Chapter 7
Theresa was going nuts. She was running everywhere. Calling everyone, from the caterer, the florist, the bridal boutique, the reception hall, to the church, she was exhausted. But she had managed to finish everything, and tomorrow night was the big day. She was so ready.
Whitney walked into the church to see what Theresa had done.
Whitney- "Wow Theresa! This looks amazing. This is so beautiful. And you kept with the red! Thank you! It's gorgeous."
Theresa- "Well I can't say that it would be the color that I would have picked had it been my wedding, but I'm glad you like it."
Whitney- "I'm speechless."
Theresa- "Thank you. But now we have to leave."
Whitney- "Leave? Where are we going?"
Theresa- "Bridal shop."
Whitney- "Are we going to see my dress?"
Theresa- "But of course. Come on."
They drive to Darlene's Bridal Boutique.
Darlene- "Hi Theresa. We're all ready for you two in the back."
Theresa- "Thank you Darlene."
Whitney tries on the dress that Theresa designed for her.
Whitney- "Oh my God, Theresa! This is gorgeous. This is the most beautiful dress! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Theresa- "Oh, your welcome. So you really like it?"
Whitney- "I love it! Thank you."
Theresa- "Good, I'm glad. Well, we're going to be late. Come on."
Whitney- "Now where?"
Theresa- "Come on."
They pull up to Harry Winston.
Whitney- "Harry Winston? What are we doing here?"
Theresa- "Well, when you are a member of a Crane wedding, it is amazing what Harry Winston will allow you to wear for the wedding."
Whitney- "Oh my God, do you mean I am going to be wearing Harry Winston diamonds on my wedding day?"
Theresa- "I think so."
Whitney- "This is amazing! Thank you so much."
Theresa- "Sure, well you know what, I got to run. I told Fox to pick you up here at one, so meet him in about ten minutes. I have somewhere else to go."
Whitney- "Okay, bye."
Theresa- "Bye."
The next morning. It was the big day.
Theresa was so nervous. She knew she only had a couple of hours before she had to see Ethan. Whitney was a mess. She was running around like crazy. And as for Fox, he slept in.
Theresa was at the reception hall making the last few arrangements. She had to make a quick stop at the travel agency before going home. She had talked to Paloma last night, and she was thrilled at the news that her sister and nephew were coming to visit her. Theresa was leaving the very next day.
Whitney was everywhere getting everything done. She got her nails done, her hair done, her makeup done, and she got her body waxed. She had to look wonderful for the night of her wedding. Fox had decided to start their honeymoon as soon as the reception was over. The Crane private jet was ready and fueled to take them to Hawaii.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon and time was running out. Theresa was done with her job. Now all she had to do was pull it off. Which also included being a part of the wedding. That thought automatically led her back to seeing Ethan tonight. God, she dreaded the very thought of seeing him again, yet at the same time she liked it.
At the Russell/Crane house.
Whitney was dressed in her wedding dress designed exclusively for her. Her father had showed up to walk her down the aisle. The ceremony was about to begin and the bridesmaids took their places next to the groomsmen. Theresa was standing at the back, right in front of Whitney and TC Russell, when all of a sudden her partner turned up next to her. It was Ethan. He took his place next to her and offered her his arm. She took it hesitantly. The wedding march started and everyone took their turn walking down the aisle.
Father Lonigan- "You may now kiss the bride." Applause.
They did it. Fox and Whitney were now husband and wife. The bridal party all ran after them as Fox and Whitney made their way out of the church and into a large, white stretch.
Once all were at the reception, everyone saw what a marvelous job Theresa did. Beautiful, white, silk tents adorned the sky. Lights hung and there were splashes of red roses everywhere. Theresa had really outdone herself.
The dance music started, and everyone watched as Fox and Whitney Crane took their first dance steps as husband and wife. Soon it was time for everyone else to join them on the dance floor.
Theresa, Whitney, Fox, and Ethan all sat a table together. Not by choice, but it was customary for the maid of honor, the best man, and the bridal couple to sit together. They sat talking, Theresa and Ethan not even glancing at each other. Finally Fox broke the tension and asked Theresa to dance with him. She gratefully excepted.
Fox and Theresa whirled away on the dance floor. Leaving Whitney and Ethan alone at the table.
Whitney- "Ethan, will you dance with me?"
Ethan- "I don't know. I have two left feet, Whit."
Whitney- "Oh, come on. It is tradition that the bride and the best man dance."
Ethan- "Alright, fine."
