Aftermath--A 3rd Season Adult Beauty & The Beast Novel

By Vickey Brickle-Macky

Parents

Tuesday arrived and as the hours and minutes approached one P.M., Diana became more and more of a nervous wreck on top of worrying about all the details for her wedding the next day. It had been decided that Diana, Devin, and Father would go Above to greet Diana's parents and her sister and her sister's husband and daughter. Father dressed in his old suit and Diana wore her clothes from Above. Father and Devin reassured her all the way up that things would be alright and that her family would either accept the situation or they wouldn't. It was the not accepting part that had Diana worried.

They arrived at Belvedere Castle early in case her parents did too. They stood on the steps patiently, enjoying the early spring day and the sunshine. Finally her family arrived in two cars., and got out. Diana greeted them warmly and introduced Father and Devin. They were surprised that Devin wasn't Vincent, just his brother. They took an immediate liking to him and to Father.

Diana's mother was an older version of her daughter except with blonde hair and a few more pounds. Her father was tall and slim with red hair graying at the temples. He was an insurance claim adjuster. He was quiet and thoughtful saying little. His wife was the talker. Diana's younger sister was pretty with coppery red hair and a pleasant disposition, her husband though looked decided uncomfortable, a small town lawyer he didn't like being here, and Diana's niece reminded Father of a younger Samantha.

Once the preliminary niceties were over they got down to the business at hand. Her family were looking around mightily confused at why they had all had to met here and where was this place they were going to since they saw no cars other than the ones they had come with. The next part was going to be the tricky one--getting them to come Below. They were not far from the main park tunnel entrance, however they were going to have to walk and they had brought luggage.

"Are you ready to see where I live and to meet Vincent and Jacob?" Diana asked still nervous as they walked to the cars.

"Yes, I'm beginning to feel like that I'm in some kind of spy movie because of all the secrecy. Is it far?" Her sister Connie asked, trying to figure out where they were going as were the other members of her family. There were no nearby buildings except the castle, nor were there any campsites in Central Park that they knew of.

"Yes and no. Get your luggage and your cars should be alright here. We'll have someone watch over them so they'll be safe," Diana told them all.

"Safe in New York? We won't come back and find every thing stripped?"

Richard her brother-in-law said.

"Not not here--we have friends that will make sure of that," Devin told him.

Richard did not look satisfied but he didn't have any choice but to go along with it. Diana and Devin helped carry her family's luggage while Father started leading them towards the drainage pipe entrance by the bridge. They were getting more and more puzzled. Father and Devin kept watch to see if they were being watched or observed. They didn't need someone making a report about a whole group of people mysteriously vanishing into the drainage pipe to the police. So far their luck was holding.

"We're going in there?" Richard asked in disbelief as he eyed the large concrete pipe.

Father nodded. "It's a ways Below this place we live. We have to go through here to get there. It is perfectly safe, I assure you," Father told them and saw skepticism on every face. He stood there a moment debating what to day and decided only the truth would serve. "We live underground, far underground. We call it the tunnels because it is composed of a network of tunnels, chambers and pipes that honeycomb the whole of the city. My world has been existence for over thirty years. We live in safety there, away from the violence here, Above. There are close to five hundred of us living there, families, children. People that have no place else to go or just want to get away from the madness of the world. But above all else this is a secret world, a hidden world, that only those who live there and those that help us know about. Now we ask you too to keep our secret for too many good people depend of this place, including my son, Vincent,"

There were shocked looks all around as they digested all that Father had just said. The trio from Below was looked over and it didn't look like they were dirty, unhealthy, or unfed. They didn't know what to believe.

"Mom, it is okay, trust me. I didn't believe it at first either," Diana said taking her mom's hand and leading her into the tunnel, her father relucantly followed, with her sister and family behind and Devin heading up the rear.

"How did you get involved in all this?" her mother finally managed to say as they stopped before the gate and Father opened the sliding door, revealing the inner tunnel.

"It started with a murder case I was asked to work on by Joe Maxwell, the now District Attorney for Manhattan. The Catherine Chandler case in 1989," Diana told her. And they entered the tunnels relucantly with Father leading the way and just listening to Diana's explanation.

