Embracing a New Life

The sequel to Undeniable Attraction

Note: It is wise to read Undeniable Attraction first if you haven't already.


Rated: R for content and some language


Disclaimer: I am neither affiliated with NBC's Passions nor the head writer James E. Reilly. I am simply a fan who is taking matters into her own hands.

Feedback is welcome and greatly appreciated!

~*~



Nicholas Foxworth Crane and Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald have finally tied the knot. Like any newlywed couple, Fox and Theresa will experience their share of tests on their relationship. Who or what will put Fox and Theresa's marriage to the test? Whatever it may be, one thing is for certain. It is all a part of Embracing a New Life together.

I



A newfound confidence was instilled within Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald Crane the moment she and Fox moved into their new home. Her uplifted spirit shone clearly through her cheerful demeanor. Theresa felt that everything in her life was perfect. One morning, Theresa woke up and looked admiringly at the man who slept beside her. His blond hair was highlighted with the morning's light. Theresa could see the strength he possessed through the well-defined muscles of his upper body.

She loved every part of his body. She loved his deep brown eyes that seemed to possess the power to look into her soul. She loved his strong arms that held her close throughout the night. She loved his hands and the tender touch they held. She loved his nose and the way it playfully nudged her own before their lips met. And his lips- oh how she loved the feel of them against her own. Theresa snuggled against him and felt his arms wrapped around her in a protective embrace. Instantly enveloped in warmth, Theresa closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.

Theresa's silky hair tickled Fox awake. He tightened his embrace and breathed in her sweet scent. He opened his eyes slowly and glanced down at the woman who was nestled in his arms. Fox loved Theresa with every fiber of his being. He never knew that he could possess so much love for another. Fox loved the way Theresa seemed to fit in his arms. He loved the way she could manage to make a plain white shirt sexy. He loved her sense of humor and the vitality her laugh possessed. He loved the way her eyes sparkled when she was happy. He loved observing her whenever she took care of little Ethan. He would often stand in the doorway as Theresa would sing her son to sleep. Fox couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone else. He treasured the fact that he would be embracing a new life with his true love. Fox leaned down and planted a small kiss on Theresa's forehead. She stirred slightly and looked up at him.

"Good morning, gorgeous," Fox whispered quietly.

Theresa smiled. "Good morning, handsome. Did you sleep well?"

"I always sleep well whenever you're by my side." Fox replied as he pulled her even closer. Theresa caressed his hand. "Any plans today?"

"I'm going to talk to Mr. Lindsey." Fox replied. Mr. Lindsey was the lawyer Fox hired to handle the custodial battle with Julian. For the past few weeks, Julian appeared to be more intent on taking Little Ethan away from Fox and Theresa. Julian had mentioned on one occasion, "I will fight like hell to get Ethan Martin." To which Fox and Theresa replied. "We will too."

"Have those adoption papers been processed?" Theresa asked anxiously.

"I'll check today." Fox answered sensing Theresa's uneasiness. He decided to change the subject in order to take her mind off of the custody battle. "Do you have class this morning?"

A few days ago, Theresa had begun class at the local college to pursue a degree in fashion design. While Fox was helping Theresa regain her memory, he managed to rediscover her long-forgotten dream. Theresa's desire to become a fashion designer was reawakened.

"Yes," Theresa sighed. "I guess we'll both be busy today."

"Yes, but we always have something to look forward to when we get home." Fox said as he tenderly caressed Theresa's hair. "Now, it's time to get up."

Theresa pulled the covers over her head in protest. "Not yet," She complained.

"C'mon, Theresa." Fox said as he peeked under the covers.

Theresa sighed. "Fine." She mumbled. "But I have dibs on the shower."

"That's not fair." Fox said teasingly.

"There are like a dozen other bathrooms in this house. You can use those." Theresa pointed out.

"There are only three other bathrooms in this house," Fox corrected. "But I don't see why I have to use one of them."

"You don't?" Theresa said with a raised eyebrow.

"No," Fox grinned.

"And why is that?" Theresa asked curiously.

"Because," Fox said. "We can always double up in the shower."

Theresa threw a pillow at Fox. "You little devil."

Fox shrugged. "I take that as a no?"

Theresa laughed and leaned close to Fox. Fox lovingly nudged Theresa's nose as she closed her eyes and leaned in to kiss him. Fox cradled Theresa's head as his tongue penetrated her lips. Fox's hands began wandering when Theresa slowly pulled away. Fox groaned in response.

"Something wrong, Fox?" Theresa asked.

"Uh~" Fox said looking slightly uncomfortable.

"What?" Theresa asked as a smile formed on the corners of her lips.

"I think I'm going to need that shower more than you do." Fox replied.

Theresa laughed aloud. "C'mon lover boy." She said as she led him to the bathroom.

~*~

~*~



Theresa found her attention slowly drifting away to other thoughts during the lecture that her instructor Justin Hammond was giving. Theresa began doodling in her notebook, unaware of what Hammond was saying. Theresa felt her cell vibrate. She discreetly peeked at her phone and saw that she had a message. Missing you it read along with an amusing picture of Fox looking at Theresa with puppy dog eyes. Theresa smiled.

"Uh Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald." Hammond said as he stepped in front of her. "Would you mind telling me what's so funny?"

The smile quickly disappeared from Theresa's face. "That's Mrs. Crane." Theresa said quietly.

"I'm sorry? I didn't quite catch that." Hammond said with a smirk on his face. Justin Hammond was fairly young for a college instructor. He was only five years older than Theresa. Hammond was very popular among his students. He also happened to be a popular topic among young ladies who attended Harmony Community College. Hammond was characterized admiringly as a tall dark and handsome man. He was also well known for his sarcasm and pessimistic view of the world.

