Luis kissed the top of her head in response. “So…did they finally fall asleep?” “Finally,” she sighed. “Gwen wasn’t exaggerating. It is hard to get Jake to sleep. I don’t know how he does it. Constantly going. You can just see the wheels turning in that brown head of his.”

“What about Ali?” he asked. Rubbing his hand up and down her arm. Pulling her closer into him. “She didn’t even make it through the first book. She was worn out. She’s going to be so mad at me in the morning. She didn’t want Jake to think she was a baby. Falling asleep so soon. I didn’t have the heart to wake her, though. She looked so sweet lying there with Miss Priss curled up next to her."

“You left the cat in there? Not a good idea.” “Are you saying you don’t trust Jake alone with the family pet, Luis?” “You said it. Not me,” he said with a smile. “On second thought, maybe it is a good idea.” “Luis!” she laughed. Smacking him on the chest. “Now I’m worried.” “Don’t be,” he grinned. “He’s just like Hank. Mischievous, sure. But there’s not a mean bone in his body. He won’t hurt the cat.”

“You’re sure?” she asked. “Quit worrying about that obnoxious bundle of white fur,” he growled. Rolling over so that his body covered hers. “When you could keep yourself occupied with much better things.” “Luis. The kids are just down the hall,” she said breathlessly as she felt one of his hands slip up under the tank she wore.

“So,” he said. His hand finding her. His touch making her feel like she was drugged. “We’ll just be quiet. You’re wearing my favorite pjs,” he smiled. Leaning down and kissing her lips slowly. "But.." "No buts. You locked the door, didn't you?" he asked. Kissing her again after she nodded in response.

She closed her eyes at the feel of his lips on her neck. Giving herself over to the feeling. Soon, her tank was history. And Luis's lips replaced his hands. She ran her fingers through his dark hair. Holding him to her. "Luis, we shouldn't be doing this," she protested. Weakly. She shivered when she felt his breath on her stomach.

"Do you really want me to stop, Baby?" he asked. Placing a kiss on her stomach. Just above the waistband of her shorts. Her eyes flew open, and he found himself staring into their passion-filled blue depths. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head no. Raising her hips to help him with the rest of her clothing.

He shed his own clothing. Sitting up and pulling her into his lap. Wrapping one arm around her. Running the other hand through her hair. To the back of her neck. Meeting her lips with his again. Only this time more passionately. "Luis," she gasped. "What are you trying to do to me? Kill me?" "At least you'd die with a smile on your face," he grinned. "Argh! Shut up, Mr. Wise Guy. Hank's rubbing off on you, isn't he?"

"It's not a good idea to talk about another man when your husband's making love to you, darling," he whispered in her ear. Causing her to laugh softly. "Making love to your wife with two very observant and inquisitive children just down the hall isn't such a good idea either, Buster," she teased affectionately. He smiled tenderly at her before brushing his lips gently against hers again.

He groaned against her lips when they heard a crash. Followed by a horrific meow. Coming from Ali's room. She leaned against his chest. Shaking with laughter. "Deja vu," she whispered. Disengaging herself from his arms and slipping her pjs and robe back on. She walked out the door, and Luis pounded his pillow in frustration before getting up himself and putting some clothes on. Ready to investigate. Kids and that damn cat were going to be the death of him.

Chapter 60

She loved the sound of his heart beating. It was so steady and strong. Comforting. She sighed. She'd never been so happy. So content. "Hank," she said softly. Lifting her head from his chest and looking into his brown eyes. "What, Babe?" he asked with a lazy grin. Trailing his fingers down her bare back.

"I'm happy," she whispered. Tears blurring her vision. "Hey," he said. Sitting up and bringing her into his arms. "I thought the usual sign of happiness was a smile. Not tears," he said. Brushing her hair back from her face. "I can't help it," she sniffled. "I've never been this happy before. I thought I was with...before. But being here with you, being your wife," she paused. Studying the golden band on her finger. "I can't even describe it."

