The cold, icy rain poured down in sheets upon the solidary
figure walking the dimly lit alley. The sounds of the city and
the water hitting upon the debris of cardboard and other trash were
accustomed and normal to his ears. Only his senstive hearing
would have picked up the quiet crying among the sodden cardboard
boxes by the dumpsters. It was a child, a very young child, but
its voice was weak and plantive, almost exhausted by the effort
it had taken to make itself heard. The figure carefully searched
through the trash trying to locate the child. He felt that time
was very critical. After much rooting he finally met with success.

Underneath the last box the child was found wrapped in a
bundle of castoff clothes and pieces of a dirty army blanket. He
picked it up cautiously, and was relieved to find movement still
within the mass of rags. The rain was still coming down in sheets,
so he covered the child in the protecting folds of his cloak and
made his way quickly to the nearest entrance to the tunnels he
could find.

Through the long journey down he could feel a slight movement
against his body and his sensitive ears picked up its weak crying.
At least the child still lived, but he must get it to Father quickly.
He raced down the tunnels being careful with his precious burden
but he did not decrease his pace in the slightest. Finally he arrived
at Father's chambers. None too soon, he felt, for the movements were
getting weaker and weaker by the minute. He shuttered to think what
would have happened if he had not decided to go down that
particular alley that night.

He burst into the chamber at full speed. Father looked up
from his book startled and surprised at Vincent's explosive entrance
as well as at the desparate look on his face.

"Vincent, my God what's wrong? Are you hurt? What's happened?"
Father cried getting rapidly out of his chair to meet him.

"Father, it's not me. I found a baby... in an alley...in the
rain. It needs help!" Vincent, managed to say as he stopped in
front of him, gasping for breath. Vincent removed the rag wrapped
baby from inside his sodden cloak and thrush it towards him.

"No you take the child to your room where I can examine it. I'll
call Mary and get my bag." Father exclaimed as calmly as he could,
trying to maintain his own presence of mind.

Vincent needed no further instruction and went to do as he
had been told. This was not the first time a child had been found
Above and brought home. But somehow Vincent felt this child was
different, and time was of the essence to save its waning life.

He laid the child on his bed and began to unwrap the layers that
surrounded it. The child was soaked all the way through partly
from itself and part from the weather. How long it had been in
the cold and wet he did not know. The rags were cool to his
touch. Finally the last layers were removed, and Vincent stood
back stunned at what he saw. The rags he held in his hand fell to
the floor from his nerveless fingers. All he could do was stare
open mouthed at the now naked baby and wonder if he was dreaming.

Father came hurrying in and stopped, puzzled at Vincent's
expression, "Vincent, what's wrong?" He inquired.

"Father,the baby---look!" Vincent exclaimed, almost at a
loss for words as he looked down upon the barely moving form in
awe and wonder. "It's like me!"

"What are you saying, Vincent?" Father asked rushing over to
the bed. He took stopped dead in his tracks and looked from the
bed to his son. "My God, Vincent, it does look like you when you
were a baby!" Came his shocked reply, "Where did you find this
child?"

"In the alley behind St. Vincent's, under some cardboard
boxes." Vincent replied more calmly now that the inital shock was
wearing off. He moved back closer to the bed, "Can you save it?"
He asked worriedly, his blue eyes were pleading with desparate hope.

Father nodded absent-mindedly. His mind too, still reeling from
the shock of finding another child that resembled Vincent and at
the same place where he was found over thirty years before.
Shaking his head to clear it he turned towards the bed to start
examining the child.

"We will most certainly try to. History is repeating itself, it
seems." He commented offhandedly as he put his stetoscope on the
small golden furred chest.

He quickly examined the quiet child, and frowned with each
passing moment, "He is not in as bad of condition as you were but
his temperature is rising, and there is the start of some
congestion in his lungs. He is no more than a couple of hours old
but he is of good size and weigh." Father said as he finished his
exam and turned to face Vincent. "I need to contact Peter to get
some antibotics and special supplies. Mary is bringing some clothes
for the child and to check if we have any formula. He has had
some care but we still need to clean him up." Father rattled on
nervously to Vincent as he continued to look the child over. "He
is you, all over again."

"How can this be, Father? At the same place I was found--
why?" Vincent asked still unnerved by the baby's appearance that
so mirrored his own.

"I wish I knew. Did you see anyone or anything by the place
where you found the child?" Father questioned hoping that there
might be some clue to this mystery.

"It was too dark, and raining heavily. I saw no one when I
was there. He will survive?" Vincent asked hopefully, reaching
down to touch a tiny down covered hand that ended in claws like
his own.

"With the proper care and medicines, he should pull through.
We didn't have the medicines we do now when you were this size."
He explained, then hearing footsteps behind him he saw Mary
entering the room. "Mary, good. You've brought the clothes and
milk for the child. I should warn you it's not a normal child, so
be prepared for a shock."

