Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Passions.
Summary: FINAL Chapter 57: Theresa and Fox are getting married. Is it going to run as smoothly and perfectly as planned? What about Ethan and Noah? FINALLY UPDATED R&R!
In the weeks preceding Fox and Theresa's big day, there were many things that had to be done. The usual choices needed to be made; the wedding venue, the reception venue, the cake, the flowers, the dress, the invitations, the rings. But there was more to be done than the usual wedding plans. Two other men's lives were to be changed forever.
After so many years, Theresa had finally made her choice. And it had not come with any ease either. But in her heart she knew she had to make it and Fox was the right choice. Ethan had and always will be her first love but Fox was her second half. He completed her. The only thing left to do was to talk to Ethan about her final choice. Theresa also felt obligated to speak to Noah about it too. She had to live with the consequences of her choices.
The Day Before the Wedding…
"Theresa, calm down! The dresses are perfect! Everything is going to be fine!" Whitney ordered, trying to stop her best friend and bride-to-be, Theresa from fretting any more.
"OK, OK, Whitney, I'm breathing!" Theresa replied, taking deep breaths.
"It's your bridal shower. You should be enjoying the last day of being a bachelorette and a very eligible one at that!" Kay chimed in.
"Oh my, what have you two got planned?" Theresa eyed them suspiciously yet she was excited.
At that, Whitney and Kay exchanged mischievous looks and whistled. What happened next caught Theresa completely by surprise. She had not asked for anything extravagant. She thought she, Whitney and Kay were just going to have a quiet night in, watching chick flicks and drinking champagne. Now all her closest friends and family members suddenly appeared from behind their various hiding spots around her house to surprise her. High school friends, colleagues and family friends.
"Surprise!" cried everyone in unison.
"Oh my gosh, you girls are cheeky!" she squealed when she found her voice again.
She hugged everyone and it was not long before the champagne filled every glass and toasts were made.
"To the ever-beautiful Theresa and her ever-hunky husband-to-be, Fox! May their love never fade but continue blossoming!" Whitney raised her glass as others followed.
"To Theresa and Fox!" chimed everyone in the room.
That was already the sixth toast. And the presents had not even been opened yet.
On the boys' end…
Champagne was replaced with beer and girly squeals were replaced with yells. There were less toasts and more challenges and bets. A poker tournament had begun; video games were blasting on the huge LCD screen.
"There's just something missing with this bachelor party, Fox," Chad scratched his head as if he was thinking very hard.
Fox chuckled. "I don't know, man, I'm about to win the last of your chips from you with this awesome hand of mine. My best mates are all with me, there's hopefully enough beer to last another hour. I think we're set."
"Come on, Fox, it's you. Of course, there's something vital missing," Ethan teased, as he folded.
"If you're referring to the half-naked girls who jump out of cakes and then proceed to give me more attention than I want, I've told you both already, I'm not interested," Fox replied, eyeing his best friend and half-brother.
"Wow, listen to Mr. Crane right now. He's not only tying the knot but he's also refusing other women on his last night of freedom!" Chad laughed at Fox in disbelief.
"Hey, you're already married, Chad. I hardly think marriage is going to be a ball and chain. At least I know it won't be like that with Theresa," Fox retorted, smiling as he flashed his winning hand.
"That's what you think right now. Girls change after they're married," Ethan mock-shivered and smiled.
"You guys are losers…literally. I would take a ball and chain any day as long as I'm with Theresa," Fox defended and smiled. "Besides, weren't you just telling us you're thinking of proposing to Georgia?"
"Oohh, he hits back!" Chad commentated, laughing.
Ethan put his hands up in an admission of defeat.
"Man, in all seriousness, I'm glad you've found someone special. You should go for it," Fox encouraged, opening another beer.
"Aw, should I go get some tissues for later?" Chad mocked Fox's seriousness.
"Shut up, Chad! I'm serious, Ethan, the one thing- besides rejection- that held me back from proposing to Theresa was you. I didn't want to see you hurt. And then when Theresa told me she called you to talk and you came out and apologised to her because you had fallen for someone else, I felt someone upstairs had a sense of humour and great sense of timing," Fox joked, taking a sip of his cold beer.
"I felt guilty for so long. I was cold towards Theresa over the phone while I was in Boston. But I don't know, there was something about Georgia that made me realise I wanted her. After all these years working together…maybe it was the competition, maybe it was always wanting Theresa for so long…but desire isn't love," Ethan explained his feelings.
"You're not making much sense," Chad commented, pointing at his empty beer bottle, "but I think we get what you mean."
"Either way, I'm happy for you, bro," Fox clapped his hand on Ethan's back.
