StuckwithYou

CHapter 1
Sheridan rushed to the elevator to ry and get in before the doors closed. Normally she would�ve just taken the stairs, the whole enclosed space thing still freaked her out a bit but she was in to much of a rush. She was going to surprise Luis in his new law offices and she had big news for him.
She got into the elevator, went ot hit the button for the 5th floor but saw it was already lit. She leaned against the wall, closed her eyes for a second then opened them to see that the only other person in there with her was- Hank Bennett, �of all people� she thought to herself.
�Hi Sheridan!� He said chipper as usual.
Sheridan was about to respond when the elevator jerked to a stop. Sheridan looked around panicked. �Ohmigod!� We�re stuck!� She stammered. She looked over at Hank who was smiling at the present situation. Sheridan was disgusted. She hadn�t spoken to the man since he tried to stick his toungue down her throat,� at her and Luis� engagement party no less! She lurked into the corner as Hank began to draw nearer.

~*~
Hank laughed inwardly at his luck. Not only did he run into Sheridan in the elevator but he got stuck in it with her too! He took it as a sign that they were meant to be together. Yeah sure she was engaged to Luis but they weren�t married yet so he still had the opportunity to win her heart.
~*~
As Hank got closer his grin grew wider. Sheridan felt around in her coat pocket for the memory button on her cell phone. She pressed �memory 1�. Never was she as glad that she had just gotten off the phone with Ethan since it meant she still had the ear piece in her ear and the voice piece was still attached to her shirt. She waited and hoped Luis would answer. As soon as she heard his voice, she said out loud �Please God help me� knowing Luis would realize something was wrong and hoping Hank wouldn�t realize she was on the phone- just that she was praying to get out.
As soon as Luis heard her voice he knew something wasn�t right. �Sheridan! What is it?! What�s the matter?!�
Sheridan then purposely dropped a pen and as she bent to pick it up she whispered �Call my cell�� and hung up. She stood up and looked at Hank who was now so close he�d probably be on top of her if she�d let him.
�So�Hank, how ya been?� She asked nervously, praying her cell would ring so that Luis could save her. Hank didn�t answer, instead he grabbed her face roughly and tried to kiss her. She pushed him away disgusted just as her cell phone rang. She pulled it out and up to her ear, so if, God forbid, she was stuck in there much longer, he wouldn�t know she had the head set.
�Sheridan Crane?� she answered sweetly, watching Hank�s every move out of the corner of her eye.
�Sher! Are you ok? Where are you?!� Luis stammered.
�Oh hi� She said cheerily � Yeah I faxed those papers before I left�
�If you can, tell me where you are and I�ll be there right away�
�Oh right now? Oh I just stopped by my fianc�s office on my lunch break but the damned elevator got stuck.�
�Oh my god Sher I�ll get someone to get security, I�ll stay on the line with you.�
�Oh yeah that�s a good idea�Alone? No Chief Bennetts brother is in here� Hank�you know him right?� Sheridan was doing a great job making Hank believe she was on a business call. His face lit up at the mere mention of his name in Sheridan�s conversation.
Luis was all but fuming, �If he lays one hand on you�I swear��
�Yeah well it�s a little late for that� She glanced at Hank ��To take the stairs�� Just then Sheridan heard a noise from above.
�Are you ok Ms. Crane? Is anyone there with you?� the security men called. By this point Hank was bewildered. How�d they know it was her who was stuck?
As if to answer his unspoken question, Sheridan flashed Hank a look then spoke into the phone. �Ok baby� securti is here� see ya in a few minutes!� Oh Luis?�I love you soooo much!� she said then hung up the phone.
Hank was fuming. �You bitch!� He said as he lunged at her.

Chapter2

Sheridan had expected a reaction out of Hank�but not for him to actually come at her! Ecspecially with securtiy people right above them. But he had in feact come at her and she was so caught off guard that by the time she reacted, his hand was firmly clasped on her breast. Sheridan opened her mouth to scream, only Hank took this as the initiative to stick his tongue in her mouth.
Using the diamond on her engagement ring Sheridan scratched the side of Hank�s face and pushed him back. That obviously wasn�t the response Hank had been hoping for because in no time he slapped Sheridan across the face. Sheridan curled up in pain only after kicking Hank where she knew it would hurt the most.
Hank also curled up in pain but recovered quickly and turned his attention back to Sheridan. With one of his hands he pinned both of Sheridan�s to the floor and forced himself on top of her. With his free hand he ripped her shirt open and covered her breast with his cold clammy hand. Sheridan cried out with sudden realization of exactly what was happeneing to her. She hoped Luis could save her this time. She was in over her head. Anger had caused Hank to be twice as strong as Sheridan had expected him to be.
Sheridan tried to scream again but was once again met with Hank�s fist. The force of his blow caused Sheridan to be overcome with fear�Which quickly caused her to black out in an effort to escape the pain.

Chapter 3

Luis heard Sheridan scream and pushed his way past the half wit security guards who were trying to figure out what to do. He grabbed the large chain in the center of the shaft and began to climb down it. He hopped onto the top of the elevator slowly removed the emergency exit panel. What he saw broke his heart into a million pieces. His former best friend was laying on top of his precious Sheridan. Then the realization hit him. Hank was raping her! He jumped down catching Hank by surprise. Hank quickly pulled himself out of Sheridan. He jumped up to greet Luis� waiting fists. Hank immediately fell to the floor. No matter what strength he had he couldn�t hold a candle to Luis� strength. Luis turned his attention from the now unconscious Hank to Sheridan who was laying motionless on the floor. Her clothes were torn from her body. Luis could see the brusises beginning to form on her wrists and tear stained face.
He felt the tears fill his own eyes.He hated to see her in this horrible pain. The aching feeling inside her was like no other. He bent down to her and wrapped his jacket around her limp body. He held her in his arms and felt for a pulse or breath. Both of which he thankfully found.
�Sheridan its me baby. Come on wake up�it�s Luis�I�m not going to let him hurt you anymore. Sher I love you�It�s ok now.�
�Luis�I have to tell you something� she said quietly as she came to.
�Shhh baby� you can tell me later I just want to make sure your alright now.�
�But it�s important� she said waivering in and out of consiousness.
�I�m not going any where� you can tell me later baby.�
Sheridan gave a half smile and whispered �Baby�� Before drifting out of consiousness again.

