Chapter 17

Kay Bennett walked into the church to see Father Lonigan sitting in a pew. “Father, its Kay Bennett you wanted to see me?” She spoke.

“Kathleen, I’m glad you got my message.”

“Did you want to talk about the wedding?” Kay questioned. “I can’t believe its tomorrow.”

Father Lonigan sighed. “Kay, I have asked Father Clark to oversee your wedding. I won’t be part of a wedding based on lies.”

“You what?” Kay gasped. “Father, Miguel wants you to marry us.”

“I won’t do it.” Father Lonigan frowned. “You refuse to tell him the truth, and I won’t help you get what you want.”

Kay gritted her teeth. “Miguel loves me, he wants to marry me.”

“He doesn’t know the things you’ve done.”

“Those things don’t matter now, it’s all in the past.” Kay frowned. “Miguel and I are building a life together.”

“What if he knew the truth Kathleen? Would he still build this life with you?”

Kay dropped her head, “He loves me.”

“He loves the new you. Your voice is much softer now Kay, I can sense a change in you.”

“But its not enough for you is it Father?” Kay questioned.

“Tell Miguel the truth Kay.” Father Lonigan warned.

Kay remained quite for a moment, “I can’t.”

“Are you afraid he’ll go back to Charity?”

Kay smiled, “No, that’s not one of my fears at all Father. Despite what people may think, Miguel is over Charity now.”

“But if he learned the truth.” Father Lonigan sighed.

“He won’t.” Kay spoke quickly. “The only truth now is that I am going to marry Miguel tomorrow and we are going to build a life together. I have changed Father; I’m not the same person I once was. I am going to bury the past and go on with my life. Miguel and I will be happy, and our child will have a good life.”

“My dear child, you must be completely honest with Miguel. Your marriage will be based on a lie if you don’t come clean.”

“Our love is no lie.”

“If he knew you tricked him, that you are the reason Charity almost died would he still marry you Kay? If you told Miguel that you brought evil into Harmony would he look at you the same?”

Kay let out a sigh; “I could also tell him that when we were in 9th grade and we were playing against each other for the championship, I striked out on purpose so his team could win and he’d be the hero of the game. I’m not going to tell him I did that however. I’m also not going to tell him how I stopped Lizzie Johnson from humiliating him in 7th grade because she thought he was too poor for her and was going to tell him that in front of everyone. He doesn’t need to know that that was the real reason I got sent to the office that day. I’ve kept a lot of secrets from Miguel in his life, some good, and some bad. You have no idea what we’ve been through together. The nights he actually cried on my shoulder because his father left and he wondered if it was his fault.” Taking a deep breath Kay frowned as tears watered her blue eyes. “Would Miguel look at me the same if I told him everything I’ve kept from him over he years? No, but I’m not going to tell him any of it.”

Father Lonigan dropped his head, “I can’t stop you from marrying Miguel, but I still refuse to be part of it.”

“That’s your decision.” Kay answered back. “But I am marrying him, and we will be happy.

“You’re starting your marriage off with lies.” Father Lonigan tried again.

“My marriage will not be based on lies. My marriage will be based on the love two people share. Those people being the new Kay and the new Miguel. Two very different people from the kids you remember Father Lonigan.”

“You believe that you can start fresh now Kay? You can live a good and decent like with Miguel and your child and just forget about the horrible things you’ve done? It will eat you alive, and that is not healthy. I pray you have changed Kay, and I do sense a goodness about you now, but lying to Miguel is still wrong.”

“And telling him a truth that doesn’t matter now will only harm him. I’m leaving the past in the past Father Lonigan, because that is the only way I can give my child the life it deserves.”

“You’re making a mistake Kay.”

“Then its my mistake to make.” Kay frowned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my brother is back in town and he’s over at my house with my father and Miguel. They are making repairs on my house, so Miguel and I will be able to move in as soon as we become husband and wife.” With a smile she watched as a frown fell on Father Lonigan’s face, “And Father, we will become husband and wife.”
 

