| The Journey |
| |
Chapter Fourteen:
Luis plopped down at his desk and sighed loudly. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked over at Sam, who sported a knowing smirk. The amusement clear in his voice, Sam asked, "Rough night, Luis?" Luis answered, "We've only had Ryan home for two weeks, but I've gotten only an average of two hours sleep a night. He's nothing like Lily was. The kid never sleeps. He's wearing us all out. Especially Sheridan. Lily asked if she could go back to Aunt Ivy's if he never stops crying." Sam looked at Luis with sympathy and said, "Ouch, Man. That bites." Luis soon changed gears, though, and proudly told Sam, "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Sheridan and the kids--they're my life." ******************************************************* Sheridan hugged Pilar in gratitude as soon as she opened the door. She was slowly going insane. Ryan had finally fallen asleep after crying incessantly for hours. Lily was quickly losing all patience with her instant baby brother. And Luis was practically a zombie. She was about to drop from sleep-deprivation herself. She couldn't fathom how Pilar did this--five times--and promptly told her so. They shared a good laugh and went into the living room to spend some quality time together. ******************************************************* Ivy kissed Sheridan's cheek on her way out of the room. Sighing, Sheridan took the seat Ivy had vacated and began what had been a daily ritual for almost two weeks. She took Julian's hand and just talked. Never about the bad memories. Only the good. And just like their last several meetings, Sheridan ended with a plea for her big brother to wake up and a kiss to his forehead. Then she left to get Ivy, who was outside discussing Julian's condition with Eve. Sheridan offered Ivy a consoling hug and Eve a small smile and left to return home to her family. And relieve Pilar of her babysitting duty. ******************************************************* She returned home to find the whole family there. Theresa, Miguel, Pilar, even Luis. Lily was in Luis's lap telling him all about her trip to the park with Miguel--and Kay. Miguel's cheeks visibly reddened at the mention of Kay's name. Theresa got a knowing smile on her face and poked Miguel in the ribs. Soon they were embroiled in a goodnatured shoving contest, and Lily's giggles filled the room as Pilar looked on in amusement. Sheridan started laughing herself and turned to see Luis. Luis's face held carefully concealed panic. As to what, she was confused, until he said, "Everybody be quiet. We don't want to wake up the BABY, do we? These are the first peaceful moments I've had in my house since we brought him home." Theresa and Miguel instantly ceased their play, and Lily's giggles gradually died down. Luis went to look at Sheridan and ask about Julian, but she was gone. And so was his mother. ******************************************************* Pilar could tell Luis's off-the-cuff remark had hurt Sheridan the moment it left his mouth. And she had her suspicions as to why. Sheridan did her best to hide them, but her tears were not unnoticed by Pilar. Pilar started to speak but decided against it with a shake of her head. Instead, she opened her arms wide and held Sheridan as the tears flowed unchecked from her beautiful blue eyes. Whispering reassurances, she hugged her tightly. Sniffling, Sheridan pulled away wiping the tears from her eyes, kissed Pilar's cheek, and turned to look at her son sleeping peacefully in his crib. Pilar squeezed her hand and returned to the living room where Luis and Miguel were avidly discussing sports and Theresa was drawing with Lily. She needed to have a talk with her son. But she didn't want to breach Sheridan's trust. She only hoped they could work this out. Chapter Fifteen: Theresa was lost in thoughts about her brother and Sheridan when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she turned around only to find herself staring into Ethan's amused blue eyes. Slightly embarrassed at her jumpy reaction, she tried to cover by asking about Julian. Ethan's eyes lit up when he said, "I have wonderful news. Father's awake!" Overwhelmed with happiness for Ethan, Theresa flung her arms around Ethan's neck and pecked him on the lips. Ethan looked at her in surprise then slowly leaned in to give her a slower, more meaningful kiss. Theresa and Ethan got so caught up in the kiss they were oblivious to everyone else at the Book Cafe. They didn't notice Whitney and Chad walk in with Pilar, and they were visibly shocked to see them as soon as they came up for air. Whitney and Pilar had the same skeptical faces from years gone past, but Chad sported a knowing grin. His thumbs up sign and "It's about time!" sent Theresa and Ethan into slightly embarrassed laughter. Theresa looked at Ethan and caught the question in his eyes but decided now was not the time or the place. But, there would be a time. It'd been a long time coming. A long time