Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Passions. They belong to JER
and NBC. Any characters you do not recognize are my own creation. : )
Note: This is a sequel to my story "Always" which can be found here at Fanfiction.Net. "Hope" picks up a few years after "Always" ended.
Enjoy the story.
Chapter 1
"You're not going to let HER play, are you?" Dylan spat in accusation. Oh the horror! A girl. Playing basketball. With them. The best basketball players in Harmony. In Maine. In the United States! Well.the best ten- year-old basketball players. Alright. So they weren't ten YET. Just a few more months, though. And the last thing he needed was having his big, bad reputation RUINED when word got out he had actually-GASP-played anything with a girl. It didn't matter that she happened to be THE prettiest girl he had ever seen. The fact of the matter was.she was still of the female sex. Therefore, he didn't like her, and he didn't want to get her girl cooties. Jake shrugged his slim shoulders. "So," he rolled his brown eyes. Shoving a stubborn lock of his unruly brown hair from his forehead absently and shifting the basketball to his other hand. Resting it on his hip. He glanced at Ali out of the corner of his eye. Her big blue eyes shone back at him trustingly. "She's pretty good, Dylan. You should give her a chance." A blind man could have seen Ali's beaming smile.
"Good?" Dylan scoffed. "Jake. You got it so wrong. Girls aren't good at basketball. They suck at it. All of 'em." Ali's chin jutted out defiantly, and she crossed her arms around her middle. Blue eyes glittering with anger. "That's not true. My mommy can play basketball." Jake grinned lopsidedly. Boy did she ever! Ali's mom beat Uncle Luis ALL the time. "Aww." Dylan mocked. "How sweet," he rolled his eyes. Voice dripping with sarcasm. "Hear that, Jake? She's still a baby. Still calls her mom 'Mommy.' I bet you still suck your thumb at night, too. Come on, Jake. We men don't hang out with babies like her," Dylan stuck his tongue out at Ali rudely. Jake's brown eyes moved back and forth between Dylan and Ali. If he picked Dylan, his mom would make sitting painful for the rest of the week. But if he chose Ali, Dylan would NEVER let him live it down. He knew Dylan. He was an okay guy. When he liked you. When he didn't.watch out. He didn't think he could take the constant teasing. He ducked his head from Ali's trusting blue eyes. "What's the matter?" Dylan grumbled. "You like her or something?" Jake's brown head shot up immediately. "NNNNOOOO!!! No. No, I don't like her," he rushed to tell Dylan. "I'm just nice to her 'cause her mom and my mom are best friends. You're right. She IS a baby," he said quickly. Dylan grinned at him and stole the basketball from his hands. "Baby, baby, baby," he chanted as Ali walked away. Jake sneaked a look at her just before she disappeared into Sheridan's office. And Dylan took that opportunity to bounce the basketball off the side of his tousled brown head. "Get in the game, Bennett."
She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't. That was her mantra as she trudged dejectedly across the gym. But her chin quivered, and Sheridan knew as soon as she lay eyes on her little daughter, her heart had been broken. "Ali, baby. What's the matter?" When her mommy called her baby, one fat tear that had been shimmering in her big blue eyes just seconds earlier escaped. Followed by another one. And another one. Until the dam broke loose, and she starting sobbing her heart out. Cristian ceased kicking his feet back and forth against his mommy's desk. The drumming sound not so wonderful as it was a moment before, and his brown eyes welled with sympathy. Sheridan gathered Ali in her arms and sank back into her chair again. Stroking the long, silky gold tresses back from Ali's feverish cheeks and kissing her forehead. Murmuring soothing words as Ali's shoulders hitched, and she clung to her. Cristian wiped Ali's crystal tears away with his tiny fingers. "Shh, AliCat. Don't cry. Don't be sad." Sheridan smiled tenderly at her little son and opened her arms to each of her children. And soon, she had them both curled up beneath her chin. She waved Chad off when he appeared in the doorway. "Tell Mommy what happened, Sweetie," she prodded gently.
Ali drew back and stared at her with red-rimmed blue eyes. "Dylan was mean to me," she sniffled. "And Jake doesn't like me anymore." Her pretty little face crumpled, and a fresh wave of tears began. Cristian snuggled close to his sister. His little arms wrapped tight around her. "I'm sure he didn't mean it, Sweetie." "Really?" Ali questioned. "Really," Sheridan assured her. "Really," Cristian echoed. A smile already tugging at the corners of his mouth. Sheridan laughed and ruffled Cristian's dark curls affectionately. "Oh you," she teased. Tickling his tummy and making him squirm and squeal with laughter. Ali giggled and joined in on the fun. And that's how Luis found them. Engaged in a full-out tickle war. "Why do I always miss the fun?" he grinned. Leaning against the doorframe. "Daddy!" Ali cried happily. She raced Cristian the short distance to their father and launched herself into his arms. "What's this I see?" Luis frowned. "Tears? Tears on my AliCat's cheeks?" He looked to Sheridan for answers, but she just shook her head with a smile. Mouthing 'BOYS.' Luis groaned. Boys already! What was he going to do when she was 16 instead of 8? He was exhausted just thinking of all the booby traps he'd have to set around the perimeter of the house. Sheridan lifted Cristian into her arms with a groan. "My little man is growing up," she laughed after she caught her breath again. Ali and Cristian giggled when their parents leaned in for a kiss. That was just a little too long for young eyes.
"Ahem," a throat cleared behind them. "How many years is it? Ten? More?" Chad shook his head. "Man. And you still can't keep your hands off of each other." Sheridan and Luis gazed deeply into each other's eyes. "Sheridan, Gwen wants to talk to you." Sheridan stood on tiptoe. Looking over Luis's shoulder for Gwen. "Where is she?" she finally asked in a puzzled voice. Chad just laughed at the look of total bewilderment written plainly across her features. "She's outside. She said she'd come in, but Sara is in the middle of one of her infamous hissy fits-and let me tell you.this one takes the cake," he whispered in a low voice. "Those lungs have only grown more powerful over the years." Luis smirked. Ear plugs were a permanent fixture in the Bennett household. Offered to anyone who crossed the threshold. "What is it now?" Sheridan winced. "Poor Gwen," she muttered under her breath as Cristian slipped from her hip. To the ground below. "I'll be right back," she said. Blowing Luis and the kids each a kiss. "Miss Ali," Chad grinned. Bending at the waist so they were almost eye level. "A little birdie told me you been crying. Now, there's a lot of things I hate hearing, but nothing makes me sadder than tears in those pretty eyes of yours. Come on. Tell me who did it. Whisper it right here in this ear," he offered an ear to her. "Then I can go beat him up for you." "Now, Chad," Luis chided. "You can't beat him up. It's against the law. Besides.that's my job," he said. Scooping Ali up in his arms and walking outside. "Come on, Little Man," Chad held out a hand for Cristian.
"Gwen," Sheridan smiled thinly as Sara's screams reverberated off the windows in the back. Gwen threw her arms over the steering wheel. Her messy blond head following. "Sara Bennett.if you don't stop screaming right this instant.I'm going to send you to live with Grandma. PERMANENTLY." Sheridan's mouth hung open in amazement when Sara's scream died in her throat. And the petulant little girl buried her face behind her sister's back. "Hi," Emily greeted sweetly. "Aww, Sweetheart," Sheridan said. "You don't look like you feel so good." The sparkle in Emily's brown eyes was dulled. Replaced with fatigue. And her normally healthy complexion was unusually pale. With just the hint of faint red dots appearing. "Chickenpox," Gwen sighed. "And what about Sara?" Sheridan whispered. Not missing the narrowing of Sara's glittering brown eyes. "What else?" Gwen rolled her eyes. "She's actually jealous of all the attention Emily's getting. She wants chickenpox, too." Sheridan bit her lip and raised her brows at that little tidbit. "We're twins," Sara huffed. "I want dots! I want dots! I want dots!" "If you keep it up, God might grant your wish," Gwen warned. Feeling particularly evil after a long day spent at the hospital where it seemed there was a chickenpox epidemic. "And then you'll have so many dots.your face will look like a round, pudgy tomato." "Like Grandma's," Sara asked. Panic-stricken. Sheridan laughed into her arm. Not daring to let either little girl see her. "NO!" Sara wailed. "I don't want dots! I don't want dots! I don't want dots!" "Then pray!" Gwen barked. "And ask God for a miracle, Doll. You already have one. Right here," she said. Tapping the end of her nose in demonstration. And Sara screamed in horror when she saw just that in the reflection of the rear-view mirror. "Sheridan," Gwen squeaked weakly. "Please. Help me. I will love you forever."
Luis leaned back against the bleachers. His lips curved in amusement as Ali-with a little help from Chad-beat the pants off of Jake and Sir Dylan. Cristian cheered his big sister from his father's side. "Yay, Ali!" he clapped. Luis burst into laughter when Sheridan came walking back into the Youth Center. Jake's duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The oddest look on her face. Looks like they were going to have a guest by the initials J and B tonight at Casa de Lo-Fitz. MJ came tearing down the aisle toward him and Cristian. "Slow down, Hurricane," Luis teased. Catching MJ by the shoulders as he skidded past. MJ's brown eyes sparkled deviously as he yanked Cristian from the bleachers and pulled him away. Ready to terrorize some sweet, innocent little girls. And use Cristian to get close. Kay plopped down beside him heavily. But Joshua didn't even move a muscle. "How was the appointment?" Luis asked. Brushing Joshua's thick black hair from his forehead. "That's next week. We had to reschedule because Miguel couldn't get off work." Sheridan joined them after storing Jake's bag in her office. Taking time to smile and wave at Ali on the court before turning her full attention back on Kay and the little boy curled peacefully in her arms. "Still don't know about the implants yet, I assume." "No," Kay murmured as Joshua shifted in her arms. "It seems like we've been waiting forever. I don't want any more rescheduled appointments or excuses, dammit. I want.I want my son to be able to hear my voice. I mean, I'm his mother, and he has no idea. No clue." "There is ONE bright side," Luis attempted to lighten the atmosphere. "When MJ and Sara are having one of their knock-down drag outs, he's blissfully ignorant. Hank could kick his own ass for not investing in ear plug stock years ago." Kay and Sheridan laughed. "Jake's calmed down-thank God for YOU," Kay grinned at Sheridan. Reminding Sheridan that yes, she and Luis got to play host for young Master Bennett tonight. Tomorrow night. Maybe even-EEK-several nights. "But Sara more than filled his shoes," she snickered.
