VIII.

Theresa nestled in between the bed sheets and had a feeling that something was missing. She reached out her arm and felt the other side of the bed. "Empty?" Theresa thought to herself. She opened her eyes and frowned in disappointment. Fox wasn't beside her. In place of him was a small note and a rose that lay on his pillow. "What's this?" Theresa asked aloud.

Good morning gorgeous, the note read. I'm sorry I'm not there to greet you, but I've got a little something special planned for you. So, go get dressed and head outside to the courtyard. From there you'll receive some more info. All my love, Fox.

Theresa smiled and sighed contentedly. "Fox is so sweet." She said aloud. "I'm so incredibly lucky. I haven't been so happy in such a long time. If only Little Ethan were here, it would be perfect." She thought to herself. Theresa got up and searched for her clothes. She didn't want to wear the same thing she did last night, but all her things were in her old bedroom. Unfortunately, Ethan and Gwen inhabited that room now. "I hope they're awake." Theresa thought. "I want to look nice for Fox."

Theresa put on some clothes and opened the door. The aroma of coffee filled the hallway. "Someone's awake." Theresa thought to herself. She crept down the hallway and peered into the living room. Gwen was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine. "Ethan must be awake too." Theresa thought. She went to her old bedroom and opened the door. She gasped in surprise when she took in the sight before her. Ethan stood before her stark naked. "Oh my God, I am so sorry!" Theresa cried before slamming the door shut. Theresa stifled a laugh. "Ethan doesn't even compare to Fox," She thought laughing to herself. Theresa sighed as she remembered the sight of Fox. It sent shivers up and down her spine. "Mm-nope. Ethan doesn't even come close to Fox." Theresa observed.

"Uh-Theresa" Ethan said opening the door.

"Morning Ethan," Theresa said trying to hold back another laugh.

"You seem cheerful." Ethan noted, feeling somewhat disturbed.

"Yeah, I am." Theresa admitted. "Look, I need to get my things out of there, so if you'll excuse me." Theresa said as she made her way into the room. She opened the closet and pulled out her suitcases. She opened drawers and started to repack her things.

"Look, Theresa, about yesterday~" Ethan began.

"Um, Ethan, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I'm really in a rush. Fox has something planned and I need to move my things and get dressed as quickly as possible." Theresa said not even looking up.

"Oh." Ethan said disappointedly. "I'll leave you alone then." He said remaining still.

Theresa glanced up quickly. "You can leave, Ethan." She said.

"Uh-yeah," Ethan said slowly turning. "I'll- I'll talk to you later, Theresa."

"Yeah," Theresa said as she resumed packing. Theresa was still hurt about the things Ethan told her, but Fox managed to soothe her pain. Theresa was grateful that Fox had been there for her.Theresa went through the closet and pulled out a strapless blue jean dress that feel a few inches above her knees. "I think Fox will like this dress." Theresa said aloud. She threw the rest of her clothes in the suitcases and lugged them into Fox's room. Theresa then put on the dress. She pulled up her hair into a ponytail and carefully did her makeup. Theresa wanted to look absolutely perfect for Fox. Once she was pleased with the results, Theresa dabbed some perfume on her neck and wrists. She grabbed the matching purse and filled it with all her necessities. Theresa took one final look in the mirror and smiled.

Theresa made her way down to the courtyard. She looked around. "Excuse me," A male said as he walked up to Theresa. "This is for you." He handed her a note that resembled the one that lay on Fox's pillow.

Okay, beautiful. Now, follow the rose petals. They'll lead you to a driver who's waiting to drive you to a special spot. I can't wait to see you darling. Love, Fox

"Rose petals?" Theresa said aloud. She looked on the ground and saw a trail of rose petals littering the floor. Theresa quickly followed the trail and was led to a uniformed man who stood there silently." She went up to him and smiled. "Follow me ma'm." The driver said. Theresa followed and was ushered into a limousine. As she got in, she noticed another note lying on the seat. How does a morning picnic on the beach sound, love? Theresa smiled. Music filled the limo, Theresa sighed as she realized that it was the song they danced to in the club and on the beach. Theresa stretched out and hummed to the tune. Upon reaching their destination, Theresa quickly whipped out her mirror and did a final check on her appearance. The driver opened the door and said, "Mr. Crane told me o inform you that 'X marks the spot.'"

"Huh?" Theresa asked. "Oh, like in a treasure hunt!" She said.

"I believe so," The driver responded smiling. "Here, you'll need this." He handed Theresa a piece of paper that resembled a map.

