Finding My Way Back to You

As Ethan drives into Castleton, he prays that Theresa will take him back into her life.

"God, I love you, Theresa. Please take me back."

Once he arrives at the Inn, he goes to the desk clerk, who informs him that Theresa is at the hospital. Getting back in his car, he drives as fast as possible to the hospital.

"I need to find Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald." He says to the nurse at the desk.

"She's in room 15."

"Thank you."

As he makes his way to Theresa's room, he can hear her talk to Little Ethan and the baby. "You children are my life. I love you all so much."

Walking into the room, Theresa gasps as she sees the only man she loves standing before her. Holding her children close, she looks at him wide eyed.

"What are you doing here?"

Ethan looks at the love of his life, and takes a deep breath. "I came here for you."

"Well, you can turn right back where you came from, because I'm not going anywhere."

"Theresa, you don't understand. I came here to be with you, and the children."

Theresa raises her eyebrow, as she looks at Ethan. "What are you talking about?"

"I am no longer married to Gwen. I realized I couldn't spend the rest of my life with someone that I didn't love. You, Theresa, you captivated me from the start. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but I know how strong our love is. Love can get us through anything. I'm giving up everything I have to be with you and your children, forever."

Staring wide-eyed at Ethan, she takes a deep breath. "Um, Ethan, about the children..."

"What is it, Theresa? Tell me."

Ethan sits on Theresa's bed, noticing the baby in her arms for the first time. He runs his hand over the little girl, knowing deep down that the baby is his.

Watching Ethan interact with their daughter, Theresa looks into his blue eyes. "They aren't just mine. Little Ethan and this baby...they're ours....yours and mine..."

Ethan looks at Theresa in surprise. "Ours? What are you talking about?"

Theresa explains, "When this baby was born, I noticed how striking a resemblance she has to when Little Ethan was born. I called Harmony Hospital and had them fax over Little Ethan's blood information, along with mine and Julian's. Ethan, Julian is not Little Ethan's father. You are."

Ethan's eyes widen as he looks from the woman he loves, to the son he now has. "Mine? How can that....the beach!" He says as the realization comes to him.

"It has to be. Our lovemaking that night was special in more than one way...he was created from our love that night."

Staring in awe at the woman he loves, he is puzzled by one thing. "You said our children...how is this little girl ours?"

Theresa sighs again, praying that God will give her the strength to tell Ethan this final news. "I...I tricked you at the mansion into making love with me...I lost the baby that you and Gwen made...I needed to get pregnant in order to get my son back. After we made love, the bond you and I shared was intensified inside me. I didn't know what to do..."

Realization dawns on Ethan. "It was you...I remember...I remember thinking about that night, and then reflecting on the night at the beach...they were both so similar....I kept telling myself it wasn't possible...but it was....."

Theresa turns her face away from Ethan, hiding her tears. "Please don't hate me..." she says in a small voice.

Turning her face back to his, Ethan looks at her. "Theresa, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. I'm surprised. You always had a determined streak in you to get what you wanted. I mean, at the time, I would have been angry as anything knowing what you did. At the same time, though, it's okay. It's okay because I know that you're the only woman in my heart. You and our children mean the world to me. My life has just gotten better because of you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

"Ethan. Do you really forgive me?"

"Yes, my love. I love you, so much."

"And I love you, Ethan. I never stopped." They share a passionate kiss, and then Ethan takes his daughter into his arms.

"You were created by a love your mother and I have for each other. I promise you that I will always be here for you, your mom, and your brother. Always. Theresa, what did you name her?"

"Breanna Pilar Winthrop."

"It's beautiful. Breanna. I'm your daddy. And we're going to be a family." Saying this, he looks up at Theresa. "We've always been a family in my heart, you know. I've just been too afraid of my feelings."

"Are you afraid now, Ethan?"

"No. I love you, and our children. I want to be with you and you alone. We've had so much hurt in the past. I want our future to be filled with happiness, trust, and above all, love."

"I'm sorry for everything."

"I'm not. Believe it or not, all those things brought us closer together in some crazy way. You have nothing to be sorry for, Theresa. Just knowing you love me is plenty forgiveness."

The two share a kiss as they bond with their children.

Coming Up

The conclusion of Making Choices

Please R/R