By Our Hearts We Are One!

Chapter 1:

It was the beginning of a brand new life that was greeted by a brand new day, and for Sheridan and Luis, it was the beginning of their life together. They were two hearts bound together by a hidden truth that was now known to both of them. The love they came to share became as powerful as the obstacles that seemed to distance them for months. They never thought that just a week ago, that being like this in each other's arms expressing every heart felt emotion would be an experience that they would ever be blessed with.

Luis looked at her, lying in his arms and thought to himself, 'She is so beautiful, how stupid I was, letting her walk out of my life and not going after her then.' He drifted back to the events that changed his life a week ago.

*FLASHBACK*

He watched her board the plane, one step at a time and with each step his heart broke, the pain he felt was undeniable and the knowledge of losing her was unbearable.' No one has ever made him feel the way she did' he thought, the very depths of his soul was touched by her. He remembered how he felt with her in his arms, every time they touched or even looking into each others eyes, caused him to melt, the scent of her perfume, the sound of her voice, the kiss they shared, even while they danced, the comfort of her presence when he was in need of it, the support she gave him and his family, during that time shortly after the events that fatal New Years Eve. She was part of him. Part of his family. No one has ever made such an impact on every member.Even on Valentine's when her charasmatic warmth gave him and theresa such strength when they almost lost a brother, and for charity, her one true love.

As he walked back to his car, leavinhg the airport , he thought of her. Even as he stepped in the youth center, memories flooded back. Each moment that they spent togetherwas as precios as the way he felt. The memories of their first meeting. How they wasted so much time arguing with each other. He blamed himself though, not giving her a chance to be herself, and constanly judging her as a result of the bitterness he felt towards her family. Their time in Mexico brought them closer that ever before. Through Christmas, New Years and even Valentine's day they could not escape from each other. Each moment was magical.' Maybe theresa was right. It was fate. But what went wrong.' he thought to himself. He bent his head, looking at the pile of papers on his desk and with disgust, shoved them aside, leaned back in his chair and sighed, "Why am I thinking of Sheridan.(pausing) I've got to get out of here' and with that he picked up his jacket and went home.

*BACK TO REALITY*

Sheridan's slight stir against Luis caused him to come out of his daze and with a smile looked lovingly at her. She looked back at him and he could see tears that seemed to well up in her eyes, and taking one of her hans in his, said, "Sheridan, is something wrong, did I do something wrong?" She looked at him and with her other hand. She raised it and caressed one side of Luis's face and replied" Oh, Luis, it's not you, it's me, I was so wrong about you last week, " she paused, bent her head slightly and continued, "I can't believe I doubted you at all, will you ever forgive me, I mean, I hurt you so much and even when you thought I was in danger, and you still came after me, to protect me, I am so sorry." Tears started to run down her cheeks and luis then placed his finger under her chin and raised her head slightly and said, "Sheridan it isn't your fault, it is Julian's and Alistair's, I told you last night after everything happened, that I've come to realise that the feelings I had of you in danger and then it turned out to be true, that just proved to me that we have a connection by the love we have for each other. Sheridan, if I lost you last night, I don't know what I would have done. I love you with all my heart. I never thought I would say that to anyone but it's true and I will always love you."

She smiled back at him and whispered "oh Luis, I love you too." and with that she covered what little space there was between them, and raised her lips to meet his. For the first time in her life she ever felt truly loved. Making love with Luis was an experience she will always be able to look forward to and the passion between them seem to ignite once again where nothing would ever be able to replace this moment.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2:

As Sheridan's head rested on luis's chest, while they lay in each other's arms she said softly, "You know, Luis, i would love to stay here with you like this , for the whole day but, i think we should be getting up to get ready to go back home , to harmony." Just then his hand that was caressing her back stopped in it's tracks and luis raised her head to look in her eyes and said, "But sheridan, i thought we would spend sometime here, i mean i thought we could explore paris together." Sheridan smiled back at him and replied, " Luis, you know i would love that more than anything, but i'm sure your family misses you, and i can't wait to tell ethan about us, and besides, you have your job to get back to especially when your trying to make detective, it is important we go. And anyway we could come back here one day ." Luis smiled at her and said, "Ok, your right, well I guess we better get ready to go." Sheridan looked at him. She loved him The sparks between them just kept burning.and she replied "I guess we should" As sheridan was about to get up, luis held on to arm and pulled her back against him and kissed her. And then the world was theirs once more.

BACK IN HARMONY SOME HOURS LATER

On arrival in Harmony, Sheridan and Luis headed straight for the Lopez Fitzgerald House. As they opened the front door and stepped inside Luis called out," Hello, is anyone home, Mama, Theresa, Miguel." Just then Pilar came running in from the kitchen, and went over to her son and hugged him, and said," Oh, mijo, I am so glad you're back," she smiled and then turned to sheridan and hugged her too and said, "Sheridan, it is wonderful you have come back. If you know how i missed you. Thank God you are alright, now, when luis left hear he had us all worried when he went to search for you,feeling that you were in danger." Sheridan smiled at her and said " I missed you too and i am glad to be home." Pilar took one of sheridan's hand and guided her to the couch and said, "Ok, now tell me you two, what happened in paris. How did you come to be in danger Sheridan? I don't know why anyone would want to hurt you." Sheridan then turned her head and searched Luis's eyes for an answer. Then walking across to the couch and sitting behind sheridan, with his hands on her shoulders, facing his mother, Luis began telling her of their experience and how sheridan came close to being killed.

Pilar became speechless for a second then looked up at her son and said, "Oh my God luis, if you did not feel that Sheridan was in trouble and go to paris after her, I don't want to begin to imagine what would have happened to her!" Sheridan smiled back annd said, " Well don't worry about that now, because i'm fine, thanks to Luis." Sheridan turned her head to look at him and smiled. Pilar, seeing the over pouring of love they had for each other, smiled to herself and said , "It is so good, to see you two so happy, especially you Sheridan, you deserve so much to be happy, and I am so proud that it is my son that brought that joy that you feel. I can see how much you love each other. Sheridan smiled back at her and said, "Yes i am happy, happier than I have been in a long time."

Pilar looked at them and said, "Well, I am glad , because you will need that love when it comes to dealing with your father and Julian, because you know they will do anything to prevent an alliance between you two." Sheridan bent her head for a moment, then replied," Don't worry, Pilar, we will be alright, father and julian can't use either of us now to hurt the other, and besides at the moment they won't know that I'm back and that Luis and I are together, I heard Julian went out of town on business." Pilar sighed and then said, "Yes, he did, but please still be careful" Sheridan hugged her and said, "We will," Luis interrupted saying," Mama, I have asked sheridan to move in with us and she's agreed; anyway I think I should take sheridan upstairs and get her settled in." Pilar smiled and as the three of them stood, Pilar said, " Sheridan, it is good to have you back, and I am glad you are staying with us, this is your home now and it is good to see you smile again." Sheridan smiled back and replied, "Thank you Pilar, for everything," then she and Luis turned and went upstairs, leaving pilar behind to watch them go.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

Two days had passed and Sheridan was sitting alone reading when there was a knock on the door. She got up and went to see who it was. She looked into the smiling faces of two people she knew well. "Hi!" said gwen and ethan. Sheridan looked back at them smiling and said, "Ethan, Gwen, it is so good to see you," she said and pulled them in a hug. "How did you know i was back, how did you know I was here?" she asked leading them in the living room. As ethan and gwen sat on the couch and sheridan in a chair directly opposite them, ethan replied," well, we saw pilar, and she realised how much we missed you, she told us about your experience in paris and how luis brought you back here and she suggested we pay you a visit, but she told us not to tell father anything, only mother knows and she's thrilled you're back and is not going to say anything, and yes we heard what father did to you and luis," sheridan bent her head and said, "Hm, yes, i still can't get over it, the lengths they went to, to keep luis and me apart is unbelievable, manipulating us like that, making me think that it was luis that i heard on the phone when all the time it was an imposter they hired, knowing how i'll react. In my heart i knew that luis would'nt say those horrble things but in my head, julian and father knew what would get to me and they took advantage of that. I can't believe i trusted them, especially knowing how they feel towards luis." her voice just then broke as if she was going to cry. On realising that, gwen, left her seat and walked over to where sheridan was sitting, knelt beside her and said, "Hey, sheridan, don't blame yourself, i mean they were your family and you trusted them, but i guess they are just creeps and now you know that, and now you and luis are together and your father and brother, they will never be able to keep you two apart because of your love for one another." At that moment Ethan also got up and went across to his aunt and said, "You know, gwen is right, and i can tell by looking at you that everything is going great with you and Luis." Sheridan smiled and said, "Yes everything is wonderful, Luis is wonderful." Ethan grinned at her and said, "I am glad, it is good to see you happy. Anyway, i've got to go, there's a meeting i have to attend, coming gwen?" Gwen then answered, "yeh, i got to go to, I have alot of work to do at the office, "she said as sheridan led them out, and then gwen turned to her , hugged her and said, " Oh sheridan, it is so good to see you happy, and maybe very soon, we may hear wedding bells for the two of you." sheridan grinned at her and said, "oh well maybe we'll just have to wait and see." Gwen and ethan said their goodbyes and left sheridan smiling to herself as she went back in the house to finish her book.

Weeks passed and sheridan spent almost every day at the youth center. She also spent some days working at a dance school part time and doing story telling for children at the local book store, but her most enjoyable times were spent with luis. She loved him and he loved her and everyone around them Knew it. There was never a moment when they failed to express it and it seemed that every time they made love, they fell even deeper in love than before.