"I remember you mentioning it. You worked on that for a long time and dropped all your other work and Mark for it."

"It became more than just a case to me, especially after I found Vincent. And we began working together to find Cathy's killer, Gabriel who had also taken their son, Jacob," Diana explained as they began walking down the tunnels. The rest of the group looking nervously around for dangers real or imagined.

"So Vincent was Catherine Chandler's husband?"

"No, not yet. She was kidnapped before they were married. He didn't know she was pregnant until he found her after she had the baby. She died in his arms from an overdose of morphine given to her by Gabriel because she was no longer needed. and had information that could hurt him."

"How awful for him, poor man. And the baby?"

"Gabriel took him because he was Vincent's son. I was called in to investigate because of the unusual circumstances of the case which all made sense once I finally met Vincent and his family," Diana said.

Her mother sensed she was hiding something but she didn't know what. "What was so special about the baby or that it was Vincent's?" her mother asked trying to understand.

Father spoke up at that point. "My adopted son is rather unique. . . in appearance. He was found in the snow, abandoned at birth, behind the hospital St. Vincent's, then he was brought to me and I raised him with my own son Devin here. Without this world he would not have survived. We still don't know where he comes from, or frankly. . . what he is," Father said carefully waiting to to let his last words register on them.

"What he is? " Diana's mother asked alarmed at his statement. She was getting more and more upset with all this mystery and not these strange statements from his father.

"Yes, what. My son is different from other men and I hope he will not shock you too much. . . ."Father began carefully, seeing that this was going worse than he had anticipated it. Her mother looked like she was ready to burst into tears or scream at any time and Diana's sister was close to the same.

"Is he deformed, hideous, what? Diana, what have you gotten yourself into? Why?" her mother said, her voice trembling out of fear and sadness for her oldest daughter.

"No, he is none of those things," Diana said trying to reassure her. "He's very beautiful. He's the most handsome man I have ever seen, but he's not a man either and yet he is," Diana said with love in her voice for Vincent, knowing that her mother was getting more and more confused.

From the shadows up ahead came a voice, Vincent's voice. "Maybe, I should explain to them, Diana," he said standing against the tunnel wall, concealed in his cloak the darkness hiding his features.

The group stopped dead in their tracks and just stared, enthralled by the voice as well as the sheer presence of the man before them. Dramatically, he walked closer, his cloak swirling around his booted feet and Father pinned him with a look of displeasure.

"I thought you were going to wait Below?" Father asked testily.

"I was," Vincent acknowledged standing before him, and then shook his head. "I felt Diana's distress so I came. I heard what has been said. There is no easy way to describe me, Father," Vincent told him gently.

"No, . . . there's not," he said with a sigh. "Since you are here. . . ?" Father gestured to him to take over. Diana's family watched the tall brooding figure with a mixture of fear, anxiety, and curiosity, unsure now what to expect.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, I am Vincent," he said pleasantly, in his rich voice, coming closer. A figure made of myth of tawny gold and black, the dim light revealing only some of his long red-gold hair and his patchwork leather clothes, pants and fur boots.

"Hello . . .," Mrs. Bennet said warily, coming closer, extending her hand.

Vincent glanced at Diana for approval whether to take her mother's hand or not. She nodded and shrugged, so he extended his hand and saw her mother's sharp intake of breath as she saw the claws and the red gold fur that was exposed on hand and wrist. Bravely, she did go ahead and grasp his hand firmly before she quickly released it. Vincent was highly aware too of her father's and sister's reactions, especially the brother-in-law, Richard, who paled and almost dropped his daughter, Alexandra.

"I will not harm you, nor anyone. You are safe here," Vincent told them all reassuringly as he released her hand. "Diana has told me many wonderful things about you. I have looked forward to meeting you and Mr. Bennet and your daughter, Connie, and her husband, Richard and your granddaughter, Alexandra."

"Thank you, I guess. I just wish Diana had given us more warning about you and this wedding, . . . Vincent," she said trying to see into the darkness of his hood.

