Sequel To: What’s In A Name?

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

After the weekend’s rough start it had become perfect. Sheridan and Luis had spent every moment together. There wasn’t anymore fighting. He had caught her playing with her ring and smiling ear to ear many times. This made him want to burst with happiness. They both looked at the clock and wished they could stop the hands from moving. They didn’t want to leave.

"Sheridan, we should really get going if we want to get back before dark"

"Do we have leave Luis? Who said we have to be home before dark? Do you still have a curfew?"

"You’re so funny. It is safer to drive in the daylight and with your driving record…"

"Hey! That was months ago!"

"Your point being?"

"Luis I have it in my right mind to" she shook her fist at him and moved closer to him. "kiss you" she grabbed his shirt and drew him near. "Are you sure we have to leave?" She said between kisses.

"Leave? Who said anything about leaving?"

"Good" she said sweetly and they continued to kiss. With a hand on each of his shoulders Sheridan pushed back. "We need to talk"

"Talk now? I had something else in mind"

"We have our whole lives for that, but I was just curious as to if you know how we are going to tell everyone about us"

"I thought we might ease into it by telling my family or Ethan first"

"Don’t you think we should tell Hank and Beth first?"

"Why?"

"I don’t want them to find out from anyone else. We’ve kind of been using them"

"True, but I want my family to hear it from me and not through the grapevine"

"Yeah I suppose getting all of our families, Hank and Beth in the same room and telling them all at once would be…"

"Suicide. Are you sure we need to tell anyone?"

"What and live in this cabin forever?"

"Okay so not a great idea"

"Luis, your family means the world to you, lets tell them first"

"Then Hank and Beth?"

"You read my mind"

****

They had been working together in the youth center a couple of weeks ago. They were in the storeroom making sure all the basketballs were inflated for the 2 on 2 tournament there was later. Lately though work around the center took a long time to get done since they since they weren’t telling anyone about them. The center was providing much needed alone time. Sheridan wasn’t even obligated to be there anymore. Her hours were up long ago but she told everyone she loved working with the kids and was not volunteering her time.

"I’ll be right back" Luis said as he headed out of the storeroom.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

"I forgot I have something to take care of quick. Try not to break anymore needles while I am gone"

"Hey so I’m not talented at pumping up basketballs, arrest me"

"I just might"

After being alone for about ten minutes Sheridan began to get antsy. While Luis was busy she thought about going to the Book Café and getting them some lunch. Just as she was about to leave Luis came back carrying a Book Café bag and two sodas.

"Luis are you psychic?"

"No why?"

"Because you can read my mind. I was just about to go to the Book Café"

"Great minds think alike"

****

Sheridan’s cell phone brought her back to reality. She and Luis had begun their drive home and were getting close to Harmony.

"Hello?"

"I think I’m being followed"

"What are you talking about Luis?"

"This beautiful woman in the car behind me seems to be going everywhere I go"

"Really? That’s strange. I have this guy in front of me that seems to think that it is funny to speed up and slow down just to annoy me"

"You could pass him"

"And ruin the scenery? Never"

"I guess you’ll just have to deal with him then"

Just then they both pulled into the driveway of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

They got out of their cars, looked at each other, and sighed.

"Ready?" she asked nervously.

"Ready as I’ll ever be. Come on"

"Wait!" she gave a peck on the lips. "For luck"

They walked into the kitchen holding hands. When they got inside they saw Hank having coffee with Pilar. Sheridan tensed up and squeezed Luis’s hand. Luis shot her an ‘it’s okay’ look as Hank got up from the table and started to put on his coat.

"Thanks for the talk Pilar"

"Of coarse Hank, anytime"

"Hey buddy hope you had a good trip" and he walked out the door before anything more could be said.

"Hi mama" Luis walked over and kissed his mother dragging Sheridan behind him.

"Hello Luis, Sheridan what a pleasant surprise to see you here tonight"

"Thank you Pilar"

"Luis how was you fishing trip?"

"Mama about that fishing trip" Luis and Sheridan sat down at the table with Pilar. "We have something to tell you"

"We?" Pilar asked nervously, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.

"Pilar, Luis and I have been seeing each other for months now"

"That’s not a surprise to me. I’ve seen the way you to look at each other"

****

Pilar thought of the 2 on 2 basketball tournament. It was there that she started to believe there was something more than friendship between Sheridan and Luis. Pilar had gone to watch Miguel and Kay. She promised them she would watch them win, since they won every year. When she got to the youth center she looked at the brackets to find out when Miguel and Kay played. She was surprised to see Sheridan and Luis’s names on the bottom bracket. Luis always refereed the games. Just then Luis passed by Pilar.

"Hi Luis"

"Hi Mama"

"I didn’t know that you were in the tournament this year"

"I wasn’t going to be but there was a late cancellation and so I figured why not"

"Sheridan agreed to be your partner?"

"Yeah I had to bribe her with lunch, but she caved in"

"Luis you and Sheridan aren’t…"

"No! We just wanted everyone to have the same amount of games"

"Okay. I’m going to find a seat. Good luck today"

"Thanks"

It was the final game of the tournament. Miguel and Kay had struggled to make it there, but Luis and Sheridan had breezed through the brackets. Even though Luis and Sheridan never played as a team before today they always seemed to know where the other one was going to be. Miguel and Kay never had a chance. Pilar noticed that every time there was a chance for the two to touch each other they did. There were a lot of slaps on the backs, high fives, and rubbing of the shoulders before free throws. Pilar also saw when they were getting their picture taken that they were tempted to kiss each other. She saw it in their eyes.

****

"You knew about us mama?"

"I had my suspicions"

"And we thought we were doing a good job hiding it Luis"

"I thought we were. Anyway Mama, this weekend Sheridan and I went up to the cabin together"

"Luis I don’t know if I want to hear anymore of this"

"Would you rather us keep lying to you Pilar?"

"Of coarse not"

"Mama, we had a wonderful time this weekend and came back with a surprise, we’re engaged!"

"You’re what?" Pilar sputtered out shocked beyond belief.

"Engaged. Aren’t you happy for us Pilar?"

"Oh yes. I’m sorry I’m just a little shocked" she walked over and gave them each a hug and kiss on the cheek. "I’m also very worried about the two of you. The Cranes aren’t going to like this"

"They are just going to have to deal with it Pilar. I am in love with your son and no one is going to take him away from me"

"Well then I guess congratulations are in order. It’s getting late, I’m going to bed"

"Goodnight mama"

"Goodnight Pilar. Luis I’d better be going home"

"You’re not staying"

"Not tonight. I want to tell Ethan. And I’m sure you want to hunt down Miguel and Theresa to tell them the news"

"Yeah. I’ll come pick you up in the morning and we’ll find Hank and Beth and tell them"

"Sounds like a plan. Bye"

"Bye"

They were kissing goodnight passionately. Their bodies were so entwined that there wasn’t even air between them. Theresa opened the door into the kitchen and saw what was going on. She giggled as she backed out of the kitchen into the living room. She waited on the couch for Luis to peel himself from Sheridan.

On the drive home Sheridan was listening to the radio. She was flipping through the channels when she heard this song.

The sun is shining everyday

Clouds never get in the way

For you and me

I’ve known just a week or two

Baby I’m so into you

Can hardly breathe

And I’m in

So totally wrapped up

Emotionally attracted

So physically acting

So recklessly I need you

So desperately sure as the sky is blue

Baby I love you

I never knew I could feel like this

Can hardly wait till our next kiss

You’re so cool

If I’m dreaming please don’t wake me up

Cause baby I can’t get enough of what you do

And I’m in

So electrically charged up

Kinetically acting

Erratically need you

Fanatically you get to me

Magically sure as the sky is blue

Baby I love you

How fitting she thought as she pulled up to her cottage. She ran into her home, jumped onto her couch, and let out a huge sigh of relief. She stared at the ring on her finger and twisted it around and around. She noticed the phone sitting on her coffee table and thought of calling Ethan. It really wasn’t that late, so she dialed over to the main house.

"Hello?"

"Ethan"

"Sheridan how are you? How was the spa?"

"Oh well about the spa, can you come over?"

"Are you okay?"

"I’m more than okay, is Gwen with you?"

"No she is out of town"

"Well then hurry up I’m waiting"

Luis walked into the living room with a spaced out look on his face. Theresa just looked at him and laughed. He didn’t even notice her sitting there. He started to go up to his room.