It was six weeks since their return to harmony and sheridan was normally the first to get up in the morning but this one was different. When she finally got up, she felt fatigued and luis had already left for work so she decided to head down to the kitchen to see pilar. Each step became agony, as the nausea and dizziness got worse, Why am i feeling like this?.... i think i better sit down," she said , dragging herself on the couch since it was close by, and called out, " pilar,.. pilar!" Just then pilar came running in from the kitchen, and seeing sheridan lying on the couch looking ill, she went across to her and said, " sheridan, are you alright? What's wrong?" sheridan looked up at her and replied, "I don't know. When i got up this morning i started to feel nausea and dizzy and then i almost fainted coming downstairs." Pilar looked at sheridan and before she could say anything, theresa came running in followed by whitney and with worry on her face asked," mama, is sheridan alright. We were now walking in when we heard her call." Pilar raised her head and looked up at an anxious theresa and said, " oh, uh, yes, sheridan should be fine in a couple minutes. Theresa could you bring some of the hot cocoa i made, for sheridan please and whitney could you bring a damp wash rag for sheridan, thanks." Within minutes, pilar, theresa and whitney watched sheridan drinking the cocoa and then theresa's voice broke the silence, " so mama, what happened?" pilar shifted her concentration from sheridan to face her daughter and said, " sheridan just had a slight dizzy spell, that's all, she'll be fine." Theresa glanced at whitney , smiled and said with a snicker, " A dizzy spell mama? uh huh." By theresa's remark, sheridan put the emptry cup on the coffee table, looked up at her and asked," uh,huh, what theresa? do you know why i felt dizzy?" Theresa looked at her then glanced at whitney , smiled and then back to sheridan and said, " well, i am no doctor, but if I didn't know better I would say you were probably ..."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Theresa paused in a playful way, and then sheridan said, "Probably what theresa?" then theresa replied, " Come on sheridan, you must have figured it out by now." Pilar, theresa and whitney, all looked at her. Sheridan searched their eyes for answers, and saw a smile on their faces , then said, "figured out what?" then sheridan paused for a moment and then continued, "Wait a minute, you think that i'm.......," Theresa smiled at her and said, " Pregnant, yes sheridan, that's what we think." Pilar then went over to her and sat next to her and said, "Well sheridan, do you think you are? I mean this is no time to be modest, we all here have seen the love between you and luis have become deeper everyday, stronger and more precious, so it's not so difficult to figure out that, this could be the reason for your not feeling well" Sheridan looked at her and realised that what she was saying could be true.

Whitney interrupted sheridan's thoughts by," You know what, I think my mom is home right now. Why don't i call her and ask her to come over," Pilar looked up at her and said," That's a good idea whitney, thanks."

Within half an hour, Dr. Russell, confirmed theresa's suspicions. Eveyone there were all thrilled with the news, and were offering congratulations to sheridan. Sheridan seemed to be the only one in shock. She never thought that this would happen so soon. Theresa noticed the expression on sheidan's face, walked over to the bed where sheridan was lying, sat down and said, "Sheridan, are you alright. You look out of it. Aren't you happy about the news? I mean look at it, you are going to be a mother, luis, a father and for me, i am going to be an aunt. This is great and it is all so very exciting." Sheridan smiled and replied, "Yes, of course it is great news, but...," she hesitated and pilar asked, "but what," and sheridan replied, "i am just surprised, that's all. I mean, just a couple weeks ago, luis and I thought that we'd never see each other again, never reach where we are; together and i'm here with my new family, and now i am going to have a baby. Everything is moving so fast now, i think i may wake up and find it is all a dream." Pilar smiled and then asked, "Well sheridan, what about luis. When and how are you going to tell him?" Sheridan then replied, "Well I have'nt really thought about it. I am open to suggestions." Theresa thought for a moment and then said, " I have an idea, this is something really special happening, and so we should do it in a special, unforgettable way.

Listen guys, we have'nt had a party in this house since mama's birthday, so what do you say we throw sheridan and luis a welcoming home party and the news can be revealed there." Sheridan was enthralled with excitement, but then said, "Theresa, how are we going to approach the subject?" Theresa looked at her and smiled, "Well just a couple of days ago, whitney and i saw an episode of 'a Baby story' where a couple wanted to reveal their surprise to their loved ones, so they had a little get together and gave their very close friends and members of their family little gifts , or should i say hints that will allow those around to figure out the surprise, The gifts were like, bottle of baby food, with a picture of a baby pasted on it, a soap on a rope, teething ring, little figurines of stalks and baby welcome, baby's with bottle, or even the figurine of wet diaper baby, but most important is for dad, if he doesn't know already is a shirt and cap with the words COACH written on it."

Theresa continued to tell them about planning this idea, and everyone became excited and sheridan said, "theresa, i love the idea, I can't wait to see luis's face when he figures it out." Before eve left the Lopez-Fitzgerald house sheridan asked her, "Oh eve, i was wondering, how far along am i?" Eve smiled at her and said," oh, maybe five, six weeks along, why" Sheridan smiled back and said," Oh, nothing, so you're going to be my christmas bundle, aren't you." she said looking down at her tummy and rubbing it ever so gentle. Then looking back at eve she said," thanks again Eve, for everything." "No problem," and then left sheridan to help the girls plan for their big surprise."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

One week had passed, and then two and all of harmony were enjoying the middle of spring and the day of the party had arrived and all the guests were present having a good time, with the women drinking apple cider and the men drinking beer. Beth, hank and even julian were there. His learning of Sheridan and luis being together and that his plan was foiled once again, ignited his evil ways even more, but comfort came to him on realising that without sheridan having access to the crane mansion, that luis wasn't much a threat to him. Or was he?

Julian glanced across the room and saw sheridan looking at him. He walked across to her and said sarcastically, "Well sheridan, welcome back. We sure did miss you." Sheridan repled, "Save it julian, i know what you and father are up to and i know what you did." Julian went closer to her and said, "Did what dear sister? I don't know what you are talking about?" Sheridan answered, I know what lengths you and father have gone to keep luis and me apart, but let me tell you this, it isn't going to work anymore. I am no longer living at the crane estate nor am i indebted to father with his unlimited expense account. Luis is taking care of me now. We love each other and nothing and nobody is going to destroy that.." Julian, shocked by his sister's outlash replied, "Well then dear sister, how did you find out what you think father and i did?" Sheridan smiled and shook her head and said, "You don't worry about that. You think that you and father are the only ones that have the means of finding out information, well guess again," sheridan noticed him getting angry and then he grunted, " Well just remember that you're still a crane dear sister and once more, this little charade of a party you are having here, what are you really up to?" Sheridan smiled back at him and said, "Well, first of all, julian, that thing about me still being a crane? well that maybe just about to change and another, the reason for this party, well you just have to wait and see." And with that sheridan left him and went to where luis and theresa were talking.

An hour had passed and theresa being excited of the awaiting surprise pulled sheridanaside and said, "Sheridan, i think it is time now," Sheridan smiled at her growing excitement and said, "well if you think so then you and whitney go ahead and pass out the gifts." Theresa did as asked and then sheridan called for everyone's attention, "everyone! thanks for coming tonight. It really meant alot to luis and me that you are here so theresa, whitney and myself have something to give to you and we'll appreciate it if you open it now because we'll be using it to play a little game of show and tell." Luis came over to where sheridan, theresa and whitney were now standing together and said, "What's going on here guys? i didn't know anything about this," Theresa smiled at him and said, "Well luis, you weren't supposed to know anything about anything," the girls gigled and then sheridan smiled at him and said, "luis, aren't you going to open yours?" Luis looked at her suspiciously and opened the box and took out thhe tshirt and cap with the words COACH printed on it, he frowned and then asked, "I don't understand? am i supposed to be coaching a basket ball team i don't know about?" sheridan smiled back at him then replied, "oh, something like that, ok in just a moment you'l find out," She turned to her guests who all seemed confused by their gifts, looked at theresa with a cry for help. Theresa then took charge and said, "alright everyone , luis, please put your gifts on the table and use each one as a clue and solve the puzzle" From the back of the room hank and beth began to come forward and with impatience hank said, 'Common, theresa? sheridan? what kind of clues are these? What is this game all about?" Beth stepped forward and added, "yeh, i mean look at these gifts; soap on a rope, figurines, luis's shirt and cap. I mean common guys, what is going on here? what is the surprise?" Everyone seemed to be getting impatient. Even luis's pool hall friends were wondering what was going on, especially since whitney and theresa took away all thealcoholic drinks from luis and his friends and began serving glasses of milk.(another clue) Chatter was going on between his friends and the noise just got louder, when sheridan said to theresa, "Theresa, what are we going to do?' Theresa glanced at her smiled and said, 'Just wait and see" then luis walked over to sheridan, looking at her confused, placed his hand on the middle of her back and realising the loudness of his friends said, "Hey, hey, guys, common. Ok sheridan, what are you trying to tell us?" He searched her eyes for answers and before she could reply, they heard coming from the background, theresa, whitney, charity, and simone singing loudly, as sheridan and luis turned to look at them.

Baby face
You've got the cutest little Baby face
There's not another one just, Baby face
Baby face
My poor heart, it's just, you sure have started
something Baby face.

and then they sang,
Rockabye baby on the tree top
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
And when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,
And then will come baby
Cradle and all.

Then theresa came forward and said, "ok, luis, guys, if you haven't figured out what we've been trying to tell you, this secret we've kept for weeks now, about something that is about 8 weeks in the making...well then i suggest you all go gack to school and do an extra year of biology, will you?" Everyone laughed and then luis turned swiftly back to look at sheridan and taking her hands in his he said," Sh..Sh..Sheridan are you....," and feeling an overpouring of love, she smiled and said, "Yes luis, i am," he pulled her in his arms and kissed her and hearing the congratulations and good wishes, luis decided to announce his surprise that he's been keeping secret, and pulling out a jewelry box out of his pocket and said, "Well this is a big surprise cause i've got a surprise for you too," and opened the box to hear the gasp coming from sheridan as she placed a hand over her mouth and the tears welled up in her eyes , luis said, "I know that from the moment we met, that our life has been an adventure and that there were times we didn't think that we would even reach here, but that goes to show how our love has pulled us together, and i wouldn't replace it for anything in the world. I love you and so, will you marry me?" Sheridan smiled back at him and said, "Yes luis, i will marry you." And she hugged him and just for a moment there lips met, then hearing the applause coming from the audience they parted annd smiled back at them. Just then, "Damn you luis, damn you sheridan. how could you do this luis. You know how much i liked sheridan. Why did you have to go after her. Why did'nt you stay with beth and leave sheridan for me," hank announced. Luis replied, "hank i ....," "You know what luis, i don't want to hear it." hank said. "Hank, i'm sorry you feel this way. We did'nt mean to hurt you, but i thought that i just thought of you as a good friend, but i love luis and i want to be with him and he loves me and now we are going to have a baby. I am really happy, more than i have ever been in my whole life, so please, could we remain friends, will you gives us your blessing." sheridan said. Hank looked at both of them then replied, "No, no way, this is not over yet, do you hear me luis. This is far from over." and then stomped out of the room. Pilar came over to sheridan and said, "Don't worry sheridan, hank will be fine. he's just in shock and will cool down in a while, anyway tonight has been a memorable one, i must say." Sheridan smiled and after awhile forgot all about what went on with hank.

