Chapter Fourteen:

Jacob wells looked over the many friends who had assembled in the Great Hall. It was unusual for a Naming Ceremony to take place here – but it had been Vincent's request and although Jacob had always been hard pressed to deny his son, this request was especially important. Just six days ago, Vincent said, everyone huddled there in fear, as an evil man threatened out community. How fitting would it be to gather there again, in joyous triumph over the Darkness which threatened us – and which we defeated. How fitting indeed.

Mary smiled at him – around her the children gathered, listening to her tell a story. They were never quite as enraptured as they were when Father was telling one – but Mary was a fair substitute.

He saw Lin and Henry Pei, who had come down from China Town with their four month old, girl, Rose Catherine. When Rose had been Named, there had been so much sorrow amongst the joy – a new life had come to them, but would an old friend ever return? Now, watching them – watching everyone – he saw only joy. Lin smiled to him and nodded from across the room – it was as if every Helper in the city had come down to share in the moment – everyone had been a part of the search in one way or another – and everyone wanted to welcome Catherine and the child… Father only wished that he knew more of what she and Vincent were planning. The had successfully dodged every attempt to glean information…

Laura came in with her gentleman and made brief introductions – then she pulled him off to subject the poor boy to a bevy of her childhood friends – ah well, it must be difficult for any young man, to meet his girlfriend's family for the first time…Jacob wondered absently what Catherine's father might have made of her choices…

Peter Alcott meandered over to Jacob, saying his hellos to friends as he wandered through the room. "Catherine and Vincent still not here yet?"

Jacob merely smiled. "I believe that they are enjoying a rare quiet moment, as I'm afraid we have granted them very little peace in the past week."

Peter chuckled. Then, "Any idea what they're calling the little tyke?"

"Not so much as a hint," the tone of his voice was softened by the twinkle of merriment in his eyes. Truthfully, Jacob could care less what they named their son – what mattered was that he was alive and well and safe.

"Any idea what their future plans are? Is she planning on returning to any part of her life Above?"

"If she's made any decisions, they haven't been shared it with me."

"Or me," Joe elbowed his way through to join them, earthenware mug of fresh berry punch in hand.

"You want her to come back to work for you, don't you?" Jacob wondered, concerned.

"Truthfully, Doc – I'd rather she just retired quietly down here to live happily ever after. Only problem is that I don't see Cathy doing that."

"In that at least, we agree," Jacob nodded.

"Congratulations on your promotion," Peter said to Joe, "Circumstances not withstanding, you'll make an excellent District Attorney."

"It's only temporary – and I've still got Nora Lewin in my office."

"I know Nora – at least in passing," Peter said. "She's always seemed like she was a lot stronger than she liked to let on."

"Yeah, I get that from her too. Elliot," Joe smiled as he wandered over – he'd finally gotten the hang of the cane. Joe never would have thought he'd see that day that he'd consider Elliot Burch a friend. But here they were. Friends. They shared a brief, warm embrace.

"How's the leg?" Peter queried.

"I start physical therapy next week."

"Hey, look what the cat just dragged in," Joe nodded towards the doors; Diana and Fin made their way into the chamber. Kate walked in just behind them and was immediately set upon by Jamie.

"You're still here!" Jamie engulfed Kate in a huge hug.

"I'm still here," Kate agreed, accepting the girl's hug with a great deal of confusion. She hadn't really expected a whole lot of warmth, even from Jamie. She'd done was she was supposed to do – she shouldn't be back… she shouldn't have come, really…but Fin could be damned convincing… and maybe he was right. When she searched Jamie's face, all she saw was warmth and a little concern – not fear – just…

"Is everything ok – I mean – I though you were supposed to go back – to wherever."

"Yeah. Me too. Can we not talk about it?"

Jamie just smiled, nodding; then she took Kate by the arm and hauled her over to the people she'd been talking to. "This is Laura – and Jerry, her fiancé."

Jerry gave the young woman a weary handshake – Laura, he noticed, accepted her without question. This place, she had said, was about acceptance…

"Laura doesn't hear," Jamie was explaining to Kate, "But she can read lips and she's learning to talk." Something that continued to amaze her – how a deaf person could learn to make sounds that others could understand…

Kate nodded, making sure that she was facing Laura when she spoke, "It's nice to met you – you're a Helper?"

"Yes. I grew up here," Laura replied.

Joe waved Fin and Diana over; they seemed a little uncertain of themselves, even as Devin pressed mugs of punch into their hands. Joe didn't exactly blame them – even after spending a couple hours almost every day for the last week down here, he still felt a little like a stranger in a strange land…

"Catherine and Vincent are coming!" Samantha yelled; the chatter slowly died down – everyone parted so that they could come to the centre of the room.

