Chapter 2

Father began to speak, "Beloved friends and family, we gather here today to witness this joyous union. Vincent and Catherine have you come here of your own free will to join yourselves in matrimony today?"

When the both answered, "We have," he continued, "Today, the two of you are pledging your lives to one another. Whatever comes your way will now be easier to face with the strength of the other by your side. Catherine, do you take Vincent as your partner for life, to love and cherish to the end of your days?"

She happily answered, "I will." Then Vincent was asked the same question. His deep resonant voice clearly declared, "I will," as well. Father smiled at them and said, "Then from this day forward, everyone here will know that the two of you are one, having joined yourselves to each other in love."

There was a brief pause as everyone waited for the next traditional step in the marriage ceremony, but it didn't come. Devin pointedly cleared his throat and sent his parent a mild glare. Father frowned disapprovingly at Devin, but conceded enough to say, "You may seal you promises with a kiss."

Aware that Vincent was still very shy about public displays, Catherine didn't try to deepen the light kiss he gave her, but through the Bond, she sent plans of much more to come that evening. That was why a slight blush was coloring his cheeks when he lifted his head.

Devin was quick to slap his brother on the back, wanting to be the first to congratulate him. Catherine, in turn, was hugged enthusiastically by Jenny and then Mary. For the next several minutes the couple was besieged by well wishers, that was until William announced that there was a feast waiting and they had better get to it! He insisted that Catherine and Vincent were to be the first through the line and led them there himself.

Catherine was amazed at all the food laid out before them and at the end of the table was a wedding cake that could put any bakery in her world to shame! "William, everything looks superb!" she exclaimed and stood on her tip toes to kiss the cook's cheek.

He blushed for all he was worth and with a bluster, that would have done Father proud, he disappeared into the kitchen.

Once through the line, they were pointed to the head table by Jamie. She was there to guide people as well as to keep guard over the cake so no eager young fingers found their way into it before the happy couple could cut it after lunch.

Before long they were joined at the head table by Father, Mary, Jenny, Devin, and Charles. There were conversations going on amongst the people still in the buffet line, but once at their tables talk stopped so they could enjoy the wonderful food.

Halfway through the meal Charles could hold his curiosity in check no longer. He leaned over and asked his daughter, "Cathy how in the world did they get a caterer of this caliber to deliver down here?!"

"Daddy, William is our cook, he and his team of helpers are the ones that prepared this feast. He is simply the best cook I have even known!"

"He could be making a fortune in our world! Why is he wasting his talents down here?!"

"Daddy! Look around you! There are probably a hundred or more people here and every face shows just how much they are loving the food in front of them! How can you even begin to think he is wasting his talents! William is one of the most beloved members of this community and his gifts are valued by everyone here Below! How could anyone ask any more of what they do than it be enjoyed by all those around them?!"

Charles just shook his head, he had been rebuked enough by his daughter that day. It seemed like everything he said about this hole in the ground place she wanted to live in, she had an answer for, and she was becoming upset about defending the place to him. He had better back off, for now anyway, so he didn't alienate her. Charles was certain that it wouldn't take long living in this place for her to become disillusioned and want to be back in the luxury of her high rise apartment building.

To be continued…..