Chapter 20

Fox saw her sitting on the church step sniffling as she stared down at the stone steps. He wasn’t sure why he was there, he just knew that he was and that maybe he could say something to bring a smile to her face. He had known since the first time he saw her that like his youngest sister Jessica Bennett was a gentle spirit. She wore her heart on her sleeve and right now he knew she was hurting.

“Want to talk about it.” His voice bounded, as she looked up her eyes puffy and red.

“Do I have a choice?” She questioned as he took a seat beside her.

“You always have a choice.” He shrugged. “I can get up and leave if you want.”

She gently shook her head as she looked at him. “What is it about Kay that made you interested in her?”

“Her spunk?” He answered. “I don’t know I just saw something in her eyes. Not like it matters she’s married now.”

“Reese is moving, he’s going to UCLA leaving tomorrow.” Jessica Bennett spoke with a sigh. “He could have left while he was with Kay but he didn’t. No, he waited until I fell in love with him and now he’s going.”

Fox Crane frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“You know I should have expected it.” Jessica said staring up at the night sky. “He’s been ignoring me lately. I just never expected him to tell me he was moving away to college.”

“You two can’t make it work despite the distance?” Fox asked noticing as Jessica shivered. Taking off his jacket he slipped it over her shoulders as she looked at him.

“I can’t deal with it.” Jessica shrugged. “My parents are split up, my sister just got married, everything is changing. Reese moving is just too much for me. I can’t do the long distance thing right now, I just can’t.” She whimpered. “He couldn’t even tell me, he had to wait until the last second.” She cried.

“Hey kid don’t cry over him.” Fox tried with a frown. He hated to see people cry; truth was he was never sure how to handle the situations. Feelings and emotions were something Cranes hide.

“Do you know what its like to spend your whole life in everyone’s shadows? Every since I was a kid, I’ve been Noah and Kay’s little sister, or Chief Bennett’s baby girl. When I was dating Reese, I felt special, loved for who I was. I didn’t even mind that people still referred to me as Reese’s girlfriend, because when he looked at me I felt like the only person I the world.”

“Well you deserve to be more that just Reese’s girlfriend. That’s your problem kid, you allow yourself to stand back in the shadows. Did people call Kay, Noah’s little sister?”

Jessica rolled her eyes, “No, but she was the softball queen.” She sighed. “Noah and Kay, they had all these talents, they were popular and outgoing.”

”And what stopped you from being the same way?” Fox questioned.

“I don’t know.” Jessica shrugged. “It’s not like it matters, soon I’ll be out of school and in college. Maybe I need to leave this town, go somewhere and be me.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Fox smiled. “And soon you’ll forget about the boyfriend. You’re a cute kid, I’m sure there’s tons of guys at school that would love to go out with you.”

“I love Reese.” Jessica whispered. “You just don’t forget someone like that when you love them.”

“Yeah I guess not.” Fox frowned.

“You’ve never been in love have you?” Jessica questioned wiping her eyes.

“Fox Crane doesn’t fall in love.” He laughed. “Life is short, and I plan to enjoy as many women as possible.”

“That’s too bad.” Jessica sighed. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

Fox shook his head, “The pain you’re feeling? Yeah I want that.”

“What about what Miguel and Kay are feeling right now? Knowing that there is one person that you can always turn to. No matter what your feeling that person will be there. It’s got to be the most amazing thing ever.”

“I don’t know about that, happy ever after? Nah I don’t think it happens in real life. Marriage is not for me, never will be.” Fox chuckled. “I could never be stuck with just one woman.”

Jessica sighed, “I just wanted to be with Reese. Why did he have to wait until now to tell me? I don’t know what I did wrong.”

“Nothing!” Fox spoke, “You did nothing wrong. You’re a sweet kid, and sometimes it’s the nice people that get ran over.”

“Great.” Jessica muttered. “So this is what I get for being good? Kay got a wedding and a kid out of scheming, and I get dumped?”

“Hey, I thought you were over your sister’s past.”

“I am.” Jessica sighed. “Guess I’m just bitter right now.”

“Well you have a right to be angry at your ex.” Fox frowned standing up. “You gonna be ok kid?” He asked.

“In a few months maybe.” She spoke with a sigh, “I’ll be fine, I think I’ll just take a walk think things out.”

“Well I should go back in and congratulate your sister. You take care.” He smiled.

“Thanks Fox.”

“It was nothing, I’d want to know someone was talking to my little sister if she had her heart broken. So I’m just doing the same.” He shrugged.

“Oh wait your jacket.” Jessica spoke.

“Keep it, you’ll freeze to death on that walk without it.”

“You know Fox, you’re not all that bad.” Jessica smiled.

Fox shook his head, “Yeah well don’t spread that around.”
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Miguel handed Kay a glass of ginger ale and frowned, “You know you don’t have to wear that fake smile all night. It’s ok to be upset with her.”

Kay looked up at her husband; taking a sip of the ginger ale she shook her head. “I’m not upset, this baby is just pulling a number on me.” She lied.

