Sweet Dreams!
By
Sharon Holtz
Chapter Forty-Seven

Informatively, Vincent told Catherine, that her presumption was not so far off.
He went on to tell her how Dr. Wong, had been very instrumental in helping
William develop nutritionally sound recipes, and menus for the tunnel
community throughout the years.

An astounded Catherine said, "There is so much to learn about the tunnel's
history, and of the people that help this world go round. I mean, I knew Dr.
Wong provided certain supplies, but I really had no idea he helped William in
that capacity!"

Vincent mindfully told her, "Yes...and as Dr. Wong is getting on in years, now
Lin and Henry are becoming more and more involved assisting William."

Contemplating a second generation of Helper's, Catherine told Vincent, how
nice it was for such a busy young couple, wanting to continue on the connection
Lin's Grandfather began.

Vincent agreed, and told Catherine how grateful Father is to them for doing so,
even though they have had their share of business troubles this past year, due to
the evil society that dwells within China Town.

Vincent thoughtfully continued, saying, "However...their commitment to us is
very strong...even from Henry, who has not been a Helper to us for long."

Catherine thinking Vincent WAS right! Henry hasn't been a helper for very long.
In fact, his connection to the tunnels actually began with Father providing a
place of refuge for both he and Lin when they needed it.

She then counted back the months, and asked Vincent, "Do you realize Lin and
Henry have been married about a year and a half now?"

Nodding, Vincent mindfully replied, "Yes..."

As Catherine continued to watch them, as Henry helped Lin on with her shawl,
she told Vincent, "And look...they are still so sweet to one another."

She then turned to Vincent and with a wistful sigh, said, "I hope we still act
"THAT WAY" after a year of marriage."

Although Vincent was watching them too, he perhaps didn't see things exactly
the way Catherine did. So he needed to ask exactly what "way" it was Catherine
was referring to, and questionably asked, "That way? What way is that?"

She looked back at him in utter amazement, because she couldn't believe
Vincent had to ask her to clarify what she was talking about!

Catherine raised her voice an octave or so, as she explained, "YOU know,
considerate, thoughtful...SWEET to each other. I want us to be that way after
we've been married for a while too."

Smiling to himself, because he noted his darling brand new wife sounded a little
put out with him already...after only a mere 2 hours of marriage!

Realizing the same thing, Catherine began to laugh at herself, and said, "Listen
to me...I guess I am one to talk about being sweet to each other, when I am
already sounding a little snippy. I am sorry, I didn't mean to..."

She then softened her tone as she explained, "...but you know what I mean
don't you? I want to be as newlyweds always..."

In a low huskilated tone, Vincent replied, "I promise to do my best..."

Nuzzling in under his chin, she sighed, "Me too..."

Just then Mouse came up to them and said, "Vincent, Mary wants me to tell
Catherine she saved the top of the cake. Its good cake!"

Knowing Mouse is still reserved around Catherine at times, he gently suggested,
"You can tell her yourself Mouse."

Looking downward, he replied, "I didn't want to bother Catherine."

To which Catherine told him, "You could never bother me Mouse, what did
you want to tell me?"

Feeling a little ill at ease whenever Catherine spoke directly to him, he shifted a
little nervously in his stance, then looked toward Vincent to intercede.

Normally Vincent would step up to help his bashful buddy, but now he felt
Mouse should move past it, and get over feeling uncomfortable around his new
wife.

So, Vincent told him as much, and urged him to speak directly to Catherine
himself.

Because Vincent wanted him to, Mouse reluctantly relayed to her, "Mary is
saving the top of the cake for you, and Vincent."

Smiling, Catherine replied, "Awe, that is good to know Mouse...thanks for
telling me."

Clueless about the significance of the cake top, Mouse said, "Not sure why!"

To which she explained how the cake top is frozen to preserve for the bridal
couple to share on their first anniversary.

Catherine warmly added, "So just think Mouse, in a year, we can have another
piece of our wedding cake. I will make sure you get some too."

"Good! Can't wait!" Said Mouse, and then he smiled directly at her before he
left them.

As they watched Mouse walk away, Catherine softly relayed how sweet she
thought Mouse was.

Vincent nodded, wondering aloud if he would ever change, and grow up out of
his pixilated phase.

Looking at one another, they both said they doubted he would, and secretly
agreed...it wouldn't matter because they loved him just as he was.

Next, a laughing Rebecca, sat down beside Catherine, causing the Bridal couple
to look over at her, wondering what was so humorous!  

Catherine started to giggle too, as she finally asked Rebecca what was so funny.

