Chapter 10
During his time as Gabriel's captive, when he'd had nothing to do but sit and think, it had occurred to him that the night Catherine had come to him speaking of 'gifts' she had been wanting to tell him that they were going to have a child. He had been selfishly consumed with the loss of their Bond and she had been there to comfort him. The moment had passed and she had told him she would tell him later what had been on her mind. But there had been no 'later' for them. Vincent had filled many pages talking about his guilt over that.
There were also several pages on the heartbreak he had inadvertently caused Diana Bennett. He hadn't realized how his concern and caring for her would be taken as romantic interest. Below, everyone cared deeply for each other, but because of his necessary isolation Vincent hadn't understood this was not commonplace Above. Although he'd had the same experience with Lena when she first came Below, he hadn't been thinking clearly enough in those weeks after Catherine's death to put the similarities together in his mind.
For a brief moment as he was crawling into bed, he wondered if he should be concerned about the same thing with Clara. But then he reminded himself of her attack and knew that she wouldn't be even thinking about romance any time soon. Only he, Father, and Mary knew the fact that Clara had been a virgin before her attack. Peter had told them in confidence so they would better be able to help her. The rest of the community had only been told of the rape.
With one last Bond check on Jacob, who he was happy to discover was now sleeping, Vincent allowed himself to slip into sleep as well.
The next morning, Jacob woke his father as usual. Standing in his crib, holding onto the side, and bouncing up and down, as he excitedly called out, "Dada, Dada!"
Smiling at his son, Vincent changed Jacob's diaper and then sat him on the floor to play while he got dressed for the day. As soon as that was accomplished the two of them made their way to the Dining Hall for breakfast. Jacob's favorite method of travel was sitting on his father's shoulders gleefully patting his Dada on the head in hopes he would go faster.
Since Clara had started working in the nursery Vincent had always dropped Jacob off before she was to come on duty. On the one day he hadn't been able to do so, he'd asked Jamie to deliver his son for him. Today, however, he and Jacob lingered over breakfast and didn't head to the nursery until Vincent knew that Clara would already be there.
Normally Mary would have stopped Vincent from coming in, thinking he had forgotten about Clara's fear, but she had heard of their meeting last night from Father. So she allowed him to walk right in.
As usual, because Vincent was a favorite of everyone Below, the children flocked to him to greet him. He had a kind word and gentle touch for each of them before turning his attention to Clara who was still giving Jacob a welcoming cuddle. "Good morning, Clara," he said in the same gentle tones he used with the children.
"Good morning, Vincent. I hope Jacob didn't attempt any more escapes last night."
"No, I think that the realization of punishment might be enough to nip that in the bud."
"I hope so, and I also hope that you know I never encouraged him in any way."
"I do know that. Jacob has taken a liking to you and has never had to be denied something he's wanted so far. He just didn't know how to handle the new situation. I believe he does now."
"Good," she smiled softly at him.
The pipes announced the hour and Vincent had to excuse himself. Even if he moved at his fastest pace, he would be late for the morning work crew because he was already supposed to be there!
To be continued….