Love Notes

Before my story begins, I want to apologize to everyone here. I know this is a fan fiction site, but I was just so excited, I had to share it with all my friends! I want to thank Starshine for helping me retell the story. Now, I hope you all enjoy the recount of the best Valentine’s Day of my life!

“Love is in the air today in Harmony. If you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks then you must have forgotten all the hustle and bustle surrounding today, the most romantic day of the year: Valentine’s day. Here’s hoping you’ve got someone special to share the day with. I’d like to dedicate this song to everyone out there who’s in love.”

“Sheridan, I’m going to make today a Valentines Day I hope you never forget.” As the plans for the day ran through his head, Luis sped off to the Youth Center. The snow around the sleepy cottage glistened in the sun as the woman inside slept unaware of the surprises this day would bring. In fact, she was dreaming about how she and her love would spend the day.

A nice, long bubble bath was currently on her mind as an unconscious smile stole across her face. Rolling over to her side, Sheridan’s outstretched hand brushed against the single rose on the bed next to her as sunlight streamed through the window. Moaning lightly she rolled again before her eyes cracked open. The dream may have ended, but reality at the moment was even more appealing. Smiling she turned to face Luis, only to find his side of the bed empty, save for the rose.

Rubbing a tired hand over her eyes Sheridan yawned and picked up the red rose, a brilliant smile gracing her lips. On it a tiny card read Be My Valentine in Luis’s handwriting. After scanning the room to confirm that Luis really wasn’t there, a note fastened to the back of her bedroom door caught her eye. Slipping on a robe, Sheridan padded over to the door and pulled the note off.

Good morning beautiful! Happy Valentines Day! I hope you slept well. I’m sure you were exhausted after last night. You were sound asleep when I left. Now I need you to get your beautiful body into the shower, because today is full of surprises. See you soon! Love, Luis

The smile that broke out on her face when she saw the letter remained as she folded the letter once and walked over to the closet to retrieve her shoebox where she kept all her Luis’s keepsakes. After sliding back the door another note greeted her. I knew you’d come in here next. Keep your box out if you’re planning to keep all the notes I have for you today

“Oh I plan to Luis. But what on earth are you up to?” Mumbling to herself, Sheridan half expected Luis come out and tease her about talking to herself. He didn’t though, and she pulled out her favorite skirt, and pulled off the note stuck on it. I love you in anything you wear, but today I’d suggest wearing something a bit more comfortable. You’re going to do a lot of walking.

Shaking her head as she laughed, Sheridan put the skirt back and grabbed some jeans and a gray sweater. Attached to them was the note: Good Choice! The bathroom was also a nest of notes. On the mirror. Look closely and you’ll see the love of my life. Attached to the bath oils on the counter.

Rub a dub dub. I can’t wait for another bath with my love. And on the curtain of the shower, Luis’s note read, You can run in on me naked any day. Cracking up, Sheridan set her clothes on the counter and hopped in the shower. Today was going to be very memorable, that’s for sure. Once she had toweled off and dressed, her stomach began to growl. Glancing at the clock, here eyes widened.

“Eleven! Oh my, no wonder I’m starving. I wonder what Mr. Sneaky has waiting for me in there.” Eager to get some food in her system, Sheridan bustled into the kitchen and giggled when she saw two eggs, a loaf of bread, and a note resting neatly on the counter. You’re probably hungry, so I thought I’d set out the stuff you’d need for scrambled eggs. Unless you want the Eggs Benedict in the refrigerator.

“He wouldn’t have.” Pulling open the refrigerator, she smiled at the note waiting for her on top of a bowl of fresh, plump strawberries. I had you going didn’t I? Since you didn’t care for my eggs last time, I figured I’d leave you something I know you like. A strawberry for my sweetheart. “Oh Luis, you are too sweet! I wish you were here to feed them to me though.” Sheridan exclaimed as she settled down to her breakfast.

About halfway through her meal the phone rang and Sheridan jumped up to snatch it, hoping it was Luis. “Hello?” “Hey Sheridan. Happy Valentines Day.” “Oh, hi Hank. You too.” Trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice, Sheridan plucked another strawberry from the bowl and took a quick bit. “So, Hank, why are you calling?” “Well I have a message for you.” “A message?” “It seems that Luis wants you too meet him at the Youth Center at noon.”

