Catherine sighed happily again. “Are you happy my love?” He asked in a whisper. Catherine lifted her head from his chest and smiled up into his beautiful blue eyes. “I am happier tonight than I have been in a very long time.” Vincent tightened his arm around her just a bit. “Catherine you went through such an ordeal these last few months.” He whispered. Catherine nodded. “Yes but it wasn’t only me Vincent we all went through it.” Vincent shook his head. “Catherine how can you say that you were the one that was held against your will and had our son taken from you only minutes after his birth.”
Catherine nodded again. “I know Vincent but you also went through so much pain and don’t deny it because I could feel your pain, here.” She touched her heart and Vincent’s eyes opened wide with amazement. “You could feel my emotions?” With tears in her eyes Catherine nodded, “Not all the time, it started while I was at the hotel with Peter and Jessica. Oh Vincent, does this mean that our bond is returning?”
Shaking his head in wonderment Vincent could only surmise that was so, and besides he had had a similar experience only the day before as he then told her, “You know, you may be right. The bond has been lost to me, but yesterday I felt something for the first time. I felt a connection with you, but I deemed it was just a flight of fancy because you were so much on my mind. Which reminds me, my love, how did you know that I wanted to name our son Jacob?”
It was Catherine’s turn to open her eyes wide and incredulous, “You mean you had chosen that name too?” At Vincent’s nod, she told him, “Remarkable.” She laughed and with eyes bright with love and humor added, “Great minds think alike huh?”
Vincent smiled then pulling her tightly against him, kissed her brow, “Its so good to have you back, Catherine. I feel as though the gods have given me a second chance and it is not a chance I intend to waste. Catherine, there are so many things I have wished that I’d told you, so many things I have wished that I had not denied you. I have missed you so much, Catherine.”
Leaning against him, Catherine sighed and whispered, “I was almost afraid that you would turn away from me when I returned.” Vincent put his hand under her chin and lifted her face until they were looking into each other’s eyes. “Catherine I have never loved anyone as I love you I could never have turned you away after we were given this second chance.” Then he pulled Catherine back against his chest. “You are home my love and nothing or no one is ever going to come between our family again.” Catherine smiled happily. “Our family, I love how that sounds.” She whispered. Vincent kissed the top of her head. “Yes my angel, our family because you and Jacob are my family.” Then they fell into another silence as they continued to enjoy the party.

Later that night Catherine was once again holding Jacob. Jenny and Joe had left a couple of hours before but promised to come back soon for a longer visit. Vincent and Catherine looked up from their son when they both noticed someone moving toward them. They stood as Peter, Jessica, and Susan approached. “You are leaving are you?” Catherine asked. Peter nodded. “Yes honey we have to get home I have early rounds tomorrow.” He then reached out and gently took Jacob in his arms. “Now young man you listen to your grandpa Peter you better take good care of your mommy and your daddy they are both very special people.” He then handed the baby to Jessica so that she and Susan could say goodbye to him. Peter turned back toward Vincent and Catherine. “We will come back in a couple of days before Susan flies back to Santa Fe.” Catherine moved forward and embraced him. “Thank you so much for bringing me home again.” She whispered. Peter moved back and cupped her cheek. “Honey when you walked into that conference room yesterday I was determined that when we came back to New York that you would be with us.” He then looked at Vincent. “After all I knew that you had two men who desperately needed you with them.” Vincent nodded. “Peter and the others have given Jacob and myself the greatest gift tonight I can never repay that.” Peter shook his head. “Vincent I have known both you and Catherine all your lives just seeing you together again is enough payment.”

At that moment Jessica came toward them again. “Honey we really need to get going.” She stated. Peter nodded. Jessica handed him the baby then hugged both Vincent and Catherine. “We love you both and we will see you again very soon.” Vincent reached out and took Jacob back in his arms. “Good night.” Peter called as the three of them moved away. Catherine nodded. “Goodnight Peter we love you all.” Then she took Jacob back into her arms. “Shall we go sit down again?” She asked as she looked up at Vincent. He shook his head. “No I think we should let Mary take care of Jacob for tonight I want some time alone with his beautiful mother.” Catherine smiled brightly. “Oh I would love that too.” Then they moved forward in search of Mary.

