J.T proved he hadn't lost his touch and produced the necessary paperwork for Vincent and Catherine to apply for a marriage certificate, as well as register Williams' birth. A date was set and the days leading up were spent on fittings for wedding clothes and last minute arrangements.

The house was a hive of activity, the ceremonies both taking place in their own back yard, the weather cooperating and producing dry sunny days, the forecast favourable for the weekend. Tess was taking on the task of creating a suitable setting, with J.T's help, while the others planned the catering for their small event. There was a very competent baker in downtown Glens falls, and they were putting together a creation to mark both occasions, Vincent having sole charge of that task while Catherine arranged the wedding breakfast. If it all seemed excessive for a party of four adults and a not-quite-one year old, and plus the celebrant and his assistant, no one was prepared to make a comment.

Catherine opened the closet and stared at the black dress bag hanging up, hiding its contents. Tess had spotted the boutique in a side street, the two women with William in a pushchair walked the short distance and peered at the window display.

"I could see you in that," Tess observed, pointing to the dress taking Catherine's attention.

"It is lovely. Do I dare?"

"At least try it on." Tess pushed. "Let me take William around the block while you go in and see what it looks like."

Catherine bit her lip and turned sparkling eyes on her friend. "Okay, I'll do it. See you back here in a bit."

Now that dress was waiting for her to wear it, along with the shoes and the pieces of costume jewellery tucked away at the bottom of her underwear drawer. Looking over her shoulder she checked no one was coming before lowering the zip to reveal the dress inside, her fingers stroking over the delicate lace and silky fabric. Pulling the zip up she closed the dress bag and smiled to herself. One more day and she'd be wearing it.

"You nervous, J.T?" Tess asked, watching as he frowned in concentration over the lap top. He looked up and squinted myopically at Tess for a moment before returning to his keyboard.

"Why would I be?"

"Oh, I don't know. Being the best man and all, handling the stag night, doing the speeches..."

J.T looked up again. "Firstly, being the best man is hardly a stretch. I stand beside Vincent, hand him the ring and it's done. Secondly, what stag night? And thirdly, what speeches? It's not like there's going to be anyone there except us."

Tess rolled her eyes. "Firstly have you got the rings safe somewhere? Secondly, of course you have to take the big guy out on the town, even if just to see a movie or something. Thirdly, there will be others there, and you will be required to make a speech."

J.T gave up on what he was doing and swiveled in his dining chair to better face Tess on the couch.

"Firstly, Vincent doesn't drink, so no bar hopping," he counted off his fingers. "Secondly, yes, I have the rings safe, thank you for asking, and thirdly..." he paused and scowled, having lost the thread of his reply.

"The speeches?" Tess prompted.

"Yes, the speeches. I'm a college professor, I can do a speech easy. Anything else?"

Tess flung up a hand dismissively and turned her back on him. "Nope. You've got it covered."

J.T pulled a face at the back of Tess's head before turning back to his lap top. Without letting on, he googled wedding speeches and started to copy-paste a few ideas into an open document.

Vincent sat on the steps of the back porch and stared out at the trees forming the backdrop to the house. Most were starting to turn colour, some to yellow others to shades of red and orange. Sun poured into the expanse of grass that stretched between the house and the treeline, highlighting the swags of shimmering material suspended from a metal arch that would serve as the wedding bower where he and Catherine would exchange their vows. Flowers were due on the day to add the finishing touch, as well as the requisite bouquets for the women and button-hole sprays for the men. He glanced up at the sky and wondered if anyone was bothering to check up on him and Catherine any more. He had a sneaking suspicion that Evan might check in occasionally, at least until he found someone else to give his heart to. One of the first things J.T did after he arrived was to search the house and grounds for any indication of cameras or listening devices, the sweep coming up clean despite his friend doing it twice, just to be sure. Vincent hadn't told him that he'd already done the job, removing several devices and taking to them with a hammer for good measure.

Footsteps on the wooden decking announced the arrival of Catherine, who sat down on the step beside him and lay her head on his shoulder. She let out a small sigh.

"J.T and Tess are sniping at each other again."

Vincent smiled. "What about this time?"

"Wedding stuff. Was I wrong to hope that you best friend and my best friend might just get along?"

Vincent chuckled. "They are getting along, in their own way. Tess needs someone to tease, and J.T needs someone to talk back to. It's what they both do best."

Catherine lifted her head and looked at his profile. "When did you get so all knowing?"

"Since having to listen to those two bicker like teenagers for the last couple of weeks. I feel like we inherited two stepchildren when they moved in."

It was Catherine's turn to giggle. "You're so right. We'll miss them when they go."

