A Camping Trip Below
J Ecris
Catherine was just as excited as the group of children gathered around her. She hadn’t been on a camping trip Below in years—work always seemed to intervene at the last moment—and this particular itinerary held special meaning for her: it was the one they’d followed on her very first camping trip Below, before she and Vincent had become lovers.
Vincent was making final preparations and checking that everyone had everything they were supposed to have. Catherine was reminded of the fact that two of the children had left behind their sleeping bags on that trip 13 years ago. A message had been sent and Jamie had brought the missing sleeping bags the next day, but Catherine had been delighted to give her sleeping bag to the children and share Vincent’s that first night.
Vincent announced that all was ready, and he, Catherine, Kipper, and Samantha began to help the children get their packs on their backs. Once everyone was properly “packed”, they set off, Vincent asking Kipper and Samantha to bring up the rear.
***
Catherine had forgotten how long the journey was, and she wasn’t exactly getting any younger, she thought wistfully as they made their third rest stop of the day. Caroline plopped down in her lap, letting out a great sigh. “Are we almost there yet, Mom?”
“We have a ways to go yet, as I remember,” Catherine said, wrapping her arms around Caroline and kissing the top of her head.
“I’m tired,” Caroline almost whined, resting her head on Catherine’s shoulder.
“Me too,” Catherine replied, giving her daughter a squeeze. She couldn’t help but take some comfort from the fact that her eight-year-old’s usual boundless energy was apparently no match for this trip either. Maybe the years weren’t catching up with her after all, she thought. Vincent, of course, showed no signs whatsoever of fatigue.
“Shall we be on our way again?” he asked.
“Might as well,” Catherine replied. “The sooner we get going, the sooner we’ll be there.”
They loaded up again and resumed their trek. Jacob and his new friend, Tony, fell in behind Vincent and Catherine this time.
Tony was a relative newcomer to the tunnels; Catherine had met him while working on a case. He’d been turned over to social services after his father had fatally beaten his mother. Tony had witnessed the abuse repeatedly and experienced some of it himself, but fortunately he had been spared seeing his mother murdered. Catherine had fallen in love with the boy, and on her successive visits with him had begun to see his spirit die a little more every day. She knew the environment he was living in would eventually change him permanently. On what was to be her last visit with him, she had finished the last of her questions about his home life, and then proceeded to tell him about a safe place where there was no violence. She’d spoken at length about the responsibilities of living in such a place and had finally asked him if he would like to go there. He’d accused Catherine of making up fairy tales, and she had assured him she was not. She’d given him a meeting place and time, in case he decided to believe her. Thankfully, he had.
Tony had adapted rather well. Twelve-year-old Jacob had taken a liking to him almost immediately. They seemed to share some of the same interests, and each had introduced the other to new ideas too. Of course, Tony was fascinated by Vincent, as well as by Caroline, who shared her father’s unusual traits. If truth be told, he was a little too fascinated by Caroline: she sometimes complained he was staring. As far as Catherine knew, Tony had never done or said anything unkind to Caroline, so she was inclined to advise her not to take offense at his staring. After all, she thought, she herself never tired of gazing at Vincent!
Her warm thoughts of Vincent were answered by a gentle nudge through the bond. She turned her head to him and smiled, receiving an answering smile as he took her hand in his. They walked on, and Catherine soon became aware of a situation between Jacob and Tony. Tony had been trying to whisper something to Jacob, who sounded like he couldn’t hear and was becoming increasingly annoyed. Finally, in a very loud whisper, Tony said, “They’re holding hands.”
Vincent and Catherine exchanged a glance and Vincent squeezed her hand and sent another ripple through the bond, which she returned. Catherine smiled, both outwardly and inwardly, thinking that she remembered a time when such a remark might have caused Vincent to hastily retract his hand in embarrassment. The confidence he’d developed over the years warmed her heart.
“So?” Jacob replied.
