Chapter 11

Winterfest

Due to the number of people involved, and Father’s arthritic hip, the walk to the Great Hall was done slowly. Catherine, still recuperating from the twins’ birth, appreciated the leisurely pace. Cocooned snugly against her body in a tummy carrier was her three-week-old daughter. Vincent stayed close by her side, lending her support when needed and protecting her from the buffeting winds on the great stairs. He carried his twin son safely ensconced in the crook of his powerful left arm.

Arriving at the doors to the Great Hall, Vincent entrusted the sleeping baby to Devin's care while he went to remove the large bar from the doors. Settling the heavy beam to one side, he pushed open the massive doors, retrieved his son, and took Catherine's hand to lead her into the dark, cavernous chamber.

Once seated, the darkness was broken by the lighting of Father's candle as Catherine heard his voice intone the words that had been used for Winterfest for over a third of a century.

"The world above us is cold and grey, summer a distant memory. Our world too has known its winters, so each year we begin this feast in darkness as our world began in darkness."

The ritual continued as candle after candle was lit around the table; the immense chandeliers were raised, spreading their radiant glow to fill the vast hall as Father finished with the words,

"We are all a part of one another, one family, one community. Sometimes we forget this, and so we meet here each year to give thanks to those who have helped us and to remember . . . even the greatest darkness is nothing as long as we share the light."

Once the ceremony had been completed, Father stood to address the assembly. "Dear friends, we have another reason to celebrate at this year's festivities. Vincent and Catherine have decided to include the naming ceremony for their children at this time, so as to share their joy with all of you."

Catherine had removed the tummy carrier and was holding her daughter in her arms as she and Vincent, still holding his son, rose to join Father at the head of the table. Devin and Mary joined the little group, with Peter and Jenny close behind. The others got to their feet to gather closer around the new family. The two babies were awake now, and though they were less than a month old, their bright, clear eyes seemed to take in the candle glow and the faces around them with a surprising intensity.

Father's voice spoke the familiar words with love, "It has been said that the child is the meaning of this life. Today, we celebrate the children that have been brought into our world. We welcome the children with love, that they may be able to love. We welcome the children with gifts, that they may learn generosity. And we welcome the children with names, upon which Catherine and Vincent have decided."

Smiling, Catherine looked at her daughter's tiny kitten face as she said, "For so long, Vincent and I thought that a life together was impossible. Once we took that step forward, God smiled on us by blessing us with these two precious lives. Since she's our little angel, we've named our daughter Angelique."

Catherine looked up at her husband; the warmth of their love flowed through the bond, and tears appeared in Vincent's eyes. He knew that he was the one who had thought their life together was impossible, never Catherine. He turned his gaze from his wife and daughter to stare in amazement at the tiny son in his arms before speaking.

"As we tried to decide on a name for our son, we found one which seemed to encompass the traits we hope our son will embody as he grows: strength, compassion, intelligence, love and kindness." Both parents raised their eyes to Father's. "We've named our son Jacob."

They were pleased to see the surprise on Father's face while smiles of delight appeared around the gathered throng. Devin's hand went to the elder Jacob's elbow, lest the astonishment cause him to buckle, and his father was appreciative of the support. Slowly, a flattered smile crossed the old man's face, and he reached to hug his adopted son and daughter-in-law.

After everyone had come forward to offer their best wishes, some leaving gifts, the party began in earnest. The babies, who’d seemed enthralled with the proceedings to this point, started to get fussy.

Quietly slipping out to a nearby chamber, Vincent held the children while Catherine prepared to feed them. Vincent loved watching her nurse the babies, especially little Angel. The look of love on Catherine's face as she held her daughter made him realize that, though she may look like him, Angel would grow up secure in the love of her parents. There would be no feelings of rejection or uncertainty to gnaw at her.

Babies fed, the new family returned to the Great Hall where Mary and Sarah absconded with the children, leaving the parents free to enjoy the celebration. Catherine noticed that William had outdone himself on the buffet, and his accomplishments were not being ignored. Several kegs had been tapped, and the libations were flowing freely.

After getting some food, Catherine and Vincent stood on the stairs watching the panorama before them. The musicians were in full swing, and the dance area was filled with joyous revelers. Groups of Helpers visited with those from Below: Sebastian was in one corner entertaining the children with feats of prestidigitation; Father and Peter were facing each other over a game of chess; Mary was sipping tea with Sarah as they cradled the twins and kept watch on several of the younger children.

"God's in his heaven, all's right with the world," Catherine murmured.

Putting his arm around her shoulders to draw her near, Vincent kissed the top of her head and replied, "It certainly is."

"Boy, things really do change," came Devin's voice from behind them. "My little brother wouldn't even touch the lady before, and now he's not even afraid to kiss her in public . . . though I guess that wasn't really a kiss."

