Prologue

Conundrum: aparadoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma.

December 24, 2000

"Should you choose to take Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald as your bride, the consequences may prove to be lethal."

The words echoed through his mind as he opened the door to the church, pushing his way through the crowd gathered for midnight mass. Several people called out Christmas greetings to him, but he ignored their well wishings.

Tonight was not one of celebration.

"You may think that the Crane name has no stake in your happiness Ethan, but ponder this: you now know that you are not a Crane by blood. Just like your mother, who is only a Crane by marriage. By making the incorrect choice tonight, your mother, who herself has made several incorrect choices in her lifetime, will be out on the street. Not a penny to her name. Not a coat on her back. Just think, Ethan, you could be the one to save her from that fate."

Over the Hallelujah chorus, he could hear the church bell ring three times, signaling the start of the mass. His eyes roamed the pews, searching for her.

"Now then, Ethan, another consequence for you to chew on: Sam Bennett, Harmony's heralded Chief of Police, has a family of his own. A bright son, Noah, who is earning top marks at an Ivy League medical school. Two beautiful daughters, who haven't even had the chance to go out and experience life yet. A devoted wife, who has already had her own share of misery.

" Picture them, Ethan. The All-American family. What would the knowledge that their father had another son out of wedlock do to that family, Ethan? Are you seeing it now? Are you finally realizing that your choices effect not just you, but all of those around you?"

He could sense her before he saw her. As always, she drew him in. He needed to be next to her, needed to hold her.

She looked beautiful in the soft glow of the candles that lit the cathedral.

But, then again, she was always beautiful.

How was he going to do this?

"Finally, I have one last plea for you to make the right decision. Hear me out, and then feel free to make your choice.

"You say you love this Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. You say that you want to marry her, Ethan. But, as I am sure you know, she brings nothing to this family. No name. No lineage. In essence, she is nothing but a serious thorn in my side.

"I do not like thorns, Ethan. I do not like anything or anyone that could be considered 'problematic'. As you leave tonight, please remember that. And also remember that I have ways of making all of my problems… disappear."

He walked down the aisle, came to a stop next to her. Her body became rigid as she looked up at him, her eyes holding so much hope.

So much love.

She opened her mouth as to say something, but he quickly cut her off.

If he didn't do this now, then there was a great chance that he never would.

"Theresa, I want you to know…"

Kneeling down next to her, he reached for her hand, but she yanked it out of his grasp.

Her eyes were no longer hopeful. All he could see was hurt.

"I never meant for any of this to happen. And I am so sorry for what I am about to do."

The second he left her side, he felt cold. Alone.

His mind on autopilot, he walked across the aisle to the pew where another woman sat, patiently waiting. He stopped before her.

Took her hand in his.

Dropped to one knee.

Asked the question mechanically, void of any emotion.

Tried to ignore the satisfied glare she shot in Theresa's direction.

Couldn't ignore the pain that ripped through his being as she accepted his proposal.

He had made the correct choice, but he somehow knew that he had ended up the loser.