| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Forty-Three |
Only Vincent and his Father now remained within his chamber, and expressed
to one another, they appreciated this opportunity for a private moment alone
before the ceremony. And for perhaps the last time, have a chance for it to be
as it once used to always be...
Jacob then narrowed his gaze, looking more closely at his son, because he
noticed an unusual flushing of his skin! So with much concern he asked, "Are
you all right Vincent? The pigment of your epidermis has reddened."
Vincent loosened his collar as he paced before claiming, he was just feeling a
little warm. He paced a few steps more, before confessing he was perhaps a
little anxious, but said truly, he wasn't a bit nervous until all the fussing was
made over his appearance!
He then stopped to look at his Father, and apologized if he seemed ungrateful
for everyone's help.
Jacob said he understood, and knew he was not being ungrateful, only used to
doing all these things for himself. Amusingly adding, it would have been
overwhelming, from any one's standpoint.
Jacob smiled back at a calmer Vincent, pleased his commiserating words
seemed to have accomplished what he wishfully intended.
Pensively, Vincent walked over to his writing table, and with a wistful
demeanor, twirled the quill between his fingers. Looking up and around before
turning toward his Father, he said, "This has been a wonderful chamber to grow
up in Father, especially for someone like myself, who at different times of my
life...needed plenty of privacy and space."
Taking in the ambiance of Vincent's fine cavernous chamber, in accord Jacob
agreed, personifying this grand place by saying, "Yes...yes indeed...you
complimented and suited one another through the years. And as I believed...its
many facets, capably provided your brilliance, with a playful canvas in which
your unlimited vision and vibrant imagination, were able to expand."
Referencing his parental skills, he added, "I sensed, even as far back as when
you were a small boy, that you needed a lot of room to mature and grow up in,
and I tried to provide that for you with the choice of this chamber. In fact, Mary
had often questioned my wisdom through the years, saying, she believed you
have grown into it!"
Chuckling, Jacob added, "Perhaps she was right."
Vincent amusingly replied, "Yes...I have heard her say that many times, and
held my tongue wanting to ask if she was likening me to a goldfish growing into
his habitat!"
Jacob nodded and then said, "You know Vincent...that thought had crossed my
mind as well, but I let it go...never calling her on it, knowing that was not the
intent of what she considered to be a humorous remark."
Reminiscently, Vincent went on to share, "Father, I have dreamt many dreams
here as a boy. Some of the fantasies were of my own making, and many were
fabricated along with Devin. We imagined traveling to all parts of the
world...and as I grew older in my aloneness, I had envisioned being in love, and
being loved in return. Never quite believing that it would ever happen, or such a
love was a possibility for me."
Wisely, Jacob inserted, "Yet today, here you are on your wedding day. It is time
to leave these safe sheltered walls, no longer needing to rely on those illusive
dreams to fulfill your life."
Jacob's comment struck a familiar chord, to which Vincent dreamily repeated,
"Yes...sometimes we must leave our safe places...if we are to risk finding
happiness, and meet up with our predisposed destiny...still it is difficult leaving
what we know to be secure."
Jacob hobbled up behind his son, and hesitated before he carefully asked,
"Marrying Catherine IS what you really want, is it not?"
Without turning around, Vincent replied, "Want and require...Catherine is a part
of me now...I would die without her."
To which Jacob admittedly acknowledged, "I can now say, I truly believe...it is
the same for her as well."
Turning to face Jacob, Vincent said, "Yes it is Father, I know she needs me, as
I do her."
Vincent then shared, "I never could have imagined, I would one day provide an
intimate harbor for another soul as I do for Catherine."
Dreamily, Jacob said, "That is what true love is about Vincent...providing one
another with a trusting safe harbor, leaving each other enough room to expand
yet not to roam. Bear that in mind Vincent...women these days are so
independent...too independent if you care to ask me!"
Jacob then stopped himself, as he realized he was sounding a lot like his
Grandfather who would spew and rant over the liberation of women!
Meekly adding, "Of course I know it is a new generation."
Vincent thoughtfully offered, "And...it is a new day..."
In a joyful manner, Jacob replied, "Yes, and a glorious one at that!"
With a loving embrace, Vincent softly said, "We should go..."
