Father's Acceptance Part 2 Part 3 By Shirley Johns Vincent and Catherine spent the next few hours just being together. They talked about their future and the baby. They discussed her moving Below and making preparations for the baby. Trying to prolong the inevitable, talking to Father. Vincent laid his hand on her still flat belly and told her he would love a baby girl as beautiful as her mother. Catherine resting her hand on his said she would like a little boy as handsome as his father. Whether it will be a boy or a girl the child will be loved very very much. Both deep in thought knew that this was an unusual pregnancy and Father and Peter will want to watch it carefully. But Catherine knows that it will be just fine and put all those doubts aside and asks Vincent to love her and he gladly complied. Fulfillment met, they lay together for a few moments than looking at each other said in unison we better go see Father. After they washed and dressed, Vincent took her hand within his and headed for father's study. Upon their arrival he noticed them holding hands as he gave them a warm greeting asking what they needed. Vincent was the first to speak. Father Catherine and I need to talk to you about something very important. Go on son. Father you know I love Catherine with all that I am. (Father was a little surprise he finally admitted it) and she loves me with all that she is. Yes son. Well Father she has decided to leave her world Above and live Below with me as my wife,. (father knew he had more to tell him so he hid his smile until he finished) and we are expecting a child. He heard Father gasped a child? Yes, you are going to be a grandfather. They tightened their hands and waited for his response. Well ah Vincent and Catherine I didn't know your relationship had come that far. So this comes as a shock to me. Slowly rising out of his chair and grabbing his cane, he approached them. Gathering both to him he said he could never be happier for his son than he is right now and a single tear slid down his cheek. He looked at Catherine and said my dear how can I ever thank you for making my son so happy? Father, do not thank me, I am the one grateful to you for loving and taking care of Vincent making it possible for our paths to cross and fall in love. Thank you Father and she kissed his cheek. Vincent watched this display of affection and smiled never seeing father blush before. Now children, enough of this mushy stuff let's get too more important matters like your pregnancy my dear Catherine. As father continues saying how they will supervise it, telling her things she can and cannot do etc, she and Vincent looked at each other smiling knowing they have finally received Father's acceptance of their love. A Whole New Life It has been a week since Catherine and Vincent announced to father and the rest of the community that they will be getting married and she would be moving Below. Once the announcement was made, the tunnel community immediately starting making preparations for their wedding that is to be in three weeks. Catherine has moved some of her things Below where she spends her evenings and nights with Vincent and wakes every morning in his arms. She still goes to work five days a week but will be turning in her resignation. She is unpacking some more of her things and decided she had better get her letter ready for Joe. She takes a seat at Vincent's writing desk: Dearest Joe; I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with you for two years. However, there are changes taking place in my life right now and I will be leaving the city for an indefinite period of time. Please accept this as my two-week notice of resignation. Fondly, Catherine (Radcliffe) With that done she puts the letter in an envelope laid it upon the desk and continued unpacking some more things. She will be keeping her apartment Above for a little longer until all her things can either be moved or stored and Peter will check on it for her from time to time. So engrossed in her work, she did not know Vincent had come in until she felt his arms around her and his light kiss on her neck. She turned to face him and planted a hard kiss on his lips and said Hi. He asked if she needed any help unpacking, she said no but taking his hand within hers she walked them to the desk and asked him to read her letter to Joe. Before he read it he told her that once she gives Joe the letter this will end her ties to the world Above. She said Vincent my love; I want it no other way. Smiling he took her letter and spent a few minutes reading it. He told her it was fine putting it back in the envelope and again asked if she needed any help. She said I can always unpack do you have anything else in mind. Taking her face within his hands he asked her if she would make love to him. This request came as a surprise to her as he never asked her this before. Without words, she led him to the bed . As they come back to Earth Vincent looks at her and said that in his wildest fantasies, he would never have dreamed how she could love him as she did and if she keeps loving him this way, they may never leave this bed again. Catherine smiled saying Vincent if it was up to me we would never leave this bed and they stay there for the next few hours. Having satisfied their need for each other, they dressed and then unpacked some more of her things. She looked at Joe's letter one last time knowing that after he gives it to him tomorrow within the next two weeks she will be starting a whole new life. The Wedding The day of the wedding has finally arrived, the Great Hall is just beautiful romantically lit by dozens and dozens of candles and decorated with clusters and clusters of red and white roses (a symbol of Catherine and Vincent's love) and William has fixed a grand feast. Vincent is in his chamber getting ready with the help of Father and Peter while Catherine is in the guest chamber (where she stayed for the last week to make the wedding night special) with Mary and Jenn. Catherine thinks back two weeks ago when she said goodbye to Joe and when Jenn first met Vincent. Catherine had sent a note via a helper to meet her at the park around 10:00 in the evening. Vincent was there but was hidden around the corner. Jenn arrived and they shared a big hug and Jenn asked how she was doing? Catherine told her that she has something to tell her and someone she wants her to meet. Jenn with her bubbly self said you mean your mystery man, the love of your life, Mr. Prince Charming himself Vincent? Yes Jenn Vincent. Taking a seat on a nearby bench she told Jenn that she has wonderful news she and Vincent are getting married in two weeks and would like her to be there. Oh Cath that's great you finally captured your man. Catherine smiled and said yes I guess I have. Well Jenn as I explained before, he looks different from other man that we know, he is kind, gentle and very, very loving. He makes we feel like a princess and he is my knight in shining armor. Ok Cath I can't wait any longer I want to meet the man of your dreams. Catherine rose from the bench walked