As Soft Wings Unfold Chapter Nine After their discussion back at her apartment, Catherine gave the matter a lot of thought. If it were best that they never had children, then perhaps it was best that she took drastic measures to ensure that they didn’t. But taking those measures proved harder than even she had supposed. The first person she saw about it was Peter, who was stunned to say the least by her request. “Catherine you do know how serious this is don’t you? I mean sterilisation is so final.” “I know Peter, but I cannot think of any other way. Everything else carries such a risk.” “But what if something ever happened to Vincent, God forbid, and you then marry someone else. Have you thought of that?” “Briefly, but women have remained widows for decades after a husband dies, I shouldn’t think I will behave any differently. I couldn’t function without Vincent nor love another for a very long time if ever I could, and by then I would be way too old to have a baby safely anyway. So you see it does make sense all round.” Catherine searched Peter’s eyes willing him to understand. “All right young lady, but it’s not me you have to convince. As your GP I cannot find a single reason medically speaking as to why you should be sterilised. And if you were to tell the consultant it was because your partner carried a gene that could cause a future deformity in someone else, he would insist on meeting your partner to see for himself. He would insist on tests being carried out, and only until he was absolutely satisfied that they had explored all the avenues and still met a dead end would he agree to your request. You don’t know what you are up against here Catherine. You’ve never experienced it, but I have with other patients. It can be a harrowing experience believe me.” “Then what is the alternative?” Catherine was almost in tears. “Ordinarily I wouldn’t involve myself in this and not because I haven’t the experience because I have, but basically because it is usually handled by a gynaecologist, but I could at a push force the issue and operate on you myself. However that alone carries its own risk because if I should be discovered not going through the correct procedures, I could be struck off, and without even thinking of myself, I don’t know that I would want to subject you to a back room operation like this.” “So what would you advise Peter, there must be something you can do?” Catherine was growing frantic now, having made the decision, she had assumed the rest would be straightforward enough. “Yes there is something I can do, but it doesn’t involve you, except for giving your consent that is.” Peter hesitated, gauging Catherine’s reaction. “You mean Vincent don’t you?” She whispered. And as Peter nodded gravely, she continued, “Peter I don’t even want to think about it.” “But it is the answer. The problem lies with Vincent after all. And Cathy, you know Vincent. Even if he is happier with the thought of you sharing your life with him now, how would he feel to know that he is has forced you to consider such a drastic measure as sterilisation. Can’t you just see it now?” Catherine nodded. Oh yes she could see it clearly. It would give rise to another of Vincent’s insecurities about himself, another reason to bring a halt to their relationship. “It’s better this way Cathy and I’m sure Vincent will agree. This way poses less of a risk to yourself in more ways than one, and you both win.” “Can you do it? I don’t have to tell you that Vincent could never go into a hospital or a clinic.” “Yes to your first question and no to the other. That is yes I can do it but I haven’t got the equipment we need to sterilise Vincent, and we do need the clinic, but I feel pretty confident that we could manage it undercover, and it’s a straightforward procedure these days Cathy.” “Yes I know, they use a laser method don’t they?” “Yes and the beauty of it in Vincent’s case is that the patient doesn’t even have to be put to sleep.” “You make it sound like a trip to the vets Peter. Put to sleep I ask you.” “All right anaesthetised then, same thing, and I will endeavour to put it that way to Vincent, young lady, don’t worry, I won’t fall short twice.” He chuckled softly, as did Catherine. “Is it painful, I mean will he suffer? I’ve heard it does hurt the following day.” “Yes it’s painful. People tell me it feels as though they have been kicked in the groin by a carthorse but the pain is temporary although the bruising is intense, and it is a reliable form of contraception. Should we discuss it with Vincent later?” “Will you come Below? Should I speak to him about it first, what about Father do you think we should bring him into this too?” Catherine was clearly anxious about the whole thing. “Yes to all your questions, I think we should all sit down and iron out this problem like rational adults and the sooner the better, but I also think that you should speak to Vincent about it first. In fact if you should tell him why you came to see me today, it might be that he will offer to have this done in your place, and then we are halfway there.” Catherine nodded, “I feel as though my tummy is full of butterflies already.” “Then young lady I suggest you don’t put it off