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Fox Crane slammed the door to his bedroom and let out a tired sigh.

”I see you finally made it home.” A voice spoke.

Fox whirled around and groaned. “Father.” He spoke seeing Julian standing by the window his arms crosses as he stared at Fox.

“I won’t let you ignore me forever Nicholas. You can refuse to answer my phone calls, but you can’t run from me.”

“I can try.” Fox grunted. “Would you please get out?”

“No I won’t.” Julian answered back as he turned away from the window. “This is my home, and I will remain in this room until I decide to leave.”

“Fine then I’ll go.” Fox spoke.

”Nicholas wait.” Julian sighed. “Will you please just hear me out?”

Fox rolled his eyes, “What is this Father? Has the good doctor ordered you to talk to me? Or perhaps you have told her we have a wonderful relationship?”

“This has nothing to do with Eve.”

“Oh I think everything has to do with Eve Russell.” Fox smirked. “From the moment it was revealed that Chad was your long lost son with her you have changed, or so you want us to believe.”

“Nicholas, I know you’re upset with me, and you don’t trust me.”

“Trust?” Fox laughed. “That word doesn’t exist in this family.”

“I understand that you’re upset with me about asking Chad to be my heir.” Julian answered ignoring his son as he laughed. “And you were right.”

Fox stopped laughing and eyed his father. “Chad refused you didn’t he?”

“This isn’t about Chad, this is about you.”

“Me?” Fox questioned. “Ok you have me interested, spill it father. I do hope you make it good.”

Julian simply shook his head as he walked toward his son. He had a long way to go with Fox. There was so much hurt and anger in the young man. He was so much like him, Julian realized. “I’ve been a horrible father to you and I want to make it up to you.” He spoke bluntly.

Fox chuckled lightly, “I think it’s a little to late to take me out back and teach me how to throw a baseball Pops, but good try.”

“Nicholas, I realize you are an adult now. I know it’s too late to do many of the things I should have done. Its not however to late to have a relationship.”

“It is to late.” Fox frowned. “When I needed you, you were not there. You can’t come in now that the job of raising me is over and want me to just forgive you?” Fox growled.

“We can make that time up.”

“By doing what? What are you going to do father? Take me to the zoo? Oh I know, we can go to the park and feed the ducks. Hey maybe you can take me to my first football game. Wait, that won’t work will it? No, because my nanny took me to the zoo, and one of the maids took me to see the ducks, and my first football game? I went with a buddies dad.” Fox yelled. “Don’t you get it? Its too late for you to start caring now!”

Julian watched as his son’s eyes grew large and he dropped his head. “I know I failed you son. I know I was a horrible parent to you and the girls.”

“Wow, something we agree on.” Fox spat. “I don’t know why you’re suddenly interested in family bonding, but you should have thought of it sooner.” Fox turned away from his father and dropped his head.

“I want you to be my right hand man.” Julian spoke calmly. “I want you to help me run the business Fox.”

“Chad turned you down. I knew it.” Fox shook his head, “So the true heir to the throne doesn’t want it? He married Theresa to claim what was his and now he’s not interested?”

“He wants revenge.” Julian spoke running his fingers through his hair. “And so does Theresa.”

“He is a Crane, revenge is what we’re about.” Fox frowned.

“Chad loves his music, and although he is father’s heir, you are the one I want to beside me as I start a new phase with our business.”

“Because Chad refused?”

Julian let out a huge sigh, “Because you are the one that gets the business.”

“I’m supposed to believe that?” Fox chuckled. “Please, if Chad had of agreed to be your right hand man, we wouldn’t be having this talk.”

“You’re wrong son.”

“No I’m not.” Fox yelled. “Why can’t you just admit it? Chad is your golden boy! Martin is your second chance, and I’m just the son you threw away. If you are trying to impress Eve Russell with you new parenting skills, I won’t be the one helping you. I’m moving out of this house tonight.”

“Fox.”