Chapter 4
Luis sat in the lobby waiting to be able to see Sheridan. Pilar watched nervously as he rang his knuckles till they were raw and red.
�Luis, she�ll be all right� she said rubbing a comforting hand on his back.
�Yeah but this never would�ve happened if I saved her. She trusted me to save her and I was too late. I should have been there for her. She called me for help and I couldn�t save her.� Luis said with anger at himself.
�There is absolutely nothing you could�ve done. Mijo just be thankful you got ot her when you did.� Pilar was trying desperately to console a extremely distraught Luis.
�How could he of done this? Why? That bastard! We were so happy, why�d he have to ruin it?� Luis broke down/
�Mijo! Don�t speak like that! He didn�t ruin what you and Sheridan have! He tried but your love for her and her�s for you is much stronger than that sicko�s hurtful antics!�
�Your right mama�I love Sheridan more and more every minute and there is nothing he could do to ruin that but it makes me so angry. Does he hate me that much? Why Sheridan�Why couldn�t he just hurt me? Why�d it have to be her?�
I don�t know Luis. I have no answers for what was going through his twisted head but he�ll pay for what he did to her�� Pilar said firmly.
Luis could see the fury in his mother�s eyes. Sheridan had always been like a daughter to her and Pilar had never been happier than to learn that Sheridan was going to be her daughter in law.
Before either of them spoke again a doctor came through the large swinging doors and headed for them.
�Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerlad?�
�Yes, that�s me�How is she? Is she ok? Can I see her?�
�She�s doing just fine. A little traumatized but we�ve already recommended a psychiatrist, the fact that she passed out is actually helping her because she cant remember the actual events well. She is resting comfortably now, but you can go see her.� The doctor smiled as Luis began to walk away. �Oh and Luis?�There were three things that saved Sheridan more future pain, one was her cell phone, two was your heroics climbing down the shaft and there is one more thing but I am pretty sure she�ll want to tell you all about that.�
Luis was more than a little intrigued as he headed off to see Sheridan.

Chapter 5

Luis slowly walked into Sheridan� hospital room. She was lying against the bed with her eyes closed but he could tell she wasn�t sleeping. He wanted to breakdown at the sight of her tattered bruised face. As much as anyone told him otherwise he still partially blamed himself.
She opened her eyes instantly at the sound of someone entering the room. �Luis� she tried to smile but her jaw was too sore.
Luis walked over to kiss her on the forehead, but when he saw her visibly tense up, he decided against it and pulled a chair up to the bed instead. He took her hand in his and instantly felt some of her tension release at his touch. �I�m sorry Sher, I am sorry I couldn�t get there in time to save you.�
�Luis please it�s not your fault. I�m glad you got there when you did,�I know that if I had woken up with him on top of me , I have a feeling I wouldn�t be able to sit here in the state I am in now� You did save me Luis.�
�He�s going to pay Sher I swear. If it�s the last thing I do he will pay for the pain he has caused you.� Luis said assuringly �I love you so much� He said as he softly kissed her hand.
�I love you too Luis. I love everything about you. I love your scent. I love your touch. When he was touching me� the only thing I wanted was to be in your arms again so you could erase the way his hands felt on me. I am so glad I cannot remember most of it cuz if I could I know it would drive me crazy. Luis hold me� I love you.�
With that Luis moved next to Sheridan on the small bed and wrapped his arms safely around her. Luis was just so glad to have her in his arms and she was just glad to be there.
�Um�Sher�?� Luis interrupted the silence. He waited till she looked at him to continue. �Well the doctor said there was a third thing that saved your life but you wanted to tell me what it was.�
Sheridan sat up a little and turned to face Luis. �Well what he meant was that Hank couldn�t get me pregnant, not because he was wearing protection since he wasn�t�, but because�I already am� We�re going to have a baby Luis� She waited for a reaction and relaxed a little when she saw his face light up.
�What?! Baby? We�re having a baby? Oh my God! Sher that is so great! A baby� Wow! And it�s ok? The doctor said it�s ok?! When�d you find out? Do you know what it is? A baby!� Luis exclaimed as he showered her face with kisses. �Our baby!� he said as he placed a hand softly on her stomach.
Sheridan laughed at his enthusiasm, �The doctors said everything is ok, great in fact, I had suspected that I was pregnant so I set up a doctor�s appointment this morning and my suspicions were confirmed. That�s why I was coming by your office, to tell you! Also why I took the elevator, because I wanted to tell you as soon as possible. The doctors here know what it is but I don�t want to know if you don�t want to know so I told them to wait. They found out because they had to make sure it was ok. Thank God it is because if something happened to our baby it would�ve taken all your man power to keep me from hurting hank myself.�
Luis gave a half smile and hugged Sheridan. He was still reveling in the fact that he was going to be a father. Luis sat with Sheridan until she was sound asleep. When she finally was, he snuck out to find Pilar. He told his mother that she was going to be a grandmother and asked her to go pick something up something for Sheridan.
�I�d do it myself but I don�t want to leave her alone, not tonight.� Luis explained.
�I understand Luis, go be with her, I�ll beep you when I get back here� Pilar said soothingly.
�Thanks mama, I love you�
�I love you too Luis�Now go!� She ordered in a motherly tone.