“You talked to Luis today? Where is he now?” Sheridan asked eagerly as she took a sip of orange juice. “I have no clue, sorry. All I know is that he called me about an hour ago and told me to give you that message. What’s going on with you two?”

Sheridan shook her head as she giggled into the phone. “I don’t know what he’s up too! I woke up today and he was gone. He left all these notes around the house though. It’s so romantic.” “Geez, and all I got from him were a dozen roses. He must like you more then me.” “I hope so!” Both their chuckles poured through the phone as Sheridan walked around the kitchen putting her dishes away. “So he really didn’t let you in on what he’s doing?”

“Nope sorry. Let me know what it was all about though later okay?” “Sure, I’ll talk to you later.” “Bye Sheridan.” “Bye.” After hanging up the phone Hank turned to Luis and gave him a wink. “Mission completed buddy. She’ll be coming here in a half hour.”

Bursting with excitement, Luis grinned at Hank as he shook his hand. “Thanks for delivering the message man. Now I just have to finish putting up the rest of the notes here, and everything will be set. I really owe you for helping me out with this.” “Hey, this is just payback for all the times you helped me out. Now, where do you want this?”

After tidying up the kitchen a bit, Sheridan stared over at the kitchen clock. 11:35. What was she going to do for another twenty-five minutes? As if answering her question she noticed another note on the back of the kitchen door. What are you still doing in here? There’s more to see in the rest of the house. I bet you haven’t even been to the living room.

“Good idea Luis.” Walking out of the kitchen, Sheridan stopped with a halt. Pink and red notes were scattered around, and two-dozen roses rested in the middle of the coffee table. Hurrying over to the roses, Sheridan bent and inhaled their heavenly scent as she read note. A rose for every hour of the day I’m thinking about you. The note underneath the vase read,

Turn on the TV and play the tape I have in it. Unable to wipe the smile from her face she did as she was told, and immediately three Russian dancers appeared on screen. This will have to do since I couldn’t get the real thing. Laughter burst from her as she wiped a few tears in the corner of her eyes. The look on his face was priceless the day those Russian dancers interrupted their dinner.

Flipping off the TV, Sheridan continued her search around the room for Luis’s love notes, which were scattered all about the room. The one on the fireplace read, Who needs a fireplace to keep warm when we have body heat? On every picture she was in, several notes were hung. I could stare into those azure eyes forever and never tire. A smile from you lights up my day. You’re my picture perfect princess.

Sheridan could feel her cheeks blush with every one of Luis’s comments. To anyone else these notes might seem sappy, but she would treasure them. No man had EVER made her feel so beautiful and special. The feelings rushing in her were incredibly over-whelming and at the moment all Sheridan wanted to do was kiss Luis senseless for the most memorable valentines she’d ever experienced.

But first she’d have to find him. Walking over to the clock, Sheridan pulled a note off the face of it before seeing that it was five minutes to noon. Time stands still when I’m with you. And turn on the radio was scrawled on a note taped to the remote next to the clock.

Immediately the Latin beat of the song they had Pasa Dobled too flowed through the room, the memories rushing back to Sheridan like a raging river. How she had ever been able to resist pulling him into a kiss sooner was beyond her. After a few more moments to enjoy the memories, Sheridan clicked off the radio and dashed out of the cottage, now very eager to get to Luis.

But of course there was one more note waiting for her on the steering wheel of her golden car. Okay you yuppie yahoo speed demon, I know you’re probably rushing over to the Youth Center to meet me, but drive carefully! Even though our first accident was a blessing, don’t go thinking another one will be that good! See you soon! Laughing, Sheridan tore the note from the wheel and sped off to the Youth Center.

“Perfect!” Clapping his hands together, Luis double-checked the Center one more time before turning to Hank. “You remember what to do, right?” “Down to the letter buddy. You only ran it by me, oh, a hundred times.” With a good-natured grin he motioned for Luis to leave. “I think I heard her car.”

Nodding, Luis quickly darted for the back entrance. Turning, he was about to shout something when Hank cut him off. “Don’t worry, I’ll call you when she leaves. Good luck!” Flashing Hank two thumbs up, he closed the back entrance seconds before Sheridan came through the front. Hank, of course, was well hidden by the time Sheridan entered.