“No.” Fox spoke shaking his head. “I know why you’re here. I’m not stupid; I can see the game you’re playing. You want to be with Chad’s mother, but she’s a good woman. The only way you’re going to get her is if she sees that you’ve changed. So here you come running to the children you forgot, begging for a second chance. Tell me have you called Ericka yet? What about Jasolyn? I’m sure she had a few words for you.”

Julian refused to speak as years of anger poured from his son’s mouth. There wasn’t anything he could say because his son was right. He was a horrible parent, and now he feared it was too late.

“Are you going to say anything Julian? Come on lets hear it.” Fox dared. “Explain to me why you suddenly now care.”

“Perhaps Eve’s goodness has rubbed off on me.” Julian admitted. “But I do want to be a better person Nicholas, a good father to you.”

“You don’t know how to be a father.” Fox frowned. “And quite honestly I’m not sure how to be a son. You see daddy dear, I’ve never been someone’s son, I’ve simply been someone’s problem.” With a low sigh Fox turned around walked out of the room leaving his father near tears.
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She eased the door open and peaked inside her room, a smile coming to her face as she watched her husband ease her son into his baby bed.

“He’s a heavy sleeper isn’t he?” Theresa smiled as she leaned against the door.

Chad turned around and smiled. “T, you snuck up on me.”

“Old habit I have.” She laughed. “When I was a kid, I would sneak around and catch Miguel doing things. We had this twisted way of staying out of trouble, I’d blackmail him, and he’d do the same to me. If mama knew half the things we did back then.” She smirked.

“I bet it was interesting.”

“Very.” She nodded.

They stared at each other for a moment. Silence filled the room as they both wondered what to say next.

“So the big guy here had a busy day.” Chad smiled. “Julian took him sledding.”

“He what?” Theresa gasped.

Chad smiled. “On the hill here on the grounds. Relax T, my, uh Eve was with him.”

“Your Eve?” Theresa smiled. “So Julian was careful with him?”

“I watched from the window.” Chad admitted. “He actually got on a sled and held Martin close to him. You could hear Martin laughing from here.” Chad smiled. “And you could hear Julian screaming.”

“Julian screaming? Did he scream like a girl?” Theresa teased.

“It was something else.” Chad laughed. “It was strange for me though.” Chad said suddenly becoming serious.

“Strange how? Chad what’s wrong?”

Chad let out a breath, “I just wondered if that was what my life would have been like. Watching my mother and father with Martin, it got me thinkin’ you know? If I had been raised by them, is that how things would have been?”

“Chad, I’m so sorry. I know that has to be hard for you. All the what might have been’s.

”Yeah but I can’t go there.” He shrugged. “Anyway it was fun for Martin, and Julian seemed to bond with the kid. Even tried to get him say daddy.” He chuckled.

“Sorry I missed it.” Theresa sighed. “I was in the park, and I ran into a old friend.”

“Old friend?”

“Noah Bennett.” Theresa smiled. “Kay’s brother is back in town for the wedding. “He gave me a long talking too.” She smirked. “Actually everyone has been giving me talks lately.”

“Oh really? Wanta talk about it?” Chad inquired watching as Theresa began to pace in the room. He smiled as he watched her, knowing that she was nervous. He knew her well, too well.

”I’ve been acting pretty weird lately.” Theresa frowned. “The other day when I ran off, I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry I flipped on you Chad. It’s just that the thought of feeling something for anyone scared me so bad. I loved Ethan, and I wanted him to love me but he didn’t know how. You have been so great, and I just ran off.”

“T I understand.” Chad spoke. “I totally get it.”

“You do?” She asked her voice weak and childish.

“Yeah, you made Ethan your life and he never gave you back the love you deserved. I know it’s hard to think about bringing someone new into your life, but girl I’ve always been here.”

“Yeah you have.” Theresa smiled. “And I should know by now I can trust you completely.”

“But it’s hard.” Chad nodded. “Because before you trusted me as your good buddy Chad. Now I’m your husband and when we kissed it changed things.”