Everyone was enjoying themselves at the party and did'nt notice hank and julian leaving, who went home right after furious to report the night's events to his father.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

"Well father, what are we going to do now? I mean, not only is sheridan; a crane, marrying that cop; a housekeepers son, but she's going to have his baby as well. Now things are really in a mess." Julian said. " Not really, Julian. If sheridan keeps her distance from the house, then luis wouldn't have access to any damaging information and they'll be too busy planning for this wedding and then soon after, the baby........However, he is a cop, and from my knowledge, a damn good one. If he really loves sheridan, he wouldn't use her to get to the Cranes, he'll do it by other means (pausing) Hmm, well, keep an eye on him and if sheridan comes visiting, don't leave her alone for a second. She knows now what we are capable of doing and if we do anything to anyone in that family she so loves, she'll know we were involed and will help luis destroy us for sure. We cannot risk it. Get back to me if you hear anything more." Alistiar said, then, "Goodbye father," says julian and hung up the phone.

CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, "That brain of yours never stops working, does it." interrupts Ivy. Julian spins around to face her and says, "I don't know what you are talking about my dear." she smiles at him then replies, "Hm, you don't fool me, julian, and it seems now you don't fool sheridan anymore. I know you went to report today's events to alistair. But remember what i told you, not too long ago, before sheridan left, that if it was real love between her and luis, then there was nothing that you and alistair could do to keep them apart. And i was right and today proves it. True love won, and it was so nice of them not to hold what you did to them against you. I mean that if they wanted to, they could have destroyed you already, but they are too much in love to bother with you or alistair." She said, looking at him sitting down in his chair while sipping his brandy, "Anyway, it was a long and wonderful night, hm, all in one i found out that luis is going to be my brother in law and that i am going to be an aunt. It is so exciting. Is'nt it julian. You know what, to show how so happy we are for sheridan, i think i am going to throw her a one in one bridal and baby shower at the seascape. Anyway tomorrow i'll start planning everything but tonight i'm going to bed. Good night julian." She said and walked off leaving julian sipping the last drops of his brandy.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

Within a week, Ivy had planned and held an unforgettable bridal and baby shower at the seascape restaurant, inviting luis's friends, with pilar's help, as well as the lopez fitzgerald family's friends, the russell family, the bennets, ethan, gwen and, chad played DJ for the event. She toasted the couple to a happy, healthy marriage and baby as well as future children they will have. Her speech was an enlightening one, giving all present hope for a peaceful and happy harmony especially between the two families that were now joined by an ever so precious love.

During the shower, everyone seemed dazzled by the love that sheridan and luis generated. It became even more so when theresa, miguel, charity, whitney and kay requested to luis and sheridan to do one more tango for them.

It was a tango like no other they had ever done before. Their passion and love for each other became an open picture book for those watching this magical dance, but for sheridan and luis it was'nt just a passionate dance; but it was one where to them no one was present, there was no audience, but just them, dramatizing a poem of love to the sound of music.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

TWO WEEKS LATER At Gwen's Apartment

"Sheridan, Sheridan," as sheridan came out of her daydream she turned to look at gwen talking to her.She smiled at her and said," Gwen, hm, i can't believe this is it. I can't believe today is my wedding day. I mean, hm, when i arrived in harmony less than a year ago, that i would ever found true love . I mean look at what happened in paris, you know with jean luc, when he just used me, he didn't love me, and then the accident. I thought my life was over. I was so unhappy whhen i came back here, zand i even confided in pilar that i may never find true love, never get married and have children with the right man, and she told me that maybe paris was'nt for me and that god brought me back here to harmony because he knew there was that certain man for me here that he wanted me to be happy with. At that moment, after arriving here, i never thought it would be luis.

It just reminds me of that magazine article you told me about on new years. You know the one that said, ' the person's whose arms you're in at midnight, that that isthe person you're destined to spend the rest of the year with,, maybe the rest of your life.Well i believe what they said now, for me, because somehow after that night, luis and i always seemed to spend almost every day together. Of course except for thecouple days i was in paris, some months ago, but look at what happened. An ocean of water couldn't keep us apart, and look at us, getting ready to be married in less thn three hours and in less than 7 months time , we'll be sharing our lives with a new liitle person. You know, sometimes i think that we made this baby that night in paris when luis first told me that he loved me and i told him how much i loved him too. I mean , my god, gwen, we were in the city for lovers. You know, before luis came, the reason for me leaving was because of him, of what i thought he did, even so, when he thought i was in trouble, he still came after me. I was so blind not to realise that he would have never come if he did'nt love me, but before he came, even though i was still angry at him, still feeling hurt and betrayed, all i could do, every moment in paris was think about him, you know about all the time we spent together since we first met to the present. Hmm, I guess pilar was right, and so was theresa, true love can conquer all" with that sheridan nor gwen noticed that there was another presence in the room, that said,"

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

"Of course it can, and today is proof of that." says pilar with theresa standing beside her smiling." Pilar, theresa, i didn't see you come in," sheridan said as she went to hug them. They smiled at her and theresa said, "We realise that. Wow, sheridan, you look, wow. I can't wait to see luis' face when he sees you. I mean he'll be blown away." sheridan smiled and said, "Oh theresa, thanks, thanks so much; i hope so, if it wasn't for your help. I mean the way you planned the wedding. I am so sorry i wasn't much help." Theresa took hold of sheridan's hands and said, "Hey, that's alright, i mean you haven't been in any condition to do too much. Having a baby will tire you out even though you are still in the early stages. Anyway, i was glad to help. I enjoyed every minute of it. You know how much i love you sheridan. I mean since you first arrived last year, i tried to get my brother to open his eyes and see what a loving, wonderful, caring person you are and it's taken him long enough to make you my sister in law. Since valentines i could see that you were crazy about each other, and now, look at you today. Anyway, sheridan, I think we should be leaving now, ethan has the car waiting for us downstairs and i know it is the bride's privaledge to reach the church late, but the way i saw my brother this morning, before we left, he might burst if this wedding doesn't happen soon. He is so nervous and excited, and i can see how much he loves you," Sheridan glowed at that and replied, "I love him too, very much, or should i say, we love him very much," she said while caressing and looking down at her tummy.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

She smiled and then turned to look at herself in the mirror. She couldn't believe the vision she saw. A reflection of a girl, finally happy. A princess about to marry her prince charming. And the dress theresa designed made it even more the fairy tale wedding she always dreamed of. The beautiful dress, that fitted her figure to perfection, with its slightly off the shoulder straps, and the sweetheart neckline of the bodice accentuates the well cut scoop of the back, to the beautiful skirt drapped softly down the sides of her legs to caress the floor that came to a cut point that glided smoothly behind her. Her hair, styled in such a way to enhance the fit of the veil that drapped of light tulle down her back to the floor and with the soft fall of the dress and veil that played peek a boo with her beautiful spanish cut strap heels and the addition of the perfect jewelry made her the princess that awoke to glorify the world with her beauty.

She turned to face her onlookers, Gwen, theresa and pilar with tears in her eyes; causing pilar to go to her and say, "Sheridan what's the matter." Gwen and theresa looked at each other and then back at sheridan when she said, "Oh, nothing, it is just that i wish my father and brother were coming. Julian insisted that he wasn't , and father said he had other matters to deal with, and that he wouldn't be able to make it. I guess he probably still thinks that luis is going to hurt the crane family and bring down the mighty empire, but as i told him that luis promised not to get involved because of how much he loves me, but i guess he is not as trusting as i am." Pilar smiled at her and said, "i know that it is important for every member of your family especially your father to be there but sometimes love will heal the hurt you feel because of the disappointment, but listen mi nina, the love you and luis have will heal that hurt and when the baby comes, all that love that you needed but never felt from your father, well you will give that baby love, you and luis together. And your love will get you through any problems in the world. Don't ever forget that. What luis said is true, he is not going to go after your family ever again because of his love for you,; and i know what you are thinking, that if he finds out what you think you did as a child, about all the dreams that have haunted you for years now, that he wouldn't love you again if they turned out to be true, if i know my son the way your heart knows him then i know that nothing you think you did, would ever stop his loving you, because nothing is your fault. He loves you and he will always love you." She smiled at them, took a deep breath and said, "Thank you so much pilar, and yes i am defintely ready now," and with that, theresa helped sheridan with the train of her dress while gwen held the train of her veil, and pilar held open the door and closed it behind them as they headed out for the car.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

At St. Margaret Mary's Church 1/2 hr later

As the bridal party arrived and each member took their positions in readiness for the bridal entrance, as follows, the brides maids, Charity and Whitney followed by the maids of honor, Theresa and Gwen then Sheridan and Ethan, all in their glory to enhance the company of Luis and Sam his best man. Sheridan called, "Hey theresa, did you arrange for the entrance song? you know something different to the normal." theresa smiled at an anxious sheridan and replied, "Don't worry sheridan, everything is taken care of." Gwen giggled slightly and said, "Yes sheridan, don't worry, Theresa chose the perfect song and thanks to ivy's help and connections we got the perfect people to sing it," she started to laugh looking at sheridan when sheridan replied, "Guys, what are you up to, who did you get to sing." Theresa smiled and swayed and said, "Don't worry, you'll see." Pilar went inside to announce for the secret surprise singers to begin and they did just that. Before she could open back the door, on hearing the song being played, sheridan, being in shock said, "Theresa, you got that group, N SYNC, to sing for my wedding, i love that song, how did you do it," Theresa smiled and said, "Don't worry, anyway it is time for us to go." the door was opened and all the guests turned to look at the bridal entrance but most important, the bride.

Entrance song
God must have spent a little more time on you

It's funny how , can this be real, How can i put into words what i feel
My life was complete, I thought i was whole.
Why do i feel like i'm losing control,
Never thought that love could feel like this
Then you changed my world with just one kiss
How can it be that right here with me, there's an angel
It's a miracle
Your love is like a river peaceful and deep,
Your soul is like a secret that i never could keep
When i look into your eyes, i know that it's true
God must have spent a little more time on you.

In all of creation, all things great and small
You are the one that passes them all
More precious than any diamond or pearl
They broke the mode when you came in this world
And i'm trying hard to figure out, just how i ever did without,
The warmth of your smile, the heart of a child, that's deep inside leaves me purified.

Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep
Your soul is like a secret that i never could keep
When i look into your eyes, I know that it's true
God must have spent a little more time on you.

Never thought that love could feel like this
And you changed my world with just one kiss
How can it be, that right here with me, there's an angel
It's a miracle.

Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep
Your soul is like a secret that i never could keep
When i look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent a little more time on you.
A little more time on you.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

As sheridan walked up the isle to meet luis, each member of the congregation became enchanted by her beauty, but luis's reaction went far beyond that, where no words can touch. Their eyes met, and their love for each other filled the room causing not one pair of eyes, left dry. It was as if their love was one that was far beyond any, ever experienced in the town of harmony and more likely in the entire world. It was like a fairy tale love that had become reality and everyone there had the opportunity to experience it. The flood of love that seemed to flow from luis to sheridan and back was a never ending river of the heart that they shared.

