Chapter 21
Julian and Ivy looked happier than Pilar had ever seen them. Their phone call had surprised her. They'd invited her family, along with the Bennetts and the Russells, to Christmas dinner at the Crane Mansion. As a special thank you for their kindness regarding the situation with Sheridan and the children, and in hopes of cheering them up.
Knowing, that for once, it was a heartfelt gesture, Pilar and Miguel accepted, and Miguel managed to convince Kay and her family to come, too. Pilar was puzzled over Luis's disappearance. Surely he wasn't working. Maybe being alone was too much for him. She didn't know, but she resolved to try her best to lift Sheridan's spirits when she saw her.
She got the shock of her life when T.C. and his family actually showed up in a gesture meant to rid themselves of the bad blood between the two families. T.C., Sam, and Julian were actually carrying on a civilized conversation. It was a great effort on T.C.'s part, Pilar knew. Ivy, Eve, and Grace were also chatting. Kay and Miguel were caught up in each other and didn't even notice anyone--not even Simone. Whitney and Chad were discussing life in New York
with Amanda. Noah and Lauren really hit it off. And Drew had his eye on Jessica.
Pilar anxiously awaited Ethan and Theresa and Sheridan and the children's arrival while her mind drifted to Luis's whereabouts. At that moment, Theresa and Ethan walked through the door. There was something peculiar about their behavior that Pilar couldn't pinpoint. Something different. She didn't have time to ponder what was so strange before she got the second great surprise of the still-young day.
First, Sheridan walked in with Ryan adorably bundled up, and she was about to ask where Lily was when she caught sight of Luis walking up the entranceway with Lily in his arms holding a brand-new kitten proudly. Overcome with emotion, she hugged Sheridan fiercely then Luis and said, "True love always wins."
With a grand fluorish, Julian lifted his glass to propose a toast. After a rousing speech, everyone raised their glasses to their lips. Just then, a shriek sounded from Whitney's lips followed by the exclamation, "Theresa! Is that what I think it is?" Put on the spot, Theresa looked at Ethan then at everyone in the room and said, "Yes it is, Whit. Everybody, this morning Ethan asked me to marry him, and I said yes."
Congratulations filled the room, and again a toast was made. This time by Ivy. Julian interrupted by saying, "Theresa, dear, why are you not drinking your champagne?" Everyone looked on in anticipation while Ethan and Theresa exchanged glances once more. This time, Ethan spoke, "We weren't going to say anything yet, but everyone, we're expecting a baby." Julian looked at his son in great pride and congratulated Theresa on making him and Ivy and Pilar grandparents. Now their two families shared an even stronger bond.
Chapter 22
Ethan pulled nervously at his collar. Today was the day. The day he made Theresa his wife. Valentine's Day. The beginning of forever. He didn't know why he was so nervous. He just was. He loved Theresa. So much. And he couldn't wait to be her husband and a father to the baby that they would have soon. But, this was an awesome responsibility. He couldn't live with himself if he somehow let her down. He started to tug at his collar again but was stopped by Luis's hand on his shoulder.
Luis laughed inwardly at the terrified look on Ethan's face. In mock anger, he said, "You're not getting cold feet now, are you Ethan? Having doubts about marrying my sister? Well, I ought to..." Ethan rushed to reassure him otherwise, not catching on to the insincerity of Luis's threats. He got all bent out of shape. The look of confusion on his face when Luis burst out laughing was priceless. Luis soon had him laughing at old tales about his extreme nervousness when he married Sheridan. He assured Ethan that his feelings were normal. He'd be worried if he didn't feel a little nervous.
Pilar smiled at she saw how well the two men were getting along. She remembered a time when they couldn't stand to be in the same room with each other. Preferably, not even in the same town. Things certainly had changed. All because of the love they felt for Sheridan and Theresa. She was still smiling as she knocked on the door to the room where the girls were helping Theresa get dressed.
Sheridan opened the door and hugged her immediately saying, "Pilar, you're going to be so proud. She looks so beautiful." Pilar released Sheridan from her hold and looked down to Lily who held her basket full of flowers like she was all-important and praised her on her beauty and what a good job she was already doing. Lily flashed her a mega-watt smile and hugged her waist. Then, Pilar laughed as she saw Ryan peeking at her from behind Sheridan's legs. She picked him up and kissed his little cheek, causing him to giggle-- quite loudly.