After reading the lone note in the entrance about meeting him in the gym, Sheridan hurried in, eager to find Luis. “Luis? Come on out, I know you’re in here. I got your note.” Waving it around she surveyed the gym. At that moment, Hank, camouflaged by a bin of basketballs, hit the play button on the remote, causing Luis’s voice to pour from the speakers. “Happy Valentines Day Sheridan! Are you enjoying our little scavenger hunt?”

“I’d enjoy it a lot more if I could FIND you.” Sheridan mumbled as her eyes continued to dart around the gym. “If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m not here. Sorry.” “Then where on earth are you Luis?” “You’ll see me soon enough though. That is, if you want to see me after all this.” His laugh echoed off the concrete walls, causing Sheridan to chuckle with him.

“Anyway, I thought you might be a little tired of reading all those notes, so I’d leave you this little message…before you get to read some more notes. Go ahead, look around. They’re all over the place. And as you look, enjoy some music.” As soon as his voice ended, tango music danced in the empty gym, causing Sheridan’s eyes to close as she savored one of the sweetest moments of her life.

He was dressed in black, accentuating his dark features and the sculpted chest that lay beneath his sweater, causing her fingers to itch to be rubbed against it. As the music started, she forgot all about the girls watching in the corner, forgot the problems that lay beneath, forgot everything and concentrated only on the man in front of her. His amber eyes burned through her, and when their hands connected a jolt of electricity raced through her body.

As they thrust their bodies together, she could feel his sharp intake of breath, and was sure he felt her do the same. As they danced together, all she could do was focus on the here and now, and how wonderful it felt to have him hold her. To have him near… Sheridan sighed as the memory replayed in her mind for the millionth time and wondered how she ever let go of him after that dance. Making a mental note to tango very soon with Luis, she started her scavenger hunt around the Youth Center.

The first one found was on the radio blaring the tango music. I don’t know how I kept from kissing you when we tangoed. It was the only thing running through my mind the entire time. Grinning, Sheridan sped off to the locker room, sure to find a note from Luis there. And she did. I knew you’d come here! I’ll never forget the look on your face when you walked in on me. Personally, I never thought it was fair that I didn’t get to see you naked for another couple months!

Then again, back then I never thought that I’d be so completely in love with you now. You have no idea how glad I am to have been wrong. You’re the best thing in my life. A brilliant smile lit her face as she walked back out to the gym where the tango music was still going strong. After scanning the room some more, Sheridan’s eyes fell on a note taped to the bench towards the side of the Center.

The night I thought I choose your life over my father’s life, I was devastated. I wouldn’t let anyone comfort me. Then you came in, and you didn’t pry, didn’t ask questions, you just listened and gave me support. You knew exactly what I needed. You held me when I broke down, and gave me such comfort. I love you so much.

Meanwhile, Hank was preparing to execute stage two. Skillfully taping one of Luis’s notes to a basketball he rolled it out to the middle of the floor where Sheridan stood. A satisfied grin filled his face as the ball successfully hit the back of her shoes. Mission two accomplished. Looking around for the source of the ball, Sheridan stooped and picked it up, taking the note off it and reading it.

“Go into the office, there’s a surprise waiting for you.” Tucking the basketball under her arm she headed over to Luis’s office. Inside a trophy sat, Youth Center Champion engraved on the front. To the true Youth Center Champ. You really impressed me when you whipped my butt on the court, even though I didn’t make it obvious at the time. Your determination is one of the things I love about you.

“Luis, could you get any sweeter?” The tango music faded away as Sheridan traipsed back out to the gym, holding her plastic trophy as if it were the most precious thing in the world. “Sheridan? Are you still here?” Luis’s voice once again echoed through the room. “I hope so, cause this is your next hint of where to go next. The blueberry muffins here are delicious and if you go there I’m sure the last muffin has your name on it.”

“The Book Café!!” Squealing with excitement, Sheridan dashed out of the Center, finally allowing Hank to come out from his hiding place as pulled out his cell phone. “Luis, my friend, she’s on her way to the Book Café as we speak…what…oh yeah, she had no idea I was here...Mmmhmm, yeah she’s definitely anxious to see you…I still can’t believe it…I know I know…would you stop thanking me, it’s not like I had anything to do today.”