any longer for I am positive Vincent will now be picking up on your anxiety and feeling pretty insecure about it. Do you have any more appointments today?” “No.” “Then I suggest you make haste and go straight to him.” Catherine nodded rising to her feet. “Cathy?” “Yes?” “Before you go and nothing to do with this, would you sometime make an appointment for Rachel to see me. I have received word from the authorities regarding a report on her health. Do you think she will come?” “She knows you as a friend Peter, but a few more visits would add favourably to her coming here for you to examine her, or can the examination take place in the tunnels?” “I see no reason why not, wherever the child is comfortable. Just give me the word, and we can even put the examination into game form if you like. There is no need to worry the child. You’ve never seen me in action have you with unwilling patients, usually children? You might find it very entertaining as will Rachel. Anyway I’ll see you both tonight, though tonight it will be Vincent that comes under my scrutiny.” Catherine nodded, “All right Peter. If there appears to be any problems regarding that I’ll get a message to you before seven.” With that she hugged him goodbye and left his surgery to head for home. ,br> The butterflies continued all the way through the park, and as she presumed Vincent was waiting for her at the drainage tunnel. They embraced, happy as always to hold one another close, and as Vincent led her through the tunnels with his arm securely around her waist, he asked her, “Catherine what troubles you so. I have felt your anxiety for the last hour?” “There is something we must discuss Vincent, can we be by ourselves for a while?” Vincent grew concerned and some of those butterflies transferred themselves to his stomach. “What is it about?” he felt rooted to the spot. Catherine was quick as ever to reassure him, “Nothing you are thinking of my darling. I love you as much as ever, I’m not about to leave you, I still intend to marry you and I still intend to live down here with you.” Vincent smiled the relief in his blue eyes evident. “But there is something that still concerns the two of us, and you are wondering how to come out with it?” he questioned her softly. Catherine nodded. It was such a hard question. Eventually she tackled it the way Peter had suggested. “I went to see Peter earlier.” She watched his expression change again to one of horror and quickly reassured him, “I’m not ill. I haven’t got a life threatening disease, at least not that I know of. Vincent don’t worry it’s none of those things.” Again he relaxed, but still felt apprehensive as did she. “Vincent, remember our talk at the apartment two nights ago. We decided quite forcefully against having children?” A sigh left Vincent’s lips, now he understood, almost. “I knew we would have to take a drastic measure Vincent to ensure that our wish to remain childless kept so. No matter how one might resolve to avoid risks, passion is a funny thing. It can blot the mind and alter one’s whole perspective and then in the cold light of day we would repent at leisure for the risk that we took. We both know the responsibility lying upon us, not to bring children forth between us, but it takes more than knowledge to prevent it happening." “Catherine…” “No let me finish. Please Vincent?” He nodded reluctantly almost afraid of where she was leading. “I went to see Peter to see if he would sterilise me.” She got no further. “No!” Vincent exclaimed, “I can’t let you do this.” Catherine smiled, “That’s what Peter said you would say.” “And you listened?” “Eventually, when he came up with another option.” She gazed up into his eyes willing him to understand. It was such a delicate subject for anyone to face, let alone someone like Vincent with all his insecurities about himself. “You want me to be sterilised?” He sounded incredulous. Catherine nodded, “Peter thinks it would be best all round if you agreed, so yes.” She held her breath. This could go so wrong if he took it the wrong way. Vincent sensed her fear, her anxiety, and amazingly he saw it all perfectly clearly. “Peter is right. The fault lies with me.” He half expected Catherine to argue with him, and wasn’t certain whether he was relieved or annoyed when she said nothing but he could tell how much this grieved her and that was enough for the moment. He surprised her by his next statement, “Do you think we are doing wrong by being the courageous ones?” “What?” she drew her brows together not understanding. “When we spoke of this the other night, or rather when I spoke of this the other night, I felt courageous in sacrificing my dreams for the sake of future generations. Was I right to do that?” “You are doubting?” “In a way. Supposing it is our destiny to create a child between us? Just as it was our destiny to meet and see our dream unfold. Catherine I don’t know if we should just do the best we can to prevent a child and let nature take its own course or to do something so drastic as to prevent it happening entirely." “I only want what is best Vincent. Now you are confusing me. The things you spoke of the other night were well grounded. You said it has to end here, and we