Chapter 13

Spring Adventures

Vincent, Kanin and James slowly made their way toward the hub of the tunnel world. They’d been working in the lower tunnels for the past five days and were all eager to be home, especially Vincent. This had been his first separation from his family since the babies were born and, though he knew through the bonds that they were all well, he missed them dreadfully.

He missed having Catherine beside him when he slept: he missed her touch, her smile, her laugh, her voice. He wanted to hold his children in his arms, to rock them to sleep. For so many years he’d thought that a family of his own, a wife and children, was an impossible dream, and now that the dream was a reality, he hated to miss a single moment.

As they reached the more populated section, each man branched off to head for his respective home. Vincent, tired, dirty and aching, entered his chamber, and a sense of peace washed over him. All was quiet and, searching through the bonds he had with Catherine and each of his children, he could tell that they were all catching a late afternoon nap. He quietly entered the bedchamber and retrieved some clean clothes. A long soak in a hot bath would ease his tired muscles, as well as removing the crusted on mud and smell from the job.

Shortly after Vincent left the chamber, Catherine awoke from her nap. Stretching, she sat up and spied Vincent's cloak on its hook by the door. A smile lit her face, knowing that he was safely back. Letting the infants sleep, she went into the living room and found it empty. Now where could he be? Noticing the muddy boots by the door, she had a pretty good idea. Going to the entrance, she tapped a message on the pipes and soon heard the sound of scurrying feet as Jamie rounded the corner.

As she placed them in their carrier basket, Catherine asked Jamie to take the babies to the nursery for a couple of hours. She set an unlit lantern down the passageway, and then deposited another one along the corridor from Father's room to the bathing chamber. Smiling in satisfaction, she got a change of clothes for herself and left to join Vincent.

He was relaxing in the pool, eyes closed, water swirling around his shoulders, when she entered. Placing her dirty clothes in the appropriate basket, she joined him in the warm water. A smile and his upraised hand indicated his awareness of her presence as he moved farther along the ledge to allow her room to sit beside him. Her sigh, as she snuggled under his arm, was more for the pleasure of being near him than it was for the comfort of the bath.

She relaxed against the solid feel of him, looking up to see his blue eyes gazing down at her with love and contentment. Her heart skipped a beat at the joy she felt.

"I'm glad you're home. I always worry when you're working in the deeper tunnels. I've missed you, but then you know that . . . you always know. However, this time I could feel you missing me too." She smiled in self-satisfaction as he cocked a furry eyebrow. "Uh-huh. The bond seems to be getting even stronger for me since the babies came. And, I believe that I can sense them too . . . not as strongly as you, of course, but I can definitely feel them."

He kissed the top of her head, reveling in her nearness. "My longing for you was so great, I'm surprised Father didn't feel it, and you know how unempathic he is." He chuckled. "It amazes me that I lived so long without you in my life; the thought is incomprehensible."

"What amazes me is not the years before you found me, but those years we were together and yet, not really together." She shook her head incredulously at the memory of their first three years. "But, you know, as frustrating as it was for me,"

"For both of us," he interjected assuredly.

"For both of us," she continued, "it was nice to develop a relationship, to learn about one another, without the influence of physical passion to prejudice our feelings. Because, my darling, making love to you is so wonderful that it would have overshadowed anything else."

Vincent slightly shook his head in wonderment and winced at the soreness in his neck. Catherine had him turn sideways as she moved to the next higher ledge. Starting at his neck, she massaged down his powerful shoulders and back, her thumbs making hard circles to ease the tightness in his muscles. He sighed as her fingers worked their magic, leaning forward to give her better access to his lower back. Between the warm water and her ministrations, the effects of the past five days were melting away.

"You're smiling," she commented in his ear.

"It was just the irony of a passing thought."

"Tell me?" she asked.

"I was just thinking that, between the bath and the massage, I almost feel human again. After thinking it, I realized the absurdity of the thought, that's all." He felt her fingers tense against his back, indignation flaring through the bond. He turned to look at her.

"Catherine?" The indignation dissolved into sadness, tears glistening in her eyes. "Catherine, what is it?" Panic crept into his husky voice.

"I see nothing absurd about that thought. I don't find it humorous, and it makes me sad to think that you do." A tear seeped over the edge of her eyelid and trickled down her cheek.

"But, Catherine," he said, raising his hands as if to prove a point.

