Things That Should Be
By Dawn Yzaguirre
This is my alternative to Though Lovers Be Lost. In this story Gabriel never kidnaps Catherine. In fact, she refused to work on the case when she found out that she was pregnant with her and Vincent’s child. Now she must find a way to tell Vincent about the baby and what happened between them in the catacombs. Will they finally have the life that they wanted and have all their dreams come true?
Catherine sat at her desk in the District Attorney’s office. She was busily working on one of the many depositions that had awaited her return from her recent leave of absence. She had taken the leave so that she could care for Vincent while he had been ill. When she first approached Joe about the leave he was not happy about the request. He argued with her vehemently about the timing of the request. "Radcliffe do you have to take the leave right now?” he had asked. "Yes Joe it is very important.” She responded. "Cathy are you sick?” He asked concerned. She sat down and shook her head. "No I am not sick but someone that is very important to me is and I have to go be with him.” She stated. Joe was quiet for a few moments then spoke again. "Is this person the mystery guy you are seeing?” He asked. Catherine silently nodded. "Cathy can I do anything to help?” He asked as he approached her.
He was suddenly shocked when she broke down in his arms. "Joe he is my life.” She cried. "I love him so much and he is very ill.” She told him. Joe held her tightly until she was calm again. "Cathy if you truly need the leave take all the time you need.” He finally told her. She smiled and rose. "Thanks Joe this means a lot to me.” She stated. "How long will you be gone?” He asked. she turned around and shrugged her shoulders. "I am not sure Joe but I will contact you.” She promised. Then she turned and left his office.
That was a few weeks ago now and Catherine was back at work trying to catch up. She had spent all her time below helping Father and Peter nurse Vincent. It was during this time that she realized that she was indeed pregnant. She was happy about the prospect of having Vincent’s child but she knew that it would be hard on him. She stopped working a moment and remembered back to the night that she told Father and Peter about the baby. She had truly expected them to both be very upset but she had truly been surprised by their reaction.
It was during one of her many nights below. She was sitting by Vincent’s bed trying to rouse him from the nightmares that had racked him during his illness. She had just discovered that she was definitely pregnant. Now she knew the next step was to tell Father. She rose from her chair and quietly left the chamber. She walked down the tunnel until she came to Father’s chamber. There she found him with Peter and Mary. They all looked up at her when she appeared in the entrance. "Has there been any change?” Father asked. Catherine shook her head as she entered the chamber. "No Father he is still the same.” She commented. Mary rose and led her to a chair. "Come child you look exhausted.” She told her. "I am exhausted.” Catherine commented. "But I need to be there with him.” She stated. "Honey he would not want you to make yourself ill.” Peter told her. Catherine nodded as Mary handed her a cup of tea.
As she took the cup Father noticed that she seemed troubled. He reached across and took her hand. "Catherine dear what is the matter?” He asked gently. Catherine took a deep breath and looked up at him. "There is something that I have to tell you about the catacombs.” She whispered. Father looked at Peter then at Mary. "Catherine what is it were you harmed?” He asked concerned. She looked at him and shook her head. "No Father but something did happen that you need to know about.” She commented.
Father looked at her concerned. "Catherine please tell me what this is about.” Father requested. She nodded and took a deep breath. "Honey what is it?” Peter asked. "Father in the cavern Vincent and I made love.” Catherine suddenly blurted out. Father looked at Peter then at Mary. "Catherine look at me please.” He requested. She slowly lifted her face. She smiled when she saw that the three of them were all smiling. "Catherine you and Vincent did nothing wrong.” Mary told her. "The two of you are in love and this was a logical step.” Peter remarked. Then Catherine looked at Father. "Father what do you think?” She asked. Father smiled and reached across the table. He took her hand again and began to speak. "Once I may have been angry but not any longer.” He assured her.