"Ditto, bro," Ethan concurred.
"More beers!!!!!" cried Noah, who had just returned from a beer run.
The guys cheered and wooted in unison.
"What took you so long, Noah?" Fox questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Well…I-I got d-distracted," stuttered Noah, quickly getting one for himself.
"Yeah, I can smell the distraction on you," Fox replied, sniffing at Noah.
Noah laughed, a bit nervously.
"Come on, No, Audrey always wears that same French perfume and I've been her friend since high school. It's no mistake," Fox laughed.
"Couldn't keep away from Audrey for a second, huh, Noah?" teased Ethan.
Noah had no comeback. He just shook his head and laughed with them and drank some more beer.
"Hey you should actually thank me. If I hadn't told Audrey I didn't feel the same way about her, it wouldn't have sent her running into some stranger's arms. And such mighty fine arms they are too," Fox laughed, mockingly squeezing Noah's biceps.
"Well thank you then, Fox. I suppose I should thank Theresa too. Weirdly enough, Audrey and I found common ground in rejection. I guess we soon realised promises made in the haste and immaturities of adolescence are dreams and hopes, not promises of true love," Noah reminisced.
Fox laughed. "Audrey's turned you into a romantic!"
"Oh yeah, like you can talk, Fox! You're marrying the original hopeless romantic!" Noah retorted, laughing.
"Touché!" Chad cried, laughing with the rest.
I am, aren't I? My original hopeless romantic… Fox shook himself out of his trance. "Shut up and give me another beer, will you?!" cried Fox, smiling.
The Day of the Wedding…
"Oh, I'm not ready. We're going to be late, Kay! We shouldn't have had that extra bottle of champagne!" Theresa shrieked as she hurried to get her dress in order.
"Singular?! More like those extra bottles!" Kay replied, shrugging off a slight headache from the night before, as she helped Theresa put on a diamond and pearl necklace.
"Just be glad the professionals are doing our hair and make-up," said Whitney, as the make-up artist finished her make-up.
Just then, Pilar walked into the room. She gasped at the sight of her daughter. Tears began welling up in her eyes. "Oh mija, you look so beautiful, darling! My baby's going to get married!"
"Mama, don't cry. You'll get me crying!" Theresa replied, hugging her mother.
"OK! Well you better all get dressed. I dropped Little Ethan off at Fox's place and they're almost ready to go to the church," Pilar explained.
"Is Little Ethan dressed? Is he OK?"
"He's fine. Now get dressed!" Pilar ordered.
Within 10 minutes, Theresa, Kay and Whitney were all dressed.
Theresa had designed her own wedding gown as well as the bridesmaids' , Whitney and Kay's dresses too. The three of them looked at themselves in the mirror. Theresa saw her beautiful friends in deep scarlet dresses, the halter necks made of ruffles lined with gold trimming, running down the front of the dress, ending in a V. The dresses flowed elegantly to the ground and matched their leather heels. They were both carrying a bouquet arrangement of red tulips.
Theresa looked at herself in the mirror. It had taken her ages to perfect her dream dress. It indeed was a beautiful, off-the-shoulder, cream-white dress, lined with gold trimmings and embroidery with a long train. The delicate floral embroidery was done by Theresa herself. Theresa fitted her lace veil, which was embroidered with the same gold floral pattern as her dress, on her upstyle hairdo. Then she took her own bouquet into her hands; a bouquet arrangement of bright tulips; red, white, yellow. She had never felt so beautiful.
"Oh you look so stunning, Theresa!" Kay complimented, grabbing Theresa's hand in hers.
"Absolutely gorgeous," agreed Whitney, taking her other hand.
"You two look so beautiful too," Theresa returned the compliment, smiling and ear-to-ear smile.
"Now, now, don't cry! You ready to marry your Prince Charming?" Kay asked, with tears in her own eyes.
Theresa nodded and smiled.
"Well then let's get you hitched!" Whitney cried, as the three of them made their way to the sleek white limousine waiting outside for them.
At the Church…
The church was lined with various tulip arrangements that their fragrance permeated the building. The pews were decorated with satin and silk ribbon decorations. The music of 'Canon' was playing in the background as family and friends of the couple were being seated.
Fox, Chad and Ethan were standing at the front of the church with Little Ethan. Fox took a deep breath. He was nervous but so excited at the same time. He couldn't wait to see Theresa.
"You've got the ring, Lil E?" Fox asked, crouching to Little Ethan's level.
"I sure do," he replied enthusiastically, showing Fox the white cushion which held the beautiful platinum wedding rings.
