Chapter 11
"Sheridan. Mija? Can I get you anything?" Pilar asked softly. Kneeling down in front of her. Her heart broke at the hollow look in Sheridan's blue eyes. She hadn't said a word since they'd left the mall. After hours of searching, the police had finally determined that whoever had taken Ali was nowhere to be found. Gone from the mall. Probably long gone. Pilar swallowed the lump in her throat and reached to take Sheridan's hands in her own. "Here. Let me take that," she said. Taking the red satin ribbon from her.
Luis had told her in a broken voice that mall security had found the ribbon and Ali's jacket in one of the restrooms. "Pilar," Sheridan whispered. "What if she's cold?" she asked in a tiny voice. "Oh Pilar. I can't bear to think of her being scared. She's just a baby," she sobbed. Pilar's own eyes flooded with tears as she took Sheridan in her arms. Gently rocking her back and forth. "Shh. We'll find her, Mija. We will. And until then.God will be watching over her. Do you believe me?" Sheridan stared at her with pain-filled blue eyes. "I want to," she whispered shakily. "I want to so badly."
Cristian's cries echoed in the silent home, and Sheridan rose to her feet. But Pilar stilled her with a comforting hand. "I'll go check on him," she said. And Sheridan watched as the woman she considered a mother walked down the hall to the nursery. Cristian, she'd heard Theresa tell Martin earlier, had been crying almost nonstop since Ali had disappeared. He was only a baby. Yet she couldn't help but think her sweet little son knew. He knew his sister was gone. And he missed her. They ALL did, she thought miserably. As she opened the door to Ali's bedroom and slipped inside. If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel her presence in the room with her.
She walked slowly over to Ali's small twin bed and smiled tenderly as she spied her favorite teddy bear. Hugging it close and burying her nose in its softness. Her throat grew tight with new tears. She could still smell her. She wrapped her arms around herself and gave in to the tears once more. Curling up on the bed. Why was this happening? Why now? Hadn't she been through enough? Ali's young life was filled with so much pain thus far. She'd thought they were finally past that. Everything was going perfectly, she thought. Shutting her eyes tightly. Ali was everywhere in this room. And instead of making her feel better, it only made her miss her more. Memories assaulted her when she closed her eyes.
*****She closed the door behind her and let out the breath she'd been holding almost all day. "Mommy," Ali giggled. "You look like Nana does when Jake goes home." "Ali," she laughed. "What am I going to do with you?" she said scooping her up in her arms and kissing her silly. "What do you say about a nice, relaxing bubble bath, sweetie?"
"Oh Mommy!" she squealed. "I love bubble baths." Grinning at her adorably. Then hugging her neck. Extra tight. "A bubble bath it is," she said. Setting her down on her feet and taking her little hand in hers. And leading her down the hall to the bathroom.
She sighed in pleasure as she sank into the warm water. A smile threatening to take over her entire face as Ali mimicked her every action. Right down to the expression of complete contentment on her little face. "Come here, baby," she whispered. Pulling her tiny body closer and squeezing her tight.
"I love you, Mommy," Ali said sweetly. Cuddling up against her. "I love you, too," she answered. Wiping bubbles on her cute little nose and laughing when she did the same. Soon they were engaged in an all-out bubble war.*****
*****. "Mommy! Aunt Ivy! Look!" In her arms she held an adorable, tiny kitten.
"Ali," Sheridan laughed. "Honey, where did you get this little sweetheart?" she said. Taking the kitten from Ali's arms and cuddling it close. The kitten mewled softly at her. Causing Ali to giggle. "She likes you, Mommy." "You didn't answer my question, Baby. Where'd you get the kitten?"
"Well," she began. A huge grin lighting up her face. Blue eyes twinkling. Another giggle escaping when she looked at Ethan's face. Saw the finger he had raised to his lips. "I can't tell. It's a secret." "A secret, huh?" Ivy laughed. Catching the conspiratorial looks passed between Ethan and Ali. "I bet it's a secret."
"Oh, but it is, Aunt Ivy. I can't tell a soul. I promised," Ali said seriously. One look at Ethan's face, and Sheridan laughed out loud. "You are so busted. You're a terrible liar. Your face is an open book. Not setting a good example for my daughter, either, Ethan. What am I going to do with you two?"
Ethan swept Ali up into his arms and said, "I don't know. What do you think, Ali?" Ali looped her arms around Ethan's neck and said, "We're not in trouble, are we Mommy?" Pouting at her. Ethan wore an identical expression on his face. "Aww. Sheridan. How can you refuse those faces?" Ivy said with a smile.
"I can't," she muttered. Heaving an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, Mommy!" Ali squealed. "Does this mean we can keep her? Please say yes. Please." Sheridan looked at the tiny purring bundle of white fur in her hands to her daughter's hopeful blue eyes. And back at the white bundle. And her heart melted. "Yes. We can keep her."
Ethan set Ali down on her feet. Smiling as she reigned kisses on Sheridan's face and hugged her tightly about the neck. "Thank you, Mommy. Thank you. I can't wait to take her home. What are we going to name her? Where is she going to sleep? Can she sleep in my bed with me? Oh, I can't wait to show her to Jake. He'll be so jealous."
"Ali," she laughed. "Baby, that's not very nice." "Well, he not very nice to me, either. He's been bragging about the fish his dad bought him. But I think a kitten's much better. Isn't it, Aunt Ivy?"*****
*****"Mommy," Ali pouted. Indignant tears pooling in her big blue eyes. "Nana says she's going to wash my mouth out with soap. I don't want her to do it, Mommy. Make her wash Daddy's mouth out, too," she said in a tiny, trembling voice. One fat tear spilling over and trailing down her cheek.
"Oh, sweetie," Sheridan soothed. Taking her upset daughter in her arms and rubbing her back in comforting circles as Ali wrapped herself around her. "Nana just doesn't want you saying ugly words," she said. Wiping Ali's tears away from her silky cheeks.
"She did the same thing to me when I was little like you." "She did?" Ali sniffled. Looking back and forth from her mother to her grandmother. "Yeah, she did," Sheridan said. A slight smile on her face.
"But Nana's a big softie. She just said that to scare me," she whispered in Ali's ear. "I bet if you gave her a big kiss and a hug and promised never to say it again, she'd forget all about it."
"Really?" Ali whispered. Hope shining in her eyes. "Really," Sheridan said. Tapping Ali's cute little nose with her finger. "Why don't you try it," she said. Setting Ali on her feet. Smiling as she watched Pilar lift Ali up in her arms and hug her close. *****
*****"Daddy, it's so pretty," Ali said in awe. Pointing at the horizon. At the sunset. "Not as pretty as my two girls," he said. Pulling her more firmly against him. Looking at them both with such adoration it warmed Sheridan's heart. Luis set Ali on her feet. And she ran to the waves. Joyfully running back and forth along the shoreline. Squealing as they surged toward her. Spraying her with their mist. "Ali! Be careful, sweetie," she called. Sinking back into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her from behind as they watched their daughter play.
She leaned even further back into his embrace and sighed in contentment when he placed a gentle kiss on her neck. Whispered "I love you" in her ear. She looped her arm back behind her. Caressing his face. "I love you, too," she breathed. "Thank you for bringing me here. With Ali. How did you know exactly what I needed?"
"I know you. You're worth a million of your father, Sheridan. Don't ever forget that. A lot of people love you. Our friends. Our family. Me. And Ali," he said. Laughing as the tiny person whose name just escaped his lips came running towards them. Her long blond hair damp. Tangled from the wind.
"Mommy! Daddy! Look what I found," she said excitedly. Proudly showing off the shells in her little hand. Her blue eyes sparkled and her hair shone like gold in the waning sun. "Looks like you found treasure, AliCat," he said. Grinning at her enthusiasm. She grinned at him in return. Her smile impossibly big. And infectious. She laid the shells down, and crawled into her mother's arms. Snuggling close to her. Close to her warmth. He wrapped his arms about both of them. Watching until the sun was no more.*****
*****"AliCat," her daddy said happily. "Come inside. Your mommy and I have someone very special we want you to meet," he finished with an impossibly big grin. Sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her over to the bed's edge.
"Hi, sweetie," her mommy said tiredly. Smiling up at her. She smiled back, but her attention was drawn to the little blue bundle in her mommy's arms. Her blue eyes widened comically when a tiny hand appeared. Then another tiny hand. And the soft blue blanket slipped away some more.
She reached a tentative hand down to the baby's downy head. "He looks like Daddy," she whispered in awe. Not noticing the looks passing between her parents. The special smile her mommy gave her daddy. "Yes, he does, baby," her mommy agreed. Patting the bed beside her.
Ali cuddled into her mother's warm embrace. Never taking her eyes off the tiny being in her arms. The baby blinked at her. "What's his name?" she said softly. Giggling as the baby's hand latched on to her pinky.
"He doesn't have one yet, AliCat," her daddy laughed. "Your mommy and I just can't come up with a name that fits this little guy," he said. Rubbing the baby's head. "But Mommy," Ali said. Her big blue eyes serious. "He has to have a name. They won't let us take him home."
Her mommy just laughed. "Sweetie, we'll steal him if we have to. Won't we, Luis?" She drew in a shocked breath when her daddy agreed. "We'll run away." She twirled a strand of her long blond hair nervously and leaned down close to her little brother. Kissing his fuzzy head with a sigh and muttering to herself. "Jake said you were going be nothing but trouble. BUT I love you anyway."*****
*****"I want you to be good for Aunt Theresa, sweetie. You promise?" Sheridan asked Ali. Securing the ribbon in her long blond hair. "I promise," Ali said sweetly. "Mommy? Why can't you go with us?" she pouted. "Ali, baby," she began. Brushing her knuckles across Ali's soft cheek. "I thought I explained all this. Mommy's got an interview today. You like the Youth Center, don't you?" Ali nodded her head. Her blue eyes shining with confusion. "I'm going to talk with a nice man about getting a job there. Being the director." "What's a director?" Ali asked. "What will you do?"