“How do you do this?” She questioned. “Understand me?”

Chad smirked. “Its not hard. People think you’re complicated, but your not. You just want to love and be loved. It’s not that you set out to do all the wacky things you do, you just get lost along the way.”

“Yeah but I think I’m changing.” Theresa spoke biting her lip.

“You are and its scaring you.” Chad smiled. “But it doesn’t have to be scary T. You’re growing up, getting your head on straight. You’re Ethan free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t love again. Love even stronger.”

“Easier said then done.” Theresa frowned. “Do you really think we can make something work?”

Chad walked over to where she was standing and smiled as he looked down in her deep brown eyes. “I don’t see what it would hurt to try. There’s something here T, but until we give it a try we won’t know what.”

Theresa dropped her head as her hair fell in her face. “What if we get hurt?”

“What if we don’t?” Chad questioned. “Girl I know you’re changing, but please don’t loose that dreamer or the girl that believed that true love was real. That was the girl I met when I came to town. I saw a beautiful girl with huge eyes full of so many hopes and dreams. You were so perky and happy, full of life. I don’t want you to let that fire die T. I don’t want you to give up who you are because Ethan was a fool.”

“And the schemer?” Theresa questioned. “What about her?”

“What about her?” Chad smiled. “You just need to learn how to control yourself, think before you act. You’re a good person T, and I really think we can have something if we try.”

He was so sincere with her. Every word he spoke he meant, and his actions proved he cared. When he looked at her, Theresa knew he was looking at just her. He was thinking of no one else. It was what she had longed for, and as Chad took her tiny hand in his it all just felt right. He had watched her for years now, and he got her. He didn’t care about her faults; he just accepted them and tried to understand. He didn’t expect her to be perfect, just human. He was the first person that just wanted her to be Theresa. Even her mother had expected so much more out of her. She wanted her to walk the line, see things in black and white. Luis had expected her to go to college become a doctor or lawyer. She was his ‘little sister’ and she was supposed to make the family proud. She had graduated with honors for Luis, but somewhere along the way she shattered the image he had of her. Her family wanted to her to live a perfect life, but not Chad. She knew Chad just wanted her to live her life.

“So where do we start.” She spoke her smile lighting up the room. “I’m not sure what we do next.”

Chad smiled. “Date?” He asked with a chuckle. “It’s the only thing that makes sense in my mind. We’ll go out like any other dating couple and we’ll test the waters. We’ll go slow T, I promise.”

“And what if I decide I don’t like slow?” She grinned inching closer to him.

“Then we’ll work things your way.”

“So our first date will be tomorrow?” She smiled. “At my brother’s wedding?”

Chad nodded his head, “Works for me.” Suddenly his face went serious. “Oh man, I almost forgot.”

“Forgot what?”

“T, your mother called today, Paloma is coming in tonight. Pilar has known for a few days but wasn’t sure how you would react.”

“Paloma? Paloma is coming home.” Theresa spoke taking a deep breath. “That’s great, at least I think its great.” She smiled.

“You think?”

Theresa smiled and walked over to look out the window, “I told you once about my relationship with Paloma. As long as its over the phone or online we’re great. It’s when she comes to town that things weird out. Its been a long time though, and I’m grown, and she’s seventeen so maybe just maybe we’ll be ok.”

“I’m sure you two will get along great.”

“Yeah, I just worry way too much.” Theresa laughed. “Its not like Paloma hates me.”

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Jessica Bennett walked calmly into her mother’s antique shop. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, a few strands falling against her face. She watched her mother secretly for a moment. Saw how the older woman seemed to be happy and carefree. Her father was miserable but her mother, she seemed just fine.

“Mom.” She spoke finally coming into view.

“Jessica.” Grace smiled looking up at her youngest daughter. “Its wonderful to see you.”