"I wouldn't be all that sure they will." Vincent retorted. Catherine gave him a shove.

"What do you know that I don't?"

"J.T hasn't anywhere else to go at the moment. No job, nowhere to live. He's been talking about looking for work in Glens Falls or nearby. I caught him looking up the State University of New York in Queensbury for positions, which is only a couple of miles from here."

"It would be lovely if Tess could find something nearby. She'll probably be dying to get back to New York."

"Are you?" Vincent asked.

"Am I what?"

"Dying to go back to New York?"

Catherine shook her head. "Not a bit. I'm sure we'll visit from time to time to catch a show, or just whatever, but I want somewhere less violent for our son to grow up in."

"Hmmmm." Vincent agreed, lacing his fingers with hers.

They sat together, quietly, peacefully, listening to the birds and the breeze in the trees, enjoying the sunshine, a moment out of time before the excitement of the next few hours crowded in on them.

Later that afternoon J.T put forward his proposal to take Vincent out for the evening, to sample the night-life of Glens Falls, while the others enjoyed a pre-wedding girls-only night. Tess had hired a karaoke machine and disco lights, while J.T had scoped out a couple of places for him and Vincent to visit.

Catherine and Vincent waved goodbye to each other before their respective best friends dragged them into the house and SUV, depending on who they were.

Tess broke open a bottle of wine immediately and poured her friend a liberal glassful. Catherine had tried to think of everything, and had a couple of bottle of expressed milk prepared for William in case the night got messy, which she hoped it would to some degree. She sat and drank while Tess set up the lights and karaoke equipment, helping when Tess started to push the furniture back to clear a space for dancing.

Vincent slanted a glance at his friend.

"You want to fill me in on what you have planned for tonight?"

J.T shook his head.

"You know I don't drink."

"I know."

They traveled in silence for a while, Vincent staring out the window, noting they were going south, heading for Saratoga Springs.

"We going to the racecourse?" Vincent asked at length as they pulled into the outskirts of the city.

"Nope."

J.T drove in to the center of Saratoga Spring and pulled into a car-park. The billboard outside the club advertised a Rolling Stones tribute group playing that night.

"The Stones?" Vincent queried as they got out of the SUV.

"The Stones!" J.T confirmed, spreading his hands wide. "Not the real Rolling Stones, but the best I could do on short notice."

"Nice, J.T." Vincent grinned, slapping his best man on the shoulder before shrugging into his jacket.

The place was already jumping with a warm up band when they entered, the two men making their way through the throng to the crowded bar. J.T ordered a drink for himself and one for Vincent, handing over something for Vincent to nurse in a red plastic cup bearing the club logo. They fought their way to a vantage point and watched the throbbing crowd of bodies bopping to the music. Strobes and coloured spot lights swept over the heads and waving arms making patterns on the ceiling and walls, flashing in time with the music.

"They're good!" J.T yelled at Vincent, chugging his drink and indicating he was going for another. Vincent waved him away grinning when J.T found himself involved in a dance between two women as he fought his way through the happy crowd.

"Hey handsome, wanna dance with me?" Vincent looked down into the laughing face of a leggy blond, heavily made up, her eyes sparkling in the uncertain light.

"Sorry, not dancing tonight. Just here to enjoy the music." Vincent had to put his mouth close to her ear to make himself heard, the girl taking advantage and looping her arms about his neck. He pulled himself free, still smiling. At the same instant a heavily sweating young man elbowed his way through the crowd.

"What the fuck are you playing at, Carrie?" The young man yelled, grabbing the young woman's arm and pulling her off Vincent.

"Let go, Dean, you don't own me." Pulling her arm away, she stumbled against Vincent, who put a hand out to steady her. The young man bared his teeth in a jealous fury, and Vincent let a sliver of the beast free of its chains, his eyes glowing briefly gold as he bared his own teeth at the young man and growled. The young man checked, stared at Vincent for a moment then took a step back, blinking owlishly.

"No offense, man."

"None taken," Vincent replied. Pushing the young woman towards him. Vincent watched the couple disappear into the mêlée on the dance floor, the young man casting a glance back at Vincent before towing his partner out of sight.

"Idiot." Vincent muttered under his breath, glad to see J.T appear out of the seething mass of bodies, two red cups clutched in his hands. The local band was finishing its set, the crowd howling its approval and applauding loudly. While they waited for the main event, Vincent and J.T moved from their spot against the wall, circling the edge of the restless crowd for a clearer view of the stage. A spotlight shone on the central microphone and the club manager appeared, waving for the audience to settle down so he could speak. He announced the headline act and the audience went wild.

