Subj: Kate -- 43
Date: 1/13/01 1:16:03 AM Central Standard Time
From: Karen
Barnabas lay next to his bride of 24 hours, hardly believing Kate was finally his wife. After all they had been through, she was finally his. He tried to resist tve in to the temptation, Kate turned slightly towards him, resting her left arm on his chest. He could feel her warm body prhe urge to grab Kate's left hand to see if the marquis-cut amethyst ring was still on her finger. Just as he was about to giessed against his side. Her hand lay softly on his chest, wedding ring there for all to see.
He touched her hand gently, not wanting to wake her. How soft it was, long fingers tapering to her nails, which gleamed in the moonlight streaming through their stateroom window. The hand which had caressed him passionately last night. Barnabas smiled, thinking about their night of lovemaking. Although he had made love with Kate before, last night had been different. Perhaps, he thought, it is because we are now joined together for life. I am hers and she is mine, for as long as we both live.
Barnabas' mind wandered back to the past two weeks. With Christmas and New Year's approaching, the wedding of Barnabas and Kate added to the heightened excitement in the house. Barnabas had contacted Stephen and Ryan, asking how to work Kate's VW bus so he could bring Kate's grandparents and her friends to Collinwood for the holidays. Stephen was happy to oblige.
With the instructions Stephen had given him written down, Barnabas landed at Evelyn and Paul's house. Kate's grandparents were waiting on their front porch. Barnabas had been nervous about meeting them. After all, he was taking their granddaughter to another time and place.
Alighting from the van, Barnabas was greeted with open arms by Evelyn and Paul. He was invited into their home, where he was treated to tea and Evelyn's special sugar cookies.
As they sat around the kitchen table, Paul looked at Barnabas and said, "It must be awkward meeting us like this. We just want you to know that you are welcome into our family. Kate loves you and that is all that matters to her grandmother and I."
"Thank you, Paul. I appreciate your welcome." Barnabas smiled sheepishly. "I have not often been afraid in my life. I must admit I was afraid about coming here." he stopped, taking a breath. "I am glad I did. Thank you."
Evelyn smiled. "Barnabas, we are just glad to finally meet the man who stole our little girl's heart. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen." She passed the cookie plate and Barnabas took another.
"The boys will be here in about an hour, Barnabas. Would you like to see Kate's room and pictures of her as she grew up?" Evelyn asked.
"Yes, I would like to very much." Barnabas replied.
Photo albums were brought up on the computer screen. Barnabas saw Kate as a newborn, being held in her brother's arms. Photos and videos of her parents, Kate and her brother Mark filled the screen as Barnabas watched, entranced. Seeing Kate with her family allowed him to see that life's hardships had not tarnished her sunny smile and sense of fun. He saw the serious side of her as well, in photos taken during her adolescence.
"This is a lovely photograph." Barnabas said, looking at a particularly beautiful picture of Kate at school. She was leaning against a tree, her arms out-stretched, her face upturned towards the sky. Her dress was made of some silky material that billowed around her like a cloud. Her long hair had been dyed red to match the pale red color of the dress.
Paul laughed. "Remember this one, Ev? Her father almost had a stroke when Kate came home with that hair. Always one for shaking things up." They laughed at the memory as the screen went blank.
Evelyn rose from the table and leading the way, took Barnabas into Kate's room. It was like walking into an Arabian palace. The bed was covered with colorful spreads and above it was draped more colorful fabrics. Pillows were tossed heedlessly on the bed and floor. The walls were painted an azure blue. In a window seat, green cushions awaited the next person to sit there. One wall was completely covered with bookshelves. As he looked at the books, he realized that many of them were encased in some sort of plastic box. He remembered Kate explaining that books were fragile in this time. Without the sealed boxes, the pages would disintegrate quickly.