Catherine glanced back to see Tony shrug. Still trying to be discreet, he whispered loudly, ”My parents never did anything like that.”
“Huh,” Jacob replied, noncommittally. “Well, mine do. All the time.”
Catherine gave Vincent’s hand a squeeze, and they walked on. She was not displeased that Tony was exposed to healthier role models than he’d had in the past.
***
At long last the group arrived at the campsite. Catherine was dead on her feet, and most of the children were too. Vincent and Kipper prepared dinner while Samantha started a small fire. The campsite was chillier than many of the surrounding tunnels, but it had the advantage of being large enough to accommodate all of them comfortably.
Samantha insisted everyone unpack their sleeping bags and mats before settling down by the fire. Catherine complied, too tired to consider that Samantha’s directive probably did not include her. She unpacked Vincent’s mat and sleeping bag too, and then zipped their sleeping bags together. Having done this, she gratefully sat in front of the fire, the smells of dinner already beginning to waft across from the camp kitchen. Catherine realized she was famished and also quite sleepy, and she noted in passing that Samantha was a smart girl—smart woman, she corrected herself—to have everyone get their beds ready before they rested. She felt like she was about to doze off at any moment.
Fortunately dinner arrived soon, delivered to the hands of the exhausted campers by Vincent, Samantha, and Kipper. The meal was shared quietly, as everyone devoted their attention to their food, too tired to converse. Vincent finished his plate and came to sit behind Catherine, pulling her back to rest against him and kissing the top of her head. She relaxed against him gratefully. Sometimes it felt like Vincent knew what she needed even when she herself didn’t. Catherine soon fell asleep in Vincent’s embrace.
***
She awakened near morning in their sleeping bag, nestled close to Vincent. She had grown accustomed to waking up next to Vincent, but she had never taken it for granted. Their relationship had had such uncertain beginnings, there had been so many times she’d doubted their Happily Ever After would finally come, that to this day she couldn’t help but to stop and count her blessings on an almost daily basis. She sighed contentedly.
“Did you sleep well, Catherine?” Vincent asked softly.
“Mm-hmm. You?”
“Very well. A good day’s walk always ensures a good night’s sleep.”
“I’d forgotten how far it is,” Catherine mused.
“Do you regret coming?” Vincent asked, concerned.
“Oh no! Not at all. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.” She gave his arm a squeeze.
Vincent smiled. “As have I.”
Catherine cuddled closer for a quick kiss. Vincent indulged her, and then smiled and said, “You and I are on KP this morning, Catherine.”
Catherine moaned in mock protest, “Aw, we don’t have to get up yet, do we?”
Vincent smiled mischievously. “We don’t have to, Catherine Dearest, but considering what usually happens when we lie awake in bed together, it does seem prudent.”
Catherine chuckled. “OK.” She partook of another brief kiss before sitting up and stretching. She opened her eyes after a yawn to find Caroline before her.
“Is something wrong, Caroline?” Vincent asked.
“I'm cold,” Caroline said, teeth chattering.
“I'm going to visit the little camper's room,” Catherine said, “Why don't you climb in with your daddy for a few minutes?” She hugged Caroline and pulled her between Vincent and herself. “He always warms me up.” She winked at Vincent over Caroline's head, and he smiled indulgently.
Vincent wrapped his arms around Caroline and pulled the covers up around her neck. “How did you get so cold, tell me,” he said with concern, kissing the top of her head.
Caroline shrugged, “I woke up and my sleeping bag wasn't on me.”
“Hmm. I was sure you were snugly tucked in.”
“I had to get up during the night.” She giggled. “To visit the little camper's room.”
Vincent chuckled softly. “And you didn't close your sleeping bag when you returned?”
She shrugged again. “I guess not.”
“Do you think you'll remember next time?”
“Yeah. I never want to be this cold again.”