"A new life has come into our community," Jacob began as Catherine and Vincent joined him – she handed him the child. Dear god, but he was spectacular! "And he has not come alone – for this new life – my own son's son – has brought with him strangers who have become friends. Joe Maxwell – Elliot Burch – Fin Tutuola – Diana Bennett," he acknowledged them each in turn – the latter two having had no idea that they would be mentioned, seemed to want to dive for cover as their names were spoken – Joe managed to keep them from running. Jacob scanned the room, finding the face he sought; "And a very special young woman, Kate Zito," he held his hand out to her – she smiled and nodded shyly in acknowledgement. "Without their courage and conviction, we might not have this new life – and surely we would not have Catherine's," he nodded again to Kate, his mistrust of her finally having ebbed. What she was did not matter – she had brought Catherine back to them – she had brought the child back to them. And she had visited a terrible punishment on the man who had tried to take them away. "They were not alone," Jacob went on. "Jamie ventured out into the world Above to help them – and you all did everything you could, praying, searching, hoping when there seemed no reason to hope – and through it all, we have a miracle. A new life amongst us – a dear friend returned," he gazed fondly upon Catherine – she met his gaze and smiled; Vincent squeezed her hand. Jacob looked at the child that he held, wondering what this child's future would bring them... "We welcome the child with gifts, that he may know generosity," he said at last. A table had already been piled with tokens – from the beautiful cradle made by Cullen, to the hanging 'gizmo' from Mouse that played music when you wound it up, a knitted cap from Mary – and everything else that a baby might need or his parents could want for him. "We welcome him with love, that his heart will always know warmth – and we welcome him with a name," he looked to his son.

"His name is Jacob Elliot," Vincent said, loudly enough for all to hear – by his father's expression, he could tell that it must be as much of a shock as it was to Elliot.

"Congratulations," Joe whispered to Elliot.

"You – knew?"

"Course I knew – but I claimed dibs on Joseph for the next Chandler-Wells kid," he chuckled softly. Around them, there was laughter and clapping – oohs and ahhs of approval – and continued whisperings of the possibilities of marriage…

"Although it is traditional for there to be a god mother and god father," Catherine began – everyone settled down for her. "Vincent and I decided that we couldn't decide on a single god father, because both candidates risked so much for us – and for Jacob."

"Joe, Elliot, would you consent to sharing the responsibilities of being god fathers to our son?" Vincent asked.

They looked at one another, each having assumed that the other would be the only one asked. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather share it with," Joe spoke up first, a broad grin forming on his face as he placed his hand on Elliot's shoulder.

Elliot was more timid, having to force the lump from his throat before he could make himself speak. "I would be honoured – if you're really sure you want me to – take on such an incredible responsibility."

"We're the ones who are honoured, Elliot," Vincent told him. "You – both of you – risked so much for us. For him."

"Laura," Catherine held out her hand to her friend; she began signing as she spoke. "Would you do us the honour of taking on the responsibility of being Jacob's godmother?"

"It would be my pleasure," She spoke and signed at the same time. Then, just signing:Even if it means putting up with those two:

Several people laughed – Joe and Elliot looked at one another. "Do you know what she said?" Joe asked first.

"No – but I've already put sign language on my list of things to learn."

"Sign language – Morse code – Radcliff, you sure do keep me on my toes!" Joe looked at her, still grinning.

Catherine smiled, "Speaking of which – can I steal you away for a few minutes?" Around them, the feasting had begun and socializing resumed – everyone it seemed was claiming a turn at holding Jacob Elliot – Catherine looked around the huge chamber for a moment more – friends. People who had once been total strangers had become her greatest friends…her family.

Vincent made his way towards Fin and Diana, "Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for inviting us," Diana said, a little shyly. Something about him still fascinated her – and intimidated her at the same time. "I was surprised to be invited."

"Why would you not have been invited?" Vincent asked.

"It just seemed like – it would be private," she said, a little unsure of why she felt as if she shouldn't be here – yet glad that she was.

"You were – both of you – instrumental in Jacob's return to us. I am forever in your debt," he let his gaze fall to both of them. "You will always be welcome here."

"I'm just glad it all worked out," Fin held out his hand – and was rewarded by the warmth of the other's grip. "This is one amazing place you guys got. It's an honour to be a part of it."

"It is," Diana affirmed.

Joe followed Cathy out into the corridor and into a quiet alcove. "So?"

"So – I was wondering what exactly the District Attorney's maternity leave policy was? I realize that I've already been away six months –"

"Under a hell of an extenuating circumstance!" Joe told her. Then, "You really wanna come back? After everything you've been through? How does Vincent feel about that?"