"What's so funny?" Jake grumbled as he trod over to them with a sour face. Getting beat by a girl was the worst. He still said Ali cheated. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't. "Nothing," Kay sobered. A twinkle still in her dark eyes, though, as she studied her young cousin. "Congratulations, Bud. You just won yourself a free vacation at Princess Ali's house. Think of all the fun you can have," she wiggled her brows at him teasingly. Yeah, Jake thought silently. All the fun. All the charred dinners. All the meowing and screeching of Miss Priss. All the lovey-dovey-ness a 9 year-old boy like him could stand. Yeah. Sounded like fun, alright. Ali and Cristian were just too PERFECT to be real. And now he had gone and lost to her. Ali wouldn't brag. But that was ten times worse! 'Cause he already felt bad enough as it was. And Sheridan and Uncle Luis knew exactly what had happened. They knew everything, he thought with an uncontrollable roll of his brown eyes. EVERYTHING. Sometimes he had the sneaking suspicion Uncle Luis was God's cousin. That could explain why he seemed to always figure out it was him that stuffed Miss Priss in the dryer- it was so much fun watching her roll around and around in there, even if it was only for a couple minutes! He was the one that painted Ali's eyelids with nail polish last Halloween when he spent the night with her. And set up the video camera to tape in the bathroom. Just to find out a few things a boy like him had to know. Like for instance.did fine, upstanding guys like Uncle Luis leave the toilet lid up, too? He NEVER, EVER expected to see what he did on that tape. Sheridan sure did scream a lot. "Jake.Jake.Jacob Bennett!" he heard his name being called from somewhere very far away. "Hurry up. We're going home." Home, sweet home, he thought with a grin as he raced Ali to the door. Maybe this could be fun, after all. It took a lot to make Sheridan lose her patience. It'd take a lot before she got red-hot. And in the meantime, he could have the time of his life.
Chapter 2
Jake's brown eyes darted back and forth as he checked their position. "All clear. Smiley.come in." Sheridan paused in the doorway to the kitchen. An amused smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she heard Cristian's response crackle over the walkie talkie. The closer it got to bedtime (and their routine of song or story) the harder it was to distinguish his words. In Gwen's words, "Cristian's petted rotten. Just like Ali." "Bubbles and The Pain aweren't hwere." Jake rolled his eyes. When was the kid going to learn to talk plain? "Smiley," he hissed. "Put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Repeat.put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Copy? Cristian," Jake huffed in exasperation. "Do you got the frog under the pillow or not?" "Copy," Cristian finally answered. "Jake!" his panicked little voice echoed in the kitchen. "Daddy's coming!" "Get out of there, Smiley. Get out of there!"
A loud knock sounded at the back door, and Jake jumped several feet in the air. Groaning and rubbing the goose egg on his forehead before he scurried away unnoticed. Or so he thought. "Doing a good deed again? Those Bennetts. Sneaky little devils. That reminds me," she grinned with sparkling hazel eyes. "How's the demon seed these days? It's been so long." Sheridan laughed embarrassedly at Abby's nickname for MJ. "MJ's fine. He only had to stand in the corner at school once this week." "Wow!" Abby snickered. Plopping down on a stool at the bar. "We're making progress." She sniffed the air. "I see we made dinner again tonight as well," she cracked. Sheridan pushed a bothersome lock of blond hair from her forehead. Propping her elbows on the counter. "Jake 'accidentally' dumped a whole pitcher of cherry kool-aid on Ali's head. I was a little distracted." "I'd say," Abby snorted.
Luis appeared in the kitchen. Carrying his despondent daughter. A fluffy white turban wrapped around her head. "What's the matter, AliCat?" Abby quizzed the pouting youngster. Ali's pout grew even bigger if that were possible, and she burrowed her head in Luis's neck. Loosening the turban in the process. Abby barely contained her gasp of surprise at what she saw. Ali's beautiful blond mane was no longer blond. It was PINK! "OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!" Abby exclaimed. "AliCat! Your hair's absolutely GORGEOUS. Do you think you can fill me in on a few of your beauty secrets? I've always wanted pink hair. It's like so cool," she said. Doing her best impersonation of a Valley Girl.
Ali's blue eyes peeked at Abby cautiously. Sparkling as Abby pretended to ponder the issue further. "Actually.I think PURPLE would be much more shocking. Care to help me make a fashion statement, AliCat? Sheridan," she whirled on her heel to look into Sheridan's twinkling blue eyes. "Please tell me you have some grape kool-aid somewhere." "I don't know," Sheridan said. Barely restraining from bursting into hysterical laughter. "But be my guest. You're welcome to it," she held out her arm. "What are you waiting for, AliCat? Don't you want the job? You just have to be my glamour technician." Ali slid down her daddy's length. Giggling her pretty little pink head off as she padded after Abby on bare feet. Sheridan laughed, too. At the absurd notion that the pink hair and pjs was oddly reminescent of the bottle of Peptobismol in their medicine cabinet.
Luis crept up behind her with a grin. Snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her back against him. "How many?" she laughed. Leaning her head back against his strong shoulder. "Five times after you left. You'll definitely need to pick up a new bottle of shampoo tomorrow." "Well.at least tomorrow's Saturday," Sheridan sighed. "Oh my goodness! Luis!" she exclaimed. Twisting around in his arms. "Tomorrow's Saturday!" Luis smirked. "I thought we'd already established that." "Luis," Sheridan rolled her eyes. Swatting his chest playfully. "Saturday. As in NO SCHOOL. As in the whole day spent together. As in a whole day with just me, Ali, Cristian, AND Jake." Luis chuckled. "Yeah," he prodded. "Luis," she groaned. "Let's just have a run-through of what's occurred this evening. Keeping in mind it's only been a few hours long. First," she counted off on her fingers. "The trip to the grocery store."
Luis's brown eyes twinkled at the still-fresh memory. Sure, it was less than funny a few hours ago. But now.he couldn't help but see the humor in it. "Playing hide and go seek in the freezer section is not only dangerous, it's.he scared the hell out of that poor old woman when she reached for that t.v. dinner. Then there's the little matter of practicing his quarterback skills in the aisles by tossing rolls of toilet paper back and forth to Cristian." "At least toilet paper is soft," Luis grinned. "And putting Cristian on the conveyor belt to be scanned." "You forgot about the buggy races in the parking lot." "I didn't forget," Sheridan shook her head. "Two more inches, and we'd be paying for someone's car to be repaired."
"The Kool-Aid," Luis supplied. "Bringing up that damn tape again," Sheridan blushed scarlet. "Come on, Baby," Luis teased. Slipping his hands in the back pockets of her jeans and pressing her even closer. Wearing that devilishly handsome grin on his face that made her weak-kneed. "For all he knew, you were just really pissed that he saw you in the shower. How many times does that make it?" "Make what?" she asked in a puzzled voice. "How many close-calls?" "Oh god," she groaned. Dropping her head against his chest. "I don't even want to think about THAT," she mumbled. "That reminds me.did you install that new lock we picked up at the grocery store yet?" "I did," he whispered. "Does that mean." "Luis," she rolled her eyes. "How you can even think about making love with that little prankster in the house.our previous track record." "You're my wife," he said. Pecking her lips lightly. "My beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, amazing wife. Making love with you is ALWAYS on my mind, Sweetheart," he told her in a low, desire-filled voice. Immediately breaking the tension with a waggle of his eyebrows. "But just in case.I think we should swipe one of the chairs from in here to shove under the door handle."
"Ooo," a teasing voice filled the room. "I had you guys pegged all wrong. Wicked," Abby grinned. Holding up a strand of her formerly tawny hair and showing them it was indeed now purple. Well.just a chunk behind her right ear. "How do you like my new look?" she asked. "Me and Ali are thinking of forming our own punk rock band," she grinned. Ali giggled and climbed onto the bar stool. "Mommy? Can I have some ice cream?" "May I," Sheridan corrected with a smile. "Not tonight, Sweetie. It's almost bedtime." Ali's sweet face fell. But just a moment. "May I have a cookie then?" she asked. "Here," Abby hissed. Swiping a chocolate chip cookie from the cookie jar and waving it behind her back. "Abby," Sheridan groaned. "What?" Abby asked innocently. "What have I done now?" Sheridan crossed her arms with a sigh. "Aww.Mom," Abby whined. "She said 'may I.' That certainly deserves a cookie." "Okay," Sheridan softened. Tousling Ali's pink locks. "But just one."
"Things are awfully quiet," Luis mused. And Sheridan's blue eyes grew wide. "Where's Jake and Cristian?" They heard a muffled pounding noise coming from what sounded like Cristian's room. And something that sounded amazingly similar to "Mommy! Help me!" Cookie crumbs fell from Ali's lips as she asked, "Daddy.was that Cristian?" "Yeah," Luis told her. Sweeping past. "What are you waiting for, AliCat?" Abby grinned. "We can't miss all the action." Ali scampered after her, and soon they found themselves in Cristian's room.
"Jake.Cristian," Sheridan called. "Where are you?" Jake ambled through the door. Whistling under his breath with a mischievous grin on his lips. "Jake, where's Cristian?" Jake's brown eyes shifted around the room. Not meeting hers. "You know.I'm having a hard time remembering," he said. Shoving his hands in his pants' pockets. "Mommy." Sheridan's blue eyes searched the room frantically for her son. "Mommy!" Ali squealed. Her blue eyes enormous as she spotted a familiar pair of white-socked feet dangling from the bottom of the top bunk of Cristian's bunk bed. Luis couldn't help but crack a smile when he tried to scold Jake. Abby turned her head upside down and stared up at Cristian. Secured to the bunk's bottom. "Pretty handy with duct tape. You're a man of many talents, young Jacob Bennett." "Thank you," Jake grinned. Accepting her praise. "How in the world did you manage this?" Sheridan asked in wonder as she struggled to free her son. "Practice makes perfect," Jake told her.
It took them nearly a half-hour to get Cristian down. Abby couldn't stop her naughty laughter. Especially when the poor little guy finally lost his battle against sleep. All tuckered out. Sheridan tucked Cristian's blanket under his chin with a tender smile. "Never a dull moment at Casa de Lo-Fitz," Abby teased as they saw her out. Wrapped in each other's arms. Ali nodding sleepily on the sofa. Jake being banished to bed. Early. They watched Abby's taillights disappear in the darkness. And turned to their dozing daughter. Luis scooped Ali up in his arms easily, and Sheridan pushed her bedroom door open. Kissing Ali's forehead as she snuggled under the covers and switching her bedside lamp off. The brand- new lock clicked into place behind them, and Sheridan laughed as Luis backed her up. Attacking her with kisses. Clothes flying everywhere before the back of her knees hit the mattress, and they fell in a heap on the bed. A jumble of tangled limbs. Enjoying themselves to the fullest. And then. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! MMMMMOOOMMMMYYYY!!!!! DDDDDDDAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY!!!!! MR. RIBBITT!" "Jake," they groaned simultaneously.