Vincent suppressed a smile and hugged her closer. He had always felt very protective of Caroline. Her birth had created an amalgam of feelings that had never entirely sorted itself out. He had been shocked, in light of Jacob's more normal appearance. He had felt horror and despair at having left his child such a legacy, and yet at the same time an instant bond with her, an inexpressible joy that words were inadequate to describe. He could still hear Catherine's words: “Oh Vincent, isn't she beautiful!”
He had cried freely that day, worrying what her life would be, thanking the gods both she and Catherine were safe and well, and not least of all, finally once and for all accepting himself. For Caroline was indeed beautiful and there could be no doubt as to the origins of her appearance.
“I'm hungry.”
Vincent emerged from his reverie and smiled at Caroline. “Me too. Would you like to stay here where it's warm until breakfast is ready?”
“OK.”
He rose, tucking Caroline in lovingly. He kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
Caroline beamed. “I love you too, Daddy.”
***
Catherine and Vincent prepared breakfast in a somewhat leisurely fashion. There was no reason to wake anyone early today, so they cooked little by little as people awoke, thoroughly enjoying having no other responsibilities to separate them.
Tony puzzled over their behavior again to Jacob, again trying and failing at discretion. “Don’t they ever fight?”
“Mm, fight? No.” Jacob shook his head. “But they discuss sometimes.” He rolled his eyes, remembering having been corrected on occasions when he’d accused his parents of arguing.
“But are they usually so... uh....” Tony shrugged. “I guess... cuddly?”
“All the time,” Jacob replied through a mouthful of French toast.
By 11:00 breakfast was finally concluded, and the washing up finished. It had been a delightfully lazy morning, filled with good food and fellowship.
“Hey, I thought we were going swimming!” Caroline called from across the cavern. The other children took up a chorus of “Yeah, let’s go swimming!”
“Everybody get your suits and towels!” Samantha called. The excitement level rose almost visibly—it certainly rose audibly—as the children scrambled through their packs retrieving towels and swimsuits. Vincent and Catherine did likewise, if in a somewhat calmer fashion.
The swim area was nearly an hour’s walk through narrow and difficult-to-navigate passages, but well worth the trip. The underground lake was fed by a hot spring, and the water always seemed to remain quite warm. The large chamber also contained a number of rock formations which created areas well suited for changing clothes.
Kipper took the first shift as lifeguard. “All right, everyone, buddy up, and remember that you stay near your buddy, not at opposite ends of the pool. Those who don’t swim stay on this side of that rock.” He pointed. “Samantha and I will be giving swim lessons, if anyone’s interested, over there.” He pointed again. “Got it?” The children assented, and entered the water in pairs.
“I assume your inspection this morning was uneventful?” Vincent asked Kipper.
“Yup. It looked just as perfect as ever. No safety hazards.” He smiled.
Vincent smiled back, proud of the fine young man Kipper had grown into. He patted his shoulder. “Excellent. Thank you. I'll join my buddy then. She looks eager for a swim.”
Catherine had been gesturing to Vincent from across the chamber. She was indeed eager to get into the water. She admired Vincent’s body as she waited, glad he’d lost much of his former modesty in that regard. He had finally capitulated about going swimming when, a few years earlier, Caroline had refused to swim because she was following her father’s example. The things one can learn from one’s children, she mused. “Nice suit,” Catherine remarked, as Vincent finally arrived at her side.
Vincent tilted his head. “I believe it was you who selected it,” he said playfully.
“Mmm, and I keep asking myself: Why didn’t I get that speedo?!”
Vincent sighed, smiled, and shook his head. He took Catherine’s hand, and tipped his head toward the water. “Shall we?”
***
The hours sped by for the children, and passed almost as quickly for the adults. The highlight of the afternoon came after the picnic lunch when Samantha surprised everyone with water polo nets. They divided into what turned out to be very evenly matched teams and were on their third, tiebreaker game, when Vincent, who'd been refereeing, declared the game a draw. The others reluctantly agreed and drifted back to their pre-lunch activities as Kipper took down the nets and Samantha took the next lifeguard shift.