They found Mary sitting with Father at his table. She rose when she saw them approaching. “Are the two of you enjoying the party?” Father asked. Vincent nodded. “Yes it has been wonderful but we were wondering if Mary would watch Jacob tonight I want a night alone with Catherine.” Mary smiled knowingly and glanced at Father. “I would love to watch him for you.” She remarked. She took him in her arms then sat back down. “Now you two run along.” She ordered lovingly. Vincent and Catherine nodded. “We will see you both tomorrow.” Catherine stated. With that Vincent put his arm around Catherine’s waist. “Shall we my love?” She nodded. “Of course Vincent.” She whispered. Then they turned and left the hall.

Once they were past the chamber of the winds and once again in the hub Catherine was surprised when Vincent suddenly scooped her up in his arms. She looked at him and giggled. “What are you doing Vincent?” He looked at her and smiled mischievously. “I am getting you away from everyone and it will be faster if I carry you.” He then began to run down the tunnel.

After a while they arrived at the chamber of the falls. Vincent carried her inside and put her down on her feet again. She smiled as she moved forward. “Oh Vincent I have missed being here so much.” Vincent took off his cloak and spread it on the ground. Then he moved over and put his arms around her from behind. “And I have missed having you here.” He then moved back. “Come my angel, let’s sit I want to hold you for a while.” Catherine turned and extended her hand. Vincent took it and led her to his cloak. He helped her down then sat against the chamber wall as she leaned back against his chest. “I love you so much Vincent.” Catherine whispered. Vincent tightened his arms around her. “And I love you my sweet Catherine.”

They fell into a few moments of silence before Vincent spoke again. “Catherine will you tell me the rest of what happened to you?” She leaned forward and turned slightly until she could see his face. “Of course I will my love.” She looked away for a moment and sighed. Then she looked at him again. “You asked me earlier why no one was contacted about my being alive?” Vincent nodded. “They told me that they had contacted Peter but the agent who was guarding me at the end of the trial told me the day before yesterday that the other agents had lied and that no one had been contacted.” Vincent shook his head. “But Catherine why would they lie about something like that?” She looked up at him again. “Vincent they knew that if I was aware that everyone I love believed that I was dead that I would refuse to testify and insist on being released so that I could come home.” Vincent shook his head. “You were held by that mad man and then by the government who were supposed to protect you.” He stated bitterly. Catherine cupped his cheek. “I know and I am very angry about that but the important thing is that now all those men are in prison or dead and we will never be touched by them again.” Vincent looked down at her and nodded. “Yes that is the most important thing.” He agreed. Catherine smiled then she laid her head against his chest as he held her.

They sat holding one another for the next few minutes. Finally Vincent spoke again. “Catherine will you stay here in the tunnels with me and our son?” Catherine lifted her head from where it lay against his chest. “Oh yes my love I am never leaving either you or Jacob again.” Vincent tightened his arms around her. “I am holding you to that promise my angel.” Catherine smiled slyly and wrapped her arms around his neck. “As long as you hold me Vincent I don’t care.” Looking into one another’s eyes was such bliss it had been one of the many things each had missed about the other Catherine, with her large gray green eyes and Vincent’s of china blue. Now they looked, drinking in their fill, hungry for the sight of one another and without hesitation both reached out to touch the other’s face with a warm and tantalizing caress, such that each had dreamed of for so long. “I love you Vincent.” Catherine whispered as he leaned his cheek into the palm of her hand. It felt so good to be touched by her, felt so good to hear her speak again. “As I love you dear, Catherine.”
Catherine shuffled until she was kneeled between his legs her intention plain. Old times rushed to the fore and she hesitated only a moment wondering if even now she should, even after knowing that they had loved already. “Vincent, will you please kiss me?” She asked him her voice wavering with desire and a little nervousness that he might refuse her.
A lump in his throat, Vincent knew he would never deny her this simple request ever again. How many times had he dreamed of this? How many times had he wished for just one more chance to be able to kiss her, to give her the most exquisite gift of all? He had lost count of the number of times. Well no more! Catherine was here, for real, flesh and blood and a heart that pounded with love for him. Lost by her eyes, those appealing beautiful gray green eyes, Vincent leaned forward and brushed his lips with hers and reveling in the touch and taste of her mouth his arms came up and around her pulling her closer as he molded his unique mouth to hers. “Mm” Catherine breathed dreamily, “I’ve waited too long for this.” She spoke against his mouth, the words tumbling inside and forcing a chuckle from him, a chuckle that was soon lost as he sought her lips again.
“Catherine, oh Catherine.” Overwhelmed by her kisses and a desire for something more, Vincent reluctantly left her lips to nibble at the soft lobe of her ear. Catherine squirmed at his ministrations, fighting down the impulse to let her hands run riot. She needed him, it had been too long and she needed him so much. “Oh Vincent, my love, my love…” He silenced her words with another passionate kiss.