“I’ve missed you mom.” Jessica spoke her voice hurt. She had lost the innocence her voice once held weeks ago. She now saw life in the same light her sister had saw it in. She realized that life wasn’t perfect, and that at any moment everything could fall apart. She had been the naïve child, but not now. Now she felt ten years older, wiser in many ways. Her mother and father’s marriage had been shattered, and yet her mother still wore the same perfect smile.

“Jessica, how are you.” Grace questioned her voice concerned.

“I’m fine.” She lied. “Mom, the reason I came by is because everyone is over at Kay’s house right now working. Noah’s there, with daddy and Miguel, and I thought you might want to stop by. You can help me finish painting the nursery.” She offered. “Miguel told Kay to take a break, she’s been working so hard and its not good for her.”

“Kay’s been working all right.” Grace muttered.

“Mother, please don’t.” Jessica sighed. “You know the wedding is tomorrow right? Kay said she called but you never answered. She wants you to come, we all do.”

“That wedding should not be happening.” Grace frowned. “Its just not right.”

Jessica dropped her head, and tapped her foot quietly. “Mother, the wedding is happening. Kay is marrying Miguel tomorrow with or without you there. He loves her, and they are going to do this.”

“Its wrong.” Grace whispered. “So wrong.”

Jessica saw the disgusted look on her mother’s face. She closed her eyes and tried to remember why she had even bothered coming to talk to her mother. When her sister’s smiling face appeared in her mind she suddenly knew, and it angered her to see her mother behaving in such a manner. “Mom that’s enough.” She spoke crossing her arms. “Kay is your child and she needs you to be there tomorrow.”

“She needs to accept that Miguel is only marrying her because of that baby.” Grace spat.

Jessica took a step back from her mother, “You just won’t let it go will you? Miguel loves Kay; he wants to be with her now! It is over for him and Charity, what he shares with Kay isn’t going away! Can’t you just come to this wedding and support your daughter? Is it too hard for you to do?” Jessica questioned refusing to let tears fall from her face. “What happened to you mom? Where is the woman who would bake cookies for my sister and me and then sit us in her lap and read to us? I miss my mother, and I want her back.”

“Jessica, you know how Kay is.” Grace spoke her tone calm. “She’s turning you against me.”

“No she’s not!” Jessica yelled shaking her head. “You can’t see that you’re loosing your entire family! Did you know Noah was back in town? No, because he refused to come here to see you. You need to be at that wedding tomorrow mom. It’s your last chance to save your relationship with Kay.” Jessica begged her voice lowering. “Please.”

Grace took Jessica’s hand and looked her in the eyes, “Jess, I love you sweetheart, please don’t let my problems with Kay change our relationship. Kay is evil and she is trying to destroy everything I hold dear.”

Jessica’s eyes burned with anger as she snatched her hand away from her mother. “You’ve destroyed everything on your on mother! You destroyed it all when you decided to leave town with David. You destroyed it when you took Charity in your arms and threw your other children away! Don’t blame Kay for your mistakes, because you did this, you ruined everything!” The tears finally came as Jessica slowly walked backward her eyes never leaving those of her mother. “The wedding is at 6 O’clock tomorrow, if you love Kay at all you’ll be there.” She whispered turning quickly as she fled out of the store.
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Kay Bennett stood marveling in the sounds that filled her home. Her brother and father were playfully wrestling in the living room, while Miguel worked hard on the final cabinet in the kitchen. Her Uncle Hank was inspecting the whole house, making sure all the leaks had been sealed. The front door slammed shut and she looked up seeing her sister staring at her.

“You saw Mom.” Kay spoke knowingly. “I know that look, it’s the look I get when I see her.”

Jessica rolled her eyes, “I do not want to talk to about it!” She fumed. “I want to enjoy today and forget about everything.”

Kay smiled, “Pilar brought a pie and cake by, and those peanut butter cookies you like so much, its all in the kitchen.”

“Thanks.” Jessica spoke returning her sister’s smile. “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

“No, not nervous at all.” Kay grinned. “Just excited.”