Jacob agreed, and as a slight smile came to his lips, he took Vincent's supporting
arm.
Just as they began to venture forth, they both heard an old familiar voice at the
threshold saying, "Ahh, and then there were three..."
Jacob looked up, and shockingly inquired, "Devin?"
Vincent too said his name, and stood still to hear Devin's explanation of where
he had been the past months, and what brought him home so magically on
today of all days!
Devin waited a minute himself, before he daringly said, "Well Father, tell me
either I am welcome to stay, or to get the hell out!"
Leaving Vincent behind, Jacob relied on his cane as he approached Devin and
said, "This is your home...you are always welcome here Devin...sadly it is you
who chooses to stay away."
Humbly, Devin replied, "Well I am here now."
With emotion, Jacob answered, "Yes YOU are here for today...however
tomorrow, you will be off again without a word...not letting any of us know
where...leaving us to lie awake wondering if you are alive...if you are happy..."
Vincent stepped up into his familiar role as mediator, and said, "The important
thing is that TODAY...he IS here...Father."
Jacob stopped himself, not wanting to ruin this day for Vincent by stirring up
things with Devin. And so he resignedly replied, "Yes of course you are right
Vincent. I know it is important your brother is here on your wedding day."
Devin tipped his head as he looked at Vincent and questioned, "To Catherine
from the DA?"
Self consciously, Vincent said, "Yes..."
Excitedly, Devin said, "Well, how do you like that? We will actually have a
REAL lawyer in the family! Congratulations!"
He then stepped up to Vincent and sincerely said, "I really mean that. She is a
good lady."
Warmly Vincent thanked him, and returned Devin's heartfelt embrace. He then
asked his wayward brother, "Will you stay?"
Devin turned toward his Father and asked, "Am I welcome?"
Shakily, Jacob smiled as he replied, "Of course you are."
With those spoken words between them, stripping away the wounded barriers
of an estranged father with his son, they too embraced.
Just then Pascal appeared at the threshold and with a smile, anxiously said, "It's
time Vincent..."
He then noticed Devin standing beside Vincent, and as he approached him with
a welcoming embrace, he happily said, "Its good to see you Devin!"
Smiling, Devin said, "And you too Pascal! Hey you sure clean up good! Look at
you."
Humbly, Pascal looked downward feeling self conscious, and then asked, "So
you came...you came to be here for your brother uh?"
To which Devin replied, "As fate would have it...Yes I am here in time to see
my little brother get married! Although I didn't know he was getting married
until just now! I just had this intense feeling pulling me back to these tunnels.
And to think I nearly passed it off on the Aquarian Moon passing through my
12th House, causing an innate need to migrate home."
Warmly he looked over at Vincent and Jacob, and with emotion, added,
"...besides...what can I say, I was missing my Father and my brother too much
this time, to ignore it..."
To which Pascal embraced him, and softly said, "Good...its good you are here.
I know both Father and Vincent have been thinking about you...AND worrying
too..."
In reply to Pascal's statement, Jacob inserted, "Tis true...tis true..."
And as a joyful conversation bantered about, privately Pascal grew unsure of his
feelings about Devin's sudden arrival. Of course he was happy to see him again,
and very happy for Vincent and Father, but deep down, he admitted only to
himself, he did host a resentment toward him. The hurt Devin had needlessly
left behind in his wake...was to Pascal unconscionable!
And Pascal also knew, as history would have it, when Devin was around he
took control over everything, either intentionally, or not...he managed to always
take center stage, leaving him feeling second best. And so now, Pascal,
downheartedly supposed, Devin would be Vincent's Best Man. Perhaps as it
should be.
And so as Pascal listened to the joyful conversation ensued, as if nothing was
ever wrong, he succumbed, admitting to himself that he did love Devin too, and
so as a prodigal son/brother should be, it is right he is welcomed home.
As Devin picked up a more one on one conversation with Jacob, Pascal
privately approached Vincent. Reaching into his pocket for Catherine's wedding
ring, he looked up at Vincent, saying, "I guess you would rather your brother
take care of this now."
