Chapter 13
Sheridan's eyes fluttered open as she heard two very dear and familiar voices speaking close by. Smiling, she opened her arms, and her little golden-haired angel launched herself at her and hugged her so tight she had difficulty breathing.
Then she reigned kisses all over her face, and Sheridan couldn't help tearing up. She'd missed her baby so much. Over Lily's shoulder, she mouthed, "Thank you" to Luis and squeezed his hand. The love clearly shining in her eyes made him love her all the much more.
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Pilar smiled as the nurse held her new grandson up to the viewing window. He was a beautiful child and reminded her so much of Luis as a baby. Except for his blue eyes. But somehow, Pilar knew, her grandson would have his father's eyes. It's just a feeling she had.
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Luis smiled at the scene before him. His gorgeous wife was nursing their beautiful son while their adorable little daughter petted her brother. Sheridan had such a look of contentment on her face, it warmed his heart.
Reluctant to break up this beautiful scene, Luis quietly made his way over to his family and sat in the chair beside Sheridan's hospital bed. He looked to Sheridan with tears in his eyes and kissed the comforting hand she offered.
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It took much pleading, but Luis finally convinced Lily to go home with Pilar. It was even harder to convince Sheridan to let the nurse return the baby to the nursery. She finally relented when Luis promised to accompany the nurse down the hall.
Luis followed her wishes and picked his son up to carry him back personally, and with a tearful goodnight from Sheridan, he was off. Outside the door, he met someone he felt really indebted to--Ivy. He started to inquire of Julian's condition but was stopped by a shake of Ivy's head. Instead he said, "Meet your nephew."
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When Luis finally returned to Sheridan's room, after making sure his son was safely ensconced in his crib, Sheridan was already fast asleep. With regret, he noticed the tear tracks still visible on her face. Taking her hand in his, he gave her a gentle kiss and settled down for another nightly vigil at her bedside.
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Sheridan watched him, still sleeping awkwardly in the too small, stiff hospital chair. She loved him so much. She didn't doubt his feelings for her or for Lily, but she wondered how he really felt about their son. He wasn't planned. They really couldn't handle it financially, not yet.
Was he a burden? With disgust, she chastised herself for thinking such thoughts about her precious baby. Sure, she believed Luis loved him. Who wouldn't? But she still remembered their arguments many months before. And though she knew for a fact Luis loved his son, she couldn't erase his hurtful words, unintentional though they may be.
Chapter 14
Luis plopped down at his desk and sighed loudly. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked over at Sam, who sported a knowing smirk. The amusement clear in his voice, Sam asked, "Rough night, Luis?" Luis answered, "We've only had Ryan home for two weeks, but I've gotten only an average of two hours sleep a night. He's nothing like Lily was. The kid never sleeps. He's wearing us all out. Especially Sheridan. Lily asked if she could go back to Aunt Ivy's if he never stops crying." Sam looked at Luis with sympathy and said, "Ouch, Man. That bites." Luis soon changed gears, though, and proudly told Sam, "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Sheridan and the kids--they're my life."
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Sheridan hugged Pilar in gratitude as soon as she opened the door. She was slowly going insane. Ryan had finally fallen asleep after crying incessantly for hours. Lily was quickly losing all patience with her instant baby brother. And Luis was practically a zombie. She was about to drop from sleep-deprivation herself. She couldn't fathom how Pilar did this- -five times--and promptly told her so. They shared a good laugh and went into the living room to spend some quality time together.
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Ivy kissed Sheridan's cheek on her way out of the room. Sighing, Sheridan took the seat Ivy had vacated and began what had been a daily ritual for almost two weeks. She took Julian's hand and just talked. Never about the bad memories. Only the good. And just like their last several meetings, Sheridan ended with a plea for her big brother to wake up and a kiss to his forehead. Then she left to get Ivy, who was outside discussing Julian's condition with Eve. Sheridan offered Ivy a consoling hug and Eve a small smile and left to return home to her family. And relieve Pilar of her babysitting duty.
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She returned home to find the whole family there. Theresa, Miguel, Pilar, even Luis. Lily was in Luis's lap telling him all about her trip to the park with Miguel--and Kay. Miguel's cheeks visibly reddened at the mention of Kay's name. Theresa got a knowing smile on her face and poked Miguel in the ribs. Soon they were embroiled in a goodnatured shoving contest, and Lily's giggles filled the room as Pilar looked on in amusement.