"Alright," she answered hestitating on the threshold,
wondering what was wrong with the poor thing.

Father motioned her forward, and she too was shocked as she
got a good look at the golden down on the body, and the kitten
like face, but she quickly recovered. "He looks like Vincent!"
She sputtered, as she set the baby things down on the bed.

"Yes, amazing isn't it? Vincent found the child in almost
the same place he was found. Except this child is in better
condition than he was then." Father told her, remembering back to
those early days. "Mary, I need to get a message to Pascal. I need
him to contact Peter and have him come down with his bag as soon
as possible. Tell him it's an emergency."

Mary nodded not taking her eyes off the sleeping child, "Certainly,
Father. Will he be alright?" She asked worriedly, looking from
the baby to him.

"Yes. We'll take over from here." Father replied taking the
covered basin of warm water from her. "I think I still remember
how to bathe a baby."

She looked at him a little surprised, and then left looking
backward a few times to be sure she had seen what she had seen.
She wasn't sure what to think. Everyone had thought Vincent to be
one-of-kind, but now, a child like him. it was truely a miracle.

After Mary left Father went to work washing the baby who
woke up and complained loudly at this treatment. There was
nothing wrong with its lungs they both decided. Vincent for the
most part keep out of Father's way, handing him the items he
requested. Finally the child was dressed and wrapped in clean,
warm blankets. The clawed fists waved in the air and kitten mouth
looked for food.

"Do you want to do the honors, Vincent? I need to check if
Pascal has contacted Peter yet." Father asked, holding the now
yowling child, and looking up at his son who had not yet gotten
over his shock.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. You found him. I think you can handle feeding him,
unless you want Mary to take charge?" He inquired cocking an
eyebrow.

That woke him up, "No! He is my responsibility. I fed Luke
for Olivia a few times." Vincent answered taking the baby who had
found his small fist and was sucking noisely on it. Father smiled at
Vincent's nervousness as he sat down on the bed and tried to
connect the hungry baby with the bottle. Finally it was
accomplished to relief of both the baby and Vincent. He looked
up somewhat embarrassed. "Luke was slightly older." He added.

"You'll get the hang of it, son. Don't forget to burp him
when he's finished." Father reminded him. "I'll be back as soon
as I can, and I'll also see about getting a bassinet or something
to use as a bed."

Vincent looked up confused, "I get to keep him with me? I
didn't dare to ask if I could." He assumed that Father or one of
the women would take the child as a matter of course.

"Where else does he belong? Fate has made you a father as it
did me. Accept it. Unless you don't want him?" Father inquired
standing in the doorway.

The blue eyes pierced his father's grey ones, "I do, Father,
but I never expected to be able to keep him. I thought you would
want him after we saw what he looked like," Vincent answered
carefully, trying to gage Father's feelings in the matter.

"At first, I did. But its obvious that this child was
intended for you. I will help you in anyway I can, but I'm a
little old for raising babies." Father replied sincerely, then
with a smile as he left he added, "It's your turn now."

Vincent shook his head as he watched Father's retreating
form and then turned back to the marvel that he held in his arms.
Years of helping with the children of his world made the job
before him a little easier, though outside of holding Lena's
daughter he did not have any real experience at taking care of
one so small. Being a parent both frightened and thrilled him as
something he had wanted but never had hoped to have happen.
Though there had been occassions when he had let himself dream of
a life with Catherine, but those thoughts had been quickly
dismissed as being too painful for them both.

His role with the other children was a combination of teacher,
big brother, and favorite uncle. He was there when someone needed him
but he was not truely involved in their lives on a daily
basis. With this child he would be involved in every aspect of
its life. That pleased him. Though being a single parent did make
him do some thinking and consider the possibilities. And what of
Catherine?

He wasn't sure what her reactions and actions were going to be.
She still had her life Above, living below had not worked out.
She wanted children but he doubted that she was ready to sacrifice
all for a child, this child, who like him could never live Above.
He knew too that this child was going to drastically change the
nature of their relationship. There would be no more midnight calls
to her balcony. His running around the city at night at all hours
would have to cease, along with involvements in dangerous
situations. His duty to this child would have to come before any to
her. Fate in one fell stroke had changed his life, possibly more than
she had.

It was too late to contact her tonight, but he'd have one of
the children give her message before she left for work. By
morning he would have more information on the child's condition
from Peter.

The child, he decided at least had very hardly appetite
as he watched the last ounce being drained. The baby was burped and
then fell asleep on his shoulder as he patted it gently. He was
in this position as Father returned with Peter and Mary following
close behind. He gave them all a cautionary glance as they
approached.

"He just fell asleep." Vincent told them, not wishing to
distrub the child.

"I just want to check him quickly, Vincent. Father has given
me all the particulars already and I am familar with you as a
child. Will you let me see him?" Peter asked coming by the
bedside.