Hank threw the basketball back in the bin and turned off the radio before reclining on Luis’s desk in the office. “Well buddy, congrats in advance. What do you mean what if she…are you kidding? She’s gonna jump at it. Definitely. Where are you leading her next? Lighthouse Park? Oh, that’s nice. You’re such a sap Luis. I read some of your little love notes. Mmmhmm. Mmmhmm. Yeah, well I’ll talk to you later Luis.”

Hanging up, Hank rested his hands behind the back of his head and reclined on the chair as a goofy grin spread on his face. Sheridan was in for a hell of a shock. Sheridan charged into the Book Café and up the front counter where Chad was working. “Hey Sheridan. What’s up? Hungry?” Joking he turned to fill a cup of coffee for the person next to her. “Chad, has Luis been in here today?”

“I’m not supposed to say Sheridan. Strict orders. But I can tell that there’s a blueberry muffin reserved for you.” Chad pulled it out of the display glass and gave Sheridan a wink as she pulled out some money. “Here is your prepaid muffin. Would you like anything with it?” Taking the muffin out of his hands she shook her head. “No thanks Chad. Thanks for the muffin.” Pulling the toothpick fastened note on out of the blueberry treat she eagerly read the note.

Sorry, there aren’t any notes around here. I didn’t want anyone else to find them. Enjoy your muffin though. Their good! I’m eating one right now as I write this. There’s another clue waiting for you over at the magazine rack, but you’ll have to find it. How are you going to find it? Here’s your clue: Yucca Flower.

“Yucca Flower? What in the world is that supposed to mean Luis? You’re the detective in the fam…you’re the detective, not me.” A blush slightly crept on her face as she realized what she almost said. In the family. It was true, she thought of her and Luis as a family. “Yucca flower, concentrate on finding Luis.” After a few hopeless minutes of searching her mind some answers, Sheridan looked up to see Luis’s brother Miguel walk in, along with his friend Reese. Luis mentioned to her once how smart Reese was; maybe he could help.

Sheridan approached them with a friendly smile. “Hi guys.” “Hey Sheridan.” Looking around her shoulder, Miguel pretended to look for Luis, even though he knew full well he wouldn’t find him there. He and Reese had just come from helping him at the park, and had come here, at Luis’s request, to see what Sheridan was up too. “Good morning Sheridan.” Reese politely answered as he pushed his glasses up on his nose.

“Um, Miguel, you haven’t seen your brother yet today have you?” “No…sorry. Isn’t he with you? I mean it is Valentines Day and I just assumed that you two would be together. Charity and me are going out later, she’s just at home getting ready with Kay right now. Gosh I love her…”

Clearing her throat, Sheridan slid in the booth next to Reese and decided to block Miguel out as he talked about Charity, hoping she didn’t sound like he did when she talked about Luis. “Reese, I need your help. Luis has told me that you’re very intelligent, and well, he left me a clue that I can’t figure out.” “Clue? Why is he leaving you clues?”

“He’s sending me on a scavenger hunt to try and find him, and my next hint is in some magazine over there, but I can’t figure out what Luis’s clue would mean to find the right magazine.” “Oh I see. That is quite the predicament. I think I could be of service though. What’s the clue?” Sheridan produced the note as Miguel continued talking to no one about how much he loved Charity.

“Yucca Flower? Well that’s New Mexico’s state flower. I couldn’t imagine what that could be mean though.” “New Mexico?” Excitedly, Sheridan gave Reese a quick hug, causing him to blush beet red. “Thank you so much Reese! If you ever need a favor, just ask. Anything! Thanks again!” Darting from the booth she raced over to the magazine rack and started scanning the titles until her eyes feel on a travel book about New Mexico.

Whipping it open, a small note fell out from it. You figured it out! I wanted to get you a bouquet of Yucca flowers, but I couldn’t find any in bloom around here. I wouldn’t trade our trip for anything. From that moment on I knew how different you were from the person I first assumed you were.

I realized how amazing and strong you were, and that you had a huge heart. I don’t know the exact moment I fell in love with you, but I do know that it that love grew even more in New Mexico. I love you, and there’s a snowman with ears waiting for you here, as well as a man very eager to go ice-skating with you. lighthouse Park! Of course! Within seconds, Sheridan was out the door and on her way to the park. Miguel and Reese watched her leave and slapped each other’s hands as Miguel walked over to the counter to call Luis.