"Hey space cadet, where do you think you’re going?"

"Theresa, I didn’t see you sitting there"

"I figured that out Luis. And I know why"

"You do?"

"Yes. Sheridan Crane. I saw the two of you in the kitchen. Admit it you like her"

"It’s a little more than that"

"You love her don’t you?"

"Yeah I do, but there is something I need to tell you"

"What is it Luis?"

"Sheridan and I are engaged. We’re getting married"

"Really? You’re joking right. You and Sheridan?"

"No I’m serious"

"Luis this is great! Congratulations!" she jumped across the couch and gave her big brother a huge hug. "See I told you the Cranes are all bad"

"Yeah and I told you that I can handle them. You on the other hand are to stay away from them, well except for Sheridan"

"You will never change will you?"

"I am always going to protect you"

"Maybe I don’t need protecting anymore Luis"

"Theresa you always have your head in the clouds, until you live in the land of reality you need protecting"

"I don’t want to fight right now. I’m really happy for you and Sheridan"

"Thanks. I’m going to bed. Night" he kissed her on the cheek and headed to bed.

Ethan walked in Sheridan’s cottage to find her staring at a lamp and grinning. He chuckled, walked over to her and snapped his fingers next to her ear.

"Earth to Sheridan"

"Oh hi Ethan. I didn’t hear you come in"

"No kidding. What is so important that I had to come over here so quickly?"

"This" she held out her hand to show Ethan her ring.

"You’re engaged?"

"Yes" she said excitingly.

"To who?"

"Are you ready for this? Luis"

"You’re joking right? Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald? When did this happen? Last I knew you two were fighting again"

****

Last time Ethan had seen Sheridan and Luis together he had come to her rescue, or at least he thought he had. Ethan went to the Youth Center to surprise Sheridan and take her to lunch. As he walked into the center he had overheard a conversation. Sheridan and Luis were fighting over which color to paint the new sign they were making.

"You’re such a spoiled princess! You always have to get what you want" Luis said sarcastically" Ethan then walked into the office.

"I would think you would respect Sheridan more by now Luis" he turned towards Sheridan. "You don’t need to take this from him"

"Ethan I…" Luis tried to explain.

"You should be grateful she still comes here and volunteers her time" Ethan grabbed Sheridan’s arm and dragged her out of the room. She looked back at Luis, smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"Ethan you didn’t have to do that you know?"

"Yes I did. Someone has to get him to respect you"

"I can handle Luis. Fighting is just part of our relation…friendship. It’s just how we are together"

****

"That was all a front Ethan. We have been seeing each other for a couple months"

"You keep this from me? I’m disappointed in you Sheridan. I thought we tell each other everything"

"We do. Luis and I wanted to figure things out before we told ANYONE"

"I understand. I’m just giving you a hard time. This is terrific. It’s about time you have found someone that deserves you. I’m going back to the main house and go back to sleep"

"Thanks, I’m sorry if I woke you up"

"This was worth getting up for. Oh one more thing"

"What’s that?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

"I’ll try what is it?"

"When you tell Father and Alistair make sure I am out of the country" she flung a pillow at him as he walked out the door.

Luis could hardly wait to go pick up Sheridan in the morning. He knocked on her door and when she came to the door he could tell she had been crying. She wasn’t even ready to go yet.

"Sheridan what’s wrong?"

She didn’t say anything. She just flung her arms around his neck and continued to cry into his shoulder.

Luis walked Sheridan over to the couch and sat her down. She wouldn’t let him go though. She was clinging to him so tightly. He couldn’t figure out what happened.

"Sheridan please tell me what’s going on. What’s gotten you so upset?"

"It’s nothing. I’m better now"

"This is better? I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me"

"You’re helping just being here. It was just silly of me to get like this"

"Silly? Nothing that could get you feeling like this could be silly"

"It was just a dream Luis. And to tell you the truth, I don’t remember the whole dream. I just remember that for some reason I didn’t want to be with you anymore. And I think you left me for someone else"

"I will never leave you"

"I know, it just scared me. I’m going to go get ready now. I’ll be right out"

"Take your time. I’m not too excited about telling Hank and Beth the truth"

Sheridan hurried to get ready and they left to go to the Book Café. Beth usually worked in the mornings and they had no idea where Hank would be so they decided to start with Beth. This is the part Luis hated most. He never wanted to hurt anyone, but it was time for the truth to come out. They parked Luis’s patrol car and they started to walk into the Book Café.

"Luis, I forgot my purse in the car"

"Its unlocked. I’ll wait"

"No I’ll be right behind you. Will you get me a coffee?"

"Sure" Luis walked into the café as Sheridan went back to the car. Beth was working behind the counter. "Hi Beth, can I have two coffees please"

"Hi Luis, sure" she turned and started to fill the cups. "Luis I have to tell you something"

"What is it Beth?" she looked around to make sure no one else was around them.

"Luis I’m…" just then Sheridan walked in and heard the next statement. "I’m pregnant"

Sheridan was shocked at what she heard, tears began to form in her eyes and dropped her purse to the floor. Luis looked over at Sheridan and saw how upset she looked. Then he looked back at Beth. He was so confused and didn’t know what to do first. Sheridan couldn’t believe what she just heard, but then she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Sheridan had just remembered her dream from last night.

****

She was having dinner with Luis at the Lobster Shack and for some reason Beth was working there instead of the Book Café. She was their waitress for the evening. Every time Beth had come to the table Luis lost interest in her and couldn’t keep his eyes off Beth.

"Luis is there something you aren’t telling me?"

"What do you mean Sheridan?"

"About you and Beth"

"Me and Beth?"

"You’re still in love with her aren’t you?"

"In love? With Beth?"

"Look Luis I have eyes. I can see how you look at her. Tell me the truth. I don’t want to be with you if you don’t want to be with me"

"Beth and I have been dating again and I think there is a future for us"

"Then I have to give this back to you" she took off her engagement ring and handed it to Luis. "I want you to know I still love you Luis, and probably always will. I can’t be with you though if you’re not happy with me"

Sheridan walked out of the restaurant and through the window saw Beth and Luis engage in a passionate kiss and then saw him get on one knee. He then put her ring on Beth’s finger.

****

Sheridan just walked out of the Book Café leaving Luis there with Beth.

Luis walked over to the door and picked up Sheridan’s purse. He looked out the window and saw he sitting in his car. She wasn’t going anywhere so he walked back over to Beth.

"What do you mean you’re pregnant?"

"I’m mean I’m going to have a baby Luis"

"But we…"

"Luis the baby is yours"

"I hate to ask this, but are you sure? We haven’t been together for a couple months"

"Yeah I’m sure"

"I’m sorry I don’t know how to react to this. What I really need to do now is find Sheridan before she changes her mind about marrying me"

"You and Sheridan are engaged?"

"My god Beth I can’t believe I’m being this insensitive. That’s what we came here to tell you. I’m sorry but I have to go. I’ll come back later and we’ll figure things out"

He walked out of the door and over to his car. He opened the passenger side door. He took her hand and pulled her out of the car.

"We need to talk Sheridan"

"What is there to talk about I already know" she took off her engagement ring and started to hand it back to Luis.

"What are you doing?"

"You still love Beth" she put the ring in his hand.

"This is for YOU and only you. You are the only one I love"

"Really?"

"Yes really"

"Luis, what Beth said in there, is it true?"

"I don’t have a reason to believe she is lying about being pregnant"

"Is it yours" tears began to form in her eyes again.

"She says it is"

Tears began falling down her cheeks and he wiped them away with his gentle hands. She couldn’t stand to be next to him anymore. She started to turn around and he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Before you go jumping to conclusions I want you to know that I haven’t slept with Beth since I met you. I would never cheat on you EVER" Sheridan let out a sigh of relief, but this didn’t make the pain go away.

"Are you telling me the truth Luis?"

"I promise" he kissed her forehead and the hugged each other tight. Sheridan had calmed down only to start crying again. "What’s wrong?"

"Beth"

"I already told you I love you"

"That’s not it"

"What is it then?"

"Beth isn’t the one who is supposed to be having your babies. I am"

****

Luis had come over to Sheridan’s cottage one night to long ago. They sat holding each other in front of a fire. They both felt so comfortable with each other. They were so happy.

"Sheridan, can I ask you a question?"

"Of coarse anything"

"Do you want to have a family?"