The vows they exchanged were simple beautiful words of love that were heard by those present but to sheridan and luis, the vows that they exchanged which were unheard, those that were known only to the two of them, became precious gifts, binds of love that could only be said through the soul of their hearts that had now become one. They were now husband and wife, a destiny that was meant to be, two hearts becoming one by a grace given to them by a higher power, the supplier of what they have come to know, over the past months. The gift of love.

And with the giving and exchanging of rings and vows, Father Lonigan, gave the blessing, passed on from god to him in pronouncing them, husband and wife, which was finally sealed with a kiss, that seemed as passionate as their love and as passionate as the vows, that carried them off to another world, which was cut short by the applause coming from the congregation, who after the departure from the church by the couple, friends and family gathered with hugs and kisses before heading for the reception, which was being held at the decorated to the finest, Youth Centre which seemed appropriate to cater to the comfort of both the bride and the groom, who shared many moments there as well as the members of their family and friends.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

AT THE YOUTH CENTRE.

Love was in the air and everyone felt it. All the guests had arrived at the beautifully decorated youth centre awaiting the arrival of sheridan and luis. Not too long after came an announcement made by chad, "Ok everyone, the bride and groom have arrived, so let's here it for them." As sheridan and luis stepped into the room there was a flooding of applause and outpouring of love and good wishes for them. The bridal party, consisting of Charity, whitney, theresa, luis, sheridan, gwen, and sam took their places on the bridal table, and the immediate families and friends such as miguel, pilar, ivy, ethan, grace, kay and the russells, sat on a table close by, while other harmony friends took their places on other tables in the room. Sam got up and as best man, made his speech, saying, "Friends, family, loved ones, and the bride and groom, sheridan and luis. As we know it is always the bestman's privaledge to say a few words, but i am not going to do that. I am actually going to say alot of words..." he glanced at the couple with a smile and said, "Luis and i have been friends for a long time. Our fathers were good friends, and we have been like brothers. I could remember the day that luis told me that he was going out on his first date with sheridan that night. Well i almost laughed my head off, because i thought he was joking at first and who could blame me. Alot of us thought that sheridan and luis were like oil and water. Couldn't mix and stay together but i guess they proved us wrong, but we forgot there was one thing that would help them and that was love. No matter what differences there were between them, it was the similarities that continuously peeped its head to draw their attention.

Who could forget the birthday party for pilar just two days after sheridan's arrival. I have never seen a woman that could fire up luis the way she did. If that wasn't love at first sight, then i don't know what is. It was like history in the making. But look at what cooled down that raging fire of 'anger', two people that seemed so different and yet in two days they found two things they had in common.

(1) Was the passion shared between them in the tango that they graced us with. I have never seen a couple dance the tango the way those two danced it. and(2) Let's not forget the way they always seem to affect one another, in each others presence, everyone thought it was hate but we now know better. It was actually the beginning of a love affair that was beginning to show its face to them and the world. And no matter, what obstacles stood in their way, love always got through it and look at what continuously brought them together, big and small events. it was as if god was throwing them together everytime they seem to be drifting apart.

The trip to mexico, new years, the tango right here a couple of days before valentines which led up to their first date, then the events on valentines eve and right up to the time when luis felt that sheridan was in trouble being in paris. That is what made many of us realise that what these two had, no matter the disagreements, the obstacles that always seemed to cause them problems; the feelings they had for each other, went far beyond friendship. They developed a connection like esp which was something developed by love. You know, even though i have a wonderful wife and family, the love we have, seemed to have no comparison for what luis and sheridan have, and i dearly admire them for that, so," he turned to face them and said, "luis, sheridan, i would like to say, on behalf of everyone here, thank you for sharing your love and lives with us, and congratulations on this new life you are starting. This brand new road that you have decided to take is one that both of you deserve. And sheridan, anytime you and luis get in an argument, no matter what it is, just put on some tango music and dance away, and the passion of that dance will remind you of that passion you have for each other. And i think that the two of you will make a perfect model for your many, many children as well as the future generations of harmony to come." To the bride and groom." As he raised his glass to them, joined by the guests.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

Gwen then got up to make her speech. "You know, what can i say, sheridan and i have been like sisters for a long time. She has been through some really difficult times but no time has been more so than when luis walked into her life. They were from two totally different worlds, and even though that it looked like that would be a wall between them that could'nt break down. It did. You know, i think it was since that night new years eve before she left home for the youth centre, before heading to meet, ethan and i at the seascape that i realised that despite everything she liked luis, but, it was not until we met up again later new years morning back at her cottage that i knew how much she loved him. She didn't need to say it, actually she denied it at first, but sheridan could never hide anything from me, i could see her emotions shinig through, and i think luis won her heart that night. And now i have never seen her more happy. She always wanted a man to love her for herself and not her money, a man that she could trust and love her unconditionally. One that would risk his own life to save hers. Well i think she found that man. Sheridan, luis, you have taught us that dreams can come true and that true love does conquer all. We love you both." she said then walked back to her seat. Shortly after luis and sheridan were invited to share their first dance.

Chad put on the perfect song for there dance. It was a song that was heard playing that valentines night while she was with hank and he was with beth. And with both of them wishing that they were the ones that were together during that time and now, finally getting that chance being together dancing to the music of Savage Gardens " I knew i loved you before i met you...' Luis led sheridan on the dance floor.

Maybe it's intuition
Some things you just don't question, like in your eyes
i see my future in an instant, and there it goes
I think i found my best friend, I know that it might
sound more than a little crazy, but i believe

I Knew i loved you before i met you
I knew i loved you before i met you, I have been waiting all my life

There's just no rhyme or reason
Only the sense of completion
And in your eyes i see the missing pieces i'm searching for,
I think i found my way home, I know that it might
sound, more than a little crazy but i believe

I knew i loved you before i met you,
I think i dreamed you into life
I knew i loved you before i met you, I have been waiting all my life

A thousand angels dance around you, i am complete now that i've found you

I knew i loved you before i met you, I think i dreamed you into life
I knew i loved you before i met you, I have been waiting all my life.
I knew i loved you before i met you, I think i dreamed you into life
I knew i loved you before i met you, I have been waiting all my life.

Luis held her close, his eyes looked deeply into hers, their noses touched and just for a second so did their lips. Their bodies moved to the music and their hearts moved to the words. They were in love and everyone knew it. She looked up at him and he gazed at her, then into her eyes, and then down to her lips. He wanted to kiss her again; his eyes went back to hers and he whispered, "Sheridan, i love you," she smiled back at him and replied, " I love you too luis." and her lips lifted for his kiss.

A short distance away, ethan, theresa and gwen, looked at sheridan and luis in amazement. Theresa smiled and said, "True love, and luis found it. He really loves her and she loves him. They were meant for each other. Her returning to harmony a year ago, and crashing into luis wasn't just coincedence. She was sent here for him and after everything they are finally together." Gwen and ethan smiled back at her and gwen said, "Yes they are, isn't it wonderful. She looks so happy. That baby is very lucky having them for parents." Right through the night luis and sheridan's love went unnoticed.

Hours later, luis and sheridan left the reception to spend the night at gwen's apartment, who thought that the couple should have sometime together and offered her apartment for the wedding night as well as the day after.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

On arrival at the apartment, luis opened the door and lifted sheridan in his arms and carried her inside, closing the door behind them. He carried her in the bedroom and putting her down, he kissed her. After awhile, sheridan, so close to him said, "Oh luis, did you ever imagine that after our first meeting last year, and then that day at the youth centre when we almost bit each others head off because of my working there, that we'd ever be like this, together, married. I love you so much and sometimes when you are not around i ache inside to see you again, of being with you when you came home. When i told you valentine's when you saved me from falling through the thin ice, when i told you that i didn't think i could get through my life without you. I meant it. Luis, without you, i have no life, i am nothing. I want you so much." Luis looked down at her. He loved her, every fibre in his body tingled. She will always be his and he knew it." Sheridan, i love you too, and my life is nothing without you, now i know who it is that i was waiting for, to spend the rest of my life with, i love you and i want you so much," and with that he pulled her in a passionate kiss, that led them in a magical world of passion and everlasting perpetual bliss.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

Months had gone by, and time was getting closer for sheridan to give birth. For every month gone, she and luis as well as pilar, theresa, and miguel enjoyed every movement the baby made inside her, as well as every visit to the doctor. Even for the baby's first ultra sound was a touching moment for the happy couple, seeing their baby for the very first time through modern technology.

Luis became very protective of sheridan as the months went by, but even more so in the last couple months of the pregnancy and she even seemed to blossom in her condition. Luis continuously commented on her exquisite beauty and he believed that no other woman could radiate such beauty with perfection at every moment of her life.

It was christmas eve, and harmony was bustling with last minute shoppers, but for the lopez fitzgerald family and their friends, they spent most of the day decorating the church for midnight mass as well as the after mass christmas annual dinner held in the church hall. Luis encouraged sheridan to stay home until it was time for mass, but sheridan insisted on helping, which worried him, with her due date within a week and was very insistant with everyone present to keep an eye on her.

It was 9:00 pm Christmas eve and theresa and sheridan were decorating the tree that ethan donated for the church's celebrations; when sheridan took a deep breath and placed her hands on her stomach. Theresa quickly dropped what she was doing and went over to sheridan and placed one hand on sheridan's back and the other just below her bent hand, and said, "Sheridan, you okay," sheridan looked at her, smiled, took one of theresa's hands and placed it on the curve of her stomach and said, "I'm fine, look, feel this; you feel it? The baby's been kicking and moving the whole day." Theresa smiled back at her and excited about the slight movement under her hand, said, "This is so exciting, but you should really sit down. You've done alot already and i can handle the rest. You have to take care of yourself. Remember, that's my niece or nephew in there," sheridan smiled at that and replied, "Don't worry, i will and i'm touched you're being so fussy over me." Theresa smiled and continued decorating the tree, while sheridan sat at the edge of a pew close by. Theresa continued telling sheridan, "Hey, you're my sister in law and i love you, besides whether that baby is a boy or girl, i can tell you, they'll be some tango dancer." They both laughed at that then noticed luis approaching then theresa said, "Hey, luis, finished arranging the tables in the hall for the christmas dinner?" He kissed sheridan , then said, "Yeh, sam and i just brought in the last one and mama, and grace, as well as eve are placing the tablecloths on them now, and miguel and the others are arranging the chairs. So what are you both laughing at ." Theresa finished putting on the last ornament on the tree, and going to sit next to sheridan, she replied, "Well, i was just telling sheridan that whether that baby was a boy or girl with all the dancing it is doing today, it will become tango dancer. That's for sure." Luis smiled at that and then said, "You could be right theresa, but i didn't know that the baby was moving alot again today." Sheridan smiled and then took one of his hands in hers and says, "Hey, don't worry about me. We'll be fine. Eve said that in the last month, it is normal to have alot of movement, and anyway, we've been so busy today, i really just put it in the back of my head until just now when he or she made itself well known with a dance it was doing, so don't worry." Luis smiled at her, and rubbed her tummy and then placing her hand over his, she says, "So daddy, don't you think it's time we get ready for midnight mass, miguel is going to meet us here, so we'd better go home and change." Luis smiled and nodded and he, sheridan and theresa left the church to go home to change for mass.

