"Sheridan," Gwen faltered, not believing her ears, "Surely, I didn't hear you right. Luis is alive, but you intend to stay with Chris? Why?"

"He's my husband, Gwen," Sheridan said firmly.

"Yes, but you married him on the rebound…thinking that Luis was dead! Luis still loves you and wants you back," Gwen protested. "You can still leave!"

"I can't leave James," Sheridan protested, "I can't leave my son!"

"But he's not your son," Gwen reminded Sheridan softly, "He can never be Marty."

"I know that," Sheridan said haltingly, "But James still feels a void in my heart."

"Other children can as well," Gwen said., "You and Luis can have other children together. They will never take Marty's place, but they will ease the pain…"

"I can't abandon James," Sheridan insisted.

"You don't have to abandon James," Gwen said, "You can still remain a part of his life as a dear friend without having to stay married to Chris. There is absolutely no reason why you can't be with Luis."

"Oh, yes, there is," Sheridan said firmly. "Gwen, I'm pregnant. By Chris. I'm going to have his baby; a little brother or little sister for James. Don't you see? It's too late for Luis and me. Chris and I are a family now."

"Oh, Sheridan," Gwen breathed. "Does Luis know?"

"Yes, I told him after I told Chris," Sheridan answered. "He said he'd gladly accept my baby if I left Chris for him and that it didn't matter who its father was. But I know, in my heart of hearts, that it would have to…eventually. I told him it was over."

"I'm so sorry, Sheridan," Gwen said sympathetically. "You're losing a chance to be with the love of your life…I mean, I know you will love this child-"

"Don't be," Sheridan said firmly. "Chris never forced himself on me. I was actually … happy… with Chris before I found out about Luis… I'm sure I can be, again."

"I sure hope so, Sheridan," Gwen said with a strange intensity that made Sheridan's eyes widen. "I would hate to see you staying in a loveless marriage because of a child."

"Gwen, is everything all right?" Sheridan asked carefully.

Gwen laughed brittlely.

"Of course it is, Sheridan," Gwen said crisply, through a tight smile. "It's just that I can't help feeling a bit disappointed. You and Luis had such a fairy-tale come true kind of love. The kind of love that is to be envied."

"You and Ethan-"

"Are fine. Or as well as can be expected, with things being the way they are."

"I see." Sheridan said, thinking of Theresa.

"Yes, well I need to get back home to my family and I've got quite a walk ahead of me." Gwen said, reaching for the door.

"I could call you a cab," Sheridan suggested.

"No, no, I need the exercise. It's a great stress reducer." Gwen said.

"Gwen, I-I'll be happy to pay for the cab-"

"Please don't!" Gwen said sharply. "I prefer to walk, really I do."

She left before Sheridan could say anything more.