vincent you are my husband and we willface this together." She told him.
WhenLisa heard those words from Catherine she gasped. "You are married?"she asked shocked. Catherine smiled as she and Vincent faced her."Yes and as you can see we are expecting our first child." Lisa wasnot about to let this woman win. She thought for a moment thensmiled. "Vincent may I speak to Catherine for just a moment?" Sheasked sweetly. Vincent was about to refuse when Catherine put herhand on his shoulder. "I will be just fine love." She told him. "Areyou sure about this?" he asked. She smiled and nodded. "Yes why don'tyou go and wait in Father's chamber." She suggested. Vincent noddedand smiled at her. "I will be waiting for you." Then he bent down andkissed her. Lisa saw this and it made her even more angry.
Once hewas gone Catherine turned toward Lisa. "So what is it you wish tospeak to me about?" She asked the dancer. "Catherine why are youhaving his child?" Lisa asked. Catherine was confused by thequestion. "What do you mean by that?" She asked. "Well you know thatthe child could turn out to look like him." Lisa stated. Catherinewas now angry. "Lisa I will love this baby no matter what it lookslike!" she shouted. "I love Vincent and he is beautiful to me." Shecontinued. "Now I believe that this conversation is finished."Catherine told her as she turned to walk back into the tunnels. "Notyet Catherine!" Lisa yelled then she hit Catherine in the back of thehead. Catherine suddenly felt the pain. She screamed as she fell tothe floor of the tunnel. Lisa then dropped the rock then ran from thedrainage tunnel.
A fewmoments later Vincent burst out of the tunnel. When he saw Catherinelying on the ground he ran to her. "Catherine please speak to me!" hecried as he held her. Father emerged from the tunnels and saw Vincentholding Catherine in his arms. "Vincent we must get her to thehospital chamber." Father told him. Vincent raised his tear stainedface and looked at his parent. "Yes Father." He said quietly as hegently picked her up. He entered the tunnels and silently carried herdown the tunnel. Father followed close behind them keeping onlookersaway.
Oncethey reached the hospital chamber Vincent laid her down on the cot.He moved so that Father could examine her. Father opened his bag andtook out his stethoscope. He gently placed it to her belly andlistened. Suddenly he smiled. "Well it sounds as if the baby isunharmed." Father stated. Vincent smiled as his tears started onceagain. "Father what about Catherine?" Vincent asked.
Fatherwas about to answer when Catherine moaned. "Vincent?" she moaned asher eyes started to open. Vincent knelt down next to the cot and tookher hand. "I am right here my love." He told her as he kissed herhand. "What happened?" Catherine asked. "Catherine you do notremember?" Father asked. Catherine thought for a moment then gasped."Oh God Vincent Lisa hit me with something." She stated.
Thenshe looked up at Father. "Is the baby all right?" She asked. Fathersmiled and put his hand on her shoulder. "Yes dear Catherine the babyis apparently just fine." He assured her. "But I will contact Peterso that we can run some tests." Then he left the chamber. "Oh Vincentwhy would she do such a thing?" Catherine asked as she hugged himclose. "Because she wanted you to leave." He told her. "But thatwould never happen I am your wife." Catherine commented. "Yes but sheprobably figured that if you lost the baby our relationship wouldfall apart." He told her. "That is ridiculous!" she cried as she heldhim tightly. "Yes but Lisa did not realize that." Vincent commented."Now you should rest." He told her. She smiled and lay back down.Soon she was fast asleep.
