A few days later Catherine was sitting in her and Vincent’s chamber reading when Zach came in. She looked up and smiled at the young man. “Hello Zach are you looking for me?” He handed her the note in his hand. “Yes one of the helpers just sent this down for you.” Catherine took it and nodded. “Thank you Zach.” Then he turned around and hurried out of the chamber to return to his chores.

Catherine looked over and checked on Jacob who was still sleeping. Then she opened the note. She was slightly surprised to see that it was from Diana. Catherine sighed and read it.

Catherine, I wanted to let you know that I have had some time to think and I was very wrong to give Vincent and ultimatum when I last saw you both. I realized after thinking about it that I was reacting rather irrationally. I am glad that you are back. And that Vincent is once again happy. I just hope that in time you can both forgive me. I was hoping that you could come above this afternoon to my loft so that we could talk about everything. I want to get some things off my chest but they are things that I would rather say to you in person. Please think about it Catherine. I hope that in time we can be friends.

Diana

Catherine folded the note again and sat there holding it for a few moments. She was not sure whether she should trust Diana but she also wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt if only for Vincent’s sake. Catherine knew how hard it was for Vincent to lose a friend. She had witnessed it when Mitch came back and she never wanted to see Vincent put through that sort of pain again.

Making up her mind Catherine rose and changed clothes. She would go and meet with Diana but first she wanted to go leave Jacob with Father and Mary and tell them where she was going. Picking up her son she turned and quickly left the chamber. A few moments later she entered Father’s chamber. He was having a cup of tea with Mary. They smiled when they heard Jacob’s happy babble. “How are the two of you today?” Mary asked. Catherine smiled. “We are fine.” Then Father noticed how she was dressed. “Are you going above?” She nodded. “Yes I received a message that Diana wants to meet.” Father shook his head. “Are you sure that is a wise idea?” Catherine sighed. “No but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt for Vincent’s sake.” Mary sighed. “Catherine if you do meet with her please be very careful there is something about her that I don’t trust.” Catherine nodded. “I will Mary I should be back in a couple of hours.” Then she turned and left the chamber heading above.

When Catherine reached Diana’s loft she buzzed the intercom. Diana came on and sent down the elevator so that Catherine could come up. A few moments later the elevator arrived and Catherine opened the door stepping into the apartment. She was about to turn around when she felt a gun in her back. “Don’t turn around Catherine.” Diana warned. Catherine shook her head and put her hands up. “Diana what are you doing?” The red headed woman laughed. “I am going to make sure that you die this time.” She then pushed the gun into Catherine harder. “Now move toward the roof!” Catherine moved slowly toward the door that led to the roof opening the door very slowly. Then both women stepped through the door onto the roof.
At that moment in the tunnels Vincent entered Father’s chamber. He smiled when he saw his son in Mary’s arms. He looked around but did not see Catherine. Mary then noticed him in the entrance of the chamber. “She had to go above.” The older woman remarked. Vincent moved down the steps and took his son in his arms instinctively. “Why did she go above?” He asked. Mary could hear the concern in his tone. “She received a message from Diana that asked her to go above to her apartment so that they could talk about what happened the other day.” Father stated.

Vincent suddenly got a very far off look on his face. Father noticed it and looked at him. “Are you all right Vincent?” After a moment Vincent came out of his trance like state. “Catherine is very frightened.” He stated as he gave Jacob back to Mary. “You felt her fear?” She asked smiling. Vincent nodded as he moved quickly to the chamber steps. “Yes I have to go to her something is very wrong.” Then without another word he ran from the chamber. Once he was gone Mary looked at Father. “I am so glad that he got the bond back if Catherine is in trouble.” Father nodded. “So am I Mary.” He then rose. “Come we will take Jacob to Vincent and Catherine’s chamber and wait for them to return.” With that they left the chamber.

