An Exceptional Marriage

Robert and Catherine were greeted with multiple 'congratulations' that Monday morning when they went to their respective work sites. Robert had more or less expected it; his was a much smaller group of people in the office.

Catherine barely got in the front door when she heard the first of many of the same. Apparently, when William went back on Thursday and of course all day Friday, he told everyone.

At lunch that Monday, David Wells approached Catherine. "Understand you and Robert are living at a cabin."

"We are David; it's our own little retreat."

"Are you still going to sell your home?"

"Definitely, are you still interested?"

"Yes, Susan is tired of apartment living."

"Do you want to see it on Saturday?"

"What time, Catherine?"

"Eleven o'clock?"

"Perfect, do you mind if the children come with us?"

"Not at all, they need to see what may be their future home."

Both of their pagers went off; they attended to their calls.

That Saturday, both couples arrived at Catherine's house at the same time. The children were introduced, the boy was Steven, he was seven; the daughter was Robin, she was five. Neither had too much to say; neither did they run off.

When they were upstairs, Catherine spoke to them. "These two bedrooms have their own bathroom, let's take a look."

She heard. "Mommy, from my room you can see the lake."

"I see, Steven. And look Robin you can see the lake too."

Then she spoke to the couple. "Much of the furniture was bought specifically for each room; I doubt any of it will be appropriate for the house Robert and I will build. I really want you to have it."

"Catherine, are you sure?"

"Yes, Susan, I'm sure."

"That's most generous, are you sure you don't want to make an adjustment to your asking price?"

"None needed, David."

"I'll contact the bank on Monday."

Robert and Catherine heard. "Are you going to buy it, Daddy?"

"Yes children, in a few weeks this will be your new home."

The children were all smiles; Catherine was glad. Children would finally occupy her home. It wasn't a sad thought; it was one of contentment.

The couples departed. Robert and Catherine went to the grocery store; on their way home they made a quick stop at Robert's office. He wanted to pick up plans for several houses for Catherine's consideration.

When they had the groceries put away; they sat on the same side of the small table. Robert had five sets of drawings, external views and the inside rooms. He let Catherine have a good look at each of them. She picked out his favorite, the one the designer named The Windsor.

"My favorite feature, Robert, is the master suite on the first floor and we have our own private sitting room with a fireplace. I can visualize many cold nights sitting there, cuddled up in front of the fire."

"I like your romantic thoughts. As soon as most of the snow melts, we'll take a Saturday to look at lots."

"I hope it's soon; we've had snow on the ground for months this winter."

They got their chance in two weeks. They still needed boots to look at them. Catherine left picking out the lot to Robert. He knew best which one would be right for the house they had chosen.

The decision was made; in a week the lot was theirs; Robert had workers waiting to get started. Now they waited. On Saturday or Sunday they would check on its progress.

By this time Catherine had sent all the required documents to the State of Connecticut's Division of Medial Licensure. Every day, she anticipated the mail delivery at her office. The day the envelope arrived, Catherine couldn't wait to see Robert. She was waiting in the lobby before his usual time to arrive. She tempered her excitement. She gave Robert time to open the car door for her. Before Robert drove away, he heard his wife. "It's official, Robert."

"I'm not a mind reader, Catherine, tell me the rest."

"With pleasure, Robert, I'm now Dr. Catherine Woodward. I received my new license today."

"When we get home, we'll celebrate with a glass of wine, Dr. Woodward."

"I can't wait to hear all my colleagues address me as such; I'm proud to be Dr. Woodward."

"And I'm proud of my wife; you are definitely my better half."

"No Robert, we're complementary halves."

"We'll toast to us too."

Their happiness continued; they danced until bedtime. They began their day with that same mood; both had a busy schedule.

Every chance Catherine had, she was thinking about Robert's birthday; it was in April. She already knew it hadn't been celebrated in years. The only person's birthday the family had celebrated was Michael's.

One day before it was time for Robert to pick her up, she had called Lori. "I want to do something special for your dad's birthday, any ideas?"

"He and Chuck would sometimes go into the city to a basketball or hockey game."

"I could watch a basketball game but not hockey, too cold and too violent. Would you mind if I took him to the city? We could celebrate with the family on another day."

"No Catherine, I know he'd love to go."

"You've been a big help, Lori. I'll talk to you soon."

At least now she had an idea. She went out front to watch for Robert. She and Robert had pledged not to keep secrets; this was a surprise.

Over the next few days, she made plans. First, she checked the schedule for the Knicks, as luck would have it; they were playing at home that entire weekend. They were all sold out for Saturday, so she got great seats for Friday. She then made a reservation at one of the nice hotel close to the arena; it was for two nights. Now she needed to think of a plan to get out of town early that Friday. She knew that wasn't going to be easy.

Catherine needed a car to carry out her plan. When they closed on her house, Catherine decided to sell the SUV. They didn't need it; Robert loved to drive Catherine anywhere she needed to go. She wasn't ready to part with her Jaguar. She remembered the conversation.

Robert, it was a gift from my father when I completed medical school. Can't we put in storage until our house is built?

Of course we can. Our garage will easily fit three cars; if we ever need another one.

Her Jaguar would be their transportation. She had even thought of the way to get Robert to go with her to the city.

Friday had arrived. Catherine kissed Robert goodbye by the steps of the hospital. She went to her office and placed a call to the garage where the car was stored. The man in charge knew Catherine; he agreed to bring it to the hospital.

"Catherine, are you surprising your husband?"

"I am, Walter; it's a birthday surprise."

"I'm sure it will be appreciated."