are strong people, we could carry that out. Why have you changed your mind?” “Remember I said that I might not be the only one to carry this genetic fingerprint.” Catherine nodded. “Well if that was so, would those others be so courageous as to put an end to it now?” “Vincent if I didn’t know you better I’d say that you were telling me that you want a child like yourself.” “Not like myself Catherine, but certainly I would love to be a father to a child like you.” The way he said it brought forth goosebumps upon her skin. “I’m sorry I have confused you Catherine. But I’ve been thinking too. Do I have the right to prevent you from carrying a child? You have so much love to give, it seems too great a sacrifice to prevent it somehow.” Catherine hugged him tightly, her heart hammering. She had succeeded in telling herself that not having his child was unimportant so long as she had him. Now he was making her analyse her true feelings and she didn’t like the emotions that were coming through. They made a mockery of the conviction she had gained over the matter. “Can you honestly tell me that you could live without having a child Catherine?” “Fifteen minutes ago I could have.” She replied truthfully, “Now it is I who is having doubts.” “Should we agree to let nature take its course then?” “Is that what you want? Earlier you spoke of it as being your dream?” “Yes Catherine. It hasn’t always been so. Before we met I never gave myself a chance to have such dreams. But since I’ve known you, and more especially since I came to love you deeply, then I allowed myself to dream Catherine and I should like to share that dream with you.” “And the consequences?” “We’ll face them if and when they come.” “That is so unlike you Vincent.” “Do you think I am being irresponsible?” “I believed in your reasons. I still believe we could make the sacrifice. We already have more than we ever deemed possible, couldn’t we let it be enough?” “Don’t you want my child Catherine?” “Vincent, you know that I do, it is my greatest wish, but we have each other, and there are always children here to need us. Rachel needs us, in truth Rachel will need us far greater than any child of our own, because she has been so badly damaged, and needs to learn to trust again. We can give her that, and we alone can make a family for her.” They looked at one another for long moments, “Vincent I understand how you feel. There is such finality to sterilisation but sweetheart we have to make the sacrifice. You know in your heart of hearts that we must.” Vincent looked away. He would have given her anything even his child if she had really wished it. He knew she was right, and deep inside he knew that the words he had spoken two days ago were also right. Already he had gained far more than he had ever dreamed he would in Catherine, surely that was enough? Yet he could not rid himself of the feeling of anxiety at the finality of sterilisation. It wasn’t that he was afraid. If Peter thought it could be done, then he would go along with that, but somehow everything they had gained so far had been the realisation of a dream. A steady natural progression with nothing to block it but his one time fears. So this seemed to him unnatural and wrong, and yet to do nothing drastic at all also seemed wrong. To take a great risk and ruining the future life of someone, but then did they have the right to prevent the future life of someone? Surely it bordered on murder? In preventing the course of future life who knew what that future might unfold for one such as him, or for one with the genetic fingerprint from one such as he. Perhaps his creation wasn’t a mistake, perhaps there was a sound reason for it, and more to the point perhaps there were others like him or others carrying that genetic code. If only he could be totally sure what to do. Catherine watched him struggle with himself and tried to see things from his viewpoint. How disastrous was it to him to make things final? Other people had used the sheaf for years to prevent pregnancy, and with her age against her they would only need to use some form of contraception for the next fifteen years or so, maybe sooner if she had an early menopause. Of course there was always a risk even then, but the risk would lessen with the older she got. Slowly and soundly she talked herself into it, they would let nature take its course, and their destiny too. “All right Vincent, whatever comes, whatever happens we will let it be.” The rush of relief upon his face made her words have real meaning. She never thought that this would be so important to him not after the things he had said two days before with such conviction, but then everyone, even Vincent, had a right to change their mind. “I dread to think what Peter will say mind. He thought I was being so practical.” She laughed her eyes bright with happiness. Vincent chuckled and drew her close, “Or Father. He will think I have lost my marbles.” Catherine laughed loudly, and couldn’t resist, “Wasn’t that what this was all about Vincent?” It took a second or two for her words to dawn on him but when they finally did he actually blushed scarlet, “Catherine!” He exclaimed. Catherine burst into another fit of laughter, but