Chapter 6
Luis stayed by Sheridan�s side the entire afternoon and night. The only time he left was the two minutes that he went to get the gift from Pilar.
When Sheridan woke up, the first thing she saw was Luis. She smiled at the man she loved, but then remembered the reason she was in there in the first place. The thought caused her to shiver, which instantly woke Luis up. He saw the distressed look in her face and wished he had the power to take away all her pain.
�Sher? What is it? Are you ok?� Luis asked with concern in his voice.
�It�s nothing, just being here reminds me of what happened yesterday�
�Well the doctor said you could be released today. I�ll go tell him the sooner the better� Luis said as he started to get up.
�Luis, wait, please don�t leave me, I�ll press the �call nurse� button, just don�t leave?� She pleaded with him. Luis didn�t even need to answer, Sheridan knew as well as he did that he couldn�t resist her anything.
~*~
After the nurse came and left to retrieve the proper release papers Luis sat next to Sheridan on the bed again.
�Oh this is for you he said as he picked up a gift bag and placed it in her lap. �I had mama pick it up for me while I was sleeping last night.�
�Its no wonder I love you so much� Sheridan smiled sweetly Luis.
�Now there�s that smile I know and love!� He exclaimed as he gently touched the tip of her nose with is fingers, �Now open your gift!�
She opened the bag and pulled out a card first. She opened it and read it with Luis looking on.

 My Sweet Sheridan,
There isn�t a single moment of my life with you that I don�t wonder how I got so incredibly lucky as to fall in love with such a wonderful, loving, caring, compassionate woman. I love you more and more every time I see your precious face or hear your voice, or even when you simply cross my thoughts. And then when I think it�s impossible to love you anymore, you smil or say something cute or funny or you do something sweet for me for no reason, or even more recently you tell me you are carrying my child and I find myself falling even deeper in love with you. I can�t wait untill the day you become my wife. I can�t wait till we start our family. I love you more than the air I breath. You are my life line.
Love Luis 

Sheridan closed the card and looked lovingly at Luis with tears in her eyes. �I love you so much!� She said as she embraced him tightly. She then turned back to the bag and pulled out a slender jewelry box. She carefully opened the paper and opened the box. In side was a beautiful locket on a chain. She flipped the locket around to read the inscription. It read �Like two peas in a pod�. Sheridan laughed and thoght back to the first time Luis said that to her.

 �Sheridan? Are you home?� Luis called from the front door of the cottage.
�Yeah I am in the bedroom� she answered trying to sound happy but Luis saw right through the tone of her voice.
�Sher baby, what�s the matter?� He said as he rushed into the bedroom. Luis sat on the edge of the bed and took her into his arms. �What�s the matter?�
�It�s my father. He found out about us, I don�t know how but he is already trying to break us up!�
�What do you mean? What�d he do?� Luis asked as he rubbed a soothing hadn up and down her back.
�Remember how that time I thought you were using me, so we made that password? Well today at lunch I stopped by the book caf� and �you� were there�or so I thought and just like that time at the wharf you�or who I thought was you-was saying bad things about me. �but this time I didn�t run away, I confronted them. I said to you�him�whatever! I said �How were the Russian dancers?� only the response I got was not �first rate�really�. The response was a very confused look from a man I was certain was not you. Luis why? Why my own family? Do they hate me that much? That they need to break us up?� Sheridan cried. By the time she finished tears were pouring from her eyes.
�Oh Sher! I am so sorry they did this to you! You of all people don�t deserve this! I just want you to know that no matter what they do they will never ever break us up!�
�How can you be sure?� She cried nuzzling her head into his shoulder.
�Because�� He lifted her head to look into her eyes �Because I love you Sheridan�
�You do?! I love you too! Do you have any idea how long I have waited to say that? I love you so much!� She said happily.
�Our love is to strong to break us up Sher. You and me were like two peas in a pod! We�re made for each other.� He kissed her fore head. �God I love you so much!�
End Flashback 
Since then two peas in a pod had been their �thing�. Sheridan was brought back to earth by Luis� arms wrapping around her prompting her to open the locket. Inside was a little pictur of her and Luis the previous New Years.
She turned to Luis, � What did I do to deserve you?� With that he leaned in and kissed her firmly on the lips. He hadn�t wanted to because he was trying to go slow after the previous days traumatic events but he was so in love he couldn�t control himself. Before the kiss got too out of hand, Luis pulled back and instructed Sheridan to look for one last thing in the package. She reached inside and pulled out a white fuzzy teddy bear with a pink and blue t-shirt that read �Our First Baby�.
�Thank you Luis! Thank you for everything! You make me happier than I ever thought possible!�
�Sher I live to make you happy! When you aren�t I feel like my heart is busted.� Luis said as he brushed a piece of hair off of Sheridan�s bruised face. �Now the big question!�
� Oh yeah? What�s that?�
�Are we going to find out the sex of the baby or not� he laughed.
�Do you think we should?� she asked, more for reassurance than anything else.
�I say go for it but whatever you decide is A-okay with me!�
�Let�s do it!� She smiled
Right about that time the nurse finally arrived with Sheridan�s release papers. Sheridan asked her to go get the doctor and she left once again.
�Hey Sher, ya know what I realized?�
�What?� She asked while snuggling up to his chest.
�There is exactly two months left till the wedding,� Our wedding!�
�With that Sheridan sat straight up. �Omigod! Your right! I have so much planning to finish up! I have to confirm the caterers! The florist�And the band! I have to find a new band! And my dress! What if I blow up like a baloon and my dress doesn�t fit?!�
�Sheridan clam down! We have plenty of time to take care of all that stuff�together! I reminded you of the wedding as a happy note! Not something to stress you out even more! I cant imagine you ever blowing up, no matter how pregnant! �But on the off chance that does happen we�ll get your dress professionally tailored untill it fits perfect! Your going to make the most beautiful bride!�
Sheridan relaxed and leaned back against Luis as they lay silent for a few minutes until the doctor they�d requested enter the room.
�You rang?� he said in a cheerful voice.
Sheridan spoke �We, um, decided we want to know the sex of the baby.� She looked at Luis with anticipation as the doctor reviewed a chart which held the response to their request.
�Well, you two are going to have a perfect little baby girl!�
�A girl! We�re having a girl! I cant believe this Sher! Our baby!� He said as he looked exuberantly into her eyes. He rubbed her stomach lovingly. �Our baby� he repeated.
�A little girl, our little girl. How is it that in a few short months I will have everything I�ve ever wanted?� She kissed his face all over. � I love you with every little piece of my heart!?
�You will have everythin you�ve ever wanted because you deserve ALL that you wanted and so much more! I just hope I can get you everything you deserve!� Luis said lovingly as he stared at his fiancee. While they were talking the doctor left to go get Sheridans release forms approved!

