Chapter 3

When the last of the guests had gotten through the buffet line and found their seats Devin loudly cleared his throat and rose to his feet. All eyes turned to him as he began to speak. "It is still a shock to me that my little brother managed to snag such a beautiful lady as Cathy Chandler, and then to convince her to marry him! Maybe the saving her life thing had something to do with it! I am going to have to look into that! Anyway, I really am happy for you two kids, even if I do think she should have picked me!" Devin said with a chuckle and raised his glass, "To Cathy and Vincent!"

Everyone took a drink from their glasses and as Devin took his seat, Jenny got to her feet. "I know why my friend Cathy chose Vincent. He has to be the kindest, sweetest, guy with the sexiest voice I have ever heard! But that last part aside, Vincent is perfect for Cathy. I have never seen her happier or more content with life since I have known her. I can only hope one day to meet a man that can make my eyes glow as hers do every time she thinks or talks about her Vincent! To Cathy and Vincent!"

Again glasses rose and people drank. There were other toasts, some silly and some profound, then William announced that it was time for the happy couple to come and cut the cake.

Vincent, of course, had never been to a wedding reception Above, so had never witnessed this tradition before. Below, whenever there was a celebration William was always there to do any cutting of deserts to make sure everyone got an equal portion. Catherine had told him that they were to cut a small piece of cake and feed it to each other. He thought it was a rather odd tradition, but if Catherine wanted to include it in their day, he was all for it.

The only warning that he had that something out of the ordinary was about to happen was the mischievous gleam in Catherine's eyes and the jump of excitement coming through the Bond. He had gently and tenderly fed Catherine a bite of cake from his fingers and she was lifting a larger piece up to his mouth.

William had made the cake chocolate so Vincent was anticipating the rich flavor on his tongue. Instead, with a giggle, she smeared the cake all over his mouth and a good portion of his chin as well! The stunned look on Vincent's face sent everyone close enough to see it into gales of laugher, Catherine included.

While the laughter was going on Devin stepped up behind his brother and whispered something to him. Vincent looked shocked and questioned, "Are you sure?!"

Catherine sensed confusion and reluctance through the Bond and was just about to ask Vincent about it when Devin encouraged, "Yes. It's tradition!"

With a shrug Vincent leaned over and planted a kiss on his surprised wife's lips, smearing the cake onto her face in the process.

"Vincent!" she protested, reaching for a napkin to wipe her face off. "Why in the world did you do that?!"

"Am I to understand that was not part of the tradition after all?" he asked looking around for Devin who had disappeared.

Catherine thought about scolding him, but then realized how contrite he was already feeling, she laughed instead. "It's perfectly okay Vincent. You just got me back for the trick I played on you. Now why don't we get out of the way and let William serve all our guests some cake?"

Vincent nodded in agreement, but quickly cut a slice for himself to take back to the table. He was not about to pass up chocolate cake!

If the level of noise in the room was any indication, everyone was having a wonderful time. Before long, eager volunteers started moving the tables and chairs out of the center of the room to clear a space for dancing. The musicians took their place and the newlyweds were encouraged to take the floor for their first dance as a married couple.

They danced for a few moments staring into each others eyes, then Catherine could hold back her joy no longer. "Vincent this has been simply magical! I couldn't even begin to dream of a wedding any more perfect than this! Everyone has worked so hard to make this special for us, how can we ever thank them enough!"

To be continued…..