| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter One |
With a look of pride and joy, Jacob next stepped forward, and soundly proclaimed to the community that had gathered there, "With this glorious news having been told, we must commemorate this auspicious occasion with a celebration! This Friday night there shall be a formal announcement of Catherine and Vincent's engagement."
Jacob then privately looked to his Son and Catherine, shakily smiled as he asked, "If this is acceptable to the both of you that is, please...allow me to plan this for you..."
Catherine looked up at Vincent and turned back to Jacob, to warmly say, "Sounds perfect Father."
Jacob then turned back to the crowd and said, "So with that said...I know that we are all excited about this news, however...the hour is so very early...and I propose, we should all try and get a few more hours rest."
After some individual hugs and handshakes to the happy couple, everyone took Jacob's advice, and returned to their chambers.
Mary, and Jacob were the last to leave, and before they left Vincent and Catherine, Jacob let go a deep breath, and said, "Well...it has been a night."
Vincent said, in agreement, "Yes Father, and I do want to apologize for the disruption in your sleep. We had not intended to cause such a commotion tonight."
Vincent then looked at Catherine, and said, "It appears the excitement is over now."
Jacob raised a brow, and as he looked to Mary, and then back to Vincent, he said, "Quite contraire...I believe the excitement has just begun."
Mary in agreement with Jacob, told Vincent and Catherine, "Oh yes! Father is right! We have a Bridal Shower to plan for Catherine, the Wedding ceremony itself, the Wedding reception..."
Mary then embarrassingly stopped herself as she admittedly declared the fact she was getting carried away!
She giggled as she continued, "...Oh Dear! Listen to me. Catherine has not even asked for my help as yet...and here I am taking over!"
Humbly she then requested, "Forgive me..."
Catherine smiled at Mary, and graciously told her, "Mary...there will be so much to organize. I am hoping you will help Vincent and I with our Wedding plans."
Gleefully Mary said, "Of course I will! Oh Goodness, my head is spinning already with several themes in mind...I was thinking for the Shower...we could.."
Jacob smiled at both Vincent and Catherine, and with a nod of assurance, he indicated, have no fear, he would do his best, to reel Mary in!
He then softly said, "Mary...Mary...there will be plenty of time to discuss these plans, perhaps at a more SANE hour!"
Mary bashfully said, "Of course...well good night...err good morning...Oh heavens, I am not sure what is proper to say at this point!"
Jacob then asked a quite flustered Mary, "Will you allow me to escort you safely back to your chamber?"
In reply Mary thankfully said, "Yes Please...all of this Paracelsus business, still has me a bit ill at ease."
As they walked away, the newly engaged couple could hear Mary and Jacob's excitedly discussing the upcoming event...and they could be heard, until they were no longer in sight!
Finally alone...Catherine then lovingly looked up at Vincent and breathlessly said, "Well Vincent..."
He, looking back at her in reply, whispered, "Well Catherine..."
Vincent then gathered Catherine in his arms, and as he rested his cheek atop her silky hair, he said, "Any second thoughts?"
Softly she answered, "None...have you?"
Vincent shook his head no, but admitted, "No, I haven't any second thoughts...only a few concerns..."
Catherine worriedly looked up at Vincent and asked, "Concerns?"
He dramatically heaved a sigh, and teasingly admitted, "Yes...I am very much concerned, what Mary will plan for my attire! Please say you will take a stance when needed?"
Catherine smiled and professed, "I will Vincent...I promise..."
She then pleaded for his understanding as she explained, "Mary is so excited, it was difficult not to ask her to help."
Vincent with a smile in his eyes, told her "I love you included Mary in such a way Catherine."
He then lovingly said, "Your kindness is boundless...and...it is because of your such kindness, you have opened your heart, to a man such as I."
Catherine closed her eyes, as she passionately said, "Kindness had nothing to do with how I feel about you Vincent...I had no choice...for with each glimpse of you, you manage to steal my heart over and over again, leaving me helplessly in love with you...wanting no one else."
Vincent then said, "Leaving you...is difficult...Catherine..."