Vincent nodded and relucantly took the child from his
shoulder and placed him on the bed where Peter could examine him.
The examination was done quickly and the child did not protest.
He regarded Peter with bright and intelligent slate colored grey
eyes.

"Well, Jacob, for the most part the child is healthy, but I
will prescribe some antibotics to clear up the congestion. I
can't get over the resemblance to Vincent." He commented finshing
his exam and covering the child back up. Vincent took the child
back protectively into his arms and regarded the group.

"Vincent, Lena said you can use Cathy's bassinet now that
she has her in the crib. Mouse is bringing it down. If you want I
can take the child so you can get some rest." Mary offered, and
was rewarded with a sour look from him.

"Your offer is generous, Mary, but I will manage." Vincent
replied warming a little.

Peter exchanged glances with Father, "He sounds like you
when he was found. Well, there's no much more I can do here, and
i still have a practice to run. I come back down tommorrow
evening to see how things are going. Vincent, have you told
Catherine yet?" Peter asked.

"No, I was going to send a message up. There's not much she
can do anyway." Vincent replied in a strange voice.

"If you want I'll stop by and tell her on my way home."
Peter inquired, trying to puzzle out Vincent words and attitude.
He was surprised that Vincent had not contacted her already and
was enthusatic about her sharing in this. It was not like him.

"If you wish."

Peter accepted his flat statement and made his goodbyes,
"Jacob would you walk me back?" He asked Father, indicating that
that he wanted to talk to him.

Father was all for it because Vincent's attitude distrubed
him as well. "Coming Peter, Mary ?" He asked. Then Mouse came in
with the bassinet before they could leave.

"Father, Mary told me Vincent found a baby. For real?" He
asked carrying in the large laundry basket that served as a
bassinet.

Vincent replied, looking up, "For real, Mouse. He looks like
me." He added proudly with a slight smile seeing his friend's
stunned expression at his news. Mary hadn't told him that part.
"You can set that down by the bed."

"How?" Mouse exclaimed doing as Vincent asked then going
over to where he could see the sleeping child.

"Don't know, anymore than I know why I am. He just is. I found
him where I was found and brought him home." Vincent explained
patiently to him in his soft voice. Then he placed the baby in
the bed and tucked the covers around him.

"Have you a name yet?"

"Alexander." Vincent replied simply, happy with his choice.

"Alexander, good name." Mouse agreed, "Let me hold him
later?"

"Yes, later. Thank you for getting the bed. See you later,
Mouse," Vincent said dismissing him.

Mouse nodded and followed Father, Peter, and Mary as they
left the room. After they left Vincent moved the baby things to
the nearby table and chair and undressed for bed, never taking
his eyes off the child. It was still like a dream to him, but he
had held the reality in his arms and knew that it was not. He
darkened the room and crawled under his covers. He laid his
head back against the pillows but he could not sleep, his inner
excitement had his mind racing too fast. It bounched back
and forth between the baby and Catherine and what her reactions
were going to be as well as how he was going to handle them.
He couldn't predict, he could only wait to see what happened.
Finally he drifted off to sleep out of exhausation and knew no
more until the morning.

*********************************************************************

Her door bell was ringing insistently as she stepped out of
the shower. "Who in the world could that be at this hour of the
morning?" Catherine muttered disgustedly as she threw on her robe and
grabbed a towel to dry her dripping hair. "Who is it?" She asked
before opening the door.

"Cathy, it's Peter. I need to talk to you." Came the reply.

"Peter?" Came the surprised but pleased response from her as
she opened the door and let him in. She smiled at him, always
glad to see him, and curious at what could have brought him to
her door at this time of day. "It's good to see you, come in.
Sit. Would you like some coffee? I just made some." Catherine
offered as she directed him to the couch.

Peter took note that he had not timed his arrival too well
but it could not be helped. "That would be good. I'm sorry about
the hour but I thought I'd stop by on the way home. I have some
news." He said trying to figure out the best way to tell her.

"Oh?" Came her reply from the kitchen. "How do you take it?"

"Black."

Catherine came back with two mugs of coffee and handed him
his before settling into a chair. "What is it?" She inquired
taking a sip of coffee.

"I just came back from a call to the tunnels. It seems that
Vincent has found a baby outside of St. Vincent's and he brought it
home. Cathy, the baby looks like him." Peter told her watching
her startled reaction.

"What?" She choked, almost dropping her coffee. "It can't
be! It's too strange to have it happen again. Where's the baby
now?"

"With him. It is strange but I just got through examining
the child. It's for real." Peter replied sincerely.

"Is the baby going to be alright?" She inquired worrying how
Vincent would react if anything happened to this child.

"He's going to be fine. He's in better shape physically than
what Vincent was when he was brought to Jacob. At least he was
full term and of good birth weigh. I've prescribed some antibotics,
vitamins, and will be sending down a supplimentary formula."