An hour later, Catherine remarked, “It must be about time to head back. So who gets to break the bad news?”
“Since it was your idea, Catherine, I nominate you,” Vincent said, deadpan.
“Me? How come I get to be the heavy?” she asked, poking Vincent in the chest.
“You’re so good at it, Catherine.” Vincent said calmly, and at Catherine’s surprised look, he added, “I’ve seen you, on television.” He smiled. “And I’m always grateful we don’t see that side of you at home.” Vincent winked and Catherine laughed, as Kipper swam over.
“How about we give them another half hour or so?” Kipper suggested. “And Sam and I will head back now and start dinner?”
Vincent and Catherine agreed and waded to the edge of the pool to take over lifeguarding. Samantha did another buddy check, announcing it was the next to last buddy check of the day. This was met with the expected protests, which subsided somewhat with the announcement they’d be able to swim for another 30 minutes.
The trip back to camp was subdued, the children happily tired by their day in the water. They picked up the pace as they neared camp, however, as they smelled dinner and their stomachs reminded them how long it had been since they’d eaten. Dinner was, again, delicious and all the more so because they were ravenous. The children began to fade soon after dinner and went sleepily off to bed.
Samantha and Kipper excused themselves soon after, and Vincent and Catherine were left alone in front of the fire. Catherine snuggled closer to Vincent, thrilled to be alone with him with little possibility of interruption. She sighed, smiling broadly at him. “This is just too perfect.”
Vincent tilted his head and gave her a loving look that also contained something else she couldn’t quite identify. She leaned closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her waist. They gazed into the fire, completely content, for many minutes.
“Vincent,” Catherine said at last, “I hate to spoil the moment, but I want to make sure the children are tucked in.” Catherine rose and went to check the children. She was somewhat disappointed that Vincent chose to put the fire out. It had been a small fire—their camping fires often were, what with having to carry in the firewood—but a lovely one, nonetheless. She went to join Vincent in bed.
“I've been reminiscing,” Vincent said, as she settled into their zipped-together sleeping bag.
“About the first time we made this trip?” Catherine replied, turning toward him.
“Mmm.”
“I have been too. It was this same trip, this same weekend, 13 years ago.”
“Yes.”
“I was quite pleased that two of the children forgot their sleeping bags. It was such a good excuse to sleep close to you.”
Vincent chuckled softly. “Catherine, I was mortified when you told the children you would share my sleeping bag.” She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled. “But they found the idea just as normal and natural as you did.”
Catherine smiled, moving into Vincent’s arms. “Didn’t you?”
He sighed. “More than I could tell you—then. Oh, Catherine, what sweet torture it was to spend that night with you. My body was in an extreme state of arousal much of the night.”
“Oh, Vincent! I’m sorry. I never knew. You must have been miserable.” She slid her hand down his body to much belatedly soothe his torment and was surprised to find her not-so-small friend had risen to greet her. “Vincent!” she whispered seductively.
“Catherine, I wanted you so much that night,” he whispered near her ear, before taking her mouth in a probing kiss.
Catherine wished Vincent wouldn’t start things he couldn’t possibly finish with so many chaperones in close proximity. She held back the reaction she wanted to give him, but Vincent was insistent. He moved to lie atop her, pushing her knees apart, pulling her close, pressing his hard body to hers. She whimpered and surrendered to him, throwing caution to the wind, wrapping her arms and legs around him and returning his kisses with equal fervor.
She rocked her hips against him, pleading with him to continue, but suddenly he broke the kiss and pulled away. She gasped and reached out to him. Vincent rose to a kneeling position, pulling Catherine to a sitting position, and then stood, bringing Catherine to her feet as well.