Theresa walked down to the shore and looked around. "X marks the spot huh?" She said aloud. "I just have to figure out where that 'X' is." Theresa took out the map and looked. "Let's see, I'm here." Theresa mumbled pointing her finger along the paper. "Wait a minute," Theresa said coming to a realization. "This is where Fox and I were last night. Theresa hurried down to the spot and gasped in surprise. A blanket covered with rose petals and an array of breakfast items lay before her. "Aww Fox," Theresa said.

Fox stood from a distance and watched Theresa in admiration. "How did I get so lucky?" He asked himself. He watched as the sunlight illuminated Theresa's figure giving her an angelic glow. Her long hair swirled in the wind. As if feeling his gaze upon her, Theresa turned around. She tilted her head and grinned broadly when she saw Fox. He looked so handsome standing there, the sun highlighting his dirty-blond hair as the wind playfully tousled it. Fox "Aren't you going to come and join me?" Theresa called.

"Gladly." Fox said. He ran towards her and swept her off her feet. Theresa squealed as Fox spun her around. "Fox!" Theresa said giggling.

"You look absolutely breathtaking this morning." Fox complimented as he placed his arms around Theresa's waist. "Well, thank you," Theresa said. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Well, you know, I do try." Fox said leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Theresa's lips.

"Mm" Theresa said. "I was kind of hoping that you would be there beside me when I woke up." Theresa said as she played with the collar of Fox's shirt.

"Well, I'm sorry, sweetie, but I had to get up early to plan all of this for you."

"I can't believe you did all this." Theresa said. "I'm touched."

"I told you I was going to do something special for you." Fox replied grinning. "Now, shall we?" He said as he motioned to the blanket.

Theresa sat herself down and watched as Fox lathered up a bagel. "Open." He said. Theresa opened her mouth as Fox fed her a piece. "Did you prepare the food too?" Theresa asked.

"Well, you know that I do posses some culinary talent." Fox replied winking. Theresa laughed. "Mm, charm and cooking skills, I'm so lucky."

"Don't forget my good-looks." Fox said popping a piece of bagel into his mouth.

"Ah, yes." Theresa said. "Hey, handsome, you've got some cream on your lips."

"I do?" Fox asked.

"Yeah," Theresa said as she leaned over. "Let me get it for you." Theresa leaned down and kissed Fox. "Mm, strawberries." She said.

"You've got some cream on you too." Fox said grinning.

"Where?" Theresa asked as she wiped at her face.

"Right- here!" Fox said as he swiped some cream onto Theresa's nose.

"Why you little~" Theresa said as she made a face.

Fox laughed. "You're still beautiful though."

"Thank you, Fox." Theresa said as she wiped her nose.

Fox stared at Theresa intently. "What?" Theresa asked looking up. "Did I miss a spot?"

"No, I just can't believe how lucky I am right now." He said in amazement.

"Fox," Theresa said blushing.

"No, seriously Theresa. I have never felt so happy in my entire life. I've never really had a meaningful relationship with anyone until I found you."

"I'm so glad you came to Harmony when you did." Theresa admitted.

"I am too." Fox sighed.

"I kind of miss Harmony." Theresa said with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Little Ethan?" Fox asked.

"Yeah." Theresa sighed sadly. "I miss my little boy." She said tearfully.

"I know you do, Theresa." Fox said as he went over to embrace her. "I'm guessing you want to go home?"

"Yes, and no. I mean, I want to go back because of Little Ethan, but then, you're here in L.A. Are you ever going back to Harmony?"

Fox clenched his jaw. "I'm not wanted in Harmony. Julian made it very clear that he didn't want me around."

"Forget Julian." Theresa said angrily.

"I wish I could, Theresa."

"I hate that man!" Theresa said angrily. "He's so awful to you, and he threatened to take my son away from me."

"I'll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn't do that." Fox said.

"Thank you, Fox." Theresa said as she lay her head on his shoulder. "I'm just so scared. Julian seemed so intent on taking Little Ethan away from me." Theresa's voice quivered. "I can't lose my baby boy, Fox. He means everything to me."

"Don't worry, Theresa. I am not going to let anything happen to you or Little Ethan."

~*~

Whitney ran and picked up the ringing telephone. "Hello?" she answered.

"Is Chad around? This is Vivian."

"Oh, sure, hold on a second." Whitney said. "Chad?' Whitney called.

"Yeah, Whit?" Chad said popping his head out of the doorway of their bedroom. "Vivian is on the phone." Whitney replied.

"Thanks, honey." Chad said disappearing into the room.

"Vivian?" Chad answered. "What's up?"

"Great news! Syd is signed up to sing in a show out in Las Vegas! I'll be sending you too down there for the weekend. How does that sound?"

"The whole weekend? Just me and Syd?" Chad said hesitantly.

"Is something wrong?" Vivian asked.

"Uh- no," Chad replied. "Las Vegas, sounds great." He said.

