Light In Your Eyes

"I love you Sheridan, always and forever. Don't you dare forget that." "How could I? I love you so much, Luis."

There sat Luis in his office desk thinking about the time he and Sheridan shared something. He remembered every single thing about her. Especially that glow in her eyes everytime he looks into them. It made him go weak. Six years past since she left him to go somewhere. Some place he didn't know. She had left him because she needed to calm down a bit. She needed to get away from everything that went on in her life. It was moving too fast for her. Her father's death, which she didn't even have the chance of saying good bye to him, (Alistair left her half of the Crane Empire to take care of. She was his little girl, what could he have done?) Ethan's true paternaty, the truth about ''that night'', and the existence of true love. She couldn't handle all the pressure. She needed some space to think. She explained it all to Luis and he told her that if that's what she wants, he's not going to stand in her way. But now, he regrets saying those things and wished that he could've gone with her. But he had his mother, Theresa, and Miguel to think about. And plus, Sheridan said she would come back for him when she's ready, right now she just needed the space.

For the past six years all Luis could ever think about was Sheridan and when she would come back. He wanted her to be proud of him, so, he took the oppurtunity to go back to school and become what he dreamed of becoming. . . a lawyer. And he was. . . and may I add, a successful one too. With his connections with the Harmony PD, they named him the sole attorney for the precinct. So, all the cases against the department went to Luis. And with his strong personality, he managed to win most of his cases. This made his family very happy.

He managed to open up a Mexican restaurant for Pilar, so she didn't have to work for the Cranes. Miguel is still with Charity and is in college on the verge of becoming a civil engineer. Theresa, well, Theresa had her dream come true. . . you know, the one of becoming Mrs. Ethan Crane. . . that is Mrs. Ethan Bennet. She and Ethan were to be wed in a couple of weeks, and Luis couldn't be any more happier for his little sister. She deserves everything that's coming to her. That's what Luis thought. Gwen's parents didn't want her to marry Ethan after his paternaty was reveiled. Gwen didn't want to disobey her family. They would've disowned her. So she moved to New York 'cause she didn't want to face Ethan.

Sam and Grace had a divorce. She divorce Sam when she found out that he and Ivy had a past. She couldn't believe Sam didn't tell her. And two years later Sam married Ivy and Ethan couldn't be more happier for his parents. Kay still didn't have anyone to love her. After they found out all the things that she did to Charity, no one talked to her and so she moved with Grace to California. Noah didn't really care about the Sam/Ivy thing. He just wanted to be happy for his dad. . . hey, he even got an instant older brother he always wanted. He and Ethan were close. He sort of hated Ethan for getting with Theresa, 'cause he had a thing for her before, but he got over it. He just wanted his brother and best friend to be happy. And Jessica didn't take it too hard. She loved having Ivy as a mother. She was fun. She visited her mother and Kay often. And she's in New York studying acting.

The wedding was going to be in two weeks. And Luis still didn't have a gift for Theresa and Ethan. Even though they insisted on not getting them any, he still wanted to get his little sister and soon to be brother-in-law something. So he decided to out shopping for them. He was done with his paper work, so he told his secretary to take his messages 'cause he'll be out for the rest of the day.

Luis went to the mall and he spotted Sam. "Hey! Sam, buddy, how are you?" "Luis! Hey man. How are you doing on the Smith/Gonzales case?" "Oh, it's going good. I think this is going to be a winner. I hope." "So, what are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be working on it?" "Yeah, but I told Samantha to hold all my calls. I'm here to buy Theresa and Ethan a gift for the wedding. What are you doing here?" "Oh, Ivy. We had an argument last night and so, I'm here to buy her and the baby something. You know, apologize." "So, when's the baby due?" "Next month!" "Wow. What's it like having all these kids? I mean there's Noah, Kay, and Jessica. Then you find out that Ethan is your son... and there's another one coming up! You must be exhausted."

