***************

I get up on Sundays about eight-fifteen
Just to get the paper that I never read
because I know she'll be there barely in her robe
Sittin' on her front porch paintin' on her toes
Her husband's always on the road


Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You don't know what you do to me
Every night I dream one day of being with you
Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You're the neighborhood beauty
That wedding ring's as ugly
As your husband is to you


Sometimes Mrs. Rudy calls cryin' late at night
because her and Mr. Ugly have had another fight
We talk a while I hear her smile
When she says thank you I tell her that she's welcome
Like any friend would do, I only wish she knew


Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You don't know what you do to me
Every night I dream one day of being with you
Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You're the neighborhood beauty
That wedding ring's as ugly
As your husband is to you


Imagination, infatuation
I'm what she deserves
I wonder if she thinks about me
The way I think about her


Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You don't know what you do to me
Every night I dream one day of being with you
Hey Mrs. Steven Rudy
You're the neighborhood beauty
That wedding ring's as ugly
As your husband is to you


Oh Mrs. Rudy
That wedding ring's as ugly to me
As your husband is to you
Mrs. Rudy, you don't know
You don't know what you do to me

Prologue

Looking up, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, sees a sign stating: Harmony Five Miles. Harmony, his new home. He had just been told he was being transferred a couple of weeks ago from the Boston PD. What a difference Harmony is going to be from Boston. Harmony is much smaller, much quieter than the busy city Boston is. "This is going to take a lot of getting used to," he thinks.

Ten minutes later he sees the sign saying he is now in Harmony. ALl he had left to do is find 44 Woodson Dr. "This shouldn't be too hard," he thinks as he drives. He looks down at his map and sees that Woodson Dr. is the next turn on the left.

In no time at all, he is in his driveway, staring at his new house. Well it isn't his house, yet. He's renting it for a while before he decides whether or not he's going to buy it. It's a nice, little, blue, two-story house, though it is much bigger than his tiny apartment in Boston. "Yep, definitely a lot to get used to," he says.

Grabbing his duffle bag out of his car, he begins walking to his house. The duffle bag is all he has with him. His furniture and all his other stuff is being delivered the next day. As he gets closer the front door, he reaches in his pocket for his key. Pulling out his key, he says, "This is it."

****************

There is an arguement going on at 42 Woodson Dr. Steven Rudy, and his wife, Sheridan, have been arguing a lot lately. Because Steven is a truck driver, he is constantly on the road. This doesn't leave much together time for the couple. All this has added stress to their marriage. That stress is finally catching up, and their marriage is crumbling.

"Sheridan, you know I have to go. We've been through this before. If I don't leave now, I'll lose my job, and we'll have no money. Is that what you want? Do you want me to lose my job? Do want to have no money? Is that what you want? Is it?" Steven said, his voice rising with each word. This is the same arguement they've been having for the past six months.

"You know I don't want that. You know that. You know. I just wish that you didn't always put your job ahead of me, ahead of us. There's no time for us anymore," she said, starting quietly, calmly, but becoming angrier as she went on. Why do we argue about this every time? Why don't we do anything to fix it? Why can't he see that he is just pushing me further away? Why, why, why? Those thoughts ran through her head.

"Sheridan, honey, I have to leave now. If I'm late, I'll be in a lot of hot water. We'll finish this when I get back. I love you," he said, kissing her cheek and walking out the door.

Chapter 1

After getting all of his stuff put away the next day, Luis decides to go meet his neighbors. He starts at 46 Woodson Dr. and makes his way up and down the street from there.

At 46 Woodson Dr., an older, nice, white-haired couple resides, the Clocks. The couple reminds him a lot of his Grandmother and Grandfather Lopez. Mrs. Clock gives Luis a tour of her and Mr. Clock's house. It's a very beautiful house with antique furniture, and a small kitchen that Luis is able to feel love radiating from. he kindly thanks them and promises to come back soon.

Across the street, at 45 Woodson Dr., lives a young, newly-wed couple, Hank and Gwen Bennett. Both Hank and Gwen have lived in Harmony their entire lives. They are telling Luis stories about the town, and the places to check out.

"The Book Cafe has the best coffee," Hank tells Luis, "And the Lobster Shack is one of the best restaurants in town."

"If you have time, come check out the Youth Center. Hank and I run it for the kids after school and during the summer. We're always looking for volunteers," Gwen says. Luis promises to stop in at the Youth Center in the next few days, before leaving.

The last house Luis stops at is 42 Woodson Dr.. After knocking on the door, he waits patiently. He sees a sign on the front of the house saying "The Rudies". Something is telling him that coming to this house is going to change his life forever.

He doesn't have too long to get lost in thought though. In just a few seconds he hears a woman's voice asking, "Who's there?" He thinks it's the voice of an angel, such a heavenly voice.

"My name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. I'm your new neighbor. I just moved in yesterday over there," he says pointing his finger at his house. "I've just come to introduce myself and meet everyone in the neighborhood."

Luis hears the doorknob turning and when the door opens, he finds himself looking into the most incredible blue eyes he's ever seen. But there is something missing from them. Even though he just met her, he knows they're not as bright as they should be.

Luis allows his eyes to wander over the rest of her. "She's so beautiful," he thinks. "The way the sunlight is hitting her hair makes her look like an angel." Her short, blond hair looks golden in the sunlight against her lightly bronzed skin. Luis starts to fall in love at the sight of her alone. He face falls when he sees the gold wedding band on her left ring finger, and he lets out a tiny sigh.

"Hi, I'm Sheridan Rudy. Sorry, my husband isn't home now. He drives truck for Pepsi-Cola. He should be home in a few days. Would you like to come in?" Sheridan rattles on. She's still very angry at Steven for walking out in the middle of arguement. What isn't helping her remain angry is the man standing in front of her. Just looking into his deep, kind, brown eyes is making her anger disappear. She sees him smile and feels a smile of her own forming on her lips.

Allowing her eyes to roam over the rest of his body, she notices how muscular he is. "I wonder where he works out at," she thinks. "His muscles are so well defined." She guesses he's Latino from his skin color and features. He's definitely doing a good job of taking her mind off from her marital problems.

"I would love to come in," Luis replies. He follows her inside the house, admiring the woodwork on the floors and walls. "You have a beautiful home Sheridan," he comments.

"Thank you," she says. "It certainly is a beautiful house, but it's feeling less like a home each time Steven leaves," she says to herself. She doesn't see the need to burden Luis with her problems, especially since they just met five minutes ago. "Would you like some coffee? It will only take me a second to put some on."

"I would love some if your sure it's no trouble."

"It's no trouble at all. Make yourself at home over there on the couch, and I'll be right back." Sheridan goes to the kitchen and starts the coffee.

Luis sits on the green and burgandy, L-shaped couch. Looking around, he stops to admire the fireplace. It reminds him of the one that was in the house he spent growing up in. The red and charcoal colored brickwork is exactly the same as he remembers the other one. The only difference is the opening. The one in the house he grew up in was smaller than the size of this opening.