Aboutan hour later Catherine awoke when she heard voices. "Jacob I amworried about the baby." Peter told Father. "When Cathy fell it couldhave done some damage." He continued. "Peter please help my baby!"Catherine suddenly cried. Vincent and Father both moved toward her."Love everything will be fine." Vincent told her. "Our child will befine." He told her. Then he looked up at Peter. "Do your testsPeter." Vincent told him. Peter nodded then went to work. "We aregoing to perform a sonogram." Peter told Catherine. She smiled andnodded. "Vincent why don't you and Father wait outside?" Petersuggested. Vincent was about to protest when Father nodded. "Allright we will be right outside." He told Catherine as he bent andkissed her forehead. "All right my love please do not worry." Shetold him. Then Vincent and Father left the chamber. "Honey this gelis going to be cold." He told her as he put it on the microphone. Shesmiled slightly and nodded. Then Peter placed the microphone on herbelly. Catherine flinched when it touched her. "Cathy are you okay?"Peter asked. Catherine smiled shyly. "That was cold and it tickled."She told him. Peter looked at her and chuckled. "All right let's dothis test." He told her.
A whilelater he removed the microphone then wiped the gel off her stomach."Peter how is the baby?" She asked. "Cathy let's get Father andVincent in here so I do not have to repeat this." He commented. Shesmiled and nodded then Peter rose from the cot. He walked over to thecurtain and lifted it. "You can both come back in now." He toldFather and Vincent. They entered the chamber and Vincent quicklycrossed the room and sat down on the cot beside Catherine.
"SoPeter how is the baby?" Catherine asked. Vincent put his arm aroundher and held her tightly. "Well honey it looks as if your child isfine." He told her. Catherine sobbed for joy. "Oh thank you God!" Shecried as Vincent took her in his arms again. "Cathy you must haveinstinctively braced yourself when you fell." Peter continued. "I donot remember doing that." She commented. "Well honey it goes with thenatural motherly instincts that a pregnant woman has." He told her."Well can I get up now?" Catherine asked. Peter shook his head. "No Iwant you to stay in bed for at least a week." He told her. "A week?"Catherine complained. "Yes young lady a week." He told her. "Petercan I move her back to our chamber?" Vincent asked. Peter thought amoment then smiled. "Yes that would be fine." He commented. "Well Ihave to run but I will see you tomorrow." He told Catherine as hekissed her. "Thank you Peter." She commented as he left.
A whilelater Vincent entered the hospital chamber once again. "So my loveare you ready to go back to our chamber?" He asked. She smiled andnodded. Then she made to sit up. "Oh no you don't!" Vincent told heradamantly. "Vincent I can walk." She argued. "You heard Peter you aretaking it easy this week." He commented. Then he picked her up in hisarms and they left the chamber.
Whenthey entered the chamber Catherine smiled at Vincent. "So this is whyyou wanted to come here before I did." She teased. He smiled andnodded. "Yes my darling one." He answered. He walked over and gentlyplaced her on their bed. Catherine smiled as she looked around thechamber at the roses and candles that Vincent had brought for her."This is beautiful." She commented. Vincent removed his cloak and satdown beside her he took her in his arms and held her tightly. "No myCatherine you are the beautiful one." He whispered. She looked up athim and smiled. "I love you Vincent." She whispered. "And Iabsolutely adore you." He told her. Then he bent forward and gentlykissed her lips. Catherine moaned slightly at the feel of his lipsagainst hers. Then he backed away. "No Vincent please!" She begged.He smiled and gently kissed her again. "Catherine remember you arepregnant." He reminded her. She smiled suddenly. "Yes of course." Shetold him. "Now my love you should rest." Vincent told her as he beganto rise. "No Vincent please stay with me!" She implored. He smileddown at her and caressed her cheek. "I will be right back." Hecommented.
Herose and put a lantern out in the tunnel and pulled the tapestrydown. He walked back over and removed his boots and socks. Then heremoved his sweater. He sat down on the bed beside Catherine andenfolded her in his arms. "Now sleep my love." He commented. Shesmiled and closed her eyes. Soon she was sleeping peacefully.
