DREAMS AND PROMISES

Catherine looked up and down the street in vain, but Jenny Aronsonwas nowhere in sight. It was a quarter past twelve and Jenny hadpromised to be here by noon so they could go to lunch and shop forbaby things.

Catherine sighed and rubbed absently at her side, where a littlefoot protruded obstinately. The early October sun was warm and thetrees across the street in the park were resplendent in their autumncolors.

"Cathy! Over here!"

Looking in the direction of the voice, Catherine saw Jenny wavingenthusiastically from a nearby cab. With a smile and a return wave,she crossed to the cab and climbed in.

"Sorry I'm late," Jenny apologized. "I went into the office thismorning, intending to stay for just a minute, and ended up spendingtwo hours on the phone! Writers!" She threw up her hands and made aface.

Catherine laughed. "Don't worry. We have all afternoon."

"Speaking of writers, I forgot to tell you I have to stop and pickup some galley proofs from one of my authors. She only lives a shortway from you. Sorry." Jenny shrugged helplessly.

The cab stopped in front of a stately old brownstone. "Her name'sJulia Dennison. She's an illustrator of children's books and has justwritten a book about illustrating children's stories," Jenny said asthey reached the top of the steps and rang the bell. "I think you'lllike her."

Shortly, the door was opened by a tall, dark haired woman in hermid-thirties.

"Hi, Jenny," Julia Dennison smiled and rubbed her paint spatteredhand down her faded jeans, adding another color to the bright smearsalready there.

"This is my friend, Cathy Chandler," Jenny made a perfunctoryintroduction and Catherine and Julia exchanged polite smiles as Juliastepped back to let them in.

They followed her into a vestibule about six feet square. Theinner door was propped open with an old iron doorstop and Juliaguided them through it and into a wide hallway that jogged around agracious staircase and led toward the back of the house.

"I put the galleys where Brian couldn't get to them," Julia said."Brian's my son. He's six, and into everything," she added toCatherine, eliciting a smile.

Catherine and Jenny followed Julia past the stairs and into alarge, cluttered room. As Julia began rummaging through an ancientfiling cabinet, Catherine gazed around at the enchanting array ofcurios and objets d'art that filled the room. There were shelves ofold children's books and wood printer's engravings. Antiqueillustrations, matted and framed, covered the walls. Plants wereeverywhere, interspersed with an extensive collection of cats made ofevery possible material. A sleepy Persian was stretched out in thesun that streamed through the only window.

"Here they are." Julia pulled the sheaf of galley proofs from theback of the filing drawer and offered it to Jenny, who stowed itcarefully in her bag.

She grinned as they walked to the front door. "So where's thewhirling dervish today?"

Julia grinned back. "He's next door playing, and with any luck,he'll stay there. I can't wait until we get back to Vermont so he canplay outside without being in the street."

"Have you had any luck selling your house?"

Julia shook her head. "I'm thinking about listing it with arealtor, but the commissions they want are unbelievable. Still, if Iwant to get rid of the place..."

"Yeah," Jenny agreed, glancing out one of the narrow leaded-glasswindows which framed the front door. "I thought I told that driver towait!" she exclaimed in frustration. "Didn't I?" She looked atCatherine for confirmation.

Catherine shrugged and smiled. "I didn't hear you."

"Damn! I think I'm losing my mind. Julia, can I use your phone tocall us another cab?"

Julia directed her to the phone in the hall and turned toCatherine. "When's your baby due?" she asked with a gesture towardsCatherine's expanding waistline.

"The second week of January," Catherine answered with the softsmile that thinking or talking about the baby always produced.

"Your first?" At Catherine's nod, Julia beamed. "You must beexcited."

"I'm getting to the point where three more months seems like avery long time to wait," Catherine agreed.

"I know what you mean. Nine months is too long to have to bepregnant."

They both laughed and Catherine looked thoughtful.

"I heard you tell Jenny that your house is for sale?"

"Yes, it is," Julia answered. "Would you like to see it?"

"I'd love to!"

They stopped in the hall to see if Jenny wanted to join thetour.

"I'm on hold," she said in disgust. "Anyway, I've seen the house.Go on and I'll catch up if I ever get off the phone."

Julia led Catherine up the stairs to the third floor. "I don'tknow why, but I always like to start at the top and work my waydown," she explained as they climbed. "My grandmother left the houseto me a year ago, and I love it, but I just can't work in New York.Too many distractions, I guess. When I sell, Brian and I will moveback to Vermont. The house is far too big for just the two of us,anyway."

As they reached the top floor, Julia flipped a switch and thehallway was dimly illuminated by a small overhead fixture. "Theserooms haven't been used in years," she said, throwing open some ofthe doors.

Catherine counted six small rooms, each filled with stacks of oldfurniture and boxes. A heavy layer of dust covered everything.

"My grandmother never threw anything away," Julia explained. "Idon't even know what's in some of these rooms... and I'm not sure Iwant to," she added, brushing aside a dusty cobweb. "Brian and I livedown here," she continued as they descended to the second floor.

"This is mine," she said, opening the door to a large,light-filled room. French doors on the far wall led to a spaciousbrick-walled terrace and sunshine streamed through the open drapes.Two windows on the left-hand wall added to the light, but seemedincongruous since they were in a townhouse that shared side wallswith its neighbors. Catherine wandered over to peer out.

"The back half of the house is six feet narrower than the front,"Julia explained. "The layout next door is the same, but mirrorfashion, so there are twelve feet between us. It's not much of aview, but we do get light and air." She went to a closed door in thecorner of her room.

"I'm almost afraid to open this," she said with a laugh. "Brian'sroom is always a mess!" Behind the door was a small, narrow room withhand-painted animals decorating the sunny yellow walls. "I did themurals when we moved in last year."

At the opposite end of Brian's room was another door and Juliapaused with her hand on the knob. "This... is my pride," she saidemphatically. She opened the door with a flourish and stood back tolet Catherine precede her. "My studio," Julia explained unnecessarilyas they entered.

All the dividing walls in this part of the house had been removed,leaving one large, rectangular room with three enormous archedwindows along the front wall. More of Julia's collection of curiosfilled shelves and spilled onto the window sills and floor. Adrafting table, set up in the light from one window, displayed apartially finished watercolor illustration. Along a side wall stood afireplace with an ornate mahogany mantel, framed with Delft ceramictiles. Catherine walked around slowly, surveying the prints on thewalls and some of the more intriguing artifacts. She smiled at aplaster bust of a man, adorned with a child's battered cowboyhat.

"That's Vincent," Julia said from behind her. "Don't you think itlooks like him?"

Catherine blinked.

"Vincent Van Gogh," Julia explained quickly, noticing herconfusion. "I found that bust at a garage sale years ago and boughtit because I thought it looked like him. He's my muse." She reachedpast Catherine to remove the cowboy hat and pat the bustaffectionately. "You looked totally lost there for a minute." Shewaited, inviting a response.

Catherine just smiled and shook her head. With a shrug, Julia tookher back out into the hall to see the outdated bathroom.

On the main floor again, they passed through the large living roomto the parlor, where Julia's cat still slept in the sun. Slidingdoors in the parlor led to the dining room and from there they wentinto the antiquated kitchen.

"It needs a lot of work, but the building itself is sound," Juliasaid as they descended a flight of steep, narrow wooden steps into abasement which ran the full length of the house. A good portion of itwas taken up by a monstrous gray boiler which clanked ominously andCatherine eyed it with suspicion.

"It's okay, it always sounds like that," Julia said quickly."Actually, it's a very clean and efficient way to heat theplace."

Somewhat reassured, Catherine nevertheless kept a cautious eye onthe noisy piece of equipment until they left the basement.

Completing the tour, they returned to the main floor and rejoinedJenny in the entry.

"You have a lovely home," Catherine said. "Thank you for lettingme see it."

"It was my pleasure," Julia replied warmly as they exchangedgoodbyes.

"What was that all about?" Jenny queried as she and Catherine slidinto the new cab.

"Nothing. I just wanted to see the house." Catherine wasnoncommittal.

Jenny knew her better than that. "Cathy, what possible use wouldyou have for a house that size?"

Catherine looked over her shoulder as they pulled away. "I don'tknow," she replied honestly. "But I'm going to have to moveeventually," she patted her midriff by way of explanation. "Why not ahouse?"

"You've lost your mind," Jenny stated flatly. "There's no hope foryou."

