A Tale Of Two Babies

Chapter 1:

Sheridan sighed as Jennifer stuck her hand inside the big planter in the corner and pulled out a handful of dirt for the third time that afternoon. Sheridan struggled out of her chair, wondering how she was going to move at all in another two months when she was only six and a half months pregnant now and she could hardly get out of a chair.

She scooped the fifteen month old up into her arms. "Jenny, Mommy said no!" The baby giggled and snuggled into Sheridan's neck, not the least bit concerned by the mild reprimand. Sheridan cuddled her daughter close and went to the window, to look for Luis. Looking out at the neighborhood they lived in always made Sheridan smile. The Bennetts lived across the street and the Russells were just around the corner. The whole area was very friendly and Sheridan was infinitely glad that she and Luis had chosen this house.

The last year had been a real whirlwind but Sheridan wouldn't have traded any of it for the world. Her perfect life had begun the day Luis had brought Jennifer to her, explaining that Beth had named him her guardian in her will. The next few months had flown by, with their wedding, Jennifer's formal adoption, buying the house and finally Sheridan's pregnancy. Things were calming down now, but she knew that all that would change when the baby was born.

Jennifer was starting to nod off in her arms so she carried her up to the nursery and settled her in the crib. Sheridan was out of breath from the climb up the long flight of stairs and she sunk into the rocking chair beside the crib. Next week school would be out for the summer and Julian and Ivy's youngest daughter, Sheridan's niece, Bethany was coming to stay with them and help out Sheridan.

When Bethany had written her, asking if she could stay with her and Luis Sheridan had been thrilled. At the time she'd thought it was unnecessary because she didn't need any help, but she was looking forward to spending time with Bethany anyway. Now she couldn't wait to have someone around who could chase Jennifer and run errands for her. Sheridan smiled now, as she thought about Bethany... she loved the girl so much and hardly ever saw her. She leaned back in the chair, intending to rest her eyes a moment or two, but instead she drifted into a sound sleep.

Luis let himself into the house, glad to finally be home. "Sher?" He called. "You home Honey?" There was no answer, but her Cherokee was in the drive so he knew she wasn't far. He worried about her when she was home alone... she was getting so big, and Jenny was such a handful. He found her in the nursery, sound asleep in the rocker.

He stepped into the room, and peered into the crib at Jennifer. She was lying on her back, one chubby arm clutching the stuffed rabbit Sheridan's niece had sent her. He stared at the baby, knowing he couldn't love her more if she'd been his own blood, rather than the child of his two best friends. The thought of them still pained Luis sometimes and he and Sheridan had already decided Jenny would always know who her birth parents were as soon as she was old enough to understand.

Luis didn't want any secrets hanging over their heads like the ones that had almost ruined their chances for happiness. His gaze moved to his wife, who was starting to stir. Her eyes opened, she saw Luis and a bright smile appeared on her face. "Luis." She said happily. "Hello Angel..." He bent to kiss her and her arms would around his neck for a moment. He helped her up from the chair and they stood, arms around each other, and watched their daughter sleep. "I made some salads... dinner will be ready as soon as you grill the steaks." Sheridan said as they left the baby to sleep and headed downstairs.

"Sounds great." Luis left her in the kitchen and went out to light the grill. Sheridan loved her kitchen... it was exactly what she'd always wanted. It was painted cream and country blue, with gleaming stainless steel appliances and a huge center island. The floor was highly polished stone and there was a stone fireplace in one corner.

She and Jenny spent a lot of time here throughout the day, as was evident by the playpen set up beside the island and the toys scattered about the room. Luis came back in the room as she was getting dishes out to set the table. He took the plates from her and towed her to the table, pushing her gently into a chair. "Hey!" she protested. "I want you to rest... you look tired..." He stroked her cheek softly, love for her shining in his beautiful dark eyes. "I am tired," she agreed, "but that doesn't mean I can't help with dinner." In her opinion, Luis worried far too much. "You already made all the salads... and dessert too I bet?" The smile that played on her lips confirmed it. "Here..." He handed her the remote for the small TV on the counter. "isn't that soap you like coming on?"

Sheridan took the remote, nodding in defeat. It did no good to try and reason with Luis... he was too stubborn. She'd learned not to sweat the small stuff and save her arguments for the important things. She clicked on the TV and found her show. The thing she liked about soaps was that there were actually people on there with lives more mixed up and disturbing than those of the people she knew.

Later than night she and Luis were cuddled together on the sofa, watching an old movie. She smiled and sighed during the commercial. "I can't wait until Bethany comes..." She said. "I miss her so much." Luis nodded. "Yeah, it'll be fun having her around for the summer." "I wish she could stay here... finish school in Harmony." "Maybe Julian and Ivy will let her." Luis grinned. "We could always blackmail them... we still got the impostor thing over Julian's head." Sheridan laughed. "One day you'll push Julian just a little too much Luis and he'll snap. There's only so much mileage that mask is going to give you."

"I know... but it's so much fun..." Luis loved playing with Julian's head and even Sheridan found it all amusing. "How come you're so close to Bethany and not your other niece?" Sheridan was silent for a moment, painful memories surfacing in her mind. She thought back to the conversation they'd had when they had talked about having a baby....

**flashback**

"Luis, about having a baby..." Sheridan whispered softly. "Yeah, what is it Honey?" Luis took her hand, rubbing it soothingly. "Don't you want to have a baby? We can wait..." "It's not that Luis... I may not be able to have another baby..." "Another baby?" Luis was confused. "Luis... when I was young... I was really confused about my life and everything and well... there was this boy. It only happened once and I got pregnant." Tears streamed down her face and Luis took her into his arms. "It was a hard labor Luis... I was so young and the doctors said I might not be able to have another baby..."

Luis held her close and rocked her gently. "It's alright Angel...shhh..." "But Luis...what if I can't?" "Then we have Jenny... we can adopt... there are ways Honey." "But I know how badly you want children Luis." "I already have a child Sheridan. Blood doesn't matter... love is all that matters." Sheridan had snuggled closer, wondering how on earth she had managed to get the most wonderful man in the world to love her. "Sheridan..." He whispered, "what happened to the baby?" "She died." Sheridan's voice cracked and she lost it then, sobbing until there were no tears left inside her.

**end flashback**

"I think I'm so close to Bethany because of her age... I mean, not her age, but when she was born. She was born just a few days after I lost my baby..." A tear slid down her cheek and her voice caught a little. " When she was little... sometimes... well, I would hold her and pretend she was mine..." Luis held her close and let her get control of herself. "It breaks my heart that Julian and Ivy sent her away for most of her childhood. I know what that was like and it's a very lonely way to grow up. That's why I used to visit her so much when I was in Europe.

I wish she could stay here Luis..." "I know Angel. Well, you've got her for the summer at least... and maybe things will work out... maybe they'll let her stay." "I doubt it Luis... they didn't even want her to come home for the summer. It's like they're trying to hide her away or something. Then again, Ivy has always been all Ethan... and Julian doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself. No wonder the girls are forgotten in boarding schools." She smiled again. "I just can't wait until she gets here Luis. You're going to love her!" "I know, I can't wait either." Luis knew that anyone who could make Sheridan smile like that and be so happy just had to be a great person.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2:

Sheridan stood in the middle of the guest room and surveyed it with a critical eye. "Do you think she'll like it Luis?" She had redone the room in Bethany's favorite color, buying new curtains and a beautiful quilt for the bed. "Maybe I should put the chair over by the window instead..." Luis stopped her, drawing her into his arms and kissing her forehead. "Bethany is gonna love this room just the way it is. You've done a great job with it Honey." Sheridan sighed. "I know, but I just want everything to be perfect." "It is perfect... and now I want you to go lay down and relax until it's time to go to the airport. You've been doing way too much these past few days."

"Alright Luis." She agreed, moving out of his arms. "But first I just want to move the chair over by the window..." Luis beat her to the chair, sighing in resignation as he moved the heavy wing chair to the other side of the room. "Better?" She nodded happily and his frustration melted away. "Alright then... go lay down for a while. I'm gonna get Jenny up from her nap and take her outside for a while."

Sheridan did as she was told, for once, and went to lay down. She was tired, Luis was right about that. The past couple of days she'd been spending every spare minute preparing for Bethany's arrival. She couldn't believe she would be seeing her niece in only a few hours. She was very drowsy, in that daydreamy state just before you fall asleep, and she thought back to the time right after Bethany was born...

**flashback**

Sheridan was home for Christmas break, and she was so glad to be away from the boarding school for a while. Especially now that there was little Bethany to play with. She sat for hours holding the baby, rocking her and talking to her. It was a very bittersweet time for Sheridan, because she couldn't help thinking about the baby she lost. She wished every minute of every day that her daughter had lived. She knew in the back of her mind that even if the baby had survived her father would never have allowed her to keep it, but at least she would know that her child was out there, alive and well.

Sheridan held Bethany, looking down at her sweet little face as she slept. "Oh Bethany... why couldn't you be mine? Why did my baby have to die? I lose everything..." She pressed a kiss on the downy soft head. "I love you so much Bethany... and they ignore you. Always leaving you with the nanny or Pilar..." Sheridan continued to rock slowly. "I promise you sweetie... I will always love you and you can always come to me... always. I wish I could just take you and disappear! We could live far away where our fathers would never find us..." She added sadly, "... if they even cared enough to look."

**end flashback**

Sheridan's smile faded and suddenly she wasn't tired anymore. She'd wished a million times since then that she had taken Bethany and run away. She thought of all the times she'd visited Bethany in her school in England, all the times the girl had cried in her arms because Ivy or Julian had ignored her once again, or forgotten her birthday or cancelled a visit. Sheridan had grown up alone and unloved herself, and she had always made sure Bethany knew how much she was loved, by her if not her parents. There was only so much Sheridan could do though. She was only the girl's Aunt, an aunt that was resented, ignored and alienated by the family at that.

Well, now she would have Bethany with her for the whole summer. She still couldn't believe Julian and Ivy had agreed to it. She grinned, thinking it probably had something to do with Bethany's threat that she was going to run away and live on the streets, if they didn't allow her to visit Sheridan. Sheridan loved the kids spunk. She got out of bed and went to find Luis and Jenny. She just couldn't sleep when she was so close to seeing Bethany again.

Luis frowned when he saw Sheridan come out of the house and make her way across the yard. He should've known she wouldn't take a nap. He continued pushing Jenny on the swing, his frown disappearing as the little girl giggled. "I thought you were taking a rest?" He asked, slipping his arm around Sheridan when she came to stand beside him. "I just couldn't Luis..." "I know." He replied. He didn't quite understand the bond she had with the girl she rarely saw, but he respected it.

Bethany looked in the little mirror hanging over the tiny sink and sighed. She was sick of flying and she couldn't wait for the plane to land. She left the bathroom and made her way back down the aisle to her seat. The older man in the seat beside hers scowled as she moved by him and sat down. She looked out the window. Nothing but water as far as she could see, but she knew they were getting close and her excitement rose.

She couldn't wait to see Auntie Sher... and meet Uncle Luis and baby Jenny. But seeing her Aunt was the most important part. Talking on the phone and writing letters just wasn't the same, and it had been over a year since they'd been together in person. She still couldn't believe that Mother and Father were allowing her to spend the summer with Auntie Sher. In the past they had discouraged her from spending time with her.

She sighed, her good mood ebbing as she thought of her parents. Not that she didn't love them, because she did, but there were times she was certain they didn't love her and she had no idea why. Well, Father never showed much emotion to anybody, but Mother was always talking about her sister... and her brother, well, it was no secret that Mother thought the sun rose and set on Ethan.

It seemed that no matter how hard she'd tried the only one who ever really cared was Auntie Sher. She had always been there for Bethany and she would often imagine what things would be like if Sheridan was her mother instead of Ivy. Certainly she wouldn't have been sequestered away at boarding school her whole life. Sheridan had hated boarding school every bit as much as Bethany did. She looked out the window again... still no sign of land. She pulled a book from her backpack and leaned back in the seat, hoping to distract herself and make the time pass quicker.

Luis held Jenny in one arm and Sheridan's hand with his other. Her hand was trembling just a little with excitement and she glanced up at him with a beaming smile. The loudspeaker had just announced the arrival of Bethany's flight and they were at the gate waiting. Luis smiled. He rarely saw Sheridan this animated and excited. She was like a little kid at Christmas and he loved to see her this way. He loved her so much, and he knew that she was worried about a lot of things, even though she denied it. He hoped having Bethany here would ease some of her tension.

He knew it would ease some of his. He hated going to work every day and leaving her alone with Jenny, and now she wouldn't be alone. He knew Bethany was only fourteen, but Sheridan had told him repeatedly how mature she was, so he felt comfortable with the idea of leaving them now. "Here come the first passengers..." Sheridan said, her hand squeezing his hard. "I don't see her yet though..." Luis scanned the passengers, looking for a young blonde girl, but he didn't see any either. Then he spotted her. Even if he hadn't seen pictures of Bethany he would have known her anywhere.

She looked just like he imagined Sheridan would've at that age. The pretty girl was dressed in black halter and leopard print pants, toting a matching jacket and a backpack. Luis noticed a young man nearby give her an appreciative glance, and he wasn't surprised. Sheridan spotted Bethany just about the same time and she let out a little squeal of excitement. They waited for Bethany to pass through the gates and then Sheridan flew to her, "Bethany!" "Auntie Sher!" They met in a huge hug, laughing and crying at the same time as they looked each other over.

Luis stood back, watching the scene with amusement, as did a few other patrons of the airport. The two beautiful blondes make quite a picture. Sheridan took Bethany's hand and towed her over to him. "Bethany, this is Luis and Jenny." "Hey Bethany, it's good to finally meet you." Luis smiled and gave her a quick, slightly awkward hug. "You too Uncle Luis. Auntie Sher talks about you so much I feel like we already know each other."

Bethany turned her attention to Jenny. "Hey cutie-pie. How's my favorite cousin?" Sheridan smiled. "She's your only cousin," She patted her huge belly, "so far." Bethany grinned. "You're as big as a house! How can you even move?" Sheridan slipped an arm around Bethany and laughed. "I can barely move... that's why you're here, remember?" Bethany nodded. "I know. And I will help you do everything Auntie Sher, I promise. It's just so great to be away from that damn school.

I wish Mother and Father would let me stay here and go to school." Sheridan nodded and smiled. "Me too Sweetie. I would love to have you around all the time. And I was kidding about why you're here... we didn't have you come so you could wait on me." "I know Auntie Sher. I intend to have fun while I'm here. I might not be back for very long, but I'm going to make it count!" Bethany laughed and announced, "Harmony'd better be ready, 'cause Bethany Crane is back!" Luis and Sheridan grinned at each other. Life with Bethany was going to be anything but boring and they were both looking forward to it.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

Sheridan was in the kitchen with Jenny the next morning when Bethany came downstairs. "Well, good morning sleepyhead." Sheridan smiled as the girl wandered into the room and took a stool at the center island where Sheridan was cutting up vegetables. "Morning Auntie Sher." Jenny toddled over to her cousin and tugged at the hem of her shorts. "Hey kiddo..." Bethany picked the baby up and settled her on her lap.