She then amorously embraced him and said, "Then don't leave...not yet. At least...not until... "
Vincent's breathing held fast as he waited for Catherine to finish her sentence!
Softly she resolved his angst, as she sweetly said, "...until you have made sure I am safely into bed."
Vincent narrowed his eyes, as he replied, "Of course Catherine..."
Just then a commotion could be heard from Jamie's chamber's and then some giggling!
As Vincent peeked out into the tunnel, he could see Jamie and Laura at her threshold, and then when they saw him, they quickly darted back inside!
Vincent then stepped back into Catherine's chamber, where he thoughtfully stood for a moment, before he went over to pull the quilted blanket up over her, and said, "It would appear Jamie and Laura...are keeping track of my comings and goings...I imagine they will be even more so now the news of our engagement is out."
Bringing her hand to his lips he softly kissed it, and speaking in his softest of tones, he then said, "Sleep well..."
Catherine whispered in reply, "You too Vincent...sweet dreams."
As he took in one last look at Catherine, he found he couldn't yet leave, and so he boldly and loudly said, "Good night Catherine!"
Catherine sat up in bed and said, "Vincent! Now the girls will surely hear you!"
He stepped back inside Catherine's chamber, and with a finger to his lips, he playfully whispered, "I am feigning my departure Catherine..."
Vincent stood for a moment before he peeked back out, and happily witnessed Laura sleepily head back to her own chamber!
With a smile in his eyes, he whispered, "I believe the two have given up on spying on us for the night."
Catherine excitedly bit her bottom lip, and then asked, "What does that mean Vincent?"
Vincent cleverly said, "It means I will stay, until you have fallen asleep."
As Vincent snuggled in, he confessed, "I cannot wait until, I will not have to leave you at all, and venture secretly away from your chamber in the darkness...and walk lonesomely back to mine."
It wasn't long till he felt her embrace relax, and as he tenderly looked down at his sleeping Catherine. He softly kissed her forehead, and for the second time tonight...returned to his chamber.
This time however...sleep would come to him, and his dreams would be filled with the sweet memories of his lovely Catherine.
At breakfast the next morning, The Dining Hall was filled with talk of last night's, prodigious event, and those who were not privy to the news first hand...were all filled in!
As Vincent escorted Catherine into the Hall, the children all rushed up to them, and excitedly cheered about their wonderful news.
Samantha excitedly looked up at Catherine and hopefully asked, "May I see the ring Vincent gave to you Catherine?"
Catherine held her hand out for Samantha and happily said, "Of course Samantha..."
She sweetly said, "Oh it is so beautiful! I will want a ring like that one day when I get engaged!"
Kipper snidely remarked, "Good Luck finding a guy who would want to give you one!"
Samantha frowned, and said, "Aw...you don't need to worry about it!"
Kipper then yanked her hair, and ran away before she could get him back!
Just then Jacob stood, and said, "Everyone take your seats, William is ready to serve our morning meal."
Vincent and Catherine took some open seats next to their usual group, and Vincent sat beside Rebecca, who could not stop smiling as she looked up at him!
With misted eyes she said, "I can't believe you are a man about to be married, it seems like only yesterday, we were kids like Samantha and Kipper."
Vincent did a slight nod, and teased, "Yes...back when you would pull my hair."
To which Rebecca deniably said, "I never pulled your hair!"
They all shared a chuckle, when Rebecca turned to Catherine to say, "Mary told me you have put her in charge of the Bridal Shower and Wedding arrangements...I feel amiss I did not offer my help last night as well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do."
And so Catherine assured Rebecca, "I will definitely let you know, if there is anything left to do that is!"
Jacob then bowed his head, and a silence befell the Dining Hall as he prepared to say a word of thanks for all they had, and for Catherine who was not only joining their community, but his immediate family as well!
Everyone chimed in, sharing the "Amen", however Vincent and his Father shared something else, something more. A look that acknowledged each other's journey, and all it had taken to arrive here.
To be continued
Chapter Two
Jacob then privately looked to his Son and Catherine, shakily smiled as he asked, "If this is acceptable to the both of you that is, please...allow me to plan this for you..."