"I can answer that, Ali," Theresa said. Walking into the Ali's bedroom with Cristian settled on her hip. "That means your mommy's going to be in charge. Wouldn't that be great?" she smiled. "I guess," Ali whispered. Her little face downcast. "But Mommy.who would stay with Cristian and me? I don't want a babysitter." Sheridan pulled Ali into her arms and hugged her tight before answering her question. "Sometimes Nana would stay with you. And sometimes.sometimes I'd take you and your brother to work with me." "Really?" Ali asked skeptically. Hope in her childish voice. "Really," Sheridan assured her. Smiling when Ali heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Better?" she asked. Giving Ali Eskimo kisses. "All better," Ali giggled.
"Thank you for doing this, Theresa," she said later. As she made sure her son was buckled in securely in his carseat. Ali, too. "No problem," Theresa smiled. Hugging her in goodbye. "I love these two," she said. Winking at Ali. "And you don't have to worry. I would NEVER let anything happen to them. So.quit being such a worrywart. They'll be fine," she said. Sheridan laughed softly. "I guess I AM worrying too much. I." "I know," Theresa said. Taking her hand in hers and squeezing it reassuringly. "Mommy," Ali giggled when Sheridan hugged her fiercely once again. "Sorry, baby," she whispered. Committing Ali's smiling blue eyes to memory. She couldn't explain it. But something just felt.off. "You know Mommy loves you, don't you sweetheart?" An adorable smile lit up Ali's face as she said, "Always." "And forever," Sheridan added. Tears in her eyes. "Sheridan," Theresa chided gently as she cranked the car. "Remember what I said." *****
She should never had let them go. Let them leave. She'd felt in her heart something wasn't right. It wasn't Theresa's fault. It was hers. She jumped when she felt a gentle hand on her back. And looked into Luis's loving, concerned brown eyes. "Oh Luis," she sobbed. Throwing her arms around his neck. "I want my baby. Please bring my baby back."
Chapter 12
"Thank you," Chad said quietly. As he walked Eve out to her car. Eve smiled slightly at his words. The smile on her face vanished when he asked another question. "Is she going to be alright? I mean, I don't know how much more of this she can take, Dr. Russell," he rambled. And she realized with a pang that was who she was to him. Not his mother. Just Dr. Russell. "I don't know, Chad. If." she began. But it was too awful to finish the thought. To think about what would happen if Ali never came back. "She'll be fine," she said. Placing a hand on his arm. "Just as soon as she's holding that dear little girl in her arms again." Chad studied her face in the pale glow from the lights inside. There was so much he wanted to say to her. Now wasn't the right time. So he settled for goodbye. Watching her car fade away in the distance before he turned to go back inside.
It seemed everyone in Harmony was there. Waiting word on Ali. Hank sat on the sofa. Rubbing his eyes tiredly as he talked to Sam on his cell phone. For updates on the search. Jake was sprawled out beside him. The little guy was finally down for the count. He'd listened. Confusion in his brown eyes as Gwen and Hank had sat him down and explained what had happened at the mall this morning. He just couldn't grasp that Ali was gone. No surprise, really. He couldn't either. Hank shot Grace a grateful smile when she lifted Jake up into her arms and carried him down the hall. And mouthed 'thank you.'
Ethan and Ivy were in a quiet corner. Trying to console Theresa. Trying to convince her she wasn't at fault. But not even hearing it from Sheridan's own lips had done the trick. Theresa was guilt-ridden. And only one thing.one thing would ease her mind. He walked into the kitchen. In a quest for coffee. "Chad," Pilar said. "Could you.?" He took MJ off her hands without another word. The toddler squirmed in his arms restlessly. Babbling. "Ma-ma." "Shh," he soothed. "It's okay, kid. She's kind of busy right now," he whispered. Remembering exactly where Kay was. Desperately trying to rock Cristian to sleep.
"Here. I'll take him," Martin volunteered. "Have to keep myself busy somehow. Would you do something for me in return? Well.actually Hank." "Sure, Man. Whatever you say," he replied. "Check on Gwen. He's worried she's overdoing it." "Will do," he said. Heading off to the last place he'd seen the woman in question. At Sheridan's bedside. He pushed the door to Luis and Sheridan's bedroom open slowly. Not wanting to disturb either of its occupants. "How's she doing?" he whispered. Watching Gwen stroke the hair back from Sheridan's forehead.
"As well as could be expected, I guess," Gwen answered. Meeting his eyes. "But the sedatives can only offer temporary relief. What about tomorrow?" she said. To no one in particular. He answered anyway. "Sam and Luis and Miguel are out there looking for her. Not to mention half of Harmony's police force. And tomorrow.we'll all have our Miss Ali back. They'll find her," he said. More confidently than he felt. "Look," he suggested. "Why don't you let me take over here? You look like you can use the rest. And...you're worrying your husband," he finished with a slight smile.
"When you put it like that how can I refuse?" she answered. Rising to her feet with some difficulty. "You take good care of her," she said as she walked past him. Slipping the door shut once more. I will, he thought. Glancing at his aunt's still form. He watched her sleep for what seemed like hours. The night quiet. Almost eerily quiet. Until the phone's insistent ringing shattered the silence. The noise stopped, and he left the room. His curiousity getting the better of him. He walked into the living room just as Hank was hanging up the phone. "Well..." Gwen asked. Hank grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it before he answering.
"That was Sam," he said quietly. "He just got a call from Marty down at the wharf. Marty said...," he paused. Covering his face with his hands wearily. Not able to hide his tears. "Marty said they pulled a little girl matching Ali's description from the water. They're on their way down there right now." Gwen buried her face in her husband's shoulder and cried. He felt like the room was spinning as he took in the news. The possibility was too much. He placed a restraining hand on Ethan's arm when he got up to follow Theresa as she ran out the front door. "You stay here. I'll go." He followed Theresa's suit. And escaped.
Chapter 13
"Luis," Sam said. Glancing at his friend out of the corner of his eye as the car sped forward. The sirens wailing in the night air. "You have to prepare yourself. Just in case.Believe me. I'm hoping just as much as you are. But you have to be ready." "Sam," Luis warned tersely. Looking straight ahead. "You don't have to tell me that. Don't you think I know already? My little girl is missing, dammit. Since this morning. And Marty and some of the guys just fished a child matching Ali's description out of the water. Don't take away my hope." Miguel said nothing from the backseat. Only prayed that this wasn't Ali.
"Look, Bro," he said later. At the wharf. "Why don't you wait right here? Let me go," he pleaded. He couldn't bear the thought of putting Luis in more pain. "Stay here. Let me and Sam go." "No," Luis answered in a low voice. "This is something I have to do. By myself. You're not going to talk me out of it, Miguel. Neither are you, Sam," he said. Casting his dark haunted eyes his way. "I HAVE to do this. Alone. Understand?" "But Luis," Miguel protested. "Let him be," Sam said. A hand on the younger man's arm. "He's right. Just let him go." They watched Luis's tall form fade in the distance.
One step at a time, Luis. One step at a time. Come on. You can do it. You have to know. Have to learn the truth. And what if it's Ali, his mind screamed. What if it's your baby? What are you going to do then? What are you going to tell Sheridan? How are you going to move past this? There is NO moving past Ali. Forgetting her. He couldn't forget his little girl. NEVER. She'd always be in his heart. Always.
*****Luis grinned over Ali's shoulder at the look on his mother's face. Pure exhaustion. She was at the end of her rope. Of course, that was to be expected after spending the entire day with the precocious four-year-old currently hugging his neck so tightly she was blocking off his air supply.
"Ali, honey," he choked, "you can let go now." He took a deep breath of air as he set his daughter on her feet and got his first REAL look at her mud- streaked face. "What have you been up to today?" he asked, wiping a smudge of dirt off her nose.
"Nothing," Ali giggled. He arched an eyebrow at her response. Causing her to giggle harder. He looked to his mother for a straight answer. "She and Jake thought it would be fun to make mud pies. You're lucky, Luis. Jake looked like he'd wallowed in a mud puddle."
He tried not to smile as he said, "I bet Gwen hit the roof." "Actually," Pilar said with a smile, "I don't have a clue. Hank took Jake home." She cringed in sympathy as she said, "Unfortunately, Jake didn't have a change of clothes here like Ali did. There's not an inch on that child's body not covered in mud, Luis. Poor Hank."
"Jake looked like a pig!" Ali squealed. "Well, AliCat, you don't look much better," Luis said as he threw his giggling daughter over his shoulder and kissed his mother's cheek. "Bye Mama. Thanks for having the patience of a saint and taking care of her for me. I love you. Ali, say goodbye." "Bye Nana," Ali waved. Upside down. "See you tomorrow."*****
And later.he couldn't help but remember how loving Ali had kept him sane. Kept him alive when nothing else seemed to matter.
*****"Come on, Ali. Let's get you cleaned up. Wait a minute. Have you had your dinner yet?" Luis asked. Hope in his eyes. It'd been a very long day at the station. He released the breath he'd been holding in relief when his daughter informed him she had already eaten. "Good. Go pick out your pajamas while I run your bath."
He adjusted the temperature of the water and added some of Ali's favorite bubble bath. "Ooo, bubbles. Thank you, Daddy," Ali said, big blue eyes sparkling. "Come here," he said, holding his hand out to Ali. "How did you manage to get so much mud in your hair?"