"Man, I always knew I was good," he joked. "But not this good." She laughed. Wiping the remainder of her tears away. And smiled at him. "Now...that's more like it," he teased. Tipping her chin up with his fingertips and leaning in for a kiss. Easing her back down on the bed. Letting the covers slip away. "Again?" she teased back. Brow raised but eyes sparkling with happiness. "Just making up for lost time," he smiled. Pulling the sheets up over their heads and making good on his word.

The car lurched forward, and she woke. Eyes blinking against the sun. "Some dream you must have had," she heard him say. And the events of the last week rushed back to her. They'd gotten married. Almost a week ago. She smiled and turned to face him. "It was," she said softly. Linking her fingers with his and squeezing them gently.

"We're almost home," she said. No reason in particular. But she knew things would be different now. Her mother was bound to have learned their secret by now. Her father was one of the most wonderful men in the world. But he couldn't keep good news to himself. He found it impossible to do so. "Yeah," he said. "As nice as our honeymoon was, I can't wait to get home. See Jake."

"Me, either," she agreed. Laughing as she remembered talking with Sheridan on the phone the night before. "Poor Sheridan. She didn't say it. She didn't have to. Jake and Ali are a combination a little too potent to take twenty-four hours a day," she said with a smile. Hank chuckled to himself. Luis had been much more forthcoming in his phone call the previous night. Openly admitting Jake was pure and utter chaos. He grinned as he remembered his friend's words. "Sheridan's worried we're going to have to take that damn cat to a shrink. Can you believe it, Hank? Who chooses that as their profession? Maybe they'll want to commit the little pest," he'd said in a hopeful voice.

"What are you laughing about, Hank?" she asked curiously. "Nothing," he smiled. "Just something Luis said. He hates that cat, you know. Always plotting ways to get rid of it." "Sheridan told me the feeling was mutual," she laughed. "I don't see why he gets so bothered by it. It's just a harmless kitten. Kittens aren't annoying. They're cute. Now dogs. Dogs are another story. Slobbering all over you whenever you let them get near you."

"I knew it," he said. In a serious voice. "The honeymoon's over. We're headed straight to divorce court." And her heart stopped beating in her chest altogether. Until he said, "Becs...she's the mother-in-law from hell, but I can handle her. My wife not being able to cook...anything's better than Grace's cooking. But hating dogs...nope. I can't live with someone who has such hostile feelings toward man's best friend. Besides Luis, the best friend I ever had was a dog. I'll have the papers drawn up and sent to you, Babe. This is where I draw the line," he said. Finally cracking a grin when he saw her shaking with laughter.

She still wore a smile when they rang Sheridan and Luis's doorbell. He smirked at her. It sounded like a war party inside there. He rapped on the door. But still no one answered. So he turned the knob slowly in his hand. And the sight before them sent them into fresh hysterics. Jake and Ali wore paper Indian headdresses. And tied to a makeshift stake was the poor cat. Luis was nowhere in sight. Sheridan was in a heap on the couch. Looking incredibly exhausted. With a fussy MJ in her arms. "Help," she called out weakly from the sofa. Ah, the joys of home, he thought as his son ran to his outstretched arms. Sure it was chaotic. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter 61

“I can’t wait to see the look on her face,” Hank laughed. “When she realizes we’re married, or…” She left the question hanging in the air. Hank glanced at the rearview mirror. At Jake and Ali in the backseat. Separated by MJ’s car seat. “Well, I was talking about the moment she spies your ring, Babe. But you know what? She’s going to have a conniption when she sees the rugrats. You know what’d make it even better?”

“Oh,” she groaned. Head in hands. “What are you planning now? Wait. I don’t want to know.” “What? You don’t want to mess with Mommy Dearest’s head a little? Really, Babe. Live a little. It’ll be fun. She’ll be so panicked, she won’t say two words about us being married. And just think…I can almost guarantee we won’t be getting any invitations to family dinners. At least not for a while. So…what do you say? Are you game?” he asked with a grin.

She couldn’t deny it sounded appealing. So against her better judgment, she said, “Okay. BUT…if she attempts to murder you, I’m letting her do it,” she teased. “What’s this plan of yours?” He just smiled at her. “Jake. Ali. I need your help. Are you up for…” Gwen could only laugh helplessly. Mother was going to flip.

