THE HOUR WHICH MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Catherine stood outside the younger boys' dormitory and calledout, "Geoffrey? Are you around?"

From far down a nearby tunnel, she heard him respond, "Catherine?I didn't know you were coming Below today!"

Geoffrey changed course, giving his buddies a wave and a "Catch upwith you later!" as he barreled back down the tunnel in the directionof Catherine's voice. He did not check as he reached her, but ran toher in a way that Catherine secretly referred to as his "full tiltboogie" -- straight into her waiting arms. They engaged in asatisfyingly long hug, then held each other at arm's length toinspect for changes since they'd last been together over a weekbefore.

Having previously discussed his recent growth spurt, she teased,"I swear you've grown half an inch, Geoffrey!"

He gazed back at her adoringly, taking in everything about her."You got your hair cut, Catherine! I like it that way."

With those preliminaries out of the way, they turned in silentagreement and walked back to the dormitory chamber Geoffrey sharedwith Kipper, Eric and Zak.

Geoffrey had been the driving force behind the resolution of thegravest threat to her and Vincent's dream, and since then, Catherinehad become more than a close but casual friend to him. He hadprevented Vincent from making a tragic mistake in the aftermath ofthe terrible illness that had befallen him, when Vincent decided thatthe only way he could prevent the fulfillment of the dark nightmarehe had lived through was to force Catherine to leave him. Theyoungster, through courage and quick thinking, had convinced Vincentto reassess his decision, and Vincent had allowed Catherine back intohis life. Since then, the Bondmates were closer than ever, bothshocked by the vision of the bleak future apart that had almostbecome their fate into a dearer appreciation of each other.

Because of his extraordinary defense of her right to happiness,Catherine became more aware of how special a child Geoffrey was. Shebegan to look on the young boy as family, and he, for his part, washappy and grateful for the special attention she showered on him. Hewished fervently that he could have someone as wonderful as Catherinefor a mother, but he realized the impossibility of such a thing. Itwas enough that she cared for him and spent time with him. He knew heshouldn't be greedy.

Catherine, as Geoffrey knew she would, asked him what he'd been upto since they had last been together. He related his adventures inthe park that past Saturday, and described a particularly graphicdream he'd had about saving those Below from some monster from Above.Catherine listened gravely to all he said. She never dismissed thetopics of his conversation, but always was intent and interested whenhe spoke. Most adults didn't have the time or inclination to listento a little boy's chatter, didn't realize how important it was to bemade to feel significant and special. Catherine knew.

When he wound down, she asked to see his recent school work. Shereviewed with pleasure one of his short stories, which Vincent hadgraded "B+" ("He's a tough grader," Geoffrey asserted), and cockedher eyebrow at the math test marked "C," causing Geoffrey to blushand mumble something about knowing he needed to try harder. He hadsaved the best for last, though.

Geoffrey had told Catherine over a month ago that he had startedan ambitious history project, but he'd been keeping it under wraps,declaring she could not see the work in progress, but only thefinished product. She was more than a little curious about it. He hadhinted only that it was to be a modern interpretation of a 16thcentury castle, and the idea intrigued her. Now, slowly, Geoffrey ledher to a corner table where a very lumpy "something" was hiddenbeneath an old quilt. Today, it seemed, was to be the grandunveiling. With a self-conscious formality, he pulled the coveringaway to reveal what lay beneath.

Catherine knew that the youngster had a vivid imagination, and shewas anticipating a delightful surprise. Nothing, however, could haveprepared her for the work of art he presented to her astonished eyes.When she finally found her voice, Catherine spoke in an awed whisper."Oh, Geoffrey, this is...magnificent. Have you shown it to Fatheryet?"

Geoffrey was excited and proud that he had obviously impressedCatherine with his handiwork. "No, you're the first one who's seenit. 'Course, Zak and the other guys have seen me working on it, but Idid it mostly when they were out, so no one's really seen itfinished, 'cept you."

Her eyes shone with pleasure. "I'm not showing partiality becausewe're friends, honest. I know men who are architects, and they wouldbe very impressed by this. Not only is it beautiful in general, butyou show a real talent for design." She began to inspect the modelfrom different angles, marveling at what was revealed. It lookedliked an architectural rendering, it was so sophisticated anddetailed. "Just look at those corner windows, and the wonderfuldrawbridge effect!" She studied it in silence for a while, thenremarked, "There's so much to look at. I wouldn't mind living in amansion like this myself!"

