Chapter 3

That's What You Get Folks

"Damn!" Catherine swore softly under her breath.

"Catherine?" Vincent paused as he donned his cloak.

"It's nothing, Vincent. It's just that this stupid skirt won't zip up. I've noticed my clothes getting tight lately, but this is ridiculous. It must be all of William's delicious food. From now on I'm going to do an extra lap around the block and eat nothing but salads."

Vincent kissed his wife passionately and started Below. As he slipped through the secret door to the back staircase, Catherine began her muttering again.

"I couldn't have gained this much weight. Maybe the cleaners shrunk it." Catherine slipped out of the skirt and got another one from the closet. As she slipped it over her hips she could tell that this one, too, was tighter than before. Disgusted, she rummaged around in the bathroom until she found the scales that she rarely used. Standing on the incriminating device, she was aghast to see how much weight she had gained.

She was at a loss. How in the world could she have gained that much weight? William's cooking wasn't exactly low calorie, but she had always tried to limit her portions. Besides, no one in the tunnels, other than William of course, seemed to get fat. She tried to think of other explanations.

She did gain some weight right before her period, but never this much. As that thought filtered through her mind, another followed closely on its heels. She ran into the library and rummaged through her briefcase for her planner. Thumbing quickly to the yearly calendar, she sat down with a gasp as she perused the page. As the shock turned to glee, her slender hand snaked out to remove the telephone receiver from its cradle.

Vincent sensed her varying emotions as he made his way to the main area of the tunnels. As he felt Catherine's shock, he started to return home but just as suddenly the feeling was gone, replaced with excitement. Deciding that she was all right, he continued his trek. If this was going to be an emotional roller coaster day for Catherine, he was glad that he didn't have any heavy work planned.

##

Catherine thought that she would go crazy waiting for Peter to return to his office. Knowing that Vincent must be curious as to the deluge of feelings that she had been conveying through the bond, she concentrated on breathing slowly and calming her emotions as she waited for the test results. Ever since they’d consummated their relationship in their first outing to the secret cove, she had experienced a strengthening awareness of the bond, and now she could sense Vincent's relief as the current eased.

Peter finally returned and apologized for taking so long. Due to the special nature of the couple in question, he had wanted to run the tests himself. He had delivered Cathy and had been one of her parents' best friends and, when Charles had died, Cathy had become a second daughter to him. He hadn't delivered Vincent but had been involved in his care since he had been found abandoned near St. Vincent's Hospital. These were two people he cared deeply about, and they both deserved the best in life.

"Well Cathy, I have some bad news," he said with a serious look on his face. Catherine's heart went through the floor. Then she saw the corners of his mouth twitch. "You killed a rabbit you naughty girl."

Looking at the smile that lit up his face, the words finally sunk in. All of her carefully controlled emotions erupted in an explosion of excitement. Hugging Peter tightly, she started to cry.

"Cathy?"

I'm okay, Peter. I just can't believe it. When I looked at my calendar this morning and realized that I hadn't had a period in a few months, I didn't know what to think. I've been so busy with the house and everything, it slipped my mind. When do you think I'm due?"

"Well, based on your last period, you're thirteen weeks along. You have gained a little more weight than I would expect, so even though it's kind of early for an ultrasound, I'd like to go ahead and do one. It will give us an idea of the size of the baby and help to determine the due date. I don't want to do an amnio since the baby may be like Vincent, and we don't want to raise any questions."

"Can you do the ultrasound now?" Catherine asked, bouncing up and down.

Peter laughed as he looked at her excited face.

"I checked the schedule and we're booked up for the day. However," he continued as her face fell, "since it's you, I'm willing to do it on my lunch hour. Be here at twelve thirty."

Catherine looked at her watch. It was shortly after eleven. How in the world was she going to make it through the next hour and a half? Hugging Peter again, she said that she'd be back -- and would even bring him lunch. Stopping in the waiting room, Catherine called Joe to let him know that she probably wouldn't be in the rest of the day. She explained that the doctor wanted to do some further tests, and she wasn't sure how long it would take. Being assured that it was nothing serious, at least nothing life threatening, Joe told her to take care and keep him posted.

As Catherine wandered the streets Above looking in the shop windows and daydreaming about the future, Vincent was Below pacing Father's study.

"Vincent would you please sit down and tell me what's wrong."

"It's Catherine, Father."

"Is she in danger?"

"No, nothing like that. It's her emotions and the bond. When I left home this morning she was irritated, then I felt a sense of extreme shock, followed by excitement. All morning she's been alternately anxious and happy. I imagine that she realized how this was affecting me and, thankfully, was able to calm the flow. A few minutes later an explosion of excitement hit me so strongly that I think I would have felt it even if I had closed down the bond. I was in the middle of my junior English literature class ... I'm sure the children will be reporting my strange behavior to you."

