Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

Chapter 1:

Miguel, Charity, Kay and Simone left the youth center leaving Sheridan and Luis alone. They looked at each other from across the room and each let out a frustrated sigh. After a couple of minutes and they were sure the coast was clear they moved closer together.

"Luis this is getting so hard"

"I know. Miguel accused me of having feelings for you"

"Charity thought I was in love with you"

"Well you are aren’t you?" Luis flashed her a cocky smile.

"Yeah but that’s besides the point. No one is supposed to know that except us"

"Everyone will know eventually Sheridan"

"I know but does it have to be so soon? I’ve only had you to myself for a week. I want more time. I’m selfish what can I say?"

"You will have me forever" Luis kissed Sheridan sweetly on the lips making sure it was just a light kiss. Anyone could walk in on them here.

"Luis if you keep this up I am not going to be able to keep my hands off you"

"I like the sound of that" Luis grabbed a hold of Sheridan’s hand and spun her around. He brought her back into his arms, her back pressed against his chest. He brought his lips to her neck and placed a series of small kisses there. Luis’s warm breath was driving Sheridan mad. He knew just what to do to get her to melt in his arms. In the week since they had first kissed things were very heated. Luis was sneaking into Sheridan’s cottage every night and back home every morning.

"You’re coming over tonight right?" Sheridan asked.

"I was thinking of staying home tonight. I need to clean the fireplace for mama"

"Oh really" Sheridan said with a sly smile. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" she turned around in his arms and ran her hands up and down his chest.

"Alright you convinced me but there is one condition"

"And that would be?"

"You let me take you out to dinner first"

"Luis, we can’t" Sheridan protested.

"I want to be able to take you out. To enjoy life with you"

"Do you know how many people will see us?"

"It can be a business dinner. We can plan the Valentine’s Day Dance. Come on Sheridan let me take you out on a date" Luis gave her his best puppy dog eyes.

"Fine" Sheridan said knowing she would never win this fight.

"Fine what?" he loved teasing her.

"Fine, I will have dinner with you tonight" they were so lost in each other’s eyes they didn’t notice they were no longer alone.

"You two are going out on a date tonight?"

"Hank?!?" Sheridan and Luis said in unison.

"We didn’t hear you come in buddy" Luis put some space between himself and Sheridan.

"That’s obvious. What’s going on here? Is there something you two want to tell me?"

Sheridan and Luis looked at each other with nervous eyes. Neither knew what to tell Hank.

Chapter 2:

"Well is there something you two are hiding?" Hank drilled Sheridan and Luis.

"We aren’t hiding anything" Sheridan lied. "We are having dinner to plan the Valentine’s Day Dance. I need a scenery change. That’s all" she hoped Hank would be easy to convince.

"Oh well don’t I feel like an idiot now" Hank put his arm around Sheridan’s shoulder. "I should have know my girl wouldn’t have a thing for my best bud" Luis did everything he could to keep his jealousy bottled inside.

"Hank…" Sheridan tried to correct his misconceptions but Hank kept babbling.

"Well let’s go to dinner then" Hank invited himself along.

"You’re coming too?" Luis asked trying to hide his disgust.

"Yeah I want to help with the dance. I want it to be perfect for those beautiful nieces of mine. Besides you two might need a referee" Sheridan and Luis smiled weakly while trying to cover their disappointment.

"Well let’s go then" Luis said unenthusiastically. Sheridan and Luis grabbed their coats out of his office while Hank waited for them in the lobby.

"So much for our date" Luis said while helping Sheridan on with her coat.

"I’m sorry Luis but what could we do? I’ll make it up to you later, I promise" she turned around and winked as he started to put on his own coat.

"I am going to hold you to that"

"We can do this" she drew a deep breath and let out a huge sigh. "I hate you" she said coldly.

"I hate you more" he returned. "Let’s go" he gave her a peck on the lips and she wiped off her lipstick from his lips before they left the office. Meanwhile as Hank waited he was greeted by Beth who decided to make a surprise visit to Luis. She came in with takeout.

"Hey Beth" Hank welcomed her.

"Hank" she said excitedly. "Where’s Luis?"

"Getting his coat"

"You’re leaving?" she looked disappointed and he noticed the food she was carrying.

"We are going to plane the Valentine’s Day Dance over dinner. Want to help?"

"I’d love to Hank. You don’t think Luis will mind?"

"Not at all"

"Great" she threw the food in the trash. "I’m sure you could use a females perspective anyway"

"Actually Sheridan is coming too. So we can make it more of a double date. Me with Sheridan and you with Luis"

"I like the way you think Hank"

Sheridan and Luis came out of the office and saw Hank and Beth together. They both rolled her eyes and hoped for an early end to the evening.

"Luis, Beth here has offered to help too. I figure the more people the faster we get done and enjoy the company of these beautiful women" Hanks eyes quickly fixed on Sheridan. He held out his hand for her and she reluctantly accepted it.

"It’s great of you to want to help Beth" Luis offered his hand to Beth, which she quickly grabbed. Sheridan and Luis both could feel they were in for a long night.

Chapter 3:

Sheridan, Luis, Hank and Beth were seated around a table at the Lobster Shack. They had already eaten and were now enjoying coffee as Luis took down suggestions for the dance. Sheridan wasn’t making it easy for him to concentrate though. Every time he glanced her way she raised her eyebrows suggestively or winked at him. But what really got to him was that little smirk of hers. Luis had to try and contain himself and keep his train of thought. It was definitely a challenge for him. He also had to keep his jealousy in check. Hank had his flirting down to a science. Luis knew all of Hank’s little tricks all too well. Luis was thrilled that Sheridan didn’t seem to be falling for any of it. Things weren’t going so badly. It was mostly small talk with occasional spurts of creativity.

"The budget is really tight this year Beth. I don’t think we have the money for a Hawaiian themed party, besides what does that have to do with Valentine’s Day?" Luis questioned Beth’s latest idea.

"Everyone is so sick of winter. I thought a little touch of the tropics would boost everyone’s spirits" Beth defended her idea.

"I think it is a great idea" Hank chimed in. "We could have hula and limbo contests. That way it won’t be solely focused on love"

"That’s true. A lot of the kids don’t have boyfriends or girlfriends or their parents think they are just too young to date. And who’s to say part of the gym couldn’t be a dance floor complete with sappy music" Sheridan added to the ides. She had to admit Beth had a point trying to divert the attention from romance.

"I hate to be the bad guy, but like I said before I don’t think it is in the budget. That calls for a lot of decorations we don’t have and exotic food isn’t cheap. I’m not saying it isn’t a terrific idea, but I don’t think it is plausible"

"Well let me help" Sheridan suggested.

"What do you mean?" Luis knew exactly where this was going but this was a perfect opportunity to play up on how much they hated each other.

"Let me help with the finances. Whatever the Youth Center can’t afford I’ll pick up" Sheridan saw the gleam in Luis’s eyes and knew it was time for some theatrics.

"Isn’t my date the greatest?" Hank tried to reenter the conversation.

"We don’t take handouts" Luis said bluntly.

"This isn’t a handout. It is a donation. And don’t even try and tell me you don’t take those" Sheridan fired back.

"We do, but we need more important things than dances. We don’t need the kids getting used to fancy parties of yours. They need to stay grounded"

"Grounded? Luis most of these kids come from broken or poverish homes"

"Do you think I don’t know that?"

"Then let them step away from reality Luis, just for awhile. Let them forget their troubles and have fun for a while. Let them be KIDS"

"FINE! You win, but don’t expect to hear that very often" Luis finally ended their battle.

"I need some air. You couldn’t have just agreed to that before I got upset?"

"What more do you want. I already conceded"

"You make me ill"

"It’s a mutual feeling"

Sheridan got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant. She sat on a bench right outside the door and took a few deep breaths.

"God we’re good" she whispered into the air.

"I know we are" Luis had snuck up to Sheridan and joined her on the bench.

"Luis" Sheridan jumped. "What are you doing out here?"

"Hank wanted to come but I told him I wanted to apologize. Nice work in there" Luis smiled.

"You too. I think we both missed our callings. Are you really angry with me for donating the money?"

"Yes Sheridan I am" Luis said seriously and Sheridan’s smile faded. "Hey, I’m just kidding. Throw your money around all you want when it is for the kids. They can always use a break"

"Ok good" she breathed a sigh of relief.

"So should we go back inside and say our goodnights?"

"Sounds good to me. I haven’t forgotten my promise"

"Me either"

Luis and Sheridan returned to the table together but not really close to one another. Hank and Beth looked on and both got a weird feeling of jealousy. They didn’t know why, but something didn’t sit right. Hank pulled out Sheridan’s chair for her, but she didn’t return to her seat.

"Thanks Hank, but I think I am going to call it a night"

"Well ok then let me drive you home"

"That’s ok. I have my car at the Youth Center"

"I don’t remember seeing it there" Luis was engaged in small talk with Beth, but knew Sheridan was in trouble now. They ran late this morning and he gave her a ride to work.

"Oh that’s right, Charles drove me this morning. I guess I forgot" Sheridan did her best ditz impression.

"So I’ll take you home" Hank offered again.

"Yeah that would be great" Sheridan finally gave in. Her and Luis held a longing glare as Hank pulled Sheridan out of the Lobster Shack by her hand.

Chapter 4:

Luis and Beth were left alone, something Luis was not too excited about. He looked around the room trying to think of something to say. Luckily Beth didn’t have the same problem, she reveled in being alone with Luis. Beth sauntered up to Luis and tucked her arm under his.

"Luis, do you want to go take a walk or something?" she asked sweetly.

"Not tonight Beth" Luis said flatly.

"Oh, come on Luis. It is a beautiful night"

"No really I have some work I need to finish at the station"

"I understand. Your work is very important to you"

"That it is" Luis felt bad for lying to Beth. After all she has been on of his life long friends. But he had agreed to keep everything quite. "I know we haven’t been spending a lot of time together lately Beth, and I’m sorry. But with the Youth Center and extra hours at the station I haven’t had much free time"

"That’s ok. I understand really"

"I know, I just feel bad because I haven’t been a very good friend"

"I know you are doing what you have to. I just miss the time we used to spend together"

"Well how about we go out to lunch one day this week. Just you and me and catch up"

"Really Luis? I’d like that a lot" Beth was already reading more into it than was actually there. Luis and Beth started to make their way to the door.

"Do you need a ride home? My car is at the center"

"No thank you Luis, I am going to put some extra hours in at the book café since I don’t have any other plans for this evening"

"Okay. I’ll call you soon about lunch alright?"

"Alright, night Luis"

"Night Beth" Luis set out to the youth center to grab his car. But he had a nagging feeling he left something at the restaurant, so he turned around.

Hank and Sheridan had arrived at her cottage and Hank insisted on walking Sheridan to the door. Sheridan wanted nothing more than to run inside and slam the door on Hank’s face, but he had always been so nice to her. She just hoped he didn’t want to come in. She expected Luis any minute. They reached the door and still there hadn’t been a word said. Sheridan didn’t need a lot of words, just one, goodbye.

"I can see you’re tired, so I’ll let you get your rest" Hank said when they reached the door. This was the best thing Sheridan heard all night.

"Thanks Hank and thanks for the ride home"

"It was my pleasure. I’ll talk to you soon"

"Night Hank"

Sheridan walked into the cottage and took off her coat. She was very glad Hank left so quickly and even happier that Luis was more than likely on his way over. She got herself a drink and then relaxed in one of her overstuffed chairs. The more she thought about it the more she thought she wanted to slip into something a little more comfortable for Luis’s arrival. She was feeling a little devious tonight and she did make a promise to Luis for an eventful night, so she ran to her closet. She began rifling through her closet, red, blue, cream, black? There were so many choices. Now to complete her surprise she jumped in the shower. As quick as she got in she got out. She put on her selected outfit and then put on her bathrobe over it. Luis would just think she got of the shower. Wouldn’t he be in for a nice surprise? She turned out all the lights and light some candles. She put on some soft music and waited for a knock on the door. It only took a few minutes but it was now show time. She slowly walked over to the door, loving the fact that she was making him wait. Slowly she turned the handle and opened the door.

Chapter 5:

"Hank!" Sheridan gasped. "What are you doing back here?"

"You’re awake. When I saw all the lights out I figured you will already in bed" Hank made his way into the cottage without being invited.

"No, I umm…just got out of the shower"

"I see you knew I was coming back. The mood is perfect for what I have to ask you"

"Ask me?" Sheridan was confused.