Chapter 3
"I already said I was sorry," Jake mumbled under his breath as Sheridan pushed the front door open. "I didn't even know Ali was there. It's not like I was aiming for her or anything. I swear. Honest." "Honest," Cristian parroted. "We didn't see her, Mommy." Sheridan shifted Ali's limp body to her other arm and studied the pair before her. Jake's eyes were missing that mischievous twinkle. And he seemed genuinely remorseful. "Okay," she sighed. "I believe you." Jake's face broke out into a slow grin, and he pumped his arm in the air. She barely restrained from rolling her eyes when Cristian mimicked his actions. Two days. Two days, and he was already idolizing him.
The sound of a horn tooting in the front yard had both boys scrambling outside to meet Luis. Ali stirred in her arms and looked at her with red- rimmed blue eyes. "Is that Daddy?" "That's Daddy," she smiled. Brushing Ali's damp, still slightly pink hair from her forehead and planting a gentle kiss there. She fingered the mottled purple bruise around Ali's right eye carefully. "Still hurt?" she winced as Ali cried out softly. "Oh, Sweetie. I'm so sorry," she sighed. Hugging her daughter close again. "Just wait until Jake's daddy gets a hold of him," she teased. "Why he.he'll beat Jake up for you." Instead of the sweet giggles she was aiming for, Ali pulled back with a serious expression on her little face. "Jake and Cristian didn't mean it, Mommy. I don't want his daddy to do anything." "You're just too sweet for your own good, Baby," she smiled. Nuzzling Ali's silky cheeks. "Come on. Let's go see Daddy."
Luis stopped in his tracks right outside the door when he saw her. The angry purple mark making him suck in a deep breath. "She's okay," Sheridan murmured in his ear. Rubbing his arm reassuringly as he took Ali from her arms and squeezed her tight. "Man, guys," Luis whistled. Glancing at the two guilty parties. "They really did a number on you, didn't they AliCat?" "Look, Uncle Luis," Jake piped up. "You can count all the laces from the ball," he said. Pointing at Ali's wound. "Ali's pretty tough. She didn't cry half as much as Sara when I." "AHA!" Luis shook an accusatory finger at him. A smirk on his lips. "Just how INNOCENT, are you?" "Hey!" Jake huffed. "What happened to 'innocent 'til proven guilty'?" "Little buddy," Luis grinned down at him. "I'm impressed." Jake's brown eyes twinkled at the praise.
Ali lay her head down on her daddy's shoulder. "Tired, AliCat? 'Cause I was thinking.I was thinking about taking the whole gang out to the Lobster Shack. But if you're too tired, we'll just stay home. But then Mommy's going to have to cook," he whispered. In a not-so-soft voice. Ali giggled when her mommy swatted at her daddy in mock hurt. "Luis!" "LOBSTER SHACK!!!" Jake and Cristian shouted their two cents very loudly. "Jake," Sheridan pretended to pout. "Sorry, Sheridan," Jake made no bones about it. "But I still have soot in my mouth from last night." Luis rumbled with laughter. And this time.Sheridan really did smack him. Soundly on the rear end as he carried Ali down the hall. "Lobster Shack it is."
"Almost ready," Sheridan smiled from Ali's doorway. Watching as Ali tugged at the hem of one of her favorite shirts. A white, ribbed tee with tiny pink flowers along the collar. In her matching pink shorts, Sheridan thought she looked adorable. But then she wasn't very objective.she ALWAYS found her adorable. Black eye and all. "Here. Let Mommy do your hair," she said. Taking the silver brush from Ali's hands and brushing through the thick, soft mane. "You have such beautiful hair. Mommy's jealous," she teased as she tied the pink ribbon in place. Ali giggled. "We did you a favor, Ali," Jake's voice called from the door. "Least now you don't look like a walking bottle of Peptobismol." Ali's jaw dropped, and Sheridan shooed Jake out of the room. "I'm sorry," Jake grumbled behind the closed door. "You look real pretty. Almost as pretty as your mom." "What's that?" she could hear Luis ask. "Putting the moves on my wife again, Bennett?" "Aww, Man," Jake whined. "A guy can't catch a break around here." Sheridan and Ali laughed. And soon, Luis's smiling face joined theirs in the reflection of Ali's vanity mirror. "Wow!" Luis exclaimed. "Do I have the two prettiest girls or what?" "Daddy!"
Of course, dinner with Jake just wasn't complete without a few shenanigans. In other words.all eating utensils became launch pads for torpedoed food items. Straight at unsuspecting victims. Including Jake's favorite victim of all: T.C. Russell. T.C's low growl had Jake ducking under the checkered tablecloth and not daring to play with his food again. Especially not once T.C. and Eve joined them at their table. Nope. Jake was on his best behavior. T.C. and Luis bandied back and forth on Harmony High's chances in the upcoming season while Sheridan and Eve just enjoyed each other's company. "BOOOOORING," Jake muttered under his breath. "Sheridan's cooking is better than this," he groaned. Cristian pushed his food back and forth on his plate with his fork. The excitement gone the minute he actually had to EAT it. Both boys were thrilled the moment their 'torture' ended, and the whole gang piled into the SUV.
The second the SUV slowed to a stop, Jake and Cristian were out and bounding up the sidewalk leading to the front door. Racing inside and stripping their 'nice' attire from their bodies. Hurrying to enjoy the last minutes of sunlight. Outside. Luis chuckled as he slid from his seat. "AliCat.we're home. Wake up, Sleepyhead," he teased. Ali sighed in her sleep but didn't wake when he slid his arms underneath her knees and lifted her against his chest. "Rough day," he whispered against her brow. "In a whole string of rough days," Sheridan sighed. Tracing Ali's delicate jawline with her fingertip. "Poor little thing. Think she'll be too disappointed if we don't wake her up and just let her sleep?" Luis shook his head and leaned forward to kiss his wife on the lips. "Lead the way," he smiled.
They worked together. Luis slipping the tiny tee-shirt over Ali's head while Sheridan pulled the shorts down her little legs. Unbuckling the scuffed white sandals and placing them at the foot of the bed. Gathering the silky pink material in her hands and sticking Ali's blond head through it while Luis fitted her arms through the sleeves. "Aww, Sweetie," Sheridan gasped. Fingering a faint bruise on Ali's back. "They really did treat you like one of the guys." Luis arched a black brow at her in question. "Dylan and Jake. Rough-housing again." Luis nodded his head. Satisfied with the explanation. Those boys. "I'm going to have to have a little talk with them. Warn them. Tell them to be more careful. Nobody hurts my AliCat and gets away with it." Sheridan laughed. "You're awful. Whatever are you going to do when she's 16 and has boys chasing after her? When she has her first broken heart? You can't protect her forever, Luis," she smiled at him. Walking out the door. "You wanna bet?" Luis asked in a low voice as he tucked Ali's covers beneath her chin with one last kiss to her forehead. "Nobody," he repeated as he pulled her bedroom door closed.
Chapter 4
"GGGGGGGGGGGGWWWWWWWWEEEEEEENNNNNNNN!!!" Rebecca Hotchkiss screeched as she slammed the front door behind her. "GGGGGGGWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE-" "Becs!" Hank groaned. Clamping his hand over her mouth. "Now.I'm not going to move my hand until you promise.NO MORE SCREECHING. Comprende?" Rebecca rolled her blue eyes at her son-in-law. "You swine," she glared as he removed his hand carefully. Only to return it almost immediately at her seething insult. "Easy on the insults," he warned. "Okay," Rebecca grumbled. Yanking his hand from her mouth. "Where's that daughter of mine?" she asked. Blue eyes darting from side to side. "Here, Mother," Gwen sighed heavily. Entering the living room. Looking like Hell, Hank thought with a grin. But he still thought she looked beautiful. "What's so important that you had to scream it so loud they could hear you in Siberia?" she said snottily. Her patience worn extremely thin dealing with two chicken pox-riddled girls the last 36 hours. "Sara and Emily are sleeping," she hissed. "It's the only time they don't whine about itching." "Grounds for murder I right there," Hank piped up. With an evil gleam in his brown eyes. "UGH!" Rebecca stomped her foot. Causing Hank to snicker like a guilty little boy. "Mother," Gwen said in a low voice. "Quieter," she narrowed her brown eyes. "You still haven't told me why you're here."
"Babe," Hank said with false sweetness. "Like a mother needs a reason to visit her daughter." "Bennett," Gwen growled. "Mother," she huffed. Rebecca threw her arms up in the air. Jerking the scarf around her neck off. "This!" she yelled. "This is why I'm here," she cried. Pointing at her neck. Hank's brown eyes grew wide at the sight of what seemed like MILLIONS of red dots on her neck. "Damn," he pretended to be crestfallen. "I want to be cool like you, Becs. It's not fair," he whined. "But I DID give them to Sammy. Chicken pox in high school is the bomb." "One more word.one more word, and I'm going to wring your scrawny swine neck," Rebecca shrieked. "Grandma!" Emily gasped in horror. "Don't hurt Daddy!" she cried. Racing to Hank's side and lifting her arms to be picked up. "They itch, Daddy," she whined. Scratching furiously. Everywhere. "Haha! You got 'em, too," Sara jeered with shining brown eyes. Sticking her tongue out at her grandma when her mom wasn't looking. Hank chuckled at the sight. Ruffling Sara's already messy mop of brown hair affectionately. "You're just like your father," Rebecca scowled. "Through and through. You and your brother." "Mommy," Emily said. Laying her sleep-tousled brown head on Hank's shoulder and swinging her bare feet to and fro. "I miss Jake. When's he coming home?"
"Maybe sooner than later," Gwen told her. "He hit poor Ali in the face with a baseball yesterday at the park. And he was so proud that you could count each lace of the ball, too," she rolled her eyes goodnaturedly. "Sheridan tried to downplay it, but Jake said the bruise was the size of Texas." "I knew it!" Rebecca exclaimed. Her hands on her hips. "There should be a Public Health Advisory branded on that child's forehead. Jacob Henry Bennett may prove harmful to your health." "Creative, Becs," Hank smirked. "Don't even get me started on YOU," she spat. "Kids!" Gwen yelled. Covering her ears. Sara and Emily giggled. "Mother," she sighed. "I'm sorry you got.I'm sorry you have the chicken pox." "And YOU gave them to me," Rebecca accused. Wagging a finger under Emily's nose. "But Grandma," Emily pouted. Her big brown eyes welling up with tears. "I thought you liked my hugs and kisses." "Yeah," Hank said. "Admit it, Becs," he grinned. "You love them. Especially since they're the only ones you get," he added. Muttering under his breath. Rebecca shot him a withering glare, then softened. "Oh what the hell," she sighed in exasperation. "You've already ruined my looks," she lamented. Hank snorted in disbelief. "Come to Grandma," she held out her hands.