"Devin." Catherine shook her head in exasperation.

They turned to face Devin and saw that Jenny was poking him in the ribs with annoyance. The two brothers shared a look; and, before she knew what was happening, Vincent had turned Catherine in his arms and was giving her a deep, passionate kiss. As he pulled back from the kiss, she was glad that his arm was still securely around her waist, as all strength seemed to have left her legs.

As her mind cleared, Catherine chuckled softly in amazement. Married, with two kids, and Vincent's kisses still made her swoon. Reflecting on it though, she realized that she would probably still be swooning at ninety. She was a lucky lady indeed!

Looking up at her husband, she was not surprised to see a look of self-satisfaction, but the grin he gave his brother did catch her off guard. It was as wide as the one reflected on Devin's face; unusual in the fact that he was making no attempt to conceal his sharply pointed canines.

"Men!" Jenny commented with mock disdain. "Can't live with them, can't bury them with out breaking your nails." She shook her head. "Showing off in front of Father and everyone. What are we going to do with you two?"

Deciding to give Vincent a little of his own medicine, Catherine slyly winked at Jenny and said lasciviously, "Well, I can think of several things to do with this furry hunk. Maybe even right here."

Feeling Catherine's desire washing over him like waves on a beach, Vincent was sincerely hopeful that her comment was made in jest. He couldn't believe that he had actually kissed her like that, here on the steps of the Great Hall, in front of Father and everyone as Jenny had said; but any action based on Catherine's ardor would definitely be inappropriate in public.

Devin contemplated Jenny as he asked, "Well, what about you?"

"Oh, I can think of a couple of things, but they're probably not as pleasurable as the activities my friend has planned. Of course, I might be persuaded to change my mind, with the right coaxing."

"I do believe that's a challenge, Devin," Vincent commented as he regarded his older brother thoughtfully.

"By George, I believe you're right, old man," Devin replied with an outlandish English accent.

So saying, he swept the dark-haired young woman into his arms and kissed her ardently. Separating from her, he looked into her deep brown eyes and realized that, though it had started as a joke, he had meant that kiss. The intensity of his feelings shocked him, and he was at a loss.

Vincent, to lighten the tension, said, "Well, I'm going to dance with my wife before Father comes over and dumps a bucket of water on the four of us."

They were all chuckling as he led her down the stairs to join the other dancing couples. Most of the younger children had left the gathering to go to bed, and the musicians where playing slower, more romantic tunes for the adults to enjoy. Waltzing in her husband's arms was heavenly, and Catherine cursed the fact that she was still recuperating from the twins' birth. Oh, how she wanted to make love to him tonight. A cold shower was definitely in the offing!

During the next song they changed partners, so that Vincent was dancing with Jenny, and Devin did the honors with Catherine. Enjoying the music, Catherine looked up to see the brightness of tears in Devin's eyes.

"Tell me," she whispered. "What are you thinking?"

He glanced at his brother and quietly explained, "His life was so limited, by Father and by the ignorance and fear of those Above. But we dreamed, Chandler, oh, what dreams we had; we were going to do everything, and then . . . I left. I had to get away, and I didn't know how to tell him, so I just left. He was a real pain in the butt sometimes, a typical little brother, but I loved him so much and wanted to give him the world, and I knew that I couldn't."

They had danced to a quiet area of the hall. Looking gratefully into her eyes he continued, "Thank you for dreaming with him and making the dream come true. Thank you for giving my little brother the world. He deserves it. He deserves you and the kids; he deserves the happiness you've brought."

"He deserves everything," Catherine murmured, tears welling in her eyes.

"Yeah, he does. Thank you for giving it to him."

Catherine smiled through her tears. "You're a devil and a rogue, Devin Wells, but we love you anyway." She hugged him tightly. "I just wish you'd stay around more. Vincent needs you, and I think you need him too. Besides, we want Angel and Jacob to know their Uncle Devin."

"I don't know . . . maybe. I know I can't live Below, but maybe I'll stay in the area for a while." He looked over at Jenny. "Maybe."

Across the room, Vincent felt Catherine's sadness. Looking in her direction, he saw her hug Devin. Her feelings were becoming happier; whatever had caused the poignancy had passed. He guided Jenny in that direction as Devin looked over at them.

Upon reaching his wife, he put his arm around her shoulders and looked at her quizzically. She gave him a loving smile, held him close and, looking over at Devin, said, "Everything."

Finally, Winterfest was drawing to a close for another year. As they formed a ring of family and friends, Catherine realized that the circle represented the continued hope and love of the community.

Father's voice intoned, "As we part for another year, let us remember, darkness is only the absence of light, and all winter's end."

As they all raised their clasped hands in celebration, Vincent and Catherine realized that each was indeed the other’s light -- banishing the darkness; and that their winter had truly ended.