"Jake put it there. He's so mean. But I got him back, Daddy," she said excitedly, tossing her long blond hair back off her shoulders. "I..." "Shhh," Luis silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Not right now, Ali. The water's getting cold. We still have to wash your hair." "Oh, okay," Ali pouted. Rather dejectedly as she pulled her shirt over her head and rid herself of the rest of her clothes and climbed into the tub.
Luis smiled as she sang made-up songs to herself as she bathed. Continued singing at the top of her lungs--her disappointment over not getting to share her revenge against Jake forgotten--as he washed her hair and rinsed the rest of the shampoo out. He shook with silent laughter when she ordered, "Turn around, Daddy," as she dressed in her favorite pj's. Made especially for her by Theresa. She was a pink and white angel. He wiped the grin off his face when she said in all seriousness, "You can turn around now, Daddy. I'm decent." But it was hard. Very hard.
The grin was back to stay as she challenged, "Race you, Daddy," and he chased her to her bed. Scooping her wiggling, squealing little form up into his arms like she weighed nothing at all and kissing her silly. "Stop," she pleaded breathlessly as he tickled her tummy. "Please," she begged through fits of giggles. He finally relented. Out of breath himself. And pulled the covers back for Ali to crawl into bed.
He couldn't refuse her when she patted the bed for him to join her and lay back against the pillows as she snuggled up against him. A picture of her mother clutched in her tiny hands. "Tell me a story, Daddy. About Mommy. The first time you met," she said, gazing up at him with those familiar blue eyes so full of life and love. "How I met Mommy, huh?" he asked, stroking her still damp hair back from her face. "Let's see. How does that story go again?"
"Daddy," Ali admonished in exasperation, "you remember. Mommy crashed into your police car. And it was love at first sight." "Love at first sight," Luis repeated under his breath. Lost in the memory. The words at their first meeting echoing in his head. He smiled to himself as he said to his daughter--their daughter, "You've been talking to Aunt Theresa about us again, haven't you?" Ali's grinned widely and giggled. Despite shaking her head 'no'.
"Love at first sight?" he repeated a second time. "I guess you could say that, AliCat. Even though me and your mommy weren't very nice to each other at first, I guess your aunt Theresa's right. I started falling in love with your mommy's spirit from that moment on. But I had myself convinced I hated her."
"You hated Mommy!" Ali gasped. "No, sweetie. I didn't. I just pretended to. I was kind of mean. But the more I got to know your mommy, the more I loved her," he reassured her. He continued the story of his and Sheridan's first meeting, only to realize Ali had fallen asleep sometime during the middle of it.
He kissed her forehead and tucked the covers snugly around her. And whispered "I love you." He placed Sheridan's picture back in place on the nightstand. "And I love you. Always," he whispered tracing her beloved face with his fingertip. Then he turned the lamp off. Went to his own bed. To visit her in his dreams.*****
Then Sheridan came back into his life. Their lives. The missing piece to his heart was back. They were a family. Getting to know each other all over again.
*****He stood in the doorway watching them. Mother and daughter were having a tea party. Wearing identical hats. They were all smiles. His heart was so full of love for them at that moment. He was sure it would burst. "Daddy!" Ali called. Noticing him spying on them. "Come have a tea party with us." He looked to Sheridan. Gazing into her eyes. Looking for an answer. And finding one. "Come on, Luis," she said almost shyly. Blue eyes twinkling with amusement. Just like Ali's.*****
*****. He stared down at her. Thanking God for the millionth time for bringing her back to him. And Ali. He loved her with every breath, every fiber in his being. Nothing was ever going to come between them again, he thought as he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
He looked up. Startled to find himself gazing into his daughter's confused blue eyes. "Daddy," she whispered. "Why are you and Mommy sleeping on the couch?" He smiled at her appearance. Her tangled blond mane and the too-big pyjamas. Before answering her. "I don't know, AliCat. I guess I was so tired I just fell asleep on the couch without noticing it."
"Did Mommy fall asleep with you?" she asked. Running a tiny hand across her mother's hair with love. "Yes," he answered with a smile. Not believing that this was really happening. That it was real. "Daddy..." she began again. But he quieted her with a finger to the lips. Rising to his feet. Lifting his wife in his arms.
He carried her into his room. The bedroom they had shared so long ago. Laid her down on its softness and reached a hand out to Ali. Beckoning her to come closer. "Daddy?" she whispered. "Can I sleep with you and Mommy?" He nodded his head and pulled the covers back for her to crawl under them. She snuggled close to her mother. Kissing her cheek. And shut her eyes. Sighing happily. He ran a hand down her soft hair, hers and her mother's, and lay his head down. The last thing he saw before falling into a deep sleep the beloved faces of his two girls.*****
He hadn't known it was possible to love someone so much. So unconditionally. But that's the way it had always been with Ali, he realized. Swallowing the lump in his throat as he neared the scene. The yellow tape marking the area as a crime scene had his heart pounding furiously. Please, dear God. Don't let it be her. I'll do anything. I'll do anything for my baby. And it was true.
*****"Goodnight Daddy," Ali yawned. Nestled in her mother's arms. Stroking the kitten snuggled against her chest contentedly. "Night, AliCat," he whispered. With a kiss to her forehead. Ruffling her long blond hair and ignoring the purring white bundle she held close like a treasure.
Until Ali said, "Kiss the kitty goodnight, too, Daddy." Luis's mouth hung open at her request. His brown eyes traveled from Ali and the kitten to his wife's blue eyes. Shining with amusement in the dimly lit room. Her eyes were twinkling. Laughing. But she kept a straight face when she said, "Go ahead, Luis. She's part of the family now." She was good, he thought with an inward groan. Too good. He would have already cracked.
"How 'bout I just pet her instead?" "Nope," Ali said in all seriousness with a shake of her head. "She wants a kiss." He looked to Sheridan for help. Any escape. But he found none. She was having difficulty smothering her laughter. Ali's blue eyes watched him expectantly. Waiting. He didn't stand a chance. Ali giggled in satisfaction when he granted her request, and Sheridan's laughter rang out behind her as she carried Ali to her bedroom to tuck her in..
"Mommy? Daddy? Can I sleep with you?" What the hell, he thought. "Come on in, AliCat. What?" he asked when she paused in the doorway. A funny look on her face. She looked to Sheridan. Sheridan turned her blue gaze on him. "Okay. Go get her." "Thank you, Daddy!" Ali said excitedly before running to the bathroom and freeing the kitten from its prison. She scrambled into bed between them. The kitten purring in pleasure as it lay against her chest. Ali and her brand-new partner in crime were fast asleep within minutes. He lay on his side. Watching his wife watch their daughter sleep. She kissed Ali's forehead sweetly and brushed her hair back off her face before meeting his eyes. He reached out and linked his fingers with hers. Giving her hand a squeeze. Before letting go. Closing his eyes. And drifting off.*****
Don't let it be my baby, he screamed inwardly. Seeing the sympathetic looks on Marty's face. The other guys' faces. Don't let it be her, he prayed. His heart getting stuck in his throat when he caught a glimpse of blond hair. Long, beautiful blond hair. Cristian can't grow up not knowing his big sister. It's not fair, his mind screamed as he knelt beside the tiny body and reached a shaking hand out. Don't take such a sweet, loving little being from us. The people who love her. Don't be so cruel.
*****"Stop it," Ali giggled as Luis blew raspberries on her tummy. "It tickles," she squealed. Luis ignored her. And continued his torture. Sheridan smiled. Before turning her gaze back to the tiny child cradled in her arms. "Your daddy and big sister are sooo silly," she laughed. Running a finger gently across her son's beloved face. "Mommy," Ali squealed breathlessly. "Make him stop. Please!" she giggled. "Should we rescue your big sister?" The baby gurgled in response, and she hugged him close to her body as she rose from the couch and loomed over her husband and daughter. "Thank you, Mommy," Ali said as Luis released her. Hugging her mother's legs.
Sheridan ran a hand over Ali's long blond hair lovingly. "Can I hold him, Mommy? Please? I promise to be real careful," Ali pleaded. Her big blue eyes hopeful. Sheridan placed her son in Luis's outstretched arms and settled against the cushions on the floor. Pulling Ali into her lap. "In a minute, Baby. I want to hold you for a little while first," she whispered. Threading her fingers through Ali's hair. "You're getting so big," she smiled. "Mommy, I AM four years old," Ali said seriously. Luis chuckled under his breath. And Ali shot him a funny look. She still hated being laughed at. "I'll be five soon."
"Yes, you will," Sheridan said. Her voice heavy with emotion. Her life was perfect right now. But she still felt pangs of sadness every time she thought of all the time she had missed with her baby girl. "It's okay, Mommy," Ali said. Snuggling deeper into Sheridan's arms. Laying her golden head against her chest. Her tiny fingers playing with the rings her mother wore. Sheridan buried her nose in Ali's soft hair and inhaled her sweet scent. Grasping the hand that Luis held out and flashing a watery smile his way.
Luis scooted closer. The baby nestled in one arm and held out the other for his two girls. "Come here," he whispered. Admiring the way the firelight flickered across their features. Sighing in pleasure as his wife rested her chin atop his shoulder, and his daughter curled up against him. 'I love you', he thought. Not saying a word. Because it wasn't necessary. Ali gazed up at him adoringly, and he ruffled her blond hair affectionately. "You have to put your hand behind his head like this," he demonstrated. "And hold him close. He likes being close," he said. His brown eyes staring into his daughter's intently. "You ready, AliCat?"
