Whitney rushed back into the living room with a glass of water and a towel in her hand. “Here Daddy!” She cried handing them both to her father. At T.C.’s command Whitney ran into the kitchen to get the things her father requested. As soon as Eve hit the floor the entire room with frantic. Simone started screaming, and T.C. rushed to her side, picked her up and laid her on the couch then ordered Whitney to get the things she had just brought in while Liz, who was secretly cursing Eve tried to calm a frightened Simone.

“Daddy what’s wrong with her?!” Simone asked tears falling down her face. “Why won’t she wake up.”

T.C. sighed heavily. “Sugarbear just calm down.” He stated. “I know your upset, but I need to concentrate.”

Liz. seeing T.C. was trying his best to keep his temper calm, and his emotions in check, decided to lend a hand. “Simone, why don’t you come with me into the kitchen.” She suggested. “We can get you some thing to drink to calm you down.”

Simone shook her head stubbornly. “No,” She stated. “I’m staying. I want to stay.”

Whitney walked over to her sister and took her hand. “Listen honey I think Liz is right.” She stated. “Maybe it is best that you leave the room.”

“Damn it, Whitney I am not........”

“Simone do it!” T.C. yelled from where he was kneeling besides Eve.

Simone looked at her father in shock, and then her face clouded over in anger. “Fine!” She screamed. “How about I do one better and just leave it’s not like any one treats me like I am a part of this family any way!” She stated marching towards the door.

“Simone, get back here!” T.C. yelled ready to charge after her, but realized he could not leave Eve. “Damn it!”

Whitney shook her head. “Daddy, it’s alright I’ll go!” She stated rushing to where Simone ran off.

Whitney managed to catch up with Simone right as she was leaving the drive way. “Simone, wait!” She called grabbing her arm.

Simone angrily snatched her arm back from her sisters reach. “Get off of me!” She demanded.

Whitney looked at her sister in disbelief. “Simone what is wrong with you?” She asked. “Why are you acting this way?”

“What way?” Simone asked angrily. “You mean sweet, and naive!” She screamed at her sister. “Maybe because the blinders or finally off of my eyes. But they have been off for some time now.”

Whitney shook her head in confusion. “What?” She asked. “What are you talking about Simone what blinders?”

“You know damn well what I am talking about Whitney!” Simone screamed angrily. “The way people are always treating me like shit !” “Like I do not even exist! Especially you! You have no regards for me or my feelings.”

Whitney ran a frustrated hand through her curls. “I can not believe that you are being this selfish!” She stated. “Some thing could be wrong with our mother, and all you could do is talk about your......”

“I’m selfish!” Simone screamed back at her sister. “Please Whitney! You wrote the book on selfish! You just have to have every thing! The parents respect, the good tennis career, the good grades, and the love that should have been mine! No, Whitney you are not only selfish but you are a cruel mean, not trustworthy backstabbing bitch!”

“Alright Simone now that is enough!” Whitney screamed. “How could you say that. I have never done any thing hurtful to you. At least intentionally, so I have no idea what you are talking about be......”

“Yes you do!” Simone screamed. “You know exactly what I am talking about you. Both you AND Chad.” She stated through gritted teeth.

Almost seconds later it was as if a ton of bricks slapped her with ten times their weight in her face. Her and Chad. Simone. She knew. As tears began to cloud her she took a step closer to her sister. “Simone please,” She begged. “Let me explain.”

Simone smirked bitterly. “Explain what?” She asked. “Like I said the blinders or off. I know what’s been going on Whitney, despite what you and Chad must have thought I am not as stupid as you think.”

“Simone,” Whitney said taking a shaky breath. “It was not about that at all. I promise okay. Just let me tell you.....”

The stinging of Simone’s slap instantly shut her up, and caused the first wave of tears to fall. “I have been played for a fool Whitney!” Simone raged her. “The one thing I ask you not to do is insult me ant more than you have already tried. I will never listen to, or believe another word that escapes you lips you lying slut.” And as tears began to rise from the aching of her heart, she turned away from her sister and rushed off.
 

Whitney wanted to call after her, but she knew even if she did there was nothing she could say. Nothing she could do to even make her sister listen to her at the moment, so wiping at her eyes, she looked away from Simone’s direction and headed back into the house.

