A/N: Hey, guys. I'm sorry about the delay again. Ironically, I remember my last author's note saying this chapter wouldn't take as long as 27, when in fact I think this one took a little bit longer. It's mainly just me trying to balance priorities. But I'll try my best to update sooner with future chapters. For now, just let me know what you think.
Chapter 28
At the Mansion - The Reception
Taking her hand off his, Theresa quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I thought you were-"
"-Fox. It's okay." He gestured to the seat next to her. "Is it okay if I sit with you?"
She shrugged, "sure. But he'll be back soon."
"It's okay. This won't take long."
"What's that?" She wondered.
He shrugged, "just wanted to see how things were going with you."
"Oh, things are great. My recovery is coming along. I don't even need the chair anymore. And Fox is amazing. He's got so much patience, and he's a huge help with Little Ethan. He's really something."
Ethan slowly nodded his head, when she asked. "And how are things with Gwen?"
He paused. "Things are good. We were at odds for a little while, but we're getting back on track."
"That's good," she gave him an encouraging smile.
"So are things getting serious with you two?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. At first I thought it was a little soon..."
"-And now?" He prompted her.
She shook her head, "I'm not worried anymore. Fox means so much to me."
Ethan gazed at her. "He's really lucky."
Theresa slowly met Ethan's gaze. "So am I."
Ethan held her gaze for another moment, before he looked around. So far, wherever Fox had disappeared to, he was still gone. Glancing back to Theresa, he nodded his head.
In the Mansion - The Nursery
The door to the nursery opened and out walked Phyllis and Fox, holding Little Ethan.
"Thanks, Phyllis. I think this is sure to cheer both mommy and baby up."
"Not a problem," she smiled. "Now, can I bring you anything before I go back?"
Fox laughed, "Phyllis, go back out there and enjoy the reception. Thank you, but no."
Nodding her head, Phyllis turned and nearly crashed into Ivy. "Oh, Ms. Crane. I'm sorry, I didn't see you."
"It's alright, Phyllis. But if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with my son."
"Not at all, ma'am." Turning briefly to Fox, she waved goodbye and was out of sight.
Fox kept his eyes on the toddler in his arms, nearly refusing to make eye-contact.
"Mother, I wouldn't mind a chat, but maybe later?"
Ivy blocked him as he attempted to get by. "Actually, right now would be better. I think you'd be interested to hear what I have to say."
"You really think so?" Fox challenged.
"Look Fox, I wasn't the best mother to you growing up-"
"-If at all," the bitter tone in Fox's voice came full-force.
Ivy stopped and stared at him. Rolling his eyes, he made eye-contact and let out a deep breath. Taking this as her cue to speak again, Ivy told him.
"I want you to stay away from Theresa."
Fox gave her an icy stare. "You've got to be kidding. That's what you had to say?"
"Fox, you don't know that girl like I do. She's poison. She ruined Ethan's life, and I don't want her to do the same thing to you."
"Mother with all due respect, you're being ridiculous. Ethan's life is far from ruined. He's married to his childhood sweetheart, and she's about to give birth to their first child. Okay, so he's no longer a Crane...but that doesn't seem to have completely ruined him. If anything, he has more family that loves him. So what if that information got out to the tabloids. Is it Theresa's fault that you cheated on Father?"
"Nicholas Crane, you watch that tone."
"Look, I don't have time for this. I'd like to-"
"-Well, you're going to have to make time. I don't want that girl to ruin your life."
"She hasn't ruined my life. And she isn't going to. All she can do is make it better, because all she does is make me happy."
"Fox, you're happy now...maybe. But it's just a matter of time before she breaks your heart."
"Or so you hope, right?"
"Fox-"
"-Mother, this conversation is over. I'm not a little boy. I'm a grown man. I'll learn from my own mistakes, but I don't need you to hold my hand every step of the way. If you'll excuse me..."
With that, he was gone. Ivy spun around and watched him storm off. Folding her arms over her chest, she shook her head.
"Oh, Fox. One day you'll learn the hard way."
Back Inside...