For the next two hours the tribute band belted out hit after hit of the Rolling Stones to an appreciative crowd who mostly sang along to the lyrics, and screamed for an encore when the gig ended. Vincent and J.T whistled and applauded along with the rest, having enjoyed the show, J.T swaying from the number of beers he'd imbibed.

"Fuckin' brilliant." J.T slurred, waving an empty cup at the stage. "Absloloot...asboloot...fuckin' classics, every one."

Vincent hooked a hand under J.T's armpits and hauled him upright. "Come on, you've had enough. Let's go home."

J.T waved a hand wildly about. "No...No...early yet...ish your stag do..."

"And you are so going to regret those beers in the morning." Vincent grinned and continued out of the night club and across to the car park, digging the keys out of J.T's jacket pocket. He bundled his friend into the passenger seat, belting him in before getting in the driver's side.

"If you're going to chuck let me know, I'll stop the car."

Catherine waggled her toes, purple foam spreaders keeping them apart so she couldn't smudge the nail varnish. She screwed her nose up at the colour, slanting a look over at Tess.

"I don't know. This colour is a little...out there."

"Neon is the new brown. You know what they say..."

"No. Enlighten me."

"Something old, something new, something borrowed..." Tess chanted.

"And something blue, that glows in the dark." Catherine finished. "Not sure this is what they had in mind."

"So we have blue covered. What about the others?" Tess paddled her own feet with their accompanying toe spreaders, her nails painted a bright, flourescent pink.

"Well, something old is my Claddagh ring. It was a twenty-first present from Dad. Something new is my dress, but I still have to sort out something borrowed."

Tess flapped her hand. "Got that sorted. My diamond earings. I know you like them, I've seen you giving them the look."

Catherine pulled a shocked face. "I have not given them a second glance...but I won't say no."

"Knew you wouldn't. 'Nother drinky?" Tess waved a mostly empty bottled back and forth.

"Not for me, I reached my limit hours ago."

"Party pooper." Tess grumbled, emptying the dregs into her own glass and letting the empty bottle drop to the floor. Catherine shook her head at her friend and leant down to check her toes before carefully peeling the toe spreaders away. She heard a sound outside and lifted her head.

"Boys are home." Padding barefoot across the floor she opened the front door to the sound of retching from the driveway. Vincent appeared on the front porch and gave her a crooked grin.

"J.T got a little carried away. He'll be in...shortly." He leant forward to kiss her and glanced downward, his eyebrows rising. "Blue nail polish?"

Catherine grinned, finishing his interrupted movement and leaning up on tip-toe to give him a kiss.

"Something blue, remember?"

"Huh. Works for me."

Horrible sounds were still coming from the driveway, Catherine wincing in sympathy.

"Poor J.T. He's so going to regret that tomorrow. Where did you end up? Strip club? Casino?" she teased.

"Rolling stones tribute band in Saratoga Springs."

"I'm jealous. Were they any good?"

"Actually pretty good..." another bout of gut-wrenching noises interrupted them, Vincent glancing over his shoulder at his best-man. "Um...I'd better go and clean up J.T. Before I get him into his bed."

"Okay..."Catherine glanced over at her bridesmaid, Tess attempting to reach the stair on all fours, a collar of brightly coloured paper streamers wrapped around her neck and head. Vincent leant to the side to peer at Tess's backside weaving from side to side.

"Yeah. Looks like you'll have your hands full as well. I'll see you later." Vincent leant down and they had another quick kiss before they parted to take care of their respective friends.

Catherine got Tess into the bed in the spare room, not bothering with getting her into her night-clothes, but took off her jeans and covered her with the blankets. Tess grumbled and tried to throw them off.

"Not tired," she slurred, her eyes already shut. Catherine bent down and kissed her best friend on the cheek.

"Sleep it off. Tomorrow is the big day and I need my best friend."

"m'kay," Tess mumbled, waving a languid hand in Catherine's general direction.

Shaking her head, Catherine left the room, switching off the light and shutting the door.

Vincent easily picked up J.T and lay him on the bed inside the camper. After removing his friends glasses and covering him with an Indian blanket, Vincent waited until he heard J.T give a trademark deep snore before closing the sliding door to the camper and leaving him to sleep it off.

"Thank's for the great night, J.T." Patting the side of the van he climbed the steps to the porch and opened the front door. He paused and looked back, hearing the faint chainsaw rasp issuing from the camper and smiled, before turning back to enter the house, closing the door behind him.

