| Having It All
Chapter 6 Chapter 6- As the months went on Catherine grew larger. Vincent spoiled her even more than he had before she was pregnant. He stopped going below on work details unless it was absolutely necessary. Mary assured him that they could manage. She knew that he wanted to be at home more with Catherine so that he could take care of her. Mary became their birthing coach. She explained everything that Catherine would experience as her labor progressed. Catherine told Vincent that if he felt more comfortable that she could have Jamie be with her during the delivery. He shook his head and kissed her cheek telling her that his place was by her side when she delivered their child. Neither could have been happier. On the other hand, Father had become increasingly sorry for the way that he had treated Catherine and Vincent. He heard from Mary and others that they were truly happy, especially now that they were expecting what they both hoped would be the first of many children for them. Father was lost in his thoughts when Mary entered his chamber. �Are you all right?� The tunnel elder looked up at her. �Just thinking.� She sat down beside him and put her hand on his. �They miss you too.� Father sighed. �Do you truly believe that after the way I have treated them about their relationship?� Mary squeezed his hand tenderly. �You made a mistake.� Father removed his glasses and put them on his desk. �Where are you off to today?� Mary smiled. �I told Vincent that I would stay with Catherine while he is working in the lower tunnels.� Father nodded. �Peter told me that it should only be a couple more weeks until the baby comes.� Mary rose. �Yes, and I�ve never seen either Catherine or Vincent so excited.� Father chuckled. �I�m sure that when the time arrives Vincent will turn into a nervous father like most men.� Mary looked at him again. �Do you want to come to the house with me?� Father shook his head. �I don�t think Catherine would welcome my presence and I don�t want to upset her.� Mary put her hand on his shoulder. �You might be surprised at how she reacts to you.� Father looked up at her again. �What do you mean?� She patted his shoulder. �She loves you a great deal.� Removing her hand she picked up her bag. �I�ll return when Vincent gets home.� Moving over to the steps she quickly left the chamber. At the house Catherine carefully climbed down the steps from the second floor. She rarely went upstairs when Vincent was not home. He was very protective of her and their baby. At that moment she heard the secret door open. She smiled brightly when Mary stepped into the foyer. The older woman saw her standing near the steps and became concerned. �Catherine, dear are you all right?� Catherine nodded and held up her book. �Yes Mary I went upstairs to get this.� Mary shook her head and chuckled. �You know that Vincent doesn�t like it when you go up stairs alone when he�s not home.� Catherine smiled slyly. �Well, do we have to tell him?� Mary chuckled as she took off her shawl. �Oh all right young lady, I won�t say anything, but you are going to sit down in the library and take it easy.� Catherine moved into the other room as Mary followed to help her sit down again. �How�s everything in the tunnels?� Mary smiled as she adjusted the pillows for Catherine to lean against. �Everything�s fine I would have been here sooner but I was talking to Father.� Catherine looked down at her hands for a moment. �How is he?� Mary shook her head sadly. �He�s lonely and I think he�s finally realizing the error of his ways.� Catherine looked up at her again. �Oh Mary, I hope so Vincent�s been so unhappy with the situation between them.� The older woman patted her shoulder. �I know but maybe it�s all coming to an end now.� After making sure that Catherine was comfortable Mary stood up straight again. �Now I�m going into the kitchen and make you some tea.� Catherine sighed happily. �That would be nice.� Mary bent over and kissed her on the forehead before leaving the library. When she was alone Catherine settled back into the sofa to read. She had just opened the front cover when a sharp pain shot through her back. Dropping the book on the floor she sat up and placed her hand on her lower back. She cried out as another pain hit. �Mary!� The older woman came hurrying in the library. �Catherine, are you all right?� She looked up at Mary in shock. �I think it�s time.� Mary moved toward her. �Don�t worry you�re ready for this.� Catherine shook her head. �The baby�s not due for two more weeks.� Mary patted her shoulder. �Some babies are just in such a hurry to meet their wonderful parents that they decide to arrive a bit early.� She cupped Catherine�s cheek. �Peter told you and Vincent a couple of days ago that the baby could come a bit early.� NEXT |