they hugged one another tightly and rode out the storm of giggles fit to burst them, until their humour turned to passion and they kissed long and hard. And unbeknown to either of them they shared a tranquil dream of Catherine reclining in Vincent’s chamber holding close to her breast, a child, their child, created by their love. See When the Crystal Rain Falls – A sequel to this story. *** *** *** Catherine had sent Peter a message as promised but he came anyway. And he listened with calm acceptance to their reasons for a change of heart, and though he had his misgivings, he could see that here was a couple unlike anyone he had ever known, and could see that they hadn’t taken the subject lightly. They had gone over and around the reasons for and against, and really when it came down to it, he had nothing to add, and Father was never brought into the discussion at all. What they had decided was between the two of them alone and Peter left it that way. However, his being down there provided the opportunity to make Rachel’s examination, and Catherine was quite impressed at how tactfully he did it. Rachel had been with Mouse when Peter had first arrived and they allowed her to come back to the chamber at her own pace. Thus when she arrived home she did not suspect that Peter was there for any other reason than a visit to see Father or anyone else below. As soon as she arrived though, Peter who had already been there some hours, decided to get straight down to it, and pretended she had missed out on a lot of fun. “Oh Rachel you have arrived just in time.” He told her, winking towards Catherine and Vincent. “You almost missed all the fun.” Rachel’s face lit up, “What fun?” “It would seem that Vincent hasn’t read Father’s medical books as well as he should have, and he hardly knows the names or the reasons for half of the stuff I have in my medical bag. You should have heard some of his answers.” Vincent who had missed the wink was about to deny this, when he caught Catherine’s gaze and gentle probing of the Bond for him to listen. Peter took out his stethoscope from his medical bag, and Vincent quick to help responded, “Is that for Pascal Peter? He will be thrilled with that. Can I take it to him now?” Peter looked somewhat mystified; “I beg your pardon Vincent?” “That thing, whatever it is. It is for listening to the pipes isn’t it?” Rachel burst into laughter, trying to stifle it behind her hand. “It most certainly is not.” Peter sounded indignant; “I have you know this is an expensive piece of equipment Vincent.” “Then I shall tell Pascal to take great care of it. Give it here Peter, I’ll take it to him, he will be thrilled.” “It’s not for listening in at the pipes!” Peter’s voice rose, but he could not stop a twitch of a humour touch his lips. Vincent was playing the part excellently especially as they had had only seconds to tell him in advance of Rachel’s examination. ”Then what is it for?” Vincent asked. “It’s to listen to people’s hearts.” Peter remarked. “Then I was half right wasn’t I. It is for listening to something?” Vincent told him. Then added, “So how does it work?” “Here let me show you. Pull up your vest.” “I’m not pulling up my vest Peter!” Vincent’s voice rose; “There are ladies present.” Rachel giggled harder. Peter feigned exasperation and looked towards Catherine, “How about you my dear, will you comply?” “And pull up my jumper in front of Vincent? No way!” Peter looked around the chamber and pretending he had only just spied Rachel, asked her, “What about you young lady, would you like to show these bashful people what this instrument is used for?” Rachel jumped up and raced forwards pulling up her sweater as she went. Her giggles filled the chamber, and Peter tried not to look too delighted as he first warmed one end of the stethoscope in his large hands, before placing it upon Rachel’s chest and asking her to breath in and out. Next he went round to her back, explaining to Vincent as he did so what he was looking for. “Sometimes people have chest infections that aren’t noticeable by their breathing alone. This instrument allows me to check for any abnormalities that mean the difference between good health and bad.” He told them all. When he had finished, he discreetly filled in Rachel’s health record. “Thank you Rachel.” He winked at her. “If Vincent doesn’t know what my other tools are for, would you kindly sit for me again? Perhaps you might even like to tell us what the things are for if you know?” Rachel nodded, thoroughly caught up in the game and not suspecting a thing. Peter pulled a strange object from his bag. Rachel’s eyes lit up, “That’s for counting heartbeats.” She told him proudly. “Good girl.” Peter told her. “No it isn’t.” Vincent exclaimed. “How can it be? Look it has a balloon inside it partly filled.” “No silly.” Rachel told him. “You pump it up with that.” “Should we show him Rachel?” Peter remarked sounding like someone exasperated with his audience. Rachel giggled and nodded her head vigorously pulling the sleeve of her sweater up. Peter placed the black bandage around her upper arm, and then placing a tube beneath it proceeded to pump air into it by pressing the little balloon shaped ball. Doing