"That's a relief. It's a boy?"

"Yes. He's a dead ringer for Vincent, except for the eyes.
They'll be darker. But Cathy, what I wanted to tell you--it's
Vincent attitude. Maybe I'm wrong...." Peter started to say.

"What is it Peter? What do mean Vincent's attitude?" Catherine
asked confused.

"I can't put my finger on it. He's very protective, which is
natural, but . . . . Have you two had a fight recently or
problems between you?" Peter asked mysteriously.

Catherine shook her head, wondering what was going on. "No,
everything has been pretty much back to normal since I came back
up. Why?"

"I can't put my finger on it, but Vincent wasn't too
enthusiastic about contacting you or letting you know about the
child. That's why I'm here, I thought you should know." Peter
said gently.

"Vincent didn't send you?" She asked a little hurt.

"No. It may have just been the lateness of hour, stress, or
something else. Could be I'm imagining things. But I would have
expected you to be the first person he contacted outside of
Father."

"Yes. It is unlike him. I'm going to go down and see what's
going on. I don't have a court case until this afternoon and the
paperwork can wait. This defintely more important. . . ." Then it
struck her why Vincent was acting strangely. "That's it!"
She exclaimed.

"What's it?" Peter asked.

"My work. It has to with my work and time I spend on it.
Maybe he thinks I wouldn't have time to be involved with a baby
and he's been adamant about my not giving up my work, especially
since my living down Below didn't work out." Catherine exclaimed,
feeling she was right on track.

Peter nodded, "That could be, with Vincent anything is
possible. Just be sure you know what you want before you go down
there." Peter cautioned her.

"What do you mean?" Catherine asked.

"I got the feeling that when it comes to that child, Vincent
is fully committed and looks upon parenthood as a full-time job--
not a part-time one. He's not sure if you'd be willing to do the
same. Then I'm not sure if he wants you to be involved full-
time."

Catherine looked slightly alarmed and worried as she
considered what Peter was saying. She was afraid that what he
said might be true. That Vincent might not want her to be
involved except as a friend, not as a partner in helping raise
the child because he felt she couldn't be fully involved or
committed. Didn't he know how badly she wanted a child, wanted to
help raise one even if she couldn't have her own? How many times
had she vounteered to do things for the children, read to them,
entertained them and tried to be involved with them--as much as
she could. Now he'd acquired a child of his own, did he think she
wouldn't want to be with him in this? But then there was her
work. She could see Vincent's reservations about her. Peter was
right she'd have to do some serious thinking before she talked to
Vincent.

"Cathy?" Peter asked seeing her far-away look. He worried
that he had said the wrong thing.

She came back from her thoughts and smiled, a little
embarassed, "It's okay, Peter, just thinking. I think you're
right on target. I do have to do some thinking before I see him.
Vincent needs a hundred percent committment from me. I'd be
willing to, but he may not let me, and therein lies the problem.
It would also mean moving back down below; if I could do it, and
if Vincent would let me."

Peter looked at her sympathetically knowing she was facing
one of the biggest decisions of her life. Her relationship with
Vincent hung in the balance. He didn't envy her, nor could he
tell her what to do. She had to let her heart decide that for
herself. He took a glance at his watch and saw he had to be at
the hospital in a half-hour.

"Cathy, I hate to run, but I've got rounds to make. All I
can say is I hope everything works out whatever you decide. I
promised Jacob I'd be back down tonight, maybe we can talk then."
Peter said as he rose and sat down his coffee cup.

"I'd like that." She answered getting up to show him to the
door. "Thanks for coming by and telling me. I appreciate it."
She added as she let him out, then she kissed him goodbye on the
cheek. "See you later."

"And you," He said as he left.

Catherine took the cups back to the kitchen and filled hers
back up. She sat back down on the couch again and picked up the
phone to call the office. She defintely wasn't going in today,
and maybe not ever again. She was going to erase Vincent's doubts
about her, she had to for both their sakes.
*********************************************************************

"Catherine, what an unexpected surprise." Father said
looking up and seeing her standing in the doorway to his chamber,
unsure whether or not to enter.

"Aren't you working today?" He inquired curiously, noticing
she was wearing blue jeans and a simple sweater under her jacket
instead of her usual neat business clothes.

"No, and I may not be going back!" She said determinedly,
and pushed on with what she had to say, "Father I need to talk to
you before I see Vincent. Peter told me about the baby."
Catherine stated as she came down the steps into the study.

Father took his glasses off and laid them carefully on his
desk, standing up to meet her. One eye brow was arched as he
regarded her intense mood, "I see. And the baby has to do with why
you are here?"

"Yes. I understand why Vincent, himself, didn't tell me. He
was afraid I'd do what I'm doing now."

Father was puzzled, "Which is?"

"Quit my job, and to come ask you if I could come back here."
Catherine said sincerely, watching his reaction.

