XXX

True love made its presence known on Fox and Theresa's wedding day. It lifted the spirits of the many individuals who witnessed the couple proclaim their love. However, there were still some individuals whose hearts failed to be affected with the joy of the union. It was not easy for those souls with hardened hearts to mask their discontent. It was in the darkness of the night where negative emotions surfaced. The moon, a sliver of light in the sky, barely illuminated the gardens outside of the reception area. A figure lurking in the shadows harbored immense resentment towards Fox.

"Do you love me, Fox?"

"Uh- love?"

"Yeah, silly. Do you love me?"

"Love- it's such a strong word~"

"You're not answering my question!"

"Well,"

"Well, what?"

"We just met last night. How could I love you"

Seething with anger, more memories seemed to pervade her mind. "I can't believe you, Fox"

"What?"

"You don't love me? Does our relationship mean anything to you? I slept with you for God sakes."

"And? I don't see why you're getting angry about this. I just met you. Look, it's been fun, but I've got places to go and people to see."

"Will you call me Fox?"

"Sure. Later."

"Hmph. The bastard never called. He skipped town and what do I end up with? A broken heart and a child."

"Mommy!" a little young girl cried.

"What is it?"

"Can we see daddy now?"

"Yes, sweetie. Let's go."

~*~



"Let's give another round of applause for the newlyweds." The DJ said as Theresa and Fox headed to the main table. The crowd responded with generous and loud cheers.

Chad stood up and cleared his throat. The DJ handed him the microphone. "I am honored to stand here as Fox's best man. First, I want to congratulate the couple on their marriage. It's about damn time!" Everyone in the crowd laughed. "You know," Chad resumed, "I always thought that Theresa and Fox belonged together. They seemed so perfect for each other. I always knew something existed between them. It was something rare and what's great it's that it's real. It's genuine. It was clear that these two were destined to be together. In Theresa's words, it was Fate." Chad paused. "It's a wonderful feeling loving someone and having that person return the love whole-heartedly. Fox, Theresa," Chad said as he addressed them with a raised wine glass. "Here's to a lifetime of love and happiness. May your new life together be full of blessings!"

"Here, here!" Everyone raised their glasses.

Once Chad was seated, Whitney got up and faced Fox and Theresa. Her eyes were already glassy with tears. "Okay," She said with a quivering voice. "You're going to have to bear with me here."

Theresa began fanning her eyes to keep from getting emotional. She already felt the tears forming. Whitney gave a wobbly smile and took a deep breath. "Theresa, you and I have been best friends for as long as we can remember, and I am so happy for you. I'm so happy, I've been moved to tears." Whitney dabbed a tissue at the corner of her eyes. "I'm so glad you two have each other." Whitney admitted tearfully. "And I wish you two all the happiness in the world. The love you two possess for each other is so beautiful and so inspiring." Whitney said as she wiped away a tear that escaped her eye, "Fox, You better take good care of Therea, or I'll come get ya." She laughed aloud. "Congratulations" Whitney said as she raised her glass.

"Here, here!" was the response.

The DJ began to play more lively music as people filed onto the dance floor. Theresa and Fox sat back and watched. "Fox!" A man heartily called as he approached the couple.

"Oh my God," Fox said in surprise. "Dylan Banning what in the world are you doing here?"

"I came to see my good friend get married! And you know, frankly I'm quite hurt that you didn't ask me to be your best man."

"Come here." Fox said as he pulled his long-time friend in a bear hug.

"You missed me that much?" Dylan said jokingly.

"When'd you get here? How'd you find out about the wedding?" Fox asked.

"Gossip." Dylan replied simply. " 'Course, you could've at least e-mailed me an invitation. Hm," Dylan said as he turned to face Theresa. "You must be the former-step mommy Fox e-mailed me about so many times."

"You've already heard of me?" Theresa asked.

"Yeah, and I must say, you're more beautiful in person. The pictures in magazines and newspapers don't do you justice." Dylan said as he kissed Theresa's hand.

"Stop flirting with my wife." Fox said jokingly.

Dylan laughed. "Okay, I'll behave."

"So, how long are you going to be in town?" Theresa asked.

"Uh- right now it will probably be for an extended period of time. I don't have anywhere else to go. I kind of worked myself into debt." Dylan frowned.

"You have a place?" Fox asked. "I can always get one of the rooms in the mansion set up for you."

"Thanks, man. I might have to take you up on that offer."

"Oh excuse me," Pilar said as she brought Little Ethan over. "But I think someone wants his mommy." Little Ethan reached his chubby hands to his mother.

"I'll be back." Theresa said as she quickly gave kiss a soft kiss on the lips.

"Quite a catch." Dylan said as he watched Theresa walk away.

"Yeah," Fox said with a love-struck expression on his face which made Dylan laugh.

"What's so funny?" Fox asked.

"Just look at you. Love's turned you into this lovesick puppy. How'd you change so much Fox? What happened to that ladies' man I knew so long ago?"

"He's gone." Fox replied. "He's buried in the past."

"I can see that." Dylan said. "But you know, you had one notorious past."

"Yeah," Fox admitted. "And I'd like to forget about it."

"Yeah, especially that issue with one who shall remain nameless." Dylan added.

Fox cleared his throat. "That was pure hell. I don't even know why I hooked up with Angela in the first place. She was one crazy bitch."

"She was rich." Dylan replied. "But she was so fake. Most of her body parts weren't even natural. Besides, it was just a one-night thing."

"I know." Fox said. "I never want to see her again."

~*~



"There he is." Angela Bellemin whispered to her daughter.

"That's daddy?" The girl said in wonder.

"Yeah, that's him." Angela replied.

"He's tall." The little girl of five commented.

"Yes he is, Belle. Why don't you go over and say hi?" Angela suggested.

" 'Kay," The little answered as she began running towards Fox. "Daddy! Daddy!" She called as she wrapped her arms around his legs.

Fox and Dylan held a baffled look on their faces. "Who is this?" Fox mouthed as he pointed to the little girl.

Dylan shrugged. As he looked around, his eyes fell upon a gaze that held one of resentment and anger. "Oh Sweet Jesus," Dylan mumbled.

"What?" Fox asked.

"Look who's here." Dylan nodded in Angela's direction.

Fox's face blanched. "Oh no," He said in a low tone.

Theresa returned with a smile plastered upon her face. "Who's this?" Theresa asked as she looked down at the little girl with blond pigtails.

"Hi!" The little girl replied cheerfully. "You look very pretty Miss." She said shyly.

"Well thank you!" Theresa said. "Aren't you the cutest thing? What's your name?"

"Belle Bellemin." The little girl replied.

"It's nice to meet you Belle, my name is Theresa."

"Fox, do you know Belle?" Theresa asked.

"Yeah! He does." Belle answered.

"Really?" Theresa asked. "How do you know my husband?"

"He's my daddy."