Chapter 7
~*3 Weeks Later*~
Sheridan smiled as she finished cooking her special dinner for Luis. The past few weeks had been busy, to say the least. With wedding plans, honeymoon plans, and baby plans, things had been extra hectic and Luis had been super supportive through it all. He�d been really kind and caring when she�d had nightmares about that day in the elevator. So tonight Sheridan was making a special dinner just for them as a way of thanking him for all that he�s done for her.
She looked at her watch. Luis was going to be there in 15 minutes and she still had to finished getting dressed. She couldn�t wait to see Luis� face. She�d bought this beautiful new dress just for tonight. It was powder blue and had gemstones lining the scoop neck. It was pretty short and was backless except for a thing tie. She knew he was going to love it and even if he didn�t she still had a lot more instore for him.
Just as she finished she heard the phone ring. She looked at the caller ID to see who it was. �Luis, Hey!� She answered sweetly.
�Hey baby, I�m right around the corner, I just wanted to see if you needed me to pick anything up while I am at the store.�
�Well if you�d like you could pick up some whip cream� she said seductivly.
Luis chuckled throatily, �Oh reall?! Well that�ll be the one thing I will be certain NOT to forget!�
�You better not!� she teased. Sheridan was about to continue when she heard screaming in the backround. �Luis what�s going on? What�s happening?�
�I�m not totally sure�Hold on� he whispered.
Sheridan waited and listened as the backround noise only seemed to get louder.
�Sheridan, baby�, he whispered �I need you to call the cops! They are holding up the stop&shop! Hang up and call the cops!�
�No Luis I don�t want to hang up with you! What if something happens?! I�ll use my cell to call the cops�just stay on the line!�
�Okay, but hurry!�Sheridan I love you!�
�I love you too!� she said as she dialed the cops. Explained the situation and the dispatched backup to the scene. She then put the cordless back up to her ear, �Ok I am back, they are on their way!�
The voice she heard on the other line wasn�t Luis� �Oh I am sorry, your lover boy isn�t here anymore!�
�Oh my god Luis! What did you do with Luis?� She cried �Please, please don�t hurt him! You cant hurt him!
�How do you know we havent yet� the ominous voice taunted.
�Oh my god! No! Luis has to be ok! I am carrying his baby!� She pleaded with the stranger on the other end of the line to no avail. �Luis if your ok please please give me a sign� she thought. She waited a few seconds and then was releaved when she heard Luis yell out her name. She sighed as a huge weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders.
But that weight wasn�t lifted for long because shortly after she heard Luis� voice the heinous voice on the other end screamed out �bad idea daddy� and shots began to ring out through the phone.

Chapter 8
�Luis No!!!� She heard the phone go silent indicating it had been hung up. She took this as her sign to grab her car keys and cell and get to Luis. �Please God please let him be ok please. I need Luis, I cant live without him�please�� she prayed as she drove furiously to the store that Luis was at. On her way she dialed the police back to let them know what she�d heard.
By the time Sheridan got to the store the cops had apprehended the burglars. Sheridan silently thanked God and hopped out to search for Luis. She spotted Sam and ran up to him. �Where�s Luis? I have to find Luis! He was in there! Where is he Sam? Is he ok? He has to be ok!� Sheridan rambled.
�Sheridan! You have to calm down! Luis would want you to stay calm!�
�Sam just tell me where he is!�
�Ok, Ok I�ll take you to him but Sheridan be aware he has been shot� Sam paused at the heartbroken look that washed over Sheridan�s face. �He�s conscious but he�s very disoriented, Sheridan, he didn�t even recognize me. I am just telling you so you know what to expect. He may not recognize you.� He finished as he started to lead Sheridan toward the entrance to the store. Just as they neared it a paramedic came out leading a stretcher.
�Luis? Ohmigod! Luis!� She cried as tears poured out of her eyes. Her heart seemed to come crashing to the floor as she saw his blood stained body. She ran up to him and ran a soothing hand over his forehead. �Luis baby! Do you recognize me? It�s-�
�I know who you are�� He said weakly, �My angel face Sheridan, God how I love you.�
�I love you too! You gotta be ok! You have to!� She pleaded as she squeezed his hands in her own.
�My baby, I love my baby too� He whispered as he attempted to touch her stomach but winced in pain. He looked up at Sheridan with loving eyes � You look so beautiful, I love that dress, �Sheridan chuckled through her tears because she�d known all along he�d love that dress. �Never forget how much I love you.�
�Luis don�t do this! Don�t you dare say your good bye�s! Not now, not EVER! We have to much to live for�together! I came back for you!� She said in an obvious reference to the time she nearly died after being trapped in a coffin.
Luis tried desperately to smile without much luck, �Are you crazy Sheridan Crane? You cant get rid of me that easy! I just wanted to make sure you knew just how much I love you both. Your stuck with me�remember two peas in a pod? Come on baby you don�t even use my last name yet, I�m not going anywhere.�
Sheridan smiled at Luis, �God how I love you, don�t you ever forget that!� She then hopped into the ambulance behind Luis� stretcher. She squeezed Luis� hand to show that she was still there as he was becoming more and more disoriented.
�I�m not going anywhere, � Luis whispered barely audible to anyone�s ears over the noise of the sirens. Within seconds of the words leaving his lips chaos ensued inside the small ambulance.
�He�s flat-lining�, �Bag him�, �I need a BP� and several other phrases flew past Sheridan�s ears each one coming like a knife to the heart.
�Luis come on don�t do this baby!� She pleaded quietly
�We got to get him into surgery, Hurry it up!� a paramedic yelled to the driver breaking through Sheridan�s thoughts.

