As the couple stood at the door to the Crane Mansion, waiting to be let in, Theresa was growing more and more nervous.

"Theresa, calm down. Everything is going to be fine."

"Hey, it's not everyday you meet your boyfriend's mother!"

"I know, but you've met my mother before. This is just a re-acquaintance with her."

"And Julian..."

"Don't worry. I wont' let Julian anywhere near you. I know what he 's like, too."

As the door opened, Theresa recognized Phyllis, a maid that her mother worked with at the mansion.

"Good morning, Phyllis", Ethan said.

"Good morning Mr. Bennett....Theresa? Is that you??"

"Hi Phyllis! How are you?" She leaned over and gave Phyllis a hug.

"I haven't seen you in years! Pilar told me you were home. You look wonderful! And congratulations on your job! Pilar brags about you everyday to all of us!"

"Thank you, Phyllis, that's nice to hear."

"Well, if you two will have a seat in the front room, I'll get Mrs. Crane."

"Thanks, Phyllis", Ethan said as she walked out of the room. "Well, that should have helped you feel more comfortable."

"Yes, it did. It's nice to see a friendly face."

"Here, let me show you another one, up close and personal." Ethan said, as he leaned over to kiss her.

"Ahem..." Ivy cleared her throat to let Ethan and Theresa know she was in the room.

Ethan quickly pulled away from Theresa and turned his head.

"Good morning, Mother." he said as he jumped off of the couch to greet her.

"Good morning darling, it's nice to see you. And who may I ask is....Theresa? Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, Pilar's daughter, is that you?"

"Good morning, Mrs. Crane", and Theresa also came from the couch and extended her hand.

"Darling, look at you!" Ivy declared, as she ignored Theresa's hand and went to hug her. As she pulled away, Ivy looked her up and down. "Why my word, you have turned out to be quite the stunning young woman!"

"Yes, she has", Ethan mumbled under his breath, also giving Theresa the once over, again, for the 10th time that day.

"Why, thank you Mrs. Crane."

"Oh dear, call me Ivy, please. It is wonderful to see you again! Pilar has done nothing but talk about you ever since you graduated. How fabulous that you found a job at Envy! It is my absolute favorite boutique in town! And your mother also tells me that you are their Personal Designer now?"

"Yes, Maria just told me the other day. I'm very excited to start work, although I am glad for the time off she gave me before I actually started."

"Yes," Ivy said, turning her head in Ethan's direction. "I can see you've been putting it to good use."

"Ivy, I'm sorry that you saw us..."

"Theresa, there is no need to apologize. I'm just happy that you and Ethan have finally found your way back to each other. I must say, it's not a big surprise to see you two together." As she talked, she motioned for them to follow her in to the dinning room.

"Why do you say that, Mother?"

"Well, Ethan. Theresa is all you ever talked about as a child! Every week when you came to visit, it was always "Theresa this and Theresa that." I was sure you two were joined at the hip at Sam and Grace's house!"

"See, I told you," Ethan whispered in Theresa's ear, as he pulled out her chair, and helped her push it in after she sat down.

"Mother, is Julian joining us?"

"Oh yes, but he's on with Alistair. Let's give him a few minutes before we start. Theresa can tell me more about working at the boutique."

Just as Theresa was about to begin, Julian walked in from his office.

"Ah well, thank you for waiting everyone. Ethan, my boy, good to see you." Julian walked over to where Ethan was sitting to shake his hand.

"Julian. All is well with Alistair?"

"Yes, fine, fine" Julian had become distracted by Ethan's companion. "Hello. I don't believe we've met. I'm Julian Crane." He took Theresa's hand and held it to his mouth to kiss it.

"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald", she replied, very uneasily.

"Pilar and Martin's daughter?" he asked, still holding on to her hand.

"That's right."

"Well, your mother is Ivy's right hand woman! And Martin, he was such a ...well, a ...large man. He worked for us for quite a few years before..."

"Let's all eat, shall we?" Ethan wanted to desperately change the subject. It was no big secret in Harmony, that the Lopez-Fitzgerald's blamed the Crane's for Martin's disappearance.

"Yes, that's a wonderful idea! Julian....Julian..." Ivy was trying to get her husband away from Theresa. She could see the look of fear in her eyes.

Ethan noticed Julian had no intention of leaving Theresa's side, so he immediately grabbed her hand away from Julian.

"Is your hand all right today?" he asked.

"All right?" Theresa asked confused.

"Yes", he made his eyes bulge, so she would realize he was trying to help her. "After you hurt it last night, I just want to make sure you're all right."

"Oh, I'm sorry my dear," Julian said to Theresa, "I had no idea."

Ethan kissed her hand so that she would feel better. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and whispered "We're outta here as soon as brunch is over."

Theresa looked up at him and smiled, as a way to thank him.