“Kay, she’s your mother and she’s not here. Don’t pretend it didn’t hurt.” Miguel sat down beside his wife and wrapped a protective arm around her.

“Miguel I’ll deal.” Kay spoke forcing a smile, “I didn’t expect her to show anyway.”

“And that makes it all better?” He questioned. “We’re married now Kay, you can talk to me.”

Kay dropped her head, “All that matters tonight is us. You’re all I need Miguel, just you and our child.”

“Kay, I can see the hurt in your eyes. I’m worried about you.” Miguel’s voice showed more concern than Kay was used to.

“I wasn’t a good daughter, I didn’t follow through with the plans she had for me.” There were tears in her eyes as she looked back up at Miguel. “When did I make her hate me? I wanted her here tonight, I wanted my mother to see me walk down the aisle and say my vows to you. Even though I am so angry with her, I still wanted her to be here. I wanted to look up and see her watching, but she wasn’t here. She didn’t come to see me get married. How could she not come?” She sobbed.

Miguel wrapped his arms around his wife as she cried against him. His heart was breaking as she pulled away from him and looked up at him with sad blue eyes. “Oh Kay, this is so unfair to you.”

“She did this on purpose Miguel, she did it to ruin my day.”

“Well we won’t let that happen.” Miguel smiled wiping the tears away from Kay’s cheek. “This is our day and no one is going to ruin it for us. Not your mom or anyone else.”

“You’re right, it just hurts.” Kay frowned. “She’s still my mom, no matter what we’ve said to each other, she’s still my mother.” Kay spoke touching the white gown she was wearing. “When I was little, I’d play dress up, and she’d tell me that someday I’d be a beautiful bride. I just thought she might be here, to see it.”

Miguel took Kay’s hand and sighed, “You know what, its her loss, she’s the one that will live to regret this.”

“Yeah.” Kay nodded, “Thanks.” She smiled. “So far you’ve made a pretty decent husband.” She joked.

“Now that’s my Kay.” Miguel spoke kissing her cheek gently.

“I want to go talk to daddy, see how he’s doing.” Kay spoke. “And then, I’m all yours.” She winked.

“You won’t hear me complaining.” Miguel smirked.

Rolling her eyes kissed Miguel gently, “I love you.”

“And I love you too.” Miguel agreed.

“You better.” Kay called turning to walk away. With a smile she touched her stomach. “He does love us little one.” She whispered. “He really does.”
_________________________________________

Sam Bennett glanced over at Pilar, and then to his brother. His eyes then went to Luis who stood on the other side of him, and finally back to the couple that was facing them.

“Eve, Julian.” He spoke, “Interesting to see you two here together.”

Eve let out a sigh noticing that Julian had stiffened beside her, “Julian is my date.” She spoke bluntly. “I asked him to come with me today, and I’ve very glad he did.”

“I see.” Sam muttered.

“Julian, I’m surprised to see you here, at a wedding of two locals.” Luis spoke glaring at the other man.

Julian cleared his throat, “Everyone here are friends with Eve, and therefore I want to make it a point of getting to know them better.”

“Well I hope your enjoying yourself.” Pilar answered giving the three other men warning eyes. “It is nice to see Eve smiling again.”

“It is nice to smile again.” Eve spoke. “And the wedding was simply beautiful. Kay looked beautiful, and Miguel was as handsome as ever. They look very much in love.”

“Young love is a splendid thing.” Julian agreed.

“I just hope those kids can make it work.” Hank frowned, “It’s not easy at any age, and they’re so young.”

“Well I for one believe they’ll make it.” Eve smiled, “There’s a look in their eyes, this is very real to them.” She spoke looking up at Julian. “When you’re that in love, sometimes it’s just meant be.”

“Well it almost wasn’t.” Luis spoke, “Miguel was almost married to Charity.”

“But they found they’re way back to each other Luis.” Eve smiled. “Like I said, it was meant to be.”

Julian smiled at the words Eve was speaking, because like the two kids that had just gotten married, he knew his love for Eve was meant to be as well. Standing in front of the people he knew disliked him was hard for him, but for Eve he was willing to do it. “Eve darling, if you’ll excuse me I believe I’m going to say hello to Chad.”

“Of course.” Eve nodded. “I’ll be over in a moment.”

Julian kissed her cheek gently and excused himself, walking away with a smile on his face. He was happy, happier than he had ever thought possible.

“Eve, you and Julian? What’s going on there?” Sam questioned a concerned look on his face. Eve was his friend, with or without T.C. she was still a friend to him and he didn’t want to see her hurt.

“Something very nice.” Eve blushed looking over at Sam. “I want everyone to give Julian a chance. He’s trying very hard to change. He means a lot to me, and I know that’s hard to understand.”

“You really care about him don’t you?” Sam questioned.

“I do.” Eve smiled.

“Then we’ll try.” Sam nodded.

“Yes of course we will.” Pilar promised.

Luis frowned, “I’m not so sure about this.”

“Luis.” Pilar warned in her motherly tone.