To which Vincent eagerly added, "Yes...you have us in suspense Rebecca...you
must tell us what happened."

Sobering up a bit, as she stifled her laughter, Rebecca told them, "In an attempt
to rectify their own "Wedding Cake Feeding Ceremony", Kanin, who was, by
the way holding Luke, lovingly offered Olivia, some wedding cake to taste. So,
Kanin is being very suave and  romantic, put the cake up for Olivia to take a
bite. And then she gave Kanin a taste of her cake, and then...they kissed! It was
really sweet...UNTIL Little Luke grabbed a fistful of cake from Kanin's plate,
and rubbed it in his mother's face and babbled, "Lukey do like Catherine!"

Vincent leaned his head back in silent laughter, then shook his head as he looked
at his bride, and said, "See the trouble your smooshing caused Catherine?"

Catherine brought her hands up to her face and guiltily cried, "OH NO! Luke
didn't really say that did he?"

In reply, Rebecca nodded, and said, "He did!"

Catherine hated to ask, but had to know if Olivia was angry.

To which Rebecca said, "I believe she was thinking about scolding little Luke,
but with so many eyes upon her, she handled it pretty good-naturedly."

All Catherine could say was, "Oh my!"

Rebecca heaved a sigh, got up and said, "I knew you two missed it so I thought
I would fill you in. Well I better scoot before Mary sees me talking, she gave me
a task to do!"

They thanked her for keeping them in the know, and directly after Rebecca
walked away, Catherine tried to hide once more behind her hands, but this time,
it was not to hide her shame, but hide her uncontrollable laughter!

Trying to help deliver Catherine from her laughing jag, Vincent  gently
cautioned, "Should Olivia see us laughing..."

And then he too jokingly said, "Poor Olivia, two bad experiences with Wedding
Cake, could be enough to form a phobia of sorts."

Catherine agreeably added, "Yes...she may start twitching at the mere sight of
it!"

With a laugh Vincent raised a brow and concurred saying, "Yes...we must
watch for any signs of odd behavior from her at future nuptials."

Returning to their relaxed voyeur mode, Vincent looked around and noticed
Kanin, Olivia and Luke, and pointed them out to his wife.

When she couldn't see them, Vincent specified further by saying they were
standing near the pillar with Jacob, Lena and baby Catherine.

Hesitatingly, she asked, "Does Olivia look to be in good spirits?"

Vincent said yes, and in fact, he thought it looked as if they were comparing the
size of the petite infant girl, to the stocky boy toddler!

After finally spotting them, Catherine agreed, and then remarked, "I know Luke
can be a handful, but he really is a little sweety. I bet Olivia and Kanin could
give Lena some great tips on raising a child."

Thinking they could do so as well, Vincent then jokingly added, "Yes they
could, and if I know them...they will."

Catherine had to laugh at Vincent's comment, because everyone knows, how
once those proud parents begin talking about their little Lukey, they don't know
when to stop!   

She then said in surprise, "Vincent...look, Father is taking baby Catherine to
hold!"

Warmly adding, "Awe how sweet! Father is doing a very good job holding her!"

With dismay, Catherine added, "But oh no...it looks like trouble! Lukey is
reaching out wanting Father to hold him too!"

They watched as Jacob soothingly talked to the little boy seemingly to no avail,
as Luke continued to reach for Father. It appeared as if they were finding
Luke's relentless attitude a little comical.

Then, Catherine and Vincent noted, it seemed as if the whole group began to
discuss the best recourse in handling this situation.

After a comment from Lena, Jacob nodded, before gently returning little
Catherine back into her mother's arms, and then took Lukey from Kanin.

Catherine and Vincent agreed they must have all decided to be careful not to
neglect Luke, so he won't resent little Catherine for taking Father away from
him.

Catherine was very touched watching Jacob in this role as a surrogate
Grandfather to these children, and told Vincent it really seems to suit him.

To which Vincent agreed saying, "Indeed. Luke has brought him a lot of joy,
and he has also mentioned several times, how pleased he was to play a part in
helping Lena along with baby Catherine. They have touched him deeply as well."

Softly Catherine said, "I believe she has touched us all very deeply. I think she
finally understands she has a real family here, and she can create those warm
family moments for Catherine she never had for herself."

Agreeing, Vincent reflectively said, "Yes...I think she does."  

After a quiet moment or two, they spoke about how Blessed they were to have
so many wonderful friends sharing their day. Yes...it was awesome they were
all there for them.

To be continued
Chapter Forty-Eight
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