"I don’t know Luis don’t you think we should wait"

"I didn’t mean right now, but in the future"

"Of coarse I do"

"How many children do you want?" they asked each other at the same time, which caused them to giggle. "Three" they said simultaneously. They smiled up at each other. It was funny how they thought so much alike.

"I want three girls" she announced.

"Three girls? If they are anything like you I would feel sorry for your poor husband"

"Hey" she socked him in the stomach. "That wasn’t very nice" he just lifted his eyebrows at her.

"I don’t care what they are as long as they are healthy. And I am totally in love with their mother"

****

This made Luis cry too. He knew it was true, the one he wanted to father children with was standing in front of him. Sheridan saw him start to cry and she hugged him again. With tear stained faces they walked hand in hand through the streets of Harmony. They didn’t say a word. Both were too confused to say anything. They had come full circle and ended up back at the Book Café.

"I need to go to talk to Beth"

"I think I’m going to wait out here okay" she pointed to a park bench across the street.

"I’ll be out as soon as I can"

"Take your time" she headed across to the bench.

"Hey Sheridan" she turned back around.

"What Luis?"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Sheridan could see Luis go up and talk to Beth through the window. She didn’t even notice Hank come and sit down beside her. Luckily at just that time Luis and Beth sat at a table and were now out of view. Hank kissed her on the cheek and she jumped.

"Hey gorgeous. What are you looking at?"

"Hank?!?! Hi. Looking at? Oh nothing, I guess I was just staring"

"Deep in thought"

"Actually yes"

"Anything I can help with"

"Nope. Anyway how are you?"

"I’m great now. You have an effect on me"

She tried hard not to gag. She wanted Luis out with her now. She wasn’t sure if she should tell Hank about them with out him. But she didn’t know how long she could put up with Hank the arrogant ‘charmer.’ But she wasn’t sure how Hank would react and knew he could figure out where Luis was because his car was right in plain sight.

Luis and Beth sat at a table and just stared at each other. He didn’t know what to say or how to act. He still couldn’t believe this was happening to him. His life was perfect until he walked into the Book Café earlier this morning.

"Luis please say something"

"I don’t know what to say"

"Anything. I know this is scary, but aren’t you a little happy you’re going to be a father?"

"I’m sure I will be happy, but right now I’m just scared and confused"

"It will get better Luis"

"I’m sure it will"

"I have a doctors appointment tomorrow. Will you come with me?"

"Of coarse if you want me to"

"I do. Luis I need to get back to work, be here tomorrow at ten okay?"

"Sure"

Luis walked out of the Café and noticed Hank had now joined Sheridan on the park bench. He slowly walked across the street not sure how Hank was going to react when he got to the other side.

"Did you tell him?" Luis asked Sheridan as soon as he got close enough.

"Tell me what?"

"I was waiting for you. I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation with Beth"

"Tell ME what?" Sheridan stood up and walked over to Luis. He grasped her hand and Hank looked on curiously.

"Hank, Sheridan and I are well we’re engaged"

"To be married?? Is this a joke? Where are the hidden cameras?"

"It’s no joke. I didn’t want to hurt you" Sheridan said sweetly because she really did mean it.

"Luis what about Beth?" Hank chimed in.

"Beth and I were only going out once in awhile"

"But I thought she was…"

"You know she is pregnant?" Sheridan was shocked.

"She told me Sunday. I thought you would do the honorable thing and marry her"

"I am doing the honorable thing. I will not marry someone unless I love her and I love Sheridan, not Beth. But I will take care of my baby"

"If you say so buddy. I wish I could say I am happy for the two of you but I’m not. I’m going to see how Beth is doing"

They both watched as Hank crossed the street, then they sat on the bench together. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.

"So Sheridan how do you think things went today?"

"Can we forget today ever happened?"

"I wish"

"How about we wait and tell my family tomorrow or never"

"Sounds good to me"

"I did tell Ethan though, he is happy for us"

"So is Theresa"

"Luis are we crazy?"

****

The Youth Center was having a car wash to raise money for the kids. Sheridan and Luis had gotten there early to hook up the hoses and fill the buckets. Sheridan sat the last bucket down, they were ready for the cars now and the other washers. As she stood back up she dipped her hand in the water and brought it up to Luis’s face. She flicked the water on him and ran a couple of steps backwards.

"You are going to pay for that Ms. Crane"

"I am huh?"

"Yes" he grabbed a sponge, dipped it in the bucket and chucked it at her. Like an idiot she tried to catch it and water splashed all over her.

"I can tell Cranes don’t do too much car washing. You are supposed to dodge flying sponges not catch them" he smirked at her and she flung the sponge back at him, only he jumped out of the way.

"You know what this means don’t you Officer?"

"What?"

"War!!!"

She picked up the hose that was at her feet and opened fire at Luis. Figuring he could get anymore wet he grabbed a bucket and headed straight through the spray of the hose. Sheridan tried to back up, but the hose would only stretch so far. She knew if she let go of the hose and ran he would catch her. She was doomed and she knew it. He grabbed the nozzle of the hose and pushed it towards the ground and quickly threw the bucket of water on her. They turned around when they heard chuckling behind them. Miguel had witnessed the whole event.

"You guys are crazy! You do know that this is just an event for kids, you don’t have to act like them"

They both got evil grins on their faces and they threw buckets of water at Miguel.

****

"No of coarse we’re not crazy"

"How are you going to be there for Beth and plan a wedding with me all at the same time? Plus you have to work at the police station and the youth center, and look after your family. Aren’t you going to spread yourself a little thin? Maybe we should just hold off on this wedding"

"No! I couldn’t stand it last night when I was apart from you"

"Luis but by the time we get married you are going to have a brand new baby and I really didn’t want to share you right away"

"I know it is going to be tough, but we can get through this. We can get through anything"

Hank walked into the Book Café and saw Beth twirling a pencil on the counter.

"Busy huh?"

"Hank. Hi. Can I get you something?"

"No, I’m fine. I just came in to see how you were doing"

"You mean with Luis?"

"Yeah I know you told him"

"It didn’t go as well as I hoped. Do you know that Sheridan and him are getting married?"

"Yeah I just heard. Let me tell you I’m not to thrilled"

"I guess we’ll just have to live with it. What else can we do?"

It was the next morning and Sheridan sat dinking tea and picking at her breakfast in her cottage. After the events of yesterday she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. After they had told Hank and Beth Luis took her home and he went to patrol. He called her last night to say good night, but there still seemed to be this wall up between them. Just then there was a knock on her door. She slowly got up to answer it.

"Gwen! I thought you were out of town"

"Good morning Sheridan. I just got back"

"Did you have a nice time?"

"Oh forget about my trip. Ethan told me you are engaged to Luis. Congratulations!"

"Thanks Gwen" she didn’t have a whole lot of excitement in her voice.

"Sheridan, what’s wrong? I thought you would be happy, overjoyed even"

"Come sit down. I’ll tell you everything" they walked out of the entry way and over to the couch.

"So what is going on?"

Luis walked into his kitchen and his mother was already in there making breakfast for him. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Morning Mama"

"Morning Luis. Are you alright? You don’t look well"

"I didn’t sleep very well"

"Is there something bothering you?"

"Yeah there is. Mama, you better sit down"

"Luis?" she had a concerned expression as he showed her to a chair.

"Mama, I’m going to be a father"

"Sheridan’s pregnant?"

"Not Sheridan"

"Then who?"

"Beth"

"But"

"I know you are surprised and disappointed in me but I will take full responsibility of my actions"

"Then you are going to marry Beth?"

"No, Sheridan. I will only marry someone I love. I’m not in with Beth, not anymore"

"Luis, I’m confused"

"I’m going to marry Sheridan but I will help Beth with the baby. In fact I have to go get her now for a doctors appointment"

"But Luis"

"Bye Mama" Luis grabbed his coat and headed for the Book Café.

Just as Sheridan was about to tell Gwen what was happening her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi Beautiful"

"Luis. Good morning"

"Morning. Is it alright if I stop by a little later?"

"Sure I should be here all day"

"Great. I’ll see you soon"

"Good luck at the doctors"

"Thanks. I love you"

"Love you too" Sheridan returned to Gwen who had a very confused look on her face.

"Sheridan, Luis is going to the doctor?"

"Yes"

"Is that what has you like this"

"Yes"

"Oh my god! Is he alright? If there is something seriously wrong shouldn’t you be there with him?"