"We did not decide to get married until a few days ago although we have known each other for some time. There were many problems to overcome. . . ," he said not sure how much he should say.

"That is understandable. You have had much tragedy in your life. "

"Yes, . . . I have, but your daughter made the losses more bearable. From the beginning she was a good friend, and I asked no more of her than that until it was clear we needed more. Then there was Jacob, too. He has grown very attached to her and her to him. I love your daughter and she loves me. I lost one love because I did not speak sooner, I do not wish to lose Diana the same way," his somber tones making clear how deeply he felt.

Diana went to Vincent and put her arm in his, giving him a gentle hug. Vincent looked down at her saw the love reflected there and was touched by it. Her mother noticed the current between them as well. There was no falseness there.

Vincent," she asked, "are we going to get to see you?"asked Mrs. Bennet finally wanting to get the suspense over and done with. She was as braced as she could be fore whatever hid in the darkness of the that black hood.

He looked at Diana and she nodded, and she stepped back so he could have both hands free to lift the hood that shadowed his face. Lowering his head, carefully he lifted the hood and drew it up and back. The lights were dim but bright enough to see his features thus revealed. He could feel their shock radiating, some fear, but that was mainly from Richard who seemed afraid of everything. It was more like awe and wonder as they took in the beautiful blend of leonine and human features that his empathic senses picked up.

"Are you for real? That's your real face?" asked her father speaking up as he carefully took in his future son-in-law with a strange mixture of emotions.

"Yes, . . . this is my real face. It is not a mask or makeup. As to what I am

I do not know, no one does. I just am," Vincent said simply, the apology for being different hanging on his words.

"H e looks like Puss and Boots from my storybook, Mommy," spoke up Alexandra not afraid at all.

Vincent smiled, careful still not to show his long canines. "Some of the children have remarked similar things. to me over the years, Alexandra," he replied.

"Your, 'he's just a 'big pussycat', remark takes on a whole different meaning,

Diana," her mother said recovering somewhat. "Vincent, you are going to take some getting use to. As will all this. . . ."

"I assure you it is somewhat different further below, Mrs. Bennet," Father told her. "We should be going on. We are expected," he added motioning for them to

go on if they were ready.

"After this I'm game for anything," she replied, shaking her head. "Come on Edward, we've come this far might as well see where our daughter lives," she told her still unbelieving husband who seemed sort of frozen in place.

The group started moving again with Vincent taking the bags that Mrs. Bennet and Diana had been carrying. Along the way Father pointed out points of interest to the group. Explaining the pipe system and the sentries that they could not see and how impossible it was to come and go without someone knowing it.

An half hour later they arrived at the inner sanctuary and then Father's Chambers. Mary arrived with refreshments for their guests who were grateful after the long, unnerving trip. Diana's family had not stopped looking around in amazement at all they saw, the large numbers of people, the happy, laughing children playing, the friendly welcomes, the feeling of home, community, family that the whole complex exuded. Even though the walls were rock it didn't feel cold and lifeless, like they were in a cave, there was warmth and movement and light everywhere.

Even though there were visitors the people of the community came and went as they normally did, seeing no reason to stop their normal routines especially when Father, Vincent and Diana needed to be consulted. Devin excused himself and went off in search of Mouse and Elliot. And Father got called away by Pascal and William. Mary then took things in hand and took Diana's family where they all could rest and relax in their guest chambers. Her soothing nature calming their fears even further. Diana promised she would see them soon and bring Jacob to come see them.

After her family left, Diana collapsed in her chair heavily with a deep sigh of weariness. Vincent crooked an eyebrow and smiled. "You could have gone with them to help them settle in," he inquired.

"Mary will do a better job of that. She can explain things that I can't and she and Mom seemed to hit it off. No, I needed to take a break. I'm bracing myself for the questions, later."

"They did not scream or run in terror," Vincent said pleased.

"No, but they've had quite a few shocks. Do you think they understand?"

"About us? A little. I sense no hostility just curiosity and confusion. I am not the man your family pictured you marrying," Vincent said with a smile.

