Chapter 15

Letting Go

Teresa stood outside the lab pacing the floor and biting her nails. She was a nervous wreck. She already knew what the test were going to reveal, but none the less she couldn't help but worry. The door to the lab opened slowly and out stepped Ethan looking solemn.

"Ethan, are you okay. What's wrong?" She asked worried.

He looked up at her and grinned. "Gotcha! It's official, Teresa. He's mine."

"Oh, Ethan, I'm so happy for you. You're a father." She hugged him. It was good to be back in his arms. The arms she had longed to be in for so long. But as good as they felt, they weren't Fox's.

Ethan placed his hand on Teresa's face. "Teresa, there's something I need to do before I see Little Ethan. I think you know what it is." Teresa nodded. "I'll find her and let her know. When everything dies down I'll be back here to be with you and my son." He kissed at her and turned to find Gwen.

Teresa turned to look at Ethan as he left. "Please, God, help me to do the right thing."

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"Gwen, Gwen!" Ethan yelled as he spotted her in the hospital parking lot.

"Ethan, there you are. I was so worried. Fox, he told me, Teresa, Little Ethan." She was stammering. Ethan quitened her by cupping her face in his hands.

"Gwen, we need to talk."

She grabbed her mouth. Everything was spinning. "Oh, my God, it's true. You are Little Ethan's father."

"Gwen, let's sit down." Though he knew that Teresa was the one he was meant to be with, he did hold a special place in his heart for Gwen, she after all was carrying his baby. Unfortunately for her, he felt his place was with Teresa. He helped her to a bench.

She shook her head. "Ethan, please don't say the words." Tears were forming in her eyes.

"You know that I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you Gwen. I care about you. I care about our baby, but..."

"You truly love her, don't you?"

"With all my heart."

"Ethan, tell me, what do you want? Be honest with me."

"I want to be with her. I want Teresa and I to be together, the way we should've been. Honestly, Gwen, you knew when you accepted my proposal that I was going to ask Teresa to marry me. That was until you announced you were pregnant."

She looked deeply into Ethan's eyes. She wasn't crazy. She saw the way Ethan looked at Teresa. She knew he loved her and that she couldn't change that. Not that she hadn't tried. She had tried to help him forget her, to get over her but there as no use. His love for her was too strong. She had to let him go. Gwen whispered, "Go to her."

"What?" Ethan asked shocked at the words that had just left Gwen's mouth.

"I said, go to her." Ethan looked at her oddly. "Look, I know you love her. I knew the day I married you that you still loved her. That you always would. Truth is, I hate to see you unhappy and I don't think you've been happy one day that we've been married. I know that I'm no princess or saint, but what kind of person would I be if I denied a man that I love and care so deeply for this true happiness. If Teresa is what you want and what you will be happy with, then I'll let you go, Ethan. Mine and Teresa's battle is over."

"Gwen, you're amazing. Don't worry, you know I'll always be there for you and the baby. I want let this baby grow up without a father."

"I know you want Ethan."

"I have to go, Gwen. I need to be with my son. You call me when you need me."

"Good-bye, Ethan." Ethan rose to his feet and walked away, but not before turning around back to Gwen. "Thank you, Gwen, for understanding." She could only force a smile. He turned to go be with his son.

"I'll always love you, Ethan."

Sorry, it's short. To make up here are some spoilers:

A stepson and stepmother bond.

Someone unexpected shows up.

Teresa makes a sudden decision.