From the lighting of the christmas candles, to the hymns that were sung, made each member of the congregation have a sense of rebirth and rebaptism. As luis touched sheridan's candle with his to light it, the electricity it generated seemed to flow through every fibre of their body and their eyes met, and the feelings they shared at that moment brought back similar events and feelings exactly a year ago, when the spirit of christmas, shined upon them, and blessed them, just the two of them with what they have come to share today. The spirit of love.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

As mass finished, everyone headed for the church hall to dicuss plans to meet back later. Pilar spoke to everyone present, the Bennett family, the Russells, members of her own family, Ethan, Gwen, Ivy, Chad and Reese, and said, "Everyone, we should all meet back here within the hour for the dinner, I have to go home to collect the stuffing and cakes." Eve replied, "Well TC has already left to go home to collect the turkey, so i'll stay here till you return..." Sheridan added, "Oh, good eve, i'll stay with you. I don't think i can go back and forth and, and besides it'll give you a chance to fill me in on what to expect when it is time for the baby to come." Luis looked at her and frowned and placing a hand on her arm, said, " Sheridan, you okay? You sure you want to stay. We'll probably take about an hour?" Miguel walked up and said, "hey mama, luis, i'm going to help mrs. bennett with her stuff, i'll go home and pick up the cakes and so." Pilar smiled at her son, "Oh, thank you, miguel, i too am tired and i'll like to be here for sheridan." sheridan smiled and said, "Guys, i'm fine, i mean i may waddle like a duck but i can still walk by myself." Pilar laughed and then said, "Well it is settled." Then pilar, luis, sheridan, theresa, whitney and eve, were the only ones left in the church hall. All of a sudden, the lights went out and luis said, "Sher, mama, guys, i can't see anyone, is everybody alright." Whitney answered, "Don't worry luis, i'm close to the power generator box, i'll switch it on, must be a blown fuse." "Luis, i'm okay, theresa and mama, are here with me," sheridan says then luis replies, "good, stay there." Just as the power was switched on, what they saw in front of them was most frightful.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

Right in front of them, stood, Hank, with a gun pointed at them, "Hank, what are you doing?" asks luis. Hank then replied, "Luis, remember, i told you that this wasn't over, i was not going to let you or sheridan get away with it. How could both of you play me for a fool, how could you hurt me like this," Pilar who was holding sheridan's hand, let it go and slowly began to walk forward and said, "Hank, don't do this please. Let go of your anger. If you love sheridan, you'd want her to be happy, so let her and luis be together. Please." Hank stepped back in a jerk, and said, "Sorry pilar, i can't do that. Now get back over there." Pilar stepped back and eve said, "Hank, listen to pilar, let sheridan and luis be, they love each other and besides this isn't good for her or the baby." With tears welled up in her eyes sheridan said," Hank please don't do this, we're friends remember. I know you're hurt and i'm sorry, but i love luis and anyway you won't get away with this, so just leave us alone. Hank, please, i have finally found love, why do you want to take that away from me, why do you want to....." sheridan then placed her hand on her stomach and the other on a chair behind her, as the pain flooded her body, from her stomach, down to her legs and she cried, "Ah..Luis,..Luis...Pilar....ah" just then luis went to her followed by pilar and theresa, with luis saying, "Sheridan, what's wrong?" sheridan held on to him saying, "I'm not sure, but i think this is it," pilar helped her to sit down and luis replied, "you mean the baby?" she then nodded and then said, "yes, my water's broken, get eve," just then, eve and whitney went over to her with hank's eyes following them and eve said, "Sheridan, you'd be fine. Now just tell me, truthfully, have you been having contractions whole day, even if they were slight pinches." Sheridan looked up at her, with luis holding her hand and said, "I am not sure. Maybe, i have been so busy, but today while decorating the tree with theresa, i did feel something but i just thought it was the baby moving or as you told me a couple days ago, that it was getting in position, so i put it in the back of my mind tonight." Eve replied, "Ok, don't worry," She got up and looked at hank and said, "Hank, you have to let us go, we need to get sheridan to the hospital or else she is going to have this baby, here."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

Hank shook his head and replied, "Listen no one is leaving here. Not yet anyway, you see, i need you as insurance. You see i left a message in sheridan's sister in law's car, that i was going to do this and for me to let you go i want a small portion of the family fortune. You see if i stay in harmony, you two will sicken me to death so, i am leaving and never coming back, but this will only happen when i get my money or else. I also told her not to tell anyone cause i am not afraid to deal with you. So no one leaves until i am gone. So i can't help you with sheridan." Luis looked at him and said, "You bastard, how could you do this, especially to sheridan." Hank replied, "Well, buddy, i can, it ain't my kid and besides it is not to say you're lacking a doctor. I'm sure doctor Russell will be glad to help." Luis turned to face eve and said, "Eve, what can we do,"

Meanwhile outside the church hall, looking through a window, Ivy, Sam and TC seeing what was going on, inside, ivy says, "Sam, look, my god, sheridan's gone into labor and your brother won't even let them go. You've got to do something." Sam replied, "I know, ivy, it is a good thing you told me about the note, i can't believe my brother would go this far." TC said, "Hey sam, don't blame yourself, your brother's jealousy, of luis and sheridan's love have taken toll, and we got to do something. You know, sam, we could, sneak up behind him, you could grab him and i'll pull the gun, but we'll have to do it quietly." Sam nodded, "ok, ivy, stay here until it is safe. Sheridan may want you in there." Ivy replied, "alright sam."

Meanwhile, inside, eve says, "Luis, i'll need to check her dilation, to see how far along she is, but the floor is too hard for her, i want her somewhere more comfortable." Whitney answers, "you know mom, i could remember that father lonigan keeps a rollup mattress, as well as towels and blankets in the corner cupboard that he planned to donate. We can use that." Eve replied, "Yes, that's better than nothing, I need as much towels and blankets as well as the mattress. Hank i'm sending whitney to get me some supplies from the storage cupboard. Hank looks at whitney and said, "Fine, but don't try anything."

All of a sudden there was a thud and then, "Hey, what's going on here." as everyone turned to see what was going on, there was, sam and tc holding on to hank, then luis said, "Sam it's good to see you man, thanks," sam replied, "Don't worry, ivy told us, we'll take care of him and you take care of sheridan." Luis replied, "you got it man, but sorry about..." sam replied, "No problem, anyway, when we heard about this we told everyone to stay home. Anyway, Ivy, you can come in." Just then, ivy, came in as whitney and pilar went across to eve with the supplies. As they lay the mattress on the floor theresa, volunteered for sheridan to lean on her and so she first went to sit on the mattress then sheridan. They lay a blanket over her. Ivy, luis and pilar got down beside her holding her hands. After checking dilation, eve said, "Well, we can't move her now. We'll have to deliver here, she's already at 10 cm, full dilation." Sheridan, flashed her eyes open, widely and said, "Eve are you sure, that was quick, but can't i go to the hospital." eve shook her head and said, "Sorry, sheridan, but there's not much time, and your contractions have gotten so close together, that the best thing to do, instead of moving you is for you to deliver here. But i'll need some things, warm water, a pair of scissors, but you'll need to sterilize it first and sheridan's hospital bags, she told me she had them packed days ago." Everyone did what they had to do and in no time. After preparing sheridan for delivery, eve said, "Okay, sheridan, on your next contraction, I want you to take a deep breath, and chin to chest i want you to give me a push. Okay, you can do it, ready, now push..." Eveyone was counting as she did it, "1,2,3 push. push." "Hey sheridan, you did great, i can see the head. Now give me another big one," Sheridan did as requested and then eve said, "Okay sheridan, just a moment, the head is out... Okay one more good one. I know you're tired, but one more, i promise." Sheridan sighed and leaned against theresa, and luis said, "Sheridan, honey, i know you're tired, but i love you and i know you can do this." Sheridan smiled at him and took a deep breath and made it her biggest push ever. Just then, there was a baby's cry and eve placed it on top of sheridan and cut the cord and then wiped it off saying, "Guys say hi to your daughter."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 20:

Sheridan held the baby and whispered, while using her finger to caress the baby's cheek, "Oh, my gosh, she's beautiful luis, she's perfect," He smiled at her and said, "Yes she is. Just like her mother." Tears of joy welled up in her eyes as everyone admired the baby," Sheridan, she is beautiful, look at her mama, she has sheridan's face." Theresa said then ivy smiled as well and said, "Yes she is, she is perfect......." and ivy caressed the baby's head.

Within an hour, both sheridan and the baby, were at the lopez fitzgeralds home, tidied and settled on the couch with sheridan holding and feeding the baby, with the family as well as eve, whitney, charity, ivy, sam and grace gathered to admire the new member. Theresa sat beside sheridan and said, "so have you guys decided on a name yet?" Sheridan looked over to luis, smiling and then replied, "Well, how about adrianna eve lopez fitzgerald," Everyone being pleased with the name became totally enthralled with the new baby.