Whitney- "Okay."
Ethan and Whitney take a few dance steps.
Whitney- "Ethan, lets go out to the garden.
Ethan- "Why?"
Whitney- "Come on."
They make their way off of the dance floor and outside to the gardens Theresa had decorated and lit up.
Ethan- "So what did you want, Whit?"
Whitney- "Ethan, what are you doing?"
Ethan- "What do you mean?"
Whitney- "Theresa?"
Ethan- "What about her?"
Whitney- "I saw the way you've been looking at her tonight."
Ethan- "Look, no offense Whit, I'm honestly not in the mood for a love lecture."
Whitney- "Just hear me out. Look I know you and Gwen are having problems. Hell, all of Harmony knows. Ethan, I know that you still love Theresa. So does everyone else, but the question is, what are you going to do about that?"
Ethan- "Nothing. I am married to Gwen. There is nothing I can do."
Whitney- "Ethan, what are you scared of Theresa or something? Ethan, you know as well as I do that Gwen is cheating on you with Hank. I mean, she came with him, Ethan. Open your eyes. Do you realize that if you do not grasp this opportunity with Theresa, you will most definitively lose her? I mean, my god, she is leaving tomorrow."
Ethan- "Where is she going?"
Whitney- "She is going to stay with Paloma for a couple of months, or until she ever gets over you."
Ethan- "What do you mean?"
Whitney- "Ethan, that is how much you have hurt her. She needs to get away from you. Ethan, just tell her how you feel."
Ethan- "Whitney, I'm married."
Whitney- "Oh, come on Ethan. If you were to throw divorce papers in front of Gwen right now, she would sign them in a heartbeat."
Ethan- "Then what am I supposed to do? Just beg her not to leave?"
Whitney- "No, just tell her what's in your heart."
Ethan- "Whitney, you know that I love Theresa, but will she ever forgive me for all of the pain that I've caused her?"
Whitney- "If she loves you as much as I think she does, she will." She winks at Ethan. "I suggest you find a time to talk to her before tomorrow, or you can kiss your chances with her goodbye. I have to get back in there. Just think about what I said tonight, okay? Hey Ethan, you still owe me a dance."
Ethan- "Okay. I promise."
Whitney walks back inside the tents.
Ethan reflected on the words that Whitney told him. Maybe she was right. Now, he was even more confused. He didn't know what he wanted.
Looking back in the tents, Ethan could see Gwen continuing on with Hank. No doubt she was drunk. No one paid any attention to them. Everyone knew the truth. Gwen was cheating on her husband, but no one seemed too concerned. Not even Ethan.
Ethan walks back inside the tents to find Theresa still in Fox's arms. This time they were dancing to a slow song.
Whitney saw the pain in Ethan's eyes. Whitney- "Now is the perfect time."
Whitney- "Hey Ethan. How about that dance?"
Ethan- "Sure."
As Ethan and Whitney step out onto the dance floor, the music stops. But as fast as the music stopped, it started again. Again it was a slow song. It was "A Moment like This" by Kelly Clarkson.
Ethan and Whitney were dancing, Whitney anticipating her husband's intrusion.
Sure enough, Fox- "Excuse me, Ethan, can I cut in?"
Ethan- "Oh, sure."
Whitney- "Ethan, why don't you and Theresa dance?"
Theresa- "No, Whitney, we can't."
Whitney- "Of course you can. It is also tradition that the maid of honor and the best man dance. Come on. Please."
Theresa took several, uneasy steps toward Ethan. Ethan held his arms out, welcoming her into them. Theresa took her dance stands. She placed on hand in his and one on his shoulder. Ethan quickly excused this. Gently he took her hand from his and placed it on his other shoulder. He placed his hands on her waist and did this while never leaving her eyes.
Though the song only lasted about two minutes, however, to Theresa, it seemed like an eternity…
While Theresa was screaming inside, Whitney and Fox couldn't help but smile at their accomplishment. Not only did they manage to get them to see each other, but they got them to dance together.
Throughout the dance, Theresa couldn't help but look into Ethan's eyes. She had forgotten how safe she felt when she stared into them. No one else had that effect on her. Ethan noticed how deeply she was looking at him. Theresa could almost see his soul. Ethan could almost see hers as well. They both felt something at that moment. It was as if they had gotten hypnotized. Ethan's hand slowly left Theresa's waist and went up towards her face. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Theresa closed her eyes as he did so; absorbing every detail of his touch. Theresa opened her eyes, and Ethan knew what to do. Ethan gently leaned in. When he was within five inches away from her mouth he hesitated. Theresa's eyes widened at this. Ethan saw her reaction to his hesitation and continued, joining their lips, which were so thirsty to taste each other's again.