Hank’s brown eyes twinkled as he removed MJ from his car seat and handed him to Gwen. She rubbed the baby’s downy head and kissed his silky cheek. Smiling at her husband. She had to give him credit. Mother wasn’t going to speak to them for days. Weeks, maybe. Possibly even months.

Ali took Hank's hand, and Jake grinned up at his father when he said, “You guys know the drill. You do a good job, and I’ll take you all out for ice cream later. Deal?” “Deal!” Jake said. Giving him a high five. “Uncle Hank,” Ali pouted. Tugging at his hand. “I’m scared.” “Oh, Miss Ali,” he said. Lifting her up into his arms. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. If mean, old, evil Becs tries to hurt you, sweetheart, I’ll…I’ll bite her. Like this,” he said. Pretending to gnaw on Ali’s neck. Causing her to giggle uncontrollably.

Gwen rolled her eyes and rang the doorbell. The smile on her face full-blown when her father answered it. "Oh, if it isn't my little girl," he said. Opening his arms to her. A curious look coming over his face when he spotted MJ. And Ali. "I send you off on your honeymoon. And you come back with not one, but three kids. What's going on here?" he asked. Rubbing a hand over MJ's head and smiling at Ali in Hank's arms.

"Babysitting," Gwen laughed. "It was the least we could do after leaving poor Sheridan with Jake all week. She's probably lapsed into a coma by now." "Sheridan Crane? I don't know why I didn't see it sooner. You," he said. Waving his finger in front of Ali, "you're just as pretty as your mother." Ali beamed at him. And buried her face in Hank's neck shyly. "Who's this little fella here?" he asked. Nodding at MJ in Gwen's arms. "This is my nephew," Hank smiled proudly. "MJ's my cousin," Ali said quietly.

Jonathan saw them in and led them to the living room where he sat on the sofa and listened attentively to his grandson. Detailing what he thought of as "Jake's Grand Adventures." He chuckled to himself. Jake had a way of embellishing things and making them larger than life. He hid his smile when Ali spoke up. "Jake's been so mean to my kitty, Mr. Hotchkiss. He threw her off the top of my dresser," she tattled. Blue eyes wide. Serious as can be.

"Jake, my boy. I'm disappointed in you," he scolded. "But Grandpa," Jake shot back. "I just wanted to see if she'd land on her feet. I wasn't trying to hurt her dumb cat. Honest," he said. Sticking his tongue out at Ali. "Jake," he said sternly. Wanting so badly to laugh.

MJ fussed from Gwen's lap, and Jonathan's attention was diverted from his young grandson and Ali. He smiled in amusement as he watched Gwen and Hank work together to try to calm the baby down. But nothing would work. And soon MJ was screaming at the top of his lungs. And they all turned when they heard a voice say, "What on earth is going on here?"

Hank grinned. Getting up from the sofa and walking over to his mother-in-law. Gwen coming to stand beside him. The bawling child in her arms. Rebecca's eyes were drawn to the gold band on her finger, and they grew wide as saucers. "Is that...is that what I think it is?" she choked out.

Hank slid his arm around Gwen's waist and said, "Yeah. We're sorry you couldn't come to the wedding. It was kind of a spur of the moment deal," he grinned. "You should have seen our Gwen, Mom. Pretty as a picture," he bragged. Watching as all color drained out of Rebecca's face. She held a hand to her chest. Cringing as MJ screamed in her face. "Whose children are these?" she asked. Noticing Ali in Jonathan's lap. Not able to ignore MJ.

"Jake," Hank said. "Help me do the honors, Son." Jake got up from the sofa, took Ali by the hand, and walked over to where his parents and grandmother stood. "Grandma, this is my new sister. Ali." Ali walked up to Rebecca and wrapped her arms around her legs. Squeezing her eyes shut tight. Hank didn't know what was funnier. Ali's fright. Or the look on Bec's face when he took MJ out of Gwen's arms and handed him to her. "And this is our new son. MJ," he said. Smiling broadly.

