After a moment Catherine heard someone crying behind her. She released Jessica then turned around to see Jenny in Joe’s arms. Jen are you all right?” She asked as she approached her. Jenny lifted her head from Joe’s shoulder and looked at her. “It is you isn’t it?” She asked. Catherine smiled and nodded. “Yes Jen it is.” She answered. Jenny moved away from Joe and embraced her friend. “Oh Cath you are alive!” She exclaimed happily. Catherine moved back in her arms and smiled. “Yes I am alive and I hear you have married this one.” She commented teasingly as she looked at Joe who was staring at her. Catherine looked at Jenny and winked then moved out of the embrace toward Joe. “Hey aren’t you going to say anything?” Catherine asked him teasingly. Joe swallowed the lump in his throat then spoke. “My God I can’t believe it is really you Cathy.” Catherine could not help but giggle. “Hey what ever happened to Radcliffe you hardly ever call me Cathy.” She teased. This was all that Joe needed to hear. His tears began to fall down his face as he pulled her into his arms. “Thank God.” He whispered as they held each other.

Catherine once again began to cry as Joe held her. She was so happy that she was once again among some of the people who loved her. She turned her head slightly and for the first time noticed the red headed woman that was staring at her. Joe noticed where she was looking and moved back slightly. He then looked at Catherine again. “Catherine Chandler this is Diana Bennett she is the police officer who worked on your case.” Catherine moved forward and extended her hand. “Thank you for everything you did.” Diana could only nod as she looked at the woman in front of her. “I was only doing my job.” She finally whispered. She knew in her heart that any future that she wanted with Vincent had ended the minute that Catherine entered the room and that her world had just shattered into a million pieces.

At that moment Kristen spoke once again. “Catherine I really hate to break this up but you still have one last day of testifying.” Catherine nodded. She squared her shoulders and moved toward the door. “Yes I do and I am anxious to get it over with.” She remarked. Peter moved up beside her and put his arm protectively around Catherine’s shoulders. “May I come with her into the courtroom?” He asked. Kristen smiled and nodded. “Of course you can I am sure that Catherine would appreciate the support.” Catherine nodded. “Yes I would.” She stated. Then Joe moved forward. “I would also like to come.” He remarked. Kristen nodded. “Of course Mr. Maxwell.” Peter turned toward Jenny, Jessica, and Diana. “Will the three of you wait here until we return?” He asked. Jenny smiled and shook her head. “No way I am walking with you to the courtroom.” She declared. Joe smiled because he knew that Jenny wanted a few more minutes with her friend before she had to testify. “Honey you all go on with Cathy, Diana and I will wait here.” Jessica remarked. Then she moved forward and once again embraced Catherine. “Everything is going to be all right honey then after all this is over we are taking you home where you belong.” She whispered. Catherine smiled brightly. “I will see you in a little while.” She remarked. Then they all left the courtroom.

Once they were gone Jessica smiled again as she sat down at the conference table. “I can’t believe this is happening it is so wonderful.” She mused. “I can’t wait until Vincent sees her once again.” She added. Then she looked over at Diana. She immediately noticed that the younger woman was completely ashen. “Diana are you all right?” She asked concerned as she reached out and touched her hand. Diana immediately came out of her revelry. “Yes Jessica I am fine.” She whispered. “I suppose I am just still in shock.” Jessica nodded. “Yes I believe we all are.” She commented.

Then Jessica grew serious. “Diana I know that over the last few months you have developed very deep feelings for Vincent.” She began. “But you do understand that once this is all over we have to take her back to him they have both suffered enough and need to be together to raise their son.” Diana nodded. “I know Jessica I suppose I am just a bit sad about what might have been between myself and Vincent in the future.” She stated.

Jessica sighed sadly. “Diana ever since Cathy has been gone Vincent has only been half alive the only reason that he is functioning at all is because their son.” Jessica explained. “He told us not too long after we held Catherine’s funeral that he would never be able to love another woman in his life because he loves her and he would feel as if he were betraying what they had together and betraying her memory.” Diana nodded. “I know Jessica and believe me I am very happy for Vincent and also for Catherine she has been through a great ordeal and please believe me when I say that I only want to see Vincent and his son happy.” She whispered.

