Chapter 25
Three years later...
Miguel anxiously paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room for word on Kay--and the baby. He prayed for both of them's well-being. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost either of them. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Luis, Mama, Theresa, Sheridan, and Ethan come rushing through the door together. Just seconds behind them were Grace and Sam. Thank goodness Eve had had the lucidity he had lacked and called their families. It was more than he could handle at the time. Simone had also been contacted.
He crumpled in his mother's arms when she asked what had happened. Finally, he was able to compose himself enough to tell them about the accident. They were out shopping for the baby. A favorite pasttime. Kay, in her seventh month of pregnancy, tired easily, and they decided to stop for lunch at the Book Cafe. They had a nice time despite having a goodnatured argument about what to name the baby. Beth even got in on the fun giving her own suggestions. And they talked some more before Kay suggested they visit some friends. With a quick kiss, Miguel left her to get the car telling Kay to wait inside. Kay hated being coddled so she ignored Miguel's request and followed.
Miguel had already crossed the street to the car before he noticed her. He couldn't help but smile. It was typical of her not to take orders. And he told her so. She laughingly agreed, "You betcha. I'm not an invalid. I'm just pregnant, Miguel." Then, out of nowhere, a beat-up blue Honda came barreling down the street. There was no time. Her screams of "Miguel!!!" echoed in his brain and the look of panic in her eyes would be forever etched in his memory. The driver didn't even slow down. Witnesses and onlookers had crowded around in concern, as Miguel hurried to Kay's now broken body.
He cradled her in his arms until the ambulance came. They had to pry her from his iron grip. Beth had come to his aid, offering to drive him to the hospital. He was in no shape to do it himself. She was getting him some coffee from the lounge this very moment. He was so relieved his family were here to support him now.
Chapter 26
After what seemed like days, but was, in all reality, only a few hours, Eve came to give them news on Kay's and the baby's conditions. The baby had to be delivered two months early via emergency C-section. Though small and plagued by problems with the lungs and other possible undiagnosed complications, the baby was clinging to life. Kay was also fighting for her life. They'd stopped the most urgent threat to her life--the internal bleeding. But Kay also suffered a nasty blow to the head that caused swelling to her brain. She was still unconscious. In a coma.
At this news, Grace started sobbing. Theresa and Sheridan went to her and offered solace while Sam bent his head in defeat. Luis gripped Miguel's shoulder tightly as Pilar questioned Eve, and they learned that the longer Kay stayed in a coma, unresponsive, the more bleak the outcome. Ethan grabbed Miguel's other arm to steady him as he absorbed this news. They were all so immersed in their grief they nearly forgot about the baby until Grace brokenly asked Eve, "Where's the baby, Eve? I want to see her. I need to tell my baby how beautiful her baby is when I visit her. I need to do this, Eve. Please." Eve told her and the other immediate family to follow her. They were going to meet Baby Girl Lopez-Fitzgerald.
Sam held his daughter's hand as he told her how beautiful her baby daughter was. Luis had finally been able to convince Miguel to go home, shower, and rest. It'd been three days since the accident. Kay was still unconscious while the baby gained strength daily.
They were taking shifts staying with Kay and visiting the baby. In fact, Simone was due in Kay's room in about five minutes. Sure enough, Simone came walking through the door, Eve alongside of her. Sam hugged her tight and left her alone with Kay while he went to talk to Eve about his daughter's and his granddaughter's conditions.
Grace smiled as she spotted Sheridan just outside with Lily and Ryan. With the nurses' permission, they were allowed to come inside and meet their new cousin. Lily was in awe of the baby's tinyness. Ryan was just in awe at seeing a baby.
Grace and Sheridan laughed softly when Lily said, "You have to hurry up and get strong, cause I can't wait to play with you. It'll be nice having another girl cousin. Not anymore pesky boys like Ryan and Nicky. Ugh!" Ryan just stuck his tongue out at his sister, and Sheridan informed Grace they better leave before one of her children's infamous squabbles broke out.
Chapter 27
Sheridan and the kids ran into Ethan and Nicky at the park. They were going to the zoo, and Nicky excitedly asked, "Aunt Sheri, can Lily and Ryan come to the zoo with me and Daddy? Please, Aunt Sheri." Sheridan looked at Nicky's adorable little face. For added effect, Nicky stuck his bottom lip way out, and she couldn't help but laugh.
