Chapter 8
 

Things in the Bennett house went almost like Kay had expected. Her father let out a angry yell and her mother burst into tears. Noah stood wide-eyed staring at his parents as they yelled his father stopping every few seconds to make sure Grace was ok. Kay knew it wasn’t time for her to speak, so instead she stood by Jessica and just watched. Her mother was going on and on about her baby boy getting married and her not seeing it. Her father was asking Noah what he had been thinking, getting married after only six months. It was just a typical day in the Bennett home Kay thought to herself.

“Dad if you’d just let me talk.” Noah spoke trying to grab the attention of his hysterical parents. He knew his poor wife must have been terrified to see the reaction his parents were having.

“Noah what in the world was you thinking? You just graduated college, you have no home no job, nothing!”

“Dad, we are both college graduates, we will find jobs and we will get a place to live.” Noah spoke. “Will you two please stop yelling and speak to my wife?”

“Noah it’s ok.” Brenna whispered moving a lock of blonde hair out of her face.

“No it’s not ok.” Noah frowned looking at his parents. “I love Brenna, she’s a wonderful person and if you’d give her a chance to speak you’d find that out.”

“Noah’s right.” Kay spoke stepping forward finally. “Brenna is really sweet, and they are totally in love.”

“You knew about this?” Grace questioned. “Kay!”

“Relax mother, I found out this morning.” Kay sighed crossing her arms against her chest. “Noah came to my apartment because he had no idea how you two would react.”

“And you don’t have a problem with this?” Sam asked. “With your brother getting married and not telling us?”

“Its none of my business.” Kay shrugged. “I’m the girl that stopped my cousin’s wedding to say that I was pregnant with the groom’s baby. Who am I to point fingers at anyone?” She chuckled.

“Kay’s right, if Noah and Brenna are in love then I think its great.” Jessica spoke. Looking over at Brenna she smiled, “Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks.” Brenna whispered nervously.

“I can’t believe this, Noah got married and we weren’t there and you two are fine with that?” Grace cried. “My baby got married and I didn’t see it.” She sobbed.

“Mom please stop crying.” Noah frowned. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but we didn’t want a huge wedding. We wanted something simple, and I knew if I told you, you’d go all out.”

“But you’re my baby.” Grace whimpered.

“Mom can we forget that I got married without telling you so you can give Brenna a chance? She’s a wonderful person.”

Sam looked over at the blonde that stood next to his son. Her dark blue eyes sparkled as she looked up at Noah. “So you love my son?” Sam asked.

“Yes sir.” Brenna nodded. “Very much.”

“He’s a hand full.” Sam chuckled. “Think you can handle him?”

Brenna smiled, “I’m going to try.”

“And this family, we’re a little different.” Sam sighed. “We just might be the strangest family in Harmony. Are you ready for that?”

“I’ve always liked a challenge.” Brenna spoke with a nervous laugh.

“When are you from Brenna?” Sam questioned. “I detect a slight accent.”

“I was raised in Tennessee.” She smiled. “Not far from Nashville.”

“Well I guess you two are old enough to know what you’re doing.” Sam sighed. “If you think you can handle being a Bennett, then I suppose I should welcome you to the family.”

Brenna nervously moved her hand out for Sam to shake, “Thank you sir.”

Sam shook his head no, “You’re a Bennett now, and I don’t shake my children’s hands Brenna.” He smiled reaching out and hugging her gently.

“Thanks dad.” Noah spoke taking Brenna’s hand. “Mom?” He asked glancing over at Grace.

“I don’t know what to say.” Grace frowned. “I’m sorry I acted so foolish.” Turning to Brenna she smiled, “If you make my son happy then that’s all that matters. Congratulations you got yourself a great husband.”

------------------------------------------------------------

“Ethan you’ve been a very bad boy.” Gwen smirked pushing past him to let herself in the apartment. “Hanna is my mother, for some strange reason she wanted to attempt to be a grandmother.”

“Um yeah that’s nice.” Ethan spoke closing the door. He backed against he door and lightly tapped his foot against the carpet his eyes never meeting Gwen’s.