Ali nodded her head. Opening her arms. A giant smile of awe taking over her entire face as Luis gently placed her brother in them. "Oh," she breathed. "He's so little," she whispered. Kissing his dark head sweetly. "You're not trouble like Jake said. You're the sweetest little brother in the world."*****
Please God, he thought. Shutting his eyes tight as he lifted the damp hair back from the tiny cold face. He opened his eyes slowly. Barely daring to look. And felt all the air leave his lungs as he stared at her sweet face. "Oh my god," he sobbed. Crumpling as it hit him. "Oh my god. It's not her. It's not her," he cried in relief when he felt Miguel's grip his shoulder. "It's not Ali. Thank you God," he said. Looking to the heavens. Thank you.
Chapter 14
"Do you think this is God's way of punishing me for breaking all my promises to him?" she asked. Swaying gently on the old tire swing out front. "Back when I'd do anything.ANYTHING.to make Ethan mine?" Chad mulled it over thoughtfully before he answered. "Theresa. Girl, I don't think God works that way. I mean, the Man Upstairs just doesn't seem like the type to keep grudges," he laughed. Happy to see the corners of her mouth turning up. "You were younger. Very naïve. That was a LONG time ago. You've done a lot of growing up since then. People change. And I certainly don't think God's punishing you. Forgive me for saying this.but get over yourself, Theresa . It's a sad fact, but these things happen. Not because of past mistakes. Somebody like the person that took Ali doesn't think about all that stuff. Hell. I'm not sure if they even think at all." He looked to Theresa for a response but was met by silence. He turned to go. Stopping in his tracks when he heard her quiet reply. "Thanks, Chad. For being honest. I needed to hear that" Chad smiled. "You're welcome. Now.what do you say we go back inside? It's cold out here," he shivered. Theresa's soft laughter was music to his ears.
"What's going on here?" Chad asked as they walked back inside. And saw Hank in a frenzied state by Gwen's side. "Nothing," Gwen bit out. " Just the baby kicking up a storm," she lied. Wincing. Off Theresa's look of concern she continued. "Really. It's nothing serious. Jake kicked me black and blue when I carried him. I have to admit, Theresa," she laughed nervously. "I thought I'd never see the day when you were worried about ME," she finished. Moaning softly. "Damn. Bennett! This kid of yours would make a great soccer player."
"Haha, Babe. Funny," Hank said humorously. "Quit lying. I can read you like an open book. Pilar? Would you call the hospital and tell them we're coming in?" "Yes, Hank," she answered. Picking up the phone and dialing the number. "Kay?" "Don't worry, Uncle Hank. I'll watch Jake for you. Now go. Get Gwen to the hospital and have her and the baby checked out. All this stress can't be good for either of them." "Thank you," Hank said. Grinning slightly. "Have I ever told you that you're my favorite niece?" he said. Kissing her forehead in goodbye. "Oh.once or twice," she smirked. Squeezing Gwen's hand reassuringly as she walked past.
"Call us," Gwen called over her shoulder as they walked out the door. "Call us if there's any news about Ali." "We will," Grace smiled. Answering for them all. The minute she heard the car crank, though, the smile on her face faltered. "I hope Gwen's right. And it's nothing serious. I can't bear to think of this endless night getting any worse. Kay, honey. Do you mind if I go check on MJ? I need to.I need to see him." "I'll go with you," Kay said softly. Linking her arms through her mother's.
Ivy watched them go. Seeing the love they had for each other. And realizing she didn't want to break that up. Not anymore. They were a family. Ethan and his brother and sisters and Sheridan were hers. That's the way it would always be. She sighed. Getting to her feet. Pacing restlessly. "Mother," Ethan said gently. Placing his hands on her shoulders and forcing her to stop. "Mother," he said pointedly. "Wearing a hole in Sheridan and Luis's carpet is not going to help matters any." "Oh, Ethan," she said. Cupping his cheek. "I can't sit still. Why haven't we heard anything yet? Luis and Sam should have found out by now."
"Found out what?" they heard a voice ask behind them. "Sheridan," Ivy soothed in a calming voice. "Darling. I just meant we.I just.what are you doing up? You should be resting, sweetheart." "Resting? Resting," Sheridan scoffed. "How can I when my baby's out there without me? What should Luis and Sam have found out by now, Ivy? Tell me the truth," she pleaded in a tremulous voice. "Please. I HAVE to know. It's killing me not knowing." "Aunt Sheridan," Ethan stalled. Looking to Martin for help. "Don't! Don't do that! If you know something about my baby, tell me dammit," she yelled. "Tell me," she sobbed.
The front door flew open. And all eyes turned to find Luis standing there. He stalked across the room and pulled Sheridan roughly into his arms. Her sobs muffled against his chest. "It wasn't her. It wasn't Ali. We're going to find her, Baby," he said. Holding Sheridan at arms' length. Brushing her damp hair back from her forehead. And wiping her tears away. "I promise. We ARE going to find her. We're not going to give up," he said. Staring into her blue eyes. "We'll bring Ali home again. Soon."
Chapter 15
"I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner," Hank said. Pulling his chair up beside Gwen's bedside. "You've really been having these pains off and on all day?" he asked. Sweeping her damp hair back from her forehead. Gwen closed her eyes for a moment as guilt washed through her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to add another worry to an already long list. And they weren't really that bad until.until that last phone call from Sam. I'm so relieved that wasn't Ali, Hank. But I feel so selfish. That's someone else's baby even if it's not Ali."
"I know," he murmured. Squeezing her hand tightly. He'd felt the same way. And he told her so. "It's a perfectly normal, human reaction. Don't dwell on it. What's taking Eve so long?" he said. Glancing at the door and shifting restlessly in his seat. "Bennett," Gwen laughed. "Calm down. Eve said it was nothing serious. But just in case." "Just in case what?" he asked in a panicked voice. "What aren't you telling me, Babe?"
"Hi, you two," Eve smiled. Holding the door open for the nurse to push the equipment through. "You ready to check on that baby of yours? Give Hank here some peace of mind?" she teased. Laughing at his stricken look and wide eyes. "All set," Gwen answered. "Shut your mouth, Hank, before you catch some flies in it," she ordered. Gasping slightly as the nurse squeezed the cool substance on her round stomach.
"There," Eve said with a smile. "There she is. Looks like everything's fine." "Eve? Did I just hear you right? Did you.did you say 'she'?" Hank gulped. Eve covered her mouth. "Oh.I'm so sorry. You wanted to be surprised, didn't you?" "Oh my god," Hank said dumbly. "What am I going to do with a little girl? Ribbons, lace, the color pink, tea parties, dress up, the color pink. Did I mention the color pink?" he squeaked.
"Hank," Gwen laughed. An enormous smile lighting up her entire face. "Hank! Snap out of it. Not all girls love pink," she said. Rolling her eyes. "I happen to hate the color pink. And who says you can't teach our little girl," she paused. Letting it sink in. They were having a daughter. "Who's to say you can't teach her all the things you taught Jake?" she said uncertainly. "Well.not EVERYTHING you taught Jake," she amended. "We're having a little girl, Bennett. That's nothing to be scared of."
"We'll leave you two alone," Eve interjected. Before the door shut completely behind her she heard a joyful exclamation. "We're having a little girl!" At least she could give somebody some happy news. She wondered if there were any word on Ali yet. She decided to call Sheridan and Luis's home to share the good news. And check up on the beloved little girl.
She relayed the information to Theresa and learned they still hadn't heard anything. She hung the phone up with a sigh. "Still no news, is there?" she heard a voice ask. And she turned around to meet the concerned blue eyes of her best friend. "I was hoping foolishly that they'd somehow find her in the time it took me and Kay to drive here," Grace continued. Hugging her tight. "We came to make sure everything was alright with Gwen and the baby. Let Jake see his mother's okay. She IS okay, isn't she?" Grace asked. As they walked down the hall to retrieve Kay and the kids from the waiting room. "I'll let you guys see for yourselves," she smiled. Leading them back to Gwen's room. And pushing open the door once more.
"Ahem," she cleared her throat. And the two happy, expectant parents jumped apart guiltily. "Mom!" Jake exclaimed. "I was so worried," he admitted. Wrapping his arms around her neck. Gwen looked to Grace and Kay for answers. Kay handed MJ to her uncle and answered her unspoken question. "When he woke up this morning, and you weren't there." "Oh," Gwen said softly as it dawned on her that her young son was taking Ali's disappearance harder than she'd originally thought. "I'm not going anywhere, Jake," she smiled. Ruffling his unruly brown hair affectionately. "Dr. Russell," the nurse interrupted. "You have a phone call." "Would you." "Sure," everyone said.
"Whew!" Jake exhaled in relief. "Is the baby okay?" he asked quizzically. "What do you think, Babe? Should we tell him?" Hank grinned. "Tell me what?" Jake said. Crossing his arms. "Jake," Gwen said gently, "your baby sister is just fine." "SISTER! Yuck!" he said in disgust. Then more quietly he said, "But I AM glad she's okay," he said. An indifferent look on his face. But everyone could tell. The idea was quickly growing on him. Kay was sure he was thinking of all the ways he could only torture a baby sister. She laughed. "A girl, huh? Uncle Hank.how are you going to survive?"
"What? You don't think I can handle a sweet little girl?" he asked in mock indignation. "You're forgetting that ALL little girls aren't sweet," Kay grinned. "Take me, for example. Need I say more?" "Okay. You got me on that one," he chuckled. "You and Jake have more in common than I realized. Grace. You REALLY are a saint." "Me. Hank Bennett. With a little girl," he said. "I only wish I do as great a job as Luis did with.Ali," he finished. The smile on his face faltering. "Damn," he swore softly. "My buddy must be going through hell. Any news?" he asked. Studying Kay and Grace's faces. And finding nothing had changed. "They've." "That was Sam," Eve said. Bursting through the door. "They just got a call in from a woman who claims she saw a little girl fitting Ali's description last night. In Castleton. They're on their way to check it out now."
