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Having It All Chapter3a Vincent sighed and once again began to pace. �I�m sorry I spoke to you so abruptly, but Father you�ve got to realize that I�m not going to make a choice between you and Catherine.� The tunnel elder snorted. �No?� Vincent shook his head. �No, I�m not I love you both.� Father sat down again. �Well I�m afraid you�re going to have to make a choice Vincent you can�t have it both ways.� At that moment Mary�s voice interrupted them. �Jacob Wells, don�t you dare give him an ultimatum!� Both men looked up at her. �Mary, don�t upset yourself this is a problem between me and Father.� She came down the steps and touched Vincent�s hand. �No it�s all of our problem because we love both you and Catherine.� Father snorted behind them. Mary looked at him again. �Do you have something to say add?� The older man looked up at her but did not reply. She looked at Vincent once again. �Now why don�t you run along and get ready for your literature class?� Vincent kissed her cheek. �Thank you.� She smiled and patted his hand. �Go on.� He looked at Father once more then climbed the steps and left the chamber After he was gone Mary turned and glared at the tunnel patriarch. �You really want to lose your other son don�t you?� Father shook his head. �This would�ve never happened if that woman hadn�t come into our lives.� He looked up at Mary again. �Do you know that he�s even considering moving into her brownstone?� Mary�s face lit up. �I think that�s a wonderful idea.� Father shook his head. �He can�t do that, he knows the tunnels are the only place that he can be safe.� Mary sat down at the table with him. �He and Catherine are in love and they want a life together.� Father sighed. �I wish he�d left her in the park that night.� Mary stared at him too stunned to speak. When she finally got her voice back she rose. �Jacob Wells, that is the most horrible thing I�ve ever heard you say!� He looked up at her. �We would�ve all been better off.� Mary continued to stare at him. �Don�t you even think of saying anything like that again to me or to anyone else!� Taking a deep breath she continued. �Everyone in the tunnels loves and respects Catherine and you�ll only drive your son completely out of your life if you repeat such a horrible statement.� A moment later she moved to the steps. �I have things to do, and I suggest you do some very hard thinking about your attitude toward Catherine before you say something and destroy your son.� With those last words she left the chamber. That evening Catherine entered the tunnels and found Vincent waiting. She happily walked into his open arms. He pulled her tight against his chest and held her protectively. �I missed you so much today.� Catherine heard the tone of his voice and looked up at him. �What happened?� He shook his head. �Not right now, story hour is about to start.� Catherine turned but kept one of her arms around his waist. �Tell me later?� Vincent wrapped his arm around her waist as they started to walk down the tunnel. �Of course.� When they arrived at Father�s chamber they entered. Everyone except Father looked up and greeted her. �I wasn�t aware that you were going to join us tonight, Catherine.� Vincent and Mary both gave the older man looks of warning. Catherine looked up at Vincent. �I was invited.� Vincent pulled her closer to his side and led her to a loveseat where they sat down together. Father watched them for a moment. Shaking his head he turned his attention to the book in his hand and started to read. After the story Mary rose and approached Catherine and Vincent. �Would you like to help me put the children to bed tonight?� Catherine rose. �I�d love too.� Vincent also rose from the love seat. �I�ll wait for you in my chamber.� Catherine leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him. �I�ll be there as soon as we�re done.� He watched as Mary and Catherine followed the children out of the chamber. Once they were gone Father looked at Vincent. �Story hour has always been for the tunnel residents only.� Vincent sighed knowing that this argument had been coming since he and Catherine entered the chamber. �Please, Father not now.� The older man put down the book he had been reading. �I�m not going to let you continue to impose that woman on everyone.� Vincent turned and stared at him over his shoulder. �If Catherine isn�t welcome here then neither am I.� Father looked up at him again stunned. �You aren�t seriously considering that fool notion of moving in with her are you?� Vincent turned and looked at him again. �I told you earlier today that that was exactly what I was going to do.� NEXT |