"Well I wanted to ask you earlier but I chickened out. So I decided to come back and just get it out"

"What are you talking about Hank?" Sheridan wasn’t really sure she wanted to hear his question. She just wanted him gone and soon.

"Would you do me the honor and let me escort you to the Valentine’s Day Dance?"

"Hank that’s very sweet, but to be honest with you I don’t think I am going to go" the lies seemed to slip easier and easier from her mouth.

"Sheridan you have to go. You helped plan it and all the kids are in love with you"

"I just don’t know if that’s possible. I might be out of town. I told Gwen I would go to New York with her"

"I doubt Gwen will want to be away from Ethan on the most romantic day of the year. Is there another reason you don’t want to go to the dance? Are you holding out for a better offer?" Hank and Sheridan were still in the entryway of cottage. Sheridan kept looking over Hank’s shoulder hoping Luis would take a little longer to get there. This didn’t go unnoticed by Hank.

"Are you expecting someone Sheridan?"

"What?" She was hardly paying attention to him. "Oh, no. I’m just really tired Hank"

"Well tell me you will go with me to the dance and I will leave and let you sleep"

"I really wasn’t planning on going"

"There isn’t anything I can do to change you mind?"

But before Sheridan could answer there was another knock at her door. She already knew who it was but was confused because he never knocked. If her lights were out that was his signal that the coast was clear and he should just come in. She brushed past Hank and opened the door.

"Hey Luis" Sheridan greeted him. "What are you doing here?"

"You forgot your purse" he held up her bag and she graciously took it from his hands.

"Thank you Luis, I didn’t even notice I left it. Would you like to come in?" Unlike Hank Luis waited to be invited in.

"I don’t want to intrude"

"Oh no please come in" Sheridan said happily knowing Hank would drop the subject if Luis was here. "Since the whole gang’s here I’ll go put on a pot of coffee"

"Actually Sheridan I have to get going, but think about my offer" Hank wanted to stay and watch Luis and Sheridan, he was suspicious, but he needed to be at Sam’s house. He promised to watch the girls for the weekend while Sam and Grace went on a much needed vacation.

"I will Hank, thanks for stopping by" Sheridan smiled. She walked him to the door and closed it slowly behind him.

"That was close" Luis sighed. "I’m glad I saw his car. I think he suspects something"

"He’s clueless but I am so glad you knocked. That would have been so hard to explain" They finally walked away from the entryway and sat on the sofa. They fell back on it together both exhausted from the night of story telling and quick thinking.

"Sheridan, I can’t do this forever. It’s exhausting" They were sitting side by side, but to show her how tired he was he fell sideways so his head was resting on her lap. She instantly began to rub her fingers through his hair and caress his face.

"I know Luis, I know. Just for a little bit longer please"

"You know I would do anything for you"

"Thank you"

She leaned over and began to kiss him sweetly on the lips. The kisses were gentle but full of love. For the first time since they had proclaimed their love they were too tired to let this escalate into anything more heated. They were content in settling for soft kisses and being together. Little did they know though, they had an audience. Hank just couldn’t get it out of his mind that there was something going on between Sheridan and Luis. Soon after he drove off he parked his car and ran back to the window of the cottage. And sure enough when he got there he saw the two lip locked and fully enjoying it.

"If this is they way they want to play, they are going to be in for the game of their life" Hank said to no one in particular. He chuckled evilly as he made his way back to his abandoned car.

Chapter 6:

Luis still had his head nestled in Sheridan’s lap. She continued to play with his hair and trace his face. They were both completely relaxed for the first time today and it felt wonderful. They weren’t speaking but lost in each other’s eyes, letting their souls connect. It was a moment that both of them cherished.

"I remember the promise you made me" Luis said coyly. "but can I take a rain check?" he let out a huge yawn.

"Of coarse" Sheridan then yawned too.

"You see what this is doing to us? It is making us too tired for the fun stuff" Luis teased.

"Just a little bit longer Luis, the closer we are the harder it will be for them to break us apart" Sheridan urged.

"I don’t know how much closer we can get. I am head over heals in love with you. Do you even realize you have me whipped? If you asked me to swim across the ocean just to see what was on the other side I would"

"Luis, I don’t think you should have told me that" Sheridan said with a devilish smile on her face.

"Okay maybe that was a little extreme, but you get the idea"

"I do. And I love you too, with all my heart and soul. I am just so scared of what my family will do to us, or more importantly you"

"You think they would do something to me?"

"Yes. They can make people disappear Luis. I couldn’t live knowing I took you away from your family. I don’t think I could go on without you either" She was near tears. Luis sat up and grabbed Sheridan’s legs and swung them over his lap. He then took her in his arms and she nestled her head in her shoulders.

"Shhh. No one is going to take me away from you"

"How do you know that?" she sobbed, he had never seen her so emotional.

"I don’t, but you can’t live you life in fear. We have to live everyday like it is our last. We need to enjoy each other and not take each other for granted. We just need to keep on doing what we are doing now, only in public"

"I can’t Luis, I just can’t"

"Hey" he lifted her chin so he could see into her eyes. "I’m not going to push you, but sooner or later someone is going to catch us and it is going to be harder to explain the lies than tell the truth"

"I know" she wiped away some tears and took a deep breath. "It will be soon I promise"

"Just keep thinking about it okay?"

"Okay" she returned her head to Luis’s shoulder. "Are you staying tonight?" she whispered.

"I wish I could, but it’s my turn to cook in the morning. Come home with me?"

"You know I can’t. What would your mother think?"

"Please" he looked deep in her eyes and she knew she couldn’t refuse.

"I’ll get dressed" she reluctantly got off of Luis’s lap and headed to her bedroom.

Hank drove as fast as he could to the Book Café. He knew he needed to be at Sam’s with the girls but a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. He needed to talk to Beth. He needed her help and playing games with Sheridan and Luis. He was not going to just let this go. He pulled into the parking lot happy to see the light still on in the Café. He had his door open before he even stopped the car and slammed it shut and ran over to the door. It was locked so he began to pound on it. Beth came running to the door. She flung the door open thinking Hank was in some kind of trouble.

"Hank, what is it? What’s wrong?" Beth asked as Hank hurried inside.

"Are you ready for this?" he said almost out of breath.

"What?" she asked still afraid he was in danger.

"Luis and Sheridan" he pushed for a dramatic effect. "I saw them"

"You saw them what?" Beth was growing impatient.

"Kissing in her cottage. It seems the are an item"

"WHAT?!?" Beth screamed.

"Yes, it seems that the felt it necessary to keep this a secret"

"You’re wrong Hank" she said almost in tears. "Luis is supposed to be with me, that’s the way it is going happen. I know it. We have always been so close"

"That might still happen if we act fast"

"What are you talking about now?"

"I have a plan" Hank said proudly.

"A plan?" Beth questioned.

"Yes on how to make sure I end up with Sheridan and you with Luis"

"Well don’t keep me in suspense"

"Come on over to Sam and Grace’s with me I have to watch the girls. We can talk there"

"Okay let me finish up here a minute" Beth quickly wiped down the counters and locked up. She followed Hank to his car and they drove off.

Sheridan and Luis pulled up to his house and quietly entered the house. It was late and he was sure no one would be awake, but he didn’t want to take the chance of anyone waking up. They slipped unnoticed up the stairs and into Luis’s bedroom. Sheridan slowly walked in. It was the first time she had seen his room. She took everything in, she wanted to learn everything she could about him. The room was so clean it was scary. It was fairly simple yet Luis’s presence surrounded her. There was a double bed in the middle with a navy bedspread with a red stripe at either end. He had a bookshelf next to the door filled with true crime stories but also some of the classics. Pictures of his family sat on a wooden desk and above the desk was a hanging shelf with trophies he had no doubt won throughout his sports career. His bike stood in a corner unused right now because of the weather. But her favorite part of the room was the picture window complete with a window seat. The room was so All-American it made her smile. It was Luis. Luis noticed her far off look as she turned around in a circle inspecting his room. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She jumped slightly but then relaxed in his arms.

"Thank you" she whispered.

"For what?" he kissed the side of her neck.

"For bringing me here. I just learned so much I didn’t know about you"

"Like what?" he continued to plant kisses around her neck.

"That you are incredibly neat, you’ve read The Catcher in The Rye more than once, you like simplicity, and you like to go biking"

"Well" he turned her around to again gaze into her eyes. "Mama would hurt me if anything was ever on the floor, you’re right I don’t like clutter, there are some great biking trails in New England, and about the book" he chuckled.

"What?"

"I read it first when I was in high school for a book report"

"Yeah?"

"Well I chose it because I thought it was a baseball book"

"You’re kidding" Sheridan tried not to laugh.

"Nope, but I really enjoyed it and once in awhile I just have to read it again. Why don’t you get ready for bed? I’ll go get us some tea"

"I’d like that. Thank you" Luis left the room and Sheridan dug through her bag to grab her modest flannel pajama bottoms and a tank top. She put them on and decided to snuggle in bed and get comfy before Luis came back. She was half asleep when he came back into the room. He kissed her forehead and crawled in bed next to her. She quickly moved to be in his arms. He happily took her in his arms. They were both drifting to sleep when they heard the door creak. Their eyes grew wide as the waited to see who was at the door.

Chapter 7:

Sheridan and Luis waited to see who was opening the door. Sheridan wanted to dive under the bed, but it was too late. There was nothing she could do but wait for an interrogation. Luis tensed and hoped it was anyone but his mother. His brother or sister would ask less questions. His mother walked into the room but didn’t seem the least bit shocked to see Sheridan in bed with him.

"I’m glad to see you came home tonight Luis. I was beginning to think all my sons had moved out"

"You knew I wasn’t sleeping here Mama?"

"I am not that naïve Luis" Luis and Sheridan both sat up in bed as Pilar made her way over and sat at the foot of the bed. "I wasn’t sure where you were, but I had my suspicions"

"Why didn’t you confront me?" Luis asked her. Sheridan remained quiet, not sure what to say.

"I like to see you squirm when you are untruthful Luis. It is not good for the soul"

"I know Mama"

"Now tell me how long this has been going on" she looked directly at Sheridan wanting her to enter the conversation.

"About a week" Sheridan said cautiously.

"And you both know what is coming when you tell Sheridan’s family, not to mention Hank and Beth?"

"Yes" they said in unison. They were like two little children being scolded by their mother. And in a way Pilar was a mother to both of them.

"Ok, as long as you both know what is coming when you let the cat out of the bag"

"That’s it?" Luis was surprised they weren’t getting lectured more.

"I am not going to sit here and lecture you because I know it is going to fall on deaf ears. I see they way you look at each other and I know it is hopeless. I bet you don’t even realize you are holding hands under the sheets" Luis and Sheridan looked at each other and lifted their hands that were closest to each other. And sure enough their fingers were entwined.

"How?" Sheridan looked at Pilar amazed.

"Martin and I used to be the same way. Never fully realizing how much we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. But it was rather obvious to everyone else, considering we produced five children"

"Mama!" Luis cringed at the thought of his mother that way. Pilar slightly blushed.

"Pilar you aren’t going to tell anyone are you?" Sheridan asked.

"No, but I will not lie for you. If someone asks me if you two are in love I will have to tell them the truth" They both smiled knowing no one would ever ask her such a thing since all they did in public was fight. "No one else knows about the two of you?"

"Just the people in this room" Luis informed her.

"Well and the one person eavesdropping at the door" Pilar said knowingly. "Come on in Theresita"

"I knew it Luis!" Theresa beamed with happiness. "I told you the Cranes aren’t all bad. It’s fate that you and Sheridan found each other"

"You aren’t to tell anyone about this, got it Theresa. Not even Whitney" Luis said sternly.

"Yes Officer" Theresa mocked. Then she looked over at Sheridan. "Welcome to the family" she smiled warmly but her comment struck Sheridan off guard.

"Theresa, Luis and I aren’t …" Sheridan tried to correct her but Theresa cut her off.

"Look at the way Luis is looking at you. I don’t doubt for a second that you two are madly in love. And fate will lead you to an eternity of happiness with each other" she grinned at them.

"Fate huh?" Luis was not convinced of his sisters reasoning but he knew in his heart that her prediction would come true.

"Go back to bed Theresa. I think Sheridan and Luis have had quite enough for one night" Pilar told her daughter.

"Yes Mama" Theresa said without hesitation. "I bet they want some alone time" she winked at Luis before leaving the room. Luis just rolled his eyes.

