Mouse grinned from ear to ear when Vincent warmly embraced him.  He was proud to call Vincent his friend.  But when Catherine leaned over and gently kissed his cheek he looked like he’d been slapped.  He very slowly put his hand to his scarlet face, then quickly turned and scurried to the far side of the chamber where he could be heard muttering “okay good.. okay fine.”

   Once the spontaneous laughter quieted down all eyes returned to Vincent and Catherine.  Vincent had been leaning close to Catherine whispering something that caused her to blush when he noticed they were the center of attention again.

   No one in the Tunnels understood Vincent better than Mary, not even Father.  She quickly stepped up to the couple to ease Vincent sudden uneasiness.  Mary smiled sweetly at them both and reached into her apron pocket for her letter.

   “Will you do something for me, Vincent?” she asked.

   “You know I will, Mary,” he replied.

   “Don’t read my letter now.  Wait until you’re alone.” They both nodded silently to her. “And Vincent, promise me that you’ll think about what I said.”

   “I will, Mary, I promise”

   “I love you both,” and saying that she gave them each a hug.  Just as Vincent started to release her she cupped his cheek and gently kissed him.