"So, what do you want to do today honey?" Sheridan tossed the vegetables into a big bowl, tossing them with a dressing she had just made. "We can go shopping or something?" Bethany eyed Sheridan and her huge stomach. She had already picked up on the fact that Luis was worried about Sheridan and the last thing she wanted to do was harm her aunt. "Are you sure you should be going out?" She asked with concern.

Sheridan laughed. "Luis has influenced you already I see. I'm fine... he worries too much. As long as I stay out of the heat I'll be fine. I know how much you like shopping." Sheridan put her salad in the fridge and settled herself on a stool beside Bethany. "We should stop by the mansion too... I'm sure Julian and Ivy are anxious to see you." Bethany wasn't so sure about that... mostly they tried to avoid her, but she nodded in agreement. She was anxious to see Ethan anyway. Sheridan picked up on her sudden mood change. "What's wrong Bethany? Are you alright?"

"I guess. It's just... well, sometimes I feel like Mother and Father don't care about me at all." Jenny started to squirm and Bethany put her down on the floor. "Bethany, of course they do. They love you." Sheridan said firmly, although she had doubts about the truth of her statement. "Maybe they love me, in their own way, but they don't want me around. All Mother cares about is Ethan and all Father cares about is making more money and pleasing Grandfather. I'm just another problem they don't want to deal with, so they shove me away in boarding schools."

She looked at Sheridan with tears in her eyes. "I'm tired of it Auntie Sher... I don't want to go back. I want to stay here in Harmony, with you. I hate the school... I just hate it!" She started to cry and Sheridan wrapped her arms around her niece. "I know sweetie... I want you to stay here too. Luis and I have talked about it already... if it's really what you want we'll see what we can do." Bethany pulled back and searched her aunt's face, to make sure she was serious. "Really? You guys would really keep me?" She couldn't believe Sheridan would want her... nobody else did.

"Of course Bethany... I love you. I would give anything to have you near me all the time." She smiled and brushed a lock of hair from the girls tearstained face. "In fact, when you were a baby I used to dream of stealing you away to some far away place." "You always loved me huh? How come you love me... and nobody else does?" Bethany's lip quivered and Sheridan's heart ached.

"I loved you from the moment I saw you. I used to wonder the same thing... why nobody loved me... I thought there was something wrong with me." Sheridan thought about all the pain filled nights she'd lain in bed, trying to figure out how to make her father love her. "There was nothing wrong with me, and there is nothing wrong with you either sweetie. It's this family... look under dysfunctional in the dictionary and there will be a picture of the Cranes. Alistair and Julian are incapable of loving anyone... I came to that conclusion a long time ago. As for your mother, I've never been able to figure her out."

Sheridan took Bethany's hands in hers and looked into her eyes. "But now I have Luis, and his family is my family and they are wonderful. They are so full of love and kindness... so incredibly opposite from our family, and they have made me one of them. They can't wait to meet you... and Pilar is so excited to see you again." Bethany smiled. "You're lucky Auntie Sher." "Sweetie, someday you will meet a wonderful man like Luis too, and all the pain from the past will just melt away with his love." Bethany wasn't sure about that, but she continued to smile and hugged her aunt again.

A week later Sheridan stood in the window and smiled. Out on the front lawn Jenny was playing with her toys, under the watchful eyes of Bethany and Jessica Bennett. The two girls had become almost instant friends and now they were inseparable. Sheridan couldn't have been happier... the Bennett's were so nice, even though their niece Charity seemed a little odd.

Grace Bennett was always stopping over to check on Sheridan, or bring her homemade treats. Sheridan suspected it was Luis' doing... having her stop in throughout the day, but he denied it and she pretended to believe him. Sheridan smiled again as she saw Bethany laugh at something Jessica had said. Bethany smiled and laughed too little for Sheridan's liking, although she could see Bethany growing happier every day.

Bethany grinned at Jessica, who'd just finished telling her about the Halloween dance last year. "That sounds like so much fun... I wish I could go to Harmony High too." "I know." Jessica agreed. "I bet we'd have some of the same classes. I'm going to miss you when you go back to Europe." "Me too Jess. I'm friends with most of the girls there, but I never really had a best friend before." "Why don't you talk to your parents? Maybe you can get them to let you stay?" Bethany frowned. "I haven't even seen my father yet. He's been too busy since I got here."

"What about your Mom? My Mom says she's really nice." Jessica asked. "I saw Mother the day after I got here. All she wanted to talk about was Ethan's wedding. She's not like your Mom Jess. I wish she was." "Still, they don't really like having you so far away I bet." "You bet wrong. I had to beg and threaten to get them to let me spend the summer with Auntie Sher. Father even offered me a cruise for the summer if I forgot about coming here. It's like they really don't want me in Harmony. I just wish I knew why."

Jessica smiled. "Well, I'm glad whatever you threatened worked. This has been the best summer so far." "For me too Jess. This is the first summer I haven't been in summer school for a long time. I'm so happy with Auntie Sher and Uncle Luis. It's like having a real family... I mean a normal one. It would be so easy to just pretend they were really my parents. Jenny and the new baby are so lucky."

"When is Sheridan going to have that baby anyway? She's so big she looks like she's gonna explode." Jessica grinned at the thought and Bethany giggled. "I know she does. Any day now they say. I can't wait! I hope it's a boy. They say they don't care what it is, but I think Uncle Luis wants a son." Jessica smiled. "Yeah, that would be great... especially if he looked like Luis when he grows up." Bethany laughed. "Yeah, I have one hot uncle don't I? Too bad his brother is so stuck on your cousin... he's pretty cute too."

Sheridan was feeling strange... she was having twinges of pain. She'd been having false labor on occasion, but this felt different. She tried to think back to when she'd given birth before, but the events were a little fuzzy, and she had been given so many drugs. Still, she thought this might be the real deal. A moment later her water broke and that confirmed it. "Bethany!" She yelled, "Bethany, it's time!"

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Sheridan sat in the back seat of the car, with Bethany gripping her hand as another contraction tore through her. Jessica peered at Sheridan anxiously from her place in the front seat beside her mother. "Mom, I think you'd better drive faster or else that baby's gonna be born right here!" She said nervously. Grace grinned as she drove. She knew the baby wasn't even close to being born... the contractions were too far apart. Sheridan knew it too, and she gave Jessica a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Jess. I won't have the baby in the car. I promise."

Bethany squeezed Sheridan's hand, her eyes glistening with excitement. "I can't wait to see my new cousin!" Despite her excitement, Bethany was worried about her aunt. Sheridan seemed to be in a lot of pain. "It really hurts huh?" She asked. "Yes, but it's not too bad yet. Don't worry... I'm fine." Sheridan smiled at her. "Don't forget to try and call Luis again when we get there." "I won't Auntie Sher." They had tried to call him from the house, but his cell phone must have been turned off and there was no answer at the youth center.

"Here we are..." Grace announced, pulling the car up in front of the emergency entrance. She helped Sheridan out of the car and into a wheelchair. "You girls go with Sheridan to admitting. I'll park the car and be right in." Grace told them. In admitting the nurse handed Sheridan a clipboard with some forms to fill out while Bethany tried to reach Luis again. This time he answered his cell phone. "Hey Bethany. What's up?" He asked, recognizing her voice. "Uncle Luis... Auntie Sher is having the baby. We're at the hospital already."

"Now?" Luis sounded panicked. "You mean RIGHT now?" "Well, soon I think. You'd better come soon." Bethany told him. "I'm on my way, but I'm in Castleton so it'll take me a little while. Tell her I'm on my way, ok?" "Ok Uncle Luis, I will." She hung up the pay phone and returned to Sheridan. "Well?" Sheridan asked nervously, "Did you get hold of him?" "Yes," Bethany smiled. "He'll be here soon." Sheridan was visibly relieved and she went back to filling out her forms. By the time she was situated in a room the contractions were a lot closer together and there was still no sign of Luis. "Where is he?" She asked, tears gathering in her blue eyes.

"He'll be here." Bethany said, squeezing her hand and smiling a little. "He was in Castleton... that's why it's taking so long, but I know he'll be here." Sheridan nodded, then let out another long groan as a contraction set in. Bethany winced... if having a baby was this painful she wasn't sure she wanted to have any. Sheridan rode out the contraction and relaxed again. She wanted Luis so badly. He was supposed to be here with her, not fighting traffic in Castleton. They had planned it all... he was going to be with her... they had taken the Lamaze class and everything.

Then she heard him in the hall, the sound of his voice making her heart flutter. When he strode into the room she gave him a beaming smile through her tears. "You're here." She whispered. "Of course I am Sweetheart." He came to her, taking her hand and leaning down to kiss her. "Where else would I be?" "I thought you were going to miss it..." "I know. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here Angel." Luis looked down at her, his heart almost bursting with love. "I'm sorry I worried you."

Bethany cleared her throat and told them she was going to go update grace and Jessica. She stepped out of the room, smiling. Her aunt was so lucky. Uncle Luis was just the greatest guy. She hoped one day she could find someone just like him that would look at her the way he looked at Auntie Sher. Bethany sat in the waiting room with Jessica and Grace, nervously awaiting news. Luis had come out half an hour ago and told them they were moving Sheridan to the birthing room and that the doctor said it would be anytime now. Grace went to call home, to see how Kay was doing watching little Jenny, leaving the girls in the room alone. "Don't worry Bethany. They'll be fine." Jessica said.

"I guess. I'm scared though. Don't tell anyone, but Auntie Sher had a baby a long time ago... and the baby died." "Oh." Jess said sadly. "Well, if it was a long time ago she must have been really young. Sometimes that's not good for the baby. I'm sure she'll be OK this time." Bethany didn't answer. She was too busy hoping and praying that everything would be OK. Her aunt and uncle were so excited about the baby and they would both be heartbroken if anything went wrong.

Luis watched with damp eyes as the doctor lay his son on Sheridan's stomach. The tiny little guy was screaming like there was no tomorrow. Luis looked at Sheridan, her eyes were streaming with tears of happiness as she looked down at the baby. She looked up and her bright blue eyes met his dark ones and they held the gaze a moment before turning their attention back to the baby. "Sweetheart... he's perfect..." Luis said softly. "Yes, he is. Oh Luis..." She reached for his hand, at a loss for words.

The nurse took the baby away to be cleaned and checked over, promising to bring him right back. Luis leaned down and kissed Sheridan softly on the lips. "You did great Angel." "We did great." She whispered back. "Now we have the perfect family... a daughter and a son." Luis couldn't agree more. "You bet we do. I love you Sheridan." "I love you too Luis... so much." They were still holding each other, Luis stroking her silky hair, and whispering quietly when the nurse brought the baby back. Now he was all wrapped in a cozy blanket and the nurse lay the warm little bundle in Sheridan's arms. The new parents gazed at the sleeping infant, enthralled with the sight of him.

Sheridan carefully unwrapped the blanket and they counted each little toe and finger again, although they already knew he was perfect. The sight of all those tiny toes made Sheridan smile. He was just so little. Much smaller than Jennifer had been when she was born. They had avoided discussing names, both claiming that it would be easier to pick the perfect one when they actually saw their child. "So Daddy, what are we going to name this little guy?"

"Justin. Justin Martin Lopez-Fitzgerald. I like that." Sheridan nodded as she spoke. "It suits him." Sheridan remembered something. "Oh Luis, go out and get Bethany?" Luis nodded. "Yeah, she's probably going crazy wondering what's happening." "I'm sure she is. Luis... wouldn't it just be the icing on the cake if we could find a way to keep her with us?" "It would be great. I really like her Sher." "She really likes you too. In fact, if she were a little older I think I'd have to fight her for you."

She teased. "Sweetheart, we'll do whatever it takes to keep her here in Harmony, I promise." Sheridan smiled at him, a huge thousand watt smile. "Yes, that's exactly what we'll do. Now go get her please? It's time we introduce Justin to some of his family." she gazed lovingly at her son as she spoke. "You bet it's time." Luis agreed.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

Sheridan watched Bethany wander around the hospital room, obviously at a loss for what to do with herself. "Bethany, you don't have to stay here with me Honey, I'm fine." Bethany smiled. "I know I don't. I want to stay with you. Don't you want me to keep you company Auntie Sher?" Sheridan smiled back at her niece. "Of course I do. I can't think of better company than you, but you should be out enjoying your holiday. Where's Jess today anyway?"

"Working in her mom's shop. When will they bring Justin back in?" Bethany absolutely adored her baby cousin and was anxious to see him again. "Soon. After his nap he'll have to eat again and the nurses will bring him to me. Bethany, please stop pacing around Honey." Bethany grinned. "Sorry." She sat in the chair at the foot of Sheridan's bed and picked up the medical chart hanging there. She scanned it absently, humming one of her favorite songs, while Sheridan watched her with amusement. "Hey," Bethany said, "We have the same blood type, B." She grinned... "Cool huh Auntie Sher?"

Sheridan smiled. "It would be cool, but it's not right. You must be mistaken Honey. Your blood type isn't B." Bethany frowned. "Are you sure? I thought it was B?" Sheridan shook her head. "Julian and Ivy's blood types are both A. You must be either A or O Honey." "Oh..." Bethany said. "Well, I'm sure my passport says B. I guess somebody made a mistake huh?"

"I guess so Honey." Sheridan yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. "You know Bethany, I really don't need a babysitter. Why don't you go over to the Bennetts and spend some time with Jenny if you really want to help out? I think I'm going to rest a while anyway." Sheridan saw the girl hesitate. "I take full responsibility for what Luis says Honey. He is way too over protective and I know he asked you to stay with me. I am fine... trust me." "That's not the only reason I'm here Auntie Sher.

I want to spend time with you... that's all. And I wanted to see Justin again. He is so cute... I just want to eat him up!" Bethany moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "I'm so glad you and Justin are OK Auntie Sher... I was scared yesterday." "I know Bethany. I was scared too. After losing one baby I'm not sure I could go through that again." Bethany nodded sadly. "Yeah. But Justin's real healthy. That's what the doctors said!"

"Yes, Justin is healthy. He is just perfect." Sheridan smiled widely. "Now, you go on and get out of here. that's an order!" Bethany grinned. "Alright, but I'll be back later. I need to see Justin again. Can I hold him again?" "As much as you want Honey." Sheridan confirmed. "OK. I'm going then." Bethany leaned over and gave Sheridan a hug. "Bye Auntie Sher... I love you." "I love you too Sweetie. Have fun."

Bethany went to the Bennetts to see Jenny. Jessica was there, instead of Kay as Bethany had expected. "I traded jobs with Kay. She'd rather work in the shop anyway." Jess explained. "Cool." Bethany scooped up Jenny when the toddler ran to her. "Hey squirt... you having fun with Jess? Wait til you see your brother... he is so cute." Jenny wasn't the least bit interested. All she wanted to do was remove Bethany's earrings.

"You are so lucky Bethany... you get to live with two babies. I wish mom would have another baby." Jess said wistfully. "Yeah, but at least you've got parents that love you. I won't have anybody next month when I have to go back to Europe." Bethany's lower lip trembled a little as she thought about leaving her aunt and uncle and her little cousins. The last place in the world she wanted to go was back to the damn boarding school. "Maybe, when the time comes to go back I just won't." She said suddenly. "Huh?" Jess looked up in confusion. "I won't go back. Maybe I'll run away. Just disappear until I'm eighteen and then nobody will tell me where I can or can't live."