"Yes, you're different, physically, but you're the most human being I know. And if you feel that way about yourself, that means that you feel Angel isn't human either." Through her tears, she saw the shock on his face at her statement. "You didn't think about that, did you? I don't want my daughter thinking that she's not human"

"No, I didn't." Tears welled in his eyes as he pulled her to him. "I've thought of myself in that way all of my life, but I will try to change."

Regaining her composure and smiling weakly, she resumed kneading his sore muscles. At her query, he told her of the work they had done during the past five days: passageways had been inspected and shored up when found to be unstable, and pipes and walls had been inspected for leaks and seepage.

As they dressed, Vincent could tell that Catherine had something on her mind and, walking back to their chamber, he could feel her disquiet. He sat on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap, stroking her silky hair as he gazed into her eyes.

"Tell me," he said, knowing that she would understand.

"It's nothing . . . it's silly," she said with a shake of her head.

"It's bothering you, therefore it's not 'nothing'," he replied. "Is it your work?" A look of chagrin appeared on her face as she avoided his eyes. He had sensed her restlessness over the past several weeks and now he said, with some trepidation, "You're not happy here; you wish to go Above."

Catherine's head snapped up as she met him with a fixed stare. "No!" she exclaimed forcefully. "God, no! I am happy; I love living Below. It's just that the babies don't take up my whole day, and everyone has their duties to keep them busy, including you, and . . . well . . . I don't seem to be very good at anything down here . . . " Her protest was smothered against his chest has he pulled her close.

"It's all right, Catherine, really. Perhaps Joe will give you your old job back." Vincent's voice was soothing as he rocked her gently. She leaned back to look at him.

"I don't really want my old job. I was just going to see if he had some part-time work he needed done. Something that I could do from the house, like when I was pregnant. Just to fill some time . . . and to keep current on things."

"Catherine, you don't have to justify your decision to me. I know that your work meant a lot to you, and that you're very good at it."

"I guess I'm justifying it to myself. I love the kids . . . I love being a mother . . ."

"But you need more," he finished.

"I need more," she confirmed. She dropped her head against his broad chest. "Why do I feel like a failure as a wife and mother?"

"There’s no reason to feel that way. My love, the one thing you are definitely not is a failure. You’re used to being active . . . involved . . . helping people. If you go back to work it will make you happier, which will make me happier."

He could feel the tension in her body dissipate as the intensity of her love washed through him across the bond. His own love echoed back to envelop her in its warmth.

Catherine sighed. "I'll never know what I did to deserve your love, but I thank God for it every day."

"I believe that's my line," Vincent chuckled. "Now, I'll go get our little ones so that you can feed them before we go to dinner."

##

Two days later, Catherine and little Jacob went Above. While the others in the office "ooh'd" and "ah'd" over the baby, she and Joe talked. By the time she had retrieved Jacob from Rita, explaining once again that his twin was with her grandfather, Catherine's bag already contained enough work to keep her busy for a week.

Now that her schedule was more full, time passed quicker. She taught a government class to the older children two mornings a week, worked with Father on two others, and the fifth morning was spent helping Mary or Rebecca as well as taking care of chores for her family -- tidying their chambers, putting away laundry, etc.

The work from the DA's office filled her afternoons, and sometimes filtered into the evening hours. Usually Vincent would arrive home from his duties and find her absorbed in one case or another; but at suppertime she would put aside her work and dedicate the evening to her family.

Frequently there would be a community evening where people would meet in the dining hall or Father's study to visit or play games. There was a regular story-hour twice a week, and the music classes would often put on a recital. Many evenings she and Vincent would just spend the time playing with the babies or reading aloud. Occasionally, Vincent would accept Father's challenge to a game of chess, and Catherine would either read or visit with others in her extended family.

One evening, as she watched Angel play with the colorful mobile that Mouse had made, she reflected on the contentment she felt with her life. Vincent, disentangling Jacob's fingers from his mane, looked over at his wife and sighed at the serenity she projected. As he played patty-cake with his son, he marveled at the changes that had taken place in their lives and their relationship during the past four years.

As if reading his thoughts, Catherine looked up at him and said, "You know, it's amazing. Four years ago my life was hollow; I was a shallow and unproductive person, filled with selfishness and frivolity, and now . . . now, my life is complete. Thank you, Vincent."

Vincent deposited Jacob on the floor next to Angel and sat beside Catherine on the sofa, pulling her close with her head tucked beneath his chin.

