Luis woke up first. He rolled over and watched Madison – Sheridan – sleep beside him. He wished that it didn’t have to end. In such a short time, he would be gone back to Harmony alone, leaving her here by herself. That was when the idea first came to him. He shrugged it off, thinking it was just too crazy, she would never agree. But he couldn’t seem to get rid of it, and eventually thought it through, deciding it was worth a try. Just to make sure though, he would wait for a few days before mentioning it.

During the week that Luis was there, he stayed with Sheridan. She had to work most days, so he went to see her all the time. Sheridan’s friend – the blond waitress who had given Luis her address – knew him now. Her name was Glory Watson. Glory and Sheridan had become friends the first week Sheridan had moved, Luis learned from many conversations with the blond girl. Glory helped her find a job and an apartment. Glory was great – once, Luis had mentioned wanting to take Sheridan out but she’d had to work and Glory said she’d gladly cover her shift. Luis had protested, but Glory had insisted, saying it was great that her friend had finally met someone so wonderful. Sheridan took Luis sightseeing, and they wandered around at their leisure, taking tons of photographs for Luis to show his family. She even went up to complete strangers and asked them to take her and Luis’s picture together. It was the one of the best weeks he could ever remember. He decided on the day before he had to leave that it was time to ask her.
"No," Sheridan said immediately.
"Why not?" Luis asked, prepared for her reaction.
"I’m not going back to Harmony," Sheridan insisted, "For starters, where would I live?"
"With me," Luis answered promptly.
"And how would you explain that one?" Sheridan rolled her eyes, skeptically.
"Theresa and Miguel wouldn’t think anything of it," Luis explained, "And we’d only have to tell Mama. I know she’d understand… she loves you almost as much as I do."
Sheridan smiled at him, but continued her argument, "I suppose, but what about Julian?"
"How would he ever find out? It’s not as if he comes over to my house all the time! And we would all continue to call you Madison so that if he did happen to hear anything, he would just think you were some girl I met in Spain."
"And what about the fact everyone in Harmony thinks I’m dead? Won’t they be suspicious when they see me walking around?" Sheridan demanded.
"You’ve changed a lot," Luis replied easily, "I doubt anyone would even notice, no one will be watching for you if they think you’re dead."
"If I’m so different then how am I supposed to convince Pilar that I’m alive? Even if she does know me as well as you think – YOU didn’t recognize me!" Sheridan asked.
"Mama would know, Sheridan – and even if she doesn’t, you’ve got that little star-shaped freckle on your shoulder blade. That’s your proof – and the fact you’ve still got all your old id as well as the new stuff," Luis replied. At Sheridan’s surprised look, he smiled. "It was on the floor near the photograph."
"What about my life here?" Sheridan continued, "My jobs? My apartment? Mitsy?!"
"Mitsy can come along, Theresa always wanted a kitten," Luis said, "I’m sure you could convince Glory to watch your apartment for a week, and for the jobs? Book a week of holidays from both jobs. If you decide that you want to come back, then back you’ll come and resume your life here- without me." "You’ve thought way too much about this," Sheridan huffed, annoyed that he had a reasonable answer for every question she threw at him.
"You’ve enjoyed the past week, right?" Luis asked, knowingly.
"Of course, it’s been the best time I’ve had in a while," Sheridan nodded.
"Just think, we could have that everyday for…, well, for ever," Luis encouraged her.
"I suppose it’s an okay plan," Sheridan admitted.
"I knew you’d see it my way," Luis smiled at her.
After a day of packing and organizing, Sheridan and Luis flew back to Harmony together. On the drive from the airport, Sheridan insisted on wearing dark sunglasses, paranoid that someone would recognize her. Luis had laughed at her, but she wasn’t prepared to take any chances.
Arriving back at his house, Luis and Sheridan carried their luggage in (Sheridan only had one bag, and a small box with little holes poked into it containing Mitsy) receiving a warm welcome from his family. Immediately, Theresa and Miguel started attacking him with a million questions a minute, so he handed them a thick pile of photographs to keep them occupied.
