After one long breath, he answered. "No, Catherine. I want more. Touch me again."

She did just that and more. A quick lick and kiss destroyed his restraint. Gently, but firmly, he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up then rolled her over onto her back. His instincts were in control now and his lack of previous experience didn't seem to matter. His body knew what to do without thought or plan.

Lifting his upper body above Catherine, he carefully pressed his painfully swollen and aching erection between her thighs. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around him. This movement opened her up to him and he managed to tentatively penetrate.

The sensation of being enveloped by the warm, moist, softness of Catherine was something he could not have imagined. Her sharp intake of air and the following soft moans assured him of her pleasure. The thin thread of their bond sparkled brilliantly and grew so strong their hearts were beating as one.

Her movements were answered by his as their bodies sought and found that most ancient rhythm. The intensity continued to build slowly and sweetly with each thrust. Bodies quivered in pleasure as they sought release. When the thrusts became fast, hard, and deep, Vincent opened his eyes and looked into Catherine's. In her eyes, he saw the storm of her passion and it was a sight he would never forget.

Their eyes focused on each other's as their individual climaxes claimed them. First Vincent, then Catherine, gave themselves up to a powerful release. Their bodies went limp immediately afterward as they savored the delicious tingles of afterglow.

Vincent rolled to one side and collapsed face down into the pillow.

"Are you all right?" Catherine asked with concern but also with a touch of amusement.

He turned his face toward her. "Does my -- depleted state amuse you, Catherine?"

She giggled with delight. "Actually -- yes. I don't think I've ever seen you so -- relaxed."

Rolling his body over onto its side, he smiled at Catherine's apparent joy. "You're happy. I can feel it."

"Happy, content, joyful, sated, etc., etc. I didn't plan this but I'm very glad it happened, Vincent."

Gently, he pushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. "So am I, Catherine. I'm just so glad I -- didn't hurt you."

"The only way you could have hurt me would have been if you had turned away from me."

"I could not do that now," Vincent stated adamantly.

"I'm glad. I'm tiried of you trying to push me away for my own good," she declared.

Remembering all those times, he laughed. "I promise I won't do it again."

"Good. Now -- how about rolling over and just holding me for a while? Cuddling is nice too."

"I would be thrilled to -- cuddle."

After finding a comfortable position, Catherine soon fell into a contented slumber. Vincent, on the other hand, lay awake for some time completely amazed by what had happened.

CENTER>* * * * * *

When Vincent awoke the next morning, he was lying on his side facing the french doors of the balcony. Sunshine streamed in and he struggled to adjust his eyes to the unaccustomed glare. The next thing he noticed was Catherine's absence. After searching his connection to her, however, he sensed her presence in the next room. Her mood was light and cheerful.

He closed his eyes for a moment and let the warmth of the sun heat his bare skin. He had never felt such a radiating warmth before. Lost in that particular pleasure, he paid no attention to Catherine walking into the bedroom. Only when she pulled the remaining sheets off him was he aware of her.

"That's much better," she commented as she looked over his now nude body. "The sun feels good doesn't it?"

He nodded lazily then closed his eyes again. Seconds later, he felt her crawling up the length of his body. The soft cotton of the baggy tee shirt she wore rubbed his warm skin and her hand gently slid down his shoulder and forearm until he felt her fingers stroke the back of his hand. A warm, moist kiss was placed between his shoulder blades as she lowered her body onto his.

"Catherine?"

"Ssh. I love the way your skin feels in the sun," she sighed breathlessly into his ear.

She was straddling his thigh and, as she lowered herself, he could feel that dark patch of hair and the moistness that lay underneath rub against his leg. Her movements were arousing him rapidly.

"Roll over," she demanded.

Obeying her request, he carefully rolled over onto his back. Catherine remained in her position atop him. She smiled at him wickedly then pulled the tee-shirt off over her head and tossed it aside. As he stared at her nude body in the sun, he remembered that last night only the moonlight had illuminated their lovemaking and his glimpses of her body had been in the soft light. The sunlight streaming brightly through the doors gave him an incredibly clear view of her beauty.

Her skin had a soft, pink glow to it and the sun highlighted the blond streaks in her hair giving it a glimmering appearance. Her eyes sparkled and her playful smile was as radiant as the sun. She was beautiful beyond his wildest dreams and she was boldly offering that beauty to him.