Father let out a deep heavy sigh, and just looked at her,
shaking his head as he leaned on his cane. "Shouldn't you be asking
him that?"

"No. This is your world here, what you say goes. All I'm
asking is that you let me stay here, be near Vincent and the
baby. And to let Vincent and I work this out. I want to show him
I can make a real committment and that I am willing to give up
everything for him. I don't see any other way." Catherine
pleaded.

"Catherine, do you think this will be any better than the
last time?" Father asked her honestly.

"I want to make it work. Vincent needs me."

"Does he?"

"Why wouldn't he? How can he raise that child alone?"

"I did, and am still doing it. You underestimate my son. One
does not have to be female to raise a child." He said fixing her
with a hard look. "Nor does having two parents insure that a
child turns out alright."

"But it helps," she protested, her hands fluttering in
exasperation.

"Catherine, you are a good woman and your heart is in the
right place. You can stay, but only if Vincent agrees. What if he
doesn't, then what?"

"I don't know. Keep coming down until he believes me.
Father, I want to be with him. The only thing I have Above is my
work with Daddy gone. Vincent, you, everyone down here are my
world. Please don't shut me out." Catherine pleaded with him
again.

He looked at her with sympathy and understanding. "Alright,
I will let you stay, even if Vincent says no and accept the
consequences of this decision. Are you really sure this is what
you want?" He asked.

"Yes, there is no other choice for me in my heart."
Catherine replied sincerely.

Father shook his head, accepting that for her the statement
was true as well as knowing how subborn his son could be on
occassion. He really didn't know which way this would go, and he
could do was wish her luck and hope for the best-- for all of
them.

It was with a slight bit of humor that he told her, "Well,
you've convinced me but, I'm the easy one. I wish you luck with
Vincent. He's in his room taking a well deserved nap."

"Thank you Father, I might just need luck." Catherine said
smiling over her shoulder as she left to go see Vincent.

As she entered Vincent was laying on his bed with his arm
over his eyes resting it looked like. Then hearing his light
snoring she knew he was asleep. The baby was evidently asleep too
because she could hear no sounds from the cradle by the bed. She
stood on the threshold debating what to do. Vincent stirred in
his sleep, and then woke up sensing her presence. His eyes
blinked open.

"Catherine, you're here?" He inquired surprised to see her.

"Where else do you think I'd want to be after Peter told
me." She replied gently coming over to the bed and sitting down
beside him, her eyes never leaving his, projecting her love to
him.

"But your work!" Vincent protested, starting to sit up.

She pushed him down, "Rest, you look like you need it." He
looked at her and laid back against the pillows. Then she
continued, "I made some decisions before I came down here. You
will probably not approve of them, but I made them anyway."

His eyes begged her to continue.

Nervously she told him, "After Peter told me about the baby and
the way you were acting I knew I had to makes some changes."

He lifted an eyebrow, "The way I was acting?"

"Yes, over contacting me. I knew why you didn't. It hurt but
I understood."

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Catherine. I just wanted time to
think." He apologized.

"I knew that, " she said touching his vest. "That's why I
decided to quit my job today and move back down here." she said
finally in a rush.

"Catherine, no! You must not. Your work is too important.
We both agreed to that." Vincent angrily told her, grasping her
hand that rested on his chest, sqeezing it tightly.

"Nothing is more important than you. Don't you know that by
now. You mean everything to me. I want to be with you, share this
with you." Her green eyes pleaded with him.

"Catherine, no! It is not right of you to sacrifice your life
like this." He shook his head regretfully knowing the sorrow his
words were causing between them.

"Why not? If I had found the baby do you think I'd shut you
out like you are trying to do to me?" She asked him point blank,
her eyes burning into to his, letting him know she was angry with
him over this point.

He looked back at her hurt expression, feeling her pain
through the bond. "I am not trying to shut you out. I did not
think you'd wish to be involved as much as what this child needs.
I can devote my time fully, I didn't think you could." He said bluntly.

"Vincent, I can. I want to. I want to be with you and help
you with the child, if you will let me. At least give me the
chance to try." She impored him, searching his face for his
decision.

"Where will you stay?"

"Down the hall, here, or wherever you say." She replied,
feeling him tense up. "I can sleep on a cot." Catherine offerred,
understanding his question and his fears of their being together.

He fixed her with a level look, and nodded. Though none of
the alternatives were exactly to his liking, it was a compromise
and a start for them. "A cot--in here." He said finally, looking
both serious and embarrassed at the same time. Then he quickly
changed the subject before she could make a comment.

"Your things Above?" He asked wondering what she wished to
do with them.

"I'm having them put in storage and only bringing down what
I need. I promise not to get in the way and to respect your
privacy." She added, lowering her eyes, acknowledging that they
were taking a large step forward in their relationship.

"Catherine, this will not be easy." He said studying her,
seeing new facets of this woman he loved. The too he wondered how
this new arrangement was going to work out.