indeed. ******************************************************* Luis grasped Sheridan's hand in his right hand as he drove home. Sheridan's visit with Julian tonight had been quite emotional. A lot had happened, and they were starting anew. As were, it seemed, he and Ivy. Luis never thought he'd live to see the day. Luis had the whole world in his hands, but something he couldn't pinpoint kept him from complete happiness. He was determined, though. He'd do anything to make his family happy. Chapter Sixteen: Ryan was two months old now, and finally, he'd begun to sleep at least part way through the night. For this, Luis was extremely thankful. He was beginning to think he'd never get to sleep again. But now, another problem was plaguing Luis. Sheridan. She seemed more distant than ever. She never let him get too close. He wanted to have what they had before Hank took her. He was beginning to wonder if they'd ever get back to that point again. ******************************************************* Pilar watched in amazement as Ivy helped Julian with his physical therapy. She was early, but maybe that was a good thing. Sheridan was right. There was a change in Julian. He was more vulnerable in his weakened condition--more human. She'd been prepared to refuse Ivy's job offer. After all, she'd vowed she'd never go back working for the Cranes. But it was a whole new ballgame now. ******************************************************* She winced as she heard the door slam, and Ryan's cries began a minute later. Their fights were becoming increasingly nasty. They'd escalated for the past four months. She tried, but she didn't know how to make things better. She loved him more than ever. She didn't know if it was enough anymore, though. She didn't know much of anything these days. She soon joined her son in tears. At least Lily hadn't been here for this latest fight. It'd been the worst one yet. ******************************************************* Ivy smiled as she watched Julian, Theresa, and Ethan play with Lily. Things were going well in the mansion. Julian was gaining strength almost daily--returning to his old self. A better self, in fact. And her son was deliriously happy, thanks to Theresa. They'd been dating over three months and were so in love it warmed Ivy's heart. And Pilar's. Pilar's fears had been put to rest when Julian voiced unanimous approval for the relationship. The only thing not so good now was Luis and Sheridan's marriage. By all accounts--Pilar's, Lily's, even Sheridan herself--it was being put to the test. Ivy had faith in Luis and Sheridan's love, though. If she and Julian could start over, goodness knew Luis and Sheridan were going to make it through this rocky patch in their marriage. They just had to. Chapter Seventeen: Luis shocked the entire community of Harmony by moving back into Pilar's house with her and Miguel. Theresa and Ethan had rented their own apartment. Nobody could believe it had come to this. Luis and Sheridan were the perfect couple. Death couldn't separate them. Pilar prayed they'd find a way to work things out. Thanksgiving and Christmas were coming up. Everything had to be worked out by the holidays. ******************************************************* Eve watched in concern as Sheridan broke down in tears during Ryan's check-up. She asked a nurse to keep a watchful eye on Ryan and Lily while she tended to Sheridan. Lily looked terrified. Frankly, Eve was a little scared herself. Things were really looking bad. Sheridan wasn't doing so well. She was an emotional mess. She didn't need to be alone, but she wouldn't let Eve bother Pilar, and she wouldn't hear of her calling Luis. Thankfully, Miguel, Kay, and Simone dropped by to see if Eve wanted to grab some lunch, and Eve convinced them to take Lily and Ryan to the park while she saw that Sheridan made it home safely. She was prescribing a sedative and didn't think Sheridan could handle the kids right now. It took everything she had to convince Sheridan to take the sedative. She finally promised she'd look after the children herself, so Luis and Pilar wouldn't find out how distraught she was. ******************************************************* Kay watched Miguel in awe. He was so good with Lily and Ryan. She was so lost in her thoughts of their own future children, she didn't hear Simone until the third time she said, "Kay?!" Finally, she turned to Simone with an absent-minded, "Mm?" Simone repeated once again, "Luis and Sheridan sure make beautiful children. It's so sad they're having problems right now. After all they've been through." Kay agreed with Simone saying, "They'll find their way back to each other. Look at their incentive. Plus, those two love each other more than anybody I know." And with that, Kay went to take a fussy Ryan from Miguel's arms. Miguel and Simone watched in amazement as Ryan calmed down almost immediately and laid his little head against Kay's shoulder. Simone took one of Lily's hands while Miguel took the other, and they made their way back to the Russell home where