"Sheridan. Mija? Can I get you anything?" Pilar asked softly. Kneeling down in front of her. Her heart broke at the hollow look in Sheridan's blue eyes. She hadn't said a word since they'd left the mall. After hours of searching, the police had finally determined that whoever had taken Ali was nowhere to be found. Gone from the mall. Probably long gone. Pilar swallowed the lump in her throat and reached to take Sheridan's hands in her own. "Here. Let me take that," she said. Taking the red satin ribbon from her.
Luis had told her in a broken voice that mall security had found the ribbon and Ali's jacket in one of the restrooms. "Pilar," Sheridan whispered. "What if she's cold?" she asked in a tiny voice. "Oh Pilar. I can't bear to think of her being scared. She's just a baby," she sobbed. Pilar's own eyes flooded with tears as she took Sheridan in her arms. Gently rocking her back and forth. "Shh. We'll find her, Mija. We will. And until then.God will be watching over her. Do you believe me?" Sheridan stared at her with pain-filled blue eyes. "I want to," she whispered shakily. "I want to so badly."
Cristian's cries echoed in the silent home, and Sheridan rose to her feet. But Pilar stilled her with a comforting hand. "I'll go check on him," she said. And Sheridan watched as the woman she considered a mother walked down the hall to the nursery. Cristian, she'd heard Theresa tell Martin earlier, had been crying almost nonstop since Ali had disappeared. He was only a baby. Yet she couldn't help but think her sweet little son knew. He knew his sister was gone. And he missed her. They ALL did, she thought miserably. As she opened the door to Ali's bedroom and slipped inside. If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel her presence in the room with her.
She walked slowly over to Ali's small twin bed and smiled tenderly as she spied her favorite teddy bear. Hugging it close and burying her nose in its softness. Her throat grew tight with new tears. She could still smell her. She wrapped her arms around herself and gave in to the tears once more. Curling up on the bed. Why was this happening? Why now? Hadn't she been through enough? Ali's young life was filled with so much pain thus far. She'd thought they were finally past that. Everything was going perfectly, she thought. Shutting her eyes tightly. Ali was everywhere in this room. And instead of making her feel better, it only made her miss her more. Memories assaulted her when she closed her eyes.
*****She closed the door behind her and let out the breath she'd been holding almost all day. "Mommy," Ali giggled. "You look like Nana does when Jake goes home." "Ali," she laughed. "What am I going to do with you?" she said scooping her up in her arms and kissing her silly. "What do you say about a nice, relaxing bubble bath, sweetie?"
"Oh Mommy!" she squealed. "I love bubble baths." Grinning at her adorably. Then hugging her neck. Extra tight. "A bubble bath it is," she said. Setting her down on her feet and taking her little hand in hers. And leading her down the hall to the bathroom.
She sighed in pleasure as she sank into the warm water. A smile threatening to take over her entire face as Ali mimicked her every action. Right down to the expression of complete contentment on her little face. "Come here, baby," she whispered. Pulling her tiny body closer and squeezing her tight.
"I love you, Mommy," Ali said sweetly. Cuddling up against her. "I love you, too," she answered. Wiping bubbles on her cute little nose and laughing when she did the same. Soon they were engaged in an all-out bubble war.*****
*****. "Mommy! Aunt Ivy! Look!" In her arms she held an adorable, tiny kitten.
"Ali," Sheridan laughed. "Honey, where did you get this little sweetheart?" she said. Taking the kitten from Ali's arms and cuddling it close. The kitten mewled softly at her. Causing Ali to giggle. "She likes you, Mommy." "You didn't answer my question, Baby. Where'd you get the kitten?"
"Well," she began. A huge grin lighting up her face. Blue eyes twinkling. Another giggle escaping when she looked at Ethan's face. Saw the finger he had raised to his lips. "I can't tell. It's a secret." "A secret, huh?" Ivy laughed. Catching the conspiratorial looks passed between Ethan and Ali. "I bet it's a secret."
"Oh, but it is, Aunt Ivy. I can't tell a soul. I promised," Ali said seriously. One look at Ethan's face, and Sheridan laughed out loud. "You are so busted. You're a terrible liar. Your face is an open book. Not setting a good example for my daughter, either, Ethan. What am I going to do with you two?"
Ethan swept Ali up into his arms and said, "I don't know. What do you think, Ali?" Ali looped her arms around Ethan's neck and said, "We're not in trouble, are we Mommy?" Pouting at her. Ethan wore an identical expression on his face. "Aww. Sheridan. How can you refuse those faces?" Ivy said with a smile.
"I can't," she muttered. Heaving an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, Mommy!" Ali squealed. "Does this mean we can keep her? Please say yes. Please." Sheridan looked at the tiny purring bundle of white fur in her hands to her daughter's hopeful blue eyes. And back at the white bundle. And her heart melted. "Yes. We can keep her."
Ethan set Ali down on her feet. Smiling as she reigned kisses on Sheridan's face and hugged her tightly about the neck. "Thank you, Mommy. Thank you. I can't wait to take her home. What are we going to name her? Where is she going to sleep? Can she sleep in my bed with me? Oh, I can't wait to show her to Jake. He'll be so jealous."
"Ali," she laughed. "Baby, that's not very nice." "Well, he not very nice to me, either. He's been bragging about the fish his dad bought him. But I think a kitten's much better. Isn't it, Aunt Ivy?"*****
*****"Mommy," Ali pouted. Indignant tears pooling in her big blue eyes. "Nana says she's going to wash my mouth out with soap. I don't want her to do it, Mommy. Make her wash Daddy's mouth out, too," she said in a tiny, trembling voice. One fat tear spilling over and trailing down her cheek.
"Oh, sweetie," Sheridan soothed. Taking her upset daughter in her arms and rubbing her back in comforting circles as Ali wrapped herself around her. "Nana just doesn't want you saying ugly words," she said. Wiping Ali's tears away from her silky cheeks.
"She did the same thing to me when I was little like you." "She did?" Ali sniffled. Looking back and forth from her mother to her grandmother. "Yeah, she did," Sheridan said. A slight smile on her face.
"But Nana's a big softie. She just said that to scare me," she whispered in Ali's ear. "I bet if you gave her a big kiss and a hug and promised never to say it again, she'd forget all about it."
"Really?" Ali whispered. Hope shining in her eyes. "Really," Sheridan said. Tapping Ali's cute little nose with her finger. "Why don't you try it," she said. Setting Ali on her feet. Smiling as she watched Pilar lift Ali up in her arms and hug her close. *****
*****"Daddy, it's so pretty," Ali said in awe. Pointing at the horizon. At the sunset. "Not as pretty as my two girls," he said. Pulling her more firmly against him. Looking at them both with such adoration it warmed Sheridan's heart. Luis set Ali on her feet. And she ran to the waves. Joyfully running back and forth along the shoreline. Squealing as they surged toward her. Spraying her with their mist. "Ali! Be careful, sweetie," she called. Sinking back into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her from behind as they watched their daughter play.
She leaned even further back into his embrace and sighed in contentment when he placed a gentle kiss on her neck. Whispered "I love you" in her ear. She looped her arm back behind her. Caressing his face. "I love you, too," she breathed. "Thank you for bringing me here. With Ali. How did you know exactly what I needed?"
"I know you. You're worth a million of your father, Sheridan. Don't ever forget that. A lot of people love you. Our friends. Our family. Me. And Ali," he said. Laughing as the tiny person whose name just escaped his lips came running towards them. Her long blond hair damp. Tangled from the wind.
"Mommy! Daddy! Look what I found," she said excitedly. Proudly showing off the shells in her little hand. Her blue eyes sparkled and her hair shone like gold in the waning sun. "Looks like you found treasure, AliCat," he said. Grinning at her enthusiasm. She grinned at him in return. Her smile impossibly big. And infectious. She laid the shells down, and crawled into her mother's arms. Snuggling close to her. Close to her warmth. He wrapped his arms about both of them. Watching until the sun was no more.*****
*****"AliCat," her daddy said happily. "Come inside. Your mommy and I have someone very special we want you to meet," he finished with an impossibly big grin. Sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her over to the bed's edge.
"Hi, sweetie," her mommy said tiredly. Smiling up at her. She smiled back, but her attention was drawn to the little blue bundle in her mommy's arms. Her blue eyes widened comically when a tiny hand appeared. Then another tiny hand. And the soft blue blanket slipped away some more.
She reached a tentative hand down to the baby's downy head. "He looks like Daddy," she whispered in awe. Not noticing the looks passing between her parents. The special smile her mommy gave her daddy. "Yes, he does, baby," her mommy agreed. Patting the bed beside her.
Ali cuddled into her mother's warm embrace. Never taking her eyes off the tiny being in her arms. The baby blinked at her. "What's his name?" she said softly. Giggling as the baby's hand latched on to her pinky.
"He doesn't have one yet, AliCat," her daddy laughed. "Your mommy and I just can't come up with a name that fits this little guy," he said. Rubbing the baby's head. "But Mommy," Ali said. Her big blue eyes serious. "He has to have a name. They won't let us take him home."
Her mommy just laughed. "Sweetie, we'll steal him if we have to. Won't we, Luis?" She drew in a shocked breath when her daddy agreed. "We'll run away." She twirled a strand of her long blond hair nervously and leaned down close to her little brother. Kissing his fuzzy head with a sigh and muttering to herself. "Jake said you were going be nothing but trouble. BUT I love you anyway."*****
*****"I want you to be good for Aunt Theresa, sweetie. You promise?" Sheridan asked Ali. Securing the ribbon in her long blond hair. "I promise," Ali said sweetly. "Mommy? Why can't you go with us?" she pouted. "Ali, baby," she began. Brushing her knuckles across Ali's soft cheek. "I thought I explained all this. Mommy's got an interview today. You like the Youth Center, don't you?" Ali nodded her head. Her blue eyes shining with confusion. "I'm going to talk with a nice man about getting a job there. Being the director." "What's a director?" Ali asked. "What will you do?"