this until he was satisfied it had grown as large as it should, whereupon he let the air out slowly and checking his pocket watch he spoke to Vincent at the same time explaining everything, before telling Rachel “You young lady are a very healthy little girl. Must be all that good food you have been eating down here. How tall are you do you know?” Rachel shook her head. “Well how about you standing there and letting me measure you? And then I will measure Vincent and Catherine. Do you two have any objection to that?” Vincent and Catherine shook their heads, and watched with wonder as Rachel allowed herself to be measured and then even to be weighed. And finally to even let him look into her mouth, her ears and her eyes, but only because she expected him doing so to Vincent and anticipated the fun of that. She wasn’t disappointed. Vincent continued to act the fool much to Rachel and Catherine’s delight. When Peter placed a wooden spatula onto Vincent’s tongue, Vincent said through a muffled voice, “What’s this, something to eat perhaps?” And bit it clean in half. Peter pretended to be cross and scolded him telling Vincent he would have to do it again. “Open wide Vincent. Whoa Vincent not that wide! Lord I thought you were going to bite my head off!” Rachel collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. And when he shone a small torch into Vincent’s eyes, and asked Vincent to look into his eyes, Vincent retorted “ I bet you do this to all the girls. But I’m not a girl. Is there something you’re not telling us Peter?” His words were lost on Rachel though she caught the humour and laughed, but Catherine doubled over just as Vincent had intended she should. And finally when Peter looked into Vincent’s ears and exclaimed, “Just as I thought, no brains, why look Rachel surely you can see the light coming out of the other side?” Vincent growled menacingly making Rachel laugh all the harder. All in all the whole examination was one of the happiest experiences that Rachel had encountered and not just Rachel but for all the four of them. Peter had successfully gained his report and was pleased with it, and his three patients had had a wonderful evening of fun. “Well then.” He bent to kiss first Rachel’s cheek and then Catherine’s, “The next time I see you will be for your official engagement party I guess. When’s it to be? Jacob mentioned something about having one for all the helpers this weekend?” “Actually Peter…” Catherine winked at Vincent and shot him an endearing smile, “I think we could dispense with that. Why don’t you just make sure you are down here by nine o’clock on Sunday to give me away as father of the bride?” A gasp echoed around the chamber, and it wasn’t just from Peter. Vincent too had uttered one. His eyes bright he stepped towards Catherine, “Do you mean it?” “I don’t see why we should wait my love. After all I think we have already waited long enough don’t you?” He caught her meaning and blushed causing Peter to laugh out loud. “Ho-ho Vincent, you’ll see, once women get their claws into you they never let you go.” A sudden silence hung around them at his words, and Peter felt terrible as he realised the implications of what he had just said, but Vincent was the first to break the silence. “Catherine can get her claws into me anytime she wants Peter, so long as I can do likewise.” He told them and his eyes said it all making both Catherine and Peter blush. Peter changed the subject quickly, turning to Catherine to tell her, “Well then I accept. So I guess I’ll see you nine o’clock sharp on Sunday then.” He bent again to kiss Catherine’s cheek, “And I suppose there is no prizes for guessing who the bridesmaid will be?” he winked at Rachel who gasped with delight “Me! Me?” her eyes lit up, and Catherine stooped low to enfold the child into her arms, “And you’ll make the most beautiful bridesmaid in the world.” She told her. “Oh it’s going to be so wonderful.” Rachel exclaimed, “I can’t wait.” Over her shoulder Catherine’s eyes met those of Vincent’s and her breath caught in her throat. He looked absolutely gorgeous and the way he was looking at her…well… “Neither can I Rachel.” She told the child sincerely as the way Vincent looked at her continued to thrill her and she anticipated a wedding night held tightly in his arms. She sighed a sigh of pure bliss and reiterated softly so that only Vincent could hear, “Neither can I wait.” *** *** *** Some memories never die They live on, golden in our hearts, Like candles burning in the wind, Forever lighting our way. They become as dreams, Always to be dreamed anew, Always to be remembered. So many memories – dark and light – Bitter and sweet, Never ending, never letting go. Yet one moment remains above all else, One moment in time that I shall never forget. You touched my soul with eyes filled with longing, With words filled with love, And you took me in your arms, Tiny hands around my heart. Then, in a heartbeat that lasted a lifetime – You kissed me. Why he should remember that time above all else that they had shared Vincent did not know. But the poignant memory stirred him anew as he watched Catherine walk towards him on their wedding day. She was, to