Chapter 13
The string quartet played a beautiful rendition of Vivaldi
“Four Seasons”, as the guests of the Crane/Hotchkiss engagement party danced and mingled in the beautifully decorated
Seascape.
Ethan and Gwen walked around talking to guests keeping
up the profile that they were a happily engaged couple. They had decided to wait and tell their families in private
of their decisions to break off their engagement.
Gwen and Ethan walked toward the dance floor and they gracefully
began waltzing on the dance floor as everyone watched happily.
“Ethan, I can’t take much more of this.” Gwen whispered
throw a wide smile she returned to her father.
“I know but just an hour or so longer and then we break
the news. Ok?” Ethan whispered back.
“All right.” She hesitantly.
Hank and Theresa walked to the front doors of the Seascape
when she pulled on the sleeves of Hank’s tux jacket.
“Hank? Wait.”Theresa said.
“Hey, whats wrong?”
“What if we go in there and turns out that Ethan and Gwen
really are getting married? I don’t know if I can handle two heartbreaks in my life time!” Theresa said nervously.
“Listen, we both have a lot at stake right now. We have
to take a chance and deal with whatever happens to us! Now lets get in there!” Hank said gently tugging her through
the door.
“Attention everyone! I have a small toast to make!” Jonathon
Hotchkiss said standing up in front of the large crowd. “I just want to congratulate the happy couple and Ethan
you are a lucky man! Take care of my girl! Cheers”
“Cheers!” The crowd said raising their glasses.
Ethan stood up as well. “I just want to thank all of you
for coming here tonight and celebrating this wonderful occasion. I just want to say that I love you Gwen and I
can’t wait to marry you.”
“Amen!” Rebecca said raising her glass.
Gwen smiled nervously and kissed Ethan on the cheek. The
music began to play again and she decided to head to the powder room.
Her heart hit the floor when she saw the sight standing
in the doorway.
Hank and Theresa stood there shocked at Ethan’s announcement.
Gwen tugged on Ethan’s arm and motioned him to turn around.
Ethan felt his heartbreak as he saw a small tear fall out
of the corner of Theresa’s big brown eyes.
“Theresa.” He whispered. He began to walk towards her but
she turned around and ran quickly out of the restaurant.
He started out the door when a pair of strong hands grabbed
his collar.
“You have a lot of nerve Crane!”
“Hank! Please don’t!”
Ethan tried to break away from his grasp but Hank balled
up his fist and cracked him in the jaw.