"Where did I go wrong?" Hank commiserated with his wife as they watched Emily snuggle in Rebecca's arms. "Dad," Sara rolled her eyes. "Emmy's nice to EVERYONE." "Yeah," Hank kidded. "I think there was a mix-up at the hospital." "And my twin sister's out there somewhere. With this whole other family," Sara grew excited. "No fair, huh?" Hank teased. "You two." Gwen chided. "Stop that. So Emmy's not the little devils you," she looked at Sara, "your father," she shook her head at Hank, "and your brother are." "She's like Ali," Sara's said. Her features scrunched up in something close to disgust. "Sara!" Gwen scolded. "What?" Sara shrugged her little shoulders. "Ali NEVER gets in trouble. NEVER. It's NOT fair. I ALWAYS get in trouble." "Let me think about that one for a sec, Sar," Hank pretended to mull it over. "Why is that?" "Could it be you are an accessory to Jake's many, many crimes?" "What's an acc.access." "Somebody who helps. Just like you helped Jake tape Emmy to the bottom of your bunk bed." Sara grinned proudly. "She let us," she rolled her brown eyes. Clawing absently at the pox on her arm. "Besides," Gwen continued. Laughing as she watched her mother and daughter. "Right now, I think it's more of a 'You scratch my itch, I scratch yours'."
"Mother? Are you staying for dinner?" Gwen asked. Ignoring the pleading looks in the two sets of identical brown eyes before her. Rebecca tilted her head to the side. Studying Hank's grimace. And smirked. "Of course, Gwen. I'd love to stay for dinner. Let me just call your father." "Mom," Sara whined. "Why? Why? Why?" she wailed woefully. "Sara Bennett." "Come on, Toots," Hank teased. Swinging her over his shoulder. "You, too, Emmy Lou. The pajamas have to go." Emmy looked down at her pale blue pjs with monkeys all over them. Then at Sara's. "But Daddy." "Daddy's right," Gwen told her. Kissing her forehead in passing. "Help them get dressed, Bennett. Mother." "Gwen." Rebecca stared at her with uncomprehending blue eyes. "Get moving, Becs," Hank grinned. "You eat, you help. I think your mother should get the main course started, and you can fix the salad. That way you can enjoy some much needed moments of R and R." Gwen raked her fingers through her wild blond hair with a smile. "You know what, Hank? That sounds like the best idea I've heard in ages. You don't mind, do you, Mother? I'm terribly exhausted. Haven't slept in hours. I'll just rest here." "Mmm, mmm," Hank taunted. "I just know it's going to be a feast." Rebecca's jaw dropped in shock. "I can't even boil water." "Zap it," Hank suggested with a wicked smile. "They're Bennetts," he said. Pointing to the girls. "We're not a picky people." Rebecca huffed and stomped toward the kitchen. "She's too easy," Sara muttered with a shake of her brown head. "Too easy."
Chapter 5
"Jake!" Gwen exclaimed when she saw the faint remains of the infamous bruise several days later. "Why the hell have you been using Ali for your personal punching bag?" Jake gave her a funny look. "But Mom." "No buts. Come here, Sweetheart. Let me see." She inspected the wound and drew Ali to her in a hug. "Me and you are going to have a little talk when we get home, Mister," she warned over the top of Ali's golden head. "Are you sure you're okay?" she quizzed Ali. Ali smiled sweetly and nodded her head. "It doesn't hurt anymore." "Good," Gwen smiled back. Jake huffed impatiently. "You coming Ali? We got to secure the fort before it gets dark." "Fort?" Gwen arched a brow in question. "The tree house," Sheridan laughed. "It's hers. So Jake HAS to involve her in the plans," Sheridan divulged. "So," Gwen teased. "Where's Luis taking you this weekend?" The smile on Sheridan's face blossomed into a full-fledged grin. "He won't tell me," she shook her head. "And I tried all the tricks I know to make him talk." Gwen rolled her eyes. "Spare me. I'm envious. You two still act like newlyweds half the time." Sheridan blushed accordingly.
"Well." "Well what?" Sheridan ventured. "Who's keeping the kids? With Martin and Pilar gone to visit her brother.Kay and Miguel have their hands full. Theresa's in Boston. You haven't said anything to me about it." "Abby," Sheridan finally laughed. "My, you're nosy," she teased. "ABBY! Abby's keeping the kids! Sheridan. Honey, are you sure that's.that's." "They'll be fine. She's going to stay here. At the house. So she won't have to make so many trips back and forth for Ali and Cristian's stuff, and their routine won't be upset. Chad volunteered to watch Cristian during the day while Ali's at school. Just until Abby gets off work. They're going to sleep in their own beds and everything." "Abby's a nut, Sheridan. A very likable nut, but a nut all the same," Gwen said. Leaning back in the swing and crossing her arms around her chest. "Then think of it this way," Sheridan posed with twinkling blue eyes. "Do you really want to spend 4 whole days with 5 kids?" Gwen did a perfect impression of a deer caught in headlights. "I didn't think so," Sheridan smirked. "Have I told you lately what a good friend you are?" Gwen snorted. Causing Sheridan to fall into a fit of laughter herself. And they were just gone from there.
"When do you leave?" Gwen asked later. After they'd laughed so hard their stomachs ached, and Emily and Ali-out of breath from a rip-roaring session of tag with Jake and Sara-had plopped down on the still green grass in front of them. Taking turns dressing Miss Priss up in the latest fashions. Miss Priss had her very own wardrobe. All thanks to Aunt Theresa. She was currently donning a red beret and a red and gray plaid skirt. "Tomorrow morning." "Look, Sheridan," Emily giggled. "Doesn't she look pretty? Take our picture, Mommy." Gwen picked up the camera beside her on the old wooden swing and focused the lens on the three lovely ladies. Snapping picture after picture. Ali and Emmy's bright smiles lighting up their cute little faces. "Mommy," Ali grinned. "Take our picture with Mommy," she told Gwen. Reaching her arms out for Sheridan. And soon Sheridan had Emmy in her lap and Ali's arms draped around her neck. Identical smiles on mother and daughter's faces and crooked smile on Emmy's face. Miss Priss had to ruin the PERFECT picture, though. Every white hair on the cat's back stood on end. "What about me?" Gwen pretended to pout. "I want my picture taken, too."
Hank and Luis arrived. Arms laden with pizzas. Just in time to make it a family portrait session. Gwen groaned as she realized, with three mischievous clowns in the family and one little angel with a sometimes crooked halo, she'd never achieve the ultimate family picture. But Sheridan assured her with a sly smile.Luis definitely caught their essence on camera. That's all that counted. Jake held bunny ears over Emmy's brown head. Sara's brown eyes were crossed. And Hank chose the exact moment Luis snapped the picture to attack her. Slobbering all over her. Even though it was only in print, she was certain a lip-reader, or for that matter, anyone, could plainly tell the word escaping Emily's lips. The "YUCK" was still ringing in her ears as Luis, Sheridan, Ali, and Cristian posed together. Sheridan nestled in the cradle of Luis's legs. Blue eyes fixed on his face with a loving smile. While Cristian smiled sweetly at the camera at his father's side, and Ali's blond head lay in her mother's lap. Hank grinned at the little family. "Hey Little Buddy," he teased. "Ain't the future Missus pretty as a picture," he cracked. The black scowl Jake shot his way only made Hank laugh harder. "Yeah," he nudged Emmy in the ribs playfully. "The Jakester's got a crush on both of Uncle Luis's girls. Think we should rat him out?" he asked Sara. Sara rolled her brown eyes. "Everybody already knows, Dad," she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Can we eat the pizza now? I'm hungry," she whined.
They had a picnic dinner outside under the fading sun. Laughing and joking around. Just enjoying themselves. And when it was over, Gwen hugged Sheridan tight. Promising to have copies of all the pictures made for her, and to check up on Ali and Cristian in the next four days. Like Gwen said.Abby was a bonafide nut. But that didn't mean Sheridan didn't love her. Or trust her. Emmy rode piggyback style on Hank's shoulders all the way to the car, and Jake raced Sara to see who got to sit in the back seat. All by themselves. It was a win-win situation, Gwen told Sheridan with a laugh. Kept the noise level down. Cristian yawned sleepily. Brown eyes drooping as he buried his face in Luis's shoulder. "Bye," Ali called. Waving until the car disappeared out of sight. Then Sheridan grabbed her and threw her over her shoulder with a groan. Both her babies were growing up. So fast. And that thought made her sad. "Mommy!" Ali squealed as Sheridan carried her to bed just like that. Upside down. The house looked funny upside down, she thought with a giggle. "Bedtime for you, Ali-baby," she bounced her on the mattress with a laugh of her own. Brushing Ali's blond hair back from her forehead. "Story first?" Ali ventured hopefully. "Okay," Sheridan smiled. "What do you want to hear tonight?" "Tell me about Josh, Mommy," Ali said softly. "Joshua?" "No, Mommy. Josh." "Josh," Sheridan said in realization. "Sweetie.what made you think about Josh?" Ali shrugged her slim shoulders. "I dunno."
Luis tugged Cristian's dirty socks off his feet and tossed them in the clothes hamper over his shoulder. "Daddy," he mumbled drowsily. "What about my bath?" "Shh," Luis raised a finger to his lips. "Don't tell Mommy, okay?" he made a deal with his little son. "First thing in the morning, Pal." Cristian slipped his arms around Luis's neck and squeezed hard. Luis grinned and squeezed him back. By the time he lay him back against the pillows, he was conked out completely. A smile on his face. He tucked the covers under Cristian's chin. Knowing he'd have them kicked off come morning. And pulled the door shut behind him. Slowly making his way down the hall to Ali's room. A name he hadn't heard in years stopped him in his tracks, and he strained his ears to hear the conversation taking place inside. "Dr. Nick was really sad when Josh died, wasn't he?" Ali said somberly. Luis crept closer to the open door. Peering inside without saying a word. "He WAS really sad, Baby," Sheridan answered her. Tucking her hair back behind her ear. "He loved Josh. I loved him, too. He was very special," she told her. Tears in her eyes. "Will you read Josh's book to me?" Ali whispered. Pulling the well-worn, well-loved copy out of the top drawer of her nightstand. "Just a little tonight, AliCat," Luis stepped inside the room. "It's late, and Mommy has to get her rest for tomorrow." "Luis," Sheridan sighed in exasperation. "Are you going to give me one teeny, tiny hint about where we're going?" "Nope," Luis shook his head. Jumping on the bed and pulling Ali back into his arms. "C'mere, Mommy," he grinned. Opening his arms. "Give me that book. I'm going to read to my girls." "What about Cristian?" Ali asked. "Fast asleep," Luis chuckled. "Do you want me to read to you or what?" "Read," Ali and Sheridan chimed simultaneously. And Luis's opened the pages. Beginning with the very first one. Somewhere around page 7, he looked down to find both his angels in dreamland. One touch of his hand to turn of the lamp, and he joined them. A contented smile on his lips.
