Chad and Ethan woke up as the sun hit the window.

“ Awe, close it up.”, Chad whined.

” You close it up.”

” I’m not moving.”

” Me neither.”

Both men stayed where they were for awhile.

” I guess we should get up.”, Chad replied.  Chad got up and pulled open the curtains.

” You are evil!”, Ethan snarled.

“ Yeah, I am.”, Chad laughed.

“ Well, I guess we can order something from room service.”

” No, man. We should go to the Russells. Today is the day for brunch, and it’s ALWAYS rockin’. Way better than a hotel.”

Ethan looked at him skeptically.

” I’m serious. I’m getting showered and dressed.”, Chad said, leaving Ethan.

Ethan shrugged, and went into the bedroom to get ready.
 

Eve tugged at TC’s arm.

“ It’s so good to wake up in your arms again.”

TC kissed her head. “ You have a good sleep.”

“ Great one. Even though it was storming, I was with you, and so I felt safe.”

“ I’ll always be there for you. For my family.”

” I know. It’s one of the things I love most about you.”

“ While this has been fun. Don’t ya think we should get home?”

” You don’t fool me, TC Russell. You just want to get some of Madelaine’s weekly brunch.”

TC laughed. “ Am I that obvious?”

“ Well…..to be honest, I’m starving. I’ve been thinking hard about it too.”

They laughed.

“ Well, if we shared a shower, we could get finished all the quicker.”, TC suggested.

Eve slapped his arm. “You know darn well that I know what you’re thinking.”

“ Then don’t let a man down. Baby, I can’t help that I’m a man.”

Eve nibbled his ear. “ Then be a man! Last one to the shower…”, Eve said, jumping out of the bed to make a mad dash for the shower.

“ Has the most fun.”, TC laughed.
 

Gwen smiled as she brought tea into the living room at the Cottage.

” Thanks for the night, Sheridan. I’m so glad that you offered for me to stay over.”

” I knew that Ethan wanted to try and bond with Chad, and that it included that male bonding stuff. So, why not have a girls night out with my best friend?”

” It was like old times. And, I wanted Ethan to have this time with Chad.”

“ How is Ethan taking it? I’ve been trying to read him, and he’s been pretty close to the vest about it.”

” I think Chad’s parentage was a shock to him. But, he liked Chad before. And, I think he regrets that his relationship with Nicholas isn’t good. He wants more with Chad.”

” Good for him. Ever since Chad’s paternity was revealed, Julian and I have gotten closer. I’ve seen another side to him. We might have a real relationship after all.”

” I hope so, Sheridan. Because, I know you want it.”

” How about we go for a ride this morning? I always love riding after a big rain. “

” Me too. Let’s go to the stables.”
 

Julian was drinking his morning coffee when Ivy came in.

” Julian, did you see Ethan? I went by his room, but he wasn’t there?”

” He’s probably with Chad.”

” Chad?”

” Yes, Ivy. Ethan’s brother. Ethan wanted to get to know his brother better.”

Julian looked at Ivy. He could see the wheels in her mind were running overtime.

” Don’t even think it, Ivy.”

” What?”

” Don’t even think about whatever plan you THINK you have to harm my son. As I told you before, I’ll cut your knees off before I let you harm him.”

“ Julian…Dear…you are too suspicious.”

“ I know you. Like a book. So, put it out…” Julian didn’t get to finish his thoughts because a man from Crane Security ran into the house.

” Sorry, Mr. Crane. But, the patrol just radioed in. There’s something that they think you should see.”

Julian and Ivy followed the Security Guard away from the Mansion towards the Crane forest. Julian heard Sheridan’s screams before he heard anything else.

” Oh my God!”, Ivy shouted.

Julian just stared at the picture in front of him.

There was Alistair Crane.

Swinging from a tree where he had been hung.