Chapter 55

The community responded with raised glasses and someone started a "Hip Hip Hooray" cheer that echoed around the Grand Hall. Other toasts were offered and then Vincent rose to his feet. The crowd went quiet to hear what he had to say.

With a wide smile he raised his glass and said, "Catherine and I also want to add our warmest well wishes to Father and Mother. We hope that they are as happy together as Catherine and I are." He took a drink from his glass, but didn't sit down as you would have expected, instead he turned to his brother and new sister-in-law and said, "No one was more surprised than I when these two did what they did tonight. I believe that Father and Mother were the only ones that had any idea what they had planned. Personally I think we have all waited long enough to hear the story of how this all came about!"

Vincent gazed at Devin waiting for a response. Devin in turn looked to Rebecca and she nodded for him to go ahead and tell the story. Devin got to his feet and cheerfully announced, "How can I help but love a woman who allows me to take center stage!?" When the laughter died down, even if Rebecca's blush had not, Devin continued, "I am sure that everyone was aware that Becky and I had become quite close since my accident."

There were many nodding heads when Devin paused for a dramatic moment before going on, "Well I have to admit that I was a pretty self focused kid before my abrupt exit from the tunnels twenty years ago and at that time I didn't notice that there was a special someone interested in me. All I cared about was getting away. When I did finally make my triumphant return, I was pretty much the same selfish bastard that I was when I left."

Other than a few frowns at his language there was only rapt interest in what Devin was saying. Vincent could tell that many of the adults that had been part of the community, and even some of the Helpers from back then, agreed with Devin's assessment of himself.

"As I look back on the events of my accident, surgery, and recovery, I am aware of a change that took place in me and it was in no small part due to this wonderful woman that is now my wife. Becky changed my view of the whole world not just of this place I used to call a hole in the ground, but now I am proud to call home, but my view of myself changed as well. She pointed out my many flaws and was there by my side to help me overcome them. As I regained the use of my legs I also worked to become a person worthy of her love, and it must have worked since I convinced her to marry me! In conclusion all I want to say is that I hope and pray that Becky and I will be as happy as Catherine and Vincent are!"

Applause filled the room as Devin took his seat next to his beautiful bride. One voice rang out over the sounds of clapping to ask, "Does that mean you are going to have a baby too?!"

Rebecca blushed to the roots of her hair and frantically looked to Devin to answer the allegation. Devin patted her hand reassuringly all the while glaring at Mouse who was eagerly and innocently waiting for an answer.

Before Devin could give that answer though, Vincent rose to his feet and said, "Mouse, while I am sure that Rebecca and Devin would someday welcome a child into their family, I do believe that at this time the answer to your question is 'no'."

When he sat down, both Catherine and Rebecca beamed smiles at him, and Devin told his brother, "While I could have handled that, Fuzz, I have to admit that my response would not have been as diplomatic."

"I was aware of that from the look on your face and figured that you had forgotten how innocent Mouse is. He certainly didn't mean to imply a premarital situation. In fact I am sure he wouldn't even know what that was. But Mouse loves children and was only eager to know if when you were married you would bless the tunnels with one or more. As far as Mouse knows, babies only happen to married people and children come to the tunnels because they were living on the streets Above."

To be continued…..