"How is she feeling now?"

"Impatient... happy... excited... nervous... content."

"As long as she isn't in any danger, I suppose that you will just have to wait until this evening to find out the cause of all of this. You said that she was irritated this morning, could that problem have been the reason for these feelings?"

"I don't believe so. She was upset because she has gained weight and her skirt didn't fit. When I left she was saying something about not eating William's cooking and living on salad."

"Catherine's gained weight?" Father was incredulous at the statement. Then an idea took form in his physician mind. He could think of one explanation for all of the puzzle pieces that Vincent had given him but didn't want to say anything in case the picture he had formed wasn't correct. As he watched his son pace back and forth, he didn't know if Vincent would be more upset if his supposition were true or if it were false.

##

Peter was wolfing down the sandwich that Catherine had picked up at a local deli, and Catherine was picking at a salad, too stunned to eat. A happy, incredulous smile crept onto her face...twins, boy would Vincent really be surprised. They had finished the procedure and were discussing Catherine's diet and prenatal care. Everything looked normal on the ultrasound and he’d given her pictures from the procedure to take to Vincent and Father. There was no indication that this would be anything but a normal pregnancy. His best estimate was that she would be due the end of January but another ultrasound, later in the gestation period, would give them a more firm date. Of course, with Vincent's unusual background, and the fact that there were twins, there was no certainty that the gestation period would be nine months. They would have to wait and see.

When they discussed birthing options Catherine was very firm. She wanted the babies born Below. Peter agreed with her on this knowing that the babies might favor Vincent. As they discussed the various decisions that needed to be made, Peter watched the excitement on Catherine's face change to a glow of contentment. He knew that regardless how the babies looked, these were children who were wanted and would be adored. And, he realized, adored by more than just the parents. He couldn't wait to see Jacob's face when he found out he was going to be a grandfather...twice! Peter decided that he hadn't beaten Jacob in a game of chess in quite a while - tonight might be the perfect opportunity.

Leaving Peter's office, Catherine wanted nothing more than to run straight to Vincent and tell him the news, but there were things she needed to do before going Below. Besides, Vincent was busy with his duties. Peter wanted to be present when they broke the news to Father, and if she went Below now to tell Vincent, she wasn't sure if they would be able to keep the secret until evening.

While waiting to have the ultrasound done she’d found a couple of maternity outfits which would at least allow her to be decently attired in public. Wrestling the bags into the back of a taxi, she headed downtown to her office.

##

"Doctor's office in Macy's, Radcliffe?"

Joe's voice cut through the air as she dropped the parcels beside her desk. Turning to see him standing in the doorway, she motioned him in and closed the door.

"No," she replied matching his sarcasm. "But I had an hour to kill before the tests, so sue me."

"Nah, you're too good a lawyer. Don't think I'd win." Then Joe got serious. "You're okay aren't you? I don't mean to be nosy but 'more tests' usually indicates a problem."

"I'll be fine, Joe. However, my health is going to affect my job and we need to discuss it." She took a deep breath and smiled at this boss who was also a dear friend. "I'm pregnant." She paused as she waited for Joe to comprehend the statement she had just made.

"Pregnant? Who? When? I mean, congratulations. I guess congratulations is the correct response? I mean you are happy about this I take it?"

Catherine laughed as Joe stumbled around trying to figure out the correct thing to say.

"Yes, Joe, I'm overjoyed about the pregnancy. The best we can tell, I'm due the end of January. So far all is well, but I'm probably going to have to limit my hours and can only give you a few more months. And no more courtroom appearances. I've been out of the limelight for quite a while but don't need some eager news hound getting my picture in the paper. If you feel you need to get someone to replace me full-time, I promise not to get my feelings hurt, especially since I'm not coming back to work after the baby comes."

Joe started to protest but thought better of it. She was his friend and he wanted the best for her. Cathy had always been secretive about her private life, and he had respected that, even though he was curious as hell. After her leave of absence, he’d noticed the ring on her left hand, but she had made no mention of getting married and continued to use the name of Chandler. Her request about the courtroom work was understandable, and he would rather have her part-time than most full-time attorneys he knew.

"I hate to lose you, Radcliffe, but I want you to be happy. We'll see what we can do about your schedule, and don't worry about the court dates, I think Wilson should be able to take over. Her prep skills need improving but she's good in front of a jury. Once you've done the hard part, she can take the ball and run."

They discussed the cases Catherine was currently working on, which she felt she could handle and which should be divided up among the others. It was late afternoon when she gathered her packages to head home. As she got ready to leave, Joe gave her a hug.

"Remember, kiddo, you've got a friend here and if there's anything I can do, you'd better let me know."

"Thanks, Joe. I'll remember."