"I can answer that, Ali," Theresa said. Walking into the Ali's bedroom with Cristian settled on her hip. "That means your mommy's going to be in charge. Wouldn't that be great?" she smiled. "I guess," Ali whispered. Her little face downcast. "But Mommy.who would stay with Cristian and me? I don't want a babysitter." Sheridan pulled Ali into her arms and hugged her tight before answering her question. "Sometimes Nana would stay with you. And sometimes.sometimes I'd take you and your brother to work with me." "Really?" Ali asked skeptically. Hope in her childish voice. "Really," Sheridan assured her. Smiling when Ali heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Better?" she asked. Giving Ali Eskimo kisses. "All better," Ali giggled.
"Thank you for doing this, Theresa," she said later. As she made sure her son was buckled in securely in his carseat. Ali, too. "No problem," Theresa smiled. Hugging her in goodbye. "I love these two," she said. Winking at Ali. "And you don't have to worry. I would NEVER let anything happen to them. So.quit being such a worrywart. They'll be fine," she said. Sheridan laughed softly. "I guess I AM worrying too much. I." "I know," Theresa said. Taking her hand in hers and squeezing it reassuringly. "Mommy," Ali giggled when Sheridan hugged her fiercely once again. "Sorry, baby," she whispered. Committing Ali's smiling blue eyes to memory. She couldn't explain it. But something just felt.off. "You know Mommy loves you, don't you sweetheart?" An adorable smile lit up Ali's face as she said, "Always." "And forever," Sheridan added. Tears in her eyes. "Sheridan," Theresa chided gently as she cranked the car. "Remember what I said." *****
She should never had let them go. Let them leave. She'd felt in her heart something wasn't right. It wasn't Theresa's fault. It was hers. She jumped when she felt a gentle hand on her back. And looked into Luis's loving, concerned brown eyes. "Oh Luis," she sobbed. Throwing her arms around his neck. "I want my baby. Please bring my baby back."
Chapter 12
"Thank you," Chad said quietly. As he walked Eve out to her car. Eve smiled slightly at his words. The smile on her face vanished when he asked another question. "Is she going to be alright? I mean, I don't know how much more of this she can take, Dr. Russell," he rambled. And she realized with a pang that was who she was to him. Not his mother. Just Dr. Russell. "I don't know, Chad. If." she began. But it was too awful to finish the thought. To think about what would happen if Ali never came back. "She'll be fine," she said. Placing a hand on his arm. "Just as soon as she's holding that dear little girl in her arms again." Chad studied her face in the pale glow from the lights inside. There was so much he wanted to say to her. Now wasn't the right time. So he settled for goodbye. Watching her car fade away in the distance before he turned to go back inside.
It seemed everyone in Harmony was there. Waiting word on Ali. Hank sat on the sofa. Rubbing his eyes tiredly as he talked to Sam on his cell phone. For updates on the search. Jake was sprawled out beside him. The little guy was finally down for the count. He'd listened. Confusion in his brown eyes as Gwen and Hank had sat him down and explained what had happened at the mall this morning. He just couldn't grasp that Ali was gone. No surprise, really. He couldn't either. Hank shot Grace a grateful smile when she lifted Jake up into her arms and carried him down the hall. And mouthed 'thank you.'
Ethan and Ivy were in a quiet corner. Trying to console Theresa. Trying to convince her she wasn't at fault. But not even hearing it from Sheridan's own lips had done the trick. Theresa was guilt-ridden. And only one thing.one thing would ease her mind. He walked into the kitchen. In a quest for coffee. "Chad," Pilar said. "Could you.?" He took MJ off her hands without another word. The toddler squirmed in his arms restlessly. Babbling. "Ma-ma." "Shh," he soothed. "It's okay, kid. She's kind of busy right now," he whispered. Remembering exactly where Kay was. Desperately trying to rock Cristian to sleep.
"Here. I'll take him," Martin volunteered. "Have to keep myself busy somehow. Would you do something for me in return? Well.actually Hank." "Sure, Man. Whatever you say," he replied. "Check on Gwen. He's worried she's overdoing it." "Will do," he said. Heading off to the last place he'd seen the woman in question. At Sheridan's bedside. He pushed the door to Luis and Sheridan's bedroom open slowly. Not wanting to disturb either of its occupants. "How's she doing?" he whispered. Watching Gwen stroke the hair back from Sheridan's forehead.
"As well as could be expected, I guess," Gwen answered. Meeting his eyes. "But the sedatives can only offer temporary relief. What about tomorrow?" she said. To no one in particular. He answered anyway. "Sam and Luis and Miguel are out there looking for her. Not to mention half of Harmony's police force. And tomorrow.we'll all have our Miss Ali back. They'll find her," he said. More confidently than he felt. "Look," he suggested. "Why don't you let me take over here? You look like you can use the rest. And...you're worrying your husband," he finished with a slight smile.
"When you put it like that how can I refuse?" she answered. Rising to her feet with some difficulty. "You take good care of her," she said as she walked past him. Slipping the door shut once more. I will, he thought. Glancing at his aunt's still form. He watched her sleep for what seemed like hours. The night quiet. Almost eerily quiet. Until the phone's insistent ringing shattered the silence. The noise stopped, and he left the room. His curiousity getting the better of him. He walked into the living room just as Hank was hanging up the phone. "Well..." Gwen asked. Hank grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it before he answering.
"That was Sam," he said quietly. "He just got a call from Marty down at the wharf. Marty said...," he paused. Covering his face with his hands wearily. Not able to hide his tears. "Marty said they pulled a little girl matching Ali's description from the water. They're on their way down there right now." Gwen buried her face in her husband's shoulder and cried. He felt like the room was spinning as he took in the news. The possibility was too much. He placed a restraining hand on Ethan's arm when he got up to follow Theresa as she ran out the front door. "You stay here. I'll go." He followed Theresa's suit. And escaped.
Chapter 13
"Luis," Sam said. Glancing at his friend out of the corner of his eye as the car sped forward. The sirens wailing in the night air. "You have to prepare yourself. Just in case.Believe me. I'm hoping just as much as you are. But you have to be ready." "Sam," Luis warned tersely. Looking straight ahead. "You don't have to tell me that. Don't you think I know already? My little girl is missing, dammit. Since this morning. And Marty and some of the guys just fished a child matching Ali's description out of the water. Don't take away my hope." Miguel said nothing from the backseat. Only prayed that this wasn't Ali.
"Look, Bro," he said later. At the wharf. "Why don't you wait right here? Let me go," he pleaded. He couldn't bear the thought of putting Luis in more pain. "Stay here. Let me and Sam go." "No," Luis answered in a low voice. "This is something I have to do. By myself. You're not going to talk me out of it, Miguel. Neither are you, Sam," he said. Casting his dark haunted eyes his way. "I HAVE to do this. Alone. Understand?" "But Luis," Miguel protested. "Let him be," Sam said. A hand on the younger man's arm. "He's right. Just let him go." They watched Luis's tall form fade in the distance.
One step at a time, Luis. One step at a time. Come on. You can do it. You have to know. Have to learn the truth. And what if it's Ali, his mind screamed. What if it's your baby? What are you going to do then? What are you going to tell Sheridan? How are you going to move past this? There is NO moving past Ali. Forgetting her. He couldn't forget his little girl. NEVER. She'd always be in his heart. Always.
*****Luis grinned over Ali's shoulder at the look on his mother's face. Pure exhaustion. She was at the end of her rope. Of course, that was to be expected after spending the entire day with the precocious four-year-old currently hugging his neck so tightly she was blocking off his air supply.
"Ali, honey," he choked, "you can let go now." He took a deep breath of air as he set his daughter on her feet and got his first REAL look at her mud- streaked face. "What have you been up to today?" he asked, wiping a smudge of dirt off her nose.
"Nothing," Ali giggled. He arched an eyebrow at her response. Causing her to giggle harder. He looked to his mother for a straight answer. "She and Jake thought it would be fun to make mud pies. You're lucky, Luis. Jake looked like he'd wallowed in a mud puddle."
He tried not to smile as he said, "I bet Gwen hit the roof." "Actually," Pilar said with a smile, "I don't have a clue. Hank took Jake home." She cringed in sympathy as she said, "Unfortunately, Jake didn't have a change of clothes here like Ali did. There's not an inch on that child's body not covered in mud, Luis. Poor Hank."
"Jake looked like a pig!" Ali squealed. "Well, AliCat, you don't look much better," Luis said as he threw his giggling daughter over his shoulder and kissed his mother's cheek. "Bye Mama. Thanks for having the patience of a saint and taking care of her for me. I love you. Ali, say goodbye." "Bye Nana," Ali waved. Upside down. "See you tomorrow."*****
And later.he couldn't help but remember how loving Ali had kept him sane. Kept him alive when nothing else seemed to matter.
*****"Come on, Ali. Let's get you cleaned up. Wait a minute. Have you had your dinner yet?" Luis asked. Hope in his eyes. It'd been a very long day at the station. He released the breath he'd been holding in relief when his daughter informed him she had already eaten. "Good. Go pick out your pajamas while I run your bath."
He adjusted the temperature of the water and added some of Ali's favorite bubble bath. "Ooo, bubbles. Thank you, Daddy," Ali said, big blue eyes sparkling. "Come here," he said, holding his hand out to Ali. "How did you manage to get so much mud in your hair?"