"Now you two get some sleep" Pilar ordered. "You need to be up bright and early tomorrow"

"Why mama?" Luis and Sheridan were both confused.

"You will both be going to church tomorrow for confession, together. And then you will stay for Mass"

"We can’t go together Pilar. What will people think?" Sheridan panicked.

"Don’t argue with me, hija" Pilar gave Sheridan a look that was only meant for a daughter.

"Yes m’am" Sheridan said quickly. Pilar then left the room.

"She can do that to you too?" Luis chuckled.

"You don’t ever want to be on your mother’s bad side" Sheridan said seriously. "My butt always hurt for the rest of the day when she spanked me. But she always kissed me on the forehead afterwards. It’s funny, I always felt so loved when your mother punished me. No one else seemed to care what I did but she made sure I stayed in line" Luis and Sheridan snuggled back into bed.

"I didn’t realize how much my mother influenced your childhood" Luis smiled.

"She was always there for me and I love her dearly for that" Luis kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand.

"What do you say we get some sleep? We get to go to church tomorrow" he feigned excitement.

"How many Hail Mary’s do you think we are going to have to say?" She was already dreading tomorrow morning.

"About a zillion. One for every lie we told today" they both closed their eyes and started to fall into a deep slumber.

"Luis?"

"Hmm?" he mumbled half coherent.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Mmm Hmm" he rolled over to look at her. He blinked when he saw her blue eyes holding a serious look.

"What is your favorite name?"

"Right now it has to be Sheridan" he moved his head closer to hers and kissed the tip of her nose and moved back to his spot on his pillow.

"No" she shook her head. "For a child. Your child"

"Are you trying to tell me something?" Luis looked down towards Sheridan’s stomach and then back up to her face where he found her biting her lip while her eyes conveyed insecurity. He watched her intently as she searched for an answer.

Chapter 8:

Hank and Beth sat at the kitchen table of the Bennett house. The girls had since long gone to bed. Hank and Beth ironed out the details of his surefire plan. The more Hank talked the more Beth bought into it and was convinced it would work.

"So let me get this straight" Beth started.

"We have been over this a million times Beth" Hank was getting cranky in the late hour.

"Humor me. I don’t want to mess up"

"Okay here it is one more time. And the last time for tonight"

"You have my full attention" Beth assured him.

"Tomorrow is Sunday and I am sure Luis will be in Church. And if I am right about the feeling Luis and Sheridan have for each other she will be there too. Now you need to go up to Luis when they are together and remind him of your lunch date this week. This in itself won’t break them up, but will make both of them uncomfortable. We need to keep planting doubts in their heads"

"Okay I get that much"

"Good. Now before you leave you also need to remind Luis of his family. He will never leave his family before Miguel graduates, maybe even Paloma. Luis has an overwhelming sense of responsibility towards his family, Sheridan threatens this. We have to expose that, it might now affect Luis, but it will make Sheridan feel guilty"

"Okay I can do this. What are you going to be doing?"

"Well after you do your work, I am going to give them a little time to let it soak in, but not a lot. When I walk over to them I am going to make sure to kiss Sheridan on the cheek. Then I am going to ask her for that date she promised me. Then I am going to work in the money situation. Luis has never wanted to marry a rich woman. And then there is the fact she is a Crane. He hates their family. I am going to make sure he doubts he will ever fit in with them"

"This all seems a little cruel" Beth admitted.

"Do you want to be with Luis?" She nodded her head. "They will then have to sit through Mass and ponder our words. It is going to eat them up inside and they won’t be able to talk about it" Hank smiled proudly. "Now lets get what little sleep we can before tomorrow"

"Can I crash on the couch?" Beth didn’t have the energy to drive home.

"No" he said frankly. She seemed to be very hurt by this. "You can have Noah’s room"

Sheridan looked at Luis and her eyes grew wide when she realized what he was implying.

"No!" Sheridan shook her head. "I was just curious as to how many children you wanted and what you would name them. I was just trying to get closer to you. I am not pregnant. NO" Luis breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank god. Not that it wouldn’t be a wonderful thing, but…"

"We just aren’t ready for it"

"Exactly"

"So how many?"

"I always thought four was a good number"

"FOUR?"

"Too many?" Luis just laughed.

"You think that is funny? I would always be pregnant and fat"

"You would glow and you would not be fat" Luis pulled Sheridan into his chest. Her back was pressed tightly to his chest. He couldn’t help but chuckle. The conversation was amusing him and he wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was lack of sleep, it was now almost 4 in the morning.

"You really want four?" she cringed at being put through all that pain four times.

"MmmHmm"

"Ok then you are giving birth to at least two of them"

"You’re delusional. Get some sleep" he tickled her sides and he could hear try to hold in the laughter.

"He wants four children and I don’t even know how to change a diaper" Sheridan whispered into the air. "And I’m the delusional one" she felt his hands slip around her body and stop to rest on her stomach. ‘Oh boy’ she thought. ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Little did Hank and Beth know that the seeds of doubt had already been planted.

Chapter 9:

The alarm went off in Luis’s room and both Sheridan and Luis tried to ignore it. But its persistent beeping caused them to sit up and groan. They had only been asleep four three hours, not nearly enough for either of them. Luis reached over and turned off the alarm and as soon as the noise stopped Sheridan fell back onto her pillow.

"Oh no you don’t" Luis pulled her back into a sitting position.

"Please Luis, just five more minutes" she whined.

"No can do" he said groggily. "We get to go to church this morning remember?"

"How could I forget?"

"Why don’t you jump in the shower first? I’ll go make the coffee" Luis got out of bed and Sheridan immediately laid back down and pulled the covers over her head. "Sheridan, get out of bed" he teased.

"No" she refused. "I need my beauty sleep"

"Nice try but no matter how little sleep you get you will always be beautiful. Now get up" he started pushing the bed up and down making it impossible for her to sleep. Instead of getting up though she started to make snoring sounds. "That’s it" he announced. He grabbed the covers and ripped them off the bed. She quickly curled into a ball and hid her head under her pillow. Luis walked around the bed over to her side. He reached for the pillow and began tugging. The only problem was Sheridan refused to let go, so as he pulled the pillow up she came along with it. He pulled the pillow towards himself causing her to slide to the edge of the bed. With one last tug he pulled her off the bed and she dangled in the air before she relented and put her feet on the ground.

"Fine, I’m up" she huffed. "Are you happy now?"

"Thrilled" Luis pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. "Good morning"

"Morning" she snuggled into his shoulder. "Can we just stay like this for the rest of the day?"

"I would like nothing more, but I think mama might have something to say about that"

"We better hurry" she pulled away and made a dash for the bathroom. "Make the coffee strong" she yelled over her shoulder.

Sheridan made her way down to the kitchen after a long shower. She was now dressed and had her hair and make-up done. She found Luis sitting at the kitchen table with Theresa. Sheridan was amazed by the closeness of his family.

"Finally done huh?" Luis teased as he looked at his arm where his watch would be.

"Very funny" she walked over to him and kissed him lightly on the lips. He found her irresistible so he pulled her onto his lap.

"Don’t you need to take a shower?" she mused as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"I’m going, I’m going" they both stood up. Luis went in the cupboard and got her a mug and filled it with coffee. "Here you go" he handed it to her. "And the sugar is on the table, not in the bathroom" Sheridan’s face turned twenty shades of red.

"What?" Luis said innocently as he walked out of the room. Sheridan joined Theresa at the table. Theresa had sitting there just watching. She was quite amused by her brother and his girlfriend.

"You two are too cute for words" Theresa announced to Sheridan.

"Thanks" Sheridan replied.

"What was that about the sugar not being in the bathroom?"

"Oh nothing really" Sheridan’s cheeks turned pink again.

"Yeah I bet" Theresa snickered. "So when are you going to announce to the world that you’re a couple?"

"I don’t know" Sheridan was immediately depressed.

"Why not? You should share your happiness with everyone"

"I wish it were that easy Theresa"

"Right your family. Why do they care? Don’t they want you to be happy?"

"They don’t care if I’m happy" Sheridan said sadly. "They just want me to act like a Crane"

"What do you mean?" Theresa said naïvely.

"They don’t care if I’m in love. They just want to make sure whomever I marry would make a good business merger"

"That’s so sad. Does that go for Ethan too?"

"Especially for him. The Crane heir has to have to the perfect wife" Theresa was saddened by Sheridan’s comment at first, but quickly gained her perkiness back.

"Well don’t worry about that Sheridan, true love always conquers all"

"I wish I had your spirit Theresa. But I have lived longer and have had more experience in the real world. And fairly tales just don’t happy here"

"Then why are you wasting your time with my brother" Theresa said bluntly.

"What?" Sheridan was caught off guard.

"Why are you spending time with Luis if you know in your heart nothing can come of it? You’re going to break Luis’s heart. If you love him don’t put him through that"

But before Sheridan had a chance to answer Theresa’s question Luis came back into the kitchen. He looked at the two women and realized he just walked in on something heavy. And by the looks of their faces it didn’t bode well for him.

"Did I interrupt something?" Luis looked between both of them.

"No" Sheridan shook her head and stood up. She walked up to Luis and threw her arms around his waist. She buried her head in his shoulder.

"Whoa, what’s this all about?" Luis bowed his head resting it against Sheridan’s.

"Just hold me" she pleaded.

"Okay" he tightened his grip on her and rubbed her back. He looked over at Theresa with a disproving glare. "What did you do to her?" he mouthed at his sister. Theresa just shrugged and then proceeded to leave the kitchen. "Hey, talk to me" he lightly caressed her hair.

"It’s nothing Luis really" she tried to shake the thoughts out of her head. She let go of Luis and walked back to the table and grabbed her coffee. She downed the rest of it and grabbed her coat of the back of the chair. "Ready?"

"Are you sure you’re okay?"

"Yeah, fine"

"I don’t believe you, but let’s go. We’ll talk later"

"Yeah later" Sheridan dreaded what she had to tell Luis later. Theresa was right it wasn’t fair to lead Luis on if she knew it wouldn’t last. It was for the best. Luis and Sheridan headed off to church to face the punishment of their lies.

Chapter 10:

Luis and Sheridan walked up to the steps of the church and paused. They looked at the large double doors wanting to turn right back around. They felt childish. They both knew they should just walk in there and get it over with but some invisible force was gluing them to their spot. Luckily they didn’t see anyone else around yet.

"Let’s go" Luis urged.

"Okay" Sheridan walked slowly up the steps. And the top she took a deep breath and entered the church as Luis held the door for her. The walked to the coat rack and hung up their coats and then started over to the confession booth. The father seemed to be in with someone at the moment, so they sat on a pew and waited in silence. They stole glances but just waited quietly for the person in the booth to exit.

"What was going on earlier?" Luis finally broke the silence as he whispered to her.

"Nothing" she whispered back.

"We’re in church, and you don’t need to say anymore Hail Mary’s"

"Okay, I get your point. I’ll stop lying. Your sister just said something that made me think"

"Well what did she say?"

"I’d rather not say" Sheridan said this even though she knew Luis wasn’t going to accept it.

"Don’t keep things from me. We’re never going to make it together if we kept things from each other"

"I know but this is so hard. And I don’t think this is the right place" Sheridan was becoming more and more emotional with each sentence.

"Sheridan just tell me" he took her hands in his and looked deeply in her eyes. He didn’t like the look in her eyes.

"Luis, I don’t think that we should be a couple anymore" tears trickled down her cheeks and she couldn’t even look at him and more.

"What? You think that we should stop seeing each other?"

"It’s for the best"

"How can you say it’s for the best, you can’t even look at me. Tell me you don’t love me and I’ll learn to live without you. It won’t be easy though because I love you so much" More and more tears poured from Sheridan’s eyes.

"It’s because I love you that I can’t see you anymore. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry"

Sheridan shook hers hands out of Luis’s and walked away. She walked over to the candles and lit one for the love that would never get to grow. She sank to her knees and prayed before the Mother Mary. She prayed for strength to live life without Luis and she prayed for Luis to find happiness again someday. Luis watched her helplessly. He sat there not knowing how to reach her. She was suddenly so far away. The confession booth opened and Grace Bennett walked out. She looked at Luis and noticed the painful look on his face. She followed his gaze and saw Sheridan praying, her eyes full of tears. Grace walked past Luis and Sheridan not saying a word. They obviously had too much on their minds to engage in chitchat. Luis felt that even though the reason for lying no longer existed he needed to get some things off his chest. He entered the booth and closed the door.

"Forgive me father for I have sinned"

"Tell me about your sins my son"

"I have lied to all the people I love"

"And what drove you to these deceptions?"