Vincent glanced around at the children—although he’d known they were all sleeping soundly before he’d set out to solicit Catherine’s interest—then turned back to her saying, “Come.” He scooped up their sleeping bags and mats.
Catherine was puzzled and bewildered, but too captured by Vincent’s erotic power over her to ask questions. She let him lead her out of the camping area and down the passage a short way and was surprised when he stopped to apparently lean against a wall. Except that wasn’t what it was at all. The shadows made it appear to be a solid wall, but it was actually a narrow passage. She followed him through to find a small chamber dimly lit by several candles placed around the perimeter. It was warmer than the surrounding tunnels, dry and cozy.
Vincent spread out the mat and the sleeping bag and came to stand in front of Catherine, who was still looking around in wonder. She looked up at him, a question forming in her mind. “Vincent, did you know about this place 13 years ago?”
“Yes.”
She looked around the room and back up at him. She sighed. “How did you resist?”
He sighed. “The first night, you were exhausted and soon fell asleep. The second night Jamie and Mouse were awake until all hours and would have noticed us leaving. But even given the opportunity, I don't think I would have found the courage to suggest it.” He paused. “It is a regret,” he said wistfully. “One I intend to set right,” he said softly, looking at Catherine with eyes full of love. He ran a finger across her forehead, moving away a stray wisp of hair, and continued down the side of her face.
Catherine’s breathing and heart rate quickened as she began to anticipate his actions. She glanced at their bed and thought, This is going to be wild! She could not have been more wrong.
She returned her gaze to Vincent’s face to find the shy sort of look she hadn’t seen in years. He leaned down to kiss her very gently and tentatively, and Catherine realized he was attempting to recapture a lost moment. She let herself be drawn along. Vincent’s insecure moments had become fewer and farther between as the years went on, and she rejoiced in his acceptance of himself and their love. With his confidence had also grown a proficiency which never failed to satisfy her. But she realized suddenly that she missed the shy, vulnerable side that she so seldom saw any more, and while she wouldn’t wish to change anything about Vincent, she would enjoy this small moment that seemed to have stepped out of the past.
He led her to the bed, avoiding her gaze. She settled in, pulling the sleeping bag up to her chest, watching him intently as he lay down next to her. He turned to face her and finally looked into her eyes. “I love you, Catherine.”
She sighed softly, feeling like she was melting. “Oh, Vincent, I love you.” He moved closer, reaching his arm across her body to gently stroke her upper arm, his thumb and the heel of his hand moving closer to caress her breast. Catherine wondered how she could be so aroused by so subtle an action after so many years. Joining him in the moment, she nestled close to him, resting her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms about her and held her close.
“You are everything to me, Catherine,” Vincent whispered near her ear. “Everything.” He very gently tipped her head up to capture her lips in a tender kiss. She moaned softly and felt she was falling in love with him all over again, only all at once this time. Very gently he tugged at her sweatshirt, and she pulled away from him slightly to help him lift it over her head. She cuddled back into his arms and began to pull at the laces of Vincent’s vest. He covered her neck with gentle kisses, his whiskers tickling slightly, and she wrapped her arms around him, her task forgotten as he carried her away on sweet waves of pleasure.
Vincent pulled back to look at her again, stunned by her beauty, wondrous that she was his. “How blessed I am, Catherine,” he said softly. “Can you know how much I love you?”
She raised a hand to stroke his face. “As much as I love you,” she whispered. He gazed into her eyes intently for a moment, then unlaced his vest and pulled it over his head. Catherine tugged at his thermal undershirt, and he removed it as well. She settled into his arms again, stroking his chest and back lovingly, his furry, muscular body overwhelming her senses as it always did. He kissed her again, more deeply this time, but still very tenderly. Catherine lay back, inviting Vincent into the more dominant position. Her hands traveled down his back, stroking the waistband of his pants and the skin beneath it, subtly indicating her desire for the removal of that barrier as well. After a few moments, he ended their kiss, gazing down at her.