Catherine looked up at Vincent and turned back to Jacob, to warmly say, "Sounds perfect Father."
Jacob then turned back to the crowd and said, "So with that said...I know that we are all excited about this news, however...the hour is so very early...and I propose, we should all try and get a few more hours rest."
After some individual hugs and handshakes to the happy couple, everyone took Jacob's advice, and returned to their chambers.
Mary, and Jacob were the last to leave, and before they left Vincent and Catherine, Jacob let go a deep breath, and said, "Well...it has been a night."
Vincent said, in agreement, "Yes Father, and I do want to apologize for the disruption in your sleep. We had not intended to cause such a commotion tonight."
Vincent then looked at Catherine, and said, "It appears the excitement is over now."
Jacob raised a brow, and as he looked to Mary, and then back to Vincent, he said, "Quite contraire...I believe the excitement has just begun."
Mary in agreement with Jacob, told Vincent and Catherine, "Oh yes! Father is right! We have a Bridal Shower to plan for Catherine, the Wedding ceremony itself, the Wedding reception..."
Mary then embarrassingly stopped herself as she admittedly declared the fact she was getting carried away!
She giggled as she continued, "...Oh Dear! Listen to me. Catherine has not even asked for my help as yet...and here I am taking over!"
Humbly she then requested, "Forgive me..."
Catherine smiled at Mary, and graciously told her, "Mary...there will be so much to organize. I am hoping you will help Vincent and I with our Wedding plans."
Gleefully Mary said, "Of course I will! Oh Goodness, my head is spinning already with several themes in mind...I was thinking for the Shower...we could.."
Jacob smiled at both Vincent and Catherine, and with a nod of assurance, he indicated, have no fear, he would do his best, to reel Mary in!
He then softly said, "Mary...Mary...there will be plenty of time to discuss these plans, perhaps at a more SANE hour!"
Mary bashfully said, "Of course...well good night...err good morning...Oh heavens, I am not sure what is proper to say at this point!"
Jacob then asked a quite flustered Mary, "Will you allow me to escort you safely back to your chamber?"
In reply Mary thankfully said, "Yes Please...all of this Paracelsus business, still has me a bit ill at ease."
As they walked away, the newly engaged couple could hear Mary and Jacob's excitedly discussing the upcoming event...and they could be heard, until they were no longer in sight!
Finally alone...Catherine then lovingly looked up at Vincent and breathlessly said, "Well Vincent..."
He, looking back at her in reply, whispered, "Well Catherine..."
Vincent then gathered Catherine in his arms, and as he rested his cheek atop her silky hair, he said, "Any second thoughts?"
Softly she answered, "None...have you?"
Vincent shook his head no, but admitted, "No, I haven't any second thoughts...only a few concerns..."
Catherine worriedly looked up at Vincent and asked, "Concerns?"
He dramatically heaved a sigh, and teasingly admitted, "Yes...I am very much concerned, what Mary will plan for my attire! Please say you will take a stance when needed?"
Catherine smiled and professed, "I will Vincent...I promise..."
She then pleaded for his understanding as she explained, "Mary is so excited, it was difficult not to ask her to help."
Vincent with a smile in his eyes, told her "I love you included Mary in such a way Catherine."
He then lovingly said, "Your kindness is boundless...and...it is because of your such kindness, you have opened your heart, to a man such as I."
Catherine closed her eyes, as she passionately said, "Kindness had nothing to do with how I feel about you Vincent...I had no choice...for with each glimpse of you, you manage to steal my heart over and over again, leaving me helplessly in love with you...wanting no one else."
Vincent then said, "Leaving you...is difficult...Catherine..."
She then amorously embraced him and said, "Then don't leave...not yet. At least...not until... "
Vincent's breathing held fast as he waited for Catherine to finish her sentence!
Softly she resolved his angst, as she sweetly said, "...until you have made sure I am safely into bed."
Vincent narrowed his eyes, as he replied, "Of course Catherine..."