“Excited you say?” Noah’s voice boomed. “Are you sure you want to do this sis? You’re still a baby.”

Kay looked at her brother, his deep blue eyes seemed to be showing concern for her. He had always been her protector and now was no different. “I love him Noah.”

“But marriage.” He frowned. “I still can’t believe you’re pregnant. What were you thinking sis? And Miguel, I could kill him.” He muttered.

Kay became stern as she took her brother by the arm and pulled him closer to her, “Noah you will not say a word to Miguel.” She ordered. “He has been so good to me and you will respect that. Miguel wants to be with me and I love him.”

“But.” Noah began but stopped as his eyes caught the warning look Kay was giving him. “Fine.” He whispered dropping his head. “But if he doesn’t treat you right, I’ll hurt him.”

“You will do no such thing.” Kay smiled. “Miguel is a good guy Noah, just like you.”

“He got my baby sister pregnant, it’s just a lot for me to handle.” Noah sighed running his fingers through his wavy hair. “You’re just too young.”

“Noah, it’s ok.” Kay smiled. “I’m still your baby sister, that can’t change.”

“But you’ll be a mother, with a husband. You’re grown.” He gulped. “How am I supposed to handle that?”

Kay smirked, “And you’ve been gone for how many years now? I learned to deal with that.” Hugging her brother she smiled. “Things change.”

“I don’t like this change.” Noah pouted.

“Well you can’t stop it.” Kay laughed.

“Can’t stop what?” Miguel questioned walking over to Kay. Looking up at Noah he frowned, “Did I interrupt something?”

“Of course not.” Kay smiled, “Noah was just being the typical big brother.”

Noah nodded crossing his arms and as he stared at Miguel. He stood a few inches taller than the younger man, and his build was much more muscular. His blue eyes glared down at him and Miguel frowned. “I was telling my sister that you better treat her right, or else.”

Miguel swallowed, “I know, you’ll hurt me. I understand Noah, believe me I’ve had this talk with your father already.”

“Yeah well something tells me I can do a lot more damage than dad.” He smirked.

Miguel sighed, “I’m not going to hurt Kay. You have every right to be weary of me but dude, her and our child, they are my life now.”

“Well they deserve a good life, can you provide that for them?”

“I’m going to give them a good life. I have no plans of quitting college. I may cut down to going part time, but I’ll do whatever it takes for my family.” Miguel smiled wrapping his arm around Kay.

“How noble.” Noah muttered. “You do realize that my sister can take care of herself. Unlike your previous girlfriend, she does things her way.”

“Of course I know that Noah.” Miguel frowned. “Kay and I have been friends since we were little. You asked me if I would be able to provide for her and my answer is yes.”

“Ok boys that’s enough.” Kay spoke glancing from Miguel to Noah. “Noah, I’m going to be fine. Miguel and I will make it work, please lets just all have fun tonight.”

“Speaking of fun.” Miguel smiled. “I have a small surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” Kay smirked, “Really? Where? What?” She quizzed her voice becoming excited.

“You’ll see.” He laughed. “In fact if you want we can go now.”

“But the house isn’t ready.”

“We’ll take care of the house.” Jessica spoke. “You just go with Miguel.”

“Are you sure?” Kay questioned.

“Your dad has already said he’d handle things. Now grab your jacket and let’s go.” He spoke with a huge grin. He was going to give Kay a night she would never forget before they got married. Tonight he would answer any question she had about his love for her.

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Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald opened the front door to his mother’s home and looked back at the teenage girl that stood behind him. Her black hair hung to her shoulders in waves. Her completion was much like his, but her eyes, they were a bright sparkling blue, much those of his father. She wore a black mini skirt and a white tank top. She was taller than Theresa with legs long and slim.

“Well Paloma, this is it.” Luis smiled. “We’re home sis.”

She eyed her older brother, and didn’t speak. Sitting her bag down she looked around. “Looks different.” She finally muttered.

“A lot had to be built back after the fire. The house was almost destroyed.”