The two of them sharing the same room, living together. It was
the last part that he was thinking about. Committed but not committed,
like a marriage, but not quite. Could they remain as friends in the
same room, or would they eventually want more. Would this bring
them closer together or farther apart? Then what would the community
think of this arrangement? Should they get married to forestall
talk? These and a thousand other questions flooded his mind.

She saw his brow furrowed in thought, "What are you
thinking, Vincent?"

"How this will work out, sharing the same room, together but
separate. Talk." He said honesty, looking up at her.

"Suggestions?"

He looked at her and made his decision, then taking her
hands in his, he asked in a soft voice with all his heart and
soul behind it, "Catherine, will you marry me?" proposing to her.

Catherine was taken aback by the suddeness of it, she gasped
both in shock and delight. "Yes, you know I will. But why?"

He smiled, holding her hands as she tried to get her racing
heart under control. He calmly explained, "Many reasons, first of
which is that I love you and it what I have always wished for
us."

"The other reasons?" She asked, wanting to know what
prompted his proposal.

"The sharing of the room, people talking. Then there is
Alexander, the child, he needs two parents as parents, husband
and wife, not as you proposed. It will not work otherwise. You
have decided to give up all to be with me and him. I owe you a
committment just as firm and as strong."

She nodded accepting his logic, "And when is this to be?"
She asked, still not believing that this was happening.

"As soon as it can be arranged, if that is what you want?"
He asked, meeting her eyes and searching their bond to see if
this was what she wanted.

"Yes," she answered and then bent down and kissed him, and
he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him in a firm
embrace and lingering kiss that left them both breathless and
with no doubts to their committment to one another. After he
finally released her she asked him with a warm smile, "What is
Father going to say? He didn't think you'd even want me to stay."

"I did have some reservations on that, not now, my
Catherine. With Father, it is hard to know what he will say. He
may be pleased. We can only wait and see. I will go and tell him,
so the arrangements can be made. I will not be gone long." Vincent
said starting to rise.

Catherine moved back so he could get up. "If the baby wakes
up?" She inquired, looking around to see where the baby supplies
were.

He smiled as he stood up, "His name is Alexander. His
formula is in the kichen, just ask William or Mary. And his
clothes are over there," He said pointing to the stack of clothes
on the chair and table. "I haven't found a place for everything
yet. Maybe I should let you do that?" He asked looking down at
her.

Catherine put her hand on his vest, smiling slightly, "In
a way I feel like an inruder, invading your home."

"Catherine, you are not. This is your home, will be your
home now. What is mine is yours." He said pulling her to him. "I
will have it no other way."

"I just wondered what you are feeling. One minute you were
alone, and now you're getting a ready made family moving in on
you. That is a big change in your life."

"But a pleasant change. It will take some adjustment to be
sure, but it will be worth it." He said sincerely, kissing her
forehead. "After I talk to Father, we will see about getting your
things moved down."

"You don't waste time do you?" She laughed, hugging him.

"Have you ever known me to once I've made up my mind?" His
voice was warm and serious, "Catherine, since you left I have
thought of nothing else but our being together always, but I knew
I had to wait until you were ready. I can not promise a perfect
life only my love for all time." Then he bent down kissed her deeply
leaving her with promises of more to come.

Then he was gone leaving her alone with Alexander and to
gather her racing thoughts over what this day had brought. She
had been curious about the child but she had been so caught up
with Vincent that she had not seen him except at a distance.
Really great start to motherhood she told herself. She went over
to the cradle and looked down at the sleeping baby. He was laying
on his stomach with only his head and one small fist showing from
beneath his covers. The hair was a little lighter than Vincent's
she decided, but it promised to be just as thick and wild. But
from her angle he looked adorable sleeping that way.

Where on earth did you come from, little one, she wondered. She
wished she could find out. She didn't know if anyone had been sent
to check out the place the child was found. Maybe they'd never know
about Vincent, but they could try to find out about this child.
Maybe she could talk Kipper into doing some checking for her.
Babies didn't just appear out of nowhere, least not ones like
this.

The object of her thoughts, stirred and stretched in his
sleep, gradually waking up with soft noises both kitten-like and
human. How far did the cat resemble go? She didn't think about it
that much with Vincent except at odd moments when he looked or
moved a certain way. She was going to find out from two different
viewpoints. In the meantime Alexander was getting awake and mad.

Carefully she turned him over and checked him for wetness.
Locating the diapers she eliminated problem number one, though
what to do with the wet diaper eluded her until she saw the
covered bucket under the table. The rest of him was dry. She was
amazed at the soft golden fuzz that covered most of his body. It
wasn't quite fur but it wasn't quite hair either, like something
in between. He quieted down after she changed him by sticking his
fist in his mouth and sucking noisely on it.