“Bro? She’s on her way to the park…yep, she’s going to be really surprised…you’re welcome, and I’ll tell Reese that too. Congrats bro. See you later.” “Luis says thanks for the help Reese.” Miguel mentioned as he slid into the booth. “I hope Charity and I are that happy when we’re that old.” Reese nodded in agreement as Miguel droned on about his girlfriend.

Chapter 2:

After hanging up with Miguel, Luis turned back to the man next to him. “Ethan, I really appreciate you helping me out with this. I know that we aren’t exactly the best of friends, but your aunt means the world to me, and I figure the two of us could try to patch things up, for her sake. And for Theresa’s.”

Nodding in agreement, Ethan shook Luis’s outstretched hand. “I’m willing to give it a try, and I’m happy to help you out with this. But you’d better always treat Sheridan good, or you’ll have me to answer to.” Now it was Luis’s turn to nod in agreement. “Same goes for you. Now, do you know where you have to take her?” “Yes Luis, I know. Is she on her way?” “Yeah, that was just Miguel on the phone. Sheridan just left the Book Café. She should be here in a few minutes.”

Grinning, Ethan stooped to tighten the laces on his skates. “She is going to be really angry to find me here instead of you, you know that don’t you?” Winking at him, Luis started to walk away. “Oh believe me, I know exactly how mad she’ll be, which is why I’m getting the hell out of here while I can.”

Chuckling, Ethan waved him good-bye as Luis walked down the path. And not a moment too soon either, considering Sheridan showed up, yet again just missing Luis. “Ethan! Thank goodness you’re here. Have you seen Luis? I’ve been walking around the park searching for him. Well have you?”

Stalling, Ethan looked over her shoulder, pretending to look for Luis. “You mean he’s not with you? Did you two have a fight?” Laughing Sheridan quickly shook her head. “No, nothing like that. He’s just being very romantic and leaving me a trail of notes in order to find him. Which, as you can tell, I’ve yet to do.”

With a little smirk Ethan gave a low whistle. “Wow, sounds like he’s gone to a lot of trouble just to make you happy.” “Oh Ethan he has. Although I do think I’d be much happier if I could find him.” Deciding he’d given Luis enough time to get away from them, Ethan stepped closer and took Sheridan’s hands in his. “Sheridan…”

“You’ve seen him haven’t you? He’s talked to you!” Pulling back, she crossed her hands over her chest. “My sneaky little nephew. What are you guys planning?” “WE aren’t planning anything. I assure you this was all Luis’s idea. And yes, he asked me to be part of your surprise. Now come on, we have to get you some ice skates.”

“Ice skates? Ice skates? I don’t want to go ice-skating Ethan! I want to find Luis!” Huffing with disgust, Sheridan half-heartedly fought off Ethan as he led her to the rental stand. After Sheridan was properly outfitted with skates, she and Ethan headed out on the ice with the other Harmonites who had decided to spend Valentine’s Day at Lighthouse Park. Love music flowed through the park as aunt and nephew skated side by side, all the while Sheridan’s neck craned around looking for Luis.

“You’re not going to find him here Sheridan. He’s gone to a lot of trouble to make sure you don’t see him until it’s time. Now why don’t you just relax and let your dear old nephew play his part in this surprise.” Rolling her eyes Sheridan agreed. “All right Ethan. But do your part quickly so I can move on.” “Gee, it’s so nice to know when my company is wanted.”

Punching him lightly in the shoulder Sheridan gave him a little smirk. “You know your I love your company, but it’s just right now I really want to so see Luis.” “I know I know. Now come on. I have strict instructions to led you into a little cove up ahead.” After a bit of skating, Ethan and Sheridan finally made it into the cove Luis had showed Ethan earlier, and Sheridan’s face broke into a smile when she saw the set up Luis had there.

I LOVE YOU was written in big letters in the snow, and two snowmen were on the bank waving, complete with ears. And envelope was in the hand of one of the snowmen. Sheridan raced over to the snowy bank and hopped off, clumsily walking over to the snowmen. Ethan followed behind and watched as Sheridan greedily yanked the letter open and read it quickly.

Do you remember a year ago when I pushed you into the snow bank to get you away from the thin ice? Do remember what you said? You told me that you were beginning to think that you couldn’t get through your life without me. Sheridan, now, a year later, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I couldn’t get through my life without you. In fact, I can’t get through much more of this day without you, so why don’t you get that cute little butt of yours moving so we can celebrate Valentine’s day the way it was meant to be celebrated.