“Oh.” She spoke walking past him to stare at the photos on the wall. “Lots of pictures of Theresa.” She said looking back at him. “Not many of me.”

“You haven’t sent many home in the last few years.” Luis frowned slipping his hands into his pockets. “You know mama should be home soon. She wanted to cook you something special.”

“How nice of her.” Paloma answered back.

“Paloma it’s really great to have you home. Tomorrow will be a very special day for all of us now.”

“Is Theresa coming over tonight?” She asked turning away from him. “What about Miguel and Antonio?”

“Miguel made plans with Kay, and Theresa is making last minute arrangements for the wedding tomorrow. I have no idea what Antonio is doing.”

“So much for a welcome home party.” Paloma muttered under her breath. “So where am I staying?”

“Miguel’s room.” Luis spoke. “Its pretty much empty now, hard to believe he’s getting married. Miguel and Theresa are both too young to be married.” He sighed.

Paloma rolled her eyes. “Yeah it’s a real shame.”

Luis caught the eye roll and frowned, “I know you’ve been away, but we are truly happy to have you back for awhile. We love you Loma.” Looking at his watch Luis frowned, “I need to make a quick call, why don’t you get settled in Miguel’s room.”

Paloma nodded her head as Luis pointed her toward the bedroom she would spend the next few days in. Watching as her older brother walked away she let out a sigh. “A few days.” She whispered to herself. “A few days and this will all be over.”
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The lights were shining over the baseball field as Miguel led Kay toward the stadium. Her eyes were closed as she gripped his hand.

”Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald what are you doing?” Kay demanded with a smile.

“You’ll see.” He snickered.

“I hate surprises, you do realize that right?”

“Stop complaining.” Miguel laughed. “Sometimes surprises are good things.”

“No they’re not! I hate not knowing what’s going on. What have you done Miggs? What’s going on?”

“You’re cute when you get like this.” Miguel laughed kissing her cheek quickly.

“When can I open my eyes?” Kay whined.

“You can open them now.” Miguel smirked letting go of her hand.

Kay’s blue eyes quickly opened and she let out a large gasp. “Miguel.”

“You like?” He questioned.

The fence that circled the high school baseball field was hidden by masses of red and white roses. Rose petals of the same colors were scattered on a long red carpet that led to a small round table with candles sitting on it. Not far from the table a blanket rested on the ground a pillow sitting on it. Clicking a remote in Miguel’s hand soft music began to play on the sound system in the announcers box.

“Oh Miguel.” Kay whispered. “This is too much.”

“No, it’s not nearly enough.” He spoke leading her to the table.

“Its all so beautiful.” Kay whimpered. “But why?”

“Because.” Miguel smiled. “You deserve it.”

“How? How did you do this?”

Miguel smiled. “Coach Moore owed me a favor, so I collected.” Shrugging he watched as she sat down. “And it didn’t hurt that I promised to help him coach the team next year.”

“I can’t believe you did all this.”

“Well Theresa did help me with the basics, but it was all my idea.” Looking around he sat down in front of her. “When I thought about us, everything went back to this field. Baseball connected us, and coming here tonight only seemed fitting.”

“Its perfect.” Kay nodded. “But what made you do it?”

“We’re getting married in a day, I just wanted to have one special night with you before then.” Miguel spoke. “There’s a lot I want to say to you before we take that huge plunge.” He grinned.

“I just can’t believe you went to all this trouble.” Kay spoke shaking her head as she looked around. “This, this is too much.”

Miguel took Kay’s hand. “Its not too much. I did this because I wanted to. I wanted to show you how I feel about you Kay.”

“Miguel I know you care.” Kay whispered dropping her head.

“You have no idea how much I care.” Miguel sighed. “That’s why we’re here tonight. Before I marry you I want you to understand how I feel about you. I’m marrying you because you’re the right woman for me. That’s why I did this tonight. I brought you back to where it all began so you could see that this marriage is real to me.”