Sheridan started laughing herself and turned to see Luis. Luis's face held carefully concealed panic. As to what, she was confused, until he said, "Everybody be quiet. We don't want to wake up the BABY, do we? These are the first peaceful moments I've had in my house since we brought him home." Theresa and Miguel instantly ceased their play, and Lily's giggles gradually died down. Luis went to look at Sheridan and ask about Julian, but she was gone. And so was his mother.
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Pilar could tell Luis's off-the-cuff remark had hurt Sheridan the moment it left his mouth. And she had her suspicions as to why. Sheridan did her best to hide them, but her tears were not unnoticed by Pilar. Pilar started to speak but decided against it with a shake of her head. Instead, she opened her arms wide and held Sheridan as the tears flowed unchecked from her beautiful blue eyes.
Whispering reassurances, she hugged her tightly. Sniffling, Sheridan pulled away wiping the tears from her eyes, kissed Pilar's cheek, and turned to look at her son sleeping peacefully in his crib. Pilar squeezed her hand and returned to the living room where Luis and Miguel were avidly discussing sports and Theresa was drawing with Lily. She needed to have a talk with her son. But she didn't want to breach Sheridan's trust. She only hoped they could work this out.
Chapter 15
Theresa was lost in thoughts about her brother and Sheridan when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she turned around only to find herself staring into Ethan's amused blue eyes. Slightly embarrassed at her jumpy reaction, she tried to cover by asking about Julian. Ethan's eyes lit up when he said, "I have wonderful news. Father's awake!"
Overwhelmed with happiness for Ethan, Theresa flung her arms around Ethan's neck and pecked him on the lips. Ethan looked at her in surprise then slowly leaned in to give her a slower, more meaningful kiss. Theresa and Ethan got so caught up in the kiss they were oblivious to everyone else at the Book Cafe. They didn't notice Whitney and Chad walk in with Pilar, and they were visibly shocked to see them as soon as they came up for air.
Whitney and Pilar had the same skeptical faces from years gone past, but Chad sported a knowing grin. His thumbs up sign and "It's about time!" sent Theresa and Ethan into slightly embarrassed laughter. Theresa looked at Ethan and caught the question in his eyes but decided now was not the time or the place. But, there would be a time. It'd been a long time coming. A long time indeed.
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Luis grasped Sheridan's hand in his right hand as he drove home. Sheridan's visit with Julian tonight had been quite emotional. A lot had happened, and they were starting anew. As were, it seemed, he and Ivy. Luis never thought he'd live to see the day. Luis had the whole world in his hands, but something he couldn't pinpoint kept him from complete happiness. He was determined, though. He'd do anything to make his family happy.
Chapter 16
Ryan was two months old now, and finally, he'd begun to sleep at least part way through the night. For this, Luis was extremely thankful. He was beginning to think he'd never get to sleep again.
But now, another problem was plaguing Luis. Sheridan. She seemed more distant than ever. She never let him get too close. He wanted to have what they had before Hank took her. He was beginning to wonder if they'd ever get back to that point again.
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Pilar watched in amazement as Ivy helped Julian with his physical therapy. She was early, but maybe that was a good thing. Sheridan was right. There was a change in Julian.
He was more vulnerable in his weakened condition--more human. She'd been prepared to refuse Ivy's job offer. After all, she'd vowed she'd never go back working for the Cranes. But it was a whole new ballgame now.
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She winced as she heard the door slam, and Ryan's cries began a minute later. Their fights were becoming increasingly nasty. They'd escalated for the past four months. She tried, but she didn't know how to make things better.
She loved him more than ever. She didn't know if it was enough anymore, though. She didn't know much of anything these days. She soon joined her son in tears. At least Lily hadn't been here for this latest fight. It'd been the worst one yet.
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Ivy smiled as she watched Julian, Theresa, and Ethan play with Lily. Things were going well in the mansion. Julian was gaining strength almost daily-- returning to his old self. A better self, in fact. And her son was deliriously happy, thanks to Theresa.
They'd been dating over three months and were so in love it warmed Ivy's heart. And Pilar's. Pilar's fears had been put to rest when Julian voiced unanimous approval for the relationship. The only thing not so good now was Luis and Sheridan's marriage.
By all accounts--Pilar's, Lily's, even Sheridan herself--it was being put to the test. Ivy had faith in Luis and Sheridan's love, though. If she and Julian could start over, goodness knew Luis and Sheridan were going to make it through this rocky patch in their marriage. They just had to.