The boy smiled shyly. "That's what I was imagining when I builtit. I was thinking, 'What kind of house would Catherine love?' andthat's what I came up with!"

She looked at the young man in wonder. "You are truly an amazingkid, Geoffrey." Her eyes turned mischievous. "Of course, it couldn'treally be perfect unless there was tunnel access!"

Solemnly, Geoffrey lifted a wall, exposing the interior of themodel to view. "There, Catherine. That's how Vincent would get in tovisit you."

She could see the doorway and steps leading from a basement area.She marveled at his acuity. "Then it is perfect!"

Geoffrey nodded in satisfaction. He really didn't care what gradeFather gave him now. He had the approval of the person who meant themost to him. That was all that mattered. Suddenly, he noticed a largeform hovering in the entrance to his dormitory room. "Vincent? Youcan come in!"

The cloaked figure hung back. "I don't mean to intrude. I thoughtI heard Catherine's voice, and..."

"Vincent, please come see this," Catherine urged, going to him andtaking his hand to draw him inside. "I'm sure Geoffrey would valueyour opinion of his history project."

He was soon absorbed by the model, remarking on various aspects ofthe design. Finally, he pronounced his opinion: "It is the best modelI have ever seen, Geoffrey. You must be very proud -- it is quite anaccomplishment. I am sure Father will be impressed."

Geoffrey beamed. "Catherine likes it!" was all he said.

Catherine glanced quickly at Vincent, then took Geoffrey's handand sat down to speak to him. "I know I took you away from yourfriends earlier, sweetheart. Thank you for sharing this with me. I'mhonored I was the first person you showed it to. Now, why don't youjoin the guys, and I'll see you later at dinner." She gave him aquick squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. Geoffrey nodded, gave her ashy kiss in return, then ran out the door.

Vincent smiled down at her as she carefully replaced the quiltover Geoffrey's creation. "You have come to mean much to him,Catherine. He treasures your attention, and he has blossomed underit."

Tilting her head, she considered his comments, then sighed. "Iwish I could do more for him. I've come to love him very much,Vincent, you know that. I feel that somehow he's getting lost hereBelow. He has lots of loving hands to guide him, but he's not reallygetting the kind of one-on-one attention that could spark his growthto his full potential." Realizing she sounded critical of his Tunnelfamily's care, she quickly added, "I'm not saying anyone's neglectinghim. I just have a feeling he needs a lot more encouragement andpositive reinforcement than other children. If he hadparents...."

He replied, nodding and sighing in return, "I know what you mean,Catherine. Father and I and the others try, but there are so manyorphans here, and we must give each a measure of our attention. TheSamanthas of our world demand and receive an inordinate share, I'mafraid, leaving the quiet children, like Geoffrey, to get a bit lessthan they need."

Catherine hesitated, then spoke of what had been on her mindincreasingly over the past few months. "I've been thinking, Vincent.Geoffrey and I have an extraordinary attachment to each other. I'mnot sure how it happened, but it's there. He needs someone special inhis life, as you said. And I don't feel I can give him that, seeinghim only a few times a month. So what I've been contemplatingis...adopting him. What do you think?"

Vincent was stunned by her suggestion. He knew Catherine's lifewas very complicated, and couldn't imagine her complicating it stillfurther by taking on the care of a child. "Catherine, what you aresuggesting...have you thought about the amount of time and work itwould be? You would have sole responsibility for a child's life. Iknow you care for him, but do you understand the consequences of whatyou have in mind?"

Catherine nodded. "I've been thinking of little else recently. Iknow I'd have to make a lot of adjustments in my life." She began totick items off on her fingers. "Find a bigger apartment, enroll himin school, plan regular meals, get a job that allows me to have morenormal hours so I can be there to check his homework, become involvedin his life and activities, plan for his college education...there ismuch to consider." Crinkling her brow and shaking her head, shecontinued, "But I love the little guy, Vincent, and he's worth thetrouble and time and everything else I'd have to do. He deserves agood start in life. You have done as much as you can for him, but Ican do more, and I want to do more."