On the roof of Diana’s building she was still holding Catherine at gunpoint. “Miss Chandler I did not want this to turn out this way but you should have never come back.” Diana told her. Catherine looked up at her from where she was sitting. “Diana how can you do this?” She asked. Diana laughed. “Don’t worry Catherine after you are gone I will be there to comfort Vincent.” Catherine shook her head. “He will never believe that I just jumped off this roof.” Diana thought a moment. “That could be true but since I am a police officer I am sure I can come up with a reasonable explanation.”

She was about to move toward Catherine when Vincent came over the rooftop. He looked at Catherine and put his finger to his lips to keep her from calling out to him. Then he moved up behind Diana and quickly grabbed her. “It’s over Diana.” He growled as he held her. Catherine quickly rose and moved toward her taking the gun. She pointed it at Diana and held it there until they heard footsteps running up the stairs. Catherine looked at Vincent. “You should go.” She whispered. Vincent shook his head. “No I had Pascal contact Joe before I left the tunnels.” At that moment the door burst open and Joe came out. He moved over and took the gun from Catherine. “You okay?” He asked her. She looked at Vincent then back at him. “Yeah I am now.”

A moment later they heard sirens below on the street. “Vincent you better go I called the police.” Joe stated. Vincent nodded then looked at Catherine. She moved over and embraced him briefly. “I have to go talk to the police about this I will be home as soon as possible.” Vincent nodded. “Jacob and I will be waiting please be careful.” Joe smiled. “Don’t worry I will make sure she gets back safely.” With that Vincent kissed Catherine then climbed over the rooftop as the cops ran up the stairs onto the roof to arrest Diana.

An hour later Catherine entered the tunnels. Joe had brought her to the park entrance then said his good-byes. Catherine moved through the tunnels very slowly she was extremely exhausted from the afternoon. She was about to tap out a message for Vincent to come to her when he rounded the corner. “Catherine are you all right?” He asked as he moved over and pulled her into his arms. “Yes love I am just very tired.” Vincent nodded then picked her up gently. “I am going to have Father examine you.” Catherine sighed. “That is not necessary I am fine.” She argued. Vincent shook his head. “Please don’t argue with me about this Catherine.” He pleaded. Catherine smiled as she settled comfortably into his arms. “All right if you will feel better.” Vincent then turned and walked back toward the hub with his precious love in his arms.

When they arrived at their chamber Father and Mary greeted Catherine. “Dear are you all right?” Mary asked. Catherine smiled as she lifted her head. “Yes Mary I am just very tired.” Father immediately noticed this. “You have been pretty tired lately.” He stated. Vincent nodded as he gently lay her down on the bed. “Will you examine her?” Father nodded. “Yes I will go get my bag then come back.” He then led Mary out of the chamber pulling the tapestry down as they went.

After they were gone Vincent removed his cloak and sat down on the bed beside her. “How did you know that I was in trouble?” Vincent gently stroked her cheek. “I felt your fear.” Catherine smiled brightly. “You felt it?” Vincent nodded. “I think our bond is being restored.” Catherine sat up and threw her arms around his neck. “I told you that it would.” She whispered. Vincent chuckled. “Yes my angel you did.” They were interrupted when Father and Mary entered the chamber again. “Vincent will you wait outside?” Father asked. Vincent nodded and rose. “I will be right back.” He whispered as he leaned over and gently kissed Catherine. She returned the kiss and nodded. “All right.” She answered. Then Vincent left the chamber.

A half an hour later Father looked out into the tunnel. “Vincent you can come back inside.” Vincent rose from where he was sitting and moved into the chamber. He moved over and sat down on the bed beside Catherine once again. “How is she?” He asked. Catherine took his hand. “We are fine my love.” Vincent looked at her for a moment confused. “We?” He asked. Catherine nodded. “Yes it would seem that we are going to welcome a new baby in a few months.” Vincent could not believe what he had just heard. He looked up at Father who nodded. “Yes Vincent you are going to be a father once again.” Vincent looked back down at Catherine and pulled her into his arms. “Oh my angel that is wonderful.” He whispered. Catherine wrapped her arms around his neck as they cried tears of happiness. Father and Mary watched for a few moments then moved toward the chamber entrance. Mary stopped just as she was leaving and looked at them again. “I will keep Jacob for you tonight if you like.” Catherine lifted her head from Vincent’s shoulder and nodded. “Thank you Mary we appreciate it.” Then they left the younger couple alone to celebrate their joyous news.

