As Catherine and Vincent looked around, they saw Michael approach Mary, who smiled and nodded yes to the young man, and as Mary took his arm, Michael led her out to the dance floor. And they danced to, "What a Wonderful World".
Catherine commented on how sweet it was of Michael to ask Mary to dance. To which Vincent thoughtfully explained to Catherine, that Mary had become like a second Mother to Michael. Having lost his own Mother at such a very young age, and Mary loosing her child, well, they gravitated to one another.
Catherine gave Vincent an understanding nod, as he finished telling her their tale, and then smiled as she now mentioned to Vincent, "Look at Jamie, and Laura, they both look so pretty tonight! So grown up!"
Yes, the two girls did dress up for the occasion. They were standing on the edge of the dance floor, like two wallflowers, giggling and pointing at a couple of the tunnel boys. They looked as if they wanted, to be asked to dance!
And so Catherine playfully chided, "Why don't you go ask one of the girls to dance Vincent?"
Questioning such a notion, he lamented, "Oh Catherine, how could I possibly choose? Unless I..."
And so with his last comment dangling, Vincent left Catherine's side.
With great curiosity, Catherine watched Vincent, wondering what he was up to, and what was his solution to this dilemma.
All of a sudden, Catherine started laughing, as his solution was now quite clear!
Vincent began waltzing about the Great Hall to the tune of "Shall we Dance?" with both of the girls! The sight of these three, brought a bit of levity to the party, and they thrilled one, and all.
As Catherine stood there watching, she noticed Jacob was approaching her. Turning to him she smiled, and said, "Hello Father, are you enjoying the party?"
Politely he replied, "Oh yes Catherine and yourself?"
To which Catherine nodded toward the dance floor and said, "Oh Father, how could I not? I had not realized Vincent had a silly side to him. I have never seen it before!"
Jacob chuckled and revealed to Catherine, "Yes, yes indeed, you are quite right, the comedic side of him does not erupt very often Catherine. I have seen it very few times myself, it is only when he is truly happy and content, that he is able to let his guard down like this."
Jacob then cleared his throat as he continued, "It is clear Catherine, Catherine...that you have made Vincent very happy, very happy indeed. If anything should happen between the two of you...I shudder to think what..."
He then stopped himself from saying any more, realizing he was close to crossing that MEDDLING line!
Catherine looked downward as she searched her heart on how to respond to Jacob's comment. She had always known Jacob was not comfortable with her and Vincent's relationship, and so she wanted to let him know, how much Vincent meant to her.
Nervously, Catherine looked back at Jacob, and said, "Father, before Vincent entered my life, I lived an existence that seems so shallow to me now. I can see it clearly now that a part of me was missing..."
With a humble smile, Catherine then continued, "And then when I met Vincent, the night he saved my life, my whole world turned up side down! Knowing Vincent has changed me, changed my life, changed my heart. I can not remember a time when I ever felt as good or as complete as I do when I am with him. Father, I love him. You above all people should understand why."
Tears had filled Catherine's eyes as she spoke, and this endeared her to Jacob, and he at that very moment felt his heart change, and an acceptance had finally occurred.
Shakily he smiled back at Catherine, seeing her now in a very different light. For the first time, he understood this woman a little better, and recognized this bond she shared with his son.
He could see she loved his son purely, and completely, and seemed committed to their relationship. And he felt an admiration grow, for her courage to love past, and beyond the prejudices other people may have. Himself included!
And so humbly Jacob confessed, "I believe I have underestimated your commitment to my son. Will you except my apology?"
Catherine sweetly replied, "Father, an apology isn't necessary. I just wanted you to know. To understand..."
Standing together in this Great Hall, as a solemn silence overcame them, after hearing and accepting each other's words for the first time, a new alliance had been formed.
Jacob then graciously turned to Catherine and with an extended arm, asked, "Would you do me the honor of granting me this dance?"
With a deep felt emotion, Catherine answered, "Oh yes Father!"
As they joined the others on the dance floor, they danced to the tune of, "The impossible Dream."
As Vincent looked on in disbelief, he suddenly felt his heart soar at the sight of his Father and Catherine dancing together!
After the music ended, Jacob returned Catherine to Vincent's side, to whom Catherine told, "Oh Vincent, Father is such a good dancer!"
Smiling, Jacob replied, "Tut tut...now Catherine, one is only as good as ones partner, and I thank you for making me look so good! Oh my, there is Mary! I must get to her before someone else asks her to dance! Would you both please excuse me? Oh, and Catherine...thank you again, for the conversation, and for the dance."
Jacob was then off on a dead run, hobbling to catch Mary!
To which Vincent quizzically asked, "Conversation Catherine?"
As Catherine felt Vincent's curiosity as to what his Father could have meant, she looked up at the man she adored, and subtly explained, "We crossed some bridges tonight Vincent. I told Father some things I knew he needed to hear from me, I told Father...how much you have changed my life, and I told him...how much I loved you."
Vincent felt stunned Catherine had been so open with his skeptical Father, who had been making it difficult for them to go forward.
And so cautiously he noted, "Catherine, that had to be arduous for you. You did that for me?"
Catherine answered solemnly, "I did it for us Vincent and for Father too. I wanted him to understand my heart hoping it would put him at ease. I know he loves you and has only concern for your welfare."
Lightening the mood, Catherine then teased, "And Vincent, Father really is a marvelous dancer!"
Vincent admittedly said, "Yes, and...he has taught me all I know."
With a smile, Catherine taunted, "Seeing is believing."
Taking her hand in his, he sweetly asked, "Then Catherine...may I have this dance?"
Catherine delightfully answered, "Yes Vincent, dancing with you, is what I have been waiting for...my entire life."
As Vincent and Catherine held each other, and danced about the Hall, their hearts soared, as their dreams and desires were becoming a reality. There was no denying the love between this special couple, and as they took to the floor, all eyes were on them. Vincent dressed in his finest attire, and looking so strong and handsome, to Catherine's delicate beauty! They were a striking couple indeed.
Even Jacob watched in awe at this beautiful couple. At last, he felt blessed, within his own heart, this destined pair, had found each other!
Although, everyone was aware of them, they were not aware of a single soul except each other! Their first dance they danced to was Eric Clapton's, "The way you look tonight", then onto Phil Collins, "You'll be in my Heart", and then " Don't know much" by Aaron Neville, and Linda Rondstadt.
The night flew by, and soon it was nearing the end of the party. As Catherine and Vincent decided to take a rest, she heard the beginning bars to her song that she had been waiting all night for.
With hope, she turned to Vincent and asked, "One more song Vincent, just one more?"
Elegantly he complied, saying, "Very well Catherine."
Vincent then took Catherine into his arms, and held her closely to him, as they danced to, "The First Time I loved Forever."