"Yeah. There was no dreaming you," she said honestly and saw him move towards her from where he had stood, holding his cloak after he had removed it to visit with her parents.

"I seem to recall you saying that before. You are nervous?" he asked solicitously, standing beside the chair where she sat.

"More overwhelmed, than anything else. My parents, getting married, all the details, trying to take in all the changes. which have been happening so quickly these last couple of days," she said trying to smile weakly, feeling his hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, it was been quick. Do you regret doing this?" he asked worriedly, his own fears showing through.

"No, never. Vincent never doubt that I love you and that I want to marry you," Diana told him reaching up and bringing his hand to her lips to kiss it. "Even if my parents did not approve I would still marry you. You are that important and loved by me."

"Diana, . . . I do not know what to say."

"Say nothing, just accept that it is so," she told him feeling that all was right in her world again. Then with a sigh she was up from her chair and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm feeling better," she replied to his mystified look. "I need to retrieve Jacob from Lena's. I'm going to take him down to see everyone."

"Alright. I'll met you later--for dinner?" he inquired hopefully.

"I'll be there," she said with a smile as he lightly kissed her and then she bounded away off to get Jacob. He watched her go then he too left on his own errands.

* * * * *

Acceptance

Diana picked up Jacob from Lena's, grateful that she could watch him off and on. He had just gotten up from his nap so he was full of energy. Diana hoped this would be a good idea. If he got too rambunctious visiting with her parents then she would leave and take him home.

She arrived and Mary was just leaving. They met in the hall.

"How are they doing?" Diana asked cautiously, trying to test the waters before she went in.

Mary sighed. "This is a big shock for them. So far they seem to be weathering it okay. I've tried to answer as many questions as I could, but there are some only you and Vincent can answer. You're taking Jacob in to see them? That will help. They think he looks like his father. I assured them he doesn't, but . . . ,"

Mary said exasperated her voice trailing off. She smiled and patted Diana's arm affectionately, then she was off.

Diana went into the large suite of rooms that had been given her parents. The one next door was to be used for her sister and her family. "Hi everyone," she said coming in. All heads turned in her direction. "I had to go get Jacob from a friend's. He goes and plays with her daughter," she explained carrying the large toddler on her hip and a diaper bag on her arm.

Connie and her mom were sitting on the bed along with Richard, while her father sat in a large chair, Alex was playing on the carpet on the floor with some toys Mary had brought for her. Diana set Jacob who wanted down anyway on the floor next to Alex who looked up and then looked him carefully over to see if he looked like his father. She was somewhat disappointed he just looked like a regular baby. "He's just a plain old baby!" she complained to her mother.

"Yes, he is. Just like any other little boy his age," Diana told her niece. "Can he play with you?" she asked, kneeling down by them.

She thought about it for a moment, "Okay, I guess. I'm building blocks."

"He likes blocks but he might need a little help. Can you show him?"

The five year almost six year old nodded and began talking and showing Jacob what to do as he looked on absorbed watching his new playmate. Straightening up Diana then joined her mother and sister, waiting for the comments she knew would come.

"He looks normal," her sister said studying the blonde, blue eyed, chubby faced boy in his tunnel clothes.

"He is in every way. He's a little bigger and heavier but there are no differences between him and the other kids. He's got his father's eyes and chin. The rest is his mom's. He's also very healthy and doesn't get sick," Diana told them very much the proud parent.

"So whatever Vincent is-- isn't inheritable?" her mother asked.

"We don't know. No one does. All I know is that Vincent and Jacob have unusual blood types, no one has seen any thing like them and Vincent's finger prints are unknown. That one threw me while I was working on Cathy's case until I met him."

"He's from outer space," Richard injected in a not too pleasant tone, leaning back against the headboard of the bed with his arms crossed. The dark haired, dark eyed man was watching his daughter and Jacob carefully.

"Richard!" Diana said exasperated, not at all happy with his attitude.

"Hell, why not? It makes sense. If they've never seen anything like him before--what does that leave other than he's some kind of space alien that got lost?"

