Love Forever and Always

"Yes, Ethan?"

"Can you ever forgive me for all the pain I've put you through?" Ethan asks, as he caresses Theresa's cheek. "I know I have no right to ask you that, but it took me this long to finally figure my life out. I know what I want, Theresa, and that's you. You and our children."

Stunned, Theresa shakes her head slightly. "But, little Ethan…"

"Even though he may not biologically be mine, I feel in my heart that he is my boy. He was from the moment we delivered him. Theresa, I know our life up to this point wasn't easy, but I'm asking you now, to take a chance on me, to let me prove to you everyday of the rest of my life how much I want you with me, now and forever."

Smiling slowly, Theresa turns her head, catching the gleam of the sun highlight the small heart carved on the tree with their initials. Running her fingers slowly over the carving, Theresa whispers. "Do you remember when we did this?"

Turning his head, Ethan smiles as he too, ran his hand over the carving. "Yes. It was after our first time. We knew we'd be together forever."

"And now, here we are, back at this tree. Maybe it's Fate."

Turning to face his only love, Ethan smiles. "You've made me a believer in fate, you know."

"I have?"

"Yes. Because without Fate, I wouldn't have had the courage to leave my life at the mansion. Without Fate, I wouldn't be here right now, wanting you with a fierceness I can't begin to describe. Without Fate, I wouldn't be able to love you wholly, completely. I want another chance with you, Theresa. I want to spend the rest of my life loving only one woman…you. Can you ever forgive me for all the hurt I've put you through?"

"I think it's only fair we forgive each other, because we've both been hurt by each other's actions. Maybe now, our relationship can begin on a clean slate, with open honesty, respect, and trust."

"I like that idea. I love you, Theresa, and I will forever love you until the day I die."

"And I love you, Ethan. Forever and always."

A few years later

Pulling into the garage of their new house, Theresa smiles as she gets the grocery bags out from the trunk. "Who would have thought that my life would have turned out for the better?" She said to herself, as she made her way to the front door, smiling when she sees the figure standing in front of the opened door.

"Well, hello, gorgeous, let me help you with those." Her husband said as he took the grocery bags from Theresa's hands, allowing her to entire the house in one peace.

"Mama! Mama!" Her little 5 year old daughter said, as she ran from the living room into her mother's open arms.

"Hello, precious." Theresa said, scooping her daughter up into her arms, and carrying her to the kitchen.

"Where is your brother?"

"He's playing upstairs."

Setting her daughter on top of the kitchen chair, Theresa goes to help her husband put away the remaining groceries. "And just how are you, my handsome husband?"

Winking at his wife, Ethan smiles. "Simply wonderful."

"Good to know."

Later in the day

After sharing a meal with their family, Theresa and Ethan tucked their children into bed, and then made their way to their own room, lying side by side next to each other.

"Do you know how much I love you, Mrs. Winthrop?"

"Hmm. I think I do, Mr. Winthrop, but feel free to demonstrate as many times as needed."

Winking, Ethan moves closer to Theresa, kissing her neck slowly, while rubbing his hands all over her body.

"You are my life…my love…my soul, Theresa. I am complete when I'm with you." Ethan says as he looks deeply into Theresa's eyes.

Giving into their passion, Ethan and Theresa make the most perfect love two people can share, and then spend the night in each other's arms, basking in their love.

"I love you, Theresa." Ethan says, kissing her head softly before closing his eyes to sleep.

"And I love you, Ethan. Forever." Theresa replies, feeling Ethan entwine their fingers together, and smiling as she lets sleep take over her body.

The End