“I love you,” they said as one. Both smiled slightly, holding the other’s gaze for several moments longer. Vincent pulled away, lying on his back to remove his pants under the covers. Catherine sighed, almost able to believe he was the shy, hesitant Vincent of more than a decade ago. She followed his lead, removing the rest of her own clothing.
Vincent turned back to her, shyly avoiding her gaze again, and rested his head on her shoulder. Catherine turned her head to kiss the top of Vincent’s, bringing her hand to his shoulder.
“I do not deserve you, Catherine,” Vincent whispered.
“We deserve each other, Vincent,” Catherine whispered in return. “We’re made for each other.” She planted another kiss on the crown of his head. “You make me happy in ways I never dreamed before you.” She nuzzled him with her nose. “You...” She kissed the top of his head again, “complete me.” Vincent lifted his head to meet her eyes and gathered her into his arms, pressing his face to her shoulder.
He began again to plant tender kisses on her neck and shoulder. Catherine relaxed into his embrace, sighing with pleasure. Vincent slid his hand to Catherine’s breast, and she moaned as he set off fresh waves of delight. She softly stroked his back and shoulders at those moments when she wasn’t so overcome with pleasure that she was incapable of moving at all. Their bodies shifted ever so slowly, Vincent continuing his soft kisses, until finally they arrived at the moment of joining. Vincent locked his eyes with Catherine’s, whispering of his love, before very gently moving against her, as if asking permission. Catherine tilted her hips, beckoning. “Oh yes, Vincent...” she moaned quietly.
Vincent answered her call, entering her body as gently and tenderly as his every other touch this night. He held her so carefully that Catherine thought in passing that even had she been a delicate flower, he wouldn’t have hurt her. He gazed at her, touched her with such reverence, that she could imagine he thought her a goddess. He slowly carried her away to their private paradise, and when she returned to the real world, she found herself crying tears of joy and softly repeating his name. Vincent sprinkled small kisses across her face, whispering I-love-you’s. Catherine clung to him, wanting never to separate from him.
After a few minutes, Vincent wrapped his arms beneath Catherine, and pulled her over to lie on top of him, bodies still joined. Catherine sighed, snuggling against his chest, back in the present—it had taken Vincent some little while to completely master that maneuver—and drifted off to sleep.
Vincent continued to watch Catherine’s sleeping form, counting his blessings, thinking how far they’d come, how far he’d come from what he once was and thought to ever be: alone. His heart overflowed with love for sweet Catherine. He pulled the covers up more closely near her head to keep her warm, and began to doze off himself.
***
“Catherine,” he urged gently, kissing her cheek, “Wake up.”
“Mmm.”
“Catherine. We should return to the group before we’re missed.”
“Mmm.”
Vincent rolled gently to the side and lay Catherine on her back. She emitted a small moan of protest, but showed no signs of rousing. Vincent smiled to himself and decided to give her a few more minutes. He got dressed and made a quick trip to check on the children, although he was relatively certain his empathic sense would have picked up any major disturbance. He found them, as expected, all still asleep. He returned to Catherine, who slept on, and he smiled indulgently. He picked up her clothes and began to dress her.
***
Catherine awoke the following morning with a moan of pleasure. The memory of the previous night’s bliss was written in her body as well as her mind. “Oh, Vincent,” she whispered. She roused herself sufficiently to look in his direction and reach an arm toward him, but he was already gone. Only then did she notice that she smelled breakfast cooking and that she was back at the campsite.
She turned over and looked toward the camp kitchen. She saw Vincent sitting in front of a small fire cooking breakfast, several of the children gathered around. The memory of the previous night washed over her and nearly took her breath away. Vincent glanced in her direction and smiled. Her heart skipped a beat as she returned a shy smile and then looked away. God, what had he done to her? She felt almost as if it had actually been their first time! She returned her gaze to him, content for a few minutes just to watch him, stunned by his beauty and by the enchanting picture he presented, children all around him.
