Imitation of Life
~1~
"She's here, Papa! She's here!"
Luis wore a smile on his face for his four year-old son's sake, but his shoulders felt tense underneath Pilar's soothing hands.
"Mi hijo," Pilar called over her shoulder to her young grandson as he roared past her and Luis, straight for the front door, "no running in the house."
"He's excited," Paloma said with a gentle smile, pulling the edge of one of the curtains back to catch a glimpse of the newest arrival to their Thanksgiving festivities herself.
"That boy loves his mama," Martin agreed, joining his youngest daughter at the window to watch the little blond whirlwind throw his arms around Sheridan's waist as soon as she emerged from her car and gaze up at her adoringly, already chattering non-stop.
"Martin," Pilar implored her husband. "Go. Before he talks her ear off."
"Come on, Pilar," Martin slid his arms around his wife's waist from behind, pressing a kiss to the top of her dark hair. "I'm sure Sheridan doesn't mind. It's been a long time."
Luis finally ended his silence, standing up and leaving the room before coming face to face with his past.
"Too long."