Learning More About You

Feeling Ethan's lips meet hers, Theresa sighs in content. Yup, I'm definitely in heaven. She thinks to herself.

Wow, this is amazing. It's almost as if Theresa was made just for me.. Feeling a little scared by that thought, Ethan slowly ends the kiss.

"Are you alright, Ethan?" Theresa asks as she watches a perplexed look cross his face.

Ethan smiles. "Yes, I am alright. Would you like to go sit by the pond over there?" He points to a pond in the distance. "Sure, let's go." Theresa says, as Ethan takes her hand.

This has been an amazing adventure so far. How is it that I feel like Theresa and I are the only two people in the world right now? Like nothing else matters. Is this some type of sign?

It is amazing this connection I feel with Ethan. Does he feel the same way I'm feeling? Is it too soon to say that I think I'm falling for this man? God, please guide me in the right direction…

As Ethan and Theresa come up to the pond, he takes her to sit on a small bench. "Can I ask you something without sounding like a jerk?"

"Sure, Ethan, what is it?"

Taking a deep breath, Ethan looks into Theresa's eyes. "Okay. I just wanted to know your reasons for being here. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am very happy you are here, but I still can't believe how a beautiful girl like you could be single."

Smiling, Theresa looks at Ethan. "Remember how I told you about fate a few weeks ago?"

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, I think that's my reason for being here. I've always grown up thinking that God had this great plan for me. I know that he wanted me to be happy in my life, and be successful. I've always dreamed of finding my Prince Charming. Yes, I know I live in a fairy-tale world, but sometimes, it's a lot better living there then in the reality."

Ethan smiles, "yeah, I can agree with that. Growing up, I lived a rather privileged life, I guess you could say. My family was rich, and I had everything I ever wanted right in the palm of my hand. As I was growing up, though, something changed inside of me. I realized that the world was not revolving around my family, but around others. I started to see the world in a new light. I wanted to make the world better, not bitter, like my father wanted. My parents seemed to have cared more about themselves then they did me. When I turned 21, and graduated from Harvard Law School, my graduation present wasn't a car, or money, but a secret that my mother revealed to me. She had told me that my life wasn't what I thought it was. She revealed to me that she had a man in her life that she loved more than anything. They were college sweethearts. Apparently, on the eve of my mother's wedding to my father, she snuck away with this man." Taking a deep breath, Ethan continues, "I was the product of that union. My father is a middle class man, who has his own family now, but works very hard for his money. I am truly honored to call him my father."

"Wow, Ethan, that sounds so sad yet happy at the same time."

"Believe me, Theresa, it was a big shock learning that my whole life was a make believe one. Now that I know the truth, I changed myself, in a way. I let go of my step-father's last name, and took my mother's maiden name, since at the time, I did not know my father well. Now, talking to you, I realize that my dad and I have a great bond now that we're adults. If I tell you this, you promise not to tell anyone?"

Theresa makes a cross sign over her heart. "Whatever you tell me, Ethan, I'll take to the grave."

"Okay. My dream now, in a way to reunite the family that I've lost for so long, is to take my real father's last name once I get married."

"Ethan, that is so honorable. I am sure your father would be so happy that you would want to do that."

"You think so?"

"Well, yes, I do. The way you are describing him now, it seems to me that you admire him for the man he is. Perhaps, in a way, you are a lot like him, in terms of what you believe in, and what you hold true to your heart."

"I never thought of it that way."

The two smile, as Ethan kisses her cheek. "Thank you for listening. I am sorry that I took up all this time talking about me. That wasn't my intention."

"Do not apologize, Ethan. I am very honored that you would open up to me about yourself."

"So, what can you tell me about you, Theresa?"

"Well, my family is very different from yours, in a way. My father disappeared from my life when I was very little. We don't even know if he is alive, or if he's dead. I have two older brothers, a younger brother, and a younger sister. My oldest brother, Antonio, was away from our family for a while, too, and then he came back, but died in an unfortunate accident."

"I am so sorry." Ethan says as he rubs Theresa's back.

"Thank you. Anyway, my brother Luis is married to a woman named Sheridan. They are so happy together. They have a baby on the way, and are really happy. My other brother, Miguel, moved away from Harmony to be with his wife, Kay. They are having a baby, as well. Finally, my sister, Paloma, lives in Mexico. Mama sent her away when she was a baby to live a better life, because we couldn't afford to raise her." Theresa bows her head, attempting to hide the tears.

"Hey." Ethan takes Theresa's chin into his hand, and turns her face to him. "It's alright, Theresa. You have lived a tough life, but look at you now! You are a beautiful woman, you obviously care very deeply about your family, which is very honorable."

"Yes. I would do anything for my family. I made a promise growing up that once I graduated college, and worked in my dream job of being a fashion designer, I would take care of my family. And I did. My mama doesn't have to work anymore. She can now relax at home, after working for so long as a housekeeper. She now has the money to do with what she wants."

"That is wonderful, Theresa. I admire what you've done with your life."

"Thank you, Ethan."

"You're welcome."

"May I kiss you, Theresa?"

Smiling, Theresa nods. The two share a passionate kiss under the stars, all the while, feeling happiness fill their hearts.

Coming Up

Ethan goes on a group date with the other women

What will happen when Gwen and Theresa are left alone in the house?

Please R/R