| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-Three |
With compassion, Rebecca also offered, "Yes Catherine, is there anything?
Anything at all?"
Feeling devastated, Catherine speechlessly shook her head no, searching for
something positive to say to them.
She knew the fact she and Vincent were having problems was heart wrenching
to everyone!
Motioning toward her sitting room, she asked if they would like to come in and
wait with her.
After accepting Catherine's invitation, the ladies settled in, and Rebecca
worriedly expressed, "I can't imagine Vincent staying away very long, knowing
how worried you would be about him."
Mary agreeably stated, "Catherine, I know things seem bleak right now, but as
Rebecca said, and I whole-heartedly concur...Vincent knows you will worry
about him, and for that fact alone...he won't stay away long. He will realize this
is no way to solve such a serious issue!"
Vincent had quietly arrived, and as he stood in the threshold, he meekly said, "I
have realized, and I know I was wrong to leave."
Surprised by his arrival, the ladies all happily turned toward Vincent, and
although Catherine was ecstatic he had returned, she tried to hold back her
excitement, until she heard what he had to say.
Mary and Rebecca politely excused themselves, so the couple could discuss
their issues privately.
Stopping at the threshold, in a Motherly tone, Mary told them, "Remember to
listen to each other, and really hear what each other is saying. So often we only
hear what we want to hear."
Rebecca then offered, "I will let Father know you have returned Vincent. He is
very concerned."
Vincent thanked them both, and as they passed by her, Catherine gave both
members of her estrogen based support group, a hug.
Alone at last, they nervously stood looking at each other, waiting for the other to
begin. It was Catherine who broke the silence by meekly saying, "I found the
letter..."
Apologetically he said, "Forgive my leaving as I did..."
To which Catherine inserted, "You were only reacting to my pushing a sensitive
issue, I am sorry too."
Insistently Vincent replied, "You were right to push this issue! Before we take
another step toward a lifelong commitment...we must talk until we find an
agreeable set."
Catherine tearfully said, "I agree. There is so much I want to tell you, so much I
need to say."
Taking a few steps closer, Vincent replied, "Then...perhaps you should speak
first Catherine."
Gently taking his hands in hers, she looked into his eyes, and began, "You asked
me to search my heart, and figure out what decisions I can live with...it is easier
for me to say, what I can't live without...and that is you. I don't want to lose
you."
Lovingly Catherine explained, "It is out of love for you that I would want to give
you a child...but I will respect your feelings and not push this issue again...I can
accept a life without children of our own. After all, our decision to marry is
about you and I, because we want to be together. A family would only be icing
on the cake. And as time goes, if you and I together, decide to have a family,
any child we take into our lives, into our home...I will love and care for them as
our own."
She then added, "However, if for whatever reason, the precautions we take fail
us, I will not terminate my pregnancy."
She continued by promising, "You have to know I would protect our unborn
baby's life with my last dying breath if need be. And no matter what...I will love
him or her with all my heart."
Still steadfastly looking at Vincent, she then asked him, "Now you must
decide.....can you live with this?"
Slowly turning his back to Catherine, he stood in front of the picture gallery,
and he stared at the painting of the Mother Mermaid with her baby.
He believed Catherine would bare the same sort of nurturing love for their child,
however the outcome. And he imagined nothing could be sweeter than to
witness that kind of loving care toward such a helpless being. The way Anna
and Father cared for him.
Feeling the tears form in his eyes, he bowed his head saying, "My feelings have
not changed. I cannot inflict this pain knowingly on an innocent child...no matter
how much I love, and want to please you."
He then turned to her, and with his hands flayed out at his side, he helplessly
continued, "However, it would seem as though my life line...has tangled with
yours, and there is no way for us to separate them..."
Resignedly he added, "...so, I can, and will abide by the standards you have set
for us...because I can not imagine my life without you. If you would still have
me...I long to take you as my wife."
Catherine who had been holding her breath until Vincent finished
speaking...expelled a nervous sigh before running into his arms. She hugged
him, and as Vincent embraced her in return, together they silently stood, ready
to commit themselves to a united future once more.
Wanting to share their news, they decided to speak with Jacob first. They could
imagine he would be quite anxious wondering what was going on!
After an in depth discussion with him, Jacob happily embraced them, and said
he was pleased with their resolution. With heart felt affection for them both, he
cautioned, "It is important young couples talk these things out! Do not fall into a
complacent routine, assuming you know what the other person is thinking or
feeling! Talk...talk...talk! This is the best advice I can give you."