Later that night as they lay together in bed Vincent put his hand gently over her abdomen. Catherine felt his touch and smiled. “You are really excited about this aren’t you?” She asked. Vincent chuckled. “Am I that transparent?” Catherine giggled as she wrapped her arms around him. “Yes my love you are but I am just as excited as you are.” Vincent sighed and tightened his arms around her. “I just can’t believe that I am being given this second chance to see you pregnant with our child.” Catherine lifted her head from her pillow. “I am glad that we are being given this second chance.” Vincent nodded. “So am I.” Then he grew serious. “Do you know what is going to happen to Diana?” Catherine sighed. “I told the police that I would not press charges because she is apparently very disturbed and needs to get some help.” Vincent shook his head. “I can’t believe she is the same woman who helped me find Jacob.” Catherine lifted her head again. “That’s the point Vincent she isn’t the same woman she changed.” Vincent turned toward her. “I was terrified when I saw her with that gun.” Catherine nodded. “I know so was I.”

After a moment of silence Vincent let her go and rose from the bed. Catherine sat up and watched as he moved over and opened his bureau. “What are you looking for?” She asked. Vincent looked back at her for a moment. “I have something for you.” He stated simply. Then he returned to looking. When he found what he was searching for he closed the bureau again and moved back toward the bed. Catherine moved over as he climbed back under the covers beside her. He smiled as he handed her the black box. “What’s this?” She asked. Vincent shook his head. “Open it then I will explain.” Catherine slowly opened the box and gasped when she saw the beautiful diamond and ruby ring. She looked at it for a moment longer then looked at Vincent once again. He smiled and took the box out of her hand. “This was Margaret’s.” He stated as he took the ring out of the black velvet. Then he reached for her left hand. Catherine began to tear up as he slipped it on her ring finger. Vincent lifted her hand and gently kissed her finger where the ring was. He looked up at Catherine and smiled. “Catherine Chandler will you marry me?” He asked with all the love in his voice that he could manage.

When Catherine heard the words that she had only dreamed that he would ask she broke down and began to cry. She looked up at him after a moment then threw herself into his arms. “Oh yes!” She sobbed. Vincent tightened his arms around her and pulled her back until they were once again lying on the bed. Catherine settled into his arms and looked at the ring. “I love this ring.” She whispered. Vincent nodded. “Yes Father told me that he believed that Margaret wanted me to give it to you someday.” Catherine looked over at him. “You think she knew how we feel about one another?” Vincent tightened his arms around her and pulled her closer. “Yes my angel I know she did.” Then he leaned forward and kissed her. Catherine tightened her arms around his neck as they kissed and they were soon lost in their passion for one another. That night they would dream about the wonderful life that they would share as man and wife in the tunnels with their children.

EPILOGUE:

Vincent and Catherine were married a few weeks later in a wonderfully beautiful ceremony. Peter it was agreed being a friend of Catherine’s father acted as father of the bride. Vincent asked his brother to be his best man and Devin happily agreed.

After the wedding and a beautiful reception the happy couple went off for a wonderful honeymoon in their secret place beyond the falls. Vincent had at first thought about taking her to the nameless river but after talking to Father he decided that they could go there sometime after their second child was born. Catherine had insisted on a wedding before her pregnancy began to show. She told Vincent that she absolutely refused to waddle down the aisle like a duck. Vincent just chuckled and pulled her into his arms telling her that it would not have mattered because either way she would be beautiful to him.

A few months later in her sixth month of pregnancy Catherine awoke as her contractions started. Vincent had been called away for an emergency repair job in the lower tunnels a few days before. Father had assured him that they would contact him if she went into labor. Catherine rose from the bed and walked out to the nearest pipe to tap out a message for Father. Then she returned to her and Vincent’s chamber.