After afew weeks Catherine was back to normal. They had discovered that Lisahad left town with the help of one of the helpers. At first Vincentwas very angry that the woman had assisted her. But he soon learnedthat Lisa had lied to the woman to get her help. Catherine was doingbetter and happily anticipating the birth of their child. "Vincentdon't you have to go meet with the council?" Catherine asked themorning of Winterfest. Vincent looked up from his book and smiled."Yes we are meeting in a few minutes." He stated. "Are you trying toget rid of me for some reason?" He asked teasingly. Catherine putdown her book and smiled. "Of course not love I was just wondering."She stated. Vincent closed his journal and rose from hischair. Hewalked over and sat down on the bed beside her. "Good because I amnot going anywhere." He remarked as he gathered her in his arms. "Isthat a promise?" She asked lovingly. "Of course my darling angel." Hetold her as he kissed the top of her head. "Vincent I cannot waituntil the baby is here." She commented. Vincent smiled down at her."Neither can I." he told her. "I was hoping that the baby would beborn before winterfest." She stated sadly. "Well Peter and Fathertold us that the baby could come anytime in the couple of weeks." Hereminded her. "I know I am just anxious." She remarked. "So am I." headmitted.
A fewmoments later a message on the pipes announced the council was readyto meet. Vincent kissed Catherine gently and rose. "I will returnafter the meeting." He told her. Catherine smiled lovingly. "Allright Jamie is coming to keep me company." She told him. "She wantsto be here with me while you are gone." She continued. "She was veryfrightened when you were attacked." He remarked. "I know she was."She commented. "So was I." he whispered. Catherine held out her hand.He took it and came back to sit beside her. "Love that is over now."She assured him. "The baby and I are fine." She promised. "I know Ijust get very angry with Lisa when I remember the incident." Heremarked. "So do I that is why I try not to think of it at all." Shestated. Vincent smiled and embraced her again. "Catherine Wells youare wonderful." He crooned.
Shewas about to comment when they heard a sound in the entrance of thechamber. "May I come in?" A voice asked. Catherine and Vincent turnedand saw Jamie standing there. Vincent rose from the bed and smiled ather. "Of course Jamie I was just leaving." He stated. Jamie smiledslyly. "Does not look like you were leaving when I came in." Sheteased. Catherine giggled behind them. Vincent turned and looked ather trying to look put out. But she could see the chuckle in hiseyes. "Well Jamie I was in fact leaving." He retorted. Then hestrolled out of the chamber.
Catherineand Jamie looked at one another and laughed happily. "He seemshappier." Jamie remarked sitting down. "Yes when the mix up withLinda was settled he seemed to relax." Catherine told her. "I cannotbelieve that Lisa lied to her so she would help her." Jamie stated."She was desperate." Catherine commented. "She would have doneanything to get out of the city." She added. "She knew that she hadno where to go here." Jamie stated. Catherine nodded quietly. "Yesshe burned her bridges with the tunnels when she attacked me andran." Catherine commented. "Yes she most certainly did I don'tbelieve Father or Vincent will ever forgive her." Catherine shook herhead. "They might in time." She remarked. "What about you?" Jamieasked curiously. "I don't know Jamie I could have lost the babybecause of her attack." Jamie silently nodded. "Thank God youdidn't." She finally commented. Catherine smiled and stroked herbelly. "I thank God for that every day." She whispered.
About ahalf an hour later Vincent entered the chamber. "I am back." Heannounced. Catherine and Jamie looked up from the book they werelooking at. "Hello darling." Catherine commented as Vincentapproached and kissed her. "So what are the two of you doing?" Heasked as he sat down beside Catherine. "I was showing Jamie the bookof baby names that Jenny gave us." Catherine remarked. Vincent smiledand nodded. "I will have to thank her for that gift tonight." Hecommented teasingly. Jamie caught on to his tone and looked atCatherine. She smiled and spoke again. "Since we got the book we havehad some debates over names." She commented. Jamie smiled and noddedin understanding. "Well I better go help with Winterfestpreparations." She stated as she rose. "Cathy are you going toWinterfest?" She asked. Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes both Fatherand Peter told me that I would be able to attend as long as I do notoverexert myself." She stated. "And I will be there to make sure thatyou do not do that." Vincent told her. Jamie smiled. "Well I will seeyou both tonight." She commented. She then turned and left thechamber.