Jess frowned doubtfully. "I don't know Bethany... four years is a long time to live on the run. And think of Sheridan... it'll break her heart if you do that." The thought of living on the streets didn't bother Bethany, but Jess' comment about Sheridan gave her pause. Hurting her aunt was out of the question. "I guess you're right." She agreed sadly. "But there must be a way to avoid going back to Europe... there just must."

"Yeah. We'll just have to find a way." Jess agreed firmly. "I'm not going to lose my best friend without a fight!" Bethany smiled. She'd never had a friend like Jess... one that seemed to actually care about her. It felt so good being here in Harmony. She had Auntie Sher, Uncle Luis, Jenny and Justin to love her. And there was Ethan and Pilar and the rest of Luis' family that had welcomed her with open arms. And she had Jess and the Bennetts as her friends too. If only her parents would show the least bit of interest in the fact that she was even alive things would be just about perfect.

Sheridan lay in her bed, not tired anymore. She was too busy trying to figure out what was niggling her in the back of her mind. Finally she sighed and sat up. Sleep was never going to come to her now, she realized with a frown. She sighed. No wonder Bethany was bored here... this was the most boring place in the world to be, Sheridan decided.

Bethany. It was something about Bethany that was bugging her. Then she realized what it was. Her blood type. Surely a girl as well travelled as Bethany would know what her passport said, know her own blood type. Sheridan knew without a doubt what Julian and Ivy's blood types were both A, since they'd donated blood a few years ago when Ethan had been in a skiing accident. Ethan's blood type was A also.

Now Sheridan was a far cry from being a medical professional, but even she knew that two parents with type A blood could not produce a B child. They could produce only A or O type. Therefore, Bethany must be mistaken, or else a mistake was made when her blood had been typed. Then a thought slammed into Sheridan's head. There was another option... perhaps Bethany wasn't Julians child after all. Maybe Ivy had an affair resulting in Bethany's birth. Sheridan shook her head. A terrible thought, but knowing her family it was entirely plausible.

That would also explain Julian and Ivy's aloof disregard for Bethany. Especially if Julian knew she wasn't his child. Sheridan mentally berated herself. 'Stop it... you have no proof... just a wild suspicion.' Still, Sheridan decided that the first thing she was going to do when Luis came in later was have him check on Bethany's blood type. Now that her interest was piqued she had to know the truth. To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

Sheridan waited impatiently for Luis to come in after work. She was eager to talk to him about Bethany and it seemed like he would never get there. She was holding Justin after feeding him when Luis walked into the room. He had a bouquet of yellow roses in one hand, a huge brown teddy bear in the other and a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry I'm late sweetheart. I stopped at the mall." Sheridan smiled happily. "You're going to spoil us with all these presents Luis."

He set the gifts down on the end of the bed and went to sit on the edge beside her. "You deserve to be spoiled Sheridan." He reached out and stroked his wife's face and then his son's head. "So does Justin... and Jenny." "So does Bethany, Luis. She's had far too little spoiling in her life... and I think I may know why." Luis looked at her curiously. "Why? Other than the obvious reason that Ivy and Julian have ice water running through their veins?" "Bethany told me something today that started me thinking about some things.

She told me that we shared the same blood type, but I know for a fact that a child of Julian and Ivy could not share my blood type. It's not medically possible." "So, what are you thinking?" "Well, perhaps either Bethany is mistaken, or she was typed wrong." Luis nodded. "Yeah, that's a good possibility." He noticed the look on her face and knew she didn't really believe that option. "Sheridan? What else are you thinking?" "I'm thinking that... well, that Julian may not be Bethany's father. If Ivy had an affair that conceived her it would explain the different blood type." "I think you're jumping to conclusions Honey." Luis knew her penchant for imagining the worst.

"It's not just that Luis. It would explain so much! Like how Ivy and Julian are both so fond of Ethan and they push Bethany away. Imagine if you knew that I had slept with someone else... that Justin wasn't yours. How would you really feel about him Luis?" "You know I love Jenny as much as Justin... and she isn't our birth child." Luis replied. "That's different Luis. Jenny wasn't the product of my betrayal. I truly believe that if I had the child I lost you would love her, probably as much as your own children Luis.

But for me to cheat on you and conceive a child that way... I don't believe you could overlook that Luis." Luis nodded reluctantly. "Yes, you are probably right. I probably couldn't love that child the way I love my own. It would be a constant reminder that you had betrayed me. But I would never take it out on the child. I would treat them the same way as any other children." Sheridan smiled, love for him shining in her eyes. "I know. That's because you are loving and kind Luis. You wouldn't harm a child... any child... for anything in the world. That's one of the things that I love most about you. But consider Julian.

He is cold, ruthless and obsessed with appearances. He would send that child away as fast as he could and do his best to keep her away for fear that the truth would come out and sully the Crane name." Luis had to agree. "You have a point. But what about Ivy? She seems to have as little concern about Bethany as Julian. Surely she loves her own child. She obviously loves Ethan. That's evident in everything she does." "Maybe, but Bethany would be a reminder of her betrayal. And Julian would make damn sure that she kept the secret. If it ever came out that Julian wasn't her father he would make Ivy's life a living hell and you know it." Sheridan said firmly.

"Uh, Honey, you're talking like it's true. You have no proof of any of this. You have no idea if Bethany even knows her own blood type. And how sure are you of Julian and Ivy's?" Luis tried to be the voice of reason. Sheridan frowned. She loved Luis more than life itself, but Lord she hated it when the man was right. "Okay Luis. So we get some proof. I want you to find out her blood type. You can do that, right?"

Luis nodded slowly. "Yes, I guess I can. It shouldn't be too hard to get information like that. But even if you find out she's right about her blood type, what are you going to do about it?" "One step at a time Luis. One step at a time." "Sheridan, you need to think long and hard about what will happen if you open this can of worms. What will it do to Bethany?" Sheridan had considered that very question while she'd been waiting for Luis to show up. "I've given that some thought Luis. The way I see it, learning the truth couldn't hurt her.

At worst things will stay status quo and she'll be shipped back to Europe like planned, to be hidden away as before. At best, this could be the information we need to release Julian and Ivy's hold on her. She could stay here and lead a somewhat normal life." "But how do you think she'll feel when she finds out she's illegitimate... that she doesn't even know who her father is?" Luis frowned as he realized that he was talking like he already believed Sheridan's wild story. Sheridan let out a harsh little laugh. "What could be better than learning that a cold monster of a man like Julian isn't your father?"

Luis couldn't repress the small smile. The way he felt about Julian, he figured that learning something like that would make him want to do cartwheels and set off fireworks. Sheridan saw the smile and she knew exactly what he was thinking and she gave him a knowing grin in return. "Look Luis, I know that I'm getting way ahead of myself here, but if Julian and Ivy are keeping secrets that could affect Bethany's life then I have to try and discern them. So, are you in this with me?"

Luis sighed. "I am in with you on everything sweetheart. Even if I do think you're letting your imagination get the better of you." "So, you will check on her blood type Luis?" Luis nodded. "Yes, I'll check it out. But until we at least get that part settled I want you to try and let it rest. Okay?" "Yes Luis." She answered quickly, an innocent, benign smile on her face. Luis didn't buy her act for a minute. He knew her mind was racing 100 miles an hour and she wouldn't be able to set it aside. He frowned. "Fat chance of that. At least promise me this much... don't mention it to Bethany?"

"Luis," Sheridan rolled her eyes. "You know me better than that. I would never upset Bethany without concrete proof. You don't have to worry. I know better than to go up against Julian without having undeniable proof." She smiled. "When are you going to find out about her blood type Luis?" Luis made a good-natured grumble. "You are a real piece of work...you know that?" "That's why you love me." She replied smugly. "Yeah, it is... among other reasons." He leaned over, kissing her gently. "I will check it out first thing tomorrow. Right now, I want to hold my son."

Sheridan handed the little bundle over to Luis, he heart contracting as she watched him gaze lovingly at the baby. Luis was the best father she could imagine for her child. He glanced up at her. "Where is Bethany anyway? I thought she was going to spend the afternoon with you?" Sheridan smiled. "I know she had her orders to baby-sit me, but I sent her away. I'll need help when I go home, I don't need help now. She deserves some time to enjoy herself this summer."

Bethany had left the Bennetts, taking Jenny home with her. She was lying on her bed with the little girl snuggled beside her. "I'm sure going to miss you Jenny. I wish I was your big sister. Then I could take care of you always... and stay here forever. You know, you've got the best mommy and daddy in the whole world. I know, because mine aren't so great." Jenny seemed to be absorbing ever word, thumb tucked in her mouth, her eyes trained on Bethany.

"They don't love me Jenny." A tear trickled down her face and she sniffled a little. "They don't love me at all... and I don't know why. Auntie Sher says it's not my fault, but it must be. She loves me, but that's only because she is the most wonderful woman in the world. She could love anybody I guess." The tears flowed more freely now and she stopped trying to hold them back. She hugged Jenny close to her and sobbed. "All I want is a mother that loves me... that's all I ever wanted..."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

Sheridan paced the hospital room anxiously. She was ready to go home, and Luis was on his way to get her. He wasn't late... it was entirely her fault for being ready so early. Justin was asleep in the bassinet by her bed, sound asleep. She paused, to gaze at him, her heart almost bursting with love for him. She felt the same way about Jenny and she couldn't imagine any parent not sharing that same love for their children.

Her thoughts drifted to Bethany. Julian and Ivy obviously didn't share those feelings. Julian was very hard to read emotionally. Sheridan had doubts that he loved any of his children, never mind Bethany. Ivy, on the other hand, was a mystery to Sheridan. The woman doted on Ethan as though he were heir to England's throne, although being heir to the Crane dynasty was nearly as significant a title.

Yes, Ivy though the sun rose and fell on Ethan alone, but as little attention as she gave their other two daughters, Bethany received even less. What little she did receive was given grudgingly and then only when the girl got too loud to ignore. What intrigued Sheridan the most was not the way both of them ignored Bethany, but the way they took great pains to keep her from even coming home to Harmony. It was as though they didn't even want to acknowledge her existence. Sheridan thought back to the conversation she'd had with Ivy and Julian the day after Bethany had called her several months ago...

**Flashback**

Julian and Ivy were in the living room at the mansion, having their own versions of breakfast. Julian was munching on a scone and having his second brandy of the day, while Ivy sipped Evian water and nibbled on some fruit. "Good morning Ivy, Julian." Sheridan strode into the room, looking every bit the glowing mother-to-be. She had Jenny perched on one hip and set the little girl down on the floor. "Good morning Sheridan." Ivy sounded uninterested at best. "Sheridan! My dear sister! What brings you here so early?" Julian's voice fairly dripped with sarcasm and barely disguised venom.

Sheridan rolled her eyes and sat in the chair nearest the door. Ivy's eyes followed Jenny around the room, as though the woman was waiting for the baby to break some irreplaceable antique. "I came to talk to you both. Bethany called me last night." Sheridan saw Julian and Ivy exchange glances. "That's nice." Ivy said, leaning forward and returning the second half of an orange segment to the plate on the coffee table. Julian drained his glass and moved for a refill. "What did she have to say?" The disinterest was gone from Ivy's voice, although she was trying hard to keep it in place.

Sheridan stood, taking her time as she filled a small plate with the breakfast offerings on the buffet. "Oh, not much." She paused, sitting back down and popping a huge, sweet grape into her mouth and chewing it slowly. She watched the obvious discomfort her brother and sister-in-law were displaying and she wondered why. "She asked if she could come and spend the summer with Luis and I." Julian was in mid swallow and started to cough. Ivy's face lost color and she inhaled sharply. "Out of the question!" Julian said firmly as soon as he was able to speak. "We pay an outrageous tuition to keep her in that school! I insist she remain there and get the fullest benefit of it during the summer session."

Ivy nodded, agreeing with Julian on something for the first time in months. "Yes, it's really not a good idea Sheridan. Bethany belongs in school." Ivy moved to stand beside Julian, as though she was striving to provide a united front. Sheridan frowned. "I realize it's very expensive Julian, but Bethany has excellent grades. She doesn't need summer school. She needs to be home for a while so that she can live normally. She doesn't want to stay at school... she's miserable."

"Nonsense!" Julian sputtered. "She's only playing on your sympathies Sheridan. She wants something from you, that's all. She loves that school." "That's how much you know Julian. She has never liked that school and she has made that perfectly clear to me on several occasions." Sheridan couldn't understand why they were so against this. Not only that, but they were behaving very oddly, exchanging nervous, secretive glances with one another.

"Well, none the less, I told her we would be thrilled to have her stay with us. She's going to call you to set the whole thing up. Please let her come?" Sheridan had pleaded with them several more times after that, but they had continued to refuse. Bethany had called her, crying, to say that they wouldn't allow her to come. Then one day she called, laughing and excited, saying only that she'd convinced them to let her come.

**end flashback**

"Hey beautiful!" Luis walked into the room, catching his wife daydreaming. It wasn't an unusual occurrence to discover her that way, and Luis was always amused by it. "Where are you today?" He asked with a grin. "I was just thinking about Julian and Ivy." "Why?" Luis asked as though she'd said she was thinking about roaches and maggots. "Oh, just in regard to Bethany. I was recalling how strangely they behaved when I was trying to set up the plans for Bethany's visit."

Sheridan looked at Luis, pinning him with her gaze. "Did you check on her blood type Luis?" Luis nodded, almost hating to tell her what he'd discovered because he knew she would be just itching to jump right into her investigation. "Unless the doctors have been making mistakes all these years her blood type is definitely B." Sheridan nodded slowly. Despite her bravado in explaining her reasoning for why Bethany wouldn't get hurt by such news now she wasn't so certain of that. This proved that Ivy was hiding something concerning Bethany's father. Julian may or may not know about it, but that whole part was incidental anyway. What was important was Bethany.

Luis looked at Sheridan, almost able to see the wheels turning in her mind as she tried to decide her next step. "Are you going to tell her Sheridan?" "I don't know. Part of me wants to. Our family has so many secrets. Alot of them nearly destroyed my life Luis. I spent years in the dark about all the things that Alistair and Julian continued to cover up, and when the truth finally came out I think it hurt me more than it ever could have if I had known about it sooner." She frowned. "On the other hand, maybe I should confront Ivy first. Maybe I should give Ivy the chance to come clean with Bethany. I think it would be better for her to hear the truth from her mother."

Luis nodded. "I think you're right. Talk to Ivy and try to get the whole story first." He moved to the bassinet. "How about I spring the two of you from this place? Bethany and Jenny are waiting for us at home. She is so excited Sher." He grinned, thinking about the surprise Bethany and Jessica had been setting up all day yesterday and this morning. "I am definitely ready to get out of here Luis. This place is the worst." She smiled happily and carefully scooped Justin into her arms.

Luis called out the door for the nurse who brought a wheelchair, as was the hospitals policy for discharging patients. Sheridan looked at the chair with mild disdain and rolled her eyes, but sat in it without complaint. She wasn't in any pain, but she was still weary and a ride down to the jeep didn't really seem like a bad thing. A short time later Sheridan opened the door to the house, stepping inside and frowning at the dark hallway. The house was silent as a tomb. "Where's Bethany and Jenny? It's so dark and quiet in here." Luis was following behind wirh Jenny and he grinned behind her back. "They were curled up in the den watching sesame street when I left to get you. They're probably still there."