Catherine was sitting cross-legged on their bed feeding William. Despite their best efforts William had proved to be a three hourly baby, his daytime naps and feeds still regular despite them starting to add a few solids to his menu. Catherine had been lucky and had few complications with breast feeding after surviving the first month, and by taking regular naps and taking turns with the changing, bathing, playing routine they had both survived the inevitable sleep deprivation suffered by all new parents.

"Won't be long, he's half way back to sleep already." Catherine reported. "J.T okay?"

"Sleeping like a bear. I'd say a baby, but babies don't make the noise that J.T is making right now."

"That bad?"

"Worse."

Catherine watched as Vincent got ready for bed, never tiring of seeing him strip down to skin then pull on some loose pants and an old sleeveless tee for bed, largely in deference to their current house guests. Catherine wore a brushed cotton plaid shirt that on her nearly reached her knees, her hair tied up in a loose knot while she took care of William. He was now fast asleep, his darling mouth pursed in a baby moue, eyes tight shut, as Catherine positioned him on her shoulder and rubbed his back slowly.

"Want me to put him to bed?" Vincent offered.

"Sure, just make sure he brings something up or he'll be roaring loud enough to wake J.T in twenty minutes."

"No problem. Come to daddy, little man." Vincent handled the transition smoothly and started a slow, swaying walk towards the nursery next door to their room, Catherine watched his progress with a fond smile on her face before turning back to the bed and climbing under the covers.

Vincent's return woke her up from a light doze.

"Hey."

"Hey," Vincent replied, leaning over her and pressing a light kiss to her cheek. "You asleep?"

"I was thinking about it."

"You all set for tomorrow?"

Catherine sighed. "I am. I'm not sure about the others, but we agreed to leave things in their hands, so I'm not going to worry about it and just concentrate on us."

"Good plan. Have I told you today that I love you?"

Catherine smiled despite her eyes being tightly closed. "I never tire of you telling me, whatever the time of day."

"That's okay then, because I plan to tell you at least once a day for the rest of our lives."

Catherine opened her eyes and looked up at him, the gaze slumberous but glowing with love. "I think I can live with that."

His lips met hers in a sweet kiss. Vincent drew back before it could become more. Catherine let out a mew of disappointment.

"Why did you stop?"

"Because if I don't, we're not going to get any sleep and you have to be all dewy soft and rested for our wedding photo's tomorrow."

Catherine's eyes opened wide. "Dewy soft? Where the hell did you hear that?"

Vincent grinned. "The photographer called to remind us to get our beauty sleep for the big day."

"He did?" she looped her arms about his neck to pull him closer, their lips almost touching. "Then he's going to have to settle for the look of a woman well satisfied instead."

"No dewy soft?" Vincent teased, nuzzling her cheek.

"I prefer hard and velvety," Catherine purred, burrowing under the waistband of his pants to wrap her hand around him. Vincent drew in a sudden breath, his eyes taking on a fiery glow.

"Huh. A girl who knows what she wants." Growling he swooped down and covered her mouth with his own, the room quickly filling with the sounds of sighs and moans and the rustle of discarded clothes hitting the floor.

As forecasted the day dawned fine and dry, Catherine holding William and standing looking out of the master bedroom bay window to watch the people coming and going below. Occasionally she would see J.T or Tess directing traffic or talking to the people, a surprising number of which appeared not to be leaving, the driveway filling up with cars and small vans. One of them was a nanny to take care of William during the actual wedding ceremony to free up the happy couple. Catherine had already expressed milk so that William would be taken care of. A knock at the door announced the woman's arrival and Catherine turned to greet her.

"Hello, you must be Sam?"

The woman smiled and walked forward. "Samantha Carter, and this is William?" She reached out for the baby, who regarded her with a cautious smile. "Hello, William?"

Catherine handed him over with some trepidation, but he was quickly smiling and chortling at the new face, much to Catherine's relief.

"His room is just next door, everything's set up for you and there's some bottles if he gets hungry in the fridge downstairs."

"We'll go and get acquainted then. He's a bonny boy, Ms. Chandler."

"Catherine, please. Any problems just come and find Vincent or myself, okay?"

"Don't you worry, we'll be just fine, won't we, William?" Giving Catherine a reassuring smile, Sam walked slowly out of the room, pulling the door shut behind her.

Starting to feel nervous, Catherine went back to her vigil at the window. A van had drawn up and was disgorging a shops worth of flowers, the florist and her assistant hidden by the quantity of blooms ordered.

The door to the bedroom burst open and Tess appeared. "Hair dresser's here." she announced breathlessly.

"Everything going okay?" Catherine asked. "Downstairs, I mean. Anything you need me to do?"

