| Having It All Chapter3b Father rose from his chair. �Well, I suppose there�s no changing your mind about this decision?� Vincent shook his head. �No, I�ve made up my mind, and now I�m going to start packing so that I can move some of my belongings tonight.� And without another word he turned and left the chamber. A while later Catherine entered Vincent�s chamber and found him looking at some old things in his trunk. She moved quietly into the chamber until she was behind him. Wrapping her arms around his waist she leaned her chin against his shoulder. �Are you having second thoughts?� Vincent put the book in his hand down on the lid of the trunk then turned and put his arms around her waist. �No, I�m still moving up to the brownstone with you.� She laid her head against his chest and sighed. �I just don�t want you to make a decision that you will regret later.� Vincent shook his head. �I�ll never regret this decision, and as for Father he has to come around on his own.� Catherine moved out of his arms and sat down on the bed. �Maybe in time after he sees that we�re happy he will.� Vincent sighed. �We can hope.� At that moment Mary stepped into the chamber. Vincent noticed her and moved to the chamber entrance. �Yes Mary, may I do something for you?� The older woman came into the chamber. Both Vincent and Catherine noticed this immediately that she seemed slightly uncomfortable. Vincent took her hand and led her to his chair. �What has you so nervous?� The older woman shook her head then looked up at him. �Father asked me to have Catherine come to his chamber so that they could talk.� Vincent rose from his kneeling position and reached for Catherine�s hand. �We�ll go immediately.� Mary looked down at her hands folded in her lap. �He wants to speak to her alone.� Vincent shook his head. �No! I won�t allow him to try to intimidate her so that he can have his way!� Catherine placed her hand on his shoulder. �Vincent, sweetheart, don�t upset yourself I�ll go talk to him.� He turned and looked at her. �No, you can�t face him alone.� She squeezed his shoulder gently. �Love, I�ve faced many men in my work, who are a lot more intimidating than Jacob Wells, I�ll be fine.� He turned and drew her into his arms. �I still don�t think this is a good idea.� Catherine returned the embrace. �Nothing he says to me tonight is going to change our future together.� Vincent leaned back and cupped her cheek. �No, nothing is going to change our future together.� Catherine kissed him tenderly on the lips then looked at Mary. �He�s in his chamber?� Mary rose. �Yes, I�ll walk you there since I�m going to my chamber.� Catherine put her arms around Vincent�s neck again. �I�ll be back after we�ve talked then we can get the things you need for now and go home.� He tightened his arms around her. �I love you.� Catherine kissed him on the lips once more and moved back from his embrace. �I love you too.� Vincent could only watch as she and Mary left the chamber. Shaking his head he whispered to himself. �Don�t say anything you�ll regret Father.� As they were walking down the tunnel Mary touched Catherine�s arm. �Whatever he says to you just remember that the rest of us love you and we�re very happy that you and Vincent are going to be together.� Catherine stopped walking then turned and embraced the older woman. �That means more to us than you could ever know.� Mary moved back. �Don�t let him get to you, no matter what he says.� Catherine looked at her strangely. �What could he say to me?� Mary shook her head. �Just don�t let him change your future with Vincent that�s your decision not his.� Catherine squeezed the older woman�s hand as they started to walk down the tunnel again. A few moments later they arrived at Father�s chamber. Father looked up as both women stepped into the entrance. He put down his book and took off his glasses. �Thank you for passing on my message Mary.� She looked at him warningly for a moment then turned and looked at Catherine. �Remember what I said to you.� Catherine grinned as Mary left the chamber. Once she was gone Father stood. �Won�t you come in and have some tea?� Catherine knew by the tone of his voice that the pleasantries were just a formality. �That would be nice.� She moved down the steps and sat down across from him. He picked up the teakettle and poured them each a cup. Catherine took the teacup from him. �Thank you.� Father bobbed his head as he placed the kettle back in place. �Now Catherine, I think we have a lot to discuss don�t you?� She looked up at him again. �I suppose we do.� Father took a sip of his tea. �I know that you�re aware that I�m very much against your relationship with my son.� Catherine looked down for a moment. �Yes, I know you have reservations.� Father shook his head. �No, Miss Chandler I know for a fact that this is never going to last!� Catherine looked up at him again. She was growing angrier by the moment but wanted to remain calm so that Vincent would not feel her stress through the bond. �How can you know what I want?� Father laughed skeptically. �You�re a rich woman from the upper crust of New York society who found someone to take away her boredom for a while." NEXT |