After a few moments of silence Diana rose from her chair and picked up her purse and squared her shoulders. “I am going back to the hotel to pack and call the airlines.” Jessica looked up at her surprised. “Why?” The older woman asked even though she already knew the answer to her question. Diana sighed and looked at her again. “I am going to California for a while to visit my sister.” Jessica shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.” Diana nodded. “I know but I don’t truly fit in with all of you who have known Catherine for so long and I also need some time to put things into perspective and decide what I am going to do with my life.” She then opened the door and left the room without another word. Jessica sighed and shook her head. Then she rose and decided to go to the courtroom and wait with Jenny until Catherine was finished testifying. She picked up her purse then also left the room.

Back in New York, everyone was busy with the naming ceremony preparations. They all wanted to make it a very special night for both Vincent and his son. In Father’s chamber he and Devin were sitting around the large table. “Dad how has Vincent been these last few weeks since he brought the baby home?” Devin asked as they sorted through some old books. Father looked up at him and sighed sadly. “When he found Catherine and she died in his arms his entire world collapsed around him.” He began. “Then after a time he started looking for their child and his life seemed to take on a whole new purpose.” Devin nodded. “Yes he seems to be extremely protective of the baby.” Father nodded. “Yes the only time that he leaves him these days is when he is called away for repairs and he knows that the baby is either with myself or Mary.” Devin nodded again. “He is a wonderful Father isn’t he?” Father smiled brightly. “Yes Devin he is truly becoming a wonderful father.” The tunnel elder stated proudly.

Suddenly they turned when they heard a voice in the chamber entrance. “Thank you for the compliment Father.” Both Father and Devin looked up and smiled when Vincent walked down the steps into the chamber. “Where is my grandson?” Father asked smiling. Vincent chuckled as he sat down. “He was sleeping so Brooke and Jamie begged me to let them watch him.” Father chuckled. “Yes it seems that all the women are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to spoil my grandson.” Devin laughed. “Well dad I don’t blame them after all he is a wonderful child I can totally understand how they feel.” Father nodded in total agreement.

Vincent started to speak when he suddenly got a very far away look on his face. Father and Devin both noticed and stared at him. “Vincent are you all right?” Devin asked concerned. But Vincent did not respond. Father looked over at Devin who shrugged his shoulders. Father then looked at him again. “Vincent!” He said again almost shouting. Vincent suddenly shook his head and seemed to come out of his trance like state. Then he noticed the concerned look on both Father and Devin’s faces. “What were you saying Devin?” He asked. Devin rose and came over to him. He put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “I was asking you if you were all right.” He remarked. Vincent nodded. “Yes I just suddenly got a very strange sensation.” Father sat forward in his chair. “What type of sensation?” He asked curiously. Vincent shook his head and stood. “It’s nothing Father.” He whispered as he began to pace. But Father was not convinced. “Vincent we know that something is bothering you please tell us so that we can help you.” He requested. Vincent stopped pacing and turned to face them again. Both Father and Devin were immediately struck by the sadness in Vincent’s eyes. “You got some sensation like when you had the bond with Catherine didn’t you?” Father asked. Vincent sighed and sat down again. “Father I don’t know what the feeling was but we both know that I will never feel Catherine again.” He whispered. Then he rose from his seat again. “Now if you’ll both excuse me I need to see my son right now.” Then he turned and without another word quickly left the chamber. Once he was gone Devin sat down and looked at Father. “What was that all about?” He asked. Father shook his head. “I don’t know Devin maybe with all the activity around the naming ceremony has brought his memories of his time with Catherine to the forefront once again.” Devin nodded. “Dad what does he remember about the time in the cavern when the baby was conceived?” Father sighed and shook his head. “I am afraid that he has not remembered anything about what occurred between himself and Catherine.” Devin nodded. “But I am hoping that in time he will remember and that can be one memory of Catherine that he can hold onto and cherish.” Father stated. They sat there for a while longer talking about Vincent.