“Ethan you’re twitching.” Gwen smirked. “You always do that when you’re nervous. And stop tapping your foot it’s a clear sign you’ve been caught.” Rolling her eyes she crossed her arms and let out a sigh, “So do you want to tell me what’s going on with Whitney Russell? And try to remember Ethan, its me your talking to not Theresa. I’m no longer naïve to you’re stupid lies.”

“My life is none of your concern.” Ethan huffed.

“Wrong.” Gwen frowned. “If you’re going to juggle women, it could impact my daughter. She should be your first concern.”

“Hanna is my first concern Gwen.” Ethan frowned.

“So tell me why Whitney Russell ran out of hear crying.”

“She was upset.” He spoke trying to shrug it off.

“You think?” Gwen chuckled. “Ethan are you seeing Whitney? Is she cheating on Chad with you?” Her voice became serious when she saw Ethan’s eyes dart away from her. “I saw Chad a few days ago, he was buying Whitney perfume, the same perfume I smelled on you not long ago.”

“Gwen leave it alone.” Ethan frowned. “Whitney is my friend.”

“Just like Theresa was once? I remember what kind of friend Theresa was to you Ethan. The kind of friend you dumped me for.” She growled. Shaking her head she looked up at him. “How could you do it Ethan, do this to Chad?”

“I told you I haven’t done anything! Whitney is a friend, so just let things go! She came here upset about something and needed to talk. It’s nothing Gwen, nothing!” He lashed out his voice rising.

Gwen gasped and took a step back. “When’s it going to stop for you Ethan? All the lying and hurting people? You know I don’t believe a word coming out of your mouth. Your face is clearing saying there is much more going on! What have you done this time Ethan? Who are you planning to hurt with your own selfish needs?” She questioned her eyes giving him a hard glare.

Ethan saw the look on Gwen’s face. He saw the knowing gleam in her eyes and he quickly realized she was not backing down. She had somehow pieced things together in her mind. Gwen was not a stupid woman, and she knew he had yet again messed up. “Does it make you happy?” He finally spoke weakly, “Do you like the fact that I’ve messed up again?”

Gwen let out a long sigh, “So it’s true isn’t it? You and Whitney?”

“You don’t understand the situation.” Ethan whispered. “Whitney needed someone, and so did I.”

“Whitney needed someone?” Gwen spoke taken back, “What about the man she lives with and says she loves? And you Ethan? You needed someone? You have Theresa, you will always have Theresa. She’s not going anywhere ever!”

“You don’t understand.”

Gwen shook her head. There had been moments in her life when she wondered what she had saw in Ethan. This was one of those times. “I thought Chad was your best friend? Last time I checked he was practically the only friend you had left! Theresa is Whitney’s best friend, do you know what this will do to those two? Ethan do you just not care what you do to people? Does it not bother you that you are tearing friendships apart?”

“Now you’re jumping the gun.” Ethan frowned. “No friendship has been ruined and it won’t be.”

“And just why not?” Gwen questioned.

“Because Whitney called it off.” He spoke dropping his head. “She ended it tonight.”

Gwen was unaffected by the sadness in Ethan’s eyes. “And just what was ‘it’ anyway Ethan? What did you and Whitney have?” She watched Ethan stare down at the floor. His eyes were focusing on the carpet as he tapped his foot yet again. “Oh Ethan you’ve slept with her.”

“Once!” He spoke quickly. “Just once.”

“Once is enough to ruin her friendship with Theresa! Once is enough to ruin her relationship with Chad, and its all Chad will need to come over here and stomp you’re lying butt into the ground! You know what Ethan, when Theresa finds out, she might even hit you this time!”

“You’re enjoying this.” Ethan spoke watching as Gwen smirked at the thought of Theresa hitting him. “You are actually enjoying my pain.”

“No, I’ll enjoy seeing you get caught. I won’t enjoy seeing other’s hurt. Chad doesn’t deserve any of this Ethan. He never did anything to you.” She frowned. “So no, I don’t enjoy watching you mess up over and over. I do however think its time that you actually paid for your mistakes.”

