XXX
After receiving the doctor's approbation, Justin prepared to take Lindsay home
to Harmony. Detective Gray found out that Roy and Rebecca Hunter were to be
extradited to Harmony. She was being sent to the small New England town to make sure
that everything was in order. Because Alex's brother resided in Harmony, she
decided that she would spend a few extra days with him and his family.
After Theresa called home to inform Fox that they were on their way home, Fox
immediately made plans for the romantic dinner for him and Theresa. He hoped
that Theresa wouldn't be too exhausted, but Fox couldn't wait to spend time
with his wife. He called Pilar who agreed and volunteered to watch Belle and
Little Ethan.
On the flight home, Theresa and Lindsay talked endlessly about themselves and
their lives. Justin listened quietly and held Lindsay's hand throughout the
whole time. Lindsay then began to talk excitedly about decorating the baby's
room, and buying baby things. Justin smiled at his wife as the excitement of
parenthood brewed within him.
When the pilot announced the arrival in Harmony, Theresa, Justin, and Lindsay
all took a deep breath. They were home, but what they didn't realize until they
got off the plane was that they were the center of the town's attention. As the
three walked through the airport, stares greeted them. Lindsay felt odd as did
Justin and Theresa. Eyes followed them until they exited.
Theresa looked over at a newsstand and saw the latest edition of the Harmony
Herald. "Crane husband and Crane wife Conducting Secret Love Affairs Behind
Each Other's Backs" Theresa snatched the paper and angrily read the article
that was full of lies.
"Unbelievable!" She sputtered. Theresa glanced at the author of the article.
"Paul Grissom." She said disgustedly. "He's going to hear from me."
"What is it?" Lindsay asked.
After Theresa explained the whole debacle with Harmony media, Lindsay shook her
head in disbelief. "That is so wrong. I can't believe they've done this!"
"We're going to get this straightened out." Justin said. "But don't you let
these rumors get to you okay? Theresa and I are just friends."
"I know that." Lindsay said. "I just hate rumors."
"As do I." Theresa replied. "Well, you two go on home. Spend some time
together. After eight months of separation, you guys deserve it."
~*~
After making sure that Roy and Rebecca were locked and secured behind bars in
Harmony, Alexandria got into her car and decided to drive through the scenic
streets of Harmony. It was certainly small compared to the bustling city of
Chicago. It was the sort of town where everyone knew everyone else. It was
appeared to be the sort of town where people tended to get into each other's
business.
Spotting the Book Café, Alex decided to grab a cup of coffee before heading to
her brother's home. She walked inside and ordered herself a cup. After finding
a place to sit down, Alex watched the Harmony residents who came in and out of
the shop.
Dylan walked in and took a seat as his usual table after he ordered his cup of
coffee. He read the Harmony Herald and frowned in disgust. "Why won't they just
leave Theresa and Fox alone? Why can't they let them be happy?"
As Dylan threw the paper onto the table, he leaned back and looked around the
shop. Familiar faces entered his line of vision. However there was one woman
that caught his eye. She too seemed to be watching the people. Dylan caught her
eye and stared at her curiously. The woman was certainly intriguing. Her stare
was mysterious and appealing to Dylan. He knew she was obviously a newcomer to
the small town and wondered what her story was.
Alexandria caught the eye of one attractive man who audaciously sat and studied
her from his seat in the coffee shop. Alex stared back into the mischievous
eyes of Dylan Banning. "I could so whoop his ass." She thought to herself
smiling.
Dylan looked at Alex and smiled. "I could so get her to date me." He thought
confidently as he got up and nonchalantly walked to her table.
~*~
"I'm home!" Theresa called as she entered the house. Candlelight lit the room.
Theresa breathed in the comforting scent given off by the candles and smiled.
"That Fox," She thought. When Theresa looked down on the floor, she noticed the
straight path of rose petals leading to the back door. Curious, Theresa
followed the rose petals and entered the backyard. Candles were positioned
everywhere on the deck while rose petals were strewn about the floor. Soft
music played in the background. Theresa looked around in awe at the romantic
setting her husband set for her.
"Where is he?" She wondered.
Theresa closed her eyes and sensed that someone was behind her. She felt
familiar arms settle around her waist. Theresa sighed as she leaned into the
tall figure standing behind her.
"Welcome home," Fox whispered into her ear.
Theresa giggled, for his breath tickled her cheek. She turned and faced the
brown irises that seemed to possess the power to look into the depths of her
soul. She felt vulnerable and exposed, yet her heart was warmed by the
radiating love Fox possessed for her.
"What, no kiss?" Theresa teased.
Fox smirked. "Not yet, anyway." He replied as he lovingly pinched the tip of
her nose.
Theresa frowned and narrowed her eyes. She pretended to pout. "Aw, c'mon. Not
even a peck on the cheek."
Fox shook his head. "Nope." He replied simply. "I'm saving the good stuff for
later." He added mischievously.
"You handsome little devil." Theresa said smiling.
"At your service, madam." Fox replied as he motioned for Theresa to take a seat
at the table filled with an abundance of food.
"You don't think I'm going to eat this all, do you?" Theresa asked gesturing to
the plates and plates of food.
"Well, you do have a tendency to eat a lot." Fox said teasingly.
"What?" Theresa said as she nudged him in the ribs. "What are you trying to
say?"
Fox laughed. "I'm not trying to say anything. You know, Theresa, there isn't
anything wrong about eating a lot."
Theresa narrowed her eyes and laughed. "You are a devil."
"You forgot to add handsome." Fox pointed out.
"I know I did." Theresa retorted. "I left it out on purpose."
"Ouch!" Fox said. "I cannot believe such venomous words left that cute little
mouth of yours."
"Well it wouldn't have happened if your cute little mouth bothered to
even kiss mine." Theresa replied looking in the opposite direction.
Fox sighed. "You're so impatient too." He added. "I told you, good stuff is
later."
Theresa made face at Fox. "Fine." She sighed. "You know," She said softly. "I
missed you."
"I missed you too." Fox said reaching for her hand.
"I can't believe you did all of this." Theresa replied.
"We need some alone time Mrs. Crane." Fox said. "And, I figured that now was
the best time."
"I like the way you think." Theresa smiled.
"I know you do," Fox winked. "Now, what do you say we dig in?" Fox said
motioning to the food.
"I'm going to get fat." Theresa frowned.
Fox rolled his eyes. "Oh my God, Theresa! Please tell me that you did
not just say that."
Theresa laughed. "I'm joking." She said.
"You better be." Fox said warningly.
"Oh, whipped cream!" Theresa said as she reached over to get the can.
"Dessert first?" Fox asked with raised eyebrows.
"I feel the need for something sweet." Theresa said. "Like this!" She squealed
as she sprayed the can of whipped cream on the top of Fox's head. "Sweet
revenge. Mmmm..Yummy!" Theresa said laughing.
"Oh you are going to get it!" Fox jumped up as he chased Theresa around the
yard.
~*~