"He knew I'd be returning before I knew it myself. I know I want to spend some more time here – but I want to come back. This will be my home – but a part of me will always belong to the world Above."

"You really are some kind of amazing, Radcliff. You just let me know when you're ready and you can come back."

She smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Give me a couple of months – don't worry, you'll see me before that!" She assured him – when she'd said a couple of month's Joe's face practically fell right off. "You know where I live and you can visit any time."

"I didn't want to abuse the privilege. I'm sure you guys want some time to settle in – say, is there going to be a wedding or something – what?"

She laughed then, sorry she'd given him such a sour look. "That's one of the things Vincent and I need some time to think about – and having some time alone will help. We were only – together – once. It's been strange, suddenly calling the same chamber home."

"I guess I never thought about it that way. Is everything ok?"

"In almost ever respect, everything is perfect. I've enjoyed waking up next to him more than I ever thought I could enjoy waking up with someone – and falling asleep in his arms is just as wonderful – but sometimes the in between is a little awkward. We've both taken advantage of the fact that we've had so little time to ourselves that we haven't really had to deal with being – together. Not that kind of together," she smiled, at his expression, "Just – the normal stuff. We've had Jacob to occupy our time – so we both keep putting off certain things – things we know we need to talk about but aren't ready to."

"But you're happy, right?"

She just smiled – it was all the answer Joe really needed – he could see in her eyes how happy she was.

"Ok," he said, "You let me know if you need anything – and let me know how you want to handle everything up top. You don't have to do anything before you're ready."

"I want to call Jenny before anything gets to the papers about me being alive – she doesn't deserve to hear it that way."

"Want me to – prepare her a little? I mean – it was a real shock for me, to find out from Elliot that you were still alive. I had to see you to believe it. Calling someone out of the blue might shock them." Calling Jenny out of the blue…Joe had only met her a couple of times… flake was perhaps the kindest way to describe Catherine's best friend…

Catherine thought about Jenny Aronson's particular personality quirks and smiled, "I'll get you a list of people I'd like you to call. If you don't mind."

"Like I said, you need anything, you just say the word."

"Thanks, Joe. You are truly one of the best friends I've ever had. I want you to know how much that means to me – to both of us."

He shrugged, "Just you remember that when the next little Chandler-Wells baby comes out. I expect to get a middle name at least."

"Even if it's a girl?"

"Josephine – nah, I think I'll wait for a boy."

"Hey," Fin found Diana standing against the wall staring out at the party – an older gentleman had up a lively tune on a fiddle – moments later he'd been joined by a pair of guitars, a banjo, a sitar, another fiddle, a woman with accordion, and another with Irish bagpipes and a girl with a wide drum (a boron.) Two more drummers joined the group – people were already twirling round the make-shift dance floor in the centre of the room.

Diana looked up at him, "Hey, yourself. Not the way I ever imagined spending a Saturday night – you?"

He laughed, "No, not really. Can't say that there's anything I'd rather be doing, though."

"Me neither."

The 'band' slowed their melody. "You dance?" Fin asked.

"A little," she allowed him to escort her to the centre of the room.

Fin looked down at Diana, studying her for a long moment as they danced their third slow song together. She looked exceptionally beautiful in a simple dress of green velvet. He told her as much – she smiled a little and put her head on his chest, leaning comfortably into his strength – what am I doing, Fin wondered…he saw Vincent and Catherine – two people obviously made for each other and wondered if there really was such a thing as soul mates.

"I should go," Diana whispered, as the tune died away.

"Want me to walk out with you?"

"Sure."

"Nice night," Fin observed, as they hit the park. Without quite thinking about it, he found his arm over her shoulder; she didn't seem to mind and they walked that way for a long while, simply enjoying the night air and the comfortable silence of the other's company.

"It is. Look – Fin –" Diana began as they reached the street.

"Shh. Don't say it. I know there's nothin' between us," he dropped his arm from her - it had been nice, but nice things never seemed to last for him.

"It's not that – not exactly. I – we're both coming out of relationships – I split up with Mark," she told him. "I don't know if I understand why I did it – I just did. Anyway – if there ever is going to be anything between us, I want it to have a real chance. I don't want to have some sort of rebound relationship."

He leaned in and kissed her cheek – it was impulsive – but she didn't resist. "Sounds reasonable to me. Call me some time."

"I will," Diana told him. She watched him walk away – and knew that she wasn't going to call him any time soon. She just wasn't ready…

Walking back to her car, Diana looked up at the moon – she thought about Mark. He'd been shocked when she ended it – she thought about poetry and about roses – and wondered…instead of driving straight home, Diana drove to Catherine's apartment and let herself in – she still had a key from her investigation. She didn't feel like an interloper – she had only one reason for being here.