Laterthat evening Catherine entered the chamber. She smiled when she sawVincent standing there adjusting his tunic. She truly loved how helooked in his special occasion clothing. Vincent sensing her returnturned and smiled. "There you are." He commented. Catherine smiledonce again. "Yes I guess I took longer than I expected." She replied.Vincent approached her and took her hand in his. "Well my love youlook absolutely beautiful." He told her. She smiled lovingly at him."I am not too fat for you?" She asked teasingly. Vincent pulled herinto his arms and wrapped them around her as far as they would go."Catherine I have never seen you look more beautiful." He whispered.He then gently kissed her.
Whenthey parted Vincent released her. "Shall we go my love?" He asked.Catherine grabbed her shawl and smiled at him. "Of course darling."She crooned. Vincent took her hand and they left the chamber.
As theyapproached the group of tunnel dwellers and helpers everyone happilygreeted them. "Hello there honey." Peter called. Catherine smiled asshe kissed his cheek. "How are you feeling?" He asked. Catherinechuckled. "Always the doctor huh Peter." She commented. Peter smiledand shrugged his shoulders. "Well you are very close to your duedate." He commented. "Peter I am just fine." She assured him. "And Ipromise not to do too much tonight." She assured him. Peter smiledonce again. "That will make both Jacob and me very happy." He toldher. Then the group walked toward the chamber of the winds.
As theyarrived at the chamber Vincent positioned himself beside Catherine.He wrapped his arm around her waist as far as it would go. "Are youalright?" He asked over the wind. Catherine looked up at him andsmiled. "Yes love I am fine." She told him. "You will know throughthe bond if anything is wrong." She commented. Vincent nodded. "Yesbut that will not stop me from worrying about you." He told her. Shesmiled lovingly at him. "And that is why I love you so much." Sheremarked.
Oncethey reached the big wooden doors leading to the great hall Vincentreleased her. He kissed her cheek them moved toward the door. Shesmiled with great love and pride as she watched her beloved husbandremove the large wood plank over the doors. Then he gave a hefty pushand the doors opened. He moved back toward Catherine and took herhand. "May I lead you through the dark?" He asked. (From Dead ofWinter) Catherinesmiled lovingly at him. "There is no darkness Vincent when you arewith me." She told him. (From Dead of Winter
Afterthe ceremony was over the musicians began playing while everyonestarted to mingle. Vincent led Catherine to a table and they satdown. Soon little Cathy ran up to them. "Vincent you promised todance with me tonight." She commented. Vincent smiled then looked atthe child. "Well I better keep my promise." He told her. Then helooked over at Catherine. "Will you excuse me my love?" He asked. Shesmiled. "Yes of course you go and enjoy your dance." She commented.Vincent rose and kissed her cheek. As he did he whispered in her ear."I love you my Catherine."
Then hegathered the child in his arms and walked toward the dance floor.Catherine smiled as she watched him circle the floor with the child.You will be a wonderful father. Shethought to herself. Suddenly she felt a soft hand on her shoulder.She looked up to see Mary beside her. "Hello Mary will you join mefor a while?" She asked. Mary smiled and nodded. "Of course my dearare you doing alright?" Mary asked. Catherine smiled. "Yes I am justthinking about what a wonderful father Vincent is going to be." Shestated. Mary smiled and nodded. "Yes and you will be a wonderfulmother." Mary added. Catherine suddenly frowned and looked downward."I hope I can be a good mother." She whispered.
Marywas about to respond when Vincent's voice broke in. "You will be awonderful mother my love." He stated matter of factly. Mary seeingthat they need privacy rose and excused herself. Vincent knelt downin front of her and took her hands in his. "Catherine you may havelost your mother as a young girl but that will not affect what kindof mother you are." He told her. Catherine looked up at him. "I wantto believe that Vincent but I am so afraid that I will do somethingwrong." She cried. Vincent gently gathered her in his arms. "No mylove you will never do anything wrong when it comes to our child." Hewhispered. He held her until she was calm again.