"My girlfriend and I thought it would be easier to have a strong relationship if we were together awhile before we told our families"

"And why is that?"

"Her family won’t accept us. They don’t see me as acceptable for her. They want her to marry some rich business type, not a cop"

"So you thought by deceiving her family that it would make them accept you as a couple. That lying to them would make you seem more honorable in their eyes"

"It sounded better at the time"

"It always does my son but you have to look at the big picture"

"There is no big picture anymore. All my lies have been in vain. She told me she loved me, but she couldn’t be with me anymore"

"And this saddens you?"

"Yes, I love her so much and she won’t tell me why she can’t be with me anymore"

"I think the pain you are suffering right now is enough of a punishment for your sins, but keep God close to your heart and continue to pray for forgiveness and guidance"

"Thank you father"

"Your welcome my son, may God be with you"

"And with you"

Luis left the booth and Sheridan took that as a signal for her turn. She had a lot on her chest she needed to get rid of. Sheridan still couldn’t look at Luis, when she passed him on the way to the booth. He couldn’t stand how sad she looked. As he passed he grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before moving on his way. She looked back at him and feigned a smile. It touched her that he still cared even after what she just told him. She got in the booth and closed the door behind her.

"Forgive me Father for I have sinned" she started.

"Tell me about your sins"

"I’m afraid I have been lying more than I have been telling the truth lately"

"I see. Are you the woman the man who just left talked about?"

"Yes" she admitted sadly.

"Then I know your story. Well most of it. I do need some clarification though"

"I will be happy to answer any of your questions father"

"Why did you feel it necessary to lie?"

"I was and still am afraid of my family"

"Why?"

"They aren’t the most virtuous people. And they would be none too happy for me to be dating a local cop"

"And why is that my dear?"

"Because he doesn’t have the money, power, or connections my family has or needs. They would do anything to tear us apart"

"Including harm the man"

"Yes" Sheridan said her voice trembling.

"So you thought it best to keep your relationship a secret?" he questioned.

"MmmHmm" words were beginning to fail her.

"And when the secret was on the verge of being revealed you lied to the one you love most" Sheridan gave no response, but the father could her begin to cry. "You put his safety before your happiness. That takes great strength, but don’t you think the man should have a choice in this matter? Haven’t the lies caused enough pain?"

Chapter 11:

Luis waited impatiently for Sheridan to come out of the confessional booth. She had been in there for so long that people were starting to file in for mass. Luis sat in the very last pew for the confession booth was at the back of the church. Everyone who walked in saw him, and they all noticed the look of sadness and helplessness. The onlookers would pass and begin to chatter inaudibly. They were obviously making up stories for why Luis looked the way he did. Pilar and Theresa walked in together. Pilar hated to see her son in pain, but knew it was needed for him to learn and grow. She walked past after giving Luis a simple nod of the head and found a pew to sit in. Theresa however just couldn’t walk by him. She couldn’t ignore it like her mother seemed to be able to do. Theresa walked up to him and took one of his hands in hers.

"Luis? What happened?"

"Theresa" Luis was bitter with his sister. "What did you say to her?" Even if it wasn’t Theresa’s fault, this all started with something she said.

"What do you mean Luis?"

"Earlier at breakfast, what did you say to Sheridan?"

"I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true Luis" Theresa being the absent minded person she was really hadn’t remembered what she said this morning, her mind was on if Ethan was coming or not.

"You said something that started this whirlwind of events, ending with Sheridan breaking up with me. So think hard. What did you say?"

"Well, she told me fairy tales didn’t often happen in the real world"

"And…" Luis grew impatient.

"And then I told her. Oh my GOD! How stupid am I?"

"Theresa don’t make me answer that question"

"Luis" she started to bite her nails. "I told Sheridan if she didn’t see a future with you to end it now before she broke your heart. I’m soo sorry" afraid of what her brother would do next she got up to join her mother she didn’t need to temp him by sitting right there.

Luis rubbed his forehead trying to make sense of his sister’s news. Sheridan didn’t see a future with him, that is why she had gotten so emotional. He swallowed hard thinking of his future without Sheridan. He never wanted to imagine it that way. But if that is the way she felt he was going to have to find a way to move on with his life. He had only had a week with her, certainly that wasn’t long enough to destroy him. Luis would do anything for Sheridan. If she didn’t see a future with him, he wasn’t going to follow her around like a lost puppy dog. Luis decided not to wait for her anymore, he got up from his seat and headed to join his family.

Sheridan shifted her seat in the booth. The Priest was right, lies had caused this whole mess in the first place, she shouldn’t be adding more to it.

"I want to give him a choice" she said finally. "But he is going to tell me that he will be okay, they won’t be able to hurt him. But they can and they would"

"As hard as this is my dear, maybe you should turn your brother and father in to the authorities"

"I don’t have any proof father, I just know what they are capable of. They threaten people as if it were casual conversation"

"You must talk to the man you love, together you will find a solution. But I beg of you please stop the lying. It is bad for the soul"

"Yes father"

"Now, I want you both to come talk to me later tonight, together. Maybe I can help you work out your problems"

"We will be here father and thank you"

"May God be with you"

"And with you"

Sheridan wiped under her eyes and took a deep breath before leaving the confessional booth. She expected to see Luis right where she left him but he wasn’t any where around. He spotted him next to his mother, but he didn’t even turn to see if she was done yet. She felt very cold and all of a sudden scared. She didn’t expect that Luis would have given up on her so fast. She wanted to turn around and leave, but she remembered her promise to Pilar to stay for Mass. She took her seat at the back of the church, making sure that if Luis wanted to turn and find her he would really have to turn. She wanted to make sure he was really looking for her. The Mass started and concluded without Luis turning around once. This really worried her about why Luis was acting so cold. He squeezed her hand assuring her things would be ok when she when into the booth but now nothing. People began to file out of their pews and into the church lobby. Sheridan waited for Luis to pass and then quickly jumped in behind him.

"Luis, we need to talk" she whispered to him as she touched his arm to get his attention.

"I know what you are going to say" he slightly turned around and hissed at her.

"Luis, what’s wrong with you?" she still whispered.

"There isn’t anything wrong with me. I just came to a realization"

"And that would be?" she had managed to slip her hand in his as they walked down the isle. They had come to lobby and Luis shook his hand from hers. He didn’t seem to be angry to Sheridan, but more hurt. He seemed to be masking it in anger.

"This isn’t the place, Sheridan" their whispers grew louder and louder.

"It’s the perfect place Luis"

"I don’t want to talk about it now" By now they were many eyes on them but they seemed to be caught up in their own little world.

"Luis, please" her voice was now calm and pleading. Hank and Beth had been there to watch the whole show, but decided not to put the plan in action yet, Luis and Sheridan seemed to be doing a great job by themselves. Luis looked into her eyes and wanted to pull her into his arms, but then he thought about it.

"No!" He knew what she wanted to tell him, that there wasn’t a future for them. He didn’t want to hear it from her, it would hurt too much. He needed to get away from her. He started to make his way to the door.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" she yelled as he was about to pull the door open. "I love you" it wasn’t the words that stopped him dead in his tracks, he had heard them before. It was because they were in public and it wasn’t just him that heard her announcement.

Chapter 12:

Gasps filled the air. People began to look around in confusion. Sheridan Crane in love with Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald there had to be some mistake. But there Sheridan stood in the middle of all of them, near tears. And anyone who thought that they hated each other now felt like a fool. The love that surrounded them was so obvious. Luis didn’t want to make a public scene of this. He let go of the door rushed to Sheridan’s side and whisked her outside. Luis knew very well curious people were going to follow them out so he continued dragging her along until he reached his backyard. He didn’t say a word to her the whole walk, well run, there. He sat her down a top of the picnic table while he paced in front of her.

"What the hell was that?" Luis finally erupted.

"Isn’t that what you wanted? To be a couple in public? Or wasn’t that public enough for you?" She smirked knowing she was going to get to him.

"You’re impossible"

"I know" she shrugged her shoulders.

"Okay where did that come from? Last I knew you wanted to break it off. Now you are professing our love in front of the whole town"

"Luis, calm down. I had to do it you were going to walk out on me"

"So you didn’t want to do it?"

"Well no, but now I am glad I did. Luis, would you stop pacing and sit down with me? We need to talk"

"Okay, okay. Now would you mind explaining to me what happened in that confessional booth?" Luis sat down next to Sheridan. The both rested their feet on the bench.

"Basically, I realized that the lying had to stop. And I told the biggest lie to you. It isn’t for the best that we aren’t together. I was taking the easy way out"

"So you’re saying you don’t want to end things between us?" he said in a hopeful voice.

"No, I don’t. I want us to be together forever"

"Do I hear a but in there?"

"But I’m so scared"

"What is there to be scared of? You have to realize I will always love you and never do anything to hurt you"

"It’s not me I am worried about. I’m afraid of what my family will do to you"

"Is that why you pulled away, you were afraid for my life?" he pulled her closer to him and she nuzzled her head into his shoulder. "You have a heart of gold you know that? But you don’t have to worry"

"Yes I do Luis. My father and brother are malicious. I don’t trust them"

"Come on" Luis grabbed her hand and once again started to drag her down the street.

"Where are we going now?" Luis stopped at his jeep and opened the passenger side door. She climbed in and he closed the door for her. He then hurried around, got in and backed the jeep out of the driveway. "Earth to Luis. Destination please"

"Oh right. We’re going to the mansion"

"Excuse me?"

"The mansion, you know it. The one you grew up in as a kid. Your nephew lives there now. Need I go on?"

"I have to be in love with a comedian. I know the location of the mansion, but WHY are we going there?"

"Well after your little announcement in the church, I figured with all their spies, Alistair and Julian heard the news"

"What have I done?" she gasped.

"What we should have done in the first place, confronting your family

"Do you have a death wish, because I kind of like you alive"

"Sheridan’s it’s not going to be as bad as you think"

"Have you forgotten my family HATES you, actually they loath you"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence"

"You know I love you. I’ve tried to show you in many different ways. In fact lets go to the cottage instead and I’ll show you another way" she said seductively.

"Sheridan Crane, are you trying to bribe me with sex?"

"Yes" she said innocently.

"It’s not going to work" he smiled.

"Damn" she was frustrated.

"Look, we are going to go there and just put the cards on the table. We’ll tell them how much we love each other and that we aren’t going to let them interfere… oh boy… even I don’t believe what I am saying"

"Finally" she threw he hands in the air. "Now turn the car around"

"No, we are still going. We just need a better strategy"

"We don’t need a strategy, we need a miracle" she was being the original cynic. They pulled up into the estate driveway. Luis pulled the jeep to a stop and got out. Sheridan however decided to remain buckled inside.

"Sheridan, get out of the car" Luis ordered.

"No" she said childishly. He reached for the handle of the door but she quickly locked it. He then dangled the keys in front of the window and she frowned in defeat. She unlocked the door and got out as slow as she could.

"Do you want me to pick you up and carry you in front of your brother?"

"No" she relented and picked up speed. They finally got to the main entrance and walked inside. The headed straight for the library, for that is where they knew they would find Julian. The door was open and they walked in without announcing themselves. But what they didn’t find was Julian. Smoke filtered into the air from the tall leather chair. It was turned neither Sheridan nor Luis could see who it was. That is until he turned around to great them.

"Nice to see you my dear" he seethed.

"Father" Sheridan gasped.

Chapter 13:

Sheridan stood there not knowing what to say. She hadn’t seen her father in years. He never visited her while she was in Europe and didn’t have a clue on how to visit him. She was also sure he was there because he heard the news about her and Luis. He never kept it a secret how displeased he was with Sheridan’s relationship with Luis. The only question was how he got there so fast was the question. Luis seemed to be in a state of shock too, he never in a million years expected Alistair in the study. He planned on Julian phoning him, but not the real deal. Alistair seemed to have a smile on his face though. He took pride in catching people off guard. It was all the easier to manipulate people that way. He couldn’t have Luis and Sheridan together drudging up the past. And he intended on keeping them off guard.

"Sheridan, my dear daughter, are you tongue tied?" Alistair poked fun at her. "This has to be a first"

"Father, what are you doing here?"

"That’s what I would like to know" the ever skeptical Luis chimed in.

"Well you see I heard about your little escapade in the church and decided I should come and clear up a few things for the two of you"

"There is nothing to clear up" Luis said forcefully.