Diana watered the rose bush, and with careful, loving hands, trimmed the dead flowers and leaves. Vincent – there was no other man like him in all the world…

"Are you sure you won't stay?" Vincent asked Kate as she attempted to slip out, unnoticed.

"No – but thank you."

"There is someone you should see, before you go," he told her. "She may be of some help to you."

Kate had a hard time not frowning – how could anyone help her?

"Catherine – do you mind?"

"Go – I'll be waiting up for you," she smiled, and leaned up to kiss his cheek. Then she hugged Kate. "Thank you again, for everything."

"I'm just sorry I didn't bring anything for the baby."

"But you did," Vincent told her, "You brought yourself – your gift is your presence here and that is all that we could ever ask of you."

"Where are we going?" Kate queried after a while – he steered them well away from the main hub of the Tunnels.

"A woman lives down here – her eyes are blind, and yet she seems many things…"

Narcissa, of course, was expecting them. She shooed Vincent back to Catherine and took Kate by the hand. "Oh yes. I've been expecting you for quite some time…" she told the girl with a broad grin. "There is much we need to discuss..."

Epilogue Loose Ends

Lugging two suitcases – he'd left California with only one – Devin stumbled up to the front door of the townhouse he seemed to remember calling home. It wasn't much, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, dining room and laundry room – it served it's purpose for two bachelors, one from beyond the stars, the other from a hole underneath New York City…

The hour was early, almost seven a.m. – so he was quite surprised to find a Tenctonese man, who wasn't his housemate, sitting on the sofa.

"Oh!" The man stood up, "Here – can I help you – you must be Devin."

"And you're Robbie?" Devin queried – Jonathon had written him a month ago asking if he could rent out space to a friend of his who needed a place, temporarily. "I know I'm home early – don't sweat it – worry about it. I'm perfectly happy crashing on the couch." He'd written back telling Jonathon to go right ahead and rent out his room – he was sure his housemate needed the money. Of course Jonathon assured him that it was all temporary…for three pages…they named him right when they called him John Hancock, that was for sure, the guy loved to write…

"No, no, I'm here to see Robbie – I take cello lessons. My name is Sam, Sam Hill."

Sam Hill…Devin managed not to groan. Some of these guys had gotten stuck with some pretty awful names…

"I'm Robbie," said the woman – the very human woman with rich caramel coloured skin and long curly black hair. "That would be short for Roberta," she added to his bemused look. "So you're the infamous Devin – I was almost beginning to think that you were nothing but a figment of Jonathon's imagination."

"No – no, I'm real," Devin stammered. Wow. He sighed. His brother got all the hot babes – Jonathon, it appeared, got all the hot babes – what was an average human male to do?

"I thought you weren't due back until tomorrow," Robbie asked.

"I wasn't – but – I caught the red eye – Hudson Bay is nice, but I missed the Pacific. I hope – I mean – I don't want you to feel like you have to rush or anything – I can take the sofa for a couple of nights."

"You're right. You can," she favoured Devin with a wry grin…

After contacting Jenny and a handfull of Catherine's other friends – who all took the news with as much shock as he himself had – Joe issued the statement to the press that Catherine Chandler had been found alive and well – but was recovering in a private facility after being held hostage by Gabriel for six months. Beyond that, he had a very firm 'no comment' on anything other than to say that he wished her a speedy recovery. When anyone at the office pressed him for details, he repeated the same story – she was alive, she was well, she was recovering and preferred not to have visitors at this time, but he would gladly convey any messages, cards, etc. And yes, she had a baby – it was a boy.

Although he saw Jenny from time to time for lunch, he was careful not to reveal too much – just that Cathy was alive and well and recovering. Jenny's main concern had been Cathy's treatment at Gabriel's hands – about which, Joe told her the truth. He'd kept her healthy and well until he had what he wanted, then he left her for dead. She was found – and a week later, so was the baby… when Cathy was ready to see people, she'd let him know…

Catherine stepped into her apartment for the first time in over six months. No one had wanted her to come alone – Vincent was waiting on the balcony, of course. He couldn't come up the stairs and she couldn't come up the side of the building – but he wouldn't let her Above alone. Not yet. She smiled and let him in. "Vincent – you haven't been away from my side for more than an hour," she remarked – their rose bush, a thing she had expected to find withered and dead – was alive and had two perfect, full blooms, one white and one red.

"I have not – and I have not been here since I found you." He'd felt a little guilty when he realized he'd neglected the rose bush for several weeks – but having her home…

Catherine knelt and smelled the roses. She smiled, then as she stood, an idea forming….