"Yeah, well, wait till you have kids of your own. It's really hard, but there comes rewards to it." "Yeah, well, that won't be happening anytime soon, that's for sure." "Hey, why don't you let me set you up with someone I know? I mean, Sheridan has been gone a while now, and I don't know if she's ever coming back." "She's gonna come back, Sam. I just know it. She promised!" Luis snapped. "Hey, calm down. I'm sorry. It's just that I want to see you settled down with a family. You deserve that."

"Look, Sam, I'm sorry. But you know how much Sheridan means to me, and I'm not just going to let her out of my life like that. I promised her and I'm going to hold on to that promise." then Luis' page beeped. "oh, man." he then took out his cell and dialed. "Samantha? Yeah, what's wrong? uh-huh. . . okay. Mr. Matthew Gellar? Okay. Tuesday afternoon? um, do you think you can make that on Wednesday? I'm having lunch with Theresa. Yeah, Thursday would be fine. So, you'll call me back? Okay, Thanks Samantha."

"What was that about?" "Oh, someone wanted to meet me about some corporate business case." "Well, I gotta go. Ivy's home right now. I hope she forgives me." "Yeah, well, good luck Sam." "Thanks, man. Bye!" Thursday rolled around the corner and Luis went to the Seascape to meet his new client.

"Mr. Gellar, your company is here." the waiter said to a light skinned, blonde haired man who dressed in a black suit. "Thank you. And you must be. . . um, Mr. Fitzgerald." "Actully, Lopez-Fitzgerald. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald." "Sorry." "Oh, that's fine. So, Mr. Gellar. What's this case that you want me to work on. And how did you hear about me?" "Call me Matt. Well, it's about one of my employees. He was embezling company money and we want to take him into court. And a friend of mine recommended you." "But what are you doing in Harmony? My secretary tells me that you're from New York?" "Yes, I am. My fiancee is here to attend one of her friend's wedding and so since I was on the way, my friend Bill Martinez told me to look for you. And so here I am. Oh, and I hope you don't mind, I brought my fiancee along."

"No, I don't mind." "You might know her. She's from here, Harmony." "Well, I don't know everyone in Harmony." "So, I hope you don't mind me asking. Are you married?" "No." "Really? But there is someone special in your life, right?" "Actually, yeah. There is. But she's in Europe. Man she's wonderful. She just takes my breath away. She's very beautiful and smart and funny." "Reminds me of my fiancee. Oh, here she comes now. Excuse me." Luis didn't bother to turn around. "Hey," Matt gave her a kiss. And she had a smile on her face. "Honey, come meet someone. This is Mr. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald." Luis stood up to greet her. And to his surprise, it was.

"She-Sheridan?" Sheridan's smile quickly turned into a frown and her heart beated faster. "Luis?" "Um, you two know each other? See, Luis, I told you, you would know her. So, how do you know each other?" Matt asked. They didn't say anything. They were too stunned. "Hello?" "Huh? oh, sorry honey. um... Luis' sister is marrying Ethan." "Oh, wow, this is a small world. So, Luis, you were saying?" "Huh?" "You know, you were telling me about that special someone in your life?" Sheridan listened closely. "Um, you know, I really don't want to talk about it." "Well, let's order and Luis we can get down to business."

And they ordered and while they waited for their food Luis and Matt got down to business. Discussing plans and taking anything into consideration. Sheridan just sat there thinking and looking at Luis occationally. Wondering what he's thinking. Wondering if he's mad that she didn't wait for him. But how could she have waited. Julian told her that Luis got married and has two kids. What could she have done? She wanted to ask him ''why''. Why he didn't wait for her. (of course Julian told Sheridan this so she wouldn't have to come back to Harmony and he would take care of Crane Industries.)