Ethan gazed at Theresa again. "You mean a lot to him too. He really loves you."
Theresa blinked, "you really think so? ...How can you tell?"
"Because he'd be a damn fool not to."
Theresa opened her mouth to speak again, when Fox stepped over carrying Little Ethan.
"So it looks like this little guy missed his mommy."
Fox set him in Theresa's lap before meeting his brother's gaze, the tension clear. Theresa didn't notice, as the sight of her son brought an instant smile to her face.
"Hey you. How's my baby doing?"
Theresa kissed his cheek and as he giggled, she laughed with him. While the sight of mother and son brought smiles to both the guy's faces, they were still tense around each other. Fox made the first move.
"So Ethan, how's it going?"
Ethan stood from his seat. "Not bad, actually. Just thought I'd stop by and see how she was doing."
"Well as you can see, she's doing fine. But thanks for keeping her company."
"It wasn't a problem," he gazed from Theresa back to his brother.
At this point, Theresa sensed the tension. She took Fox's hand and he squeezed it gently, turning to his brother.
"By the way, I bumped into Gwen before I came back. I think she'd like to see her husband."
Ethan flinched at the cold shoulder response. Instead of arguing, he nodded. "Thanks, Fox. I guess I'll be going, then."
With one last glance at Theresa, Ethan made his way through the crowd. Once he was gone, Fox sat with her, kissing her cheek.
"Hey, beautiful. How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. Now that my two favorite guys are with me. But what was that all about?"
Fox shook his head, "nothing important." As he looked over, he caught Ethan's eye again.
Meanwhile...
Chad danced along to the final song he was playing, before he tapped the mike. As he slowly drew the attention of the crowd, he smiled.
"It's that magic time, ladies and gentlemen. The garter and bouquet tosses."
With that announcement, came a big applause from the audience. The bride and groom made their way over to their table, stepping up onto the small stage. Kay reached up to hand her cousin the bouquet. Then, Charity took a seat so that Miguel could slip the garter from her leg. Standing again, they turned to the crowd. Chad quickly stepped over to hand the couple a few mikes. Charity took hers and spoke.
"Will all the eligible ladies step over?"
Giggling, she watched a small crowd of women slowly make their way over to her. Turning around, she held the bouquet in her hands. She laughed at the shouts of encouragement behind her, before she launched the bouquet over her head, into the air. She spun around, laughing with Miguel and Chad as the women scurried for it. Finally, the bouquet landed...in an interesting location. Once Charity caught sight of where it landed, she laughed and then clapped. Miguel and Chad did the same thing. The women turned around, to see the bouquet land on the table Theresa was sitting at, Little Ethan reaching for it. Theresa picked the bouquet up and waved it in the air. Everyone clapped, while Chad made the announcement.
"Congratulations, Theresa. Could there be wedding bells in your future?"
Theresa laughed, shrugging her shoulders. Chad laughed, turning to Miguel who nodded.
"And now...if all the eligible bachelors could step forward. Who's going to catch the garter?"
One by one, the guys got in a group, encouraging Miguel to aim smartly. Miguel laughed, as he took the garter and flung it in the air. The guys jumped to grab it, but it landed in Fox's hands. Ivy noticed, and shook her head. Turning to her son, she saw the same look of disapproval in his eyes, although she could assume it was for a different reason. The guys clapped, while Chad spoke again.
"And congratulations, Fox. Now you two know the next step. Get on over there, buddy."
Fox laughed, shooting his friend the "gun" as he walked over to his girlfriend, with the crowd following. She smiled, looking up at him. Whitney walked over to take Little Ethan from Theresa, who thanked her. Turning back to her boyfriend, she lifted her gown up to her knee. Fox slid her heel off, to slip the garter onto her leg. Once the task was done, he leaned up to kiss her again. The crowd applauded, the only disapproving looks coming from Ivy and Ethan.
In the Next Chapter
Charity and Miguel say goodbye to some of their guests.
Ivy and Rebecca have a warning for Theresa.
Julian gives the two a taste of their own medicine.
