"I can't believe this day is finally here!" Ethan exclaimed, making the final adjustments to his tie.

"Neither can I," Sheridan smiled, smoothing her dress over the slight swell of her abdomen. "I'm so glad you and Theresa managed to work things out."

"Thanks to you." Ethan squeezed Sheridan's hands. "Thank you for always being such a good friend to me, Sheridan."

"I love you, Ethan, and it makes me so happy to see you happy." Sheridan smiled sadly. "I only wish Martin could be here to see his eldest daughter get married." Sheridan wandered over toward the window. "I can't believe he's been in a coma for over three months now."

"I know." Ethan frowned. "I mean, it's crazy how he's faded in and out of consciousness a few times now, but still, there's nothing permanent. I know the doctors said it would take some time, but this is getting ridiculous." Ethan shook his head. "Every time there's any little sign that he might be recovering, the entire Lopez-Fitzgerald family gets their hopes up for nothing."

"And yet Pilar still believes he will fully recover one day." Sheridan gazed wistfully out the window. "It must be amazing to have that kind of faith in the power of love."

"How can you not have that same faith, Sheridan?" Ethan came up behind her and touched his hand to her shoulder. "After everything you and Luis have been through, after everything your love has endured . . ." Ethan turned her around. "I mean, did you ever think this day would come? Me about to marry Theresa? You having a child with Luis?"

"No." Sheridan laughed. "If you had told me two years ago that we'd be standing here right now having this conversation, I would have told you that you were crazy." Sheridan caressed her belly and smiled. "I wouldn't have believed I could even have a civil conversation with Luis, never mind his baby."

"See, things always do work out for the best," Ethan reassured her. "Even when things get as bad as they are now, you've got to have faith in that."

"I know you're right." Sheridan hung her head. "I just can't help it. Every time I look at Pilar, I wonder if I was worth it." Sheridan bit down on her lip. "Was Martin saving me really worth everything it cost him? Was his attempt to help me all those years ago really worth the pain it has caused the entire Lopez-Fitzgerald family?"

"Sheridan," Ethan smiled sadly. "You and Luis have already discussed this. He doesn't blame you for what happened to his father."

"I know." Sheridan frowned. "It's just that every time I look at Pilar, I can't help but think about all of the pain that those decisions have caused her. Of all of the horrors she's had to endure since we brought Martin back unconscious."

"Well, you need to stop that then." Ethan's eyes sought out Sheridan's. "Pilar loves you like a daughter. If fact, given how close you were to her when you were a child, I have a feeling that she would have backed Martin's decision even if she knew it back then."

"Sheridan," Ethan continued, lifting her chin. "You're family to Pilar. You always have been. Just because Martin was shot, that doesn't mean she's ever thought for one second that your life wasn't worth saving."

"Family." Sheridan smiled sadly, wrapping her arms around her chest as she turned back to the window. "Just like you and I are finally going to be again today." Sheridan turned back to him. "I'm so sorry, Ethan. Here it is, supposed to be the happiest day of your life, and I'm going on and on about my own insecurities."

"Don't worry another second about it, Sheridan." Ethan smiled at her. "I just want you to be happy."

"I am happy," she said, a smile growing on her face. "Happy—no, make that thrilled—for you and Theresa. In fact, why don't I get us some champagne and sparkling cider so we can celebrate?"

"Did someone say champagne?" Chad smiled as he entered the room, holding two bottles and some flutes in his hand. "I even picked up some of the non-alcoholic stuff for you, Sheridan."

"Thank you, Chad," Sheridan smiled. "I'm so glad that you and Ethan became friends."

"Yeah, well," Chad smiled, popping the cork on the champagne, "I know this whole arrangement is a little unconventional, but I, for one, love it. You and me standing up for Ethan? Whitney, Luis, and Miguel standing up for Theresa, with Luis walking her down the aisle? It doesn't get better than that . . . marrying the woman you love . . . having the people you love the most standing right beside you as you do it."

"I'll raise a glass to that," Ethan said, throwing one arm around Sheridan and squeezing her against his shoulder.

Chad filled up two flutes and handed them to Ethan and Sheridan.

"To love in all of its forms." Ethan raised his glass. "To romantic love, familial love, and—" Ethan smiled at Chad and Sheridan "—to and the love, peace, and contentment you can only find when surrounded by your very best of friends."