Sheridan stood before the mirror in her bedroom, staring at the wedding gown that hung regally against her body. She had opted to dress at home and fix her makeup at church. Now, she wished she could calm her stomach enough to remain standing. The butterflies in her stomach were working overtime today and Sheridan just wanted to go back to bed. She sat there, thinking over the time that had elapsed since August and how hard it had been to get through. Those months had been a real drag on her, causing her to tire easily, as she was losing sleep between work and family life. What little sleep she did get was on weekends and the rare times she was able to get Colin to nap. She had learned to make due with five hours of sleep or less lately, not that it was healthy. But she didn’t have much of a choice. Luis had been working odd hours sometimes, even though he was a Detective with the force. He was putting in overtime for their honeymoon, refusing to let her use a cent of her own money on it.

During that time, Sheridan became tired of being alone at night and even more tired of dealing with two children instead of one. She wasn’t equipped to handle domestic life at that point and still she had a son and a childish fiance to deal with. She had even considered calling off the wedding and returning to the mansion grounds, turning her back on love forever. Ironically it was her brother that convinced her to stay there and work though her problems and they had one very romantic Saturday in September.

Still at the time it seemed that the more things calmed down with life, Sheridan found that it was stressful being a housewife and it caused a lot of battles they had once managed to avoid. One of the biggest was the remaining millions from the Barrett family, still a point of argument. Sheridan had inherited it all, surprisingly this included the Barrett home where her Grandparents still resided and whatever other possessions they owned. This also included all the money her mother had amassed and hid from Alistair. In total, when her grandparents did pass away, Sheridan would be a billionaire, close to rivaling her own nephew’s Crane fortune. She and Luis could live quite comfortably on the money and never work another day in their lives, but of course he refused, not that she offered anyway. She understood that, working had become something she found enjoyment in, but she had struggled for the longest time with her two jobs: housewife and educator. She was never talented when it came to being a wife, she had told Luis that much when he proposed. But somehow they had made it to the wedding without killing each other…

Even when everything became an argument. Money, the chores in the house, the plans for the wedding, leaving Colin with people to get some time alone…everything was an argument in the house and there never seemed to be common ground. Sheridan hated being at odds with Luis; she loved him after all. But it was hard to just shrug it off and smile; at least it was for her. It ate at her, every little thing she conceded or dropped just because she didn’t feel like fighting was eating away inside her and that drove her more insane. Luis was never willing to discuss things, still something Sheridan worried about, and when she decided to take matters into her own hands, he flipped. They were working on that though and the nights when her anger became frustration were gone and she no longer cried herself to sleep in bed while Luis lay blissfully unaware of her pain.

Pushing everything aside, the hardest part of the last few months had been being alone. Even when Luis was home, Colin had interrupted any romantic time they could have. Sheridan had asked Pilar to watch Colin for a night, but the child had become ill and wanted her, so he ended up at home again. The next time it was Theresa and Ethan who had offered to take care of Colin, practice for when they had a child of their own, but Colin again had cried for Sheridan and she rushed to him, prompting another fight over her babying their son. That had ended with Sheridan locking herself in the bedroom and refusing to talk to anyone at all.

Sheridan laughed thinking of Luis’ reaction do the locked bedroom door that night when he wanted nothing more than a hot shower and to go to bed, tired from the yard work he had spent the day on and from the battle between the two.

“Sheridan, are you almost ready in there?” Pilar knocked on her bedroom door. They had left Sheridan to finish their own dressing and wondered what she was up to.

“Yes, Pilar,” Sheridan glanced at the locked knob on the door. “I’ll be right there,” she stood and fingered the material of her gown, placing a protective hand on her abdomen. She was pregnant, but no one knew except Eve, who had been the one to confirm her pregnancy. It was going to be her wedding gift to her husband, the first picture of their baby. Of course, the sonogram photo had been taken a few weeks ago and the baby was still too small to show much, but Sheridan knew her baby was there and she couldn’t wait to give Luis his gift at the reception. She could still picture the Saturday that was probably the fateful date they conceived their baby.

September had been cool and crisp, the leaves turning lovely shades of red, yellow and orange in order to complete the cycle of their lives, which put Sheridan’s thought is perspective, or would have if she had time. She was late this morning and didn’t have time to ponder the lifespan of a leaf on a tree, if they had life spans. She rushed to throw together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for her son’s lunch, continuously checking the nearby clock for the time. Sighing, she glanced over her shoulder where Colin was finishing breakfast while Luis read the paper and sipped at his coffee, looking like he was oblivious to her plight.

She glanced over her shoulder again, finding her fiance and son still sitting at the table as if there was nothing to rush about. “No offense, Luis, but could you please help Colin make sure everything is ready to go? We’ll be late if we don’t get moving soon,” she turned back to the squished sandwich for a moment and then looked back at Luis and Colin, neither had moved.

“Let me try this again,” she raised her voice. “Luis will you PLEASE help Colin finish getting ready before we’re late?”

Luis pulled his attention away from the sports scores and then looked at his son, who had managed to pull his attention from the Where’s Waldo puzzle on the box. Both shared a look that not only read guilt, but a secret as well and Sheridan was definitely interested in where this was leading. If only she had time to pay attention. She turned back to the lunch and decided she might as well make hers too.