In Washington at the courthouse Catherine, Joe, Peter, and Kristen walked out of the courtroom. “Cathy honey you were wonderful in there.” Peter mused. Catherine smiled at him. “I am just glad that it is all over.” Joe nodded. “Yes now we can all go back to New York.” Then Peter saw Jessica and Jenny. “I thought the two of you and Diana were going to wait in the conference room upstairs.” Jessica smiled and shook her head. “No I came down after Diana left to wait here with Jenny.” Joe sighed and shook his head. “She left?” He asked. Jessica nodded. “Yes she went back to the hotel to pack.” She explained. “She is planning to fly to California and visit her sister.” Joe looked over at Peter who shook his head. “She was upset?” Joe asked. Jenny nodded. “Yes she was but I am sure she will be okay.” Joe knew that Jenny resented Diana’s presence in their lives and also in Vincent’s. “I know honey I just don’t want to see her get hurt.” He stated. Jenny did not say anything she just nodded. “She wanted to be happy about all of this but she was truly upset.” Jessica commented.

Catherine who had been listening looked at them strangely. “What was she upset about?” She asked. Peter put his arm around her shoulders again. “Honey that is one thing I wanted to talk to you about she has developed some very strong feelings for Vincent in the last few months.” Catherine was taken back by his statement. She then looked over at Jenny and Joe. They both smiled in understanding. “Cath don’t worry Joe and I know all about Vincent and the tunnels.” Jenny explained quietly. Catherine stared at her in shock. “You do?” She asked surprised. They both nodded. “Yeah Cath we met Vincent while he and Diana were looking for your son.” Jenny commented. Catherine smiled brightly at the mention of her baby. “He understood about the baby?” Peter put his arm around her shoulders and nodded. “Yes sweetie he did and they found the baby just a few weeks ago.” Catherine’s tears began to fall again. “I was so afraid that Vincent would never find him.” She cried. Jenny moved forward and embraced her. “I know Cath but the baby is safe with Vincent now so you don’t have to worry about him anymore.” She whispered.

Once Catherine was calm again she looked at Peter. “Did Vincent fall in love with Diana because if he is happy with someone else I don’t want to return and interfere in his life.” Peter shook his head. “No honey he did not fall in love with her he only felt a sense of friendship and gratitude toward her for helping him find your son and killing Gabriel.” Catherine looked at him shocked. “She’s the one who killed Gabriel?” Joe nodded. “Yes she shot him with your gun after Father had given it to her to use.” Catherine took a deep breath trying to comprehend all that they had told her. “I hate it when someone dies but Gabriel destroyed so many lives.” Joe nodded in agreement. “He was a very evil man Radcliffe.” He added smiling.

After a few moments of silence Catherine spoke again. “I should talk to Diana before she leaves.” Joe shook his head. “I don’t know if that is such a good idea.” He commented. She looked over at him curiously. “Why not?” He smiled and touched her shoulder. “Cathy I have gotten to know Diana pretty well over the last few months and all she needs is time.” He explained. Catherine shook her head. “No Joe I have to talk to her we can’t have tension between us especially if she is Vincent’s friend.” Peter smiled put his arm around her shoulder. “Well you can talk to her later but right now let’s get you out of here and back to our hotel so you can rest.” Catherine smiled as the doctor part of Peter emerged. Then Jessica moved up beside them. “Then in the morning we will all go home.” Catherine nodded. “Oh you don’t know how long I have waited to hear those words.” She mused. They all smiled and nodded. “Yes Cath we do know.” Jenny remarked. Then they all turned toward the elevator to leave the courthouse.

Later that afternoon Joe and Peter quietly entered Catherine’s room. They smiled when they saw her standing over by the window. “We thought that you were still sleeping.” Joe commented. Catherine looked back at them and smiled. “No I was just standing here thinking.” Peter looked over at Joe and winked. “And what were you thinking about?” He asked teasingly. Catherine turned and stared at him for a moment then caught the gleam in his eyes. “Peter you know that I was thinking of seeing Vincent and my baby again.” She commented giggling. Peter and Joe also laughed. “Yeah honey I know I couldn’t resist teasing you.” He commented.