"Mama, Theresa, Miguel… this is Madison O’Malley, I met her in Spain. She’s going to be staying with us for a while. Miguel and Theresa obviously intrigued, and each gave her a welcoming hug, jabbering about all the sights in the photographs and how wonderful it must be to live there. She patiently explained the photos to them while Luis and his mother talked.
Pilar was fussing that he hadn’t given her any time to fix up a guestroom.
"I could just sleep on the couch," Sheridan offered.
"No, she can stay in my room with me," Luis replied.
Theresa and Miguel exchanged a look. Pilar smiled at her son, although a bit disapprovingly. Luis then sent "Madison" upstairs to unpack, giving her directions to his room although she knew exactly where it was. "What’s in this box?" Theresa asked, pointing to the one with all the holes.
"You can carry that one if you’re careful… it’s Mitsy," Madison replied smiling.
"Mitsy?" Theresa echoed, carefully picking it up, eyes widening in shock, and hurried after Madison, followed by a curious Miguel. Pilar got a chance to speak with Luis.
"Mama, I’ve got great news," Luis started, but Pilar interrupted.
"Luis, it’s great to have you back, and Madison seems very nice, but does she not remind you of… Sheridan Crane?"
"She is Sheridan Crane, Mama," Luis replied excitedly, "That’s what I had to tell you!"
"Luis…" his mother said warningly.
"Mama, it’s true! Madison is really Sheridan."
"Sheridan Crane is dead Luis."
"No, she’s upstairs."
"Luis… we were all at the funeral."
"Did you see a body?"
Pilar was silent.
"That’s because there wasn’t one," Luis concluded, "I saw her at the airport before she left. She told me everything, including how the Cranes faked her death."
"It’s impossible! Why would they do that?"
"That’s what we want to figure out," Luis replied.
"It can’t be," Pilar shook her head, "She does look an awful lot like Sheridan, and her voice is almost identical, but still…" Pilar trailed off, doubting herself. Maybe it was true…
"It is her Mama," Luis insisted. Then he called ‘Madison’ back to the kitchen. She appeared in the doorway. "Miguel and Theresa?" Luis asked.
"Playing with Mitsy," Sheridan said. Luis nodded.
Sheridan stepped closer to Pilar, smiling almost sadly, "Hello Pilar. It’s me… Sheridan Crane."
Pilar looked deeply into Sheridan’s eyes, "Sheridan? Can it really be you?"
"Yes, it’s really me Pilar! Look… here’s the scar on my wrist from the stitches when I broke it, and here’s the burn scar on my knee from when I fell off my bike when I was seven! You were the one that cleaned it and bandaged it! And I even have the little star-shaped freckle on her shoulder blade!"
"I believe you Sheridan," Pilar smiled, tears coming to her eyes, "But I don’t understand… I thought you were dead… everyone did. If you’ve been alive all this time… and in Spain? How could there have been a funeral when you’re standing right in front of my eyes?"
Sheridan didn’t answer right away, but gave Pilar a long hug, so happy to see her again. Then she proceeded to tell Pilar the whole story – everything that had happened including her confession to Luis about her past. She ended by telling Pilar about her chance meeting with Luis at the coffeehouse, and finding him in her apartment.
Pilar turned to Luis in shock, "You broke into someone’s apartment?"
He didn’t answer, and Sheridan continued with telling Pilar about their wonderful week together and how Luis had convinced her to come back- but how it had to be kept a secret. Pilar nodded in agreement.
"As much as it’s great to have you back Sheridan, you were safer in Spain."
Sheridan smiled at Pilar’s concern, "That’s what I told Luis, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He had an answer for every question I could possibly come up with, and I just can’t resist his charm." Luis smiled at her. Pilar looked pleased as well.
"Well, I should go finish unpacking," Sheridan replied, "We can talk later. Remember, my name is Madison now, okay?"