“Should we tell her now, kiddo?” Luis asked, placing the newspaper on the table beside him and motioning to Sheridan.

One thought crossed Sheridan’s mind: ‘He better be telling me that they are going to go get ready right this minute or he’s not making love to me for another month!’

“Yea, it’s only fair,” Colin shoveled another spoon of Cocoa Puffs into his mouth before turning his attention back to the cereal box.

“Tell me what?” she asked, looking at her fiance, the butter knife poised precariously in the air with some jelly on it. Glaring at him, she waited for him to open his mouth and tell her what he wanted before she attacked him with the sticky knife.

Luis knew he should choose his words carefully, especially when she was armed and dangerous, her temper far more threatening than the butter knife. “Well, Sher, we weren’t going to do this to you, but it was just too funny,” Luis tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of his mouth twitched and she knew he was going to start laughing soon.

Again only one thought crossed her mind: ‘If he laughs, I can’t be held responsible for my actions because I’ll kill him! I’m in no mood for his games today.’

“What is it, Luis?” she threw the knife onto the counter. “And make it fast!” She arms crossed her chest in a defensive manner, much like she did when scolding Colin.

Luis’ smirk disappeared and he realized they shouldn’t have behaved this way this morning He mumbled something, the response to her question and he could see the rage in her eyes that he was acting this way. She was going to slug him, and he would deserve it, but he couldn’t face those icy blue eyes and looked down at the newspaper.

“Come again?” she growled, glaring at him. “Because if you just said what I think you did, I’m going to hit you so hard it isn’t funny.” Icy wasn’t the word for the dark purple sparks he saw flying in her eyes.

“It’s Saturday,” he said slightly louder this time and he knew that’s exactly what she had heard the first time. She didn’t yell or throw something at him. Instead, Sheridan merely nodded sadly, returned the peanut butter and jelly to their homes and left the kitchen with tears rolling down her cheeks, not a word said to either her son or her fiance or a look in their direction. They didn’t hear a thing until they heard the bedroom door close with a slam.

Later, Sheridan sat on the bed in a t-shirt and jeans, having managed to change her clothes in the mood she was in. She just sat there, her eyes filled with tears and her shoulder’s slumped, staring at the wall as if it was trying to pass her some hidden message that she hadn’t arrived anywhere else. He had woken her up on the first day in weeks that she was having a peaceful slumber knowing that it wasn’t a work day. Luis had lead her to believe that she was running late and did nothing to slow her down until she had nearly bitten his head off. Had she deserved this? What could she have done to him to receive this in return? She sniffled, her eyes still never leaving the wall.

This was the last straw. She couldn’t take this anymore. Sheridan Crane wasn’t capable enough to deal with being a housewife anymore. She wasn’t meant to be a normal working class woman; she was supposed to be rich. If only she didn’t love her damn fiance so much she would have left already. For that she hated him even more.

Falling back against the bed, she closed her eyes. ‘Not too soon,’ she thought, as she heard the door creak open, knowing right away that it would be Luis, and rolled onto her side so her back was to the door. She didn’t want to see him.

“Sher?” he stayed at the door. “I’m so sorry, babe.”

“Go away,” she whispered, tears chocking her voice.

Nearing the bed, he tried again. “Please baby, I really am sorry. I know I was stupid.”

“There’s an understatement,” she mumbled.

“I guess I deserve that,” he sat on the bed. “I haven’t been the best fiance, lately, have I?”

She didn’t answer.

“I take it you agree then,” he sighed. “Sherry angel…”

“Oh no, you aren’t using the nickname to get off easy this time, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald,” she flipped to see his face. “You went too far this time. You know I haven’t been feeling well and how tired I’ve been and still you work me up on a Saturday at six am and let me run around like a chicken with it’s head cut off!”

“I said I was sorry.”

“Sorry isn’t going to change your stupidity today, Luis.”

He didn’t get angry, which had surprised her that day, but he leaned in and kissed her hard on the mouth. She couldn’t have pulled away if she wanted to.

“Kissing me won’t shut me up,” she mumbled as he pulled away. “You’re an incosider…”

He kissed her hard again.

“You have another think coming to you if you believe that…”

And again, but he didn’t pull away that time as she pulled his shirt from his pants and the two found their way back beneath the covers where they spent the entire day without an interruptions.

“Sheridan,” Beth knocked on the door. “Let’s get going girl or we’re going to start without you,” she teased.

Sheridan laughed. Beth had become the closest thing to a sister Sheridan had ever had. They shared secrets and spent time together doing silly things like shopping at yard sales in Harmony. Beth was an indispensable part of the family and Sheridan knew she had made the right choice when it came to her maid-of-honor. She only wished Beth could have the love she found with Luis. Sher made her way to the door and unlocked it. “Sorry, last minute bride thoughts,” she giggled.

Beth hugged her friend in greeting. “We were getting ready to call in the army, hun. We want to get you to that church on time or else Loose Tempter Luis will never let us live it down.” She laughed, “Have I mentioned that I think the entire horse driven sleigh was a great idea, especially with all the snow we had!”

Sheridan grinned. “That was Theresa’s idea. I just hope Luis and I don’t freeze on the way from the church to the reception hall at the Seascape.”