As Whitney entered the house, she found her father, and Liz standing up alone in the living room. Her mother was no longer laying on the couch. “Daddy, what happened where is mom did she wake up?” She asked.

T.C. nodded his head. “Yes sweet heart.” She answered. “Your mother said she was not feeling well. She went up stairs a few minutes ago, and said she’d be down in a little while. She said there was some thing that she had to say. To all of us.”

Whitney nodded her head in understanding. “Well as long as there is nothing really wrong with her.” She stated.

T.C. shook his head. “No, she must have a little cold or some thing.” He stated walking closer and putting his hands on his daughters shoulder. His eyes fell on hers and he realized that they were a little watery and red. “Honey are you okay?” He asked. “It looks like you’ve been crying.”

Whitney shrugged some. “Simone and I just had a little tiff that’s all.” She said lying.

T.C. sighed angrily. “Dammit, what is wrong with that girl?” He asked. “You know lately she has had a lot more of an attitude with me and Eve, and now she’s taking it out on you. Where the hell is she now?” He asked.

Whitney shrugged. “I don’t know I think she was headed in the direction of Kay’s.” She stated. “But, daddy please don’t be mad at her. Simone is at that age where she feel’s she has the world on her shoulders. Remember, I had that time too.”

T.C. nodded his head. “Yea, but you were nowhere near as out of control as she was.”

Whitney shrugged. “Well, things are different for me and her.” She stated. “I mean, for one I had Theresa always by my side when I could not talk to you. Simone usually has Kay and her others friends, but look at their lives. Not only is Kay pregnant by Miguel, but both their families lives are in total chaos. I mean, the Bennett’s with this David Hastings guy, and Miguel’s family having to deal with Antonio. That’s a lot of any one’s plate you know. So please, for my sake, take it easy on her.” She asked.

T.C. smiled down at Whitney. “Sweet heart I am so proud of you.” He stated hugging her some. “I mean, your so willing to help your sister, even when her actions have hurt you.”

Liz averted her eyes some as T.C.’s words fell from his mouth.

“Well what are sisters for?” Whitney asked as she and her father departed. “I mean, I know I have done things to upset her, and she’s forgiven me. It would not be fair if I just suddenly decided that I was going to do every thing I could to make her miserable. I mean, two wrongs don't make it right, you taught us that remember.” Liz frowned a little more as the words came close to home for her.

“Your right Whitney.” Every one looked up as Eve descended the stairs and entered the living room. “Two wrongs don’t make it right. I can remember receiving that lesson a long time ago myself. I just wish others did.” She said her eyes locking with Liz’s for a brief moment.

T.C. walked closer to his wife. “Honey are you okay?” He asked. “I mean, you kind of rushed off before just saying you’d be back to tell us some thing.”

Eve nodded her head. “Yes, I did.” She stated. “Some thing that I have known for a month or so now, or at least suspected I knew, but was not very sure how to tell you before you heard it from some one else.”

Whitney frowned some. “Well Mom, what is it?” She asked. “Your making it sound as if you have some big secret from us.” She said smiling some.

Eve nodded her head. “Well it is big.” She stated. “Nothing small at all.”

“So what is it honey?” T.C. asked. “Because like Whitney said it does sound important.”

Eve sighed heavily. “Like I said it is.” She stated. “T.C., Whitney I......”

"Wait Eve,” Liz suddenly spoke up.

Eve looked away from Liz, and let the words spill out. “I’m pregnant.” She announced.

Liz’s entire face fell in utter shock, as did T.C.’s. “Pregnant?” Liz echoed.

Eve nodded her head solemnly. “Yes Liz, pregnant.” She stated. “Two and a half months.”

Whitney smiled as big as her lips could go. “Oh my God, Mom.” She stated rushing over to her and embracing her. “This is wonderful news.”

Eve managed to hide her sadness behind a smile for her daughter. “Thank you Sweetheart.” She stated holding her tightly for a second the releasing her. “But there is some thing else I have to say.” She stated. “And I think this could maybe put a damper on the mood.”

“I don’t see how.” T.C. said speaking up with a smile on his face. “Eve, Honey, you're pregnant!” He said rushing to her and spinning her around the room. “We're going to have a baby!”

After planting her down on the floor he planted a huge kiss on her lips. “This is wonderful.” He stated. “I’m going to be a father all over again. Oh God, I can’t wait! Who knows maybe this time we’ll have a boy. A son Eve, just think of it!”