Pilar nodded.
After she’d gone upstairs, Luis confided in his mother.
"Mama, that’s not the only thing I wanted to tell you about," Luis started.
Pilar looked at him questioningly. "I wanted your opinion on something… see, I was thinking about asking Sheridan to marry me, but I don’t know if I’m rushing things, y’know?"
"Oh Luis," Pilar, stroked his cheek lovingly, "I love Sheridan and would be honoured to have her as my daughter-in-law… she is already like one of own. You should find out how she feels before doing anything drastic, but whatever your decision, I support you one hundred percent."
"Thanks Mama," Luis replied, smiling at his mother.
"Now you go on upstairs and see if she needs anything. Was that a cat in the box? I’ll get some food ready for it… the poor creature must be starving after the long flight."
"So am I," Luis commented.
"Dinner will be in an hour," Pilar replied, happy to have Luis home, and even happier that he’d brought Sheridan with him.

Two days later, Sheridan had gained enough confidence to leave the house. Luis decided to take her someplace special. He wouldn’t tell her where they were going, even though she continuously asked for clues and hints.
"Come on Luis! Please?" She asked in the car.
"You’ll have to wait and see," he grinned, knowing the suspense was killing her. They drove for a while before getting there. He finally stopped in front of a gorgeous point of land that was nearly surround by water. You could see out across the lake clearly. There were huge trees, including one of the biggest Weeping Willow trees Sheridan had ever seen. The sun was just beginning to descend, casting long shadows.
"This place is incredible!" Sheridan exclaimed, jumping out of the car, and looking all around, never having seen anything quite like it. Considering it was early spring, it was remarkably mild. They didn’t even need blankets.
"How did you know about it?" Sheridan asked.
"Oh, me and some of my childhood friends found it one day when we were biking. It was our fort, no one else knew about it," Luis grinned, "We had a rule back then… no girls allowed. You’re the first one, I believe."
"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald breaking the rules for me?" Sheridan teased.
Luis brought out a picnic basket, filled with all sorts of delicious things, courtesy of Pilar. They ate under the Willow tree, laughing and talking. Luis had never seen Sheridan so happy before. After they ate, and explored, they lay on the soft grass and stared up a the stars.
"Luis, this has been the best night of my life… I love you so much! And I love you even more for convincing me to come back to Harmony," Sheridan said, rolling onto her side to look at him.
"I love you too, and I’m so glad you came back," Luis replied.
They got up, tired of lying down, and began walking along the waterfront, listening to the gentle waves collide with the shore. Luis stopped suddenly and turned to Sheridan.
"I have something I’ve been meaning to ask you," he started. She stared lovingly into his eyes, as attentive as always.
"All the time I’ve spent with you has been incredible… and I’ve never felt this way about anyone… I love you so much I can’t stand to be away from you for even a second. The way I feel tonight, right now… I want that to last the rest of our lives. What I’m saying, is I want you to be my wife," Luis concluded. Sheridan’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy.
He got down on one knee and produced an amazing diamond ring, "Will you marry me, Sheridan Crane?"
Through her tears of happiness, Sheridan nodded, "Yes… yes…" Sheridan exclaimed, crying with joy and love, as Luis placed the ring on her finger. Then she wrapped her arms around him.

The next day – early in the morning, before anyone else was awake – Pilar, Luis and Sheridan discussed the wedding details. Pilar had been overjoyed at the news, pleased that both Sheridan and Luis had finally found true happiness… true love, and even better: they’d found it with each other.
Then the hard decision came up. Should they reveal Sheridan’s true identity or should she remain Madison O’Malley. Sheridan didn’t know what to do – both had advantages and disadvantages.
"I don’t care what your name is," Luis announced, "It’s the person behind it that I’m in love with and want to marry. No name you could possibly come up with could ever persuade me otherwise."