Note: This is a sequel to my story "Always" which can be found here at Fanfiction.Net. "Hope" picks up a few years after "Always" ended.
Enjoy the story.
Chapter 1
"You're not going to let HER play, are you?" Dylan spat in accusation. Oh the horror! A girl. Playing basketball. With them. The best basketball players in Harmony. In Maine. In the United States! Well.the best ten- year-old basketball players. Alright. So they weren't ten YET. Just a few more months, though. And the last thing he needed was having his big, bad reputation RUINED when word got out he had actually-GASP-played anything with a girl. It didn't matter that she happened to be THE prettiest girl he had ever seen. The fact of the matter was.she was still of the female sex. Therefore, he didn't like her, and he didn't want to get her girl cooties. Jake shrugged his slim shoulders. "So," he rolled his brown eyes. Shoving a stubborn lock of his unruly brown hair from his forehead absently and shifting the basketball to his other hand. Resting it on his hip. He glanced at Ali out of the corner of his eye. Her big blue eyes shone back at him trustingly. "She's pretty good, Dylan. You should give her a chance." A blind man could have seen Ali's beaming smile.
"Good?" Dylan scoffed. "Jake. You got it so wrong. Girls aren't good at basketball. They suck at it. All of 'em." Ali's chin jutted out defiantly, and she crossed her arms around her middle. Blue eyes glittering with anger. "That's not true. My mommy can play basketball." Jake grinned lopsidedly. Boy did she ever! Ali's mom beat Uncle Luis ALL the time. "Aww." Dylan mocked. "How sweet," he rolled his eyes. Voice dripping with sarcasm. "Hear that, Jake? She's still a baby. Still calls her mom 'Mommy.' I bet you still suck your thumb at night, too. Come on, Jake. We men don't hang out with babies like her," Dylan stuck his tongue out at Ali rudely. Jake's brown eyes moved back and forth between Dylan and Ali. If he picked Dylan, his mom would make sitting painful for the rest of the week. But if he chose Ali, Dylan would NEVER let him live it down. He knew Dylan. He was an okay guy. When he liked you. When he didn't.watch out. He didn't think he could take the constant teasing. He ducked his head from Ali's trusting blue eyes. "What's the matter?" Dylan grumbled. "You like her or something?" Jake's brown head shot up immediately. "NNNNOOOO!!! No. No, I don't like her," he rushed to tell Dylan. "I'm just nice to her 'cause her mom and my mom are best friends. You're right. She IS a baby," he said quickly. Dylan grinned at him and stole the basketball from his hands. "Baby, baby, baby," he chanted as Ali walked away. Jake sneaked a look at her just before she disappeared into Sheridan's office. And Dylan took that opportunity to bounce the basketball off the side of his tousled brown head. "Get in the game, Bennett."
She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't. That was her mantra as she trudged dejectedly across the gym. But her chin quivered, and Sheridan knew as soon as she lay eyes on her little daughter, her heart had been broken. "Ali, baby. What's the matter?" When her mommy called her baby, one fat tear that had been shimmering in her big blue eyes just seconds earlier escaped. Followed by another one. And another one. Until the dam broke loose, and she starting sobbing her heart out. Cristian ceased kicking his feet back and forth against his mommy's desk. The drumming sound not so wonderful as it was a moment before, and his brown eyes welled with sympathy. Sheridan gathered Ali in her arms and sank back into her chair again. Stroking the long, silky gold tresses back from Ali's feverish cheeks and kissing her forehead. Murmuring soothing words as Ali's shoulders hitched, and she clung to her. Cristian wiped Ali's crystal tears away with his tiny fingers. "Shh, AliCat. Don't cry. Don't be sad." Sheridan smiled tenderly at her little son and opened her arms to each of her children. And soon, she had them both curled up beneath her chin. She waved Chad off when he appeared in the doorway. "Tell Mommy what happened, Sweetie," she prodded gently.
Ali drew back and stared at her with red-rimmed blue eyes. "Dylan was mean to me," she sniffled. "And Jake doesn't like me anymore." Her pretty little face crumpled, and a fresh wave of tears began. Cristian snuggled close to his sister. His little arms wrapped tight around her. "I'm sure he didn't mean it, Sweetie." "Really?" Ali questioned. "Really," Sheridan assured her. "Really," Cristian echoed. A smile already tugging at the corners of his mouth. Sheridan laughed and ruffled Cristian's dark curls affectionately. "Oh you," she teased. Tickling his tummy and making him squirm and squeal with laughter. Ali giggled and joined in on the fun. And that's how Luis found them. Engaged in a full-out tickle war. "Why do I always miss the fun?" he grinned. Leaning against the doorframe. "Daddy!" Ali cried happily. She raced Cristian the short distance to their father and launched herself into his arms. "What's this I see?" Luis frowned. "Tears? Tears on my AliCat's cheeks?" He looked to Sheridan for answers, but she just shook her head with a smile. Mouthing 'BOYS.' Luis groaned. Boys already! What was he going to do when she was 16 instead of 8? He was exhausted just thinking of all the booby traps he'd have to set around the perimeter of the house. Sheridan lifted Cristian into her arms with a groan. "My little man is growing up," she laughed after she caught her breath again. Ali and Cristian giggled when their parents leaned in for a kiss. That was just a little too long for young eyes.
"Ahem," a throat cleared behind them. "How many years is it? Ten? More?" Chad shook his head. "Man. And you still can't keep your hands off of each other." Sheridan and Luis gazed deeply into each other's eyes. "Sheridan, Gwen wants to talk to you." Sheridan stood on tiptoe. Looking over Luis's shoulder for Gwen. "Where is she?" she finally asked in a puzzled voice. Chad just laughed at the look of total bewilderment written plainly across her features. "She's outside. She said she'd come in, but Sara is in the middle of one of her infamous hissy fits-and let me tell you.this one takes the cake," he whispered in a low voice. "Those lungs have only grown more powerful over the years." Luis smirked. Ear plugs were a permanent fixture in the Bennett household. Offered to anyone who crossed the threshold. "What is it now?" Sheridan winced. "Poor Gwen," she muttered under her breath as Cristian slipped from her hip. To the ground below. "I'll be right back," she said. Blowing Luis and the kids each a kiss. "Miss Ali," Chad grinned. Bending at the waist so they were almost eye level. "A little birdie told me you been crying. Now, there's a lot of things I hate hearing, but nothing makes me sadder than tears in those pretty eyes of yours. Come on. Tell me who did it. Whisper it right here in this ear," he offered an ear to her. "Then I can go beat him up for you." "Now, Chad," Luis chided. "You can't beat him up. It's against the law. Besides.that's my job," he said. Scooping Ali up in his arms and walking outside. "Come on, Little Man," Chad held out a hand for Cristian.
"Gwen," Sheridan smiled thinly as Sara's screams reverberated off the windows in the back. Gwen threw her arms over the steering wheel. Her messy blond head following. "Sara Bennett.if you don't stop screaming right this instant.I'm going to send you to live with Grandma. PERMANENTLY." Sheridan's mouth hung open in amazement when Sara's scream died in her throat. And the petulant little girl buried her face behind her sister's back. "Hi," Emily greeted sweetly. "Aww, Sweetheart," Sheridan said. "You don't look like you feel so good." The sparkle in Emily's brown eyes was dulled. Replaced with fatigue. And her normally healthy complexion was unusually pale. With just the hint of faint red dots appearing. "Chickenpox," Gwen sighed. "And what about Sara?" Sheridan whispered. Not missing the narrowing of Sara's glittering brown eyes. "What else?" Gwen rolled her eyes. "She's actually jealous of all the attention Emily's getting. She wants chickenpox, too." Sheridan bit her lip and raised her brows at that little tidbit. "We're twins," Sara huffed. "I want dots! I want dots! I want dots!" "If you keep it up, God might grant your wish," Gwen warned. Feeling particularly evil after a long day spent at the hospital where it seemed there was a chickenpox epidemic. "And then you'll have so many dots.your face will look like a round, pudgy tomato." "Like Grandma's," Sara asked. Panic-stricken. Sheridan laughed into her arm. Not daring to let either little girl see her. "NO!" Sara wailed. "I don't want dots! I don't want dots! I don't want dots!" "Then pray!" Gwen barked. "And ask God for a miracle, Doll. You already have one. Right here," she said. Tapping the end of her nose in demonstration. And Sara screamed in horror when she saw just that in the reflection of the rear-view mirror. "Sheridan," Gwen squeaked weakly. "Please. Help me. I will love you forever."
Luis leaned back against the bleachers. His lips curved in amusement as Ali-with a little help from Chad-beat the pants off of Jake and Sir Dylan. Cristian cheered his big sister from his father's side. "Yay, Ali!" he clapped. Luis burst into laughter when Sheridan came walking back into the Youth Center. Jake's duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The oddest look on her face. Looks like they were going to have a guest by the initials J and B tonight at Casa de Lo-Fitz. MJ came tearing down the aisle toward him and Cristian. "Slow down, Hurricane," Luis teased. Catching MJ by the shoulders as he skidded past. MJ's brown eyes sparkled deviously as he yanked Cristian from the bleachers and pulled him away. Ready to terrorize some sweet, innocent little girls. And use Cristian to get close. Kay plopped down beside him heavily. But Joshua didn't even move a muscle. "How was the appointment?" Luis asked. Brushing Joshua's thick black hair from his forehead. "That's next week. We had to reschedule because Miguel couldn't get off work." Sheridan joined them after storing Jake's bag in her office. Taking time to smile and wave at Ali on the court before turning her full attention back on Kay and the little boy curled peacefully in her arms. "Still don't know about the implants yet, I assume." "No," Kay murmured as Joshua shifted in her arms. "It seems like we've been waiting forever. I don't want any more rescheduled appointments or excuses, dammit. I want.I want my son to be able to hear my voice. I mean, I'm his mother, and he has no idea. No clue." "There is ONE bright side," Luis attempted to lighten the atmosphere. "When MJ and Sara are having one of their knock-down drag outs, he's blissfully ignorant. Hank could kick his own ass for not investing in ear plug stock years ago." Kay and Sheridan laughed. "Jake's calmed down-thank God for YOU," Kay grinned at Sheridan. Reminding Sheridan that yes, she and Luis got to play host for young Master Bennett tonight. Tomorrow night. Maybe even-EEK-several nights. "But Sara more than filled his shoes," she snickered.