Eve tried to hide her tears, but they still fell from her eyes. “T.C. please, I said there was some thing else I had to say.”

“But what else could top this Eve!” T.C. asked happily slapping his hands together. “Ha! We are going to be parents again!”

Eve sighed heavily and wiped at her eyes some. “T.C. listen to me okay!” She said her voice suddenly stern. “I need to tell you some thing!”

T.C. finally stopped gloating and looked down at Eve seeing that she was serious. “Eve,” He said taking her hand. “Baby what’s the matter? What has you so upset when this should be one of the happiest times in our lives.”

Before Eve could speak, Liz stepped forward. “T.C.’s right Eve.” She stated causing Eve to look at her in confusion. “This should be one of the happiest moments in any parents life, and nothing should discourage it.”

Eve looked back at her sister, not really sure of what to make out of what she was up to. “Liz, what are you saying?” She asked.

Liz shrugged as she let a small smile play on her lips. “I am saying that you should not let any thing ruin your happiness tonight.” She stated. “Trust me. I am sure that what you were going to say is that you were worried about having a child so late in life, right?” She asked hoping Eve was getting the message.

Eve was hesitant to play along with Liz’s game. Liz had prevented her from being truthfully honest with her family before, just so that she could destroy them, was this just another one of her games. T.C. looked down at his wife, the concern radiating in his eyes. “Eve, honey is Liz right?” She asked. “Are you really just worried about having a baby at your age.”

Eve looked back at T.C., and was unmoving for a moment, and although it was against her better judgment she nodded her head. “Yes honey,” She answered with a short sigh. “I mean, after all I am older than Grace and....” Her voice lowered some. “Look what happened to her just a year ago.”

T.C. smiled as he pulled Eve into hug. “Honey, just relax.” He soothed in a calm voice. “Besides the fact that you are in perfect health, what happened to Grace was due to the fact t hat Sam was keeping secrets from her.” He pulled back from Eve and looked her in the eyes. “I am not keeping any thing from you. Just as you aren’t keeping any thing from me. Our marriage is based on love, and complete trust with each other.”

Eve let here eyes wander up to her sister as T.C. spoke, but Liz would not face her, she just looked away. Whitney then stepped forward. “Well,, I think we should celebrate.” She stated. “We should all go out to the Lobster Shack tonight.” She stated.

T.C. shook his head smiling. “No way baby, this is big news, so we are going to celebrate in a big way. Pack your bags honey because we are going to the Seascape.”

Eve smiled some at her husband and daughter's excitement. “Oh T.C. Honey, thank you.” She stated. “Thank you for making me feel better.”

“Well you should get used to being treated like a queen.” T.C. stated. “Because for the next 8 months, that is how things are going to be for you. Royalty.” He smiled kissing her cheek. “Hey, I have another great idea. We should call Sam and Grace. You know they have been having a rough time lately, and I hear from Sam that Ivy went out with her family, we could all make a night of it.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Eve stated overjoyed.

T.C. nodded his head. “Great.” He stated. “I’ll go call, and you all get dressed.” He said headed into the kitchen.

Whitney looked back at her mom smiling. “Oh Mom, I am so happy for you.” She stated hugging her again. “I just have the best feeling in the world about this baby. I think your finally going to get yourself a guy."

Eve averted her eyes some, ignoring the pain in her heart that brought back memories of when she was pregnant with Julian’s baby. “Honey, you should go up stairs and get dressed.” She stated. “We’ll be leaving in a little while.”

Whitney nodded her head still smiling, and gave her mother one more quick hug before running up stairs. After watching her daughter go, Eve looked back to Liz, who had finally managed to face her. With uncertainty, she took a small step forward. “So,” She said out loud. “What was that?” She asked. “Another attempt to stop me from telling T.C. and the girls so you could.”

Liz looked away for a minute, then let her eyes find her sisters. “You were right when you said that I was doing to you what you did to me.” She stated. “I was purposely destroying your life, and for any pain that I may have caused your family.....or you I am so........” She shook her head some. “I regret. To say I am sorry would be lying.”

Eve nodded her head in understanding, suddenly feeling like the bricks were being lifted. “So you mean your not going to tell T.C. and my girls about.....my past?” She asked.