"I'll handle everything. I just you to make sure Syd is prepared to perform."

"Sure," Chad replied.

"That means a lot of late night sessions Chad." Vivian added.

Chad sighed. "Sure, whatever it takes."

"Good, I'll talk to you later. Ciao!"

"Is something wrong?" Whitney asked as she entered the room.

"Vivian is sending me and Syd out to Las Vegas. She's gotten a gig for Syd out there."

"That's good right?" Whitney asked as she comfortingly stroked Chad's back.

"Good for Syd, but baby, we've hardly gotten to spend time with one another."

"We had to sacrifice that time because of your career." Whitney replied.

"I know, and I hate it." Chad said. "I love you so much, Whitney. I hope you know that baby. No matter how much time we have to spend apart, my love for you only grows stronger."

"That goes for me too. I love you, Chad." Whitney leaned over and kissed Chad on the forehead. "When do you have to leave?" Whitney asked. "Well, it's set for the weekend." Chad frowned.

"A whole weekend, huh? Well, it'll go by quickly. Before you know it, you'll be back here with me."

"Just promise me you'll behave." Chad said.

"What are you implying?" Whitney asked putting her hands on her hips.

"No more matchmaker and no more threatening Ethan."

"Aw, Chad." Whitney said nudging him.

"I'm serious, Whitney. If Ethan wants to remain stubborn then oh well. Besides, he's no match for you and your tongue."

"Haha," Whitney said sarcastically. "I'm just trying to make sure that Ethan doesn't mess up Theresa and Fox's relationship."

"Whitney," Chad said. "Doesn't true love conquer all?"

"Yeah," Whitney said smiling.

"Okay, then. There you have it. Now, promise me, you'll be nice to Ethan. After all he is our friend."

"No, he's more your friend than mine." Whitney pointed out.

"Okay, so be nice to him for my sake?" Chad pleaded.

"Fine. But if he works my nerve, I'm not going to hold my tongue."

"If he knows better, then he won't." Chad said chuckling.

~*~

"Is there anything special you'd like to do today?" Theresa asked as she leaned against Fox.

"Hm." Fox said as he rested his chin on her head. "I can think of a few things." He said with a hint of mischief in his tone.

Theresa giggled. "Wasn't last night good enough?"

"Oh no," Fox said as he hugged Theresa tightly. "That just made me want you even more."

"Is that right?" Theresa said.

"Oh yeah." Fox replied as he began to kiss Theresa's neck. Theresa leaned back and felt something against her leg.

"Uh-Fox," Theresa frowned. "You're vibrating."

"Excuse me?" Fox asked confused.

"Your phone. It's vibrating. At least I think it's your phone." Theresa explained.

"Oh." Fox laughed. "I thought you meant something else." Theresa nudged Fox in the ribs.

"Ow!" Fox cried. "You may be small, but you're a strong one."

"Answer your phone," Theresa said laughing.

"Yes ma'm." Fox said saluting. "Hello?"

"Fox, it's Vivian."

"Oh, hey."

"I hope I'm didn't catch you at a bad time."

"Well, I am preoccupied at the moment." Fox said as he glanced at Theresa.

"I'm sorry. I'll make this quick. I just wanted to tell you that I've done as you asked. I got Syd a gig out in Las Vegas. She and Chad will be spending the weekend there."

"Oh." Fox said.

"'Oh?' Is that all you can say? I thought you would be thrilled. Didn't you want Chad and Syd to spend as much time as possible?"

"Uh-things have changed." Fox replied. "In fact, I think Chad should get some off time. He's been working really hard."

"What's changed Fox? A few days ago you begged me to get Chad and Syd to be around each other 24/7."

"It's a long story. Seriously, I believe now that Chad and Syd need a break."

"Well, I'll stop working Chad so hard after this weekend. It took me forever to book them. Anyhow, Syd is not going to be pleased at all to hear this. She really likes working with Chad."

"Oh well, she'll just have to get over it." Fox replied.

"She's going to put me through hell" Vivian complained.

"Send Syd to me. I'll talk to her myself."

"Fine." Vivian said. "But be prepared to face her wrath." She warned.

"Bring it on." Fox replied. "I've got to run."

"Who was that?" Theresa asked curiously.

"Business call." Fox replied. "So," Fox said as he pulled Theresa towards him. "Where were we?"

"Hmm, I believe we were thinking of things we could do today." Theresa replied snuggling in Fox's embrace.

"How about we go dancing later on tonight?" Theresa suggested.

"Sounds great." Fox replied. "But-uh- what are we going to do until then?" He asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Theresa turned and looked at him. "How about~" Theresa leaned in, "This?" Slowly, Theresa lowered herself onto Fox and kissed him tantalizingly on the lips.