She squeezed him tight before letting him back down so that he might join his sister who was now hugging Kay tightly around the neck. Kay was one of Ryan's favorite people. Pilar felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see who it was. She gasped at the beautiful picture Theresa made. Her little Theresita was all grown up. So lovely. Tears filled her eyes as she held her at arms' length and said, "Oh, Mija. You look...you look..." Theresa smiled brightly and said, "It's okay, Mama. Thank you." Then she leaned in to embrace her mother. Pilar pulled back, cupped Theresa's cheek in her palm, and said, "Theresa, your father would be so proud if he could see you." "You really think so, Mama?" "I know so."
Whitney brought the emotional moment to a halt by clearing her throat. "I hate to interrupt, you guys, but it's almost time." With those words, everyone gave Theresa quick hugs and left the room. Paloma and Whitney were the last to leave, and Theresa took one last look in the mirror. She didn't see her reflection as it was now. She saw the young girl that had loved Ethan from afar for much of her life. The young girl who never gave up her dream. Not even when she grew to a woman and realized Ethan would be hers only if he wanted to be. The young woman who had been contented to just be Ethan's friend. If that's all he wanted. The music played in the background as she remembered the girl she had been. A soft knock sounded at the door, and she turned to see Luis standing there with an appreciative smile on his face. "You ready?" he asked. "Yeah, Luis, in just a minute." He left to wait outside the door, and Theresa turned back to the mirror, to her younger self, and whispered "Goodbye." Then she joined her brother and took his arm as he led her down the aisle to her future.
Chapter 23
Sheridan nearly lost her balance as Lily raced past her squealing at the top of her lungs, Luis in hot pursuit. Now wasn't the time to be engaged in an impromptu game of tag with their daughter. Especially when she was carrying Ryan's birthday cake in her hands. She was proud to admit she'd made the cake all by herself. Well, Pilar had helped a little. Okay, a lot. But Luis didn't marry her for her culinary skills.
With a grand fluorish, she set the brightly frosted cake down in front of her son. Just out of his reach. The little guy was dangerous when armed. Luis came up behind her, Lily dangling sideways in his arms giggling wildly. She turned around and glared at her husband. You'd think he was the one turning a year old today. Luis immediately set Lily down, but his eyes still twinkled and a grin threatened to steal over his lips. Lily scampered to where Ivy sat and crawled into her lap.
Julian sat beside Ivy, obviously bored out of his mind. He shrank back in horror when Lily handed him a party hat identical to the one now resting atop her golden curls. He put forth an admirable effort, really he did. But he didn't stand a chance. Lily came from stubborn stock. Kay snapped picture after picture of Julian in his little party hat. The grimace on his face was priceless, and Ivy couldn't control her laughter.
Miguel did the honors of lighting the single candle, and they all laughed as Ryan's big brown eyes grew impossibly wider. He grew quite disgruntled when he discovered the cake was beyond his reach. Sheridan knew her son. He was just dying to sink his hands into it. Luis linked his arms around her waist and chuckled. He, too, knew exactly what was on his son's mind. That little gleam in his eyes was unmistakeable.
Theresa led them in a round of "Happy Birthday," and Ethan encouraged Ryan to blow out the candle. It wasn't happening. He was too far away. Sheridan warned, "Ethan, don't do it. You don't want to do that. Nooo!!!" as Ethan pushed the cake closer to Ryan, and her son dove wholeheartedly into the cake. Pilar covered her face in her hands as Sheridan rushed to salvage the cake before it was too late. Ivy smirked at her sister-in-law's lost cause while Julian roared with laughter beside her. "Oh, Man!" Miguel exlaimed as Kay shook silently beside him. "Ethan!" Theresa scolded, before bursting into laughter herself.
Sheridan and Ryan were at a standoff. Neither was backing down. Lily squealed in delight when her brother dropped a fistful of the cake down the front of her mother's dress. By this time, everyone was losing it. And no one was trying to help. Sheridan pleas of "Ryan! Somebody, anybody, give me a hand here!" fell on deaf ears. Luis--at his little boy best--grabbed a handful of cake and advanced on his wife. "Luis, no! You wouldn't. Luis, I warning you. Lu..." He shoved his handful in Sheridan's open mouth to shut her up. The spoils from the war that ensued took hours to clean up, but the image of Julian Crane engaged in such a childish activity was worth it for everyone there. Kay had the pictures to prove it. Her personal fave was a shot of Ivy smearing the remainder of the cake across Julian's face. He so hadn't expected that.