him, the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon. In fact to him, the most beautiful woman in the world, and as she came towards him, floating on the arm of Peter, he could see the brightness of her eyes even beneath the lace veil that she wore to cover her face. That she, the beautiful one, could have dared to have kissed him at all, let alone agreeing to spend her life with him, was the most wonderful dream he could ever have dared to dream. As Catherine reached his side, she lifted her veil and her eyes were dancing with happiness as she gazed upon him. Vincent’s heart missed a beat. This was the dream beyond all dreams, and he had to keep pinching himself to believe that the dream had come true. Looking back it had seemed they had been on a voyage, certainly a voyage of discovery but then more than that. To Vincent the very fact that Catherine now stood at his side while both awaited Father to begin the ceremony was nothing short of a fairy tale come true. In his mind’s eye he could see them both upon the back of a mythological flying horse awaiting the grand moment when its mighty wings would unfold and take them both into a glorious future beyond anything they had ever dreamed. And they would ride the great beast, flying through time both past and present and on into the future as one being, one entity, solid, safe and reliable, and nothing or no one would ever end their flight forever. It was a strange feeling, but whatsoever things were righteous and true, he had to consider those things. And whatsoever things were fantasy and whatsoever things were fact he had to consider those things too for they were something that had never been and there was no one set to guide them. They were what they were, he and his Catherine, for all time and he fully believed in that. The dream had become reality, the soft wings had unfolded and together they would fly as a legend together through all of eternity. The ceremony was simple and beautiful and Vincent’s heart was full as he looked forward to a future with the woman he adored with a searing joy he had never before known. *** *** *** Vincent tried so hard not to succumb to the desire to drag Catherine away with indecent haste as they mingled for the first time as husband and wife among their guests, but it was indeed proving difficult. He wanted her so much. And Catherine, her eyes locked to his wherever she wandered felt the pull to him via their bond that linked them wherever each might be. At last though when they had shaken hands and shared hugs with everyone in the room, had unwrapped presents and thanked everyone with all their hearts, Vincent saw a convenient opening to whisk Catherine away without being noticed too much. She went with him, floating in satin and lace, the splendour of her mother’s wedding gown wafting around her slim form as they passed through the Chamber of the Winds. Here Vincent lifted and gathered her to him, his mighty chest pumping furiously with nerves and excitement and carried her to a chamber he had prepared the day before, and where several of the women tunnel dwellers had since placed fresh glowing candles and flowers. Catherine remembered Olivia and Kanin’s anniversary the moment she lay eyes upon the chamber that was filled with fresh lilacs and roses. “Oh Vincent this is so beautiful” She gasped as he settled her down to look. “Yes but not as beautiful as you.” He gazed at her with eyes that spoke of his need. “Let me love you my Catherine.” He told her softly making her limbs go weak with longing. She nodded, not willing to trust her voice, and shuddered as he enfolded her into his arms capturing her lips beneath his in a passionate kiss that went on and on. She could feel his arousal hot and hard against her belly and thrilled at the feel of him there. Her hand reached out to stroke his length and he shuddered from head to toe and Catherine chuckled, as his pants grew damp beneath her hand. “We need to get you out of these.” She tugged at the material and Vincent blushed but quickly complied by unbuckling his belt and easing his trousers down his legs, until he stood in full magnificent glory just in view of her. “Wow.” Catherine exclaimed delighting and embarrassing him all in one go, “Is all that for me?” Vincent could only nod speechless as he helped her out of her wedding dress. “Have you got that other box Vincent?” “What other box?” his voice was hoarse as he gazed at her naked beauty. “Remember in my apartment when you proposed? You almost brought out the other box? Well have you got it? We shall need it now.” She smiled up at him trying to relieve some of his tension and embarrassment. “No.” She read panic in his eyes, then regret and dismay, as he made to pull his pants back on. “Vincent?” “I’m sorry Catherine I forgot them. They are still in my chamber. I’ll go and fetch them.” Catherine blew upwards, jostling her fringe with an exasperated sigh, “Don’t be gone too long darling will you?” Vincent looked down at her, she positively simmered, and gave her a look which said, ‘as if’ but instead he replied, “I’ll be as quick as I can.” He left the chamber, pulling his cloak tightly around him. He didn’t think anyone would be around to see his