Vincent turned slightly away from her, bowing his head, and hisnext words were muffled slightly by the long blond mane that fellabout his face. "You would...leave your apartment, Catherine?"

She wrapped herself around him and hugged him until he lifted hishead. Looking straight into his captivating eyes, she replied, "Iwould find a better apartment, Vincent. One with more convenienttunnel access, with more privacy than the one I have now.Remember...you are my priority. I would never do anything tojeopardize our relationship or our time together."

In quiet, measured tones, he commented, "But what you areproposing will permanently alter both our relationship and our timetogether, Catherine." Then, shaking his head, unhappy with how he hadexpressed his concern, he said, "That sounds selfish, and I didn'tmean it to." Earnestly, trying to explain his feelings, he went on."Geoffrey deserves to have a parent who would love him and guide him.Father's special love and care made all the difference in my life,and I know you would do the same for Geoffrey. But we must facefacts, Catherine. You will not have much...spare time to come Below,and your weekends will be devoted to your...son."

Protesting his conclusions, she countered, "Just because I'd adopthim wouldn't mean I'd cut him off from the only friends and familyhe's got! For that matter, I have friends and family here Below, too,and I don't plan to abandon them!" Seeing the apprehension on herbeloved's face, she hugged him tightly, sending a wave of comfort andlove through their Bond.

In her heart, she acknowledged the complications her decisionwould entail -- for both of them. Admitting he had cause for hisconcern, she added, "We have a lot to discuss, Vincent. I know thiswon't be easy. But I promise, we'll keep talking and thinking andplanning until we work everything out to our mutual satisfaction.Only then will I put the plans in motion. Do you promise to work withme, and not give up on us in the process?"

Catherine tugged gently at Vincent's hair as she asked her lastquestion, and Vincent was forced to smile in response. Catherinethought she read in that smile that everything would be all right --that somehow, they would make it work.

To Vincent, his smile was one of resignation. This relationshipwith Geoffrey was so important to Catherine that she was willing tochange her life for it. And it would make all the difference in theyoung boy's life, to have a mother as remarkable as Catherine to comehome to every night. He swallowed a bitter pill of regret that he hadnever given Catherine another reason to change her life so radically,had never asked her for a real commitment to their dream. For allthat he had talked of "someday," he knew he was always, subtly butinsistently, pushing her away from him. If he had only told her howhe truly felt, what he so desperately wanted and needed from her,maybe.... No. Even if once it had been possible...that time hadpassed. It was too late. Now, such dreams were confined permanentlyto shadow and darkness. They were swept away by this new passion ofCatherine's, this commitment to a child who would be her world. He,Vincent, must accept a secondary role in her life. It was better thannothing. And...perhaps...it was for the best.

Despite her first impression, Catherine became puzzled by thestrange look in Vincent's eyes, even though he had smiled in responseto her question. She had not raised the idea of this adoption withhim earlier because she'd wanted time to work out a lot of the issuesbeforehand, and today's conversation had made her reveal herintentions before she was ready. She knew now that was a mistake. Shecould sense his surprise, his apprehension...and something more.Something was...closing down in him. Now, as they walked to Father'schamber, she felt their Bond getting perceptibly weaker. She knew sheneeded to delve into the cause with him, but before she had time tothink more about it, he surprised her.

The older man turned as they entered, and a delighted smile lithis face as he saw Catherine. "Ah, you are finally here, my dear.Come in. Come in!"

She was about to reply to his welcome when Vincent suddenly said,"Father, Catherine has some news to discuss with you. I think youwill be very pleased to hear it."

Catherine started at this unexpected announcement. What could hebe thinking? Why would he bring the subject up before they'd had achance to work out the details? Father would be awash in questionsthey couldn't answer yet. It was almost as if...as if Vincent weresomehow...distancing himself from the situation, knowing that Fatherwould take the idea and run with it now.

Father was gazing at Catherine expectantly. She shot an irritatedglance at his son that Father did not miss, but then she revealed hernews. "Well, Father, it's not really a full-blown plan yet -- justthe germ of an idea, really. There are lots of details to work out.But...as I just recently mentioned to Vincent, I am thinking offormally adopting Geoffrey."