"You aren’t going to change the way we feel about each other. I love Luis"

"I heard as much, but I am here to tell you, you must stop this love affair at once"

"Excuse me? Why do you think you have a say in this matter?" Luis was disgusted.

"Actually I don’t. But let me ask you a couple questions Luis" Alistair indicated that they should sit in the chairs by his desk. They questioned his motives for a moment and then relented and sat down. "I can call you Luis, can’t I?" Luis nodded his head in approval. "Luis you consider yourself a moral person don’t you?"

"Yes, I live my life morally as well as ethically" Luis stated proudly.

"And what would you do to compromise you morals and ethics?" Alistair dug deeper.

"Nothing I will always stand behind what I believe in"

"Just as I thought" Alistair beamed in pleasure.

Before Sheridan and Luis could find out where this conversation was going, they were interrupted by a knock on the open door. They turned around to see who it was but didn’t recognize the man. Sheridan thought he looked familiar, but didn’t know from where. The man looked to be in his early thirties. He had sandy blonde hair and magnificent emerald eyes. He was definitely muscular, in fact he looked like a Baywatch lifeguard. Although at the time he was wearing a suit and tie.

"Your right on time" Alistair waved his hand beckoning the man to come inside.

"Good afternoon Mr. Crane"

"Please don’t address me so formally. Call me Alistair" he again had a devilish smile that had been on his face since Sheridan and Luis’s arrival. Sheridan and Luis stared at the man wondering who he was and what importance he had to them. "I bet you two are wondering who this is" Sheridan and Luis’s head’s snapped back to Alistair’s direction.

"Yes I was curious" Sheridan said cautiously.

"This is Morgan Bustinsky"

"Please call me Buzz"

‘Buzz?’ Sheridan and Luis mouthed to each other before they graciously shook Buzz’s hand.

"Buzz, my son, please take a chair" Sheridan looked at her father and held a look of confusion. Her father was being entirely too friendly with Buzz. "Now back to the subject of morality Luis"

"I don’t think that Buzz needs to be here for this conversation" Luis protested.

"Ah but he plays a very important role in this subject, trust me" Alistair clarified without spilling to much information.

"Trust you? With all due respect sir you have given me no reason to trust you. You have already made it very clear how much you despise the relationship Sheridan and I have" Luis kept his emotions in check.

"They have a relationship?" Buzz asked utterly confused. "But I thought…"

"Now Luis," Alistair interrupted Buzz. "How does it feel to be going against every moral fiber in your body, when you are lusting after my daughter? When you are making love to my daughter?"

"First of all what Luis and I have is more than lust father it is love" Sheridan couldn’t keep her mouth shut any longer. "And secondly how can he be compromising his standard of living by seeing me?"

"I thought that being the other man was ethically unacceptable. I mean what would Pilar think of her son going after a married woman?"

"Married??" Luis and Sheridan gasped in unison.

"Yes Sheridan, you are betrothed. Or don’t you remember?" Alistair loved to play on her emotions, she was weak in his eyes.

"And just who I am supposedly married too?" Her father didn’t answer though, but he was no longer looking at her. She followed his gaze to Buzz. "Buzz? I am married to Buzz? How can this be possible" Sheridan shrieked.

Chapter 14:

Luis, Sheridan, Buzz and Alistair remained in the library of the Crane mansion. She kept firing questions at Alistair. Alistair sat silently in his chair smoking another cigar with a smug look on his face. Luis was in total shock and could no longer form words. And Buzz just sat back and watched it all play out. He couldn’t be happier he was going to get his bride tonight, finally.

"I am not married to Buzz!" Sheridan screamed. "I did not, nor will I ever, consent to marry someone other than Luis"

"You’d consider marrying me?" Luis was ripped from his state of shock and asked her this with his voice filled with disbelief. He knew she loved him, but after only a week didn’t dream she would be ready for marriage.

"Yes of coarse" She said sweetly. "I love you" Their eyes locked for a second while they forgot about their current situation.

"You don’t have to worry about that Luis" Alistair said coldly. "You will never get the chance to marry my daughter, because the fact is she is already married"

"Would you care to explain how I am married without having any knowledge of the blissful occasion?"

"I can’t believe you don’t remember" Buzz said sadly.

"Forget not remembering the wedding, I don’t remember you! How can I be married to someone I don’t know?" She just couldn’t stop screaming at her father and Buzz. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

"Well Sheridan, if you would quite down long enough to let me explain I would" Alistair said calmly.

"Ok, I’m finished" Sheridan took a deep breath and Alistair proceeded to tell the story.

~*~ Flashback ~*~

Sheridan was eighteen and had just graduated from her boarding school in Paris. Unlike most of the girls there she hadn’t chosen a college to attend in the fall. She didn’t even apply to any. She was sick of the fake people who went to the schools she would be expected to attend. Instead she told her father she needed a break for a year to travel and get hands on experience with the world. Alistair was none to pleased with his daughter’s decision. In fact he was furious. Every Crane was expected to attend an Ivy league school or their European equivalent. Sheridan was again trying her hardest to disgrace the family name. He had to put a stop to it. If she wanted to go traipsing around the world, she was in for a surprise. Alistair had told her he wanted to have dinner to celebrate her graduation, although he had his own agenda. They sat at the table sipping wine as Sheridan discussed where she hoped to go on her year off.

"I think I want to start off in Egypt. I have always wanted to see the pyramids" Sheridan said with a smile.

"That’s nice dear" Alistair said trying not to yawn. He noticed both of their glasses where empty and waved his hand in the air signally the need for a refill.

"Oh, no thank you" she said when the waiter put the bottle to her glass.

"Sheridan, sweetheart, we are celebrating. Surely one more glass won’t hurt"

"Alright father" she began to sip the wine again. By the time the glass was gone she was beginning to feel very giddy. A handsome young man and his father joined the table and she began talking to the young man. She came to find his name was Morgan. He was fun to talk to, but his life’s dream was to become a pro surfer. He sure had the body for it. Sheridan and Morgan had been chatting while their father’s were plotting. It seemed before they knew it they were joined by another guest, a priest to be exact. He proceeded to marry Sheridan and Morgan and both were so drunk, they didn’t even know what was happening. They laughed through the entire thing. When the priest told Morgan he could kiss the bride he passed out. Good thing Alistair and Mr. Bustinsky were thinking and had them sign the marriage license before the wedding. It was a done deal. Sheridan and Morgan were now husband and wife, although neither of them would remember that in the morning.

~*~ End Flashback ~*~

Of coarse when Alistair told the story he left out the parts that would incriminate him, including the fact that Sheridan and Morgan or Buzz as he now called himself, were both intoxicated. Alistair had let Sheridan roam the world now only because he wasn’t his problem anymore. The business merger she just provided him with was worth billions and he couldn’t be happier. She didn’t need to know about the marriage until now, because it didn’t serve a purpose until now.

"Your trying to tell me I was married when I was 18 and I don’t remember it? I remember having dinner with you that night and then leaving for Egypt in the morning. I don’t even remember meeting Buzz that night" Sheridan couldn’t believe her father would let that happen to her.

"I didn’t remember either Sheridan" Buzz included himself in the conversation. "But my father assures me it did happen. And I am ready to live my life with you as husband and wife"

"Well I refuse. I am NOT in love with you. I want an annulment! We didn’t … um… consummate this marriage did we?"

"I don’t remember" Buzz said flatly. Luis cringed at the thought of another man touching Sheridan.

"You better not have laid a finger on her" Luis seethed.

"Look, she’s my wife not yours" Buzz rebuffed. "I should be saying the same thing to you"

"Enough" Alistair barked. "There will be NO annulment. Sheridan you will remain Buzz’s wife and obey him. And Luis you will stay away from my daughter"

"You can’t do this to me!" Sheridan screamed.

"Go pack your bags, Buzz is taking you back to Hawaii with him" but neither Sheridan nor Luis moved. "NOW!"

Sheridan and Luis got up and slowly left the room. She couldn’t look into his eyes. The whole walk to the cottage was in silence. Both knowing that if the other said a word they might break down. Life wasn’t fair. Not only was she married to another man, but she was being forced to move to Hawaii. After tonight she was certain Sheridan was never going to see Luis again.

Chapter 15:

Luis and Sheridan entered the cottage still without a word to one another. Luis held open the door for her and she walked into her home her head hung low. Luis softly closed the door behind him. He stood on the landing waiting to see what she was going to do. She was behind the couch and looked to be headed to her bedroom. But she stopped and looked back at him. Sheridan stared into his eyes and saw the sadness in them. They didn’t show her the world like they usually did. She started back towards him and didn’t stop until she was tucked safely in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and held tight. Luis wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. It was as if their two bodies melted into one.

"I don’t want to leave you" Sheridan whispered.

"I don’t want you to leave" Luis kept her tightly within his arms. Suddenly Sheridan broke from his arms.

"How can I be married and not even remember it?" she was furious. "I’m not supposed to be married to anyone but…" her sentence drifted off when it became too painful to say anymore.

"Anyone but who, Sheridan?" even in the crummy situation they were in they could get lost in a world of their own.

"You know who Luis" she walked closer to him again.

"Enlighten me" he stood there with a Cheshire cat grin.

"You" she placed a light kiss on his lips. "I want to be with you, and only you" she again brushed her lips softly against his.

"There is nothing I want more"

"But now that is never going to happen" Sheridan slid from his arms and slumped down on her entry steps. "Because I am married and now I am being sent away to Hawaii"

Luis sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her. Sheridan gladly accepted his embrace and leaned her head onto his shoulder. They sat like this for what seemed like eternity before Luis jumped up and a light bulb popped above his head. He started to pace rapidly as the thoughts raced through his mind. Sheridan watched him hoping he had had some sort of epiphany. She was getting dizzy from watching him turn in circles and had to put a stop to it.

"Luis!" he stopped dead in his tracks and turned to her.

"Huh?" he shook his head trying to regain control of reality.

"What are you thinking about?"

"You have a trust fund don’t you?" Sheridan was shocked that he could think of money at a time like this, especially because he never had before.

"Luis" she said in a warning tone.

"Just go with me here" Luis reassured her. "I might have an idea"

"Ok then, yes I have a trust fund"

"And it is solely in your name?"

"Yes, and before you ask your next question, yes I have control over it. I came into it when I was 21" He smiled because he thought it was sweet that she could read his thoughts.

"Ok so no one else has control of that money or can take it away?"

"Nope its all mine. Now do you mind telling me why you care how much money I possess?" she was a little unnerve by this conversation. This was after all the only thing the other men in her life had ever wanted to talk about.

"Go pack you bags" Luis ordered almost shoving her into her room.

"What? Luis tell me what is going on!" She stood in front of her bed and watched as Luis ran around and threw some suitcases on her bed and opened them up.

"Do you trust me?" he pushed her towards her closet.

"Yes, but…"

"No buts, do you trust me?"

"Yes" she said bluntly.

"Then pack your bags you’re going to Hawaii" he smiled as she looked at him like he had just grown another head.

Chapter 16:

Luis ran around Sheridan’s room ‘helping’ her pack. She was amused that he was packing sweaters for her trip to Hawaii. Not since he started did he put in one thing that would be useful in the tropic climate. Really though she knew he was going insane because he was trying to send her away with her husband. She knew he wanted to be with her and yet he was packing her up to send her hundreds of miles from here. And what was that talk about her trust fund? He had never cared about money before, but now that she was married why did he care?

"Luis, stop. You have to tell me what you are planning. And why are you packing winter clothes?" Luis could tell Sheridan was on the verge of losing it.

"Ok, sweetie calm down. You know that trust fund of yours?" she nodded. "Well we are going to have to break into it"

"What? Luis you have never wanted my money before. Please don’t prove to me you’re like ever other man I have dated"

"No Sheridan you know I’m nothing like the jerks in your past. Its just that this is an extreme emergency. I don’t want to lose you and I don’t have the money to do what I have planned without your help"

"What do you have planned?" her patience was about to fly out the window.

"Well lets just say you will be getting on a plane with a man, but your destination won’t be Hawaii and your travel partner won’t be your current husband"

"Where are we going?" Sheridan’s eyes lit up with excitement.

"Any where you like, but preferably not in this country. So don’t forget to pack your passport"

"Luis what about your family? I can’t take you away from them" she had now taking over her packing for Luis. She had a sudden burst of energy.

"Sheridan, as much as I love them I can’t take care of them forever. I have a right to lead my own life. It’s time. I’ve known it’s been time since the day I met you" overcome with emotion, Sheridan stopped what she was doing and walked over to her love.

