Chapter 3

The Crane Mansion was filled with people ready to celebrate Ethan's soon-to-be-marriage to Gwen Hotchkiss. The grounds were overflowing with stogy and anxious men and women of wealth; yet somehow guests were still arriving. Ethan and Gwen stood at the head of a long receiving line. Thus far Ethan's evening had been filled with feigned smiles and meaningless chitchat with members of Harmony's high society.

He'd forgotten how much he despised these parties. While he understood their importance for keeping up appearances, Ethan had always dreaded this kind of socializing. These functions always demanded a certain level of decorum; and he'd simply come to resent having to pretend to be something he wasn't.

His whole life it had been something…and now he was pretending to love a woman he wouldn't marry. It was just one more night he reminded himself…nothing would be able to keep him away from Teresa after tonight. Suddenly at the thought of her Ethan senses a genuine smile creeping over his lips.

There you go again Ethan. Focus on the party! Focus on the party! He repeats to himself like a mantra, hoping somehow that by saying it enough in his head he'd be able to do just that. Gwen deserved his undivided attention for at least a couple of hours…especially considering the news he would be dropping on her later.

People had begun arriving just over an hour ago. It had only been a few hours since he'd left Teresa in her driveway, and yet all he could think about was how badly he missed her. Everything he did, everything he saw reminded him of her, and how much he'd rather be wherever she was.

Oh it's hopeless…I can't stop thinking about her.

He did manage to briefly return his attention to Gwen before allowing his mind to wander back to Teresa. He wondered what she was doing right now. Was she getting dressed for the party? Was she on her way? Was she thinking of him too? He knew she was.

How am I ever going to get through tonight without being able to touch her? This is wrong! I should tell Gwen right now that I love Teresa and that I'm calling off the wedding

Looking thoughtfully in Gwen's direction he can't help but feel like a heel.

She's so happy right now. Teresa's right. I'll let her have tonight. I'll tell her after the party.

Willing his resolve to kick in he feels his heart jump into his throat at the sight of his mother and father. He caught Ivy and Julian trading a quick hopeful glance. And as unsettling as that was to Ethan, even more disturbing was the look his father sent his way. It could only be described as prideful.

Oh God, if you're up there…please help me through tonight!

Getting knocked out of his revere by a tap on his shoulder, he turns around to see his best friend Chad smiling at him; instantly a wave of relief sweeps over him.

"Hey man! How's it goin'?"

Quickly glancing around him, Ethan realizes with Gwen still standing beside him he couldn't speak candidly. A quick glance later, Ethan's pulling Chad with him as they duck deep into the garden.

"Yo man, what's up?" Chad makes no effort to disguise his confusion over Ethan's sudden anxiousness.

"Chad…am I happy to see you! You have no idea what I've been going through."

"Obviously."

"It's just a relief to know that at least someone will understand my decision," Ethan explains.

"Your decision? Does that mean what I think it means? Have you told Teresa that you love her?"

Ethan smiles in response. "Yeah I did. And I've never felt better in my life." Chad instantly lights up at his friends' confession.

"Man that's great! Congratulations! I knew you had it in you," he pulls Ethan into a friendly hug as they share a laugh.

As they separate Ethan releases a sigh. "I wasn't so sure I did, but I've gotta tell you Chad…I never thought that I could feel so great…so liberated. It just feels so good to finally hold her in my arms and be able to tell her how much I love her." He smiles to himself as he remembers the afternoon they spent together.

"Well man, I'm happy for you both. Now maybe you could let me in on your secret." He looks down and away from Ethan for a moment. "Whitney won't even talk to me. I don't know what's up with her!"

"Give it time Chad, she's just scared. She'll come around. I'm sure of it," Ethan assures him.

"Yeah, I hope you're right." Chad answers. "Hey, where's Teresa anyway? I take it that you haven't talked to Gwen yet…otherwise I doubt we'd be still celebrating your engagement."

"Well that's just it. We weren't sure if it was a good idea for her to come tonight since I was planning to tell Gwen the wedding was off. But then she thought I should wait until after the party to talk to Gwen. So she should be here any minute."

Looking off into the distance for a moment he says thoughtfully, "She's just been so understanding Chad. Through all this mess she's been so determined to save Gwen from as much embarrassment as possible."

Looking at his friend, Chad notices the anticipation and uneasiness on Ethan's face.

"So why do you look like you're trying to keep from jumping out of your own skin?"

"It's just…I don't know."

"No, it's okay. I mean you can tell me anything right?" Ethan smiles at his friend in response, letting him know that it went both ways. Trying to find the right words to explain what he's thinking Ethan takes another look around them.

"I know it sounds stupid. It's just that I'm afraid that once Teresa gets here, it's all I'll be able to do to keep myself from running up to her and pulling her into my arms, you know?"

Ethan can't help the huge grin that covers his lips at the thought, "When we're together I get so excited about life. I mean anytime she walks into a room its like the world could end and I wouldn't notice. It's a feeling that I hope I never get used to. But at the same time I certainly don't want Gwen to find out I'm calling off the wedding by watching me make a fool of myself at our engagement party the night before."

"Yeah I see where you're coming from. But the important thing is that no matter what happens you and Teresa have each other. Trust me. I may not envy your current situation, but I definitely envy what you two have. Love is the most important thing a man can have in his life. And I'd say you and Teresa have got that covered!"

Ethan returns his smile thoughtfully, then answers, "Yeah we do." Then more seriously, "Now if I can just make it through tonight."

Chad looks around Ethan in time to see Gwen searching for him. "Yo man, I think Gwen is looking for you. I'll catch up with you later!"

They separate as Gwen and Ethan regroup, and Chad hurries to play another music selection.

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