Chapter 41
"Are you sure you haven't seen him? No. I.I do believe you. If you hear anything.anything at all from him, call me. Bye Hank." "Still no word?" Theresa sighed. Sheridan looked at her with tearful blue eyes. "How could he do this to us? How could he?" Chad pulled her into his arms. "He'll come back to you. He just needed time to think. I know this sounds crazy, but Luis.the guy is scared as hell right now. Not knowing if he'll ever be the same. He's afraid of letting you and the kids down." Sheridan kissed him on the cheek and walked across the living room to the window. Staring outside. "Doesn't he realize? Leaving us is the ONLY way he could let us down." "Mommy?" a scared little voice made her turn around. "When's Daddy coming home?" Theresa's brown eyes were filled with sympathy. "Hey, AliCat," Chad grinned. Scooping her up in his arms. "Hi," Ali said despondently. "Mommy?" "Hey, Baby," she whispered. Opening her arms to her tiny daughter. "C'mere." Ali wrapped her arms tightly around her neck. "Daddy can't wait to get home and see you. I'm sure he'll be home soon. Don't you worry." "Really, Mommy?" Ali gazed up at her with innocent blue eyes. "Really," Sheridan answered in a tremulous voice. "Hey," she said brightly. As brightly as she could manage. "Aunt Theresa was just telling me how much she missed playing dress-up with you. What do you say? Sound like a good idea?" Ali's blue eyes sought Theresa out. "I can do your make-up, too," Theresa smiled. "Just like Mommy?" Ali said. Adoration plain in her voice. "Just like Mommy."
"You're making yourself sick, Mija," Pilar came up behind her. Hugging her shoulders. "Try not to worry so. Luis will come home. I know it." Sheridan smiled slightly at her. And rose to her feet to pace once more. "I love your son to death, Pilar. You know that. But he has too much damn pride!" Pilar ducked her head. What Sheridan said was true. Too true. Luis's pride was getting in the way of his happiness. "Sheridan?" Martin's voice startled her. "What is it? Have you heard any new news?" Martin shook his head sadly. "No. I'm sorry. That was your boss on the phone. He hasn't been able to find anybody to cover for you." Sheridan stopped in her tracks. "I can't go to work at a time like this. Not knowing where Luis is. Not knowing how Luis is." "Look," Chad lay a restraining hand on her arm. "Let me handle it. I've volunteered at the Youth Center before. I'll fill in for you today." "Thank you, Chad. You're a godsend." "What's family for?" he grinned back at her. "Tell Theresa." "Don't worry about it," Martin waved after him. Sheridan moved about the living room restlessly. "Where's Cristian?" she asked suddenly. After last night.she NEEDED to know her children were safe. Always.
"Kay and Miguel took him to the park with them and MJ, Mija." "Oh," Sheridan brought a hand up to her forehead. "I can't believe I forgot! I'm losing my mind here." Pilar watched her with a worried expression. All this stress lately.it certainly wasn't good for any of them. "Did you call Sam? Maybe he knows something." "Sheridan," Martin said gently. "Sam hasn't heard from him. He promised to call if he hears anything." "Where is he? SOMEONE has to know SOMETHING," she cried. Burying her weary face in her hands and collapsing on the sofa. "The car's still here. Dammit! I don't know what I'll do first when I see him. Kiss him senseless or slap the $#!% out of him." Martin hid his smile. There was that infamous temper! Sheridan groaned. How she wished Gwen were here! She was sure she'd know exactly what to say to make her feel better. Not as paranoid. Too bad she was on a business trip in New York. Traveling with Sara and Emily must be quite an adventure, she thought with a small laugh. Jake was home with Hank. She couldn't believe that Hank of all people hadn't heard from Luis. "Maybe I should try Hank's again."
