Chapter 4

Morning Musings

Dawn peeked through the balcony doors and inched its way across the floor. The pink and gold light crept up the bed, slowly illuminating the occupants, a delicate young woman partially covered in the sheets lying slightly atop an imposing man. One slender leg was sprawled across his powerful ones, her head nestled on his shoulder and a small, smooth arm was flung across his massive, fur-covered chest. As the light continued its slow climb to the headboard, it encountered a mass of golden hair, turning it into a fiery halo. The head slowly turned, the morning light reflected in a pair of sapphire blue eyes which were filled with wonder as they gazed at the glowing windows.

All of his life Vincent had been instilled with the certainty that sunlight was his enemy and to embrace it would lead to disaster. As a child he had often stood at the drainage tunnel access after the other children had left to play in the park and dreamed of joining them in their games. Once, he had been so bold as to sneak into the pipe and stand beneath the grate, allowing the sun to illuminate his small, golden face.

To wake to the light of day still filled Vincent with awe. Awe, wonder, amazement ... words that described so many facets of his life now. As Catherine turned in his arms and snuggled her back against his powerful body, he realized that she was the impetus for these new feelings.

The night that he’d found her, battered and bleeding, dumped so carelessly in the park, he had known that something remarkable was happening. His heart knew hers the moment he touched her. Even as she fought for life, he could feel the strength in her soul, a strength that she had not yet recognized. He knew her potential, and he knew that she would be a part of him forever.

As she healed, the bond between them strengthened, and his instincts told him that she could be trusted with the secret of his world. His heart was another matter.

He knew that she cared for him, enjoyed his company and was grateful for his concern, but he also knew that she belonged in the world Above. Her future, her destiny, was there. She deserved to have a rich, full life ... a home, a family ... not a life tied to someone like him, condemned to the darkness.

Darkness...she had told him once that there was no darkness when he was with her. He knew that she was the sunshine of his life, the light of his heart. He loved her with all of his being; he could bear all things if she were a part of him. And, wonder of wonders, she loved him too.

When the dark side of his nature had taken control, after Paracelsus' machinations, her courage and love had led her into the depths of the underworld and brought him back from the clutches of death. She’d remained by his side, in his world Below, during the weeks of his convalescence, her love a beacon as bright as any lighthouse, guiding him to safe shores.

After his recovery she had reluctantly returned Above, at his insistence, and their relationship had resumed as before. Devin's unexpected visit and brotherly interference had finally made Vincent realize the depth of his love for Catherine, and hers for him. That realization had led to their marriage, this new house Above, and the two new lives growing, rapidly, inside of Catherine.

He unconsciously rubbed her stomach and felt the babies stir in response. Less than four years ago his life was so certain, the rules so clear. He was a beast ... fated to live a life alone, without the love of a wife and children like 'normal' men. And then ... Catherine. All of his old convictions evaporated beneath her devotion; her love the touchstone of his life. Not only did she love him emotionally, she loved him, desired him, physically. She had dreamed of having his children and was in no way apprehensive about the pregnancy.

Children ... would they be like him or like her? Would they be relegated to the darkness or able to walk freely in the sunlight? He was happy about the impending births, but frightened at the same time. Catherine had said that they would worry about whether they would be good parents and whether the children would be healthy, as all prospective parents do. The one thing she didn't seem to worry about was how the babies would look; she just said they would be beautiful. He shook his head as he realized that she thought he was beautiful, too.

The room was brighter now, the morning sun shining in through the skylights as well as the windows and door. He could hear the birds singing in the trees beyond the balcony and remembered the first morning that he had woken in this bed, to the light of the sun and sound of birds. Disentangling himself from Catherine, he had risen to stand at the door, letting the sun's glow warm him. It was such a glorious feeling, one that he tried to put into words for Father later that day but had realized that there were no words to convey the experience. It was like trying to explain color to someone who’d been born blind.

Catherine turned again in his arms as the smell of coffee wafted into the bedroom. She’d installed a small refrigerator and coffee maker in the library and the aroma indicated that it was almost time for her to awaken. Being on the third floor, it was easier to have morning coffee here than in the kitchen, especially as her pregnancy progressed. The refrigerator was stocked with various drinks and healthy snacks to have for easy access.

She was still working part-time, but from the library at home instead of going into the office. The work was usually sent over by messenger; however, Joe had come to the house occasionally, just to make sure she was all right. Catherine had told Vincent that she would miss seeing Joe, but that she was looking forward to ending her work at the D.A.'s office. She wanted to take care of children instead of seeing the horrible things that others did to them.

He’d worried about her quitting her job. As stressful as it was at times, she had always seemed to enjoy it, and she was making a difference, albeit a small one in this world of violence and suffering. His worries had eased lately as he saw how eager she was to start a family and get involved in his ... no, their ... world Below. She’d offered free legal advice to their Helpers and wanted to teach a class after the babies were born. The contented expression she wore now convinced him that these new avenues of endeavor made her feel just as productive and needed.

Looking down at his beloved, he smiled. He knew that the children Below were looking forward to seeing her more often. They loved spending time with her, and she was always interested in the nuances of their lives. Telling her of their adventures and their troubles, she would be excited or sympathetic by turn. He often found her talking with the older girls, encouraging their dreams, listening to their problems, offering advice, taking on the role of older sister. She was comfortable with his extended family, and they with her.

She and Father were even close now. Her love, loyalty and patience had been making cracks in his crusty exterior over the years. But it was her courage and steadfastness during the episode with Paracelsus that had finally broken through his protective shell. Their relationship had progressed even before Devin had returned to prod his younger brother into action, and the fact that she was presenting him with grandchildren had made her paragon of womanhood in his father's eyes.

Vincent chuckled. This was a view that he shared wholeheartedly, and one of which he’d been trying to convince Father since the beginning. The issue of Catherine had been one of the few serious disagreements that he and Father had had, but now his father was as protective of Catherine as he himself was. Still chuckling, Vincent realized how glad he was that he and Catherine had a harmonious relationship for, if they were to quarrel, he was not sure whose side Father would take in the dispute.

The movement of Vincent's laughter had softly shaken his truelove and a wisp of his hair had tickled her nose. Sleepy grey eyes cracked open to peer at the embodiment of her dreams as she smiled and rubbed her face.

Seeing the merriment in the azure windows to Vincent's soul she snuggled closer and asked, "And what makes you so happy this morning?"

"The same thing that makes me happy all of the time ... you, my dearest Catherine." Vincent hugged her, rubbing his face in her soft, brown hair.

Catherine's hands began to move sensuously over his body, her teeth playfully nipped at his chest, chasing all ruminations from his mind. Vincent groaned; the heat generated by her touch rivaled any sun. Tilting her head back to look once again into his beloved face, she saw that passion had replaced merriment.

Grinning seductively, hands still exploring, she murmured, "Do you know what would make me really happy?"

Unable to get the words out, Vincent moaned and shook his head. His eyes promised anything, everything, as long as she didn't stop.

"To show you just how happy you can be." With those words, she proceeded to make them both deliriously happy.