Coming Home

As Theresa and Ethan walk back to Pilar's house, Theresa sighs.

"What's wrong, Theresa?" Ethan says as he pulls her closer. "Nothing, Ethan, I just hope that our family can finally heal."

"You're thinking of Little Ethan, aren't you?"

"Yes. He's so angry still."

Stopping their walk, Ethan turns to Theresa and holds his face in her hands. "Listen to me. Our son will accept things for what they are. I've talked to him many times, and I know he's angry at me, but I hope in time, he'll forgive me and we can move on and put the past behind us."

"I hope so too." Theresa whispers as she looks at her husband.

Getting to Pilar's house, Theresa looks at Ethan. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready to be a family again." With that, Theresa opens the door, and smiles as her daughter runs to her parents.

"Mommy! Daddy! You're back!" Gracie says as she flings herself into Ethan's arms.

"Yes, princess, daddy's home for good."

"No more going away?" Gracie asks, looking at Ethan intently.

"No more going away, baby." Ethan says, sharing a smile with Theresa.

"Dad."

Looking up, Theresa and Ethan see Ethan Martin standing at the entrance to the living room. Putting Gracie down on the floor, Ethan walks slowly to his son.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Gracie, let's go to the kitchen and see if abuela has some cookies, okay?"

"Okay, mommy."

While they walk off, Ethan watches his son glare at him. "Are you home for good now, dad?" EM asks.

"Yes, son, I am."

Turning away, EM sighs. "Dad, if you ever hurt Mom again…"

"I know, Ethan Martin. Look, the fact is, I'm not perfect, no one is. I have learned from my mistakes, and I'm ready to make a clean slate for all of us. You, your mother, Gracie, YOU are my family. I don't need OR want anyone else. I love you, your mother, and your sister. You are the ones in my heart, no one else."

Sighing, Ethan Martin looks up at his father. Bringing his hand out, he waits for Ethan to clasp it, and then shakes his father's hand like a grown man.

"Welcome home, dad." Ethan Martin says, and then pulls Ethan into a hug.

"Thank you, son."

Turning around the two men spot Theresa and Gracie smiling at them.

"Are we a family now?" Gracie asks her mom.

Smiling, Ethan Martin takes Gracie into his arms, and looks at his parents. "We're a family."

Watching their children, Theresa looks up at Ethan. "Welcome home, my love." She whispers.

"I'm complete now that I've come back home."

The End