Pilar handed her the phone, and Sheridan punched in the well-memorized digits. "Come on, Hank. Pick up. I know you're there." She sighed heavily when after fifteen rings Hank failed to answer and was about to hang up."Hello?" "Jake! Hi. This is Sheridan. Is your dad there?" Jake's voice sounded funny. High-pitched as he answered. "Sheridan.no. My dad isn't here." "Really?" Sheridan asked in confusion. "Jake? Are you there all by yourself?" That didn't make sense. Hank would NEVER leave Jake alone. Especially after what happened to Ali. "Yes. No! Yes. I mean.no," he finally settled on. "Which is it, Jake? Are you by yourself? Or is someone with you?" "Aww.man," she heard Jake mutter under his breath on the other end of the line, and she couldn't help but smile. Picturing the expression on his adorable face. "My dad's not here," he finally answered. "But I'm not by myself." Sheridan's heart filled with hope. Luis! "Jake.is Luis there with you?" Silence on the other end. "Jake.it makes me really sad when someone lies to me. You wouldn't lie to me. Would you Jake?" Okay. So she was basically blackmailing a 6 year-old. "Dad made me promise not to tell. He said he'd make me wear a dress to the first day of school. And lipstick," Jake whined. "Sheridan." "Dad won't make you do any of those things. I promise," she said quickly. "Listen, Jake. Don't say a word to Luis. I'll be right there."
"Mija?" Pilar questioned softly. Sheridan kissed Pilar's cheek hurriedly. "He's at Hank's. Wait 'til I see Hank. He owes me big time for letting me suffer like this all day." "Poor Hank," Martin chuckled as Sheridan's car pulled out of the driveway. "Not poor Hank," Pilar answered. "Poor Luis. He deserves every bit of it." Martin smiled and pulled his wife into his arms. "Do you think we send Hank some sort of warning? Get Jake out of there? I'm sure it isn't going to be pretty." "Give Sheridan time to get there first," Pilar sighed. "Are you hungry? I think I'll go make dinner. Sheridan has too much to worry about already." "Nana," Ali's sweet voice rang out. "Come see what I look like." "This should be interesting," Pilar laughed softly. "I'll get the camera," Martin offered. "Oh my.Ali.you're beautiful," Pilar smiled. Cupping Ali's silky cheeks in the palms of her hands. "You look just like your mommy." Ali blushed accordingly and threw her arms around her grandmother's neck. "She really does, doesn't she?" Theresa said in awe.
Sheridan slammed the car door behind her as she skidded to a stop in Hank's driveway. Her and Luis's old driveway. Hank grabbed Jake by the shoulders. "I'll talk to YOU later," Sheridan told him. "Wow! Dad!" Jake exclaimed in awe. "Sheridan's pissed." Hank's brown eyes bugged out of his head. "I'm not even going to ask where you heard that one. I don't ever want to hear that word come out of your mouth again," Hank warned. But he could hardly keep from laughing. They always talked about from the mouths of babes. But he bet they never meant anything like this. "Come on, Little Buddy. We need to beat it. Now," he urged. Opening the passenger side of the SUV. "Buckle up. We want to be a safe distance away once WWIII starts." Jake watched until his house disappeared behind him. Wondering if his house would still be standing when he and Dad got back.
Luis winced as the slam of the door reverberated in the cozy living room. "What the hell were you thinking?!?!" Her slim figure came into view, and his eyes traveled up her legs. All the way to her fury-filled blue eyes. "I never knew you were such a coward, Luis," she growled. Crossing her arms about her chest. Luis felt anger rise inside him. But he said nothing. He deserved it. Every word she spat at him. He deserved it and then some. Maybe she'd realize he wasn't worth the trouble. Not anymore. "Luis," she sighed heavily. Dropping to her knees before him. Her blue eyes beseeching him to look at her. Listen to her. And really hear. "Cristian's accident was just that. An accident. You're no more at fault than Ali was. Why can't you believe that? Just because.it wasn't your fault, dammit," she swore. Tears springing to her eyes. "You've had us worried sick, Luis," she cried. "When I woke up.and you weren't there.my heart stopped cold in my chest. I don't ever won't to feel that feeling again, Luis. Come home. Come home with me to Ali and Cristian. They miss you. I miss you."
His jaw was set in stone. As much as her words appealed to him.he couldn't. Wouldn't give in. "I can't," he whispered harshly. "I won't," he said with more conviction. A whole lot more conviction than he felt. "W-W-What are you saying, Luis? This is silly. We love you," she cried. Framing his face with her hands. "I love you," she whispered. "Luis.I don't care if God saw fit that you never walked again. I love you too much to live my life without you. Please come home," she pleaded. "Please," she begged. Teasing his lips open with her own. He could taste her tears on his lips, he thought with regret as he closed his eyes to her pain. Her sadness. "Please." His hands gripped hers and pushed them away. Pushed HER away. He hardened his heart to the hurt in her blue eyes.
