Chapter 19
Teresa and Ethan had been dancing for quite a while when the band stopped. While she had enjoyed dancing with Ethan greatly Teresa reluctantly removed herself from Ethan's arms and joined in the applause for the band. At that moment the conductor of the band bowed and reached for the nearest microphone.
'Thank you ladies and gentlemen. The band would like to thank you for your applause it is much appreciated. Before we resume again we have just been informed of an exciting announcement. Would Ethan Crane please raise his hand,' Ethan who had been reluctant to release Teresa, but had kept her close to him, hoping the music would start again and he could go back to dancing was thrown when he heard his name called. He slowly raised his hand and instantly a spotlight was pointed in his direction that engulfed himself and Teresa and left them slightly blinded from the intensity of the beam. The conductor continued
'Ladies and gentlemen please join me in offering congratulations to Mr.. Ethan Crane and his fiancé Teresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, who have just become engaged.'
Ethan and Teresa were thrown by what had just been announced, the entire restaurant joined in the new round of applause for them. They had only made up the lie to get rid of Cindy and now everyone in the Seascape thought that they were engaged. Ethan quickly looking around saw Gwen off at one side smiling and giving the thumbs up sign. This had to be her plan he thought. Realizing he had to do something quickly he leaned down and pulled Teresa back against him his arms wrapped around her waist and his head resting on her shoulder.
'Just smile and go along with it Resa' he whispered into her ear and quickly gave her a kiss on the cheek then nuzzled her neck again.
Teresa's head was spinning when she heard what was announced. But before she could act Ethan was wrapped around her and telling her to smile. He kissed her cheek, which immediately brought a smile to her face, and played along with it.
They received congratulations from people they didn't know for at least 10 minutes before Ethan figured that it would be easier to leave the dance floor.
Once they were back at the table people still came up and congratulated them. They were having so much fun 'being engaged' that when people started asking when they wedding was they started replying.
'So when is the big day?'
'Have you decided where you are going for the honeymoon?'
'Where will the reception be?'
'Who will be designing your dress?'
They had so many people asking them questions that didn't know where to turn. They just answered with the first thing that came to mind. After 20mins of interrogation, Ethan finally had enough and told Gwen they were leaving he grabbed Teresa's arm and practically dragged her out the entrance. They both emerged outside laughing so hard Teresa was near tears. Feeling a sudden surge of energy took her shoes off and started running towards the beach.
'Last one to the beach is a rotten egg' she called over her shoulder.
Ethan just started laughing all over again when he saw Teresa take off trying to run with her long skirt, she had also taken her hair out and it was whipping along behind her in the wind. He immediately chased after her. Teresa reached the beach and dumped her shoes at the top and continued down to the water. Lifting her skirt she started splashing around in the water.
Ethan had finally reached the beach and was taking his shoes, socks, jacket and bow tie off. Loosening his shirt he slowly made his way down towards Teresa.
'So you think we caused enough of a scandal back there?' he asked still laughing.
'Oh I definitely think we wrecked havoc, I feel bad leaving Gwen and Brandon back there though. We did steal their spotlight considering we were supposed to be celebrating their engagement' she laughed and then fell into step with him as they walked along the beach on the waters edge.
'I don't think that Gwen minded, at least she wasn't being bombarded with questions. Speaking of which where on earth did you come up with the idea to have a wedding around Valentines Day? That would be a nightmare' he said laughing.
'I think it would be romantic, besides you answered Halloween. I don't know who was more shocked the person that asked the question or me. It was a good thing you had me planning your wedding cause you mister have no sense of romance' she said bumping shoulders with him. Ethan laughed at her comment.
'I'll have you know that I can be very romantic if I want to' Ethan replied and bumping Teresa back.
'Oh please, not only did you say the date was for Halloween, but you also wanted to have Elvis presiding over the ceremony' she replied not remembering when she had laughed this hard with anyone.
'Hey, I happen to think that the king has a lot of style. Besides I remember that a certain person was quite happy to be entertained by the king a few months back'
'Yes well, you were cheering me up and cheering me up and having Elvis marry me are two entirely different things'
'Oh really so no matter how much you loved me and wanted to marry me you wouldn't we were married by Elvis?' he stopped and faced her his eyes shining. Teresa stopped and faced him and sighed collecting her thoughts before continuing.