Father eyed Vincent surreptitiously as Catherine spoke. He notedthe grim set of Vincent's mouth and the way he averted his eyes fromCatherine...and his parent. Something was going on here. Theundercurrents would have to be explored -- later. Right now, he wouldconcentrate on Catherine's unexpected and rather remarkableproposition.

With a rare burst of enthusiasm, Father remarked, "A splendididea, Catherine! Young Geoffrey is quite fond of you, I know, and hewould be very lucky to have you for a mother." Pausing a moment,realizing his comments might dampen her excitement, he took a deepbreath before continuing. "I must tell you, though, that the way hecame to live with us was somewhat...irregular. He...disappeared fromyour world many years ago. He has no idea what his last name is...oreven if he was born in New York, so finding his birth certificatewould be an insurmountable task. He's never been enrolled in anyschool Above and he has no acceptable explanation for where he hasbeen for the past few years. I don't know what roadblocks you mightfind in your way should he suddenly reappear, and in your custody. Itmight prove extremely difficult to adopt him according to the formalprocedures of your world."

Understanding that he wasn't trying to dissuade her, but merelypointing out potential problems, Catherine nodded. "I realize thingsmight be difficult, Father. As I said, I haven't had time to workeverything out." Catherine voiced her list of considerations, lettingFather know that she comprehended and accepted the many obstacleswhich would have to be overcome. Then, throwing another exasperatedglance at Vincent, who had said nothing during the discussion, shesummed up. "Vincent has promised to assist me in figuring out theparticulars."

"Well, now that you've presented the proposition to me, I'm sureamong the three of us we will shortly have all the problems ironedout. Don't you agree, Vincent?" Father deliberately turned to hisson, hoping to draw him into the conference.

Vincent tilted his head in acknowledgment, then said quietly, "Ofcourse, Father." But his entire posture spoke of a differentresponse. One leg on the bottom step of the stairs leading up to theentranceway, his frame leaning gingerly against the railing there,arms folded in front of him, his body language indicated that hewished to remain as distant from further discussion as possible.

Father could sense Catherine's growing unease at Vincent's lack ofenthusiasm. He felt he had to do or say something quickly, topreserve the momentum of her selfless suggestion, before she withdrewit in the face of some so-far-unknown objection on Vincent's part.What was his son's problem? Then, suddenly, the ideal answer to thesituation presented itself, full-blown and flawless.

Quite pleased with himself, Father informed her, "I have anexcellent idea, Catherine, if I do credit myself. This would resolvethe thorny legal issues as well as the other concerns you raised -- anew apartment, regular meals, day care, a good school." He indicatedshe should sit, then took a chair beside hers and reached out toclasp one of her hands in both of his own. How he was going to enjoythe look on her face when he revealed his plan!

"Your work means a good deal to you, my dear, and I know you wouldprefer to keep working where you are doing so much to help others.Now, as for Geoffrey -- currently he benefits from having an extendedfamily. Also, he is advancing quickly in many classes here Below, andextensive tutoring is available to him for those subjects with whichhe needs more assistance. As Michael's success at university so amplydemonstrates, we provide an exceptional educational environment forour children here, one which could not be equaled in your publicschools Above, and which might be the equal of even the betterprivate schools. I'm sure you'd agree." He didn't need Catherine'snod to spur him on.

"So, here's my suggestion. Adopt Geoffrey, but do it here Below.And...you come Below to live among us. We would provide you and yourson with your own quarters so you could live as a family. Geoffreywould continue his studies among his friends, and would participatein the community life he has come to know and love. You need notworry about day care or meals, but come Below each night and be herefor Geoffrey as much as other parents Below are here for theirchildren. Your basement entrance was never meant for that kind oftraffic, but with Mouse's help we could find a more secure way foryou to enter our world. What do you think?" Father smiled withevident self-satisfaction as he looked from Catherine to Vincent andback.

Catherine was dumbfounded. Father was suggesting that she moveBelow?! But she saw the overwhelming merits in the proposal, andcould not, at first blush, find any fault with it. "I'm sure we'dhave a lot to work out, but it sounds...perfect, Father. Trulyperfect!" She smiled in gratitude and relief. It was coming togetherfaster than she'd thought possible.