"What's so funny?" Jake grumbled as he trod over to them with a sour face. Getting beat by a girl was the worst. He still said Ali cheated. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't. "Nothing," Kay sobered. A twinkle still in her dark eyes, though, as she studied her young cousin. "Congratulations, Bud. You just won yourself a free vacation at Princess Ali's house. Think of all the fun you can have," she wiggled her brows at him teasingly. Yeah, Jake thought silently. All the fun. All the charred dinners. All the meowing and screeching of Miss Priss. All the lovey-dovey-ness a 9 year-old boy like him could stand. Yeah. Sounded like fun, alright. Ali and Cristian were just too PERFECT to be real. And now he had gone and lost to her. Ali wouldn't brag. But that was ten times worse! 'Cause he already felt bad enough as it was. And Sheridan and Uncle Luis knew exactly what had happened. They knew everything, he thought with an uncontrollable roll of his brown eyes. EVERYTHING. Sometimes he had the sneaking suspicion Uncle Luis was God's cousin. That could explain why he seemed to always figure out it was him that stuffed Miss Priss in the dryer- it was so much fun watching her roll around and around in there, even if it was only for a couple minutes! He was the one that painted Ali's eyelids with nail polish last Halloween when he spent the night with her. And set up the video camera to tape in the bathroom. Just to find out a few things a boy like him had to know. Like for instance.did fine, upstanding guys like Uncle Luis leave the toilet lid up, too? He NEVER, EVER expected to see what he did on that tape. Sheridan sure did scream a lot. "Jake.Jake.Jacob Bennett!" he heard his name being called from somewhere very far away. "Hurry up. We're going home." Home, sweet home, he thought with a grin as he raced Ali to the door. Maybe this could be fun, after all. It took a lot to make Sheridan lose her patience. It'd take a lot before she got red-hot. And in the meantime, he could have the time of his life.
Chapter 2
Jake's brown eyes darted back and forth as he checked their position. "All clear. Smiley.come in." Sheridan paused in the doorway to the kitchen. An amused smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she heard Cristian's response crackle over the walkie talkie. The closer it got to bedtime (and their routine of song or story) the harder it was to distinguish his words. In Gwen's words, "Cristian's petted rotten. Just like Ali." "Bubbles and The Pain aweren't hwere." Jake rolled his eyes. When was the kid going to learn to talk plain? "Smiley," he hissed. "Put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Repeat.put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Copy? Cristian," Jake huffed in exasperation. "Do you got the frog under the pillow or not?" "Copy," Cristian finally answered. "Jake!" his panicked little voice echoed in the kitchen. "Daddy's coming!" "Get out of there, Smiley. Get out of there!"
A loud knock sounded at the back door, and Jake jumped several feet in the air. Groaning and rubbing the goose egg on his forehead before he scurried away unnoticed. Or so he thought. "Doing a good deed again? Those Bennetts. Sneaky little devils. That reminds me," she grinned with sparkling hazel eyes. "How's the demon seed these days? It's been so long." Sheridan laughed embarrassedly at Abby's nickname for MJ. "MJ's fine. He only had to stand in the corner at school once this week." "Wow!" Abby snickered. Plopping down on a stool at the bar. "We're making progress." She sniffed the air. "I see we made dinner again tonight as well," she cracked. Sheridan pushed a bothersome lock of blond hair from her forehead. Propping her elbows on the counter. "Jake 'accidentally' dumped a whole pitcher of cherry kool-aid on Ali's head. I was a little distracted." "I'd say," Abby snorted.
Luis appeared in the kitchen. Carrying his despondent daughter. A fluffy white turban wrapped around her head. "What's the matter, AliCat?" Abby quizzed the pouting youngster. Ali's pout grew even bigger if that were possible, and she burrowed her head in Luis's neck. Loosening the turban in the process. Abby barely contained her gasp of surprise at what she saw. Ali's beautiful blond mane was no longer blond. It was PINK! "OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!" Abby exclaimed. "AliCat! Your hair's absolutely GORGEOUS. Do you think you can fill me in on a few of your beauty secrets? I've always wanted pink hair. It's like so cool," she said. Doing her best impersonation of a Valley Girl.
Ali's blue eyes peeked at Abby cautiously. Sparkling as Abby pretended to ponder the issue further. "Actually.I think PURPLE would be much more shocking. Care to help me make a fashion statement, AliCat? Sheridan," she whirled on her heel to look into Sheridan's twinkling blue eyes. "Please tell me you have some grape kool-aid somewhere." "I don't know," Sheridan said. Barely restraining from bursting into hysterical laughter. "But be my guest. You're welcome to it," she held out her arm. "What are you waiting for, AliCat? Don't you want the job? You just have to be my glamour technician." Ali slid down her daddy's length. Giggling her pretty little pink head off as she padded after Abby on bare feet. Sheridan laughed, too. At the absurd notion that the pink hair and pjs was oddly reminescent of the bottle of Peptobismol in their medicine cabinet.
Luis crept up behind her with a grin. Snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her back against him. "How many?" she laughed. Leaning her head back against his strong shoulder. "Five times after you left. You'll definitely need to pick up a new bottle of shampoo tomorrow." "Well.at least tomorrow's Saturday," Sheridan sighed. "Oh my goodness! Luis!" she exclaimed. Twisting around in his arms. "Tomorrow's Saturday!" Luis smirked. "I thought we'd already established that." "Luis," Sheridan rolled her eyes. Swatting his chest playfully. "Saturday. As in NO SCHOOL. As in the whole day spent together. As in a whole day with just me, Ali, Cristian, AND Jake." Luis chuckled. "Yeah," he prodded. "Luis," she groaned. "Let's just have a run-through of what's occurred this evening. Keeping in mind it's only been a few hours long. First," she counted off on her fingers. "The trip to the grocery store."
Luis's brown eyes twinkled at the still-fresh memory. Sure, it was less than funny a few hours ago. But now.he couldn't help but see the humor in it. "Playing hide and go seek in the freezer section is not only dangerous, it's.he scared the hell out of that poor old woman when she reached for that t.v. dinner. Then there's the little matter of practicing his quarterback skills in the aisles by tossing rolls of toilet paper back and forth to Cristian." "At least toilet paper is soft," Luis grinned. "And putting Cristian on the conveyor belt to be scanned." "You forgot about the buggy races in the parking lot." "I didn't forget," Sheridan shook her head. "Two more inches, and we'd be paying for someone's car to be repaired."
"The Kool-Aid," Luis supplied. "Bringing up that damn tape again," Sheridan blushed scarlet. "Come on, Baby," Luis teased. Slipping his hands in the back pockets of her jeans and pressing her even closer. Wearing that devilishly handsome grin on his face that made her weak-kneed. "For all he knew, you were just really pissed that he saw you in the shower. How many times does that make it?" "Make what?" she asked in a puzzled voice. "How many close-calls?" "Oh god," she groaned. Dropping her head against his chest. "I don't even want to think about THAT," she mumbled. "That reminds me.did you install that new lock we picked up at the grocery store yet?" "I did," he whispered. "Does that mean." "Luis," she rolled her eyes. "How you can even think about making love with that little prankster in the house.our previous track record." "You're my wife," he said. Pecking her lips lightly. "My beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, amazing wife. Making love with you is ALWAYS on my mind, Sweetheart," he told her in a low, desire-filled voice. Immediately breaking the tension with a waggle of his eyebrows. "But just in case.I think we should swipe one of the chairs from in here to shove under the door handle."
"Ooo," a teasing voice filled the room. "I had you guys pegged all wrong. Wicked," Abby grinned. Holding up a strand of her formerly tawny hair and showing them it was indeed now purple. Well.just a chunk behind her right ear. "How do you like my new look?" she asked. "Me and Ali are thinking of forming our own punk rock band," she grinned. Ali giggled and climbed onto the bar stool. "Mommy? Can I have some ice cream?" "May I," Sheridan corrected with a smile. "Not tonight, Sweetie. It's almost bedtime." Ali's sweet face fell. But just a moment. "May I have a cookie then?" she asked. "Here," Abby hissed. Swiping a chocolate chip cookie from the cookie jar and waving it behind her back. "Abby," Sheridan groaned. "What?" Abby asked innocently. "What have I done now?" Sheridan crossed her arms with a sigh. "Aww.Mom," Abby whined. "She said 'may I.' That certainly deserves a cookie." "Okay," Sheridan softened. Tousling Ali's pink locks. "But just one."
"Things are awfully quiet," Luis mused. And Sheridan's blue eyes grew wide. "Where's Jake and Cristian?" They heard a muffled pounding noise coming from what sounded like Cristian's room. And something that sounded amazingly similar to "Mommy! Help me!" Cookie crumbs fell from Ali's lips as she asked, "Daddy.was that Cristian?" "Yeah," Luis told her. Sweeping past. "What are you waiting for, AliCat?" Abby grinned. "We can't miss all the action." Ali scampered after her, and soon they found themselves in Cristian's room.
"Jake.Cristian," Sheridan called. "Where are you?" Jake ambled through the door. Whistling under his breath with a mischievous grin on his lips. "Jake, where's Cristian?" Jake's brown eyes shifted around the room. Not meeting hers. "You know.I'm having a hard time remembering," he said. Shoving his hands in his pants' pockets. "Mommy." Sheridan's blue eyes searched the room frantically for her son. "Mommy!" Ali squealed. Her blue eyes enormous as she spotted a familiar pair of white-socked feet dangling from the bottom of the top bunk of Cristian's bunk bed. Luis couldn't help but crack a smile when he tried to scold Jake. Abby turned her head upside down and stared up at Cristian. Secured to the bunk's bottom. "Pretty handy with duct tape. You're a man of many talents, young Jacob Bennett." "Thank you," Jake grinned. Accepting her praise. "How in the world did you manage this?" Sheridan asked in wonder as she struggled to free her son. "Practice makes perfect," Jake told her.
It took them nearly a half-hour to get Cristian down. Abby couldn't stop her naughty laughter. Especially when the poor little guy finally lost his battle against sleep. All tuckered out. Sheridan tucked Cristian's blanket under his chin with a tender smile. "Never a dull moment at Casa de Lo-Fitz," Abby teased as they saw her out. Wrapped in each other's arms. Ali nodding sleepily on the sofa. Jake being banished to bed. Early. They watched Abby's taillights disappear in the darkness. And turned to their dozing daughter. Luis scooped Ali up in his arms easily, and Sheridan pushed her bedroom door open. Kissing Ali's forehead as she snuggled under the covers and switching her bedside lamp off. The brand- new lock clicked into place behind them, and Sheridan laughed as Luis backed her up. Attacking her with kisses. Clothes flying everywhere before the back of her knees hit the mattress, and they fell in a heap on the bed. A jumble of tangled limbs. Enjoying themselves to the fullest. And then. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! MMMMMOOOMMMMYYYY!!!!! DDDDDDDAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY!!!!! MR. RIBBITT!" "Jake," they groaned simultaneously.