aroused state, but it was necessary to cover himself as best as he could just in case someone was in the tunnels for whatever reason they needed to be there. He was almost level with Father’s chamber when he heard voices. Vincent froze, and was just wondering whether he should go a different way to his chamber when Winslow exited the chamber and walked right into him. “Vincent! You almost killed me. What a shock, you were the last person I thought to see this night. What are you doing here?” “Who is it Winslow?” Father’s voice sounded from inside the chamber. “It’s Vincent.” Winslow shot over his shoulder as he waited for Vincent’s reply. “Vincent.” Repeated Father, “What is he doing here?” Vincent felt acute embarrassment rising up. He stammered, “I wanted something from my chamber.” “Let me fetch it for you. You shouldn’t leave Catherine alone on a night such as this.” “No!” Vincent cried, then seeing the perplexed look Winslow shot him, he quickly added, “It’s all right Winslow, don’t worry Catherine understands, and besides I am almost there now.” “Yes I know but then you’ve still got to look for whatever it is. Come now Vincent, you get back to Catherine. Have you not noticed the state of your chamber since you started moving Catherine’s things into it? It could take all night for you to find anything, even if you could get past some of her furniture. Look, just tell me what it is and where it might be and I’ll bring it to you. You don’t need it right this minute do you?” “Well as it happens…” Vincent began, then brushing Winslow’s aid aside told him, “No it’s all right I’ll get it Winslow, but thank you anyway.” But Winslow was adamant “I insist.” He told his friend and stood in front barring his way. “ Now tell me what it is and I’ll find it and bring it to you.” He said somewhat sternly. Exasperated, embarrassed and growing a trifle annoyed Vincent stared at Winslow for long moments before resignedly giving in, “Oh all right.” He told him, but knew that he could never tell Winslow the real reason for needing to go to his chamber, so he knew he would have to tell Winslow a lie. And that bugged Vincent because he hated telling lies. For several moments as Winslow waited Vincent struggled to think of something that he could pretend he needed, but as the seconds ticked by Winslow sighed. “Oh come on Vincent, I haven’t all day, and you haven’t all night, and then there’s Catherine to think about.” Vincent blushed, and said the first thing that came into his head, “a book.” “A book?” At Vincent’s nod, Winslow repeated, “A book. What book?” It seemed the most unusual thing to need on your wedding night, Winslow thought, nonetheless he knew Vincent and he had an idea. “Is it a poetry book?” He had the sudden thought that maybe Vincent, being the romantic that he was wanted to read something beautiful to Catherine. But Vincent wasn’t on Winslow’s wavelength. In fact his acute embarrassment wanted him to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. “No.” he replied. Winslow stared at him, “What then? Come on tell me?” “You know Winslow the time it has taken us to go through all this I could have been and got it by now.” “Yes I know so quit stalling and tell me for heavens sake! Which book do you want?” Winslow almost shouted leaving Vincent quite stunned, ‘what on earth was wrong with him?’ Winslow was acting almost as if he wanted to get rid of Vincent. And why was Father here? He had been at the Great Hall when he and Catherine had left for the specially prepared chamber where they were to spend the next few days. Winslow was glaring at Vincent and it was obvious that his patience was growing thin. What also seemed most odd was that Father had appeared in the entranceway and seemed to be making gestures to Winslow that Vincent could not decipher. Winslow was replying wordlessly, but Vincent could read his lips, ‘I know, I know’ he was saying to Father. What did he know? Totally mystified Vincent wanted nothing more than to get out of there and return to Catherine, he said the first thing that came into his head. “Great Expectations.” He blurted. “Great Expectations!” Winslow and Father exclaimed together. Father started to laugh, “And why my dear boy would you be needing Great Expectations on your wedding night? Is it a metaphor perhaps? Is there something you can’t tell Catherine, and thought the title of that particular book might help?” Vincent blushed, “No Father.” And tried to tell him what it was he really wanted with the use of his eyes. “Have you something in your eye Vincent?” Father frowned. “Here step inside, let me take a look at it for you.” He stood aside, and Vincent distinctly heard him whisper ‘stall them’ to Winslow as he waited for Vincent to enter. Something peculiar was going on, that Vincent did know, and as it slowly dawned on him, he grew more and more uncomfortable. They were planning a surprise! He’d caught them in the act of doing something that involved his chamber! Of course the bag of rice that was positioned above the entrance to fall onto the newlyweds! Of course that was it! He couldn’t let them know he knew and he had to go before he gave himself away. “Just bring the book Winslow, anytime, don’t