"He’s fine and I don’t think it would be right if I were with him right now"

"Sheridan what are you talking about?"

"Beth is pregnant"

"And? There has to be more than just that"

"Luis is the father"

"What? Sheridan I’m so sorry. But shouldn’t you be furious with Luis?"

"I don’t have a right to be"

"Why not? He cheated on you"

"No he didn’t this happened before he even met me. But it still hurts. I just want to be happy"

Sheridan and Gwen sat and talked about the way Sheridan was feeling. It helped a lot to get it out. She really needed to tell Luis how she felt though. She never had trouble telling him anything before.

****

They were sitting in the office in the youth center one morning. Luis was reading the paper like usual and Sheridan was glancing through her day planner. He kept lowering his paper to catch her staring at him, but she quickly looked away. She had a pencil in her hand and was tapping it against the desk so hard that half of it flew across the room.

"Alright Sheridan, what’s up? That is the second you’ve broken in the last ten minutes"

"Nothings up"

"Sure. Here use this it won’t break" he handed her a mechanical pencil and went back to his paper.

"Luis?"

"Yeah"

"I love you" she finally just blurted out.

"Huh?"

"Not the response I was hoping for" he got up walked over to her. He stood her up and kissed her intensely and passionately.

"I love you too"

****

Suddenly Sheridan got up and rushed into the bathroom, leaving a confused Gwen in her wake. She came back with a sickly look on her look on her face which at a greenish tint to it.

Luis had picked up Beth and they were now waiting for the doctor to come in and do the sonogram. Luis still didn’t know how to act around Beth. Then the doctor walked in.

"Are you ready to see our baby Luis?" she grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Yes" he tried to sound excited. He rubbed his thumb over her hand. The doctor was preparing Beth for the sonogram.

"Here is your baby" the doctor pointed to the black and white screen.

"That’s it? It’s so small" Beth commented.

Luis just kept staring at the screen and then he turned to her belly and then back to the screen. There was finally a smile on his face that he didn’t have to fake. He finally realized that he couldn’t hold this child accountable for his mistakes. He was going to love it no matter what. Right there and then he decided to enjoy the life of this child, his child.

Pilar was cleaning up the kitchen and getting ready to go to the Crane mansion for work. She noticed someone pacing back and forth in her back yard. She put on her coat and walked out side.

"Hank?"

"Oh hi Pilar"

"I’m glad you’re here I want to talk to you"

"I figured you would"

"When you told me your ‘friend’ had gotten a girl in trouble I thought you were talking about yourself, not Luis"

"I didn’t think it was right for me to tell you, but I wanted to prepare you for what was to come"

"Hank are you sure you’re telling me everything?"

"Of coarse Pilar. You’re like a second mother to me, I would never lie to you"

"I didn’t say you were lying Hank"

Sheridan returned to the couch with Gwen again. She still looked very sick and nauseated. Gwen took her hand.

"Sheridan are you ok?"

"Yeah…Oh wait no!" she shook her hand free from Gwen, ran to the bathroom again and then returned.

"You don’t look well Sheridan"

"Actually I feel better now"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I must have eaten something bad" she tried to convince herself, because she really hadn’t eaten anything lately.

"You know what? I’m going to call the doctor and have him come over and check you out just in case"

"You don’t have to do that Gwen. I’m fine"

"Nonsense. You can’t stop me"

At the doctors office Luis was still mesmerized by the site of his child on the screen.

"Do you two want a picture?" the doctor asked.

"Yes" they said in unison.

"It looks like you could be having a new years baby"

"What?" Luis asked.

"Your baby is due around the first of the year"

****

Luis thought of the first time he met Sheridan. He had been watching for speeders and she picked the wrong night to come back from Paris. She flew by his police car and he went after her. Only she didn’t stop. He finally managed to get in front of her only for her to smash his car.

"You try anything else and I’m using your tires for target practice. Well, I hope you had a good time, buster, because you're about to say good-bye to life as you know it. There's no way your sorry behind isn't doing jail time after those moves."

"My name isn't Buster, my behind is anything but sorry, and you can't arrest me."

"You've broken at least 10 laws in the last minutes. Give me one good reason I shouldn't arrest you."

"Because my last name is Crane."

"What kind of name is Sheridan?"

"The kind of name you'll never forget!"

She got to him from the very moment that they met.

****

"That can’t be" he suddenly became very angry and noticed Beth had a horrified look on her face.

"Sure it can. Your baby is about six weeks old right now" the doctor was a little annoyed.

"Six weeks? SIX WEEKS?!?" Luis stormed out of the room. He waited until the doctor came out and Beth was alone in the room. He went back in and looked disgustingly at Beth.

"You lied to me"

"Luis I…"

"You LIED to ME"

"I know. I’m sorry"

"You almost ruined my life with Sheridan. What possessed you to do this?"

"I wanted to be with you"

"So you told me that baby that isn’t mine was? Now I can’t even stand to look at you!"

"Luis I’m sorry" she began to cry as he started for the door.

"Oh one more thing Beth. I can’t believe tried to cheat the baby’s real father out of getting the chance to be a father"

"He doesn’t want it"

Luis walked out of the hospital, not sure of his feelings again. He was finally starting to be glad that he was going to be a father, now he was sad he wasn’t going to be. But he was also happy because he knew the news would maybe Sheridan ecstatic. He jumped in his cars and raced over to Sheridan’s cottage. He parked his car and ran inside. He was surprised to see Gwen sitting on the couch.

"Hi Gwen"

"Hi Luis"

"Where’s Sheridan?"

"In her room, but you…" he didn’t wait for her to finish her sentence. "can’t go in there"

Sheridan was lying on her bed as the family doctor examined her.

"Doctor Michaels, am I alright?"

"You seem fine to me. I can’t find anything wrong"

"Am I…um … am I pregnant?" as soon as the words left her mouth she noticed Luis in the doorway and his jaw drop to the floor.

"Doctor Michaels, am I pregnant?"

"We’ll have to wait for the messenger to comeback with your test results to be sure of anything. You can go ahead and get dressed. I’ll call and see if the messenger is on his way"

"Thank you doctor"

Luis had been standing in the doorway during the last part of the conversation. Sheridan saw him but didn’t acknowledge his presence until she had her question answered. She needed to know. Luis entered the room as the doctor left. Sheridan forced a smile to him as she got dressed. He walked over and tried to kiss her, but she turned her head.

"Luis I don’t know what’s wrong with me yet"

"Wrong with you? You seemed fine when I talked to you this morning"

"I did, and then I didn’t"

"What happened?"

"Lets just say I was praying to the porcelain god more than once this morning" Luis couldn’t help but chuckle, even when she talked about being sick she was cute.

****

She was even cuter when she was frustrated. He thought of the time she was learning to use her new palm pilot. She was sitting in her cottage at her desk and he was reading the paper in one of the chairs. She looked hyperactive the way she keep pushing the buttons.

"Hey Sheridan you don’t have to kill it. It’s not alive. What are you trying to do anyway?"

"I don’t know. Something. ANYTHING! ARGGHHH! I give up!" she threw it in the trashcan next to her desk. Luis walked over to her and handed back to her.

"I can see the age of technology has forgotten you, but it’s really not that hard"

"Easy for you to say. That thing is evil"

"Evil huh? What did it ever do to you?"

"It was INVENTED!" he couldn’t help but laugh. "Shut up Luis!"

"If you could just see your face. Its just a piece of plastic with a screen. Nothing to be afraid of"

"I’m NOT afraid! Ok then Mr. smarty pants show me how to use the Devil’s incarnate!" he bit his lip to keep from laughing.

****

"It’s not funny!"

"I’m sorry Sheridan, you’re right it’s not funny that you are sick or whatever, but the way you said it" he started to laugh again and she got more annoyed. "Sorry I’ll stop now" he took a deep breath. "Do you really think you’re pregnant?"

"I’m not sure. I’m not late yet, but you never know. I haven’t really eaten anything to make me sick since the whole ordeal yesterday"

"Oh about yesterday" they heard someone knock on the door.

"Tell me later. I want to see if that’s the messenger"

They walked out into the living room to see that it was the messenger. He handed the doctor some papers and left. Gwen told Sheridan to call her and left behind the messenger, leaving the couple with the doctor. The doctor read of the papers and then sat in a chair. Sheridan and Luis were already sitting on the couch holding hands. The both we worried and didn’t know what to expect.

"Well doctor?" Sheridan asked trying to keep her voice strong.

