Pilar linked her arm through Sheridan's as they followed Theresa around the store.

"Oh, look at this one!" Theresa squealed, picking up a frilly baby bikini. "Don't you think my niece has to have this?"

"Luis is going to have a stroke if I come home with that." Sheridan massaged her belly and laughed.

Pilar smiled and patted Sheridan's arm. "You're right, Sheridan—he will." Pilar shook her head and sighed at Theresa. "Why don't you lay off your brother, Theresita? He's already going to have enough gray hair as it is."

"Oh, but, Mama, it's just so much fun to tease Luis about this . . ."

Pilar sighed again. "It's a wonder I don't have more gray hair, too."

Sheridan smiled softly and chuckled, her eyes wandering to a soft lilac dress. "Oh, Pilar . . ." she gasped, "isn't this beautiful?" Sheridan plucked the tiny dress from the rack and ran her fingers over the fabric.

Pilar looked down at the dress and smiled. "It reminds me of the flower girl dress you wore for Julian and Ivy's wedding." Pilar smiled softly at Sheridan. "Did I ever tell you what happened when Luis saw you?"

"Luis and I met as children?" Sheridan's eyes lit up.

"Well, not quite, but he certainly noticed you." Pilar ran her finger down the dress and smiled. "You were twirling around to music that only you could hear when my little Luis caught sight of you. He became so entranced with you that I had to drag him away kicking and screaming." Pilar shook her head and laughed. "I think, deep down inside, he knew I was dragging him away from the love of his life."

"That's such a sweet story," Sheridan beamed. "Except for the part about him throwing a tantrum, that is."

"Mama's right: Luis just knew he had found his true love," Theresa said. "Just like I knew I had found mine when I met Ethan as a child."

"You and Ethan met as children, too?" Sheridan asked.

"We did," Theresa smiled, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Digging into her purse, she pulled out a picture and handed it to Sheridan. "I've been carrying this around with me ever since I found it."

"Oh, Theresa, this is adorable!" Sheridan fingered the picture of a young Ethan handing a little Theresa a rag doll. "I can't believe how connected we all are."

Sheridan smiled at Pilar and then Theresa. "I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be part of your family."

Pilar put one hand on Sheridan's shoulder. "Mija, you've always been a part of it."

"And now our children are going to be cousins," Theresa gushed.

Tears springing to her eyes, Sheridan caressed her belly. "Yes, they really are . . ."

Her eyes sparkling, Theresa held the lilac dress up against Sheridan's stomach. "I think you need to get this for my niece."

Wiping her eyes, Sheridan pulled the fabric taut against her tummy and smiled. "It certainly does seem suited for her."

"Let me get that, Sheridan," Pilar offered. "I'd like to buy it as a gift for my granddaughter."

"Pilar, you don't have to do that."

"I want to, mija." Pilar smiled softly. "You're my daughter as much as Theresa is."

"Oh, Pilar, I don't know what to say . . ."

"I love you, mija." Wrapping one arm around Sheridan, Pilar squeezed her shoulder. "You're a beautiful person inside and out—I couldn't be prouder to call you my daughter."