Catherine then moved over and sat down on her bed. “Is Diana still here?” Joe shook his head. “No I just found out that she had left shortly before we got here.” Catherine sighed and shook her head. “I really wanted to talk to her.” She whispered. Joe nodded. “I know but trust me she will be fine she just needs some time to herself.” Catherine looked up at him. “I just don’t want Vincent to lose a friend because of me.” She whispered. Peter smiled. “Honey don’t worry about that right now Vincent is going to be much too happy having you back with him to concentrate on anything else for quite a while.” Catherine sighed and stood. “All right I won’t worry about it right now.” She told them. “Is dinner ready?” She asked. Peter smiled. “Jessica and Jenny have it almost done why don’t you freshen up a bit then join us?” Catherine nodded. “Okay I will be there in a few minutes.” Then Joe and Peter turned and left the room.

A little while later Catherine knocked on the door to Peter and Jessica’s suite. “Come in honey.” Peter called out. Catherine smiled and opened the door. “You didn’t have to knock.” Jessica remarked. Catherine nodded as she moved to the couch and sat down. “I didn’t want to just burst in.” She told her. “Cathy that would not have been a problem.” Jessica stated as she walked out of the small kitchen. “Where is Jenny?” Catherine asked. Jessica smiled. “She went to her and Joe’s room to shower and change before dinner.” Catherine nodded. Peter moved toward the pitcher on the table. “Honey would you like some iced tea?” He asked as he poured himself a glass. Catherine smiled and nodded. “Yes but I can get it.” Peter shook his head. “No you don’t young lady you stay right there!” He ordered. Then he poured her a glass and brought it to her. As she drank her tea Catherine looked up at Jessica again. “Do you need any help in the kitchen?” She asked. Peter shook his head again. “Catherine you are not going to do anything tonight.” He commented trying to sound stern. Catherine could not help but laugh at him. “Oh all right if you insist.” She remarked. “Cathy honey you went through an ordeal and I want you to take it easy until we get you back home.” He stated. “Peter I promise I am fine.” He nodded. “I know you are but you will have plenty to do when we get home tomorrow.” He told her.

Catherine took another drink of her tea and looked at him again. “What is going on at home tomorrow?” She asked. Peter looked at Jessica who smiled. “Honey tomorrow night is your son’s naming ceremony.” Catherine looked up at him again. “You haven’t called a helper and ruined the surprise have you?” She asked teasingly. Peter chuckled and shook his head. “No honey I want you to be the best gift that Vincent and your son receive at that ceremony.”

After a few moments of silence Joe and Jenny entered the room. Catherine looked up and smiled. “There you two are.” She remarked. They both smiled. “Yeah I wanted to take a shower and Joe came in to watch the news.” Catherine nodded in understanding. Jessica then rose from the sofa. “Well if everyone is ready we can eat.” Catherine smiled brightly and rose. “Great I am starving!” She exclaimed. “I have been on a very strict diet for the last few months.” Peter frowned. “Yes I see that you have you are too thin.” He complained sourly. Catherine put her hand on his arm. “Peter the doctors that took care of me told me that I should regain my regular weight in no time.” Peter nodded. “Yes that’s true I am just relieved that those idiots who were holding you never harmed you anymore than they did.”

Catherine could hear the anger in his voice. She smiled and put her arm around his waist. “Peter please calm down that’s all over now and I am fine.” Peter looked down at her and smiled. “Of course honey you will just have to give this old man some time to get over all the anger that I have for what was done to you and to Vincent.” Catherine smiled again then leaned up and kissed his cheek. “First of all, you are not an old man.” She chided. “And I am also very angry about everything we had to go through but we will get through it.” Peter then escorted her to the table.