Catherine picked up the phone and dialed...

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Mr. Maxwell," She grinned – behind her Vincent chuckled, imagining Joe's reaction.

"Radcliff – where are you? Is everything ok?"

"Everything is fine, Joe – Vincent and I came by my apartment to pick up a few things. Do you know where Diana Bennett lives?"

"Yeah – why?"

"We'd like to give her something," she felt Vincent's hand on her shoulder and wrapped hers around it.

"You want me to take it over for you?"

"No – we will."

"I will," Vincent said softly.

Catherine nodded – there were times when even she knew not to bother trying to argue with him.

"Sure – hang on a sec – let me find the address – so – does this mean –?"

"I'm keeping the apartment for appearances," Catherine told him. "And I'll be back in the office in a few weeks."

"Ok – here goes – ready?"

Catherine had already found pen and paper. After she had the address, she asked, "We haven't seen you in a while – is everything all right?"

"Just swamped. I'll try to make it down over the weekend. I missed the hell outa you while you were gone, Radcliff, I hope you know that."

"I do. Thank you."

"Yeah well – "

Catherine smiled and wished him a good night before he had the chance to say something embarrassing... Joe was very good at putting his foot in his mouth...

Before going to her bedroom to pack a few things, Catherine wrote a short note for Diana.

"Vincent!" Diana was aware of his presence almost before she saw him – her sixth sense kicking in. She went up to the rooftop to find him there – with a rose bush.

"Catherine and I wanted you to have this," he told her.

"Vincent – I couldn't possibly accept," she blushed wondering if they realized she'd been taking care of it – going into Catherine's apartment…

"We cannot keep it Below – and we would like very much for you to continue caring for it."

"I – I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For invading her privacy – her apartment."

"Diana – you did not invade anything – you are always welcome in her home –and in ours. You are a part of our hearts – and a part of our world. We hope that you will never forget that."

"I'll always be here if you need me, Vincent – but I'm not sure I can be a part of your world."

"Why not?"

She smiled – he was still the most incredible man she'd ever seen. Suddenly – she realized that he understood – she turned away and was surprised to feel his hands on her shoulders. "Vincent –?" She wanted to tell him 'don't' – to tell him to go away…but she couldn't force herself to do it. His touch – it sent something through her – she could smell him then, a sweet musky smell against the night air, filling her – consuming her…she was delighted by his closeness and guilty at the same time…as much as she felt when he was near, it was still impossible to imagine him with any other woman except Catherine. They completed one another in a way that she had never imagined it would be possible for two people to fit together. Diana had never subscribed to the theory of soul mates before meeting Catherine and Vincent…perhaps that was why she felt no jealousy… Diana had spent more than a few sleepless nights analyzing why she felt the way she did… she never could come up with any real answers, except that she knew she didn't love Mark the way Catherine loved Vincent – and she knew that anything short of that kind of love wasn't what she wanted.

"You will always be very dear to me, Diana," he told her softly. "Your friendship is a precious thing – I treasure it."

"I wouldn't ever expect anything more than your friendship – truthfully I'm sure I'd even expected to have that."

"But you have it, nonetheless."

"And Catherine?"

"In this I know I speak for us both – you will always have a place in our hearts."

Diana looked down at the rose bush. "Tell her thank you for me, will you?"

"I will – but she would rather hear it from you."

"I – "

"Come Below tomorrow. Jacob sleeps through most of the afternoon – it is a good time to visit."

"I – all right," she couldn't find a good enough argument to use against him.

Vincent smiled. "Good. I'll tell Catherine – I know she'll be very happy to see you again."

Diana felt him withdraw – in a moment he was gone and she was alone in the moon light, his scent lingering in the air; she looked down at two perfect rose blossoms. One white. One red. She smiled. Friendship. It would have to be enough – and yet, in some ways, it was much more than simply enough – who could ask for better friends than Vincent and Catherine?

Chancing being seen, Vincent made one more stop before returning to Catherine's apartment – Elliot was, predictably, in his office.

"Vincent?" Elliot blinked. "What's the matter?"

"Absolutely nothing. I have come only to ask a favour."

"Anything."

"Do you think you could convince Detective Tutuola to come Below with you tomorrow afternoon?"

"I'm sure I could think of something – why?" And what was that mischievous glint in Vincent's eye?

Vincent just smiled. "Than we will see you tomorrow." Perhaps, he hoped, if it was presented to her, Diana might see what everyone else had seen at Jacob's Naming…

"Playing Cupid, are you?" Catherine asked quietly with a grin – Fin and Diana were up ahead of them in the tunnel – Vincent had offered a 'guided tour' – and Elliot was more than happy to stay behind with the baby. His leg was still a bit stiff for long walks…besides, as soon as he'd seen Diana, he realized what Vincent was up to. Of course, so did Fin and Diana.