Respectfully, Vincent thanked his Father and Catherine did too by giving him a
daughterly hug that took him sweetly by surprise.
Jacob then hobbled to his threshold, and watched his son, and future wife, as
they walked away from him. He could not help but be warmed by the sight he
beheld.
This beautiful girl has been able to see the beauty in his most exquisitely
different son. He then thought, of what an unexpected gift Catherine has turned
out to be in all of their lives.
Once the word spread all was well once again with the "Tunnel Lovebirds",
everything returned to normal.
The men picked up where they left off, resuming the renovations to Vincent and
Catherine's chamber, and the ladies privately met to plan Catherine's small
Bridal shower for the ladies of the tunnels, along with a few helpers they would
want to invite.
Yes, the wedding was back on and the tunnel community could not be happier,
and in fact...everyone's enthusiasm for the upcoming event, seemed to be
revived with new fervor after the couple's falling out.
The Supper announcement sounded, and everyone gathered into the Dining
Hall, to enjoy the Chicken Chowder William prepared, along with some freshly
baked biscuits.
In conclusion, William served a sweet slice of Oatmeal Cake for dessert. All
through the evening meal, everyone continually looked toward Vincent and
Catherine's direction, discussing the couples situation.
Although they were the topic of many discussions, the two were not aware of
it. They sat possessively close to one another, with eyes only for each other,
softly talking, and treating the other with loving tenderness.
After the meal, the other residents cleared out of the Dining Hall, and only those
assigned to clean-up detail remained, and Catherine and Vincent were assigned
to this weeks roster.
Vincent could not help but to continually look Catherine's way as he cleared his
table, and she cleared hers. She was so lovely to him, and he loved how she so
elegantly eased into his world. Unexpectedly, she then glanced his way...and
smiled at him, a smile so engaging, that it drew him immediately to her side.
Sweetly he approached Catherine, and gallantly tried to reach for the stack of
plates from her hands, asking, "Allow me?"
Catherine held tightly to the dishes she had gathered and lamented, "Vincent, I
have to do my share. What would everyone think if you keep helping me?"
Boldly he replied, "I do not care what anyone thinks Catherine, I adore helping
you."
With amused irritation, she held steadfastly to her stack of dishes and said,
"Well I do care Vincent. I am the Newbee here with much to prove!"
She then added, "I appreciate your wanting to help me, but please let me do
some things by myself."
Nodding compliantly as he huskily replied, "As you wish."
Hearing his reply, Catherine was reminded of a line from one of her favorite
novels that had been transformed into a movie when she was a young girl.
Wondering if Vincent had read it too, she tested him by softly saying, "I love
you too."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent inquired, "So you too are familiar with the
classic tale of true love and high adventure? You know The Princess Bride?"
With a slow savoring blinking of her eyes, she replied, "Yes, it was one of my
favorite books...not to mention the fact I loved the movie adaptation as well!"
Stepping up to him, she admitted, "I should have known you would have read
it."
Fondly Vincent replied, "Ah yes, William Goldman's, "The Princess Bride"...I
have read it."
Quizzically she asked, "I thought the author was S. Morgenstern?"
Relaying what he knew about the controversial speculation on who had written
the book, he informatively said, "If you research S. Morgenstern, you'll find
"The Princess Bride" AND a book called "The Silent Gondoliers." There
happens to be two versions of the latter one, entitled, "A Fable by S.
Morgenstern," with the author being William Goldman. The other is called,
"William Goldman's The Silent Gondoliers," with the author being S.
Morgenstern. Many authors have pen names, and it is believed that S.
Morgenstern was Goldman's."
In wonderment, she said, "That is so interesting, then hat would explain the
mystery on who the author is. They both are."
She then relayed, "I was thinking that would be the next book we would read
for the children's reading class. What do you think?"
Approvingly Vincent said, "An excellent choice Catherine...excellent. In fact,
should you need a copy of it, you may borrow mine."
Excitedly, Catherine replied, "Even though I do have a copy, I would still love
to borrow yours for class. Where did you get your copy?"
Softly Vincent relayed, "Devin gave it to me as a Birthday gift. On the inside
cover he scripted, "Vincent, remember...your life is a tale that is waiting to be
written. Don't ever stop dreaming."
Catherine carefully noted, "Whenever you speak of Devin, you always seem, I
don't know, you always seem kind of sad...do you miss him?"
This question gave Vincent pause, and he answered, "Yes, I miss him terribly. It
was different when Devin was here...I was different..."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Anything at all?"