Beth laughed, entering the room with the remainder of the bridal party: Kay, Theresa, and Misty with Ashley. Behind them all was Pilar, the woman Sheridan considered a mother to her. Five of the newly arrived people held tiny white boxes in their hands and Sheridan knew what was coming. There was no turning back now; it was almost time.

Fixing her gown, Beth took Sheridan’s hands into her own. “First I have to congratulate you because this…this is amazing. I have never been so happy for someone in my entire life. You deserve this. Now, on top of that, it is a wedding tradition that we all know for the bride to receive five things on her wedding…well most know of four but I know the fifth,” Beth teased. “And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy for me to get number five, which was of course my job.”

Continuing the trend, Theresa laughed and moved beside Beth. “So, we worked out this little speech before we hand them over. Ok? We want to make this as special as possible for you.”

Sheridan nodded, tear already filling her eyes from their sweetness.

Ashley took a piece of paper from her basket of rose petals and unfolded it, despite the fact she pretty much knew what to say. Looking into her older sister’s eyes, she stated clearly, “A bride gets something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe on her wedding day. Each item has a special meaning for the bride and your items are no exception. Sheridan, my sister, we now give you your five items of luck on the day you become Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald…”

Pilar stepped forward, handing Sheridan the small white box. “Something old represents a link to the bride’s past and her old life,” she lifted the lid and smiled. “This necklace was the last thing Katherine asked me to hold for you until your wedding day. She wore these pearls on her wedding day, as did your grandmother and great-grandmother before her. Now it is your turn to wear these pearls on your wedding day.”

Sheridan felt tears fill her eyes as Pilar lifted the single strand of pearls from the box and placed them around her neck. She unconsciously reached to finger them and wipe away a tear.

“Something new represents good fortune and success in a bride's new life,” Misty stepped forward with her box. “While some believe a new wedding gown counts, Ashley and I found this in a store the other day and knew it would be just perfect for your wedding day,” she handed the box to Sheridan and opened the lid. Inside was a tri-gold bracelet. “Three lives tying together, yours, the rose gold, Luis’, the plain gold, and Colin’s, the white gold.” She removed it from the box and hooked it around Sheridan’s left wrist.

“Thank you, Misty, that was incredibly sweet,” Sheridan examined the bracelet with a smile and then hugged her friend.

Before Misty could even step away, Theresa pushed her over with excitement. “Something borrowed,” Theresa continued excitedly, “is usually something that has already been worn by a happy bride at her wedding, and is meant to bring good luck to the marriage,” she handed the white box to Sheridan. “On my wedding day I wore these earrings, my something new from Whitney. I’m lending them to you, though you won’t need the luck since Fate brought you here…”

“Theresa, there’s no Fate in your speech,” Beth groaned. Kay started laughing.

“I’m improvising,” she grinned, causing Sheridan to laugh. “Anyway, I’m lending you my diamonds and I plan on getting them back…”

Sheridan shook her head and allowed Theresa to put the studs into her ears. “Thank you, Theresa.”

“No problem…but remember Fate…”

Kay clamped a hand over Theresa’s mouth and sighed. “All right, my turn,” she pushed the brunette away. “Something blue dates back to biblical times when the color blue was considered to represent purity and fidelity in life. I didn’t know that until they told me, so don’t think I’m a genius or something. I was the fortunate bride’s maid that had to seek out this,” she placed the white box in Sheridan’s hand. “And I’m not putting it on you.”

Sheridan opened the box and found a deep blue garter. “I wouldn’t expect you to,” she laughed. Theresa immediately grabbed it and helped Sheridan slide it on so she wouldn’t wrinkle her dress.

“I told you we should have done this *before* she put the gown on,” Kay laughed as Theresa struggled with the material.

“Anyway,” Beth laughed. “Last but not least, a silver sixpence in your left shoe is meant to bring wealth to a bride. Not just financial wealth but also a wealth of happiness and joy throughout married life. I don’t doubt that you will be happy, but who am I to break tradition?” Beth asked, pulling out the sixpence and placing it into the toe of Sheridan’s left shoe. “I visited eighty websites to get one of those,” she laughed.

Sheridan giggled. “Thank you, everyone. This all means so much to me.”

“Wait, one last thing,” Ashley put her basket on the floor and ran to get Sheridan’s bouquet. She came back and handed it to Pilar, who smiled.

“We had this designed especially for you because my daughter is a hopeless romantic and wanted the flowers to mean something. Red roses, for love, white calla lilies, for beauty, one single white carnation for luck and baby’s breath for innocence.”

Sheridan could smell the flowers and sniffled. “It’s beautiful, thank you.” She took the flowers from her soon-to-be mother-in-law. “So, how do I look?”

The group looked her over, in awe of the gown Theresa had designed for her. It was an off the shoulder gown with a scoop neckline in front and in back with a Basque waistline, tulle skirt with a chapel train. The entire bodice had pearl and sequined venise lace appliques covering it. The skirt had beaded venise appliques and the train had two rows of beaded venise hemline. It hid her pregnancy well. Her veil was a jeweled daisy headband with white nettling falling behind her back and leaving her face uncovered.

“You look stunning,” Theresa grinned. “I knew you would.”

“Gorgeous,” the others agreed.