Liz shook her head. “No.” She answered. “As much as I thought I wanted to, I doubt I could ever be that evil.” She shrugged some. “And besides, now that your, with child......well I just would not feel right if any thing happened to an innocent baby so I am just going to back off.”

A tear of relief and silent rejoicing slipped from Eve’s eye. “Thank you Liz.” She stated. “That means more to me than you’ll ever know.” Her sister said nothing. “So, where does this leave us.”

Liz looked back to Eve, her eyes narrowed just a little. “There is no us Eve..” She stated. “I still hurt because of the pain you caused me and part of me wants to lash out and hurt you with every breath I take. You lost your little sister a long time ago, that much is certain. I lost her too. We both lost who we were as children and all we can do is move on with the lives we created for ourselves. Yours here, and mine on St. Lisa’s.”

Eve looked up some surprised. “You're going back?” She asked.

Liz nodded her head. “Nothing keeping me here.” She stated. “The first chance I get to catch a plan I’ll be taking it.”

“But what about Antonio?” Eve asked.

Liz looked at her sister with some sadness. “Like you he moved on.” She stated. “Forgetting about me.”

Eve shook her head. “Liz it’s not......”

“He has Sheridan, and his family.” Liz said, cutting her sister off not wanting to her from her . “He will be taken care of.” She shrugged. “So that’s the ending. Every one has their happily even after except me. That’s all folks.”

Eve was not really sure on how to respond. She felt terrible for her sister, but at the same time she felt so much relief for herself. Before either of them could say any thing else, T.C. came back from the kitchen. “Are you two still here?” He asked smiling.

Liz looked at him, and managed to shake back her rising tears. “Yes, T.C. I was just giving Eve my personal congratulations on her pregnancy, and telling her how I wish you both the nest.”

“Oh, Honey isn’t the sweet of Liz?” He asked.

Eve nodded her head. “Yes, it is.” She stated.

Liz smiled. “Well I’ll go and get ready for dinner.” She stated leaving the room and heading up stairs.

Eve watched her go sadly. She then looked back at T.C. “We had better go get ready to.” She said with a small smile.

T.C. nodded his head, but before she could pull away, he pulled her back into her arms, and let his lips fall on hers in a soft but passionate kiss. As they parted, he looked back at her. “Just to tell you how much I love you and how happy I am.” He stated.

Eve smiled up at him, tears brimming her eyes. But for once, they were tears of joy, and she could not began to remember the last time she cried for that reason. Happiness had come to seem like a foreign concept these last few months. But it had finally found her, and for once, she had no problem with letting her tears flow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

“So, tell me how do you like the married life?” Savannah asked Ethan as they danced together at the Seascape restaurant while the others made conversation at the table and awaited their food.

Ethan smiled some. “It has it’s ups and downs.” He admitted. “It’s just that  there is so much going on right now. I am trying to help mother on this divorce, when I am not out trying to get a job away from Crane industries, and trying to get a house out side of the Mansion.” He frowned some. “I can’t tell you how rough it’s been. Gwen and I have a meeting in a couple days with an apartment owner. We have spoke to her, and she said we had good credit in all, but still you never know anymore.”

Savannah smiled secretly to herself as she looked up at Ethan. “Well I have a feeling that if you think positive this meeting might be a plus for you.” ‘Especially with Theresa not manipulating behind the scenes.

Ethan smirked. “Yea, well I sure hope so.” He stated. “Because my luck lately hasn’t been the best.”

“Things will turn up Ethan.” Savannah said with a supportive smile. “I am almost so sure I would bet my life on it.”

“That sure?” Ethan asked smiling.

“Hey, I said ALMOST.” Savannah stated laughing with him.

Gwen, from where she was sitting at the table looked to Ivy. “I have to admit, I had know idea Ethan and his sister were so close.” She stated. “In fact, I think if she wasn’t his sister I’d be a little jealous.”

Ivy smiled as her eyes fell on her son and daughter. “Yes, they are really close.” She agreed. “Which makes me so happy, because I was afraid that after his true paternity came out he would feel some what deserted by the rest of his siblings. But I guess I should have know better. Savannah was always a good person.”

Rebecca smiled looking across the table at Theresa. “Yes, I am sure that she is always there for her family.” She stated smirking some.