“I did pay, when you divorced me and took our daughter.”

“You see your daughter whenever you want Ethan! And I would have never divorced you if you hadn’t kept running back to Theresa. I thought you two would finally get together and leave the rest of the world alone, but no that wasn’t good enough for you was it? You needed more drama in your life! And I thought Theresa was the drama queen.” She huffed picking up her purse. “You’ve made a huge mess Ethan, and when it all comes out you’ll have a hard time fixing things.”

“It won’t come out.” Ethan frowned. “Unless you plan to say something.”

Gwen shook her head, “No Ethan, you’re love life isn’t worth my time. I won’t say anything, but things will come out. They always do.”
----------------------------------------------------------------

Miguel stepped up on the Bennett porch to hear laughter in the house. His son was sleeping peacefully in his carrier not aware of anything going on around him. Miguel looked down at his son and took a deep breath. For the first time in a very long time he dreaded going into the Bennett home.

“Are you just going to stand there?” A male voice grunted suddenly bringing Miguel from his thoughts. He quickly looked up and saw a pair of blue eyes staring at him.

“Noah.” He gulped. “You’re home.”

“I’ve been waiting a long time to see you Miguel.” Noah spoke stepping outside and shutting the door behind him. “Since the moment my sister called me and told me she was pregnant with your child.”

If there had ever been any questions in Miguel’s mind about how Noah felt about the situation the angry glare in his eyes answered them for him. Kay’s big brother looked like he wanted to choke him.

“I don’t blame you for being angry.” Miguel frowned. “But I love my son.”

“You should love his mother too.” Noah growled. “My sister deserves better than this, and so does my cousin.”

“You’ve met Charity?” Miguel questioned.

“Not yet, she’s been in her room since I got here. Kay said she was going through something.” Noah replied. “But I guess it’s not easy for her to watch the man she loves raise a child with her cousin.”

Miguel let out a sigh, “You’re right Noah it’s not.”

“Well at least you admit it.” Noah huffed.

“Noah I really need to get Jamie in the house.” Miguel frowned looking down at his son.

Noah’s expression changed when his blue eyes fell upon the sleeping child. “My nephew.” He whispered. “He’s so, so tiny.” He muttered. “And beautiful.”

“He is that.” Miguel agreed.

“Look at that.” He smiled. “He has the Bennett nose.”

“There’s my little boy.” Kay spoke as the door opened and she walked out. Looking up at her brother she smiled, “Isn’t he perfect?”

“Totally.” Noah nodded back still in disbelief that his little sister had created a child. The infants tiny eyes opened for a moment then gently shut again as he moved one of his arms.

”You want to see him?” Kay asked. “Hold him maybe?”

“Oh I don’t know about that.” Noah frowned taking a step back. “I’m not too good with babies.”

“Well can you do me a favor and take him inside? I need to talk to Miguel for a second.”

“Kay I don’t know.” Noah frowned.

“He’s in his carrier Noah.” Kay laughed. “You won’t hurt him and Mom or Jess will grab him anyway once you get inside.”

Miguel handed the carrier over to Noah. “Glad to see you back in town Noah.” He spoke glancing over at Kay.

”Sure you are.” Noah smirked taking his nephew and walking in side.

“Want to tell me what was going on out here?” Kay questioned eyeing Miguel. “Noah didn’t say anything did he?”

“He hates me.” Miguel shrugged. “He made that pretty clear with just a look. Not that I blame him.”

“Miguel he doesn’t hate you. He’s just protective of me.” Kay smiled. “He’s married now, has a great wife that’s in the house.”

“No way!” Miguel gasped. “Married?”

“Yeah and they’re going to stay here in Harmony.” She nodded.

“So does that mean I’ll be hiding a lot?” Miguel questioned nervously.

Kay rolled her eyes, “Don’t worry I won’t let my brother hurt you.” Walking away from the door she sat down on the porch swing and sighed. “Jess says Charity’s been in her room since last night.” She spoke her blue eyes staring up at Miguel. “She’s going through something Miguel, and I’m worried about her.”