"I love you" she kissed him with all the love she had in her heart and soul. "Do we have time to…" she continued to kiss him and started to fiddle with the buttons of his shirt.

"Nuh uh uh little miss seductress. We can play this game later. We have to get going" she dropped her hands and went back to her packing. She didn’t like it when she didn’t get her way with him, even if he knew his reasons were correct. She would give him a little pay back. She opened her most personal drawer.

"Do you think I should pack this?" Luis turned around and noticed what she was holding up. He gulped as he imagined her in that little black number. He groaned involuntarily. "I’ll take that as a yes" she smiled seductively and threw it at the suitcase.

"What else do you have in that drawer?" Luis asked curiously as he walked towards her.

"That’s for me to know and for you…NOT to" she slapped his hand before he could go fishing in her drawer.

Four suitcases later Sheridan finally finished packing. Luis tried to convince her that she could buy new things wherever they ended up but she refused. She liked the clothes she had and it was a waste of money. He didn’t understand her and he didn’t make it a secret. She shot him a dirty look when he rolled his eyes at her. Luis carried the suitcases to the door and looked out it. He found that there was already a car waiting for her. Alistair sure wanted her out of the country and quick.

"Sheridan, the car is here" Luis called to her back in the bedroom.

"Coming" she called back. She changed into a more suitable travel outfit. Who was she kidding? She changed for the sole purpose of driving Luis mad. She found her tightest black pants and an equally tight red sweater. She spritzed on some perfume and walked out. Luis took one look at her and he had to pick his jaw up from the floor.

"What?" she batted her eyelashes innocently.

They rode to the airport in silence. They had no doubt that the driver was a spy for her father. So they just sat in the back seat holding hands. The closer they got the more nervous Sheridan got and she started fidgeting. Luis sent her a warning glance but she didn’t seem to be fazed by it. Her foot continued to tap against the floor of the car and she began to chew on her lip. The driver pulled the car to a stop at the airport and Luis urged her to calm down. She knew he was right but it was easier said than done. She took a cleaning breath and made her way through the terminal. At the security gate Luis gave her a kiss and they parted ways. It was all part of their plan. She gave a great performance, quite a tear-jerking goodbye. He kissed her like he was never going to see her again and then Sheridan and Luis left each other’s sides. They would rejoin after the plan was set into motion.

It was a brilliant plan Luis decided as he walked outside to where the planes taxi flashing his badge. Security let him through without a second glance. Luis had that honesty look about him. As soon as he was outside no one seemed to even take notice of him. He casually found the Crane jet and pretended to look around. He had to make sure no one was watching him. When he felt that the coast was clear, he knew it was he chance and disappeared.

Sheridan walked to the gate unsure if this would work. But Luis promised her it would and she believed anything he said. She noticed she was still fidgeting and made a conscious effort to stop. She would get on the plane with Buzz just as her father had told her to. But did he really think she was that compliant? She never had been before, so why was this different? She knew the truth. If she would have protested Alistair would have ruined Luis’s life and she couldn’t have that. She already felt guilty now taking him away from his family. And when he left they would be put at risk. Suddenly she began to panic. She couldn’t let anything happen to his family. She had to find Luis and tell him to go home. She shot up from her seat and started to pace. But as quickly as the anxiety attack came it vanished. Ivy. Ivy would take care of Pilar. They had this uncanny connection. Sheridan didn’t understand it, but she knew Ivy would never let anything bad happen to Pilar.

Buzz finally came staggering to the gate. He looked stoned out of his mind. Not to mention the smell of alcohol that permeated around him. Sheridan smiled, this was going to be easier than she thought. The flight attendant came out and told them it was time to board the plane. Buzz immediately grabbed the voluptuous woman for support. His head rested on her breasts and he held tight to her as they made their way into the plane. Sheridan followed closely behind, Cheshire smile on her face. They strapped in and prepared for take off. As the place ascended into the air, Sheridan could feel that so far the plan was working. She felt Luis’s presence close to her, which meant he made it on the plane safely. This flight promised to be an interesting one.

Chapter 17:

Sheridan sat in her seat gazing out the window. The pilot had announced they reached their cruising altitude and she was impatiently waiting for Luis’s surprise arrival. Buzz would hardly notice. He was on the verge of passing out. Wouldn’t he be surprised when he woke up? She decided to help him lose consciousness a little sooner.

"Hey Buzz, how about a celebration shot of Tequila?" Sheridan asked as she made her way to the mini bar.

"Sure thing sweetheart" he moved next to her and started to place sloppy kisses on her neck and cheek. Sheridan tried not to cringe and slap him but he was getting a little too close for comfort.

"We’ll have time for that later" Sheridan pushed him away. "Right now let’s drink"

She handed him a shot and took one in her own hand. She winked at him and downed her shot and he followed suit. After a couple a more shots Buzz was a goner. He told her the cabin was spinning and he needed to sit for a moment. As soon as his butt hit the chair he was out like a light. Sheridan smiled at her obvious victory. She smiled even bigger when Luis came out of his hiding spot.

"How are you going to fly the plane drunk?" he chastised.

"You know me better than that" she held up a glass which she used to spit out the shots when Buzz wasn’t looking.

"You’re a genious"

"I know" he quickly kissed her and licked her lip as he pulled away.

"You taste like Tequila"

"Want another taste?" she tempted him.

"Yes" he groaned. "But there is work to be done"

"Don’t I know it. Can’t we have a little fun first, please?"

"Do you want to end up in Hawaii married to Buzz?"

"No" she said firmly.

"Then lets get you into the pilots seat"

Sheridan paged the flight attendant for service. She giggled. Her service was probably nothing like the service her brother ordered. The buxom blonde’s name was Violet. Sheridan and Luis had an easy enough time silencing her. Luis brought his trusty supply of chloroform and he placed in over her mouth when she came to see what Sheridan needed. They placed her in the seat next to Buzz. Luis had forgotten to bring something to tie them up with so he took out his handcuffs. He placed one on Buzz’s wrist and then slid the cuff through a metal part of the seat and the attached the other one to Violet’s wrist. If they woke up they weren’t going anywhere. Not that could anyway, they were way up into the sky but he couldn’t take the chance that either one would call Alistair. There was one more unsuspecting victim. The pilot. He would be a bit trickier, he couldn’t just be called out of the cabin. Plus he could have a head set on and someone could hear him before he was knocked out. So they opted to drug his drink.

"Luis, do you own stock in Drugs R Us or do you have them shipped right to your door?" she asked sarcastically when he started to put the powder in the drink.

"Very funny" he mused as he stirred the drink.

"No really, where do you get all this?"

"Well you see drugs get destroyed when they are confiscated but not right away. They are put in storage until the end of the month"

"So you took a lone out from the Harmony PD"

"Basically yes"

"Glad to know you have connections" she smirked.

"Stop being a smart ass and go give this to the pilot"

"Yes Sir" she saluted him and took the drink and headed towards the cockpit.

Sheridan entered the cockpit and when Captain Henry caught glimpse of it was he sat up in his chair. He tidied himself and made himself look more professional.

"Miss Crane, what can I do for you?"

"Oh nothing really" she handed him the tainted soft drink. "here I brought you something to drink"

"Thank you, but really that’s Violet’s job. You shouldn’t be…"

"No it’s ok. I wanted to. I wanted to come talk to you"

"Talk to me? Why? Did I do something wrong?"

"No not at all, I just wanted some intelligent conversation. Buzz passed out and Violet well she is well…"

"A ditz?"

"YES" Sheridan said emphatically.

She eyed the glass as he continued to gulp it down. She wondered how fast it was supposed to work. Sheridan had asked the pilot to explain how the plane worked to her. That would take up time she thought. She tried to hide her boredom as he went through what all the buttons did. She started to sing songs in her head to keep herself amused. Finally he yawned. It was about time, she had almost gone though the whole soundtrack of Les Miserables. His head started to bob. He struggled to keep conscious. And then it happened, mid-sentence he slumped in his chair. Sheridan let out a sigh of relief and then called in Luis. He dragged out the pilot and added him to the others. He returned to the cockpit and took his seat as co-pilot.

"So where to blue eyes?" Luis took hold of the extra steering wheel and moved it around pretending to fly the plane.

"It’s a surprise"

"What if I let you have your way and gave you what you wanted earlier?" he eyes glazed over with desire.

"Nope" she said flatly. "We have business to attend to"

"Not even one little kiss?" he gave her his best puppy dog eyes.

"No kiss is ever little with you" he started to get up. "Sit back down, I told you no"

He didn’t listen. He continued toward her and took her hands in his. He pulled her out of her seat and brushed his lips on hers. He was teasing her making her make the first move for more. It didn’t take long. Her mouth descended on his and they quickly lost the realm of reality. An irritable beeping noise brought them out of their reverie. Sheridan looked at the instruments and gasped. She quickly sat down and frantically started pushing buttons.

"Luis, we have a slight problem here" she announced, though he could already tell. "Buckle in" She ordered.

Chapter 18:

The plane started to plunge at Sheridan’s command. Luis looked over at her like she was nuts. He had no idea why she was putting the plane into a nose dive.

"Sheridan, what in the hell are you doing?" Luis braced himself on the dashboard.

"Luis calm down. I know exactly what I’m doing"

"Want to clue me in please?" Luis said with a raised voice.

"Stop shouting at me" she yelled back.

Sheridan eased on the controls and the plane leveled off. The beeping stopped and she took a cleansing breath. She had avoided disaster.

"What happened?" Luis asked between pants of breath.

"We were on a collision coarse with another plane" Sheridan explained still trying to calm down.

"How?"

"Well you see we changed our flight plan and didn’t check it against the computer"

"Thank god for radars" Luis gasped.

"You’re telling me. I’m going to put the flight plan into the computer now"

"Couldn’t they trace it back to us. We don’t want anyone to know where we are going"

"Do you want another incident like the one that just happened?"

"NO!"

"Then we are taking our chances with the computer. I don’t think anyone will notice anyway. We aren’t exactly a commercial flight" Sheridan punched in some numbers and then put the plane on autopilot. "Ok we’re all set"

"No more problems?" he asked skeptically.

"Nope. Should be calm the rest of the way. Unless one of our friends in the back wake up"

"Don’t even jinx us. So where are we going?"

Luis tried everything he could think of to get their destination out of Sheridan, but she was relentless. She wouldn’t give him a crumb. She did promise he would love it and that she had never been there either. He questioned how she would know he’d love it if she’d never been there, but she just told him to trust her. He wasn’t getting anywhere. Luis went in the cabin and checked on the other passengers, all were still out and not coming to anytime soon. A few more hours passed and everyone was now awake and irritable. Luis tried to entertain them with a couple of his famous magic tricks, but they weren’t as impressed as his normal 4 year old audience. Finally he broke down and just told them the truth. The pilot and flight attendant were understanding because they knew how if felt to be under the Crane’s control. They sat back and enjoyed the drugless drinks Luis kept serving and were enthralled in an in flight movie. Buzz on the other hand was not being so easy. He awoke with a major hangover not to mention they were trying to take away his trophy bride. His father promised to fund his way through being a professional surfer. Now when returned to Hawaii without Miss Crane, he didn’t know what would become of his career. His father was going to ream him out. Buzz kept yelling and screaming at Luis until Luis had finally had enough. He took out his trust chloroform and knocked him out. There were thank yous shouted from the others when Buzz finally shut up. After everyone seemed to be settled Luis made his way back to the cockpit. He kissed Sheridan on the cheek before retiring to the copilot’s chair.

"So we’ve been flying over water for awhile now" Luis mused.

"You’re observant" Sheridan said as she checked over all the instruments.

"You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?"

"I will when we land" she smirked.

"Sheridan, I have to know what to expect when we land. Am I going to have to just start throwing punches cause no one speaks English?"

"Luis you know we are just going to walk off the plane like nothing is wrong. But I will give you a clue. You will be able to understand the natives"

"So they speak English" Luis concluded.

"You can speak Spanish too"

"But you’ve been to Spain"

"Who said we were going to Spain. I just pointed out the fact that you can speak Spanish"

"You’re so frustrating" he groaned.

"And you love me for it" she smiled at him again. "But we are going to begin our descent soon so I guess I can tell you"

"Finally!" Luis exclaimed. "So where are you taking me?"

"Ireland" Sheridan smiled.

"Ireland?? Really??" Luis was amazed. He always wanted to explore his other heritage.