After months of not seeing each other, after pain, heartache, they were still in love with each other. And they didn't care who knew it.
The song ended, as did their kiss. Ethan once again brushed Theresa's cheek with his hand. Theresa stood before him, a vacant expression upon her face. The dance was over. Theresa pulled back, and Ethan held her hand as she did so. He didn't want to let go, but he knew he had to. He couldn't explain it, but Ethan knew he felt something with Theresa. He might still have a chance. Just then, Gwen walked up to them.
Gwen- "Hi guys." Ethan noticed that she had a half empty bottle of champagne in her hand.
Ethan- "Gwen, don't you think you should sit down?"
Gwen- "Sit? Sit? No way man! I'm the life of the party. Come on, come on music!" She yelled at the DJ. "But first, I think a toast is in order here. To Ethan and Theresa! My husband and the girl that will never get out of his heart. Yeah!" She poured a glass full and gulped it down.
Ethan- "Gwen, I think you should sit down."
Gwen- "Hey, be nice. I just wanted to say congratulations to Theresa. I mean she succeeded in stealing my husband. Not to mention, I can't have children anymore." Theresa looked at Gwen with guilt. "Not like I care anyway. I mean, I wanted a divorce anyway. I have just been too chicken shit to pull out those papers from my dresser. I've only had them since the day of Sarah's funeral."
Ethan- "What?"
Gwen- "Oh, didn't I tell you, I'm in love with…um…um… hey you!" She pointed to Hank. "What's your name?"
Hank- "Hank, honey!"
Gwen- "Oh, that's right. Hank. Yes, now I remember, Hank." She walked over to Theresa and put her arm around Theresa's shoulders. "You know, I don't even know if Sarah was Ethan's or Hank's. Just don't tell Ethan that." Gwen put her finger to her lips. "Shhhh." Gwen started laughing like lunatic. She walked away, swaying from one side of the room, to the other.
Ethan couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was standing right in front of his wife as she told Theresa that she was in love with another man and she didn't know if her own husband was the father of her baby.
Theresa was going nuts. She was running everywhere. Calling everyone, from the caterer, the florist, the bridal boutique, the reception hall, to the church, she was exhausted. But she had managed to finish everything, and tomorrow night was the big day. She was so ready.
Whitney walked into the church to see what Theresa had done.
Whitney- "Wow Theresa! This looks amazing. This is so beautiful. And you kept with the red! Thank you! It's gorgeous."
Theresa- "Well I can't say that it would be the color that I would have picked had it been my wedding, but I'm glad you like it."
Whitney- "I'm speechless."
Theresa- "Thank you. But now we have to leave."
Whitney- "Leave? Where are we going?"
Theresa- "Bridal shop."
Whitney- "Are we going to see my dress?"
Theresa- "But of course. Come on."
They drive to Darlene's Bridal Boutique.
Darlene- "Hi Theresa. We're all ready for you two in the back."
Theresa- "Thank you Darlene."
Whitney tries on the dress that Theresa designed for her.
Whitney- "Oh my God, Theresa! This is gorgeous. This is the most beautiful dress! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Theresa- "Oh, your welcome. So you really like it?"
Whitney- "I love it! Thank you."
Theresa- "Good, I'm glad. Well, we're going to be late. Come on."
Whitney- "Now where?"
Theresa- "Come on."
They pull up to Harry Winston.
Whitney- "Harry Winston? What are we doing here?"
Theresa- "Well, when you are a member of a Crane wedding, it is amazing what Harry Winston will allow you to wear for the wedding."
Whitney- "Oh my God, do you mean I am going to be wearing Harry Winston diamonds on my wedding day?"
Theresa- "I think so."
Whitney- "This is amazing! Thank you so much."
Theresa- "Sure, well you know what, I got to run. I told Fox to pick you up here at one, so meet him in about ten minutes. I have somewhere else to go."
Whitney- "Okay, bye."
Theresa- "Bye."
The next morning. It was the big day.
Theresa was so nervous. She knew she only had a couple of hours before she had to see Ethan. Whitney was a mess. She was running around like crazy. And as for Fox, he slept in.
Theresa was at the reception hall making the last few arrangements. She had to make a quick stop at the travel agency before going home. She had talked to Paloma last night, and she was thrilled at the news that her sister and nephew were coming to visit her. Theresa was leaving the very next day.
