Chapter 13

Catherine was rushing around, trying to ready both Faith and Jacob for the celebration that would shortly be taking place. Though it had only been a week since she'd found her way back to Vincent, it seemed like she'd lived a lifetime of happiness. Their days were spent caring for Jacob and Faith and their nights were spent in the warmth of each others' arms. They were truly a family. Her life was complete. As she looked over at her beloved, her head swam with the love she felt for him. He felt her emotions through their bond and came to embrace her. Still, she could tell that something was bothering him.

"Tell me." She asked him gently as she touched his cheek.

He shook his head. "It's nothing really. A page is missing from my journal, that's all. I was writing in it earlier about how happy I am, but now the page seems to have disappeared."

"Well, it must be here somewhere. Maybe it fell out somehow." She remarked as she crossed over to the table and lifted the book. As she did, a folded paper fell out, but it wasn't the missing page. Instead, it was a note addressed "Vincent and Catherine".

Mystified, she handed it to Vincent.

His brows furrowed as he recognized the handwriting. "This is Devin's handwriting."

Cautiously, he opened the missive.

Vincent,

I hope with every fiber of my being that you are indeed reading this. When Narcissa came to us with her strange tale of how Catherine and Faith had been sent to another place where you and Father still lived, I thought she'd truly gone mad. Then she showed me a page of a journal in your handwriting and I had to believe. I wept when I read of the joy you have brought each other and knew it was indeed a miracle. Though we will all miss you and Faith both, Catherine, this news has helped to heal our community in a way nothing else could. Take care of them, little brother. I wish you both a long and happy life.

Devin

Catherine wiped away tears as Vincent finished reading the message aloud. 'Are you all right, Catherine?" He asked anxiously.

"Yes, I think I am. I'm glad they know what's happened. I always felt a little guilty because I think my Devin and some of the others only stayed for Faith's sake and mine. Maybe knowing we're happy and well will give them some peace." She sighed.

"Perhaps it's selfish of me, but I'm glad you decided to come here. Without you and Faith, Jacob and I could never be complete." Vincent pulled her close for a tender kiss.

Tired of being ignored by his parents, Jacob let out a loud yowl. His sister, though much smaller than her sibling, soon added a loud screech of her own to the mix. In seconds, the chamber was echoing with the happy cacophony of two very loud infants demanding attention.

Catherine laughed. "I think it's time we get these two to the dining hall before they have Father in here wondering what's amiss." As if on cue, the tunnel patriarch appeared in the doorway to their shared bathing chamber.

"Is everything all right? I heard thought I heard Faith and Jacob." Father observed. At the sight of their grandfather, the two infants instantly began to babble in delight. He couldn't resist dropping a kiss onto each of their little heads. "Isn't it about time for all of us to get to the celebration? You know how upset William gets if he has to delay dinner." He turned to address his grandchildren. "Don't worry, you two. You'll be getting plenty of attention soon enough. Vincent, we really should hurry. Our family is waiting."

Vincent grinned widely as he smiled softly down at the woman who was his life.

"I couldn't agree more, Father."

Much later, Vincent sat at his table looking down at his journal with its missing page. Catherine was asleep in their bed only a few feet away. The 'twins' as they were now dubbed by the tunnel folk were nearby as well, worn out from the endless affection and attention that had been lavished on them that evening. Jacob had been a veritable "live wire" more happy and animated than Vincent ever remembered him being. The effect of his mother and sister's influence was quite visible. Not to be outdone, Faith had been a little dynamo herself, captivating everyone she met. With a gentle smile, he closed the book and joined his beloved in bed.

From the doorway, Father took in the picture that they all made and he closed his eyes, sending up a prayer of thanks for granting such blessings in his life and granting him the family he'd never thought to have. From somewhere behind him, a very soft but familiar voice spoke from the shadows. It was Narcissa.

"You see, Father. It's as I told you. Sometimes all that is needed is a little faith and anything is possible." Father turned to speak to the old seer, but to his surprise he was alone in the tunnel. With a quiet chuckle, he silently conceded that there were indeed more things in heaven and earth that he'd ever dreamt of. something he was now grateful for. On that pleasant thought, he turned and headed to his chamber for a well deserved rest.