Sheridan went to the den, swung open the door and gasped in surprise as about 20 people yelled 'SURPRISE' and the lights came on. Bethany stood at the front of all their friends and family, holding Jenny and smiling as happily as Sheridan had ever seen her. "Are you surprised?" Bethany approached Sheridan and gave her a one armed hug. "You bet I am!" Sheridan enthused. "Did you set this all up yourself?" "Well, Jess helped, and Mrs. Bennett made the cake... but it was my idea." Sheridan felt tears burning her eyes as she looked around the room.

Bennett's and Russell's were all there. Pilar, Theresa, Miguel, Ethan, Gwen... even Ivy and Julian were there. Julian looked as though he were being tortured, but he was there. "Thank you all." Sheridan said tearfully. "We are so lucky to be blessed with such wonderful family and friends. But I think Luis has the real guest of honor right there. I want you all to meet Justin Martin Lopez-Fitzgerald." Although some of the guests had seen the baby in the hospital everyone was eager to see him again and soon he was being passed around among them.

Luis and Sheridan stood against the wall and held each other close as they watched the scene. "Luis, I couldn't ask for a more perfect life." Sheridan whispered. "Look at all these people that care about us." Luis was looking, noting how happy everyone looked, everyone except Julian and Ivy. Ivy was mingling, exclaiming over the baby and trying to appear as though she weren't uncomfortable. Julian was making no such attempts. He stood, arms folded across his chest and literally glowered at everyone in the room. He was obviously wishing he were anywhere but there and Luis knew it. He turned to Sheridan. "Yes sweetheart. We couldn't ask for anything better than this." He only hoped the mess Sheridan was about to stir up over Bethany wouldn't destroy it all. When it came to the Crane's all bets were off.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Sheridan awoke at the usual time, despite the fact that she and Luis had been awakened twice in the night by Justin demanding that he be fed. Luis was still asleep and Sheridan propped herself up on one elbow and watched him sleep for a few moments. He was simply the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen and she had an incredible desire to just roll over there and kiss him awake. With a grin she did just that. Her lips came down on his and her tongue snuck out to quickly run across his lips. He moaned a little in his sleep, but didn't wake. Sheridan ran her kiss down over his jaw and onto his neck, then moving back up to kiss his ear, nibbling gently on his earlobe.

Suddenly she found herself flipped onto her back, and she let out a surprised squeak. Luis grinned down at her and she realized he'd been awake the whole time. Now he was looking at her as though she was his favorite dessert. She smiled slyly at him. "Good morning Darling." "Good morning Sweetheart." He whispered back, leaning down and kissing her. This was not the light teasing kiss Sheridan had bestowed upon him earlier, but a hungry passionate one. She returned the kiss with as much energy as he was putting forth and the kiss intensified, their tongues moving together in an erotic dance.

Sheridan felt Luis' hands sliding over her body, brushing against her breasts and stomach, then moving down and Sheridan felt herself beginning to melt as his fingers began to work magic on her. Her hands were far from still, moving over Luis' muscular chest and sliding down his sides and around his back. She moved her hands back around his front and she felt him gasp into her mouth as she brushed up against him almost casually.

The next thing she knew he was pulling her on top of him and they were making slow, sensual love to each other. Afterward Luis cuddled her close and they lay there, languidly touching and kissing, just enjoying each others company. "I love you so much Luis." Sheridan whispered, leaning up and kissing him softly. "I love you Sheridan." He replied after she broke the kiss. "More and more every day." They snuggled back together, both knowing they should get up, but neither one wanting to break the spell. They had such precious little time alone together these days and it would be soon enough that either Justin or Jenny would awaken and they would have to get up.

Sheridan traced her fingernail lazily over Luis' chest and said, "I'm going to go and speak with Ivy today." She felt Luis tense up and she raised questioning eyes to him. "Are you sure you want to do this? There's no telling what kind of hornets nest you could be stirring up with this. You tick off Julian and you're asking for trouble Honey." Sheridan smiled at him. "I know you're worried Luis, but I really think you are blowing this out of proportion. Besides, if my suspicions are correct, Julian will not find out, because there is no way that Ivy will tell him.

I'm not about to go announcing anything to the world Luis. All this will be is a friendly conversation with my sister in law." "Well, I think it's a bad idea. I wish you would reconsider." Luis persisted. Sheridan pulled away from Luis, climbing out of bed and covering herself with her robe. She was no longer in a cuddling mood. "Well, I won't reconsider Luis! This has to be done. I want the secrets to end in the Crane family, and this is one step in the right direction." She stalked off into the bathroom, leaving Luis laying there alone.

He shook his head. Sheridan's tenacity was one of the things he loved most about her, but sometimes it drove him crazy. After all the things the Crane's had done she still refused to see how truly treacherous they could be. He just hoped that the whole thing turned out to be nothing and she and Ivy would have a laugh about her preposterous idea and that would be the end of it. He doubted that, however. The Crane's were a secretive, deceptive bunch of liars and there was a good chance that Sheridan had stumbled onto something. Maybe something even bigger than she realized.

Sheridan sat in the living room at the mansion, sipping at a glass of iced tea and glancing at her watch. She'd been waiting for Ivy for close to 45 minutes and she was rapidly losing her patience. Finally Ivy breezed into the room, dressed to the nines and smiling benignly. "Sheridan, sorry to keep you waiting." She sank gracefully into a chair, taking up the other glass of iced tea and taking a demur sip. "What brings you Sheridan? Is Bethany giving you trouble?" The question was asked almost hopefully, as though an affirmative response would be a good excuse to return the girl to boarding school.

"Hardly. Bethany is just wonderful." Sheridan replied firmly. "She's a great help with Jenny and the baby. I don't know what I'd do without her." Sheridan wasn't quite sure how to broach the subject of Bethany's blood type. She didn't want to put Ivy on the defensive too early. "She spent a lot of time with me while I was in the hospital. She's really wonderful company." Ivy nodded with disinterest, as though Sheridan were talking about a strangers child that she had never met. Sheridan plowed along, intending to slip something into the conversation.

"It was very boring in the hospital, but she was so good about it. One day she was so bored she was reading my medical chart." Sheridan forced a little laugh. "It was the strangest thing... she said to me, 'Auntie Sher, we have the same blood type, B.' I told her that was impossible, she couldn't possible have B." Sheridan took a sip of her drink as she watched Ivy look up at her. The look on Ivy's face was still barely disguised disinterest, but Sheridan figured the woman was simply too well bred to not respond to the conversation. "Why is that?" Ivy, too, sipped her iced tea, leaning back, waiting for the answer.

"Why, because you and Julian both have A type blood and we all know it's impossible for two A's to have a B child. The doctors must have made a mistake while typing her blood." Sheridan watched the color drain from Ivy's face and the other woman seemed to be having trouble swallowing. "What's wrong Ivy? You look pale?" Ivy didn't answer. She stood, moving to the buffet and pouring herself some water, taking a huge gulp. She had to physically hold onto the buffet as she struggled to keep her knees from giving way. 'There is no way Sheridan can know' she told herself, trying to stay calm. ' She just believes exactly what she said, a doctor made a mistake' .

Ivy took a deep breath and turned around. "I'm fine Sheridan. The iced tea just went down the wrong way, that's all. Uh, about Bethany... I'm sure you're right. It must be a doctors error. I'll be sure and have it rectified at her next appointment." Ivy tried to look offhand as though it was of little consequence to her. Sheridan knew something was up with her though. Ivy was known for her grace under pressure and Sheridan wasn't seeing much grace at the moment. No, Ivy was worried and Sheridan was ready to call her on it. "Ivy, I don't think it was a medical error. I think I know what really happened. I know the truth and I want to give you a chance to explain."

Ivy felt her blood rush to her head and she was sure she was going to faint. Part of her wished she would, then she wouldn't have to face Sheridan. How was she going to avoid this one? How could Sheridan know? Sheridan watched the emotions play out on her sister-in-law's face and she knew she had hit paydirt. Only the obvious pain in Ivy's eyes kept the smile of satisfaction off Sheridan's face.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

Sheridan watched the emotions play across Ivy's face as she waited for the woman to regain her composure. There was no doubt that Ivy knew why Bethany's blood type was different, Sheridan just wondered if Ivy would come clean with what she knew. "Well Ivy," Sheridan said slowly, "do you want to explain?" Ivy didn't reply. She moved away to gaze out the window, trying to figure out what to say. Sheridan obviously knew something... Ivy could tell by confident look on the younger woman's face. She took a deep breath and was about to turn back and face Sheridan, when Sheridan spoke.

"Come on Ivy... I know you cheated on Julian. You might as well admit it. Don't worry, I won't tell Julian if that's what you're afraid of." Ivy felt a surge of relief flow through her and she let her breath out in a sigh. "An affair..." she whispered. "Of course an affair." Sheridan replied. "It's the only explanation." Ivy turned, nodding at Sheridan with a small smile. "Yes Sheridan. You figured out my secret. I cheated on Julian and Bethany was the result." "Does Julian know?" Sheridan asked and Ivy nodded. "He knows. He's known from the beginning."

Sheridan took a deep breath. She'd been right and now she wished it weren't so. She was hoping that Ivy would have a logical explanation, insist that the blood test was wrong and they would find out that Bethany was A or O type after all. "What about Bethany? Don't you think she deserves to know? She has a right to know her real father." Ivy frowned, her back to Sheridan, her mind churning at warp speed. "I don't want Bethany to know. There's no point really... her father is dead." She turned back to Sheridan, a look of sadness plastered on her face. "He's been dead for years and that's the end of it."

"Still Ivy, if I was Bethany I would want to know. Haven't there been enough secrets in this family throughout the years?" Ivy sighed. Sheridan was definitely right about that, but she knew she had to stop this particular secret before it got out of hand. If Bethany were told she would want to know who her father was and she would be intent on finding out all she could. If anyone started looking into the situation any farther the whole thing would come crashing down around their feet.

"Sheridan, please. You have no idea what could happen here. It's best if Bethany doesn't know. It will only bring her heartache and I know you don't want that for her." Ivy pleaded with Sheridan. Ivy was correct about that... the last thing in the world Sheridan wanted to do was hurt her niece. It was against her better judgement, but she would defer to Ivy on this. At least for the time being. "Alright Ivy. I won't tell her, but I think she deserves to know. Maybe in a few years when she's a little older?"

Ivy relaxed almost visibly. "Yes, maybe then. Thank you Sheridan... I appreciate you keeping this to yourself. It really is for the best." Sheridan nodded, not sure Ivy was right, but committing herself to silence. "I need to get going Ivy... the baby will need to be fed soon and I've been gone long enough." Sheridan picked up her purse and caught the strap on the edge of the coffee table. The purse dropped, opening up and spilling its contents all over the floor. Sheridan gathered them up, stuffing them back inside the bag and headed for the door. "Goodbye Ivy."

"Goodbye. Oh and Sheridan? Please don't tell anyone? I'd really hate to have Bethany hear it from someone else." Ivy still looked a bit nervous and Sheridan nodded her acquiescence. "I said I wouldn't tell her Ivy and I won't. You needn't worry." Sheridan walked away from the door, hearing it close behind her. It was a beautiful day and as she hadn't really been gone that long, she decided to walk through the rose garden before she went home. That was one of the few things she missed about living on the estate... the gardens and grounds.

Inside the mansion Ivy was once again pale and on the edge of panic. She snapped for one of the servants, sending them to find Julian right away. She sank into her chair, a snifter of brandy in her hand, sipping it steadily, trying to calm her nerves. "What is it darling? I was in the middle of important business!" Julian stepped into the room and helped himself to brandy as well. Ivy scowled. "I'm sure it was life and death Julian. Forget about your 'business'... we have bigger things to worry about."

"Like what?" Julian drawled. " Did you manage to set us up on another lovely date at the Lobster Hut with the peons of the community?" "It's Lobster Shack Julian and no, that's not what I'm concerned about. Sheridan was here, asking questions about Bethany." Ivy watched in almost satisfaction as Julian visibly paled and pinned his eyes on her. "Questions? What sort of questions?" "Questions about her blood type... why it wasn't possible for her to be our child." Julian's voice was unsteady as he asked, "What did you tell her?"

Sheridan finished her tour of the rose garden and made her way back to her Jeep. Once there she rooted through her purse for the keys, but came up empty. "I spilt my purse... I bet they're still on the floor in the living room." She sighed and trudged back toward the house. "She deduced that I'd cheated on you and I let her think that she was right. I told her you knew and that there was no point in telling Bethany because the man was long dead." Ivy explained, as neither one of them heard Sheridan let herself into the foyer. "Well, it's a damn good thing she believed you... if she ever found out the truth about Bethany it would be a disaster for all of us." Julian stalked from the room, shaking his head and muttering something about calling his father.

Ivy sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead. She was developing a migraine from all this stress and she needed to lie down. She headed off to her room, passing right by the spot where Sheridan was pressed against the wall, hoping to go undiscovered. Once the coast was clear Sheridan slipped into the living room, found her keys under the sofa and hurried back out to the Jeep. Only when she was outside the gates did she allow herself to think about what she'd heard. Ivy had lied to her. There was much more to the story of Bethany's conception than she'd thought.

She couldn't wait to get home and talk to Luis. This was getting better and better, but she had no idea how to proceed any farther. Obviously Ivy and Julian weren't going to be any help, but there had to be a way. Still, a little part of her wondered if she should just accept the story Ivy had told her and forget about looking any farther. Both Julian and Ivy had sounded scared, perhaps she would uncover things she would later wish had remained buried.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

Sheridan walked into the house, eager to talk to Luis, only to meet him in the hallway preparing to leave for work. "Hey Sweetheart. How did it go with Ivy?" "Oh Luis... wait until you hear what I found out!" Sheridan began, before Luis silenced her with a brief kiss. "Sorry Honey, I'm already late, but as soon as I get home I want to hear it all." "Okay Luis." Sheridan said, feeling a bit let down. "Be safe." She added, giving Luis another kiss and a quick hug before he headed out.

Sheridan went to the den and found Bethany and Jessica there with the babies. Jenny was on the floor, surrounded by what appeared to be every toy she owned, while the girls were giggling and cooing over Justin as he waved his tiny arms and blew raspberries. Sheridan stood in the doorway and watched the scene... thinking how much she wished it were a scene she could come home to forever. Reality rushed over her and she sighed as she knew that Bethany was due back in boarding school in barely a month.

What she overheard in the Crane living room did not make her feel optimistic about the possibility of arranging for Bethany to stay and go to school here. Julian and Ivy were afraid of something... something to do with Bethany and they would not relax until Bethany was safely tucked away in Europe. Bethany looked up and saw Sheridan standing there and she beamed a thousand watt smile. "Auntie Sher! Come see Justin... he's so happy!" Sheridan moved into the room, coming to stand beside Bethany, her arm sliding around the girl.