"Mr. Gellar? I'm sorry to interrupt, but you have a call in the front." the waiter said. "Oh, okay, thank you. Excuse me you two." Matt left for the front to answer his call. And silence filled the table for almost five minutes. Sheridan was the first one to break it. "So, you're a lawyer now, huh? Congratulations." "Thanks." "Luis-" "Sheridan-" they both snickered when they realized what they said in unison. Then silence filled the table again. They were going to say something again, but Matt came and interrupted them. "Oh man, do I have bad news." "What's wrong sweetie?"

"That was my office back in New York. Looks like I won't be able to attend the wedding." "Oh, why?" Sheridan asked as if she didn't know this was coming. Matt always had to be somewhere and he promised her that he'd go to the wedding. She wasn't surprized. "The merger that I was shooting for may not pull through and I really need to be there for all the other neccessary arrangements. I'm sorry honey." "So what about the case?" Luis asked "Well, Sheridan knows a lot about it and since you two know each other I can send things through Sheridan and we can work it that way. And there's something called a phone and fax you know." "When are you leaving?" Sheridan asked "Tonight." "WHAT?!" she was furious.

"Look, I know that I promised you a romantic evening and that I'd go to the wedding and everything but this is something that really needs my attention. I'm sorry." Sheridan looked at him with anger in her eyes. She was sick and tired of his excuses. This lunch wasn't even suppose to a business meeting. It was suppose to be just them and he had to bring "business" in the picture. "Fine, whatever." She was annoyed. She looked at Matt, then she looked down at her lap and up to Luis, who was looking at her with concern in his eyes. Those eyes, she thought. Then she turned away and went back to her thinking.

The weekend passed quickly and she didn't have anything to think about but Luis and their strange reunion. She had promised to help Theresa with some of the plans so she decided to go to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. She knew that Luis wouldn't be there because it was Monday and he should be at his office.

When she got there she rang the doorbell. There was no answer. So, she rang it again. And with her surprise, the door opened and out came the man she couldn't get her mind to stop thinking about. "Luis! What are you doing here?" "Um, well, last time I checked, I lived here." Luis replied. Sheridan just smiled at his comment. "Sorry, I meant to say 'What were you doing here this time of the day.' Shouldn't you be at work? I mean it is Monday and everything." "Well, I just came back to get some files I left. Did Matt want you to tell me something?" "No, why do you ask?" "Well, what else would you be doing standing in my front door."

"Oh, no, um, actually I'm looking for Theresa. I told her that I would help her with some things." "Well, she's at the Bennets' right now. Do you want me to call her?" "Sure." "Well, come on in." Sheridan walked through the door expecting the place to look different and filled with new pictures of Luis and his family and toys everywhere. But there weren't any. The only new pictures were of Pilar and her family and Theresa and Ethan. Not even one of a grandchild. She was confused. It didn't even look like little kids ever came to the house. "Sheridan? Sheridan? Hello? Okay, you were in space just a minute ago, what were you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just about how this place looks so, the same! I was expecting more pictures of other people." "Like who?" "I don't know. Pilar's grandchildren?" "Mama's grandchildren? Are you kidding me Sheridan? Mama doesn't have any grandchildren. Miguel and Charity aren't even talking about marriage yet, and Theresa is the only lucky one that's going to be married soon and I don't even have a . . ." he drifted off. Then he looked at Sheridan with pain in his eyes. "well, you know what I mean. What were you expecting? That I'd have kids right now? Look, I know that this is going to sound corny and a little late, but I always thought, well, I always thought that, nevermind." "No, what? You've always thought that what?" "Forget it Sheridan, Theresa said she'll be on her way once she gets the dress done and you can wait for her here."

He was about to turn around when Sheridan grabbed his arm. "Luis tell me." "Oh! I know I'm never going to get to work if I don't tell you, right?" "Right. So, you always thought that..." "Oh, man, you haven't changed, have you?" "Luis!, stop trying to change the subject." "Okay, if it'll make you happy. I alway thought that I'd have kids with you, there, I said it." Luis was embarrased so he turned around. "but I guess that won't ever be happening." he said. "I don't understand." "Sheridan, why? Why did you do it? I thought you told me to wait. And I did. And you turned around and did the opposite. What went wrong?" Sheridan had tears in her eyes. Luis was just about to wipe them but she turned away. She was crying.