Sheridan's eyes fluttered open as she heard two very dear and familiar voices speaking close by. Smiling, she opened her arms, and her little golden-haired angel launched herself at her and hugged her so tight she had difficulty breathing.
Then she reigned kisses all over her face, and Sheridan couldn't help tearing up. She'd missed her baby so much. Over Lily's shoulder, she mouthed, "Thank you" to Luis and squeezed his hand. The love clearly shining in her eyes made him love her all the much more.
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Pilar smiled as the nurse held her new grandson up to the viewing window. He was a beautiful child and reminded her so much of Luis as a baby. Except for his blue eyes. But somehow, Pilar knew, her grandson would have his father's eyes. It's just a feeling she had.
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Luis smiled at the scene before him. His gorgeous wife was nursing their beautiful son while their adorable little daughter petted her brother. Sheridan had such a look of contentment on her face, it warmed his heart.
Reluctant to break up this beautiful scene, Luis quietly made his way over to his family and sat in the chair beside Sheridan's hospital bed. He looked to Sheridan with tears in his eyes and kissed the comforting hand she offered.
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It took much pleading, but Luis finally convinced Lily to go home with Pilar. It was even harder to convince Sheridan to let the nurse return the baby to the nursery. She finally relented when Luis promised to accompany the nurse down the hall.
Luis followed her wishes and picked his son up to carry him back personally, and with a tearful goodnight from Sheridan, he was off. Outside the door, he met someone he felt really indebted to--Ivy. He started to inquire of Julian's condition but was stopped by a shake of Ivy's head. Instead he said, "Meet your nephew."
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When Luis finally returned to Sheridan's room, after making sure his son was safely ensconced in his crib, Sheridan was already fast asleep. With regret, he noticed the tear tracks still visible on her face. Taking her hand in his, he gave her a gentle kiss and settled down for another nightly vigil at her bedside.
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Sheridan watched him, still sleeping awkwardly in the too small, stiff hospital chair. She loved him so much. She didn't doubt his feelings for her or for Lily, but she wondered how he really felt about their son. He wasn't planned. They really couldn't handle it financially, not yet.
Was he a burden? With disgust, she chastised herself for thinking such thoughts about her precious baby. Sure, she believed Luis loved him. Who wouldn't? But she still remembered their arguments many months before. And though she knew for a fact Luis loved his son, she couldn't erase his hurtful words, unintentional though they may be.
Chapter 14
Luis plopped down at his desk and sighed loudly. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked over at Sam, who sported a knowing smirk. The amusement clear in his voice, Sam asked, "Rough night, Luis?" Luis answered, "We've only had Ryan home for two weeks, but I've gotten only an average of two hours sleep a night. He's nothing like Lily was. The kid never sleeps. He's wearing us all out. Especially Sheridan. Lily asked if she could go back to Aunt Ivy's if he never stops crying." Sam looked at Luis with sympathy and said, "Ouch, Man. That bites." Luis soon changed gears, though, and proudly told Sam, "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Sheridan and the kids--they're my life."
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Sheridan hugged Pilar in gratitude as soon as she opened the door. She was slowly going insane. Ryan had finally fallen asleep after crying incessantly for hours. Lily was quickly losing all patience with her instant baby brother. And Luis was practically a zombie. She was about to drop from sleep-deprivation herself. She couldn't fathom how Pilar did this- -five times--and promptly told her so. They shared a good laugh and went into the living room to spend some quality time together.
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Ivy kissed Sheridan's cheek on her way out of the room. Sighing, Sheridan took the seat Ivy had vacated and began what had been a daily ritual for almost two weeks. She took Julian's hand and just talked. Never about the bad memories. Only the good. And just like their last several meetings, Sheridan ended with a plea for her big brother to wake up and a kiss to his forehead. Then she left to get Ivy, who was outside discussing Julian's condition with Eve. Sheridan offered Ivy a consoling hug and Eve a small smile and left to return home to her family. And relieve Pilar of her babysitting duty.
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She returned home to find the whole family there. Theresa, Miguel, Pilar, even Luis. Lily was in Luis's lap telling him all about her trip to the park with Miguel--and Kay. Miguel's cheeks visibly reddened at the mention of Kay's name. Theresa got a knowing smile on her face and poked Miguel in the ribs. Soon they were embroiled in a goodnatured shoving contest, and Lily's giggles filled the room as Pilar looked on in amusement.