"It seems like you have a little problem"

Hank had arranged to meet Beth for lunch at the local deli. She was sitting a table waiting for him when he got there. He noticed she didn’t look too happy.

"Hi Beth"

"Hi Hank"

"Well how did it go? But by the look on your face, I’m kind of scared to ask. Is the baby ok?"

"The baby is healthy"

"Then what’s wrong?"

"Luis"

"What about Luis?"

"He found out"

"He found out what?"

"That he isn’t the father"

"Luis ISN’T the father of your baby?!?!?!"

Sheridan and Luis just looked at each other. Not sure what to think.

"What kind of little problem Dr. Michaels?" Sheridan asked.

"You have an ulcer. It is probably caused by stress, and shouldn’t be much of problem if you treat it correctly"

"You mean I’m not pregnant?"

"Not at this moment, no"

"Thank you Dr. Michaels"

Sheridan showed him to the door. As she shut the door she looked back at Luis sitting on the couch. She couldn’t help but notice that he looked disappointed almost sad. She walked back over to him and sat down.

"Luis what’s wrong? You look sad"

"Nothing"

"Don’t lie to me. I can tell something is making you sad. Don’t tell me you wanted me to be pregnant?"

"What if I did?"

"Are you insane? You are already expecting your first child. That would have just complicated things even more"

"Oh my God! I almost forgot to tell you"

"What do you mean Luis ISN’T the father Beth?"

Hank took off his coat and sat down at the table with Beth. They had met at the local deli for lunch. The waiter just stood looking at Hank wondering if he wanted something to eat or drink.

"I’ll just have a coffee please" the waiter left leaving Hank and Beth to their conversation.

"Cut the crap Hank you know Luis isn’t the father"

"Yeah, well that waiter is the brother of Luis’s partner at the station. I didn’t want things to get out that I knew about this plan"

"Knew about the plan? You masterminded it!"

"I don’t want Luis to know that. I am still on his good side. In fact, I think both Sheridan and Luis feel guilty they hurt me. I could use that against them somehow"

"Be careful Hank" the waiter came back and gave Hank his coffee while Hank quickly changed the subject.

"So do you know who the baby’s father is?"

"Yeah" she looked down at the table.

"Have you told him?"

"No"

"Why not?"

"Because you convinced me to tell Luis it was his baby. I didn’t want the other guy trying to be noble and get in the way"

"What about now? Are you going to tell him?"

"I’m not sure"

"I think you should. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone"

"I’m glad you feel that way Hank"

Sheridan and Luis sat in her cottage. They had been just old that Sheridan had an ulcer from stress and Luis was just about to tell her about the events of this morning.

"Oh I almost forgot to tell you Sheridan"

"Tell me what Luis?"

"About this morning"

"Oh right the baby" she did her best to try and not look sad but it still hurt. "Did you get a picture?"

"Yeah but…" she cut him off.

"Well let me see it"

She was trying to be supportive. Luis reached for his jacket and searched through its pockets. Finally he pulled out the black and white sonogram picture. He held it out so Sheridan could see it but when she reached for it he began to tear it into pieces.

"Luis what are you doing?"

"Celebrating! The baby is NOT mine" he threw the picture into the air and the piece showered them.

"Um explanation please" she gave him a quizzical look.

"Beth lied. The baby isn’t mine"

"She WHAT?!?" she was obviously furious.

"She tried to make us believe that the baby was mine, but it isn’t true"

"Oh that is low" she got up and started to put on her coat.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

"To show Beth exactly how I feel about her"

"Whoa! Hold on Rocky!" he grabbed her and turned her around. "You are supposed to cut down on stress remember"

"Oh don’t you worry this will be the perfect release for my stress! She can’t get away with this Luis. I can’t believe she even tried to come between us. Next time I see her she is going to know exactly how I feel. How can you stand there and be so calm?"

"I feel sorry for her"

"Sorry??? For her? Why?"

"Because I think she is still in love with me and I know if someone tried to take you away from me I would do anything to try and keep you"

"Oh…" her anger slowly turned into pity. "I didn’t think of it like that"

"But don’t worry I am still furious with her and don’t want to see her again for a long time. Anyway go get ready"

"Ready? Ready for what?"

"I’m taking you out for some fun tonight. No more stress today"

"Where are we going?"

"You’ll see. Dress warmly"

****

As Sheridan walked into her room she thought about all the times Luis surprised her. Up at the cabin had to be the best. She didn’t even know he had bought her a ring. She thought about marrying Luis everyday, but never thought that he had thought about it so seriously. They hadn’t been together for long and no one even knew that they were dating. But there was another special time he had surprised her. They were out on one of their late night walks. Late night was the only safe time that they could walk around hand in hand. They had made their way to the beach like they had so many times before. But this time was different they didn’t just stop when they got to the beach Luis decided to take her to a special place.

"Are you up for a challenge Sheridan?"

"Always"

"Then come on I have a surprise for you"

He led her to the back of the beach towards the woods. There was a staircase there that went up the cliff. There had to have been hundreds of stairs. They started climbing and climbing. She wished she had known that the challenge would contain physical exhaustion. But she didn’t care, she was with Luis. They were finally in view of the top.

"We’re almost there now Sheridan. Are you still okay?"

"I’m fine Luis, but where is there. We have been climbing so high I think we might be in heaven"

"I’m always in heaven when I have you around" she gave him a shy smile as they came off the last step.

"What is that Luis?"

"It’s the old lighthouse. The best part is inside"

They walked inside. It was a little dirty and rundown, but it was a beautiful lighthouse. They climbed a couple more sets of stairs until they were on the second floor. There was a ladder in the middle of the room and Luis started to climb it. There was a hatch door at the top of the ladder and Luis moved it and Sheridan followed him up.

"Watch your step" Luis said as he helped her into the glass-enclosed room.

"What is this?"

"This is where this light used to shine. I used to come here a lot when I wanted to be alone and think. It has an incredible view"

She looked out the windows. To one side she could she Harmony. This overlooked the whole town. It made it look so tiny. Then she turned to the other side and saw the ocean. It was beautifully blanketed in stars that night and the way the moonshine bounced off the waves was magnificent.

"This is beautiful Luis. Thank you for taking me up here with you"

"I’ve never wanted to share this place with anyone until I met you"

****

"Sheridan are you okay in there?"

"Yeah Luis I’ll be right out" she snapped back to reality.

Sheridan walked out of her bedroom ready to have some fun with Luis. Fun is exactly what the doctor ordered. The last couple of days had been an emotional roller coaster for her and Luis. First they were happy to be engaged, then they were shocked and confused, then angry, and now they were happy again. She was hoping to get off this ride.

"I’m ready Luis"

"Beautiful as always I see" she blushed, his words still made her emotions run wild.

"Thank you. Can we go now?"

"Your wish is my command, my lady"

He helped her on with her coat and took her arm in his. She kissed him on the cheek as they walked towards the door. The opened the door to see him walking up the pathway angrily.

Luis looked at the man but was unfazed by him. Sheridan on the other hand tensed up as soon as she saw his face. She didn’t know what he was doing there. She hadn’t seen him in so long.

"Good evening Sheridan my sweet"

"Good evening father. What brings you here?"

"This is your father??" Luis was totally shocked. Sheridan talked a lot about how her father never showed up in person unless he felt it was necessary.

"Oh I’m sorry. Luis this is my father Alistair Crane and Father this is my fian…this is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" Luis reached for Alistair’s hand and they shook hands.

"No need to cover up the truth Sheridan. I already know everything my dear. I’m hurt that you didn’t tell me sooner"

"Really? I would think you would be angry with me"

"What for Sheridan? You know your happiness has always been the most important thing to me"

"Your business is the most important thing in your life!" she got angry at her father for his continuous lies. "I have always been put on the back burner in your life"

"Now Sheridan that just isn’t true. I am very happy that you finally found a man that deserves you. Congratulations" Alistair stepped forward and gave his daughter a warm hug and a kiss. She looked at him skeptically, still not believing what was happening. She expected an explosion when her father found out she was engaged to Luis.

"Thank you father"

"Luis, I better not have to tell you that if you hurt my daughter, I will not be a happy man"

"I have no desire to ever see pain in these beautiful eyes" he looked deep into Sheridan’s eyes and smiled. He was relieved that Alistair hadn’t killed him. He had feared the worst and gotten the best. He still didn’t trust Alistair though, after all he did have something to do with Martin’s disappearance.