The look of pure horror on Rebecca's face was priceless. "You can't be serious," she said in a tiny voice. Holding MJ at arms' length. And shaking her leg in an attempt to dislodge Ali. "But Mother," Gwen said. "We are. The adoption papers just went through yesterday. Jake has a new brother and sister. Aren't you happy for us?" Rebecca looked like she was going to be ill. She thrust MJ into Hank's arms and pried Ali's little arms from around her legs. "Let...go...of...me," she said through clenched teeth. Finally freeing herself. "If you'll excuse me," she said. Smoothing her skirt. "I think I'll go jump off a rocky cliff now." And she turned on her heels. Leaving them all. They could only laugh as they watched her ascend the stairs muttering obscenities under her breath.

"I don't think your grandma's going to be wanting to visit us anytime soon, kids," Hank joked.

Chapter 62

He slipped his key in the lock and turned the knob. Stepping inside with a weary sigh. “Sheridan? Ali? Jake?” he called. But he was met with…quietness. Silence. Panic rose in his chest for a brief moment. Luis, he chided himself. You have your family back. Nothing’s going to take them away from you. Quit worrying at the drop of a hat. Yet his fears did not go away until he saw her. Curled up on the sofa. Fast asleep. A tender smile came over his face as he crossed the room and knelt on the floor. By her side. And ran his fingers through her golden hair.

She sighed softly in her sleep and shifted. Leaning into his touch. A smile on her own face. “Mmm. Luis. Is that you?” she mumbled sleepily. Eyes still closed. He laughed. She’d kill him if he ever admitted it, but he thought she was so cute in her half-asleep state. She hated to be called that. He traced her features with his fingertips. Outlining her brows, her eyelids, cheeks, nose. Coming to a rest on her lips. He let his fingers trail across her chin. Then he leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

When he pulled away, he found himself staring into her brilliant blue eyes. She rubbed her finger over his bottom lip. And leaned in for another kiss. Sweet. Chaste. He rested his forehead against hers. “Where are the kids?” “Gwen and Hank took them,” she said with a smile. “Not a moment too soon.” He laughed softly. Giving her another quick peck on the lips. “Come on,” he said. Standing up and pulling her to her feet. “I know just what we need.” She looked at him curiously. Then trustingly slid her hand in his.

He led her into their bathroom. Letting go of her hand momentarily to turn the water on. He adjusted the temperature and added some bubble bath as the tub began to fill. His mind drifting back to a time when he did the same for Ali. Before…before they found each other again. He didn’t know what he’d do if he ever lost her again. He didn’t know if he’d have the strength to go on. He turned to her. Tears shining in his dark eyes. And she took him in her arms. Held on.

“I’m sorry,” he said. Pulling away and looking into her eyes again. “Shh,” she said with a finger to his lips. “Don’t be.” She ran her hands down his chest. Coming to a rest at his waist. Before she tugged his shirt loose from his pants. Slowly, she unbuttoned each button. Biting her lip in concentration. When she was done, she moved to slide the shirt from his shoulders, but he stopped her. With his hands on her own. The look in his eyes making her weak-kneed.

He held his hand up motioning for her to stay and reached over to turn the water off. Then he pulled her to him once more. Backing up and sitting down on the toilet seat. He opened his legs, and she stepped closer. Not breaking the gaze they shared as she rid herself of her own shirt. She held on to his shoulders as he popped the button on her jeans and slid them down her hips. She stepped out of them and reached out her hand. And she smiled at him. Her heart still slammed against her chest every time they touched.

"Oh, Luis. This feels heavenly," she sighed as she immersed herself in the bubbles and leaned back against his chest. "That feels even better," she said blissfully as he kissed her neck. Massaging her shoulders. "How does this feel?" he whispered in her ear. "Oh god," she answered breathlessly. "Luis, you better stop now before..." "Before what?" he teased. Kissing along her jaw. Her eyes fluttered shut as she savored the feeling.

"What? Why are you stopping?" she asked. Turning around to face him. "You told me to," he laughed. Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Luis, you don't seriously believe I meant that, do you?" she asked. Slipping her arms around his neck and placing tiny kisses on his lips. She giggled against his lips when he pulled her more firmly against him and groaned. "We're never going to get clean this way," he said. Evading her kisses and reaching for the cup she used to rinse Ali's hair and her shampoo. She closed her eyes as he washed and rinsed her hair. Then she returned the favor.