Walking to Kate's dressing table, Barnabas picked up a perfume bottle exquisitely etched with fairies and flowers. Opening it, he was immediately transported to his first night with Kate. The smell of her perfume had been intoxicating. He stood there, lost in his thoughts, wishing Kate were here now so he could hold her in his arms, kissing her passionately. Suddenly there was a noise at the door.
Barnabas turned and saw Stephen standing in the doorway. "Quite a place, isn't it?" he asked, walking into the room. "I remember when she fixed it up like this. Her grandparents thought she was crazy, but they let her do it anyway. Figured she would get tired of it. She was twelve." he said, smiling.
Barnabas watched the younger man approach. Stephen was slightly taller then he was, with blonde hair and glasses. A bit overweight, Stephen stood a bit stooped shouldered. He extended a hand to Barnabas, who shook it warmly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Barnabas." Stephen said. "I appreciate you coming to get us. I am afraid Nonnie was going to fall to pieces if she didn't get to see her baby get married."
"Nonnie?" Barnabas asked.
"That's what Kate calls her grandmother. Gramps is her grandfather. Both Ryan and I call them that too." Stephen stood in the middle of the room, shaking his head. "I have known Kate since we were both in diapers. I spent many summers at this house. It is my second home."
Barnabas nodded his head. "Yes, Kate told me. I, too, am happy to meet you, Stephen. Thank you for helping me arrive safely."
"Well, the question is, will we arrive at Collinwood safely?" said a voice from the doorway. A tall, slender man in his early thirties, Ryan looked like someone out of a fashion magazine. Handsome face, dark hair and eyes, he dressed like he stepped out of a fashion magazine as well. His look contrasted strongly to Stephen's slightly rumpled scientist look.
As Barnabas shook the man's hand, he could see in the depths of his eyes, the pain that had once haunted his own. Ryan looked at him meaningfully. An understanding passed between the men; a knowledge of things best left unsaid, but shared nonetheless.
"We had better get going," Stephen said.
The moment was broken but Barnabas knew Ryan wanted to talk about his experiences as a vampire. Although Barnabas did not want to think about that horrible time in his life, he realized it was still very fresh in Ryan's mind.
"Perhaps, Ryan, you and I might have time to talk later," Barnabas said quietly.
Ryan nodded, visibly relieved Barnabas understood his unspoken message. The three men left Kate' room to find Evelyn and Paul standing in the hall with their bags. Picking the bags up, Stephen and Ryan headed out the door, with the rest bringing up the rear. Stowing the bags in the back, the men got in the back seats while Barnabas held the passenger door open for Evelyn. As he got into the driver's seat, Barnabas heard the faint sound of a meow coming from the back of the van.
Evelyn looked a bit guilty as she said, "Kate's poor cats miss her so. I can't bear to think of them left behind."
Barnabas chuckled. "It is a good thing I like cats."
"You better," said Stephen. "You have ten of them now."
As Barnabas turned the key in the ignition, he could hear the cats meowing. He looked in the rearview mirror and said, "Ten?"
"Yeah, you have a big house, don't you, Barnabas?" Ryan said, laughing.
"Don't pay any attention to those two, Barnabas," Evelyn said reassuringly. "There are only three of the little darlings. And they are really very nice cats, I promise you."
Barnabas didn't know what to believe. All he knew is he loved Kate. If cats came with Kate, well, he would learn to love the cats, too. At least he hoped he would.
***********************************
The van arrived at the Old House in one piece. It had been decided beforehand that Stephen and Ryan would stay with Barnabas, while Paul and Evelyn would stay at Collinwood. Putting Willie in charge of the bags and the cats, Barnabas drove to the great house.
As he drove to the great house, Barnabas explained to his passengers he had not told Kate of their arrival. Stephen playfully punched Barnabas in the arm and said, "You had better watch out; Kate hates surprises!" His face was serious as Barnabas glanced back at him in the rearview mirror.
Seeing the look of dismay on Barnabas' face, Kate's grandmother said quickly, "Barnabas, don't worry about Kate. Stephen neglected to say she doesn't like bad surprises. She will be very happy with this one." She smiled as Barnabas looked at her for reassurance. Seeing him smiling again, she shot a look at Stephen as if to say, Stop teasing the poor man!