Tess shook her head. "You just have to turn up on time looking gorgeous. Every thing is going fine."

"Okay, if you're sure?"

At that moment several people pushed past Tess to enter the room.

"Is this the bride?" the man leading the small army asked, glancing around the room before fixing his kohl lined eyes on Catherine.

"I'm...er.. Catherine."

Tess grinned and waved at her. "I'll leave you all to it." and quickly shut the door behind her.

Catherine faced the slim man currently giving her the once over. Before she could open her mouth he flicked up a finger to forestall her.

"Show me the dress. I can do nothing until I see the dress."

Catherine went to the wardrobe and lifted out the dress bag, slowly lowering the zip to reveal the creation inside. Almost at once it was whipped out of her hands and fluttered around the room to come to rest hanging from the curtain rail while the hairdresser and his two attendants surveyed the dress. One of the attendants had a notebook open and took down any comments made by his boss. At length, after a sotto-voce discussion the book was shut and all three turned to face Catherine.

"You have showered already?" he asked. Catherine nodded. "Good, then we can begin. I am Cyrano, and these are my two assistants, Bella and Guy. We are going to perform magic, so sit back and leave us to do everything."

Vincent sat on the back porch and watched the controlled chaos around him resolve itself into a beautiful dressed, fairytale setting for a wedding. Flowers had transformed the swags of material and a small stage had been set up for a trio of musicians who even now were playing some warm up pieces. He had met the caterer and seen the cakes to mark the occasion, and also seen the quantity of food that was being laid on for what was going to be a very small wedding breakfast. He felt decidedly out of place, a fifth wheel while J.T and Tess buzzed about and organised everything. He knew that Catherine was being attended by a local hair and make-up artist, while he was told to just sit and relax before it was time to climb into his tux. The florist and her assistant was dressing the house, while the photographer and his assistant, carrying a large, round light reflector roamed about taking carefully staged snapshots of the goings-on. In a few minutes the celebrant would arrive and he would need to go get changed and ready for his wedding. After the marriage ceremony they would have Williams naming service, then it would be time for the photographs before they sat down to eat. A tray appeared before his eyes and a waiter presented him with several tall champagne flutes.

"Drink, sir?"

Vincent smiled grimly. "I don't drink."

"Oh, these aren't alcoholic, sir. Try one."

Vincent lifted one of the chilled glasses off the silver tray and took a sip. It looked like champagne, had bubbles like champagne, but tasted of crisp, light, exotic fruit. "That's delicious! Thank you."

"You're welcome." The waiter, barely more than a teenager, smiled at Vincent then walked off, offering a drink to the florist and her assistant, who also exclaimed in delight when they tasted the nectar.

A hand landed heavily on his shoulder and he flinched, then looked up.

"Time to get ready, big guy. The celebrant has just arrived and will want to talk to you."

"Thanks, J.T. I'll go and get ready now." Vincent rose to his feet, only now noticing the J.T was already dressed in his tux and looking very smart for someone who that morning had looked like something the cat dragged in. "You look good in a tux."

"I do. Now get a move on, or you'll miss your own wedding. You sure don't want to leave Catherine waiting for you." J.T tapped his watch and tried to look fierce. Vincent laughed and moved off, depositing his glass on a side table, where it was quickly snatched up and whisked away to the kitchen by an attentive waiter.

Catherine smoothed nervous hands down the front of her dress and stared at her reflection in the full length mirror provided by Cyrano.
"Perfect," he breathed, his hands clasped together and resting against his mouth. Both his assistants stood to one side, faces wreathed in smiles at their joint success. Not that the source material had needed much embellishment, but with light touches and an expert eye Catherine was every girls dreams of a bride, from the top of her glossy, up-swept hair crowned with a glittering decoration, to the peep of blue nail polish through the open toes of her satin courts. She turned and sunlight caught the sparkle of crystals scattered across the spread of her ivory skirts, the pleated bodice embellished with more glittering beading. A flutter of delicate silk ribbons hung from the center line of the empire-line bodice, held by a diamond brooch, to trail in a fluted whisper down almost to the floor, even the faintest breeze sending them lifting and moving. A similar cluster created a lighter than air train at the back, kissing the ground and trailing behind. Attached to the glittering hair piece was a gossamer veil the fanned out and reached the top of her bodice at the back, the edge a delight of ivory embroidery with random diamonds spangling the net.

One of the attendants stepped forward and handed her a bouquet of flowers, the white roses carrying a faint blush of pink. Catherine held them up to her nose and inhaled their fresh scent.