Catherine took a deep sigh of relief. "Father there is something else that you should know.” She commented. "What is it my dear?” He asked. "Father I found out recently that I am pregnant.” She whispered. Father, Mary and Peter were shocked. "Honey are you sure?” Peter asked. Catherine looked at him and smiled. "Yes I am positive I am already having some morning sickness.” She explained. "Catherine we have to monitor you very closely.” Father commented. "After all this is my grandchild that we are talking about.” He told her smiling. Catherine’s defenses finally broke.
They watched in shock as she suddenly burst into tears. "Oh Father I was so frightened.” She cried. Mary rose and held her tightly. "I know my dear but I could not be happier.” He commented. "Father I am not sure how much Vincent will remember.” Catherine told him. Father nodded. "Yes I fear he may not remember.” He agreed. "But Catherine you must not lose faith that he will eventually.” He stated. Catherine smiled and rose. She walked around the desk and embraced him. "Thank you so much Father.” She whispered. Father patted her cheek. "No Catherine thank you for proving me wrong.” He commented. Then she turned toward the steps. "I need to be getting back to Vincent.” She remarked. "Honey please take some time to rest.” Peter requested. She smiled and nodded. "Of course I will.” She stated. Then she left the chamber.
Coming back to the present Catherine sighed. She had gone below the previous night to tell Vincent about the baby but when she arrived she found that he was extremely agitated. "Vincent what is it?” She asked when she entered the chamber. Vincent turned in mid pace and looked at her. "Catherine I have lost the bond.” He stated. "I can no longer feel you.” He added. This revelation shocked her. "Vincent I believe the bond will return.” She told him. "Catherine I used to know when you were entering the tunnels and that filled me with such joy.” He explained. "But tonight I had to wait until one of the sentries informed me that you were here.” Catherine moved forward and put her hand on his shoulder. "Vincent maybe the bond in the form it was is gone but it was our gift.” She began. "We used it because we needed it and maybe now it is no longer needed.” She continued. "But Vincent we have so many gifts that are waiting to come to the two of us.” She explained. She took a deep breath and prepared to tell him about the baby. "Catherine I don’t know what to think anymore.” He stated sadly. "I want the bond back the way it was before.” He told her. Catherine suddenly knew that she could not tell him anything in this state. They spent the rest of the night holding one another and talking casually.
As Catherine was sitting there lost in thought, Joe approached her desk. "Hey Radcliffe are you alright?” He asked concerned. When Catherine did not respond he spoke a bit louder. "CATHY!” he said almost yelling. At the sound of his voice Catherine came out of her revelry. "What were you saying Joe?” She asked when she saw him standing there. He smiled that charming boyish smile that she found so endearing. "I was asking if you were alright.” He commented. She smiled shyly and looked down at her desk. "Yes Joe I am just trying to make a very important decision.” She commented. "Is there anything I can do to help?” He asked as he sat down on the corner of the desk. Catherine smiled and shook her head. "No thanks Joe I will figure this out.” She stated. Joe nodded and rose. "Sure but remember I am here for you.” He reminded her. She smiled and nodded. "Thanks a lot Joe.” She responded.
As Joe turned around to walk back to his office he suddenly stopped. "Oh yeah I nearly forgot I need to speak to you in my office.” He commented. Catherine looked up and nodded. Then she rose and followed him. Once they entered the office she closed the door. "Cathy please sit down.” Joe directed. She sat down on the sofa and looked at him curiously. "What is the problem Joe?” She asked. Joe sat down on the corner of his desk facing her. "Radcliffe I really need your help.” He told her. She noticed how tense he looked. "You know I will help you if I can.” She responded. Joe smiled and nodded his head. "Cathy you know this mob investigation that I have been working on?” he asked. She thought a moment then nodded her head. "Yes I remember you telling me about the case.” She commented. Joe stood and began to pace. "This guy Gabriel has his hands in every racket in this city.” He stated angrily. Then he looked at her. "Kiddo I really need your help on this investigation.” He told her. Catherine’s mind began racing. She knew that she could not get involved in the case but she wondered how she was going to tell him.