Five minutes later Father, Mary, and Olivia ran into the chamber. “Catherine dear how are you doing?” Mary asked breathlessly. Catherine looked up at her. “Not too bad right now.” Father moved over toward her. “We need to get you changed.” Catherine nodded then stood. At that moment her water broke. Father moved out into the tunnel as Mary and Olivia helped Catherine change her gown.

As Father was waiting Vincent suddenly ran up to him. “Father how is she?” He asked breathless. Father smiled and patted his cheek. “She is fine Mary and Olivia are helping her change.” At that moment Mary looked out of the tapestry. “You can come back in.” She commented. Vincent and Father moved toward the tapestry moving it aside as they entered the chamber. Vincent removed his cloak and let it fall to the chamber floor then made his way over to the bed where Catherine was lying. “My love are you all right?” He asked quietly as he sat down. Catherine opened her eyes and smiled. “Oh I am glad you are here.” She stated as she sat up and embraced him. Vincent held her for a moment then laid her back. “Yes I came as soon as I felt your pain.” A cry was suddenly heard from Jacob’s crib. Vincent rose and picked him up then brought him over to the bed for Catherine. “I think our first born wanted to see you for a moment.” Catherine gently stroked his cheek as another pain hit.

Vincent looked up and handed Jacob to Olivia. “I will take him to Lena then come back.” She then turned and left the chamber. Vincent held Catherine as the contraction passed. Father examined her and smiled. “Well I think you two are going to see this new baby very soon.” He looked at Vincent. “Why don’t you sit behind her so that you can help her when we need her to push?” Vincent nodded and rose. Mary helped Catherine sit up and moved the pillows aside allowing Vincent to slide in behind her. Catherine relaxed as she sank against his chest.

A few hours later everyone in the tunnels was happily greeted by the message that Vincent and Catherine had a new baby girl. In their chamber Vincent and Catherine were holding their daughter for the first time. “Oh Catherine she is beautiful.” Vincent whispered. Catherine looked up at him as her tears began to fall. “I never thought I would hear that from you.” Vincent tenderly kissed her tears away. “My angel since you came into my life I have learned many things.” Then he looked down at the sweet kitten face of their new daughter that was identical to her father. “And the most important thing that I have learned is that you make me feel beautiful therefore how could our baby girl not be beautiful?”

Father, Mary, and Olivia left them alone after finishing up. Catherine took the baby from her father and laid her at her breast. They watched tenderly as the little baby girl began to suckle hungrily at her mother’s breast. Vincent put his arms around both of them. “I never thought I could be this happy again after everything that we went through.” Catherine nodded. “Neither did I.” Then she looked up at Vincent. “I guess this just means that our destinies have always been one.” Vincent smiled. “Yes and our souls cannot be separated by anyone or anything.”

They were interrupted when Olivia entered carrying Jacob, “I think this little one wanted to meet his sister.” Vincent rose from the bed and took him. “Thank you Olivia.” She nodded then left them alone. Vincent sat back down on the bed with Jacob. “Son this is your sister.” He whispered. Jacob looked at the baby then looked up at Catherine. “Mama!” He cried happily. Catherine smiled as tears came to her eyes again. “Oh Vincent he talked!” Vincent smiled. “Yes my love we have received two great gifts today.” They spent the rest of the day alone with their two beloved children talking about what their future would hold. Naturally they would have their ups and downs, there would be certain restrictions for their daughter as there had been with her father, but Vincent and Catherine had fewer qualms about her growing up years than Father had had with Vincent. For one, their daughter had both parents and a father as a role model and an older brother to protect her just as Vincent had had with Devin. And they had an extended family made up of aunts and uncles, people that would give of their time and their love to shape the future of Catherine and Vincent’s children learning from past experiences which pitfalls to avoid so that these children and any to come would not suffer from being forced to live in tunnels as Vincent had done.
Even so, for all of that, Vincent had gained his reward through Catherine and the gift of her return and his children would be made to know that they too, could look to a future with promise. Promise of things to come, of people to come, people who would offer them love… unconditional love…that despite their differences… would be the greatest gift of all.