Meet me on the roof. “The roof? The Seascape!” Turning quickly she saw that Ethan was few feet behind her as she got off the bank and started skating towards the main area of the pond. “Come on Ethan! I have to get to the Seascape to meet Luis.” By the time Sheridan reached the Seascape, it was nearly five and the sun would be setting soon.

Knowing that she didn’t want to waste anymore of this precious Valentine’s Day alone, Sheridan hurried to the side of the restaurant and climbed up to the roof. There a bottle of Pinot Grigio sat with a note on it. When I saved your life up here New Year’s Eve, at the time I wasn’t sure why I had. I know now though. If I would have let you die, my life would be empty. I would be empty. Even before I admitted to myself that I was in love with you I knew that I couldn’t live my life without you in it.

Thank God I listened to my gut and grabbed you. You are so precious to me. Sheridan could feel the tears well up in her eyes. The Luis she was seeing through these notes was so boldly and freely admitting everything she wanted to hear from the man of her dreams. Luis was that man, and at that moment Sheridan felt like she was dreaming. He was too good to be true. Yet here he was, as in love with her as she was with him. Could life be any better?

It’s going to get dark soon, and I don’t want you wandering around town too much longer, so this bottle of wine is the final clue. Sheridan remembered where the wine was from even before Luis told her that it was a clue. It wasn’t the dinner or the wine that she remembered the fondest, it was the feeling she felt when she learned that Luis had turned down her family’s bribe. At that moment Sheridan knew he was special. Her heart swelled with pride even now just thinking about it. With a dreamy smile she climbed down from the roof and headed towards the Lobster Shack.

“Perfect!” Grinning to himself Luis looked at the spread before him. Everything looked the way it did that night. One lobster sat for Sheridan, his note in its claw. The bottle of Pinot was chilling in the bucket, and the ice cream and two sprinkle bottles were ready to be delivered once Sheridan arrived.

Nervously he checked his watch. He had to get out of here now if he was going to have the cottage set up in time. Within the hour he’d be with Sheridan. He couldn’t wait. A few minutes after Luis left, Sheridan arrived and was stopped by Luis’s friend Wally who helped him set everything up. “Miss Crane?” Sheridan nodded and smiled. “Yes?” “Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald has left explicit instructions to led you to the reserved table. If you would please follow me.”

A small sigh escaped her lips as she saw the table, set up exactly as it was the night of their date. Everything was accurate, except for the fact that Luis wasn’t anywhere in site. Sheridan thanked the concierge as she took a seat. A glass of Pinot Grigio was poured for her, and a lobster and garden salad sat before her. Closing her eyes, Sheridan could picture Luis sitting next to her. She could see the smoky look in his eyes as she fed him the piece of lobster, the way his full lips moved as he chewed.

Sheridan felt yet another smile coming as she shook her head to clear the memory. Looking down at the lobster before her she noticed one of Luis’s notes tucked in its claw. I would love to be there right now so you could feed some of this lobster to me, but if I was there, that’d ruin your surprise. You were so beautiful that night; you just took my breath away. I know you’ve got to be hungry; you probably haven’t eaten since breakfast. So sit here a while and eat. Don’t forget to save room for desert.

Sheridan knew exactly what was for desert; at least she had a good guess. Right now though the salad and lobster in front of her looked very appetizing, and she decided to stay for supper. The lobster, salad, and wine were exceptional, and Sheridan was very full by the time she was done. Looking down at her watch she was shocked to see that it was nearly seven. The sun had already set and would be dark soon. Eagar to see Luis, Sheridan asked her waiter for the check.

When he came back however, he didn’t bring a check, he brought a vanilla ice cream cone with two sprinkle containers; one chocolate and one colored. Laughing, Sheridan wasn’t at all surprise to hear that her meal had already been paid for, and that desert was on the house. Licking the dripping cone, Sheridan read Luis’s note.

I know you like color sprinkles, which is why you have some, but I figured you might have wised up and realized that it’s chocolate or nothing, so I gave you some of those too. Enjoy your ice cream, and when you’re done, come meet me at the cottage. I’ve been waiting for you. Bouncing up from her seat, Sheridan pulled on her coat and grabbed her cone. “Like I’m really going to sit here and eat my ice cream Luis! You’d better be there.”