Whitney was everywhere getting everything done. She got her nails done, her hair done, her makeup done, and she got her body waxed. She had to look wonderful for the night of her wedding. Fox had decided to start their honeymoon as soon as the reception was over. The Crane private jet was ready and fueled to take them to Hawaii.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon and time was running out. Theresa was done with her job. Now all she had to do was pull it off. Which also included being a part of the wedding. That thought automatically led her back to seeing Ethan tonight. God, she dreaded the very thought of seeing him again, yet at the same time she liked it.
At the Russell/Crane house.
Whitney was dressed in her wedding dress designed exclusively for her. Her father had showed up to walk her down the aisle. The ceremony was about to begin and the bridesmaids took their places next to the groomsmen. Theresa was standing at the back, right in front of Whitney and TC Russell, when all of a sudden her partner turned up next to her. It was Ethan. He took his place next to her and offered her his arm. She took it hesitantly. The wedding march started and everyone took their turn walking down the aisle.
Father Lonigan- "You may now kiss the bride." Applause.
They did it. Fox and Whitney were now husband and wife. The bridal party all ran after them as Fox and Whitney made their way out of the church and into a large, white stretch.
Once all were at the reception, everyone saw what a marvelous job Theresa did. Beautiful, white, silk tents adorned the sky. Lights hung and there were splashes of red roses everywhere. Theresa had really outdone herself.
The dance music started, and everyone watched as Fox and Whitney Crane took their first dance steps as husband and wife. Soon it was time for everyone else to join them on the dance floor.
Theresa, Whitney, Fox, and Ethan all sat a table together. Not by choice, but it was customary for the maid of honor, the best man, and the bridal couple to sit together. They sat talking, Theresa and Ethan not even glancing at each other. Finally Fox broke the tension and asked Theresa to dance with him. She gratefully excepted.
Fox and Theresa whirled away on the dance floor. Leaving Whitney and Ethan alone at the table.
Whitney- "Ethan, will you dance with me?"
Ethan- "I don't know. I have two left feet, Whit."
Whitney- "Oh, come on. It is tradition that the bride and the best man dance."
Ethan- "Alright, fine."
Whitney- "Okay."
Ethan and Whitney take a few dance steps.
Whitney- "Ethan, lets go out to the garden.
Ethan- "Why?"
Whitney- "Come on."
They make their way off of the dance floor and outside to the gardens Theresa had decorated and lit up.
Ethan- "So what did you want, Whit?"
Whitney- "Ethan, what are you doing?"
Ethan- "What do you mean?"
Whitney- "Theresa?"
Ethan- "What about her?"
Whitney- "I saw the way you've been looking at her tonight."
Ethan- "Look, no offense Whit, I'm honestly not in the mood for a love lecture."
Whitney- "Just hear me out. Look I know you and Gwen are having problems. Hell, all of Harmony knows. Ethan, I know that you still love Theresa. So does everyone else, but the question is, what are you going to do about that?"
Ethan- "Nothing. I am married to Gwen. There is nothing I can do."
Whitney- "Ethan, what are you scared of Theresa or something? Ethan, you know as well as I do that Gwen is cheating on you with Hank. I mean, she came with him, Ethan. Open your eyes. Do you realize that if you do not grasp this opportunity with Theresa, you will most definitively lose her? I mean, my god, she is leaving tomorrow."
Ethan- "Where is she going?"
Whitney- "She is going to stay with Paloma for a couple of months, or until she ever gets over you."
Ethan- "What do you mean?"
Whitney- "Ethan, that is how much you have hurt her. She needs to get away from you. Ethan, just tell her how you feel."
Ethan- "Whitney, I'm married."
Whitney- "Oh, come on Ethan. If you were to throw divorce papers in front of Gwen right now, she would sign them in a heartbeat."
Ethan- "Then what am I supposed to do? Just beg her not to leave?"
Whitney- "No, just tell her what's in your heart."
Ethan- "Whitney, you know that I love Theresa, but will she ever forgive me for all of the pain that I've caused her?"
Whitney- "If she loves you as much as I think she does, she will." She winks at Ethan. "I suggest you find a time to talk to her before tomorrow, or you can kiss your chances with her goodbye. I have to get back in there. Just think about what I said tonight, okay? Hey Ethan, you still owe me a dance."
Ethan- "Okay. I promise."
Whitney walks back inside the tents.