No longer feeling compelled to hide his arousal from her, he did nothing to calm his building desire. It seemed that Catherine found that aspect of his anatomy particularly intriguing and she took great joy in arousing him even more. Her fingers gently stroked and caressed as she watched his response. To see her so lovingly touch him in such an intimate manner simply amazed him. How could she see him in the harsh light of day and still take such delight in his body?

His thoughts were interrupted when she moved down and took him into her mouth. "Catherine!" His hands clenched the sheets, ripping them slightly.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I thought you liked that."

When his breathing returned to normal, he finally managed an answer. "You surprised me. Last night you just touched and lightly kissed me. What you're doing now..."

"It's called oral sex, Vincent."

"I've read about it, Catherine."

"Does it offend you?" she asked.

He thought about it for a moment. "No. The thought of you--doing that is..."

"... is very arousing to ME because it's about as intimate as two people can get. Vincent, if I do something you don't like, please tell me. I want to satisfy you in every way I can."

He knew she truly meant what she said. "Catherine, would you - continue."

"I intended to with or without your consent. Now lie back and enjoy."

He did just that. And as he did, he also discovered how much he enjoyed watching her as she took him to the brink then pulled away. Finally, she crawled up over him and, with agonizing slowness, guided him inside her. The erotic sight of her writhing body moving in time with his thrusts excited him beyond reason and within seconds, he exploded within her as she convulsed uncontrollably.

When they both managed to regain control of their senses, Catherine moved over and lay down beside her lover.

The warm, fuzzy feeling of contentment that followed flowed through Vincent and he savored it. "Good morning, Catherine."

Catherine erupted into a fit of laughter. "What a wonderful way to start the day," she playfully remarked.

"I agree. Catherine -- it's morning! I shouldn't be here! You should be at work!"

"Relax. I don't work on Saturdays."

"Saturday? Oh -- that's right." He sat up slowly and peered out the french doors. "I should have returned Below hours ago. Father will be concerned."

"I'll get dressed in a moment and go down to leave a message. You can't leave in the daylight. You'll have to stay here today."

He turned to her. The expression on her face was wickedly suggestive. "I suppose I could endure that."

"Endure? I'll show you endure." She grabbed a pillow and began hitting him over the head.

Grabbing her wrists, he pushed her back down onto the bed. "You'll pay for that."

"Promise?"

They spent the morning together listening to music, watching television, or simply talking. For Vincent, this taste of a "normal" life was a fantasy come true. It would have been perfect except for the fact they could not take a long, leisurely stroll through the park. Well, he mused. part of a fantasy is better than none.

After eating lunch, the phone rang. Reluctantly, Catherine answered it. Her expression changed from one of happiness to trepidation. She listened for some time.

"I don't know about that. It could be too dangerous." She listened again. "All right. call me later."

Vincent watched with interest as she hung up the phone. Her mood had grown dark. "What's wrong, Catherine?"

"That was Lisa. She's going into the Witness Protection Program tomorrow and she wants to see you one last time."

The possibility of meeting Lisa for a final good-bye disturbed him but not as it had before. The fear of facing her was gone. Replacing it was a heavy sadness.

"Vincent?" Catherine called out to him. "I can tell her no."

"Don't do that. If it can be safely arranged, I will meet with her. Perhaps it is time to resolve the past."

After several phone calls, a meeting was arranged. The carousel at midnight was to be the time and place.

Vincent and Catherine waited in the dark shadows surrounding the carousel. "Are you sure you want me here?" Catherine asked.

"There are no more secrets between us, Catherine. You know all there is to know." He smiled slightly. "You know more of me than anyone in the world."

She kissed him quickly. "And that's the way I want to keep it," she replied.

"She's here," Vincent whispered.

Lisa slid through the small opening of the door and began walking around the carousel. Once assured that she was alone, Catherine approached.

"Hello, Lisa."

The dark-haired woman turned to her and smiled. "Hello, Catherine. Where's Vincent?"

"I'm here," he answered as he moved silently out of the shadows.

"Vincent - its so nice to see you."

Stepping closer, Vincent sensed her unease and stopped. "I am glad you are well. Catherine told me about your testimony. You did the right thing."

"Concerning Alaine -- yes. But not, dear Vincent, about you."

"She looked to Catherine for strength. Finding it, she continued. "I wanted to see you, one last time, to ask your forgiveness."