"Well hello, Alexander, I get to be your new mommy,"
Catherine said to him as she picked him up and held him for the
first time. "You're a pretty boy," she smiled looking him over,
"just like your new daddy."

The child looked up at the sound of her unfamilar voice,
opening his eyes as he focused on her. He regarded her intently
for several seconds and then relaxed, going after his fist again.

"Defintely hungry, aren't you. Let's go see if we can find
the kitchen and your bottle." She craddled him in her arms and
they took off down the passage way to find the kichen.

Locating it finally she went in, enjoying the smells of
the different foods cooking for the noon meal. William was
standing by the the huge iron stove stirring a laddle in a soup
pot.

"William, Vincent said that I could find Alexander's bottle
in here." She said announcing her presence, unsure where to look.

Turning she saw her, surprise registering on his face as he
saw the baby in her arms, "Catherine, how nice to see you.
There's some ready-made ones in that carton over there, along
with the tops." He pointed to a box on one of the work tables.

She did as he indicated and got a small bottle out. "Now
what?" She asked, holding it up, feeling very ignorant and
foolish. "Is it supposed to be warmed up or as is? I haven't
had that much experience with babies before." She admitted.

William laughed, "You'll learn quick enough. This size
they're not problem. When they get older then's when it gets
interesting. Let me warm it up, You just sit." He told her.

"Thanks. Vincent went to talk to Father and left me in
charge of Alexander." She explained sitting down.

"Yeah, Mary told me about Vincent finding him last night.
Heard he looks like him, is that true?" William asked coming over
after putting the bottle on the stove to warm up.

"Yes, see for yourself. Amazing, isn't it? Do you think
there's any chance we can send someone up to check for clues?"
Catherine inquired after she showed Alexander off.

"I'll send some of the kids up and see what they can find
out." He agreed. "Never thought I'd see anyone else like Vincent,
but this child's a dead ringer for him. Almost like it was his
kid, no offense Catherine." He said apologizing for his remark.

She looked up at him confused at what he had just implied,
"None intended. He said he found him, I believe him." She
defended.

"That's good enough for me. What are doing down here? It's
not your ususal hours." William asked going over to check the
bottle.

Catherine brushed a stand of hair out of her face
considering what to say, "Peter told me about the baby and I came
down to talk to Vincent. I'm moving back down and Vincent and I
are getting married."

William almost dropped the bottle. "You're getting married?
When and how did this happen?" He asked handing her the warm
bottle as he sat down on a large stool near the the large common
table.

"Vincent proposed to me when I went to see him. It's in part
because of the baby, but you know how we feel about one another.
Now seemed the right time. I quit my job and had decided on
coming down here even before he asked me. We'll get married as
soon as the arrangements can be made." She answered happy to
share her news with him.

He sat back with his arms folded across his chest and
resting on his large belly, a slight frown on his face. "Are you
sure about this, Catherine, marrying Vincent?"

"I've never been more sure about anything in my life. It's
what I have always wanted. Why?" She asked, checking Alexander's
progress with the bottle.

"Don't get me wrong, I like Vincent, and I like you. But it
don't seem right you two getting together if you know what I
mean. Holding hands, maybe a kiss or two, but marriage, sleeping
together. It ain't natural." He protested, getting red in the
face from embarrassment.

"William, I appreciate your honesty and your opinions. But I
don't see Vincent as anything but a man. The man I want to spend
the rest of my life with." She defended, getting angry at his
words.

"But Catherine, he's got fangs and claws, and heaven knows
what else. Surely, you don't want to sleep with that?" William
argued.

"A tail?" She supplied, "He doesn't and neither does
Alexander. And who I want to sleep with is my business, not
anyone else's. We are getting married and that's that." She said
rising, wanting to get out of there before she really lost her
temper and Vincent came running to find out what was the matter.
He didn't need to hear this.

Seeing her starting to leave, he added, "I was just saying
what was on my mind. But if I were you I'd think about it real
careful. I'm not the only one who feels this way. Catherine, I'm
only saying it because I care, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

Catherine just looked at him hurt and angry. "William, your
words have hurt me and I hope that Vincent and Father don't find
out how you feel. I'm sorry that you don't approve but nothing is
going to change my mind. I love Vincent just the way he is and
be are going to be together." Then she left, carrying Alexander
and his bottle, trying to calm down her fury at William's narrow
mindedness.

She went back to Vincent's chamber's and was relieved that
he wasn't back yet. She'd at least have some time to compose
herself. Sitting down on the bed she gave Alexander his bottle
which he finshed gratefully. She remembered to burp him and
holding him on her shoulder close to her she finally calmed down,
trying to enjoy her new role as a mother. The baby let out a loud
belch finally and she laughed both at the sound and the slight
smile on his face.