Sheridan comes back in the living room a few minutes later with a tray holding two cups of coffe, cream, and sugar. "I don't know how you like your coffee, so I just brought everything out," she says as she sets the tray on the coffee table.

"I like mine black," he says. Taking his cup, he says, "Thank you."

"Your welcome. Whenevr my husband's gone, I get a little lonely. I always enjoy the company." She isn't about to tell him the rarely does anyone visit. Everyone in the neighborhood knows about the arguements and problems between her and Steven. They all try to keep their noses out of it.

"Well, I'm gald to be here," he says with a killer smile on his face. "So Sheridan, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a house-wife. Steven's a bit old-fashioned and doesn't want me to help support us. I do volunteer work at the Youth Center though. Spending time with the kids there helps me forget how lonely it is back at home," she says with tears forming in her eyes. She promised herself she wouldn't cry, but talking about how lonely she was mad her realize how lonely she really is. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to get so emotional. I just miss him so much."

"It's okay. If you want to talk about it, I'm here."

"I don't want to burden you with my problems."

"You won't be burdening me. If I can help in any way, I'dl like to. If that means I sit here and listen while you tell me what's wrong, I'll do it."

"But we only met a few minutes ago. Why would you be interested in my problems?"

"You seem like such a nice woman who has a lot to offer the world. You're crying and I hate to see someone cry. Something is telling me that you want to, need to talk about it. Do I need to go on? Oh yeah, I'm cop. Helping people is part of my job."

"You're a cop." Well that explains the muscular build.

"Yes I am. I was just transferred from the Boston PD a few weeks ago. But, we can talk about all of that later. I want to know what is making such a lovely lady as yourself cry. You can tell me. I'll just sit here and listen. And then, if you want my advice, I'll give it to you. Deal?"

"Deal."

Chapter 2

"Well, about a year ago Steven started working more hours. He didn't really discuss anything with me. I only went along with it because he said it was going to be temporary. Temporary to me is a few months, not a year," Sheridan begins. It feels so good to have someone to talk to, someone to listen to her problems. Looking over at Luis, she can tell how intently he is listening. He nods, telling her to go on.

"Six months ago, it finally got to be too much. It seemed like he took on even more hours. I told him how I felt about it. We got into a huge argument, the first of many. I just couldn't take it anymore. Steven and I spend no time together. He's home for a day, two at most, and then on the road for three or four. I just don't know what to do anymore." Tears were flowing freely down Sheridan's cheeks. How did it come to this? Why is it that the only person who has ever offered to listen to her is her new neighbor, a man who is still a stranger?

Luis reaches for the tissues on the coffee table, and hands her a few. She thanks him and he tells her, "You're welcome."

He then gets up, walks over to her, and sits next to her. Reaching out to her, he embraces her. All the while he tells her, "It's okay, cry all you want. You've been holding this in for a long time. Just let it all out. I'll be here for you." He just holds her, comforts her as she sobs.

After a couple minutes, she feels better and stops crying. Slowly, she pulls out of the embrace. For the first time in a long time she feels better. Just having Luis there, listening to her, comforting her, not judging her has completely refreshed her.

"Thank you for everything, for just being her, for listening. That means so much to me. No one has taken the time to listen to me, allow me to spill my guts in awhile. So, thank you," she says.

"You are more than welcome. Anytime you want to talk, or need a shoulder to cry on, I'll be here for you. Now, tell me more about the Youth Center."

"Well, Gwen and Hank Bennett run it. They live across the street from you."

"I remember that much. I was over there before I came here. They seem like nice people."

"Oh, they are. Gwen and I went to school together in Europe, and Hank and I dated one summer I came home."

"Wait. Hold on. Back up. You and Gwen went to school in Europe?"

"Yeah, we were both in boarding school there. Why do you ask?"

"No reason really. I was just curious." "How the hell did either of them afford boarding school?" he thinks.

"You're probably wondering how we were able to pay for it. Am I right?" Luis nods. "Since I was a Crane adn Gwen was a Hotchkiss, money was no object growing up."

"You're Sheridan Crane, of THE Crane's." He can't believe he's sitting there talking to a member of one of the richest families in the world.

"I said I WAS a member of the Crane's. When Steven and I married, my family disowned me. 'A Crane shouldn't have a relationship with a local,' they said. When I defied them, they cut off all ties with me."

Luis just looks at her. Her voice held no emotion when she spoke of the Crane's. Shouldn't she be upset? If his family disowned him, he'd be upset.

"I was upset at first, but I got over it. The love Steven and I shared was too strong for me to just give it up. It's not like they loved me when I was part of the family. I spent the majority of my childhood in Europe."

Luis isn't going to push it. If she wants to open up, he figures she will. "And Gwen, how does her family feel about her relationship with Hank?"

"Her father, Jonathon, supported whatever decision she made when he was alive. She was the apple of his eye. He passed away a couple of months ago. Gwen's heartbroken, but Hank's there for her, and he's helping her move on. Rebecca, he mother, on the other hand, threw a fit about her and Hank's relationship. It was so bad that Jonathon threw her out. She and Gwen don't speak."

That's why she has no one to confide in. She doesn't want to burden Gwen and Hank with her problems when they already have so much to deal with. This woman puts everyone before herself he realizes.

"Why did you ask about the Youth Center? We kind of got off topic there. What do you want to know about it?" Sheridan asks.

"Like I said, I talked to Gwen and Hank earlier. They said that they run it and mentioned that they're always looking for volunteers. I told them I'd stop by soon and check it out. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into."

"I see. Would you like another cup of coffee before I begin?"

"Another cup sounds good."

She reaches for his cup, but he stops her. "Let me help you. You can tell me more about the Youth Center while we're waiting." He flashes her a smile.

"That smile is going to be the death of me," she thinks. She says, "Okay," and he follows her into the kitchen. She doesn't know what it is about him, but somehow he makes her feel completely at ease.

Chapter 3

Three months later

"What's this? What the hell is this?" Sheridan screams, pointing to the lipstick mark on the collar of Steven's shirt. "It sure the hell isn't mine, so whose is it? Tell me dammit!" She has never been so angry in her entire life. Even with all the arguments they've been having, up until this point she was sure of his love for her. That's the one thing she hasn't doubted.

Steven looks at her, trying to come up with an explanation for the lipstick mark. If she finds out he's been cheating on her, she'll leave him. He still loves her. He doesn't want to lose her. His desires have just been getting the best to him lately.

He has himself convinced that what he did was alright. He and Sheridan haven't been together in that sense of the word in quite awhile. "She's been so angry over this job, she just shuts me out. I have needs too," he thinks.

"I'm waiting for an explanation. I want to know, and I want to know now," she demands. It is obvious to her from the look on Steven's face that he's hiding something. "If you won't tell me then fine!" Sheridan yells one last time before slamming the door to their bedroom and locking it.

Steven is standing outside the door wondering how everything got so out of control. "How did it come to this?" he asks himself. "Beth and I have been so careful. We did everything in our power not to get caught. How could we slip like this?"