After his grand speech, Luis got up to find something to eat. Sheridan had laughed, and she and Pilar had continued to decide which was better. Eventually they came to the decision that she should keep being Madison O’Malley – for now anyway. If the time came that she needed to reveal her identity, then marriage certificates could be changed. And this way she wouldn’t in any kind of danger from the Cranes.
So Sheridan became Madison O’Malley.
"You made a good decision," Luis said, offering her half of his muffin.
"You would have said that no matter what I’d decided," Sheridan grinned, accepting the offer.
"Why did you choose the name Madison O’Malley anyway?" Luis asked curiously. Pilar leaned in closer to hear as well.
"Well, my middle name is Madison, as you know," Sheridan said smiling at Pilar who nodded, "And O’Malley is from the cat… Remember my favourite book when I was little? You should, Pilar, you read it to me every night! The Aristocats, it was called. My favourite was O’Malley, the street cat. He married the wealthy house pet, Duchess, and they had all those cute little kittens! I even had a stuffed toy cat when I was little called O’Malley… I took it everywhere, remember Pilar?"
"I remember your obsession with O’Malley the cat," Pilar smiled at Sheridan fondly. Luis found this story hilarious, and asked her why she didn’t name her kitten O’Malley. Sheridan ignored the playful teasing, even though Luis told her he wouldn’t forget this any time soon.
Sheridan called Glory Watson in Spain to tell her the news. Glory was happy for her friend and promised that they would be pen pals. Theresa and Miguel were thrilled at the prospect of a wedding. Pilar and Luis were careful not to use Sheridan’s real name – even when talking to her alone. And Luis had taken to teasingly calling her O’Malley. It became almost a pet name; he always looked at her affectionately when he called her O’Malley. Slowly, the whole household began calling her O’Malley. Sheridan even began to think of herself as O’Malley. It was as if Sheridan Crane really had died. She re-dyed her hair, permanent this time, knowing it made a big difference in her appearance.
She was introduced to all the friends of the family and residents of Harmony as O’Malley and found that no one linked her to Sheridan Crane. Except an elderly man named Orville who commented that she reminded him of a blond girl he had once seen in town, but couldn’t remember her name.
Meeting Ethan and Gwen had been hard. She’d been paranoid that they would recognize her. Ethan had looked at her as if he knew her from somewhere but couldn’t remember where. Sheridan was relieved but a bit disappointed. Nevertheless, she found that Luis had been right about his friendship with Ethan. Ethan was always over at their house – he and Luis were as close as brothers were and she, Luis, Ethan and Gwen became great friends.
All in all, Sheridan - O’Malley – had never been happier.

A year later, in late March, O’Malley Lopez- Fitzgerald anxiously awaited her husband’s arrival. They lived across the street and one house down from Pilar and the family. Luis and O’Malley were saving up to buy the point of land where he’d proposed to her, and build a house there. But for now, their modest little place was cozy and felt like a real "Home". O’Malley had been waiting for Luis to get home from work all day. She paced back and forth, until she finally heard the door and went running to greet Luis with a big hug and kiss.
"I love you so much!" she grinned excitedly. Luis looked slightly surprised at her greeting.
"I love you too," he replied, wondering what she was so excited about. She couldn’t help but smile – her good mood was contagious.
"I have the best news!" she exclaimed.
"What?" Luis asked, intrigued.
"Well, I was going to do something special to tell you – you know like a surprise or grand gesture or decorate or whatever – but then I decided to just tell you, even if the moment isn’t all set up to be perfect. Does it really have to be perfect anyways? The news itself should be what you’ll want to remember for the rest of your life, not the situation in which it was-"
"O’Malley," Luis grinned, placing two firm hands on her shoulders, interrupting her babbling, "What’s the news?"
"We’re going to have a baby!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"Really?" Luis’s eyes widened in overjoyed surprise.
"Yes! I’m pregnant! We’re going to have a family!" She hugged him again.
"This is great… this is beyond great!" Luis laughed, lifting her off the floor in a massive hug, and spinning her around with him.
"Okay," she laughed, "But this can’t be too good for the baby!"