Seeing the sadness in Pascal's eyes, Vincent assuredly said, "Pascal...nothing
has changed, you and I are brothers of the heart too. You have always been
there for me through the darkest of times...and...the good ones too. I asked
YOU to be my best man for so many reasons Pascal...too numerous to count..."
Vincent's words touched him deeply, and caused his chin to quiver from the
spilled over concealed emotions he was trying to contain, and so discreetly,
Pascal put the ring back into his pocket.
Clearing his throat, to efficiently execute his main duty as Best Man, which was
getting the groom to the ceremony on time, Pascal repeated, "It is time for us to
go..."
Walking out into the tunnel main, Vincent stopped, feeling overcome with
emotion as he saw the huge portion of the community that showed up to walk
with him to the Great Hall's Chapel. Bringing his hand to his heart, he said, "I
am without words..."
Rebecca stepped up, and said, "I speak for all of us here Vincent...we want to
be with you as you travel these tunnels for the last time as a single man. After
all, we have shared every other event together, so we just want to be with you
today too, as you face your new life as a married man."
To which Jacob looked out over the community gathered there, and then to his
son, and with prideful emotion said, "A finer assemblage could not be found,
then those who stand before...and WITH us right now."
Mouse then stepped up too, and looking up at his monumental friend, with
amazement said, "Hey! You look different Vincent...looks like you have a light
bulb on inside."
Vincent put his arm around his buddy, and replied, "Mouse, right now, I feel
like I have a light bulb on inside!"
Everyone laughed through their tears of joy and emotion, and as they began
their journey toward the Great Hall, one by one, the dwellers realized Devin
was amongst them, they gleefully welcomed him, expressing how pleased they
were he was there to share this joyous occasion.
So onward Vincent walked, with his Father and Mouse on one side, and Pascal
and Devin on his other, with an excited supportive community following behind
him, with much chatter and joyful laughter along the way.
After passing through the huge doors into the Hall, Vincent, Jacob, and the rest
of the entourage greeted the other guests who were already there. The topsiders
in attendance were Lin, Henry, Rosa, Lena with baby Catherine, Sebastian, Dr.
Wong, and several others, and then...it was time for Vincent to take his place at
the Great Hall's Chapel.
Check out Vincent!
It was there he happily greeted Reverend Edward.
The Reverend embraced him before asking, "How is the groom today?"
Pleased he could truthfully say he was fine, Vincent thanked the good Reverend
for presiding over the proceedings today, saying how much it meant to both him
and Catherine.
Reverend Edward, became thoughtful for a moment, searching for words to
express the joy in his heart on this day for both Vincent and Catherine. The
tears welled in his eyes, causing him to nervously laugh and say, "You wouldn't
think I would still become emotional after all the weddings I have performed
through the years...but your wedding today Vincent...is more than a union
between two people's lives...it is a blessed fusion of two souls. Never have I
witnessed such a bond of love between two people."
Vincent bent his head, and with a heartfelt nod, he stood silently thankful for his
lifelong counselor's astute insight into his and Catherine's connection. Vincent
then turned in anticipation for his first glimpse of Catherine.
Meanwhile, arriving at the check point they were given to await their Que,
Ronald gave Jennifer a kiss, and Catherine an embrace, before leaving them in
Peter's care.
He then went down the aisle, and sat next to Mouse and William.
Catherine looked at Jennifer, and as the two hugged one another, they spoke of
the times as girl's, they dreamed about their wedding day, and now...today,
Catherine's dream was coming true. Catherine then shared, "You know Jen, I
was about to say the only people missing, were Mom and Dad...but it wouldn't
have been true. I do feel them with me."
Jennifer rubbed her arms, and eerily said, "Oooooo! You just gave me goose
bumps!"
She then added, "It's no wonder though that you would feel them here with
you, they must love you picked their anniversary for your own wedding day!"
As Jennifer grew emotional, she tearfully added, "What a wonderful tribute
Cath, you couldn't have picked a better way to honor the spirit of their love."
Catherine dried the tears from Jennifer's cheek, and told her, "Don't cry
Jenny..."
Earnestly, Jennifer replied, "OK OK, I'll stop! Darn it! I forgot to close off the
tear ducts! Do I look alright?"
