The ball was absolutely amazing. The Seascape was decorated like it never had been before. And it was absolutely full of guests. It seemed as though everyone who received an invitation came. But the best part about it for Ethan, was that not only was Theresa there, but all of his family and friends who have supported him. Pilar arrived with Sam and Grace, Ivy and Julian were there. So were Sheridan and Luis, who rode with Miguel and Kay. Whitney and Chad made it, too.

After the dinner was finished, and before the band began to play, Bart and James stood up to make the announcement. They first, thanked everyone for coming, but admitted there was a hidden agenda, and that was to announce that Ethan would be made full partner in the law firm, effective immediately. The entire audience let out a clap of thunderous applause. Then the partners asked Ethan to stand up and say something.

"Thank you, everyone. I'm not really quite sure what to say except thank you to Bart and James. Not every law firm would have the courage to take in a lawyer fresh out of law school to give him a start. And I don't know of one that would take that lawyer and make them a partner. So thank you to them. I also need to thank, my parents, Sam Bennett and Ivy Crane, and their spouses. Without their love and support, I have no idea where I'd be right now. And there's one last person I'd like to thank. Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. Theresa and I were friends growing up, and when she came back to town recently, we began dating. I know most women would demand a lot of time from their new boyfriends, but Theresa knew how important my career was to me, so she let me have my time to do my job. Which in turn, gave her time to do her job. I can see that at least half of the ladies here are wearing a dress designed by Theresa! So I thank her, and pray that she and I will attend many more functions like this for years to come. Thank you."

At about 12:30, everyone that Ethan had invited to the ball was gone, so Theresa and Ethan decided to head home, themselves. It had been a long day for Ethan, and Theresa could tell he was tired. She was beginning to feel unsure about her staying at his place, until they got in to the limo to go home.

"Shall I drop the young lady off at her apartment?" the limo driver asked Ethan.

"No, just one stop at my apartment will be fine, thank you."

"Ethan," Theresa started, "are you sure you still want me to stay? I know you're tired. We can pick a different night to....."

Ethan grabbed Theresa's hand and brought it to his lips, looking in her eyes as he did it.

"Theresa, I want you with me tonight. It has been the perfect evening. And do you know what made it so perfect?" he asked her, as he looped his arm to her waist and drew her close to him.

"What, Ethan?" she asked breathlessly. They may have danced all evening together, but every time she got close to Ethan, her heart began to race.

"Having you right there by my side the whole time." He began kissing her neck.

"Really?" She could barely get the words out. His kisses were taking her breath away.

"Really", he whispered back to her. "Making love to you tonight will be the perfect way to end this day."

"Oh, Ethan. I love you so much."

"I love you too, baby."

Before exiting the limo, when they arrived at Ethan's apartment, Ethan tipped the driver and thanked him. Then they made their way in to Ethan's apartment.

They walked in and did the little things you do when you come home at night. Turn on lights, take off your shoes, set down your purse, and put away your keys, all in silence.

After they were done, they just kind of stood there, looking around the apartment.

Theresa broke the silence first. "Is it just me, or are you nervous, too?"

Ethan let out the breath he had been holding. "I am so nervous."

"Why is that, I wonder? I mean, it's not like we don't know each other."

"No, we do know each other. But now we're going to really know each other."

"Well, we've got to do something to break the tension", she said.

"I have an idea", he said, as he walked over to her, took her face in his hands, and gently placed a kiss on her lips.

"That works", Theresa replied, as Ethan pulled away from her.

"Follow me", he said seductively, as he gently led her to the bedroom.