“We just want you to be happy.” Luis finally spoke dropping his head. “I know the power a Crane can have over you. My love for Sheridan is forever.”

“Luis where is Sheridan? I saw you talking to her before.” Sam spoke with a frown. “Is everything ok?”

“She wants to meet with me tonight, she said she had something important to tell me. All I can do is hope that she still loves me as much as I love her.”

“I hope it works out for you Luis, you deserve happiness in your life.” Eve smiled. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to go say hello to my son.”

The small group watched as Eve walked of, no one spoke, but the frowns on their faces were enough for Pilar to get the jest of their feelings. “She’s happy, let her be.” She simply spoke. “It’s time for this town to heal.”

“Pilar is right.” Sam nodded, “If Eve is happy, then we should be happy for her. I may dislike Julian Crane, but I can’t argue the fact that Eve is glowing.”

“And he’s trying to be a father to Martin.” Luis nodded. “I suppose I can put my anger for him aside if it will help everyone involved.”

“Thank you.” Pilar nodded.

“Speaking of putting things aside Mama.” Luis smirked, “Isn’t it time you spoke to Theresa. Rumor has it you two are still not speaking. I don’t know if you noticed, but she seems quite happy with Chad tonight. Isn’t it possible that this marriage is about more than just being a Crane?”

“Being a Crane is Theresa’s goal in life.” Pilar frowned. “I don’t won’t her hurt by them.”

“But you don’t care that Eve is falling for Julian again?” Luis smirked. “Mama, think about it.”

“Theresa could be with someone much worse than Chad.” Sam added. “He’s a good man Pilar.”

“Perhaps I’ve been to hard on Theresa.” Pilar sighed. “I just want her to be happy.”

“Well I don’t like her being in the Crane family, but I know I can’t stop her.” Luis shrugged. “If this is what Theresa wants, I think its time we stand behind her. Our family needs to come together.”

“When did you become so wise my son?” Pilar smiled. “I will talk to Theresa, I just hope she will forgive me.”

“She will mama, don’t worry Theresa will forgive you.”
__________________________________________________

The night seemed to be going just as planned. Chad and Theresa were quite happy just holding hands and talking. Julian was thrilled that no one had yet hit him, and Eve was happy to be by his side. Sam’s heart was broken, but he had his friends beside him and that seemed to help him. His daughter was happy, and at that moment that was all that mattered.

Kay and Miguel stood talking their smiles huge as Theresa walked over to them. “I hate to disturb you two, but have you saw Paloma by any chance?” She questioned. “I’m worried about her.”

“I’ve saw her.” A voice spoke.

Theresa turned around and smiled, “Fox? Where did you see my sister?”

“Yeah, what did you do hit on her?” Miguel muttered.

“No, but she did ht on me.” Fox smirked. “She’s cute, but I’m smart enough to know what’s legal and what’s not.”

“My sister hit on you?” Miguel questioned. “I really find that hard to believe. Paloma would never do that.”

Kay and Theresa eyed each other and Kay frowned. “Miguel, I really don’t think Fox would try anything with Paloma.”

“Of course I wouldn’t, besides I’ve been outside talking to your sister Kay.” Fox frowned. “That loser she was dating broke it off tonight.”

“What!” Kay almost yelled. “Reese and Jess? No, he wouldn’t.”

“He’s going away to school, UCLA I think she said. He’s known for a while but decided to tell her tonight. It was all just to much for her.”

“Oh my gosh.” Kay whispered. “Where is she? I need to talk to her.”

“She went home.” Fox spoke. “She was doing better when she left.”

“Did you hit on her too?” Miguel questioned.

Fox chuckled and shook his head. “Relax, I actually respect the kid, she’s a good girl. I didn’t try anything with her, but there is a lovely waitress here I’ve been trying to speak with.” He laughed. “Nice wedding Kay, you looked beautiful.”

Kay smiled, “Thanks Fox, for everything.”

He nodded knowingly, “Theresa, tell your husband we have business to discuss tomorrow morning. Try not to keep him out to late.”

Theresa was about to speak when a clinking sound caught her attention as well as everyone else’s. Miguel looked at Kay, and she returned his glace as they looked over toward the door.

“You call this a party? Please! I hope I haven’t missed the speech ‘cause I got one of my own.” A female voice slurred.

“Oh no.” Kay spoke gripping Miguel’s hand. “This can not be happening.”

“Charity.” Miguel choked out almost dropping the glass he was holding in his hand.

Charity Standish stood holding a bottle of wine as she stumbled toward the bride and groom. “So the whole town came to celebrate.” She spoke almost falling as she came closer to the couple. “Do you people even realize what you’re celebrating?” She questioned looking around. “Well do you?”

“Charity that’s enough!” Theresa spoke. “Please.”

“No, I’m not finished.” She slurred. “You people are celebrating the man I love knocking up my own cousin!” Turning back to Kay she stared at her and let out a angry laugh, “It took you long enough Kay, but you finally did it! I guess I should congratulate you on a job well done!”