Catherine took Jennifer's little purse, and dabbing a little powder, and redoing
the blush, she told Jennifer, "There, pretty as a picture!"
Peter then stepped up and after telling Catherine how so very beautiful she
looked, he then said, "What can I say...I wonder...is there something that I
SHOULD say? I am kinda new at this job."
Catherine gave Peter a kiss to his cheek and as she reached up to straighten his
tie, she said, "I think you have already said it all."
Graciously Peter kissed her hand, before folding it over his arm, awaiting the
moment he's to walk her down the aisle.
Jacob greeted his last guest, before finally taking his seat beside Mary, who had
been waving her hankie at him for the past few minutes, in an effort to get his
attention!
Mary eagerly said, "I believe you have spoken to everyone here Father! I was
about to come and fetch you!"
Jacob was a little breathless from all the excitement, but managed to argue his
point by saying, "I wanted to welcome everyone Mary! Surely you understand
how much it means to me they are here for Vincent in such a supportive way."
He then wiped his brow with his kerchief, and continued with an emotion filled
voice, and said, "Everything looks lovely Mary...truly lovely. What a wonderful
job you did at coordinating all the details...incidentally...YOU look lovely as
well."
As a flattering blush came to her cheeks, she thanked Jacob and said, "Thank
you Father.
And you...well you look quite handsome today. Very tailored...very nice."
She then asked, "I am wondering if your trousers are more comfortable since I
let out the inseam a bit."
Thinking back on yesterday's fitting, Jacob smiled as he said, "Why yes
Mary...quite comfortable indeed."
It was then, Rolley began playing the song Catherine and Vincent chose, "The
First Time I loved Forever."
Peter turned and whispered to Catherine, "I think Rolley's playing your song
Kiddo...are you ready?"
With joyful tears, Catherine said, "Yes..."
Jennifer began walking down the aisle, looking so pretty in her blue dress and
cloak of deep blue satin, flowing behind her. And as she made eye contact with
Ronald, they smiled, excited not only for Catherine and Vincent, but by the
newness of their own romance too.
As she approached the step, she smiled at Vincent, and with a mutual affection,
she then took her place opposite Pascal to wait for Catherine's entrance.
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Four
to one another, they appreciated this opportunity for a private moment alone
before the ceremony. And for perhaps the last time, have a chance for it to be
as it once used to always be...
Jacob then narrowed his gaze, looking more closely at his son, because he
noticed an unusual flushing of his skin! So with much concern he asked, "Are
you all right Vincent? The pigment of your epidermis has reddened."
Vincent loosened his collar as he paced before claiming, he was just feeling a
little warm. He paced a few steps more, before confessing he was perhaps a
little anxious, but said truly, he wasn't a bit nervous until all the fussing was
made over his appearance!
He then stopped to look at his Father, and apologized if he seemed ungrateful
for everyone's help.
Jacob said he understood, and knew he was not being ungrateful, only used to
doing all these things for himself. Amusingly adding, it would have been
overwhelming, from any one's standpoint.
Jacob smiled back at a calmer Vincent, pleased his commiserating words
seemed to have accomplished what he wishfully intended.
Pensively, Vincent walked over to his writing table, and with a wistful
demeanor, twirled the quill between his fingers. Looking up and around before
turning toward his Father, he said, "This has been a wonderful chamber to grow
up in Father, especially for someone like myself, who at different times of my
life...needed plenty of privacy and space."
Taking in the ambiance of Vincent's fine cavernous chamber, in accord Jacob
agreed, personifying this grand place by saying, "Yes...yes indeed...you
complimented and suited one another through the years. And as I believed...its
many facets, capably provided your brilliance, with a playful canvas in which
your unlimited vision and vibrant imagination, were able to expand."
Referencing his parental skills, he added, "I sensed, even as far back as when
you were a small boy, that you needed a lot of room to mature and grow up in,
and I tried to provide that for you with the choice of this chamber. In fact, Mary
had often questioned my wisdom through the years, saying, she believed you
have grown into it!"
Chuckling, Jacob added, "Perhaps she was right."
Vincent amusingly replied, "Yes...I have heard her say that many times, and
held my tongue wanting to ask if she was likening me to a goldfish growing into
his habitat!"