When they parted the second time both were breathless. Catherine giggled and tightened her arms around Vincent’s neck. “You are an amazing kisser.” Vincent chuckled. “I am a good kisser because it is you that I am kissing.” Catherine once again lifted her head from his chest. “Make love to me Vincent.” He smiled and pulled her even closer to him. “Yes my angel I want you.” Then he kissed her once again. Catherine moaned softly as Vincent gently lay her down on his cloak. He broke the kiss and smiled at her. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.” Then he gently ran a clawed finger down her cheek. Catherine once again put her arms around his neck. “So are you.” Then they lost themselves in the passion that they had held inside for so long.

Later they lay together completely sated and happy. Catherine lifted her head from Vincent’s chest and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. “That was even more beautiful than the night we first made love.” Vincent turned onto his side and put his arms around her. “Yes my love it was.” Catherine’s eyes widened as his words registered in her mind. “You remember?” Vincent nodded. “Yes I remember everything, now.” Catherine suddenly felt the tears running down her cheeks. “Oh Vincent I am so happy I wanted you to remember how beautiful it was.” Vincent gently wiped her tears away. “It was beautiful Catherine and now I know that I could have never harmed you in any way.” Catherine smiled brightly. “I am so happy that you finally know that.” Vincent tightened his arms around her again. “Now my angel I want you again.” Catherine chuckled. “My aren’t we playful.” Vincent smiled at the teasing in her voice. “Yes my Catherine.” He whispered. Then they once again surrendered to their passion forgetting everything around them.

Early the next morning Catherine opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Vincent leaning up on his elbow watching her. “How long have you been awake?” She asked as she turned toward him. Vincent leaned over and gently kissed her. “Not long I just woke up and thought that last night was wonderful dream until I saw you lying in my arms.” Catherine snuggled up closer to him. “No my love last night was definitely not a dream.” Vincent smiled and nodded.

After a moment Catherine sat up. “Vincent we need to talk about something.” He could hear the seriousness in her voice. Sitting up he wrapped them both in his cloak. “You know we can talk about anything.” Catherine nodded. Then after a moment she spoke. “A woman came to Washington with Peter and the others who I believe you know.” Vincent knew automatically that she was referring to Diana. “Yes my love I know Diana.” Catherine looked up at him. “I know that she helped you find Jacob and that you became friends.” Vincent nodded. “Yes but Catherine I swear to you I never had the same feelings for her that she has toward me.” Then he pulled her against his chest. “I could never love another woman you are my heart and my soul.” Catherine wrapped her arms around Vincent waist tightly. “I know my love I was a bit taken back when Peter and Joe told me about her but they explained that you were not involved.” Vincent moved back slightly and looked down at her. “No Catherine I only thought of her as my friend and when I found out that her feelings went farther toward me I asked her not to come to the tunnels.” Catherine sighed. “I’m sorry my love I know that you value your friends.” Vincent put his hand under her chin and lifted her face until their eyes met. “Yes I do value my friends Catherine but not as much as I value my love for you and for our son.” They sat there talking about Diana for the next while holding one another close.

Meanwhile above Diana entered her loft apartment. She smiled as she threw her purse on the sofa. Then she carried her bags into the bedroom. After quickly unpacking she made herself a cup of coffee then decided to go onto the roof and look out over the city. She stood by the roof wall looking out over the city lights wishing that Vincent were with her sharing it. She wondered where he was at the moment. And she also wondered if Catherine was below. God please don’t let her be with him right now. She silently prayed. She drank the rest of her coffee then started feeling the effects of her trip home. Turning from the wall she walked back through the roof door back into her apartment. After putting away her coffee cup she walked toward the bedroom. She decided to get some rest then later she would go below and find out just what the situation was. She silently hoped that Vincent had been hurt and angered that Catherine had stayed away from him and their son for so long. And that when she went below he would be overjoyed to see her and finally admit that he loved her as much as she loved him.

Once she had changed into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt she walked over and turned down the covers on her bed. She smiled as she imagined lying under the covers with Vincent besides her loving her with all the passion that she felt for him. Slipping into the bed she sighed as she sank down onto the mattress quickly falling asleep with a smile on her face dreaming of Vincent and the future that she was sure would be hers.