"Sheridan, how could I have hurt you? God I hate myself." He makes his way over to the couch. This isn't the first time he's been in the doghouse. He's been there a lot lately. He knows where he'll be spending his nights. "Everything I've ever done has been for you. Well, everything that is except sleeping with Beth. I just wanted to make a good life for us. I wanted to be able to give you everything you deserve. I never meant for this to happen. I love you."

**************************************

In the bedroom

Sheridan picks up a photo of her and Steven. It was taken a few weeks after their wedding. They were so in love. Where did it all go wrong?

*************Flashback***************

"I love you Mr. Rudy," Sheridan says.

"Not nearly as much as I love you Mrs. Rudy. I still can't believe you're my wife," Steven says as he walks over to her. "I have something I want to show you." He takes her hand, and together they walk in the direction he's leading them.

"Where are we going? What are you up to?"

"You'll see my dear. Just be patient. We're almost there?"

"How long have you known me? Have I ever once been patient?"

Steven laughs. "I know. I know. Think of it this way, at least you're not blindfolded."

"Good point. All right, all right. I'll quit my complaining."

Not much later after this, Steven stops. "So, what do you think?" he asks.

"What do I think about what? We're standing in front of a house. What am I supposed to think?" Sheridan has no idea what he's getting at.

"What do you think of the house? Do you like it?"

"Well, it is beautiful. Why do you ask?" It is a beautiful house. One she can picture living in. It just has a "homey" feeling to it. The little front porch is just big enough for the hanging swing, and she can imagine children running around the yard enclosed by a white-picket fence. It isn't too small, too big. The two-story house is the perfect size for a family of four, five.

"Can you see yourself living here?" Steven asks, breaking Sheridan out of her thought. "I just found out that this house is on the market, and in our price range. Do you think it has Steven and Sheridan Rudy written all over it?"

"You mean... We could... Oh my God, yes. I love this house. Can we really afford it? This is great. I love you."

"I love you too. I'll call the real estate agent as soon as we get home. If you're this enthusiastic after we see the inside, then I'll make sure it's ours. I just knew you'd love it. I even bought this," he says as he pulls out a wooden sign saying, "The Rudy's".

Sheridan leans over and gives him a very loving, appreciative kiss. She doesn't know how it's possible, but she loves him even more because of this loving gesture.

*************End of Flashback***************

There they were, two smiling faces staring up at her, holding that sign. "Oh God. Steven, what happened to us? Where is the love and passion we shared? Why did all of this happen? What did we do wrong? She slides down to the floor as she cries uncontrollably.

"How could you do this to me? To us? Why did you do this?" she cries. Looking down, she realizes she's still holding the shirt. "I want to hate you some much, but I can't. Why? What did I do wrong? Did I not love you enough? How could you hurt me like this?" Her anger is returning. "What the hell did I do to deserve this? Nothing, that's what. All I'm guilty of is loving you, wanting you, needing you, missing you. I have to talk to someone."

Slowly, she stands up. Through her tears, she somehow makes her way of to the bedside table and picks up the phone. She dials the number and waits for the one person who always has a way of making her feel better.

Chapter 4

"Come on, where are you? I know you're there. Pick up!" Sheridan shouts as the tears fall harder.

Somewhere else, the phone is ringing. The clock beside the bed reads "1:00 AM". This can only mean one thing, Sheridan and Steven had another fight. "I love her dearly, really I do, but sometimes I just want to sleep," the voice mubbles. Rolling over, the person the voice belongs to picks up the phone.

"Lopez-Fitzgerald," he says in a very groggy voice. "What's wrong Sheridan?"

"How did you know it was me?" she asks through her tears.

"You're the only person who ever calls me at this time. Sheridan, what did he do to you?"

"He got in late tonight. The minute he walked through the door, we got into another argument." She is just about in hysterics.

"Okay, Sheridan. Slow down, breathe, relax. Once you calm down some, tell me everything," he says in a soothing voice. This whole "getting into an argument the when Steven gets home" is nothing new. It seems to be happening more frequently now. Luis, for the life of him, can't figure out why she even puts up with Steven. "She must really love him," he says to himself.

"He doesn't deserve her though. She deserves someone who will listen to her, someone who will love her unconditionally, someone who will never hurt her, someone like me." Over the past three months he's done everything in his power not to fall in love with her. Nothing worked, because he is not completely in love with her.

He hears a few sniffles on the other end of the phone. "Okay, I'm a little calmer now," he hears her say.

"Okay, tell me what's wrong."

"We were arguing still when I grabbed his bag. I was going to put is clothes in the wash. Before I threw the last shirt in the machine, I saw something red on the collar. When I looked closer, I saw that it was lipstick. I don't own any lipstick that shade." Tears are starting to form again as she speaks. "Luis, he's cheating on me," she manages to get out before she breaks down again.

"Sheridan, listen to me. Meet me at your back door in a few minutes. We'll go down to the wharf, and take a walk, get some fresh air. Okay?"

"Okay."

Luis is furious. "How can that bastard do this to her? How can he hurt her like this? I could kill him for the things he does to her," he hells. He decides the walk will help calm him down too.

He gets up, dresses, and in no time at all he's at her back door. A few seconds later she appears before him. Her eyes are read and swollen. He figures she'd been crying for awhile before she called him. Quietly, she opens the door and slips out into the night with him.

Once they reach the end of the road he pulls her into a hug. She just cries on his shoulder. As a way to calm her down, he allows his hand to rub circles on her back in a soothing manner. It feels so wonderful to him to have her in his arms. It seems so natural to feel her skin against his, to be able to inhale the scent that belongs only to her. He only wishes that it isn't this type of circumstance that puts her in his arms. He wishes she isn't always in his, arms crying her eyes out because of the pain her husband puts her through. He just doesn't understand how anyone can hurt her.

"Sh Sheridan. Everything's going to be okay. I swear I'll kill him for doing this to you. I'll kill him for hurting you." He tries to stay calm, but every time he thinks of what Steven has done to her, his anger returns. He knows he just upset her more. The words came out before he could take them back. "Sheridan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make it worse. Please just forget what I said."

He feels her calming down. Pulling away, she looks up at him. He reaches out and wipes away the remaining tears on her cheeks. She smiles at him and whispers, "Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"For being here, giving me a shoulder to cry one. You're always there whenever I need you, whether it's two in the afternoon or two in the morning. You always know the right thing to do or say to cheer me up. Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for." She reaches up and kisses his cheek.

"Sheridan, I told you the first day we met that I'd be here for you. I meant it. Whenever you need me, I'll always be here."

"I know you will. That's one of the things I love most about you. Come on. You promised me a walk on the wharf, and it's time to pay up."

"What the lady wants is what the lady shall get."

Sheridan laughs. "You did it again," she says.

"Did what?"

"You took my mind off my problems. Somehow whenever I'm with you everything in the world seems okay. How do you do it?"

"Nope, can't tell you. If I did then I'd have to kill you. This is top secret information after all. Besides, if I did, who else would there be to call me at all hours of the night. I'm becoming nocturnal, you know?" he says jokingly.