<center>Chapter 9 </center>
Sheridan paced anxiously in the waiting room. Her head was spinnin as she silently prayed for Luis� life. She unconsciously rubbed her stomach as she thought of how the man she loved�s life hung in the balance.
As she heard someone call her name it broke her free from her painful thoughts. She turned to see Pilar running up to her with Theresa trailing closely behind.
�How is he?� Pilar asked frantically.
�They haven�t told me anything yet, he cant leave me! He cant! I need him and we need each other!� Sheridan broke down. She�d planned to stay strong for Pilar�s sake but as soon as she saw her she couldn�t hold the tears back any longer. �Why�s this happening? We�re getting married, having a baby! Why us?�
�Sheridan, you�ve got to calm down, it�s not healthy for you or your baby to get all worked up. My Luis is strong, he�ll pull through� Pilar comforted her, �lets go sit, the doctors will be out soon enough.�
Soon enough seemed like days than the two hours it actually was. When the doctor finally came out Sheridan all but ran to him. �How is he? How�s Luis? He is gunna be ok right? Just tell me he�ll be okay!� She begged with the man. The look in his eye told her more than she wanted to know and caused her to go crashing to the floor. As she cried to God the doctor knelt down to steady her shaking body.
�Ms Crane. Please calm down. Luis is still with us. He slipped into a coma during surgery though. I need to tell you this because it doesn�t look very good. His condition is very critical. We removed a bullet from th back of his skull.�
�Can I see him? I have to see him!� She pleaded longingly.
�I�m not sure that�s a good idea, it�s really only supposed to be immediate family.�
Before Sheridan could protest Pilar stepped up. �Damn you! She�s marrying the man in a month! She�s carrying his child! Need anything else? How about the fact that I am his mother and I think she needs to see him? If anyone can bring my son back it�s her! Any questions? No? Then would you kindly lead Sheridan to wherever you are keeping my son?�
The doctor and Sheridan stared at Pilar in shock, Sheridan with her jaw on the floor.
�um�Yeah yeah ofcourse ma�am�right this way� HE stuttered as he signaled to Sheridan to fallow him. As Sheridan started to follow she turned around and mouthed �Thankyou� to Pilar.
The doctor led Sheridan down a long hall full of beeping machines and moaning patients. Hospitals had always scared the piss out of her but the fact that Luis was in one barely clinging to life scared her even more. They neared the entrance to the ICU and Sheridan felt as if she couldn�t breath. She entered his room and saw his limp, lifeless body laying there attached to all kinds of machines.
�Oh Luis� she said softly as she kissed his forehead, �this shouldn�t of happened to you! Its just not fair. Your supposed to get married and be happy and your supposed to see your daughter be born and take her first step and go to school and graduate and walk down the isle when she gets married! Your supposed to be here for all her first Luis! I cant do this alone. Please, Please stay with me.� She begged.
She held his hadn in hers and laid back against the chair.

 Chapter 10 

She woke up the next morning slightly confused as to where she was. As she looked up it all came crashing painfully back to her. She realized that she was covered by a blanket and looked across the bed to see Pilar sleeping. Her gaze then shifted to Luis who was still lying lifeless surrounded by machines.
She got up and walked into the lobby to get a cup of coffee for herself and Pilar and was greeted by Theresa who was with Miguel and Ethan. �Hey guys� she said somberly.
�Hey Sheridan� They all greeted. �Any news?� Theresa asked.
�No nothing�um Ethan do you think you could do me a favor?�
�Anything Sheridan�What do you need?�
The only clothes I have is this dress so I was wondering if you could stop by my place and pick up something for me to wear?� She asked as she poured her coffee.
�Sure, call me if anything happens� he said as he got up to leave. Sheridan then took the two cups of Java and headed back towards Luis� room.
_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._

Two days passed quickly. The doctors kept saying it was useless and that they should think about taking Luis off the respirator but Sheridan refused to lose hope and begged them to keep him alive, that he was going to come back soon. The truth was that Sheridan herself was beginning to lose hope. She probably would�ve given up but every time things seemed to be their worst she would have this really strong feeling that Luis was with her telling her not to let go. And she didn�t.
For three Luis was in a coma Sheridan barely left his side, she talked to him, read the newspaper and various books, played music for him and just watched him. He was so beautiful and she knew he was in there somewhere just healing and waiting to wake up. It had to be true.
Sheridan leaned back against the chair exhausted. Sleep was one thing she�d definitely been lacking since Luis got shot. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.
~Dream~</>
�Luis I�m home� Sheridan yelled as she took off her coat and tossed her keys onto the coffeetable. She followed the sound of voices into the living room.
�Mommy Mommy!� Three little girls screamed as they hopped up from their spot on the floor next to daddy. She chuckled as her three golden haired angels left daddy in the dust. The oldest was 5 her younger two were 3. She picked up each girl one at a time spun them around placing a kiss on their foreheads.
�How are my little angels?� She asked.
�Good!� They all replied in their own turn.
Sheridan then turned her attention to her husband who had now abandoned his own spot on the floor. �Hey� she smiled.
�And how is my angel?� He said sweetly as he took her into his arms and kissed her with as much Passions as the day they were married. They broke their kiss to the sound of little giggles and �ewies�.
�Luis come her� she whispered as she led him into the other room. �Guess what I just found out?�
�What�s that?� He asked as he kissed her neck longingly.
�I�m pregnant�
Luis pulled back quickly and looked into her eyes, �Serious?! That is so fantastic! God I love you more and more each day!� He kissed her lip then went down to her stomach and kissed that as well. Then he looked up at the tears in her eyes. �I have a surprise for you!� He made her close her eyes then led her into the living room where the three girls were playing contently with their dollhouse.
�Ok open your eyes, Sheridan�Sheridan open your eyes�
�They are open� she said confused.
�No Sheridan please open your eyes. Please just open your eyes�
~End of Dream~
Sheridan woke up and looked around taking a second to orient herself with the room. She looked at the bed where Luis was laying�only he was awake and smiling at her.
She jumped up. �Luis!?�
He laughed weakly, �I thought you would never open your eyes!�
She brushed her hand across his face � I heard you but I was dreaming so I didn�t know it was really you!� She laughed �Sorry. God I cant believe you�re awake! They told me it was hopeless, that you wouldn�t come back but I kept hearing your voice telling me not to let go! I love you so much Luis! I thought I would die without you! How do you feel baby?�
�Well� He laughed �I�ve got one hell of a headache but I am just happy to see your face and have it be real! I have been dreaming about you�wait how long have I been sleeping?�
�Luis you have been in a coma for three days�they told me you wouldn�t make it.�
�Three days? I�m so sorry Sheridan! I never wanted to cause you any pain but I know that must�ve been terrible for you! I love you so much! I dreamt about our life together the whole time.�
�I�m just happy to have you here safe with me� she said as she gently kissed his lips, �I love you.�
The two talked for a little while before a group of shocked doctors came in to give Luis a near clean bill of health besides the basic injury�s caused by the gun shots. The doctors even said if Luis obeyed their orders he�d be more than healthy in time for the wedding.