"I think we've been set up," Fin said to her, softly – Vincent and Catherine were lagging noticeably behind.

"I think you're right," Diana agreed, with a grin – a part of her might be angry – she didn't like being set up – but there were certainly worse things in the world than spending an afternoon with Fin. Around them, the natural beauty of the world Below – the formation of the rocks – the stream that ran along – the occasional man made arch. "Vincent," she called over her shoulder as they came to a gallery of arches. "Who made all this?" It was clearly old – far older than they'd claimed to have been living down here.

"No one knows," he said as he and Catherine caught up with them. They'd already shown them the whispering gallery and walked through the chamber of the winds. "These structures were here when Father first came – so was the Great Hall with all of its marvelous tapestries."

"I wonder if people lived down here before you guys then," Fin mused softly, looking at the stonework.

"Anything is possible," Vincent replied; he pulled Catherine close to him. Anything at all…

They resumed their walk; "Have you seen anything of Kate?" Diana asked of both Vincent and Fin, since they had seemed the closest to her.

Fin shook his head, "But she's still around."

"Do you think she'll ever find peace?" Diana queried.

"Perhaps she has found her peace," Vincent offered, softly. Kate had come to see him, after leaving Narcissa – she wouldn't say much, but he had felt the change her. I wanted to – thank you. For everything, she's told him.

"Maybe she found peace," Fin said, "But she still hasn't forgiven her brother."

"Do you still visit his grave," Catherine asked him – by now of course she'd heard the full story.

"Not as regularly as I visited before. I guess maybe it was her that I was visiting after all – I feel for Andy Zito – but he brought it on himself. Kate was innocent."

"The innocent get hurt," Diana said – it wasn't just a statement of fact. It was something she hated above all other things.

"All we can do is the best we can," Fin said softly, wanting to ease the pain in her voice…

"I'll call you soon," Diana promised – Catherine and Vincent had walked them only half way to the park entrance – they'd arrived in the warm evening air alone and taken another long, comfortably silent walk through the park. As Fin leaned in to kiss her cheek, Diana turned – their lips brushed, just lightly. She was surprised at how tender he was – she'd expected his kiss to be hard – not forceful – but harsh. She kissed him more fully – he responded wholeheartedly, but didn't push. After a very long, and enjoyable few moments, Diana pulled away.

Fin smiled, "After that, you'd better, call."

"I will."

Cold as the northern winds
in December mornings,
Cold is the cry that rings
from this far distant shore.
Winter has come too late
too close beside me.
How can I chase away
all these fears deep inside?
I'll wait the signs to come.
I'll find a way
I will wait the time to come.
I'll find a way home.
My light shall be the moon
and my path - the ocean.
My guide the morning star
as I sail home to you.
I'll wait the signs to come.
I'll find a way.
I will wait the time to come.
I'll find a way home.
Who then can warm my soul?
Who can quell my passion?
Out of these dreams a boat
I will sail home to you.

Enya/Roma Ryan

Vincent walked Catherine as far as the park entrance. She wore the attire of the world Above – a floral cotton dress, suitable for a warm summer morning, sandals and her mother's pearl earrings. Her hair, which hung now almost to the middle of her back, was braided – a style she had effected to cope with the demands of motherhood and a child who seemed to delight in pulling hair. Just six weeks had passed since her return to him. It many ways, it was as if she had never been away – so much of the last six months had been put firmly behind them.

"I won't be long," Catherine turned to him; they were there – the last door. He could go no further, not during the daylight hours. In the carrier, the child fussed, just slightly, as if sensing that something monumental was happening.

"I know," He leaned in and kissed her tenderly.

With one last, longing look at the man she loved, Catherine stepped out into the morning sun. This was her first foray into the park during the day – Jacob fussed a bit and she re-arranged the blankets around him. Catherine made her way through the park – many a night had been spent walking the darkened paths with Vincent over the past month; it felt strange to be alone. Not quite – she could still feel him – near. Jacob giggled, as if sensing it himself – of course Father would have said that it was only gas, but Catherine was convince that he knew how to laugh.

"Cathy!"

She turned to see Jenny and Joe – of course, this wasn't an accident. She'd asked Joe to bring Jenny with him – they were going to breakfast before her appointment with Peter.

Jenny stopped short of barreling into her, but only because Cathy was carrying a baby, "Oh, god – is this him?" She knelt suddenly to look at the child in the carrier.

Joe laughed – he leaned in and gave Cathy's cheek a small kiss. "Good to see you – how's everything?"

