NOTE: Okay guys... it WILL get better. I just had to set everything straight and introduce what has happened over the years! LOL. I'll try to write the next chapter now. The wedding and reception chapter... lol.
Chapter One: Rated G
By Madison Westmore (lmao!) Sheridan stood staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her now shoulder length hair was twisted in an updo, with light wavy curls lingering. The long white gown she wore flowed down to her ankles, fitting her figure perfectly. A bright smile escaped her lips as the light shown on her, causing her to look more angelic than ever.
The cry of a baby caused Sheridan to glance in the mirror, only to find the woman cradling the crying infant, staring at her. It was Ivy. She turned around to face the woman who had become like a mother to her the past months. Ivy stared at her with tears-stained eyes. Sheridan had helped her through a rough time in her life and Ivy couldn't be more grateful to her. She no longer thought of Sheridan as her sister-in-law, or 'ex' one at that, but as a daughter and friend. A good friend. "You look stunning..." Ivy finally announced, as she placed a maturnal kiss on Sheridan's cheek. "Thank you, Ivy..." She drifted off, with a enthusiastic smile.
"I can't believe this day is finally here! I've waited so long..."
"I know you have, sweetheart. It's about time you became Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!"
"I know! It's about time!" She smiled a genuine million dollar smile. It had seemed like they had been engaged for ages, when in reality it had only been a year. Her attention drifted to the baby in Ivy's arms. "Hey sweetie..." she said, gently caressing the baby's face. Shawn stared up at Sheridan with his big blue eyes, making cooing noises. Sheridan's heart ached as she stared at the beautiful baby in front of her. How she longed for a baby of her own. She couldn't wait until she and Luis had their first child! The thought of them having a child made Sheridan smile even more. She continued staring at Shawn lovingly, as she recalled the past year and a half.
So much had happened - too much for Sheridan's comfort. After learning that her father and brother had killed Martin Fitzgerald, Luis had went up against the Crane power, which finally resulted in Alistair and Julian being put away. Sheridan had stood by Luis to the very end, and it had broke her heart upon learning that not only did they kill Martin, but tried to frame Sheridan for killing him. How could they do that to her? Their own flesh and blood! Tears filled her eyes everytime she thought about it. After Alistair and Julian were behind bars, everyone expected the Crane dynasty to be passed along to Ethan - only things didn't quite work out that way.
Everyone had been astonished to learn of Ivy and Sam Bennett's past affair, and even more disturbed that Ethan was actually a Bennett. Sheridan felt horrible for Ivy. Her whole world came crashing down before her. She lost everything - including Ethan. With that, Ivy moved into a local apartment and got a job waitressing at the Book Cafe. Sheridan had pleaded for Ivy to stay at the Crane Estate with her, which had now become her inheritance; but, Ivy had been far too embarrassed and felt she needed to move on with her life. The independant life did Ivy good and she started showing her true colors - the sweet, kind-hearted, down-to-earth woman that she was. Not the heartless, material-focused, bitch that she had been known as. It wasn't her fault she was raised that way - or forced to marry into it for that matter.
After Grace had divorced Sam because of his deception, Ivy and Sam eventually found their way back together, having an extremely small, but beautiful wedding. As far as Sheridan was concerned, that's the way it should have been from the beginning. A month ago, Shawn Bennett made his way into the world, and Sheridan had never seen Ivy happier. The day Shawn was born was the first day Ethan had spoken to his mother since he learned of his true paternity. Sheridan was thrilled to see Ethan reunite with his mother and get to know his true father. She had been urging him to do so from the beginning.
The Crane and Bennett families might have fallen apart, but the Lopez-Fitzgeralds were happier than ever. With the truth out in the open about Martin, they were able to accept his death and move on with their lives. To Sheridan's relief, Luis had been able to let go of his past fears of abandoning his family, and their relationship began to blossom. Together, they bought a house on the water which they would move into after their honeymoon. Sheridan was undecided for a while about what she wanted to do with the mansion. It was too cold and un-homey to live in and raise a family for her liking, yet she couldn't bare to just give it up. She had finally come to the decision of renovating it and turning it into a homeless shelter. Luis had loved the idea, plus working at the shelter would give Sheridan something to do with her free time.
Ecstatically, Theresa rushed into the room. "Sheridan!!" She ecclaimed, bringing Sheridan to the present. Sheridan stared at her maid-of-honor happily. "Are you ready?? It's almost time!" Sheridan inhaled deeply as Theresa helped her with her veil. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She took one more glance in the mirror, checking her make up, before heading towards the door.
Chapter Two
Luis stood at the end of the aisle pacing back and forth nervously. He couldn't remember being this nervous since he proposed to Sheridan. He was convinced that the moment Sheridan agreed to be his wife was the best moment of his life. He couldn't imagine life without Sheridan in it. The woman always brought a smile to his face no matter what the occasion. He knew he had a dorky smile on his face just thinking about her! They had shared so much together over the past two years. Laughing together, crying together... they were always there for each other. He knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that she was his soul mate.