"Leave. Just leave. I'm not coming home with you, Sheridan." "You don't mean that," she shook her head. More tears slipping down her cheeks. Endless tears. He had to do this. He couldn't let her live her life like this. "What about Ali? Cristian? What about them, Luis? No. I'm not leaving." "I'll visit them," he told her. He knew his words offered NO consolation. He was ripping her heart out, and he hated himself for it. "No," she whispered in anguish. "You wouldn't do that to them. To us. You wouldn't." "I can, and I will," he said without looking at her. "They'll understand. I still love them. I just won't live with them anymore. Or you," he finished calmly. "It'll be hard at first, but they'll grow to understand." He took a deep breath. What he was about to say.was so awful."Lots of kids grow up in divorced homes." "D-D-D-ivorced homes?" she gasped. "Luis! Look at me! Stop trying to push me away 'cause it isn't going to work," she cried desperately. "GET OUT SHERIDAN! NOW! JUST LEAVE!" he shouted. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" Her heart broke into a million tiny pieces at his cruel tone. "You bastard," she choked. Grabbing her purse and running blindly. Luis waited 'til he was sure she was gone before he dared open his eyes. A single tear made its way down his unshaven cheek. "It worked," he said bitterly.
Chapter 42
"I don't care if he is your friend! Our friend! Sheridan is MY friend. Above and beyond Luis. And what he's doing to her and those kids." "Babe," Hank grabbed his wife by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Luis isn't himself right now. He's not thinking clearly, you know that." Gwen shrugged Hank's hands from her shoulders. "Maybe.a few weeks ago.I'd buy that. I'd still feel sorry for HIM. But Hank.it's been almost a month now. I don't feel.this doesn't feel right." "Gwen," Hank said in a low voice. Glancing over her shoulder out the window at his best friend and his son. In deep conversation. "What are you saying?" "Hank," she said. Crossing her arms about her middle. "You know I don't like fighting with you. But I can't support you on this. I want you to go out there and talk some damn sense into your best friend. Tell him to get his ass out of our house and back to Sheridan where he belongs, or." "Or what?" Hank questioned uncertainly. "Or I'm taking the kids to Mother's." Hank ducked his head and laughed. "Hank.this isn't a joke." "Uh," Hank cleared his throat. Trying his best to put on a straight face. "I know it isn't, Babe." Gwen rolled her eyes at him and brushed past him. "Gwen? Where you going?" Hank called after her. "To Bec's house? Nah. It won't happen," he assured himself. It looked like Luis and Jake could use some refreshment, he thought as he ambled into the kitchen.
"Luis?" Jake asked. Wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm. "Yeah," Luis grunted as he struggled to pull himself to his feet and seat himself at the picnic table under the old oak tree. Jake watched Luis's muscles flex and tense and wondered how someone so strong couldn't walk. His dad had explained it to him. Many times. But it was inconceivable that the strongest person he knew couldn't do something as easy as walk. "What is it, Jake?" Luis finally asked. A smile on his face as Jake tugged his shirt over his head and tied it around his waist as he had done earlier. "Don't you love Ali and Cristian anymore?" Luis's brown eyes narrowed. "Jake.why do you say that?" "Well." Jake began. Shuffling his feet back and forth. "You left them," he said matter-of-factly. "You don't live with them no more." "Jake," Luis explained patiently. "You don't have to live with someone to love them." Jake shook his head and a lock of brown hair fell into his eyes. "But." "Yeah, Jake?" "But why? Don't you want to live with them anymore?" Luis sighed heavily. "It's just better this way," he told him. "How?" Jake asked curiously. Climbing onto the top of the picnic table and letting his feet dangle from the sides. "It's grown- up stuff, Jake. You wouldn't understand." Jake scowled. He hated it when grown-ups said that.