The door to the bedroom opened and Tess appeared, dressed in a slinky, midnight blue floor length dress that hugged her slender curves, the hem and bodice encrusted with crystal beading. Flowers decorated her hair and long chandelier earings swung from her lobes and highlighted her long neck.

"You look fabulous!" said Catherine.

"You look beautiful" said Tess at the same time. She handed Catherine a small jewel box containing the promised diamond earings.

"You both look ready for a wedding!" Cyrano clapped his hands together, his attendants fussing for the last time around Catherine before standing back.

Catherine turned to Cyrano. "Thank you. You'll stay and see the ceremony?"

Cyrano turned to his two attendants who looked hopeful. "Alright, you twisted my arm." He shooed his smiling assistants out of the room. Catherine drew in a deep breath, feeling nerves starting to take hold.

"Ready?" Tess asked, her eyes moist.

"Don't you start, I don't want to ruin my makeup."

Together they left the bedroom, making their way down the stairs, the strains of music reaching them from the back yard. Catherine paused to collect herself and see the decorated rooms awash with more flowers and platters of food on tables groaning under the weight, the cake taking centre stage.

While she looked her fill, Tess went on ahead and to the opened French doors leading to the back deck. There seemed to be plenty of people outside which surprised her, but her attention was taken by the photographer's camera clicking repeatedly as he captured her last few moments of single life.

Ignoring him, she started to walk, her bouquet clutched in her shaking hands, fighting back her nerves and incipient tears as she approached the doorway.

"Catherine?" A deep voice halted her progress, her eyes opening wide as a man stepped forward.

"Dad?"

Thomas Chandler smiled broadly and held out his hand. "I couldn't let my lovely girl walk down the aisle without me, could I?" Crooking his elbow he waited for her slowly place her hand on the arm of his tuxedo, her fingers smoothing over the fabric.

"How?" Catherine asked, unable to tear her eyes aware from his face, as if expecting him to disappear if she blinked.

"You have some powerful friends, Catherine. Let's just say they made me an offer I couldn't refuse." He gave her a raised eyebrow, his eyes twinkling. "And what father wants to miss his daughter's wedding?"

As if only now brought back to the present, Catherine shot a quick look out beyond the French doors, the musicians still producing a steady stream of soothing music while they waited for a signal of the brides approach.

Thomas bent his head and kissed his daughters cheek. "You look beautiful. Your mother would have been so proud."

Catherine fought hard not to burst in to tears, her heart so full it raced in her chest, wanting to break free. A wail from her son held securely in the arms of the nanny recalled her to the people waiting for her to appear, especially the tall man with dark hair and broad shoulders standing near the celebrant.

"Shall we?" Thomas asked and Catherine nodded, her smile tremulous.

Together they stepped out into the sunshine, the swell of music rising to greet them.

Vincent shifted restlessly, the celebrant giving him a sympathetic glance as they waited for Catherine to appear. He heard J.T suck in a sudden breath and turned to look back at the house. A vision was floating towards him, her hand tucked into the crook of a man's elbow, but he hardly registered who it was, his eyes fixed on the woman walking towards him.

"My, God she's beautiful," he breathed, his heart kicking up a beat as he turned fully, his eyes never leaving hers. Everything around him disappeared until there was only her, the man walking with her taking the hand on his arm and giving it into Vincent's. As soon as their fingers touched, reality rocked back in to place and the musician ended their last chord, the note lingering as Catherine laced her fingers with his and stood at his side, handing her bouquet to Tess.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from looking at her, Catherine similarly afflicted, the pair of them so absorbed that the celebrant had to discretely cough twice to gain their attention.

"Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of these two people, Catherine and Vincent, in matrimony, in celebration of their deep and abiding love for each other, and as a commitment to each other for the rest of their days."

Vincent dutifully answered the questions and listened to the words, but his mind was full of the rapid beat of Catherine's heart, the pulse of her blood and the intoxicating scent of her filling his senses. J.T had to nudge him when it came time to exchange the rings, both of them having to let go of the other to slid on the platinum and diamond matching wedding bands. At last he heard the magic words that sealed their bond.

"You may kiss your bride!" the celebrant announced.

Hearing him give a low growl that reverberated down her spine, Catherine lifted her face and welcomed Vincent's kiss, her arms lifting to encircle his neck while he plundered her mouth, sealing his mark on her as clearly as a brand, her response no less passionate, her body melting against his in a close embrace that left no space between them.

Applause and whoops finally broke them apart to the realisation that they were not alone and a shower of rice and petals forced them to remember they still had more to do. After a brief lull where they signed the necessary paperwork, with Tess and J.T as witnesses, the celebrant announced their new status to all and sundry.