A whilelater Vincent was once again dancing with one of the young children.Catherine was sitting at the table with Father and Mary. They weretalking when Father looked up and gasped. Catherine and Mary followedhis gaze. There approaching them was Devin. "Devin we did not knowyou were coming this year." Father commented as he rose. Devin smiledas both men embraced. "Well I thought I would come home for a visit."He commented. Then he kissed Mary on the cheek. "Hello Mary how areyou?" He asked. She smiled lovingly. "I am wonderful." She stated.
ThenDevin looked at Catherine. He had not been home since their weddingso he did not know that Catherine was expecting. Catherine smiled, ashis eyes grew very wide. "Well you have been quite busy." He told hissister in law. She giggled happily. "Yes Devin I have." She told him.Devin then leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Where is Charles?" Maryasked. Devin grew very serious. "I lost him a couple of weeks ago."He stated sadly. "Oh Devin I am so sorry." Catherine told him. Devinsighed. "Well at least he is at peace now." He commented. Father,Catherine and Mary nodded. Then Devin looked at Catherine. "So whenis the big day?" He asked. Catherine smiled. "In a couple of weeks."She commented. Devin was shocked. "And my brother agreed to have youcome to winterfest?" He asked. Father smiled. "Well not until Peterand I told him that it would be alright." He stated. "And I promisedto sit around like a lump." Catherine laughed.
As theywere talking Vincent walked toward them. He smiled happily when herecognized Devin talking to Father, Mary and Catherine. When he wasdirectly behind his brother Vincent laid his hand on his shoulder."Hello Devin." He said happily. Devin turned around and smiled. "Heythere little brother." He said as they embraced. "Why didn't you tellus you were coming?" Vincent asked when they separated. Devin sighed."Well as I was saying Charles died a couple of weeks ago so I decidedto come home for a while." He stated sadly. Vincent nodded inunderstanding. "I am sorry about Charles I know how much he meant toyou." Vincent told him. Devin nodded. "Yes well as I said earlier heis at peace now." Devin commented. Vincent nodded once again.
Suddenlytheir quiet moment was broken by a familiar voice. "So have the twoof you chosen a name yet?" Everyone turned to see Jenny standingthere smiling. Catherine smiled. "Jen I was hoping you were coming."She told her friend as Jenny hugged her. "I wouldn't have missed thisfor the world." Jenny told her. Then Jenny smiled at Vincent. "Heythere stranger." She teased. Vincent smiled and embraced her. "HelloJenny and no we have not made an decisions on a name." He commentedwryly. Jenny looked back at Catherine as both women laughed. Jennyturned and smiled at Devin. "Jenny this is Devin." Catherineintroduced. Devin smiled and shook her hand. "I am glad to finallymeet you." He told her. "Yes unfortunately I was not able to attendthe wedding." Jenny stated somewhat angrily. Catherine smiled at her."Oh Jen aren't you ever going to let your boss off the hook?" Sheasked. Jenny shook her head. "No he owes me for missing my bestfriend's wedding." She stated.
"Wellat least you are here tonight." Father told her. Jenny smiled andnodded. "Yes I would have strangled him if I had missed winterfest."Jenny told him as they embraced. Then she hugged Mary. "How are youfeeling?" Mary asked noticing Jenny's bulging stomach. "We arewonderful." She beamed. "Only a month to go." She added. "How manykids do you have?" Devin asked. Jenny smiled at him. "My husband andI have a son Joseph Vincent Maxwell." She commented. "He is a yearand a half." Devin looked at Catherine. "Is this Joe's wife?" Heasked. Catherine smiled and nodded. "Yes she is." She answered."Devin worked for the DAs office for a while." Catherine told Jenny."Well it is a small world." She commented. "Where is Joe by the way?"Vincent asked. "Joey got a bad cold and he stayed home with him." Shetold him. "He hated to miss it but we could not bring Joey." Sheadded. "Is he alright?" Father asked. Jenny smiled and nodded. "YesPeter said it is only a bad cold." She assured him. "Well tell themthat we missed them." Catherine told her friend.