She admired his long, lean body as he rose from the tub and stepped out. Holding out a hand for her. He grinned at her, and she felt her cheeks burn. "Like what you see, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" "Definitely," she said. Flashing him a dazzling smile and stepping into his arms. She breathed in sharply when he ran his hands down her back. Then lifted her in his arms. She wrapped herself around him completely. Head to toe. And gave him a heart-stopping kiss. "Whoa," he said. Out of breath. “Keep that up, and I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“I kind of like the sound of that,” she teased. Running her hands through his hair and opening her mouth over his. Luis blindly carried her to their bedroom, and her eyes opened when he laid her down on their bed. “Luis,” she whispered. Her arms open to him. He didn’t need to be told twice as he covered her body with his own. He jumped at the feel of her hands on him. Every nerve ending in his body alive. "I love you," he said seriously. Watching as a million emotions flashed through her beautiful blue eyes. She didn't say a word. But by the end of the night, Luis knew without a doubt she felt the same. And he wondered...was it possible to be so happy? Because right then, in that moment, everything was perfect. The way it was meant to be.

Chapter 63

Sheridan paused at the window. Watching Ali and Jake in action in the back yard. Jake was torturing the poor cat once again. For all the irritation Miss Priss caused Luis, Jake paid her back in spades. She laughed as she witnessed the cat seize its first chance of freedom and bound away from her tormentor. Her daughter and Jake were quite a pair, she mused. She wondered what kind of relationship they might have twenty years down the road. Gwen’s voice startled her from her reverie.

“Are you sure Luis and Jake didn’t sign a contract on that poor cat’s head?” she laughed. Handing Sheridan a tall glass of iced tea and joining her at the window. “It's possible,” she said. Smiling at her friend. Then turning back to watching the children. “I can’t wait to be Ali’s mother-in-law,” Gwen said. Laughing at the incredulous expression on Sheridan’s face. “What? You can’t tell me you don’t wonder about it sometimes, too,” she smiled. “He might tease her and what-not, but Ali is Jake’s best friend."

Sheridan opened her mouth to say something, then closed it when she realized Gwen was right. Laughing helplessly as Gwen smiled at her and said, "You're getting the raw end of the deal, though. Another Hank. Can you imagine what Jake and Ali's kids will be like?" "Whoa! Gwen!" she exclaimed. Holding her hands up in front of her. "Don't you think you're getting way ahead of yourself?" she laughed. "Just trying to prepare you, that's all," she teased as Sheridan settled down beside her on the sofa.

"So..." Sheridan said. Taking a sip of iced tea. "How are things? With you and Hank?" Smiling to herself at the radiant smile on Gwen's face at the mention of Hank's name. "Great. Wonderful. Never better. Though I am tired of living at the Bed and Breakfast. We're still looking for the perfect place. Someplace kind of like...kind of like yours," she sighed. "Really?" Sheridan asked curiously. It would be quite an adjustment from living at the huge Hotchkiss estate. "Yes, really," Gwen smirked. "You've proven to me that money isn't everything. It doesn't bring you happiness. I like your place. It's a home," she said. Looking around at all the little touches that said a family lived there.

"It is home," Sheridan sighed blissfully. "But it's awfully small," she said. Rubbing her stomach unconsciously. A gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Gwen. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "You aren't...you are...Sheridan, are you pregnant?" she squealed. Taking Sheridan's hands in her own. Practically buzzing with excitement. Her question struck Sheridan dumb. But only for a moment before the wheels started to turn in her mind. Was it possible? She hadn't been feeling well as of late. For a few weeks now. And she'd missed...She covered her mouth with her hand as it dawned on her Gwen could be right. She might be pregnant.

"Sheridan, honey. Don't tell me you didn't suspect before now. I mean, you had to have deep down. You and Luis have been trying, right?" she asked. A knowing smile coming to her lips as Sheridan nodded her head. "But Gwen...we've only...just for a short time. It isn't exactly easy to do such a thing with Ali around," she admitted. Cheeks burning red with embarrassment. Gwen laughed and said, "You're telling me. Hank wants to buy Jake a cowbell to wear around his neck." Sheridan burst into laughter at the mental image.

