Chapter 10
Catherine's distress pulled Vincent to her like a moth to a flame. Before he realized it, he was pulling her close once again and eagerly covered her mouth with his own. The passion that they had always held so carefully in check now flared to life and swept them both away in a maelstrom of heated desire. In moments, their clothes became an unbearable burden and they cast them aside, falling onto Vincent's bed as their bodies tangled in a lovers' knot and they strained to get closer. They came together in a wild paroxysm of ecstasy that carried them both to an explosive pinnacle so swiftly it was dizzying. Like a giant beacon in the darkness, it illuminated the dark corners of their hearts, banishing the shadows and driving away all doubt forever. In an instant, the grief they had known gave way to endless joy as their souls once again found completion.
Their Bond was unobstructed and their emotions flowed freely between them like the headwaters of two streams merging to become a great river. As they finally came back to reality, their hearts literally beat as one.
Vincent found himself atop Catherine, her petite form tucked beneath him. He tried to move, but she stubbornly held him in place, her arms and legs gripping him with surprising strength. He remained, but took part of his weight on his arms to keep his bulk from weighing too heavily on her. Sighing contentedly, he buried his nose in the crook of her neck as she ran her hands soothingly over his back and biceps.
They remained there for what seemed an eternity, allowing the emotions they shared to wash over them, soothing them both like blessed rain upon parched earth. At last, Vincent lifted his head. The sheer happiness that shone from Catherine's gaze was mirrored in his own eyes.
"Catherine, I love you. I don't understand all that has happened, but I know we are meant to be together. I can't explain how or why, I just believe you and Faith were brought here for a reason! I want you both to be a part of our lives, mine and Jacob's. Please, Catherine, we need you so!" He pleaded earnestly.
The smile Catherine gave in reply made Vincent's heart turn over and he thought it might burst from his chest with joy. "Vincent, I've never wanted something so much in my entire life!" Eagerly, she raised her face for another kiss.
After a quick bath and a fresh set of clothing, the lovers went back to the infirmary. The moment they walked in, Father could sense that a profound change had taken place. Gone was the previous tension between them; they now truly appeared as the reunited lovers they were. The happy, relaxed smiles on their faces made Father smile as well.
While Catherine went over and took Jacob from Mary, Father pulled Vincent aside. "I can see that things between you and Catherine have changed. Are you both all right?"
Vincent's smile grew wider. "Yes, Father we are. There are still many things unresolved between us and things we don't understand. But we both agree that this is a miracle too precious for either of us to waste. For now, we've decided to follow your suggestion and have faith that everything else will work itself in time. We have Faith, Jacob, and each other. For now, that's all that matters."
Mary left them again and soon returned with a large basket filled to overflowing. "I hope everyone's hungry. I made sure to bring enough. Oh, Father, we're in luck. William had that item you wanted. You should have seen the look on his face though when I asked for two baby bottles!"
Catherine took Jacob and enthusiastically prepared a bottle of formula for him; but when she started to prepare one for Faith, Father intervened.
"Catherine, am I right in assuming you aren't breast feeding Faith?" He asked gently.
Catherine blushed. "No, my pregnancy was difficult and I wasn't able to."
"Then you've been using commercial infant formula. I thought so. I believe that's the source of her colic. Vincent had a similar problem. Fortunately, I have a solution." Father then opened a small container and poured its contents into the other bottle. Whatever it contained must have had an odor, because Vincent instantly wrinkled up his nose in distaste. Catherine on the other hand, smelled nothing out of the ordinary and continued to feed Jacob, trusting Father's judgment.
"Are you sure you want to give that to her, Father? It smells a little off to me." Vincent observed with a frown.
Father merely glared at his son. "For your information, this is goat's milk and you used to love it! It was the only type of milk you could tolerate. Now let's see what Faith thinks."
Faith balked at first, but hunger quickly took over and the tiny girl quickly sucked down the milk with gusto. But what Father did next took everyone by surprise. Taking up a pillow, he laid the little girl on her stomach and began vigorously tapping on her back with the pads of his fingers. Predictably, the little girl whimpered at the rough treatment. But just as Vincent was about to protest, Faith let out a huge burp that sounded as if it came from the burliest tunnel resident instead of a tiny infant. Heaving an unmistakable sigh of relief, the little girl was asleep before Father even turned her back over.
Chuckling at the looks of astonishment he saw, Father remarked. "She's just like her father." before returning her to the portable crib. After a hearty breakfast, they were all in a jovial mood. All around them, the sounds of the tunnel world echoed as its residents awoke. For Catherine, it was particularly comforting. After losing her own world to the turmoil and strife that consumed it, she felt as if she were finally at peace.
However, the arrival of another visitor once again interrupted the relative quiet of the infirmary chamber. Devin stood in the doorway, framed in the subdued light as he stared at the chamber's occupants.'It's true! I couldn't believe it when Peter called and told me but it's true!" He exclaimed in a hushed tone. But a loud, strident voice behind him cut off anything else he was going to say.
"Out of my way, WELLS! Move or so help me, I'm coming through you!"