Kay swallowed as she looked into Miguel’s hazel eyes. She couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth were real. For months she had believed that he cared but now she knew. She knew he was marrying her because she was carrying his child. It all seemed like a dream to her, and as he smiled at her she could only pray that this time it wasn’t a dream.

“Miguel, I know you care about me and our child.”

“Kay, when I first proposed to you, it was because you were pregnant.”

“I know.” Kay frowned.

“But now, it’s more than that. Now marrying you means so much more to me. Now when I think about us, I think about the life we’re going to build together. When I close my eyes I see us together years from now happy and in love. I want to be there with you Kay for everything. I want us to coach our children’s t-ball teams together, and do all those things that parents do.” He smiled. “I want to grow with you and be your partner.”

“Miggs, you don’t have to do this.” Kay whispered through tears.

“Yes I do.” He spoke his voice sincere. “I love you Kay, and that’s why I’m marrying you.”

“You love me? I mean love, love me?” Kay questioned through tears.

Miguel laughed. “Yes Kay, I’m in love with you. Truth be told, there’s always been something there. I was just always too afraid of those feelings. Now, I see its ok to feel them. I know I can trust in us now Kay.”

Trust. A lump caught in Kay’s throat as that word spun around in her head. Trust. Miguel loved her, and yet if he knew the horrible truth about her it would end everything. “Miguel.” She swallowed. “I need to tell you something.”

“Kay what is it? You look pale?” Miguel spoke.

Kay felt the tears roll down her face. “There’s so much you don’t know. There are things in my past that you wouldn’t believe. I can’t do this to you, I can’t let you say all this and not tell you the truth. I did things Miguel, because I loved you I did crazy things.” She whimpered.

“Kay.” Miguel spoke his voice calm. “Its in the past.”

“No, no its not.” Kay argued. “I need to tell you.”

Miguel stood up and took Kay’s hand pulling her up as well. She looked at him, her whole body shaking as she gripped his hands tightly. “Kay, I know you didn’t want me with Charity. It’s ok though, because it’s over. We were younger then and it’s done.”

“Its not.” Kay whispered. “Not until you know everything.”

“I don’t care.” Miguel soothed. “I want to forget about the past and start now.”

“But.” Kay tried as Miguel’s finger touched her lips softly.

“No but’s. There is nothing that you’ve done that I can’t forgive.” Miguel promised. “So there’s no need to talk about it. You played a few childish games when we were younger, so what. Its over Kay, please let it just be over.”

Kay looked in Miguel’s eyes. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Miguel had just cleared her. She was supposed to feel free now but instead she just felt more guilt. He didn’t want to know the truth, but she knew he needed to. Part of her wanted to scream all her misdeeds to him, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t tell him now, not when he had just told her how he felt. Instead she had to trust his love and pray that everything worked out.

“I love you so much.” She whispered. “You have no idea just how much Miguel.” She wrapped her arms around him. Holding him tightly to her she let her tears fall. Breathing in his scent she tried to capture the moment for all that it was worth.

“Is these those pregnancy tears Theresa warned me about?” Miguel whispered chuckling lightly.

”Uh huh.” She spoke pulling away from him. She took a moment just to stare in his eyes, as the lights of the stadium seemed to beam down on them. It was all so magical to her.

“What’s the blanket for?” She whispered as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Do you remember when we were younger? After the games we’d come out here and watch the stars? Reese would come with us and tell us what they all where?”

“Yeah.” Kay smiled. “And we’d laugh at him? We were so cruel.”

“Yeah.” Miguel nodded. “Well I thought we could watch the stars tonight. I know I can’t tell you about them like Reese did, but we can dream up our own ideas.”

“Sounds perfect.” Kay said wiping her tears.

“You know I might actually turn you into a romantic after all.” Miguel teased kissing her forehead tenderly.

“Keep dreaming Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Kay smirked.

“I don’t have to dream anymore.” Miguel spoke lowering his head; “I’m living my dreams now, with you.”