"You have done nothing wrong."

"Oh yes I have. I teased you unmercifully when we were young. I liked the way you looked at me with such adoration. It made me feel so beautiful."

"You are beautiful."

"In your eyes. Vincent, I didn't pull away from you that night out of fear of you. I pulled away because I was afraid of what I was feeling. I teased you and when you responded, I was frightened. I wasn't--prepared for the consequences of my actions. I don't think I ever have been."

"The most harmful wrong I inflicted upon you was not telling you the truth. I let you live with what you thought you had done all these years. The guilt and pain I caused deprived you of the happiness you deserved. I didn't realize that until I met Catherine. I could see how much she loved you and how desperately she wanted to share your life with you. The hurt I caused you was keeping you from accepting her love and trusting yourself. I am so sorry, Vincent."

There were tears in Vincent's eyes as he listened to Lisa's confession. The words he thought would set him free only made him sad, not for himself, but for Lisa. He realized then that the love he shared with Catherine had forever banished the self-doubts and pain. Lisa's words just put it to rest between them, nothing more.

"What happened between us did cause me great pain and suffering but Catherine's love rescued me from that. Her faith in our love overcame my fears and healed my wounds. She has taught me that these hands and this body are capable of love. She accepts me as I am and has risked everything to love me."

Lisa glanced over in Catherine's direction. Catherine stepped forward and slipped her hand into the crook of Vincent's arm. Her look was one that spoke of possession and intimacy. Lisa seemed to understand and simply smiled.

"I am very glad for you -- both. You deserve a love like that, Vincent. Perhaps I knew all along that I could not give that to you. I wasn't that strong."

"What you have done now proves that you are that strong. Lisa, you will be all right. You will find your way again."

"I hope so. I must go. They only allowed me a few minutes."

She hesitated for a moment then impulsively stepped up to hug Vincent. "Be well, my friend. You will always be in my heart."

"As you will in mine," he answered.

She then turned to Catherine and they shared a mutual look of understanding. "Promise me you'll take care of him and never allow him to retreat into his solitude again."

"I promise."

Lisa laughed softly. "The next time I see the two of you, I fully expect to see you with a red-haired baby in your arms, Catherine."

Vincent felt a blush heat his face.

Catherine just smiled. "I'm working on it," she responded.

"Good. Vincent will make an excellent father. I knew that when we were children." She smiled knowingly at him. "Good-bye for now,my dearest friend."

"Be well, Lisa."

She took one last, long look at the two of them then walked away. She was gone from their lives and the remnants of the shadow she had cast over Vincent's heart faded away. Catherine's love had broken through the barrier and let the light in. No shadow of another was left in either's heart.

As they walked hand in hand through the tunnels, Vincent remained deep in thought about Lisa and everything that had happened over the last few days. It wasn't until they were deep in the tunnels did Catherine's words come screaming back to him. "I'm working on it," she had said when Lisa mentioned a baby. That realization stunned him so completely he stopped in mid-stride. The sudden stop spun Catherine around.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"What you said back there."

"I said a lot."

"It was what you said about -- working on -- a baby. Did you mean it?" She looked up into his shocked eyes and smiled warmly. "You don't like the idea?"

"I didn't say that."

"What are you saying?"

"Catherine - have you been doing anything to prevent the conception of a child?"

She shook her head slowly. "No. That first night was unplanned and after that, it just didn't seem right. Vincent -- if it's possible, I want to have your child."

He stepped back and paced the width of the tunnel a few times. "Did you plan to tell me?"

"Of course. Lisa called and I decided to wait. Vincent -- are you angry?"

He thought about it for a moment then returned to stand before her. "No, not angry. I guess I'm shocked that you would want to have a child with me."

"Why wouldn't I? I love you. It's only natural. You know how I love children."

"But my children? If I can father a child, there's a chance it could be like me," he a

rgued. "That doesn't matter. Haven't you learned that by now?"

A painful sigh escaped him. Could it be that his most treasured dream might be possible after all? To have a child with Catherine...

"Vincent - f you are strongly against this, I will honor your wishes. I won't try to become pregnant if the possibility causes you pain."

"No, Catherine. How can I tell you what this means to me? The fact that you want to have a child with me is...I can't put into words how that makes me feel. I want a child with you. I would have never had to courage to ask such a thing."

She sighed. "I was so afraid you would refuse."