Chapter 24
Pilar wrung her hands nervously and looked at the clock on the wall opposite her. Her baby girl had been in labor for hours now, and still her grandchild had not made his or her grand entrance. Whitney had arrived from New York half an hour ago, and her presence gave Pilar comfort. Theresa would be thrilled to know her best friend had been able to make it.
Ivy grabbed one of hands and squeezed it, giving her a bright smile. Pilar smiled back at her, thankfully. Sheridan and Luis sat in the far corner practically howling over Kay's collection of pictures from Ryan's birthday party almost four months ago. Julian's discomfort only added to their pleasure. Pilar shook her head as she saw Julian offer Kay a wad of cash to destroy them, and chuckled to herself when Kay gleefully refused. Miguel watched in amusement in the background.
Finally, when it seemed she could wait no longer, Ethan appeared before her holding a small bundle in his arms. He was grinning from ear to ear. Kay and the others rushed over to crowd around him. Pilar, Ivy, and Whitney rose from their seats and peeked at the blinking newborn in Ethan's grasp. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to my Nicholas Crane. My son." Julian slapped Ethan on the back proudly.
Sheridan said, "Oh, Ethan. He's beautiful. I think he's got your eyes." She playfully punched Luis in the ribs when he muttered in a condescending tone, "Sweetheart, Ryan had blue eyes, too. All babies have blue eyes when they're born." "You just wait and see, Buster. He's going to have Ethan's eyes. I can tell." Whitney laughed when she saw Luis roll his eyes behind Sheridan's back. Ivy said, "You know, Sheridan. I think maybe you're right." Smirking at Luis, Sheridan triumphantly said, "See. Two against one."
Miguel jumped in, "Okay, you guys." Kay smiled at Ethan and asked to hold the baby. Pilar, Sheridan, Luis, and Whitney exchanged knowing looks as they watched Miguel watch Kay with the baby in her arms. They all oohed and aahed over Nicholas until the nurse came and told Ethan it was time to take him to the nursery. Then they went to congratulate Theresa on her beautiful son.
Julian and Ivy looked happier than Pilar had ever seen them. Their phone call had surprised her. They'd invited her family, along with the Bennetts and the Russells, to Christmas dinner at the Crane Mansion. As a special thank you for their kindness regarding the situation with Sheridan and the children, and in hopes of cheering them up.
Knowing, that for once, it was a heartfelt gesture, Pilar and Miguel accepted, and Miguel managed to convince Kay and her family to come, too. Pilar was puzzled over Luis's disappearance. Surely he wasn't working. Maybe being alone was too much for him. She didn't know, but she resolved to try her best to lift Sheridan's spirits when she saw her.
She got the shock of her life when T.C. and his family actually showed up in a gesture meant to rid themselves of the bad blood between the two families. T.C., Sam, and Julian were actually carrying on a civilized conversation. It was a great effort on T.C.'s part, Pilar knew. Ivy, Eve, and Grace were also chatting. Kay and Miguel were caught up in each other and didn't even notice anyone--not even Simone. Whitney and Chad were discussing life in New York
with Amanda. Noah and Lauren really hit it off. And Drew had his eye on Jessica.
Pilar anxiously awaited Ethan and Theresa and Sheridan and the children's arrival while her mind drifted to Luis's whereabouts. At that moment, Theresa and Ethan walked through the door. There was something peculiar about their behavior that Pilar couldn't pinpoint. Something different. She didn't have time to ponder what was so strange before she got the second great surprise of the still-young day.
First, Sheridan walked in with Ryan adorably bundled up, and she was about to ask where Lily was when she caught sight of Luis walking up the entranceway with Lily in his arms holding a brand-new kitten proudly. Overcome with emotion, she hugged Sheridan fiercely then Luis and said, "True love always wins."
With a grand fluorish, Julian lifted his glass to propose a toast. After a rousing speech, everyone raised their glasses to their lips. Just then, a shriek sounded from Whitney's lips followed by the exclamation, "Theresa! Is that what I think it is?" Put on the spot, Theresa looked at Ethan then at everyone in the room and said, "Yes it is, Whit. Everybody, this morning Ethan asked me to marry him, and I said yes."