"Jake put it there. He's so mean. But I got him back, Daddy," she said excitedly, tossing her long blond hair back off her shoulders. "I..." "Shhh," Luis silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Not right now, Ali. The water's getting cold. We still have to wash your hair." "Oh, okay," Ali pouted. Rather dejectedly as she pulled her shirt over her head and rid herself of the rest of her clothes and climbed into the tub.
Luis smiled as she sang made-up songs to herself as she bathed. Continued singing at the top of her lungs--her disappointment over not getting to share her revenge against Jake forgotten--as he washed her hair and rinsed the rest of the shampoo out. He shook with silent laughter when she ordered, "Turn around, Daddy," as she dressed in her favorite pj's. Made especially for her by Theresa. She was a pink and white angel. He wiped the grin off his face when she said in all seriousness, "You can turn around now, Daddy. I'm decent." But it was hard. Very hard.
The grin was back to stay as she challenged, "Race you, Daddy," and he chased her to her bed. Scooping her wiggling, squealing little form up into his arms like she weighed nothing at all and kissing her silly. "Stop," she pleaded breathlessly as he tickled her tummy. "Please," she begged through fits of giggles. He finally relented. Out of breath himself. And pulled the covers back for Ali to crawl into bed.
He couldn't refuse her when she patted the bed for him to join her and lay back against the pillows as she snuggled up against him. A picture of her mother clutched in her tiny hands. "Tell me a story, Daddy. About Mommy. The first time you met," she said, gazing up at him with those familiar blue eyes so full of life and love. "How I met Mommy, huh?" he asked, stroking her still damp hair back from her face. "Let's see. How does that story go again?"
"Daddy," Ali admonished in exasperation, "you remember. Mommy crashed into your police car. And it was love at first sight." "Love at first sight," Luis repeated under his breath. Lost in the memory. The words at their first meeting echoing in his head. He smiled to himself as he said to his daughter--their daughter, "You've been talking to Aunt Theresa about us again, haven't you?" Ali's grinned widely and giggled. Despite shaking her head 'no'.
"Love at first sight?" he repeated a second time. "I guess you could say that, AliCat. Even though me and your mommy weren't very nice to each other at first, I guess your aunt Theresa's right. I started falling in love with your mommy's spirit from that moment on. But I had myself convinced I hated her."
"You hated Mommy!" Ali gasped. "No, sweetie. I didn't. I just pretended to. I was kind of mean. But the more I got to know your mommy, the more I loved her," he reassured her. He continued the story of his and Sheridan's first meeting, only to realize Ali had fallen asleep sometime during the middle of it.
He kissed her forehead and tucked the covers snugly around her. And whispered "I love you." He placed Sheridan's picture back in place on the nightstand. "And I love you. Always," he whispered tracing her beloved face with his fingertip. Then he turned the lamp off. Went to his own bed. To visit her in his dreams.*****
Then Sheridan came back into his life. Their lives. The missing piece to his heart was back. They were a family. Getting to know each other all over again.
*****He stood in the doorway watching them. Mother and daughter were having a tea party. Wearing identical hats. They were all smiles. His heart was so full of love for them at that moment. He was sure it would burst. "Daddy!" Ali called. Noticing him spying on them. "Come have a tea party with us." He looked to Sheridan. Gazing into her eyes. Looking for an answer. And finding one. "Come on, Luis," she said almost shyly. Blue eyes twinkling with amusement. Just like Ali's.*****
*****. He stared down at her. Thanking God for the millionth time for bringing her back to him. And Ali. He loved her with every breath, every fiber in his being. Nothing was ever going to come between them again, he thought as he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
He looked up. Startled to find himself gazing into his daughter's confused blue eyes. "Daddy," she whispered. "Why are you and Mommy sleeping on the couch?" He smiled at her appearance. Her tangled blond mane and the too-big pyjamas. Before answering her. "I don't know, AliCat. I guess I was so tired I just fell asleep on the couch without noticing it."
"Did Mommy fall asleep with you?" she asked. Running a tiny hand across her mother's hair with love. "Yes," he answered with a smile. Not believing that this was really happening. That it was real. "Daddy..." she began again. But he quieted her with a finger to the lips. Rising to his feet. Lifting his wife in his arms.
He carried her into his room. The bedroom they had shared so long ago. Laid her down on its softness and reached a hand out to Ali. Beckoning her to come closer. "Daddy?" she whispered. "Can I sleep with you and Mommy?" He nodded his head and pulled the covers back for her to crawl under them. She snuggled close to her mother. Kissing her cheek. And shut her eyes. Sighing happily. He ran a hand down her soft hair, hers and her mother's, and lay his head down. The last thing he saw before falling into a deep sleep the beloved faces of his two girls.*****
He hadn't known it was possible to love someone so much. So unconditionally. But that's the way it had always been with Ali, he realized. Swallowing the lump in his throat as he neared the scene. The yellow tape marking the area as a crime scene had his heart pounding furiously. Please, dear God. Don't let it be her. I'll do anything. I'll do anything for my baby. And it was true.
*****"Goodnight Daddy," Ali yawned. Nestled in her mother's arms. Stroking the kitten snuggled against her chest contentedly. "Night, AliCat," he whispered. With a kiss to her forehead. Ruffling her long blond hair and ignoring the purring white bundle she held close like a treasure.
Until Ali said, "Kiss the kitty goodnight, too, Daddy." Luis's mouth hung open at her request. His brown eyes traveled from Ali and the kitten to his wife's blue eyes. Shining with amusement in the dimly lit room. Her eyes were twinkling. Laughing. But she kept a straight face when she said, "Go ahead, Luis. She's part of the family now." She was good, he thought with an inward groan. Too good. He would have already cracked.
"How 'bout I just pet her instead?" "Nope," Ali said in all seriousness with a shake of her head. "She wants a kiss." He looked to Sheridan for help. Any escape. But he found none. She was having difficulty smothering her laughter. Ali's blue eyes watched him expectantly. Waiting. He didn't stand a chance. Ali giggled in satisfaction when he granted her request, and Sheridan's laughter rang out behind her as she carried Ali to her bedroom to tuck her in..
"Mommy? Daddy? Can I sleep with you?" What the hell, he thought. "Come on in, AliCat. What?" he asked when she paused in the doorway. A funny look on her face. She looked to Sheridan. Sheridan turned her blue gaze on him. "Okay. Go get her." "Thank you, Daddy!" Ali said excitedly before running to the bathroom and freeing the kitten from its prison. She scrambled into bed between them. The kitten purring in pleasure as it lay against her chest. Ali and her brand-new partner in crime were fast asleep within minutes. He lay on his side. Watching his wife watch their daughter sleep. She kissed Ali's forehead sweetly and brushed her hair back off her face before meeting his eyes. He reached out and linked his fingers with hers. Giving her hand a squeeze. Before letting go. Closing his eyes. And drifting off.*****
Don't let it be my baby, he screamed inwardly. Seeing the sympathetic looks on Marty's face. The other guys' faces. Don't let it be her, he prayed. His heart getting stuck in his throat when he caught a glimpse of blond hair. Long, beautiful blond hair. Cristian can't grow up not knowing his big sister. It's not fair, his mind screamed as he knelt beside the tiny body and reached a shaking hand out. Don't take such a sweet, loving little being from us. The people who love her. Don't be so cruel.
*****"Stop it," Ali giggled as Luis blew raspberries on her tummy. "It tickles," she squealed. Luis ignored her. And continued his torture. Sheridan smiled. Before turning her gaze back to the tiny child cradled in her arms. "Your daddy and big sister are sooo silly," she laughed. Running a finger gently across her son's beloved face. "Mommy," Ali squealed breathlessly. "Make him stop. Please!" she giggled. "Should we rescue your big sister?" The baby gurgled in response, and she hugged him close to her body as she rose from the couch and loomed over her husband and daughter. "Thank you, Mommy," Ali said as Luis released her. Hugging her mother's legs.
Sheridan ran a hand over Ali's long blond hair lovingly. "Can I hold him, Mommy? Please? I promise to be real careful," Ali pleaded. Her big blue eyes hopeful. Sheridan placed her son in Luis's outstretched arms and settled against the cushions on the floor. Pulling Ali into her lap. "In a minute, Baby. I want to hold you for a little while first," she whispered. Threading her fingers through Ali's hair. "You're getting so big," she smiled. "Mommy, I AM four years old," Ali said seriously. Luis chuckled under his breath. And Ali shot him a funny look. She still hated being laughed at. "I'll be five soon."
"Yes, you will," Sheridan said. Her voice heavy with emotion. Her life was perfect right now. But she still felt pangs of sadness every time she thought of all the time she had missed with her baby girl. "It's okay, Mommy," Ali said. Snuggling deeper into Sheridan's arms. Laying her golden head against her chest. Her tiny fingers playing with the rings her mother wore. Sheridan buried her nose in Ali's soft hair and inhaled her sweet scent. Grasping the hand that Luis held out and flashing a watery smile his way.
Luis scooted closer. The baby nestled in one arm and held out the other for his two girls. "Come here," he whispered. Admiring the way the firelight flickered across their features. Sighing in pleasure as his wife rested her chin atop his shoulder, and his daughter curled up against him. 'I love you', he thought. Not saying a word. Because it wasn't necessary. Ali gazed up at him adoringly, and he ruffled her blond hair affectionately. "You have to put your hand behind his head like this," he demonstrated. "And hold him close. He likes being close," he said. His brown eyes staring into his daughter's intently. "You ready, AliCat?"
