Chapter 36
With a devilish grin that promised she would continue later, Catherine nodded her agreement that she would stop just as Vincent heard Devin ask, "Okay, so what did you need to talk to me about, Fuzz? I assume it has something to do with the wonderful Ms. Chandler. Do you need romantic advice?"
Vincent took a deep breath, wishing he could see the look that what he had to say would cause on Devin's face. He savored the image in his mind for just a moment and then said, "Actually, Devin, what I find myself in need of, is my brother…to act as my best man…"
He waited as the dead silence told of the shock Devin was feeling at that announcement and then finally from the other end of the phone came, "WOW! Did the Old man live through that shock?"
"Father is very much alive and has given us his blessing."
There was a disbelieving laugh from Devin and then he asked, "What did you have to do for that? Promise to name your first born after him?"
"You can ask him all those questions and more if you'll return to be my best man."
"I'd love to, Fuzz, but what about Charles? I can't leave him here alone."
"Bring him along, Devin! With the wedding we are planning he won't stand out at all."
"Vincent, you know he will even Below! I'll think of something."
"We aren't getting married Below."
"Huh? How can that be?"
"What did you call her? The amazing Ms. Chandler?" Vincent laughed.
"I'm pretty sure I said 'wonderful' but do tell what has she cooked up?"
"Catherine wanted to give me sunshine on our special day, so we're getting married at noon in Central Park."
"Are you insane? The Old man will have you under lock and key when he hears that!" Devin's voice protested so loudly that the three women heard it.
"Devin, our wedding is on Halloween and everyone will be in costume. That was why I said Charles would be fine. He can come 'as is' like I will be doing, or he can wear a mask if he prefers."
"Halloween? Oh my lord that IS perfect! You tell Chandler that I'll be there and will give her a 'proper' welcome to the family for doing this for you! Did I tell you that I'm very happy for you? Who'd have thought my little brother would beat me to the altar? Too bad your Catherine doesn't have a sister!"
"Catherine might not have a sister, but her friend Jenny wanted to know if I had a brother when we were introduced."
"You're meeting her friends?"
"Yes, we just finished dinner with Catherine's bridesmaids when you called."
"Good heavens! I need to get back more often! Things are changing very quickly these days. So tell me, Fuzz, are these friends attractive?"
"Nancy is a happily married lady with two children, however Jenny is single. As for the rest, you'll have to come and see for yourself."
"We will both be there and I'm keeping good thoughts that Chandler has only gorgeous friends!"
The call ended a few minuets later and Vincent rejoined the ladies where he found that Catherine had already explained about Charles' condition.
Jenny and Nancy both were reluctant for the evening to end even though Nancy had her family to get home to. Catherine made arrangements with Jenny to visit Vincent's world later in the week and promised that Nancy would get a chance to as well before the wedding.
It was during her lunch break on Thursday, the realtor showed Catherine the property that she immediately knew was perfect. She made arrangements to get her group together that evening for another showing, but Catherine could already tell this was the place! The six story building that used to be a warehouse, had been empty for almost a year, the agent told Catherine, and she was sure that the price would be reasonable.
The committee didn't take long at all to decide that Catherine was right and Mouse's eyes kept getting wider and wider as each floor revealed more 'stuff' that had been left behind. He also confirmed that it would be easy to create a basement entrance to the tunnels.