Father's smile broadened. "Yes, well, there's just the formalityof a Council vote, then. As you know, Catherine, except in emergencysituations, we accept new residents only upon a unanimous vote of theCouncil. In your case, I doubt there will be any objections. Don'tyou agree, Vincent?" Father's eyes twinkled as he urged his son tosecond what he was sure would be a more than acceptable idea tohim.

Vincent would not look either of them in the eye. He seemed tohave a hard time finding his voice, but when he did, he said,"Father, Catherine...forgive me. I cannot give my approval to such aproposal." Then, as quickly as he had dropped the verbal bomb, he wasup the stairs and gone, leaving a stunned Father and Catherine in hiswake.

Catherine recovered first, fighting down the tears that threatenedto spill from her eyes. "Well, that's it, I guess." She pattedFather's hand to soothe his outrage. "Don't worry, Father, I'll workthings out another way. Thank you for the offer, though. You'll neverknow how much it meant to me." She kissed him on the cheek and roseto leave, but the kiss had jolted Father into recovering his powersof speech.

Truly indignant, he sputtered, "I fail to understand my son'sreaction. Why would he object to such a perfect solution? I'll have aword with him straightaway and demand some satisfactoryexplanation."

Catherine had turned back to him as Father began to rant, and nowshe put out a restraining hand. "No, please, Father. Vincent has aright as a member of the Council to vote his conscience. He couldhave waited for the vote at the meeting, when his objection wouldhave been anonymous. That he has chosen to tell us now how he wouldvote will avoid any...unpleasantness...later, in front of the wholecommunity."

She took a deep breath, trying to still the quaver in her voice.When she continued, she had mastered it -- somewhat. "I appreciatehis honesty. It couldn't have been easy for him to tell us. So youmustn't try to change his mind, please. If he wouldn't be comfortablewith me living Below, it's best that we know that now, before anyfurther plans are made."

Sensing that the older man was concerned that she might havesecond thoughts about the adoption in light of Vincent's reaction,she sought to ease his mind. "This changes nothing, Father. I'llstill try to adopt Geoffrey, and he'll still have his extendedfamily. I'll make sure he has ample opportunity to come Below forvisits and stays. It will be more difficult, I won't deny that,but...we'll deal with the problems as they come up, OK?"

She waited for the Tunnel patriarch to nod in agreement, thencontinued in as rational, matter-of-fact a voice as she could muster."OK. I'll start the ball rolling Above -- contact Child WelfareServices, check on adoption procedures, research private schoolswhich might accept his home-schooled skills. And I'll start lookingfor another job and apartment immediately. I think I'd better stop atthe bookstore and buy a couple of cookbooks, too!" She got a smileout of him with that last comment, as she'd intended.

She leaned down to place a grateful kiss on his furrowed brow."I'll consult with you, of course, every step of the way. But first,I need to talk to Geoffrey. If he doesn't want this, I wouldn't forceit on him."

Catherine left to find the youngster, leaving Father confused andangry at the sudden and complete ruin of his "perfect" solution. Hewasn't sure why his son had rejected the idea so utterly, but hemeant to find out, regardless that Catherine had urged him to leavethe situation alone.

_ _ _

Geoffrey, returning to his dormitory chamber, was surprised tofind Catherine there waiting for him. "Hi! I thought I was gonna meetyou in the dining chamber later?"

Shrugging, she admitted, "That was the plan, but I need to talk toyou about something important, and I don't want to do it at dinnerwith lots of other people around. Do you have time now?"

The young boy nodded. "Sure! Can we talk while we walk toVincent's chamber? I have to drop off some books I borrowed that Ipromised I'd return today. I forgot all about giving them back to himwhen he was here earlier."

Catherine smiled and said, "That'll be OK, as long as you let mecarry half the books!"

Geoffrey handed her several volumes, but she noted that he keptthe weightier ones for himself. He constantly surprised her with thedepth of his thoughtfulness. She hoped that she could nurture andsustain the special spirit inside this child -- he was truly anextraordinary boy, and she knew in her heart he would grow to be anexceptional man.

As they walked, Catherine formulated her approach on this delicatesubject. She wanted to present the option as dispassionately aspossible, so he would not be unduly influenced by her desires in thematter. Finally, cautiously, she began. "Geoffrey, I hope you knowthat I care for you a great deal."