Stephen looked chagrined and patted Barnabas on the shoulder. "Sorry old man, you have to get used to me, I guess", he said in a British accent. "Get a bit carried away with myself at times."
Barnabas smiled in the mirror and said, "Do not worry, Stephen. I will not hold it against you."
Everyone laughed at his remark, but then became quiet as the great house came into view.
"Wow!" Ryan said. "I thought your house was big, Barnabas. This place makes it look like a cottage in the woods."
Knowing that they all knew his real life history, Barnabas told them about how his father had it built after the Revolutionary War. "There are many secret passages and doors leading all over the house. I don't think Elizabeth and her family even know about all of them."
Barnabas parked the van and got out. Standing before the door of his father's house, he said, "This house was to be the crowning glory of the Collins family. Unfortunately, it did not come to fruition in my father's time." Barnabas' face grew sad at the thought of his father wandering the halls of Collinwood; his wife, daughter, sister and brother dead, his son chained in a coffin, dead but alive, all his hopes and dreams for his family gone in the blink of an eye.
Evelyn came up to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Events happen to us over which we have no control. Your father may have died an unhappy man, but he knows you are here, happy again; about to be married to a lovely young lady. Remember that." she said softly.
Barnabas looked at her and saw in her eyes the sadness over her own daughter's death. He squeezed her hand, saying "Thank you."
Evelyn smiled, knowing he understood what she was trying to tell him. Barnabas moved towards the door and knocked. Everyone stood back as the door swung open to reveal Elizabeth. She ushered the party in with her finger to her mouth to warn them to be quiet. Barnabas quietly made introductions as Elizabeth closed the front door.
"I am so delighted to meet you," whispered Elizabeth. "Please let me take your coats."
Hanging their coats on the coat rack near the door, Elizabeth whispered again, "Kate and the rest of the family are in the drawing room decorating the tree. How do you want to be announced?" She looked at Barnabas and then at Kate's grandparents.
"Why don't you and I go into the drawing room, Elizabeth," Barnabas said. "I will bring Kate out here on some pretext." He turned to Kate's family. "Do you mind waiting here for a moment?"
"Not at all, Barnabas," Kate's grandfather said quietly. "We'll wait here while you bring her out." The rest nodded their agreement.
Barnabas and Elizabeth walked into the drawing room in time to see the final touches put on the Christmas tree. The twelve foot high fir tree stood near the windows, its bottom branches extending out along the length of the windows. Multi-colored lights peeked out amongst the thick branches, along with colorful glass ornaments. Roger was standing on a ladder, placing a beautiful gold star at the top of the tree. Carolyn and Kate were giving him directions on the proper placement of the star.
Barnabas could tell by the expression on Roger's face that he was getting a bit annoyed with all the 'directions' he was getting. He decided to help Roger out by saying, "It looks perfect, Roger."
Roger's face showed a look of absolute relief at his rescue. "Thank you, Barnabas. These two would have left me up on that ladder forever." he said as he climbed down the ladder.
The girls turned to Barnabas, hands on hips. Carolyn, lips stuck out in a pretty pout, said, "Barnabas! You spoiled our fun!"
Kate put her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "You know, Barnabas, the only fun Carolyn and I have any more is teasing Roger!"
Barnabas shook his finger at the two of them, telling them to be nice to their elders, while Roger came up behind Carolyn and poked her in the ribs.
"Now, Kitten, why do you want to tease your old uncle Roger? I don't deserve it at all!" Roger said, in a mock serious tone.
Carolyn grabbed Roger's arms and put them around her, saying, "It is just too much fun, Uncle Roger. I love it when your face gets red and you start shouting at us."
Roger smiled wryly and put his arms around his niece. He kissed her on the forehead to show he had no hard feelings.
