Nine Months

Disclaimer: These characters are owned by CBS and the CW network. I mean no infringement of any sort and am only using the characters for personal enjoyment and for others to enjoy as well!

DISCLAIMER: THIS FIC IS RATED M FOR LANGUAGE, CONSENSUAL SEX, AND REFERENCES TO VIOLENCE. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, SCRAM! IT IS NOT MY JOB TO POLICE WHAT YOU ARE READING! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ IT, SCRAM! I WON'T TOLERATE BULLYING!

Chapter 11

Catherine stood in the door of the nursery, a wide smile on her face. Vincent was sprawled out in the rocker, 2 week old Vanessa curled up on his chest. Both were sound asleep. A contented sigh passed Catherine's lips, and she closed the door quietly, heading for the kitchen. As she made a cup of tea, she couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips. She was a mother. A tiny being now relied on her and Vincent to take care of her. The thought was mind boggling, but made her so happy at the same time.

Catherine jumped when arms wrapped around her middle. Vincent whispered in her ear, "Boo..."

She turned in the circle of his arms, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down, kissing her gently. When he pulled back, he smirked.

Catherine hit his chest lightly. "You scared me, you beast," she chided.

"Grrrr..." Vincent growled. Catherine rolled her eyes.

"You enjoy teasing me, don't you?" Catherine asked him. Vincent chuckled.

"What can I say? You are easy to tease..."

Catherine laughed. "You know that isn't true..."

"But I still keep trying..." Vincent countered with.

"True...so true..." Catherine agreed. "Have I ever told you how hot you look holding our baby in your arms, Dr. Keller?"

Vincent chuckled. "Only every day since she was born, Miss Chandler."

"And I'll keep saying it everyday, because it is totally true."

Vincent chuckled again, before spying the bridal magazine on the counter. He reached over to grab it, and Catherine snatched it before his fingers could touch it. She held it tightly against her chest.

"Are we hiding something?" Vincent teased. He reached out for it again.

Catherine shook her head. "Hands off, Keller. This is private!" she hissed. Vincent smirked at her.

"Fine, keep your secrets..." he said, pretending to pout. Catherine ignored him, and walked into their bedroom, putting the magazine in the night stand. The design she wanted for her wedding dress was in that magazine, and she didn't want Vincent to see it.

Just as she was walking back into the kitchen, Vanessa began to wail in her room. Catherine sidetracked into the nursery, and picked up her wailing baby. Vanessa immediatly burrowed into Catherine's warmth, and Catherine began to sway back and forth.

Moments later, Vanessa yawned loudly, her eyes drifting closed again. Catherine continued to sway for a few more minutes. Catherine smiled as Vincent's arm wrapped around her waist. He nuzzled his chin into her shoulder, looking down at Vanessa. Catherine leaned her head over, and the trio stood in silence.

When Catherine was certain that Vanessa was sleeping once again, she laid her back down gently in her crib, and the two adults tiptoed out of the room.

The next couple of months raced by. Finally, the day of their wedding was upon them. They had pushed the date back, because Catherine had wanted to lose some of the baby weight. She and Heather now stood in the bridal chamber at the church, her other two bridesmaids hovering nearby. Her dress was on and Heather was finishing her hair and makeup. Little Vanessa was dressed in a fluffy white gown, with a matching headband in her dark locks. She was going to be the flower girl, and Catherine's friend Tess had volunteered to carry her down the aisle.

Vincent stood outside greeting guests, Evan by his side. His other two groomsmen walked around, also greeting people.

Vincent felt a smack on his shoulder, and he spun around. His jaw dropped. "J.T.? I can't believe you made it man!" he exclaimed. They hugged, and J.T. smirked at him.

"You didn't really think I was gonna miss your wedding, did you? Jumped the boat a little though, didn't you? You're suppose to get married first, then knock her up," J.T. said, busting on him.

Vincent shrugged. "After everything we have gone through, I'm just glad she is marrying me!"

He introduced J.T. to Evan, and they shook hands.

"I'll see you inside, big guy," J.T. said, heading in to find a seat.

Evan shoulder bumped Vincent. "Almost time, mate. You nervous?" he asked.

"Terrified..." Vincent deadpanned.

"You'll do fine, mate. Besides..." Evan started, but then, his eyes widened, and he stopped talking. Vincent eyed him.

"What's wrong?" Vincent asked. Evan nodded his chin toward something behind Vincent. He turned, and his jaw hardened. "Excuse me..." he said.

Frantic knocking began on the bridal room door. Heather ran over to it, and cracked the door open. Whispering could be heard, and Heather opened the door wider, slipping out. Catherine stared after her sister, fear sliding into her belly. What was going on?

As the minutes passed, Catherine became more and more unnerved. Just as she was ready to go out herself, Heather blew back in the door.

"Is everything alright out there? Is there a problem?" Catherine asked Heather.

"Um...can we have a couple minutes?" she said to the other bridesmaids. They nodded and Heather took Vanessa, before they slipped out the door. Heather turned to face Catherine.

"Did something happen? Is it Vincent?" Catherine asked, her voice getting higher.

"He's fine. Really! Um...there is someone here. And...they want to talk to you," Heather hedged.

"Who?"

"Dad..." Heather said, in a low voice. Catherine's eyes widened. She hadn't seen her father since the shower. He hadn't called or shown up once since Vanessa's birth.

"What does he want? Does he want to berate me some more? Treat me like garbage?" Catherine asked, her voice hard.

"I think...I think you'll want to hear him out."