T.C. and Eve greeted them. Kay and Miguel said their goodbyes, and Miguel walked Kay home. Sam watched from the kitchen window as the two shared a kiss goodbye. He smiled as he felt Grace's arms link through his own and wrap around his waist. He nodded his head in agreement as Grace said, "They make a cute couple, don't they?" Then he said, "It just took them, and everyone else in this town almost too long to figure it out." ******************************************************* Eve tried everything she could think of to console Lily and keep her mind off of how sad her mommy was. Not even a visit to Grace's to get some cookies would help. T.C. and Simone weren't having any luck with Ryan, either. He sure was a hot-tempered child. Truly a child of Sheridan and Luis. He obviously missed his mother, but calling Sheridan was out of the question. She desperately needed the rest. And Eve couldn't go against her wishes and call either Pilar or Luis. But she had one final idea, and she hoped that it worked. ******************************************************* Theresa and Ethan came over right away. Theresa had the magic touch with Ryan. And Lily adored Ethan. They obligingly took the children off of Eve and T.C.'s hands. Simone breathed a huge sigh of relief when Ethan and Theresa pulled out of the driveway. T.C. jokingly said, "Sugar bear, I don't think I'm quite ready for those grandkids, yet." Eve and Simone's laughter rang throughout the house. Chapter Eighteen: For once on Thanksgiving, Julian was in a celebratory mood. All his children were home and happy. Especially Ethan. Theresa had his head in the clouds. He and Ivy, dare he say it, now had a "real" marriage--not one of convenience. And his relationship with Sheridan was truly that of a close brother and sister. He immensely enjoyed the company of his niece and nephew. But, as much as he never fathomed he'd say it, one particularly important person was missing. Luis. Without him, the perfect yet unconventional family gathering was incomplete. Even Pilar was in attendance. ******************************************************* Miguel spent Thanksgiving with the Bennetts. But this time, he was with Kay. Not Charity. Charity and Reese had been unable to make it. Jessica and Noah were home, though, and joined them, Eve, T.C., Whitney, Chad, and Simone in giving thanks for all their blessings. They said a prayer for Luis on assignment in Boston. ******************************************************* Pilar couldn't believe it had went this far. Legal separation. And by messenger no less. The least Luis could do was have the guts to do this in person. He was giving up without a fight. Leaving Sheridan and the children without truly going to the line for them. Sheridan was beside herself. Pilar was furious with her son. This wasn't like him at all. Chapter Nineteen: He showed up on her doorstep a week later wanting to see the kids. She started to slam the door in his face, but Lily spotted him before she could and excitedly launched herself into his arms squealing "Daddy!" She couldn't deny her kids their father so she wordlessly grabbed her purse and her car keys and rushed outside. She was gone so long, Luis left the kids with his mother when he left for the station. ******************************************************* The weeks before Christmas passed quickly. Christmas Eve was unusually somber as Luis visited the children for a few hours then left them and Sheridan alone. Pilar, Ivy, Julian, Theresa, Ethan, Miguel--they didn't want to leave Sheridan alone. Luis was going to miss Ryan's first Christmas. Sheridan fought back tears all night. But, finally, everyone had to go home. The children, thank goodness, had finally drifted off to sleep. Sheridan wouldn't be making Midnight Mass this year. But Pilar promised to keep her in her prayers. With determination, Sheridan set out to make sure Santa visited and made Ryan and Lily's wishes come true. ******************************************************* An hour after everybody left, Luis showed up on Sheridan's doorstep. He looked as if he had been crying. He crossed the threshhold to Sheridan and wiped her tears from her cheeks and said, "I can't do this anymore. Be away from you and Lily and Ryan. It's killing me inside. I'm not giving up on us, Sheridan. I'm not spending another day away from you guys. I'm coming home. I love you and Lily and Ryan too much to just give up." By now, fresh tears were in both of their eyes. Sheridan threw her arms around Luis's neck and told him "I love you, so very much" before kissing him like she'd wanted to for so long. ******************************************************* Sheridan woke up to find herself alone in bed. The sunlight was streaming through the windows, and snow was falling outside. She became overwhelmed at that moment. Had she dreamt last night, or had it really happened? Just when she was about to panic and tear up once again, she heard the voice she loved so much say, "Look who's awake, Ryan. Mommy. Let's go say good