"Right," Luis smiled, gently setting her down, then kissing her.
"Wait till I tell Mama!" he said joyfully, "She’ll be so happy!"
"I love you," O’Malley said, smiling up at him, beaming with excitement.
"I love you, my little O’Malley cat," he replied teasingly, and then her bent down and kissed her tummy, "And I also love you!"
"You’re so sweet," O’Malley said affectionately, ruffling his hair.
When they announced their news to Pilar and the family everyone had been ecstatic.
"I’m going to be an aunt!" Theresa had exclaimed joyfully, and then burst into tears of happiness.
The news of Luis and O’Malley’s baby had brought the family even closer together.

"You’re sure you don’t want to take the car? I think it would be better if we drove actually. It’s too far for you," Luis had being trying to persuade O’Malley to either stay home or take the car to Pilar’s house for the last half-hour.
"I’m perfectly capable of walking across the street, Luis," she’d laughed at his paranoia, but was touched by his concern.
"It’s slippery out though, and you don’t have the greatest balance right now," Luis continued.
"I think I can manage," she smiled reassuringly at him, beginning to get a little annoyed. Lately, knowing the fact that the baby could be born at any time now had made her edgy. Actually, she was tired of carrying around the extra weight, tired of Luis constantly following her, watching her with that wide eyed concerned look she could never resist and asking her if she was okay, if she needed anything. She had tried to remain cheerful and upbeat for his sake, not wanting to take her frustration out on him, but occasionally loosing her control and snapping at him. He always looked hurt when she did that, and she felt guilty afterwards. Tonight she had vowed to be nice to everyone no matter how annoying they got. It was Christmas Eve after all.
With a nervous Luis clutching her arm protectively, they slowly managed to cross the street. He helped her up the stairs, and once inside, they got an overwhelming welcome from the family. Everyone had gathered together for and early Christmas dinner. Ethan and Gwen were there, and the Bennetts and the Russells as well. They all asked O’Malley how she was doing, and she was touched at their concern. She almost laughed at herself, realizing that her moods differed from one moment to the next. Luis seemed to finally relax around his family. Things had been tense for a while, waiting for the baby to come.
They all sat down and chatted through an excellent turkey dinner. Luis ate a ton, then sat back and listened to everyone talking happily. His gaze wandered to O’Malley who was talking and laughing with Theresa. He couldn’t help but smile at his beautiful wife. With the anticipation of the baby’s birth, they had both been edgy, especially O’Malley. She was impatient for the baby to be born, he knew, even though she tried to be pleasant towards him. He appreciated her effort.
He watched her for a moment, and noticed her frown. He wondered if she was okay, but a moment later she resumed smiling and talking, and he shrugged, figuring it was just something she had remembered. Later they were cleaning up when he noticed her frown again, and put a hand over her tummy. But then she shook her head, and continued clearing plates and chatting with Pilar.
Suddenly she dropped the plate in her hand and doubled over. Everyone jumped, and turned to see what was going on. Luis rushed over to her side.
"O’Maley, honey, are you okay?" he asked, "Is it the baby?"
She nodded, "It’s coming…"
"Okay, we’ve gotta get her to the hospital," Luis looked up. He tossed his keys to Ethan, "Start my car!" Ethan nodded and took off.
"I’ll call the hospital on the way so there’ll be a room waiting for her," Eve said, grabbing her cell phone. Everyone else scrambled to get dressed and ready to go. Luis and O’Malley got in the backseat of his car, and along with Eve and Ethan, sped off to the hospital. The rest of the gang piled into the other cars and hurried away after them.
Hours later, the huge group had arrived and was crowded into the small waiting room, anxiously waiting for news on O’Malley.
Finally, Luis came out, looking exhausted but proud and excited. He broke the news to everyone, telling them that everything had gone smoothly, O’Malley was okay, and so was their new daughter, Chantal. They all congratulated him and one by one went in to visit the mother.