Just then a commotion could be heard from Jamie's chamber's and then some giggling!
As Vincent peeked out into the tunnel, he could see Jamie and Laura at her threshold, and then when they saw him, they quickly darted back inside!
Vincent then stepped back into Catherine's chamber, where he thoughtfully stood for a moment, before he went over to pull the quilted blanket up over her, and said, "It would appear Jamie and Laura...are keeping track of my comings and goings...I imagine they will be even more so now the news of our engagement is out."
Bringing her hand to his lips he softly kissed it, and speaking in his softest of tones, he then said, "Sleep well..."
Catherine whispered in reply, "You too Vincent...sweet dreams."
As he took in one last look at Catherine, he found he couldn't yet leave, and so he boldly and loudly said, "Good night Catherine!"
Catherine sat up in bed and said, "Vincent! Now the girls will surely hear you!"
He stepped back inside Catherine's chamber, and with a finger to his lips, he playfully whispered, "I am feigning my departure Catherine..."
Vincent stood for a moment before he peeked back out, and happily witnessed Laura sleepily head back to her own chamber!
With a smile in his eyes, he whispered, "I believe the two have given up on spying on us for the night."
Catherine excitedly bit her bottom lip, and then asked, "What does that mean Vincent?"
Vincent cleverly said, "It means I will stay, until you have fallen asleep."
As Vincent snuggled in, he confessed, "I cannot wait until, I will not have to leave you at all, and venture secretly away from your chamber in the darkness...and walk lonesomely back to mine."
It wasn't long till he felt her embrace relax, and as he tenderly looked down at his sleeping Catherine. He softly kissed her forehead, and for the second time tonight...returned to his chamber.
This time however...sleep would come to him, and his dreams would be filled with the sweet memories of his lovely Catherine.
At breakfast the next morning, The Dining Hall was filled with talk of last night's, prodigious event, and those who were not privy to the news first hand...were all filled in!
As Vincent escorted Catherine into the Hall, the children all rushed up to them, and excitedly cheered about their wonderful news.
Samantha excitedly looked up at Catherine and hopefully asked, "May I see the ring Vincent gave to you Catherine?"
Catherine held her hand out for Samantha and happily said, "Of course Samantha..."
She sweetly said, "Oh it is so beautiful! I will want a ring like that one day when I get engaged!"
Kipper snidely remarked, "Good Luck finding a guy who would want to give you one!"
Samantha frowned, and said, "Aw...you don't need to worry about it!"
Kipper then yanked her hair, and ran away before she could get him back!
Just then Jacob stood, and said, "Everyone take your seats, William is ready to serve our morning meal."
Vincent and Catherine took some open seats next to their usual group, and Vincent sat beside Rebecca, who could not stop smiling as she looked up at him!
With misted eyes she said, "I can't believe you are a man about to be married, it seems like only yesterday, we were kids like Samantha and Kipper."
Vincent did a slight nod, and teased, "Yes...back when you would pull my hair."
To which Rebecca deniably said, "I never pulled your hair!"
They all shared a chuckle, when Rebecca turned to Catherine to say, "Mary told me you have put her in charge of the Bridal Shower and Wedding arrangements...I feel amiss I did not offer my help last night as well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do."
And so Catherine assured Rebecca, "I will definitely let you know, if there is anything left to do that is!"
Jacob then bowed his head, and a silence befell the Dining Hall as he prepared to say a word of thanks for all they had, and for Catherine who was not only joining their community, but his immediate family as well!
Everyone chimed in, sharing the "Amen", however Vincent and his Father shared something else, something more. A look that acknowledged each other's journey, and all it had taken to arrive here.
To be continued
Chapter Two
| Catherine consented to marry Vincent in "A Dream within A Dream!" And so now a wedding needs to be planned, parties to attend, chambers to be designed in the new expansion chambers, and some homey alcoves are to be added to a few of the chambers too. There are a few more growing pains, and issues to resolve as their wedding day approaches, but Vincent and Catherine face their problems with love. And also its time to honor Anna, and Vincent has found a way to do so in time for Mother's Day. |