"Yes really. We should be landing in Dublin within the half an hour" she glanced over and saw that Luis was already daydreaming of what it was going to be like. "Hey space cadet, wake up. I got a question for you"

"Sorry, I was just imagining what it is going to be like"

"I could tell" She reached over and took his hand in hers.

"So what’s your question?"

"How long do you think we will have to be in hiding? Don’t get me wrong. Being with you ALONE in Ireland is going to be an amazing experience but I am going to miss Ethan and you are going to miss your family. We belong in Harmony"

"I knew I loved you for a reason" he squeezed her hand. "As soon as we get your farce of a marriage dissolved we’ll go home"

"Promise?"

"Yeah I promise. Oh wait. There is one more thing that we have to do before we can go home"

"What’s that?" Sheridan took a sip of her coffee. She needed a boost of energy.

"You have to marry me" Luis said with a goofy grin on his face.

Chapter 19:

Sheridan almost chocked on the coffee she was drinking. She hadn’t expected him to say anything like that. She started coughing violently as she gasped for breath. Luis chuckled as she saw her surprise. He knew he was going to catch her off guard but he never imagined he almost kill her. He jumped up behind her and started to pat her on the back. Finally her breathing became normal again. He still had a smile a mile wide plastered on his face. He moved back over to his seat without taking his eyes from hers.

"Did you just say what I thought you did?" Sheridan asked making sure her ears weren’t playing tricks on her.

"What do you think?"

Luis again rose from his chair but this time he kneeled to the side of her. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a velvet black box. He opened it and inside sparkled a beautiful diamond. It was a platinum ring and the diamond seemed to glow in its round setting. Sheridan gasped it was the most beautiful thing she saw in her entire life.

"I know it’s not the most ethical thing proposing to a married woman, but I can’t choose who I fell in love with" Luis took the ring out of the box and took her hand in his. "I love you with my entire heart and soul and I want you to be mine from now until eternity. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes" was all Sheridan was able to say as tears of happiness flooded her eyes. Luis slipped the ring on her finger and she bent down and kissed him sweetly. "I love you" she whispered lingering her lips in front of his.

"I love you too" he kissed her again and then returned to his copilot chair yet again.

He caught her smiling as she looked at the ring. She didn’t seem to remember that she was supposed to be landing an airplane. He reminded her and she snapped back to reality. She radioed the tower and they were clear to come in. She brought the plane down safely and pulled it to a stop. She taxied to the gate. The ground crew began to ready the plane for unloading. The plane door was opened and Sheridan and Luis strolled out like they owned the world. They had freed the pilot and flight attendant but Buzz was still out cold. They took a cab to a hotel Sheridan had heard of and they booked a suite. They were taken to their room, and they quickly settled in. Sheridan plopped herself on the massive bed. She was lying on her back, hand raised. She was staring at her new piece of jewelry. Luis was studying a tour book of Dublin but keep glancing over at her and smiling.

"Luis, can I ask you something?" Sheridan sat up in the bed.

"Anything" he set down the book.

"When did you have time to buy this?" she twisted her ring around her finger. "We have only been together for a week or so and we have been together for the last 48 hours" he got up from his chair and moved onto the bed beside her.

"I bought it after the first night we spent together"

"You did?" she asked wide-eyed.

"Yep" he said confidently. "I knew after that night that I never wanted to live without you. I hadn’t planned on giving it to you so soon. I thought I would scare you away. But I couldn’t take it any longer"

"I’m glad you decided not to wait"

The passion they had within them soon ignited and they we quickly entwined in each other’s arms. Their problems dissipated and all was forgotten except their love for each other.

A blissful glow covered both of their bodies. Afterglow was the thing the cherished most. Holding each other after they proved how much they loved and desired the other. They stared deeply into each other’s eyes. The silence speaking volumes. This is what heaven must feel like.

"How about we try out the Jacuzzi I saw in the bathroom" she raised her eyebrows suggestively.

"Sounds like…" Luis was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. "Heaven. You start the water and I’ll be right in"

Luis reached over and answered the phone as Sheridan glided into the bathroom. He heard the water start and he suddenly regretted picking up the phone. The wait was going to be torture.

"Hello?" Luis asked with a slight groan as he heard Sheridan yell to him to hurry up. "Yeah ok. We’ll be waiting" Luis put down the receiver resisting the urge to slam it into the desk.

"Hey honey" Luis called sweetly. "About that bath. Let’s make it a shower"

"Why?" Sheridan peaked her head out of the bathroom.

"We’re going to have company" he announced before joining her in the bathroom.

Chapter 20:

Sheridan was already immersed in the bubble bath when Luis joined her in the bathroom. He gave her a disapproving look. He told her they didn’t have time. But he couldn’t be mad at her. Instead he joined her. He slipped in behind her and pulled her close to him. He loved having her this close. Her being in his arms made every day life worth living.

"So who is joining us tonight?" Sheridan asked as she brought his arms around her snuggling in even closer.

"I am a stupid, stupid man for saying yes to anyone coming, but this is important" Luis softly kissed the back of her neck.

"What is?"

"Buzz is coming"

"Buzz?" She exclaimed as she tried to turn to look at him but Luis wouldn’t let her turn.

"Yes, he has something urgent to tell us. He said it would change our lives and couldn’t wait"

"Wonder what my hubby wants to tell us" she giggled the word hubby but Luis didn’t seem to be amused. "Come on Luis, me being married is a little bit amusing"

"I don’t find it amusing at all" Luis said stiffly. He loosened his grip on her and she immediately regretted saying anything about the subject. He then did something she never expected. With a great force he brought his hands out of the water and towards her causing a huge amount of water to drench her face. He had avoided the splash by hiding behind her back. "Now that is something I find amusing" he said cockily.

"LUIS!" she screamed as water and suds ran down her face.

There was no way he was going to get away with that. She turned around in the tub so she was now facing on the other end. And she started the war. Water began to spray everywhere as they tried to drench each other. Only Luis seemed to have some special knack for splashing. For every drip of water she got on him he seemed to douse a bucket on her. But she didn’t give up the fight. She continued to throw water back at him. A knock on the door ruined their childish fun. They stopped the attacks and looked each other, each had suds on their heads and faces. This made them laugh even harder than they already were. Then there was another knock on the door.

"Coming" Luis yelled as the both got out and put on hotel robes. They toweled off the soap from their hair and went to great their visitor.

Buzz waltzed in without being invited. He looked amazingly refreshed for being as drunk as he was on the flight over. Not to mention he looked happy. Which surprised both of them since he was so unpleasant when he found himself handcuffed to the chair. Why was he happy to see them was the question on both of their minds. He walked straight over to the table in the room and sat down. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. Sheridan and Luis just watched in awe. Then they shook it off and joined him at the table. Luis pulled out a chair for Sheridan and then moved his protectively close to hers. She smiled, she never would have guessed Luis to be the jealous type. And he had nothing to worry about. She was his.

"So what’s this all about Buzz?" Luis asked getting right down to business.

"This" he pulled some papers out of his coat pocket.

"What is that?" Sheridan asked as Buzz handed the papers to their side of the table.

"Take a look" Buzz challenged.

"These are divorce papers" Sheridan gasped.

"And you already signed them" Luis added.

"You are both correct" Buzz took a puff of his cigarette.

"Why?" Sheridan and Luis asked in unison.

"Because the business merger doesn’t mean what it once did to my father"

"What changed?" Luis asked quickly changing into cop mode.

"It seems that the Crane family isn’t what it used to be"

"I don’t understand" Sheridan hadn’t seen anything different.

"Well let’s put it this way. Your father is broke. The only reason he brought this marriage to your attention was because he needed my families money"

"Excuse me?" Luis couldn’t believe his ears.

"You mean it had nothing to do with Luis?" Sheridan questioned.

"Nope. Crane Industries is on the verge of going under" Buzz laughed evilly.

Chapter 21:

Sheridan couldn’t believe what just happened. Buzz was willing to give her a divorce. She signed the papers quickly before he could change his mind, not that he would. Not only that but Crane Industries was on the verge of bankruptcy. Not that it affected her, sure she would lose the stock she had in the company but she still had her trust fund from her mother’s estate. But her father seemed to be grasping at straws. This was too good to be true. It looked like his control over her just vanished into thin air. She was ready to go home and put up a fight. Luis was sitting there stunned. He thought it was going to take awhile for the divorce to happen and he thought they would have to work for it. But it just fell in their laps. Buzz left soon after the papers were signed. He didn’t have to be there anymore so he left. He had better things to do. He left Sheridan and Luis in a state of shock. Luis looked over at Sheridan. It was a look she had never seen before. It wasn’t a bad look, not at all, just different. It was hunger, desire, no not quite. It was animal pure animal. He roughly picked her up and made his way towards the bed. He flung her down and then pounced on top of her. He clawed at her robe. It only lasted a second and then was thrown across the room. He then tugged at his own robe and it soon joined hers. Sheridan was shocked his actions. She didn’t know what had gotten into him. But then again she didn’t mind at all.

"What’s gotten into you Luis?"

"You’re mine" he growled.

"I always have been" she arched her head back giving him more access to her neck.

"No. Technically you belonged to him"

"Luis, I DON’T belong to anyone" she squirmed under him. She was irritated at his possessive streak.

"We’ll see about that" he locked his mouth with hers and hungrily kissed her.

Sheridan hadn’t wanted to respond but she did. She didn’t even try to fight it anymore. He won. She belonged to him, heart, body and soul. And that scared her. She had never been so intimate with someone and have that person return her feelings so fully. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. After they ravished each other’s body sufficiently they fell asleep out of shear exhaustion. They woke up the next morning still tangled in each other’s arms. Sheridan’s eyes fluttered open to see Luis staring at her lovingly.

"Hey baby" he whispered as placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Hey yourself" she smiled wickedly. Still glowing from last night. "Last night was…Mmmm" was the only way she could think to explain it.

"I agree"

"And you were right"

"About what?"

"I do belong to you"

"Well yes of coarse you do" she playfully smacked his arm.

"So have your way with me. I want a repeat performance" she flopped onto her back and spread out her arms. Leaving herself vulnerable to his attacks.

"Nope not going to happen" he patted her stomach as he left the bed and started to put on boxers.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me"

"Was last night a one time only performance?" she asked hoping to God it wasn’t.

"No, but before we do that again. I am going to make an honest woman out of you. So get showered and dressed. We have a big day"

"We’re getting married today?" she asked shyly. "I doubt the divorce is even final yet"

"Oh no it is. I’m sure that is the first thing Buzz did when he left. So go shower change"

He pointed to the bathroom and she quickly stood up taking the sheet with her. She wrapped it around her and made her way to Luis before the bathroom. She kissed him. But one kiss was all he would allow. He turned her around and pushed her towards the bathroom. Reluctantly she left him to take her shower. But as soon as reality sunk in she started to run. She was getting married today. She didn’t know how and she didn’t care. She quickly turned on the water and jumped in. This was going to be the shortest shower she had ever taken. She was going to break speed records. Luis was sure himself how he was going to pull it off. He was in a strange country with no connections. But he would figure it out. They would be married before they returned home and he had just booked them on a flight home tonight. Sure the only part of Dublin they saw was the inside of this hotel room, but then again who said the honeymoon couldn’t be before the wedding. They’d explore the land on their next trip. This one would end with them being husband and wife. And that suited him just fine.

Chapter 22:

Luis finished with his phone calls. He had just enough time to jump in the shower after Sheridan before they needed to leave. He still hadn’t told her anything. And she just kept asking. She wanted to know what was going on. It was her special day too. She had thrown that at him trying to soften him, but it had failed just like her other attempts. After they were both finally ready Luis whisked them out the door.

"Where are we going Luis?" Sheridan begged for information.

"If you must know we are going to get you a dress and me a suit" he finally told her as they walked into a department store.

"I’m going to go pick out my dress. You go get your suit" Sheridan ordered.

"You don’t want me to help?"

"Luis you already got to see the bride on the wedding day there is no way you are seeing the dress too"

"Okay, okay. I didn’t know you were so traditional. I always thought I was the old fashioned one"

"This spur of the moment wedding isn’t too old fashioned now is it?"

"I guess not"

"See people can change" she smiled as she made her way to the women’s department. "See you soon!" she yelled over her shoulder.

