Chapter 91

"Because I chose not to, Devin. Vincent is going to be this baby's father and we would rather leave it that way," Catherine stated.

"Then I must say that I am sorry for saying anything. It is just such a habit to protect Vincent that I did not think the two of you might not with the true details known," Father apologized.

"It's alright Father. We should have made it clear to the ones that do know that we would rather it not go any farther," Vincent replied.

"I will be sure to pass that word along to the ones that do know."

"Thank you Father," Catherine said softly.

Mary entered the study then already asking a question, "Father are you not going to dinner this eve…oh I didn't know Vincent and Catherine were here. Would the two of you like to join us as well?"

"What about me Mary? Do you think there is room for one more?" Devin asked stepping out of the dark archway he had been standing in.

She looked at this stranger, wondering who he could be and how he knew her name. Then he stepped into the light and she saw the three scars on his cheek. She remembered treating those wounds after the fight between the two boys. Devin would not say why Vincent had scratched him, but only would claim he had provoked him. "Devin," she whispered with her hand going to her heart.

Devin smiled, "So you do remember this naughty runaway?"

"You nearly broke all our hearts you know! We searched for you for days! No one considered that you had run away. We all thought you were lost or hurt somewhere."

"I am sorry for that," he told her as he approached. "Can you forgive me Mary?" Devin asked as he held out his arms to her.

Tender hearted woman that she was, Mary simply said, "Of course dear child," and stepped into his arms to exchange hugs.

All five of them headed to the dining hall together and Devin was met with a mixture of reactions. From the children, too young to remember or know him, he got simple curiosity about a stranger. From the older residents, he received curiosity and some bitterness, at how he could have let them wonder about his fate. Then, from the playmates of his day, there was joy at his return. Pascal and Winslow quickly moved to greet him. The girls also remembered him, Olivia brought her husband and son over to introduce them, and Devin had Rebecca blushing at his extravagant compliments on the beauty she had grown into.

As they tried to eat, numerous people would stop buy the table. Some for just a brief 'hello' and 'welcome back', but others stayed a while to chat.

By the time they finished eating Devin had a circle of children sitting at his feet as he told of all the places he had been and the things he had done. He told them how he had led safaris in Africa, rafting trips down the Nile, and had been a knife thrower in a carnival.

Catherine shared a look with Vincent as each wild tale unfolded. Nowhere in there were the years and years of law school that he would have had to have to be in the job he was now.

Even Father was beginning to wonder about that when Devin announced that he had even delivered a baby! Father guessed that it had been an emergency event on one of these wild outings and commented on his courage and resourcefulness in doing so. That was when Devin shocked them all by saying that, no, he had been her doctor and had had to deliver the baby by caesarian section.

Father lost it! He started ranting at Devin about what could have happened, how dangerous and irresponsible what he had done was.

Devin shouted back at him and then in frustration got to his feet and stalked out of the room.

Catherine got up quickly and called out, "Wait Devin! We need to talk!"

Vincent followed them from the dining hall and when he caught up to them suggested that the temporary chamber he was using would be a good place for their talk.

To be continued….