* * * * *

Catherine spent several days trying to convince herself that Jennywas right. She had no business considering a house that big. Butsomething about the place had captured her imagination and she keptvisualizing what it would be like with some major renovation. Atlast, giving in to the possibility, she sent a message to Father,asking him to have Mouse meet her at the basement entrance. If shewent Below to see Mouse, Vincent would know she was there, and shedidn't want to tell him anything until she knew whether or not it wasa realistic idea.

Mouse was waiting at the appointed time and his face brightened atsight of her. "Catherine!" His greeting was enthusiastic.

"Hello, Mouse." Catherine returned his smile. "I need yourhelp."

"What can Mouse do?" he asked eagerly.

"First, I need you to promise that you won't tell Vincent aboutthis."

Mouse frowned. "A secret... from Vincent?" He sounded dubious.

"Not a secret, Mouse," Catherine explained. "It's a surprise and Idon't want him to know about it yet."

"A surprise!" Mouse's expression cleared. "Okay. Promise. Won'ttell Vincent, won't tell anyone! What is it?"

"There's a brownstone not far from here. I need to know howdifficult it would be to make a tunnel entrance in the basement. Canyou tell me?"

"Sure!" Mouse was proudly confident. "Got a map?"

"I brought a map of the city." Catherine produced it and she andMouse spread it out against the wall. "The house is right... here."She pinpointed the spot and stood back to let Mouse examine it moreclosely.

A minute later he turned to her and grinned. "No problem!Easy!"

"Mouse, are you sure?" Catherine wanted to believe him, butMouse's enthusiasm sometimes led him to overestimate hisabilities.

"Know these tunnels better than anyone!" Mouse was clearly hurt byher doubt. Suddenly, his face brightened. "Show you!" he offered.

"Okay," Catherine agreed, and followed him as he led herunerringly through a series of tunnels. Her sense of direction anddistance had been sharpened by many trips through the passages Below,so she was pretty sure they were in the right area when Mouse stoppedand pointed at a spot with authority.

"Here," he announced. "House here."

"How far would you have to dig, Mouse?" Catherine wanted to pinhim down. The house was probably right where he said it was, but wasit five feet away, or fifty?

"Not far. Maybe..." Mouse frowned and began to pace off a sectionof tunnel. "...this far." He turned and looked at her expectantly. Hehad travelled about ten feet.

"Oh, Mouse, are you sure?" Catherine asked again, this time witheagerness. "How long would it take to make an entrance here?"

Mouse considered the question carefully. "Kanin's back now," hemused. "If he helps dig... maybe two weeks... maybe three."

"Mouse, you're wonderful," Catherine told him, and put her armsaround him for a quick, impulsive hug.

He squirmed with pleasure and embarrassment. "Take you back now?"he offered.

At her nod, he guided her back to her own entrance. "Remember,Mouse, don't say anything to Vincent yet. I want to surprise him,"Catherine reminded him as she turned to say goodbye.

"Mouse remember!" he said importantly. "Won't tell anyone!"

* * * * *

Through a real estate attorney who had been a friend of herfather's, Catherine arranged to have the house inspected forpotential problems. Within a week she had the good news - the housewas structurally sound, though the electric wiring, plumbing andheating systems all needed work. Through the attorney, she made anoffer and was delighted when it was accepted.

After the closing, four weeks later, the house was hers. Julia hadalready packed up most of her things and was completely out of thehouse in a matter of days. Catherine went over on the day Juliafinished moving out to pick up the last set of keys and say goodbye.Together the two women walked through the empty rooms, theirfootsteps echoing.

"I'll miss this place," Julia said, with a last look back. "I'mglad you'll be living here, though." She gave Catherine a sidewayslook. "It's silly to feel this way about a pile of wood and stone,isn't it?"

"I don't think it's silly at all," Catherine told her. "I feltthat way the first day I saw it."

"I know you did," Julia smiled. "'Bye, Cathy."

Friendship had taken root quickly and Catherine was genuinelysorry to see Julia leave New York. The two women embracedaffectionately.

"Goodbye, Julia." Catherine watched Julia descend the steps andclimb into a waiting cab. She waved until the taxi disappeared arounda corner before going back inside.

She wandered again through the empty rooms, imagining what theywould be like when the house was renovated. An architect had alreadybeen at work, redesigning the floor plans to Catherine'sspecifications and a contractor had been chosen and would begin workin two weeks. The job would take several months to complete, butCatherine planned to live Below for the first few months after thebaby came anyway.

With Father's approval, Mouse and Kanin had already started thenew tunnel which would connect the basement with the world Below.Kanin estimated that they would reach the basement wall in ten daysor so, and Mouse had designed a door that would look like theunbroken basement wall when it was closed.

At last came the day when Kanin and Mouse and their work crewbroke through. Catherine had come to the house, as she did mostevenings, to walk through and daydream and was delighted to see theragged hole in the basement wall.

Mouse peered at her through the opening. "Look!" he crowed. "Mousetold you!"

"Yes, you did, Mouse." Catherine smiled at him as she bent to lookthrough the aperture. Just as Mouse had promised, the basement wallwas no more than ten feet from the old tunnel. She exchangedgreetings with Kanin and Nathan, who were packing up their tools andpreparing to go home for dinner.

"Mouse, will you do something for me?" She made the requestknowing Mouse would be hurt if she asked anyone else to do thisparticular favor.

He looked back at her eagerly.

"Will you find Vincent and ask him to come here? Tell him I have asurprise for him."

Mouse had been living for the day when Vincent would find outabout Catherine's wonderful surprise and he scrambled away so quicklyCatherine had no time to say anything else.

Kanin and Nathan finished stowing their tools and said goodnight.Catherine followed them a little way down the passage to wait forVincent. Tired, she considered sitting down, but when you're sevenand a half months pregnant, getting up again isn't easy. Not wantingto alarm Vincent when he arrived, she leaned against the wallinstead.

She was feeling the beginnings of anxiety, wondering whatVincent's reaction would be, and hoped she wouldn't have to waitlong. But Mouse must have run all the way, because soon Vincent wasstriding down the tunnel toward her.

"Catherine?" He was plainly concerned. "You shouldn't be wanderingthese tunnels by yourself. If something should happen..."

"Vincent, if anything happened, you would know and would come forme." She reached for his hand. "I have something to show you."

"Mouse spoke of a surprise..." Vincent broke off as they reachedthe new short passage.

Catherine smiled at him and pulled him gently toward the smallbreak in the wall. She climbed through carefully and waited forVincent to follow.

"Where are we?" Vincent wanted to know, looking around withinterest.

Catherine faced him nervously. "I did something a few weeks ago,Vincent. I waited until now to tell you because I wanted you tosee... Mouse and Kanin just made the entrance today so you couldcome..." She realized she was rambling and stopped to gather herthoughts. "This is my house," she said finally. "I bought it so I canlive here with the baby and be closer to you."

Vincent gazed at her for what seemed like a very long time beforehe nodded and smiled slightly. "It will be easier," he agreed.

"Let me show you!" Buoyed by his acceptance, Catherine took hishand again and led him upstairs. Vincent was very quiet as she guidedhim through the rooms, explaining the changes she planned to make.They ended up on the terrace off the bedroom on the second floor, andCatherine told Vincent her intent to create a garden where they couldbe outside together if they wished.

Vincent walked slowly to the wall of the terrace and looked at thetiny yard. Trees lined the back fence, screening the terrace from thehouse behind. Catherine shivered a little as she waited for him inthe brisk November air. At last he turned and came back to her.

"Don't you like it?" She knew by his silence that something waswrong.

"I like it..." he said hesitantly.

Catherine spoke softly. "This house will make it easier for us tobe together. It will make it possible for our child to spend the daysBelow with you, and still live with me Above."

Vincent looked troubled and she put her arms around him. "I loveyou, Vincent. You are all I need. Even if I can't have all of you,it's enough."

He folded her into his arms, heartened by her steadfast faith intheir dream, but still afraid to believe it might be possible.

* * * * *

During the next few weeks, Catherine was occupied with makingarrangements for her maternity leave.

She was deliberately vague about where she would be for the sixmonths, telling her office only that she would be out of touch. JoeMaxwell, with his strong mother-hen streak, worried about her and onemorning he called her into his office.

Slowly she sat down and looked at him expectantly.

"Look, I know this is none of my business," he beganuncomfortably. "But I worry about you..."

"Joe..." she tried to interrupt him gently.

