The Rules of Engagement

At the bridal shop

She couldn't believe it. It was finally happening. Theresa Crane soon to be Theresa

Casey stood in the full-length mirror. Her gown was a glistening white.

"This is what I want, to be happy and to be with someone who will love me for me."

But why then did her thoughts seem to always go back to that one man who she had loved for years. Ethan Winthrop. But he was a married man and had told her time and time again that he would never leave his wife. Her thoughts went back to the time in Chris's office when they had made passionate love only months before. No, she wouldn't think of him now. This was her time to be happy and move on. Chasing Ethan had brought nothing but pain and heartache to her life anyway. She would finally be free of him. Her wedding was in one week and then it would all be over. All of a sudden her mind flashed back to the time in the sauna when Ethan had offered to have her on the side. She was so tempted to say yes. But she knew she was worth more than that. It's either all or nothing and if Ethan wouldn't give her his all then they could have nothing.

At the Crane

Ethan's desk was covered in paper work. He had so much to do since he had just taken a huge case. But he couldn't concentrate on anything.

"She's getting married in a week."

That's all he could think about. In one week Theresa, the love of his life, would walk down the aisle and marry a man that he truly hated. Jared Casey. Ever since he came to harmony it seemed that he was trying to take everything that mattered to Ethan away. Little Ethan's affections, the job at crane, and Theresa. "That bastard."

He had to do something. He couldn't just stand by and let Jared take the woman he loved away from him. To this day he still didn't trust him and feared that he had secrets just like everyone else in harmony. Just then his wife, Gwen walked in.

" Oh honey can you believe it. In one week Theresa will marry Jared and she'll be out of our lives for good. Everything will be perfect. Just you, Jane and me. Just like it should be…Ethan are you alright? You look a little pale."

"I'm fine, I think I just need some air. I'm gonna go take a walk."

But Ethan knew the real reason that he wasn't feeling well. He had to talk to Theresa.

At the bridal shop

"Where is my mother, she should be here any minute." Pacing the room Theresa glanced at her watch. "I have to get back to work soon, I that important meeting with the head of Crane in London in only an hour."

Just then she heard the door open behind her.

"Oh, mother your finally here………"

Her heart skipped a beat. Ethan stood in the doorway of her dressing room.

"You can't marry Jared."