Jacob nodded and then said, "You know Vincent...that thought had crossed my
mind as well, but I let it go...never calling her on it, knowing that was not the
intent of what she considered to be a humorous remark."
Reminiscently, Vincent went on to share, "Father, I have dreamt many dreams
here as a boy. Some of the fantasies were of my own making, and many were
fabricated along with Devin. We imagined traveling to all parts of the
world...and as I grew older in my aloneness, I had envisioned being in love, and
being loved in return. Never quite believing that it would ever happen, or such a
love was a possibility for me."
Wisely, Jacob inserted, "Yet today, here you are on your wedding day. It is time
to leave these safe sheltered walls, no longer needing to rely on those illusive
dreams to fulfill your life."
Jacob's comment struck a familiar chord, to which Vincent dreamily repeated,
"Yes...sometimes we must leave our safe places...if we are to risk finding
happiness, and meet up with our predisposed destiny...still it is difficult leaving
what we know to be secure."
Jacob hobbled up behind his son, and hesitated before he carefully asked,
"Marrying Catherine IS what you really want, is it not?"
Without turning around, Vincent replied, "Want and require...Catherine is a part
of me now...I would die without her."
To which Jacob admittedly acknowledged, "I can now say, I truly believe...it is
the same for her as well."
Turning to face Jacob, Vincent said, "Yes it is Father, I know she needs me, as
I do her."
Vincent then shared, "I never could have imagined, I would one day provide an
intimate harbor for another soul as I do for Catherine."
Dreamily, Jacob said, "That is what true love is about Vincent...providing one
another with a trusting safe harbor, leaving each other enough room to expand
yet not to roam. Bear that in mind Vincent...women these days are so
independent...too independent if you care to ask me!"
Jacob then stopped himself, as he realized he was sounding a lot like his
Grandfather who would spew and rant over the liberation of women!
Meekly adding, "Of course I know it is a new generation."
Vincent thoughtfully offered, "And...it is a new day..."
In a joyful manner, Jacob replied, "Yes, and a glorious one at that!"
With a loving embrace, Vincent softly said, "We should go..."
Jacob agreed, and as a slight smile came to his lips, he took Vincent's supporting
arm.
Just as they began to venture forth, they both heard an old familiar voice at the
threshold saying, "Ahh, and then there were three..."
Jacob looked up, and shockingly inquired, "Devin?"
Vincent too said his name, and stood still to hear Devin's explanation of where
he had been the past months, and what brought him home so magically on
today of all days!
Devin waited a minute himself, before he daringly said, "Well Father, tell me
either I am welcome to stay, or to get the hell out!"
Leaving Vincent behind, Jacob relied on his cane as he approached Devin and
said, "This is your home...you are always welcome here Devin...sadly it is you
who chooses to stay away."
Humbly, Devin replied, "Well I am here now."
With emotion, Jacob answered, "Yes YOU are here for today...however
tomorrow, you will be off again without a word...not letting any of us know
where...leaving us to lie awake wondering if you are alive...if you are happy..."
Vincent stepped up into his familiar role as mediator, and said, "The important
thing is that TODAY...he IS here...Father."
Jacob stopped himself, not wanting to ruin this day for Vincent by stirring up
things with Devin. And so he resignedly replied, "Yes of course you are right
Vincent. I know it is important your brother is here on your wedding day."
Devin tipped his head as he looked at Vincent and questioned, "To Catherine
from the DA?"
Self consciously, Vincent said, "Yes..."
Excitedly, Devin said, "Well, how do you like that? We will actually have a
REAL lawyer in the family! Congratulations!"
He then stepped up to Vincent and sincerely said, "I really mean that. She is a
good lady."
Warmly Vincent thanked him, and returned Devin's heartfelt embrace. He then
asked his wayward brother, "Will you stay?"
Devin turned toward his Father and asked, "Am I welcome?"
Shakily, Jacob smiled as he replied, "Of course you are."
With those spoken words between them, stripping away the wounded barriers
of an estranged father with his son, they too embraced.
Just then Pascal appeared at the threshold and with a smile, anxiously said, "It's
time Vincent..."
He then noticed Devin standing beside Vincent, and as he approached him with
a welcoming embrace, he happily said, "Its good to see you Devin!"