"You know what?" Gwen said. Rising to her feet. "You'll drive yourself crazy wondering if you don't do something about it. Come on, Sheridan." "What? Where are we going?" she asked in confusion. "The drug store to get you one of those pregnancy tests. Don't look so nervous. Luis is going to be thrilled," she said. Tugging Sheridan's hand and pulling her toward the front door. "You wait in the car. I'm going to run tell Hank where we're going." "Gwen! No!" Sheridan said in panic. Grabbing her arm. "I don't want Luis to be disappointed," she explained. "Relax. Hank's not going to squeal. He's pretty good at keeping things to himself," she revealed. Somehow, Sheridan felt this time would be different.

Chapter 64

Calm down, Sheridan, she told herself. You’ve done this before. It’s no big deal. Just follow the instructions and wait so many minutes. Piece of cake, she told her reflection in the mirror. But what if you’re not pregnant? What then? What are you going to tell Luis? He’ll be so disappointed.

Well, if Hank hadn’t proven Gwen wrong, you wouldn’t have to worry about that little problem. Luis wouldn’t be waiting on pins and needles outside with your friends and the children at this moment. Ready to call the entire family with the good news. As nervous as she was, she had to smile at that thought. Luis was already about to burst, and they didn’t even know if she was pregnant.

She shut the bathroom door behind her. And ran right into Luis. “Luis!” she exclaimed in surprise. “I thought you were outside with Gwen and Hank and the kids. What are you doing in here?” He grabbed her gently by the upper arms and stared into her eyes. His own dark eyes shining with anticipation. “I couldn’t wait. Do you know yet? Are we going to have another baby?”

She smiled at his enthusiasm and raised her hand up to cup his cheek. “Not yet,” she answered softly. “Luis. I don’t want you to be disappointed if I’m not pregnant. We can keep trying.” He laughed and kissed her palm. Leaning down to give her lips the same treatment. “I certainly have no problem with THAT. Baby or no baby,” he grinned.

She swatted him affectionately on the rear as she passed. “Hey, where do you think you’re going? Aren’t you going to…” “Luis,” she shot back over her shoulder. “It’s not like it’s going to get up and walk away,” she teased. “Come on. Standing there staring at it is not going to make the time pass more quickly. We have guests outside. We shouldn’t totally ignore them. I’ll check back later.” “But Sheridan…” he whined.

"No buts," she said firmly. "Besides...I just heard the doorbell. Why don't you go see who it is while I go check on everyone outside?" she asked. Smiling back at him. Blue eyes twinkling. She laughed. Hearing him mutter under his breath. 'Damn. Those eyes again.' "You are too good for your own good, you know that Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" he said as he caught up with her and gave her a sound kiss on the lips before going to answer the door. "Too good," he laughed.

"Why thank you," she called out. Before going outside. She had to laugh at the looks on Gwen's and Hank's faces. "Not yet," she smiled. "And you," she said. Pointing at Hank. "I should be thinking up appropriate punishments for you, you traitor." Hank just grinned at her and threw up his hands. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't keep it to myself. And such good news. You and Luis deserve it," he said. Hugging her. "Luis. Buddy. What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost," he called. Releasing her and studying his friend.

Luis ignored him. Walking up to Sheridan and taking her by the hand. Leading her back inside. "Luis? Luis, what's wrong?" she asked. Voice rising with worry. "Is it your mother? Martin? Oh my god, it's Theresa. Or the baby. Is everything okay with MJ? Luis? Luis, please answer me," she pleaded. Growing frantic. "Shh," he said. Pulling her into his arms and squeezing her tight. "It's not them. They're all okay."

"But who is it?" she asked. Blue eyes searching his for answers. "Sheridan," he said. Taking a deep, steadying breath. "It's your father, Baby," he said. Running his fingers through her hair. "He's dead." He watched her concerned as her face lost all color, and she swayed on her feet. He caught her before she fell and eased her down onto the sofa. "It okay," he soothed. Running a calming hand up and down her back. "Cry if you need to. If you want to. He was your father. It's only natural to be upset."