Sheridan is laughing hysterically. His sense of humor always amuses her. "Well, I wouldn't want you to be left without those late night phone calls. Returning back to the normal from the nocturnal would probably be a difficult transition too. I guess you're secret will have to remain secret."

"Good because I really didn't want to have to kill you."

"Funny Luis. Real funny."

As they walk on, Luis becomes serious. "Sheridan, you know whatever is going on with you and Steven, all the arguments you've been having, isn't going to disappear. As much as I love spending time with you, being here for you, you can't let this keep happening."

"I know," she replies meekly.

"Okay, then what are you going to do about it?"

Chapter 5

Sheridan grabs Luis's hand and guides him to the nearest bench. She sits, and he joins her. "I honestly don't know what to do. All I know is that Steven and I need to sit down and talk. We need to have a conversation that doesn't involve an argument," she says.

"Well, that would be a start," Luis says. "Then what?"

"Steven and I will just have to go from there. We'll have to decide what to do next."

"Okay. Just remember that I'm here if you need me."

"I know you are." She looks down at her watch and sees that it's almost three. "Thank you again for everything Luis. It's late, and we should get going."

"You're right. I have to work the early shift, but than I'm going to head over to the Youth Center. Are you going to be there?"

"It depends on how things go with Steven."

"Well if I don't see you there, I'll give you a call."

"Alright."

In about twenty minutes they're at Sheridan's back door. "Good night Sheridan," Luis says.

"Good night Luis. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Thank you again," she says.

"You're welcome." Luis turns to leave, but he stops mid-step when he hears a noise coming from inside the house.

"What's going on here? I asked you a question. Tell me what's going on," Steven demands. "It's a simple question." Sheridan says nothing. "Oh, I get it. You're angry about the lipstick so you decided to call Romeo here to comfort you. You figured I'm cheating on you, so it's okay for you to cheat on me." At this point, Steven is livid.

Luis just stands there. He's witnessed many arguments between Steven and Sheridan, but this one was different. Steven is always getting upset because of the friendship between Luis and Sheridan. Luis figures Steven's jealous Sheridan is turning to Luis for comfort instead of Steven, and Steven can't stand it. "If Steven would just listen to Sheridan instead of getting upset and arguing with her, she would turn to him," Luis thinks.

"Unlike you Steven, I can have a friendship with a member of the opposite sex without sleeping with that person. Luis has been a great friend. He's been there for me when you haven't. He makes time for me when you won't. He listens to me when you refuse to. He comforts me when you just make it worse. But you know what? Even after all of that, I still love you. I would never break the vows me made. That's where you and I are different," Sheridan says harshly before storming off to the bedroom.

"Sheridan wait," Steven says, trying to stop her. He's too late because he hears the door slamming.

"I don't know how you can treat her the way you do, how you can cause her so much pain. She's a very special woman who loves you no matter what, and all you can do is hurt her. I don't know why she puts up with you, why she still loves you, but she does. Do you even know how much you've hurt her? Probably not since my shoulder's the one she's always crying on. You don't deserve her. She deserves someone who will love her unconditionally, someone who will do everything in his power not to hurt her. I promise you this, though. You will pay if you continue to hurt her. I'll make sure of that," Luis promises as he turns and walks to his house.

Steven is left standing there with his world crumbling around him. Sheridan's and Luis's words hit him like a freight train, and now they're slowly sinking in. The reality of everything he's done is finally hitting home. He slides down the wall to the floor and buries his face in his hands. He thought he understood everything earlier, but he realizes he was wrong. This was much worse than before.

"You're right Sheridan. You're right. I broke the vows I promised you I would never break. You, you stayed true to your word even after all I've done to you. I pushed you into the arms of another man, a man who's crazy about you whether you know it or not, and you still remain faithful to me. I don't deserve you. Luis is right about that. You deserve someone who will treat you right."

He stands and walks to the bedroom. He has to talk to Sheridan. He needs to be able to sit down and try to work things out with her. Knocking quietly on the door, he opens it. He gaze immediately falls to the bed where he finds his wife sleeping. Her cheeks are puffy, so he knows she must have cried herself to sleep. "How many nights has he done this?" he asks himself. Making the least amount of noise that he possibly can, he makes his way over to the bed. He leans down, tucks her in under the covers, and gently kisses her forehead. "I'm so sorry Sheridan. I never meant any of this. I love you," he whispers to her. As quietly as he came into the room, he leaves.

Stepping into the living room, he takes a look at all the photos adorning the room. They are all photos of him and Sheridan enjoying each other. He looks at their smiling faces, her smiling face, and realizes just how much he misses it. "Her eyes rarely sparkle when we're together any more," he says. "Hurt and anger is what's there now."

He walks over and picks up a photo from the mantle. It was taken around Christmas last year. He smiles at the memory.

******************************Flashback**********************************

"Come on Sheridan, just do it," Steven says.

"Steven, I'm too old," Sheridan says.

"There's no way you're too old. Besides, no one's ever too old to sit on Santa's lap. Come on Sheridan, just humor me." He sticks out his bottom lip and gives her a sad, puppy dog look. He knows she can't refuse him anything when he gives her that look.

"Fine, fine. That look should be outlawed because you know you can get away with anything when you give me it."

"I know honey, but you love me anyways."

"You know I do."

****************************End of Flashback******************************

"You still do," he says looking down at the photo. His eyes are met with a smiling Sheridan sitting on Santa's lap. "You were so happy. We were so happy."

He sets the photo down, and picks up another one. This one was of him and Sheridan, the fall after they got together. Both of them were lying in a pile of leaves, grinning from ear-to-ear. "Can we ever be that way again?" He sets the photo down and spends the rest of the night taking a trip down memory lane.

Chapter 6

Sheridan wakes up in a sweat. She has spent most of the night tossing and turning. Every time she closes her eyes, the arguments her and Steven have had come rushing back, haunting her. In each argument they're having, the red lipstick always appears on something she catches in the corner of her eye.

She rolls over and looks at the clock. Seeing that it was six, and she wasn't going to get anymore sleep, she decides to get up. She pulls on her robe and goes to the kitchen to get some coffee. When she walks past the living room, she notices that Steven is not on the couch. She wonders where he is.

It is when she looks down on the floor by the fireplace that she sees him. He is surrounded by photos of the two of them together. She walks over to him and carefully removes the photo he is clutching to his chest. Turning the photo over, she sees that it was their wedding photo. Tears immediately fill her eyes as she recalls the day.

******************************Flashback**********************************

"The bride and groom have chosen to write their own vows. Sheridan will recite hers first," Father Lonigan says.

"Steven when you and I met at that party tow years ago my life changed. I was willing to do anything and everything for my family's love. You made me realize I didn't need to do anything, that they should love me not matter what. You said they were fools if they didn't, and they didn't deserve my love. I have you to thank for making me see that, and I want to give you something. Today, I give you my eternal friendship, my undying faith, trust, and honor, my everlasting love, my heart and soul, and the rest of our lives." Tears form in her eyes as she finishes. She takes his wedding band and gently guides it onto his finger.

