Sweet Passage
Part 6
by Sharon Holtz
Brook ran up to Catherine and Vincent as they entered the chamber, her excitement evident. “Oh Catherine! I can't thank you enough for helping us with the music!” she cried, giving Catherine a spontaneous hug.“Your welcome Brook.”
Michael, Steven and Angela approached them as well. “How do you like the decorations?” Angela asked.
Until this moment they hadn't had a chance to notice. They looked around and were amazed. There were candles burning everywhere, and the torches on the walls were ablaze. Beautiful Sweet Heart candles that had been placed on each table, giving off an extra special glow, creating a charming ambiance within the Great Hall.
“Oh my! You've done such a beautiful job! The hanging pink heart, the candles - it all look so romantic! You must have worked very hard for this special night.” Catherine gushed.
“Yes, you have done a magnificent job!” agreed Vincent.
Catherine placed her hand on his arm. “Oh Vincent, I am so happy to be here…with you!”
“Catherine…you at my side, here in my world, well there are no words. It's beyond all of my fondest imaginings!”
Catherine blushed, as the four teens smiled happily. It wasn't often anyone was were privy to a romantic moment between Vincent and Catherine, and they felt greatly honored.
Just then Catherine noticed a dessert table in the corner. “Oh my! That's some refreshment table. I made some Seven-Layer Cookies to serve, may I include them with the other desserts Brook?”
Vincent looked at Catherine and said her in a mock seriousness, “Catherine do think that's wise?”
She laughed, remembering her lasagna fiasco. “Vincent, I promise you these cookies will far outshine my lasagna! I have something to prove now!”
“Well then, then I must be the first to sample. I feel as if it is my duty to the entire community.”
Catherine opened the heart-shaped box, and with a smile and a raised eyebrow took a cookie from it, “No time like the present, my dear Vincent!”
Vincent summoned up the courage to take a bite. He's is pleasantly surprised! “Catherine these are very delicious. . . hmmm . . .!”
“Well you needn’t be so surprised Vincent!” she replied.
Brook, still standing there impatiently asked, “Catherine please, the music?!”
“Of course, I am so sorry Brook, everything you need is here inside this bag.”
Soon more part-goes began arriving. Vincent and Catherine found themselves by the huge main doors when Jacob and Mary made their entrance! Everyone agreed they looked wonderful together! Father was so handsome, and Mary had on her finest dress made of light blue muslin, with a trim of white ribbon about the rounded neckline, and at the cuffs. She'd added a beautiful lavender shawl to tie about her shoulders, and her hair was held in place by an exquisite hairpick.
Vincent told Catherine in a secretive tone, “Catherine, the ornament in Mary’s hair…”
Catherine nodded, “Yes Vincent I see it. It's lovely. What about it?”
“Father carved it for her, only last night! He was up till three a.m. completing it.”
“Oh Vincent! How sweet! Do you think that Father is smitten with Mary?”
“Yes, I would say so. He boasted a gaiety today, that I’ve not seen in him before!”
They enjoyed watching the older couple for quite some time. They were like royalty here, after all!
When the crowd around Father and Mary had cleared, Vincent and Catherine approached them.
“Ah Catherine, I understand that the cookies you brought this evening are . . . ahem . . . delicious. I must try them. It's not often that I can enjoy a homemade baked good. William so often puts walnuts, and pecans in his breads, and cakes for the nutritional value. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to nuts of any kind!”
Vincent could tell that Father was trying to say something nice to Catherine and was trying to make up for the past. Then he noticed the look of panic in her eyes.
“Father," she cried. "I'm sorry! I added pecans to my cookies. I didn't know! The recipe called for them. I am so sorry, had I known….”
Father tried his best to back-peddle. “Ah Catherine, it will be my loss and a plus for everyone else as they may have and enjoy my portion!”
“Jacob, I shall sample for us both!” Mary chimed in. Just then, the song “Dear Heart” drifted through the chamber. "Oh my, I do love that song . . ." she said.
Jacob picked up on the hint. “Mary, would you like to dance?”
, I believe I would. That would be lovely!”
They were finally alone and Vincent gazed at Catherine, musing that she must be the most beautiful woman God had ever created! It moved him so to see her wearing the necklace he had given her - sparkling and glistening so close to her beating heart. It was wonderful having Catherine here with him, and tonight, in his world they were declaring themselves a couple. Gently, Vincent reached for her hand, and as he held it, he could feel it tighten around his. He loved her so!