Sheridan grinned, looking at the matching bunch before her in their matching gowns. The bridesmaid all wore deep forest green while Beth wore burgundy. Their dresses were off the shoulder gowns, the top made of velvet and the bottoms made of satin. The only difference was her tiny little flower girl. Ashley wore a short sleeve dress with a round neck of chiffon and Battenburg lace appliques on the center front. Her skirt and sleeves were trimmed with satin band, which tied to make a bow in the back. She looked adorable. In her hand, she carried a white basket with burgundy and forest green ribbon adorning it and red rose petals filling it.

The doorbell rang and in strode Julian in a tuxedo, a smile on his face. “All right, dear sister, the horse drawn contraption you ordered is here for us, as is the limo for the bridal party. Let’s get this going, shall we?”

Sheridan nodded nervously, watching as her bridal party filed out towards the living room, leaving her with her brother. He looked her over and she waited for a nasty comment and a glimpse of the real Julian. Instead, he placed a gentle kiss to her cheek and nodded in approval. “You’re gorgeous, you know, Sheridan. Mother would have been very proud of you today and I’m honored to be the one giving you to the man of your dreams.”

“That means a lot to me, Julian,” she hugged her brother. “Thank you.”

He hugged her back. “You’re welcome, Sheridan. Remember what I said when you were in Paris?”

“That you loved me?” she sniffled.

“Yes,” he gently rubbed her back. “I meant that, Sheridan. I’ve been terrible to you over the years and I’m so very sorry for that. I love you, dear sister, and I’m glad you found the man you were meant to be with. Do you know that mother predicted your marriage to Luis?”

Sheridan sniffled and moved away from her brother. “Really?”

Julian nodded. “Mother used to watch you play in the yard with him from her bedroom. She knew that one day you would find that Luis was your true love. She could see it and in her final days, Sheridan, it was the one thing that gave her joy. Her daughter was going to be happy in the future.”

“I can’t believe she knew,” she smiled.

“You look just like her, I don’t know why I didn’t realize it sooner. You could be mother’s twin sister.” He shook his head. “All right, enough reminiscing. If I don’t get you to the church soon, your future husband will have my hide…and I’m rather attached to my skin.”

Sheridan smirked and watched as Julian left the room. Placing her hand against her stomach, she whispered, “Soon Daddy will know all about you and soon Mommy will be Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

Beth returned with a smile. “Ok, you I’ll help you with the train until we get to church.” She grabbed the end of the train and lifted it so Sheridan could walk outside. Today was the best day of her life.

Luis stood in the back of the church, watching as family and friends filtered into the church for the wedding. He smiled. Today was going to be the best day in his entire life and he was looking for many more wonderful days with his bride at his side. Who would have thought two years ago that he would be marrying Sheridan Crane in a Christmas themed wedding on December 22? He would have laughed in someone’s face had he/she said that. But it was happening and not just that, but he was a father of a dear five-year-old son. He spotted Colin running through the pews and into people he knew. Damn, that kid had energy. This was all too reminiscent of Halloween…

They had started right after Colin arrived home from school, two bags in case one became too heavy for the boy to carry. They had started with their neighbors, made their way to Pilar’s and ended up three blocks away an hour and a half later.

Colin carried the special Halloween bag over his shoulder as he ran from one house to the next, the cape of his Batman costume flapping as he ran by. Sheridan and Luis strolled behind him hand in hand, watching as their son dashed up a new set of stairs and rang the bell. He was literally bouncing in his place, loving his chance to get some candy.

“TRICK OR TREAT!” he shouted the second the door opened, only to find a witch there. “MOMMY!!!” He hopped off the porch and ran to Sheridan, cowering behind her.

Sheridan laughed and led him back to the front door to get his candy and in no time, he was off again for the next house without a thought to the witch of his parents behind him.

His first Halloween left Colin with two bags of candy and five dollars in change, which was in his piggy bank at home. Sheridan had eaten a good part of the chocolate, which surprised Luis, but it had been a great Halloween for all of them. He couldn’t wait until Christmas.

“She’s almost here, buddy,” Sam put his hand on Luis’ shoulder. “Julian just called to say that the limo should be pulling up now and the sleigh isn’t far behind. Luis, she’s coming.”

Luis grinned widely, the thought of Sheridan in the sleigh “I can’t believe this is happening, Sam. I was starting to think this day was never going to come,” he loosened his tie. “I’m so nervous. Is it hot in here? Maybe I should see about lowering the heat?”

Sam laughed. “Buddy, you’re just nervous. I can’t tell why, you’ve been living with her for months now…”

“But this makes it official, Sam, and for Sheridan’s sake is has to be absolutely perfect,” Luis glanced at his friends and family, giving the church another once over. The pews were decorated with netting and flowers, a red carpet ran down the aisle and would soon be covered in rose petals. It was beautiful. “I can’t wait for her to have my name…for us to be a family. I can’t wait for her to be mine forever.”

“Man, she already is and you already are; this just makes it legal,” he laughed.

“What are you two doing back here? Get him away, Sam!” Theresa burst in through the door and ushered them away. “The bride is coming and he can’t see her!!!”

“Sheridan?” Luis was excited. He hadn’t seen her since the rehearsal dinner the night before because Theresa insisted that he not see the bride before the wedding. He didn’t believe just how much he missed her and needed her in bed beside him. He was dying to see her again.

“No, Liz Taylor, of course Sheridan!” Theresa pushed him away. “Now go!”