"I am going to see your brother now. Have a nice night Sheridan. It was a pleasure to meet you Luis"

"It was nice to meet you too, goodnight Mr. Crane"

"Goodnight father"

Beth and Hank where still talking at the local deli. Beth had told Hank that she didn’t know who the baby’s father was. After Luis had showed up at the pool hall with Sheridan she started to drink very heavily. When Luis and Sheridan left she was totally plastered. Hank had introduced her to a group of guys that were friends of his from Castleton. One of them came home with her, but didn’t have a clue which one he was. And the guy had left before she woke up the next morning. She was hoping Hank could help solve her little problem.

"You are in quite the predicament Beth"

"Can you help Hank?"

"I can"

"Great who was the guy?"

"Not so fast! I need your help first"

"My help. What can I do for you Hank?"

"I have a new plan to break up Sheridan and Luis and I need your help"

"How can I help? They won’t want to see or talk to me again, Ever!"

"Oh but you can help. Now if you agree I will tell you who the baby’s father is"

"All right I help"

"That’s what I like to hear"

Alistair walked into the mansion, his mansion, and headed straight for the library. He would no doubt find his good for nothing son there drinking himself into an oblivion. He flung open the door to the library and sure enough there was Julian. Julian was startled and unnerved that someone would enter his sanctuary in this manner but when he saw who walked into the room he nearly chocked on his brandy. He quickly spit it out all over his desk.

"Father what are you doing here?"

"Not happy to see me Julian?"

"On the contrary. I am just surprised to see you standing here. I wasn’t expecting you. Why are you here?"

"Am I not allowed to come to my own home?"

"Of coarse father, but…"

"I’m surprised to see you are not pacing the floor"

"Why would I be father?"

"Actually I guess I am not surprised that you haven’t heard"

"Heard what?"

"The joyous news about your sister. She is engaged to officer Lopez-Fitzgerald"

Sheridan and Luis were still standing how her father had left them outside her cottage. They both watched her father walk away until they couldn’t see him anymore. They stood there in silence trying to digest what just happened to them. Luis was the first to break the silence.

"So what do you make of that?"

"I’m not sure Luis. My father has never been happy for me in his life. I think this might be the calm before the storm"

"I don’t trust the guy either, but he is your father"

"You have no idea what that man is capable of"

"I know all to well what he is capable of Sheridan. My father was taken from my family because of that man"

"Luis, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be that insensitive. That just makes me more uncomfortable about the way he reacted"

"Stop worrying, at least for tonight. We are supposed to be having a fun stress less night, remember?"

"How could I forget?" she flashed him a shy smile.

"Now let’s get back to your surprise"

Hank was just about to leave Beth to put his plan in motion. He had a devilish grin plastered on his face. He couldn’t imagine how happy he would be when this worked. He knew it couldn’t fail. Beth was still little skeptical.

"Hank are you sure this is going to work?"

"It will as long as you do what I told you to do Beth"

"I will but…"

"But nothing. This can’t fail. It’s a surefire plan"

"Your last plan wasn’t so effective"

"That was a hasty decision. This is a well thought out plan. There is a big difference"

"If you say so"

"I’ll talk to you soon Beth. Don’t forget what I told you"

"I won’t"

Hank walked out of the deli leaving Beth there with her thoughts. Out of nowhere she took her arms and swiped them across the table sending coffee mugs flying. She grabbed her coat and walked out the door. She leaned against a lap post and buried her head in her hands. She couldn’t believe what she was about to do. She had to do it though because she knew if she didn’t she would never know who the father of her baby really was.

Luis opened the car door for Sheridan and she climbed in. He was always the gentleman with her. It made her feel so special that she just glowed. Luis went to the other side of the car and got into it with her. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for?"

"For being you" She was so sweet he didn’t know what he did to deserve her.

"I get a kiss for just being me? I can’t wait to see what I get for your surprise" he joked.

"You never know. We’ll have to wait and see how good the surprise is before the jury comes back with its verdict. By the way I heard you talking on the phone while I was getting ready. Is everything alright?"

"Your not getting information out of me, so don’t even try" he knew she was just trying to get him to talk.

"It was worth a try"

"Always is"

"Are you sure I can bribe you?" she smiled at him seductively and started kissing him.

"Your not playing fair Crane" he managed to say between kisses.

"So arrest me Officer" she stared into his eyes. "Your not going to tell me are you?"

"Nope"

"Alright then let’s go. The suspense is killing me" Luis looked over at Sheridan and suddenly look concerned.

"We can’t go"

Julian was glad he hadn’t taken another sip of his brandy the news would have caused him to choke again. He hadn’t heard anything about Sheridan being engaged let alone to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Last he had known it was rumored that Sheridan was dating the police chief brother Hank Bennett.

"Sheridan is engaged to Luis?"

"Do I have to speak slower for you Julian?"

"No, but how did this happen?"

"It doesn’t matter how it happened, all that matters is how to make it unhappen. I will not have my daughter marry some common folk with no business or political ties. Not to mention this man wants to destroy us. It will not happen in my life time!"

"What do you propose we do father?"

"I have a fool proof plan. It will all happen tonight. I can’t stand to have her with him one minute longer"

"What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing Julian you have proved to me that you are incapable of handling these matters. I have something else in mind for you and that good for nothing wife of yours"

"Ivy? What has she done?"

"It isn’t what she has done, but what she might do. I want her taken care of"

"You want me to kill Ivy?"

"Exactly. Now go figure something out. I need to be alone"

Julian left the library and shut the door behind him. He stood in the hallway in a daze. He wasn’t sure how to feel, he didn’t love Ivy but he wasn’t sure he wanted her dead either. He couldn’t disobey his father though, he didn’t want to know what would happen if he did.

Sheridan stared at Luis and noticed the look on his face. He looked concerned. She turned around and looked out the window expecting to see someone outside the window. She didn’t see anything though.

"Luis what do you mean we can’t go? What do you see? What’s wrong?"

"Calm down Sheridan. We just can’t go yet. Put your seat belt on I’d be happy to take you away from here"

"My seatbelt? You scared me over a seatbelt?"

"I refuse to budge until you strap it on"

"Fine!" she was annoyed that he had deliberately scared over something as silly as a seatbelt. She reached over with a quick motion and snapped it into place. "Better?"

"Yes. Now we can go"

He smiled he knew he had gotten to her. She looked over at him and saw him beaming at her. She couldn’t help but smile too. She knew she had fallen right into his trap. He always got her. Luis started the car and started driving. Sheridan had no idea where they were going. She had never been this way before. They had driven out of the city limits. There was a dirt road that Luis turned onto and there was a gate that a teenage boy waited at. The boy opened the gate and Luis pulled through, stopped the car and rolled down the window. The boy walked up to the car.

"Hi Luis. Everything is ready for you"

"Thanks Charlie, for everything. I really appreciate it"

"It wasn’t a problem. I owe Miguel so much. I was glad to help"

Charlie handed Luis some keys and got on his bike which was leaned onto a nearby tree. Luis started to drive down the road. Sheridan just looked at him wondering what he was up to. There seemed to be a parking lot in front of them. Then she saw it. He had brought her to a drive in.

"Luis how did you pull this off? This doesn’t look like it’s open"

"It is usually only open in the summer, but for us it is open tonight. Charlie’s dad owns this place. Miguel and Charlie are on the baseball team together and Charlie was failing Math last semester. Miguel helped him back on track and so he was willing to help me out. Are you surprised?"

"Surprised isn’t the right word, amazed is more like it"

"Well I’m glad. Charlie should be starting the movie soon. The projector plays from inside their house on the hill" he pointed over to the house. "We have the place all to ourselves"

"Hmmm, I think I you deserve a reward, that is if I can take off my seatbelt now"

"I think it would be alright the car is turned off now"

She smiled at him and clicked the release button on her seatbelt. She scooted over and undid his seatbelt too. She looked deep into his eyes and leaned in for the kill. The kiss started sweet and innocent but quickly became intense. They hadn’t even noticed that Charlie had started the movie. They were so lost in each other. The continued to kiss as Casablanca played in the background, nothing was going to stop this kiss. That was until the heard some one banging on the car window. They broke from their embrace and looked the way the knock had come from, but the car was all fogged up and they couldn’t see a thing. They sat up and looked at each other and then at themselves. Quickly they tried to straighten their disheveled clothes. Luis stumbled over his shirt buttons at he unrolled the window. Sheridan retrieved her sweater from the dashboard and quickly threw it on not noticing it was backwards. Luis and Sheridan both started at the person outside the window with embarrassed looks on their faces.