She smiled. "That's because he's got two beautiful ladies fawning all over him." Bethany grinned and looked up at Sheridan. "Where were you Auntie Sher? Uncle Luis just told me you went out." "I went to the mansion." Sheridan sat on the couch, picking up Jenny who was trying to climb up with her. Bethany looked excited and she came to flop on the couch with them. "You went to try and fix it so I can stay...right?" Sheridan looked over at the girls sparkling eyes and wished she could tell the girl that's what she was doing and that she had made some progress. She hated lying to Bethany but there was no way that she was going to reveal anything yet. Especially when she had no idea what the truth was.

"No, actually I just went to see your mother. We had tea and talked. That's all." Bethany nodded knowingly. "You're laying the groundwork so you can start trying to talk them into letting me stay. Getting on her good side." Bethany leaned her head against Sheridan's shoulder. "You are so smart Auntie Sher." Sheridan felt bad, but she let Bethany believe it and didn't say anything. "You watch Jess! Auntie Sher will fix everything and I'll never have to go back to that school again."

Jessica grinned. "I sure hope so. I don't want you to go back either." The girl glanced at her watch and sighed. "I have to go... I have to work in the shop for a few hours." She bent over, kissing baby Justin's waving hand and patted Jenny's curly head as she passed by. "Later Bethany, bye Sheridan." They said goodbye to the girl, then Sheridan stood, putting Jenny down with her toys and headed for the kitchen. "I think we should have a barbecue for dinner... what do you think?"

Bethany nodded. "That would be cool. We can eat out on the patio, right?" "Right." Sheridan agreed. "I'll make a potato salad and a big green salad and we can grill some steaks." She peered into the fridge and began pulling food out as she planned the menu in her mind. She would also make a dessert... something rich and chocolate... Luis loved stuff like that. Besides, she needed something to occupy herself with until he came home and they could discuss what she'd learned. It turned out that she didn't get a chance to speak with him alone until bedtime. She'd spent the afternoon playing with the kids and then they had their barbecue. While she'd tied up afterward Luis was in the back yard with Bethany trying to teach her how to throw the world famous Lopez-Fitzgerald curve ball.

Finally Luis crawled into bed beside her and she snuggled into his arms. "So... I can tell you've got something that you are just dying to tell me... I could see it in your eyes all night." Sheridan smiled. "You're right...as usual." Then her smile faded and she related her talk with Ivy. "So, that's it then. She had an affair." Luis said. "That's what I thought too... but I had to go back inside for my keys and I heard her talking with Julian. They're scared Luis... really scared. Julian told Ivy that if I ever found out the truth about Bethany it would be a disaster."

Luis looked at her. "He said that? A disaster?" Sheridan nodded. Luis frowned. It was as he'd feared. Sheridan had stumbled onto something and now the Crane's were on the defensive. "Sheridan, I want you to drop this. Drop it now before somebody gets hurt." Sheridan sat up and looked at him incredulously. "Are you kidding Luis? I can't drop this now. Not when I know they're hiding something huge."

Luis looked into her eyes and he knew she was right. It was too late to go back now. "Alright Honey, tomorrow we'll go talk to Eve Russell. Maybe she can help us out... get us Bethany's birth records or something." "Isn't that illegal?" Sheridan asked. Luis nodded."Yeah, but do you have a better idea?" Sheridan shook her head and lay back down, her head on his shoulder. "Thank you Luis... for helping me with this." Luis just kissed her goodnight and turned out the light.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

Eve Glanced up and down the hallway a little nervously as she slipped her pass key into the lock and opened the door into the records room. "You realize I could lose my job for this?" She asked, allowing Luis and Sheridan to pass before her into the room. Sheridan nodded seriously at the doctor. "We understand that Eve and we really appreciate what you're doing for us. As far as we're concerned we were never here." Eve nodded. "I just hope there's something in the records that can help you. Your family has ruined enough lives in this town with their secrets... if we can reveal the truth about your niece than I'm glad to do my part to help you."

Eve moved down the nearest row of records and riffled through the stacks until she found what she wanted. She pulled the file and came to stand near the desk where Luis and Sheridan were waiting. Luis smiled a little. "That was fast." Eve nodded, "The records are kept very carefully here." She hesitated before opening the file. "Are you certain you want to do this? Lord only knows what's in here." Sheridan looked at Luis and they both nodded to Eve. "We need to know the truth... no matter what it is. Then we can decide if and when we tell Bethany." Eve opened Bethany's file and began to sort through the papers inside. When she reached to bottom of the thin pile she frowned, her dark eyes narrowing as she went back through them a second time. "How strange..." she mumbled.

"What's strange?" Sheridan looked over the woman's shoulder at the papers but saw nothing amiss. "Well, there are files here from all Bethany's check-ups, from when she broke her arm and had the measles..." she looked up at the couple and frowned again, "but there are no birth records. The pages are gone completely." "Well, is it possible that Bethany was born in another hospital?" Luis asked, his mind turning at rapid speed. "That's always possible, but there should still be a copy of her birth certificate here..." Eve said, going through the papers once more, although she was certain the pages were missing.

Finally she closed the file with a sigh. "Just a moment... I'll get Ivy's file and see if there's anything about Bethany's birth in there." She replaced the file and pulled a much thicker one, bringing it back to the table. She flipped through the pages until she reached the one she was looking for, closing the file and inspecting it closer. "Alright... here's the birth record... a girl, born April 24." Sheridan confirmed Bethany's birthday as Eve scanned the paper and suddenly she emitted a small gasp and looked up meeting Sheridan's eyes. "This can't be right..."

Sheridan was scared, "What's wrong?" She gripped Luis' hand, wondering if Bethany had some sort of illness that Ivy and Julian had kept hidden. Eve said softly, "There's a code number here in the corner of the page... it indicates a stillbirth." Sheridan tightened her grip on Luis' hand and shuddered. Luis nodded. "There must be a mistake... Bethany is obviously alive. Maybe Ivy had a fifth child that was stillborn."

"But that's Bethany's birthday Luis. What does this mean? Ivy's records say her baby dies and Bethany's birth certificate is missing..." She turned to look at Luis with terrified eyes. "Luis, what are they hiding?" Luis squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I don't know Honey, but we'll find out...I promise." Eve searched through the rest of Ivy's file, but found nothing else amiss so she filed it. She sighed as she faced the couple again. "I'm sorry... this only opened up more questions for you." "Yes, but it has helped... it's given us a direction to go next." Luis told her.

"What direction Luis?" Sheridan was puzzled. "We need to locate Bethany's birth certificate. I have the feeling that if we can find it we'll be alot closer to the truth." They thanked Eve once again, the three of them sneaking out of the records room without being seen. Once back in the jeep on the way home Sheridan asked how they would get the birth certificate. "I've been thinking about that. Ivy or Julian could request a copy..." "Yes, but they certainly aren't going to help us." "No, but I know somebody who can help us..." Luis turned the jeep around, not quite ready to go home just yet.

Luis never thought he'd be glad that Theresa was still working part time for Ivy Crane, but now he was. Luis and Sheridan sat in the Lopez-Fitzgerald kitchen with Theresa and they explained what they knew so far about Bethany, after swearing her to secrecy. "That's strange," Theresa agreed when they told her about their visit to the hospital. "Hey, how did you get into the records room?" "Never mind,"Luis said. "It's not important. The thing is we need to get hold of Bethany's birth certificate."

"Well, there's probably a copy in the mansion somewhere. Do you want me to try and look for it?" Theresa frowned as she realized the many places that a piece of paper could be stashed. "No... if there's a copy in the mansion it will be heavily guarded. The Cranes hold their secrets close. We want you to send a request for a copy... on Ivy Crane's letterhead with as close a copy of her signature as you can manage." Luis hated asking his sister to do something so blatantly illegal, but there wasn't a lot of choice.

Theresa was nodding, an excited gleam in her eyes. "I can do that...no problem. I forge Ivy's signature on stuff all the time." She told them. "It's a piece of cake." "Alright, but that's not the end of it. You have to intercept the reply before Ivy or Julian can see it." Sheridan explained. "If they find out we're this close to finding out something there's no telling what they'll do." Theresa nodded, her smile fading a little. "I know this is dangerous. I realize that Julian can very ruthless... I've overheard some of his conversations with your father. It shouldn't be a problem though... I'm the one that gets the mail from the box on my way in every morning. I always sort it for them."

"Alright..." Luis agreed. "Let's do it then. The sooner the better." "Okay," Theresa agreed. She took a pad and pen from the counter and sat back down. "Tell me what to write and I'll send the letter out in tomorrow's mail." The three of them composed the letter and Luis made a call to the station and obtained the address they needed. When Sheridan and Luis left they were silent most of the way home. As Luis pulled onto their street Sheridan looked at Luis sadly. "I'm sorry Luis." "What for Honey?" "For getting you into this. Maybe I should've just let it drop a long time ago. Now we've got our friends and family putting themselves at risk over something that may turn out to be just a massive clerical error at the hospital."

Luis looked over at his wife, seeing her despair. "You don't really believe that do you?" Sheridan sighed. "No." "Me either. Look, what's done is done. It's too late to stop now." Sheridan nodded. "Alright, you're right. It's too late." She looked out the window as they pulled into the driveway. Bethany was outside with Jenny and Justin. Justin was sleeping in his carrier in the shade and Bethany had Jenny in the wading pool. "It's too late to go back... I just hope I didn't start something that will devastate Bethany. I couldn't bear if anything happened to her Luis. I love her like a daughter."

Luis reached over, stroking her arm. "I know Honey. I love her too. No matter what comes out we'll do whatever we can to take care of her and make sure she's okay." Sheridan looked over at him, love glimmering in her worried eyes. She'd always known she'd married the most wonderful man she'd ever seen, but now she knew he was the most wonderful man in the entire world. "I love you." She whispered. "I love you too." He said softly, love in his eyes shining right back at her. "Now, let's go be with our family and try not to think about this until we get the certificate back." Sheridan smiled a little. "Okay... I think maybe I can do that. Try anyway."

The next morning Theresa typed out a letter on the computer, printed it out on the family stationery and signed Ivy Crane's name to it. She slipped it into an envelope, buried it in the pile of outgoing mail that one of the other servants usually took to the post office. Thankfully Theresa had errands to do in town that day for Ivy and she told the servant she would drop the mail off while she was there.

It wasn't unusual for her to do this and the servant thought nothing of it. Theresa took the pile with her and she barely let herself breathe until she'd slipped the envelope into the mailbox. She took a deep breath then and went to call Sheridan. "It's on its way." She said, after greeting her sister in law. "Wonderful. Thank you Theresa." Sheridan talked with Theresa another moment or two than hung up. She stood by the phone, watching Bethany as the girl sat at the counter eating breakfast. Bethany caught her watching and beamed at her. Sheridan managed to smile back and thought, 'I hope you still have something to smile about when this is over Bethany'. She sighed and forced it to the back of her mind. There was nothing to do now but wait.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

Sheridan and Luis tried there best to forget about the letter for the time being. Luis knew it might take weeks to get the birth certificate back. One Friday when Luis had the day off they took Justin to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, where his Grandmother and Aunt were more than happy to baby-sit. "Where are we going?" Bethany asked, yet again, from the back seat of the Jeep where she rode with Jenny and Jessica. Luis just grinned in the rear-view mirror and Sheridan turned in her seat to grin at the girls. "What part of 'surprise' do you not understand?"

"Aww, come on Auntie Sher... give us a hint?" "Just a little hint?" Jessica added hopefully. Sheridan glanced at Luis. "What do you think? A little hint?" Luis shrugged and nodded, "I guess a little hint wouldn't hurt..." Sheridan smiled and turned to face the girls again. "Alright... we're going someplace that has lots of noise, food and fun." Bethany screwed up her face, trying to think. She had never been anyplace that sounded like that before. Beside her Jessica smiled knowingly. She had been before and besides, it had been in the morning paper and her father had commented on it. "Oh Bethany, you're going to love it!" She exclaimed.

"Thanks for bringing me too!" She told Sheridan. "You're welcome Jessica." Sheridan smiled at the girl. She really liked Jessica. She knew that the Bennett's were great parents, but it seemed as though Jessica was always overshadowed by Kay's more aggressive personality and her cousin Charity's many emotional problems. Bethany poked Jessica gently in the ribs. "Tell me!" She insisted. "No way!" Jessica giggled. "You'll find out soon enough." Bethany wasn't mad that Jessica wouldn't tell. She was too happy to be here with her Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and best friend on a beautiful summer day to care. Anywhere that they were taking her would be great.

She had been all over Europe and seen tons of museums and things, but she rarely went anywhere that could be called fun. Luis turned the Jeep off the main road and then Bethany saw it... a huge Ferris wheel. "We're going to a fair!" She exclaimed with excitement. "A real fair!" Sheridan and Luis smiled at each other, glad that she was so happy. Sheridan knew she'd never been to a fair before. For that matter, neither had she. The Crane's had always found fairs to be rather plebeian for their tastes.

Bethany was half out of the Jeep before Luis had the engine shut off. She stood there, her eyes huge as she looked at all the rides and buildings and people. Luis got the stroller from the back and Sheridan buckled Jenny into it and they went to the gate to go in. "We gotta go on the roller coaster!" Jessica insisted. Bethany eyed the frightening looking ride and frowned. "I don't know Jess...are you sure?" "Yeah, I've been on lots of coasters... come on!"

Jessica took her hand and towed her to the line waiting to board the ride. Bethany glanced back at Sheridan who was smiling encouragingly. She managed a small smile in return. It turned out that the wait while everybody got settled on the ride was the worst part. As soon as the coaster made the first plunge Bethany was hooked. The wind rushing through her hair and the quivering feeling in her stomach were like nothing she'd experienced before. She raised her arms and screamed into the wind like Jessica did and when the ride slid to a stop she hated to get off. "See, I told you it was fun." Jessica grinned. "Yeah! Let's go on that one now!" She pointed an en equally frightening looking ride and the girls took off.

Sheridan smiled at Luis. "I knew this was a good idea. She's so happy." "Yeah." Luis replied. "I can't believe neither of you have been to the fair before." Sheridan's smile faded just a little. "Well, believe it. This is just not something that 'proper families' do." She did a perfect imitation of Julian's voice inflections. "Well, I guess this is not a proper family then." Luis grinned. "Starting now this is an annual event for us. Next year we'll bring Justin too." He glanced at Jenny. "Let's take her on her first ride... the merry-go-round."

Sheridan looked at her husband nervously. "Are you sure? She's so little..." "Well, we'll go on with her. You're never too little for the merry-go-round." And Luis was right. Jenny sat happily on the horse with her Daddy's hands holding her steady, and giggled and chortled the whole time. They walked around the fair, watching the girls ride, looking at exhibits and animals, and playing games. Luis won all the kids stuffed animals throwing baseballs at a target and he even won Sheridan an old fashioned Kewpie doll. "You girls want to keep an eye on Jenny for a bit?" Luis asked. "Sure Uncle Luis. Where are you guys going?" Luis grinned at Sheridan. "I though maybe your aunt and I would try out the Ferris wheel."

The smile slid off Sheridan's face at the thought. "No Luis, that's alright. If you want to go on take Bethany." Luis took her arm. "Come on Honey, it's fun." "I don't think I'll like it Luis... it's so high..." Luis leaned close and whispered, "You'll be fine. I'll have my arms around you the whole time." Sheridan sighed. He wasn't going to give up until she tried it once. They settled into the seat and each time new passengers got on and their car rose higher Sheridan tightened her grip on Luis. "Honey, you're about to draw blood." He looked pointedly at her nails digging into his forearm. "I'm sorry Luis... I told you I didn't like it..."