After a few moments Joe spoke again. "Did you hear me Radcliffe?” He asked as he approached her again. She looked up at him and mutely nodded. Then she rose and began to pace. "Joe I can’t help you with this investigation.” She told him. Joe was truly shocked by her answer she was always willing to help him on a case. "Cathy why not?” He asked confused.
She suddenly stopped and looked at him again. "Joe I am pregnant.” She blurted out. Joe was shocked. "You are pregnant?” he asked. She smiled and nodded. "Yes Joe.” She responded. "Cathy who is the father of your baby?” Joe suddenly asked. Then he thought again. "You don’t have to respond to that question.” He told her. She nodded. "I know Joe but I do owe you an explanation.” She told him. "Joe the father of my baby is the man I have been involved with for the last three years.” She commented. "Cathy what does he think of the situation?” Joe asked. Catherine sighed. "Joe I have not told him yet.” She stated. "Why not he has the right to know.” He told her. She turned around toward him and nodded. "Yes of course he does.” She stated. "He has just been so ill that I have been having to wait to tell him about the baby.” She answered.
Then she took a deep breath. "Joe I need a favor from you.” She stated as she sat back down. "You know that I will help you anyway I can.” He told her as he sat down beside her. "Joe I need an indefinite leave of absence.” She stated seriously. Joe was shocked by this request. "Radcliffe are you sure about this?” he asked. She smiled and nodded. "Yes Joe it is the only way that I can concentrate on this situation.” She told him. Joe smiled. "Well if you need the leave then take all the time you want.” He commented. Catherine smiled then hugged him. "Thanks a lot Joe.”
Then she tu
d and walked toward the door. "Cathy is this a leave of absence or a resignation?” Joe suddenly asked. Catherine turned around slightly and looked over her shoulder. "Joe I will have to make that decision later.” She commented. "Well Cathy we will miss you.” He commented. "By the way when do you want to take your leave?” He asked. "I was hoping to begin today.” She commented. "You know that I will be here for you if you need me for anything.” Joe told her. She smiled and nodded. "Thanks a lot Joe.” Then she left the office.
While this was going on in the tunnels Father and Peter were talking. "I have decided that it is time to tell Vincent about the cavern when he returns this afternoon.” Father commented. Peter looked up at him surprised. "Shouldn’t you let Catherine do that?” Peter asked. Father shook his head. "No Peter I am not sure what his reaction will be and we both know that Catherine must remain calm.” He stated.
With that Peter rose from his chair. "Someone needs to tell her.” he commented. "I will go to her office and tell her myself.” He stated. "I just hope this does not upset her too much.” He added. "Peter please make sure that she does not come below tonight.” Father requested. Peter turned and looked at him shocked. "Jacob you know that when she finds out that you are telling him she will want to come down here.” Peter told him. "I know that but she needs to give me time to get through to him.” Father commented. Peter sighed and nodded. "I will do the best I can.” He remarked. Then he left the tunnels. Once he was gone Father rose and walked out of the chamber toward Vincent’s chamber to await his arrival.
Later that afternoon Catherine was preparing to leave the office. She was packing her briefcase when she became aware of someone watching her. She turned around and smiled as she saw Peter approaching her desk. "Cathy I need to speak to you in private.” He told her quietly. She suddenly got a very sinking feeling. "We can go into the conference room.” She told him. He nodded and they walked into the room. Catherine closed the door behind them then she turned around toward him. "Now Peter please tell me what this is about.” She begged. "Is he sick again?” She asked frightened. Peter smiled and shook his head. "No honey he is not sick.” He assured her. She smiled and took a deep breath. "Then what is this about?” She asked. "Honey I came here to let you know that Jacob is telling Vincent everything about the cavern today.” He commented.