Looking up at her adoringly, shyly, he replied, "I know.And...and...I love you, too, Catherine!"

She smiled. So much for being dispassionate! "You are so specialto me that...I...I'd like you to become my family. What would youthink about having me for your Mom?"

Geoffrey stopped dead and stared open-mouthed at Catherine. In ashocked whisper, he stuttered, "Y-y-you...want to...adopt me?"

Kneeling to be closer to him, she responded, "I want that morethan anything, sweetheart. But only if that's what you want,too."

As if unsure of what he'd heard, he begged for confirmation. "Youwant me to come live with you?"

Seeking to reassure him, she explained, "Yes, but more than that.I want you to be my son. If I adopted you, our lives would be joinedas closely as if we were related by blood. We couldn't change ourminds. If we had an argument, or you were disappointed in something Idid, or I was unhappy about your grades, we couldn't just call itquits. We'd have to stick it out, get over it, forgive each other andmove on. Do you understand? It would be a 'forever' thing."

Breathless now, his heart pounding wildly, he could barely get thewords out. "How did you know?"

She was confused by the unexpected question. "How did Iknow...what?"

"That's what I've wished for...so hard. It's my most secret wish.I wanted it so bad. I've prayed and hoped that you could be my Mom."His admissions came shyly, haltingly. "Once I almost asked you if youwould adopt me, but I figured you'd think I was being stupid, so Ididn't." He stopped, then continued in a soft voice, "Can I call youMom?"

With a look of wonder on her face, Catherine caught and held hisgaze, vowing, "If that's what you'd like to call me, I'd love it. AndGeoffrey, never be afraid to tell me anything again...anything atall. I will always be here for you. You'll always have me."

The young boy unleashed a torrent of words now, freed byCatherine's affirmation of her love for him. "I promise I'll alwaysbe good! I promise I won't ever do anything to make you change yourmind, or wish you hadn't adopted me! I promise...."

Catherine laughed and, dumping the books on the floor of thetunnel, reached out to gather Geoffrey in a big bear hug. "You don'thave to promise me anything, honey. Just knowing you love me enoughto want me to be your Mom is enough for me. That's my promise."

Vincent and Father came upon this scene as they accompanied eachother to the dining chamber. Father was arguing a point as theywalked, while the younger, bigger man inclined his head and listenedpolitely, if distractedly.

Vincent had caught the sound of murmuring voices long beforeFather, his hearing being naturally more acute. He had heard Geoffreytell Catherine how he had almost asked her to adopt him once but hadlost his nerve, and how she had responded: Never be afraid to tell meanything. He had more reason than Geoffrey to know of Catherine'slove for him, of her need for him in her life, of her desires, of her"secret wishes." Even though they had never really spoken of thesethings, the feelings had surged, at times flooded, from her throughtheir Bond. Yet he, too, was afraid to tell Catherine almostanything, needing yet fearing her response.

The conversation with Father was proving frustrating andinconclusive. It had started when the older man had hobbleddeterminedly into his chamber, adamant in his assertion thatCatherine's move Below was the best solution for all concerned. Hisposition had not surprised Vincent as much as it might have even afew months ago.

Father's feelings toward Catherine had changed over the years,from bare tolerance to grudging respect to guarded acceptance tototal capitulation to her charms. He now considered Catherine to belike a daughter, so it was natural that he would pursue withsingle-minded fervor his belief that Catherine should move Below andbecome a part of their community, for Geoffrey's sake, if for noother reason.

Father could not conceive of why his son would not agree to themove, would not accept the rightness of it. Surely he lovedCatherine? Hadn't Vincent done nothing but argue that point foryears? And had Father not ultimately come to agree that he shouldhave whatever life he thought might be possible with Catherine?

Vincent had noted that Father did not pry anymore into hisrelationship with Catherine. He just assumed, however wrongly, that,since his own strong objections had been removed, the two had madeinevitable progress in their relationship. Vincent had neverdisabused Father of the latter's belief that they had moved beyondtheir intense but chaste friendship into some type of physicalintimacy. As naturally reticent as Vincent was, Father would notexpect outward displays of affection between them just because theyhad become lovers. That they were not lovers was a source of anguishto both Vincent and Catherine, but one of which no one else close tothem was aware. They suffered this pain in silence, with silencebetween them.