"Ladies and gentleman may I present to you our newlyweds – Mr. and Mrs Keller.!"

The musicians played their instruments with a will, everyone wanting to congratulate the happy, if flushed, couple, J.T thumping Vincent on the back while Tess hugged Catherine, before throwing herself at Vincent and kissing him soundly.

"Congratulations, Big guy!" Tess laughed, letting him go before repeating the gesture on J.T, much to his surprise, the pair of them taking a little longer to part, something that took them both aback.

Vincent finally noticed that Catherine's stepfather had been the man who'd walked her down the aisle, Brooke and Heather standing nearby, waiting for their turn to congratulate the newly married couple. They approached, Thomas shaking Vincent's hand while Brooke and Heather hugged Catherine and exclaimed over her appearance and William, who happily sat in the nanny's arms and accepted his due as cutest baby at the ceremony.

Now it was time for the second part of the ceremony – Williams' naming. Sam handed William over to Vincent, his son wearing a miniature version of his father's suit, the pair of them too adorable for words. With Catherine at his side, they once more faced the celebrant who spoke briefly.

"Catherine and Vincent bring this child here to declare before this gathering their joy on his birth , which I am told, was fraught with danger and uncertainty but was, for all that, much anticipated and cherished. Further more it is their wish that you all share in that joy. May I introduce to you all Catherine and Vincent's son; William James Chandler Keller. May he always know the love and guiding hand of his parents, the good will and support of their friends and the joy and affection of his extended family for the rest of his days."

Vincent and Catherine embraced, their son between them and faced the people watching who all applauded and cheered, William waving his hands and laughing in delight at all the attention.

Tess glanced over a J.T to see him wipe away moisture from his eyes.

"Are you crying?"

"No. Just some dust..." J.T sniffed, pinching his nose. Tess took pity on him and passed a tissue she had stuffed down the bodice of her gown – just in case.

"Here. Don't want you dripping snot all over that spiffy tux."

J.T took the proffered tissue and mumbled his thanks. He glanced up at her. "You like the tux?"

Tess glanced sideways at him, an eyebrow rising and a smile curving her lips.

"Very 'James Bond'."

J.T tucked the tissue into his pocket and adjusted his glasses. "Can I get you a drink...or something?"

Tess grinned and threaded her arm through his. "I know where Cat hid the beer."

J.T's face instantly lightened. "Lead on."

The photographer had finally managed to prize Vincent and Catherine away from the people wanting to congratulate them long enough to take some photos together, then with their son. When it came to the group photos it became a great deal less formal with everyone there, from the florist to the caterer getting in on the act and being immortalised in the Keller wedding photo collection.

At last they were able to troop inside and partake of the wedding feast, with many toasts to the happy couple and lots of laughter. Eventually the afternoon wound down and all those not family or immediate friends drifted away knowing they had been invited to take part in a very special occasion.

The nanny was the only one to remain, taking care of William for the evening to free up Catherine and Vincent to enjoy spending time with their newly discovered family, the hours passing as tales flew, of their lives over the past year until it was time to say goodbye. Thomas hugged Catherine close and wished her every happiness, reminder her they would be visiting the next day as they were in town for the next week, giving them ample time to spend together and spend time with William.

Vincent and Catherine waved them goodbye from the front porch then turned to enter their lounge. J.T was snoring on the couch, his head in Tess's lap.

"He found the beer, didn't he?" Vincent asked. "It always sends him to sleep when he's had four or more."

Tess shrugged. "Sorry."

Catherine was standing beside the remains of the wedding food, the cake well ravaged by the appreciative guests. Vincent came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms about her waist.

"It was a lovely cake," Catherine sighed, picking off one of the sugar butterflies and nibbling it.

"Not as lovely as my new wife," Vincent whispered, his lips tickling her ear lobe.

"Or as tasty as my new husband," Catherine whispered back, her hand coming up to stroke his head as he nuzzled at her neck.

"Maybe we should go and celebrate our new status." Vincent grinned against her neck and nipped the satin skin, making his wife squeal.

J.T snorted awake and fell off the couch, staring around the room blearily. "Where'd everyone go?"

Tess stood up and brushed off her skirts. "I'm going to get changed then hit the town and see what's on offer. You coming, T.J?"

"Yeah, sure...okay." J.T replied with alacrity, adjusting his glasses. "Meet you outside...m'kay?"

As he passed the happy couple he gave Catherine a quick peck on the cheek, then surprised Vincent by giving him one too. "See you tomorrow, guys. Lovely wedding." Then he staggered off out the front door.