Theresa rolled her eyes and looked away from Rebecca. Fox leaned in some towards Theresa. “Don’t let that old hag get to you.” He whispered in her ear. “She’s only jealous because you have the title she so desperately wants.”

Theresa shook her head and looked at Fox. “Believe me, I am not worried about Rebecca.” He stated. “I can more than handle her. But Savannah has proven to be a challenge.”

Fox nodded his head knowingly. Then an idea popped into his head. “You know what, you’ve been stressing far to long over this thing. How a bout a little spin around the dance floor.”

Theresa smiled some, but shook her head. “No thanks Fox.” She stated. “I would rather just stay here.”

“Come on,” Fox pushed a little. “I think that maybe if you enjoyed yourself it could take your mind off of things.”

“But that’s just the thing I want to keep my mind sharp.” Theresa stated. “If I make one mistake. I don’t think it is safe I let my guard down for a second.”

Fox sighed some, but persisted. “Theresa, I promise I will not let Savannah hurt you.” He stated.

Theresa smirked some. “What can you do Fox?” She asked. “Your sister has the upperhand like you said.”

“Theresa, I promise I would never let her hurt you.” Fox stated sincerely. “And I am going to do whatever I can to stop her from trying.”

Theresa smiled some. “Eve though she is your own flesh a blood, and I am just your fathers accidental wife?” She asked.

Fox smirked and shrugged. “Like you said before we are both Cranes, but were on the outside looking in.” He stated. “Besides, I know my sister, and if I sit here down, and really, really talk to her it may not even get to me having to try and stop some plot she had against you. Savannah can be reasoned with. I know she can.” He then smiled. “And you know what. A good way to show her you would not be intimidated is to get out there on the dance floor and have a good time, and I act like your not scared. Then maybe she would.....I don’t know get a case of the goods and back off.”

Theresa smirked some. “Yea, well forgive me I have never seen any Crane woman get a case of the goods.” She stated.

“Come one Theresa don’t make me beg.” Fox pleaded his blue eyes looking directly into her big brown eyes.

Theresa could not help but smile at how he was always going out of his way to try and make her feel better. She had to admit, although she knew he was doing it just to get close to her, she liked the attention. It was nice to have some one on her side who actually enjoyed her company. She had really missed that. And Fox was the only person she ever felt comfortable around lately. She could confide in him. Not like her mother, or Whitney. All they ever did was chastise her, but Fox......he was sweet.

Sighing heavily she nodded her head. “Alright.” She stated. “Lets give it a whirl.” She said standing with him.

“Alright, that’s my girl.” Fox said walking with her to the dance floor secretly rejoicing over his victory.

Ivy rolled her eyes in disgust as Fox and Theresa began to dance together. “God, look at that girl, she has no shame.” She stated.

Rebecca smirked. “Please, are you just noticing that.” She asked. “That girl is like a vulture when it comes to the Crane men.”
 

Ivy nodded her head. “Yes, she is the whore in the family.” She stated. “Or, since she’s been with Ethan, Julian and is now trying to suck in Fox I suppose the correct term would be the whore OF the family.” She then looked to Julian. “Although I am sure that does not bother you.”

Julian shrugged. “Why should it?” He stated. “Although I can’t even remember my night of passion with Theresa, I would give any thing if I could forget what it was like every time I got close to you.”

“Ditto.” Ivy stated. “But even still, you could have done a hell of a lot better for a third wife.”

“If you ask me he should have stopped at number two.” Rebecca stated. “But still no worries. Once I get the information I need on Theresa, I’ll be the only Mrs. Crane. Isn’t that right pokey.”

Julian only let a tight smile cross his lips, and he then looked to Ivy. “Um...Ivy, how about a dance.”

“What?” All three women at the table looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

“You want to dance with her?” Rebecca asked hitting him in the arm.

“What on earth have you been drinking Julian?” Ivy asked in disgust.

He only smiled. “Oh come on Ivy, for old times sake.” He pressed giving her a kind of begging look.

Ivy eyed him some, but she quickly realized that he was trying to tell her he wanted to tell her something. “Well, I guess I can force my legs to tolerate you for a short while.” She stated unbuckling the belt on her wheel chair.

“Ah, that’s wonderful.” Julian said quickly standing and rushing over to Ivy’s side.