After awhile sam said, "So, luis, never thought you could create something so perfect and beautiful, did you?" Luis smiled and replied, "hey man, it was all sheridan, she did it, she did a great job, you should have seen her." Sheridan smiled at that and said, "Well, luis, you did have something to do with it. I didn't make her on my own you know. I mean as far as i remember, i was not the only one there that night about nine months ago, so give yourself some credit to, and for tonight, all i did was as i felt that pain, i pushed, but i must admit, it was a wonderful experience. I mean she's my little girl, and she's so cute, i am going to enjoy every minute of her life, especially the baby stage, but guys, i'm so sorry, i ruined the dinner." Sam replied, "Hey sheridan, how could you call this ruined. This event was better than any dinner. I mean little adrianna was born on christmas day. She has become a gift to harmony." Ivy spoke in, "I agree with you sam, yes this is special, and you know what, to celebrate this event, i want everyone to join me at the seascape for dinner, on new years eve, and we'll ring it in together." Everyone agreed.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 21:

Later that night, the lopez fitzgeralds were settled in for bed. Sheridan was wrapped in luis arms, leaning on their sides, his arm around her waist, her back against his chest, with luis's head lightly reasting on the tip of her shoulder, looking at sheridan holding adrianna and she said, "Luis, she's perfect, isn't she, and she's so tiny and precious, and she has your eyes." Luis smiled and said, "Yes, but your beauty would be her trademark." she tuned her head slightly, to smile back at him and raised her lips for his kiss. She then looked deep into his eyes and said, "Luis, i love you so much, you know i believe that know matter what, we'll be able to get through anything, together, as one." Luis smiled at her and said, "believe it sheridan, because our life together so far has proved it, and it will continue because i love you too. You know, when we were in paris, remember when you asked me if there was anyway, you could repay me for saving your life, well sheridan, you loving me and now adrianna, is all the payment i will ever want. Please never stop loving me sheridan. Say we'll always be together." Sheridan smiled at him, took one of her hands, placed it on his cheek, kissed him, then said, "Oh, luis, I will always love you, we will always be together, i promise." He kissed her once again and then returned their attention to the baby. Sheridan used one of her hands and with a finger, lightly caressed one side of adrianna's cheek, and said, "Oh, sweetie, one year ago, i never thought today would ever have been possible, but your daddy, made it possible. He was always there for me, when i needed him, and now we'll always be there for you when you need us." She sighed and rested her head back on luis.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 22:

One week later, at the seascape restaurant, New Years eve, everyone gathered, and for chad, kay, simone gwen, ethan, and some of luis's friends, getting to see the baby for the first time, was a big treat. Luis and Sheridan walked in with adrianna, in her arms and everyone's excitement was unquestionable. One of luis's pool hall friends said, "Hey, luis, she may not be able to play pool, but she sure did prove herself three times with us though. She knows how to play a mean game of darts, she dances one hot tango, and she sure knows how to have one beautiful baby. If this happens the first time around, well i sure can't wait to see what happens the next time." Everyone laughed, and his friend continued, "come on luis, with those talents sheridan's kept secret from us, are there any other secret talents we should know about?" luis smiled and replied, "Hey guys, of course sheridan has other talents you don't know about, but you know what, i think i'll keep those to myself." Everyone laughed and sheridan "Ok guys, you had your fun." while swaying with adrianna in her arms and then ivy said, "Ok, guys, five minutes before midnight." Luis placed his hand on sheridan's back and said, "honey, how about some champayne or some of your favourite wine." Sheridan smiled and said, "Actually honey, i'll have some apple juice if they have any. I don't think i should drink any alcohol; remember i'm nursing, and besides, it might just add to my tiredness and i plan to be fully alert this New Years." Luis smiled back at her and then left her side for just a second and returned with her apple juice. Adrianna looked up at her parents. She knew she was deeply loved by them, and she could tell how much they loved each other.

Sheridan and luis shifted their focus from each other onto adrianna, at the little murmur she made. They smiled at her and sheridan said, "Oh sweetie, this is your very first New Years and you want to sleep." She raised the baby and kissed her on the forhead as luis placed his arm around sheridan's waist as ivy and chad shouted, "Okay everyone, the countdown has started, ...... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ....Happy New Year!" just as the music of Auld lang syne, started to play, there were the sharing of hugs and kisses. Sheridan and luis turned to face each other, their magic started, and then there was silence in the room, with fire works lighting up the skies, everyone focused on the couple. They remembered what sheridan and luis went through exactly one year ago, him saving her from falling through the skilight window, , being in each others arms, exactly at midnight, began the destiny that brought them to this night. Luis wrapped his arms around her waist as she held adrianna in hers and he said, "Happy New Year sheridan, Happy New Year adrianna, I love you." She smiled and the glitter of love shone in her eyes and she replied, "Feliz Ano Nuevo, luis. We love you too!" and then their lips met and became deep with every emotion of love and passion that soared with every exploding fire works. They then parted by the murmur of adrianna. As their lips broke apart a smile came to them and as they looked upon their daughter, their amazed on lookers clapped and wiped tears away from their eyes that had developed on witnessing the power of love working its magic on a family that was always meant to be and will always be, because of their committment made by their hearts, that united them into one.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 23:

Later that New Years night, sheridan was tucking adrianna in her crib, when luis came in, wrapped his arms around sheridan's waist, and sheridan looked down at her sleeping baby. She gently stroke the baby's head, she turned her head slightly, to kiss luis, and then the two of them just stood, looking at adrianna. "Luis, everyday, since she was born, i think how much she is a miracle; how much we are a miracle. You know i still think about how over a year ago, that now a year after, i would be so lucky to have found someone who'll love me, or that i'll have my own family..... You know luis, there is something about me i never told you, and i'm afraid that.....," Luis turned sheridan to face him and lifted her face to look in her eyes and said, "sheridan, what's the matter. what are you afraid of? That i wouldn't love you anymore once you tell me. Sheridan, there is nothing you could do, to make me stop loving you. Yes we had our problems in the past, but that day you told me how much you loved me, and i told you how much i loved you, that nothing, nothing at all, will hurt us, will prevent me from loving you, so tell me, what is it?"

Her tearful eyes searched his, and she held his hand and guided him to sit on the pouffes, just in the corner of the nursery. She took a deep breath and said, "Luis, remember the nightmares i've had since i was a child? Well they were'nt just nightmares, they were like flashbacks of something that i think i did when i was very young." she paused and then continued telling him, of what she saw in the nightmares, and how her father told her, that if anyone found out what she did, that he would never love her. She also told him that shortly after, whenever she brought up the topic, her family told her that it was just nightmares, she had since she was a child and that it never happened, and she also mentioned, that she told pilar about her nightmares, but pilar claimed, that she was told, that nothing happened, and it was all part of sheridan's imagination, that she thought she killed someone.

After a while sheridan looked at luis. He then said, "Sheridan, I hate to say this but maybe your father and brother, were right. They were just nightmares, and you even if it was true, honey, you were just a child, and you are not to blame yourself for anything. Now about me not loving you after, well sheridan, what i said still stands. When i married you and made those vows. I meant them. I love you and whatever problems that comes up, we'll face them together, as one. You mean so much to me. Sheridan, you weren't meant for jean luc or those other guys, you were meant for me. Nothing is going to change that." Sheridan smiled and luis raised her chin to meet her lips and kissed her deeply and she said, "Oh, luis, i love you so much." She hugged him and then continued, "You know, i think we should get out of here. If adrianna, only feels our presence or hears us she'll......" just then adrianna started to cry." Sheridan and luis laughed and then they got up to go to her. Sheridan picked her up and said, "Aw, honey, mommy and daddy, didn't mean to wake you up. Okay, you want to come with us, so you won't wake up the others." Sheridan and luis went back into their room, with adrianna, drifting back to sleep, in sheridan arms. They carefully got on the bed, trying not to wake her, and the three of them cuddled together. Sheridan lay a wisp of a kiss, on adrianna and luis said, "You are so wonderful with her. I think she just loves to be in your arms. Watching you holding her, makes me look forward to having more babies with you." sheridan smiled back and said, "hmm, well, it goes both ways luis. You make a wonderful dad and i want to have more babies with you." She leaned in to kiss him and then both if them drifted off to sleep, with adrianna nestled with sheridan.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 24:

Six months later, everyone gathered once again, at the seascape, in a private dining room, but this time it was to celebrate Sheridan and Luis's 1st Anniversary. They were still very much in love and always appeared like newlyweds, and adrianna was clearly her mother's daughter; a little over five months old, she blossomed beautifully and was constantly the center of attention.

Today was extra special, as only close friends and family were invited to the private dinner that was given by Ivy. During the celebrations, a waiter announced to sheridan and ivy, that there was a phone call awaiting them in the private lounge. Not wanting to disturb a sleeping adrianna in her arms sheridan took her along with her. A surprising voice came over the speaker phone, "Good evening, ivy, sheridan." Ivy and sheridan exchanged glances and then sheridan said, "Father, this is a surprise, i never expected to hear from you." Alistair replied, "I thought so sheridan." then ivy said, "So, alistair, what is the reason for this surprise call." Alistair then replied, "Well i know that today is sheridan and luis's anniversary, so i thought it was time to resolve something. Sheridan, you wanted to prove to me that you can get a man to love you, and you have succeeded, so now i think it would be best if you end this farce of a marriage and i promise that all our problems before, would be forgotten and i will welcome you back as my daughter and you will once again be a crane.."

Sheridan took a deep breath of shock and said, "Father, how dare you say that my marriage is a farce. It isn't. I love luis and he loves me and have you forgotten that we have a child together, how could you even think of saying that to me." Alistair said, "yes sheridan, i know about the baby, and i know that you and luis love each other, but i also know that you are still a crane by blood and that luis hates our family, he blames us for his father's disappearance, and threatened on a number of occasions to destroy us. I know that luis says he wouldn't do anything to hurt you, and that he'll keep his distance from us, but sheridan, his marrying you, alone wasn't right. He is not from our family's social circle. How could you consider, marrying him knowing how i feel towards him." Sheridan bent her head, looking at adrianna and tears welled up in her eyes. Ivy then wrapped her arm around sheridan and said, "Alistair, how could you say those things to sheridan, you are just as bad as julian.

She and luis are very happy, and just not to shame you, she's given up all crane publicity connection so that your friends wouldn't know that your daughter followed her heart instead of following you, and i am proud of her." Sheridan then raised her head and said, "So father, what are you saying, that i would have to choose either you or luis?" Alistair replied, "Well sheridan, i didn't want to put it that way, but, yes. and if you choose him, then i will no longer consider you my daughter, and i will no longer keep any communication with you." Sheridan answered, "Well father, i am sorry, but you have given me no choice, did you. But you made the choice for me, i love luis and he loves me, and we have gone through so much together. He has been there for me everytime i needed him and building our love and our family has been our number one priority, that i can't throw that away. I am very happy, happier than i have ever been. In all my travels and all the men i have been involved with, no one has ever been so good to me, no one has ever loved me more than luis.