Fox and Theresa had decided to engrave something on the other's ring. Fox looked at Theresa's ring. He smiled. Her fingers are so tiny. Inside was engraved 'My hopeless romantic'. 'Original' just couldn't fit. Inside his own ring, Theresa had chosen to engrave 'My, hope, my romance, my love'. Fox felt warm tears welling up in his eyes.
"You're not crying are you, man?" Chad questioned, smiling.
"Don't worry guys. It won't ruin my make-up," Fox joked and they laughed.
Just then, the doors of the old church opened and the men instantly stopped laughing. The guests all stood, awaiting the bridal party. The wedding song began playing. Whitney entered first. Then Kay. It was Theresa's entrance on the arm of her big brother, Luis, who made the guests gasp in awe. She was absolutely glowing.
"This is it. No going back," Chad whispered in Fox's ears, smiling.
"Oh I don't want to go back. This is perfect. She's perfect," Fox whispered, almost breathless at the wondrous sight of his wife-to-be.
Fox could only manage a smile. He couldn't keep his eyes off Theresa. Their eyes met. Fox could see her love for him in her eyes and it overwhelmed him a bit.
Theresa had never felt so attracted to Fox at that moment. He was dressed in a perfectly-fitted black tuxedo with a light golden tie and gold cufflinks. She was melting in his beautiful brown eyes.
The aisle was far too long. She could not wait to be in Fox's arms. Finally, Luis took her hand and placed it in Fox's, saying "Take care of my little sister, Fox…or else."
Fox and Theresa smiled and remembered the first time Luis had said years ago. They were locked in each other's eyes.
"Hey," Fox whispered, smiling.
"Hey," was Theresa's reply.
The guests took their seats. Father Lonigan then opened the wedding ceremony.
"Family and friends, we are gathered here today, to witness the beautiful holy matrimony between Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald and Nicholas Foxworth Crane. The rings please."
Father Lonigan took the rings from Little Ethan and handed Theresa's one to Fox. Fox had been reciting his vows to perfection for days now.
"I, Nicholas Foxworth Crane, take you Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part," Fox spoke clearly so that everyone could hear without a doubt his profession of love for Theresa.
Theresa sobbed quietly as he slid the ring onto her ring finger. He continued, "Theresa, my ultimate, original hopeless romantic, you showed me what true love is. There was always something amazingly special about you from the moment you bumped into me at the Crane mansion. And it wasn't just the fact that you were strong enough to hurt me when you bumped into me."
Theresa giggled at Fox's light-heartedness.
"You are loving, generous, caring and so incredibly beautiful. It is my blessing in life to be standing here with you. And I hope I will be continually blessed with your companionship and love for the rest of my life because you complete me, Theresa. I love you so much."
A happy tear was falling down Theresa's cheek before Fox caught it with his finger. The two smiled.
Father Lonigan gave Fox's ring to Theresa. Theresa had been waiting for this day for months now.
"I, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, take you Nicholas Foxworth Crane, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part," Theresa proclaimed, her shaky hand held firm in Fox's.
As she slid Fox's ring onto his ring finger, she continued, "I realised my dreams were not hopeless when I found you. You give me my hope, Fox. As inexperienced as you were with love, you taught me more about love than anyone else. You taught me that love is selfless and forgiving. You showed me unconditional love. I am the romantic I am because you are my romance. I love you so much too, Fox."
Fox smiled as he felt himself holding back tears.
"If there be anyone here who believes these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace," Father Lonigan exclaimed.
There was a moment of silence before there was a loud cough from Ethan. All eyes turned towards him. His eyes widened in almost fright.
"Sorry…throat sore…last night…too much…please go on, Father," was all he could muster.
Fox and Theresa laughed.
Father Lonigan smiled. "Well, then…Now that Nicholas Foxworth Crane and Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged, I pronounce them to be husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You may kiss the bride," he finished, smiling at Fox.
Fox gently placed his hand under Theresa's chin, guiding her lips to his waiting ones. Their kiss was not long enough but passionate as was their love for each other. The guests all clapped in a standing ovation.
"Let me announce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Foxworth Crane!" cried Father Lonigan.
"Shall we, Mrs. Crane?" Fox offered his new wife his arm, along with his whole being and everything he had.
"We shall, Mr. Crane," Theresa replied, smiling and taking his arm as they walked down the aisle together as husband and wife, being showered with congratulations and tulip petals.
At the Wedding Reception…
"Oh baby, you were so good as the page boy. And look at you! You're so handsome!" cried Theresa at her son.
"You're beautiful, Mummy," replied Little Ethan.
"Oh thank you, darling," Theresa hugged her son.
"Everyone! It's time for the bride and groom to dance their first dance as husband and wife!" Chad yelled to the crowd of guests.