Ali nodded her head. Opening her arms. A giant smile of awe taking over her entire face as Luis gently placed her brother in them. "Oh," she breathed. "He's so little," she whispered. Kissing his dark head sweetly. "You're not trouble like Jake said. You're the sweetest little brother in the world."*****
Please God, he thought. Shutting his eyes tight as he lifted the damp hair back from the tiny cold face. He opened his eyes slowly. Barely daring to look. And felt all the air leave his lungs as he stared at her sweet face. "Oh my god," he sobbed. Crumpling as it hit him. "Oh my god. It's not her. It's not her," he cried in relief when he felt Miguel's grip his shoulder. "It's not Ali. Thank you God," he said. Looking to the heavens. Thank you.
Chapter 14
"Do you think this is God's way of punishing me for breaking all my promises to him?" she asked. Swaying gently on the old tire swing out front. "Back when I'd do anything.ANYTHING.to make Ethan mine?" Chad mulled it over thoughtfully before he answered. "Theresa. Girl, I don't think God works that way. I mean, the Man Upstairs just doesn't seem like the type to keep grudges," he laughed. Happy to see the corners of her mouth turning up. "You were younger. Very naïve. That was a LONG time ago. You've done a lot of growing up since then. People change. And I certainly don't think God's punishing you. Forgive me for saying this.but get over yourself, Theresa . It's a sad fact, but these things happen. Not because of past mistakes. Somebody like the person that took Ali doesn't think about all that stuff. Hell. I'm not sure if they even think at all." He looked to Theresa for a response but was met by silence. He turned to go. Stopping in his tracks when he heard her quiet reply. "Thanks, Chad. For being honest. I needed to hear that" Chad smiled. "You're welcome. Now.what do you say we go back inside? It's cold out here," he shivered. Theresa's soft laughter was music to his ears.
"What's going on here?" Chad asked as they walked back inside. And saw Hank in a frenzied state by Gwen's side. "Nothing," Gwen bit out. " Just the baby kicking up a storm," she lied. Wincing. Off Theresa's look of concern she continued. "Really. It's nothing serious. Jake kicked me black and blue when I carried him. I have to admit, Theresa," she laughed nervously. "I thought I'd never see the day when you were worried about ME," she finished. Moaning softly. "Damn. Bennett! This kid of yours would make a great soccer player."
"Haha, Babe. Funny," Hank said humorously. "Quit lying. I can read you like an open book. Pilar? Would you call the hospital and tell them we're coming in?" "Yes, Hank," she answered. Picking up the phone and dialing the number. "Kay?" "Don't worry, Uncle Hank. I'll watch Jake for you. Now go. Get Gwen to the hospital and have her and the baby checked out. All this stress can't be good for either of them." "Thank you," Hank said. Grinning slightly. "Have I ever told you that you're my favorite niece?" he said. Kissing her forehead in goodbye. "Oh.once or twice," she smirked. Squeezing Gwen's hand reassuringly as she walked past.
"Call us," Gwen called over her shoulder as they walked out the door. "Call us if there's any news about Ali." "We will," Grace smiled. Answering for them all. The minute she heard the car crank, though, the smile on her face faltered. "I hope Gwen's right. And it's nothing serious. I can't bear to think of this endless night getting any worse. Kay, honey. Do you mind if I go check on MJ? I need to.I need to see him." "I'll go with you," Kay said softly. Linking her arms through her mother's.
Ivy watched them go. Seeing the love they had for each other. And realizing she didn't want to break that up. Not anymore. They were a family. Ethan and his brother and sisters and Sheridan were hers. That's the way it would always be. She sighed. Getting to her feet. Pacing restlessly. "Mother," Ethan said gently. Placing his hands on her shoulders and forcing her to stop. "Mother," he said pointedly. "Wearing a hole in Sheridan and Luis's carpet is not going to help matters any." "Oh, Ethan," she said. Cupping his cheek. "I can't sit still. Why haven't we heard anything yet? Luis and Sam should have found out by now."
"Found out what?" they heard a voice ask behind them. "Sheridan," Ivy soothed in a calming voice. "Darling. I just meant we.I just.what are you doing up? You should be resting, sweetheart." "Resting? Resting," Sheridan scoffed. "How can I when my baby's out there without me? What should Luis and Sam have found out by now, Ivy? Tell me the truth," she pleaded in a tremulous voice. "Please. I HAVE to know. It's killing me not knowing." "Aunt Sheridan," Ethan stalled. Looking to Martin for help. "Don't! Don't do that! If you know something about my baby, tell me dammit," she yelled. "Tell me," she sobbed.
The front door flew open. And all eyes turned to find Luis standing there. He stalked across the room and pulled Sheridan roughly into his arms. Her sobs muffled against his chest. "It wasn't her. It wasn't Ali. We're going to find her, Baby," he said. Holding Sheridan at arms' length. Brushing her damp hair back from her forehead. And wiping her tears away. "I promise. We ARE going to find her. We're not going to give up," he said. Staring into her blue eyes. "We'll bring Ali home again. Soon."
Chapter 15
"I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner," Hank said. Pulling his chair up beside Gwen's bedside. "You've really been having these pains off and on all day?" he asked. Sweeping her damp hair back from her forehead. Gwen closed her eyes for a moment as guilt washed through her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to add another worry to an already long list. And they weren't really that bad until.until that last phone call from Sam. I'm so relieved that wasn't Ali, Hank. But I feel so selfish. That's someone else's baby even if it's not Ali."
"I know," he murmured. Squeezing her hand tightly. He'd felt the same way. And he told her so. "It's a perfectly normal, human reaction. Don't dwell on it. What's taking Eve so long?" he said. Glancing at the door and shifting restlessly in his seat. "Bennett," Gwen laughed. "Calm down. Eve said it was nothing serious. But just in case." "Just in case what?" he asked in a panicked voice. "What aren't you telling me, Babe?"
"Hi, you two," Eve smiled. Holding the door open for the nurse to push the equipment through. "You ready to check on that baby of yours? Give Hank here some peace of mind?" she teased. Laughing at his stricken look and wide eyes. "All set," Gwen answered. "Shut your mouth, Hank, before you catch some flies in it," she ordered. Gasping slightly as the nurse squeezed the cool substance on her round stomach.
"There," Eve said with a smile. "There she is. Looks like everything's fine." "Eve? Did I just hear you right? Did you.did you say 'she'?" Hank gulped. Eve covered her mouth. "Oh.I'm so sorry. You wanted to be surprised, didn't you?" "Oh my god," Hank said dumbly. "What am I going to do with a little girl? Ribbons, lace, the color pink, tea parties, dress up, the color pink. Did I mention the color pink?" he squeaked.
"Hank," Gwen laughed. An enormous smile lighting up her entire face. "Hank! Snap out of it. Not all girls love pink," she said. Rolling her eyes. "I happen to hate the color pink. And who says you can't teach our little girl," she paused. Letting it sink in. They were having a daughter. "Who's to say you can't teach her all the things you taught Jake?" she said uncertainly. "Well.not EVERYTHING you taught Jake," she amended. "We're having a little girl, Bennett. That's nothing to be scared of."
"We'll leave you two alone," Eve interjected. Before the door shut completely behind her she heard a joyful exclamation. "We're having a little girl!" At least she could give somebody some happy news. She wondered if there were any word on Ali yet. She decided to call Sheridan and Luis's home to share the good news. And check up on the beloved little girl.
She relayed the information to Theresa and learned they still hadn't heard anything. She hung the phone up with a sigh. "Still no news, is there?" she heard a voice ask. And she turned around to meet the concerned blue eyes of her best friend. "I was hoping foolishly that they'd somehow find her in the time it took me and Kay to drive here," Grace continued. Hugging her tight. "We came to make sure everything was alright with Gwen and the baby. Let Jake see his mother's okay. She IS okay, isn't she?" Grace asked. As they walked down the hall to retrieve Kay and the kids from the waiting room. "I'll let you guys see for yourselves," she smiled. Leading them back to Gwen's room. And pushing open the door once more.
"Ahem," she cleared her throat. And the two happy, expectant parents jumped apart guiltily. "Mom!" Jake exclaimed. "I was so worried," he admitted. Wrapping his arms around her neck. Gwen looked to Grace and Kay for answers. Kay handed MJ to her uncle and answered her unspoken question. "When he woke up this morning, and you weren't there." "Oh," Gwen said softly as it dawned on her that her young son was taking Ali's disappearance harder than she'd originally thought. "I'm not going anywhere, Jake," she smiled. Ruffling his unruly brown hair affectionately. "Dr. Russell," the nurse interrupted. "You have a phone call." "Would you." "Sure," everyone said.
"Whew!" Jake exhaled in relief. "Is the baby okay?" he asked quizzically. "What do you think, Babe? Should we tell him?" Hank grinned. "Tell me what?" Jake said. Crossing his arms. "Jake," Gwen said gently, "your baby sister is just fine." "SISTER! Yuck!" he said in disgust. Then more quietly he said, "But I AM glad she's okay," he said. An indifferent look on his face. But everyone could tell. The idea was quickly growing on him. Kay was sure he was thinking of all the ways he could only torture a baby sister. She laughed. "A girl, huh? Uncle Hank.how are you going to survive?"
"What? You don't think I can handle a sweet little girl?" he asked in mock indignation. "You're forgetting that ALL little girls aren't sweet," Kay grinned. "Take me, for example. Need I say more?" "Okay. You got me on that one," he chuckled. "You and Jake have more in common than I realized. Grace. You REALLY are a saint." "Me. Hank Bennett. With a little girl," he said. "I only wish I do as great a job as Luis did with.Ali," he finished. The smile on his face faltering. "Damn," he swore softly. "My buddy must be going through hell. Any news?" he asked. Studying Kay and Grace's faces. And finding nothing had changed. "They've." "That was Sam," Eve said. Bursting through the door. "They just got a call in from a woman who claims she saw a little girl fitting Ali's description last night. In Castleton. They're on their way to check it out now."