"No, Radcliffe, hear me out. I've been wanting to say this for along time." He stood and looked out the window. "I'm worried aboutyou," he said again. "You've bought that old house that's far too bigfor you, even after you have the baby. You don't have a husband...I'm not judging you," he assured her quickly. "I'm just pointing outthe facts. It's your business, not mine, but from a couple of thingsyou've said, I think you're still seeing the guy."

Joe leaned his hands on his desk. "Speaking as your friend and asa man," he said intensely, "I don't have a lot of respect for a manwho fathers a child and then won't take responsibility for it. No,let me finish!" Again he waved off her attempt to say something. "AllI'm saying, Cathy, is what assurance do you have that this guy willbe around if you need him?"

Catherine smiled softly and got laboriously to her feet. "It'ssweet of you to be concerned, Joe," she told him. "But if there isone certainty in my life, it's that my baby's father will always bethere when I need him."

* * * * *

Catherine's main concern about her long absence had nothing to dowith the office. Since she would be Below for most of that time, sheneeded someone Above who could handle all the minutia of her life forher. Peter Alcott was the logical choice, but Catherine knew just howbusy he was and she hesitated to ask.

Because Vincent didn't like Catherine trying to negotiate theladder in the basement of her building, he came to the balcony almostevery night. One frosty evening in early December he climbed over thewall and looked in the window before knocking.

Catherine was sitting at the glass-topped dining table,preoccupied with papers strewn across it. Near her elbow was acrumpled cellophane package containing one partially eaten Twinkie, ahalf-empty bag of potato chips and an open jar of peanut butter. Shewas holding a spoon upside down in her mouth and sucking on itabsently.

Vincent tapped lightly on the window. As she removed the spoonfrom her mouth, he was rewarded with a welcoming smile.

"I'm not getting up," Catherine called through the glass. "You'llhave to come in!"

Vincent was still not entirely comfortable inside Catherine'sapartment, but between the intense cold outside and her advancedpregnancy, he was spending more and more time indoors. He opened thefrench doors, crossed to the table and looked down at the peculiardisplay of food. He touched the Twinkie package with one finger."What are you eating?" His tone of voice was at once reproachful andrepulsed.

Catherine took the spoon out of her mouth again and looked at itin surprise. She dropped it into the peanut butter jar and pushed thejar away. "I was hungry!" she explained, half-contrite andhalf-defensive. "I'm drinking milk!" She showed him her half-fullglass as if that made up for the less nutritious items on thetable.

Vincent poked at the Twinkie wrapper again. "These are almost puresugar," he reminded her. "And potato chips! These things are not goodfor you, or for the baby."

"I was hungry for Twinkies and potato chips," Catherine tried tojustify herself. "And peanut butter and milk are good for me!" Shelooked up at him hopefully.

Vincent sighed and relented. "Pregnant women do eat strange thingssometimes," he conceded with amusement as he pulled out a chair.

He looked at the papers Catherine had been poring over. "What areyou doing?" he asked curiously.

"I need someone to handle my personal business while I'm Below,"she said. "I know Jenny will do it, but it's difficult to explainwhere I'm going to be for six months. I'm making a list of all thequestions she could possibly ask, and trying to think of plausibleanswers."

"Why don't you tell her the truth?" Vincent asked calmly.

Catherine's head jerked up and she stared at him. "Tell her aboutyou?"

Vincent tipped his head in assent. "She is your friend. Can she betrusted with our secret?"

Catherine was stunned by Vincent's suggestion. "I... I...

Yes, I'm sure she can, but..." She stopped, unable to think ofanything to say.

Vincent's reply was matter-of-fact. "Then tell her."

* * * * *

Catherine had kept the secret for so long that the notion oftelling Jenny the truth had never even occurred to her. But onceVincent had proposed the idea, it seemed simple and obvious.

The following evening, a gentle tap on the french doors soundedjust as the doorbell rang. Catherine saw Vincent's shadow move as hestepped back out of the light. With a loving, apologetic smile towardthe balcony, Catherine went to answer her door.

"Okay, I'm here," Jenny announced. "What's up?" She had been morethan intrigued by Cathy's phone call this morning. Cathy had insistedthat Jenny come over this evening, but refused to say why.

"Come on in," Catherine smiled, pulling Jenny inside so she couldclose the door.

Jenny looked at her expectantly and started to take off hercoat.

"Better leave that on," Catherine suggested.

Jenny raised her eyebrows. "Are we going somewhere?"

"No, but..." Catherine paused, unsure where to start. "You've beenmore than supportive all during my pregnancy, Jen. You've neverasked, but I know you've wondered about my baby's father..."

Jenny interrupted gently. "It's none of my business, Cathy. Youdon't have to tell me anything."

Catherine smiled impishly. "You mean you don't want to meethim?"

Jenny's eyes widened. "Meet him? Tonight?"

Catherine nodded and Jenny almost squealed with excitement.

"I'd love to! Where do we have to go?"

"We don't have to go anywhere, but there are things I should tellyou before you meet him." Catherine was suddenly very serious andJenny responded to the change.

"Like what?"

"There are reasons why I don't talk about him, why you've nevermet him before." Catherine groped for the words to explain. "He's...different. Very different from anyone you've ever seen."

"Different how?"

"The way he looks... it can be... startling... if you aren'tprepared for it."

"Was he in an accident of some kind?" Jenny asked gently, seeingCatherine's struggle to express herself.

Catherine smiled softly. "No. He was born this way. I can'texplain it..." her voice drifted away as she turned toward thebalcony. "He's outside waiting for us."

Jenny was truly curious as she followed Catherine through thefrench doors. Silhouetted against the city lights, a tall,broad-shouldered figure stood with his back to them.

"Jenny, this is Vincent," Catherine said simply. As she spoke, thefigure turned slowly and faced them, his features in shadow.

"Hello, Jenny." Vincent spoke quietly and Jenny was entranced byhis voice. Then he took a step forward, into the light and Jennycaught her breath. For a moment she just stared, transfixed.

"You have the most beautiful eyes..." she blurted when she finallyfound her voice, and blushed furiously. "I can't believe I just saidthat!"

Vincent was a little discomfited by the impulsive compliment butquickly regained his composure and smiled gently. "I'm sorry forstaring," Jenny apologized quickly, and stole a look at Catherine,who seemed to be enjoying this far too much. "I don't know what tosay..."

"Your apology is not necessary," Vincent said. "It is a pleasureto meet you at last. Catherine has told me much about you."

Jenny mustered a shaky smile. "I wish I could say the same. She'snever said a word about you until tonight."

The night was frigid, and Catherine pulled her sweater around hermore tightly, shoving her hands more deeply into its pockets.

Jenny and Vincent both noticed, but Jenny spoke first. She hadbeen disconcerted by both Vincent and her own spontaneous remark andwas grateful for a chance to focus on something else. "Where's yourcoat?" she demanded. "It's freezing out here! You should beinside."

The expression on Vincent's face said he agreed with herwholeheartedly, and Catherine sighed. Between Vincent, Jenny, andJoe, she had somebody protecting her all the time. They were drivingher crazy. She turned to Vincent. "Will you come in?"

He shook his head regretfully. "I must go."

Jenny saw the way they looked at each other and excused herselfhurriedly. "Vincent, it was wonderful to meet you. I hope I'll seeyou again sometime. Cathy, I'm going in to fix us something hot todrink."

She went in and closed the doors behind her, still not completelysure she believed what she had just seen. She looked back at thefrench doors in time to see one shadowy silhouette separate andbecome two. Then Catherine was opening the door and when she closedit, the shadow that was Vincent had vanished.

Jenny pounced. "Tell me everything! Where, when, how and why!"

Catherine talked past midnight. Jenny's instant acceptance ofVincent had touched Catherine deeply and she knew Jenny wouldunderstand anything she told her. Catherine reserved some of thedetails about the tunnels, speaking only of a `safe place,' but to beable to talk about Vincent without being evasive or secretive waspure joy.

* * * * *

The entrance to the brownstone had been completed and Mouse's doorwas an unequivocal success. When it was closed, only the sharpest eyecould discern the tiny crack around it. The door appeared to be assolid as the rest of the wall and even pounding on it betrayed nodifference. But when the hidden catch was activated, the door swungopen noiselessly to disclose the tunnel behind it.