"Richard!" Diana retorted and just shook her head. "Whatever he is, I love him and I am going to marry him," she told them all angrily, in no uncertain terms.

"Diana, why? I can see the attraction between you two, can almost feel it. But you two are so different, maybe even different species. I can see he's very intelligent, educated, and a wonderful person in many ways but there's a darkness there underneath the surface too, " her sister tried to warn her.

Diana didn't agree or disagree with her feelings. She looked at Connie and patiently explained, "I know, I've seen it. It only comes out if his family or his home is threatened. Vincent has saved my life a number of times--literally saved me when I've gotten in tight, dangerous spots."

"How? How did he know to find you?"

"He just does. We have a connection. We had it even before we met that's how I found him. He had been hurt in an explosion and somehow I knew that and knew he was going to go to Cathy's grave and I waited and he showed up and passed out. I took him home and nursed him for three days alone because I was afraid to call a doctor and I didn't know about this place yet. That came later. I knew he was Cathy's protector and there was something odd about him. No one had ever seen him or heard of him until after her death when his name popped up in inscriptions in some books, letters and other things."

"You said he was Cathy Chandler's protector? How did he meet her? What happened?" her sister asked intrigued, wanting to know everything about this strange being her sister was going to marry.

Then Diana explained how Vincent had found Catherine, how their relationship evolved, about her brief affair with Elliot Burch and how he was now here. She told them of all the trials and tribulations Vincent and Catherine had gone through, the near deaths, and her death, using the perspectives and stories from both Vincent, and Father and all the others who had known them. Then she began her own tale of how she got involved, and what she and Vincent went through to find Jacob and to find Gabriel. Finally she told them about her evolving life afterward and her current situation.

"God, that's unreal, Diana--all that they went through and now you. And you've quit your job too?"

"Had to for everybody's peace of mind including my own. I can't risk Vincent being exposed or put in danger. It's been touch and go too many times. I don't need the headaches or the heart aches. Here I'm needed, wanted, and loved. I have all that I need here. I don't need Above any more. It stopped being real to me after we found Jacob," she told them looking to the little boy who had looked up at her at the mention of his name.

"Think of what you'll be missing. Fresh air, sunshine, green grass, and people," her sister reminded.

"I have that. We take the children up to play every day, including Jacob. I go shopping, I run errands, but my home, my real home is here. "

"What going to happen when it's time for school for him?"

"He'll learn with the other kids. The kids here get a classical education, in literature, the arts, the sciences. They are very literate more so than the kids that Mark was teaching and more eager to learn because learning is fun here. Several of the children have gotten scholarships. One is going to Yale, another Princeton, Vassar, all the Ivy League schools. The children who grow up here are free to go back to Above and live. We have helpers that find them homes help them get started and watch over them. No one is abandoned or forced to leave or made to stay."

"Sounds like Utopia," Richard commented.

"In a way. It works only because all of this is kept secret from the social services, police, or other officials. We don't exist and we want it kept that way. So many depend on this place," Diana told them all, stressing how important it was to keep this secret.

"Criminals?"

"There aren't any here. They don't get in. Everyone gets checked out to see if they've committed a crime. And they have to be recommended or vouched for by a council of helpers and residents before they're admitted. I even had to go through such a process before I got my own chamber and got resident instead of visitor status," Diana said proudly.

"Sounds like a lot of hassle.," Richard said, still shaking his head.

"It's worth it though it really is," she told them with a smile proud of her new life and home, despite their misgivings and fears. "Hey, are you guys hungry? It's almost Dinner time. I want you to come meet the people and have dinner with us. I'll also give you the short tour and after dinner I'll show you more reasons why I love this place and its people," Diana invited.

"Sure why not!" said Richard and they all agreed. They gathered up the kids and Diana began showing them her world as they made their way to the dining room.

They met an number of people going that way and Diana introduced them all, and pointed out the different chambers and their functions. After a while she noticed how her family reacted to the odd clothing everyone Below wore.

"Do they all dress this oddly and why?" asked her mother trying to decide whether she liked it or not.