"Wonderful."

"And those awkward moments?" he queried.

"Getting better. It's still a little strange," she confided. "But we're muddling through."

"What's getting better – are you ok?" Jenny looked up from the baby, concern playing across her features. She'd spent most of the last month worried sick about Catherine – Joe wouldn't tell her a darned thing, not even where Cathy was holed up…the best he'd done was take Cathy a get well card and letter from her, and bring her one back.

"I'm fine," Catherine assured her – she handed the baby off to Joe and hugged Jenny fiercely. "Although I think," she leveled a glare at Joe, "That your god son has begun teething."

"Teething?" Jenny asked. "It's way too soon for teeth!"

"Every kid develops at his own rate," Joe shrugged.

"Is Elliot joining us?" Catherine asked.

"He called – he said he'd meet us at the restaurant. I believe that our Mr. Burch had company of the female persuasion last night," Joe gave a sly grin.

Catherine smiled; it was about time. She hooked her arm into Jenny's and began walking towards the restaurant. "I missed you so much – I'm sorry I didn't come out of hiding before now – I just wanted things to blow over some before I re-emerged."

"I'm just – overwhelmed. When Joe said you were alive – I didn't know what to think!" Catherine's letter back to her had been cryptic at best – she was doing well, the baby was healthy – she was happy – and with the child's father, a man named Vincent Wells about whom she had said very little – and about whom Joe said even less, when Jenny pressed him. "What are you doing – what are you going to do?"

"Well – I'm enjoying motherhood and settling into a relationship with a wonderful man. I'm going to see my doctor this morning – but really, I'm sure I'm fine physically."

"What about – spiritually? You went through a terrible ordeal."

"I did. But that's behind me. Assuming Peter gives me a clean bill of health, I'll be back to work next week."

Jenny balked at Joe, "She's coming back – you're letting her?"

Joe laughed, "You ever try to stop her from doing something she really wanted to do? As long as her doc says she's fit, I'm not gonna even try."

"Ok, so tell me about this Vincent," Jenny pressed her – Joe opened the door and handled the matre de. In moments they were escorted to a table and ordering coffee – Catherine requested an herbal tea, chamomile if the had it.

"He seems to be hypersensitive to everything I eat and drink," she explained.

"You're dodging me," Jenny accused.

"I'm not dodging you – there just really isn't that much to say. He makes me happy."

"This is the same guy you talked about once before?"

"Yes."

"And you still won't tell me about him?"

"There still isn't much to tell," Catherine saw Elliot coming and stood to greet him – they exchanged a warm kiss of greeting. "Elliot – this is my friend Jenny Aronson – Jenny, Elliot Burch."

"I know who he is – I'm just surprised that this is the Elliot you meant," Jenny couldn't quite get over it.

Elliot just smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said – then turned his attention to Jacob. "And how's my godson this morning?"

"He woke his mother and father up at three o'clock in the morning," Catherine informed him. "Mary thinks he's teething."

"And – Father?" Elliot asked – well, there were any number of things that Jenny could infer from the title.

"He muttered something about a bunch of hens presuming to practice medicine – at which point the hens pointed out that roosters don't lay eggs."

"Vincent."

"Father," Vincent looked up as Father entered the chamber.

"It seems so quiet in here now – I'd almost forgotten what it was like before Catherine and the baby came. It's almost - too quiet."

"They will be back soon. She had breakfast with a friend and then went to see Peter."

"Yes. I know. Vincent – I know it must be hard for you – not being able to be a part of her world, now especially."

He shook his head, "It is easier now than it ever was."

"On?"

"Now I know that she will come home to me at the end of each day – I know that she will sleep here, at my side – that I will wake to find her next to me. I know that I will see her smile every day and not just in the rare moments we were able to steal away from the world. Now it is they who must steal her brief moments from me – and I will not begrudge the world Above a few hours, for I know how large her heart is – how generous her soul."

Jacob sat for a long moment. "You are both wise and generous."

"Father – what troubles you – really? You didn't just come here to ask me how I would cope with her absence when she goes back to work with Joe Maxwell."

"No. I – I am not trying to impose my values or put any sort of pressure on the two of you."

"You wish to know if Catherine and I have discussed marriage."

"Not just that. I am – I have concerns. I worry about you – more than anything, I want the two of you to be happy together."

"We are happy, Father – you must stop worrying so. Whatever will come, will come – whatever our relationship is to be, it will be. Our love was complete long before it became physical – and if it never becomes physical again, how could I complain? To have known her touch once, I was given a son – what more could any man desire than the love of a family?"

Jacob smiled, "I – only want for your happiness."

"Than know that we are happy."