"It is I who is grateful, Catherine. I may have focused your strength, but you have given my life meaning." He kissed the top of her head. At her chuckle, he pulled back and looked at her questioningly.

"Do you realize we have this conversation about once a week? We're a real pair! We're both so happy that we can't believe it's real, and we go round and around about who gives the other the most happiness. I'll make a deal with you: you accept that I love you, wholeheartedly, for who you are, that I find you incredibly sexy, and that I can't live without you; and I'll do the same about you. And then we can both just be in awe of these two little ones." Catherine's eyes twinkled as she waited for his response.

"These two," he said, indicating the playing children, "make the other things possible to accept."

"Then it's a deal?" she quipped.

"Agreed."

"Good!" She kissed the tip of his furry nose. "Now, let's put these two to bed and go for a walk in the park; we haven't done that in quite a while. I believe that it's Brooke's turn to baby-sit." She chuckled. They had so many people vying to baby-sit, they had to keep a list so as to not leave someone out.

An hour later, both protected by their black cloaks, they stepped from the drainage pipe into the cool, crisp air of a clear March night. The moon hung like a giant lantern in the sky; it's light bright enough to cast their shadows behind them. Moving to the protection of a stand of trees, Vincent wrapped his arms around Catherine, and she leaned her head back against his broad chest as they gazed at the silvery orb.

"In just a few weeks, it will be our fourth anniversary," he commented. "Is there something special you wish to do?"

"Now that you mentioned it," she began, and then hesitated.

He bent his head down to murmur in her ear, "What?" He could feel her trepidation.

She turned in his arms; the love she felt filled the bond and flowed from the smoky grey depths of her eyes as she gazed at his beloved face.

"I'd love to spend some time alone with you . . . really alone." Her smile was wistful as she thought back to their honeymoon, the last period of any length that they had escaped from the obligations of their worlds.

"It's difficult for us to be completely alone for more than an evening while you're still nursing Jacob and Angel," he reminded her. "Where did you want to go, back to our cove?"

"No, actually I was thinking about the lake house. Our anniversary is on a Friday, but we could celebrate it early if you wish and just spend a couple of days during the week. We would have to take Jacob and Angel, but there are baby-sitters on either side of us so we could have some time alone."

She could feel his hesitation but waited patiently for him to speak. Through the bond she recognized fear, then reluctance, anticipation and finally excitement; she was encouraged that the feelings were growing more positive in the progression. Leaning against his muscular chest, she felt the strong beat of his heart, its decrescendo evident against her cheek.

He looked up at the moon as he held her, his head thrown back in contemplation. This was a dream that they had had for so long, could it really be possible? Would it be safe? The area was remote, Devin would be close by as well as the Simmons, and he knew that Catherine would never knowingly put him in harm's way. Father would probably still disapprove but, Vincent thought with conviction, I’m an adult -- a husband and a father -- I make my own decisions. So then, the decision is mine . . . do I want to do this? With sudden clarity he realized, yes he did, for himself as well as for Catherine.

Vincent brought his head forward to rest his cheek on the top of Catherine's head, the soft bristles of his face catching in the silkiness of her hair, his sigh so gentle that she sensed more than felt it.

"I think that would be a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary." His simple statement filled Catherine with such elation that he almost staggered under the impact as it hit him through the bond.

"I'll call Devin tomorrow and let him know. I'll need to make a list of the things we'll need to take. I'll need to rent a van, buy car seats for the kids, let Joe know that I'll be gone for a while, . . . "

"Catherine." His soft, raspy voice halted her babbling. "It doesn't all have to be done tonight."

She looked up at him and, though it was too dark to see, he could sense the blush on her cheeks. He kissed her tenderly. "But it pleases me to give you such happiness."

She snuggled close against his broad chest, drinking in the essence of him. "You always make me happy, just by being you."

###

Sunday night, two weeks later, they were preparing to leave. Catherine had rented a van that was now filled with everything they would need for the week. Luckily, Devin had taken care of the grocery shopping, as the baby paraphernalia took up most of the space. Catherine wondered how two little babies could need so much stuff. She and Jenny had loaded the vehicle earlier in the evening, and it was ten o'clock when they settled the babies in the car seats and went to pick up Vincent at an tunnel access near Riverside Drive.

When Catherine had called Devin to inform him of their plans, he'd called Jenny and invited her up for the week. Catherine had taken this as a positive sign and could tell that Jenny was pleased too, even if she did joke that he just didn't want to get stuck baby-sitting alone. It had been arranged that Devin and Jenny would take the children for the majority, if not all, of the week. Catherine would express her milk to alleviate having to be available for feedings, and they could supplement with formula.