Congratulations filled the room, and again a toast was made. This time by Ivy. Julian interrupted by saying, "Theresa, dear, why are you not drinking your champagne?" Everyone looked on in anticipation while Ethan and Theresa exchanged glances once more. This time, Ethan spoke, "We weren't going to say anything yet, but everyone, we're expecting a baby." Julian looked at his son in great pride and congratulated Theresa on making him and Ivy and Pilar grandparents. Now their two families shared an even stronger bond.
Chapter 22
Ethan pulled nervously at his collar. Today was the day. The day he made Theresa his wife. Valentine's Day. The beginning of forever. He didn't know why he was so nervous. He just was. He loved Theresa. So much. And he couldn't wait to be her husband and a father to the baby that they would have soon. But, this was an awesome responsibility. He couldn't live with himself if he somehow let her down. He started to tug at his collar again but was stopped by Luis's hand on his shoulder.
Luis laughed inwardly at the terrified look on Ethan's face. In mock anger, he said, "You're not getting cold feet now, are you Ethan? Having doubts about marrying my sister? Well, I ought to..." Ethan rushed to reassure him otherwise, not catching on to the insincerity of Luis's threats. He got all bent out of shape. The look of confusion on his face when Luis burst out laughing was priceless. Luis soon had him laughing at old tales about his extreme nervousness when he married Sheridan. He assured Ethan that his feelings were normal. He'd be worried if he didn't feel a little nervous.
Pilar smiled at she saw how well the two men were getting along. She remembered a time when they couldn't stand to be in the same room with each other. Preferably, not even in the same town. Things certainly had changed. All because of the love they felt for Sheridan and Theresa. She was still smiling as she knocked on the door to the room where the girls were helping Theresa get dressed.
Sheridan opened the door and hugged her immediately saying, "Pilar, you're going to be so proud. She looks so beautiful." Pilar released Sheridan from her hold and looked down to Lily who held her basket full of flowers like she was all-important and praised her on her beauty and what a good job she was already doing. Lily flashed her a mega-watt smile and hugged her waist. Then, Pilar laughed as she saw Ryan peeking at her from behind Sheridan's legs. She picked him up and kissed his little cheek, causing him to giggle-- quite loudly.
She squeezed him tight before letting him back down so that he might join his sister who was now hugging Kay tightly around the neck. Kay was one of Ryan's favorite people. Pilar felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see who it was. She gasped at the beautiful picture Theresa made. Her little Theresita was all grown up. So lovely. Tears filled her eyes as she held her at arms' length and said, "Oh, Mija. You look...you look..." Theresa smiled brightly and said, "It's okay, Mama. Thank you." Then she leaned in to embrace her mother. Pilar pulled back, cupped Theresa's cheek in her palm, and said, "Theresa, your father would be so proud if he could see you." "You really think so, Mama?" "I know so."
Whitney brought the emotional moment to a halt by clearing her throat. "I hate to interrupt, you guys, but it's almost time." With those words, everyone gave Theresa quick hugs and left the room. Paloma and Whitney were the last to leave, and Theresa took one last look in the mirror. She didn't see her reflection as it was now. She saw the young girl that had loved Ethan from afar for much of her life. The young girl who never gave up her dream. Not even when she grew to a woman and realized Ethan would be hers only if he wanted to be. The young woman who had been contented to just be Ethan's friend. If that's all he wanted. The music played in the background as she remembered the girl she had been. A soft knock sounded at the door, and she turned to see Luis standing there with an appreciative smile on his face. "You ready?" he asked. "Yeah, Luis, in just a minute." He left to wait outside the door, and Theresa turned back to the mirror, to her younger self, and whispered "Goodbye." Then she joined her brother and took his arm as he led her down the aisle to her future.
Chapter 23
Sheridan nearly lost her balance as Lily raced past her squealing at the top of her lungs, Luis in hot pursuit. Now wasn't the time to be engaged in an impromptu game of tag with their daughter. Especially when she was carrying Ryan's birthday cake in her hands. She was proud to admit she'd made the cake all by herself. Well, Pilar had helped a little. Okay, a lot. But Luis didn't marry her for her culinary skills.
With a grand fluorish, she set the brightly frosted cake down in front of her son. Just out of his reach. The little guy was dangerous when armed. Luis came up behind her, Lily dangling sideways in his arms giggling wildly. She turned around and glared at her husband. You'd think he was the one turning a year old today. Luis immediately set Lily down, but his eyes still twinkled and a grin threatened to steal over his lips. Lily scampered to where Ivy sat and crawled into her lap.