morning." When he got to the bed, he crawled under the covers and handed Ryan to Sheridan with a kiss to his forehead. He looked into Sheridan's eyes. He could still see some of the worry from a few moments ago. Kissing her gently, he murmured, "Never. I'm never leaving you guys again." He leaned in to kiss her again, when Ryan--spouting baby gibberish--grabbed a handful of his hair. Laughing, Sheridan carefully pried Luis's hair from Ryan's chubby little hands. Luis took Ryan from her as she got up to check on Lily. Luis carried Ryan into the living room where the Christmas tree was with a whole bunch of presents underneath it. Minutes later, Sheridan came in with Lily in her arms. Lily was crying saying Santa hadn't brought her what she wanted most. Quietly, Luis snuck up behind Lily, and when he got a step away from her and Sheridan, he asked, "What's that, baby? What did you want most?" Lily's heartfelt "Oh, Daddy!" gave him the answer he was seeking. Chapter Twenty: Theresa was so excited. This was her and Ethan's first Christmas as a couple. She had a big surprise for him. She was happy but nervous at the same time. She was just bursting to tell him. ******************************************************* Ethan was so anxious about his own special present to Theresa that he didn't notice her excitement. He checked his pocket one more time. This was one present she wasn't going to find under the Christmas tree. ******************************************************* Simultaneously, they began to talk after opening all the presents under the tree. "Theresa" "Ethan" "You go first." "No, you." "I..." "I'm..." "Theresa, will you marry me?" "I'm pregnant." "What?" "Yes, Ethan." "You're pregnant?" "Yes." "Yes, what?" "Yes, I'm pregnant, and yes a thousand times yes, I'll marry you!" Ethan swept her into his arms and twirled her around before setting her safely down on her feet. He opened up the box, got down on bended knee, and asked her once again. This time when she answered yes, he slipped the beautiful diamond engagement ring on her finger. He had tears of happiness in his eyes as he held her hand to his face and laid his cheek against her stomach imagining what their baby would look like and how beautiful Theresa would look on their wedding day. It was the happiest Christmas either had experienced. Chapter Twenty-One: Julian and Ivy looked happier than Pilar had ever seen them. Their phone call had surprised her. They'd invited her family, along with the Bennetts and the Russells, to Christmas dinner at the Crane Mansion. As a special thank you for their kindness regarding the situation with Sheridan and the children, and in hopes of cheering them up. Knowing, that for once, it was a heartfelt gesture, Pilar and Miguel accepted, and Miguel managed to convince Kay and her family to come, too. Pilar was puzzled over Luis's disappearance. Surely he wasn't working. Maybe being alone was too much for him. She didn't know, but she resolved to try her best to lift Sheridan's spirits when she saw her. She got the shock of her life when T.C. and his family actually showed up in a gesture meant to rid themselves of the bad blood between the two families. T.C., Sam, and Julian were actually carrying on a civilized conversation. It was a great effort on T.C.'s part, Pilar knew. Ivy, Eve, and Grace were also chatting. Kay and Miguel were caught up in each other and didn't even notice anyone--not even Simone. Whitney and Chad were discussing life in New York with Amanda. Noah and Lauren really hit it off. And Drew had his eye on Jessica. Pilar anxiously awaited Ethan and Theresa and Sheridan and the children's arrival while her mind drifted to Luis's whereabouts. At that moment, Theresa and Ethan walked through the door. There was something peculiar about their behavior that Pilar couldn't pinpoint. Something different. She didn't have time to ponder what was so strange before she got the second great surprise of the still-young day. First, Sheridan walked in with Ryan adorably bundled up, and she was about to ask where Lily was when she caught sight of Luis walking up the entranceway with Lily in his arms holding a brand-new kitten proudly. Overcome with emotion, she hugged Sheridan fiercely then Luis and said, "True love always wins." ******************************************************* With a grand fluorish, Julian lifted his glass to propose a toast. After a rousing speech, everyone raised their glasses to their lips. Just then, a shriek sounded from Whitney's lips followed by the exclamation, "Theresa! Is that what I think it is?" Put on the spot, Theresa looked at Ethan then at everyone in the room and said, "Yes it is, Whit. Everybody, this morning Ethan asked me to marry him, and I said yes." Congratulations filled the room, and again a toast was made. This time by Ivy. Julian interrupted by saying, "Theresa, dear, why are you not drinking your champagne?" Everyone looked on in anticipation while Ethan and Theresa exchanged glances once more. This time, Ethan spoke, "We