"It called recycling. Most of it is made from worn, castoff clothing. No one is really sure when it began but the women here started experimenting with what they had to work with and the clothes just evolved. It's another way we set ourselves apart. The clothes are comfortable, practical, and I think look really pretty. Sort of a medieval, renaissance, old fashioned look."

"You dress like this too?" her sister asked incredulous.

"Yeah, when I don't have to go uptop for something. I've even learned to sew, knit and crochet. . . and quilt. All the things I wanted to learn but never got around to," Diana told her, and saw her sister look at her in disbelief.

"Diana--domesticated. That's hard to believe."

"Believe it. I am and quite happy about it."

They got to the dining room which was starting to fill up already. Diana looked for Vincent, he wasn't there so she looked for an empty table. Devin saw her and waved her over to his table where he sat with Lena and Cathy. There was still room for all including the kids. She steered her group over to them.

"You've met Devin. This is Lena, his wife, and her daughter Cathy. These are my parents and my sister Connie, her husband Richard and their daughter Alex," Diana introduced to Lena. who welcomed them as they sat down.

"It's kind of buffet/ luncheonette style. Basically you get a plate and help yourself. Take as much as you want or as little. To drink there's water, coffee, tea, and milk," she explained and showed them where to go while she sat with Alex and Jacob after finding him a highchair.

"Is it going okay?" Devin asked while everyone was gone.

"So far so good. I think I've got them convinced I'm not out of my mind or crazy. They are still having a problem with accepting Vincent," she said worriedly.

"Do you blame them? Sometimes I have a problem with him and we grew up together. I know how outsiders see him."

"I didn't have any problem accepting him. I was still pregnant with Cathy and Father and Mary and everyone was afraid I would be scared. I wasn't scared," Lena popped in.

Devin looked at her and grinned at her dreamy expression. "Yeah, I bet you weren't. Little brother seems to have strong effects on females or at least some females, I've noticed," Devin commented knowingly.

At that Lena jabbed him in the ribs after shooting him a look. He held his hands up to ward her off while laughing at the same time. "I take it back!" he exclaimed.

"You better!" she shot back and then grinned. Her blue eyes were full of mischief as she tucked her napkin back in her lap.

Her father returned first, looking happy about something. She asked what was up. "That big fellow over there with the apron sure is a talker. Real friendly to a stranger especially after I complimented him on the roast beef. Couldn't say enough nice things about you."

She laughed. "That's William. He's the chef I told Mom about. On one of my shopping trips I found him a whole bunch of spices he had been looking for. He was in heaven for days and I think I made a friend for life."

"You probably did. And you can tell him it's fantastic. It tastes as good as it looks, 'her father told her as he started eating enjoying every bite.

"I will, Dad," she said smiling. "Now that everyone's got their food, I'm going to go get mine and Jacob's." With that announcement Diana got up and went to get their food, and shortly came back with it . From the bag at her feet she got a large bib. Jacob was beginning to self feed himself but it was more than a little messy for him and surrounding areas.

Cathy being a year older was feeding herself quite well though because of her size was still sitting a high chair. She eyed Jacob suspiciously as she had shared meals with him before. She had had a bath before dinner she didn't want another one. Jacob also liked to tease her by threatening to throw food her way. The pale blond, curly haired girl was very much the proper little lady and liked staying neat and clean. Around Jacob that wasn't always possible.

Diana moved the highchair so Jacob could do as little damage as possible and let them both start eating. Giving him an occasional warning glance when he threatened to do more than eat. She breathed a sigh of relief when he was finally through with no mishaps or disasters. She got him cleaned up and then she sat back to relax.

Vincent had not showed during the meal or afterwards. She could not feel anything wrong but she was curious what happened so she asked Devin if he knew where he was. He smiled and looked innocent. Then she knew Vincent was up to some sort of surprise for either tonight or tomorrow. She decided not to inquire further.

Diana liked Devin even though they had only met a couple of days ago. He was so opposite his father and adopted brother. Though looking at him it was clear he was older Jacob's son, the physical resemblance was that strong, however the personalities were totally opposite. Vincent had told her the story of how he had started to work in the DA's office with Cathy and she had gotten suspicious of him and had tracked him to the tunnel entrance in the park and then told Vincent.