He slid his arms around her and kissed her softly. "This is something you missed growing up Sheridan... snuggled here with the boy you like, stealing kisses up here where nobody can see you..." He kissed her again to illustrate his point and suddenly the ride didn't seem to be so bad. She snuggled close, looking at him rather than the fair which all seemed so far away. "So, how many girls have you kissed up here Luis?" Her voice held no trace of jealousy, only amusement. "Oh, I've lost count.. hundreds I'm sure." He grinned.

"Hundreds of girls I liked, but only one woman I love..." He kissed her again, just as the ride lurched to a start and Sheridan let out a squeak. Each time the huge wheel spun around Sheridan was let afraid and eventually she allowed herself to look out at the view. As they rounded the bottom they saw the girls waving at them and she managed to release her death grip on the railing long enough to wave back. Luis held her tightly, nuzzling her neck in such a way that she was finding it hard to even remember where she was never mind be afraid. She was almost disappointed when the ride slowed and began to let people off. "Thank you for making me come Luis." She whispered as she lay her head on his shoulder. "I'll never forget today." "Me either Honey."

It turned out that they would have another reason to not forget the day... It was dark when they left the fair. Jenny was asleep in the stroller and remained that way when Sheridan transferred her to the car seat. Bethany and Jessica climbed wearily into the Jeep, clutching the big stuffed dogs Luis had won and they were quiet most of the way home. As they neared the Bennett house Jessica asked, "Can Bethany sleep at my place tonight?"

It was not unusual for them to sleep over... half the time Jessica slept at their place and Sheridan agreed that it was fine. They dropped the girls off and headed to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house to pick up Justin. Before they could even get out of the Jeep Theresa flew from the house waving something wildly in her hand. Luis and Sheridan got out and Theresa stopped before them saying, a little breathlessly, "It's here!" She held the envelope up for them to see.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

Theresa stood before Luis and Sheridan waving a manilla envelope. Sheridan glanced at Luis and gave him a nervous smile. Now that the paper was right there in front of them she was almost considering not opening it at all. Luis saw her hesitation and took the letter from Theresa, slipping it inside his jacket. By unspoken agreement they decided to take the envelope home to open it. Sheridan climbed back into the Jeep to wait with Jenny while Luis went inside with Theresa. He returned a few moments later with a sleeping Justin all tucked into his carrier.

They drove home in silence and once there, they went about the nightly routine of getting the babies in bed. Finally Luis found Sheridan in the den, holding the envelope in her hands as though it might bite her. Sitting beside her, he slid an arm around her and asked, "Well Honey... are we going to open it?" Sheridan met his eyes with her own frightened ones. "We have to... we have to see if it reveals what Julian and Ivy are hiding." Her hands were trembling as she slit the envelope with her nail and pulled out the document inside. She swept her eyes over it, emitting a small gasp. "Oh my God..." She whispered.

"What?" Luis asked. "Bethany... she was adopted!" "Adopted by Julian?" Luis assumed the man had decided to give his wife's child a name. Sheridan shook her head in shock. "No... adopted outright. She is not Ivy's birth child at all!" Both of them were silent for a few seconds, rolling the information around in their minds, trying to make some sense of it. "Why?" Luis couldn't figure it out. "Why would they adopt a child? They already had three... and why keep it a secret?" Sheridan was still shaking her head in a mixture of confusion and shock. "I have no idea... it's as though they were trying to replace the baby they lost... but to adopt Bethany only a week later and try to pass her off as their own..."

Sheridan shuddered at the thought. "I still can't believe Ivy lost her baby too. Only a few days after I lost mine." She looked at Luis with sad eyes. "How could she hope to replace one child with another?" Luis shrugged. "I don't know... but that would explain the distance between Bethany and Ivy and Julian. You said yourself that the nannies raised her and Ivy rarely bothered with her. This was probably Alistair's idea and they didn't want Bethany to begin with." Sheridan narrowed her eyes. "But why would Alistair force an unwanted baby onto Ivy and Julian? There's no shame in having a stillborn baby... why bother?" She couldn't believe this. "Oh Luis... poor Ivy... still reeling from losing her baby and expected to welcome this baby into her heart... it's no wonder they never bonded."

"Don't feel sorry for her Sheridan... if you were in the same position you would've treated Bethany with every bit as much love as you would your own child. You practically did it with Bethany anyway. You told me you came home after losing your baby and that you used to pretend Bethany was yours. To this day you love her like she's your own." Sheridan couldn't dispute what he said and she nodded. "You're right... she is my daughter in my heart." She folded the paper up and slid it back into the envelope. "Now what Luis? Do we tell her she's adopted?" Luis mulled the question over in his mind before answering. "I think we should confront Julian and Ivy first.

Give them a chance to tell her themselves." Sheridan sighed. "They won't tell her. I know they won't. Julian is allergic to the truth and Ivy... well, she lacks a backbone when it comes to going against Alistair. And I believe you're right about Alistair being behind this." Sheridan looked over at her husband and offered him a weak smile. "You know what? At times like this I would be almost glad to discover I was adopted and didn't share blood with these people." Luis smiled back. "I know honey. But you aren't fourteen..." Sheridan sobered. "Yes, I know Luis. It's going to be difficult for Bethany no matter who tells her. I feel she deserves to know." "Alright Honey... so you'll tell her." Luis said simply.

"Come on honey, let's go to bed. It's been a long day." He stood, reaching for her hand. She took it and he tugged her up and into his arms, giving her a soft kiss. Together they moved through the house, turning off the lights, checking the doors and pausing in the babies rooms to watch them sleep a few moments. When they climbed into their own bed Sheridan cuddled close to Luis and he wrapped his warm, strong arms around her, enveloping her with his love. She was sad and distant, and he thought he knew why.

"You're thinking about your baby... the one you lost?" Sheridan nodded, her hair tickling his chest. "I know I've never really told you much about it Luis..." "You don't have to Sheridan... I know you aren't keeping secrets... it's just too painful." "It is painful Luis, but I... I want to talk to you about it. If you want to listen..." "Of course I want to listen honey..." Sheridan began to speak... "You know I was young, not quite fourteen when I got pregnant... but I want you to know I wasn't... well, I didn't sleep around Luis." "I never thought you did sweetheart." He whispered, kissing her forehead gently. "I was home from boarding school for the Christmas holidays... nobody really wanted me here but the school was closing for three weeks and it was just the easiest solution to bring me home I guess.

I never had many friends here in Harmony, but there was one girl that I knew, Sarah. She was from a wealthy family, not like ours, but wealthy nonetheless." Sheridan paused, sorting her thoughts and memories. "She was dating this boy that went to Harmony high... I forget his name right now... anyway, she was going to this costume party with him at the school. I have no idea why they were having a costume party at Christmas but they were. Sarah talked me into going with them and it seemed like fun."

"We got to the party and she went off with her boyfriend and left me standing by the wall. It was terrible... I didn't know anybody else and even if I had, most of the kids had masks and makeup anyway. I stood there, feeling miserable and almost ready to call home and have the car come for me, when a boy approached me. He asked me to dance and he was so nice luis. We danced several dances in a row." "He was friends with Sarah's boyfriend and the four of us ended up out in her boyfriends car. Her boyfriend had some liquor... vodka I guess and he was mixing it with juice. I never drank... only small sips of wine at dinner sometimes, but I really wanted to fit in. It was the first time I'd been part of group like that and I got caught up in it I guess."

"Everybody did... we were all beyond drunk in no time. I don't think this boy drank much either... he was pretty out of it like I was. Things were pretty fuzzy at this point and the next thing I know we are waking up in the back seat of his car and we're both naked. It was so humiliating Luis... I never even knew his name... Sarah and her boyfriend were calling him Berry, because he dyed his hair the color of a strawberry for the party and they thought that was hilarious because he hadn't known it was permanent and would last for weeks..."

Sheridan hadn't noticed that Luis had stopped responding to her story a while back. He was completely lost in thought and now she thought he was shocked and disgusted by her drunkard, wanton behaviour. "I know it's terrible Luis... I hate for you to think badly of me..." Luis was staring blankly at her, trying to absorb the story she was telling. He was shocked alright, but not at Sheridan's past behaviour. Something even more shocking was playing through his mind and he couldn't even answer Sheridan.

"Luis? Are you alright? Oh Luis, I'm so sorry. I never should've told you about this." She lay her head back down on his chest and hugged his stiff body. A tear rolled down her face as he didn't return the hug. He was disappointed with her... he thought less of her now and she hated that. 'Why don't I ever learn to keep my mouth shut?' She wondered. 'Oh man...' Luis thought. 'This is too much...'

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

Sheridan lay there in Luis' arms, knowing that he was disappointed with her. So disappointed that he couldn't even bring himself to hug her back. Tears rolled down Sheridan's face as she wished she'd never told him about that night. Luis was stunned. The story Sheridan had just laid out for him was beyond belief. Never in a million years would he ever have imagined such a thing. "Danni..." he whispered softly. Sheridan raised her head up from Luis' chest and looked at him with confusion. "How did you know Sarah used to call me Danni?" Luis didn't reply and Sheridan rolled the question around in her mind.

Luis was lost in thought. Sheridan was Danni... he remembered that night like it was yesterday. He remembered how cute she'd looked in her elf costume. Not very original, but VERY cute. She had stood against the wall, wearing a half mask over her face, but still Luis had seen she was nervous and uncertain. That worked out really well for him because he had been nervous and uncertain about asking her to dance. Later, in the back of Hank's car, for he had been Sarah's boyfriend, things got fuzzy for him too. He had also been unused to drinking, but he'd been so nervous there in the back-seat with Danni, watching Hank and Sarah making out in the front, that he had gotten carried away with the alcohol.

Like Sheridan, the next he remembered was waking up in the back of his own car and being so ashamed and embarrassed that he hadn't even looked her in the eye. And that had been the last time he'd seen Danni despite the fact that he'd badgered Sarah to set them up again. He broke back into reality as he heard Sheridan gasp. She was looking at him , pale and uncertain, and she whispered... "It was you... you're Berry...it was you..." Luis nodded slowly, sitting up and looking into his wife's eyes. "I didn't know Sheridan... I didn't know until just now." Sheridan gave him a weak smile. "I know Luis. I know you didn't. I didn't either."

Luis reached out and stroked her face softly. "If I had known about the baby I would've been there for you..." He frowned. "I tried to get Sarah to get us together again Sheridan... she wouldn't." Sheridan gave him a repentant look. "I asked her not to Luis. She didn't know about the baby... nobody but my father and Julian and Ivy knew. I Couldn't tell Sarah the real reason why I couldn't see you again so I told her that I didn't like you." She looked down at her hands where she was absently wringing the sheet between them. "Oh Luis, I'm so sorry."

Luis shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry about Sheridan... I'm the one that's sorry you had to go through that alone. I know we were young but I would've stood by you." "I know Luis." Sheridan gazed at him lovingly. "I know you would have, because you are the most wonderful man I've ever known. I'm so sorry I lost our baby..." Suddenly, knowing the child had been Luis' made the pain sharper in her heart. Luis just realized the baby was his...really realized it. He had lost a child that he hadn't even known about so how could it hurt so much? It had something to do with the fact that the child had been part of his and Sheridan's love.

Despite the fact that they hadn't realized it, that night had been the beginning for them. It bonded them forever and now that they knew about it things were forever changed. "Sheridan, please don't feel that way Honey. You did nothing wrong to lose that baby. It was just meant to be that way." Sheridan shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No Luis. You don't know that. There might have been something I could've done. Something that would have allowed our daughter to live. Imagine Luis... if she had lived she would be here now... a part of our lives. Our daughter..."

Luis pulled her into his arms. "Shhh.... Sweetheart, take it easy." Luis' heart was aching, both for his wife's pain and for the daughter he would never know. He wondered what she would look like... perhaps like Sheridan, all blond hair and blue eyes and with her sweet smile. Then again she could favor him, looking more like Theresa, with dark hair and big beautiful dark eyes. His heart constricted in pain... he would never know what his child had looked like.

Luis' arms felt so good around Sheridan, but they weren't enough to chase away the hurt and emptiness she still felt when she thought about her child. She knew those feelings would never go away and now that she had Luis sharing her pain she knew they wouldn't leave him either. Now they would be forever bonded by loss as well as love. Justin's high pitched wail snapped them out of their reveries and Luis climbed out of bed to get him. Moments later he returned with the hungry little boy, handing him to Sheridan who began to breastfeed.

Luis sat there beside her, watching his son suckle and if asked the day before he would have said he couldn't love his kids any more if he tried he would have been wrong. Knowing what he had lost made his love for Justin and Jennifer all that much stronger and he knew how lucky he was to have them in his life. Sheridan must have been thinking the same thing as she watched her boy nurse because she looked up at Luis and said softly, "Luis, go get Jenny..." Luis just nodded, and went to get their daughter. He brought the sleeping bundle, all warm and flushed in her fuzzy sleepers and snuggled back in the big bed with her. When Justin was finished eating Sheridan lay him down between them beside his sister and both she and Luis lay there for a long time, gazing at their children and counting their blessings.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

The next morning Sheridan and Luis woke up, remembering instantly the night before and all its revelations. Not only did they have to deal with discovering Bethany was adopted, they also had to work through the realization that Luis had fathered Sheridan's baby all those years ago. Together they went through the usual Saturday morning routine, making breakfast and getting the babies ready for the day. They didn't speak of last night, knowing that Bethany would return from the Bennetts soon and they really needed to decide what to do about her. "Are you going to tell her?" Luis asked, wiping the remains of Jenny's cereal off of his shirt.

Sheridan didn't answer right away. She continued emptying the dishwasher as she mulled the question around. Finally she let the door close with a bang and turned to her husband. "I don't see that I have much choice Luis. She deserves to know and there is no way that Julian and Ivy will tell her. She's not a child anymore... it's her right to know." Luis nodded. "As long as you are sure it's not going to hurt her." He pulled Jenny out of her high chair and set her on the floor where she promptly went to the cupboard and began pulling out pots.

Sheridan smiled indulgently at the little girl before replying. " I think it will hurt her more if she finds out later and discovers that I knew. In her whole life Luis I am the only one who's ever really been honest with her. I can't keep this a secret Luis. I agree that in hindsight it may have been better to leave the whole mess alone, but now that we know I am going to tell Bethany the truth." "Tell me the truth about what?" Bethany stood in the doorway, looking rumpled in pajamas and robe she'd borrowed from Jessica and toting yesterdays clothes. "What do you need to tell me?"

Her bright eyes flashed with curiosity, certain that it must be something good. She looked at Luis and Sheridan, and her good feelings slid away as she noticed the grim looks on their faces. "Come on Auntie Sher... tell me." Bethany was scared. She wondered first if something terrible had happened to somebody she knew. Sheridan looked over at Luis and he just nodded and took Jenny, going into the other room. "Auntie Sher... you're scaring me... what's wrong?" "I'm sorry Sweetie... I didn't mean to scare you. Nothing's wrong... nothing bad has happened I mean. Have you eaten? I can fix you some breakfast..." Bethany recognized a stall tactic when she saw it. She had seem more than her share from her parents. "Auntie Sher... you're acting like Father... evasive. I already had breakfast. Please tell me what's going on."