How very blessed I am, she thought. She wanted to climb into his arms and never come out, and she indulged herself by clinging to that thought for a few minutes, closing her eyes again. She couldn’t remember when she’d felt more at peace. Vincent sent gentle caresses along their bond, and she sighed in complete joy.
After a few moments more, she persuaded herself that spending the rest of eternity in Vincent’s arms was not practical, and that she’d have to get up and attend to the mundane tasks of real life. Her momentary disappointment dissolved when Vincent touched her again through the bond, and she realized that even though she couldn’t be with him always physically, they were eternally linked. Another, stronger wave of joy passed through her and she found herself with tears in her eyes. Oh, how very blessed indeed.
She rose to join the group at the fire. About half the children were awake and sitting around the fire. Of those still in their sleeping bags, most seemed to be rousing. Catherine approached Vincent from behind, knelt, and hugged him. “I love you, Vincent,” she whispered and kissed his cheek. Vincent turned his head to present his lips for a kiss, which Catherine gave him.
“I love you, Catherine. Did you sleep well?” At this he reluctantly returned his attention to the pancakes he was cooking.
Tony sighed, a bit embarrassed. “Do they do this at home too, Jacob?”
Jacob answered with a long-suffering sigh of his own. “All the time.”
Catherine smiled and gave Vincent a squeeze and another kiss on the cheek. “I slept very well, thank you.” She knew the emphasis would be understood only by Vincent. “May I have a proper hug later?”
“With pleasure, Catherine,” he said softly, turning his head again for another brief look at her.
“Do you need any help with breakfast?” she asked, giving him one final squeeze and reluctantly separating from him and rising to her feet.
“No, thank you. I believe we have things well in hand., Vincent replied, looking at his young assistants, who chorused affirmatives. “But perhaps you could wake the rest of the children?” he suggested.
“I think they’re awake, but I’ll get them out of bed.” Catherine did as she said and then began to pack her things. It was a long walk back home, and they would be leaving shortly after breakfast. The time passed very quickly for Catherine, her hands busy with many small tasks and her thoughts suffused with Vincent. Soon breakfast was over, everything was packed for the journey home, and Vincent and Catherine alone remained pack-less.
“Vincent, would you help me put my pack on please?” Catherine asked.
“No,” Vincent replied. Catherine looked at him in surprise, and he smiled playfully. “Catherine, you asked earlier for a proper hug. I couldn’t possibly give you a proper hug while you’re wearing a pack.” Catherine smiled with what felt like her whole body and put her pack back down.
“Samantha,” Vincent asked, “would you take the lead? You’ve made this journey often enough that you must know the way better than I by now.”
Samantha smiled beatifically. Vincent’s compliments warmed her as much now as they had when she was 12. “I’d be happy to.”
Vincent waited for the children to begin on their way before approaching Catherine. He was about to enfold her in his arms when Tony interrupted, “Hey! How come you’re not coming?”
Vincent turned to him and explained, “We’ll be along in a few moments. Catherine requested a hug earlier and she’s been awaiting it patiently all morning.”
Tony shrugged, turned to Jacob, and whispered something, following the rest of the group. Jacob was heard to sigh greatly and reply, “All the time!”
Catherine beamed. “Vincent, dear, do you think Jacob is aware his parents love each other?” She opened her arms to him.
“Well aware, I would say, Catherine dearest.” He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her.
Catherine moaned and was surprised when she nearly began to cry. “Oh, Vincent, I didn’t realize how much I’d missed you!”
“I did,” Vincent said softly and kissed Catherine’s temple. “I missed you as well.”
“Vincent, I love you so much. How blessed I am that you’re mine.”
“It is I who am blessed, Catherine. These past 16 years have been... a dream come true. Sometimes I still fear I may wake and find myself alone again.”
“I’m not going anywhere, love. You’re stuck with me.”