"They told me you had moved on. I was supposed to come back that same year. I was so happy to finally be getting home. I really missed you and everything about you, but then they told me that you had gone off and got married. And later I find out that you have two kids. I couldn't stand the pain. And then I met Matt. He helped me overcome that pain. But I still think about you all the time. And if I didn't believe Julian, I could be right here with you and be living happy. I didn't know what to believe. But it seemed to be true. So, after four years of grieving, I decided to move on."

With that, Sheridan ran out the door leaving a very confused Luis. He didn't know what to think. He just fell to the ground and sobbed. He couldn't believe Sheridan would think that he wouldn't wait for her.

That Saturday, everyone was at Pilar's restaurant for a party for the soon-to-be bride and groom. They were all there. Jessica flew in, Hank came back, Beth, Noah, Chad, Whitney, Simone, TC, Eve, the Bennets and everyone else that I'm missing... They were all having a great time. But Luis and Sheridan couldn't stop thinking about each other. Sheridan wanted nothing more than to be in Luis' arms and forget about the whole thing. But she knew she couldn't because she was engaged to Matt. What was she going to do? She really loved Luis. And now that she found out that Julian was just playing with her mind to keep her out of Harmony so he can take over her half of the town, she knew that Luis still loved her and she knew that he was hurting. She could see it in his eyes, those eyes that she longed to see. Those eyes that always told her that everything would be alright and she'd be safe with him. Those deep, brown hazel eyes that told her that he loved her more than anything.

"God, look at them. They must be really hurting inside. I can't stand this." "I know what you mean. I know that we never wanted them to be together, but, what do you say?" "What are you trying to say?" "Here's what I need for you to do."

Then Hank came up to Sheridan and asked her to dance, just for old times sake. Everyone already knew Sheridan was engaged. And Beth felt sorry for Luis sitting all alone by himself, so she asked him to dance. They were dancing to fast music and having fun. Neither of them thought about each other. Until they bumped into each other while dancing. "Oh, sorry." Sheridan said. "That's okay." Luis yelled through the music. And they went back into facing their partners and dancing with them. Then all of a sudden, the music stopped and the Chad spoke. "Yo! Everyone, listen up. Let's make this party a memoriable one. Now I want everyone to switch partners. And dance with the one next to you. Come on people, don't be shy. . . yeah, that's it, that's the way I like it."

"Hey, over here Beth." "Hank, what are you doing?" Sheridan asked "Well, Chad said to switch partners. So, Beth come over here and you and Luis dance together." "Come one you guys, it's not like you two never danced together." Beth said with a smile. Luis and Sheridan couldn't argue. So, they did what they were told. Luckily they were dancing to a fast song. . . but, they thought too soon. . . a slow song came on. And it was like deja vu. Like this happened to them before. . . and it hit them. . . New Year's Day at the Youth Center. Before Luis saved her. It was like they never danced with each other before. But neither could refuse not to...

*I can't remember the last time that we kissed goodbye, All our "I love you's" were just not enough to survive, Something your eyes never told me. But it's only now too plain to see, Brilliant diguise when you hold me And I'm free*

They couldn't keep their eyes away from each other

*I've been thinking and here's what I've come to conclude, Sometimes the distance is more than two people could use, But how could I have known girl. It was time and not space you would need, Darling tonight I could hold you and you would know, But would you believe*

Hank and Beth danced together and stared at Luis and Sheridan.

*There's a light in your eyes that I used to see, There's a place in your heart where I used to be, Was I wrong to assume that you were waiting for me, There's a light in your eyes, Did you leave that light burning for me*

Luis and Sheridan stared at each other as if there was no one around but them. As if nothing ever happened. And only they existed.

