'Catherine, I can't believe this moment.'

'Believe it, my love.'

The smile, bestowed on his unique countenance, drove Vincent to forget time and place all over again. Their daring 'hideaway' afternoon became a revelation for the 'not so young anymore' couple. Despite Vincent's passing years, he had the stamina of a man half his age. The desire which had been sublimated for so long, first into anger and then work, finally surfaced. There could have been another moment in time, when the love they felt overwhelmed common sense but it was to be in this time and place, a long overdue 'abandonment of the senses' consummation of their love.

Vincent had made love to Catherine many times, but infrequently, since their first coupling, weeks after they returned from California. Whether they were above in the privacy of the Brownstone, or below in his chambers, their passion existed in a vacuum. The history of it was complicated, disturbed by death and separation, pain and complex living. There was a disconnect between the couple, which time and effort did not breech. Catherine's renewed energy contributed much to the moment but the most profound realization of need came the instant they stepped through the doorway of the motor home. It didn't look or smell the same as the large bus-like structure which brought Vincent and Jacob from New York but it did provide a virtual doorway to the past.

The couple however, had weathered much more over the nearly three years since their reunion. They had grown in affection, actually falling in love with each other again. The true sexual force of the reunion in California, had it been in health, would have been celebrated then. The energy of desire had been suppressed until the moment they walked through the door of this smaller, cozy motor home planted wheel-less in a harvested corn field in the heart of New York state.

Vincent could hardly ever admit to himself how disappointed he had been that making love to his long missing soul mate was nearly impossible. Truly, he had been unbearably thrilled just to have her back. For her part, Catherine's weakness put intimacy on the back burner. She never wanted to admit the truth but even those times when they made the effort, she suffered. Inside this small room and in a heartbeat or so it seemed, she saw their relationship in a dream sequence and knew that the moment of their reunion had to be re-lived with the physical experience balancing the emotional and spiritual.

In that frame of mind, the discomforts receded, the passion and the power of their love transcended everything beyond what they could ever imagine. Vincent and Catherine made love with the unabashed frenzy in a new found fervour. When air and food finally became a necessity, they drew back slightly from each other laughing like kids on a second date, surprised to find that maybe there was more to love than just being kind to each other.

'Can you believe that I am hungry?'

'For more or for real food?'

'Can I say both, but energy needs fuel.'

'Vincent, I have seldom known you to be short of energy.'

The satiated husband rolled on to his back, breathing deeply but pulling his wife, so that she lay on top of him, staring into his face. 'You have surprised me in many ways with your courage Catherine but this, it takes my breath away.'

Before he could catch another one, she sat up, her thighs pressing astride his powerful body. What ever rational thought had prompted his desire for food, it disappeared. Before long, neither could speak. They became consumed with desire and with each other. The afternoon sun shone through the window of the motor home and moved on unheeded as if seeking another soul to appreciate its warming energy. It was clear that the couple inside had no need of light, food or anything else except each other.

'I haven't seen your mother and father Jacob. Have you?'

'Nope! But I know they're ok, just enjoying the change in scenery. You can always help Mama to catch up with whatever Terry wants later.' Jacob's smile was delicious. He was happy and relaxed. The young husband had listened to Cathy talk about her afternoon at the fence with Jason's stepfather and the conversation they shared.

'He's so easy to talk with Jacob. He asked me a lot of questions. I don't know what he does but he kind of directed the movements of the rehearsal. His calmness helped me to relax. You know how uptight I get when my emotions override my commonsense.'

'Are you kidding?'

'About him or me?'

'You!...my calm ever practical wife.'

'Thought you knew me better than that.'

A little tickling between the couple settled the matter. Their casually elegant clothing was at variance with the childish behaviour but it only served to demonstrate how relaxing the atmosphere of the weekend had become. They were headed up to the big house for cocktails. Cathy didn't probe Jacob for details of his meeting with Patrick and Kurt. Sometimes business was best left alone. He would share the information if needed.

They were met at the door by Patrick, who was greeting everyone with his usual graciousness. 'Where's your mother Jacob? I haven't seen her all afternoon.'

'Resting.'

Patrick was taken aback by the brevity of the response but continued. 'Come in. Make yourselves at home.'

The young couple smiled and walked forward into a large ground floor room. There were several people milling around in various groups, talking and accepting drinks and hors d'oevres from servers carrying trays. Cathy knew quite a few of the faces from her early afternoon exploration. The young couple, chose to remain abstinent and declined drinks as they moved around saying hello to everyone. Terry was also absent, spending time with her immediate family, preparing for the big day. There were some traditions which were important to her Mexican cultural heritage. Patrick understood.

The bridegroom was present, holding court in a far corner. Jason was surrounded by a group of men but he stood out, his aura of anticipation elevating him above all of them. He smiled a lot but his eyes darted about as if seeking someone. Jacob and Cathy's appearance gave him the opportunity to excuse himself. In a few strides, Jason was standing next to Jacob.

'How are you holding up?' Jacob enquired, sensing an urgency in the taut body.

'The truth?'