With a little strain Ivy stood from her chair, baring down on Julian’s hand harder than she had too, and then walked with him to the dance floor. Julian smile down at Ivy. “Isn’t this just like old times Darling?” He asked. “I can remember many at night we swayed at the seascape.”

“Cut the crap Julian, what do you want?” Ivy asked trying to concentrate on Julian, and her legs at the same time.

Julian placed on a wounded face. “Why my pet you insult me.” He stated. “All I wanted was a friendly dance, I mean, I knew that you had been walking of late and thought you’d like to take a stroll down memory lane with me.....”

“Julian, either tell me what you want, or let me go sit down please” Ivy stated. “I am in no mood for your obvious beating around the bush.”

Julian sighed heavily as she saw through his help. “Oh alright fine.” He stated. “It’s Rebecca. I need you to help me get her off my back.” Ivy laughed directly in his face causing him to narrow his eyes some. “Did I say some thing amusing dear?” He asked through gritted teeth.

Ivy sustained her laughter long enough to look at Julian. “Yes.” She answered. “It’s just the fact that you expect me to do you a favor.” She informed. “The very thought just makes me giggle.”

Julian rolled his eyes. “Oh come off it Ivy, I am a desperate man here.” He stated.

Ivy smirked. “Well if your coming to me that much is obvious.” She stated. “Sorry Julian, no go. Not going to do it you put your self in this mess, so I suggest you fix it before Rebecca has to......if you.” She said smirking evilly as she let her eyes roam down to his “little Julian.”

Julian rolled his eyes, still not willing to give up. “Ivy please, I have already shed two wives, now I am on my last one and I have no intention of taking another.”

“Which is another reason I won’t help you.” Ivy declared. “Divorcing me with nothing to show for it after twenty five plus years.”

“Well Ivy, we all make mistakes.” Julian said trying to play innocent. “Besides, you are contesting the divorce.”

“Which is going nowhere.” Ivy stated. “You have those damn lawyers of yours blocking off Ethan’s every tactic.”

“It’s what they are trained to do.” Julian stated.

Ivy rolled her eyes. “Julian, I am quickly getting bored,” Ivy stated. “Now just tell Rebecca no and get extra security around the mansion or some thing.”

“If it were only that easy.” Julian stated. “Ivy, she’s blackmailing me. With very, very incriminating evidence.”

“Not my problem.” Ivy said in boredom.

Julian sighed some, and then his eyes lit up almost a second later. “Alright, how about I sweeten the deal.” He suggested. “If you help me, I will give you unlimited access back to the mansion. You could come and go as you please with no hassle what so ever from Theresa.”

“Thank you, but no.” Ivy stated bluntly. “Why on earth would I go back there, when I am under the same roof as Sam. That is a very pathetic offer Julian. Your losing your touch to barging. You better be careful, or else Big Al. may have Theresa take your place at Crane Industries.” She smiled. “Wouldn’t that be some thing. You finally getting your comeuppance as well. God knows you deserve it. And now with Rebecca black mailing you with only God knows what vicious deed, it my be just around the corner.”

“Could you stop filling your head with wishful thinking long enough to listen to me.” Julian stated.

Ivy sighed heavily. “Julian I already told you no, now let me go back to my chair.” She stated.

“Okay, wait another offer.” Julian suggested.

“I strongly doubt my answer will be any thing but different.” Ivy stated.

Julian smiled, “Oh but I think it will.” He stated. “A settlement.” He said feeling lucky.

Ivy looked up at him raising her eye brow suspiciously as she did so often. “Excuse me?” She questioned. “Settlement?”
 

Julian nodded his head. “Yes, a settlement.” He stated. “On our divorce. I am willing to pay you a suitable amount of money to see that you, as well as your precious Ethan live comfortable until the day you die, and then some.”

Ivy let a look of contemplation take offer her face, making Julian happy to see that she was taking him up on his offer. “Well, exactly how much money are we talking here?” She asked.

“Well, we have been married for over twenty five years so I guess to be fair.....twenty five million.” Julian stated.

Ivy’s eyes sparkled at the thought of having that much money, and being free of Julian as well as his name at the same time. “Twenty five million.” She echoed running the number in her head.

Julian looked down at her hopefully as he saw her wheels turning. “A deal?” He asked.

Ivy’s cold blue eyes locked with his for a moment, and she smirked some. “Deal.” She said taking the offer.