Half an hour later her cab pulled up in front of the brownstone. As Catherine climbed the front steps, she could feel that Vincent was waiting for her inside. This surprised her a little as she knew he should be teaching his senior literature class at this time of day. However, remembering that her emotions had been all over the board this day, it made sense that he would come home early to find out what was going on. Breathing deeply to calm herself, she climbed the stairs to the third floor.

Vincent waited for her in the library. She joined him after dropping all but one of her packages in the bedroom. Crossing to where he sat in the large wingback chair, she lowered herself into his lap and hugged him tightly.

"I'm sorry," she murmured against his broad chest. "I know I've been driving you crazy today."

"Tell me."

Catherine snuggled against him as she tried to figure out the best way to break the news. She considered telling him that she 'killed a rabbit' but knew that the reference would be missed. Vincent rested his cheek on the top of her head as she sat there pondering her words. His love brought her such joy.

"Do you remember how I told you that you're making all of my dreams come true?"

"I remember."

"Well, I went to see Peter today." She felt him tense as the words left her lips. "No, Vincent, I'm okay. He just told me that you're making another of my dreams come true." She leaned back to look in his eyes. " We're going to have a baby, Vincent ... actually, two babies."

Vincent stared into her smoky eyes as he tried to comprehend her words. The feelings that she projected to him were joy, excitement and love. She felt his emotions surge back through the bond; joy, excitement and then ... fear.

"No, it isn't possible. You mustn't ... it isn't safe."

Even though he tried to push her away, she hugged herself against him tightly.

"It is possible, and it is safe. Please be happy with me Vincent. This is something that I've wanted for a long, long time. Peter says I'm fine and all is well with the babies."

As he relaxed, she jumped up to rummage through her purse. Resettling in his lap, she handed him the pictures that Peter had given her. He stared quizzically at the unusual images and then at her.

"Those, my darling, are our children. It's a little early for a good picture. The best we can tell, I'm due the end of January."

"Two? So soon?" The fact that Catherine was telling him about children, plural, was just registering in his brain.

"That's the reason my clothes have been so tight. I didn't realize it until I looked at my calendar this morning, but I haven't had a period in several months. I guess with the wedding, the house, work and everything, I just didn't notice."

Vincent's brow furrowed. "What about your work?"

"I talked to Joe this afternoon. I will only be working part-time for the next few months and won't be doing any courtroom appearances. I also told him that I won't be coming back after the babies are born."

"But your work is important to you. I don't want you to have to give that up."

"Not as important as you and these babies. Vincent, don't think that any decisions I make are a sacrifice. Any choice I make is of my own free will and something that makes me happy. Besides, I think two newborns will give me plenty to do."

Vincent could feel the truth of her words through the bond as well as see it shining in her eyes. She was truly happy about the babies, about his babies. Yet, he felt a sudden sadness in her. His blue eyes pleaded with her, "Tell me."

"I know that I had to take care of work arrangements, but..."

"But?"

"Well, I had to tell Joe my reasons for leaving, and I wanted you to be the first to know."

The pouting tone of her voice, combined with the relief he felt, caused him to laugh.

"It's all right, Catherine, truly. Now, tell me everything about your visit to Peter."

Catherine told him about the appointment and Peter's instructions. She calmed his fears about her health and the babies' development. Peter had promised that he would do the next ultrasound after hours so that Vincent could be present. Vincent had started to protest when she explained that she wanted the babies born Below but was somewhat placated when he found out that Peter agreed. He was also glad to find out that Peter would be Below this evening. There were questions that he needed answered too.

"This is for you," she said, giving him the package that she had set beside the chair. "Actually, it's for both of us, but you may need it more than me."

Vincent chuckled as he removed the book from the bag. The cover indicated that it was a book on what to expect during pregnancy and was supposed to answer the concerns of mothers- and fathers-to-be. He shook his head and commented that he doubted if the authors had anticipated the questions unique to this pregnancy.

Taking his chin in her hand, she held his head firmly in place as she stared into his deep blue eyes with her determined grey ones.

"There is absolutely nothing different about this pregnancy, you got that? It's no different than when Olivia had Luke. We're going to fret about foolish things because it's the first time we've had a baby. I'm going to get cranky because I'm huge and uncomfortable, and you'll have to deal with an emotional fat lady. I'm going to worry about being a good mother and you're going to worry about the responsibility of being a daddy. I'm going to crave strange foods and drive you crazy. We're going to do all of the things that other first-time parents do and at the end, we're going to have two beautiful new lives to love and take care of."

He dropped his head, hiding behind a veil of blonde hair. Once again she raised his chin, but this time his eyes remained lowered.

"But what kind of children will they be?" he asked, his voice husky with uncertainty and pain.