Catherine rose from her seat and began to pace. "But Peter that is my responsibility.” She argued. Peter shook his head. "No Cathy your responsibility is to take care of this baby.” He told her. "Well at least I can be there.” She commented as she prepared to leave the room. Peter placed a hand on her shoulder. "No Cathy Jacob asked me to see that you don’t come below tonight.” He stated. "Peter how can I stay away?” She asked. "We have to face this situation together.” She argued. Peter put a hand on her shoulder. "Honey you cannot be getting stressed out as we have told you and Jacob is not sure what your presence would do to you or to Vincent.” He explained. "Honey please do this Jacob’s way.” Peter pleaded. "It may be better for both of you in the long run.” He stated. "Vincent has to come to terms with this and he cannot do that with you right there when he finds out.” He added. Catherine thought a moment then nodded. "I just hope that he does not hate me after this.” She commented. Peter smiled and pulled her into his arms. "Honey he could never hate you.” He assured her. "Jacob will make sure that he understands about what happened.” He stated. Then he once again embraced her.
A few moments later he released her. "Now how about going to dinner with me tonight?” he asked smiling. She thought a moment then smiled. "Yes I would like that I don’t think I can be alone right now.” She stated. "I would be going crazy wondering what is going on below.” She added.
Then she smiled and placed her hand over her slightly rounded stomach. "And as you and Father have both told me that is not good for this little one.” She stated smiling. Peter smiled again and nodded. "Yes that is true.” He commented. "But what this little one needs most is a proper dinner.” He remarked. "Besides I for one am starving.” He teased. Catherine smiled and laughed happily. "Peter you are a mess.” She teased as she embraced him once again. "Yes I am but you love me anyway.” He teased back. She moved out of his arms and smiled. "Yes I do.” She told him. Then they left the conference room and the office.
Below in the tunnels Vincent entered his chamber. He smiled when he saw Father waiting for him. "Hello Father.” He commented as he removed his cloak and hung it up. "How did the repairs go?” Father asked trying to put off the inevitable conversation. Vincent sat down in his chair and smiled. "The repairs went very well in fact they are all done.” He stated. Father smiled and nodded. "That is good.” He commented.
After a few moments of silence Vincent noticed that Father seemed distracted. "Father is something wrong?” He asked. He asked concerned. Father looked up at him and shook his head. "No I just needed to speak to you about a matter concerning Catherine.” He commented. Vincent suddenly rose from his chair. "Father has something happened to her?” Vincent asked frightened. Father noticed this and rose from his chair. "No Vincent Catherine is fine.” He assured his son. Vincent took a deep breath and once again sat down. "You truly frightened me just now.” He stated. Father put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. "I know and I am truly sorry.” He commented.
After a few seconds of silence Vincent spoke again. "Now what is it that you wish to speak to me about concerning Catherine?” He asked. Father sat back down and took a deep breath. "Vincent what do you remember about the cavern?” He asked. Vincent looked down and whispered. "I have no memory of that time.” He remarked. "Why do you ask?” Father took a deep breath and began to speak again. "Vincent there is something you need to know about that night in the cavern.” Father commented. "When you entered the cavern you were in such pain and rage that I did not know what to do.” He began. "I decided to contact Catherine and bring her down here.” He stated. By this time Vincent was leaning forward intently listening. "Vincent I thought she was the only one who could reach out to you.” He stated.
Father stopped a moment to let this first part sink in. Then he began to speak once again. "Vincent I thought that she could reach you through your bond.” Father stated. "I was not expecting her to do what she did.” He remarked. Vincent suddenly rose and turned away from him. "What did she do?” he asked in a voice that was no more than a whisper. "She entered the cavern and went after you.” He remarked. Vincent suddenly began to pace. "Father how could you allow her to do such a thing?” he asked agitated. "Vincent I assure you I tried to stop her but she turned around and just glared.” He stated. Father then smiled. "She stared at me for a moment then said something that I will never forget.” He commented. "What did she say?” Vincent asked as he stopped pacing. "She told me that you were her world and without you there was nothing left for her.” Vincent turned around looked at him. "She said that?” He asked. Father smiled and nodded. "Yes she did.” He answered. "She is a wonderful woman.” Father stated. Vincent smiled and nodded. "Yes she is I love her more every day.” He added.