Alittle while later Catherine was sitting with Jenny talking whileVincent and Devin had moved to the second level landing where theywere catching up. "I was quite shocked when I saw Cathy." Devincommented. Vincent nodded and smiled. "Yes we tried to contact youbut the letter came back." Vincent told him. "How are you dealingwith the situation?" Devin asked. "I have learned so much since mymarriage to Catherine that when I found out we were expecting ourchild I was elated." Devin smiled and shook his head. "I cannot getover the change in you." He stated. "You seem so much more alive."Vincent smiled and looked down toward Catherine. "Devin I have neverbeen so happy or satisfied in my life." He chimed. Devin put his armaround Vincent's shoulder. "Well little brother no one deserves itmore than you and Cathy." Vincent put his hand on top of Devin's."That means a lot to us." He told his older brother.
As thenight went on everyone was having a good time. Catherine was beingwaited on hand and foot by everyone. She was having a wonderful timeeven though she could not do anything but sit and watch theactivities. Mary walked over when she noticed that Catherine wassitting alone. "Cathy are you alright?" Mary asked as she sat down.Catherine looked up and smiled. "Yes I am fine." She stated. "Just abit tired." Mary then looked at her closer. "Would you like me totake you to your chamber?" Mary asked. Catherine shook her head. "Noreally I am feeling fine." She assured her mother in law. Mary smiledand nodded. "Alright but I am staying here until Vincent returns."She commented.
Catherinewas about to protest when she grabbed her stomach. "Ooh!" Sheexclaimed. Mary was quickly on her feet. "Catherine what is it?" Sheasked. "I think I just went into labor." Catherine told her. Marysmiled and put her hand on Catherine's shoulder. "I will getVincent." She stated. She whispered in Jamie's ear and Jamie movedover beside Catherine. Then Mary walked off to find Vincent. "Cathyare you sure you are alright?" Jamie asked. Catherine was about toanswer when another pain hit. "OOH! That was a harder one." She toldJamie. The girl took her hand and held it tightly. "Mary will findVincent." Jamie told her. Catherine smiled as she began herbreathing.
Marymoved quickly through the throng of people. She had not found Vincentyet. Then suddenly she saw him standing with Peter, Father, andDevin. She breathlessly rushed toward them. "Vincent!" She called.When he heard his name Vincent spun around. "What is it Mary?" Heasked. "Is something wrong with Catherine?" He asked. Then suddenlythe bond opened once again and he felt the pain that Catherine wasexperiencing. He looked at Mary then at Father. "Catherine is inpain." He stated. "No she is in labor." Mary corrected. Vincentsmiled then ran off in the direction that Mary had come.
AsVincent and the others approached they saw Jamie holding Catherine'shand. "Catherine I am here." Vincent told her as he knelt before her.Catherine smiled as another contraction passed. "It started a littlewhile ago." She told them. "You closed the bond?" Vincent asked.Catherine looked down. "I did not want to alarm you." She whispered.Vincent smiled and put his hand under her chin. "Catherine look at meplease." He requested. She slowly made eye contact with him. "Pleasenever think you have to protect me from something this important." Hetold her. She smiled and nodded.
ThenFather spoke up. "Vincent we need to get her back to your chamber."He directed. "Cathy can you walk?" He asked. She was about to answerwhen Vincent gently lifted her into his arms. "I will carry you." Hetold her. She smiled and put her head on his shoulder. "Alright mylove." She whispered. With that they all left the great hall.
Oncethey reached their chamber Vincent gently laid Catherine on theirbed. "Are you alright love?" He asked. Catherine breathed through acontraction then smiled. "Yes Vincent I am fine." She assured him."Now Catherine we need to get you changed." Mary told her. Vincentmoved over and took out her tunnel gown. He then handed it to Mary."Vincent while we are doing this go and see if Father needs you." Shedirected. Vincent hesitated until Catherine smiled at him. "It isalright love you will be back shortly." She told him.
