Chapter 43

"Come in, Vincent. I put tea on when I felt you returning," she told him quietly, mindful of the child sleeping on her bed.

"You've been up all night because of this haven't you?"

"Yes, but I didn't mind. I only wish I could have helped you."

"Thank you, Clara, but only Catherine could help me with this one. I needed to tell her what was happening in my life and make her understand that although I will always love her, the time for grieving is over and I'm finally ready to go forward."

"And you did that," she stated with assurance.

"You knew?"

"Not what the reason was, but I felt the peace settle over your heart and then I got the sense that you were coming home…" she trailed off.

"You can say it. I was coming home…to you."

"Yes, that is what I felt."

"Clara, I know we are both new to this and we each have an unusual history. But, if it's what you want as well, I would like us to start dating. Would that be something you would be agreeable to?"

She dropped her eyes and said shyly, "Yes, Vincent, I would."

"Then would you like to attend to concert in the park with me tomorrow night?"

"In the park? Vincent, wouldn't that be dangerous for you?!" she gasped in concern and fear for him.

"I'm sorry, Clara. I should have been more clear. I have a very special place right under the first row of seats. The sound quality is quite amazing and it's very cozy."

"I would love to go then, Vincent. As long as it doesn't put you in danger."

"Clara, I am gratified at your concern for my safety, but I have to tell you that I am very capable of taking care of myself."

"You have to allow me to be concerned about someone I care about," she insisted.

"I care about you too, Clara. Oh, I also wanted to tell you that I read the book you gave us tonight. I don't know how I can even thank you for that collection of memories, and I know that one day it will mean as much to Jacob as it does to me now."

"I'm glad, Vincent. I had thought it might be too much, but then I thought that there might be some stories out there that you didn't know. However, I did know how much you would cherish those. I hope there were some of those in there."

"I think I knew all of them, but there were some of the details that were news. I also like the space you left for me to add to the book."

"Good…" she said with a yawn.

"I am so sorry to keep you up so late! Let me get Jacob and I can let you get a couple of hours of sleep before you need to get up again."

"It's alright, Vincent, I didn't mind at all, and I'm glad we had a chance to talk. Are you sure about moving Jacob?"

"Yes, he sleeps very soundly, and he won't know a thing about the move until he wakes up," he answered with a chuckle.

"Alright then, I will see the two of you when you bring him to the nursery."

"Thank you again for keeping him, Clara. Tonight was very meaningful to me."

"You're very welcome, Vincent. You know I love Jacob, and am glad to watch him any time you need me to."

With his son in his arms Vincent said one more 'thank you' and left the chamber. With a contented sigh, she removed her robe and crawled into bed. Clara was asleep almost before her head touched the pillow.

Vincent felt her relax into sleep just as he entered his chamber. Putting Jacob in his crib, he quickly undressed and did something he'd never done before. He was so tired, both physically and mentally, that for the first time in his life he went to bed naked. He too was asleep within seconds after lying down.

To be continued….