Chapter 11
Besides the time spent ironing out kinks for the wedding Sheridan spent the majority of her time by Luis� side entertaining him. The doctors insisted he stay in the hospital for safety reasons. The hospital had set up the bed next to Luis for Sheridan sleep in but under Luis orders she slept at home for a good nights rest every few nights.
They spent their days reading to the baby that was growing inside Sheridan�s stomach, and just talking about the future�their future.
Within a week and a half Luis was allowed to leave the hospital. The weeks after that flew by and before anyone knew it, it was Luis and Sheridan�s big day.
_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._

Sheridan rushed around the small room, trying to organize everything. She held her veil as Pilar and Theresa helped her into her dress. The thing Sheridan was most relieved about was that her pregnancy wasn�t showing enough to ruin the look of the dress but just enough to let everyone theyknow know they were expecting a little bundle of joy. Conidering she was four months pregnatn she was barely showing. Presumably since she was so skinny to begin with.
She looked in the mirror one last time before telling Pilar to tell everyone she was ready.
_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._

Luis stood anxiously at the altar waiting for Sheridan. He straightened his tie one last time as the music started and the bridal party began to enter at the back of the church. As soon as theyd entered the music paused and the traditional bridal procession began. Luis� heart stopped in his chest as Sheridan stepped into the back of the church. She�d chosen to walk alone down the isle to represent her independent side. Luis absorbed her every move as she slowly swayed down the isle. He spotter a glipse of her beaming smile through her veil and fell in love with her all over again.
She finally reached her spot at the altar next to him and they both instinctivly grabbed the other�s hand, locking fingers tightly. They were doing this together.
The ceremony went quickly and basically without a hitch. When they were finally announced husband and wife and were allowed to kiss Luis took Sheridan into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss that was still respectable for church.
They walked out of the church hand in hadn knowing the bond they�d formed would last a life time.

Chapter 12
The reception was exquisite. Everyone had a great time talking and eating and dancing. The one thing that was clear to anyone in the room was that was that Luis and Sheridan were in there own world. They were both glowing and it was obvious that the only people in the room who mattered was each other. Plus they were both very much looking forward to the honeymoon experience. They were going to Spain for a week and France for another week and they could hardly wait to get there. Their first night as husband and wife was going to be spent in Boston though, They would leave for Spain the next day.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Luis was all but dragging Sheridan up to their Suite in the Boston hotel. They�d been checked in advance so they could go straight to their room.
Sheridan laughed at Luis� ambitiousness in his rush to their room. �Baby? Don�t you want to sit and relax� Maybe talk for awhile?� She teased.
�Are you kidding me? I am lucky I have been able to keep it PG for this long!� He stammered as he opened the hotel room door. That�s when he caught on to what Sheridan was trying to do. ��But ya know if you wanna sit and relax for awhile�whatever you want baby�� he said as he kissed her forehead and turned to walk away. ��coffee?� he asked back to Sheridan who was still standing at the hotel room door.
�Nice try!� She giggled as she spun him around and grabbed his shirt pulling him close. She lost control kissing him fervently as she breath against her chest.
He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Luis carried her to the bed and gently set her down. She lay back against the fluffy pillows and Luis hovered over her as she undid the buttons to his shirt slowly. He shivered as her fingernails brushed his shoulders when she removed his shirt.
He lifted her up slightly, sliding his fingers behind her back to unzip the dress she�d changed into after the reception. With a few swift moves the silk red sundress was laying in a mound off to the side of the bed. As Luis� hands made their way to unhook Sheridan�s strapless bra she went to work at unbuttoning his pants. Luis freed himself out of his pants as Sheridan�s bra went flying, landing on a lampshade across the room.
Sheridan flipped her and Luis over and quickly worked to free him of his restrictive boxers. She leaned up invading his mouth with her tongue as his firm fingertips teased her nipples. She could feel Luis� need for her pulsing strongly against her leg.
She moved down the bed until she reached his lower abdomen. She let her mouth begin to work it�s magic upon his manhood. Luis groaned in sheer pleasure as Sheridan massaged him with her mouth. Before he had the chance to climax Sheridan climbed up and once again captured his mouth in her own. Sheridan responded needingly as Luis� tongue massaged hers erotically. He then quickly flipped positions landing over Sheridan. He playfully nibbled on her bottom lip then kissed his way down her neck to her breast. He took her nipple in his mouth and used the opportunity, as she arched her back to him, to remove her panties. He then moved to her other breast, showing it the same pleasure that the other had known.
He then slowlt worked his way down to her center, teasing her belly button on the way. He felt Sheridan shiver from his breath so close to her. He waited for a few seconds to tease her but when she couldn�t take it anymore he let his tongue go wild inside her. She moaned his name as she arched her back gripping the sheets with white knuckles.
�Luis hurry� Sheridan yelled as she neared the proverbial edge. Answering her call he got up to eye level with her. Her eyes held pure desire and love which Luis was certain was mirrored in his own eyes.
He hovered over her for a second whispered �I love you� and lowered himself into her. For the first of many times that night they made slow and passionate love�of course it wasn�t always slow.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

The two weeks of their honeymoon flew by quickly. They had nights full sof romance and days full of adventure. Sheridan showed Luis all of her favorite spots of both countries and Luis loved seeing it all through Sheridan�s eyes. He wouldn�t have it any other way. At the same time they both discovered new and wonderful things about each country.
But all to soon it was time to go home.