The confirming nods encouraged him to continue.

'I want to slip out of here for a few minutes. I need to meet Terry. We aren't supposed to but...jeez, I miss her. I don't know how you survived all this pre-wedding stuff Jacob.' Jason ran his fingers through his still thick, hair.

'I don't either, but my Dad was a rock for me.'

'I've got three Dads at my beck and call, but the one person I want right now is my wife.'

'Did you have a plan to meet?'

'Yes, she's feeling the same. I don't know how she'll get away but we are going to rendezvous down by the barn.' The words were said with a wink.

'Come with me.' Cathy grabbed Jason's arm and guided him out a side door which she remembered from her last visit. It appeared as if the three were moving away from the crowd in order to have a private conversation. Jason slipped out. Jacob and Cathy waited a few minutes before returning to the main room. They were greeted by Philippe.

'I won't ask. I can see that Jason was getting frustrated,' Philippe acknowledged raising his hands in a wholly European gesture.

'Philippe, this is my husband Jacob.' Cathy smiled in acknowledgement of the man's sensitivity. The two men shook hands. 'Jacob, do you mind if I borrow your wife for a few minutes?'

Jacob was surprised but nodded and smiled. It was clear that the Jason's stepfather had seen something in Cathy which he admired. They walked away while Jacob moved over to Kurt's side. He was engaged in a conversation with Marian and Serena, one of Terry's cousins. Marian looked stunning. Her long hair, usually up in a tight French knot, fell loosely down around her shoulders. The black dress accentuated her ultra slim figure. She had toned down her normally abrasive persona and looked utterly feminine.

Eric was soon at their side. He had some telephone conversations with Marian in the past. Her brutal and often direct talk shocked him. The vivacious and attractive blonde seemed to have transformed into a butterfly. She was gracious and kind, not at all behaving like the same person. Jacob watched the interplay between the small group, attracted by her energy, gathering around. It wasn't long before Patrick joined them. Serena was young, beautiful and charming but unable to hold a candle to Marian's experience, charismatic charm and socially appropriate conversation. No explosions marred the conversation and everyone laughed at her sharp wit.

'Hugh, this is Cathy.' Cathy smiled and offered her hand.

'Are you Cathy? Very happy to meet you..this is my wife Gina.'

Cathy nodded at the couple. It wasn't strange for her to be introduced to Jason's family but she was beginning to feel as if she were on show. She tried to make some small talk with the interested couple hoping that she didn't sound vague. They asked a lot of normal questions but there was a feeling of disquiet growing inside her. Something was troubling. She indicated a desire to move on but before they went to anyone else, Cathy halted Philippe in his tracks. He expressed his query with an utterly charming head tilt. Cathy was not moved.

'Did Terry say anything to you about me?'

'Yes she did. Have I said something to offend you?'

'Look, you don't have to prove anything to me. I'm fine with the circumstances of my life. I appreciate your effort but it's unnecessary.'

'I don't understand.'

'You said you spoke with Terry. I don't need you to make me feel better about things. I'm alright with it now.' Cathy felt her anger rising over what she perceived as Terry's breach of confidentiality. She had no right to share her secret with anyone else. Cathy could feel Jacob respond to her rising distress and she sought his eyes in the crowd, shaking her head to stop him making a beeline to her.

'Yes but...'

'I don't need placating.'

'Is that what you think? I am spending my time with you... to placate you? No, I was amazed by the strength you showed under pressure. I just admire your courage.'

'Courage? You said Terry told you about me?'

'Well she did also, but Jason really told the story because he was there.'

'The story? You mean about the kidnapping?'

'Yes, I so admired you and wanted a chance to enjoy your company.'

'Philippe, I am so sorry. I thought you were feeling sorry for me and trying to make up for the fact that my father was a mean spirited man who also happened to be Gay..'

'Clearly there is a misunderstanding. I had no idea...Terry would never break a confidence.'

'I know Philippe. Forgive me?'

'There's nothing to forgive. I would much rather hear about your escapade than listen to stories of any man who would be mean to such a charming daughter.'

Cathy laughed and took the offered arm again. She felt the light pat of reassurance on her hand. Despite the request for the story of her heroics, she talked instead about the man who dominated her mother's life and ruined her own. Philippe was a patient listener.

'Do you have children?' she asked quietly after unburdening herself.

His raised eyebrows were comical.

'I'm sorry again. I didn't want to assume that you can't have a family. Vladimir does.'

'I wish...I wish... no, I don't have any children of my own but if I did, I would wish her to be like you Cathy. You are a most delightful young woman.'

Although it was late summer, the evening light was still bright. Jason slipped out behind the house and down the lane, skirting the main path. He removed his telltale jacket and placed a baseball cap over his hair. The desperate man felt like a teenager running out to meet the locked up daughter of the local magistrate. He had no problem respecting the tradition and culture of her family, but Terry did not look happy at rehearsal. She had sent him a pleading look. He responded with a few fingers to indicate time and a head tilt for direction. Her lowered eyes assured him that the message was received. Jason wanted to reassure himself that she was ok, not just with the wedding but the whole idea of marriage.