Then Vincent suddenly looked at his parent. "Father what are you trying to tell me did I do something to harm her?” He asked. Father shook his head. "No my son you did not harm her.” Vincent smiled and sighed in relief. "But something did happen between the two of you in the cavern.” Father stated. Once Vincent heard this he once again began to pace. "Father what did I do?” He asked. "Vincent you and Catherine made love to one another in the cavern.” He suddenly blurted out. Vincent spun around and stared at him. "No that is not possible!” he stated adamantly. Father nodded his head. "Yes Vincent it did occur.” Father told him. "So what you are telling me is that I raped her.” Vincent stated with a sob. Father rose and hobbled over to him. He put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. "No! Vincent from what Catherine told me everything that occurred between you was completely mutual.” He assured him.
After a few seconds of silence Father spoke again. "Vincent when she entered the cavern you were in such a rage that you ran at her ready to strike.” He stated. This brought a sob from Vincent. "But my son you stopped!” Father told him adamantly. "When she called out your name you stopped because you recognized her.” Father explained. "Then you collapsed in front of her.” Father continued. "Apparently your vital signs stopped.” He explained. "Catherine thought that you had died right there. She began to hit your chest in an attempt to revive you. But when it did not work she kissed you.” Father told him.
Vincent turned and stared at him. "She kissed me?” He asked. Father smiled and nodded. "Yes and apparently you responded to that kiss.” He commented. "You always warned me against this type of relationship with Catherine.” He stated sadly. Father nodded. "Yes and I was very wrong.” He commented. Vincent looked at him once again. "How can you say that after what I have done?” he asked. Father rose and approached him. "Vincent you are my son and I love you but I did you a great injustice when I warned you away from a future with Catherine.” Father told him. "Vincent she loves you more than anything in life and her actions have solidly proved that.” He continued. "I truly believe that you and Catherine were meant to move forward in your relationship.” He added.
Father stopped speaking for a few moments to let all that he had said sink in before telling Vincent about the baby. "Vincent there is one more thing that you have to know.” He began. Vincent looked up at him and waited. "While you were ill Catherine discovered that she is pregnant with your child.” He stated. He looked up to see tears streaming down Vincent’s face. "Oh Father how could I have done that to her?” Vincent cried. Father embraced him tightly. "My son this is a blessed miracle that you and Catherine have been given.” He explained. "I am very happy that you are going to be a father. Then you will know the joy that I have known.” He added.
Suddenly Father released him. "Vincent you need time to think.” He stated. "Why don’t you go somewhere and be alone?” he asked. Vincent dried his eyes and nodded. "Yes I do need to be alone for a while.” He stated. "I will be at the falls if anyone needs me for anything.” Then he grabbed his cloak and ran from the chamber. Father watched sadly as he left. He hoped that Vincent would be able to come to terms with this news and that he and Catherine would have their happy life together with their child.
While this was happening above Catherine let herself and Peter into her apartment. "Peter may I get you some coffee?” She asked as she put her briefcase and purse down. Peter noticed how upset and forlorn she looked. "In a minute honey come over here and sit down.” He directed. He took her hand and led her to the sofa. They sat down and sat there in complete silence for the next few moments. "Honey please tell me what you are thinking.” Peter pleaded. Catherine suddenly rose and began to pace. Peter smiled slightly as he observed this. You are becoming more like Vincent everyday. He thought to himself.
Suddenly Catherine stopped pacing and turned toward him. "Peter what if he hates me because of this?” Catherine asked. "Honey there is nothing that could ever make Vincent hate you.” Peter told her. Catherine shook her head. "I used to think that but this may be the exception.” She commented. Peter rose and brought her back toward the sofa. "Listen to me for a moment.” He directed. "I know that you are very frightened.” He began. Catherine looked up and sadly nodded. "Yes I am truly frightened.” She answered. "But honey I think you are worrying too much about the negative side of all this.” He stated. "You and Vincent have a very special relationship and that is what will bring you through this.” He stated. "And honey you are going to have a truly amazing child.” He added. Catherine smiled and placed her hand on her small rounded stomach. "Yes this child will be amazing.” She agreed.