Chapter 13
Sheridan spent the few weeks since the wedding turning her and Luis� new home into the perfect dream home. One of her favorite things to do was buy things for the baby�s room. The baby already had the most elaborate room any baby had ever had and it was still two months until she was due, yet at the same time Sheridan found it utterly amazing how much a pregnant woman could grow in one month.
Sheridan finished hanging up some of the baby clothes she�d just bought when she looked at her watch and realized she was about to be late to meet Luis for lunch, an event they�d turned into their daily tradition. They�d started it right after they got back from their honeymoon. Sometimes they�d meet at a diner or restaurant, others a picnic in the park and sometimes Luis would come home for lunch. Today was a picnic day, kinda. Luis was bringing sandwiches and they were meeting at the fountain in the center of the park.
She grabbed her keys and rushed out of the house. She drove to the park, quickly found a parking spot and walked to meet Luis. As she rushed up, she could see Luis waiting for her.
�Sorry I�m late� I did a little shopping� she said guiltily as she rubbed her stomach.
Luis laughed. He was constantly joking about how Sheridan had the ability to find something that she needed to have for their unborn baby. �It�s ok� So�� He said kissing her protruding stomach then Sheridan�s forehead, which Sheridan wouldn�t let him get away with as she pulled him into her lips. ��How are my two little shop-a-holics?� he teased.
�We�re just fine!� She jokingly acted insulted. �So what�d ya get me?� She asked happily.
�Turkey, on white, no mayo, mustard, extra pickles, and a chocolate snack pack.� He said handing Sheridan her food. If he�d never believed what crazy cravings pregnant women had, he certainly believed it now! All Sheridan ever seemed to want to eat was pickles and chocolate pudding. He watched as she sat and wolfed down the pudding before even touching her sandwhich. �So Sher, what�d you two do so far today?� He asked sweetly as he began to eat his own sandwich.
�Well�we had the breakfast at my office, the girls say they wont know what to do with themselves without me there since I am working at home, then �well we went shop-� Sheridan stopped short as she curled up in pain.
Luis was at her side in a flash as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it in pain. �Baby what�s the matter, what�s wrong?!�
�Ohmigod!.. Luis!!! My baby!!! Noooo! It�s too early for her! Luis!! Our baby!!� She cried out desperately for help. Luis swept her up in his arms. Luckily the emergency room to the hospital was right across the street outside the hospital.
Luis rushed her in yelling for someone to help them. A nurse rushed over to assess the situation. Sheridan was in Luis� arms screaming pain, which caused Luis to be even more upset. He hated more than anything to see Sheridan in any kind of pain. He placed her on the stretcher provided by the hospital as they rushed her into a back room. He followed closely until a doctor stopped him at a set of swinging doors.
He watched through the small glass window and he could hear Sheridan yelling �Luis don�t leave me�. It broke his heart to know she thought he was leaving her alone through this. He pushed the door slightly open and yelled that he was right there and he loved her.
He watched for a few more moments before a nurse came out and stated that his presence was preventing Sheridan from calming down. He slowly walked away not wanting to cause her anymore pain.
As he sat in the waiting room he realized the time and quickly called his office and explain why he wouldn�t be back in and then called his mother as well as Ethan. After he made the calls he sat staring into space. �Why Why Sheridan. No one deserves this less than Sheridan does.� He thought. He drifted into a thick daze and before he knew it Pilar was standing in front of him trying to get his attention.
�How is she?� She asked as she took a seat next to him.
�I don�t know, they haven�t told me anything�I can�t take this mama! What if we lose the baby?! It will kill Sheridan! I can put on a strong front but this will tear her apart! It�s not fair mama!� He cried with his face in his hands.
Luis sat with his face in his hands for 45 minutes just staring at the ground praying until he saw a pair of feet in front of him. He slowly looked up to see a doctor standing in front of him.