Luis sighed and entered the main part of the church, closing the door behind them so that Sheridan could enter the hall. He guessed he would just have to wait a little while longer before seeing his bride.

Sheridan stepped inside. “Oh my God, I’m getting married!” she panicked, beginning to hyperventilate. “I can’t do this…I’m not ready…I can’t get married…Pilar!!!”

Pilar rushed to Sheridan’s side, putting a comforting arm around her. “Calm down, mija, everything is going to be fine…breathe deep.”

She tried to control her breathing, incredibly nervous about what was to come. She was marrying Luis, the man of her dreams. “I’m so nervous, Pilar…what if I trip on my train or break a heel?”

Ashley giggled and Misty threw her a look. “Sheridan, would you like me to go see if we can find a nicely dressed gentleman to follow you down the aisle and watch your train?”

“Oh, would you?” Sheridan begged.

“Sure,” Misty slipped through the door and found Noah Bennett sitting with Nikki Crane. He was decently dressed and better than nothing, tapping his shoulder she got his attention. “Noah, we need to borrow you…”

“What for?” he thought he was in trouble.

“Sheridan needs someone to follow her and make sure she doesn’t trip on her train. It’s a bit long and it makes the dress insanely heavy.”

“No problem,” he gave Nikki a kiss and headed back with Misty, willing to help the bride.

Luis watched Noah disappear into the back with the women and checked his watch. Was something wrong with Sheridan? Wasn’t it time to get married? What did she need with Noah? He was freaking out again. “Is it time yet?”

“Just about, man, calm down,” Sam laughed and noticed that the ushers were going back. “Oh, I guess it’s time.”

“What?” Luis looked around for Sheridan. He was so hyper.

“It’s time! Buddy, you’re getting married,” he motioned to the four piece orchestra who began to play Cannon In D by Pachelbel. Sam grinned and then dragged his friend up front. Luis was grinning like an idiot and Sam knew that wasn’t changing any time soon.

Sheridan heard the first strings of the music and her eyes widened. “No! Pilar!” she cried. “I can’t do this…I can’t.”

Pilar soothingly rubbed Sheridan’s back. “Mija, you’re married to my son in all the ways that count, this just makes it official to God and his family…”

“But what…”

“No buts, Sheridan. You’re going to be fine.”

Sheridan sighed. “All right. You’re right…”

“I’m going to walk out now,” Pilar kissed her cheek. “Congrats Mija,” she whispered before leaving the foyer of the church.

“Julian?” she turned to her brother nervously.

“Sheridan, I wasn’t this nervous when I was forced to marry Ivy. Calm down, once those doors open and you look into his eyes, you’ll never even remember why you’re there.”

Sheridan smiled. “Julian, do you know how truly amazing you are when you’re sober?”

“I’ve been told,” he laughed.

Sheridan turned in time to see Ashley and Colin head down the aisle. Colin carried a small satin pillow with the wedding bands tied to it and Ashley was happily sprinkling red rose petals all over the ground. The music continued to play as Miguel and Kay joined arms and started down as well, Kay to his left. When they made it halfway down the aisle, the next pair began their descent of the isle: Misty and Hank. Finally, Ethan and Theresa made their descent of the aisle, leaving Sheridan with her brother.

“This is it, sister dear,” he watched as his son and Theresa parted ways and the doors closed for a moment. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Julian, more than ready,” Sheridan nodded, linking her right on with his left. She could hear Here Comes The Bride and took a deep breath, clinging tightly to her bouquet with her free hand. The doors opened and she felt Noah straighten her train.

“You’re ready, Sheridan, go get him,” he winked.

Julian took the first step, leading his sister down the aisle. Just like her brother said, the moment her eyes met Luis’, she was lost. She walked almost in a haze to her fiance, a bright smile on her face. It was as if they the only two people on earth as she nearly floated down the aisle.

Finally, they arrived and the music ended. Sheridan felt Julian gently squeeze her arm reassuringly. “Everything will be fine, sister and you will be married to the man you love.”

She smiled.

Father Lonigan smiled and greeted everyone. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in order to bind two hearts and souls together in Holy Matrimony. The Lord, for the mutual happiness and enjoyment of a couple, established marriage. Today, we come together in order to witness the marriage of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and Sheridan Crane…”

Changing his pace, he looked straight ahead and asked, “Who gives this woman to this man in Holy Matrimony?”

“I do,” Julian replied proudly, kissing his sisters cheek and taking his seat with Ivy in the front row.

Sheridan handed over her bouquet to Beth and Luis took her arm to help her forward, his hand sliding down to meet hers. She grinned at him and whispered, “Hi handsome.”

He smirked and whispered back, “We meet again, beauty.” Their gazes locked as they held hands, oblivious to the Father who was so soothingly speaking before them.

“St. Paul wrote in first Corinthians chapter thirteen ‘IF I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. For we know in part and prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now abide faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of these is love.’

“Sheridan and Luis, you come here today in order to become a wedding family before God, His angels and your family and friends. In the eyes of the church, marriage is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By making this commitment, you vow to be with each other in all ways until only death tears you apart. With this in mind, I ask you to join right hands.”

Luis and Sheridan shifted to take each other’s rights hands while facing each other. Smiling, Sheridan could see the love and devotion in his eyes, which were reflected in hers. She knew this moment would be one she would never forget in a million years.