Sheridan started laughing herself and turned to see Luis. Luis's face held carefully concealed panic. As to what, she was confused, until he said, "Everybody be quiet. We don't want to wake up the BABY, do we? These are the first peaceful moments I've had in my house since we brought him home." Theresa and Miguel instantly ceased their play, and Lily's giggles gradually died down. Luis went to look at Sheridan and ask about Julian, but she was gone. And so was his mother.
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Pilar could tell Luis's off-the-cuff remark had hurt Sheridan the moment it left his mouth. And she had her suspicions as to why. Sheridan did her best to hide them, but her tears were not unnoticed by Pilar. Pilar started to speak but decided against it with a shake of her head. Instead, she opened her arms wide and held Sheridan as the tears flowed unchecked from her beautiful blue eyes.
Whispering reassurances, she hugged her tightly. Sniffling, Sheridan pulled away wiping the tears from her eyes, kissed Pilar's cheek, and turned to look at her son sleeping peacefully in his crib. Pilar squeezed her hand and returned to the living room where Luis and Miguel were avidly discussing sports and Theresa was drawing with Lily. She needed to have a talk with her son. But she didn't want to breach Sheridan's trust. She only hoped they could work this out.
Chapter 15
Theresa was lost in thoughts about her brother and Sheridan when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she turned around only to find herself staring into Ethan's amused blue eyes. Slightly embarrassed at her jumpy reaction, she tried to cover by asking about Julian. Ethan's eyes lit up when he said, "I have wonderful news. Father's awake!"
Overwhelmed with happiness for Ethan, Theresa flung her arms around Ethan's neck and pecked him on the lips. Ethan looked at her in surprise then slowly leaned in to give her a slower, more meaningful kiss. Theresa and Ethan got so caught up in the kiss they were oblivious to everyone else at the Book Cafe. They didn't notice Whitney and Chad walk in with Pilar, and they were visibly shocked to see them as soon as they came up for air.
Whitney and Pilar had the same skeptical faces from years gone past, but Chad sported a knowing grin. His thumbs up sign and "It's about time!" sent Theresa and Ethan into slightly embarrassed laughter. Theresa looked at Ethan and caught the question in his eyes but decided now was not the time or the place. But, there would be a time. It'd been a long time coming. A long time indeed.
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Luis grasped Sheridan's hand in his right hand as he drove home. Sheridan's visit with Julian tonight had been quite emotional. A lot had happened, and they were starting anew. As were, it seemed, he and Ivy. Luis never thought he'd live to see the day. Luis had the whole world in his hands, but something he couldn't pinpoint kept him from complete happiness. He was determined, though. He'd do anything to make his family happy.
Chapter 16
Ryan was two months old now, and finally, he'd begun to sleep at least part way through the night. For this, Luis was extremely thankful. He was beginning to think he'd never get to sleep again.
But now, another problem was plaguing Luis. Sheridan. She seemed more distant than ever. She never let him get too close. He wanted to have what they had before Hank took her. He was beginning to wonder if they'd ever get back to that point again.
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Pilar watched in amazement as Ivy helped Julian with his physical therapy. She was early, but maybe that was a good thing. Sheridan was right. There was a change in Julian.
He was more vulnerable in his weakened condition--more human. She'd been prepared to refuse Ivy's job offer. After all, she'd vowed she'd never go back working for the Cranes. But it was a whole new ballgame now.
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She winced as she heard the door slam, and Ryan's cries began a minute later. Their fights were becoming increasingly nasty. They'd escalated for the past four months. She tried, but she didn't know how to make things better.
She loved him more than ever. She didn't know if it was enough anymore, though. She didn't know much of anything these days. She soon joined her son in tears. At least Lily hadn't been here for this latest fight. It'd been the worst one yet.
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Ivy smiled as she watched Julian, Theresa, and Ethan play with Lily. Things were going well in the mansion. Julian was gaining strength almost daily-- returning to his old self. A better self, in fact. And her son was deliriously happy, thanks to Theresa.
They'd been dating over three months and were so in love it warmed Ivy's heart. And Pilar's. Pilar's fears had been put to rest when Julian voiced unanimous approval for the relationship. The only thing not so good now was Luis and Sheridan's marriage.
By all accounts--Pilar's, Lily's, even Sheridan herself--it was being put to the test. Ivy had faith in Luis and Sheridan's love, though. If she and Julian could start over, goodness knew Luis and Sheridan were going to make it through this rocky patch in their marriage. They just had to.