Joe smiled at the exchange between Catherine and Peter as he escorted Jenny to the table. “Well come on everyone are we going to eat or not?” He asked trying to lighten the mood. Peter and Catherine looked at him and smiled. “Yes of course we are just be patient.” Catherine teased as they all sat down. “Radcliffe you know me I am not a patient man.” Joe shot back. Everyone laughed and began to pass around the food.

As they were eating everyone made small talk. “So Cath are you excited about tomorrow?” Jenny asked. Catherine looked up at her and smiled radiantly. “Oh Jen going home is dream come true for me.” Suddenly her face clouded. Everyone noticed this immediately. “Cathy honey what is it?” Peter asked. She looked over at him and he saw the tears in her eyes. “Peter will Vincent hate me for all of this?” She asked almost in a whisper. Jenny immediately took her napkin out of her lap and put it on the table. Then she rose and walked over to her friend. She knelt down beside Catherine’s chair. “No Cath he could never hate you.” Catherine looked over at her. “Jen I couldn’t take it if he turned me away.” Jenny pulled her into her arms and held her as she cried. “That is never going to happen Cath he is going to be so happy that you are home with him and the baby that he will never want you to be out of his sight again.” She added. Peter then spoke. “Cathy honey he has been so lost without you and when we bring you to the ceremony tomorrow night it will heal all the wounds from this whole ordeal.” She lifted her head from Jenny’s shoulder and looked at him. “I hope you’re right I love him so much and I need to be with him now.” Jessica smiled and nodded. Cathy you don’t have to worry about that I know it is what Vincent will want also.” She assured the younger woman.

Catherine sat up out of Jenny’s arms and looked down at her hands. “I just don’t want anyone thinking that I stayed away all this time to hurt him.” Joe put his hand on hers. “Since Jenny and I have known everyone in the tunnels we have learned just how much they truly love you.” He stated. Jenny smiled and nodded. “Yes every time we are below someone talks about how much you mean to them.” Catherine nodded. “They became my second family after Vincent found me.” Jenny nodded. “Yes he told us how he found you the night that you were attacked and left in the park.” Catherine smiled again. “That is the night that my life truly started over.” She whispered. Once she was calm again Jenny moved back to her seat then they finished dinner.

After dinner Joe and Jenny stood. “Well we have a plane to catch.” Joe commented. Catherine turned around from the sink where she was helping Jessica with the dishes. “You’re leaving tonight?” She asked. Joe nodded. “Yeah as the new D.A. I have to get back to the job.” Catherine smiled and shook her head. “Always the lawyer.” She teased. Then she moved over and embraced both of them. “Will you be at the naming ceremony tomorrow night?” Jenny nodded. “Of course nothing could keep us away besides we want to see the reunion.” Jenny told her. Then they said goodbye to Jessica and Peter and left the room.
Catherine moved back to the sink beside Jessica. Peter rose from the sofa and walked into the kitchen. “So honey do you remember what happened to you?” He asked as he leaned against the counter facing both women. Catherine dried her hands and draped the towel over the dish rack. She then turned and looked at him. “Can we go sit down in the living room?” She asked. Peter smiled and put his arm around her. “Of course honey come on.” With that all three walked out of the kitchen.

Catherine sat down and began to explain everything to them. “Well the injection of morphine that I was given was supposed to kill me but instead I fell into a very deep coma.” She began. “Vincent was with you that first night after it happened wouldn’t he be able to tell that you were still alive?” Jessica asked. Peter looked at his wife and shook his head. “No honey if the coma is deep enough it would have appeared to anyone not medically trained that she was dead.” Jessica nodded her head in understanding. “Yes apparently my vital signs slowed down so much that no one could tell that I was still alive.” Catherine commented. “Then at the coroner’s office before they started the autopsy I took a more noticeable breath.” She stated. “Was that when they called the FBI?” Peter asked. Catherine nodded. Jessica sighed and shook her head. “I wish he had called Joe first.” Catherine looked at her and nodded. “Yes so do I but since this was a mob related crime he felt that he should call the FBI.” Catherine explained. “Anyway they had me moved out of the state and brought to Washington then I was placed into protective custody.” She remarked bitterly.