The renovation on the house was underway when Catherine movedBelow. Twice before the baby was born, she prevailed on Vincent toaccompany her to see how the work was going. He didn't like to seeher travel so far with the baby so close, but she was insistent andhe knew that if he didn't go with her, she would go by herself.

The baby's birth seemed to forge a new tenderness between them.Vincent would never forget the miracle of hearing his son's first cryand the wonder of holding him in his arms for the first time.

Vincent and Catherine had been sharing the same bed since beforethe baby was born, but as Catherine recovered from the birth, Vincentbegan to feel ill at ease. While she was pregnant it was easy for himto hold her at night and feel her pressed closely against him. Thebaby's presence was strong then and served as a kind of barrierbetween them. But now that Charles slept in his own cradle a few feetaway, the sensation of Catherine's body touching his evoked desiresthat Vincent wasn't sure he could restrain.

It was his loss of control, the feeling that he couldn't stophimself, that had frightened him so last spring, when Charles wasconceived. The fear of losing his hold on himself again wasoverwhelming.

When Charles was almost three weeks old, Vincent stood in theentrance to his chamber, watching Catherine pensively. It was bedtimeand she was settled on the bed in her nightgown, nursing Charles andstroking his head gently. Completely absorbed in the baby, she didn'tsee Vincent until he came and sat down beside her.

Her smile disappeared as she looked at him. "What's wrong?"

"It is time for me to move back to the other chamber." Vincentspoke softly without meeting her eyes.

Catherine bent her head to the baby. "Look," she said after amoment, in a not quite steady voice. "He's fallen asleep." Carefullyshe passed the limp, relaxed form to Vincent and busied herself withthe ties on the front of her gown.

Vincent took the baby automatically and put him to his shoulder,patting the tiny back gently. Charles obliged with a burp and Vincentcarried him to the hand-carved cradle, tenderly covering him with alight blanket. He remained bent over the cradle for a moment, hisfingers lightly caressing the infant's cheek, before he straightenedand turned to Catherine.

She had been watching and as their eyes met, she spoke. "I didn'tmean to make you feel uncomfortable..."

"No. You haven't. The fault is mine..."

She looked away, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes."I'll miss you."

He inclined his head in silent acknowledgement of her pain."Goodnight, Catherine," he said quietly, moving toward the door.

"Goodnight, Vincent." As the sound of his footsteps faded away,she whispered, almost inaudibly, "I love you."

* * * * *

Time passed and Catherine began to feel restless. With nothing todo but tend the baby, she felt less than useful. It seemed everyoneBelow had a job to do. Even Vincent, after the first few days, hadreturned to his duties. Sometimes Catherine would sit in when hetaught the children, but even then she was only an onlooker.

One evening, while Vincent was at the table writing in hisjournal, Catherine sat across the room trying to read. She couldn'tseem to concentrate on the book, however, and her fidgeting disturbedVincent to the point where he laid down his pen and came to sitbeside her.

"I'm sorry, Vincent," she apologized. "I don't know what to dowith myself tonight."

His eyes smiled as he looked at her. "Perhaps you need a dayAbove," he suggested.

Catherine started to protest. Hesitating, she gazed at himthoughtfully. "Maybe I do," she agreed at last. "I'd like to takeCharles," she added a little uncertainly.

"Of course," Vincent said easily reaching for her hand. "When willyou go?"

Catherine was smiling now in anticipation. "I think... day aftertomorrow."

Two mornings later, Vincent walked with her to the exit in thepark. Even in the drainage pipe, the winter chill could be felt andCatherine buttoned her coat securely and pulled on her gloves.Vincent waited while she adjusted the diaper bag some of the oldergirls had made. He gave the baby a last cuddle and kiss beforeplacing him in his mother's arms. Catherine made sure Charles'blanket was tucked around him before lifting her eyes to Vincent.

"It feels strange, leaving like this," she said awkwardly.

Vincent looked at her for a moment before pulling her into anembrace that she couldn't return because of the baby in her arms."Take care," he whispered into her hair.

"I'm coming back. I'll always come back." She lifted her face tonuzzle his neck briefly before he released her. He let her goreluctantly and she entered the pipe which led to the park withoutlooking back.

Outside, the air was frigid and patches of snow lay on the ground,but the sun was shining brightly and Catherine turned her face up toit. A whimper from Charles made her look down to see him squintingand trying to turn his face away from the light.

Turning him away quickly, she laughed at him. "I forgot! You'venever seen sunlight before, have you, sweetheart?" She pulled a foldof the blanket to rest loosely over his face and began to walkbriskly across the park.

A few hundred yards later, she was beginning to wish she hadlistened to Vincent and used an exit that didn't require so muchwalking. She had wanted to enjoy a walk in the park, but herendurance, only six weeks after childbirth, wasn't what it normallywas, and Charles grew heavier with every step. Her breath was shortand her shoulders and arms were aching when she finally reached thestreet and flagged down a taxi.

She slid into the cab gratefully and gave the driver herdestination. She had carefully planned her day to make the most ofher time Above and the first stop was the D.A.'s office.

Catherine timed her visit well. Almost everyone was taking amid-morning break and she was instantly surrounded. "Cathy's here andshe brought the baby!"

Catherine surrendered Charles to Betty, one of the secretaries,and laughed as her friends abandoned her to follow the baby. TheD.A.'s offices were warm in contrast to the winter chill outside andCatherine unbuttoned her coat. Betty, a grandmother of three, beganto remove Charles' outer clothing, deftly loosening the blue andwhite blanket, untying and removing the tiny knit hat Sarah had madefor him, and unbuttoning the hand-knit sweater Vincent had worn as aninfant.

Charles' wardrobe consisted chiefly of tunnel clothes but no oneseemed to notice anything odd about what he wore as they passed himaround.

"Gee, Cath, he doesn't look much like you," someone commented to achorus of agreement.

"No, he doesn't," Catherine admitted.

"Must look like his father, then?" One of the interns was clearlyfishing.

"Sometimes I think he does, a little, in the shape of his face,his forehead and nose. Mostly he just looks like himself."

Deputy District Attorney Levinson passed by on his way to thecoffee pot and stopped to take a look. "Cute kid," he commented."When are you coming back to work?"

Catherine blinked. "I have four more months of leave, sir."

"Oh. Too bad. We could use you." He continued on his way.

Catherine smiled after him, pleased by the gruff, back-handedcompliment.

"Hey, Radcliffe!"

Catherine turned to find Joe Maxwell grinning at her foolishly. Hewas obviously delighted to see her and Catherine was touched.

"So that's the kid, huh?" Joe looked to where Rita Escobar wastaking her turn at cuddling Charles.

Catherine couldn't resist the impulse to bedevil Joe a little."Would you like to hold him?" she invited.

Joe's eyes widened and he began to back away. "No, I'd betternot..." he put out his hands in a gesture meant to fend the baby off,and Rita chose that moment to plop Charles into Joe's outstretchedarms.

Joe looked uncomfortable and awkward and tried to pass the baby onto Catherine. She laughed and refused to take him, showing Joeinstead how to cradle Charles in his arms, supporting his head andback.

Defeated, Joe grinned down at the little face and was rewardedwith a huge smile. "Hey! He likes me!"

"Of course he does," Catherine assured him. "You're his UncleJoe."

Charles was passed on to the next pair of waiting arms and Joedrew Catherine aside.

"So, Radcliffe, how're you getting along?"

"Everything's fine, Joe," she assured him.

"That's good. So, when are you coming back to work?"

Catherine tried to muffle an explosive burst of laughter. "You andLevinson!" she gasped.

"He already asked you, huh?"

Catherine nodded. "And I'll tell you what I told him... I havefour more months off." She looked at Joe curiously. "Are you reallythat shorthanded?"

He shrugged. "You're gone, Harrison broke his leg skiing and is inthe hospital in traction, one of the interns quit and the flu wentthrough here like gangbusters last month. Everybody's behind." Joestopped and gave her a contemplative look.

"What?"

"I just had an idea... We've been taking stuff down to thehospital for Harrison to work on, you know, desk work, research kindof stuff... I don't suppose you'd be interested?"

"Joe, I..." Catherine hesitated. Her first impulse was to refuse,but taking work Below would give her something to do when Charles wassleeping.

"I could give the stuff to Jenny once a week or so and she couldbring me back what you'd finished," Joe pressed, sensing heruncertainty. "I know Jenny knows where to find you."

Catherine looked at him helplessly for a moment and gave in. "Allright. You get what I'll need to Jenny and I'll do it."