“Luis, repeat after me. I, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, take you, Sheridan Crane, to be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“I, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, take you, Sheridan Crane, to be my lawfully wedded wife…”

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” he finished.

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” Luis completed, watching a tear roll down her cheek.

“Sheridan, repeat after me. I, Sheridan Crane, take you, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, to be my lawfully wedded Husband...”

“I, Sheridan Crane, take you, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, to be my lawfully wedded husband...” she sniffled, shaking as she clutched his hand.

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live.”

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish as long as we both shall live,” her tears fell slightly harder.

Father Lonigan smiled. “It is a belief that when two journey alone and become one in marriage, they become one light in a dark word. To symbolize this, we light the wedding candle for the partners to remember their vows.” Stepping away, he allowed Luis to help Sheridan to the altar where two single candles were lit. While they waited before lighting the candle, Sheridan recognized a tune.

“Fiddler on the Roof?” she whispered to Luis as they both began to light the candle at the same time. She turned to see Ethan and Theresa singing by the organ.

“Theresa’s idea…”

“There’s a shock,” she replied as they placed their candles back in the sticks and stepped down from the altar.

Sheridan bit her lip, her eyes wide with laugher and Luis knew she wasn’t going to make it through the entire song. She had a right to laugh, after all, this was rather amusing. It wasn’t often that one had a musical being sung at one’s wedding. He shook his head, his eyes begging for her to try not to laugh. He knew if she did he would as well.

“Mazel tov,” Sheridan giggled, not able to fight it any longer. She started laughing, earning more than one odd glance from their guests. Of course, this set Luis off as well and he began laughing along with her.

Father Lonigan cleared his throat, but they paid him no heed and he had to do it again. Finally, they stopped laughing and turned to face him.

“Sorry,” they both mumbled.

He shook his head, smiling at the pair. “Let’s continue. The ring is a circle, unending. It continues on without notice of obstacles. It is a tangible symbol of the love you two share for each other now and forever. May I have the rings?”

Colin rushed the pillow over to Sam, who untied one, and then to Beth, who took the other. They handed the rings to Father Lonigan.

“Bless, O Lord, this rings as a symbol of the love this couple shares now and always. May they be bound in heart, mind and soul with their love. Luis, take the ring and place it on Sheridan’s third finger of her left hand, repeating these words. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Luis slid the ring onto her finger, which was bare of the engagement ring for now, and repeated proudly, “With this ring, I thee wed.” He looked into Sheridan’s eyes and found tears again, but a bright smile on her face. One down, one more to go.

“Sheridan, take this ring and place is on the third finger of Luis’ left hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Sheridan did as told, looking into Luis’ eyes as she repeated, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Sheridan and Luis have given themselves to each other by the joining of hands, the exchanging of vows and the giving and receiving of a ring. By the powers so vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen.”

“Amen,” everyone replied.

“You may now kiss your bride,” he smirked.

Luis grinned happily. “With pleasure,” he leaned in and kissed Sheridan hard on the lips, earning the applause of all those present. He would have continued kissing her but he knew they had to get out of there.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

Luis pulled away from Sheridan, meeting her eyes. “I love how that sounds.”

“Me too,” she replied.

“Shall we?” he offered his arm.

She nodded, taking his arm, and he led her outside to the waiting sleigh and they were off to the Seascape.

The ride had been filled with kisses and touches, as well as admiring each other’s wedding bands. It was wonderful knowing that they belonged to each other head mind and soul. Now, Sheridan waited outside the hall with her bridal party as Chad, the DJ, prepared to announce the entrance of the bridal party in order. Sheridan could hear the music slow and knew it was coming. She was so glad the hard part was over.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here to welcome you tonight to the wedding of Sheridan and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. I would now like to take a moment to introduce the bridal party before we begin our celebration.”

Classical music came on and Chad’s voice filled the air. “Please welcome our ring barer and flower girl, Colin Lopez-Fitzgerald and Ashley Crane,” the door swung open and Colin led his Aunt through the doorway and into the banquet hall to the table he knew they were sitting at. The applause for them died away and a new song came on. Sheridan identified it as My Best Friend by Tim McGraw.

“Our first bridal party couple, bride’s maid Kay Bennett and usher Miguel LoFitz,” the applause started and again the door were opened as Kay and Miguel entered.

Yesterday by the Beatles filled the air and Sheridan almost laughed knowing that Hank and Misty were entering next. “Welcome usher Hank Bennett and bride’s maid Misty Fitzpatrick!”

The disappeared as I Knew I Love You by Savage Garden filled the air. “And our last bride’s maid and usher couple, Mr. And Mrs. Ethan Crane!”

The couple waved to Sheridan and Luis before disappearing inside.

Finally, more classical music came on and Chad stated, “And now, our best man and maid-of-honor, Sam Bennett and Beth Wallace!”

They disappeared and Sheridan leaned in to kiss her husband. “I want to give you something when we get inside…”

“Anything, baby,” he smiled. “I love you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“Mmm…say that again.”

“Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald…”

“I love you, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“And here now are our bride and groom, please join me in giving them a big welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, Sheridan and Luis!” Sheridan heard From This Moment by S. Twain play as the doors opened and they stepped into the well-lit ballroom at the restaurant. Everyone was standing and applauding as Luis brought Sheridan to the dance floor for their first song as a married couple.