Peter put his arm around her for support. “They wanted you to testify when and if you woke up?” He asked. Catherine nodded. “Yes that is the main thing that they wanted.” She remarked. “They were very happy when I awoke and remembered everything about my ordeal with Gabriel.” She shuddered as she spoke his name. Peter noticed and pulled her closer to him. Catherine looked at him and smiled in appreciation. “Well honey that’s all over now and you can get on with your life.” Catherine smiled as she rose from the couch. “May I sleep on your couch tonight?” She asked. “I don’t really want to be alone.” Jessica smiled and rose. “Of course you can honey.” She whispered as they embraced. “Why don’t you go get a shower ad I will fix it up so it is ready when you are ready to go to bed.” Catherine smiled as she tightened her arms around the older woman. “Thank you so much I missed you both so much.” She whispered. Jessica held her just a bit tighter for a moment. “And we missed you Sweetie.” She answered. Then Catherine walked into her room and closed the door.

Back in the tunnels Vincent was sitting on his bed. He was still quite shaken from the feelings that he had earlier with Father and Devin. He rose from the bed and put the book down that he had been reading. He walked over to his desk and sat down. He looked over at the cradle and smiled as he watched his son sleeping peacefully. Then he reached over and pulled out his journal. Opening it to a blank page he uncapped his pen. After a moment of thought he started writing.

I sit here tonight alone in my chamber. My son is sleeping peacefully in his cradle. He is the greatest joy of my life right now. But something happened today that has me very confused. While I was talking to Father and Devin this afternoon I got the strangest sensation. I felt for the first time in a very long time that I could somehow sense Catherine once again. But that is simply not possible. I know that Catherine is dead. I was the one who carried her lifeless body back to her apartment. But what is this feeling that I have inside of me that is telling me that I can once again feel her presence? I am not sure what to think anymore.

I will not think about it right now because I have to concentrate on our son. His naming ceremony I tomorrow night. I am so proud of this precious little life that has been given to me to care for. I just wish with all that I am that Catherine could be with me tomorrow when I announce that I have chosen to name him Jacob Charles Wells. I believe it will be a great tribute to both his grandfathers. Father is so proud of him. And I truly believe with all my heart that if Catherine’s father were here he would also be proud of his grandson.

My greatest regret is that I was unable to keep my promise to Catherine’s father on his deathbed that I would protect Catherine until my last breath. I will always have that regret. Well I cannot think about any of this right now. It is too painful. Hopefully after the ceremony I will be able to find some peace of mind. Then I can raise Catherine’s son and mine. And together Jacob and I can find some happiness together with Catherine’s memory to guide us.

Vincent recapped his pen and closed his journal. He sat there for a few minutes thinking about Catherine. “Little brother are you busy?” Devin asked from the chamber entrance. Vincent looked up at him and smiled. “No Devin come in.” He whispered. Devin entered the chamber and sat down on the bed. “I came to see how you were doing.” Devin remarked. Vincent rose from his chair and looked over at the cradle once again. He then moved over and sat down next to Devin. “I am fine I suppose.” He stated. Devin was not sure that he truly believed him. “Are you certain you were very shaken earlier?” Vincent sighed and shook his head. “No Devin I am not certain of anything anymore.” He whispered. “I know that this is going to sound crazy but earlier while I was talking to you and Father I could have sworn that once again I had some sense of Catherine.” Devin sighed sadly. “How is that possible if she is…?” He suddenly broke off the question. Vincent looked at him and put his hand on his shoulder. “She is dead.” He whispered. “Devin you can say the word in my presence.” Devin shook his head. “I just don’t want to keep reminding you of it.” Vincent shook his head. “There is nothing that can keep me from remembering that horrible night because it is burned into my memory.” He commented.

Then he suddenly rose. “But Devin I swear to you I had some sense of Catherine in here.” He remarked pointing at his heart. Devin rose from the bed and moved toward him. He nodded then pulled Vincent into his arms. “Well I don’t know what to tell you about what you felt but please remember that we are all here for you and that we love you and the baby very much.” Vincent smiled then moved back out of his embrace. “I am so glad that you came home for a visit.” He whispered.

