Chapter 22

May the Best Man Win

Ethan made his way to the Book Cafe. He had ran into Miguel, who had just left the Cafe and told him he could find Fox there.

Fox sat there having a cup of coffee. It had been a long night and he was exhausted. He thought a good cup of hot coffee might help wake him up. He had opened the morning paper to begin reading it when he saw a figure standing over him.

Fox looked up, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the Prince himself." He said smuggly.

"Drop it, Fox. We need to talk."

"Look, the last time someone said that I didn't turn out too well, so if you don't mind I'd like to get back to my paper." He picked back up the paper intending to read it.

Ethan slammed it down against the table, "I'm trying to carry on a conversation with you." He glared down at Fox.

Fox was pissed, "And I'm trying to tell you to get the hell out of my face."

Ethan leaned down so that he was face to face with Fox. "I heard what you said the other night. I know you love her."

Fox lost all color, "I don't know what you're talking about." He got up to leave, but Ethan stepped in front of him.

"This isn't what you think Fox." Ethan said, his tone a little less angry. "Come on, walk with me." They exited the Book Cafe and walked over to the nearby park in silence.

Fox finally stopped, "So, you eavesdropped on mine and Eve's private conversation, huh?" Fox said, a little irritated.

"I'm sorry, I had no intentions. I heard something coming from your room and I thought I would make sure everything was okay. That's when I saw you and Eve talking. I turned to walk away when I heard Teresa's name mentioned." Ethan said honestly.

"So, I guess you're here to tell me to stay away from her? Newsflash, Ethan, she wants to be with you and you're son."

"Look, I heard everything the other night. I know that Teresa told you she loved you and that you two...we'll you know." It hurt him to think of Teresa with anyone else but him. "Truth is, Teresa's been distant from me since we got back together. I thought that maybe she had began to move on prior to us learning that Little Ethan was my son and was having a hard time adjusting."

"Get to the point, Ethan, I'm tired and would really like to go and rest." Fox was becoming aggitated.

"My point, Fox, is that I want Teresa to be happy and if that means being with you than so be it. I told her that I know about the two of you. She admitted to having feelings for the both of us, but wasn't sure what she wanted. She's going to spend some time up at the Crane cabin to sort out her feelings. She's going to give us her decision at Little Ethan's birthday party."

"Ethan, I meant every word I said. I love her and would never do anything to hurt her. If she chooses you, I'll step back and let her be with you. Believe it or not, I want what's best for her and you."

"I know, Fox, that's why I'm doing this. For once I can say I'm glad to call you brother."

Fox smiled at him, and held out his hand, "Thanks man, that means a lot coming from you."

Ethan took his hand and shook it, "Good luck." He smiled and walked away.

Fox couldn't believe what had just happened. Even though he may loose the only woman he had ever loved, he had gained a brother and a true friend.