Julian's face lit up happily. “Oh Ivy, I can not tell you how happy you have made me.” He stated.

Ivy shrugged. “It was a sucker deal.” She stated. “I have always wanted to get rid of Rebecca so seeing her not become Mrs. Crane is also in my favor as well.”

Julian nodded his head. “True, but don’t jump the gun so fast.” He stated. “You have to first help me find a way to stop her, then we get rid of her and you get your money.”

Ivy nodded her head as the music stopped. “But I am curious Julian?” She asked. “Why come to me for help. I mean, with your devious father and all of your cutthroat friendsm why would you come to a woman who hates you with an unending passion?”

“Well, besides the fact that you are one of the most cutthroat and evil people that I know,” Julian stated. “You have known Rebecca for some time. I was hoping you could dig up some past dirt, deliver it to me, and get her to back off.”

“Well, Rebecca is certainly no squeaky clean that’s for sure.” Ivy stated. “I am sure that it would not be hard to gather information about her and put a stop to her devilish deeds.”

Julian extended his hand. “In the process, get you what you want.” He stated.

Ivy smiled as she excepted his hand. “Always.” She answered. “Remember that.”

From where they stood after the song, Fox managed to look up and his eyes fell on his parents shaking hands. “Whoa.” He stated. “I wonder what that’s about.”

Theresa looked up, and then followed Fox’s eyes to where Julian and Ivy were. She frowned some. “I don’t know but it certainly can not be good. For me at least.”

Fox smirked. “Please, whenever those to are doing some thing together it isn’t good for the world.” He stated.

Theresa laughed some. “I agree.” She stated. “But thank you for the dance. It was fun, and it did help me clear my mind of things.”

Fox smiled some. “It was my pleasure.” He said as he leaned down to her and surprised her by giving her a quick, but meaningful kiss on the cheek. And then, without waiting to see her reaction, he walked back to the table.

Theresa brought her hand to her cheek some, shocked at Fox’s gesture. Even more so at the fact that she felt a jolt some what pass through her body at his kiss. Looking back to the table, she saw he had taken his seat besides Savannah, but was still looking back at her. With those amazingly beautiful blue eyes. So warm, and full of ......

“Theresa.” She heard her name and quickly turned around at the voice.

“Ethan,” She said looking up at him a smile quickly finding her face. “Is there some thing I can do for you?” She asked.

Ethan shook his head. “I just wanted to see if you were okay.” He stated. “I saw you standing up here by yourself. Is every thing alright?” He asked.

Theresa shook her head some. “Oh it was nothing, I’m fine.” She stated.

“Are you sure?” Ethan asked. “Because I saw you dancing with Fox. He didn’t say any thing to upset you did he?” He asked suddenly coming on guard.

“Oh Ethan please,” Theresa stated smiling. “Fox is sweet. He is not as bad as every one makes him to be.”

“Theresa you don’t know him well enough to defend him.” Ethan stated. “He’s just playing nice now, but his true colors will eventually show, and when that happens I do not want to see you get hurt.”

“Yea, well it’s a bit late to be worrying about my hurt, and mind you Fox was not responsible for that.” Theresa stated shocking both herself and Ethan at how she was suddenly defending Fox and with the tone she took with Ethan.

Ethan frowned some. “Theresa, I’m sorry I didn’t mean....”

Theresa shook her head quickly. “No, no it’s me I.....” She sighed some. “I guess its because Fox has really been a comfort to me this last month or so he’s been home, and I hate that every one misjudges him so.”

Ethan sighed sadly. “Theresa you're a big girl now.” He stated. “Not the little girl I used to feel I could protect from every thing that stood against you. So I guess that your just going to have to see Fox in his true light in your own time. I just hope and pray that when that time comes he has not hurt you too much.”

Once again, Theresa’s first urge was to snap at Ethan, but she quickly bit her tongue, and silenced her emotions. “Look Ethan your right, I am a grown woman now.” She stated. “So lets just let your brother be some thing that we agree to disagree on.”

Ethan felt it to be against his better judgment to just leave Theresa to Fox’s mercy, but he wouldn’t. Although he hated to deceive her, he would just have to deal with Fox when ever she was not around. “Okay,” He stated in a mundane voice. “I guess that sounds fair.”