Then she looked into the expectant eyes of her own children. Lily's crossed fingers didn't escape her attention. And Ryan decided to adopt Nicky's pout thinking it couldn't hurt to pretend to be a perfect little angel. But angel her son was not. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I don't know..." Ethan grinned at her torture of the children. He knew Sheridan was a softie at heart. "Please, Mommy," Lily pleaded, and Ryan chimed in with "I promise not to get in trouble for the whole day." Nicky just stuck his lip out even further and pinned her with his blue gaze. "Okay," she breathed, and all at once she had three very happy children hugging her for dear life.
Ethan promised to take great care of them, and told her they'd be meeting Theresa later that afternoon. Sheridan kissed him on the cheek after saying goodbye to all the kids, and thanked him for his invitation for her, Luis, and the children to join them at the Lobster Shack for dinner. She promised to ask Luis when she saw him at the station.
Luis was pulling double shifts trying to locate the person that had run his brother's wife down. Sam spent every moment not at the hospital in the station himself. This person deserved to pay for their cowardice and crime.
But Luis, like all his other family members, was exhausted, and when Sheridan walked through the station's doors and invited him to take a walk along the wharf, he jumped at the chance. He said bye to the guys and offered his beautiful wife his arm. She beamed at him as she took it, and they left the police station.
They walked hand in hand to the site of so many of the great happenings in their history. Not all of them good. When they got to the railing overlooking the harbor, Luis pulled Sheridan to him and gave her a repeat of the kiss they shared all those years ago. When they broke apart for air, Sheridan rested her forehead against Luis's and breathlessly said, "Wow. What was that for?" Caressing her cheek, Luis replied, "Because I love you, so very, very much," and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Dinner at the Lobster Shack that night was postponed as they got the call they had all been waiting for. Kay had woken up. With Simone and Miguel by her side. Eve had examined her and found her to be in satistactory condition, and that afternoon Kay was introduced to her daughter. It was a wonderfully happy occasion.
Chapter 28
"Shhh! They're coming," Theresa whispered. "Hide, everyone. We don't want to ruin the surprise." Julian rolled his eyes. This was so ridiculous. If he didn't have a soft spot for Kay, there was no way he would be doing this. Of course, he'd never admit it to the girl. He scowled at Ivy as she pulled him back behind the sofa. Good God. They were hiding like children.
Lily giggled from her hiding spot. This was her idea of fun. She couldn't wait to see Aunt Kay's face. She yelped when Ryan accidentally stepped on her foot. Sheridan diverted disaster by slipping each of her hands over her children's mouths, and Luis pulled them apart. Luis didn't understand why they were throwing a surprise welcome home party. A welcome home party. Fine. But a surprise party. If Angel was anything like Ryan was, he knew he'd need some aspirin. Soon.
Jessica and Noah stood beside them, holding their breath for their sister's arrival. Sheridan chuckled to herself at Nicky's breathless anticipation. He was so much like his mother when it came to these types of things. Theresa and Ethan were having a hard time quieting him. He was so excited, and he kept asking questions. Simone and Whitney grinned at Theresa's failed efforts to calm him down. She finally succeeded just as the front door slowly began to open. As soon as Miguel flipped the light switch on, they all yelled "Surprise!"
Luckily for them, Grace was the one holding Angel in her arms, and she knew all about their plans. The look on Kay's face said it all. She was crying and smiling at the same time. She looked to Miguel who sported a huge grin and punched him when she realized he was in on the surprise. "Oh, you. Why didn't you tell me about this?" Miguel laughed and said, "Then, it wouldn't have been a surprise, now would it?" Sam smiled at all the people gathered in the living room to welcome his baby girl home. Pilar stood beside Grace wearing a similar expression on her face. Kay scanned the room and saw all the faces of her loved ones, and started crying again. "You guys are all so wonderful."
Ryan came bounding from his place beside his sister and launched himself into Kay's arms. Kay laughed as she hugged him back and told him how much she had missed him. Lily walked up to Grace and peered at her baby cousin. Jessica hugged Kay and goodnaturedly scoffed, "Angel, Kay. Somehow that doesn't quite seem fitting for a child of yours." Noah joined the hug and said, "Well, she is a little miracle, sis. I think it suits her." Sheridan and Luis, Ethan and Theresa, and the rest of the guests crowded around to admire the dark-haired sleeping beauty. Miguel was every bit the proud Papa. Pilar sighed in contentment. She was so glad that each of her children had found happiness. It had been a long and difficult journey, but they had never given up hope. She said a silent thanks to God for all her blessings, then went to join the rest of the family as they posed for the first of many photographs. Photographs that she would forever cherish.