Joe grinned in triumph.

Rescuing Charles from his latest admirer, Catherine bundled himagainst the cold again. There were hugs and kisses as she left, andmany voices urging her to bring the baby back soon!

Yesterday, Catherine had arranged to meet Jenny for lunch.Arriving at P.J. Clark's, she found Jenny waiting impatiently.

"Cathy!"

"Hi, Jenny!"

They exchanged greetings and hurried inside, out of the cold.Catherine requested an out-of-the-way table and the hostess led themto a far corner of the room.

Charles started to fuss and let loose with a plaintive wail asCatherine deposited him in Jenny's arms. "Just hold him a secondwhile I get my coat off..." Her actions matched her words and shereached for the baby.

"He's hungry," she explained, removing his outer garments asquickly as she could. Draping a blanket over one shoulder, she beganto open her blouse and a minute later, Charles was nursingcontentedly, the blanket over Catherine's shoulder coveringeverything but his feet.

"My concession to modesty," Catherine explained, fingering theblanket. "Nancy Tucker taught me this trick last summer. It's thefirst time I've had to use it."

"I'm amazed," Jenny shook her head. "Crying babies always flusterme and you're so calm."

Catherine laughed. "I've had lots of practice," she pointed out."He eats every three or four hours around the clock, and I have theadvantage of knowing why he's crying, and being able to fix it." Shepeeked under the blanket to make sure everything was all right. "Youcan meet him properly when he's done eating," she told Jenny."Although he'll probably be asleep."

The waitress came and they ordered before launching intoconversation. "Listen, the work on your house is going great! We'llgo by later and see it," Jenny said as she dug through her portfolio."I brought a couple of things I need you to make a decision on," shewent on, sliding some papers across the table. "And here's somethingyou need to sign..."

As Catherine had predicted, Charles went to sleep as soon as hisstomach was full, but not before Jenny had a chance to hold andadmire him.

Since Jenny had taken the afternoon off, she and Catherine wentshopping after lunch. The first thing they bought was a stroller atBloomingdale's.

"He's heavy!" Jenny said as she deposited Charles into their newpurchase and strapped him in. "I don't know how you carry him."

"I don't," was Catherine's quick reply. "Today is the first timeI've gone anywhere with him."

They laughed and embarked on a high-powered shopping spree.Catherine had not bought anything major for the baby before he wasborn, in case he was like Vincent and had to remain Below, so sheneeded everything. While still in Bloomingdale's, they bought nurseryfurniture, choosing a crib and a matching chest of drawers. Theyselected a high chair and a car seat and, with the major purchasesout of the way, headed toward the stores on Fifth Avenue. Jennydragged Catherine into practically every shop they passed, ignoringher laughing protests. They sorted through racks and shelves of babyclothes and Jenny migrated to the toys in every store they entered.Catherine tried futilely to convince her that Charles was much tooyoung for most of the things she chose, but that didn't stop Jennyfrom playing with every toy in FAO Schwarz.

The larger items would be delivered when the brownstone wasfinished, but Catherine and Jenny were both laden with bags andpackages and the basket behind the stroller was crammed as they leftthe last store.

"We can't possibly have forgotten anything, can we?" Jenny laughedas she surveyed their afternoon's work.

"I don't think so." Catherine began pushing the stroller down thecrowded sidewalk as she and Jenny scanned the traffic for anavailable cab. Abruptly, she stopped and seized Jenny's arm. "WatchCharles. I'll be right back," she said, and bolted across thesidewalk to disappear into Godiva's.

"Cathy!" Jenny called after her in disbelief and began edging thestroller toward the shop. She finally made it into the candy storewith Charles, the stroller, and all the packages intact.

"Truffles," she heard Catherine tell the clerk. "Five pounds."

"Five pounds of truffles? Are you crazy?"

Catherine ignored her. The man behind the counter weighed out fivepounds of assorted truffles and Catherine eyed the pile dubiously."Maybe you'd better give me two more pounds," she suggested.

The man gave her a look that questioned her sanity, too, but heobligingly measured out the additional candy.

"One more pound," Catherine told him and he shrugged and added it.At her nod, he quickly boxed the enormous mound of candy and acceptedher American Express card.

"I thought you were supposed to eat weird stuff before you had thebaby!" Jenny hissed. "What are you going to do with eight pounds oftruffles?"

Catherine smiled serenely as she took the package of candy andrearranged the basket behind the stroller to fit it in. She gatheredup her other packages and got back out on the sidewalk just in timeto hail a passing taxi. It was a good five minutes before everythingwas safely transferred to the cab and they were on their way to seethe progress on Catherine's house.

* * * * *

Vincent spent the day feeling Catherine's joy, her pleasure inbeing Above, in seeing her friends and showing off Charles. He wasglad she was enjoying herself, but a part of him was sad. He hadalways known Catherine planned to return to her life Above when hermaternity leave was over. He had accepted it. But until today, hehadn't realized how accustomed he had become to feeling Catherine'spresence Below, knowing he could go at any time to see her, talk toher, touch her. Her absence today reminded him that soon would come atime when she would be apart from him, and once again, their meetingswould be measured.

He knew she would be taking Charles to live with her Above, andVincent loved his son with a ferocity that he wouldn't have believedpossible. While Charles would be coming Below during the day whenCatherine worked, it wouldn't be the same as living with him.

Vincent sighed and tried to drag his attention back to the councilmeeting. A new family had been proposed as residents and the councilwas hearing testimony from those who knew them. The meeting wastaking much longer than Vincent had expected and Catherine would bereturning soon.

After a few more minutes, Vincent excused himself and stepped outinto the passageway. He caught Mouse scurrying by on some unknownerrand.

"Mouse, I need you to do something for me."

Mouse stopped in his tracks and grinned. "Sure, Vincent!"

"Find one of the older children and send them to wait forCatherine. She will need help with the baby and I must stay here forthe council meeting."

"Mouse will go!" He adored Charles. Catherine had laughingly toldVincent that she believed Mouse thought they'd had a baby just soMouse would have someone to play with.

Vincent couldn't help smiling at Mouse's eagerness. "All right. Goto Catherine's house. Wait in the tunnels, Mouse. Catherine may notbe alone. She will open the door when it is safe to do so."

Mouse nodded his understanding, impatient to be off. "Okay, good,okay, fine!"

"Thank you." Vincent sent him on his way with a pat on theshoulder and reluctantly returned to his meeting.

* * * * *

Catherine and Jenny arrived at the townhouse just as the workmenwere leaving for the day. Asking the cab driver to wait, they luggedthe day's loot into the vestibule.

Catherine hadn't been to see the house since right before Charleswas born, so Jenny took her on a whirlwind tour.

"I come out once a week or so, just to keep them honest," sheexplained. "They finished the heating and cooling system last week.They're almost done with the new plumbing and they say they'llinstall all the new bathroom fixtures next week. And the electricianstarts the wiring on Monday." They were picking their way throughpiles of rubble on the second floor as she spoke.

Sections of flooring had been taken up to facilitate theinstallation of the new heating and cooling ducts and there werelarge holes in some of the walls where the plumbers had needed to putin new pipes.

"Are they still giving March fifteenth as the completion date?"Catherine wondered, thinking that the place looked more like it wasundergoing demolition.

Jenny grimaced. "They're less precise now. Third week in March isall I can get the contractor to commit to."

Catherine made a face of her own. "It figures. Good thing I don'tneed to move in right away."

They finished looking over the work in progress and descended tothe main level. Jenny thought it was a little odd to leave Catherineand Charles alone in the big old brownstone, but Catherine insistedand Jenny knew enough not to ask questions. She said goodbye and wentout to the waiting cab.

Catherine gathered up an armload of packages and began ferryingthings down to the basement. When she was done, there

was a respectable pile next to the secret door. She lifted Charlesfrom the stroller where he'd been peacefully sleeping and smiled inanticipation as she activated the catch.

Mouse scrambled to his feet as the door swung open and Catherine'ssmile faded.

"Where's Vincent?"

"Council meeting. Couldn't come. Sent Mouse," the young man saidimportantly as he took the baby from her. "Help with Charles," headded as he started down the tunnel.

"Mouse!" Catherine called after him and he stopped and cocked hishead inquisitively. "I have a lot more to carry," she told himgently, and he sheepishly retraced his steps.

Between them, they managed to convey everything to Vincent'schamber and deposit it on the bed. The stroller had been left in thepassageway to the house - the uneven floors of the tunnels made itimpractical for use Below.