Smiling, Devin said, "And you too Pascal! Hey you sure clean up good! Look at
you."
Humbly, Pascal looked downward feeling self conscious, and then asked, "So
you came...you came to be here for your brother uh?"
To which Devin replied, "As fate would have it...Yes I am here in time to see
my little brother get married! Although I didn't know he was getting married
until just now! I just had this intense feeling pulling me back to these tunnels.
And to think I nearly passed it off on the Aquarian Moon passing through my
12th House, causing an innate need to migrate home."
Warmly he looked over at Vincent and Jacob, and with emotion, added,
"...besides...what can I say, I was missing my Father and my brother too much
this time, to ignore it..."
To which Pascal embraced him, and softly said, "Good...its good you are here.
I know both Father and Vincent have been thinking about you...AND worrying
too..."
In reply to Pascal's statement, Jacob inserted, "Tis true...tis true..."
And as a joyful conversation bantered about, privately Pascal grew unsure of his
feelings about Devin's sudden arrival. Of course he was happy to see him again,
and very happy for Vincent and Father, but deep down, he admitted only to
himself, he did host a resentment toward him. The hurt Devin had needlessly
left behind in his wake...was to Pascal unconscionable!
And Pascal also knew, as history would have it, when Devin was around he
took control over everything, either intentionally, or not...he managed to always
take center stage, leaving him feeling second best. And so now, Pascal,
downheartedly supposed, Devin would be Vincent's Best Man. Perhaps as it
should be.
And so as Pascal listened to the joyful conversation ensued, as if nothing was
ever wrong, he succumbed, admitting to himself that he did love Devin too, and
so as a prodigal son/brother should be, it is right he is welcomed home.
As Devin picked up a more one on one conversation with Jacob, Pascal
privately approached Vincent. Reaching into his pocket for Catherine's wedding
ring, he looked up at Vincent, saying, "I guess you would rather your brother
take care of this now."
Seeing the sadness in Pascal's eyes, Vincent assuredly said, "Pascal...nothing
has changed, you and I are brothers of the heart too. You have always been
there for me through the darkest of times...and...the good ones too. I asked
YOU to be my best man for so many reasons Pascal...too numerous to count..."
Vincent's words touched him deeply, and caused his chin to quiver from the
spilled over concealed emotions he was trying to contain, and so discreetly,
Pascal put the ring back into his pocket.
Clearing his throat, to efficiently execute his main duty as Best Man, which was
getting the groom to the ceremony on time, Pascal repeated, "It is time for us to
go..."
Walking out into the tunnel main, Vincent stopped, feeling overcome with
emotion as he saw the huge portion of the community that showed up to walk
with him to the Great Hall's Chapel. Bringing his hand to his heart, he said, "I
am without words..."
Rebecca stepped up, and said, "I speak for all of us here Vincent...we want to
be with you as you travel these tunnels for the last time as a single man. After
all, we have shared every other event together, so we just want to be with you
today too, as you face your new life as a married man."
To which Jacob looked out over the community gathered there, and then to his
son, and with prideful emotion said, "A finer assemblage could not be found,
then those who stand before...and WITH us right now."
Mouse then stepped up too, and looking up at his monumental friend, with
amazement said, "Hey! You look different Vincent...looks like you have a light
bulb on inside."
Vincent put his arm around his buddy, and replied, "Mouse, right now, I feel
like I have a light bulb on inside!"
Everyone laughed through their tears of joy and emotion, and as they began
their journey toward the Great Hall, one by one, the dwellers realized Devin
was amongst them, they gleefully welcomed him, expressing how pleased they
were he was there to share this joyous occasion.
So onward Vincent walked, with his Father and Mouse on one side, and Pascal
and Devin on his other, with an excited supportive community following behind
him, with much chatter and joyful laughter along the way.
After passing through the huge doors into the Hall, Vincent, Jacob, and the rest
of the entourage greeted the other guests who were already there. The topsiders
in attendance were Lin, Henry, Rosa, Lena with baby Catherine, Sebastian, Dr.
Wong, and several others, and then...it was time for Vincent to take his place at
the Great Hall's Chapel.
Check out Vincent!