Three years later...
Miguel anxiously paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room for word on Kay--and the baby. He prayed for both of them's well-being. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost either of them. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Luis, Mama, Theresa, Sheridan, and Ethan come rushing through the door together. Just seconds behind them were Grace and Sam. Thank goodness Eve had had the lucidity he had lacked and called their families. It was more than he could handle at the time. Simone had also been contacted.
He crumpled in his mother's arms when she asked what had happened. Finally, he was able to compose himself enough to tell them about the accident. They were out shopping for the baby. A favorite pasttime. Kay, in her seventh month of pregnancy, tired easily, and they decided to stop for lunch at the Book Cafe. They had a nice time despite having a goodnatured argument about what to name the baby. Beth even got in on the fun giving her own suggestions. And they talked some more before Kay suggested they visit some friends. With a quick kiss, Miguel left her to get the car telling Kay to wait inside. Kay hated being coddled so she ignored Miguel's request and followed.
Miguel had already crossed the street to the car before he noticed her. He couldn't help but smile. It was typical of her not to take orders. And he told her so. She laughingly agreed, "You betcha. I'm not an invalid. I'm just pregnant, Miguel." Then, out of nowhere, a beat-up blue Honda came barreling down the street. There was no time. Her screams of "Miguel!!!" echoed in his brain and the look of panic in her eyes would be forever etched in his memory. The driver didn't even slow down. Witnesses and onlookers had crowded around in concern, as Miguel hurried to Kay's now broken body.
He cradled her in his arms until the ambulance came. They had to pry her from his iron grip. Beth had come to his aid, offering to drive him to the hospital. He was in no shape to do it himself. She was getting him some coffee from the lounge this very moment. He was so relieved his family were here to support him now.
Chapter 26
After what seemed like days, but was, in all reality, only a few hours, Eve came to give them news on Kay's and the baby's conditions. The baby had to be delivered two months early via emergency C-section. Though small and plagued by problems with the lungs and other possible undiagnosed complications, the baby was clinging to life. Kay was also fighting for her life. They'd stopped the most urgent threat to her life--the internal bleeding. But Kay also suffered a nasty blow to the head that caused swelling to her brain. She was still unconscious. In a coma.
At this news, Grace started sobbing. Theresa and Sheridan went to her and offered solace while Sam bent his head in defeat. Luis gripped Miguel's shoulder tightly as Pilar questioned Eve, and they learned that the longer Kay stayed in a coma, unresponsive, the more bleak the outcome. Ethan grabbed Miguel's other arm to steady him as he absorbed this news. They were all so immersed in their grief they nearly forgot about the baby until Grace brokenly asked Eve, "Where's the baby, Eve? I want to see her. I need to tell my baby how beautiful her baby is when I visit her. I need to do this, Eve. Please." Eve told her and the other immediate family to follow her. They were going to meet Baby Girl Lopez-Fitzgerald.
Sam held his daughter's hand as he told her how beautiful her baby daughter was. Luis had finally been able to convince Miguel to go home, shower, and rest. It'd been three days since the accident. Kay was still unconscious while the baby gained strength daily.
They were taking shifts staying with Kay and visiting the baby. In fact, Simone was due in Kay's room in about five minutes. Sure enough, Simone came walking through the door, Eve alongside of her. Sam hugged her tight and left her alone with Kay while he went to talk to Eve about his daughter's and his granddaughter's conditions.
Grace smiled as she spotted Sheridan just outside with Lily and Ryan. With the nurses' permission, they were allowed to come inside and meet their new cousin. Lily was in awe of the baby's tinyness. Ryan was just in awe at seeing a baby.
Grace and Sheridan laughed softly when Lily said, "You have to hurry up and get strong, cause I can't wait to play with you. It'll be nice having another girl cousin. Not anymore pesky boys like Ryan and Nicky. Ugh!" Ryan just stuck his tongue out at his sister, and Sheridan informed Grace they better leave before one of her children's infamous squabbles broke out.
Chapter 27
Sheridan and the kids ran into Ethan and Nicky at the park. They were going to the zoo, and Nicky excitedly asked, "Aunt Sheri, can Lily and Ryan come to the zoo with me and Daddy? Please, Aunt Sheri." Sheridan looked at Nicky's adorable little face. For added effect, Nicky stuck his bottom lip way out, and she couldn't help but laugh.