Meanwhile, Kate had gone to Barnabas and given him a quick kiss. Leaning back, she said, "Barnabas, you look like the cat who swallowed the canary. What are you up to?"
Barnabas smiled, whispering to her, "Come with me into the foyer. I have something I want to tell you privately."
She looked at him quizzically, but he only pulled her out of the drawing room.
As they walked out, Kate asked, "What is it, Barnabas? What is so important you couldn't tell me in front of ...." Kate's words broke off as she caught sight of her grandparents. She ran towards them, squealing with delight. She hugged and kissed both of them before turning to Stephen and Ryan, hugging them in turn.
"I can't believe it!" Kate exclaimed. "How did you get here? How long can you stay? Are you here for the wedding? Oh, I can't believe you are really here!" She spoke quickly and then burst into tears.
Her grandmother held her tightly as they both cried. By now, the Collins family had come out of the drawing room to see what all the noise was about. Barnabas introduced his family to the newcomers, while Kate and her grandmother dried their eyes.
"Were you surprised, Kate?" David asked mischievously.
Everyone laughed as Kate answered. "Were you in on this conspiracy, David? You rat!" she said as David smiled widely.
"Let's all go in the drawing room." Liz said. "I believe Mrs. Johnson is bringing tea soon. Shall we?" She held her arm out graciously and ushered them all into the drawing room.
Barnabas and Kate brought up the rear. He stopped as he got to the door and asked, "Happy, darling?"
Kate put her arms around him, kissing him deeper than she had earlier. She whispered huskily, "You never have to give me another gift as long as I live, my love. You just brought me the best gift I have ever received. Thank you."
Barnabas bent his head and kissed her with a passion matching her own. "You are very welcome, my darling." He held her closely, feeling her body melt into his. She let him know without speaking that tonight would be a very special night; very special indeed.
Christmas came much too quickly for everyone. There was last-minute shopping to do and the preparation for the wedding. Kate's delight at her grandparents arrival had been so great, Barnabas thought she would never settle down long enough to help plan the wedding. Thankfully, Elizabeth and Nonnie, as Kate called her grandmother, took care of most of the arrangements. By Wednesday afternoon, New Year's Eve, the great house had been bustling with people decorating for the big wedding. The cake had arrived that morning; a beautiful two tier cake with cream-colored frosting and pink roses.
Barnabas had spared no expense to make it a special day for the two of them.
The drawing room was filled with pink roses, candles lit on every table, and chairs with cream watered silk covers. Each guest had a small cream or pink rose to pin to their jacket or dress. He had even rented tuxedos for those men without one.
Barnabas would never forget how beautiful Kate looked in her red velvet wedding dress; the red accenting her golden blonde hair to perfection. The dress had been modeled after an 18th century gown Kate had found in a book. Long-sleeved, with cream lace at the bodice, she looked like she had stepped out of Barnabas' own time. Kate's grandfather at her side, she had glided down the stairs and into the drawing room, bringing gasps from the guests. Barnabas had laughed uproariously at Kate's mischievous grin. Everyone was looking at Barnabas as if he had lost his senses, but Kate knew why he was laughing. She had told him he would be surprised when he saw her and he was. Who had ever heard of a red wedding dress. He met her half way up the aisle, taking her hands and bringing them to his lips.
He looked at her under his dark, hooded eyes and said softly, "Don't ever change, my darling."
She smiled and said, "Never fear, my love." Barnabas took her arm and lead her the rest of the way to the fireplace, where Judge Stone stood waiting for them.
As Kate and Barnabas took their vows, their family and friends surrounding them, wishing them well; they knew that it was just the beginning of their new life together.
Soon the judge said, "I now pronounce husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
As Barnabas brought Kate into his arms to kiss her, the baby let its presence be known by kicking Barnabas in the stomach. Barnabas whispered to Kate, "I think he approves, don't you?"
Kate laughed and said, "Yes, I think 'she' does." And she kissed her husband at last.
The End