"Do you understand that he hasn't had the easiest life? He needs to work to help support the family. Couldn't stay in college past a single semester due to lack of money. His father took off when he was young and left me struggling with three young boys. Not to mention, I don't think he's ever had a real girlfriend before. If you were looking for a good victim, you couldn't have picked a better target, but I won't let it happen to my son."

Grace's hand reached out to touch Theresa's, in an effort to get her to listen to what she had to say. "Mrs. Willow. Theresa. I'm in love with Stephen. I love him. I'm not sure what it will take to have you believe me," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "When I first met Stephen, I was almost in awe of him. He was just so.. genuine. He has such a caring soul, that it's impossible to not feel a certain way in his presence."

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"When he smiles at me, I can feel my heart seize up. When he grabs my hand, I feel alive. I may only be twenty one, but I know what love is. Or rather, I know it now after being with Stephen. He's so loving, and mature, and wise, even for his age. He's the best man I've ever met."

"I swear to you, Theresa, that this not some game, or stunt. The moment I met him, I was a goner. I've given him my heart freely, willingly, and want to pursue this as long as possible. I promise you that." She gave a small smile as Theresa's expression softened, her own eyes looking now rather watery as well.

"I love my son, Grace. I want what's best for him. He's had to sacrifice a lot over the years, and I'm tired of seeing him hurting. For the past few days, I haven't seen him this happy in years."

"I can't say that I knew him from before, but his personality is practically magnetic. I find myself wanting to be with him all the time," smiled Grace.

"His father used to be like that as well, at one time," noted Theresa, before briefly zoning out. She took another sip of her water, and then looked back at Grace. "I want to trust you, I do, Grace. In time, my full trust will be earned as long as you are good to him."

"I promise to only be good to him. If I'm half as good to him as he is to me, we'll never have a problem!"

"I can see the love he has for you in his eyes. I can see for your words and your reaction that you return that same love just as powerfully. As long as you two treat each other right, I don't have any objections." Theresa smiled gently, and patted Grace's hand.