Then she looked into the expectant eyes of her own children. Lily's crossed fingers didn't escape her attention. And Ryan decided to adopt Nicky's pout thinking it couldn't hurt to pretend to be a perfect little angel. But angel her son was not. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I don't know..." Ethan grinned at her torture of the children. He knew Sheridan was a softie at heart. "Please, Mommy," Lily pleaded, and Ryan chimed in with "I promise not to get in trouble for the whole day." Nicky just stuck his lip out even further and pinned her with his blue gaze. "Okay," she breathed, and all at once she had three very happy children hugging her for dear life.
Ethan promised to take great care of them, and told her they'd be meeting Theresa later that afternoon. Sheridan kissed him on the cheek after saying goodbye to all the kids, and thanked him for his invitation for her, Luis, and the children to join them at the Lobster Shack for dinner. She promised to ask Luis when she saw him at the station.
Luis was pulling double shifts trying to locate the person that had run his brother's wife down. Sam spent every moment not at the hospital in the station himself. This person deserved to pay for their cowardice and crime.
But Luis, like all his other family members, was exhausted, and when Sheridan walked through the station's doors and invited him to take a walk along the wharf, he jumped at the chance. He said bye to the guys and offered his beautiful wife his arm. She beamed at him as she took it, and they left the police station.
They walked hand in hand to the site of so many of the great happenings in their history. Not all of them good. When they got to the railing overlooking the harbor, Luis pulled Sheridan to him and gave her a repeat of the kiss they shared all those years ago. When they broke apart for air, Sheridan rested her forehead against Luis's and breathlessly said, "Wow. What was that for?" Caressing her cheek, Luis replied, "Because I love you, so very, very much," and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Dinner at the Lobster Shack that night was postponed as they got the call they had all been waiting for. Kay had woken up. With Simone and Miguel by her side. Eve had examined her and found her to be in satistactory condition, and that afternoon Kay was introduced to her daughter. It was a wonderfully happy occasion.
Chapter 28
"Shhh! They're coming," Theresa whispered. "Hide, everyone. We don't want to ruin the surprise." Julian rolled his eyes. This was so ridiculous. If he didn't have a soft spot for Kay, there was no way he would be doing this. Of course, he'd never admit it to the girl. He scowled at Ivy as she pulled him back behind the sofa. Good God. They were hiding like children.
Lily giggled from her hiding spot. This was her idea of fun. She couldn't wait to see Aunt Kay's face. She yelped when Ryan accidentally stepped on her foot. Sheridan diverted disaster by slipping each of her hands over her children's mouths, and Luis pulled them apart. Luis didn't understand why they were throwing a surprise welcome home party. A welcome home party. Fine. But a surprise party. If Angel was anything like Ryan was, he knew he'd need some aspirin. Soon.
Jessica and Noah stood beside them, holding their breath for their sister's arrival. Sheridan chuckled to herself at Nicky's breathless anticipation. He was so much like his mother when it came to these types of things. Theresa and Ethan were having a hard time quieting him. He was so excited, and he kept asking questions. Simone and Whitney grinned at Theresa's failed efforts to calm him down. She finally succeeded just as the front door slowly began to open. As soon as Miguel flipped the light switch on, they all yelled "Surprise!"
Luckily for them, Grace was the one holding Angel in her arms, and she knew all about their plans. The look on Kay's face said it all. She was crying and smiling at the same time. She looked to Miguel who sported a huge grin and punched him when she realized he was in on the surprise. "Oh, you. Why didn't you tell me about this?" Miguel laughed and said, "Then, it wouldn't have been a surprise, now would it?" Sam smiled at all the people gathered in the living room to welcome his baby girl home. Pilar stood beside Grace wearing a similar expression on her face. Kay scanned the room and saw all the faces of her loved ones, and started crying again. "You guys are all so wonderful."
Ryan came bounding from his place beside his sister and launched himself into Kay's arms. Kay laughed as she hugged him back and told him how much she had missed him. Lily walked up to Grace and peered at her baby cousin. Jessica hugged Kay and goodnaturedly scoffed, "Angel, Kay. Somehow that doesn't quite seem fitting for a child of yours." Noah joined the hug and said, "Well, she is a little miracle, sis. I think it suits her." Sheridan and Luis, Ethan and Theresa, and the rest of the guests crowded around to admire the dark-haired sleeping beauty. Miguel was every bit the proud Papa. Pilar sighed in contentment. She was so glad that each of her children had found happiness. It had been a long and difficult journey, but they had never given up hope. She said a silent thanks to God for all her blessings, then went to join the rest of the family as they posed for the first of many photographs. Photographs that she would forever cherish.