Everyone cheered and clapped as Fox finished his toast with a group of his colleagues and walked towards Theresa and her son.
He swept Little Ethan in his arms. Juggling him in one arm, he offered his hand to Theresa.
"May we have this dance?" Fox and Little Ethan said in unison.
Theresa laughed. "How long did it take you two to rehearse that?" Theresa placed her hand in Fox's.
"Long enough," Fox replied as he placed his arm around Theresa's waist.
Theresa rested her hand on her husband's shoulder and Little Ethan placed his on his mother's shoulder. They were the perfect family.
"I love the both of you so much," Theresa whispered to her boys.
"We love you too, Resa," Fox said on behalf of he and Little Ethan, as he nodded in agreement and they continued dancing.
The Wedding Night…
Fox and Theresa gently tucked in a very asleep Little Ethan into his new bed in his new room in his new house. The house Fox had bought for his new wife and new son. It had been a long but beautiful day of the celebration of Theresa and Fox's love.
In a gesture of chivalry, Fox swooped Theresa up into his strong arms as they made their way into their bedroom.
"Oh this dress is heavy," Fox joked.
"Are you just trying to say I'm heavy in a nice way?" Theresa enquired, mock-offended, playing with Fox's hair.
"You're just perfect," Fox replied, caressing Theresa's arm as he carried her into their room.
He gently laid Theresa onto the neatly made bed, covered in silk sheets. Fox just lay beside Theresa for a moment, lost in her eyes.
"I've wanted you all day now, Fox. The whole celibacy thing before we got married was soooo not a good idea," she broke the silence, as she took her veil off and let her hair down.
"It was your idea, Resa! I never wanted that!" Fox defended, smiling. "I mean, that whole garter thing really turned me on," Fox smiled cheekily.
"We're really married, aren't we? This isn't a dream?" Theresa asked Fox, his face in her hands.
"We are, Mrs. Fox Crane," Fox assured her, as her kissed her softly on the lips.
Theresa helped Fox rid himself of his tuxedo jacket and unbuttoned his shirt for him. Fox struggled with Theresa's dress, planting soft kisses down her neck and shoulders as he pulled at the zipper.
Before long, they were completely undressed. Theresa lay under Fox, her bare body his. Fox's eyes slowly ran down her body. Theresa shivered gently as if it were his hands running down her body and not just his eyes. Only he could make her feel this way.
"You are the most beautiful woman, Resa," Fox whispered in her ear, as he tenderly ran his hand down her waist…hips…thighs.
Theresa closed her eyes to savour his touch. She gasped for air. Fox leaned down to her lips and kissed her delicately. She opened her mouth for him, as their tongues danced inside each other's mouths. Theresa pulled Fox closer, her arms around his neck, moaning into his mouth. Fox pulled Theresa even closer, his arms around her hips. Theresa slid her hands down Fox back as she lifted her leg and wrapped it around Fox's. Almost simultaneously, Fox's hand ran down Theresa's leg. It was as if their movement was mutually known. They just fit.
Fox began leaving sweet kisses down Theresa's neck and Theresa could not hold back a moan any longer. He continued kissing her, down the valley of her breasts, down to her navel. Theresa's nails dug into his back. Fox moaned in pleasurable pain. Fox's hand roamed down Theresa's smooth body, her skin tingling at his touch. He smoothly caressed Theresa's breasts, causing her nipples to harden and her body to tense. Theresa arched her back and moaned louder. The pleasure was unbearable. Theresa moaned into Fox's neck, sucking at it to quieten herself.
Fox moaned Theresa's name. Theresa felt his body tense as she left marks down his neck where her lips had been. She ran her hands down his bare chest, down his muscles which were now tenser. She could feel him on top of her. She moved against him and felt him with her inner thigh. They moaned each other's name in unison. She was ready for him and he knew it. Theresa wrapped her other leg around Fox.
With one swift move, she invited him in and he entered her.
"Theresa…"
"Fox…"
She could moan no longer. She had to scream. Fox kissed Theresa again and Theresa screamed in his mouth. Fox gained rhythm with Theresa. They were in perfect unison. Fox and Theresa could not keep from screaming in ecstasy. Theresa pulled him closer so he could move in deeper.
The two screamed in unison and trying to remain calmer moaned in unison, "I love you" before reaching the utmost climax in unison. Theresa moaned Fox's name as Fox moaned hers. Fox gently collapsed on top of Theresa, heavily breathing, feeling each other's heart beating quickly.
"I love you so much, Resa."
"I love you too, Fox," Theresa panted, kissing her husband passionately as she welcomed him in again and he happily made her his again…and again for the rest of the night.