weren't going to say anything yet, but everyone, we're expecting a baby." Julian looked at his son in great pride and congratulated Theresa on making him and Ivy and Pilar grandparents. Now their two families shared an even stronger bond. Chapter Twenty-Two: Ethan pulled nervously at his collar. Today was the day. The day he made Theresa his wife. Valentine's Day. The beginning of forever. He didn't know why he was so nervous. He just was. He loved Theresa. So much. And he couldn't wait to be her husband and a father to the baby that they would have soon. But, this was an awesome responsibility. He couldn't live with himself if he somehow let her down. He started to tug at his collar again but was stopped by Luis's hand on his shoulder. Luis laughed inwardly at the terrified look on Ethan's face. In mock anger, he said, "You're not getting cold feet now, are you Ethan? Having doubts about marrying my sister? Well, I ought to..." Ethan rushed to reassure him otherwise, not catching on to the insincerity of Luis's threats. He got all bent out of shape. The look of confusion on his face when Luis burst out laughing was priceless. Luis soon had him laughing at old tales about his extreme nervousness when he married Sheridan. He assured Ethan that his feelings were normal. He'd be worried if he didn't feel a little nervous. Pilar smiled at she saw how well the two men were getting along. She remembered a time when they couldn't stand to be in the same room with each other. Preferably, not even in the same town. Things certainly had changed. All because of the love they felt for Sheridan and Theresa. She was still smiling as she knocked on the door to the room where the girls were helping Theresa get dressed. Sheridan opened the door and hugged her immediately saying, "Pilar, you're going to be so proud. She looks so beautiful." Pilar released Sheridan from her hold and looked down to Lily who held her basket full of flowers like she was all-important and praised her on her beauty and what a good job she was already doing. Lily flashed her a mega-watt smile and hugged her waist. Then, Pilar laughed as she saw Ryan peeking at her from behind Sheridan's legs. She picked him up and kissed his little cheek, causing him to giggle--quite loudly. She squeezed him tight before letting him back down so that he might join his sister who was now hugging Kay tightly around the neck. Kay was one of Ryan's favorite people. Pilar felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see who it was. She gasped at the beautiful picture Theresa made. Her little Theresita was all grown up. So lovely. Tears filled her eyes as she held her at arms' length and said, "Oh, Mija. You look...you look..." Theresa smiled brightly and said, "It's okay, Mama. Thank you." Then she leaned in to embrace her mother. Pilar pulled back, cupped Theresa's cheek in her palm, and said, "Theresa, your father would be so proud if he could see you." "You really think so, Mama?" "I know so." Whitney brought the emotional moment to a halt by clearing her throat. "I hate to interrupt, you guys, but it's almost time." With those words, everyone gave Theresa quick hugs and left the room. Paloma and Whitney were the last to leave, and Theresa took one last look in the mirror. She didn't see her reflection as it was now. She saw the young girl that had loved Ethan from afar for much of her life. The young girl who never gave up her dream. Not even when she grew to a woman and realized Ethan would be hers only if he wanted to be. The young woman who had been contented to just be Ethan's friend. If that's all he wanted. The music played in the background as she remembered the girl she had been. A soft knock sounded at the door, and she turned to see Luis standing there with an appreciative smile on his face. "You ready?" he asked. "Yeah, Luis, in just a minute." He left to wait outside the door, and Theresa turned back to the mirror, to her younger self, and whispered "Goodbye." Then she joined her brother and took his arm as he led her down the aisle to her future. Chapter Twenty-Three: Sheridan nearly lost her balance as Lily raced past her squealing at the top of her lungs, Luis in hot pursuit. Now wasn't the time to be engaged in an impromptu game of tag with their daughter. Especially when she was carrying Ryan's birthday cake in her hands. She was proud to admit she'd made the cake all by herself. Well, Pilar had helped a little. Okay, a lot. But Luis didn't marry her for her culinary skills. With a grand fluorish, she set the brightly frosted cake down in front of her son. Just out of his reach. The little guy was dangerous when armed. Luis came up behind her, Lily dangling sideways in his arms giggling wildly. She turned around and glared at her husband. You'd think he was the one turning a year old today. Luis immediately set Lily down, but his eyes still twinkled and a grin threatened to steal over his lips. Lily scampered to where Ivy sat and crawled into her lap. Julian sat beside Ivy, obviously bored out of his