It was there he happily greeted Reverend Edward.
The Reverend embraced him before asking, "How is the groom today?"
Pleased he could truthfully say he was fine, Vincent thanked the good Reverend
for presiding over the proceedings today, saying how much it meant to both him
and Catherine.
Reverend Edward, became thoughtful for a moment, searching for words to
express the joy in his heart on this day for both Vincent and Catherine. The
tears welled in his eyes, causing him to nervously laugh and say, "You wouldn't
think I would still become emotional after all the weddings I have performed
through the years...but your wedding today Vincent...is more than a union
between two people's lives...it is a blessed fusion of two souls. Never have I
witnessed such a bond of love between two people."
Vincent bent his head, and with a heartfelt nod, he stood silently thankful for his
lifelong counselor's astute insight into his and Catherine's connection. Vincent
then turned in anticipation for his first glimpse of Catherine.
Meanwhile, arriving at the check point they were given to await their Que,
Ronald gave Jennifer a kiss, and Catherine an embrace, before leaving them in
Peter's care.
He then went down the aisle, and sat next to Mouse and William.
Catherine looked at Jennifer, and as the two hugged one another, they spoke of
the times as girl's, they dreamed about their wedding day, and now...today,
Catherine's dream was coming true. Catherine then shared, "You know Jen, I
was about to say the only people missing, were Mom and Dad...but it wouldn't
have been true. I do feel them with me."
Jennifer rubbed her arms, and eerily said, "Oooooo! You just gave me goose
bumps!"
She then added, "It's no wonder though that you would feel them here with
you, they must love you picked their anniversary for your own wedding day!"
As Jennifer grew emotional, she tearfully added, "What a wonderful tribute
Cath, you couldn't have picked a better way to honor the spirit of their love."
Catherine dried the tears from Jennifer's cheek, and told her, "Don't cry
Jenny..."
Earnestly, Jennifer replied, "OK OK, I'll stop! Darn it! I forgot to close off the
tear ducts! Do I look alright?"
Catherine took Jennifer's little purse, and dabbing a little powder, and redoing
the blush, she told Jennifer, "There, pretty as a picture!"
Peter then stepped up and after telling Catherine how so very beautiful she
looked, he then said, "What can I say...I wonder...is there something that I
SHOULD say? I am kinda new at this job."
Catherine gave Peter a kiss to his cheek and as she reached up to straighten his
tie, she said, "I think you have already said it all."
Graciously Peter kissed her hand, before folding it over his arm, awaiting the
moment he's to walk her down the aisle.
Jacob greeted his last guest, before finally taking his seat beside Mary, who had
been waving her hankie at him for the past few minutes, in an effort to get his
attention!
Mary eagerly said, "I believe you have spoken to everyone here Father! I was
about to come and fetch you!"
Jacob was a little breathless from all the excitement, but managed to argue his
point by saying, "I wanted to welcome everyone Mary! Surely you understand
how much it means to me they are here for Vincent in such a supportive way."
He then wiped his brow with his kerchief, and continued with an emotion filled
voice, and said, "Everything looks lovely Mary...truly lovely. What a wonderful
job you did at coordinating all the details...incidentally...YOU look lovely as
well."
As a flattering blush came to her cheeks, she thanked Jacob and said, "Thank
you Father.
And you...well you look quite handsome today. Very tailored...very nice."
She then asked, "I am wondering if your trousers are more comfortable since I
let out the inseam a bit."
Thinking back on yesterday's fitting, Jacob smiled as he said, "Why yes
Mary...quite comfortable indeed."
It was then, Rolley began playing the song Catherine and Vincent chose, "The
First Time I loved Forever."
Peter turned and whispered to Catherine, "I think Rolley's playing your song
Kiddo...are you ready?"
With joyful tears, Catherine said, "Yes..."
Jennifer began walking down the aisle, looking so pretty in her blue dress and
cloak of deep blue satin, flowing behind her. And as she made eye contact with
Ronald, they smiled, excited not only for Catherine and Vincent, but by the
newness of their own romance too.
As she approached the step, she smiled at Vincent, and with a mutual affection,
she then took her place opposite Pascal to wait for Catherine's entrance.
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Four