"Is it because you can't walk?" Jake plied. "That's part of it," Luis answered honestly. "Well.what's the rest?" Luis chuckled. The kid was persistent. He had to hand him that. "Do you still love Sheridan?" "Little Buddy," Hank interrupted. Handing them each a tall glass of iced water. "Quit bugging Luis." "Dad." "I mean it. Give the questions a rest. Okay?" Jake slumped his shoulders. "Okay." "Man is it HOT out here," Hank groaned. Bracing himself against the tree. "Grandma says you better get used to it, Dad. Where you're going it's going to be a whole lot hotter." Luis forgot about Jake's question for a moment and howled with laughter. "You tell Grandma," Hank smirked, "that we'll be seeing a lot of each other then. Becs. You gotta love her," Hank chuckled. "I forgot to ask you, Luis. How'd the session go this morning?" The humor left Luis's brown eyes. "Dr. Stone says I'm right on track." "That's great," Hank congratulated. "Great? Hank.I still can't walk. I can barely stand for more than a few seconds." "But you ARE making progress, aren't you?" "If you can call it that," Luis muttered. "JAKE!" Gwen called from the back door. "Come inside and get cleaned up, Mister." "Aww," Jake grumbled. Jumping down from his perch. "Mom," he whined. "I want to stay with Dad and Luis. Where are we going anyway?" Gwen didn't answer as she pulled him inside the cool house. Only exchanged glances with Hank across the yard.
Hank and Luis sat in silence for the next several minutes. "I do still love her, Hank. I don't think I'll ever NOT love her," he said softly. Hank sat down across from him and studied him for a few seconds. "Then why are you doing this to her, Luis? Divorce? All because of your legs? Luis.Buddy. Do you have any idea how stupid of a reason that is? To push away the best thing that's ever happened to you because of your stupid pride?" Luis's jaw clenched. "You wouldn't understand, Hank." "No. Maybe I wouldn't," Hank admitted. "But Luis.Sheridan doesn't give a damn whether you can walk or not. She loves you for what's inside of you." Luis didn't dare look at him. "She deserves better than this," Luis growled. Motioning to his motionless legs. "Okay," Hank pretended to give his statement serious thought. "Here's food for thought. Suppose you DO go through with this." He could hardly bring himself to say it. Never in his wildest imagination would he have believed anything short of death would pull Sheridan and Luis apart. "Divorce," he cleared his throat. "How are you going to live with yourself when some man sweeps YOUR wife off her feet? How are you going to be able to watch this man help raise YOUR children?" Luis's eyes were black with anger at the just the thought of another man in Sheridan and Ali and Cristian's lives. "Sheridan's a beautiful woman, Luis. A living, breathing woman. You're the envy of just about every man in Harmony, Luis. Married to the love of your life. Two great kids. Don't think there's not someone out there that wouldn't kill to have your life. And you're throwing it away," he shook his head. "Think about how miserable you were when you thought she was dead." Luis buried his face in his hands. "Multiply that by a thousand. Do you really want to go through with it?" Luis watched Hank disappear inside and turned back around to stare at old tree in front of him. And he felt a lump form in his throat when he saw it. Their initials. He remembered the night he carved them. Not long after they moved into this house.
~~~~~The stars twinkled in the midnight sky and someplace nearby crickets serenaded them with their song. She sat with her hands clasped around her knees. Her face lifted skyward. He studied her profile for a moment. A joyful smile on his face. His wife. Finally. She was his wife, and he couldn't be happier. "Luis," she laughed softly. Still staring at the heavens. "Stop staring. You're making me blush."
She made room for him on the blanket and sank back into his embrace with a contented sigh. "Pinch me." She shifted in his arms and turned around to face him sporting an amused smile. "Did you just say." "Pinch me," he repeated with a straight face. She giggled as she slid her hands along his arms. Then down his chest to his waist. "Sheridan." "Luis." she teased. Slipping her hands around to his back. He wiggled a brow at her when her hands slid lower. "Is that good enough?" she smiled.
He chuckled and crushed her to him. His fingers playing with the curls at the nape of her neck. "This is almost too good to be true," he told her. "So," she wrapped her arms around his neck. "That's why you had me pinch you?" she laughed. Brushing her lips against his teasingly. "I had to be sure it wasn't all a dream," he joked. His hands caressed the smooth skin of her back, and she shivered as he played with the strings that secured her top in place.