Father Lonagin looks at Steven, and Steven begins. "Sheridan, I wasn't even going to go to that party, but I thank God everyday that I did. He sent me one of his angels. Everyday, when I see your smiling face, it brightens my life. You make sense and give meaning to my world. All my problems disappear when I look into your eyes. Today, I want to tell you, as best as I can, what you mean to me. To do that I'm going to give you all you've given me. You have all my love, faith, honor, trust, my whole hear and soul, and my friendship for all time." As he slides he wedding band onto her finger, the tears he's held back begin to fall.

"By the power vested in my by the state of Maine, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Father Lonagin says. Steven wastes no time and dips his head down to capture Sheridan's lips in a short, sweet, loving kiss. "I would like to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rudy."

*****************************End of Flashback*****************************

"Steven, that was the happiest day of my life," Sheridan says. "Where did the Steven that I feel in love with, the Steven who made everything right in the world, go?"

"I'm still here Sheridan. I'm here somewhere. I've just gotten lost lately. I want to be me again. I want to be the Steven who never let you down. Will you give me a chance to be that Steven again?" Steven asks.

"I want nothing more than for things to be the way they were. A lot has happened since then though. I don't know if I can ever trust you again."

"But you still love me, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Will you ever be able to forgive me?"

"I don't know. It's going to take time. I hope you can understand and give me that."

"I will do anything for you to give me a second chance. Tell me what to do."

"I need you to be honest with me. I need you to tell me everything."

"What do you want to know?"

"Who is she, and how long have you been cheating on me?"

************************************************************************

Luis arrives at the Youth Center at four. He spots Gwen in her and Hank's office. Knocking on the door, he steps into the office. "Hi Gwen," he says.

"Hey Luis. How are you today?" Gwen asks without looking up. She spent the entire morning going through paperwork she was drowning in. She has it down to a manageable pile now, but she still has a lot to do in order to have it done by the end of the night. "Remind me next time about all this paperwork when I decide to go away for a few days."

Luis laughs. "Rough day?" he asks.

"You don't know the half of it. Hank's mother got sick this morning and was taken to the hospital. He's with her now. Bobby- I think you've meet him, he's another volunteer here- anyways, his son fell off the monkey bars at the school playground and broke his wrist, so Bobby had to leave. Sheridan hasn't been in today, so Tom's the only other person here."

"Rough day indeed. Did Sheridan call? Did you talk to her?"

"I haven't heard from her since yesterday. I didn't think about it until now, but that's not like Sheridan. She always calls if she's going to be late or not going to make it in."

"You just thought about that," Luis says, anger creeping into his voice. "I hope she's all right. Why didn't you realize it sooner?"

"I told you Luis, I've been busy all day. What's your problem anyways? I'm sorry, but I had other things on my mind." The stress of her day comes pouring through as she speaks.

"I'm sorry Gwen. I know your day's been hectic. I didn't mean to get on your case. There's just been a lot on my mind. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Will you except my apology?"

"I understand. Apology excepted. What's on your mind? You seem worried."

"It's Sheridan. She and Steven had a huge fight last night."

"What's new?" Gwen loves her best friend, but she can't understand why she stays with Steven. It became obvious to Gwen two years after Sheridan and Steven got married that Steven would never be able to give Sheridan what she deserves.

Luis chooses to ignore her comment. He is with Gwen on her opinion of Steve and everyone knows that. He doesn't want to make the situation worse though. "This one's different. There's more involved this time. I can't get into everything now, but I'm worried about her."

"You really care about her, don't you?"

"Yes I do."

"Maybe you even love her. Am I right? Do you love her?"

Chapter 7

"Sheridan, are you sure you want to know that?" Steven asks.

"No, but if we have any chance of staying together, I need to know. No matter how much it hurts, you have to be honest with me. Who is she?" Sheridan asks.

"Her name is Beth, Beth Wallace. She was my high school sweetheart. Three months ago, I went into a truck stop outside of Boston to get some coffee. I looked up, and who was standing there but Beth Wallace. We got to talking, and things just happened." He hangs his head in shame.

"You've been sleeping with her for three months." She knew before she asked the question that the answer would hurt. She prepared herself for that. What she didn't realize was how much it would hurt. She feels as though a knife has been taken to her heart, and she is mercilessly being stabbed repeatedly.

Steven just lowers his head even further. "She hates me. She has to hate me now that she knows the truth. I deserve it. How could I ask her to give me another chance? After everything I've done, the cuffs should be slapped on me, and I should be hauled away for life. I've become everything I despise. How could I let this happen?" he asks himself.

He looks over at Sheridan. She's not making a sound. He attempts to reach out to her, but the minute his skin comes in contact with hers, she jumps away, as though she's been burnt. She won't even look at him. She slowly gets up and walks away muttering, "Three months."

As soon as she reaches the bedroom, she flops onto the bed. "Three months. Three months. Three months. I could have handled a few weeks, but three months. Okay, so maybe I couldn't have, but I'd feel less stupid, less betrayed than I do now. Three months. Three months," she says repeatedly. She's in a complete state of shock. She just feels numb. Not knowing what to think or do, she just lies there.

************************************************************************

Sheridan has been staring at the ceiling for the past six hours, although to her it seems like it's only been a few minutes. During that entire time, she never heard Steven once. When she got up and walked out, she had expected him to come after her. He hadn't even protested, put up a fight, and that wasn't like him. As angry and hurt as she is, she's worried about him. She comes out of her trance, and she goes to check on him. What she finds in the living room is not Steven but a note.

***********************************************************************

Sheridan,
I can't do this anymore. I can't stand by and watch you hurting knowing that I caused it. I can't continue to cause you pain. If you don't hate me now, I don't see how you can't. I hate myself. I didn't realize what I did, how much I hurt you, until today. I can't ask you to give me another chance because I don't deserve it. Just know that I love you, and I never meant to hurt you. I got a room at Grace's B & B, so you can find me there.

Love,
Steven

************************************************************************

Sheridan doesn't know what to think. Her husband, the one cheating, is the coward who leaves in the middle of all this. She can't believe it. He isn't even willing to stick around and hear what she has to say. "He didn't even have the decency to tell me. He leaves me a note," she says. "I can't deal with this right now."

************************************************************************

After walking aimlessly on the wharf for a few hours, she decides to head over to the Youth Center. The walk made her think about her problems. "What am I going to do? Will I ever be able to forgive him? Will we be able to work things out? Do I want to work things out? I'm so confused." These were the thoughts that ran through her mind. She has to talk to Luis. He has to know what her decision is. She needs to know that he'll be beside her no matter what.

************************************************************************

"Do I love her?" Luis asks hesitantly. His mind is screaming, "Of course I do." The question is, will he admit it to anyone.

"Yes Luis, do you love her?" Gwen asks again. She's certain she knows the answer is yes. Everyone suspects it. Everyone except Sheridan of course. Gwen has never seen anyone as sweet, kind, caring, and gentle as Luis is to Sheridan. He brings out a side of her that Gwen hasn't seen in quite some time, since Sheridan and Steven got together. Luis is different though. Gwen can't put her finger on exactly what it is, but she knows Luis is special.