worry there’s no hurry, in fact tomorrow will do.” Father looked from Vincent to Winslow and back again as Winslow looked from Father to Vincent and back again. “I’ll see you both in a couple of days.” Vincent tried to keep any expression out of his voice and it took all he could not to laugh as he turned and called after him grinning from ear to ear. Winslow scratched his head thoughtfully, “What was all that about?” he asked but Father had thought of something else, “Vincent what about your eye?” he called after his son, but Vincent had gone, leaving Father only to stare after him. “I shouldn’t worry Father, it was probably just an eyelash, and it’s a good job he has gone, the others will be bringing that bag of flour and rice at any minute.” He stopped to muse, “Great Expectations indeed! What on earth did he want with that in such a hurry? And such a large book too. It would take all night to read it!” “A large book, of course!” Father exclaimed. “You know why he wanted it?” Winslow looked totally baffled. “Well I have an idea. It’s a bit of a dopey one, but that particular book does mean a lot to both Vincent and Catherine. It was the one he read to her when she first came Below and was healing after the attack. Maybe it was appropriate that they used that particular book.” “What’s on your mind Father?” “You said yourself that it is a large book?” “Yes.” “Well it stands to reason doesn’t it? Vincent is so much taller than Catherine is. He wants to stand her on it so that she can reach to kiss him!” Father snorted and started laughing at the picture that presented. “That is the dumbest idea!” Winslow exclaimed. “You’re not serious?” “Can you think of a better reason for someone to have Great Expectations on their wedding night?” “Winslow laughed. What Father had said was so funny, and the more he thought of it the more he laughed, “You yourself said it.” He boomed holding his stomach. Father thought about what he had said and a merry twinkle filled his eyes, “Oh yes.” He cried, “oh yes I see what you mean. Oh Winslow!” and he too laughed and laughed until his sides ached. *** *** *** “Did you get them?” Catherine had been on the verge of coming to look for Vincent when he finally turned up. “You’ve been gone long enough to have gone Above to a drugstore and buy some.” She laughed. “I’m sorry Catherine and no I didn’t get them. They are still in my chamber.” He explained what had happened, and what he supposed Father and William had been up to. “Give it an hour or so and hopefully everyone will have returned to the celebrations then I will have another attempt at fetching the box. I will just have to be careful that I don’t trip their trap.” Catherine sighed, “ Oh no you will not!” Vincent stopped undressing and turning to look saw her give him an impish smile, “Remember Vincent we promised whatever comes…” she laughed, “Cute that isn’t it, rather apt in the circumstances.” Vincent blushed. She smiled and continued; “Whatever happens Vincent then we now leave it to destiny. You forgot them and then you couldn’t get them, so perhaps that should tell us something. Perhaps it’s already time to take that risk my darling?” For long moments Vincent stared at her, wrestling with some inner thought and then she saw him relax and held her breath as he stepped out of his corded trousers and came towards her to draw her into his arms. They kissed passionately and his hands caressed her tender skin, trailing goosebumps in their wake, before he lifted and carried her over to the bed and lay her down upon it. His manhood throbbed with life and longing, and Vincent smiled down at her tenderly. “Yes my Catherine, whatever comes…” They kissed long and hard and as he finally entered her, his mind whirled away into infinity on the wings of an eagle. And Vincent knew, at last he knew, that he was indeed a man, standing upon the threshold of an unfolding dream with the woman he loved, forever. Thoughts of you – of the night you entered my world, My heart, my dreams And when you left so soon you took a part of me, Leaving me empty and longing for something I thought Could never be mine. Thoughts of you – when first you spoke of love, And bathed my soul in the warmth of your eyes. You held me as no one had held me before, So close in your arms – so close to your heart. I was not worthy then, I am not worthy still. Thoughts of you – never will my heart forget Those moments we shared in your world – Nights bathed in moonlight, The sky ablaze with stars glittering in the snowy park. Or shining as the warm breeze of a summer night brushed your hair. The wind, the rain, the magic of your world. ,br> Yet there was magic in my world too – The first time I saw your face in the candlelight – Was anything more beautiful? Thoughts of you – as I gaze upon you now, my love – my bride, As we begin this journey together, through love, through life, A life that could never be Save for your strength, your courage. Let me feed on your strength, touch my heart with your gentleness, Take my soul in your tiny hands and lead me towards love. As I look into your eyes and see me, I am afraid no more, For you are my life, and for all of my life and beyond My Catherine – I am yours.