*Cards and phone calls and photograph pictures of you, Constant reminder of all the things you get used to, Is there a chance in hell or heaven, That there's still something here to build on, Or do you just pick up the pieces after they fall, But after all*

"Well, Ms. Wallace (Beth) I think we did a good job." Hank said "I know. Look at them. They're still so in love." "I know, he's my best friend, and I want him to be happy." "Hey, remind me to thank Chad for doing this." Beth told Hank

*There's a light in your eyes that I used to see, And a song in the words that you spoke to me, Was I wrong to believe in your melody, There's a light in your eyes, Did you leave that light burning for me*

*Should I keep on waiting or does love keep on fading away, Fading away, It's been a while since I've seen you so how have you been. Did you get my letter I wrote you, But I did not send, I tried to call your old number, But the voice that I heard on the phone, I recognized but she told me the number was wrong*

"Luis," "Shh..." Luis didn't want to end the moment "We need to talk."

*There's a light in my eyes but it's too bright to see, And a pain in my heart where you used to be, Guess I was wrong to assume you were waiting here for me, There's a light in your eyes, Did you leave that light burning for me*

They left the dance floor hand in hand. And Hank and Beth were proud of what they did. They were smiling when they saw this "perfect picture". Sheridan and Luis went to the back of the restaurant to talk.

"Luis," Sheridan started, but Luis cutt her off by placing his index finger on her lips and "shh" her. Then out of nowhere, Luis leaned in and gave Sheridan a passionate kiss. They were both waiting for this for six years. They didn't want the kiss to end, but eventually they need air to survive, so they pulled away to catch their breath. "Sheridan?" Luis said panting "Luis?" she said doing the same thing. Then they just stared at each other and kissed again. Luis pulled away this time. "Luis? What's wrong?" "Nothing. I love you Sheridan."

"I love you, too" They decided to take a walk on the beach. And they enjoyed each other's presence as always. They talked about everything and anything. Some people were even watching them and laughing. . . teenagers these days . . . but they didn't care. All they wanted was to be in each other's arms and to stay there forever. And they decided to go back to the party so no one would worry. They were practically kissing the whole way back. They walked into the restaurant with each other's hands and arms wrapped aroung each other. "Hey, I'll be there soon. I left something in the car." "Okay, but don't take too long Luis." "Come here." Luis gave her a kiss.

When she walked through the door, she was surprised to see Matt! What was he doing there? He was suppose to be in New York working. He said he wasn't going to go to the wedding. "Sheidan, honey!" "Matt!? Wha-what are you doing here?" Then Luis walked in the door and saw that someone had his arms wrapped around Sheridan and kissing her neck. He was furious. Then he realized it was Matt. They had forgotten about Matt. "Luis! Hey man, where have you been? Your family is very down to earth. You have a wonderful family." "Matt. What are you doing here? I thought you were in New York."

"Well, as I was about to tell Sheridan, the merger pulled off. I am so relieved. Oh, and, I got some bad news for you. You know, the guy I was telling you about? You know, the one that embezled the company money? Well, he pleaded guilty, so you don't have to worry about it." "Oh, well, that's okay, 'cause I have this big case coming up and I didn't even know when I could've gotten the time to look over you case. The police department is even having some problems with somethings." "Well, good to hear. Sheridan, do you want to dance?"

"Um, actually, I'm sorta tired." Sheridan said as she looked at Luis. "Okay, so, what if we just go back to your cottage and do some dancing over there?" Matt said. Luis was totally disgusted, he was even about to punch Matt in the face for saying that, but what could he do? Sheridan was HIS fiancee and he didn't even know that he and Sheridan were involved at one time. So, what could he have done? "Um, I sorta told Theresa that I'd stay and help afterwards." Matt kept on replying with all these other things and words to try to get he to go home but Sheridan just kept on making up these excuses.