Sheridan placed her head against Luis’ chest and sighed happily. “I love you, Luis.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. You looked like an angel coming down that aisle today. I never thought I could love you more than the second you stopped in front of me with that gorgeous smile and big blue eyes. And knew then and there you were mine forever.”

She looked up into his eyes. “My husband.”

“My wife,” he kissed her. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of calling you my wife.”

“Better not,” she teased. “I plan on hearing it for at least fifty years.”

“I think my life began the moment I hit that hunk of junk car of yours two years ago,” she winked, laughing at the unbelieving look on his face as she began to play with the hair at the base of his neck.

“You didn’t just say that…” he looked shocked.

“Mmm, I plead the fifth, Detective…you’ll have to kiss the truth out of me,” she smiled.

He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. “Wife.”

“Husband,” she kissed him again, deeply and passionately.

“My life is with you, Luis. I have nothing without you. You are my dream come true and always will be. That’s why I love you so much, because life is dark without you,” she kissed him again, enjoying the feel of his lips against hers.

“Mm, I plan on making your life worth living every single day of our lives, Sheridan. I promise.” He rubbed her back gently.

“You already do…”

“I learned to love again through you,” she admitted. “I was hell bent on never letting a man love me. I was afraid to get hurt.”

“I’m glad I got the chance…” he kissed her nose.

“I’m glad they all were wrong,” she gazed into his eyes.

“I love you,” the stated at the same time.

He leaned in and kissed her again as gently as possible remembering their audience. He pulled away with a smile and brought her to the head table, helping her sit.

Once seated, Beth stood beside Sheridan and held up her glass. “Join me in toasting our loving couple this evening. Sheridan, Luis, you two are the best friends a woman could have and I am honored to be here to celebrate with both of you. Your love has proven to be stronger than anything on this earth and I only hope it remains that strong always. To your love,” she sipped from her glass as did the rest of the guests, but Sheridan didn’t touch hers.

Sam stood as well. “Join me in toasting Sheridan and Luis in a love we all knew was there before they did,” he teased. “May your love bloom like a new flower in spring and may it last the toughest of days. I knew you two were meant for each other and I admit I was a little jealous that you two fools couldn’t see it, but now I can’t stop saying how much you belong together. To your love.”

Again they all sipped their drinks as waiters brought out the meals for each person. Chad turned down the music for another announcement. “While dinner is being brought to you fine folks, Theresa and Ethan have a gift for the newly weds,” he motioned to the four large screen TVs some of the waiters were pushing into the room and turning on. “They put together a film slideshow of the two of you growing up and from the last few months for you to always remember why today was special.”

You Are So Beautiful to Me began to play as a baby picture of Sheridan came up on the screen and she turned a bright shade of red. Luis’ baby picture came up next and slowly they disappeared to other childhood photos over the years. Inserted here and there were home videos the Lopez-Fitzgeralds had taken. A new song began, this time Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are as clips of Colin playing with Luis filed the screen. Over the music Sheridan said, “What, I’m trying to bake,” which was obvious since she was covered in head to toe with flour. Everyone laughed. What was surprising was the video of Luis’ proposal before the fireplace was on there, as was their dance at Theresa’s wedding. Finally, it ended with a montage of photos from the recent Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays and Colin’s birthday. At the end was little Colin, looking into the camera seriously. Luis slipped right hand into Sheridan’s left.

“Mommy and Daddy, today you’re getting married, which means we get to be a real family, not that we weren’t. I love you guys so much that I’m glad we’re going to get married…are married? What are we?” he laughed. “I just have one thing to ask from you guys and I’d like it for Christmas if possible…”

Sheridan knew what was coming and she placed her free hand against her belly.

“I want a baby brother or sister please. Love ya,” he laughed as Ethan, who seemed to have been the cameraman, swept him away kicking and screaming. The screens became black and the men entered again to remove the TVs.

“Congratulations,” Chad smiled.

Sheridan smiled as they all settled in to eat. After the meal she would give Luis her gift, the only thing he was allowed to have right now. She could barely wait to tell him the good news and see how he reacted to her present.

Sheridan grabbed the present she had hidden under the table and fingered the ribbons and bows. She was waiting for Luis to return from dancing with his mother. He looked so happy out there, family and friends swinging along with them that she didn’t want to interrupt even for her surprise. She noticed his wink and she grinned. How wonderful it felt to be his bride.

Finally the song ended and he excused himself to join her at the table, sighing as he sank into his seat. “What do you have there?”

“Your present,” she handed it to him. “Open it.”

He opened the ribbons and pulled out the sonogram photo and pregnancy test results. He scanned them, his eyes immediately flying to hers. “Sher?” he didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he could tell by the sparkle in her eyes that this was true.

She nodded, tears in her eyes. “We’re due in July, Luis. We’re having a July baby.”

“A baby?” he was in shock.

She nodded again. “A baby…in July.”

“I’m going to be a Daddy again?” he was completely and utterly shocked, tears rolling down his tan cheeks. He was going to be a father and this time he wouldn’t miss anything at all.

“Yes, you’re going to be a Daddy again, Luis, and this time you’ll be here the entire time.”

“Oh my God, I’m a Father.”

She nodded, wiping away his tears. “Yes you are.”

