Gwen smiled as Sheridan waddled into the dressing room and handed her a veil.
Putting on the veil, Gwen studied her reflection in the mirror.
"Oh, Gwen, that looks beautiful!" Sheridan exclaimed.
"It does, doesn't it?" Gwen beamed. "Thank you so much for coming with me, Sheridan."
"I wouldn't have missed this," Sheridan smiled, lowering herself down onto a chair. "Besides, dress shopping is a great distraction for me right now—maybe it will even tempt your flower girl out."
"Oh, Sheridan," Gwen laughed. "I can't believe that you're almost a week overdue."
"Neither can I." Sheridan smiled down at her belly and cradled it. "Someone is getting way too content in there."
"Is Dr. Valerii really going to induce you if you don't go into labor by early next week?"
"It's looking that way." Sheridan sighed and shifted in her seat.
"Oh, Sheridan, is there anything I can do?"
"Just keep trying on dresses," Sheridan smiled. "Like I said, it's a great distraction."
"Well, I can certainly do that," Gwen said, her eyes shining. "I still can't believe this is happening. One year ago today, I was miserable beyond belief—and now . . ."
"You and Hank are blissfully happy," Sheridan said. "I'm absolutely thrilled for you, Gwen."
"You know, it's funny—I thought I'd be missing my mother today." Gwen seated herself next to Sheridan. "But I only feel relieved that I can enjoy this day without worrying about what's going to come out of her mouth next."
Sheridan smiled and clasped Gwen's hand. "I know exactly what you mean. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have my own back."
Gwen's eyes glistened with tears. "It feels amazing to realize you have that kind of strength inside."
Sheridan blinked back tears and squeezed Gwen's hand. "It really does, doesn't it?"
"How was your girls' day?" Luis smiled and kissed Sheridan.
"Good," Sheridan laughed, "although this little one still hasn't shown any interest in coming out."
Luis grinned. "She's definitely our child to the core—stubborn and obstinate."
"That she is." Sheridan smiled as Luis leaned down to kiss her belly. "Did you have any better luck with your father?"
"He's doing great." Luis looked up at her, his eyes lighting up. "If he keeps on improving like this, he really may be able to walk again before my parents renew their vows in November."
Sheridan kissed him and ruffled his hair. "I can't wait to witness that."
The phone in Luis's pocket buzzed. Digging into his pocket, he stood up straight and flipped it open. "Papa—what's going on?"
Luis's brow furrowed as Martin spoke to him.
Sheridan picked at his hair. "Luis, is something wrong?"
Luis shook his head and frowned as Martin continued. "Yeah . . . yeah . . . I understand. Hold on—let me ask her." Luis pressed the phone to his chest and took one of Sheridan's hands into his own. "Father Lonigan just called Papa. He wants to know if he'd be willing to bump up the vow renewal—and have a small ceremony tomorrow."
"Why?" Sheridan asked.
"Apparently, the church has been in need of some major repairs," Luis said. "Father Lonigan finally found someone who can do the job, but they need to start on Monday. They don't know how long the repairs are going to take, but they could potentially need until the end of the year."
"Potentially postponing the ceremony indefinitely . . ." Sheridan's voice trailed off.
"Listen, Papa said that he doesn't have to do this," Luis said. "He was hoping to have progressed more with his physical therapy anyway before the ceremony takes place. And he knows the baby is coming any day now—he doesn't want you to be uncomfortable."
"No—I don't want him to wait," Sheridan insisted, laying her hands on his chest. "If confronting my father didn't put me into labor, it's doubtful that anything will before our appointment with Dr. Valerii on Monday."
Luis raised his brows. "Are you sure, Sher?"
"I'm sure, Luis. Tell your father we'll be there."
Luis wrapped one arm around her waist and tugged her against his chest. "Did I ever tell you how much I love your big heart?"
Sheridan smiled. "You tell me that almost every day."
His eyes twinkling, Luis smiled and nudged her nose. "I just call it like I see it, Sheridan."