Ethan reflected on the words that Whitney told him. Maybe she was right. Now, he was even more confused. He didn't know what he wanted.
Looking back in the tents, Ethan could see Gwen continuing on with Hank. No doubt she was drunk. No one paid any attention to them. Everyone knew the truth. Gwen was cheating on her husband, but no one seemed too concerned. Not even Ethan.
Ethan walks back inside the tents to find Theresa still in Fox's arms. This time they were dancing to a slow song.
Whitney saw the pain in Ethan's eyes. Whitney- "Now is the perfect time."
Whitney- "Hey Ethan. How about that dance?"
Ethan- "Sure."
As Ethan and Whitney step out onto the dance floor, the music stops. But as fast as the music stopped, it started again. Again it was a slow song. It was "A Moment like This" by Kelly Clarkson.
Ethan and Whitney were dancing, Whitney anticipating her husband's intrusion.
Sure enough, Fox- "Excuse me, Ethan, can I cut in?"
Ethan- "Oh, sure."
Whitney- "Ethan, why don't you and Theresa dance?"
Theresa- "No, Whitney, we can't."
Whitney- "Of course you can. It is also tradition that the maid of honor and the best man dance. Come on. Please."
Theresa took several, uneasy steps toward Ethan. Ethan held his arms out, welcoming her into them. Theresa took her dance stands. She placed on hand in his and one on his shoulder. Ethan quickly excused this. Gently he took her hand from his and placed it on his other shoulder. He placed his hands on her waist and did this while never leaving her eyes.
Though the song only lasted about two minutes, however, to Theresa, it seemed like an eternity…
While Theresa was screaming inside, Whitney and Fox couldn't help but smile at their accomplishment. Not only did they manage to get them to see each other, but they got them to dance together.
Throughout the dance, Theresa couldn't help but look into Ethan's eyes. She had forgotten how safe she felt when she stared into them. No one else had that effect on her. Ethan noticed how deeply she was looking at him. Theresa could almost see his soul. Ethan could almost see hers as well. They both felt something at that moment. It was as if they had gotten hypnotized. Ethan's hand slowly left Theresa's waist and went up towards her face. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Theresa closed her eyes as he did so; absorbing every detail of his touch. Theresa opened her eyes, and Ethan knew what to do. Ethan gently leaned in. When he was within five inches away from her mouth he hesitated. Theresa's eyes widened at this. Ethan saw her reaction to his hesitation and continued, joining their lips, which were so thirsty to taste each other's again.
After months of not seeing each other, after pain, heartache, they were still in love with each other. And they didn't care who knew it.
The song ended, as did their kiss. Ethan once again brushed Theresa's cheek with his hand. Theresa stood before him, a vacant expression upon her face. The dance was over. Theresa pulled back, and Ethan held her hand as she did so. He didn't want to let go, but he knew he had to. He couldn't explain it, but Ethan knew he felt something with Theresa. He might still have a chance. Just then, Gwen walked up to them.
Gwen- "Hi guys." Ethan noticed that she had a half empty bottle of champagne in her hand.
Ethan- "Gwen, don't you think you should sit down?"
Gwen- "Sit? Sit? No way man! I'm the life of the party. Come on, come on music!" She yelled at the DJ. "But first, I think a toast is in order here. To Ethan and Theresa! My husband and the girl that will never get out of his heart. Yeah!" She poured a glass full and gulped it down.
Ethan- "Gwen, I think you should sit down."
Gwen- "Hey, be nice. I just wanted to say congratulations to Theresa. I mean she succeeded in stealing my husband. Not to mention, I can't have children anymore." Theresa looked at Gwen with guilt. "Not like I care anyway. I mean, I wanted a divorce anyway. I have just been too chicken shit to pull out those papers from my dresser. I've only had them since the day of Sarah's funeral."
Ethan- "What?"
Gwen- "Oh, didn't I tell you, I'm in love with…um…um… hey you!" She pointed to Hank. "What's your name?"
Hank- "Hank, honey!"
Gwen- "Oh, that's right. Hank. Yes, now I remember, Hank." She walked over to Theresa and put her arm around Theresa's shoulders. "You know, I don't even know if Sarah was Ethan's or Hank's. Just don't tell Ethan that." Gwen put her finger to her lips. "Shhhh." Gwen started laughing like lunatic. She walked away, swaying from one side of the room, to the other.
Ethan couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was standing right in front of his wife as she told Theresa that she was in love with another man and she didn't know if her own husband was the father of her baby.