Hank walked smugly down the street. He didn’t think anything could ruin the high he was on. In just a few short hours there would be no more Sheridan and Luis. There would only be Sheridan and Hank. Luis would be an outcast. He hated to hurt his best friend but all was fair in love and war. He wasn’t going to give up the fight. Suddenly he was startled by the ringing in his coat pocket. He reached in and put the phone to his ear.

"Hello? … Actually I am busy tonight…No I can’t change my plans…I’m not going to do that for you…well you are just going to have to find someone else…Don’t threaten me! … You can’t do that…No I won’t…Why won’t you listen to me? … NO! …"

The phone went dead leaving Hank standing there in a panic. They had found him again. How was it that they always knew where he was? Now he was going to have to bag his plan with Beth. They always seemed to ruin things for him. He didn’t know how he was going to do what they told him to, it was going to take a lot of strength. He headed back to his home and got things ready.

Sheridan and Luis looked at Sam with disbelief, they didn’t know what he was doing there. Sam just looked at the two lovebirds and decided he was going to have a little fun with them.

"Sam, what are you doing here?" Luis asked.

"I was passing by and saw the gate open. It should be closed this time of year. But the more important question is what are you two doing here?"

"Umm…we are watching the movie" Luis spit out unconvincingly.

"Oh is that what you call it. Oh by the way Sheridan that is a lovely sweater. Grace has one just like it, only she wears it the other way around" Sheridan looked down and her face became crimson. She pulled her arms in the sweater and twisted it around.

"Thanks Sam" she managed to say.

"Well I think I will let you two get back to, what was it again, oh yeah watching the movie"

"Bye Sam" they said in unison. Luis rolled up the window and looked over at Sheridan. They both broke out in laughter.

"Luis how old are we? I feel like a teenager when I am with you"

"Yeah teenagers who just got caught making out by my boss no less. I’m not going to hear the end of this for a long time"

"So what movie are we watching anyway?" Sheridan looked up at the screen. But the windshield was still fogged up so she wiped the condensation off the glass. "Casablanca, nice choice"

"It was either that or The Blob. I thought you might like this a little better" They sat and watched the rest of the movie snuggled next to each other.

Julian paced the floor of the foyer waiting Ivy’s return. She had gone out to the spa for the day and should be back at anytime. He knew the way he killed her didn’t matter as long as she didn’t pose a threat to the family anymore. The weird thing is that he didn’t even know why he had to kill her. He just knew he had to. His plan was to grab Ivy as she walked in the door. He would hold her at gunpoint and force her to write a note saying she was leaving him and then he would dispose of her. This way the cops wouldn’t make any accusations. The door opened and Ivy walked in. Julian grabbed her arm and pulled her into the living area before she knew what was going on. She sat her down at the desk and put a pen in her hand.

"Julian what the hell is going on?"

"Just do what I say Ivy!"

"Do what you say? Are you drunk?" Julian pulled out his gun and placed it on Ivy’s temple.

"Yes do what I say!"

"Okay Julian. Don’t get over dramatic"

"This isn’t a joke my dear. Take that piece of paper and write what I tell you" Ivy looked at Julian and saw an intense darkness in his eyes. She was suddenly very frightened. She did as she was told. When she was done this is what the note said:

Dear Julian,

I couldn’t take it anymore. I don’t love you, in fact I never did. I had to leave. Don’t try and find me, I don’t want to be found. Have a nice life.

Ivy

Beth had called Luis’s house to find out where he was. She said it was urgent and she needed to talk to him. Miguel was hesitant but finally told her where they were. She looked down at her stomach and whispered ‘I’m sorry, but this is something I have to do. I hope you don’t hate me’ She got into her car and headed to the drive in. She pulled in the gate and parked her car at the side of the road. She continued the rest of the way on foot. The ending credits were rolling when she arrived. She could see them in the now unfogged car. They were holding each other. She knew what she had to do. Beth walked up to the car and knocked on the window. They both turned and saw her standing there. They did a double take and had ‘what is she doing here’ looks on their faces. Luis again rolled down the window.

"I know I am one of the last people you want to see tonight, but there is something I really need to tell you" Luis noticed that she was shaking and looked awful. There was something definitely wrong.

"Come in" Luis unlocked the back door and Beth slipped in.

"First I just want to say how sorry I am for what I did to you. I know you must hate me, but you need to listen to what I say. Sheridan is in danger if you don’t"

"Beth, why would Sheridan be in danger?"

"Hank, he plans to kidnap Sheridan tonight. He couldn’t handle that you had won. In fact it was his idea that I tell you that my baby was yours. Not that that excuses my behavior"

"How do you know this Beth?"

"I was supposed to help him. I was supposed to get you to the book café and cause a scene between us. I was supposed to get everyone’s attention long enough for Hank to grab Sheridan practically unnoticed"

"Beth why would you help Hank? Do you hate me that much?" Sheridan was so appalled that Beth would even think of helping Hank hurt her.

"No Sheridan I don’t hate you. But Hank is the only one who knows…" she looked down at her shoes and started to cry.

"Who knows what Beth?" Luis asked calmly, trying not to let his rage show.

"Who knows who my baby’s father is" she continued to sob. Sheridan climbed over the front seat and found her purse which had been flung back there earlier. She got some kleenex for Beth.

"You mean you don’t know?" Sheridan asked sympathetically as she handed Beth some tissue.

"No" Beth then continued to explain the whole situation. Luis and Sheridan couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She was being blackmailed after all and she had the courage to come forward with the truth. Beth flung her arms around Sheridan. "I’m so sorry!" Luis and Sheridan continued to console Beth and tried to calm her down.

Hank was now driving down the street to his destination. He didn’t like that these people had him under their grasp but what could he do. They had too much power and could have him destroyed. He pulled over to the side of the road and headed up the driveway with supplies strapped to his back. He climbed over a fence and headed quietly down the hill careful not to make a noise. He got to the edge of the parking lot and hid behind a garbage bin and waited for the right moment to strike. He noticed that the car door was opening and could she Sheridan was getting out. She held her hands out and reached for the person in the car. ‘This is it’ Hank thought. He pulled out a gun, fastened on the silencer and pointed it at the car, ready for the next person out. ‘I don’t want to kill Luis, but I have to do this’ The person after Sheridan cleared the car and Hank pulled the trigger. The body fell to the ground and Sheridan screamed.

"LUIS!!!! BETH!!!!" Luis opened the driver side door and rushed over to Sheridan who was kneeling next to Beth.

‘Beth?!? What was she doing there?’ Hank looked over and was astonished to see Sheridan and Luis leaning over Beth. He heard Luis say she was dead. "OH GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE?? CRANE YOU BASTARD!" Hank yelled as he ran up the hill.

Luis looked over as he heard Hank’s yells. He recognized the voice, but he chose to stay with Beth and Sheridan and call 911 rather than chase down Hank. He had a pretty good idea where he was going anyway.

Ivy questioned Julian’s intentions for her even though she was as good as dead. She just thought that maybe if she kept him talking long enough someone would walk in the room.

"So Julian what did I do? Not satisfy you enough in bed? I didn’t think that was punishable by death"

"Shut up Ivy"

"No I want to know. I DESEARVE to know"

"Calm down dearest. Here, have a glass of brandy" he carefully poured her a glass and handed it to her.

"I don’t need brandy Julian" she slammed the glass onto the desk, but the glass didn’t break. "I need the truth!"

"I don’t have to tell you anything"

"So go ahead and shoot me then!"

She started walking towards him and he walked towards her until the gun was resting on her forehead.

"Pull the trigger Julian!"

"Sit down and drink the brandy!"

"You are the one who needs the brandy!"

Alistair sat in the office satisfied with himself. He was sure one of his problems was taken care of by now. Hank Bennett had always been a good hit man. He never made a mistake yet. He decided to see how Julian was doing with the other problem. Julian on the other hand had made many mistakes in his time and always needed to be checked on. He heard the yelling in the hallway and rushed out into the living area.

"What seems to be the trouble in here?"

"Alistair, what are you doing here?" Ivy asked.

"I came to take care of some problems"

Ivy knew one of them was her. Alistair walked over to Julian and took the gun from him, keeping it pointed at Ivy. He then walked past the desk and picked up the glass of brandy.

