A Growing Relationship

It has now been about six months that Theresa and Ethan have been dating. Theresa has yet to meet Ethan's family, and approaches him about that subject while they are eating lunch at the Book Café.

"Ethan, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, hon, what is it?"

"Why haven't I met your family yet?"

Putting his fork down, Ethan takes a deep breath. "Well, sweetie, I didn't want you to meet them yet because...well...I didn't know what they would think of you."

"Are you saying that they would be upset because I am not from your social circle?"

"They know that I am old enough to make my own decisions. I have always told them that class means nothing to me. Love comes before society values and beliefs. My father can be very intimidating, and I did not want to subject you to his ways."

"Ethan, I appreciate you looking out for me, but you have to trust that I can handle myself and anyone that comes in my way. I'm a big girl, not some little kid."

"I know that, Theresa. Maybe tonight we can go over there before our date and go through the introductions?"

"I would like that, Ethan. I want to be fully part of your world."

"You are, Theresa. You are."

Later on that night, Ethan swings by Theresa's place to pick her up to go meet his family. "You ready for this?" He asks.

"More than ready. I've been thinking about this a lot, you know. While I would like to know your family, I think I can handle if they don't accept me for who I am. All that really matters to me is what you feel."

Taking her hand in his, Ethan smiles. "Well, I can tell you that I'm definitely head over heels for you. I think you are a great person, and I'm really glad that we're developing a relationship together."

"Me too, Ethan, me too."

Once they arrive at the Crane mansion, Theresa is in awe of the size of the house. "This is beautiful, Ethan."

"Wait till you see what's inside."

Once they enter the house, Theresa takes a deep breath as she prepares to meet Ethan's family. "I can do this. They will like me for who I am." She chants to herself.

Walking into the living room with Ethan, Theresa sees a very elegant woman sitting on the couch drinking tea. When she looks up and spots Ethan, Theresa notices the huge smile that crosses the woman's face and watches as she stands.

"Ethan, what a surprise!" Ivy says as she hugs her son. Looking over at Theresa, she smiles. "And who is this lovely woman?"

"Mother, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. You may recognize her from Pilar, since she is her daughter."

"Of course! Pilar speaks of you all the time. Hello, Theresa, my name is Ivy." She takes Theresa's hand in her own and Theresa begins to feel a sense of relief.

"Hello, Mrs. Crane." She says.

Hearing all the noise in the living room, Julian Crane walks in and spots his son.

"Ethan, my boy, how are you?" He says as he claps Ethan on the back.

"Hello, father. I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald."

"Pleasure, Theresa." Julian says as he shakes her hand,

"I'm honored to meet you both, thank you for having me here." Theresa says.

"It's our pleasure. Come, let's all sit down for dinner." Ivy says as she directs the four of them into the dining room.

Feeling Ethan wrap his arm around her waist, Theresa looks up into his eyes. "Are you okay?" He asks as they walk to the dining room.

"Yes, thank you for asking."

After dinner is over, Ivy and Theresa discuss fashion, while Ethan and Julian discuss some issues at Crane Industries.

"Theresa, I am very glad that I met you today. Just looking at Ethan, I know he is very happy with you. I hope you both will have a great future. And from what I can tell, your future will definitely be bright with your fashion degree. Just the way you've described some dresses that are in style to me now shows me that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Crane."

"Please, dear, call me Ivy."

"Of course."

As Theresa and Ivy are talking, Ethan discusses business with his father. "You know, son, I can see why you would be attracted to Theresa. She is an intelligent, beautiful woman. I'm happy for you."

"Even if she isn't from our social class, father?"

"Son, I think that true love should come from the heart, not from social standing. You have my blessing to be with Theresa. I think that she will make this family very happy."

"So do I, father, so do I." Ethan says as he looks over at Theresa and the two share a smile.

Later on in the evening, Theresa and Ethan are cuddled up on the couch and disucss meeting Ethan's parents.

"They seem both very nice."

"They have their moments, as all parents do. But they are my parents, and of course I love them."

"I am actually relieved that they are accepting of our relationship."

"You know, I'm very proud of you for the way you handled yourself. It made me come to a realization."

"Oh? And just what realization is that, Ethan?"

Taking her hand in his, Ethan stares into Theresa's eyes. "That I'm falling in love with you."

"You are?" Theresa asks surprisingly.

"Yes. I love you, Theresa. And I am so happy that we are together."

Taking a deep breath, Theresa looks into Ethan's eyes. "I love you, too. It's amazing how our relationship has grown from the moment we first met."

"You're right. We got off on a wrong foot so to speak, but now, I know that we can overcome even the craziest moments."

"To our future." Theresa says as she leans in to kiss Ethan.

"To our future." Ethan seals his promise of forever to Theresa with a passionate kiss.

Coming Up

The conclusion of "More than Just a Name"

Please R/R