He gave a loud whoop, causing the music and dancing to come to a halt. He looked over everyone and grinned sheepishly. “Sheridan’s pregnant! We’re pregnant! Can you believe it?”

“Abuela, what does pregnant mean?” Colin asked.

“It means, neito, that you will have a baby brother or sister soon.”

“REALLY?” he became excited.

“Really,” she nodded. He ran off to his mom and hugged her.

“A baby, Mama?”

“A baby…in July.”

“Is that long?”

“Not too long, but long enough, kiddo,” Luis replied. “You’ll be the big brother.”

“YES!” he screamed. “I KNEW SANTA WOULD DO IT…” he ran around hugging everyone. Sheridan laughed.

“Funny, I didn’t think Santa was the father of the baby,” she teased her husband.

“He better not be or else he and his reindeer have some major explaining to do to one irate Detective,” he laughed.

Sheridan laughed and placed his hand on her belly. “Do you realize how far along we are?” she asked.

“Well if we’re due in July,” he mentally figured it out. “Woah, we’re almost three months along?”

Sheridan nodded. “Can barely tell, huh?”

He nodded. “Wow…we’re pregnant again.”

She smiled. “We’re pregnant again.” She pushed away whatever negative thoughts came to her mind.

“This calls for some celebrating…what do you say to a tango?” he wiggled his eyebrows.

She nodded. “Definitely, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, but it can’t be too seductive of a dance. I’m a happily married woman that is pregnant with my husband’s child.”

“Well, he’s a lucky, lucky man.”

“No,” she shook her head. “I’m the lucky one.” She replied sincerely.

Luis kissed her cheek and nodded to Chad who started a tango, which would forever be their favorite dance and, as always, was seductive.

Luis loved what came next, the garter routine. Lifting Sheridan’s skirt so that the better part of her leg was showing, he slowly ran his hands up from her calf to her thigh, fiddling with the blue garter. The bachelors were drooling, he swore they were, and he slowly and teasingly pulled the garter down her leg.

Sheridan laughed as a flash went off. She had been ignoring the photographer, but now that her leg was out for viewing, she became embarrassed. Blushing, she watched as Luis placed a kiss to her knee and stood up, ready to throw the garter. He flung it into the air and watched them all scramble for the tiny piece of material.

Finally, Hank stood holding the garter. “I win!”

Everyone laughed.

Sheridan took her bouquet and waited for the single women to line up. Once they were ready, she turned her back and tossed the bouquet over her shoulder. She turned to witness the shuffle for the bouquet and finally someone emerged the victor. Sheridan was shocked to see Beth with the bouquet.

Hank and Beth met in the middle of the room and she took the chair Sheridan had evacuated. Hank winked at Luis as he slid the garter onto Beth’s leg with a grin. As they cleared the floor, Sheridan and Luis’ cake was brought out.

“Be good, Luis, I’m carrying your child,” Sheridan smiled.

“Uhuh,” he joined his hand with hers and they cut the cake. He took his little square and gently fed it to her. In turn, she gently fed him. She began to lean in for a sweet kiss when he snuck the remainder of the slice up to her face and hit her with it. She gasped.

“You didn’t!”

“I did,” he laughed.

She smashed her lips against his is a deep kiss, smudging some of the icing on his face. When they pulled away, both were laughing and using their fingers to remove the icing from the faces of their spouse.

After the cake, they dance a bit more before deciding it was time to leave and allow their guests to enjoy the rest of the party so they could have their own little celebration at home.

As they left the Seascape, family and friends blew bubbles at them as the sun began to set and Luis helped Sheridan back into the sleigh. They were going home while Colin spent the night with Pilar and Miguel. Sheridan couldn’t believe that in a few days it would be Christmas and then they were off to Spain for their honeymoon. It was…amazing.

As the sleigh pulled up to their house, Luis hopped down and helped Sheridan out. He walked her to the front door, unlocked it and opened it before sweeping her into his arms and carrying her over the threshold.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“There’s no place I’d rather be,” she whispered against his lips. Then she kissed him, hard and deep as he carried her to the bedroom. He helped her out of her dress, leaving her in a bra and underwear. Instead of kissing her, he looked at her belly, tracing it with his hands. “How did you keep this hidden?” he asked, tracing the small swell of her stomach.

“Wasn’t easy,” she replied, lying down on the bed. “Fortunately we were both very busy over the last few months.”

He smiled and kissed her abdomen. “Hello baby. Daddy’s very happy to know about you.”

Sheridan’s eyes teared. “I love you.”

“Love you too, my darling wife.”

“Oh,” she sniffled. “One more time…”

“Wife,” he kissed her. “Wife, wife, wife,” he traced her rings. “My wife.”

Sheridan admired her rings for a moment. “It almost doesn’t seem real.”

“Why?” he asked, watching her.

“Because I never thought this day would happen, especially with all we’ve been through. I just thought I was meant to be alone.”

“Not anymore, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. You have me and one wonderful son that are keeping you here forever.”

“From this moment on, Luis, I’m in the one place I know I truly belong,” she pulled him in for a kiss that would lead to tender touches and a sensual lovemaking session that would leave them breathless and exhausted. They would wake up may times that night to make love again and every time they whispered loving words and make sure to call each other “husband and wife.”

Epilogue