Chapter 3
"I already said I was sorry," Jake mumbled under his breath as Sheridan pushed the front door open. "I didn't even know Ali was there. It's not like I was aiming for her or anything. I swear. Honest." "Honest," Cristian parroted. "We didn't see her, Mommy." Sheridan shifted Ali's limp body to her other arm and studied the pair before her. Jake's eyes were missing that mischievous twinkle. And he seemed genuinely remorseful. "Okay," she sighed. "I believe you." Jake's face broke out into a slow grin, and he pumped his arm in the air. She barely restrained from rolling her eyes when Cristian mimicked his actions. Two days. Two days, and he was already idolizing him.
The sound of a horn tooting in the front yard had both boys scrambling outside to meet Luis. Ali stirred in her arms and looked at her with red- rimmed blue eyes. "Is that Daddy?" "That's Daddy," she smiled. Brushing Ali's damp, still slightly pink hair from her forehead and planting a gentle kiss there. She fingered the mottled purple bruise around Ali's right eye carefully. "Still hurt?" she winced as Ali cried out softly. "Oh, Sweetie. I'm so sorry," she sighed. Hugging her daughter close again. "Just wait until Jake's daddy gets a hold of him," she teased. "Why he.he'll beat Jake up for you." Instead of the sweet giggles she was aiming for, Ali pulled back with a serious expression on her little face. "Jake and Cristian didn't mean it, Mommy. I don't want his daddy to do anything." "You're just too sweet for your own good, Baby," she smiled. Nuzzling Ali's silky cheeks. "Come on. Let's go see Daddy."
Luis stopped in his tracks right outside the door when he saw her. The angry purple mark making him suck in a deep breath. "She's okay," Sheridan murmured in his ear. Rubbing his arm reassuringly as he took Ali from her arms and squeezed her tight. "Man, guys," Luis whistled. Glancing at the two guilty parties. "They really did a number on you, didn't they AliCat?" "Look, Uncle Luis," Jake piped up. "You can count all the laces from the ball," he said. Pointing at Ali's wound. "Ali's pretty tough. She didn't cry half as much as Sara when I." "AHA!" Luis shook an accusatory finger at him. A smirk on his lips. "Just how INNOCENT, are you?" "Hey!" Jake huffed. "What happened to 'innocent 'til proven guilty'?" "Little buddy," Luis grinned down at him. "I'm impressed." Jake's brown eyes twinkled at the praise.
Ali lay her head down on her daddy's shoulder. "Tired, AliCat? 'Cause I was thinking.I was thinking about taking the whole gang out to the Lobster Shack. But if you're too tired, we'll just stay home. But then Mommy's going to have to cook," he whispered. In a not-so-soft voice. Ali giggled when her mommy swatted at her daddy in mock hurt. "Luis!" "LOBSTER SHACK!!!" Jake and Cristian shouted their two cents very loudly. "Jake," Sheridan pretended to pout. "Sorry, Sheridan," Jake made no bones about it. "But I still have soot in my mouth from last night." Luis rumbled with laughter. And this time.Sheridan really did smack him. Soundly on the rear end as he carried Ali down the hall. "Lobster Shack it is."
"Almost ready," Sheridan smiled from Ali's doorway. Watching as Ali tugged at the hem of one of her favorite shirts. A white, ribbed tee with tiny pink flowers along the collar. In her matching pink shorts, Sheridan thought she looked adorable. But then she wasn't very objective.she ALWAYS found her adorable. Black eye and all. "Here. Let Mommy do your hair," she said. Taking the silver brush from Ali's hands and brushing through the thick, soft mane. "You have such beautiful hair. Mommy's jealous," she teased as she tied the pink ribbon in place. Ali giggled. "We did you a favor, Ali," Jake's voice called from the door. "Least now you don't look like a walking bottle of Peptobismol." Ali's jaw dropped, and Sheridan shooed Jake out of the room. "I'm sorry," Jake grumbled behind the closed door. "You look real pretty. Almost as pretty as your mom." "What's that?" she could hear Luis ask. "Putting the moves on my wife again, Bennett?" "Aww, Man," Jake whined. "A guy can't catch a break around here." Sheridan and Ali laughed. And soon, Luis's smiling face joined theirs in the reflection of Ali's vanity mirror. "Wow!" Luis exclaimed. "Do I have the two prettiest girls or what?" "Daddy!"
Of course, dinner with Jake just wasn't complete without a few shenanigans. In other words.all eating utensils became launch pads for torpedoed food items. Straight at unsuspecting victims. Including Jake's favorite victim of all: T.C. Russell. T.C's low growl had Jake ducking under the checkered tablecloth and not daring to play with his food again. Especially not once T.C. and Eve joined them at their table. Nope. Jake was on his best behavior. T.C. and Luis bandied back and forth on Harmony High's chances in the upcoming season while Sheridan and Eve just enjoyed each other's company. "BOOOOORING," Jake muttered under his breath. "Sheridan's cooking is better than this," he groaned. Cristian pushed his food back and forth on his plate with his fork. The excitement gone the minute he actually had to EAT it. Both boys were thrilled the moment their 'torture' ended, and the whole gang piled into the SUV.
The second the SUV slowed to a stop, Jake and Cristian were out and bounding up the sidewalk leading to the front door. Racing inside and stripping their 'nice' attire from their bodies. Hurrying to enjoy the last minutes of sunlight. Outside. Luis chuckled as he slid from his seat. "AliCat.we're home. Wake up, Sleepyhead," he teased. Ali sighed in her sleep but didn't wake when he slid his arms underneath her knees and lifted her against his chest. "Rough day," he whispered against her brow. "In a whole string of rough days," Sheridan sighed. Tracing Ali's delicate jawline with her fingertip. "Poor little thing. Think she'll be too disappointed if we don't wake her up and just let her sleep?" Luis shook his head and leaned forward to kiss his wife on the lips. "Lead the way," he smiled.
They worked together. Luis slipping the tiny tee-shirt over Ali's head while Sheridan pulled the shorts down her little legs. Unbuckling the scuffed white sandals and placing them at the foot of the bed. Gathering the silky pink material in her hands and sticking Ali's blond head through it while Luis fitted her arms through the sleeves. "Aww, Sweetie," Sheridan gasped. Fingering a faint bruise on Ali's back. "They really did treat you like one of the guys." Luis arched a black brow at her in question. "Dylan and Jake. Rough-housing again." Luis nodded his head. Satisfied with the explanation. Those boys. "I'm going to have to have a little talk with them. Warn them. Tell them to be more careful. Nobody hurts my AliCat and gets away with it." Sheridan laughed. "You're awful. Whatever are you going to do when she's 16 and has boys chasing after her? When she has her first broken heart? You can't protect her forever, Luis," she smiled at him. Walking out the door. "You wanna bet?" Luis asked in a low voice as he tucked Ali's covers beneath her chin with one last kiss to her forehead. "Nobody," he repeated as he pulled her bedroom door closed.
Chapter 4
"GGGGGGGGGGGGWWWWWWWWEEEEEEENNNNNNNN!!!" Rebecca Hotchkiss screeched as she slammed the front door behind her. "GGGGGGGWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE-" "Becs!" Hank groaned. Clamping his hand over her mouth. "Now.I'm not going to move my hand until you promise.NO MORE SCREECHING. Comprende?" Rebecca rolled her blue eyes at her son-in-law. "You swine," she glared as he removed his hand carefully. Only to return it almost immediately at her seething insult. "Easy on the insults," he warned. "Okay," Rebecca grumbled. Yanking his hand from her mouth. "Where's that daughter of mine?" she asked. Blue eyes darting from side to side. "Here, Mother," Gwen sighed heavily. Entering the living room. Looking like Hell, Hank thought with a grin. But he still thought she looked beautiful. "What's so important that you had to scream it so loud they could hear you in Siberia?" she said snottily. Her patience worn extremely thin dealing with two chicken pox-riddled girls the last 36 hours. "Sara and Emily are sleeping," she hissed. "It's the only time they don't whine about itching." "Grounds for murder I right there," Hank piped up. With an evil gleam in his brown eyes. "UGH!" Rebecca stomped her foot. Causing Hank to snicker like a guilty little boy. "Mother," Gwen said in a low voice. "Quieter," she narrowed her brown eyes. "You still haven't told me why you're here."
"Babe," Hank said with false sweetness. "Like a mother needs a reason to visit her daughter." "Bennett," Gwen growled. "Mother," she huffed. Rebecca threw her arms up in the air. Jerking the scarf around her neck off. "This!" she yelled. "This is why I'm here," she cried. Pointing at her neck. Hank's brown eyes grew wide at the sight of what seemed like MILLIONS of red dots on her neck. "Damn," he pretended to be crestfallen. "I want to be cool like you, Becs. It's not fair," he whined. "But I DID give them to Sammy. Chicken pox in high school is the bomb." "One more word.one more word, and I'm going to wring your scrawny swine neck," Rebecca shrieked. "Grandma!" Emily gasped in horror. "Don't hurt Daddy!" she cried. Racing to Hank's side and lifting her arms to be picked up. "They itch, Daddy," she whined. Scratching furiously. Everywhere. "Haha! You got 'em, too," Sara jeered with shining brown eyes. Sticking her tongue out at her grandma when her mom wasn't looking. Hank chuckled at the sight. Ruffling Sara's already messy mop of brown hair affectionately. "You're just like your father," Rebecca scowled. "Through and through. You and your brother." "Mommy," Emily said. Laying her sleep-tousled brown head on Hank's shoulder and swinging her bare feet to and fro. "I miss Jake. When's he coming home?"
"Maybe sooner than later," Gwen told her. "He hit poor Ali in the face with a baseball yesterday at the park. And he was so proud that you could count each lace of the ball, too," she rolled her eyes goodnaturedly. "Sheridan tried to downplay it, but Jake said the bruise was the size of Texas." "I knew it!" Rebecca exclaimed. Her hands on her hips. "There should be a Public Health Advisory branded on that child's forehead. Jacob Henry Bennett may prove harmful to your health." "Creative, Becs," Hank smirked. "Don't even get me started on YOU," she spat. "Kids!" Gwen yelled. Covering her ears. Sara and Emily giggled. "Mother," she sighed. "I'm sorry you got.I'm sorry you have the chicken pox." "And YOU gave them to me," Rebecca accused. Wagging a finger under Emily's nose. "But Grandma," Emily pouted. Her big brown eyes welling up with tears. "I thought you liked my hugs and kisses." "Yeah," Hank said. "Admit it, Becs," he grinned. "You love them. Especially since they're the only ones you get," he added. Muttering under his breath. Rebecca shot him a withering glare, then softened. "Oh what the hell," she sighed in exasperation. "You've already ruined my looks," she lamented. Hank snorted in disbelief. "Come to Grandma," she held out her hands.