Later that morning back in the tunnels Vincent and Catherine entered Mary’s chamber to the sound of Jacob happily babbling. Mary looked up from the baby and smiled. “I think he was waiting for you.” Vincent removed his arm from around Catherine’s waist then she moved over and took the baby into her arms. “Hello my baby boy how are you this beautiful morning?” Mary looked upon mother and son fondly. “Oh he is wonderful but that is nothing new he is always wonderful.” Vincent walked over and sat down beside Mary on the bed. “Aren’t you being just a bit biased?” Mary chuckled. “Yes but don’t you or Catherine tell anyone.” She warned. Both Vincent and Catherine smiled. “Don’t worry your secret is safe with us.” Catherine responded. With that Vincent stood and put his arm around Catherine’s waist. “We should be getting to breakfast.” Catherine nodded. “We will see you later Mary.” She told the older woman. Mary rose from the bed. “All right you three run along.” Then they turned and left the chamber.

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast with their tunnel family Vincent led Catherine and Jacob back to their chamber. Catherine entered the chamber and put Jacob in his cradle. Vincent moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “He is such a miracle Catherine.” She nodded. “Yes I knew he would be very special from the moment I found out that I was pregnant.” Vincent sighed. “I just wish that I had been stronger and that you could have told me about him.” Catherine turned in his arms. “Vincent don’t dwell on it what matters now is that we are all together.” Vincent smiled. “Yes my love that’s the most important thing.” Then he kissed her.

As they were kissing a message came over the pipes. Vincent broke the kiss and listened. Catherine saw the concern on his face. “What is it?” She asked. Vincent sighed and looked down at her again. “Diana is in the drainage tunnel waiting to see me.” Catherine moved back. “Vincent don’t worry I understand about her now you should go see what she wants.” Vincent smiled. “You are a very understanding woman my angel.” He kissed her once more then turned and quickly left the chamber.

When she was alone Catherine bent down and picked up Jacob. “Come on baby I am going to let your grandfather watch you then I am going to make sure your daddy is all right.” She then turned and left the chamber. She entered Father’s chamber and found him there with Mary. “Catherine we heard the message that Diana wanted to see Vincent.” Father remarked. Catherine nodded. “Yes he went to meet her at the drainage tunnel.” Mary shook her head. “I just hope she is not here to cause trouble.” Mary had never truly trusted Diana. She and most of the other women felt that she was trying too hard to replace Catherine.

Catherine moved down the steps into the chamber and handed the baby to Mary. “I am going to go to the drainage tunnel and make sure everything is all right.” Father shook his head. “Are you certain you should Diana might upset you.” Catherine nodded. “Yes I am certain I need to be with Vincent especially if things aren’t going well with them.” Then she left the chamber.

At the drainage tunnel Vincent opened the secret door. Diana smiled when she saw him. “Oh Vincent it has been so long.” Then she embraced him. Vincent sighed and stepped back. “Why are you here Diana?” She looked at him curiously. “Because I know you must be in a lot of pain after you sent Catherine away.” Vincent shook his head. “Diana I am fine I did not send Catherine away she is here at home with me and our son Jacob.” Diana smiled. “Oh what a beautiful name.” Vincent nodded. “Yes Catherine named him.” Diana frowned. “Vincent why are you letting this woman come back into your life when she intentionally stayed away from you for all that time?” Vincent moved away from her. “Diana it was not Catherine’s fault that she was away from us all that time she was in protective custody.” Diana shook her head. “Oh Vincent she convinced you of that.” Vincent stared at her a moment. “What are you talking about Diana?” She smiled lovingly. “Oh Sweetheart don’t be upset but Catherine was going to go into the witness protection program after the trial she told us that she wanted to start a new life.”

Vincent was about to respond when Catherine entered the drainage tunnel. “You and I both know that is not the truth Ms. Bennett.” Vincent turned to see Catherine stepping out of the tunnel. He moved over and embraced her. “Catherine you should have waited inside.” She moved back and shook her head. “No Vincent whatever you face I face with you.” Vincent smiled and nodded. “Yes my love we face things together.” Then they turned to Diana. “You should not have come here.” Diana shook her head. “Vincent you can’t let her lie to you this way she is only going to hurt you.” Catherine put her arm around Vincent’s waist. “I would never hurt him and he knows that.” Vincent looked at her and smiled. “And I know that Catherine loves me and our son.” He then looked at Diana again. “Now if you will excuse us we have to get back to Jacob please don’t come here again.”