Then she looked up at Peter. "But what if Vincent is never able to accept the baby what will I do then?” She asked sadly. "I do not think I could go through this alone.” She commented. Peter pulled her into his arms. "Honey you will never be alone in this.” He vowed. "You have me and you have Jacob not to mention your friends both above and below.” He told her. "Yes but that will be an impossible situation for me if Vincent cannot accept the baby.” She stated sadly. "No Cathy!” Peter commented adamantly. "The one thing that I know is that Jacob will not allow Vincent’s stubbornness to rob him of his grandchild.” He told her. "I hope that you are right.” She stated. Peter smiled. "I know that I am now you need to relax and try not to worry.” He commented. "I will get myself some coffee and you some milk.” He stated as he rose. She smiled slightly "Milk huh?” She asked. Peter turned around and smiled. "Yes young lady milk.” Then he walked into the kitchen. While he was gone Catherine laid her head down on the back of the couch and tried to relax.
As this was happening Father entered his chamber. There he found Mary waiting for him. "Jacob did you speak to Vincent?” She asked anxiously as she poured them both a cup of tea. Father sat down and sighed. "Yes I did.” He commented. Mary brought the tea over to the table then sat down beside him. "So what was his reaction?” She asked. "Mary he thinks the other came out and raped her.” he stated sadly. Mary sighed and shook her head. "Oh Jacob he would never harm Catherine.” She told him. "I know but he is convinced that it was not him that was with her.” he stated once again.
Suddenly Mary rose from her chair. "Jacob you have placed too much emphasis on the ‘other’ for too long!” She stated angrily. Father was shocked by her outburst. "You really did a good job on him!” She yelled. "Mary dear what do you mean?” he asked still shocked. "Jacob you have never let Vincent live a normal life because of your fear about the ‘other’. Then she glared at him. "I will not allow you to do this any longer because I love Vincent as my own son!” She stated sternly. "Where are you going?” Father asked when he finally found his voice. "I am going to talk to my son.” She told him. Then she left the chamber. After she was gone Father smiled. He realized that she was right.
In the chamber of the falls Vincent was sitting on the high ledge over the waterfall lost in thought. He stared blankly at the water in the distance. His mind was in great turmoil and he was not sure how he was going to deal with the situation. There was one distinct thought that kept rolling around in his head. Catherine is pregnant with my child. His mind kept screaming that this was just a dream. But deep in his heart he held great hope that this was true. His heart also called for him to believe that this was the beginning of their life together. And that all their dreams could be coming true. His shook his head in an attempt to clear the thoughts. He was also struggling to control the warring emotions that he felt inside.
As he was lost in thought he heard a noise behind him. He turned to see Mary entering the chamber. He rose to his feet and approached her. "Were you looking for me Mary?” he asked the older woman. She smiled and nodded. "Yes in fact I was.” She commented. Vincent smiled then he took her hand. "Come sit with me and we will talk.” He told her as he led her toward the stone bench a few feet away.
Once they were seated on the bench Vincent turned and looked at her. "Now what is it that you wish to speak to me about?” He asked. "Vincent you know that ever since Father and I married I have thought of you as my son.” She stated. Vincent smiled lovingly and put his arm around her shoulder. "And I have always thought of you as my mother.” He responded. "I understand that tonight Father told you about the cavern and that Catherine is having your child.” She commented. Vincent looked down and let his hair fall over his face. "Yes he did.” He whispered. "Vincent I came here to speak to you from Catherine’s point of view.” She stated. Vincent looked up at her once again. His heart was beginning to pound in his chest. He was unsure that he wanted to know just how Catherine felt about having his child. "Vincent she was truly nervous about telling you.” She began. "She wanted to tell you but when she came below that one night but she was so distressed about your state of mind that she could not bring herself to tell you then.” She stated.