She turned stricken blue eyes on him. And in a trembling voice said, "I'm numb, Luis. After all that he has done to me in my life, I have no tears. No more tears for him. Only tears of relief. Does that make me an awful person?" she asked. Tears shimmering in her eyes. Waiting to spill over. "No," he rushed to assure her. "You're a beautiful person, Sheridan. Inside and out. Don't cry because you feel guilty at not being able to cry over the loss of your father. Alistair Crane does not deserve your tears. He doesn't deserve anyone's tears."

"Sheridan? Luis? Is everything okay?" Gwen called. Walking into the living room. "I'm so sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean to intrude. It's just Ali's getting a little worried out there, and Hank's tried everything he can think of to calm her." "Damn," Luis swore. Running a hand over his face. Ali was too sensitive and observant for her own good. Always picking up on her parents' feelings and moods. "Gwen. You stay here with Sheridan. I'll go outside and take Ali off of Hank's hands. Are you going to be okay?" he asked. Wiping the tears from Sheridan's cheek with the pad of his thumb. He kissed her forehead when she nodded 'yes'. And thanked Gwen on his way out.

Gwen sat down beside Sheridan. Placing a hand over Sheridan's own. Stilling her movements. "He's dead, Gwen. My father's dead. Can you believe it? I feel so terrible for feeling this way, but the only thing I can think is 'I'm finally free'. He can't interfere in my life anymore. He can't get to Ali. Or anyone I love ever again," she said. Squeezing Gwen's hand and rising to her feet. Going to look outside once more. At her family. The only close family she had left. "He ruined so many lives. And now...now Julian's son will never be found. Ever," she added softly. Spinning around at the sound of Gwen's voice.

"I don't know about that," she said in a shocked voice. Getting up and crossing the room to where Sheridan stood. "Sheridan," she began. Holding out some papers. Some important-looking documents she'd ignored earlier. Documents Luis had left for her. From her father's personal secretary. "I think you may have found what you've been looking for, after all," she said. Handing the papers over to her. Studying her face for a reaction as she read the name scrawled at the bottom. The name of Julian and Eve's son. She gasped in surprise, and the papers fluttered to the ground. Written boldly across the page was a name she recognized easily. A name she was familiar with: Chad Harris.

Chapter 65

She laid her pen down and clutched the book to her chest. This was goodbye. The last day they would walk through this house’s doors and call it home. It was a big change. But one she welcomed. “Sheridan!” she heard Luis yell. “It’s time to go.” She took one last look around. Closing her eyes and remembering all that had happened within these walls. She could still hear Ali’s sweet voice. Her excitement as she tugged her to her room. Her first night back. And Luis. Standing outside this door. Giving her a kiss to remember. To replace all her misplaced memories. Misplaced. Not lost. Because her life with Ali and Luis…it was unforgettable.

Luis’s brown eyes lit up when he saw her. He slipped an arm around her back. Pulling her close, and kissing the top of her golden head. “It’s not goodbye forever,” he whispered. “We’ll make brand-new memories in the new house. You’ll see. And if you ever miss this old place,” he joked, “you can always come and visit Gwen and Hank.” She laughed against his chest. Smiling at him with sparkling blue eyes. “Shh,” Luis said. Putting a finger to her lips. “Listen. I think I hear…yeah, I did. She’s groaning. Begging us to stay. Baby…our house is afraid of the Bennett boys.”

She shoved him playfully. Leaving him there and walking to there car where Ali waited. Singing sweetly to herself while she stroked Miss Priss’s soft white fur. “Are you ready, sweetie? Sure you got everything?” “Yes, Mommy,” she said solemnly. Looking one last time at the house she’d spent her whole life in before Luis started the car, and they drove away. To their future.

Sheridan sighed and leaned back in her seat. She opened her eyes again when she felt Luis thread his fingers through her own. “Are you feeling okay?” he asked. She raised their hands to her lips and placed a gentle kiss to his. “I’m fine,” she said. Smiling at him reassuringly. “Just thinking,” she said softly. “About Chad?” he said. Squeezing her hand tightly. And returning his eyes to the road. “He took the news pretty hard, Luis.”