Vincent wanted to ride in the rear of the van with the children, so Jenny joined Catherine in the front seat. Making sure everyone was buckled-up, Catherine started the drive to the lake. Ever conscious of impending danger, she drove carefully and was much more relaxed once they left the congestion of the city. Jenny found some soft jazz on the radio, and the three adults talked quietly to pass the time.

It was just after midnight when they pulled into the private road that led to the house. As they rounded a bend, they could see the dwelling; lights shining a welcome from the windows, and a curl of smoke rising from the chimney. Devin came out to greet them as Catherine pulled to a stop by the front porch. A sense of calm seemed to have settled over him and there was a new tenderness as he hugged Jenny.

Catherine and Vincent's bags were unloaded from the van, and Devin and Jenny soon departed to get the babies settled at his house. They promised to phone if they had any problems, but concurred quietly that it would have to be something really serious to instigate a call. This time alone was their anniversary present to their friends.

After the van's taillights disappeared from view, Catherine and Vincent were left standing, hand-in-hand, in the driveway, surrounded by the dark, clear night. He closed his eyes, threw back his head and listened to the sounds. No traffic noises, no sirens, no people, no music, no tapping on pipes -- nothing louder than the crickets, a few frogs and the rustling of small animals in the brush.

He opened his eyes as Catherine tugged on his hand to lead him back inside. She steered him through the house, turning off lights as they went, and they were soon sitting on the back porch. Vincent looked up and, never having seen the sky without the ever-present glow of the city, was overwhelmed by the proliferation of stars. As he pointed out the various constellations, Catherine snuggled against him and reveled in his excitement. She told him that her father had had a telescope and that it should be somewhere in the attic. They could scout around the next day and find it for him to use.

Sensing her fatigue, he suggested that they go inside. Her sleepy smile indicated her agreement, but as he began to rise, her small hand on his shoulder stayed his movement.

"You enjoy the evening some more. I know you're not tired, and it'll take me a while to get ready for bed anyway." She kissed his cheek. "Take as long as you'd like."

Vincent marveled at her understanding, unselfish nature. She'd always known that he required less sleep than she did and would encourage him to visit with Father, or just take some time alone. Now he sat, enjoying the sights and sounds of the night, as the joy of her love comforted him through the bond. Through that nebulous but very real connection, he could tell that she was finally in bed; and bidding the night adieu, he went in to join her. Nothing in nature was as marvelous as Catherine.

###

The next two days were spent exploring. Vincent had been in awe of the lush, verdant countryside. Catherine, fulfilling her dream, walked with him in the sunshine -- taking him everywhere, showing him everything. They strolled beneath the canopy of the trees, laid in the tall grass of the meadow watching the clouds and the deer, and sat beside the still lake as the sun's golden rays dropped behind the hill. They would also sit beneath the trees or on the porch; he would read to her or she would tell him stories of the times spent at the lake with her parents.

Each day they walked over to Devin's house to take the bottles of milk and verify that all was well. Though Devin looked as if he could use several hours of sleep, Jenny assured them that they were doing fine. Walking back to their own home, Catherine and Vincent discussed the fact that taking care of the children was an experience that might make or break the fledgling relationship.

Evenings they dined by the light of the fire, relaxing in the joy of just being together. Catherine had brought a collection of music and after dinner they danced, secure in each other's arms. Vincent wanted to learn some of the 'faster' dances and Catherine did her best as a teacher. It had been a long time since she had been out dancing the night away. Eventually, though, the songs would get slower and more romantic. As they swayed to the music, their emotions ignited and desire led them into a more sensual dance. Lost in a whirlwind of passion, they made love on the rug before the hearth.

The freedom of being completely alone, their all-encompassing love, the myriad tactile sensations -- velvety fur, satiny skin, silky hair, raspy tongue, claws, teeth, nails - and the connection through the bond, combined to take their climax to heights of passion beyond this realm. As they regained an awareness of their surroundings, laying sated in the sanctuary of an embrace, they marveled at the intensity and rightness of their love.

###

Wednesday dawned clear and warm -- unusually warm for mid-April. After breakfast, Catherine called Devin and invited them over for the day. Just before noon she heard the van pull up outside.