So father i am sorry to disappoint you, but you know my choice." Alistair sighed and said, "Well i am sorry to hear that, so since we may not share another conversation again, well, and no matter what you think of me, your mother will want you happy, so happy anniversary sheridan, and goodbye." then the conversation came to an end. Sheridan then said, "thank god, my daughter will never go through what i did." Ivy tuned to sheridan and said, "Sheridan, don't think about it. Remember what i told you last year. Never let the family make you give up on love, and i am proud of you. Ethan, gwen and myself we will always be here. you have our full support." Sheridan smiled at her and hugged her and said, "Thank you so much, ivy, for being there." Anyway, i think i should tell luis, that we should take this baby of mine home as she's sleeping." Ivy smiled and said, "Yes, i think you're right, we don't want this princess to lose any beauty sleep. She's growing so beautifully sheridan and she surprised me tonight, when i saw theresa, giving her some of the creme' brulee and then a little of that chocolate mousse, i mean at her age."

Sheridan smiled and said, "i know, i mean she is just a little over five months, and you know what, sometimes theresa, gives her ice cream and she really loves that. You know, although, i'm still nursing her, we have no trouble feeding her solids, but she won't take a bottle. We have tried but i guess she's still young, so i don't force it." Ivy smiled and said, "Sheridan, she probably just enjoys being with you. I have seen you talk to her, as if she was the most precious thing in the world, and you are a wonderful mother, and motherhood is a wonderful experience, so enjoy it." sheridan smiled back and said, "I will and thanks. Anyway, i think we'd better go." They then left for thedining room and within half an hour, luis and sheridan, were heading home.

After tucking adrianna into her crib, sheridan went to her room and sat on the bed, sadly looking down at the floor when luis came to her and said, "Sheridan, ever since you and ivy left for the phone call, you haven't been yourself. Who was it sheridan. Who has hurt you so." Sheridan turned to luis and said, "It was my father. He tried to make me choose between you and him. Of course i told him that he already made the choice for me and that even if i lose what little connection i have with him, nothing he said was going to make me give up my love for you and adrianna." Luis replied, "damn, him, how could he ask you to choose. That was not fair." Sheridan said, "luis, don't worry about me, my life was always with you so the choice was not hard to make. I love you so much." Luis gently caressed one side of her cheek and said, "I love you too, sheridan, always," he then covered her mouth with his and kissed her deeply and slowly they lay back on the bed, his fingers feather light on her skin, he made love to her, expressing every emotion that ran through every fibre of his body and with her, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, not allowing one small space between them left open and letting luis carry her to a corner of the world of fullfilling bliss.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 25:

Next morning, sheridan awoke, feeling as if the world was her oyster, life was wonderful, Luis was wonderful, and the night before that she spent with him was magical. She lay in his arms, not wanting to get up, and the kiss he lay on her cheek, just coaxed her to stay in bed with him, letting him make love to her again, whole day, but it was 9:00 am and it was adrianna's feeing time, and she thought that it was moments like these, she wished she had encouraged bottle feeding, as Theresa, Miguel or Pilar, would have welcomed the chance to feed the baby. She was surprised though, that at this hour, adrianna hadn't made a sound, and so sheridan thought, that perhaps one of the others, came and got her when she started to cry. So sheridan turned to face luis and said, "You know luis, i must say, last night was unbelievable, and i'd love to do it again, now, whole day, but there's a little empty stomach in the nursery, i have to feed, so let me go and get her, and she could spend sometime with us, okay." Luis, nodded and before sheridan left, he pulled her in a kiss.

As she glided along the corridor, tying the belt of her robe, she realised that the house was quiet and everyone else were still asleep. She went in the nursey, and as she went to the crib, she was horrified at what she saw. There was no baby, but a note, which she picked up in her shaking hands and before she could finish reading it, she screamed, "Luis, Luis, no, no, Luis." Luis ran in the nursery, and seeing sheridan crying, he went to her and she handed him the note, that read, 'I have the baby, You thought you got rid of me on christmas eve but guess again. If you want to see your baby again, read my instructions. One point five million dollars, in unmarked bills, delivered on the warf by midnight tonight, and the brat, will be handed over. Buddy"

Luis looked over at a tearful sheridan and grabbed her in his arms, and comforted her. Just then, theresa, miguel and pilar ran inside and asked, "My god luis, what happened," Sheridan raised her head from luis's chest, looked over at them and said, "It's adrianna, she's gone. Hank took her. "They all replied," What!" Luis then continued, "Yes, and he wants to make a trade." Sheridan then said, "One point five million dollars, my baby is worth everything to me, why would hank do this, how did he get out of jail, anyway?" luis took her back in his arms and said, "Sheridan , i promise we'll get her back, she means everything to us, we'll get the money, somehow." Pilar decided she was going to call a friend to help, and at once the kidnapping was reported.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 26:

Two hours later, the Bennetts, the Russells, Ethan and ivy, joined the Lopez Fitzgeralds to discuss the retrieval af Adrianna, ensuring all lengths for her safety. Ivy offered the ransom money and it was greatly appreciated my sheridan and luis. Theresa, on seeing sheridan in deep thought and sadness, went over to her, held her hands, and said, "Sheridan, you're worried, are'nt you?" Sheridan shook her head and said, "Yes i am. I mean why do things like this continuously happen to us. Look how long it has taken for luis and me to find each other. You know, when i was in paris, before luis came after me, i sometimes lost faith that true love does conquer all. I left harmony, to get away from luis, to get away from the hurt i felt of what i heard him say, when all along it was not him.

My brother and father played us for fools, making us hate each other, and all the time it was not hate that caused us to argue in paris but was the love we had for each other that we were afraid to admit to one another, but everything changed when luis risked his own life to save me, when i realised that he did not come to paris on a mission sent by sam but he came because he loved me and we realised how much we mean to each other, and if it wasn't for us seeing how important our life is together, adrianna would have never been concieved and born. She is a symbol of our love and all the children we'll have in the future would be just that. Why doesn't hank want me to be happy, and if he wanted revenge on luis and me being together and not him and me, then he should have left my baby out of it. "Theresa wiped the tears from sheridan's cheeks, and said, "You know sheridan, hank had no right to do what he did.

I mean everyone knew he liked you but, he was not blind, everyone knew that you and luis loved each other, even when you tried to deny it to yourselves. Even when you left, hank knew, he even went across to the youth centre a couple times to see luis, and you know he found out that since you left, luis had'nt shown up to do anything there, cause all the memories he had, of you and him together, hurt him so much when he thought he lost you. But i still believed that you would have found each other again someday, because no matter what obstacles or disagreements you both had, true love would have won in the end, i always told luis that the eyes of someone are the windows of their soul and heart and not to judge or guess about a person through certain actions or behaviors but look in their eyes and you will find answers because a woman's heart is an ocean of secrets and emotions.

Love has proven to be more powerful than anything, and you and luis have gone through far worse than this. Hank wouldn't hurt adrianna, and god would'nt let anything happen to her, and luis, and chief bennett are going to get her back." Sheridan smiled at her and said," I believe you theresa, i have put all my faith, firstly with god, and then with luis and sam. If anything were to happen to adrianna and luis, i don't know what i'll do. I would just die.

Maybe if luis and i had settled our problems, long ago, if we had been truthful about our feelings, to each other and hank, maybe this would have never happened." Luis seeing the tears in sheridan's eyes went to her, sat on the other side of her and held her in his arms, and said, "Sheridan, i won't let anything happen to her. We'll have her back before you know it, Sam went down with ivy to the bank, to get the money and i want you to stay here with mama, theresa, grace, eve, and ivy, while we're gone." Sheridan shook her head and replied, "No luis, i want to go with you. I need to be there. Remember what you told me, we'll get through anything as long as we're together, and besides, when we get her back, she'll be sleepy and hungry, she'll need me. You and sam will have your hands tied, with hank so someone has to be there for our baby."

Luis looked up at his mother who was nodding her head and then he looked back at sheridan and said, "Okay sheridan, okay, you win, well i guess if you're going, everyone one should go." Ethan then said, "Well luis, i have my car, i can take some of us," luis nodded and replied, "Thanks ethan, well you can take your aunt sheridan cause i'll be going with sam and mama and theresa, you go with them to." They nodded then eve said, "Luis, grace and i can go in my car, i can check the baby, you know, make sure she's alright. And we'd like to be there for sheridan too," luis nodded again and said, "Thanks eve, that's a great idea." Everyone were bustling around, getting ready to leave, with sheridan packing the baby's bag, with clothes and towels and blankets, in case they may be needed, and then everyone left the house in their respective cars.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 27:

Luis and Sam, advised everyone to leave their cars at the Book cafe, and to walk in separate groups to the warf, without looking suspicious, seeming that they were half an hour early to the time hank gave them. They were also advised on their arrival at the warf, to slip behind some cargo boxes that were stacked on one side of the warf way.

Luis met sheridan, behind one of the boxes, hugged her and she said, "Luis, please be careful. If anything were to happen to you, i won't be able to live without you." Luis replied, "Sheridan, nothing will happen to me, look, i have the best backup force i could ask for. Sam, TC, and miguel, they are there if i need help." Sheridan smiled at him and said, "My courageous officer, you were always that, to the rescue." and then he replied, "Not this time honey, tonight, i am a father, who is determined to get his daughter back."

They then heard sounds from a distance. The first was that of a small boat engine approaching the warf and second was that of a baby's blood curdling cry. "Luis, it's hank, and, and adrianna, my god." Sheridan, broke down in tears and luis pulled her down on the floor board, behind the boxes, pulled her in his arms and said, "Mama, take care of sheridan," then he looked at sheridan and said, "Honey, you have to be strong for me, and for adrianna. Say a prayer for us, and do not make a sound when i'm out there, we don't know what hank may do." Sheridan nodded and said, "Luis, i love you." Luis smiled and replied, "I love you too, very much."

He kissed her and then left her as he heard the boat approaching closer and closer and then into view and coming to a halt. Then hank's voice called out, "Luis, you were always one to follow instructions." Luis replied, "listen hank, i am not here to play any games with you. Let us do this and get it over with." Hank then said, "I can't agree with you more luis, this brat of yours has been driving me crazy whole day. Anyway, you have the money?" Luis then replied, "Yes, it's all here, but where is adrianna? I am hearing her but i don't see her."

"Don't worry luis, she's here. You know, anyone can tell she's yours and sheridan's. Besides having sheridans good looks, she's got one hot temper. I have never seen a baby at her age with that much rage." Luis replied, "It's not rage hank, it's just disgust being with you, so let me have her and you'll get your money."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 28:

Hank stood in the boat, and said, "Fine luis, i will pass the brat off to you, and you will pass me the money, and i am not coming any closer to make the trade. i don't trust you so you'll have to come out to me. i have a boat tied up for you by the pier, so use it." Luis replied, "Always up to something, aren't you hank. fine." luis ran over to the end of the pier, got in the boat and headed towards hank, who was only a short distance away. "Okay, luis, stay there, you're close enough, look i have the baby, so i'll put her down, you throw me the money and i'll give her to you." Luis breathed a sigh of disgust and picked up the case with the money, ready to throw it, hank putting down the baby, to catch the case, when all of a sudden, as luis, threw the case, and hank about to catch it, there sounded like an explosion or a gun going off, and hank falling back.