Luis couldn't keep his attention away from Sheridan and Matt. He was already to rip his face off because he couldn't stand to see someone all over Sheridan. But he didn't know what to do. He kenw that staying wouldn't help either so he decided to call it a night and say that he has to go to work early tomorrow 'cause he has a meeting.

Sheridan watched Luis walk out of the restaurant. She could see the hurt and pain in his eyes. She knew he couldn't stand it and wait around. She knew that if she didn't do something, she would loose him again. But what? She was engaged to Matt.

It was Theresa and Ethan's wedding day. Everyone was in a hurry 'cause they were running late. Simone, Jessica, and Charity were her bride's maids and Whitney was Theresa's maid of honor. Miguel, Chad, and Noah were Ethan's groom's men. The wedding march started and Ethan stood at the alter nervously.

"Theresa, I hope you'll be happy. I know Ethan will make you happy. I'm glad you found him to be your husband." "Well, Luis, what have I been trying to tell you for the longest time?" "Hey, don't start that now, you're getting married." "Yeah, and I hope to see you and someone soon. . . someone like Sheridan?" "Theresa enough. The woman's engaged to someone else for god sake." And then Luis and Theresa walked down the aisle.

Luis turned Theresa over to Ethan and he took his seat. Fr. Lonagan was saying the opening remarks and then got to the point where Theresa and Ethan say their vows. And Luis looked at Sheridan and noticed her looking at him. They were just staring at each other and imagining their wedding and how perfect it would've been.

"Do you Sheridan Crane, take thee, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse 'til death do you part?" (or however that thing goes) "I do." Sheridan replied with a sparkle in her blue eyes. "And do you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald take thee, Sheridan Crane to be your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, 'til death do you part?" "I do." ''Well, now, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And as always, you may now kiss the bride. . . Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Bennet." Then the audience clapped and Luis and Sheridan snapped out of their daydream. Oh, how they wished it was them on that altar.

Ding Dong! Luis' door bell rang. When he opened the door he was surprised to see Sheridan. "Sheridan, why are you still in Harmony? I thought you left last night after the reception." "No, I told Ivy I'd stay one more night. She wanted to spend some time with me before I left." "What are you doing here?" Luis asked with hope in his eyes thinking Sheridan came to tell him she loved him and no one else. "I came to say goodbye." "Oh," Luis said with pain in his voice."Where are you going?" "Um, New York."

"Oh, yeah, to Matt?" Luis said as he looked down to the ground. "Yeah, I have something to tell him and then I'll be on my way to Paris." "Paris? You're going to Paris?" "Well, see, it all depends." "On what?" "Some things." "Well, I hope you and Matt are happy. I mean does the guy know how lucky he is? Tell him I said hi. And that I wish the both of you the best." "Well, see, that's just it." "What?" Luis asked confused "I'm going to New York to give him something. . . this." She pulled out a diamond ring from her purse.

"And I just want to tell him that I'm in love with someone else and that I love you. . . not him." She said in between sobs. Tears were practically falling down her cheeks. Luis was stunned. He didn't know what to say. . . Sheridan didn't get a response so she turned around to leave but. . . "I love you, too Sheridan, always and forever." And he saw it again. The light in her eyes that has always been there. The light that told him that she loved him and that everything would be alright. And they kissed a passionate kiss.

"Sheridan? You're not going to Paris, are you?" Sheridan just smiled "Not a chance." "Okay, good. 'Cause after you get free from the engagement thing with Matt, don't think you're not getting engaged." "What are you trying to say, Luis?" Sheridan asked with a big, huge smile on her face. "You know what I'm trying to say. So, will you? Will you be mine forever? Will you be my wife?" "Oh, of course Luis." And they kissed again.

THE END

*The song is called "Light in Your Eyes" yes, like the title of the story. . . it's by 'Blessed Union of Souls'*