Earlier, Vincent had taken cushions and blankets down to a grassy area by the lake. Now the small procession -- Jenny and Catherine carrying Jacob and Angel, and Devin and Vincent carrying the picnic basket and baby accouterments -- proceeded to the prepared location. Making sure the infants where protected from the sun, the adults lounged around, enjoying the company and the surroundings.

Devin's dry wit lightened the air, and Catherine, regaining her composure after her last fit of giggles, realized that she hadn't laughed this hard in a long time. Breathing deeply to gain control, she leaned against Vincent's shoulder as she began to eat her lunch.

"You know, I'm kind of surprised that Father allowed you to come," Devin commented as he ate his sandwich.

"I’m an adult. Father cannot forbid me to come. The decision was mine to make." Vincent's voice held a challenge as he replied to his brother's comment.

Devin eyed him speculatively, chewing his food slowly. "And I'm sure he was very gracious in his acceptance of your decision." A tint of amusement tinged his voice.

"Of course," was his brother's reply, as if no other option were possible.

Catherine, who had been taking a large drink of iced tea, snorted, tea spewing out of her mouth and nose. Grabbing a napkin, she was glad that she was sitting sideways against Vincent, facing away from the food. Vincent patted her on the back as she tried to recover from her coughing fit.

Jenny cracked up as Devin retorted, "Right, and Mary wears miniskirts and Pascal likes disco! I bet even Narcissa could hear Father when you told him you were going. I'm surprised they didn't have a report about an earthquake in New York City on the news."

Vincent tried to look indignant but ended up laughing with the others. "Well, he wasn't happy about it, but he didn't explode."

Devin shook his head in disbelief as Catherine chimed in, as seriously as she could manage, "Actually, he did take it fairly well . . . for Father. He only turned a slight shade of violet. I think that he's accepted the inevitable -- that I'm a bad influence and I'm totally corrupting his son."

"Catherine," Vincent protested, "you know that Father doesn't think of you in that way! He has great respect for you. He's happy that you have become a part of our world, a part of my life." The sight of the other three adults rolling on the ground in hysterics made him realize that she’d been joking. "Though you are a seductively, wicked woman." His solemn tone set off further peals of laughter.

Catherine lay on the grass, tears rolling down her cheeks, and clutched her stomach with one hand as she waved the other at him, begging him silently to stop. Gulping air, she managed to breathe more normally. As she gained control of herself, he reached over to help her up. Instead of stopping at a sitting position, she used the leverage to propel herself from the ground against his chest. Surprised by the impact of her body against him, he fell backwards, her momentum and trajectory causing the two of them to roll down the embankment, stopping just short of the water's edge.

"A very wicked woman," he reiterated.

Catherine looked at him seductively. "And you love it."

"Assuredly." He kissed her soundly and then nuzzled her ear.

"Okay you two, cut that out," Devin called to them. "We have innocent children here that you're corrupting."

They dusted themselves off as they returned to sit on the blanket. The laughter had woken the babies, and Jacob began making noises that informed the adults that it was time for his lunch. Angel, taking her cues as always from her older brother, joined in the cacophony.

Saying that they could handle the situation, Catherine and Jenny encouraged the men to try to catch some fish for dinner. The fishing gear, found earlier in the garage, had been stowed in the rowboat, so 'Tom' and 'Huck' set off on their imaginary trip down the Mississippi.

Catherine, Jacob at her breast, watched them from the shade of an old tree and imagined them as children. Vincent had told her of the times he and Devin had floated on the waters of some underground lake pretending to be Mark Twain's young adventurers. Some things never changed.

Jenny, feeding Angel a bottle, echoed her thoughts, "When those two get together, it's like they're ten years old again. You never know what they're going to do."

Catherine smiled. "Yes, isn't it great," she said tenderly. "They're filling in the missing years. Now, how are things going with you and Devin?"

Jenny explained that things seemed good. The impression of calm that Catherine had had was valid -- Devin was a lot more centered, but he still had demons to tame and decisions to make. She was enjoying their time together at the lake but wasn't counting on anything serious, not yet anyway. Catherine could hear the wistfulness in her voice and knew that her friend cared more than she let on. She assured Jenny that all things work out for the best and to remember that even she and Vincent hadn't had smooth sailing in the beginning of their relationship.

While the women were taking care of the babies, the two men were lost in remembrances of their past. They spoke of things they’d done . . . games they’d played . . . adventures they’d had. They finally talked, really talked, of the time Devin had left, and its aftermath. The subject had been discussed casually when Devin had returned the first time; but now, floating in the sunshine, the brothers opened their souls and really healed the old wounds. Vincent, who’d been so devastated at the time, had long ago forgiven his brother, as was his nature. Now he helped Devin forgive himself.