At that point Devin had been gone twenty years and presumed dead by all. It was a shock to find he wasn't, most of all by Father. Who had concentrated all his love and hopes on Vincent. Even when Devin had been there Father had been tougher on Devin than Vincent because he was the oldest by three years and because he was his son. Though no one knew except Father who he was.

Finally, Father confessed to Vincent who Devin was because Vincent was afraid Devin was going to leave again due to Catherine's pressures to make him quite his job because he was a fraud and Father's angry rejections. In the end Devin was finally told and father and son began to repair their relationship. Devin still found it hard to be Devin Wells but this stay Below seemed to working better.

Vincent had introduced Lena to Devin by sending her to help him settle in. They had hit it off immediately. There was an age difference but that didn't seem to matter to either. In typical Devin fashion, after just knowing one another for a day they had run off to Above and gotten married. It was a real shock to everyone that they had done such a thing. Surprisingly, Father was very happy and pleased for it meant that Devin had a real reason for staying Below now. Vincent was reserving his opinions and so were a number of people because of the particular combination of Devin with Lena.

So far, the newlyweds seemed to be very happy together and Devin even seemed to get along with Cathy. Though it was clear he hadn't spent too much time around little children, let alone little girls. He was trying even though Cathy wasn't too happy about the attention he was paying her mommy and would do things to let him know that. Even Lena was getting amused at Cathy's diversionary tactics.

Diana's family had been quiet during the meal, just watching the people and how they interacted. Even though they had been told how many people were here , it was still a shock to see how many came and went to get their meal and how friendly they were. There was much joking and laughing in the hall that night.

After dinner she took them to see the waterfall cavern and the Chamber of the Winds. These natural wonders astounded them, even Richard who was still having a hard time with her wanting to live here. On their way back to the guest rooms they stopped by Father's Chambers. Vincent was there with Father talking. She was glad to finally find him because Jacob was getting restless and wanted his father.

Father engaged her family in conversation and gave them a tour of the study while Vincent and Diana got a chance to talk alone.

"I think he wants you," she told him as she deposited Jacob in his lap and the active toddler immediately began climbing and hugging Vincent's neck.

"Yes, I can see that he does," Vincent grinned amused as the child hugged him fiercely and was murmuring 'Daddy, Daddy,' over and over. He looked up at her and saw her weariness. "You look tired. You should sit."

She did sinking into the big chair next to his.

"Has it gone well?" he inquired his curiosity evident.

"I think so. They are all reserving their opinions. Richard's been the only outspoken one, but it has been nothing major. I probably should have given them more time to get used to the idea of this place and us," she said keeping an eye on the group.

"We didn't and it's done," he said without apology. "So how did they take to Jacob?"he wanted to know.

"They think he's sweet and cute. He was good all afternoon and at the meal, which you missed."

"I was busy," he simply commented, not wanting to elaborate.

"A surprise?"

"Could say that," he said with great amusement in his deep, rich voice. He looked up. "They're coming back. Are you going to walk them back to the guest chambers?"

She nodded. "I'll be back soon. "

"Good. I'll put Jacob to bed. He's tired. You should rest too. It will be a long day tomorrow," he reminded her gently.

"Yes, it will.," then she got up and went over to him and kissed him on his forehead and kissed Jacob on the top of his head. "I'll see you later in your chamber," she told him and he nodded.

Her parents came back. All were looking tired out from the days events and all the walking, especially Alex whom Richard was carrying. Diana's mother was carrying on a conversation with Father and they seemed to be getting along well.

While Diana went over to see her father Connie had gone over and was talking to Vincent. They both seemed greatly amused by whatever was being said. She'd find out later.

"You doing okay, Dad?" she asked anxiously.

"Yeah. Just tired. Not used to so much walking. You sure get your exercise here. Are you happy Diana, really happy?" he asked.

"Yes, Dad, I am. More than I've ever been. This is the one place you'll never have to worry about me being safe in. I'm with people that love me and care about me. Just because Vincent is different looking doesn't mean he doesn't have a heart or feelings. He's the most loving person I know and the gentlest. "

"Still . . . ."