O’Malley held her little daughter in her arms, and proudly showed her off to everyone. Finally, they all began to leave, wishing them a Merry Christmas. Eventually, all that was left was Luis and the family. They had all gathered in the hospital room, with O’Malley and Chantal. Theresa immediately fell in love with the little girl, asking to hold her and wondering if she could be the babysitter if O’Malley ever needed one. O’Malley had laughed at her enthusiasm, and nodded. Later, Pilar told Miguel and Theresa that it was late and they should go home. Theresa didn’t want to leave, but O’Malley assured her that Chantal would still be there tomorrow. Pilar sent the younger ones away to get their coats, and she spoke with O’Malley and Luis for a moment.
"She has blond hair," Luis smiled at O’Malley, who grinned back.
"She’s beautiful," Pilar said looking at the baby fondly.
"Just like her mother," Luis added, giving O’Malley a quick kiss.
"Pilar," O’Malley said, glancing at Luis who nodded, "We were wondering if you’d like to be her godmother?" Pilar’s eyes brimmed with happy tears.
"There’s nothing I’d love more," Pilar replied, smiling. Theresa and Miguel came back in, ready to go. They all gave O’Malley hugs and told her they’d see her tomorrow. Luis was left alone with Chantal and O’Malley.
"I’m so proud of you Sheridan," Luis whispered, "I love you and Chantal so much."
"You used my real name," O’Malley smiled up at him, "And I love her too… she’s so little!" O’Malley stroked Chantal’s face gently, as the baby slept in her arms. She looked up at Luis, "I love you too. I can’t believe we’ve got such a perfect daughter."
"Me either," Luis looked down at them affectionately, "It’s so unbelievable. I didn’t think I could love anything so much." He sat down on the edge of the bed and kissed Chantal’s little forehead.
"Same here," O’Malley said, as they turned their gaze from Chantal to each other. The little family stayed quiet for a long time, all tired but happy.
"Merry Christmas Luis," O’Malley said sleepily. The nurse had come to take Chantal back to the nursery. Earlier, O’Malley had told him he should go home and get some sleep. Luis had stubbornly refused, not wanting to leave her and Chantal. So now, the nurse brought him a blanket and he sat down in the chair beside her bed.
"Merry Christmas… Sheridan," He replied, but she was already asleep.

Three years later, O’Malley ran around the house chasing Chantal. Chantal was squealing with laughter, and tripping over rugs and furniture. Finally O’Malley caught up and scooped the little girl up into her arms, laughing.
"Gotcha!" O’Malley exclaimed, as Chantal screamed and giggled. "I’m gonna tickle you!" O’Malley threatened playfully. Chantal laughed harder and tried to escape, "Daddy!"
Luis appeared in the doorway, "What are you two doing out here?"
"Mommy tickle!" Chantal managed to scream between bursts of hysterical laughter.
"Mommy’s tickling you is she?" Luis echoed, raising his eyebrows mischievously, "Well then I guess I’ll have to tickle Mommy!" Chantal finally managed to escape, and the three of them chased each other around the house before stopped, tired out.
"Okay, nap time for you, Chicken Little," Luis said affectionately, looking at Chantal. For no apparent reason he had taken to calling her Chicken Little. Chantal thought it was funny, it had become a joke between them. Chantal yawned and nodded.
"I hope we didn’t wake Bailey and Mitsy," O’Malley said, getting up to check on them. Their two-year old son had fallen asleep on the couch with the cat. Amazingly he had slept through the whole thing. O’Malley careful picked him up and carried him into the room he shared with three-year old Chantal. After both Bailey and Chantal were asleep, O’Malley wearily walked into the kitchen and began clearing the table from lunch. Luis came out to help her.
"Are the munchkins asleep?" he asked grinning.
"Yep, finally. I don’t understand how someone so small can have so much energy," O’Malley replied, smiling at Luis. It was Christmas Eve tonight, and Chantal’s birthday. They had already had a small celebration at home but the big party would tonight at the Christmas/Birthday dinner at Pilar’s house.