"Well, I... I ..." He becomes uncomfortable.

"That's what I thought. I knew you loved her. I just knew it."

Luis laughs embarrassedly. "Am I that obvious?"

"Yes, you are." She sees his face fall, and he becomes uncomfortable again. "Don't worry, Sheridan doesn't suspect a thing. You're a good man Luis. I know you'd never do anything to hurt her. I also know wouldn't do anything to break up her marriage."

"Is my secret safe with you?"

"My lips are sealed. I won't say anything if you don't want me to. If she asks me about it though, I mean point blank, 'Does Luis love me?', I wouldn't be able to lie to her. I hope you understand."

"I wouldn't expect you to. Heck, if she asked me, I couldn't lie either. It's not in me to lie, especially to her. She's been lied to enough."

Gwen knows there's more to that than he's willing to say, but she knows not to push it.

"Do you mind if I use your phone?" he asks.

"Not at all. I need a break from all this paperwork anyways. Take all the time you need. Tell Sheridan if she needs anything to not hesitate to call me," Gwen says as she steps out.

"Will do." Luis picks up the phone and starts dialing Sheridan's number. Before he finishes, he hears a knock on the door. He turns around to tell whoever it is to give him a minute when he finds it's Sheridan. He puts the phone back in its cradle as Sheridan opens the door. "Sheridan, I was just going to call you," he says.

"Gwen said that you were in here. She told me that you were worried about me," Sheridan says.

"After everything that happened last night and you not being here at all today, I needed to know if you were okay. Are you okay?"

Sheridan throws herself into Luis's arms. Everything that has happened comes crashing down on her in that instant. She allows herself to get lost in his embrace, and for the first time that day, she cries. She knows she's safe with Luis, and she knows he'll protect her.

They are interrupted by Gwen's knocking on the door. By the expressions on Sheridan and Luis's faces Gwen realizes that this is bigger than she thought.

"I hate to do this guys, but I really need to get back to that paperwork. I know that I'm interrupting something important in here, and I'm really sorry," she says.

"It's all right Gwen, we understand. Do you mind if we go for a walk?" Luis asks.

"No. Go for a walk, and don't worry about anything. I know that whatever's going on here is more important than the Youth Center," she says.

Sheridan and Luis start to leave the office. Gwen gives Sheridan's arm a supportive squeeze. "If you need anything, anything at all, Hank and I are here for you." Sheridan nods her head.

Once they leave the Youth Center, Luis suggests a walk through Lighthouse Park. "A walk through Lighthouse Park, how does that sound?" he asks.

"Okay," Sheridan says. She is feeling better after letting some of her emotions out through her tears.

Luis guides her over to the first bench he spots once they're in Lighthouse Park. He extends his and to her and pulls her down on the bench to join him. She retells him the events of the day.

"I asked him how long he's been cheating on me. I knew it would hurt, whatever his answer was. Can you understand my needing to know?" she asks.

"Yes." Luis understands, but he doesn't see why she has to make herself suffer. "Go on."

"Three months Luis. Not a few weeks, but three months. Do you know how stupid and betrayed I feel?" She begins to sob.

Luis gathers her in his arms again. He is able to keep his temper in check for now, but he doesn't know what he will do when he sees Steven. He doesn't know if he will be able to control his own actions. How can you hurt the person you love? You can't. Not if you truly love that person. You just don't do that. Luis would give up his life before he even thought about hurting Sheridan.

She pulls away, and Luis brushes away her stray tears. "I need to know that you're going to be behind me no matter what I do. Will you support my decision? You won't abandon me, right?" she asks.

"Sheridan, I would never desert you. You're too important to me, our friendship is too special, for me to turn my back on you. What are you going to do?" Luis asks.

"I've decide..."

Chapter 8

"I've decided to talk to, have a real conversation, with Steven. I know I said that before, but my emotions took control of me. Before you say anything, hear me out. I know this wasn't what you expected. You probably think I made the wrong chose. Just listen to me," Sheridan says.

"You're right Sheridan. This wasn't what I expected. I don't understand why you're willing to give Steven the time of day. I will listen to you though. Tell me why you're doing this," Luis says.

"Luis, he loves me. I know he still loves me. I can see it in his eyes. I sincerely believe he's sorry. That doesn't make it hurt any less, but it doesn't make it worse. I don't know when, or if I'll be able to trust of forgive him, but I have to try. I love him Luis. I can't let him go."

"Sheridan, what are you going to do if he hurts you again? How are you going to be able to deal with it? I don't think I can stand by and watch you being hurt. I heard you out. Now hear me out. It's your turn to listen to me." Sheridan nods.

"You are a very special person to me, and I care about you immensely. You deserve so much better than Steven. I know you probably don't want to hear anything I'm telling you. I'm only telling you this because your happiness is important to me. You've give me your reasons for going back to Steven. Let me give you the reasons you should turn your back on him and forget about him. First of all, he's never home. When his is, all you do is argue. Secondly, he doesn't listen to you when you try to talk to him. Thirdly, he's accused you of having an affair with me. Remember last night wasn't the first time it's happened. Finally, he's cheated on you. He's not only cheated on you, but he's having an affair," Luis says sternly.

Sheridan has tears forming in her eyes. She can't bring herself to look at Luis. His words hurt too much, no matter how true they are. She knows he's right too. Despite everything he's pointed out, she can't forget about her love for her husband.

Luis speaks again. "Sheridan, look at me. Please look at me. I know what I said hurt, and I'm sorry. I only want you to know what you're risking with the decision you made. I would never intentionally hurt you. Please Sheridan, just look at me."

He slowly reaches for her chin and gently tips it towards him. She momentarily tries to avert his gaze but soon gives up. "You're a very special woman, Sheridan. I just don't want to see you hurting. Can you understand that?" he asks.

She nods her head. "I know you're only looking out for me, and I love you for that. This is just something I have to do. I need to know if there's anything left to my marriage. Can you understand that?" she asks.

"I do understand. I want you to know this though. If or when Steven hurts you again, I don't know what I'll do. All I know is he'll think twice before doing it again. I need ;you to understand I won't be responsible for my own actions. I didn't say that to scare you. I'm just letting you know."

Wiping away her remaining tears, she leans forward and kisses his cheek. "I'll call you later okay," say says getting up.

"Okay," he says giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go. He watches her walk away until he can no longer see her. He sighs. Why is she doing this to herself?

************************************************************************

"Grace, what room is Steven staying in?" Sheridan asks.

"He's in 4," Grace answers.

"Thanks. I need to talk to him."

"Oh, he's not here right now."

"Where is he?"

"He told me to tell you that he went down to the Pool Hall."

"Thanks Grace." Sheridan leaves.

************************************************************************

Luis decided back in the park that the only things that will relax him is a couple of cold ones and a few games of pool. He is now standing in front of the Pool Hall. "Yep. This will definitely do the trick," he says.

He goes up to the bar to get a beer and spots Hank. "Hey Hank," he yells walking towards Hank.

