XXVIII



Fox smiled as he walked back into the kitchen. In his mind, he formulated a plan for a romantic dinner for just him and Theresa. He decided that during the dinner, he would surprise her with the news of the trip to Paris with Pilar and Stanley. Fox knew that Theresa would be thrilled about visiting such a romantic city. Fox was simply happy knowing that he would be spending time with his wife.

The only worry that Fox possessed now was the impending custody trial concerning Ethan Martin. Fox was certain that he and Theresa would win custody. Fox was adamant about protecting Theresa from getting hurt in any way. He was going to make sure that Julian wouldn't take Ethan Martin away from them.

After the whole car incident back in L.A., Fox was scared that Theresa could slip away from him again. He almost lost her, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to live if anything ever took her away from him. Losing Ethan Martin would be a devastating blow to both of them if it ever happened. But Fox was determined not to let it happen. He was determined to make sure that his family would not be broken apart.

As Fox stood in the entryway of the kitchen, he smiled as he observed Belle sharing her cookie with Ethan Martin. Belle looked up at Fox and grinned. "Daddy, would you like some?" She asked as she held the remnants of the cookie in her hand.

"No thanks kiddo," Fox replied as he went over to sit beside her.

"Daddy?" Belle asked.

"What is it?" Fox answered.

"I don't like my last name." Belle said as she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "It makes my whole name sound stupid."

"Do you want to change it?" Fox asked.

"Mm-hm." Belle nodded emphatically.

"Okay," Fox smiled. "What do you want to change it to?"

"What's your last name?" Belle asked.

"Crane," Fox replied.

"What's Theresa's last name?" Belle asked.

"It's Crane too, but her maiden name is Lopez-Fitzgerald."

"Wow," Belle said. "That's a long-uh what did you call it Daddy?"

"Maiden name." Fox replied.

"Yeah," Belle smiled. "That. Okay, so my name can be Belle Lopez-Fitzgerald Crane." Belle said with a nod of her head.

"Are you sure you want it to be that?" Fox asked.

"Yes." Belle said confidently. "It's better than Belle Bellemin." She stuck out her tongue.

Fox laughed. "It's much better." He agreed.

~*~



It was very dim in Lindsay's hospital room. Machines with various purposes were set beside the bed. Justin supposed they were for monitoring his and Lindsay's unborn child. It was silent in the room except for the occasional beep from one of the machines. Justin swallowed anxiously as he waited for Alex's account of the case.

"Tell me what happened." Justin said with pleading eyes to Detective Gray.

Detective Gray cleared her throat. Justin's eyes were full of questions. His arms were placed protectively around Lindsay's shoulders. Just as Alex was about to begin, Lindsay winced while clutching her stomach tightly. She let out a small cry of pain.

"Lindsay!" Justin said jumping up.

"I'm fine." Lindsay said taking deep breaths.

"You're sure you're okay?" Justin asked concerned. "I'll go get the doctor~"

"No." Lindsay said. "I'm fine." She insisted.

"No, let me get the doctor," Justin persisted. He had missed eight months of his wife's pregnancy. Justin felt obligated to be extra careful when it came to his wife.

"I'm fine." Lindsay said. "Justin, honey, you don't have to get the doctor."

Justin looked at Lindsay warily. "I don't know. I still think I should get the Doctor."

Lindsay looked exasperatingly at her husband. "You're not going to stop until you get the Doctor to look at me." She stated rather than asked.

"Yeah." Justin said caressing his wife's cheek. "I'm worried about you. I want to make sure you're okay."

Lindsay smiled. "Okay," She relented. "Get the doctor."

~*~



Theresa walked slowly back down the hallway and stopped in front of Lindsay's room. She debated with herself on whether she should stay outside or enter. Theresa finally decided to stay outside and wait. Just as she was about to turn and walk to the waiting room, Justin opened the door.

"Theresa," He said breathlessly.

"Hey," She said. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing much better knowing that my wife is well and alive." Justin admitted.

"Good," Theresa said. "Do you need me to do anything for you?"

"No, it's all right." Justin said. "I'm just going to get a Doctor to look at Lindsay really quick."

"Is she all right?" Theresa asked immediately.

"She claims she is, but I want to make sure." Justin replied.

"Well, let me get the Doctor." Theresa suggested. "You go back to your wife."

"No, it's fine, I can~"

"Justin, go back to your wife." Theresa insisted as she pushed him back inside. "You haven't seen her in eight months."

"Good point." Justin replied. "Thank you Theresa. Thank you so much for understanding."

Theresa smiled. "No problem," she said smiling.

Theresa walked quickly down the hallway to the nurse's station and had them page a doctor to take a look at Lindsay. Theresa folded her arms as she glanced around the maternity ward. She smiled as she thought of the prospect of having another child. Theresa's hands settled upon her stomach as she imagined being pregnant once again. This time it would be by a man she truly loved- Fox Crane.

Theresa sighed. Since she was still studying to get her fashion degree, she knew that having a child now wasn't the best decision. Theresa wanted to get her career started as soon as she could. Maybe after she had established a position in the fashion world, she would think about having more children. Besides, Theresa already had two children to take care of. Belle's adoption would bring another into her and Fox's little family. Theresa knew she would probably have her hands full with Belle and Ethan Martin, but Theresa did not want to dismiss the idea of having another child with the man she loved. Theresa hugged herself as she thought about Fox. She could not wait to snuggle in the arms of the man she deeply loved.

~*~