Everyone sped out of their hiding places to see what happened, and as they all, as well as luis, turned in the direction of the sound, they saw beth standing at the other side of the pier, shaking and a gun in her hand, pointing towards hank's boat, and sam cried out "Nooooo!" Sheridan at once cried out, "Luis, oh my god luis, adrianna." Luis turned to look at her and then at sam, in shock and said, "My god beth, why? why did you do this?"she gave no answer then luis looked at TC and said, "TC, take care of beth and sam." and TC did as luis requested. Luis then glided his boat, closer to hank's and as he looked in he saw hank clutching his chest, fighting to breathe, and adrianna on the floor board of the boat crying. He then shouted, "Miguel, there's another boat tied on the pier, take it and come and get adrianna, and i'll bring back hank on the warf. Eve, you better call an ambulance, we'll need it, things don't look good." Eve and miguel did as he asked. Sam started to pull himself together and in no time had he called in for help and then beth was in custody, sheridan looked on in horror.

Within minutes, miguel's boat came to a halt at the pier, and sheridan ran towards it, with pilar and theresa following her. Miguel handed her the crying baby with luis just a short distance behind. Sam and TC, helped luis carry hank off the boat and lay him on the warf, with hank going into unconsciousness, eve went to them, as they tried to resusitate him. Meanwhile, sheridan was a short distance away, trying to calm adrianna. Ethan then said, "Sheridan, i think, maybe, she's still frightened, or tired and hungry. You did say she has'nt been fed since late last night. That's almost 24 hours ago." Sheridan replied, "You know, you're right, but i can't feed her here, it is so creepy with everything that happened tonight." Ethan then said, "Well, why don't i take you home. You can feed her in the car on the way." Sheridan shook her head and said, "No, i'm not ready to go home yet, i mean luis is tied up with this and if hank doesn't make it, tonight will be a long one, and i won't be settled at home with luis out here. You know what, let's all go to the book cafe, i feel for something hot and i can feed adrianna there, and we'll be closer to luis and sam." ethan nodded, and they turned to face the others tending to hank.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 29:

Sheridan, saw sam, stooping beside his brother, his head bent and tears running down his cheek, with grace beside him, comforting him. Luis walks towards sheridan, and the others and said, "Um, we did everything we could, but hank did not make it. Beth made a clean shot. The ambulance is going to take away the body, and i'll need to go with sam to the hospital. He has papers to sign and then we'll need to go to the station to question beth. So i'll be home late, you all go on ahead." Luis bent his head and kissed a calm adrianna cuddled in sheridan's arms, and sheridan said,"Oh luis, how did things get so bad, i never imagined this would happen, poor sam. But luis,i can't go home yet, i am worried about you. We're all going to the book cafe. i feel for a hot chocolate and i can feed adrianna there, you and sam can meet us there. I am not going home without you." Luis said, "Hm, i love you, always worrying about me, and i know better than to argue with you. Okay, we'll meet you there when we get through everything."

Luis kissed sheridan, then she said, "I am so sorry about hank, no matter what he did, he didn't deserve this. Luis, if there is anything we can do for sam, please do it." He smiled at her and said, "You are so wonderful, you know i will." He kissed her again, then sheridan, ethan, theresa, pilar, miguel and ivy, left for the book cafe, and luis, sam, grace and eve, left for the hospital, following the ambulance.

AT THE BOOK CAFE

Moments later, sheridan and her crowd, walked in the book cafe, and went to get seats on the sofas, in a quiet, private corner of the room. when chad walked up saying, "Guys, you look as if you've seen death. What happened?" Sheridan replied, "That's the understatement. Well, let's see, where should i start. Firstly, hank kidnapped the baby this morning,and he wanted money in exchange for her. Anyway, when we went to make the trade, something happened. Beth shot hank. We don't know why, but she did. Well, hank did'nt make it, so luis and sam, are going to be busy with that." Chad trying to pull himself together from the shocking news, said, "Damn! no wonder you look the way you do, thank god little adrianna is okay. You and luis must have been out of your mind with worry. Is there anything i can get you all; coffee, cappuccino, anything?" Sheridan smiled and said, "Thanks chad, yeh, i'll have a hot chocolate, the hotter the better." Everyone else gave their order, and chad said, "Hey, no prob,i'll be back in no time." and he left.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 30:

Within minutes, sheridan was sipping her hot chocolate, while she fed the baby, when pilar said, "Thank god she's safe now, but sam, he has alot to deal with. May God give him strength." Then ivy said, "You're so right pilar, it's so sad how tonight folded, but at least the baby is fine, she is so content now with her mother." sheridan smiled and replied, "Of course she is, she knows she is the most precious thing in her father and my life." She caressed the baby's cheek and adrianna giggled which made everyone laugh. Then sheridan said, "I am so sorry that hank did'nt give himself a chance to be part of luis, mine and the baby's life. Everytime i think about it, i think all this could have been avoided, if luis and i had been honest about our feelings from the beginning." Theresa then said, "Sheridan, you and luis are not responsible. If hank really loved you, and if he really cherished luis as a friend, he would have wanted both you and luis together because he knew how much you loved each other, but because of his own selfish needs, he put himself in his own problems. You think that if God didn't think you and luis belonged together, that he would let it happen. " sheridan then replied, "I know you're right. You know, that was one thing i found comfort in, it was my faith, i am more happy now than ever. Anyway, we have adrianna back and that's the most important thing." Everyone agreed.

Hours later, luis arrived alone at the book cafe and went to sit at sheridan's side and he said, "Sam and grace have gone home. He is okay now, and beth, well, it seems that hank and her have been involved in breaking us up before we even went to paris. According to beth, that after we came back and got married, hank still tried to get her to help him succeed in his plan to get back at us. He blackmailed her also, threatening that he would kidnap the baby, and she decided he was going too far and couldn't let him do it. She went after him tonight to stop him and when she realised that he did it already, she wanted to get the baby back for us, and then she was afraid that when we handed him the money, he would break his end of the bargain and hurt adrianna, so she decided to act and shot him but she didn't plan to kill him, just to disable him from doing it. We have arranged a lawyer for her." sheridan then replied, "my god, poor beth, and thanks to her, adri is fine now." theresa then said, "yes she is, anyway, guys i am going to the washroom." sheridan then said, "Oh theresa, i'll come with you. luis hold adrianna, i'll be back soon," as she lay adrianna in luis's arms, sheridan and theresa then left them and headed towards the washroom.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 31:

When sheridan and theresa returned, they saw someone sitting with luis, pilar and ethan, talking with them. The woman's back was facing sheridan and theresa, but they could tell that she was around sheridan's age, dark hair, and attractively dressed. She was focused on the baby and sheridan and theresa were confused about the stranger. As they approached the sofa, luis smiled at them and said, "Hey, honey, adri has an admirer." on realising there was someone behind her the woman got up and turned around to face sheridan and theresa, when sheridan said, "Lizzie, oh my gosh, it's you, it is so wonderful to see you." she hugged the woman who replied, "Sheridan! what are you doing here? I thought you were in paris. Wait a minute, the two of you, you're together? Oh my gosh, then this baby is yours sheridan? This is wonderful. "sheridan smiled and nodded and said," luis, guys, this is elizabeth bojet, or should i say Madame Elizabeth Boje't, she's a friend of mine from paris, we went to boarding school together, and now she is married to royal of the high french society." luis smiled and sheridan went to sit next to luis as elizabeth sat back, and sheridan introduced her surrounding family then elizabeth said, "So sheridan, when did all this happen, when you broke up with jeanluc you were very upset, but i can see now you're very happy." Sheridan smiled and said, "Well after jean luc and i broke up, i left paris, and came back home to harmony where i thought i could make a fresh start in life." The woman smirked and said, "Well it seems you've done just that, and it didn't take long at all, i guess with your good looks and the name crane, as everyone in harmony knows the cranes, it didn't take long for you and luis to meet." Sheridan replied, "Well actually, the first night i arrived, i was driving home and my mind was on jean luc and how he hurt me. i didn't know what i was doing but it seems unconsciously i started to speed, and harmony's finest cop, luis, was the one tailing me for breaking the law, well lizzie, that night i was not in the mood to deal with anything so i sped up trying to get away from the officer but, he decided to play smart and he took a different route to block me, i didn't see him in front of me till late and crashed in his car, and that is how he met," elizabeth laughed and said, "Boy, that was romantic, what did he do search you then let you go." sheridan replied, "Actually, no, i tried to get myself out of it but, since i didn't know that luis had a problem with anyone named crane, well my being one made it worst. Of course i was arrested for speeding and whatever else and was made to do one hundred hours of community service as my sentence, and it turned out that these hours of community service had to be done at the harmony youth centre where luis is the director. Well for most of the time that year we fought, like cats and dogs we fought. Then at the end of the year luis got a phone call that his missing father was thought to be in new mexico and because luis always thought that the cranes were responsible for his fathers disappearance years ago, seeming that he used to work for my family, i decided to prove to luis that our family weren't involved and so i went to new mexico with him. After that, i think things changed for us, we learnt alot about each other, we saw each other in a different light, i guess because we only had each other there and we had time to talk, then on new years luis saved me from being killed. then weeks after we started spending alot more time together and dated a couple times, and it seems everyone knew that we loved each other, even if we never said anything, we denied it to ourselves and our family and friends, then we had a terrible misunderstanding, thanks to my father and brothers meddling, because they were against luis and me being together and their meddling drove us apart, and i left harmony and went back to paris. I found out that jean luc was killed because he was doing some illegal dealings that i didn't even know about, but the men he was doing it with, that killed him, they wanted to kill me to because according to them, i was the only one that could link them with jean luc, luis got a fax from interpol on the matter and he called me in paris and tried to warn me but i didn't listen, i was so angry at him at the time. Anyway, luis came to paris and just as the men tried to kill me luis came to my rescue and saved me. i mean since we met he has saved my life over and over again. After that, when he risked his life to save mine, we realised how much we mean to each other, and that is what brought us together again, we cleared up the misunderstanding, and then a couple weeks after our return from paris, i found out i was pregnant, and myself and theresa, we decided to have like a surprise party to tell luis and our family and friends, but it seems luis had a surprise for me also, he proposed to me that night as well. We got married in late june and adrianna was born on christmas eve." Elizabeth then replied, "Wow, that was a real fairytale romance, that was beautiful."

To Be Continued...