Because of this unresolved tension, Catherine's reaction toFather's suggestion had truly stunned Vincent. He felt that sheshould have realized, without being told, why he could not bear herpresence in the Tunnels on any kind of permanent basis. Yet she hadagreed when Father had suggested it, had called the idea "perfect,"and had been greatly disappointed when he had advised her he couldnot vote in Council to approve her residency.

However, since he was not going to explain the true state of hisrelationship with Catherine to Father, and since she was not going tohelp him by resisting Father's suggestion, he could do nothing butreaffirm his position -- he would not vote to approve her request tomove Below. Vincent could not give Father the reasons he demanded,could not let Father know that the thought of Catherine always soclose and yet so...unattainable would cause him more torment than hebelieved he could endure. And so their discussion had continued,unsatisfactory and painful to them both, until, to Vincent's relief,seeing the tableau before them in the tunnel had suspended Father'splea in mid-sentence.

Recovering quickly, Father closed the distance to Catherine andGeoffrey, a beaming smile on his face. "Well, I see you two havedecided to adopt each other. Good, good! I'm very happy for both ofyou." He knelt stiffly to put a hand on the young boy's shoulder andspeak man to man. "Geoffrey, I hope you will always remember thatCatherine chose you out of all the other children in the world tobecome her son. That's how special you are to her. You are nowresponsible to each other. Treasure that responsibility, Geoffrey,and treasure her."

The boy's reply was solemn and heartfelt. "Don't worry, Father. Iknow how lucky I am. Catherine...Mom...is the greatest, and I loveher a lot."

Catherine's smile lifted to Vincent, and he beckoned to herquietly. She nodded imperceptibly, then said to Father and Geoffrey,"I need to speak to Vincent for a moment. Will you both excuse me?Geoffrey, if you'll go on ahead to dinner and save two places,Vincent and I will be along to join you soon."

His infectious grin was all the reply she needed, but she got justa little more. "Sure, Mom!" With one last hug, he was off down thetunnel, and Father righted himself and ambled after him, saying, "Noneed to run, Geoffrey. William serves in his own good time."

Catherine turned towards Vincent, then moved past him down thetunnel until she entered his chamber. He followed, then stooduncertainly in the entranceway as she claimed one of the massive oldchairs by his writing table.

Beckoning to him, she prompted, "You wanted to talk, Vincent?"

As he nodded, he walked to the side of his bed, then sat gingerlyon the edge of it, suddenly unsure of why he had asked for thisconference.

Noting his hesitation, Catherine spoke again, her voice quiet andsure, her remorse filling their Bond. "I understand why you can'tvote for my moving Below. I...apologize for putting you in such aposition, for having to take the brunt of Father's anger. I guess Igot so caught up in his enthusiastic acceptance of the adoption, Ididn't even think about what my presence in the Tunnels would...do toyou. I promise I'll smooth things over with him."

Vincent still did not speak. Catherine was becoming concerned. Sherose from the chair and moved to his side, noticing sadly that hetensed a bit as she sat. Will it always be this way between us? shewondered.

Careful not to touch him or upset him anymore than he alreadyseemed to be, she begged, "Tell me what you're feeling."

He spoke as if in a trance, paraphrasing her recent words toGeoffrey. "I shouldn't be afraid to tell you anything?"

Understanding immediately that he had overheard her earlierconversation, she uttered a fervent reply. "Never, Vincent. What Isaid to Geoffrey is even more true for you. I will never leave you,no matter what. I will always love you. I will always be here foryou. And, yes, you can tell me anything. There shouldn't be any fearbetween us."

All he could muster was a hoarsely whispered, "And yet,Catherine...we do fear to speak of...certain things."

She nodded, tears in her eyes as the implication hit her. "Yes.Like when Geoffrey told me that he almost asked me to adopt him once.I'd been struggling with the idea, wondering if he'd want me as hismother, and all along he was wishing for the same thing I was. Howmuch time did Geoffrey and I waste in our silence, Vincent? How muchtime have you and I wasted in ours?"

He lifted his head and stared hard at her. "Do you know that Ilove you, Catherine?"