“These things she’s seeing from the past are really getting to her huh?” He questioned shoving his hands in his jean pockets.

“And what happened last night does not help things.” She spoke dropping her head. “It was a mistake Miguel, and we can’t ever let it happen again.”

Miguel shook his head, “It didn’t feel like a mistake.”

“Well it was.”

“So what do you want to do? Forget about it and never speak of it again?” Miguel asked sitting down beside her.

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do.” Kay spoke her voice stubborn. “You do love Charity right? And you do want to make her happy?”

“Yes I love her.” Miguel nodded.

“Then that kiss never happened.” She frowned. “It never happened Miguel.” She spoke sternly. She should no doubt or question on her face as her eyes stared at Miguel’s. She had to do this for Charity, after all the horrible things she had done in the past, she had to let Charity have a happy life.

“You’re not going to let this go are you?” Miguel frowned.

“I think you should go check on your girlfriend.” Kay whispered. “You two have a wedding to plan.”

“Kay I’m confused.” Miguel spoke grabbing her by the hand as she tried to move away.

“Well I’m not.” She lied. “Please Miguel, just let it go.” She felt tears welling in her eyes so she quickly turned away. “I love our friendship Miguel, I love that we are finally friends again. Please can’t we just keep our friendship running smoothly?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Miguel sighed. The doubt in his voice was obvious but he knew he couldn’t fight Kay. He did love Charity, and his feelings for Kay were simply mixed. The friendship he had with her was worth too much to him to loose. His son needed his parents to be friends and he couldn’t put that at risk. “So Noah’s wife, you really like her?”

“Yeah she seems nice.” Kay spoke turning to look at him. “Nice change of subject by the way.” She smirked. “She’s from Tennessee and she loves football.” She grinned.

“Oh?” Miguel spoke. “So you two have something common.”

“Well, she’s a Titan fan.” Kay frowned. “But hey nobody’s perfect right?”

“No they’re not.” Miguel sighed.

“I think it’s time we go inside.” Kay spoke feeling the tension on the porch once again. “I’ve missed my baby.” She smiled. “I can’t wait to hug him.”

“You’re a good mom Kay.” Miguel spoke as she opened the front door.

Turning back her gaze met his, “I just want my son to be a better person that me.” She shrugged.

________________________________________

Fox Crane smiled as he pulled out a chair for Theresa in the Book Café. “So I’m going to ask Kay Bennett out.” He spoke sitting down in front of her.

“You’re doing what? Fox have you lost your mind?” Theresa questioned her eyes becoming wide.

“There’s something about her.” He shrugged. “I’m not looking for a wife Theresa, just someone to have fun with.”

“She has a child.”

“So that means she can’t have fun?” Fox asked. “You enjoy life don’t you?”

“Yeah, but its Kay.” Theresa whined. “We’ve never really gotten along.”

“She puts you in your place.” Fox smirked.

“Does not!” Theresa shrieked. “We just don’t see eye to eye.” She muttered.

“Enough about Kay, how’s things on the Ethan front?” Fox asked taking a sip of his coffee.

Theresa frowned, “We’ve talked on the phone, but he’s been distant lately. I’m worried about him Fox.”

“Ethan is a big boy, he can take care of himself. You’re the one I’m worried about. You can’t put all your money on Ethan. He’s hurt you before Theresa, you can’t forget that.” Fox warned.

“He loves me Fox, I know Ethan loves me.” Theresa whispered.

“Has he told you that? Has he told you that he wants to be with you and that you are the only woman that matters to him Theresa? What has Ethan said to you?” Fox questioned.

“He told me that he wants to work on us. That means something Fox, that means he loves me and wants to be a family.” Theresa smiled.

“No Theresa, that means he wants to see if something is still there and how’s he going to find that out if he is never with you? Don’t let my brother break your heart again Theresa.”

Theresa smiled at Fox’s concern but shrugged it off, “Its sweet that you care about me Fox, but I can take care of myself.”