Mouse sat cross-legged beside the cradle and entertained Charleswhile Catherine tried to find a place to put all the things she andJenny had bought. She succeeded in stowing away the last of the toysthat Jenny had insisted on buying and gave Mouse the boxes oftruffles.

"Take this to William, please," she requested. "It's a specialtreat for everyone after dinner."

Always glad to be needed, Mouse took the boxes and hurried out,passing Vincent in the doorway.

Catherine's face lit up as she met Vincent with an ecstatic hug."Vincent, I had such a good time! Thank you for suggesting it!" Sheloosened her arms enough to lean back and see his face. "But I missedyou," she added more softly.

"And I missed you." Vincent gazed at her as if memorizing everydetail of how she looked. Very slowly, he bent his head to hers.

As their lips met, Catherine closed her eyes, afraid to move,afraid even to breathe for fear of shattering this moment. She wasterrified that Vincent would suddenly realize what he was doing, andyet his kiss was so sweet... Too soon, it was over and he was drawingback, looking at her with a deep, unfathomable expression shecouldn't quite read.

"Catherine..." His voice was huskier than usual, thick withemotion.

As they stared at each other, Charles began to fuss and the momentwas lost. Vincent moved to the cradle and lifted the baby in hisarms. "I missed you, too," he told Charles in a more steadyvoice.

In an effort to smooth over the uncomfortable silence whichensued, Catherine showed Vincent some of the things she had boughtfor Charles to wear and soon the awkwardness was gone. Hand in hand,they walked to dinner, joining Father and Mary at one of the smalltables in the large dining chamber.

After the meal, William brought out the shiny, gold-foil boxes oftruffles. Sweets were a luxury Below, and the candy was a bigsuccess. Everyone ate at least one piece, and many of the childrenwere able to talk William out of a second.

* * * * *

Catherine was more content in the tunnels now. Vincent's kisswasn't mentioned or repeated, but it had held the promise of theirdream. Perhaps now he was less frightened of the differences betweenthem. She had her own work to do, too. At prearranged times, Jennypicked up bundles of files from Joe and left them in the basement ofthe brownstone. Later, she went back to pick up the finished work.Catherine made several other trips Above, but they were all briefenough that she could leave Charles behind.

One of these short trips was on a morning as Vincent met with oneof his classes. Because it was March fifteenth, the lesson includedJulius Caesar and the Ides of March. Vincent was having a difficulttime keeping the young minds on Shakespeare, however. There was to bea wedding in the tunnels that afternoon and all the children werelooking forward to the party that would follow.

At last, Vincent gave up. He dismissed the children early, afterextracting sincere promises that tomorrow they would study. Theystraggled out, chattering excitedly.

Miranda, an inquisitive eight-year-old, stopped by Vincent'schair. "When are you and Catherine getting married?" she askedingenuously.

Vincent was taken aback by the unexpected question. "Why do youask?" he hedged.

Miranda's answer was direct and sincere. "You love each other andyou have a baby. Don't you want to get married?"

"Miranda, it isn't that simple." Vincent searched for words toexplain. "Catherine and I are different. I am different. It wouldn'tbe fair..." The look on the girl's face said clearly that she didn'tunderstand, so Vincent tried a different tack. "Part of marriage isbeing together and sharing. That isn't possible for us now. We arefrom different worlds..."

Miranda still looked confused. "Go on, now," Vincent urged hergently. "Mary is waiting." He sent her on her way and bowed his head,resting it against his clasped hands. A sound from the entrance madehim look up. Zach stood near the entry and, from the boy'sexpression, Vincent knew he had overheard the entire exchange. He wasold enough to understand what Vincent had been trying to say, butstill young enough to believe that any obstacles could be overcome,and he faced Vincent almost defiantly.

"I heard what you said. And I think it's really dumb that youdon't marry her." His courage failed him and he made a rapid exit,leaving Vincent staring after him.

Vincent tried futilely to put the children's words out of hismind, prowling his chamber restlessly as memories flooded him. He hadpromised her father that he would protect Catherine and love heruntil his last breath. He remembered standing in her apartment, justbefore that darkest time when he had lost himself, telling her thatwhatever happened, he loved her.

Marriage implied physical intimacy, which frightened Vincent mostof all. And yet no one seemed appalled by the idea that he andCatherine had once been intimate, even though Charles was livingproof of that intimacy. At last Vincent allowed himself to rememberthat night, last April, and he relived the joy that had been his...had been theirs... for a few brief moments.

He stopped beside the cradle and looked down on Charles, who wassleeping soundly. Once again he marvelled at the perfection of theminute features. Father had once told him that part of him was a man.Surely only a man could have sired a child so perfect - so completelyhuman.

Slowly, for the first time, Vincent began to believe that a lifetogether for him and Catherine might actually be possible.

He stood quickly as he felt Catherine approach and recognized thewarmth in her smile as she hurried into the chamber.

"I'm late!" she told him breathlessly, dropping the files shecarried onto the table. She looked at him more closely. "Vincent, youaren't dressed yet!"

Vincent's mind was still on other things and he looked at hercuriously for a moment before he remembered the wedding.

"I'll be back for you in ten minutes," he promised, going to thenearby chamber in which he'd been sleeping the last few weeks.

Both changed quickly, and ten minutes later, Catherine lifted adrowsy Charles from his cradle and they walked together to Father'schamber, where the ceremony would take place.

Vincent found a chair for Catherine and stood behind her as theywaited for the ceremony to begin.

The bridegroom was Wesley, a tall, robust young man, born in thetunnels. He was a part of Kanin's work crew, and highly thought of bythose who knew him.

His bride was Lena. She had lived Above and been a prostitute, buther unhappiness with her life had led her to Catherine, who hadbrought her Below. Lena's infatuation with Vincent had vanished themoment she met Wesley.

Lena had been pregnant when she came Below, and her baby had beenborn here. Little Caty, in her best dress, sat safely upon Mary'slap.

As far as Wesley was concerned, Lena's past was just that - past,and he adored Caty.

Vincent's hands were resting on Catherine's shoulders as she satholding Charles on her lap. Father began to recite the servicesolemnly. As Lena and Wesley gazed at each other in love, Vincentfelt Catherine's fingers entwine with his. Lifting his hand, shepressed her cheek against it. There was a longing in her, but more,there was an acceptance and love that filled him to overflowing. Witha sense of wonder, he understood what she had been telling him for solong - that she loved him, completely. He was enough for her, nomatter the limitations or restrictions. At last he truly believedthat she was never going to leave him.

He heard little of the rest of the ceremony. During thecelebration afterwards, he was completely wrapped up in Catherine. Hewatched her talking and laughing, enjoying the day. She was happy,brimming with joy and love as her eyes found his across the room.

After the festivities were over, Vincent and Catherine walkedslowly back to his chamber with Charles cradled securely in one ofhis father's strong arms.

"You seem lost in thought today, Vincent," Catherine observed asthey walked. She tilted her head to look at him.

"I've been thinking... soon you must go back." He sounded sad andCatherine reached for his free hand.

"I have a few more weeks," she reminded him.

"This time together has been special."

"Yes." Catherine dropped his hand to precede him into his chamber."I wish it could last forever."

Vincent looked at her for a long time before speaking again,almost shyly. "Perhaps it can."

Catherine looked at him in bewilderment. "What are yousaying?"

"I don't want to be apart from you."

Catherine perched on the edge of the bed. "Are you asking me tostay Below?" she asked carefully.

"No," Vincent answered quickly. "I would never ask you to give upyour life Above."

"I would give it up for you, Vincent, if you asked me."Catherine's voice was very low.

Vincent shook his head. "No. You could never be truly happy livingdown here, not even with me."

"Then... what?"

Vincent drew a deep breath. "Miranda asked me a question thismorning."

Catherine smiled. "A very personal one, I'm sure."

Vincent nodded. "She asked me when we were getting married."

Catherine looked down at her hands, trying to hide the sudden painhis words had caused. "What did you tell her?"

Vincent laid Charles in his cradle. "I tried to explain that wewere different..." He smiled in memory. "She didn't understand. Zachsaid something..." He crossed to the bed and dropped to his knees sohis face would be level with Catherine's. "Something that made methink, made me realize that perhaps the differences between us arenot that great..." He took Catherine's hands in his. "I don't want tobe apart from you, ever again. I want to try..." He stopped.