Catherine drove Walter back to the garage and then to the cabin; it didn't take her long to pack their bags. She carried a change of clothes for Robert. Now the important phone call, Catherine had to temper her emotions.

What a pleasant surprise Catherine!

"Robert, can you drive into the city with me?"

Sure, why?

"I need to meet a medical salesman at one of the hotels around three. I'll pick you up in twenty minutes." She disconnected the call before he could respond. She laughed out loud and went to the car.

Robert was hanging on to the phone, just looking at it. "How can she pick me up? She doesn't have a car!" He watched from the office window. In a few moments, he saw her red Jaguar pull up and she got out. He came running out of the office.

"Catherine what are you up to?"

She handed him his clothes. "I brought you some comfortable clothes, please go change; we don't have a lot of time." He didn't argue and did as she asked. Catherine was having a hard time keeping her secret.

"Do you want me to drive?"

"No Robert, you drive me everywhere. It's my turn to drive you."

The passenger seat was back as far as it would go; Robert only had a little difficulty getting in. Catherine didn't drive fast; she knew they really had plenty of time. They didn't need any music; they spent the time talking about their new house.

She pulled into the valet parking area; they both got out of the car. "Robert, you need get the suitcases out of the trunk." His eyes got wide, "Catherine," he began.

Catherine pulled him into a private corner, her arms went around his neck; she kissed him. "Happy Birthday Robert, we have tickets for the Knicks game tonight and we're booked here until Sunday."

"Catherine, you little rascal, you planned this for me?"

"Yes, love, I wanted to do something special and different to celebrate your Birthday; you deserve a celebration."

And so began Robert's birthday celebration in the city. Even Catherine enjoyed the game; they had center court seats about fifteen rows up. They dined and danced; strolled around the shopping district of New York City and enjoyed their private time together.

Catherine let Robert drive home. "You keep surprises well, Catherine."

"It was hard, Robert. When I was younger, I always gave away my surprises; I always wanted to share them in a hurry."

"It's a birthday I'll never forget; I thank you."

"My pleasure darling; it was a special time for us. We need spontaneity in our marriage."

"Does that mean I should expect surprises often?"

"Not often, but occasionally."

"I hear you. Let's go by our house before we go to the cabin."

"Look, Robert, the roof is on."

They found more than the roof; all the sheetrock was up on the walls. It looked like a real home inside. "Are they ahead of schedule, Robert?

"I knew they wanted it enclosed before the spring rains begin."

"Your crew is working overtime for us; when it's done we need to have a big party for them." It was still several weeks from completion.

Catherine was having fun doing things she never dreamed were possible. Michael was playing on his first T-ball team; Catherine and Robert would attend as many games as they could; luckily most were on Saturday morning. It was after his team won a game, he came yelling to them.

"Grandma, Grandpa, did you see me make a home run?"

"Of course I did. Give me a hug." He did and then ran off to be with his teammates.

They both heard him; neither said a word. It was so natural for Michael. Catherine assumed he didn't even realize it. She felt like her heart was smiling; it was a wonderful feeling. And that was the way it would always be.

Lori and Jeff heard him too. "Catherine, I knew it would happen one day. I speak for Dad; we more than approve."

"Thank you, it really warms my heart." Robert gave her a public kiss. "Come on Grandma; we still need to go to the grocery store." They laughed all the way to the car.

Catherine also followed Marybeth's growing list of can dos; smiling, cooing, rolling over, sitting up and eating baby food. All events she had never enjoyed.

In July they finally moved into their new home; the cabin would find other uses. And they had that big party for the workers and all who helped build it.

In August, William announced he was retiring at the end of the year. He handpicked Catherine to succeed him as Medical Director of the Department of Pediatrics. Her selection would be officially announced at the Board meeting in October.

It was a semi-formal affair. Robert was going to rent a tuxedo, until he heard Catherine tell him.

"Robert, in my new position, there will be lots of these occasions. It's a good investment to buy your own."

"So, you're going to have me look like a penguin often."

"Is that what guys call a tuxedo?"

"Yep, as Michael would say. I suppose we should plan on shopping on Saturday."

"It won't take long, Robert. I know what I'm looking for and you only need to be fitted."

Catherine was correct; in less than an hour they were finished.

The Board Meeting and dinner was the next Saturday. Robert was surprised to learn he knew a lot of people. He and Catherine sat with William and Marina. Catherine's announcement was last.

William began with typical words about his tenure. He continued. "It is with deep pleasure I introduce to you the Pediatric Department's next chief, Dr. Catherine Woodward."

Catherine took the podium. "I am humbled by William's selection. With the help of all of you, I hope to build on the foundation William began. We have the opportunity to make St. Mary's Pediatrics a regional medical center. There are so many children who need our care. Please let me know you agree."

They did with thunderous applause. When it got quiet, Catherine looked at Robert. "Many of you have met him; I still would like to introduce my husband, Robert Woodward." The group applauded again; Catherine took her leave from the podium.

Robert didn't kiss her; his arm went around her waist.

The CEO closed the Board meeting. Robert and Catherine mingled.

Robert would tell her in the car. "Several people are going to contact my office with building projects; looks like the company will have a fast start next year."

Robert was correct. Catherine's new position would begin on January first. She was up for the challenge.

The holidays came. The couple reflected back on those days, their first meeting, the sad days of Marybeth's death, their meeting at the cabin and the conversation that day. They talked mostly about the day Catherine, the poor lost soul as Robert had called her, came to the cabin and they shared that first kiss.

Catherine anticipated Christmas with the excitement of a child. Michael was still a believer. Once again she experienced a joy she never thought possible.

Life was good. No matter how busy they were, they would always take time to nourish their marriage.