Diana shook her head. “Vincent you can’t mean that.” Vincent nodded. “Yes Diana I do mean exactly that.” Then he and Catherine moved toward the tunnel entrance. “Goodbye Diana we will never forget what you did to help find our son.” Diana looked at Catherine angrily. “You are just going to hurt him!” Catherine turned toward her again. “No Diana I would never hurt him.” Diana looked at Vincent sternly. “You have to make a choice Vincent it is either me or Catherine!” He could not believe that she was giving him an ultimatum. “Diana you know that I will never love you like I love Catherine so that type of choice is not hard to make.” He looked at Catherine lovingly. “I choose Catherine because she is my heart and my soul.” Then he looked at Diana again. “I offered you my friendship but you wanted more than I was willing to give now you don’t even have my friendship.” He then pushed the secret lever.

When the secret door opened he looked at Catherine. “Come my angel let us go get our son I want to be alone with the two of you.” Diana stared at them as they entered the chamber. Then she watched as they disappeared down the tunnel arm in arm as the secret door closed. After the door had closed she shook her head. “This is not over Vincent you will love me!” She cried. Then she turned and angrily left the drainage tunnel.

Later that afternoon Vincent and Catherine were in their chamber with Jacob. Catherine was lying on their bed asleep as Jacob was sleeping on her chest. Vincent was sitting in his ornate desk chair. He took out his journal and uncapped his pen.

I sit here the happiest that I have ever been in my life. Catherine is alive and here with Jacob and me. She was being held in Washington by the FBI so that she could testify against her captors who believed her to be dead as did we. She came home just in time for our son's naming ceremony. I could not believe it when she walked into the chamber tonight. I first thought that I was hallucinating but then I saw the one remaining scar that she has from her attack the night I first found her. That is when I knew that she was my Catherine.

We have never been happier in our lives. Catherine is going to stay here with us forever. She told me that she is not interested in going back above. At one time I would have been upset by her revelation but with what we have been through at Gabriel’s hands these last few months I can only feel relief. Our bond has not returned as I hoped it would so if Catherine were to go back above I would not know if she were in trouble. I do have a bond with Jacob but that would not tell me if something were happening to his mother.

I thought that nothing could interfere with my happiness but today Diana came to the tunnels again. She actually gave me an ultimatum to choose between her and Catherine. I could not believe it. Catherine is the most important woman in my life. She is the love of my life. Diana could never compare to her. She could never mean as much to me as Catherine. Diana was a good friend and both Catherine and I will be forever grateful that she helped find Jacob. Now I have to move on with my life. Catherine and I have a second chance to live the dreams we have always dreamed. And I intend to see that all her dreams come true from now on.

As Vincent closed his journal and recapped his pen he heard the message on the pipes telling everyone that dinner was ready. He rose and walked over to the bed where he sat down. “Catherine it’s time to wake up.” She moaned slightly as he touched her face. She smiled when she opened her eyes. “Oh I must have fallen asleep not long after I laid down.” Vincent nodded. “Yes you must have been as tired as Jacob.” Catherine looked down and saw that the baby was still happily sleeping against her chest. Vincent then stood. “I was waking you to let you know that dinner is being announced.” Catherine nodded. “Can you help me get up?” Vincent chuckled and gently took Jacob out of her arms. Catherine stood and put on her shoes. Then the three of them left the chamber.

Later that night Catherine and Vincent lay in bed holding one another after making love. Olivia and Kanin had taken Jacob for the night. Catherine lay snuggled up beside Vincent with her head resting on his chest. “I have never been happier or more content in my life.” Vincent whispered. Catherine lifted her head and smiled. “Neither have I.” Then she frowned. “Vincent what are we going to do about Diana?” Vincent rose on his elbow and looked down at her. “Catherine she was my friend but I swear to you I never returned any of the feelings that she felt toward me. When I found out that her feelings ran so deep I told her that I thought it was best that she not come back to the tunnels for a while.” Catherine reached up and caressed his cheek. “I know Vincent you could never return feelings for someone that you did not have.” Vincent lay down besides her once again pulling her closer. “As I told her you are my life and my soul.” Catherine sighed happily as she snuggled in his arms. “And you are mine.” She whispered. Then they fell asleep holding one another tightly.

To be concluded in part five