"Hey Luis," Hank says. He extends he hand, and Luis shakes it.

"Gwen said your mother was in the hospital. Is she all right?"

"Yeah, she's going to be fine. The doctors said it was food poisoning."

"That's good to hear. I'm glad it's nothing serious. What are you doing here?"

"I needed to wind down. What brings you here?"

"Same. I definitely needed to wind down."

"It's Sheridan isn't it.? Gwen said Sheridan was upset. Gwen also said she got the feeling things are even worse between Sheridan and Steven."

"There's a lot going on between them right now. Sorry Hank, but I don't want to get into it now."

"That's cool. Are you up for a game of pool?"

"Sure. Let me get a beer, and I'll be right over."

"Okay."

Luis grabs his beer and turns around. He runs into someone. "Sorry bud... What the hell are you doing here?" he shouts when he realizes it's Steven. "After everything you've done to Sheridan, you decide come down here and have a good time. You're the biggest jerk I've ever met. She's probably out there looking for you, wondering where you are. Do you know how much you hurt her? Do you? You know what? This isn't worth it. I swear if you hurt her again though, there will be consequences. Do you understand me? Because once I get through with you, you will never even think of hurting her again. Do I make myself clear?" Luis says through clenched teeth.

Steven, with a few beers already in his system, stands quietly as Luis speaks. When Luis is finished, Steven opens his mouth. Before he is able to make a sound, Hank steps in. "Don't you owe me a game of pool?" Hank asks.

"Yeah I do," Luis says.

He and Hank turn, and they begin to make their way to the pool table. Steven has other things on his mind though. He is quick on Luis and Hank's heels. In no time at all, he catches them. Grabbing Luis from behind, Steven yanks Luis around, forcing Luis to face Steven. It's a good thing Luis is a trained cop and Steven is drunk because Steven looks angry enough to beat Luis to a pulp. There is no way Luis is going to get involved in a bar fight. He dodges all of Steven's swings, but Luis refuses to take a shot at Steven.

With all of this going on, neither of them see Sheridan walk through the Pool Hall doors. She sees a crowd gathered around and goes to see what the commotion is all about. She stops dead in her tracks when she realizes that Steven and Luis are the center of attention. She stands there in disbelieve for a moment.

Dodging another of Steven's punches, Luis spots Sheridan out of the corner of his eye. "God no. This is the last thing she needs to see now. This is not good, not good at all" he says to himself.

Sheridan can't take anymore and turns to leave. "Sheridan wait," Luis shouts. For the first time, one of Steven's blows connects with Luis. Luis doesn't seem to notice. The only thing he cares about is Sheridan.

He watches as she turns around with a look of disappointment on her face. That look was like a knife to his heart. In the short time the two of them have known each other, he'd never gotten that look. He mouths, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Look out Luis," he hears her say before everything goes black.

Chapter 9

Sheridan rushes to Luis. "How could you do this Steven?" she asks all the while glaring at Steven.

"Sh- Sheridan. Wh- what are yo- you doing here?" Steven asks. He had been so caught up in the fight he didn't know she was there until that moment. The look she's giving him right now though, makes Steven realize she's angrier than she's ever been.

She stands up and motions for Hank to keep an eye on Luis. Walking to Steven, she gets in his face. "After what you've done, you'll answer my questions before I'll even consider yours. Now, I want to know how you could do this to Luis?" she asks, her voice seething with anger. "What pissed you off so much that you had to knock Luis out?"

"He threatened me. He swore if I ever hurt you again there would be consequences to pay," Steven answers.

"Did he attack you physically?"

"No, but..."

"But nothing. Let me get this straight. He didn't come after you physically. From what I saw of the fight, he wasn't throwing any punches. You still felt the need to punch his lights out though, and punch his lights out you did. You knocked him into a goddamn barstool. He didn't just fall into it, did he? No. He hit his head on it before he crashed to the floor. Now he's lying over there unconscious, probably with a concussion. All of this happened because he said there would be consequences IF, not when but if, you hurt me again."

Steven stands there and listens, nodding his head every once and awhile. The realization of what just happened is slowly seeping in. He can't look Sheridan in the eyes. He knows he'll see disdain there, maybe even hatred.

"You know what? I don't have time for this right now. That man lying on the floor over there is more important to me than this conversation will ever be. I need to go see if he will be all right. I'm sorry if you can't understand that. We will finish this later. As soon as I find out what's going on with Luis, and I know he's fine, you and I will finish this discussion." With that, she turns on her heals, leaving Steven wondering how everything that just happened, happened.

"How is he Hank?" Sheridan asks when she reaches Luis and Hank.

"I think he's starting to come to. Look Sheridan. I'll keep an eye on him. You and Steven have a lot to work through. Go talk to him. I promise to make sure Luis is okay. I'll call you later," Hank says.

"No," she snaps. "I'm sorry Hank. I didn't mean to snap at you. Steven's drunk, and he needs to sober up before we talk. I'm to worried about Luis right now to even think straight. Hank, you just have to believe me on this. From the second Luis knocked on my door the first time, he's been there for me. He's dropped everything anytime I needed anything. He needs me now hank. I can't let him down. I won't let him down."

Hank nods and gets up. "I'll let you know when the ambulance gets here, okay?" He sees her nod her head. Giving her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, he goes outside.

Sitting on the floor next to Luis, she takes his hand in her own. With her other hand, she gently strokes his cheek, whispering to him the entire time. "Come on Luis, wake up. Come back to me. I need you. I need you in my life. I don't think I can make it without you. You have to open your eyes."

"Uhhhhhhhhhh," Luis moans a few minutes later. He starts to get up, but is stopped by Sheridan. "Wh- what happened?" he asks.

"You hit your head on a barstool when Steven's fist connected with your jaw." Her voice rises with each word as her anger returns.

"Ow." He brings a hand to his head, and shuts his eyes in pain. "Please don't yell. My head's pounding."

"Sorry Luis. I'm so sorry." She continues to stroke his cheek. "I could kill Steven for doing this. I could just kill him."

"Shh Sheridan. Don't say that. I'm better now. See." He slowly raises his hand and gently brushes the stray hairs from her forehead.

In that instant, something between them changes. From that simple gesture, emotions start to run wild, and sparks are flying. Neither Sheridan nor Luis can break their gaze.

Luis's fingers make their way down to Sheridan's cheek where they linger. His eyes are full of love and intensity, the same look Sheridan is sure lies within her own eyes. Subconsciously, she licks her lips.

Slowly, tentatively, she lowers her head. Her gaze becomes fixed on Luis's lips. The desire and need to kiss him, to feel his lips on her own, becomes almost unbearable.

Luis watches as his own desire becomes apparent in Sheridan's eyes. God he has dreamed of this for so long, wanted this for so long. She has haunted his dreams every night for the past three months. He lips united with his, whispering words of love, so tender and caring. Since day one, this is all he's thought of.

Sheridan's eyes close as her lips descend upon Luis's, almost touching but not quite. She can feel his hot breath as it hits her lips, causing her heart to race even more.