Julian sat beside Ivy, obviously bored out of his mind. He shrank back in horror when Lily handed him a party hat identical to the one now resting atop her golden curls. He put forth an admirable effort, really he did. But he didn't stand a chance. Lily came from stubborn stock. Kay snapped picture after picture of Julian in his little party hat. The grimace on his face was priceless, and Ivy couldn't control her laughter.
Miguel did the honors of lighting the single candle, and they all laughed as Ryan's big brown eyes grew impossibly wider. He grew quite disgruntled when he discovered the cake was beyond his reach. Sheridan knew her son. He was just dying to sink his hands into it. Luis linked his arms around her waist and chuckled. He, too, knew exactly what was on his son's mind. That little gleam in his eyes was unmistakeable.
Theresa led them in a round of "Happy Birthday," and Ethan encouraged Ryan to blow out the candle. It wasn't happening. He was too far away. Sheridan warned, "Ethan, don't do it. You don't want to do that. Nooo!!!" as Ethan pushed the cake closer to Ryan, and her son dove wholeheartedly into the cake. Pilar covered her face in her hands as Sheridan rushed to salvage the cake before it was too late. Ivy smirked at her sister-in-law's lost cause while Julian roared with laughter beside her. "Oh, Man!" Miguel exlaimed as Kay shook silently beside him. "Ethan!" Theresa scolded, before bursting into laughter herself.
Sheridan and Ryan were at a standoff. Neither was backing down. Lily squealed in delight when her brother dropped a fistful of the cake down the front of her mother's dress. By this time, everyone was losing it. And no one was trying to help. Sheridan pleas of "Ryan! Somebody, anybody, give me a hand here!" fell on deaf ears. Luis--at his little boy best--grabbed a handful of cake and advanced on his wife. "Luis, no! You wouldn't. Luis, I warning you. Lu..." He shoved his handful in Sheridan's open mouth to shut her up. The spoils from the war that ensued took hours to clean up, but the image of Julian Crane engaged in such a childish activity was worth it for everyone there. Kay had the pictures to prove it. Her personal fave was a shot of Ivy smearing the remainder of the cake across Julian's face. He so hadn't expected that.
Chapter 24
Pilar wrung her hands nervously and looked at the clock on the wall opposite her. Her baby girl had been in labor for hours now, and still her grandchild had not made his or her grand entrance. Whitney had arrived from New York half an hour ago, and her presence gave Pilar comfort. Theresa would be thrilled to know her best friend had been able to make it.
Ivy grabbed one of hands and squeezed it, giving her a bright smile. Pilar smiled back at her, thankfully. Sheridan and Luis sat in the far corner practically howling over Kay's collection of pictures from Ryan's birthday party almost four months ago. Julian's discomfort only added to their pleasure. Pilar shook her head as she saw Julian offer Kay a wad of cash to destroy them, and chuckled to herself when Kay gleefully refused. Miguel watched in amusement in the background.
Finally, when it seemed she could wait no longer, Ethan appeared before her holding a small bundle in his arms. He was grinning from ear to ear. Kay and the others rushed over to crowd around him. Pilar, Ivy, and Whitney rose from their seats and peeked at the blinking newborn in Ethan's grasp. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to my Nicholas Crane. My son." Julian slapped Ethan on the back proudly.
Sheridan said, "Oh, Ethan. He's beautiful. I think he's got your eyes." She playfully punched Luis in the ribs when he muttered in a condescending tone, "Sweetheart, Ryan had blue eyes, too. All babies have blue eyes when they're born." "You just wait and see, Buster. He's going to have Ethan's eyes. I can tell." Whitney laughed when she saw Luis roll his eyes behind Sheridan's back. Ivy said, "You know, Sheridan. I think maybe you're right." Smirking at Luis, Sheridan triumphantly said, "See. Two against one."
Miguel jumped in, "Okay, you guys." Kay smiled at Ethan and asked to hold the baby. Pilar, Sheridan, Luis, and Whitney exchanged knowing looks as they watched Miguel watch Kay with the baby in her arms. They all oohed and aahed over Nicholas until the nurse came and told Ethan it was time to take him to the nursery. Then they went to congratulate Theresa on her beautiful son.