Catherine, whose heart was suddenly overcome by a feeling of profound love and peace, gazed at the small boat and smiled, realizing that something wonderful had happened between the two men. Vincent's head turned in her direction as her feelings of joy and thankfulness surrounded him.

The afternoon began to cool as the sun sank lower in the sky. Gathering all of their stuff, they retired to the house, where Vincent lit the fire. The dinner of grilled fish, provided with great aplomb by the intrepid fishermen, was a hit. Shortly after dinner, Devin and Jenny left to put the babies to bed, and Vincent and Catherine were left to curl up on the couch and enjoy the dying fire.

Sipping hot chocolate topped, of course, by marshmallows, they discussed the day and the fun they’d had. Catherine, snuggled in the shelter of his arm, asked him about the moment of peace that she had felt. He explained their discussion and that, hopefully, Devin was at peace about that time.

Catherine gave him a knowing smile. "I don't know what other regrets Devin may have in his life, but I do know that leaving you behind is one that has eaten at him for years. It's one of the reasons that he was so drawn to Charles -- he wanted to make up, in some way, for the guilt he felt for going off without you. It'll be good for him to put it behind him. "

Thursday was the antithesis of Wednesday, cool and rainy. They spent the day watching videos that Catherine had packed for just such an event. They’d frequently watched videos at their house Above, and Vincent was enthusiastic about seeing things of which he had only read. For this trip she’d brought travel videos of England and Ireland, The Sound of Music, Casablanca, Star Wars and, because it was one of her favorites, Bambi. Bowls of popcorn at hand, they curled up on the couch and were transported to other times and places.

The beauty of the travelogues bewitched them, and Catherine suppressed the disappointment that she would never be able to share these places in person with Vincent. The music and Austrian scenery in the musical took their breaths away. Casablanca seemed to strike a chord with Vincent and, as Rick sent Ilsa away for her own good, his furry hand seemed to tighten on Catherine's; the remembrance of a similar noble gesture in their own past clutching at their hearts.

They were enchanted by the animals in the Disney classic, laughing at the antics of the young Bambi, Thumper and Flower. A tear of sadness crept down Catherine's cheek as Bambi was left alone after his mother's death, and a tear of joy followed still later at the birth of the new fawns.

As much as he had enjoyed the movies so far, Vincent was mesmerized by Star Wars. This was like nothing he had ever seen, and the story and special effects had him enthralled. When it ended, the look he gave her made her chuckle as she rewound the movie to watch it again. Explaining that there were two sequels, she realized that these were movies she should buy to keep at the house.

Friday was cool but clear. After checking in with Devin, they wandered the woods, enjoying the clean smell of wet, spring foliage. During the afternoon Catherine cooked while Vincent wrote in his journal. He could hear her cheerful humming over the preparation sounds and soon enticing aromas were teasing his senses. The meal preparations at a stopping point so Catherine went upstairs to take a short nap before she bathed and dressed for their anniversary celebration. Before going upstairs to do the same, Vincent set the table, replenished the logs in the fireplace, placed bouquets of flowers on tables and mantle, and lit the candles that he placed around the room.

Catherine's eyes welled with tears as she descended the stairs and saw all that Vincent had done. Choking back her emotions, she had just finished putting the dinner on the table when Vincent joined her; resplendent in his ruffled shirt and the vest she had given him for Christmas.

"Four years ago tonight . . . you saved my life . . . in more ways than one." she murmured, her glistening eyes capturing his.

He pulled her into his strong arms. "Four years ago . . . that a night filled with so much pain could have turned into something so wonderful . . . it's a miracle."

###

Their romantic evening was spent in the soft glow of the shimmering candles and flickering firelight. A delicious dinner, dancing to soft music, curling up on the sofa to watch the dying fire -- it was a perfect ending to a perfect week.

At midnight, waiting on the porch for Devin to arrive with the van, Vincent stood with his arms around Catherine as they looked up at the sky and enjoyed the fresh, country air for the last time. "Tell me," he whispered as he sensed her smile.

"You’ve done it again. I’ve dreamed of walking with you in the sunshine. I’ve dreamed of showing you my meadow. Thank you for making more of my dreams come true."

He hugged her tightly, and when he spoke, his voice was filled with emotion. "Thank you for dreaming."