"How can I refuse what I too want desperately. I love you, Catherine and if we are not blessed with a child, I still would die a happy man. But to see you pregnant knowing that the baby you carry is mine, to share it's birth with you and, together, raise that child would make my life complete. I just want you to be sure."

She stepped into his arms. "I am sure. I want a baby, Vincent. I want you to furnish the seed."

"What if I can't? I don't know what I am, Catherine. It is very likely I could be sterile."

"There are tests to determine that. I'm sure Father or Peter would be glad to take care of it. All you have to do is furnish a semen specimen. We could do it today."

He gazed at her for some time completely mystified by her love. "Do you think you could ask Peter to do it? I wouldn't feel comfortable having Father get involved with this."

"I'll call him as soon as I get back to my apartment. Vincent, even if the test proves you're sterile, it won't change how I feel about you."

"I may have to hold you to that."

"There are other things I'd rather be held to right now," she laughed.

Vincent paced nervously. The arranged meeting with Peter was to inform him of the test results. He had asked Catherine to let him hear the news first alone. If the news was disappointing, he wanted to deal with it himself before having to tell her.

Finally, he heard Peter approaching. With his heart in his throat, he turned to face his fate.

CENTER>* * * * * *

When Vincent stepped over the balcony wall, Catherine was there waiting for him. As soon as she saw him, she ran into his arms. "Tell me," she pleaded.

Vincent held her at arms' length and looked into her hopeful eyes. "The tests were conclusive. Catherine - you're looking at a very potent man. In fact, you're probably already pregnant."

Catherine began laughing. "Are you telling me the truth?"

"We've never withheld the truth from each other," he laughed. "Catherine, Peter said the lab technician had never seen such a high sperm count."

"All those years of abstinence gave them time to multiply I guess. I'm glad you saved them all for me."

"It only takes one, you know."

"I know but having a variety to chose from is nice."

"We shouldn't be joking about such things," Vincent commented.

"I can't help it. I'm happy the news is good. It means that unless something's wrong with me, we won't have any problem conceiving a child."

"There is a problem, Catherine. Just because I have a high sperm count doesn't mean that my bio-chemistry is compatible with yours. Peter explained that if the chemistry is wrong, the sperm might not be able to fertilize the egg. And if it did, your body might abort it. We have to be prepared for that."

"That could happen with any couple, Vincent. Tonight, I refuse to believe that having a child is not possible. Nothing is going to stand in our way."

"There is one thing, Catherine."

"What?"

He dropped down on one knee. "If you are to have my child then I insist that you marry me first."

To say she was shocked was to grossly understate the situation. "Vincent..."

"I know it won't be legal in your world, but it would be in mine. Our family and friends Below would love to share in our happiness."

"Uh - uh..."

"Catherine -- are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I'm just -- surprised. Yes - of course I'll marry you. It's not necessary for me, but if it will make you happy then of course we'll get married. I should have realized you were that old-fashioned."

"Marriage is never old-fashioned, Catherine. I just want to make a public commitment to you as you will when you carry my child. I want a life with you, not just stolen moments."

"That's what I want too. I can move Below."

"I don't want you to give up your work. I know how you love it. I'm not asking that of you. I only ask commitment."

"You have it. I love you, Vincent."

"I love you too. I will do all I can to love, cherish, protect, and care for you always. I make that pledge to our child as well."

"And I to you, Vincent."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her lovingly. "Catherine," he whispered as the kiss ended. "Do you suppose we could try tonight?"

"Try what?" she asked teasingly.

"To conceive a child," he answered indignantly. "Unless it's not the right time."

"Oh, you mean is it that time of the month?"

He felt himself blush as he nodded.

"No, it's not. It's probably a very good time to try. And if we don't succeed tonight, we can try and try again."

Vincent laughed then swept her up into his arms to carry her into the bedroom. All thoughts of Lisa and the trauma she had caused him were erased from his mind. Wherever she was now, he wished her well.

The life that "couldn't be" began that night. Vincent and Catherine conceived a child. That was also the night, Vincent began to look back on Lisa's place in his life without pain and with a growing acceptance of himself and the love he was capable of giving. It was indeed a night of miracles.

Return to our homepage

Return to our Story Page

© 1998 vthomas@carolina.rr.com

The Crystal Rose is an nonprofit association and is not intended
to infringe on the rights or any holders of copyrights or license(s).