Feeling devastated, Catherine speechlessly shook her head no, searching for
something positive to say to them.
She knew the fact she and Vincent were having problems was heart wrenching
to everyone!
Motioning toward her sitting room, she asked if they would like to come in and
wait with her.
After accepting Catherine's invitation, the ladies settled in, and Rebecca
worriedly expressed, "I can't imagine Vincent staying away very long, knowing
how worried you would be about him."
Mary agreeably stated, "Catherine, I know things seem bleak right now, but as
Rebecca said, and I whole-heartedly concur...Vincent knows you will worry
about him, and for that fact alone...he won't stay away long. He will realize this
is no way to solve such a serious issue!"
Vincent had quietly arrived, and as he stood in the threshold, he meekly said, "I
have realized, and I know I was wrong to leave."
Surprised by his arrival, the ladies all happily turned toward Vincent, and
although Catherine was ecstatic he had returned, she tried to hold back her
excitement, until she heard what he had to say.
Mary and Rebecca politely excused themselves, so the couple could discuss
their issues privately.
Stopping at the threshold, in a Motherly tone, Mary told them, "Remember to
listen to each other, and really hear what each other is saying. So often we only
hear what we want to hear."
Rebecca then offered, "I will let Father know you have returned Vincent. He is
very concerned."
Vincent thanked them both, and as they passed by her, Catherine gave both
members of her estrogen based support group, a hug.
Alone at last, they nervously stood looking at each other, waiting for the other to
begin. It was Catherine who broke the silence by meekly saying, "I found the
letter..."
Apologetically he said, "Forgive my leaving as I did..."
To which Catherine inserted, "You were only reacting to my pushing a sensitive
issue, I am sorry too."
Insistently Vincent replied, "You were right to push this issue! Before we take
another step toward a lifelong commitment...we must talk until we find an
agreeable set."
Catherine tearfully said, "I agree. There is so much I want to tell you, so much I
need to say."
Taking a few steps closer, Vincent replied, "Then...perhaps you should speak
first Catherine."
Gently taking his hands in hers, she looked into his eyes, and began, "You asked
me to search my heart, and figure out what decisions I can live with...it is easier
for me to say, what I can't live without...and that is you. I don't want to lose
you."
Lovingly Catherine explained, "It is out of love for you that I would want to give
you a child...but I will respect your feelings and not push this issue again...I can
accept a life without children of our own. After all, our decision to marry is
about you and I, because we want to be together. A family would only be icing
on the cake. And as time goes, if you and I together, decide to have a family,
any child we take into our lives, into our home...I will love and care for them as
our own."
She then added, "However, if for whatever reason, the precautions we take fail
us, I will not terminate my pregnancy."
She continued by promising, "You have to know I would protect our unborn
baby's life with my last dying breath if need be. And no matter what...I will love
him or her with all my heart."
Still steadfastly looking at Vincent, she then asked him, "Now you must
decide.....can you live with this?"
Slowly turning his back to Catherine, he stood in front of the picture gallery,
and he stared at the painting of the Mother Mermaid with her baby.
He believed Catherine would bare the same sort of nurturing love for their child,
however the outcome. And he imagined nothing could be sweeter than to
witness that kind of loving care toward such a helpless being. The way Anna
and Father cared for him.
Feeling the tears form in his eyes, he bowed his head saying, "My feelings have
not changed. I cannot inflict this pain knowingly on an innocent child...no matter
how much I love, and want to please you."
He then turned to her, and with his hands flayed out at his side, he helplessly
continued, "However, it would seem as though my life line...has tangled with
yours, and there is no way for us to separate them..."
Resignedly he added, "...so, I can, and will abide by the standards you have set
for us...because I can not imagine my life without you. If you would still have
me...I long to take you as my wife."
Catherine who had been holding her breath until Vincent finished
speaking...expelled a nervous sigh before running into his arms. She hugged
him, and as Vincent embraced her in return, together they silently stood, ready
to commit themselves to a united future once more.
Wanting to share their news, they decided to speak with Jacob first. They could
imagine he would be quite anxious wondering what was going on!
After an in depth discussion with him, Jacob happily embraced them, and said
he was pleased with their resolution. With heart felt affection for them both, he
cautioned, "It is important young couples talk these things out! Do not fall into a
complacent routine, assuming you know what the other person is thinking or
feeling! Talk...talk...talk! This is the best advice I can give you."