Catherine sighed, unsure. Finally, she raised her chin. "Nothing he has to say to me is going to ruin my wedding day. Let him in..."

Heather nodded, and opened the door. Thomas Chandler walked through, his head down. "Do you want me to stay?" she asked. Catherine shook her head. Thomas looked at Vanessa, and he smiled slightly. "I'll be right outside," Heather said, before she stepped out of the room.

Thomas sighed, facing Catherine. "She's beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," Catherine said stiffly. He sighed again.

"She looks like you did, when you were that small."

"What do you want Dad? I'm getting married in 10 minutes," Catherine said, cutting to the chase.

"I know. That's why I'm here."

"You aren't ruining this day for me. So, if you are going to be an asshole, you can walk right back out that door, and disappear out of my life," Catherine said, pointing toward the door.

"I want to apologize. For everything. I've...been such a dick about this whole thing. I was seeing everything that happened with your mother, and pushed it off on you. When your mother died, I blamed you. I blamed you when it wasn't even your fault. I had so much anger inside of me. I hope someday we can talk more about everything."

"Why wait till my wedding day?" Catherine asked, sceptisism in her voice.

"I've been seeing a therapist, at Brooke's insistance. I've been making great strides. It made me realize how grievously I've treated you. The both of you. I didn't want you to walk down the aisle, thinking that I hated you."

"I'm happy about the therapy, but it isn't just me you need to apologize to..."

"I've already spoken with Vincent. We came to an understanding."

Catherine was courious about that one, but decided not to persue it. Instead, she said, "Good. Thank you for that."

Thomas looked Catherine over. "You are a vision, Catherine. As beautiful as your mother. Congratulations. I'm going to go now. You can't be late for your own wedding," he said, turning toward the door. His hand was on the handle, when he heard...

"Will you walk me down the aisle?"

He turned around, looking down at his jeans and lightweight sweater. "I'm not really dressed for it."

Catherine walked toward him, and pulled him into a hug. "I think you look perfect," she whispered.

He patted her back. "I'd be honored," he said with a smile. "Let's get you married young lady."

Catherine nodded, and they opened the door.

Vincent smiled as Tess began walking down the aisle, Vanessa held securely in her arms. Vanessa was silent, taking everything in. Cameras flashed and people "awww"ed at the little cutie. Once Tess got up to Vincent, he leaned down, and gently kissed Vanessa's downy locks. She blinked at her father, gifting him with a smile.

The two bridesmaids came next, followed by Heather. She and Vincent exchanged grins before she took her place at the alter. The Bridal March started and everyone stood up, facing the doors. They swung open, and Vincent forgot how to breathe. Her hair flowed down her back, and her dress...

Her dress was slightly scooped in the front, with long sleeves that molded to her arms. A light green sash was wrapped around her waist, intended to hide the few pounds of baby weight that she had yet to shed. She carried a small bouquet of white lillies and yellow tulips. Thomas Chandler stood beside Catherine, feeling conspicuos, but a smile was on his face. He guided Catherine down the aisle, and many sighs could be heard.

When they reached Vincent, Thomas held out his hand, and Vincent shook it. The reverend smiled, and began the ceremony. When he asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?" Thomas beamed, and said proudly, "I do." He hugged Catherine, and took a seat in the front pew.

"Vincent and Catherine have written their own vows. Catherine, you may share your vows," the reverend said. Catherine smiled, and took the small piece of paper that Heather handed her. She cleared her throat.

"Vincent...I wasn't expecting you. You blew into my life at a time when I was certain I would spend my life alone. I had no idea that night, just how much my life would be changed. Our daughter is the everlasting proof of that night," Catherine said, blushing. Chuckles could be heard all around. "We've already had good times and bad. We almost lost each other, but managed to find our way back together. For that, I am eternally grateful." Catherine swiped at her eyes, as tears had started to fall. "I promise to love you for the rest of our days, and I promise to stand by your side, through all the ups and downs and loop-de-loops. This ride is far from over, and I am so happy that I get to share it with you," she concluded.

Vincent smiled at her, his own eyes teary. The reverend also smiled, and said, "Vincent, it's your turn to share your vows." Evan handed him a small piece of paper. Vincent faced Catherine, and chuckled. "That is gonna be a hard one to follow," he deadpanned, and everyone laughed quietly. He cleared his throat.

"Catherine...What can I say that you don't already know? I think I fell in love with you before I ever met you. I knew so much about you from your sister and Evan, that when I saw you that first night, I was hooked. Your vulnerabilty called to me, and before long, I realized it was tempered with steel. That night my world got rocked, literally," Vincent muttered the last part, but those near the front laughed, "And I have never recovered. My love for you has grown stronger, and when our daughter was born, I knew what unconditional love was. We have had problems already, but it only made us stronger. My love for you and Vanessa is unconditional and unending. Whatever happens from here on out, we will face together, as one. I promise to share everything with you, and to be your rock. I'm so proud to share the rest of my life with you, Catherine. You complete me."

Catherine had tears streaming down her face, and he handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. She dabbed at her eyes, and then they joined hands. The reverend chuckled. "The rings?" he asked. They were produced, and exchanged. "Well, by the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Dr. Keller."

Vincent leaned down, and pulled Catherine close. His lips settled on hers, and everyone cheered. When he finally pulled back, Catherine was blushing. Vincent reached out, and took Vanessa in his arms. She cuddled into his chest, and the trio made their way back down the aisle.

"Ready to start forever, Mrs. Keller?" Vincent asked Catherine.

She smiled up at him. "I already have, Dr. Keller. That night was the first night of my forever with you."

A/N Epilogue is coming up next :)