Devin smiled and nodded. “So am I Fuzz.” He teased. Vincent chuckled and shook his head. “I have not been called that for a very long time.” Devin then smiled mischievously. “Well I am not going anywhere anytime soon so get used to it.” Vincent then smiled again. “You are staying for a while?” Devin shook his head. “No I am coming home for good this time.” Vincent pulled him back into his arms. “I am so glad that you are staying I really need you.” He whispered. “Well little brother I am here.” He answered. Then they parted. “Well I better get to bed now we have a lot of work to do tomorrow for the ceremony.” Vincent chuckled. “Yes everyone seems to be going to extra lengths for this ceremony.” He stated as he moved over to the bed and sat down again. “Well this is a very special naming ceremony for a very special child.” Devin remarked. Then he turned and walked toward the chamber entrance. “Good night little brother see you in the morning.” He whispered. Vincent smiled at him. “Good night Devin.” He responded. Then Devin left the chamber.

Once he was alone Vincent rose and moved toward the cradle. He knelt down and gently covered his son more with his blanket. He stayed there for a few minutes just looking at the miracle child that was his and Catherine’s son. After a moment he rose to his feet and walked over to the bureau that held his clothes. Opening the cabinet he reached in to pull out his sleepwear when he spotted something white behind them. Moving the clothes aside he was slightly surprised to see the tunnel gown that Catherine had worn when she came below to mourn for her father. Vincent swallowed the lump that had risen in his throat as he pulled the soft garment out of the bureau. Lifting it to his face he felt the softness of the white cotton. He gently stroked it thinking of how beautiful Catherine looked when she had worn it. He then lifted it to his nose and softly inhaled. He could still smell the slight scent of Catherine’s perfume on the material. “Oh Catherine why did this happen to us my love?” Vincent whispered forlornly. Then he began to cry for his lost love.

At that same moment Catherine was drying off from her shower. She was just about to pick up her blow dryer from the counter when she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of sadness coursing through her. She dropped the blow dryer as her hand went limp and stumbled back against the bathroom wall. She put her hand to her chest over her heart as her tears began to fall down her cheeks.

Suddenly Jessica and Peter ran into the room. “Honey are you all right?” Peter asked when he saw how shaken she looked. At first she did not answer. Jessica looked at Peter with great concern. She walked over and knelt down beside Catherine and softly touched her shoulder. “Cathy honey what’s the matter?” Catherine finally heard her voice and looked up at her. Peter and Jessica were stunned when she began to cry harder. Jessica didn’t know what was going on but she pulled the younger woman into her arms and held her. “Shh Cathy everything is going to be all right.” Peter knelt down beside Jessica. “I felt his sadness.” Catherine suddenly whispered through her tears. Jessica tightened her arms around the younger woman. “Whose sadness?” Peter asked. Catherine turned her head and looked at him. “I felt Vincent’s sadness.” She whispered.

Jessica and Peter looked at one another once again stunned by Catherine’s statement. “What do you mean you felt it?” Jessica asked. Catherine sat up out of the embrace. “He is sad.” She commented. Then she suddenly smiled. “Do you realize what this means?” She asked. Peter shook his head. “No honey what does it mean?” Catherine looked at him. “Peter our bond is returning and now I can feel it inside of me too.” Peter looked over at Jessica who grinned. “Oh honey that is wonderful.” She whispered as she hugged her once again. Then Peter rose. “Well since you are calm now we are going back into our room and finish making your bed.” Jessica nodded and rose up beside him. Catherine stood and grabbed Jessica’s hand. “No Jessica will you stay with me?” She asked. Jessica looked at her and smiled again. “Of course sweetie.” Then Peter moved toward the bathroom door. “I will go and finish getting the couch ready.” With that he turned and left the room. Catherine moved over and picked up her blow dryer and her brush as she and Jessica talked about what she had felt a few minutes before.

To be continued in part three