"With us as parents, probably mischievous children." Knowing that was not to what he alluded, she continued, "They will be beautiful children, ones who are wanted and loved. They will be our children." Tears glimmered on her long lashes as she gazed adoringly at the man she loved. She wondered if she would ever convince him of how truly beautiful he was, both inside and out.

Raising his eyes to look at her smiling face, he nodded. Patiently, she waited for him to assimilate all of the information that had been thrown at him.

In earlier days, he would have retreated to some isolated place Below to absorb this information and come to grips with himself. With the acknowledgment and consummation of their relationship, he no longer found this escape necessary. The inner peace he found in their joining, and his acceptance of his 'darker side' as a normal part of who he was, removed the emotional turmoil that had plagued him before. Comforted by the serenity radiating through the bond from Catherine, he contemplated all that had been said.

Her smile brightened as amazement shone from his face. Something important had registered, and she was curious as to the telling bit of information.

"Tell me."

"I'm going to be a father," he said with awe.

"Better than that, you're going to be a Daddy!" Catherine laughed, hugging his neck. At Vincent's confused look she continued, "It's something I read once that stuck with me. It said, 'Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a Daddy.' Watching you with the children Below, I've always known that you'd be a wonderful Daddy."

"Speaking of fathers, do you think we should break the news to mine?"

"I promised Peter that we would wait until he was present before we break the news. He was going to drop by Father's for a game of chess after work so we should be able to go Below soon."

"It might not be a bad idea to have a doctor present - Father may have a stroke!" Vincent chuckled. "Poor Father, we seem to be challenging all of life's restrictions -- and winning. Our love, our marriage and now two children."

"Those were his restrictions, not life's. I love Father and know that he did what he thought best, but, my love, I'm so glad that you’ve come to believe that you have the right to happiness."

Kissing him lightly, she left the circle of his arms to make some phone calls. The first was to a local liquor store, and then she called Jenny.

"Jen, it's Cathy. I'm glad I caught you at home. Are you busy tonight? There's going to be a surprise party Below, and I thought that you'd like to be there. Great! Come on over and you can go down with us."

##

"So, what's the occasion?" Jenny pumped her friend as Vincent led the way carrying a large box of what looked like champagne.

"It's a surprise. That's why it's a surprise party."

Jenny shook her head. Her friend was in a giggly mood, and Vincent looked like the cat who ate the canary. What in the world was going on? The only explanation that she could come up with was that they had already been into the champagne … heavily!

Vincent placed the box on the floor as they entered the study. Peter and Father were deeply into a chess match and Father, who was losing, glanced up gratefully as the young people entered the chamber. Catherine hugged Father and then Peter.

"Cathy, it's good to see you," Peter said with a wink. "And you, Vincent ... and Jenny."

"Please, don't let us disturb your game," Vincent chuckled, inspecting the board and seeing the way the match was going.

"No, no. Peter and I can finish this some other time." They all laughed at the eagerness in Father's voice. "To what do we owe this visit?"

Catherine moved to Vincent's side and felt his arm encircle her shoulder. She looked up and smiled as if to pass the responsibility to him. Drawing from her love and serenity, he breathed deeply.

"Father, Jenny, Catherine and I are going to be parents."

Jenny squealed and threw her arms around both of them. Accepting the hug, Vincent peered over her head at his father's face. He was surprised to see a self-satisfied smile creep onto that countenance.

"You knew."

"I suspected. The weight gain, the emotions you described, knowing the way the two of you ... uh ...behave ... around each other. It was logical. I'm very happy for you both." He hugged the astonished couple.

Catherine looked at Father devilishly. "Ah yes, but did you know we're having twins? Hmmm?"

Vincent was glad that he was still holding Father's arm as this news was imparted. The shock he felt at Catherine's words caused the old man's legs to buckle. Peter and Vincent both chuckled as Father was lowered into a chair to regain his bearings. Jenny looked as if she could use a chair too. The four joined Father at the table, and Catherine brought out the ultrasound pictures to pass around.

After Father and Jenny had gotten over their astonishment, Father went to tap a message on the pipes, and Vincent retrieved the box of champagne. Soon the room was filled with people adding their congratulations. Vincent, who subconsciously had expected some censure at the news, was overwhelmed by the good wishes. Knowing her husband as well as she did, Catherine recognized that another boost to his acceptance of their relationship, and his self-confidence, had occurred. She carefully made her way back to the shelter of his arm.

The room quieted as Father rose to make a toast. "To Vincent and Catherine, two people who continue to disprove the limitations on their relationship, at least the limitations that I foresaw. May these babies bring you the same joy that Vincent has always brought to my life. You both deserve every happiness. God bless."

Sounds of, "Here, here" echoed through the chamber. Overcome with emotion, Vincent bowed his head, hiding behind a veil of hair. Catherine peered up into her beloved's face and whispered,

"I told you, you deserve everything."

As he bent to kiss her, she realized that a new chapter in their life had begun.