Respectfully, Vincent thanked his Father and Catherine did too by giving him a
daughterly hug that took him sweetly by surprise.
Jacob then hobbled to his threshold, and watched his son, and future wife, as
they walked away from him. He could not help but be warmed by the sight he
beheld.
This beautiful girl has been able to see the beauty in his most exquisitely
different son. He then thought, of what an unexpected gift Catherine has turned
out to be in all of their lives.
Once the word spread all was well once again with the "Tunnel Lovebirds",
everything returned to normal.
The men picked up where they left off, resuming the renovations to Vincent and
Catherine's chamber, and the ladies privately met to plan Catherine's small
Bridal shower for the ladies of the tunnels, along with a few helpers they would
want to invite.
Yes, the wedding was back on and the tunnel community could not be happier,
and in fact...everyone's enthusiasm for the upcoming event, seemed to be
revived with new fervor after the couple's falling out.
The Supper announcement sounded, and everyone gathered into the Dining
Hall, to enjoy the Chicken Chowder William prepared, along with some freshly
baked biscuits.
In conclusion, William served a sweet slice of Oatmeal Cake for dessert. All
through the evening meal, everyone continually looked toward Vincent and
Catherine's direction, discussing the couples situation.
Although they were the topic of many discussions, the two were not aware of
it. They sat possessively close to one another, with eyes only for each other,
softly talking, and treating the other with loving tenderness.
After the meal, the other residents cleared out of the Dining Hall, and only those
assigned to clean-up detail remained, and Catherine and Vincent were assigned
to this weeks roster.
Vincent could not help but to continually look Catherine's way as he cleared his
table, and she cleared hers. She was so lovely to him, and he loved how she so
elegantly eased into his world. Unexpectedly, she then glanced his way...and
smiled at him, a smile so engaging, that it drew him immediately to her side.
Sweetly he approached Catherine, and gallantly tried to reach for the stack of
plates from her hands, asking, "Allow me?"
Catherine held tightly to the dishes she had gathered and lamented, "Vincent, I
have to do my share. What would everyone think if you keep helping me?"
Boldly he replied, "I do not care what anyone thinks Catherine, I adore helping
you."
With amused irritation, she held steadfastly to her stack of dishes and said,
"Well I do care Vincent. I am the Newbee here with much to prove!"
She then added, "I appreciate your wanting to help me, but please let me do
some things by myself."
Nodding compliantly as he huskily replied, "As you wish."
Hearing his reply, Catherine was reminded of a line from one of her favorite
novels that had been transformed into a movie when she was a young girl.
Wondering if Vincent had read it too, she tested him by softly saying, "I love
you too."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent inquired, "So you too are familiar with the
classic tale of true love and high adventure? You know The Princess Bride?"
With a slow savoring blinking of her eyes, she replied, "Yes, it was one of my
favorite books...not to mention the fact I loved the movie adaptation as well!"
Stepping up to him, she admitted, "I should have known you would have read
it."
Fondly Vincent replied, "Ah yes, William Goldman's, "The Princess Bride"...I
have read it."
Quizzically she asked, "I thought the author was S. Morgenstern?"
Relaying what he knew about the controversial speculation on who had written
the book, he informatively said, "If you research S. Morgenstern, you'll find
"The Princess Bride" AND a book called "The Silent Gondoliers." There
happens to be two versions of the latter one, entitled, "A Fable by S.
Morgenstern," with the author being William Goldman. The other is called,
"William Goldman's The Silent Gondoliers," with the author being S.
Morgenstern. Many authors have pen names, and it is believed that S.
Morgenstern was Goldman's."
In wonderment, she said, "That is so interesting, then hat would explain the
mystery on who the author is. They both are."
She then relayed, "I was thinking that would be the next book we would read
for the children's reading class. What do you think?"
Approvingly Vincent said, "An excellent choice Catherine...excellent. In fact,
should you need a copy of it, you may borrow mine."
Excitedly, Catherine replied, "Even though I do have a copy, I would still love
to borrow yours for class. Where did you get your copy?"
Softly Vincent relayed, "Devin gave it to me as a Birthday gift. On the inside
cover he scripted, "Vincent, remember...your life is a tale that is waiting to be
written. Don't ever stop dreaming."
Catherine carefully noted, "Whenever you speak of Devin, you always seem, I
don't know, you always seem kind of sad...do you miss him?"
This question gave Vincent pause, and he answered, "Yes, I miss him terribly. It
was different when Devin was here...I was different..."
Chapter Twenty-Four