Sheridan took a deep breath and indicated the table. "Sit down Sweetie." Sheridan sat across from Bethany and tried to gather her thoughts into some kind of order. "Alright, remember when we were in my hospital room and you thought it was neat that we shared the same blood type? I told you it must have been a mistake because I knew Ivy and Julian's types and it wasn't possible?" Bethany nodded. "Yeah... did you check it out? They made a mistake typing my blood and I need a blood test now?" She made a face, hating needles. "It's okay Auntie Sher... I'll take the test. They aren't that bad." Sheridan gave her a weak smile.

"You don't have to take a blood test Bethy... you were right about your blood type. The thing is that you cannot be Julian and Ivy's daughter." Bethany's eyes widened and her mouth gaped a moment. "Oh my God... Mother had an affair?" Bethany didn't know what to think about that. Despite the fact that Julian was cold and never paid her any attention he was still her father and she loved him. She looked at Sheridan as a question screamed inside her head. "Auntie Sher... who is my father then?" Sheridan took a ragged breath, seeing that this was already hurting her precious niece and it was only going to get worse. She decided perhaps the best thing to do was just straight out tell her the bottom line. "Bethy, your mother didn't have an affair. You were adopted."

The word hit Bethany with the force of a train. Adopted. Neither of her parents were really her parents. She couldn't speak, it seemed as though she couldn't breath. All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart as she sat there, staring at her aunt in shock. She was vaguely aware of Sheridan moving around the table, kneeling beside the chair and embracing her, but she couldn't respond. Sheridan held the girl in her arms and whispered, "It's alright Sweetie... I promise it will be alright." Sheridan hoped she could keep the promise. Bethany was stiff in her arms, and she was still gazing straight ahead, her eyes unseeing.

Bethany was working things over in her mind. It wasn't right... if she was adopted then why did her parents seem to not want her around? "Why?" She mumbled. "Why what sweetie?" Sheridan pulled back a little, smoothing some stray strands of hair back from Bethany's face. She looked into the girls eyes, thankful that they were starting to clear, losing that dazed look. "Why would they adopt me and not want me after?" Bethany asked bluntly. She looked at Sheridan, hoping for some miraculous answer that would straighten everything out in her mind. Sheridan was not about to tell the girl what she and Luis believed. It would only hurt Bethany even more to think that her parents had been 'forced' by Alistair to adopt her. Besides, she and Luis had no proof of that anyway. "Sweetheart," She said gently.

"You know how they are... it's not that they don't want you. They love you very much in the best way they know how. They sent all their children away to school and never showed much interest." "Not Ethan. Mother loves Ethan the way that you love me." Bethany surprised Sheridan with her astute comment. "She has always been all about Ethan and the rest of us get pushed aside. Maybe we're all adopted but Ethan and that's why she loves him?" Sheridan hadn't considered the fact that the other children could've been adopted too. "I don't know Bethy... all I know is that you were adopted." Sheridan watched Bethany carefully, looking for signs that she was going to have problems dealing with this information. Actually she seemed to be handling it very well so far.

Then something occured to Bethany and she looked at Sheridan with her face in complete despair. "Auntie Sher... if they aren't my parents... well, that means that you aren't my aunt. We're just STRANGERS." Bethany wailed the last word like her heart was splitting in two. Sheridan pulled her close again and smoothed her back, rocking her gently. "No Sweetheart... we aren't strangers. I will always be your aunt, no matter what. Always, because you are right here in my heart and I love you so much." "I love you too Auntie Sher..." Bethany sobbed.

All her life the only thing about being a Crane that she'd ever considered good was the fact that she had Sheridan for an aunt. She knew Sheridan loved her even if she wasn't her real niece, but it just wasn't the same. She also knew she should be upset that her parents weren't her real parents, but she seemed to be able to process that information with little difficulty. What was really hurting was that she had lost the best thing in her life... her Auntie Sher.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

"I'm worried about Bethany." Sheridan said to Luis that night as they got ready for bed. She striped off her clothes and slid on a silky pink nightie. "What about?" Luis poked his head around the corner from the bathroom and mumbled around a mouthful of toothpaste. Sheridan sighed, moving to the doorway and watching him in the mirror as he brushed his teeth. "She's taking the whole thing too well. After the initial shock she just seemed to accept it and... well, I'm just worried, that's all."

Luis finished brushing, rinsed his mouth and turned to Sheridan, taking her into his arms. "It's probably just too much for her to process right now Honey. Once she has time to think things through I'm sure you'll see a different reaction." He kissed her softly and moved around her to the bed. "Come on Honey, get some sleep and try not to worry too much." Sheridan nodded, "Alright Luis. Just give me a few minutes..." She went into the bathroom and closed the door. Once inside she gazed into the mirror, thinking about Bethany still. "What have you done Sheridan? Why couldn't you have just left it alone?" She whispered, as a tear slid down her cheek. She sat down on the toilet lid, put her face in her hands and began to cry.

Down the hall someone else was also crying silent tears. Bethany sobbed into her pillow, hoping nobody could hear her. All day she had held her tears at bay, putting up a strong front for her aunt and uncle. She'd seen them both throwing her concerned looks, but she had pretended not to notice. She knew Auntie Sher was particularly worried and whenever Bethany caught her looking she made sure to be smiling. The smiles only seemed to worry Auntie Sher more though, for some reason.

Bethany couldn't believe this whole thing... adopted... it wasn't possible. But it was true... Bethany knew that her aunt would never have said anything were she not absolutely certain. The question that bothered Bethany was 'why?'. Why would her parents have adopted a child they obviously didn't want? Her childhood made so much more sense now. She knew why her mother showed about as much interest in her as she would have in the neighbors children, if the Crane's had any neighbors that is. She knew why her father did his best to pretend she wasn't there, and his best was very well done indeed. She knew why she'd always felt like she didn't belong... like an outsider.

Bethany reached under her bed and pulled out her photo album. She never travelled without it, and looked at it often. The first page held a baby picture. Not the new-born 'hospital' kind of picture she had seen of her sister and brothers, but one taken when she was a few days old. Now she knew why there was no hospital photo of her. The next page held a picture of her, with Ethan, who was about 10, holding her proudly. There were several family pictures, with everyone dressed to the nines and smiling for a professional photographer. The smiles were there, but nobody really seemed happy.

There were some pictures of Luis and Sheridan... of their wedding and with Jenny and Justin. Also a few with Bethany holding Jenny and Justin. Everybody in these family pictures was smiling and Bethany knew these smiles were genuine and not meant to display the perfect family on the front of the annual Christmas card like the ones of her family. Then Bethany came to the pictures she liked best. The ones of her and Auntie Sher. Everytime Auntie Sher had visited her at boarding school they had taken pictures. The next several pages were filled with the images of a beautiful blond woman and an equally beautiful blond girl of different ages.

Finally the last page. There was a picture of Bethany at age 8 and a picture of Sheridan at the same age. If not for the age of the photographs and the clothing they wore people would not be able to guess which was which. Everyone at school had asked if Sheridan was her twin when they saw the pictures. Bethany looked at the photos in confusion, wondering how they could possibly look so much alike when she was adopted. What an unbelievable coincidence... or was it?

Luis and Sheridan lay in bed, Luis' arms wrapped around her as they spooned together. "Luis? Are you asleep?" Sheridan asked, after laying there trying to sleep for what seemed like ages. Luis had been almost asleep, but he dragged himself back to reality. "Nope." He knew she was worried, but he also knew there was nothing she could do until Bethany decided she was ready to talk. "Do you really think she's alright?" Sheridan asked softly. "Maybe I should go and check on her."

She rolled over in his arms and gazed at the grey image of his face that she could just make out in the dark. "What do you think?" "Honey, I think Justin is going to be waking us up in a couple of hours so we need a bit of sleep. I also think that you and Bethany are so close that as soon as she's ready to open up about this she will let you know." Sheridan knew he was right. "I know." She agreed grudgingly. "You're right. It's Bethany's call and she will talk when she's ready." She rolled back over again, snuggling up against Luis' warm body and closed her eyes. "Goodnight Luis."

"Goodnight Honey." Luis kissed her neck and closed his eyes too. He was almost asleep again when a voice startled him and he felt Sheridan sit bolt upright in bed. "Auntie Sher! Auntie Sher! Come quick." Bethany was calling.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

"Auntie Sher! Auntie Sher..." Sheridan and Luis sat up in bed, sleep now the furthest thing on their minds. They could hear Bethany's voice getting closer as the girl came down the hall to their room and moments later she burst through the doorway. "Auntie Sher... Uncle Luis... wait until you see what I found." Bethany moved to the bed, thrusting the photo album at her aunt. Sheridan took it and looked curiously at Bethany. Was the girl losing her mind? "What is it Sweetie? Calm down."

Bethany plopped down on the bed beside Sheridan. "Look..." She began flipping through the pages of the album until she came to the page with the pictures of her and Sheridan, both about eight years old. "Look at these pictures!" Sheridan smiled a little. They were also some of her favorite photographs. "Yes, I like these shots too Bethany, but why all the excitement?" She glanced over at Luis with a look that was part worry and part amusement.

Bethany took a deep breath. "Well, we really look a lot alike, right? Almost like twins. Don't we Uncle Luis?" Luis had no choice but to agree... the photos were amazingly close. "Ok," Bethany continued, "So, if I am not really a Crane, then how can we look so much alike?" Sheridan gave her a wistful smile. "Sweetie, it's just one of those nice coincidences." Bethany shook her head. "No, I don't think so Auntie Sher. I was thinking about it and I realized what happened. You're my mother... you gave me to Mother and Father because you were too young to have a baby. Your baby didn't die after all... you just made that part up. That's why you love me so much. I'm right, aren't I?"

Sheridan felt her heart stop. She would've given anything to be able to nod and tell Bethany that she was right. Anything. "Bethany, no. No, my baby died Sweetie." Sheridan reached out her hand toward Bethany but the girl pulled away. "NO! NO! You're lying to me! You're lying and I know it!" Bethany screamed, tears flowing down her face. "You always said you would never lie to me, but you did! My whole life is a lie!" She flew from the bedroom.

Sheridan and Luis sat there, dumbstruck, as they heard Bethany run down the stairs and then they heard the front door slam. "Luis, what are we going to do? We have to go after her." Sheridan started to climb out of bed, but Luis held her back. "I don't think so Honey. She needs time to cool down and realize how crazy the idea is. Besides, you'll never catch her now. She's probably about three blocks away."

Luis was wrong. Bethany was four blocks away by then. She came to a stop, gasping for breath and swiping furiously at her tears. This was stupid... crying like this. She should've known that Sheridan wouldn't want her either. Sheridan had always treated her like a daughter, but when push came to shove she didn't want Bethany. Nobody wanted her. She should be used to it by now, but somehow this was different. This was Sheridan.

Bethany started walking again, moving in the direction of the park. She didn't care where she was going though. She had nowhere to go... nowhere she truly belonged anyway. She understood why Sheridan had given her away... she'd been so young and all. What she couldn't understand was why Sheridan was denying being her mother now when it was so obvious. Bethany came to the park and sank down onto a bench near the overlook. She listened to the waves crashing against the rocks below and for just an instant she wondered if anyone would even miss her if she just threw herself over the railing onto the shore. Bethany shook her head... she couldn't do that. Nothing was that bad... at least, not yet.

Sheridan stood in the window watching for Bethany to return. "What if she doesn't come back Luis? What if something happens to her?" "She'll come back Honey. She knows how much you love her." Luis came up behind Sheridan, wrapping his arms around her. "I do love her. I... God, Luis. I never would've given away my child if she had lived. Bethany will have to come to realize that, right?" Luis didn't answer and Sheridan turned to face him.

"Luis... you believe me, don't you?" Luis nodded. "Of course I believe you Honey. But I can understand why Bethany would believe you were lying. Those pictures are incredibly similar and you add that to the timing and the closeness the two of you share and it's hard to dispute." Sheridan shook her head as a few tears crawled down her face. "But Luis, I know our baby died. I held her lifeless body in my arms... I saw her buried Luis... she's dead." Luis took Sheridan into his arms and held her close, pressing comfort kisses into her hair. "I lost our child Luis... I can't lose Bethany too."

"You won't lose her Sheridan. She'll come back and we'll convince her she made a mistake. She's just had too much to deal with today and she isn't thinking straight." That was certainly the truth... Bethany wasn't thinking straight. All she could think of was that she had to get away from Harmony. There was nothing for her here and there was no way she was going back to Sheridan and Luis' when they were lying right to her face. She didn't need them... she didn't need anybody anymore. She got up from the bench and started across town to the Crane mansion. She knew where her father had a stash of money and once she had a bit of cash she could disappear and nobody would ever find her.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

Bethany ran up the driveway and let herself into the servants entrance to the mansion. As she had hoped the kitchen staff had all retired for the evening and the big kitchen was empty. She went up the back stairs to the second floor and went to her bedroom. Even though she hadn't been home in well over a year all her things were still there. She took a backpack from her closet and slipped some clothes she was sure would still fit inside it. On her way from the room she paused by the dresser. Her hand reached out and trembled a little as she picked up a framed picture of her and Sheridan. A lone tear trickled down her face and she almost slipped the picture into her backpack.

She changed her mind and lay it back on the dresser, face down. Sheridan was lying to her and she didn't want her around. Bethany hardened her heart a little and forced herself to leave the picture there as she slipped from her room and went cautiously down the front stairs. It was late and she was certain everybody would be in bed, but one could never be sure. The downstairs seemed deserted and she went into her father's study. Long ago while snooping around in there she had discovered a secret compartment in the back of his desk. Then there had been a wad of cash there... she just hoped it was still there. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief when her hand closed around a roll of bills.

She pulled it out, counting it quickly. Almost four thousand dollers! Bethany couldn't believe even her father had that much cash just lying around. That would be more than enough for Bethany to live on until she figured out what to do. She put the money in the backpack, trailed through the house back to the kitchen, where she raided the fridge for apples and soda before slipping back out into the night. She ran back down the driveway, annoyed that it had started to rain. She would be soaked by the time she got to the bus station. It was colder too, and starting to get foggy.

She tired of running, resigned herself to the fact that she was going to be soaked anyway and slowed to a walk. She wracked her brain, trying to decide what she was going to do... where she was going to go. She knew better than to try and go someplace like New York. Runaways there either got killed or became prostitutes and Bethany wasn't very keen on either of those options. Still, she also knew she needed to go someplace large enough that she could blend in and not be noticed. She snorted out loud. That shouldn't be too hard. She had spent her whole life not being noticed.

Sheridan didn't sleep. She didn't sit down. She didn't relax or drink the tea Luis made her or any of the other things he suggested to ease her worries. Instead she paced, she chewed on her bottom lip until it bled and she looked at her watch at least once every three minutes. "Luis, she isn't coming back." "I'll go out and look for her..." Luis knew Sheridan wouldn't calm down until Bethany was back standing in front of her. He knew a couple of places to look... starting with the Bennett house. He knew that Jessica would stash Bethany there without much convincing. If she wasn't there he would head to the Crane estate after that... well, he would find her...that was all there was to it.