Luis glanced back at her. Hoping the love shining in his eyes softened the blow of his next words somewhat. “Can you blame him? Your father—and your brother, to a lesser extent—were despicable men. He’s just being a little cautious. That’s all. He’ll come around,” he said. “You have to remember he’s had a lot to deal with in the past few months. Give him some time. Chad’s a good guy. He recognizes you’re not like the rest of your family.”

From the back seat, they heard Ali squeal excitedly, “Mommy! Daddy! We’re here!” Luis grinned at her enthusiasm. Proud of her for keeping their little secret. Sheridan really had no clue what waited for her beyond the doors of their new home. “Ali! Ali! Slow down, sweetie!” Sheridan called as their daughter took off running. Disappearing through the front door. “Oh, Miss Priss,” Sheridan sighed. Picking the purring bundle up in her arms. “She left you behind like an old shoe.” “Sheridan,” Luis said. “Don’t worry about the cat,” he laughed. Taking her by the arm and leading her up the walkway. “Well, somebody has to,” she pouted. Looking just like her daughter. “We’re both neglected in all this excitement.”

“Neglected? Neglected?” he scoffed. Pulling her firmly against him. Snaking his arms around her waist. “I’ll show you neglected,” he whispered. Lowering his mouth to hers. And kissing her ‘til she was afraid she had no more air left in her lungs. They broke apart. Laughing at Miss Priss’s protesting meow. She rubbed his lips with her thumb to remove the traces of her lipstick. Then placed the cat on her feet, and opened the door. Tears coming to her eyes at the sight before her.

Her mouth hung open in surprise as she took in the decorations. The family. The friends all gathered in the room. Smiles on their faces at her emotional reaction. Ali’s adorable grin the most noticeable of all. “You little sneak,” she scolded affectionately. Kneeling in front of her and tickling her sides. Making her giggle helplessly. “You and Daddy,” she said. Casting a loving glance Luis’s way,” knew all along.”

"You don't know how hard it was, Mommy," Ali giggled. "I wanted to tell you, but Daddy wouldn't let me." "You should be proud of her, Mija," Pilar said with a smile as she Sheridan rose to her feet and hugged her. "She's known for a whole week and didn't tell," Martin laughed. Ruffling Ali's long blond hair affectionately. Then lifting her up into his arms. "And you," she said. Looking at Hank and Jake wearing identical mischievous grins. "How did you two ever keep this quiet?" "Easy," Jake said. "Mom threatened Dad if either of us squealed." "Oh, she did, did she?" Sheridan said in amusement. "Uh huh," Jake nodded. "She told Dad no..." Kay laughed hysterically as Gwen clamped her hand over her cousin's mouth. She'd already heard it all. And Jake delighted in telling the story.

Luis watched his wife with MJ, and he couldn't help his excitement. Just a few more months. They had a lot to look forward to, and he couldn't wait. Miguel came up beside him. Grinning at the look on his brother's face. "So...do you guys know yet? Boy or girl?" "Sheridan's making me wait, Bro. She wants it to be a surprise." "What happened? I thought she wanted to know just as much as you." "She did," Luis laughed. "But you see...we have a little bet going on..." Miguel slapped his brother on the back. Dying laughing at the predicament he had gotten himself into. "You are so whipped, Luis. Don't even try to deny it. And you know what the funniest thing is? I don't think you mind. Not at all."

Luis's eyes connected with Sheridan's across the room at that moment. And he saw the happiness in them. Happiness he'd do anything to keep there. Happiness that grew tenfold with the new arrival. He watched aunt and nephew embrace, and he knew it was all falling into place. "You know what, Bro?" he said. Arm around Miguel's broad shoulders. "Maybe I am. Being whipped isn't such a bad thing. You should know. Kay's got you wrapped around her little finger. And don't you even try to deny it. You know it's true," he called back over his shoulder as he crossed the room. Meeting his wife halfway. He wouldn't change a thing.

The End

The Sequel: Always

Disclaimer: This story in is in no way meant to infringe upon the rights belonging to , NBC, or any entity thereof. All rights to Passions and any related content, including characters used, belong to "Outpost Farms Production Inc", James E. Reilly, and NBC.

This story is the property of the author. Copyright 2001. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission of the author.

Unforgettable- Copyright © 2001 - All Rights Reserved.