“Theresa there you are!” A voice spoke as the Book Café’ door opened.

Theresa’s brown eyes grew large when Ethan approached them. Her smile widened as she quickly stood up. “Ethan!” She giggled.

“Pilar said I’d find you here.” Ethan spoke wrapping an arm around her waist as he shot a glare at Fox. “I thought you might like to have dinner tonight?” He questioned. “Talk about us?”

“Oh Ethan I’d love too.”

“If you’ll excuse us Fox.” Ethan grunted. “We have plans.”

As Theresa gathered her stuff together Fox stood up and whispered in his brother’s ear, “Hurt her, and I’ll hurt you.”

______________________________________________

After what seemed like hours of searching Julian had successfully located his father’s safe and was quickly examining the content. Sheridan was still reeling from the news that Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald was her brother, but was able to rake through all the papers her father had stored.

“I don’t get it Julian? What are we looking for anyway?”

“A smoking gun.” Julian replied. “Anything that will be useful to us Sheridan. We need something to hold over our father’s head.”

“Julian that could take all night.” Sheridan frowned. “I have to get back to my son soon. Somehow I have to tell Antonio that he isn’t that baby’s father and find a way to be with Luis once and for all.”

Julian scanned the document he was holding and frowned, “I think I found your answer.”

Sheridan quickly moved away from the desk to where Julian sat near the wall. “What did you find? Something on father?”

“Sheridan, I think you should look at this.” Julian sighed. “And I promise you, I had no idea about it.”

Sheridan grabbed the paper and began to read. “It’s dates that father has made payments to someone.” Sheridan frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“Look at the name Sheridan.” Julian frowned. “And the dates.”

“No.” She whispered. “Julian no.” She cried tears beginning to fall down her face. “Oh my gosh, this can’t be happening.”

“The numbers don’t lie my dear.” Julian frowned.

“Father was giving Antonio money? But for what?” Sheridan questioned.

“You poor naïve girl.” Julian sighed. “Look down at those dates, look at the day with the biggest payment. Look close and think Sheridan.”

Sheridan let out a gasp and slapped her hand over her mouth. “My wedding day to Antonio.” She swallowed. “Father gave Antonio a million dollars that day?” She spoke her blue eyes looking up at Julian. “This starts before I got off the island Julian, before I even had my memory back.” She whispered.

“Father was paying your husband to keep you from Luis my dear.” Julian frowned. “That’s the only thing this could mean.”

“Julian no.” Sheridan whimpered. “Antonio wouldn’t.”

“I’m afraid so my darling sister.” Julian nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

“I can’t believe this, I just can’t.” Sheridan wept. “I feel so used, so betrayed.” She spoke. “Julian, how could they do this to me?”

“Greed is a funny thing Sheridan.” Julian sighed as his sister rested her head on his shoulder. Julian was almost shocked as he put his arms around his sister. “You’re free now Sheridan, free of Antonio, and after I get done with father, you’ll be free of him too.”

____________________________________________

Eve Russell looked up from her desk to see her daughter standing at the door. Whitney’s face was tear stained and her eyes were sad. “Whitney?” Eve questioned. “Whitney what’s wrong?” Eve asked quickly standing.

“Mom I told Ethan it was over.” She whispered. “I told him I was staying with Chad.”

“Oh sweetie.” Eve spoke hugging her daughter. “I know that was hard for you.”

“He looked so sad mom, so broken.” Whitney cried. “I just blurted it all out and then I just left.”

“Oh my poor baby.” Eve frowned. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

“I did the right thing didn’t I mom?” Whitney asked. “I mean, this was the best for everyone.”

“Yes Whitney, I suppose it was.” Eve nodded. “It took a lot of strength to do what you did. I’m very proud of you.”

Whitney frowned, “Mom, if I did the right thing, what does it hurt like it does?” She whimpered. “What if I just made the biggest mistake of my life?”

Eve sighed, “Oh Whitney, it will get better in time.”

“But what if it doesn’t mom? What if it never gets better?”