mind. He shrank back in horror when Lily handed him a party hat identical to the one now resting atop her golden curls. He put forth an admirable effort, really he did. But he didn't stand a chance. Lily came from stubborn stock. Kay snapped picture after picture of Julian in his little party hat. The grimace on his face was priceless, and Ivy couldn't control her laughter. Miguel did the honors of lighting the single candle, and they all laughed as Ryan's big brown eyes grew impossibly wider. He grew quite disgruntled when he discovered the cake was beyond his reach. Sheridan knew her son. He was just dying to sink his hands into it. Luis linked his arms around her waist and chuckled. He, too, knew exactly what was on his son's mind. That little gleam in his eyes was unmistakeable. Theresa led them in a round of "Happy Birthday," and Ethan encouraged Ryan to blow out the candle. It wasn't happening. He was too far away. Sheridan warned, "Ethan, don't do it. You don't want to do that. Nooo!!!" as Ethan pushed the cake closer to Ryan, and her son dove wholeheartedly into the cake. Pilar covered her face in her hands as Sheridan rushed to salvage the cake before it was too late. Ivy smirked at her sister-in-law's lost cause while Julian roared with laughter beside her. "Oh, Man!" Miguel exlaimed as Kay shook silently beside him. "Ethan!" Theresa scolded, before bursting into laughter herself. Sheridan and Ryan were at a standoff. Neither was backing down. Lily squealed in delight when her brother dropped a fistful of the cake down the front of her mother's dress. By this time, everyone was losing it. And no one was trying to help. Sheridan pleas of "Ryan! Somebody, anybody, give me a hand here!" fell on deaf ears. Luis--at his little boy best--grabbed a handful of cake and advanced on his wife. "Luis, no! You wouldn't. Luis, I warning you. Lu..." He shoved his handful in Sheridan's open mouth to shut her up. The spoils from the war that ensued took hours to clean up, but the image of Julian Crane engaged in such a childish activity was worth it for everyone there. Kay had the pictures to prove it. Her personal fave was a shot of Ivy smearing the remainder of the cake across Julian's face. He so hadn't expected that. Chapter Twenty-Four: Pilar wrung her hands nervously and looked at the clock on the wall opposite her. Her baby girl had been in labor for hours now, and still her grandchild had not made his or her grand entrance. Whitney had arrived from New York half an hour ago, and her presence gave Pilar comfort. Theresa would be thrilled to know her best friend had been able to make it. Ivy grabbed one of hands and squeezed it, giving her a bright smile. Pilar smiled back at her, thankfully. Sheridan and Luis sat in the far corner practically howling over Kay's collection of pictures from Ryan's birthday party almost four months ago. Julian's discomfort only added to their pleasure. Pilar shook her head as she saw Julian offer Kay a wad of cash to destroy them, and chuckled to herself when Kay gleefully refused. Miguel watched in amusement in the background. Finally, when it seemed she could wait no longer, Ethan appeared before her holding a small bundle in his arms. He was grinning from ear to ear. Kay and the others rushed over to crowd around him. Pilar, Ivy, and Whitney rose from their seats and peeked at the blinking newborn in Ethan's grasp. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to my Nicholas Crane. My son." Julian slapped Ethan on the back proudly. Sheridan said, "Oh, Ethan. He's beautiful. I think he's got your eyes." She playfully punched Luis in the ribs when he muttered in a condescending tone, "Sweetheart, Ryan had blue eyes, too. All babies have blue eyes when they're born." "You just wait and see, Buster. He's going to have Ethan's eyes. I can tell." Whitney laughed when she saw Luis roll his eyes behind Sheridan's back. Ivy said, "You know, Sheridan. I think maybe you're right." Smirking at Luis, Sheridan triumphantly said, "See. Two against one." Miguel jumped in, "Okay, you guys." Kay smiled at Ethan and asked to hold the baby. Pilar, Sheridan, Luis, and Whitney exchanged knowing looks as they watched Miguel watch Kay with the baby in her arms. They all oohed and aahed over Nicholas until the nurse came and told Ethan it was time to take him to the nursery. Then they went to congratulate Theresa on her beautiful son. Chapter Twenty-Five: Three years later... Miguel anxiously paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room for word on Kay--and the baby. He prayed for both of them's well-being. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost either of them. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Luis, Mama, Theresa, Sheridan, and Ethan come rushing through the door together. Just seconds behind them were Grace and Sam. Thank goodness Eve had had the lucidity he had lacked and called their families. It was more than he could handle at the time. Simone had also been contacted. He crumpled in his mother's arms when she asked what had happened. Finally, he was able to compose himself enough to tell them about the accident. They were out shopping for the baby. A favorite pasttime. Kay, in her seventh month of pregnancy, tired easily, and they decided to stop for lunch at the Book Cafe. They had a nice time despite having a goodnatured argument about what to name the baby. Beth even got in on the fun giving her own suggestions. And they talked some more before Kay suggested they visit some friends. With a quick kiss, Miguel left her to get the car telling Kay to wait inside. Kay hated being coddled so she ignored Miguel's request and followed. Miguel had already crossed the street to the car before he noticed her. He couldn't help but smile. It was typical of her not to take orders. And he told her so. She laughingly agreed, "You betcha. I'm not an invalid. I'm just pregnant, Miguel." Then, out of nowhere, a beat-up blue Honda came barreling down the street. There was no time. Her screams of "Miguel!!!" echoed in his brain and the look of panic in her eyes would be forever etched in his memory. The driver didn't even slow down. Witnesses and onlookers had crowded around in concern, as Miguel hurried to Kay's now broken body. He cradled her in his arms until the ambulance came. They had to pry her from his iron grip. Beth had come to his aid, offering to drive him to the hospital. He was in no shape to do it himself. She was getting him some coffee from the lounge this very moment. He was so relieved his family were here to support him now. Chapter Twenty-Six: After what seemed like days, but was, in all reality, only a few hours, Eve came to give them news on Kay's and the baby's conditions. The baby had to be delivered two months early via emergency C-section. Though small and plagued by problems with the lungs and other possible undiagnosed complications, the baby was clinging to life. Kay was also fighting for her life. They'd stopped the most urgent threat to her life--the internal bleeding. But Kay also suffered a nasty blow to the head that caused swelling to her brain. She was still unconscious. In a coma. At this news, Grace started sobbing. Theresa and Sheridan went to her and offered solace while Sam bent his head in defeat. Luis gripped Miguel's shoulder tightly as Pilar questioned Eve, and they learned that the longer Kay stayed in a coma, unresponsive, the more bleak the outcome. Ethan grabbed Miguel's other arm to steady him as he absorbed this news. They were all so immersed in their grief they nearly forgot about the baby until Grace brokenly asked Eve, "Where's the baby, Eve? I want to see her. I need to tell my baby how beautiful her baby is when I visit her. I need to do this, Eve. Please." Eve told her and the other immediate family to follow her. They were going to meet Baby Girl Lopez-Fitzgerald. ******************************************************* Sam held his daughter's hand as he told her how beautiful her baby daughter was. Luis had finally been able to convince Miguel to go home, shower, and rest. It'd been three days since the accident. Kay was still unconscious while the baby gained strength daily. They were taking shifts staying with Kay and visiting the baby. In fact, Simone was due in Kay's room in about five minutes. Sure enough, Simone came walking through the door, Eve alongside of her. Sam hugged her tight and left her alone with Kay while he went to talk to Eve about his daughter's and his granddaughter's conditions. ******************************************************* Grace smiled as she spotted Sheridan just outside with Lily and Ryan. With the nurses' permission, they were allowed to come inside and meet their new cousin. Lily was in awe of the baby's tinyness. Ryan was just in awe at seeing a baby. Grace and Sheridan laughed softly when Lily said, "You have to hurry up and get strong, cause I can't wait to play with you. It'll be nice having another girl cousin. Not anymore pesky boys like Ryan and Nicky. Ugh!" Ryan just stuck his tongue out at his sister, and Sheridan informed Grace they better leave before one of her children's infamous squabbles broke out. Chapter Twenty-Seven: Sheridan and the kids ran into Ethan and Nicky at the park. They were going to the zoo, and Nicky excitedly asked, "Aunt Sheri, can Lily and Ryan come to the zoo with me and Daddy? Please, Aunt Sheri." Sheridan looked at Nicky's adorable little face. For added effect, Nicky stuck his bottom lip way out, and she couldn't help but laugh. Then she looked into the expectant eyes of her own children. Lily's crossed fingers didn't escape her attention. And Ryan decided to adopt Nicky's pout thinking it couldn't hurt to pretend to be a perfect little angel. But angel her son was not. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I don't know..." Ethan grinned at her torture of the children. He knew Sheridan was a softie at heart. "Please, Mommy," Lily pleaded, and Ryan chimed in with "I promise not to get in trouble for the whole day." Nicky just stuck his lip out even further and pinned her with his blue gaze. "Okay," she breathed, and all at once she had three very happy children hugging her for dear life. Ethan promised to take great care of them, and told her they'd be meeting Theresa later that afternoon. Sheridan kissed him on the cheek after saying goodbye to all the kids, and thanked him for his invitation for her, Luis, and the children to join them at the Lobster Shack for dinner. She promised to ask Luis when she saw him at the station. ******************************************************* Luis was pulling double shifts trying to locate the person that had run his brother's wife down. Sam spent every moment not at the hospital in the station himself. This person deserved to pay for their cowardice and crime. But Luis, like all his other family members, was exhausted, and when Sheridan walked through the station's doors and invited him to take a walk along the wharf, he jumped at the chance. He said bye to the guys and offered his beautiful wife his arm. She beamed at him as she took it, and they left the police station. ******************************************************* They walked hand in hand to the site of so many of the great happenings in their history. Not all of them good. When they got to the railing overlooking the harbor, Luis pulled Sheridan to him and gave her a repeat of the kiss they shared all those years ago. When they broke apart for air, Sheridan rested her forehead against Luis's and breathlessly said, "Wow. What was that for?" Caressing her cheek, Luis replied, "Because I love you, so very, very much" and pulled her into a tight embrace. ******************************************************* Dinner at the Lobster Shack that night was postponed as they got the call they had all been waiting for. Kay had woken up. With Simone and Miguel by her side. Eve had examined her and found her to be in satistactory condition, and that afternoon Kay was introduced to her daughter. It was a wonderfully happy occasion. Chapter Twenty-Eight: "Shhh! They're coming," Theresa whispered. "Hide, everyone. We don't want to ruin the surprise." Julian rolled his eyes. This was so ridiculous. If he didn't have a soft spot for Kay, there was no way he would be doing this. Of course, he'd never admit it to the girl. He scowled at Ivy as she pulled him back behind the sofa. Good God. They were hiding like children. Lily giggled from her hiding spot. This was her idea of fun. She couldn't wait to see Aunt Kay's face. She yelped when Ryan accidentally stepped on her foot. Sheridan diverted disaster by slipping each of her hands over her children's mouths, and Luis pulled them apart. Luis didn't understand why they were throwing a surprise welcome home party. A welcome home party. Fine. But a surprise party. If Angel was anything like Ryan was, he knew he'd need some aspirin. Soon. Jessica and Noah stood beside them, holding their breath for their sister's arrival. Sheridan chuckled to herself at Nicky's breathless anticipation. He was so much like his mother when it came to these types of things. Theresa and Ethan were having a hard time quieting him. He was so excited, and he kept asking questions. Simone and Whitney grinned at Theresa's failed efforts to calm him down. She finally succeeded just as the front door slowly began to open. As soon as Miguel flipped the light switch on, they all yelled "Surprise!" Luckily for them, Grace was the one holding Angel in her arms, and she knew all about their plans. The look on Kay's face said it all. She was crying and smiling at the same time. She looked to Miguel who sported a huge grin and punched him when she realized he was in on the surprise. "Oh, you. Why didn't you tell me about this?" Miguel laughed and said, "Then, it wouldn't have been a surprise, now would it?" Sam smiled at all the people gathered in the living room to welcome his baby girl home. Pilar stood beside Grace wearing a similar expression on her face. Kay scanned the room and saw all the faces of her loved ones, and started crying again. "You guys are all so wonderful." Ryan came bounding from his place beside his sister and launched himself into Kay's arms. Kay laughed as she hugged him back and told him how much she had missed him. Lily walked up to Grace and peered at her baby cousin. Jessica hugged Kay and goodnaturedly scoffed, "Angel, Kay. Somehow that doesn't quite seem fitting for a child of yours." Noah joined the hug and said, "Well, she is a little miracle, sis. I think it suits her." Sheridan and Luis, Ethan and Theresa, and the rest of the guests crowded around to admire the dark-haired sleeping beauty.
Miguel was every bit the proud Papa. Pilar sighed in contentment. She was so glad that each of her children had found happiness. It had been a long and difficult journey, but they had never given up hope. She said a silent thanks to God for all her blessings, then went to join the rest of the family as they posed for the first of many photographs. Photographs that she would forever cherish.
|