round the corner taking Vincent's hand returned to Jenn. When Jenn saw him she was speechless for the first time in her life. So Vincent spoke first, I am so glad to finally met Catherine's best friend and extended his hand. Jenn looked at Catherine than at Vincent and softly pushed his hand away and gave him a great big hug. Hi Vincent I am so glad to meet you. I have known Catherine since we are kids and I have never seen her happier. I am so grateful for the love you have for my friend... No Jenn I am the one grateful to have Catherine's love. Jenn softly nudged her elbow and said Catherine what a hunk and his voice he could talk to me anytime. No wonder you have been so secretive about him to cut back on the competition. Catherine and Vincent both laughed and Vincent liked her already. He again grabbed Catherine close and told Jenn she has no worries about competition, Catherine knows I belong to her. Jenn laugh saying ok ok . Now let's discuss your wedding taking both their hands she led them to the park bench to have a seat. Catherine told her before they talk about the wedding she has something that she wants to ask her. Ok Cath sounds serious and Catherine smiled. Well Jenn Vincent and I are expecting a baby. You're going to have a baby, oh Cath how wonderful. Thanks Jennie. And, we would like you to be our baby's godmother. Cath are you kidding, I would love to be the godmother to your child and gave them both a hug. Later that evening Jenn came Below and received a warm welcome from the tunnel community. Catherine returned to the present, a little nervous but ready to marry Vincent. Vincent in the great hall nervous himself and feeling Catherine's nervousness as well was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her bride. The music began and everyone turned to the hall entrance as the bride entered on Peter's arm. Catherine took Vincent's breath away with her startling beauty. She wore an off the shoulder ivory silk dress entwined with tiny silver threads, snug to the waist than bellowing out to the floor with a two foot train. Her hair was piled high upon her head with a simple ivory veil attached with a comb decorated with tiny red and white roses to match her bouquet. When Catherine saw Vincent she was speechless. He has got to be the handsomest man she has ever seen in his hunter green dress top with padded shoulders (accenting his already large size) gold buttons and form fitting tan leather pants. The shininess of his long golden hair was such a compliment to the darkness of his shirt. Catherine joined Vincent and they exchanged their vows loudly and clearly so everyone could hear them pledge their love to one another. Then the preached said men, women and children of the tunnel community I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Wells. Vincent you may kiss your bride. He swept his beloved Catherine off her feet and sealed their marriage with a very passionate kiss. The entire tunnel community will forever remember the beauty, romance and love of Vincent and Catherine's wedding day. The Reception Vincent gently lowered Catherine to her feet and possessively placed his arm around her. Looking up into his sky blue eyes she said my husband you are so beautiful I love you. Looking down into her gray green eyes he said Catherine my wife the beauty you see in me comes from within you I love you and they shared a kissed. As they entered the crowd everyone commented on how radiant Catherine was and how handsome Vincent looked and congratulated them on their marriage. They finally made it to the bridal table and took a seat. Father clicked his glass for the crowd's attention to make his toast. Ladies and Gentleman of the tunnel community, I have seen my son through happy and hard times. I have seen him miss out on so much that life has to offer until the day he found Catherine. Their love story will echo through the tunnels and the whispering winds long after they have gone. May their love forever blossom and touch the hearts of those around them for all eternity. To Vincent and Catherine a match made in Heaven. The crowd cheered. Next came Peter, attention everyone. As most of you know I have known the bride since the day she was born and I have known the groom since he was an infant. I have never seen either one of them happier until they found each other. The Bond, the connection they share is something none of us can understand but its power will carry them into the future together as one. May God bless their union. Here Here. Dinner was served and what a feast. There was roasted duck, chicken, leg of lamb, steak, potatoes, greens, corn, green beans, William's special gravy sauce. For dessert they had apple pie, peach cobbler, lemon meringue and Boston cr�me pie. You name a pie and William made it. He must have been cooking for days. The refreshments consisted of red and white wine, champagne for the bride and groom, and apple and orange juice for the children. After dinner it was time for the bride and groom to have the first dance. As Catherine and Vincent entered the dance floor the crowd cleared and watched as they shared their first waltz as husband and wife. Not taking their eyes off each other as they danced their love was felt throughout the hall. The crowd notices how Catherine's petite figure is such a contrast to Vincent's larger one. Together they make a very striking couple. When the music ended Vincent and Catherine continued there dance unaware of any one around them until they heard father clear his throat. Blushing slightly Vincent turned to the crowd; what can I say she leaves me spellbound and gathered her close. This time it was Catherine's turn to blush. They returned to the table ready to cut their wedding cake. It was absolutely gorgeous. It was five tiers with white icing and decorated with silver and red roses. The bride and groom figurine on top of the wedding cake looked remarkably like both of them and Catherine will cherish it forever. Kanin must have spent quite a few days making it especially for them. They must make sure they thank him. Catherine and Vincent joined hands and cut the first piece. Vincent took a tiny piece of the cake and fed it to Catherine. She, on the other hand, felt a little devilish shoved the whole piece in his mouth making a mess of his face and bringing laugher to the hall. She felt the best part of this was her getting the chance to kiss it off which she did. When she was done, Vincent removed the remaining cake with a napkin and gave her look "saying I'm gonna get you back "hugging each other they both laughed. Vincent and Catherine shared a few more dances and it was time for her to throw the bouquet. All the single woman in the community gathered behind her and she tossed the bouquet landing right in Jenn's hands. She hugged her friend and said well Jenn looks like you're next. As the crowd continues to celebrate Vincent and Catherine sneak away to start their wedding night. Father in the background smiled when he noticed them leave and rejoined the reception. To be continued in the Wedding Night |
 |