Catherine's head had come up when he knelt before her and now shesearched his face. "Vincent, are you asking me... to marry you?"

Vincent nodded slowly. "I think I am," he said in wonder.

Catherine stared at him for a few more seconds as her mindabsorbed what had just been said. Slowly and carefully, she put herarms around him and leaned forward to bury her face against his neck.He felt her stunned joy and it was not until he felt wetness on hisneck that he realized she was crying.

* * * * *

Things seemed to happen very quickly after that. The mostdifficult thing for Vincent was telling Father. Instead of theexpected outburst, Father just shook his head.

"I don't know, Vincent. It is a life I never thought possible foryou, and yet now it seems so reasonable, so right for you andCatherine to be together." He was more concerned about the proposedliving arrangements, for Vincent and Catherine planned to live Above,in the house.

"I will not ask Catherine to give up her life, Father," Vincenttold him. "There is already a staircase leading from the bedroom tothe tunnel entrance. Mouse has designed a false wall to conceal thestairs from those who might wish me harm."

But it was Catherine who finally convinced Father that thearrangement would work. "You know I would not willingly endangerhim," she said. "Vincent can come and go without ever exposinghimself. Surely he will be safer than he ever was coming to myapartment."

Father had to concede that she was right, and, with his approval,intensive preparations for the wedding began. Selecting a date wasone of the first and easiest things to do. April twelfth was onlyfour weeks away and, as the anniversary of their first meeting, wasan obvious choice. Four weeks wasn't much time, however, and almosteveryone was busy organizing some part of the festivities.

Catherine went Above almost every day. She and Vincent had decidedthey would like to spend their wedding night in the new house.Unfortunately, as often happens with renovations, the contractor hadfallen behind, and the projected completion date kept being revised.But Catherine's constant presence and repeated phone calls acted as aspur and it began to look as if the basic work would be finished intime, after all.

Impatience became a new factor in the relationship. Havingcommitted himself to Catherine completely, Vincent no longer pushedaway all thoughts of physical intimacy.

"It's difficult to wait," he murmured one evening, during anembrace which had become more passionate than he had planned.

"We don't have to wait," Catherine answered him softly.

"I know that. But after all this time, two more weeks is notlong." He smiled down at her. "I want everything to be perfect. Notlike before..."

"That was perfect, too, Vincent," Catherine told him firmly,tenderly. "Only the aftermath was painful."

* * * * *

Vincent moved back and forth restlessly in the narrow space thathad been partitioned off in a corner of the Great Hall. He couldn'tremember time ever passing so slowly. He peered through a gap in thepartition and observed the guests, tunnel dwellers and helpers alike,finding places to sit or stand for the ceremony soon to begin.

Vincent straightened the ruffled stock of his dress shirt andadjusted his soft leather vest. He dipped two fingers into a smallpocket and withdrew a ring. Made of rose gold by one of the craftsmenBelow, it had been fashioned according to Vincent's specifications.It was actually two separate narrow bands, twisted around each other,giving the appearance of being braided. To him, it symbolized theirlives, his and Catherine's, irrevocably intertwined with no way toseparate them without destroying them.

He turned the ring between his fingers and carefully replaced it,looking out at the guests again. Surely it was almost time for thewedding to begin. He spied Peter Alcott talking to Pascal. BesidePeter stood Vincent's own surprise for Catherine. Without herknowledge, he had invited Jenny Aronson to the wedding and arrangedfor her to be brought down a few hours early. Catherine had beendelighted.

Peter Alcott had provided masses of flowers and greenery. Therewere daisies, delphinium, baby's breath, ferns and, of course, roses.Some of the older children had spent the afternoon spreading theflowers around the Great Hall in carefully casual arrangements.Candles and torches lit the room and a small group of musicians wereplaying softly.

Finally, Sarah was standing at the edge of the partition, smilingat him. "Are you ready, Vincent?"

He nodded, moving toward the opening as the musicians reached thefirst sweet notes of the adagio of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto.Vincent picked up a single, perfect white rose and stepped out frombehind the partition.

Across the Great Hall, Catherine emerged from behind a similarpartition and began to walk slowly toward him. He moved to meet her,unable to tear his eyes away.

She was wearing a new dress, made for her by Sarah and Mary. Itwas of some soft, champagne-colored fabric shot through with metallicgold thread and touched here and there with accents of pale blue. Herhair was pulled back on the sides and fell softly over her shoulders.On her head was a wreath of daisies and baby's breath and she carrieda single red rose.

Her love poured through their bond and was reflected in theluminescence of her face.

They met in the center of the room and Catherine offered him thecrimson flower in her hand. Their fingers brushed as she exchanged itfor the white one he held. There was a long moment in which they justlooked at each other before turning to face Father. He gave them botha fond smile as he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"`Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

For love is sufficient unto love.

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these beyourdesires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melodyto thenight.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks foranother dayof loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in yourheart and asong of praise upon your lips.'"

While Father was speaking, Vincent glanced sideways at Catherine,who was listening intently with a soft smile. She looked beautiful,and he reflected again that she could have had anyone. Yet, here shewas, telling the world, his world, that she wanted him. That shebelonged to him. As always, the wonder of it overwhelmed him.

He shifted his attention back to Father, who was looking beyondthem to the guests, saying, "Catherine and Vincent have asked us heretoday to witness their union and the beginning of their new lifetogether. Let us hear the words they have chosen to speak to eachother."

Catherine turned to Vincent and lifted her face to his. Her voicewas clear and firm as she began to speak.

"`A woman may love a man because he is brave, or because he iscomely, or because he is wise, or gentle -- for a thousand thousandreasons. But the best of all reasons for a woman loving a man is justbecause she loves him, without rhyme and without reason, becauseheaven wills it, because earth fulfills it, because his hand is ofthe right size to hold her heart in its hollow.'"

She reached for his left hand and he held it out between them.From somewhere she withdrew a narrow, flat band and began to fastenit around his wrist. Made of one piece of dark leather perhaps aninch wide, all but the very end had been cut into thin strips andwoven into a flat braid. The ends were tied off in intricate knots,leaving a short fringe. She secured it and released his hand slowlyas she looked up and smiled.

Vincent was mesmerized by the words she had spoken, the look inher eyes, and the feelings that surged through their bond. It was amoment before he could speak.

"`Amid the gloom and travail of existence suddenly to behold abeautiful being, and as instantaneously to feel an overwhelmingconviction that with that fair form forever our destiny must beentwined; that there is no more joy but in her joy, no sorrow butwhen she grieves; ...let me of all men then believe, that thatcombination of beauty and grace, of fascinating intelligence and fonddevotion is but the promise of a better world.'"

He took the ring from his pocket and slipped it on her finger,holdinng her hand in his as they listened to Father once more.

"`You were born together, and together you shallbeforevermore.

You shall be together when the white wings of death

scatter your days.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of yoursouls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the sameloaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each oneof you bealone.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.

For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in eachother'sshadow.'"

Their hands were still firmly clasped as Father ended the ceremonywith the traditional tunnel closing. "May your life together be along and happy one," he said with a smile.

Custom called for a kiss at this point, but Vincent hesitated.Kissing Catherine was still a new experience for him and so manywatching eyes made him shy. Her look of love told him she wouldunderstand if he preferred to forego the kiss and Vincent's heartswelled with his own love as he drew her toward him. He leaned downto touch his lips to hers, lightly, fleetingly, and his eyes held apromise for later.

Catherine and Vincent shared the first dance before somehowVincent found himself with Charles in his arms, watching benevolentlyas Catherine was swept away by a succession of partners. Even Father,declaring that his hip felt better than it had in years, managed afew slow steps with her.

After wedding cake and champagne, there was more dancing,accompanied by a great deal of laughter and merriment. The gaietyshowed no signs of abating when Catherine found a quiet corner tofeed Charles for the last time before giving him into Mary'scompetent, loving care for the night. Hand in hand, she and Vincentbegan the long walk to the brownstone, escorted by a large group ofloud, excited children.

"It is a custom here," Vincent explained in a low voice thatCatherine could barely hear over the noise the children were making."The children always follow a newly married couple to theirchamber."

At the entrance to the house, Vincent started to reach for thecatch that would spring the door. To his surprise, it opened beforehe touched it and Zach and Erin scuttled out, casting mischievousgrins at the other children.

