The Lies We Tell

A/N Okay, so here is the epilogue. I was asked very nicely by several people to continue it, but RL is pressing down on me and I just can't think of anything else to add to this story. That being said, I would like to thank everyone who read and reviewed and favorited this story. It means the world to me, really! Thanks again! Enjoy!

Chapter 11 -Epilogue

Catherine's recovery had been slow. After she was shot by Alex, she had to stay in the hospital for close to a month. Because her wound was so close to her lungs, the doctors had wanted her to stay and heal properly.

Vincent had moved into her apartment, and either he or Heather, who had become Ryan's babysitter, would bring Ryan by several times a day, so Catherine could nurse him.

Having a bedside wedding service wasn't exactly the way she had envisioned her wedding day, but her groom she could find no fault in. Within 30 minutes of Vincent's declaration, Catherine found herself being pronounced Mrs Vincent Keller. The kiss that Vincent had bestowed on his new bride actually made the preacher clear his throat, causing Catherine to blush to the roots of her hair.

Catherine finally had everything she could ever want...

8 months later...

Vincent came home in the middle of the day to surprise his wife. In his hands were a lovely bouquet of roses. He unlocked the apartment door, and stepped inside. No sounds greeted him. He walked to Ryan's room and stuck his head inside. His 1 year old son was currently laying on his stomach, his arms and legs sprawled around him. He was sound asleep. Vincent chuckled softly, and closed the door.

He opened the bedroom door, and looked inside. Catherine was curled up on the bed, also fast asleep. Vincent crept in and closed the door softly. He placed the roses by her alarm clock, and walked quietly to his side of the bed. Taking off his shoes, he slipped in bed behind her. His arm wrapped around her waist, and caressed the bump that was just starting to show. Catherine was 4 months pregnant with their 2nd child.

Catherine scooted backwards, her back pressing against his chest. She mmmmm'ed and her hand came up, grasping his loosely. She opened her eyes and turned her head. Vincent kissed her cheek, and she smiled sleepily.

"Hey, you..." she whispered.

"Hey, yourself.." he returned. She turned more, so that her back was against the bed. He rubbed his hand over her stomach, and she giggled. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired mostly. I seem to fall asleep all the time."

"That's not unusual, especially coming out of the 1st Trimester. It'll be over soon."

"Oh, I know. I was like this with Ryan, too."

Vincent got a far off look that Catherine recognized all too well. It was the same look he got anytime he thought about all he had missed out on. Catherine would patiently bring him out of it every time it happened.

"It's okay, Vincent. You aren't going to miss anything this time," Catherine assured him. Vincent sighed.

"I wish I hadn't missed everything the first time," he lamented softly.

"I know. But, we can't go back and change it. Besides, Ryan absolutely adores you. He is definitely a Daddy's boy."

Vincent rubbed his hand over her stomach again. He smiled wistfully. "I wish I could have seen you growing large with my child, like I am now." He shook his head. "I was so stupid..."

"No, you were never stupid. You were a victim of Max's treachery, just like I was."

Vincent kissed her lips. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Catherine reached down, and rubbed her hand over the front of his jeans, where a noticeable bulge was forming. Vincent growled, and nipped at her lips. Catherine turned toward him, and ground herself against him. The bulge grew larger, and Catherine giggled.

Suddenly, she found herself on her back, with Vincent hovering over her. "This means war, woman!"

Catherine threw him a provocative look, before holding up her hands in mock surrender. Vincent grinned, before sitting up and rapidly dispensing himself of his clothes. In record time, her clothes also lay in a heap on the floor. She panted in his ear, pregnancy making her hormones spike.

"How much time do we have?" Vincent asked, his hand trailing down, past her stomach. He cupped her intimately, and Catherine gasped.

"At least an hour..."

Vincent grinned. "I can do a lot in an hour..."

Catherine giggled, before pulling him against her. "I love you, Vincent."

He kissed her lips. "I love you more, Catherine. And, I'm gonna show you just how much...right now."

Soon, all that could be heard were the moans and sighs of two people who had finally found a love to last a lifetime.

A love that had already endured a lifetime...

A/N So, there it is. What did you think of it? Hit that review button one last time:)