"I said, that's Mrs. Crane." Theresa said more loudly. With pride she also added, "I am married."

"Mrs. Crane eh? You've had the privilege of having that title, what- twice now?" The other students in the classroom laughed.

Theresa became irritated. "Excuse me?"

"As I recall," Hammond said stroking his strong chin, "You were first married to Julian Crane. Then it all turned out to be a hoax. Apparently a few weeks ago you married his son Fox Crane. Am I right?"

Theresa pressed her lips together in a firm line. Anger flashed within her dark brown eyes. "That's my business."

"Not anymore. Your 'business' as you've so deemed it has already become the business of all the Harmony residents. So Mrs. Crane I repeat, am I right?"

"Yes, I did marry Fox Crane," Theresa said. "And I'm not ashamed to say it."

"Why should you be ashamed?" Hammond asked. "I mean, he is part of one of the wealthiest families on the eastern coast."

Theresa looked at Hammond warily. "What are you trying to imply?"

Hammond sat on his desk. "I'm not trying to imply anything Mrs. Crane."

Theresa shook her head. "I don't believe you."

"Is that so?" Hammond said as he titled his head to one side. His green eyes fixated upon Theresa. "What do you think I'm trying to imply?"

"I don't see what this has to do with this class." Theresa said.

"It has nothing to do with this class actually, but I think everyone else finds this discussion to be more exciting than my lecture. Isn't that right folks?"

The class responded with enthusiastic cheers. "You see." Hammond said motioning to the other students. "They want you to go on."

Theresa sighed. "You and most of the people in this town probably believe I married Fox for his money. Well I can tell you now, if you think that, you are very wrong."

"Really?" Hammond said as he contemplated her statement.

"Yes, really." Theresa said.

"Hm, interesting." Hammond responded.

"You don't know anything about me." Theresa said.

"That's right, I don't. What I do know~" Hammond said as he stood up again. "Is that you weren't paying any attention to my lecture."

"It was boring." Theresa retorted.

"Ooh," some members in the class responded.

Instead of appearing to be angry, Hammond held an amused look on his face. "Well aren't you a spit-fire?" Other members in the class laughed. Theresa ignored everyone else for she became focused on the word "spit-fire." "Where have I heard that?" Theresa thought to herself.

"All right, everyone." Professor Hammond said. "I think we've wasted enough time for today. Tonight I'd like for you to write a ten page paper on any topic from Chapters one through three. I'd like for you to briefly explain the topic you choose. A majority of your paper should be your response to the topic you've chosen. See you tomorrow." Hammond turned to his desk and began to arrange papers on his desk.

Theresa got up hurriedly, for she wanted to leave the room as quickly as possible. "Just a minute, Mrs. Crane," Professor Hammond called as Theresa was about to exit the room. Theresa rolled her eyes. "What is it Professor? Didn't get enough?"

"Are you angry with me?" Professor Hammond asked fairly amused.

"Why did you call me like that in front of the whole class?" Theresa asked.

"Simple, Mrs. Crane. You weren't paying any attention to my lecture." Professor Hammond answered.

"There were others who weren't paying any attention either." Theresa pointed out.

"Yes, that is true." Professor Hammond admitted. "But I had to pick on someone, and it just happened to be you."

"Well don't I feel special?" Theresa said sarcastically. "Look, I've got to run. Are we through bantering?"

Professor Hammond smiled. "For now."

Theresa turned and walked out the door in a huff. "I'm looking forward to your paper," Professor Hammond called after Theresa.

"Whatever, asshole." Theresa mumbled under her breath. Theresa walked quickly to the campus parking lot. She was furious at Professor Hammond. "He may be good looking, but he's a total jerk." She said to herself. Driving home quickly, Theresa rolled down the windows and let the air rush in. The fresh air seemed to rejuvenate Theresa as well as calm her fury. When Theresa entered the house, she saw Fox a carrying a cheerful Ethan Martin.

"Look who's home," Fox said smiling.

Little Ethan gave his mother a wide grin. Theresa smiled and kissed her son and husband on the foreheads. "Something wrong?" Fox asked as Theresa plopped down tiredly on the couch. "Did class go all right?"

"It was fine until my Professor embarrassed me in front of everyone." Theresa answered. "Professor Hammond is a complete asshole!" She said, immediately feeling the rage creep back into her system. "Anyhow, I don't want to even think about him," Theresa sighed. "Did you get to speak with Mr. Lindsey?"

"Yes," Fox said. "And, I think we're going to win this. The adoption papers are being processed. In no time, we'll have a stronger case against Julian."

"Good," Theresa said as Fox sat beside her on the couch. "Because I don't know what I would do if I lost my little boy."

"You won't lose him." Fox replied. "I'll make sure of that."

Theresa leaned her head on Fox's shoulder. "Oh yeah," Fox said quietly. "I almost forgot. Dress up nicely for dinner. We're going to have company."

"Who's coming over?" Theresa asked. "Your mother." Fox answered.

"Oh." Theresa replied. "Okay,"

"And she's bringing Stanley." Fox said smiling.

"Stanley?" Theresa asked sitting up. "Well, well, well," She said with a smile on her face. "Things are going pretty well between them, aren't they?" Theresa said.

"Apparently so," Fox answered.

Theresa heard a car door slam. She looked at Fox. "Is someone here?" She asked. In response, the doorbell rang. Theresa got up and went to the door. She was surprised to find Angela and Belle on her doorstep. "What do you want?" Theresa asked icily.

"I want to see Fox," Angela said. "He and I need to have a little discussion about our daughter."

~*~