"Where did I go wrong?" Hank commiserated with his wife as they watched Emily snuggle in Rebecca's arms. "Dad," Sara rolled her eyes. "Emmy's nice to EVERYONE." "Yeah," Hank kidded. "I think there was a mix-up at the hospital." "And my twin sister's out there somewhere. With this whole other family," Sara grew excited. "No fair, huh?" Hank teased. "You two." Gwen chided. "Stop that. So Emmy's not the little devils you," she looked at Sara, "your father," she shook her head at Hank, "and your brother are." "She's like Ali," Sara's said. Her features scrunched up in something close to disgust. "Sara!" Gwen scolded. "What?" Sara shrugged her little shoulders. "Ali NEVER gets in trouble. NEVER. It's NOT fair. I ALWAYS get in trouble." "Let me think about that one for a sec, Sar," Hank pretended to mull it over. "Why is that?" "Could it be you are an accessory to Jake's many, many crimes?" "What's an acc.access." "Somebody who helps. Just like you helped Jake tape Emmy to the bottom of your bunk bed." Sara grinned proudly. "She let us," she rolled her brown eyes. Clawing absently at the pox on her arm. "Besides," Gwen continued. Laughing as she watched her mother and daughter. "Right now, I think it's more of a 'You scratch my itch, I scratch yours'."
"Mother? Are you staying for dinner?" Gwen asked. Ignoring the pleading looks in the two sets of identical brown eyes before her. Rebecca tilted her head to the side. Studying Hank's grimace. And smirked. "Of course, Gwen. I'd love to stay for dinner. Let me just call your father." "Mom," Sara whined. "Why? Why? Why?" she wailed woefully. "Sara Bennett." "Come on, Toots," Hank teased. Swinging her over his shoulder. "You, too, Emmy Lou. The pajamas have to go." Emmy looked down at her pale blue pjs with monkeys all over them. Then at Sara's. "But Daddy." "Daddy's right," Gwen told her. Kissing her forehead in passing. "Help them get dressed, Bennett. Mother." "Gwen." Rebecca stared at her with uncomprehending blue eyes. "Get moving, Becs," Hank grinned. "You eat, you help. I think your mother should get the main course started, and you can fix the salad. That way you can enjoy some much needed moments of R and R." Gwen raked her fingers through her wild blond hair with a smile. "You know what, Hank? That sounds like the best idea I've heard in ages. You don't mind, do you, Mother? I'm terribly exhausted. Haven't slept in hours. I'll just rest here." "Mmm, mmm," Hank taunted. "I just know it's going to be a feast." Rebecca's jaw dropped in shock. "I can't even boil water." "Zap it," Hank suggested with a wicked smile. "They're Bennetts," he said. Pointing to the girls. "We're not a picky people." Rebecca huffed and stomped toward the kitchen. "She's too easy," Sara muttered with a shake of her brown head. "Too easy."
Chapter 5
"Jake!" Gwen exclaimed when she saw the faint remains of the infamous bruise several days later. "Why the hell have you been using Ali for your personal punching bag?" Jake gave her a funny look. "But Mom." "No buts. Come here, Sweetheart. Let me see." She inspected the wound and drew Ali to her in a hug. "Me and you are going to have a little talk when we get home, Mister," she warned over the top of Ali's golden head. "Are you sure you're okay?" she quizzed Ali. Ali smiled sweetly and nodded her head. "It doesn't hurt anymore." "Good," Gwen smiled back. Jake huffed impatiently. "You coming Ali? We got to secure the fort before it gets dark." "Fort?" Gwen arched a brow in question. "The tree house," Sheridan laughed. "It's hers. So Jake HAS to involve her in the plans," Sheridan divulged. "So," Gwen teased. "Where's Luis taking you this weekend?" The smile on Sheridan's face blossomed into a full-fledged grin. "He won't tell me," she shook her head. "And I tried all the tricks I know to make him talk." Gwen rolled her eyes. "Spare me. I'm envious. You two still act like newlyweds half the time." Sheridan blushed accordingly.
"Well." "Well what?" Sheridan ventured. "Who's keeping the kids? With Martin and Pilar gone to visit her brother.Kay and Miguel have their hands full. Theresa's in Boston. You haven't said anything to me about it." "Abby," Sheridan finally laughed. "My, you're nosy," she teased. "ABBY! Abby's keeping the kids! Sheridan. Honey, are you sure that's.that's." "They'll be fine. She's going to stay here. At the house. So she won't have to make so many trips back and forth for Ali and Cristian's stuff, and their routine won't be upset. Chad volunteered to watch Cristian during the day while Ali's at school. Just until Abby gets off work. They're going to sleep in their own beds and everything." "Abby's a nut, Sheridan. A very likable nut, but a nut all the same," Gwen said. Leaning back in the swing and crossing her arms around her chest. "Then think of it this way," Sheridan posed with twinkling blue eyes. "Do you really want to spend 4 whole days with 5 kids?" Gwen did a perfect impression of a deer caught in headlights. "I didn't think so," Sheridan smirked. "Have I told you lately what a good friend you are?" Gwen snorted. Causing Sheridan to fall into a fit of laughter herself. And they were just gone from there.
"When do you leave?" Gwen asked later. After they'd laughed so hard their stomachs ached, and Emily and Ali-out of breath from a rip-roaring session of tag with Jake and Sara-had plopped down on the still green grass in front of them. Taking turns dressing Miss Priss up in the latest fashions. Miss Priss had her very own wardrobe. All thanks to Aunt Theresa. She was currently donning a red beret and a red and gray plaid skirt. "Tomorrow morning." "Look, Sheridan," Emily giggled. "Doesn't she look pretty? Take our picture, Mommy." Gwen picked up the camera beside her on the old wooden swing and focused the lens on the three lovely ladies. Snapping picture after picture. Ali and Emmy's bright smiles lighting up their cute little faces. "Mommy," Ali grinned. "Take our picture with Mommy," she told Gwen. Reaching her arms out for Sheridan. And soon Sheridan had Emmy in her lap and Ali's arms draped around her neck. Identical smiles on mother and daughter's faces and crooked smile on Emmy's face. Miss Priss had to ruin the PERFECT picture, though. Every white hair on the cat's back stood on end. "What about me?" Gwen pretended to pout. "I want my picture taken, too."
Hank and Luis arrived. Arms laden with pizzas. Just in time to make it a family portrait session. Gwen groaned as she realized, with three mischievous clowns in the family and one little angel with a sometimes crooked halo, she'd never achieve the ultimate family picture. But Sheridan assured her with a sly smile.Luis definitely caught their essence on camera. That's all that counted. Jake held bunny ears over Emmy's brown head. Sara's brown eyes were crossed. And Hank chose the exact moment Luis snapped the picture to attack her. Slobbering all over her. Even though it was only in print, she was certain a lip-reader, or for that matter, anyone, could plainly tell the word escaping Emily's lips. The "YUCK" was still ringing in her ears as Luis, Sheridan, Ali, and Cristian posed together. Sheridan nestled in the cradle of Luis's legs. Blue eyes fixed on his face with a loving smile. While Cristian smiled sweetly at the camera at his father's side, and Ali's blond head lay in her mother's lap. Hank grinned at the little family. "Hey Little Buddy," he teased. "Ain't the future Missus pretty as a picture," he cracked. The black scowl Jake shot his way only made Hank laugh harder. "Yeah," he nudged Emmy in the ribs playfully. "The Jakester's got a crush on both of Uncle Luis's girls. Think we should rat him out?" he asked Sara. Sara rolled her brown eyes. "Everybody already knows, Dad," she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Can we eat the pizza now? I'm hungry," she whined.
They had a picnic dinner outside under the fading sun. Laughing and joking around. Just enjoying themselves. And when it was over, Gwen hugged Sheridan tight. Promising to have copies of all the pictures made for her, and to check up on Ali and Cristian in the next four days. Like Gwen said.Abby was a bonafide nut. But that didn't mean Sheridan didn't love her. Or trust her. Emmy rode piggyback style on Hank's shoulders all the way to the car, and Jake raced Sara to see who got to sit in the back seat. All by themselves. It was a win-win situation, Gwen told Sheridan with a laugh. Kept the noise level down. Cristian yawned sleepily. Brown eyes drooping as he buried his face in Luis's shoulder. "Bye," Ali called. Waving until the car disappeared out of sight. Then Sheridan grabbed her and threw her over her shoulder with a groan. Both her babies were growing up. So fast. And that thought made her sad. "Mommy!" Ali squealed as Sheridan carried her to bed just like that. Upside down. The house looked funny upside down, she thought with a giggle. "Bedtime for you, Ali-baby," she bounced her on the mattress with a laugh of her own. Brushing Ali's blond hair back from her forehead. "Story first?" Ali ventured hopefully. "Okay," Sheridan smiled. "What do you want to hear tonight?" "Tell me about Josh, Mommy," Ali said softly. "Joshua?" "No, Mommy. Josh." "Josh," Sheridan said in realization. "Sweetie.what made you think about Josh?" Ali shrugged her slim shoulders. "I dunno."
Luis tugged Cristian's dirty socks off his feet and tossed them in the clothes hamper over his shoulder. "Daddy," he mumbled drowsily. "What about my bath?" "Shh," Luis raised a finger to his lips. "Don't tell Mommy, okay?" he made a deal with his little son. "First thing in the morning, Pal." Cristian slipped his arms around Luis's neck and squeezed hard. Luis grinned and squeezed him back. By the time he lay him back against the pillows, he was conked out completely. A smile on his face. He tucked the covers under Cristian's chin. Knowing he'd have them kicked off come morning. And pulled the door shut behind him. Slowly making his way down the hall to Ali's room. A name he hadn't heard in years stopped him in his tracks, and he strained his ears to hear the conversation taking place inside. "Dr. Nick was really sad when Josh died, wasn't he?" Ali said somberly. Luis crept closer to the open door. Peering inside without saying a word. "He WAS really sad, Baby," Sheridan answered her. Tucking her hair back behind her ear. "He loved Josh. I loved him, too. He was very special," she told her. Tears in her eyes. "Will you read Josh's book to me?" Ali whispered. Pulling the well-worn, well-loved copy out of the top drawer of her nightstand. "Just a little tonight, AliCat," Luis stepped inside the room. "It's late, and Mommy has to get her rest for tomorrow." "Luis," Sheridan sighed in exasperation. "Are you going to give me one teeny, tiny hint about where we're going?" "Nope," Luis shook his head. Jumping on the bed and pulling Ali back into his arms. "C'mere, Mommy," he grinned. Opening his arms. "Give me that book. I'm going to read to my girls." "What about Cristian?" Ali asked. "Fast asleep," Luis chuckled. "Do you want me to read to you or what?" "Read," Ali and Sheridan chimed simultaneously. And Luis's opened the pages. Beginning with the very first one. Somewhere around page 7, he looked down to find both his angels in dreamland. One touch of his hand to turn of the lamp, and he joined them. A contented smile on his lips.