"He's not human?" she answered for him and he nodded embarrassed. "He's human enough for me and more so than any other man I've ever known."

"But what if you have children, not like Jacob but like him?"

"We take that if it comes and I'd probably love them even more. Dad, I have sat and thought about this long and hard. This is what I want and what I need. I just hope that someday I have your acceptance and approval," she said.

"You do now. If this is what you want so be it. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy," he told her and gave her a hug.

"Thanks Dad," she said gratefully. "Here's Mom."

"Diana, I think I'm about ready to collapse. I never knew I could walk so much. Do you think you can take us back to our rooms? Alex looks bushed too," her mother told her.

"Sure when ever you're ready," Diana said.

"Okay, let's go."

They said their goodbyes and Diana escorted them back to their rooms. She promised to check on them in the morning and take them to breakfast. Before she left her mother handed her a big flat box. Diana had noticed it before in all the excitement.

"Open it," she asked.

Diana did and inside was her mother's wedding dress. It had been cleaned and pressed. There were also heels and the matching veil. Diana was touched and now torn between wearing this and the dress Mary had made for her. "Wow, I don't know what to say," Diana said truthfully, looking up from the beautiful satin and lace dress to met her mother's hopeful eyes.

"I didn't know whether you had a dress or not so I brought it."

"Mary had made me one. She had been working on it quite a while she confessed. She was that sure of Vincent and me as was everyone else," Diana said hoping she wasn't hurting her feelings.

"Well, I wasn't sure," her mother said regrettably. I'm not even sure it'll fit. You are taller than me," she said putting the lid back on the box. "I do have one question. Are pictures going to be allowed?" her mother asked.

Diana looked stunned, she had never even thought of that. "I don't know. I'll have to ask Father and Vincent. Maybe if you just showed pictures of me and not them or anyone else. Or tell them I took up acting and this was a movie set and we got married in costume," Diana laughed, finding that idea amusing.

Her mother smiled weakly. "Yeah, maybe. Even with photographs who would believe this? Diana, you look exhausted. Go home and get some rest. We'll be okay and we'll see you in the morning," her mother said and kissed her on the cheek. "Go, go some sleep," she added as she nudged her out the door.

"I'm going, night everyone," then she left and made her way back to her chamber.

"Vincent was waiting there for her on her bed and she slid gratefully into his arms and sat on his lap. He kissed her on her head and just held her as she she absorbed his strength and felt his love for her radiating through their bond. He held her for many long minutes, enjoying the quiet moment.

"Jacob's asleep?" she asked, rousing her self a little to look up at him.

"Yes, he was tired, as you are," he said critically. "No problems?"

"Not really. Mom brought me her wedding dress and wanted me to wear it. But Mary has worked so long on the one she made for me. And it's beautiful. Mom's dress just doesn't seem right or fit with us. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings," Diana said torn between her mother, and the woman here that she was so fond of.

"Do whatever seems right with your heart. There is something else troubling you," he probed sensing an uneasiness within her.

"They asked about taking photographs. That one caught me off balance. I told them I'd have to check with you and Father. I told them they could show pictures of me but you and everyone else? The only way I could see them show them was to tell people I had become and actress and we were in costume on a movie set," she said with a slight smile.

He smiled at that idea. "You do have an imagination. Movie set, costumes?

It's a possibility. I'll ask Father. I know how important photographs are to your parents. Especially your wedding day. You will always be their little girl. I like your family, Diana," he said kissing her forehead.

"I'm glad. I wasn't sure how this meeting would turn out," she confessed.

"Nor I. It's been better than we both hoped. I should go and let you get some rest," he said starting to get up.

"Just stay a little longer and just hold me?" she asked, her lavender eyes soft and gently pleading.

He sighed and nodded, unable to resist her. She leaned back against his solidness and felt secure wrapped his comforting arms. Soon she was asleep and carefully, with out waking her he put her to bed and tucked her in. Then turning down the lights he left to go crawl into his lonely bed and get some sleep himself.