Alittle while later Vincent and Father entered the chamber. They foundCatherine lying on the bed. Vincent walked over to her and sat downbeside her. "How are you feeling?" He asked. She smiled and caressedhis cheek. "I am doing fine." She assured him. "The pain is not thatbad yet." She told him. Vincent took off his cloak. Father looked athim and spoke. "You can go change clothes if you like." He commented.Vincent looked down at his formal clothes then back at Catherine. Shesmiled. "Go on and make yourself comfortable we will be here awhile." She whispered. Vincent gently kissed her then he rose. Hecollected his clothes and left the chamber.
"Fatherwhen will the baby be born?" Catherine asked. Father sat down besideher and took her hand. "You could be in labor until sometimetomorrow." He commented. Catherine smiled slightly. "I guess no onewill get much sleep tonight." She told him. Father looked up at Peterwho smiled. "No honey I guess not." Peter told her. Suddenly Jenny,Joe and Devin entered the chamber. "So this is what happens when Imiss winterfest." Joe teased. Catherine smiled at him. "Yeah I guessso." She commented. "When did you arrive?" Catherine asked him. "Momcame to keep Joseph when I told her about you going into labor."Jenny told her. "She told me to tell you and Vincent that she wouldpray for you." Jenny told her. "Thank her for us." Vincent told heras he reentered the chamber. "Where were you little brother I wouldhave thought you would be stationed here." Devin teased. "I went tochange my clothes." Vincent told him. "But now I will station myselfhere." He stated. With that everyone laughed.
Laterthat night Catherine was really feeling the contractions. "Oh whenwill this be over?" She asked. Vincent kissed her forehead. "It willbe over very soon my love." He whispered. She looked up at him. "Doyou promise?" She asked. He smiled lovingly at her. "Yes my beloved Ipromise." He whispered. "Now honey I need you to push when I tellyou." Peter instructed. Then he looked at Vincent. "Get behind her sothat you can help her." Vincent nodded. He rose and helped Catherineinto a sitting position. Then he slid in behind her. "Now Cathy youhave to push very hard." Peter told her. She started to cry. "I am sotired I don't know if I have the strength." Vincent held her tightly."You are one of the strongest women I have ever known you can dothis." He told her. She looked up at him and saw the love for hershining in his eyes. "Alright I will do it for you." She told him.
A fewminutes later a hard contraction hit. Catherine screamed out. "NowCatherine push as hard as you can!" Peter told her. Vincent leanedforward as she pushed. "That's it Cathy the head is almost out." Marytold her. Catherine screamed as the pain wracked her body. "It willbe over very soon." Vincent whispered. When the contraction hadpassed Catherine lay back against Vincent's chest. He gently wipedher dry lips with a wet washcloth. "That feels good." She whispered.Vincent smiled and kissed her forehead. "Rest for a while." He toldher. She smiled and closed her eyes. But soon another contractioncame on. "Now Cathy this is the last one but you have to give a veryhard push." Father instructed. Then he brought Devin forward. "Lether grip your hand." He told his oldest son. Devin nodded and tookher hand. "Hey Cathy just a bit longer until we see thisbaby." Hecommented. She smiled and nodded. "Yes just a bit longer." She toldhim. "Oh here it comes!" Catherine cried out. She squeezed Devin'shand very hard. Then she bore down. "Now Cathy push!" Peter told herloudly. Vincent leaned forward with her and she screamed out. "That'sit Cathy!" Mary cried happily. Then suddenly the baby slid into theworld with a loud healthy cry. "Oh Vincent our baby!" Catherine criedas he held her tightly. Vincent smiled at her as his tears began tofall. "I love you more than anything in my life." He told her. Shesmiled. "I love you too." She responded.
Fathersmiled as he approached them. "May I present your son." He announcedas he gently laid the baby in Catherine's waiting arms. "Oh Vincentlook he is absolutely beautiful!" Catherine sobbed as she held him.Vincent smiled as he stroked the baby's soft cheeks. "And he looksjust like you my beloved." He commented. Catherine could hear therelief in his tone. "But he has your beautiful eyes." She told him.Vincent smiled and kissed her cheek.