“Thank all the gods,” he smiled, and held her tighter.
Catherine moaned again involuntarily. “Vincent, last night was... beautiful. It’s the way our first time should have been. I’m so sorry I ruined it.”
Vincent lifted Catherine’s chin, shaking his head. He sighed. “Catherine, how many times must I tell you, you didn’t ruin it.”
“But it was over so soon—“
“It would have been over soon in any case, believe me! We just waited too long, that’s all. I did have the opportunity to make our first time like last night, but I couldn’t find the courage to do so. Catherine, I treasure that first time—your enthusiasm, knowing you couldn’t wait any longer to touch me—it did wonders for my ego.”
Catherine smiled slightly, but it seemed to Vincent that she was not quite convinced. He decided to ask her a question he could not help knowing the answer to. “In any case, why do you place so much emphasis on that one time? Have all the other times since been so much less memorable? Is there something lacking in our... togetherness?”
Catherine's eyebrows shot up and then she smiled as she realized his ploy. “Of course not, Vincent. All right, already, you’re right. I shouldn’t obsess about that one time.”
Vincent kissed her sweetly. “That’s better.”
Catherine melted into his embrace again, sighing. “Vincent, this morning I wished I could spend the rest of eternity in your arms.” Vincent sighed and pressed his lips to the top of her head. “But then I realized our bond is even better.”
“Yes,” he said softly, using said bond to encircle her with his love.
Catherine parted from Vincent finally, blissfully happy. “Vincent?”
“Hmm.”
“Last night, how did you get me back out here without waking me?”
Vincent smiled enigmatically, shrugged, and opened his palms at his sides. “Magic?”
Catherine smiled again as she realized the truth was probably no better an explanation.
“Catherine, may I help you with your pack?” Vincent offered, as he picked it up.
***
The journey back was uneventful, and as much as she’d enjoyed the trip, Catherine was glad to be back in her own bed. Having the bathroom only a few steps away was a much underrated and taken-for-granted modern convenience, she thought as she sat in bed waiting for Vincent. She smiled as Vincent entered their bedroom. Over the years, he’d grown comfortable with wearing less and less clothing here in their house. The house was not air conditioned, and certain hot summer days had done a much better job of persuading Vincent to dress accordingly than all her own tactics had managed. Tonight he’d been wandering the house in nothing but boxer shorts.
“What makes you smile, Catherine?”
“You do.” She held her arms wide and he crossed the bed to insert himself into them, his head resting against her breasts. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the top of his head. “I love you.”
“I love you, Catherine. With all that I am.”
Joy washed over her again, and she said, “Vincent, I don’t say this often enough, but thank you.”
“For what, Catherine?” he looked up at her, puzzled.
The list of “whats” was too long to mention; she decided on, “Just for being you, Vincent.”
He stared at her, speechless for many moments, deeply touched. When he finally found his voice, he whispered, “I don’t know what to say, Catherine.” He began to shake his head.
“Then don’t say anything, Vincent. You’d probably just disagree with me anyway, and I don’t want you to.”
“I am so blessed, Catherine.” He raised his head for a kiss, and it turned out to be a long, passionate one. “Catherine?”
“Hmm.”
Were you disappointed in last night?”
“Oh god, no, Vincent! You know I enjoyed it. Why do you ask?”
“It wasn’t... what you were expecting.”
“Ahh. Well, actually I was expecting something a little wilder after the way you kissed me while we were still at the campsite.”
“I issued you a rain check for something wilder, Catherine. Would you like to redeem it now?”
Her heart rate and breathing quickened as they had the night before, and when a low growl began in Vincent’s throat, she groaned and gasped, “Oh god, yes!”
The encounter that ensued was completely different than what had transpired the night before, and yet it had a very similar happy ending. As she drifted off to sleep in Vincent’s arms, she couldn’t help thinking she was the luckiest woman on Earth.