"Does this feel like a dream?" she asked. Kissing him. He groaned and deepened the kiss. Running his hands up and down her tanned legs. He paused at the hem of her shorts and tore his lips from hers. "Sheridan," he panted for breath. "Maybe we should take this inside." "Luis," she pretended to pout. Her blue eyes sparkling at him. "I want to stay here," she whispered. Her hot breath against his neck making HIM shiver. "But."
Her nails tickled his ribs as she tugged his shirt upward and over his head. "I hate it when you have to wear clothes," she teased. An impish smile playing on her lips as her hands went to the waistband of his jeans. "I want," the button popped free. "To stay," his eyes closed tight as she eased the zipper down. "Here," she mumbled against his lips. "I'm convinced," he grinned lazily at her. "In fact.making love with my WIFE under the stars is a favorite fantasy of mine," he told her. Trailing his lips across her bare shoulders.
"You've had the same fantasy?" she sighed at his ministrations. His fingers loosened the tie at her back as he lowered her to the blanket below. "Hmm," he swept her blond hair from her face. "Do I do this?" he asked. Slowly he peeled the shirt down and placed his lips on her soft skin. "And this?" he murmured against her taut stomach. She trembled under his touch. "Sounds like it to me," she said shakily. "But you forgot one thing." His brown eyes drank in her beauty. "Well." she blushed under his intense gaze. "You didn't tell me that you love me. That you'll love me always." He smiled tenderly at her. "I can do better than that," he whispered. Capturing her lips in a sweet kiss. "I'll love you forever."
Afterward.as they held each other.they talked about the future. All that they wanted out of life. And the past. "Luis," Sheridan confided. "Sometimes.this-being here with you-feels like a dream. A wonderful dream. And one day, I'm going to wake up and find out it isn't real. That you aren't real." "Sheridan." "I know it's silly. Believe me," she laughed softly. "It's incredibly silly. But I've never had this. I've never had someone like you. Someone that made me feel loved. Cherished. Safe." Luis stroked the curve of her waist absently. "Me neither." "Really?" she asked. Something lurking in those blue eyes. Something akin to jealousy, he realized with a smile. "Really," he assured her. Her nose crinkled up. "What? You don't believe me?"
She sat up. His tee-shirt hanging loosely about her frame. "What about all those girls?" "What girls?" he asked curiously. "Sheridan Lopez- Fitzgerald.are you jealous?" She ducked her head in embarrassment. "What girls?" he repeated. "I saw the tree, Luis." At his clueless expression, she clarified. "The one with your initials on it. I can't remember them exactly." He smiled. He could tell she was lying. She remembered all right. Right down to the very last detail. "You ARE jealous," he grinned. Propping his chin on her shoulder. "Am not," she muttered under her breath. "Are too," he teased. "Maybe just a little," she admitted grudgingly. "Sheridan," he took her chin in his hand and turned her to face him. "I've never had someone like you in my life. Those other girls.they pale in comparison," he said sincerely. She smiled brilliantly at him and leaned in for a gentle kiss. "I'm married to YOU. And it's always going to stay that way." She hugged him, and he kissed her temple.
"Come on," he urged. Standing on his feet and holding out his hand. She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. "Luis? What are you doing?" she asked as he brought her to a rest in front of the old oak tree that dominated their small backyard. "You'll see," he told her. Withdrawing his pocket knife from his jeans pocket. Tears of happiness sprang to her eyes as the letters took shape. She felt foolish crying over such a simple gesture. But it couldn't be helped. LLF LOVES SC. FOREVER. "Luis," she laughed. "You made a mistake." He arched a black brow at her. "Demanding, aren't we? What mistake? I don't see it." She traced her fingertips over the age-worn bark. The initials. "I'm not Sheridan Crane anymore." He shook his head with a smile and pulled her into his arms. "So I'm not perfect. But Sheridan Crane is the woman I fell in love with," he tucked her hair behind her ear. "And she's the woman I'm going to love forever."~~~~~
He raised a hand to wipe the moisture from his eyes, and the sun glinted off his golden wedding band. He promised her forever. And he broke his promise. He jerked his head around at the sound of a door being shut, and his eyes met Hank's. "Are you okay, Buddy?" Hank asked in a concerned voice. "No," Luis answered honestly. Hank took his reply in stride. "Where's Gwen?" Hank smiled at him sheepishly. "She took the kids to Becs'. She's.this situation.it's making her feel uncomfortable. Like she's being disloyal to Sheridan." Luis nodded his head. "I'm glad Sheridan has her as a friend. She really needs her." "She needs you. You, Luis. Gwen's a wonderful friend. I'll give her that. But she can't possibly make up for you not being there. Listen, Man. I hate to do this to you. But." "Don't apologize, Hank. I won't make you choose. I'll leave." "I can drive you home. You are going home, aren't you?" Hank asked hopefully. "Home," Luis rolled the word around on his tongue. "I don't know if home exists anymore." Hank stuffed his hands in his pockets and studied him thoughtfully. "I'll get your things ready." Luis stared at the initials carved on the tree. "Will YOU still be there?"