A whilelater everyone left the young family alone. Catherine smiled happilyas she held their infant son in her arms. Vincent still sat behindher as she leaned against his chest. "Vincent how can I ever thankyou?" Catherine whispered. Vincent looked down at her shocked."Catherine it is I who should thank you." He told her. "Catherine Inever imagined that I could have the life that we have now." Hebegan. "I was so lonely and isolated that I thought I would be alonefor the rest of my life then I found you and my whole life wastransformed into something that I will always treasure." Catherinesmiled up at him as her tears silently fell. "Oh Vincent this is themost wonderful night of my life." She cried. Vincent smiled andleaned down to gently kiss her.
As theywere kissing a voice interrupted. "Catherine may I show the baby tohis waiting public?" Mary asked. Vincent and Catherine smiled as shetook the baby from his mother. "Of course they need to see him."Catherine told her. Mary smiled and left the chamber. Vincent wrappedhis arms around Catherine and held her. "I will never be able to tellyou how much I truly love you." He whispered. "You have reached intomy dark world and made all my hopes and dreams come true" Catherineturned around and smiled. "And you have always been the man of mydreams." She commented. Then Catherine settled into his arms onceagain and smiled. She was soon happily sleeping. Vincent smiled andheld her tightly. He kissed the top of her head then slowly rose frombehind her and laid her down. He covered her with the quilt then satdown in his desk chair. He smiled as he watched her sleep. She wastruly the light of his life. And he was so blessed to have her.
Hisrevelry was broken when Mary reentered the chamber. She smiled andhanded the baby to him. "So what did everyone think?" Vincent askedquietly. Mary smiled lovingly. "I must say that he is a big hit." Shewhispered. She then kissed him on the forehead and left the chamber.Vincent smiled down at the baby in his arms. He shifted the child inhis arms and began whispering to him. "You are so beautiful my son."He whispered. "I am so proud that you are here and that you aremine." He continued. "I promise you that I will never disappoint youin any manner. I will always be here for you and your beautifulmother." He vowed. "You are both truly the loves of my life." Hecontinued.
SuddenlyVincent felt as if he were being watched. He looked up to seeCatherine sitting on the bed smiling at him. "Hello my love." Shewhispered. Vincent smiled and rose. He carried the baby over to herand placed him once again in her arms. "What were you talking about?"Catherine asked. Vincent smiled at her. "That is between my son andmyself." He commented. Then he gathered his family in his arms andheld them. They spent the remainder of the night gazing at their sonand dreaming of their future with their beautiful new child.
Epilogue:
A fewweeks after the baby's birth everyone gathered in the main hall forhis naming ceremony. Catherine stood beside Vincent as she held theirson. She looked down at the child and smiled lovingly. Then shelooked up into the blue eyes of her beloved husband. He smiled at herand kissed her hand that he held. Father smiled then began to speak."We welcome the child with love so that he may learn to give love. Wewelcome the child with gifts so that he may learn the gift ofgenerosity. And finally we welcome the child with a name." Then heturned to Catherine and Vincent. "I believe that Vincent andCatherine have chosen that name." He stated. Catherine smiled up atVincent who nodded. Then looking out over all their friends andfamily she spoke up happily. "Vincent and I have chosen to name ourson Jacob." She announced. Father smiled at Mary when he heard this.He was very touched by this gesture.
WhenFather had collected his thoughts he spoke once again. "Well in honorof this wonderful occasion William has prepared a feast." He stated.Everyone smiled and approached the proud parents. They accepted thecongratulations and the gifts for their son. Then Father and Maryapproached them. "I am truly honored that you chose to name himJacob." Father told them. Catherine and Vincent smiled brightly. "Wecould not have chosen a better name for our son." Catherine told himas she kissed his cheek. Father blushed then smiled. "Well shall weall go to the great hall?" He asked. Mary smiled and took his arm.Vincent put his arm around Catherine's waist and they all left thechamber.