"Ethan, sit down. Christian and I want to have a chat with you about our little sister.", Elliot said as he tried his best to intimidate Kate's brother. It had been just a few days since Mia and Ethan had dinner with Ana, Christian, Elliot, and Kate, and the sparks were immediate between the two. Elliot had overheard Ethan telling Kate how he couldn't stop thinking about Mia. Being the protective older brother, Elliot enlisted Christian to help him warn Ethan not to hurt Mia. The three men decided to meet at Elliot's for the talk.

"Actually, Elliot is the one who wanted to talk to you, not me. As long as you treat Mia right, I will have no issues with you.", Christian said as he saw the annoyance in Elliot's face. Elliot walked over to where Christian was standing.

"I thought we agreed that we would put the fear of god in this kid. Remember the plan.", Elliot whispered to Christian who shook his head in laughter. Elliot turned away from Christian and fixed his eyes on Ethan who had taken a seat on the sofa.

"Elliot, I think it's great that you are looking out for Mia, but I want you and Christian to know that I really like her. I would never hurt her." Christian could see the sincerity in Ethan's eyes as he talked.

"You have to know that this thing between you and my sister is kind of tangled since your sister is my girlfriend and all. The one thing that I want is to avoid drama. If there's trouble between you and Mia, there could be resulting problems with me and Kate."

"I understand what you're saying, but I have to say there is nothing for you to worry about.", Ethan said.

"Elliot, you have to remember that this is Mia you're talking about. She can hold her own.", Christian said.

"Ok, ok, discussion over. Just don't ask Mia to do any laundry with you." A confused Ethan looked at Christian who knew what Elliot was referring to.

"Don't ask."

When Christian arrived home, he was met by a silence. Ana had told him that she was going to Patricia's house. Patricia's husband's health was declining by the day. His doctors told Patricia that he probably only had a few more weeks.

"Christian, there you are.", Ana said as she walked into the study. "How was your day?"

"It was ok. Elliot had a talk with Ethan about Mia. I pretty much just stood and listened.", he laughed. "How is Carl?" Christian could see tears making their esacape down her face, and he knew her answer. "Baby, come here.", he said as he stood and opened his arms.

"Even after thirty years of marriage, their love is evident. I can't imagine what she's going through with all of this. The thought of Patricia having to watch the love of her life slip away pains me."

"I'm sorry baby.",he said as he held her in his arms. "A love as strong as theirs will never die."

"It make me appreciate what we have even more. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.", Ana said as she looked into his gray eyes. They stood for several minutes as Ana's tears finally dried up. Their closeness was interrupted by the buzzing of Ana's phone from her pocket. "It's my dad." Christian smiled as she answered her phone. "Dad, hey."

"Annie, I hope that I'm not bothering you.", Ray said from the other end.

"Of course you're not. I always have time for you."

"Have you talked to your mother?"

"She came to Seattle a few days ago, and we talked about the affair. Are you calling to tell me that the you're back home?" Ana had her fingers crossed that Ray had decided to return home and work things out with Carla.

"Not quite.", he said in a serious tone.

"What do you mean not quite? Dad, I know she messed up, but you can work on thing."

"Sweetheart, I've decided to file for a legal separation from your mother."

"No, you can't. Dad, I know that you can work things out. Please.", Ana begged as she felt Christian's arms around her.

"I have to go.", Ray said as he started to tear up. "I will call you tomorrow." Ana was speechless as she tried to come to terms with Ray's words.

"What is it?", Christian asked.

"He's filing for a legal separation from my mom. I thought my family was going to come back together, but it's growing further apart." Her tears made a reappearance as Christian's hold on her tightened.

"Shhh, I've got you.", he whispered.