'Ethan. Firstly I wouldn't be the one who would be marrying you, you're mystery woman would if she ever came to her senses. Secondly hypothetically speaking I personally wouldn't care if you and I were in a church with a huge white wedding or in a Las Vegas wedding chapel with some look-a-like marrying us the most important thing would be that we were bonded together for life'
Ethan watched as Teresa spoke so passionately, about love and marriage. His heart was swelling with love hoping that one day the picture she painted would come true.
'Resa how do you do it?'
'What do you mean?'
'How do you have such an amazing out look on life and love? You are the only person that I have ever been able to have conversations about love with. And I want to thank you for giving me the hope that I need to carry on with my life. I truly believe that there is a chance for me in this world and that one day soon I will have all my dreams realized.' He leaned over and kissed her cheek then pulled her into a huge hug.
Teresa melted into his arms and cursed the tears that silently ran down her cheeks. She didn't know why he had such an effect on her but he did. She silently cursed the day she fell for a dream so unachievable. Pulling back she wiped her tears away before he could see them and spoke.
'Ethan I hope you get your dreams, but my outlook isn't that much different from anyone else's, deep down everyone wants to believe that there is someone out there for them. Besides I'm sure you've discussed your problems with Chad or Sheridan. I'm not you're only friend' she said smiling and he playfulness returning.
'Well you may not be my only friend, but I can honestly say that I have never discussed the topic of love in depth with anyone but you. You can give me an honest opinion, plus we both have the same dream. That one day we will find or soul mate and live happily ever after.'
'Ethan you have been hanging around me too long because when I first met you I would not in a million years have imagined that you would believe that.' she said smiling up at him happy that she had some kind of effect
on him.
'Well I guess if hanging around you causes me to believe in love then I will just have to put up with you' he said returning her smile.
'Put up with me huh? Well then you'll also have to put up…' she smiled and walked closer to him looking him directly in the eyes. Ethan swallowed at the close proximity of Teresa; he almost lost control when she slid her hands down his shoulders and finishing on his chest. When she smiled at him he could have died but then.
'… with this' and with that she push him back into the ocean. Teresa had caught Ethan completely off guard. He had been concentrating on not kissing Teresa and when she pushed him he fell back and ending up sitting in the surf.
Teresa just stood there laughing. 'You want to put up with me still?' she asked him unable to control herself. Ethan finally waking up to his position stood up and started walking towards Teresa with revenge on his mind. When Teresa saw the look in his eyes she knew exactly what was coming and she immediately took off running away from Ethan.
'Oh no you don't. Get back here' he called as took off after her. After a few hundred meters he caught up to her and picked her up from behind and started spinning her around. Teresa squealed at the coldness of his clothes and squirmed in his arms trying to get away. But Ethan was more determined than ever to get payback.
'Now Resa, that wasn't a very nice thing you did was it?' he asked putting her down and resting his head on her shoulder.
'Well I thought it was quite funny actually' she said laughing.
'Yes but who will be the one laughing once I get my revenge?' he asked quietly. Teresa froze.
'You wouldn't do that to me. Would you? I'm your best friend and plus imagine what Gwen would say if you ruined my pretty dress?' she said stepping away from Ethan and looking meekly up at him.
'Don't pull that innocent act on me. I've known you far too long to actually fall for it. Plus if Gwen says something,' he paused and moved closer to her and whispered in her ear, 'tell her to blame me' and with that he picked her up and walked towards the ocean and dumped her in so she was waist height in the water.
'I can't believe you just did that' Teresa laughed, 'you realize that this is now war?'
'War huh? Bring it on' he answered and immediately started a water fight.
Up on the deck at the seascape Gwen was watching the scene take place down below in the water.
'So you think that he has a chance?' Brandon asked coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
'I think that there is a definite possibility' she smiled and kissed his cheek.
'What about we go home? I don't think that they will be coming back to the restaurant tonight' Gwen laughed at his comment
'I think that is a good idea'
And with that they walked out of the restaurant and headed home while Ethan and Teresa continued their war in the water.

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