Chapter 14
He jumped to his feet. �How�s my wife? What about my baby?! How are they?!� He asked frantically.
�Sir calm down! You wife went into pre-term labor. You know as well as we do that it was way too early for your baby to come so what we did was put a single stitch in her cervix to prevent it from opening before due time. When it comes time to deliver we can remove the stitch and have a normal delivery.�
Luis literally hugged the doctor, �Where is she? Can I see her?!�
�Certainly, she�s still drugged but she�ll be coming to soon.� The doctor signaled for a nurse to come over than instructed her to lead Luis to Sheridan�s room. After the news he�d just received he couldn�t wipe the smile off his face. The two people that meant the most to him in the world were going to be just fine.
He walked into Sheridan�s room quickly because he wanted to be there when she woke up. He knew when she did wake up she�d be fearing for the life of their baby and he wanted to be the person to calm her fears. He sat stroking her hand and brushing hair away from her face as she slowly came too from the drugs she�d been on.
�Luis?� she asked confused as to why she was in the hospital. That�s when it all came crashing back to her. �Ohmigod! The baby! Is she ok?! She�s ok right? Did I kill my baby?!� She ranted as the tears poured down her cheeks.
�Sher, baby, calm down! Everything is fine! Your fine the baby is fine! It is ok!� He soothed as he went on to explain what had happened. Sheridan wanted to blame everything on herself but Luis refused to let her take any of the blame. He promised her what had happened only happened because it was god�s will which relaxed her a little bit and then he convinced her to stop thinking about the what could�ve been's and start thinking about what was. Their baby was alive and growing safely inside of Sheridan.
After a few minutes the doctor came in to explain further detail what the stitch in the cervix was there for and exactly what it meant. One thing the doctor said pleased neither Sheridan nor Luis but if it meant their baby girl would arrive healthy and happy they were all for it. Therefore there was to be no intercourse for the remainder of Sheridan�s pregnancy.
Under doctor�s orders Sheridan was to remain in the hospital for a few days to give her body the rest it needed. Sheridan was put in the best room in a private wing of the hospital. The shocker to everyone was that the room was being paid in full by no other than the infamous Alistair Crane. Luis refused to accept it at first but Sheridan convinced him to let it go saying Alistair was probably only doing it to make himself look better after the incident with Ethan�s paternity and while he was at it Sheridan and Luis couldn�t afford to turn down the help.
Luis agreed to Sheridan�s wishes only to avoid causing her more stress but he was highly suspicious as to Alistair�s motives. He didn�t leave Sheridan�s side unless it was completely necessary and even then he had Pilar, Ethan, or even Theresa stay with her.
This day was different however. Theresa was out sailing with Ethan and Pilar had taken Miguel to look at a college in Boston and Luis had to go do some paper work at the office. He didn�t understand why it couldn�t wait but they said it was important.
�Are you sure you�ll be ok?!� Luis asked for what seemed like the 90th time in ten minutes.
�Yes! Just go! It�s not as if I�m alone Luis. There is a hospital full of people here! The sooner you go the sooner you can come back and sit on this rock solid bed and eat hospital food with me!� She joked �Now get!� She said in the motherly tome she was quickly perfecting.
�Ok�If you are sure� He said reluctantly.
�Yes I am sure! It isn�t like I am going to disappear of the face of the earth!�
�Ok Bye!�I love you!� He said kissing her sweetly on the lips.
�I love you too!� She said as Luis very reluctantly made his way out of the room.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

�I�m not going to disappear off the face of the earth�� he repeated her words �if only my daughter understood ther irony in her words�� Alistair scoffed as he sat in his desk staring at a group of monitors. One showed Sheridan sitting in her hospital bed flipping through a magazine and another showed Luis making his way through the parking lot to his car.
He watched as the car drove out of the lot and the pressed a button on his black phone �It�s time��
Chapter 14
He jumped to his feet. �How�s my wife? What about my baby?! How are they?!� He asked frantically.
�Sir calm down! You wife went into pre-term labor. You know as well as we do that it was way too early for your baby to come so what we did was put a single stitch in her cervix to prevent it from opening before due time. When it comes time to deliver we can remove the stitch and have a normal delivery.�
Luis literally hugged the doctor, �Where is she? Can I see her?!�
�Certainly, she�s still drugged but she�ll be coming to soon.� The doctor signaled for a nurse to come over than instructed her to lead Luis to Sheridan�s room. After the news he�d just received he couldn�t wipe the smile off his face. The two people that meant the most to him in the world were going to be just fine.
He walked into Sheridan�s room quickly because he wanted to be there when she woke up. He knew when she did wake up she�d be fearing for the life of their baby and he wanted to be the person to calm her fears. He sat stroking her hand and brushing hair away from her face as she slowly came too from the drugs she�d been on.
�Luis?� she asked confused as to why she was in the hospital. That�s when it all came crashing back to her. �Ohmigod! The baby! Is she ok?! She�s ok right? Did I kill my baby?!� She ranted as the tears poured down her cheeks.
�Sher, baby, calm down! Everything is fine! Your fine the baby is fine! It is ok!� He soothed as he went on to explain what had happened. Sheridan wanted to blame everything on herself but Luis refused to let her take any of the blame. He promised her what had happened only happened because it was god�s will which relaxed her a little bit and then he convinced her to stop thinking about the what could�ve been's and start thinking about what was. Their baby was alive and growing safely inside of Sheridan.
After a few minutes the doctor came in to explain further detail what the stitch in the cervix was there for and exactly what it meant. One thing the doctor said pleased neither Sheridan nor Luis but if it meant their baby girl would arrive healthy and happy they were all for it. Therefore there was to be no intercourse for the remainder of Sheridan�s pregnancy.
Under doctor�s orders Sheridan was to remain in the hospital for a few days to give her body the rest it needed. Sheridan was put in the best room in a private wing of the hospital. The shocker to everyone was that the room was being paid in full by no other than the infamous Alistair Crane. Luis refused to accept it at first but Sheridan convinced him to let it go saying Alistair was probably only doing it to make himself look better after the incident with Ethan�s paternity and while he was at it Sheridan and Luis couldn�t afford to turn down the help.
Luis agreed to Sheridan�s wishes only to avoid causing her more stress but he was highly suspicious as to Alistair�s motives. He didn�t leave Sheridan�s side unless it was completely necessary and even then he had Pilar, Ethan, or even Theresa stay with her.
This day was different however. Theresa was out sailing with Ethan and Pilar had taken Miguel to look at a college in Boston and Luis had to go do some paper work at the office. He didn�t understand why it couldn�t wait but they said it was important.
�Are you sure you�ll be ok?!� Luis asked for what seemed like the 90th time in ten minutes.
�Yes! Just go! It�s not as if I�m alone Luis. There is a hospital full of people here! The sooner you go the sooner you can come back and sit on this rock solid bed and eat hospital food with me!� She joked �Now get!� She said in the motherly tome she was quickly perfecting.
�Ok�If you are sure� He said reluctantly.
�Yes I am sure! It isn�t like I am going to disappear of the face of the earth!�
�Ok Bye!�I love you!� He said kissing her sweetly on the lips.
�I love you too!� She said as Luis very reluctantly made his way out of the room.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

�I�m not going to disappear off the face of the earth�� he repeated her words �if only my daughter understood ther irony in her words�� Alistair scoffed as he sat in his desk staring at a group of monitors. One showed Sheridan sitting in her hospital bed flipping through a magazine and another showed Luis making his way through the parking lot to his car.
He watched as the car drove out of the lot and the pressed a button on his black phone �It�s time��
To be continued