"Father don’t!"

"Shut up Julian. I will dispose of your wife since you haven’t been able to finish the job" he took a swig of the brandy, set the glass down and cocked the gun. He made sure of his aim and pulled the trigger.

The ambulance was pulling away from Sheridan and Luis. Beth had been pronounced dead at the scene. The police had questioned them and told them to stick around town. As soon as they were told they could go Luis grabbed Sheridan’s arm and dragged her to his car.

"Luis what’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"We need to get to the mansion now!"

"The mansion? Why?"

"Because of Hank"

"Hank and the mansion? Luis you’re not making any sense"

Sheridan was too consumed with what happened to Beth to hear or notice Hank there. Luis hadn’t mentioned in front of her, because he didn’t want her to have to sit and worry about her family while the policed questioned them. He also knew that the PD were calling the gate at the mansion and telling them to extra careful if not sending the troops there. He wanted to get there as soon as possible to find out what was going on. He finally clued Sheridan in to what was happening and she slammed her foot onto his pushing the petal to the metal.

"Go faster Luis!"

"Sheridan calm down. We’ll get there I promise"

"Please hurry" they finally pulled into the mansion. They both got out of the car and headed towards the mansion.

"Sheridan where do you think your going?"

"With you"

"Oh no your not! You are staying right here"

"Luis that is my family in there!"

"I don’t want you getting hurt, stay HERE!"

"Fine" she said with no intention of staying there. She let him go on ahead until he got into the mansion and then she started up the path.

Hank raced from the drive in to the Crane mansion. They were going pay for what they did to Beth. He never wanted to hurt her. She was his friend, the only person he told everything to, well except being a hit man. They weren’t going to get away with it this time. He ditched his car before he got to the mansion and raced down the road. Lucky for him there was a back way in the mansion for ‘thugs like him’ as Julian would say. That way even the guards wouldn’t know he was there. He walked through the grounds and into the mansion unnoticed.

Ivy took a deep breath. She could believe she was still alive. Alistair couldn’t either. He repeatedly pulled the trigger but no bullets came out.

"Julian what the hell is going on here?" Alistair barked.

"You weren’t going to kill me?" Ivy let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh I was going to kill you dearest. I just couldn’t shoot you. I was going to poison you. Only you didn’t want to drink the brandy"

"Which brandy Julian?" Alistair asked with a hint of fear in his voice.

"The one you have been drinking out of. I’m sorry father I tried…" but before Julian could finish his sentence Alistair hit the floor. "To warn you"

Before Julian could celebrate being out of his father’s control Hank marched in the room. Julian was shocked to see him so soon. Hank never came that quickly from a job. Ivy tried to slip out of the room, but Julian grabbed her before she could go anywhere.

"What are you doing here Bennett?"

"I need to talk to your father! Call him for me!" Hank didn’t know that Alistair was in town let alone lying dead behind the couch.

"I’m afraid that isn’t possible"

"Make it POSSIBLE"

"I would love to abide by your wished but I’m afraid I can’t" Julian was using Ivy as a human shield from Hank’s gun. "He’s dead"

"Alistair is dead? How do I know you are telling the truth?"

"Look for yourself, he is right there behind the couch"

Hank walked over to the body and gave it a kick in the ribs. It didn’t appear to still be alive, but just to make sure he put a bullet square between the eyes. ‘Now he is dead’ Hank thought, although this did not ease his conscience. At the moment the bullet left the gun Luis walked into the room. He was followed closely by Sheridan.

"I thought I told you to wait outside" Luis whispered to Sheridan.

"When has that stopped me before?"

Julian looked at Luis with disbelief. "What are you still doing alive? I thought you took care of him Hank"

"No that is why I am here waving a gun at you. Your father messed up. He didn’t tell me Beth was going to be there"

"She wasn’t supposed to be Hank" Luis chimed in. "She came to tell us that you planned to kidnap Sheridan"

"I did until I got the call from the Cranes and was told to kill you"

"My family hired you to kill my fiancée? That is low Julian, even for you" Sheridan said in an outrage. Luis grabbed her hand afraid that she would go and maul Julian. "Where is father anyway?"

"Forget about your father Sheridan" Hank was annoyed that the attention wasn’t focused on him. "He’s dead and your brother is soon to follow. Someone is going to pay for his sins. Beth would be alive if it wasn’t for him"

"What makes Beth so special Bennett? You were going to kill Luis. He’s your friend too"

"Yeah he is, but he wasn’t carrying my baby"

"Your baby?" Sheridan and Luis said in unison.

"Stop asking the guy with the gun questions! Yes it was my baby. I’m the guy that went home with Beth that night. But that doesn’t matter now because they are both dead, and now Julian is going to die"

"Hank you don’t want to do that buddy" Luis tried his best to calm Hank down.

"Stay out of this Luis it doesn’t concern you. Now Julian let go of that pretty little wife of yours"

"If you are going to shoot me you are going to have to shoot her too Bennett" Julian snapped.

"As you wish Julian"

"Hank stop, Ivy is innocent in all of this. No more innocent people need to die" Sheridan pleaded.

"Ivy innocent? You don’t know your sister in law very well do you Sheridan? Do you even know why you were supposed to kill her tonight Julian? She was trying to seduce my brother. She was trying to break apart his marriage. So offing her and you at the same time wouldn’t cause me any grief"

"You SLUT!" Julian spat at Ivy. He turned her around and slapped her across the face causing her to crash to the floor.

"Now I know why your father thought you were so stupid Julian"

He pulled the trigger and Julian slumped to the floor. He pointed the gun at Ivy next who was stuck under Julian’s lifeless body. He told her to get over by Sheridan and Luis. He pointed the gun at all three of them.

"Now that I’m free from the Cranes I can finish MY plan" Hank grabbed Sheridan’s arm and pulled her to him. "Now Luis don’t even think about it. Or your beautiful fiancée will have a bullet between her eyes"

"Hank please don’t do this" Sheridan pleaded with him.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. It was the police coming to check on things. They sure took their sweet ole time getting there. They told them to open up or else they would break the door down. Hank told them not to move. Finally the cavalry charged in. Hank still had Sheridan in his clutches and wasn’t about to let go. Police entered from all doorways of the room. Hank was surrounded but he was determined to be free. The cops whisked Ivy and Luis out of danger, but Luis soon returned with a bulletproof vest and a gun of his own. He thought he could persuade Hank to let go of Sheridan. He had to at least try.

"If any of you take one step closer she dies!"

"Hank, give it up bud. Just let her go. She hasn’t done anything to you"

"Give it up Luis. I am going to win this one! ME not YOU!"

The police couldn’t take the chance to shoot Hank while he had a gun to Sheridan’s head. The chance was too great that he would still be able to harm her. They were counting on Luis to get Hank to lower his gun, if only for a second.

"Hank don’t do this. She’s pregnant. Remember how awful you feel about losing your baby? Don’t make me go through that too"

Hank lowered his gun and looked at Sheridan then glanced down at her stomach. The sniper got the okay on his earpiece and took Hank out. Sheridan ran into Luis’s arms and he took her away from the mansion.

The next morning Luis and Sheridan woke up in each other’s arm at Luis’s house. Luis stared at her as she slept, but her eyes were now fluttering open.

"How did you sleep beautiful?"

"As good as to be expected. What about you handsome?"

"The same"

"Can you believe what us getting engaged caused? So many people died because of us Luis"

"Don’t say that. It just isn’t true. We had nothing to do with this"

"But Luis, my father hired Hank to kill you after he found out we were engaged, but instead Hank killed Beth. Which caused him to kill Julian and my father…"

"I’m well aware of what happened last night Sheridan. There are a lot of crazy people out there. We just happen to know more than most people. It isn’t our fault in anyway. Now let’s try and think happy thoughts"

"Like what?"

"Like our wedding, after last night I want to get married tomorrow if possible"

"Tomorrow?? Luis you’re insane! There is no way we can be married by tomorrow"

"Okay then when? You are never leaving my side"

"Never huh? Well I don’t plan on leaving your embrace either but can we at least let this pass before we get married?"

"Yeah, that is probably best"

"By the way is there anyone else we need to tell about us? I don’t want anymore surprises for awhile"

"No I think by now everyone know, thank god, I think it will be smooth sailing from now on" he kissed her on the forehead and they held each other close like they would for the rest of their lives.

THE END

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