She wants this, wants it so bad she can taste it. She has never wanted anything as much as she wants this. To feel his lips on hers, she can't stop herself.

He just has to lift his head a mere inch. One mere inch, that's all that stands between him and every one of his dreams. "This is it," he thinks as Sheridan's breath tickles his day-old whiskers.

Slowly, so as to lock everything into memory, he lifts his head. At the same time, Sheridan lowers her head. Nanometers, a piece of paper apart, and then...

Chapter 10

“The ambulance is here.” Sheridan and Luis snap to reality at the sound of Hank’s voice. The disappointment etched on both of their faces is clearly visible.

Hank has been watching the two interact from the moment Luis woke up. He already knows how Luis feels about Sheridan, loves Sheridan. It is obvious to him that Sheridan might possible share those same feelings for Luis.

Hank also realizes that whether or not Sheridan feels the same feelings for Luis that Luis does for her, right now, they don’t need this. He just had to interrupt them. He can’t bear the thought of his friends hurting, regretting what would have happened. They were both caught up in the moment, neither of them thinking straight. Something inside had told him that if he had allowed them to continue, had allowed them to kiss, there would have been trouble ahead for both of them. He also knows both of their views on marriage.

Flashback

“Marriage is forever Hank,” Sheridan says. “That’s what Steven and I are together...forever. My love for him is eternal and his for me. He wouldn’t have proposed if it wasn’t.”

“I know Sheridan. I know how much Steven loves you, how much you love him. It’s just...” Hank says and then stops.

“What Hank? What is it?”

“Sheridan, I’ve known you for a long time. I know how you jump into things. You and Steven have only been together for four months. I don’t mean to hurt you by saying that.” He watches as anger and hurt flash in her eyes. “I actually have no idea why I said that. I’ve known you long enough to know you wouldn’t just jump into marriage.”

“Then what is it,” she says as the hurt and anger begin to fade.

“It’s just that I’ve known Steven for awhile too. I know who he was before he met you. I know the things he did. I’m not saying he hasn’t changed. I’m just saying that I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I know how Steven was in the past. He told me he was a player before he met me. But Hank, once we started dating seriously, he assured me his playing days were over. He’s never given me any reason to doubt him, to distrust him.”

“I know. I know. I know. I’m just looking out for you.”

“Thank you Hank, and I love you for it.”

End of Flashback

Hank recalls a similar conversation about marriage he had with Luis.

Flashback

“Luis, buddy, you’ve got to calm down. Breathe. Just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. There you go,” Hank says. Luis had walked into the Youth Center five minutes ago with steam coming out of his ears. Hank has never seen his friend so upset. “Just tell me what happened.”

“That man pissed me off. He just makes me so angry. Why does he have to be such a bastard?” Luis says, his voice still seething with anger.

“What did Steven do this time? Is Sheridan alright?”

“Other than being extremely upset, she’s fine. Who does he think he his?” Luis slams his hand against the wall. “How could he accuse us of having an affair? Doesn’t he know Sheridan better than that?”

“Buddy! Luis! Hey!!” Hank yells while trying to get Luis’s attention. When Luis finally acknowledges him, Hank continues. “You have every right to be angry, but I need you to calm down. Can you do that for me?” Luis paces for a few minutes, and begins go calm. “Good. Now talk to me.”

Luis takes a deep breath and begins. “I’m a man with principles Hank. I was raised Catholic, and I take wedding vows very seriously. If I had feelings for a married woman, or any woman involved with someone else for that matter, I wouldn’t act on them. Adultery is a sin. It’s a commandment for God’s sake.”

“Did you make Steven understand that?”

“We tried. Whether he got it through is thick skull or not, I don’t know. It’s fine if he accuses me of taking advantage of Sheridan. He should know his wife better than that though. He should know she would never betray her vows. Never. He hurt her real bad this time with his accusation.”

Hank watches the expression in Luis’s face change as he talks about Sheridan. “Why can he just see how special she is? If he knew that, if he gave her the time of day, he would realize he could never hurt her. How she stays with him, I don’t know.”

“For the same reasons you just gave me. Sheridan stays with Steven because she takes her wedding vows seriously.”

“I know Hank. I just can’t stand to see her in pain.”

End Flashback

“Ma’am. Excuse me Miss. We need to examine the patient,” the EMT says. Sheridan and Luis are still gazing at each other. “Miss.” The EMT taps her on the shoulder. Sheridan looks up at him. “We need to examine the patient.”

Sheridan nods and turns back to Luis. “I’ll be right over there if you need me.” Luis brings his hand to her cheek. “Okay,” she says before letting go of his hand.

Five minutes later Sheridan hears the EMT. “You’re lucky buddy. Other than a bump on your head, you’re okay. Take it easy for the next few days though, just as a precaution.”

“Thank you sir.”

“You’ve got quite a special lady over there looking out for you. It’s obvious that she loves you very much.”

“Sheridan?”

“That’s the lady’s name who was here with you when we got here?”

“Yes.”

“Yes her. Anyone can see how in love the two of you are.”

“Sheridan and I in love? You’ve got the wrong idea sir. Sheridan and I are just friends.”

“Whatever you say buddy. Just remember what I said. Take it easy.”

“Okay. Thank you again.”

As soon as the EMT leaves, Sheridan rushes back to Luis’s side. “Are you okay?” she asks with a voice full of concern.

“Other than a bump on my head, and this headache, I’m fine. I just have to take it easy for a few days.”

“That’s great news Luis.” Sheridan hugs him. “How about we get you home?”

“That sounds like an excellent idea. I think I could use some rest.”

Sheridan helps Luis up, and together they walk to Sheridan’s car. They drove in silence for a few moments, before Sheridan spoke. "So, what time do you want me to come over tomorrow?" she asked.

"What do you mean? Did we make plans? Am I missing something?" Luis asked confused.

“No you didn’t. What time do you want me to come over and check on you?”

“Sheridan, you don’t...”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”

“It really isn’t necessary.”

“Okay. Don’t think of it as me checking on you. Think of it as me coming over to keep you company.”

“Okay. Fine. You win.” Luis watches as a smile of satisfaction appears on Sheridan’s lips.

“What time do you want me to come over?”

“How does eight sound?”

“Perfect. Eight it is.”

“What does Steven think about this?”

“What does he think about what?”

“You coming over to keep me company.”

“I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care.”

“Did you talk to him?”

“Not exactly.”

“Either you did or you didn’t.”

“Well, I was too angry and too worried about you and he was too drunk.”

“Okay then. Are you going to talk to him?”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I just don’t know anymore.”

“Sheridan, I’m not going to push it, but you need to do something.”

“I know.”

At that moment, Sheridan turns onto their street. A few minutes later, she is in Luis’s driveway. “Good night Luis. I’ll see you in the morning,” Sheridan says.

“Good night Sheridan. Think about what I said,” Luis says.

She nods as Luis gets out of the car. Once she’s sure he made it in the house safely, she pulls out of the driveway. Soon she’s in her own driveway, and not long after that, in her bed. “I certainly have a lot to think about,” she says before she falls asleep.

to be continued...