Sheridan made her way though the departments and made her way to a sales lady. She was going to need help if she expected to be done when Luis was. She explained her situation to Helen, the sales lady. She told her she didn’t want a formal wedding gown, but more of a white gown. Helen knew what she wanted and got to work bringing out gowns for her to inspect and try on. Nothing really caught Sheridan’s eye until she saw it. The perfect dress. It was long, flowy, and wispy. She tried it on and immediately fell in love with it. She looked like a Greek goddess. And that is what it was. It was the dress of Aphrodite. A replica of what they would have worn in ancient times. It was simple and that is what made it beautiful. She couldn’t wait for Luis to see her in it. She had the dress bagged and went in search of her fiancée.

Luis had selected a modest suit. It was all black, but of different shades. He knew black was his best color and planned to play that up today. He was ready long before Sheridan was, but then again he knew that. So we wandered around the jewelry counter looking at wedding bands. He was so engrossed in choosing the perfect one he didn’t notice her sneak up behind him.

"Hey sexy, what are you up to?" she slid her arm around his waist and kissed him on the cheek.

"Just selecting the perfect wedding band for my bride to be" he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Anyone I know?" she teased.

"You’re so funny" he mused.

"I know"

After they had both picked out the perfect rings they gathered their purchases and left the store. Sheridan still didn’t know how Luis was going to pull off the wedding, but she was sure it was going to be romantic. She had faith in what he had up his sleeve. She had given up on questioning him. She was surprised when they ended up back at the hotel. She figured it was so they both could get ready. But when they got in the elevator he pushed floor eight, not the top floor that contained the suite they were staying in.

"Luis where are we going?" she questioned.

"To your room"

"My room?"

"Yes your room" Luis was still being elusive.

"But what about OUR room"

"You’re not allowed in there right now"

"And why not?"

"Because I said so" Luis opened the door of the new hotel room. "Your room my lady" he then kissed her lightly on the lips. "Someone will come get you when it is time"

"That’s it? That’s all you’re going to tell me?" Sheridan gasped.

"Yep. See you soon beautiful"

And with that Luis shut the door leaving Sheridan alone in her room. She looked around. It was nothing like their suite. It was small and only had one room and a bathroom. She set her dress on the bed and then she noticed a rose on the table. There was a note hanging from it. She bounced over to the table and ripped open the note.

Hey Beautiful,

I can’t wait for the moment that you become my wife. See you very soon.

All my love,

Luis

Sheridan nearly melted on the spot. He was too damn sweet for his own good. She loved him so much and couldn’t wait to be able to call him her husband. She bounded into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and ran her fingers through her hair. She wondered what to do with it to make his heart pound. She shook her head. She could walk in with a ski cap on and make his heart pound. She walked back out to the bedroom and took her dress out. Then she proceeded to get ready for her wedding day. She was finally ready and paced the room waiting for a knock on the door. She was beginning to wear a hole in the carpet when there was finally a knock on the door.

"Miss Crane, it’s time" a voice sounded from outside the door.

Chapter 23:

Sheridan hurried to the door and flung it open. A young man who worked at the hotel was on the other side. Not who she wanted, but he would do for now. He led her to the elevator and pushed the top floor. He then exited the elevator leaving her to herself. Luis must want this to be very private she thought. The elevator ride seemed to take forever. Each floor passed by after what felt like a year. There was a final ding of a bell and then the door opened. She exited and looked around. No one was there to greet her. There were only two suites on the floor and she headed to the left towards theirs. She found the door open and as soon as she walked in a piano player started to play Pachebel’s Cannon.

The room looked nothing like it did before. All the furniture in the sitting room had been removed. There was now a floral arch containing white, pink, and red roses. Luis stood with a priest under the arch. He smiled when he saw her. She looked at her feet and saw a red carpet leading to the arch. The carpet was covered with white rose petals. The room was aglow with candles. There was only natural light in the room. There were tall candle leading her way to Luis and then there were the random candles scattered through out the room. It was breathtaking.

There was a table right next to the door. On it sat a beautiful bouquet of Lilies and Orchids. She picked it up and began her descent down the aisle towards her love. She smiled the whole way down and Luis couldn’t tear his eyes off of her. When she made it to Luis there were already tears beginning to form in her eyes. This was the happiest day of both their lived and she still hadn’t seen everything yet. Luis reached over and with his thumb gently wiped away her tears. He mouthed I love you as they both looked to the priest.

"Are there witnesses present" he said with a rogue Irish accent. Sheridan looked to Luis with fear in her eyes.

"Yes of coarse" Luis said easing her fears. The bedroom door opened and out walked Ethan, Gwen, and Pilar. The walked over to the happy couple and took a seat in the three chairs off to the right.

"How?" Sheridan gasped.

"The Concorde works wonders and it is a short flight from London to Dublin"

"You’re amazing Luis" her eyes sparkled.

"So are you" it took all of their will power not to rush into each other’s arms, but this was too important.

The priest began the ceremony. The ceremony went off without a hitch. It was beautiful. The women cried the entire time. The I dos were said, rings were exchanged, and the marriage license was signed. All that was left was the kiss to seal the deal.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may…" was all the priest was able to get out before their lips were locked. Luis didn’t seem to care that his mother was watching nor did Sheridan care that the man who was her surrogate brother was in attendance. They sunk into the kiss like horny teenagers. The priest finally cleared his throat as loud as he could to break the couple apart. They separated and their eyes slowly fluttered open. They were soon congratulated by the waiting witnesses.

Before they had time to bask in the glory of their union, Sheridan, Luis, and the gang were back on the Crane jet. It was time to go and confront Alistair and his drone Julian. But they had the entire flight to enjoy their new marriage. They had even hired a pilot that they didn’t plan to drug to take them home. Sheridan would be able to relax right along side of Luis.

They take off had been smooth and they had now reached their cruising altitude. Sheridan promptly undid her safety belt and jumped into Luis’s lap. He opened his arms and welcomed her. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck and they entwined their fingers together.

"I love you Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald" she whispered into his ear.

"And I you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald" he kissed her on the forehead. They were very cautious of there affections. They did have three other pair of eyes wandering around.

"Luis, the ceremony was beautiful. How did you do it all?"

"Well I wish I could take credit for everything but I had some help"

"Who?" Luis nodded towards Ethan. "Ethan?"

"Who would have guessed huh? I know we don’t always get along, but he was very willing to make you happy. He pulled all the strings and I just had to tell people what I wanted to happen"

"So you don’t dislike Ethan so much now?" she asked hopefully.

"No. He’s an okay guy"

"That’s music to my ears. I couldn’t ask for anything more than the two men who mean the most in my life to get along. I told you all the Cranes weren’t bad"

"Well you were right. But then again you aren’t a Crane anymore and Ethan must have been adopted"

"Ha, ha, ha. You’re such a funny guy"

They sat that way the rest of the flight, Sheridan curled in Luis’s lap. For most of the flight they slept, getting ready for the confrontations with old man Alistair. The flight was calm and before they knew it over. They landed safely. They were back in Harmony and ready to fight.

Chapter 24:

Sheridan and Luis parted ways with Ethan, Gwen, and Pilar. Everyone had their reasons for going to the mansion with Sheridan and Luis, but they chose to stay away. They feared the explosion Alistair was going to cause when he erupted with anger. They planned on being a safe distance away. So Sheridan and Luis were on their way to meet fate head on. The drive from the airport to the mansion seemed to fly by. They both wished it had taken longer but there was no use delaying the inevitable. They stepped out of the car after paying the taxi driver and started to make their way up the path to the mansion. With every step their feet seemed to be getting heavier and heavier. They really didn’t want to get into a confrontation with the all mighty Alistair Crane. But there was no way around it. They barged through the door and headed straight to the library. Only they didn’t make it that far.

"Father" Sheridan gasped as she found her father and brother sipping brandies in the living room. Her father had his usual cigar in hand and Julian was sitting laughing at who knows what.

"Sheridan" Alistair said surprised to see her there. "What are you doing here? You should be in Hawaii"

"Yeah well my plans changed" Sheridan said flippantly.

"I warned you Sheridan" he snarled.

"Not so fast Mr. Crane" Luis piped up. "You will not talk to my wife that way"

"Your wife?" Julian choked on his brandy.

"That’s not possible. You are married to Buzz" Alistair said firmly.

"For once father I get to tell you you’re wrong. Buzz and I were divorced and Luis and I were married"

"You can’t tell me you wanted to marry this low life, Sheridan" Julian sneered.

"You can call me Mrs. Low life now Julian" Sheridan smiled.

"You leave me no choice my dear" Alistair said calmly.

Sheridan and Luis didn’t know what to expect next from Alistair. However what they didn’t expect was for him to pull out a gun. He aimed it directly at Luis and immediately cocked it.

"Father stop!" Sheridan said furiously. "You won’t do that"

"And why not?" Alistair asked moving a little closer to Luis, gun still raised.

"Because I know why you married me off to Buzz. Crane Industries is on the verge of going bankrupt. And you needed the investments from Buzz’s father to stay afloat"

"What an astute daughter I have raised. But you see my dear no one will believe you once you are again put in the mental ward. For good this time"

"Yes but we aren’t the only one’s who know" Luis added. "Ethan, Gwen, and my mother all know the truth and if anything happens to me or Sheridan they will be going to the police"

"It won’t be easy to get investors if the knowledge of your impending bankruptcy is made public. You will lose everything" Sheridan said happily.

"What do you want?" Alistair broke down ready to bargain.

"All we want is to be left alone" Luis stated.

"You stay out of our lives and we will keep our mouths shut" Sheridan said simply. "See for once father I have the families best interests in mind. Do you?"

Alistair sat back down in his chair and again to began to puff on his cigar. He looked over at Julian whose head seemed to be engulfed in his glass of Brandy. He wasn’t going to any help from his son, not that he expected it. He always thought of Julian as an idiot. He didn’t know what he was going to do. So he sat saying nothing with a pensive look across his face. Sheridan and Luis were growing impatient. They wanted an answer and they wanted it now. They wanted to begin celebrating their victory.

"So what’s it going to be?" Luis finally broke the silence.

Chapter 25:

Alistair puffed on his cigar until it was gone. He still hadn’t said a word even after Luis asked him for his decision. Sheridan and Luis both grew weary of his silence.

"Father I want an answer now, or the deal is off" Sheridan said coldly.

"You’ve never been so forward with me" Alistair scoffed.

"I finally decided to stand up for what is right. And me and Luis, we are right. You can try to break us up with all your might and power but we will always find our way back to each other"

"I see. Well then I guess I have no other choice than to accept your deal"

"I knew you’d see it our way" Sheridan smiled.

"How do we know you aren’t going to go back on your word?" Luis asked, being ever so skeptical.

"That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about" Julian chimed in. "When Alistair Crane makes a business deal he sticks to it. He might manipulate you to make you agree to the deal but once the deal is made he doesn’t go back on his word"

"That’s a comfort coming from you" Luis mocked.

"Julian is telling the truth Luis" Sheridan tried to ease his doubt. "But I knew that you wouldn’t believe his word. So I had a lawyer friend of Ethan’s have some papers drawn up. He should be here soon to make everything legal"

"Is he going to sign in blood?" Luis asked still not convinced.

"I assure you Luis, as long as you keep your end of the bargain, I will keep mine" Alistair interjected trying to erase the fears of his new son in law. "Now I didn’t say I had to like the fact that you are married to this cop, Sheridan. Nor did I say I would welcome him into this house. But I will always welcome you"

"And what of the children Luis and I bring into this world. I want at least eight" She winked at Luis.

"If they come from his loin they are not welcome either" Alistair said harshly.

"In that case father, after the deal is closed I wish to have nothing to do with you, or this family. Ethan and Ivy will always be welcomed in our home and if you or Julian choose to redeem yourself then we will not deny you either. You are my family and I will forever love you, but if you can’t accept Luis, I can’t be around you. I’m sorry it had to come to this" Sheridan said this all calmly and what surprised her even more was that no tears fell from her eyes. She was no longer the frightened little girl her father had emotionally torn apart. It was a great release for her.

After the papers were signed Sheridan and Luis left the mansion for the last time. Sheridan wandered to her cottage to pick up a few last things, a picture of her mother, her favorite novel, and a dried rose Luis had given to her after the first night they spent together. They would be staying at Luis’s family’s house until they found one of their own. Sheridan would no longer be a Crane. And those were ties she was happy to be breaking free from. She exhaled as she left the cottage for the last time. She would no longer let the memories from the past run her life. She would, however, always remember the nights she and Luis had shared in the cottage. All those nights during the time they thought it was necessary to hide their love. But that chapter in their life was now closed. A new one started the minute the door of the cottage was completely shut. It is always said that when God closes a door he opens a window. The door to Sheridan’s family was now closed but her window was Luis. She embraced her window.

The End