Chapter 43
"Luis? Buddy? Are you sure you don't need me to." "Hank," Luis sighed. "Go home. Better yet.go get your wife and kids. Jake's going to give Rebecca a nervous breakdown." Hank chuckled. And gave Luis a brotherly slap on the shoulder. "Look.Luis.don't expect her to just take you back. Like nothing happened. Give her time." "I'll give her all the time it takes, Hank. But I'm never leaving her or those two kids in there again," Luis vowed. Hank smiled. This was the Luis he knew. Loved as a brother. "Good luck, Man." You're going to need it, he thought. But then.he didn't have to tell Luis that. "Thanks," Luis muttered. "I'll pack up the rest of your things and bring them over some other time." Luis nodded his head and raised a hand in goodbye. Hank's SUV rolled out of the driveway and out of sight before he turned around.and she was there.
She studied him with cautious blue eyes. "Luis." He wheeled the chair closer. Until he was a breath's distance away. "Sheridan.I." "DADDY!" Ali shouted joyously. Throwing herself into his arms and raining kisses on his face. "Oh Daddy! I missed you so much," she cried. "Please say you're home, Daddy. Please," she begged. Her big blue eyes hopeful. Luis combed his fingers through her silky blond mane and looked up at Sheridan once more. Sheridan lifted a shaky hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "I'm home," he said simply. Holding out his hand to her. "Oh Daddy," Ali sobbed. Clinging to his neck. "I love you." "I love you, too, AliCat." Sheridan wiped angrily at the tears that spilled from her own eyes and walked inside ahead of them. Luis's hand fell to his side. Time indeed. Hank certainly wasn't kidding.
"Where's Cris?" "He's asleep," Ali sniffled. "Daddy," she said. Removing her head from his shoulder and staring into his brown eyes. Her tiny hands framing his face. "Don't ever leave again. Promise?" she said solemnly. Luis kissed her palms gently. "Cross my heart and hope to die." "Ali." Sheridan interrupted softly. "Go wash your hands for dinner." "But Mommy," Ali protested. "Just let me hold Daddy. A little while longer. Please." she pleaded. "Okay," Sheridan smiled tenderly. "Just a little while longer," she conceded. Luis watched her disappear down the hallway to their son's room. Ali tucked her head under his chin. And held on.
Luis smiled at the way his son's sleepy brown eyes lit up when he stretched his arms wide to hold them both. Sheridan watched them from the doorway to the kitchen. A sad smile on her lips. Her blue eyes.usually so open, so expressive.revealing nothing to him. A timer went off in the kitchen, and she crossed her arms about her middle. "The breadsticks are done. Have you eaten, Luis?" she asked. Not waiting for an answer. "We're having scetti, Daddy. Mommy made it just for me." Luis's brown eyes twinkled. Ali was as smart as a whip. But she'd always had trouble saying 'spaghetti.' All that came out was 'scetti,' and it stuck. Just one of his little daughter's many endearing traits. Scetti was her favorite when she wasn't feeling well. "AliCat," he said in concern. "Are you sick, Sweetie?" "No," Ali shook her head vigorously. "Just sad. But I'm all better now," she smiled sweetly. Kissing his cheek softly and slipping from his lap.