Luis had been looking forward to this day for so long - to take Sheridan in his arms and kiss her passionately for the first time as husband and wife. He'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit he was looking forward to their honeymoon, also. Making love had been a sore subject the past year for Luis. Both he and Sheridan had agree to wait until they were married. They were both strongly against premarital sex, and believed it would be more special if they waited. Each of them made mistakes in the past, and they knew this was for the best. This agreement had been a hard one for Luis to follow through on. Everytime she dazzled him with her presence, he felt the urge to make love to her right then and there. It took a lot of will power to fight his urges, but he succeeded. Tonight - well, tonight nothing could stop him! Tonight was going to be the most amazing night of his life!
A hand was placed on Luis' shoulder and he quickly turned around. "Miguel!" Luis stared at his little bro, all dressed up in his tux. He was so proud of Miguel. He always pictured Hank being the best man at his wedding, but once Hank learned of Sheridan and Luis' engagement, he had been heart broken. He fled town and no one had seen him since. It killed Luis to see his best buddy in pain, but when it came to Sheridan... she was the only thing in the world that mattered to him. If Hank couldn't understand that, then there wasn't anything Luis could do. That didn't matter now. Miguel was his best man, and a great one at that.
Miguel rubbed his hands together and grinned at his big brother. "You ready there, bro? You seem a bit... shaken up..."
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine! I'm more than fine. I'm wonderful... I couldn't be happier!" I huge grin took over Luis' face. "Are we ready to start?"
"Yeah, actually that's what I came over to tell you!"
"Got the rings?"
"Yup! Right here!"
"Great." Luis smiled and walked over to the organist who began to play the wedding march. Luis took in a deep breath as he walked back to his place near the alter. This was it. He was almost a married man.
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Sheridan gazed over the entrance of the quaint little white church. Luis had always been a faithful Catholic, but he respected her wishes to have their wedding at the little Baptist church in Castleton. When Sheridan was younger, her mother had always taken her their every Sunday morning. Some of her best memories of her mother - most of her only memories - were in this church. She felt tears come to her eyes wishing her mother could be here on her wedding day. She quickly brushed them away as Ethan approached her. He walked over to her humming the wedding march and Sheridan rolled her eyes at his dorky expression.
"I know you're used to making a fashionably late arrival everywhere you go... but I don't know if that will go over well at your own wedding."
A panick came over Sheridan as she heard the organ inside the church. "Oh my God..."
"Calm down... they just started. Let's get inside."
Sheridan followed Ethan into the foyer, greeting by a bunch of chatter from her wedding party. A pair of arms flew around Sheridan but before she could try to guess who it was a familiar voice echoed, "Auntie!!!". Madison. Her maid-of-honor. Her precious niece. Not only was she Sheridan's favorite, she was the spitting image of Sheridan. "You look so gorgeous Auntie!!" Madison jumped up and down a bit, like a normal, giddy 16 year old. Sheridan laughed at the sight before her. "Thank you... but I have a feeling you are going to steal all the attention away from me, Maddy! I have never seen you look more beautiful... I knew that gown would be perfect for you!" She stared at the lilac gown her niece was wearing. It fit every inch of her figure perfectly. She caught a glimpse of Miguel staring at her and wasn't a bit surprised.
"Okay, girls. Enough yacking. Incase you forgot, there's a wedding going on here!" Ethan came up behind Sheridan and Madison. Madison glared at her brother, and Ethan shrunk back pretending to be afraid. Sheridan rolled her eyes and sighed. Then, she focused her attention to the center aisle as each member of her wedding party started to head down. It was soon Madison and Miguel's turn to walk down and Maddy gave Sheridan a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping into the church. Sheridan's heart pounded faster and faster. This was it. She closed her eyes slightly, catching her breath as Ethan's arm slid around hers. "Ready?" He questioned. Sheridan just nodded.
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Luis' heart stopped in his chest as he watched the woman of his dreams walk down the aisle. Words couldn't describe how she looked. She looked so angelic - so perfect. His eyes connected with hers as she continued walking down the aisle. He studied everything about her savoring the moment in his head.
Sheridan swallowed hard as she reached Luis. He flashed her a quick smile before taking her hands in his. Shivering a bit, she felt a tear trickle down her face. She had never been so overwhelmed with joy as she was at that moment. Lost in thoughts, she hadn't even noticed the minister had been talking for many minutes. Luis' hand brushed up across her cheek, gently wiping the single tear away as he repeated after the minister. Everything seemed to rush by so fast for Sheridan. She was completely lost in Luis' gorgeous hazel eyes the entire time. She wasn't even aware that she had spoke until she heard herself utter "I do" while they exchanged rings.