Mary smiled slightly when she realized that Vincent was listening intently. "Mary was she that afraid to tell me about the situation?” He asked distressed. Mary put a hand on his shoulder. "No Vincent she was not afraid to tell you she was more concerned about how you were because you were still recovering from your illness.” She continued. "And you were also dealing with the loss of the bond between you.” She whispered. Vincent looked down again and nodded. "Yes losing our bond has been extremely painful.” He commented. "Vincent how do you think she feels about the loss of the bond?” Mary asked. Vincent shrugged his shoulders. "I am not sure because the bond was always stronger in me than Catherine.” He stated. Mary nodded slightly. "Yes but I know from talking to her that the loss of the bond has also been painful for her.” She commented. "She loved the fact that you could feel her so close to your heart.” She stated.
Mary finished speaking then let her words penetrate. "Vincent what I want to know now is how do you feel about the baby?” She asked. Vincent looked up at her and could not help but smile. "Mary knowing that Catherine is carrying my child is a dream come true from me and fills me with such pride.” He commented. "Vincent I have to tell you that this is how Catherine feels about the child.” Mary told him.
Suddenly Vincent rose to his feet. "Mary are you telling me that she is happy about having our child?” he asked still unsure. Mary smiled and rose. She walked up beside him and put her hand on his arm. "Yes Vincent that is exactly what I am telling you.” She commented. "Now what I want to know is what are you going to do about this situation?” She asked. Vincent looked at her somewhat confused by the question. Mary noticed this and spoke again. "Vincent this is your child that Catherine is carrying and that means that you have a great responsibility not only to the baby but also to Catherine.” She stated. Suddenly every word that Mary had spoken fell into place. He smiled and embraced Mary. "Thank you my dear mother.” He whispered. Mary smiled at the endearment. "What are you going to do?” She asked as they parted. Vincent thought a moment. "I am going to tell Father about our talk.” He stated. Then he turned and quickly left the chamber.
Above in Catherine’s apartment she and Peter were talking happily. Then Peter looked at his watch. "Oh Lord I have to go.” He commented as he rose. "I promised Susan that I would call her half an hour ago.” He stated. Catherine smiled and stood up. "You can call her from here if you like.” She commented looking at the telephone. Peter chuckled and shook his head. "No thanks honey when we start talking we usually end up talking for a long time.” He commented. "Well the two of you have a wonderful relationship.” She commented. He smiled and took her by the hand. "Yes honey and you will have that same type of relationship with your baby.” He remarked. Then he turned and led her to the door. "Now I want you to get some rest.” He ordered lovingly. She smiled as she unlocked and opened the door. "I will rest I promise.” She told him. "And honey please do not worry about what is going on below.” He told her.
Then Peter noticed that the smile on Catherine’s face vanished. "Peter how can I not worry about that?” She asked. "Especially when my future and my baby’s future is at stake.” She commented. "Cathy please have faith in Vincent.” Peter pleaded. She smiled again. "I do have faith in him but I am also very worried about him.” She stated. "Well now I want you to worry more about yourself and this baby.” He told her fatherly. She smiled once again and embraced him. "Thank you for taking such good care of me and the baby.” She commented. "Hey remember in a way this baby is my grandchild too.” He commented. Catherine smiled lovingly once again. "Yes since Dad is gone now you have the job.” She remarked. Peter smiled brightly. "And I guarantee you that Jacob and I will spoil him or her mercilessly.” He stated proudly. "I hope so.” She stated. "Now honey I truly have to go.” He commented as he looked at his watch again. She smiled as he walked out of the apartment. "Night honey.” He called as he walked toward the elevator. "Goodnight Peter.” She called back. Then she closed the door.
Once he was gone Catherine locked the door. She then flipped off the light in the living room and walked into her bedroom. As she entered the room she walked to her closet. She opened the door and pulled out a light purple nightgown and a matching robe. She laid them on the bed and looked at them with a slight smile on her face. In a couple of months I will not be able to wear gowns like this for a while. She thought to herself as she gently stroked the silk gown. Then she picked them up and walked toward the bathroom closing the door as she entered.
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