She met his eyes frankly. "Yes. I've always known. With every lookand touch and word you've spoken, you've made me know it."

Answering his own unspoken question, he murmured, "Yet that is notenough."

His eyes demanded total honesty, and she offered nothing less."Not enough, no. Not anymore."

Vincent sighed and looked at his hands. "Not anymore."

Catherine took one of his hands in her own, squeezing it toemphasize her next words. "I'm like Geoffrey. I've dreamed and wishedand hoped and prayed. But I've never really given voice to mygreatest desire. Will you let me tell you, Vincent?"

A pause. For the space of two heartbeats, he did not reply.Then.... "I want to hear it...more than anything, Catherine." Sayingthat, he again looked up into her eyes. She saw the naked, desperateneed within them, and knew that the time was finally right. He wouldlisten with his heart. He would hear her.

"I love you, Vincent. There is nothing without you. I will loveGeoffrey as my son, of course...but no one else can take your place.Ever. The only time I'm fully alive is when I'm with you --everything before and after is just...waiting. And there's only onething I desire. I want to be with you, to live with you, to make alife with you. I can make you happy, Vincent. Give me the chance totry. Let us be together, please?"

Vincent was silent for long moments, gazing into the depthlessgreen eyes of the woman who had just poured her heart into his hands.Their Bond trembled with the fullness of her hopes, her entreatyechoing in his ears. Overwhelmed, he closed his eyes and, taking adeep breath, finally gave voice to his most private thoughts. "I,too, have wished and hoped for a life with you, Catherine. But italways seems just out of reach, this...impossible dream of ours. Andeven if it were possible, how cruel and selfish I would be to limityou to the kind of life you would have to endure to be with me. Youdeserve so much. You deserve everything!"

Her hand was gripping his so tightly, he felt the bones of hisfingers grind together. But he ignored the pain. He realized hiswords were cutting deeply into her soul, and sensed her longing toreject them. But other than that convulsive grip, Catherine didn'tmove a muscle, straining to stay quiet, to listen to whatever hisanswer might be.

He tried to stop speaking then, to let these words be the onlyones she would hear. He wanted to give her her freedom...so badly. Heshould.... He must! Yet in the core of his being, a voice he hadtried to still refused to be silent. It rose up in him, filled hischest, forced its way into his throat, and despite his intentions, hefound himself saying, "Even though I have tried every way I know tomake you go from me, still you are here, still you persist in lovingme. It is a miracle beyond imagining that you love me, Catherine. Iam humbled by that love. I am not in any way worthy to receiveit...."

Stop! Don't say any more! his mind cried. But his heart would havenone of it -- no more renunciations, no more denials, no morerestraint. The rest came out in a headlong rush of emotion, histhroat almost closing as tears swelled it. "I am not worthy toreceive it...but I desperately need it. I can no longer live withoutyou. I realized that today, when you asked to live Below to care forGeoffrey. I could not have you here and not be with me. It would be atorment too difficult to survive. I would ask you to come Below forme, Catherine. I would be...honored if you would come Below to livewith me. If you would make such a sacrifice, I would do anything inmy power to make you happy."

Catherine's grip on Vincent's hand grew even stronger;involuntarily, he winced. She tried to speak once, but no words wouldcome. She tried again, and finally gasped out a few words before sobsovertook her and she fell into Vincent's arms. "Oh, yes, Vincent!It's no sacrifice! Thank you!"

He held his Catherine close as her relieved tears soaked throughhis garments and he felt their heat on his bare skin. He held herclose as she gradually composed herself and the tears stoppedfalling. He held her close as she clung to him, and felt her love andgratitude rush through him within their Bond.

He whispered to her then as she pressed herself deep into hisencompassing embrace. "I promise I will do anything to make lifebeautiful for you, Catherine. I promise I will never give you reasonto regret your decision. I promise I will place no demands on you --you shall have all the freedom you require. I promise."

Catherine smiled as she lifted her eyes to Vincent's, and he wasstunned anew by the love and desire he found within their depths --for him, all for him. The words she spoke were familiar ones, butthey held a lifetime of fulfillment within them. "You don't have topromise me anything, Vincent. Just knowing you love me enough to wantme to be yours is enough for me. That's my promise."