The minister announced them as man and wife, informing Luis that he could now kiss Sheridan. He didn't have to be told twice. Joyful tears rushed down her cheeks as Luis softly kissed them away, before capturing her mouth with his own. "I love you, Angel..." With that Luis scooped Sheridan up into his arms and whispered something in her ear causing her head to spring back in laughter as he carried her down the aisle and all the way to their limo waiting outside the church.
Chapter 3
NOTE: I want to thank Tania for helping me find info on Tahiti for the next few chapters! LOL. I love you, Tia!! :D Oh, and I know I haven't been writing disclaimers... so, please don't sue me! I'm just having fun!! Feedback is appreciated, lol!
The reception hall was quickly emptying, with lingering music in the background. After a quick change out of her wedding gown into something more comfy, Sheridan walked back into the almost vacant room. She gazed around at the scene before her - she had never seen the Seascape look more beautiful. Her wedding couldn't have been more perfect. It was everything she dreamed it would be and more. Satisfyingly, Sheridan's eyes lingered to the band on her ring finger. The day she had waited years for had finally come, but it was over in the blink of an eye. Not that she was disappointed - she wasn't. Everything had been just right, and besides, she had her honeymoon to look forward to!
"Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" The sound echoed in Sheridan's ears. She loved the sound of that! She turned around to find her chauffeur standing in front of her. "Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald is waiting in the limo for you."
"Thank you, Charles. Tell him I'll be right out!" He nodded and headed for the door. Sheridan took one more glimpse around the Seascape, savoring the scene in her mind - the scene of the most wonderful day of her life!
Sheridan stepped out into the chilly autumn night air. It was only early September, yet the nights were like winter. 'Oh, well, that's New England for you.' she thought to herself, as her eyes searched for the limo. Spotting it, she gently rubbed her bare arms warming herself up, while walking towards it. Just then, a pair of strong, warm hands were placed on her shoulders. "Cold?" His touch sent shivers up her spine.
"A little..." She murmurred, turning around and placing a sweet kiss on his lips. "Well, we can't have that..." Luis grinned playfully at his new wife. "No, I guess we can't." She laughed a little as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Ready to get going? Tahiti awaits..."
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Luis slowly opened the door to the limo, letting Sheridan inside. As she got in, her eyes widened in amazement. Rose petals were scattered around the inside, and in the center of the seats was a heart shaped table. In the center of the table was a single rose in a vase, two filled wine glasses, a bottle of champaign, and a little heart shaped present with a red bow on top. It looked like a scene right out of a romantic love story. Soft, enchanting music started to play as Sheridan turned around to find Luis staring lovingly at her. "It's beautiful..." she stated in awe. "Not nearly as beautiful as you." He uttered, pulling her onto his lap as he sat down. "I figured we'd go all out. We have a good thirty minutes until we get to the airport..."
Trailing off, he became lost in her eyes. Those beautiful, sparkling, blue eyes that radiated everytime she smiled, which was what she was doing at the moment. His hand brushed up across her face brushing a strand of hair out of her eye, as he leaned her back against the seat, gazing down at her. "You are so gorgeous..." he gushed over his new bride. Even in a simple, but seductive, black dress, Sheridan looked like a million dollars. She continued to beam brightly up at him. He wanted her so badly, and now he could have her which made it harder to find his urge. He continued gazing down at her adoringly and realized he didn't want her - he needed her.
His hands cupped her face as his mouth quickly captured hers. She moaned lightly, driving Luis insane. He couldn't hold back any longer. His arms roamed her back frantically, searching for the zipper to her dress. His fingers struggled, trying to pull the top of the zipper down. "Is this a one way zipper? They sure like to make you work at it, huh?" He grinned teasingly at her. "Sweetheart, try to wear something more quickly accessible in Tahiti, okay?" Sheridan laughed at his efforts, and reached behind helping him with the zipper. He slowly pulled the thin straps off her shoulders, placing soft kisses down her neck. Her hands gripped onto his strong arms as his lips started to meet her chest through the thin fabric. Just as he was about to remove her bra she protested. "Luis, wait!"
He looked up stunned. Wait? He had been waiting a whole year! "W..wait?" He asked breathlessly, trying to draw his eyes away from her covered breast to look up at her face. Without realizing, his hand had replaced where his mouth had been. She smiled at him affectionately, running her fingers down the side of his cheek and placing her index finger on his lips. What was she doing? Trying to drive him insane? That was exactly what she was doing... "Sweetie, we've waited this long... don't you think we could wait just a LITTLE longer?" A small pout took over Luis' lips as he whined in a childish voice. "Awwww..." Sheridan's attention was brought back to his hand on her breast. Unknowningly, he began to caress her, determined to get what he had been waiting ever so long for. Sheridan's laughter caused Luis to look down at his independant hand. He blushed a slight shade of red and he then heard the voice from behind him. "Ahem..."
To be continued...