"You should get dressed and ready for the party while they’re occupied," Luis suggested, "I’ll finish up here." He was half-ready from the looks of things. He was walking around dressed in black pants and an unbuttoned white shirt.
"Thanks," O’Malley replied gratefully. Luis watched her slim figure move gracefully through the small house. They had decided to continue to live in the small house across the street and one house down form Pilar’s. As for the point of land they’d planned to buy and build on, they still did. Luis had built them a cottage, which served as their summer home. The children could play in the shallow water, and it provided a nice, cool getaway from the hot, humid town.
Chantal and Bailey were growing up quickly. Chantal had the same blue eyes and whitish blond hair as Sheridan, making her look like a little angel. Bailey was more like his father, with dark hair and huge brown eyes. O’Malley had decided to dye her hair back to it’s original blond colour yesterday. Luis had been surprised at her sudden decision, but didn’t do anything more than nod. He had wondered if anyone had noticed the fact that Chantal’s pale skin and light hair didn’t resemble either of her parents, but no one had said anything.
O’Malley emerged from the bathroom an hour later, just as Bailey and Chantal were beginning to stir. Luis inhaled sharply, staring at his wife. She looked beautiful. Despite having two children, she hadn’t gained much weight, she was still slim. She was wearing a simple black velvet dress, but it looked great on her. Around her neck she wore the locket Luis had given her last Christmas. In it was a picture of Luis. She wore it everywhere. Her hair was blond again. Luis knew he was staring but couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. Her blond hair was almost exactly the shade it had always been… it matched Chantal’s perfectly. It was longer now, reaching about three inches past her shoulders. It was just straight, but it looked good. Luis actually saw traces of Sheridan Crane in her, all dressed up, with her blond hair again. "What do you think?" she asked, spinning around, "Good enough for the party?"
Luis nodded, still unable to find words.
"Speechless I see," O’Malley grinned.
She was about to say more, but a call from Bailey stopped her.
"Oh, the munchkins are up," she smiled and rushed into the room to get them dressed for the party. Luis watched her go. He wondered if anyone else would see the resemblance to Sheridan Crane tonight. He shook his head and glanced at his watch. "Better hurry up, or we’re going to be late for cake!"

At the party, everybody commented on how nice she looked with blond hair, but no one said anything about Sheridan Crane. Luis wasn’t sure if they were just keeping their thoughts to themselves or really not noticing. Bailey and Chantal were having a great time. Ethan and Gwen had a two-year old daughter named Glory who was Bailey’s best friend. Gwen and O’Malley had been pregnant at about the same time, and Bailey and Glory were born only weeks apart. Theresa and Sullivan – her husband – had a one-year old daughter named Fate, who was adorable. And Whitney and Chad – who had been married three years ago – had a one and a half-year old son named Owen. And Beth and Hank – who had gotten married shortly after O’Malley and Luis – had twins, Sarah and Lindsy.
All the little kids were running around the house, while the adults talked and joked and exchanged stories about their kids. Chantal blew out her candles and all the little ones got pieces of cake. Pilar’s little house was packed full. O’Malley watched the kids race around happily and thought about how great their life must be especially compared with her own childhood. Bailey was playing with Owen and Glory outside, and Chantal was racing around with Sarah and Lindsy. Eventually they all tired, and were put to sleep up in the big bedroom with all the cots. O’Malley told Bailey and Chantal that they would go home soon, and until then they should get some sleep.
"It sure is different around here with all the little ones," Theresa remarked, downstairs, after all the children were asleep.
"Yes, it brings back memories of when you three were little," Pilar smiled at Luis, Theresa and Miguel, "I like having the children here… it makes the house feel alive again."
O’Malley was coming down the stairs when the doorbell rang. Not wanting to wake up the children she pulled open the door just as Pilar and some others came into the hall to see who it was.
O’Malley gasped in shock. Standing on the front step was Julian Crane.