And she was gone, racing home to be with Luis. The candles were lit and music was flowing throughout the cottage. Luis nervously rubbed his hands together as he looked out the window. Wally said that Sheridan just left, so she should be here in a few minutes. “Just a couple more minutes, you can do this Luis. Remember what you practiced, keep your cool, and breath.” Self-reassurance had always worked before for Luis, but right now it wasn’t doing much good. He was nervous as hell and couldn’t fight it.

Finally he heard Sheridan’s car pull up the drive and he dashed over the bedroom, and quietly closed the door. A mere minute later Sheridan walked, or rather charged into the cottage, her head swinging around looking for Luis. Her head stopped mid-swing however when she noticed the living room. It was as if she’d traveled back in time and was now looking at the cottage as it was during her and Luis’s date there. Only it was real.

Rose petals of all colors were scattered throughout the room, soft music rolled through the room; Imagine, their song, and candlelight bathed the room in its glow. Taking a deep breath, a gigantic smile filled her face. Along with the scent of the candles and roses, she could smell Luis’s cologne. He was here. Finally! Slowly she pulled her coat off, all the while looking around the room, and put it in the closet near the door. The pockets of her coat were overflowing with notes, and of course another one was waiting in the closet.

Congratulations, you finally made it home. There are just a few more notes. Go over to the coffee table. Doing as she was told, Sheridan walked over to the coffee table and opened up the green box on top. Inside, her compact lie glimmering in the candlelight, and Sheridan picked it up tenderly and turned it over to find that Luis had it engraved. Love swelled in her heart as she read the inscription.

I will be forever yours. Love Luis. Nothing he could have given her would have meant nearly as much as this. Her compact was her most treasured possession, and now that Luis had it engraved; it was priceless. Turning it over, she popped it open and read the note inside out loud. “Come to the bedroom, I’m there waiting for you.” Closing the compact, she clasped it in her hand and walked into the bedroom.

As she walked in, a scene very familiar to that of the living room greeted her. Only this time, there was an incredibly handsome man standing in the middle of the room, his dark amber gaze boring it’s way into her soul. God how she loved this man. Luis watched as she stared at him, and couldn’t tear his eyes away from hers. She looked so beautiful, and the smile on her face caused his heart to skip a beat. Taking a deep breath, he broke himself away from her enchanting eyes and prepared himself for the moment he’d been planning for.

Walking over to her, he took her left hand in his and kissed it before dropping down to one knee. Sheridan felt her heart stop and tears flood to her eyes as she watched in shock, her other hand still clutching the compact. For a moment his mind froze and he forgot the lines he had so carefully thought out, but with one look into her eyes he felt the words pour from his mouth.

“Sheridan, I love you completely. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t thank God for blessing me with you, and I don’t want another day to go by without you in it. My life is complete with you in it. Marry me Sheridan. Let’s spend the rest of our lives loving each other.” Tears streamed down Sheridan’s face as Luis produced a beautiful ring from the velvet box at his side and slid it on her finger. A completely euphoric look spread across her face as she stared from the ring to the man bending before her. A replica of Sheridan’s smile burst on Luis’s face when she started to nod her head.

“Yes Luis. Yes! I’ll marry you!” Springing to his feet Luis stared at her for a second to make sure he’d heard correctly. “You will?” “Yes!” “You said yes. We’re going to get married?” Excitement poured from every inch of Sheridan as she nodded her head. “We’re going to get married!”

Unable to contain his excitement, Luis picked her up and spun her around as Sheridan burst into a joyful giggle. After setting her down, Luis pulled her close for a heart-stopping kiss. “I love you Sheridan.” “I love you too Luis. Forever.”

Now that’s what I call a Valentines Day Surprise! I still can’t believe Luis went through all that trouble to propose to me. I’ll never forget that day for as long as I live. You should have seen his face when I said yes. I didn’t think it was possible, but I fell even deeper in love with Luis at that moment.

I hope you all enjoyed the little tale of how we got engaged; Luis and I wanted to share the story with all our friends. And now we have another thing to share with you. You’re all invited to the wedding, and we would like you to visit our wedding web page. If you want your name on the guest list, just email us at SheridanLF2@aol.com, and we’ll add your name to it. Sign our wedding guest book! The guest password is Harmony. Enjoy the site and we hope to see you all at the wedding! Sheridan

THE END