He wasn't sleepy, so she put him on the bed and lay down next
to him to let him stretch and play. She could also study him
closer this way. She was amazed at his tiny claws, and his kitten
face. He was toothless, but she wondered if he was going to get
fangs like Vincent's as he got older. At least she had Vincent
and Father to tell her what was normal or not. Poor Father had
had to play it by ear. She had great admiration for him, she only
hoped that she could be a good mother to this child. And a good
wife to Vincent, she amended quickly. William's comments had
unnerved her more than what she wanted to admit.

Theirs had never been a normal relationship. She had
learned to overlook his physical differnces and had found
them oddly beautiful and exciting. All her fears about him had
evaporated over time as she grew to know his gentle, loving soul.
The beast part of him was only apparent when he was angry or was
put in the position were he had hurt someone. He hated that side
of himself, and on occassion even she felt cold fear rising in
herself when he was in that state. But he wasn't a beast, he was
a man, wasn't he? Damn William for putting doubts into her heart
when there had been none. She loved Vincent with all her heart
and soul, nothing could be wrong in that, nor with their union.
All her dreams were coming true at once, she must not let doubts
ruin everything.

She looked down at Alexander, and let him hold her finger in
his hand. That made her feel better. She was begining to love
this child because he was so much like Vincent and because he had
helped bring them together at last. "Do you think I'll make a good
Mommy, Alexander? I hope so." She smiled at the boy and gave him
a gentle kiss.

"I know so." Came Vincent's voice from behind her, startling
her.

"Vincent, I didn't hear you come in." She said turning
around and seeing his smiling face and his crossed arms. "How
long have you been there?"

"Long enough. I was just watching you. You seem to have a
way with him." He said, settling on the bed next to her.

"I wasn't sure. I haven't had that much experience with
babies or children. I've spent most of life either in school,
working or going to social events. Living a quiet normal family
life is something I've never done, but wanted to. There's so much
I have to learn." Catherine confessed uneasily.

"There is nothing to fear, Catherine." He said gently,
touching her shoulder.

"And what am I afraid of?" She asked, wanting to know what
he saw in her heart. Her eyes were downcast watching Alexander
wiggle in his blankets.

"Failure, change. What has caused you to have these doubts
when you had none?" He asked, lifting her chin to look at him.

"It's nothing. I just worry if I will be a good mother and a
wife to you. And whether are being married will be accepted by
the community."

"You will be. I know how loving and giving you are to all
the children here. You have always wanted your own child.
Alexander may be the only child we ever have." He saddly
acknowledged, his eyes tinged with his own inner pain.

"Why do say that?" She asked, noting his deep saddness and
embarrassment.

"I do not know whether we could have our own or if we
should even try. Then if it were possible, the effects on you. I
do not want to lose you, not that way."

"Either way we take a risk. One I'm willing to take. In the
meantime we do have Alexander and each other. Did you talk to
Father?" Catherine asked.

"He's agreed to it and since you are already one of us, it
doesn't have to get council approval. The soonest it can be
arranged is tomorrow. He's sent a message to Mr. Wong to contact
the priest that married Linn and Walter. And Mary has agreed
to watch Alexander for us for a couple of days, so that we can
have a honeymoon." Vincent smiled, looking more cat-like than
usual.

"I know that look. You must have plans." Catherine chided
him.

"There is a special place I want to show you, that I found
not long ago. It's a day's journey back and forth but its worth
it. I've been going there when I've wanted to be alone, so we'll
have all the things we need."

"Sounds interesting. And tonight?." She asked, wondering if
she should ask.

"I'll let you decide." He teased. Bending over Alexander and
kissing her on the cheek. "Cullen and Mouse have volunteered to
help you move this afternoon, if you want."

Catherine lifted an eyebrow and laughed, "You have been
busy. And what was their reaction to all this?"

"Mouse was rather excited and Cullen couldn't stop
congratulating me. So far there has been very good reaction.
There were several comments to the effect it was about time."

"I was worried that people wouldn't be pleased. It is rather
sudden." She said, still worrying about william's negative
comments.

"But not unexpected. Most people would have been surprised
if we didn't get married now that there is Alexander." He
commented, trying to understand what was troubling her. "Everyone
knows about my finding him and are anxious to see him, especially
the children. I told them to come by after you get back."

"I hope I won't take that long. Where and when do I meet
Cullen and Mouse?" Looking down at the baby who had drifted off
to sleep with their conversation.

"They were in Father's chambers a little while ago going
over some plans for the lower chambers. They might still be
there."

"Good, that'll save time. Better get it done. It's going to
take a couple of hours to pack and arrange for everything." She
said getting up carefully so not to distrub the baby.

Vincent stood so she could get up, then wrapping his arms
around her, he brushed her hair with his lips, "I'll be waiting."

She kissed him, murmuring, "If you keep that up I'll never
get out of here."

He grinned as he released her, "Hurry back." His eyes held a
mischevious glint as he watched her go. Then he turned his
attention to the room. He had some changes to make before she
came back.

**************************************

Continued in Part II

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