He shrugged into his police jacket and went to Sheridan, pulling her into his arms and holding her close for a moment. She leaned into him, trying to glean some of his strength, perhaps. He gave her a brief kiss and looked into her eyes. "I'll find her... she'll be fine, you'll see." He gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile before opening the door. The night had turned nasty very quickly... the wind was howling and rain pounded to the ground. Everything was rather misty and foggy... Luis could barely see the Bennett's house across the street. "Oh, Luis... what if she's out in this? She doesn't even have her jacket..." Sheridan whispered through her tears.

"I'm sure she has sense enough to get shelter somewhere. Try to calm down Honey. I'll be back soon." He stepped off the porch, heading across the street to wake up the Bennett's. Bethany was still out in the storm... she had sense enough to want shelter... she just couldn't think of anywhere to go. So she continued her trek across town to the bus station. By now she was soaked through, and shivering. She wished she'd thought to get a coat from the mansion, but it was too late for that now. She had never been so miserable in her life... and she had a lot of miserable moments to compare this to. Her shoes squished with every step and she could hardly feel her toes now.

The rain streamed down her face and off her hair and she knew she looked every bit the part of the runaway that she now was. She only hoped she didn't look so bad that the man at the bus station wouldn't sell her a ticket. She was so tired, and emotionally drained that she just plodded along down the sidewalk. Images of the night flashed through her mind... Sheridan lying to her in particular. And she was still confused about her thoughts on being adopted. The whole thing made no sense to her at all. She always felt unwanted by her parents, yet they had adopted her.

The only thing that truly made sense was that she was actually Sheridan's child. Grandfather Alistair would've taken the baby from Sheridan, her being so young and he always wanting to avoid scandal. What better way to keep her in the family and avoid scandal then by having Julian and Ivy secretly adopt her? It all sounded very like Grandfather.

The bus station was finally close enough to see and Bethany quickened her step a little. She would still be soaked, but at least it would be warmer inside. She was so anxious to reach the warmth that she stepped off the curb without looking. She was instantly blinded by the flash of headlights on the big sedan that came around the corner, going much too fast in such horrid weather. The last thing Bethany remembered was that flash of light and a quick, hard pain.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

Luis was cruising slowly by the park, feeling more concerned for Bethany by the minute. He'd honestly expected her to be holed up at the Bennett's, but after waking the entire family Jessica had sworn she hadn't seen Bethany and Luis believed her. At least Sam was out looking for the girl too now. The park seemed to be deserted and Luis sighed in frustration. His cell phone lay beside him on the seat and when it rang he had a surge of hope. Maybe it was Sheridan, calling to say that Bethany had returned. It was Sheridan, but it wasn't good news.

Sheridan was borderline hysterical. "Luis... you need to meet me at the hospital... it's Bethany... Oh God Luis, she was hit by a car..." "Sheridan, calm down Honey... where are you?" Luis felt sick... he'd been so sure Bethany would come home safely. "At home... I called Grace... she's going to come with me to the hospital. The girls are going to come over here and stay with Jenny and Justin." "Ok, good. I don't want you driving. I'll be there as soon as I can. She'll be fine Sheridan... she's a tough kid." Luis disconnected the call and pulled u-turn in the empty street, heading back toward the hospital.

Sheridan was in utter panic. When the hospital called she had expected it to be Luis, saying he'd found Bethany. Instead she had gotten a detached, if sympathetic, receptionist from the hospital. There was no information on Bethany's condition yet and Sheridan was imagining the worst. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and she opened it to admit Grace and the girls. She murmured some quick instructions to Jess, Kay and Charity before hurrying with Grace to her car. It took all Sheridan's strength to refrain from urging Grace to drive faster. It seemed to take forever to go the several blocks and the station wagon felt as though it were crawling, when in fact, Grace was exceeding the limit.

She was out of the car before it was completely stopped and as she ran toward the emergency entrance she heard Grace closing the car doors and following behind. "I'm here for Bethany Crane?" She said, rushing to the desk. The receptionist looked up and nodded. "The doctor was waiting for you... are you her mother?" "No," Sheridan admitted, wishing she were. "Her mother isn't available. She is under my care." Sheridan had no idea where Julian and Ivy were... the servants claimed not to know either when she had called the mansion after talking to Luis. She followed the directions the receptionist gave her and sat in the little room waiting for the doctors. Grace arrived and sat, holding her hand. "She'll be fine Sheridan. She will, I can feel it."

Sheridan tried to believe her friend, but it was hard to think positive. Sheridan was well practiced in expecting and receiving the worst. Luis and her children were the exceptions in that pattern and lately her life was simply going to well. After a small eternity the doctor appeared and spoke with Sheridan. "She is alright," he assured her as Sheridan jumped from the couch and approached him. "She has a broken leg, a broken wrist and three broken ribs. She also has a nasty head wound, but she is awake and reasonably alert, considering the amount of pain medication she has in her system." "Thank God." Sheridan allowed herself a deep breath for the first time since she'd received the call. "Can I see her?"

"I'm afraid not..." The doctor hesitated. "Why?" Sheridan felt a new surge of panic. "I thought she was alright?" The doctor looked at her sympathetically. "She specifically told me that she doesn't want to see you. Or her parents either. She wouldn't say why..." Sheridan felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. "But surely you'll let me go in anyway? She shouldn't be alone..." The doctor was already shaking his head. "For her parents I would have to override her wishes, but you are merely her aunt. I'm sorry. Perhaps she would see your friend?" He looked over at Grace questioningly. Sheridan turned to Grace. "Would you go see her? Tell her that I love her and I want to see her? If nothing else you can tell me how she seems..." Sheridan pleaded tearfully.

"Of course I will Sheridan." Grace came and gave Sheridan a hug. "Whatever it is, she'll get over it. This is how teenagers are." Grace tried to reassure Sheridan. Sheridan nodded and watched the doctor lead Grace down the hall. Just then Luis appeared in the hallway and Sheridan fell into his embrace, sobbing... Grace opened the door cautiously and peered inside. Bethany was in the bed, surrounded by machines. Her leg and lower arm were wrapped in casts and she had a huge bandage on her head. She looked very small and very alone and Graces motherly instincts kicked into high gear. "Bethany... oh Sweetie..." Grace moved to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She took Bethany's good hand and held it gently. "How are you Sweetie? Much pain?" Bethany shook her head just a little. "No Mrs. Bennett. The doctor gave me something for the pain."

"Bethany, your aunt Sheridan is out there... she's very worried and she wants to see you." "I don't have an aunt. I don't have parents. I don't have any family anymore." Bethany tried to sound strong, despite the fact that she desperately wanted Sheridan there. Sheridan would wrap her arms around Bethany, enveloping her in love and the scent of her perfume that Bethany liked so much. NO! No, Sheridan didn't love her... Sheridan lied to her. Bethany forced herself to remember that and looked right into Grace's eyes. "I have no family!" She repeated firmly.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 20:

Sheridan paced back and forth in the waiting area while Grace watched her with concern. "Why? Why will Bethany see Luis and not me?" Sheridan looked at Grace with pleading eyes, begging for any logical reason. Grace was surprised herself when Bethany had asked her if Luis was there just before she left the girls room. Bethany had asked to see him if he was. Grace looked sadly at Sheridan. "I don't know Sheridan. I asked her, and she wouldn't say. I don't understand this Sheridan. You two are so close..." "Were so close." Sheridan said dismally. "She thinks I lied to her about something important."

"And did you?" Graces voice was curious, but not judgmental. "No. I have never lied to Bethany about anything and it hurts so much to have her believe that I would do that. Especially about something very important." Sheridan stopped in front of the window, wrapping her arms around herself as a chill washed over her. "She hates me Grace." Her voice was so sad and morose that Grace went to her and enveloped her in a hug. "She doesn't hate you Sheridan. She'll get over it." "I hate her!" Bethany said to Luis, mentally willing her tears to remain at bay. "You don't hate her Bethany. If you would think about it you would realize how crazy it is. Sheridan is not your mother." Luis said soothingly.

Bethany shook her head a little. "She has you fooled too. She just wants me hidden away so she doesn't have the shame of an illegitimate baby." Luis was silent for a minute. "Bethany, if that baby had survived it wouldn't be illegitimate. It would be my child." "Thats so nice of you Uncle Luis... I know you would treat me like a daughter if she would only admit the truth." "No... the baby Sheridan lost was my baby Bethany. It was our baby. And she died... Sheridan lost that baby Bethany." Bethany looked at Luis in amazement. "You are my father?" "No Bethany. The baby died. Sheridan would never lie to us about anything, never mind something like this. I have held her in my arms while she sobbed over that baby Bethany. She died."

Luis' voice had a pleading note. He knew Sheridan was going crazy out in the waiting area. Sheridan needed to see Bethany for herself, to be sure she was alright. "Bethany... please talk to her. She isn't lying about this, trust me." Bethany lay there, looking up at Luis and wanting so badly to believe him. But she had the pictures in her album that were practically proof. She didn't understand how they could dispute her claim when she and Sheridan were practically twins. "I'm sorry Uncle Luis, but she has to be lying, and unless she wants to come in here and admit it then I don't want to see her. Not now, not ever."

Luis sighed, knowing that Sheridan wouldn't admit to a lie, not even to see Bethany. He leaned back in the chair and looked at the pretty blonde girl. She really did resemble Sheridan alot... almost uncannily. Especially now, as she stared at a spot on the wall. She had the same stubborn look on her face that Sheridan got when she was being a mule. That coupled with the arrogant tilt to her head was nothing short of amazing. Luis almost smiled as he watched her. This kid was really something else and he loved her like a daughter now too. He would give anything for Bethany's theory to be correct and that he was really her father. He knew, without a doubt, that Sheridan wasn't lying to them... there was just no way she would do that.

"Bethany... what if we have a blood test done? You'll see that you're off base here and then you'll see Sheridan... and apologize?" Luis hoped Sheridan would agree to do the test, then he pushed that thought to the back of his mind. She would agree. Bethany looked at Luis. "And what if I'm right? What if I am your daughter and she's been lying?" Luis looked into the girls eyes. "If she says you aren't her daughter then you aren't. It won't come back positive Bethany." "But what if it does?" The stubbornness returned to Bethany's eyes as she demanded an answer. Luis didn't want to think about what that would mean to his marriage... it would mean Sheridan had lied to him.

He avoided that part and focussed on Bethany. "Then I will be your father. But no matter what happens I'm always going to be here for you. I love you kiddo." "I love you too Uncle Luis." Bethany whispered as Luis leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You get some rest... I'll get the test set up." "Alright... thanks Uncle Luis... I knew you would believe me... at least a little bit." Sheridan flew to Luis' side as soon as she spotted him. "How is she? Does she seem ok? how does she look?" Luis gave her a reassuring hug and replied, "She's going to be just fine Honey. She's not in too much pain and she looks real good." Sheridan pinned Luis with a sharp eye. She knew him better than anyone in the world and she could sense he was withholding something. "What aren't you telling me Luis?"

Luis sighed. "I told her we would do a blood test to prove she's our daughter... I mean that she isn't our daughter. Look Sheridan, it's the only way she will agree to even see you." Sheridan nodded. "Of course. A DNA test. That will show her without a doubt that I am not her mother." Sheridan smiled happily. The huge smile and the look of relief on her face drove the tiny niggling of doubt Luis had from his head. She was telling the truth. He knew that now. Everything was going to be just fine. Luis held Sheridan in his arms and she returned the hug. As soon as the DNA test was done everything would be fine.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 21:

"What do you mean it's positive?" Sheridan looked at the doctor as though he were crazy. "It can't be positive! My baby died. There is a mistake." She looked over at Luis who was staring at her with an unreadable expression. "Tell him Luis...tell him our child died!" "I assure you there is no mistake. The DNA test came back a 99.8 percent chance that your husband is the father and 99.9 percent that you are the girls mother. You can choose to have the test done again elsewhere, but I am certain the results are correct." The doctor looked at Sheridan curiously, his head cocked at a funny angle. "If you don't mind my asking, why aren't you glad about the results? You've been here for the past two days worried sick about the girl."

Sheridan sighed. "It's not that I am not glad. I know that my baby died. I held her tiny body in my arms and later I watched as she was buried." Tears rolled down her face. She was so confused that she didn't know what to do with herself. She wrapped her arms around herself and looked pleadingly at Luis. He was looking at her as though he couldn't bear the sight of her. The doctor excused himself and Sheridan moved to Luis. "Luis...?" "Sheridan," Luis' voice almost dripped with pain. "How could you lie about something so important? I thought I knew you... I can't believe this..." He stood and headed to the door. "Luis, I didn't lie... please Luis... where are you going?" Sheridan sobbed, grabbing his arm and clinging to him. He withdrew his arm from her grasp and didn't meet her eyes. "To get away from you. I'm going to see my daughter. You don't have to bother. She won't see you after I tell her the results. I don't blame her... how could you Sheridan?"

Luis didn't wait for a response, he just walked out, heading down the hall to Bethany's room. To his daughters room. His heart was mixed... part of it breaking from the pain of Sheridan's betrayal and the other part fluttering with excitement at discovering that his daughter was very much alive. He opened the door to her room and she smiled, shifting in bed to get more comfortable. "Did the results come back?" Luis nodded. "Yes they did. You were right kiddo... you are our daughter." Bethany couldn't believe it. Even though she had been adamant about it she hadn't been certain. Now she had proof that she was Sheridan and Luis' baby. "Oh God," she whispered. Luis moved to the bed and said softly, "You're my daughter...." He leaned over and gave her a gentle hug, careful not to jostle her sore arm.

Bethany hugged him back with her good arm as tears rolled down her face. This man that had shown her more love in a few months than Julian had in 14 years was her father. And Sheridan was her mother... Suddenly Bethany pulled away and her voice was cold. "She lied to us. She lied...I knew it." She looked at Luis. "Why? I thought she loved me... why doesn't she want me?" Luis wished he had an answer. "I don't know Bethany. I would've bet my life that she would never lie to me..." He looked away sadly. "We promised each other we would never keep secrets." And this was a whopper of a secret. He couldn't figure it out either. Sheridan had talked about Bethany with such love, and she had voiced her desire to keep Bethany with them instead of sending her back to Europe. Why not lay her claim to the girl and then Julian and Ivy wouldn't be able to send her away?

Sheridan sat on the couch in the waiting room all alone. Tears stained her face as she tried to assimilate her thoughts and process what she'd just found out. Luis thought she'd lied, and so did Bethany. Sheridan didn't understand what had happened. She knew her child was dead. The moment she'd held that cold, still little body in her arms would remain forever etched in her mind and heart. She could still feel the desolate emptiness she felt in her soul as she stood in the misty rain and watched as the tiny coffin was slowly lowered into the ground.

She had returned to the grave many times... she could see the headstone in her mind now. There were two small angels carved in the granite and it said simply Baby Crane. Grandfather had insisted that no name be put on the stone so the press wouldn't discover the secret. In her heart Sheridan had always thought of the baby as Emily though. That was it...Sheridan suddenly knew what she had to do to make Luis believe her. She would show him the grave. He would know she wasn't lying then... he couldn't dispute what he saw with his own eyes.

To Be Continued...