Catherine and Vincent grabbed a couple of glasses of the bubbly nectar and went to sit on the abandoned couch, settling down just as Tess clattered down the stair, dressed for clubbing complete with sequined mini skirt and stilettos.

"See you guys, don't wait up!" and she was gone, the door banging shut behind her.

"I didn't know we had a teenager in the house. Should we have set a curfew?" Catherine queried, settling comfortably against Vincent broad chest, his arm warmly wrapped about her shoulders.

They sat there together gazing at the fire until it burned down to embers, the house falling silent except for the hiss and spark of the logs settling in the grate. Vincent finally stirred.

"Time I took you to bed, wife."

Catherine twisted around, looking up at him. "That sound like a best idea I've heard all night, husband." She sat up to allow Vincent to get off the couch. He stripped off his jacket and tie, leaving his shirt unbuttoned, his face and form cast into shadow with the dying fire behind him. Like some romantic prince of darkness he bent down and lifted Catherine into his arms, her arms going around his neck as he hefted her tightly in his grip and carried her towards the stairs.

"Vincent?" Catherine queried softly.

"Quiet, wife, I'm carrying you across the threshold."

"Oh. Okay." she giggled and stroked his cheek as he easily climbed the stairs and carried her into their bedroom, the room cast in darkness. He set her on her feet and told her not to move.

As she watched, he lit one candle after another, the room filled with their soft glow and scented with the swathes of flowers decorating every corner. Petals littered the carpet and the covers on the bed were already turned down ready for occupation.

Vincent blew out the taper after lighting the last candle, his face highlighted by the soft light, his eyes glowing in the shadows cast by the flames. Like a dark panther he prowled over to where she waited, her heart pattering in her chest in anticipation. He circled her, peeling off his shirt even as she lifted her arms to remove her veil and hair piece. While her arms were raised, Vincent found the hidden zip at the side of her dress and slowly lowered it, kissing the exposed skin until the dress dropped to the floor in a rustle of silk. At the same time Catherine released her hair so it fell to her shoulders, Vincent kissing his way up her spine, brushing her hair aside to kiss her nape.

"Vincent," Catherine breathed, her skin tingling, Vincent hands warm on her legs as he lifted her foot one after the other and took off her shoes, then her stockings, his lips following his hands, tracing patterns of kisses behind her knees making her quiver and shake. Before she could collapse completely he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her down like the most delicate porcelain. With deliberate intent, Vincent stripped off the rest of his clothes and lay down beside her, Catherine lifting her arms to welcome him against her body. Together they entwined arms and legs, melding together with lips fused, tongues dancing in anticipation of the joining to come.

Catherine cried out when he entered her, his body hard against her softness, his lips worshiping her skin, teasing her breasts to aching peaks while she writhed and strained, matching her movements to his, drawing him deeply inside.

With the smell of flowers, the flickering light of the candles and the satin hardness of Vincent surrounding and inside her, Catherine arched and gasped her climax, her nails digging into his shoulders as she writhed beneath him.

Vincent bared his teeth, his eyes a glowing gold, feeling her body clasp him tightly, bringing him close until with a final lunge he buried himself deep and pulsated inside her, both of them panting heavily.

Vincent braced himself on his elbows and smoothed the tousled hair away from her flushed face in the aftermath, his lips feathering kisses over her closed eyes and arched brows.

"I'm so in love with you, Mrs. Keller."

Catherine smiled, her eyes slowly opening to stare up lovingly at him.

"I love you too, Mr. Keller."

They kissed softly, still melded together, indivisible, inseparable.

Sleep claimed them for a little while then they both rose and donned clothes to go visit their son. Together they stared down at their sleeping child, Catherine stroking the soft hair on her son's head, Vincent arm heavy around her waist.

"It's hard to believe we have a new future to look forward to. A future free of Muirfield, free of fear."

Vincent nuzzled her shoulder. "A future for our family. For us."

"I like the sound of that." Catherine purred, stroking the soft skin of her son's cheek.

After a few more moments they left the nursery, hand in hand, and returned to their bed, the house still silent around them. Catherine went around the room and extinguished the candles one by one before joining Vincent under the covers, his arms wrapping around her, drawing her against his body.

"How are you enjoying your future so far, wife?" Vincent rumbled against her shoulder.

"I'm loving it." Catherine replied, snuggling against him and smiled.

The end of Missing Pieces.

Thank you to everyone who has read and commented, your reviews were all appreciated and adored. Thank you also for your patience in waiting for this epic to be completed - I was sick this week otherwise this would have been finished a lot sooner. Roll on October and the second season of BatB.

hugs and appreciation Louise