"What..." Vincent began, but it was too late. With a whoop and achorus of goodbyes, the children pelted away down the tunnel. As theydisappeared around a corner, the sudden silence seemed to ring in theair.

"What do you suppose they were doing in there?" Catherinewhispered after a moment.

"We'll find out," Vincent told her, reaching for her hand. Thechildren had taken the lanterns with them and the hidden staircasewas narrow and unlit. Catherine could see nothing in the inkyblackness but she held Vincent's hand tightly, trusting him to leadher safely.

They stopped at the top of the long stair while Vincent fumbledfor the catch that activated this door. As it slid open silently,Catherine caught her breath. The room was a fairyland, filled withcandles whose flames danced gently in the breeze that wafted throughthe open french doors. Several sprays of lovingly hand-picked flowersscented the air.

"It's beautiful," Catherine managed to say at last.

"Yes..." Something about his voice, softly drawing out the singleword, made her turn to him. His gaze was warm, intimate,caressing.

Feeling suddenly shy under his ardent stare, she turned away tounpin the now wilted garland of flowers from her hair. "The childrenmade this for me," she explained unnecessarily, studying the wreathin her hands.

Vincent looked toward the open terrace doors and gestured to thebalcony beyond.

"Go on," Catherine answered his silent invitation. "I won't belong," she added quietly.

Shedding his cloak, Vincent went outside and crossed to the lowbalcony wall. Bracing his hands against it, he gazed up at the nightsky, reflecting on all that had happened this day.

A few minutes later, Catherine approached the balcony. Her hairwas brushed out loosely and she was barefoot in a lovely, floorlength nightgown of ivory silk. Delicate lace edged the high, roundneckline and trimmed the matching robe as well. It was a demure,romantically Victorian look. Seeing Vincent silhouetted in the glowof the candles on the terrace, she stopped in the doorway.

Vincent turned and was spellbound by the sight before him. For amoment, nothing else existed. "Catherine..." He found his voice atlast. "You look... so beautiful."

"So do you." Her voice was tense with longing.

His face was gold and silver in the blend of candlelight andmoonlight. She came toward him slowly and he opened his arms to her.For a long time, they were content just to hold each other in thestrangely familiar setting of a candle-lit balcony.

It was Catherine who finally broke the spell. "Come," shewhispered. "Let's go inside."

Just inside the doors, they stopped at the sound of a sharp,metallic click. Suddenly the ceiling was starred with pinpoints oflight. Another click and a hidden speaker began emitting the softsound of ocean waves breaking gently on a beach.

Catherine gave Vincent a bewildered, delighted frown, but theexpression on his face said he was as surprised as she. The serenityof the ocean was broken by the impatient chatter of a raccoon."Arthur! Shhh!" A muffled thud followed Mouse's hissed scolding andthen the quiet sound of the waves resumed. They both laughed asCatherine followed the sound to the tape player Mouse had hidden in acorner. She bent down and turned it off. An old slide projector wasthrowing the image of stars on the ceiling. After a moment'shesitation, she left it on.

"Mouse's wedding gift," Vincent said in amusement as she came backto him.

"It was very thoughtful of him, really," Catherine said. "Veryromantic - stars and the ocean."

"And the children lit the candles..."

Catherine slipped her arms around his neck. "I've dreamed ofmaking love with you by candlelight."

He smiled slightly. "And starlight. And moonlight."

"We have all three," she said softly.

"Yes," he said, as he kissed her tenderly. Catherine's armstightened around him in immediate response, and her body moldeditself to his intimately. She returned his kiss with an exhilaratingintensity. The softness and warmth of his lips was intoxicating.

Finally parting, they stared at each other for a long moment. Withan unaccustomed boldness, Vincent pulled at a pale blue satin ribbonat her throat. His hands brushed the cloth aside and the garment slidunnoticed to the floor. The gown beneath was sleeveless and hecaressed her bare shoulders lightly before lifting her in his arms.She kissed and nuzzled his neck as he carried her with infinitegentleness and placed her tenderly on the bed. Sitting on the edge,he gazed at her, watching the candles make dancing shadows on herface.

To him, she had never looked so desirable. One step would take himacross the threshold into a life that would be the fulfillment of allhis dreams. He hesitated and instinctively began to wonder whether hecould meet Catherine's expectations. Her smile as she stroked his armgently through the thin material of his shirt reassured him and, witha feeling approaching adolescent nervousness, he bent to pull off hisboots.

As his boots dropped to the floor, Catherine gripped his shirtsleeve and pulled him down to lie beside her. He kissed her again andher hands, touching him, brushing his face before moving down to hisshoulders and chest, encouraged him to begin his own tentativeexploration through the delicate fabric of her gown.

The soft leather vest Vincent wore was held closed by a belt andCatherine reached for it, fumbling a little before it finally camefree. Discarding the belt, she pushed the vest from his shoulders andhe moved back from her to take it off. Slowly, her hands went to theruffled stock at his throat and he watched her face as she wrestledwith it. A fleeting frown of concentration came and went as shediscovered how the knot was tied and began to loosen it.

With the stock untied, she tugged impatiently at the buttons onhis shirt. They came open easily and she pulled the tail of the shirtfree, running her hands underneath it. She was immersed in him... hisface, golden in the candlelight, the sound of his voice whisperingher name, the masculine scent that was uniquely Vincent, the taste ofhis skin and his mouth. Her hands roamed the wide expanse of hischest and the dense, soft hair that covered it. She stroked hisshoulders and back, feeling the sparse velvet down that grew thereand his warm, satiny skin. Unyielding muscles bunched and slidbeneath the softness, reminding her of the savage power under herhands.

Belying that power, he was all gentleness, raining light, tenderkisses on her face and neck. Deliberately, she took his hand andguided it to the row of buttons that fastened her gown.

He drew back, contemplating her for a moment before he beganundressing her with a hand that shook slightly. Feeling the tremblingin his hand, she brought it to her lips, kissing the palm tenderly.His fingers trailed along the side of her face before returning toher gown. The rest of the buttons went more quickly and he allowedhis fingertips underneath, hardly daring to touch the warm, silkyskin that held the delicate fragrance of her perfume.

They kissed again, deeply and more urgently as his hands movedover her with an arousing gentleness. Pulling her mouth away fromhis, Catherine began to kiss his throat, his shoulder, his chest.Vincent's eyes closed and his head went back as he gave himself up tothe sensations. Her hands were still under his shirt and she tuggedat it. "Take it off," she whispered hoarsely. "I want to seeyou."

Of all that she could remember of their first time together, shecould not, no matter how she tried, remember how Vincent looked.Isolated images were stamped indelibly on her mind... the feel of hisshoulders under her hands, the fierce, insistent pressure of hismouth, the exhilaratingly sensual growling sound he made... butnothing visual remained.

With both of them pulling at it, the soft material of his shirtseemed to tie itself into a knot. When it finally came off, Vincenttossed it aside heedlessly. Bending his head, he kissed the hollow ofher throat, tracing a path along her collarbone to her shoulder,brushing aside her gown as he did so. All his carefully nurturedrestraints were falling away and he, too, wanted to see as well astouch.

She helped him ease the fine lace and silk off her shoulders anddown over her hips, kicking it aside when it tried to tangle with herlegs. When she reached for the waist of his pants, he drew back andshe pulled her hands away.

"Vincent?" Her whisper was at once a question and anencouragement.

He stood and unfastened his trousers, hesitating only an instantbefore sliding them down and stepping out of them. Straightening, hestood bathed in candlelight. Her eyes explored him, taking in hisbroad shoulders, slim hips and well-muscled thighs.

While Catherine admired his body, Vincent was similarly engaged.He drank in the sight of her... beautiful, entrancing, alluring. Herfair skin glowed in the flickering amber light of the candles. As sheheld out her arms, he went into them eagerly and she welcomed hiswarm strength.

Vincent had possessed her body once, but that had been a mindlessjoining, a spontaneous reaction to the explosive release of somethingboth had tried to suppress for too long. Even after a year, heremembered everything about that night in copious and vivid detail. Adetached part of his mind noted the differences in her body as hetouched her. Her breasts were fuller, her waist thicker and lessfirm... evidence, he realized, of the most cherished gift she hadever given him... their son. Now she wanted to give him anothergift... herself.

Soon they were in an enchanted place where nothing but them andtheir loving existed. Minds, bodies and souls united with sharedhopes, dreams, and destinies. Long afterward, the only sounds weretwo lover's names, whispered in the darkness.

THE END