Theresa shook her head, and then, over the speakers, as song began to feel both their ears, and in that moment, all of time stopped for Theresa.
 

Let me close my eyes
let me see,
Give me hope tonight
give me, me
touch my heart I cry
and I live
I live alone tonight, my dreams

Ethan looked down at Theresa as the familiar words began to feel his ears and the memory came flooding back. The memory of the cabin, of the song that he and Theresa song and it felt like they were their again. In that moment in time, their hands joined, their voices in tune singing together, their eyes locked. Her beautiful brown eyes. Looking in those eyes, Ethan remembered a beautiful dreamer, a starry eyed hopeless romantic, the women he fell in love with.
 
 
 
 

Hold me
give me e place
Help me,
find my way.

Theresa looked up at Ethan a small smile playing on her lips. “Would you like to dance?” She asked.

Ethan looked down at her, back into those brown eyes hoping to find the same woman, hoping to find the starry eyed hopeless romantic, and for a brief moment, he almost thought he did, but seconds later he felt another pair of eyes on him and it forced him to look up and they fell on Gwen, sitting at the table looking directly at him, he also saw the glares of his mother and Rebecca, locked on Theresa, and he was instantly pulled back into reality, and before him the starry eyed dreamer no longer stood. A stranger stood before him.

 
Carry through the nights
carry me
Be the one inside my dreams
 

Hold me
give me a place
help me
find my way

“No thank you Theresa,” Ethan declined. “I don’t think it would be right.”
 
 
 
 

I’m here,
be with me,
All for you now
Kiss me

“What’s not right about Ethan?” Theresa asked in a desperate voice. “This is our song.”

“Was Theresa.” Ethan stated. “This was our song. When their was a you and I. An Ethan and Theresa, but that is no more. I am making my life with Gwen, and you are making your life as Mrs. Julian Crane.”

Theresa shook her head stubbornly as willful tears filled her eyes. “No Ethan,” She insisted. “This is not a life. Being stuck in a marriage with a man who I despise more than any thing. Living under the same roof every day with people I know who hate me, then there is seeing you every day Ethan and....and I know that you feel the same. The only reason you are with Gwen is because of this pregnancy. If not for that you would be with me right now.”

“So you keep saying,” Ethan stated. “But Theresa the fact is Gwen is pregnant and she is who I am married to, and she is who is carrying my child and I am going to do right by both of them.”

“Ethan what about us?” Theresa asked in a desperate tone of voice. “What about you and I and the great love we shared.”

Ethan shook his head. “It’s no more Theresa.” He stated. “We are no more.” He then went in for the kill, not wanting to, but having to. “I don’t love you any more Theresa. It‘s over.”

The second the words escaped his lips Theresa gasped and looked back up at him in horror She brought a shaky hand to her mouth showing that she was speechless as tears slipped down her cheeks like a raging river.

“Ethan, darling.” Gwen had seem to come out of no where to both of them who had stood in a stunned silence as Ethan’s words hung between them. “Is there a problem?” He asked.

Ethan forced his eyes off Theresa, and looked towards Gwen. “No Gwen.” He answered. “There is nothing going on here. Nothing.” He stated no there was more meaning to it than what he was meaning it to come out as. “Lets go have a seat.”

Gwen nodded her head in agreement. “Yes, lets.” She stated.

As Ethan and Gwen walked away, Fox had suddenly approached Theresa and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” He asked in a protective voice.

Theresa looked up at Fox, her tears falling down her face. She shook her head. “No,” She answered. “I....I need to get out of here.”

Fox nodded his head, already on it. “I’ll go get your coat, stay right here.” He ordered.

Theresa nodded her head as he left, and her eyes left his direction and fell on the table of people that she had decided to have dinner with. Rebecca and Ivy sat talking about some thing, and every now and then throwing hateful glares her way, Julian and Savannah sat indulged in what sounded like some business conversation, her presence most likely lost to them, and then there was Ethan and Gwen. Gwen who had suddenly joined the conversation with her mother and mother in law, but did not look up at Theresa once, and lastly Ethan. Ethan who she had loved, and Ethan who she had lost. Lost. The word hung in her mind some and she rethought it over, and over and over again. Lost. She had lost Ethan, lost him forever. She would usually never think such a horrific thought, but tonight, when she looked into his eyes, it was there. The truthfulness of his words. They were over. She was over.