Catherine was greeted by the sounds of the pipes and the familiar scent of the earth – she tapped out an announcement of her return and had been said hello to by nearly everyone before she even saw their faces. Vincent awaited her at the foot of the great stairs with the warmth of an embrace. "How was your visit Above?" He took the baby carrier from her – they walked slowly, arm in arm. Her company was truly all the joy he could ever have needed…

"Peter says we're both in perfect health – and that Jacob is teething. He expects him to develop a little faster than what he called 'textbook normal', but doesn't think it's anything to worry about. He wants us to think about birth control – he's sending me to see another doctor."

"Should I ask?"

"He has some ideas of what might work best – I told him we hadn't really discussed the possibility of having more children…"

"Catherine – do you wish to have more children?"

"I don't know – I hadn't thought about even having one until he happened. Since then – I've been taking each day as it comes – each joy that I'm given is a blessing. Each moment with the two of you is a miracle for which I'm thankful – but I suppose it is something we should talk about. Can I ask you how you feel about it?"

"I'd never considered that it was even possible – and I still do not remember what happened – if I hurt you –"

"Oh – Vincent – did you think – is that why you've been so – shy?"

"I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you, Catherine. Look at me – at these hands – at this body – I could crush you."

"Do you want to know what happened that night?"

"I do – but I have been afraid to ask."

"You were consumed with your own rage – with fury, with pain – with every dark emotion in your soul. But greatest of those was fear – when I came to you, it wasn't to quell the fury – it was to ease the pain. To chase away the fear – I can't say exactly how it started – but something happened between us – an invisible energy. I came to you – you were curled up – I touched you. I felt your fear – when you looked at me, there was no hunger in your eyes, only pain – so I kept touching you, kept holding you, until you responded to my touch. That's when it happened – you were timid at first," she smiled at the memory. "So timid I was almost afraid that I would hurt you – gently you pulled me to you – you kissed me with such passion – from there," she just looked down at Jacob. "But you were so terribly gentle – through your fear and your pain, you were tender – soft – careful. You never, ever, hurt me. Not ever."

"I have always been afraid that I might have hurt you," he confessed, softly.

"That is one thing you need never fear," Catherine assured him.

Taking one last deep breath, Catherine climbed out of the Tunnels and into the basement of a Janet Greylie's store, Hodge Podge. Hodge Podge was located just eight blocks from the District Attorney's office in Manhattan – and Janet had been a Helper for as long as anyone could remember, living in the small apartment above the shop. She sold Cullen's wood carvings, Elizabeth's paintings, Tilla's hand woven treasures and anything else created by those who lived Below – all at ridiculous Manhattan of the profit went towards the purchase of those items for which those who lived Below could not barter – although the Helpers provided much, the artisans Below had long worked to ease that burden by selling their crafts in the world Above.

"Good morning, dear – my, if you don't look radiant," the older woman smiled; her skin was dark and her hair more grey than black – she was a little on the heavier side and wore a long tunic of African print silk over matching pants; a long scarf hung around her shoulders. She pressed a mug of fresh coffee into Catherine's hands. "Ready to come back to the real world?"

Catherine smiled, "The real world is down there – up here is just an illusion."

Janet nodded, "Well, you have yourself a good day in this illusory world of ours. No, no, keep the cup – you can bring it back on your way home tonight."

Catherine smiled her thanks.

Stepping into the D.A.'s office was like stepping back in time – it didn't help that she became the immediate centre of attention. Rita was the first one off her feet to give Catherine a hug – others followed – Joe poked his head out of his office door after a few moments, "Ok, people – there's still work to be done. Radcliff – you got a minute?"

Catherine accepted and gave a few more hugs before making her way to Joe's office. She closed the door behind her. He was staring. "What?"

"It's just good to have you back, Radcliff."

"It's good to be back," she smiled at him. Then asked what was the matter, because he just kept staring at her like wanted to say something but wasn't quite sure how...

"I've been confirmed as District Attorney until the next election. And – I wanted to know if you'd like to take my old job?"

"Joe – are you sure? There must be more qualified people here."

"Maybe – but no one more committed."

"I – think you might want to reconsider that offer anyway."

"Why?"

"Remember when I was asking you about the maternity leave policy…?"

"A Christmas wedding?" Father questioned – a wedding itself was surprise enough, though certainly it was a welcome one – a little over six months away seemed reasonable – but Christmas? Did people get married on Christmas?

"Laura is getting married in the fall," Vincent explained. "Catherine and I wanted some time between ceremonies and tells me that she has always dreamed of how lovely a Christmas wedding would be…and there is another thing, Father."

"Oh?"

"Peter believes that Catherine will have our second child in the beginning of December."

Fin…

…for now…