He waited in the shadows behind the barn, looking left and right for signs of her sure and rapid gait among the moving bodies in the distance. It wasn't long before Terry emerged from between the trees, the long hair hanging loose around her shoulders, straight into the arms of her lover.

'Poochie, I have missed you. This is madness!'

Jason could hardly speak. He had been with this woman for more than twelve years. His love was undiminished by time and circumstance. 'Is it too much for you?' he asked into her hair.

'No, I'm just not used to doing things without you. We should be together with our little boy.'

'After tomorrow, we will be. Indivisible, if what they say is true! Speaking of truth, this won't bring us bad luck will it?'

'Oh Jason, you are the luck of my life. I don't believe all that stuff but my Tia does and it's important to her. Are you worried about it?'

'Kevin says belief can kill and belief can cure.'

'Where'd he come up with that?'

'He has a new girlfriend from the Caribbean islands.'

Terry laughed thinking of Jason's second in command. He was a mush for women but very superstitious on the job. She grew serious as the feel of Jason arms penetrated to the very core of her body.

'I never thought I would allow my family to separate us and yet I am doing this willingly because I love you and want to make it right with both our families.'

'Do you think I care about this little charade if you're unhappy? Sure it's meaningful for everyone else and I appreciate the effort people are making but honestly we're already married Babe... have been from the day I laid eyes on you.'

Reaching up Terry pulled his head down to her. 'Jason, just shut up and kiss me.'

If anyone heard laughter and sighs from behind the barn, they never let on. Clearly the country air and nearly full moon was having a powerful effect on everything.

A slight flurry of activity at the house drew everyone's attention to the door. A figure appeared at the front door to gasps of surprise. The Governor for the state arrived, his wife on his arm, smiling at his host.

'Thank you for coming governor, Mrs. Smirconish. Welcome.'

'My pleasure Patrick and thank you for inviting us.'

Everyone observed pleasantries. The tone in the room was quietened slightly by the new arrival. There were whispers. Jason and Terry weren't a part of the New York scene. The other guests wondered about the dignitary's presence at the party. After the initial shock, people began to mumble as the host and his special guest made their way around the room shaking hands and making small talk. The Governor was polite and observant. His small eyes, hidden behind thick lenses, seemed to take in everything.

'Jacob, how good to meet you again. Where is your mother? I hoped to see her as well.'

'I believe she's resting Sir.'

Disappointment showed on his face. Jacob was disappointed too. His mother and father were hidden away. He didn't want to intrude on their private time but it seemed strange that they would travel all this way to hide in a motor home when a beautiful setting was waiting for their exploration. The truth is that their absence was getting embarrassing. Jacob kept his smile neutral and nodded in response to the small talk. His relief was palpable when the bookish intense man moved on. Jacob sought out his wife. He longed to walk in the fields, watch the sun reach its final resting place and make love under the moonlight. He too was hoping to capture some of the ambience of the countryside.

He turned to whisper in Cathy's ear, 'Come on KitCat. Let's get outta here.'

She laughed in response before turning coyly to look up in his eyes. 'What you got in mind big boy?'

Jacob loved these moments with Cathy. She taught him how to relax and be funny. He had a wonderful ability to mimic accents just as she could quote almost every line from every old movie. Spontaneity did not come easily to Cathy, nor did Jacob do well with tedious ponderous tasks, but they managed to bring out the best of these character deficits and enjoy each other. Hand in hand they turned around to slip out the same side door as Jason when they were halted by another gasp from the front door. Jacob turned, heart pounding. There, on the threshold, stood his parents. On second glance he was sure of his father but the woman standing next to him seemed more like a younger version of his mother. The Catherine he saw in the old videos had suddenly come to life.

Vincent never looked old. His hair and skin were ageless. Some of his facial hair had been lost to time giving him a more human look. Sue had helped him to care for his hair and it shone with golden highlights, falling in waves to his shoulders. He wore a black suit and white open neck shirt. The hair on his hands had been trimmed slightly, making the fingers less intimidating. As good as Vincent looked, Catherine was really the showstopper. She looked stunning. Since her return from California, she had tended to wear matronly clothes, full tops and baggy pants. Understandably, she needed comfort to allow movement in her stiff limbs. No one noted the changes but Catherine had been working hard to restore muscle bulk to her limbs. As husband and wife entered the room, they were surrounded by a glow of perfect health and happiness.

Patrick was at her side in a heartbeat, followed by Kurt, then the governor. They could easily have been halted by Vincent, but the happy husband was delighted to see Catherine return to herself. The little black dress and wide belt looked regal. Her shoes were high enough to manage in comfort and give definition to her thighs. The brown silvery hair was just above shoulder length and glowing with good health. They quickly became the centre of attention. Jacob did not try to reach his parents. This was their time to be celebrated among their peers.

Choosing not to change plans, Cathy and Jacob slipped out, just as a much happier Jason was returning from his secret tryst.

'Our turn!' quipped Jacob as they met face to face. The two men shared a high five before the young couple slipped down into the darkening evening.