"C'mere, Sweetie," Sheridan cooed. Taking Cristian from Luis's arms. Cristian fussed when she tried to ease him down in his high chair. "Ma- Ma.Ma-Ma." Luis's jaw fell open. "Sheridan? Did you hear that?" "Daddy," Ali giggled. "Duh," she rolled her blue eyes at him. "Cris's been saying that for a long time now. He can walk, too." "Ali." Sheridan chided. "Sheridan? Is it true?" Sheridan set a heaping plate of pasta down in front of him. "What Luis? The part about Cristian talking for weeks? Or walking?" she questioned. "Both," he said. "Actually.that's the clearest he's been in the last two weeks. He just started babbling one day, and we finally figured out what he was saying," she laughed softly. "And Ali's exaggerating.he's been trying to pull himself up using the furniture. See that faint little bruise right there?" Luis nodded. "He fell and hit his cheek on the coffee table," Ali piped up. "My little Cris," she smiled. Caressing his soft cheek with her thumb. "He's becoming quite the little daredevil." Luis's heart skipped a beat. Not 'our' Cris anymore. Hers.
The hope in Luis's heart dwindled more and more during their shared meal. Sure.Ali had welcomed him back with wide open arms, and a heart as full as the day he'd left. And he loved her all the more for it. Cristian had smiled and carried on. But Cristian was like that with everyone. He never met any strangers. Strangers.that's what they were like. Strangers sitting down at a dinner table. Only a month. And he had missed SO much. "Daddy," Ali crinkled up her button nose. "Guess what?" "What, AliCat?" he put on a happy face. "Mommy says I start school in a few more weeks. I'm going to go to the same school as Jake," she said proudly. "Mommy's going to take me shopping and buy me all kinds of pretty clothes. Can you come with us, Daddy?" "Ali.Baby, Daddy doesn't like to shop," Sheridan answered for him. Ali's little face fell, and Luis reached a gentle hand out to her chin. "For you, AliCat.I'll do anything." "Oh Daddy," she sighed blissfully. "I'm so happy," she said. Pushing her chair back from the table and hurrying to his side to give him yet another hug. She couldn't touch him enough it seemed.
Sheridan pushed her own chair back with a heavy sigh and started gathering up the dishes for the sink. "Sheridan.let me help you," he offered. "I can do it. Really." Her back stiffened, and she stayed still for several seconds. "It's no problem, Luis. I can do fine on my own." Her words struck deep, and he had a feeling she wasn't just talking about the dishes. "Why don't you go into the living room with Ali and Cris? Ali's got a new movie. Don't you think Daddy'll like it, Sweetie?" An adorable grin lit up Ali's pretty features, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Will you Daddy?" "Here," Sheridan said. Lifting Cristian out of his high chair and handing him over to Luis. She jerked her hand away awkwardly when it brushed against his. "The VCR's all set." "Aren't you coming, too, Mommy?" Ali asked. "Soon. I'll just finish these," she nodded at the soapy dishes in the sink. "And be right there. If you're extra good for Daddy.I might even make some popcorn," she whispered. Tickling Ali's tummy and making her giggle. "I'll be good. I promise," Ali smiled.
She never did come. Not that Ali noticed anyway. She fell asleep before the opening credits had finished scrolling across the screen. He watched her in peaceful slumber, and he realized with a pang, just how much he had missed her as he stroked her blond hair back from her precious face. Her and Cristian. His wife. Of course, he knew he missed them all. But he never fully realized how dead inside he was without them until he had them back. At least he hoped he had them back, he thought to himself as he watched the gentle rise and fall of Cristian's chest. His eyelids drooped heavily, and he fought to hang on. Not to waste another moment of this time together. Just before he gave in and closed his eyes, he saw her face. Her beautiful tear-stained face as she cradled their sleeping son to her chest and smoothed a hand over Ali's back. Cristian's dark head lolled against her shoulder as she leaned forward and brushed a feather-light kiss against his forehead. "Always, Luis."
Chapter 44
"You're doing a great job, Luis. Just a few more steps. You can do it." Luis grunted with the effort it took to push his feet the last few inches forward. Abby reached up and wiped the sweat from his brow. Her hazel eyes twinkling. "Honestly, Luis. You're progressing wonderfully. Why the sad face?" she asked as she helped ease him back into his wheelchair. "It's taking too long," Luis grumbled. "While I'm stuck in this," he pointed to the hated chair, "my kids are growing up without me." "Oh now," Abby clucked. Tucking a tawny hair behind her ear. "You're there for it all, Luis. Be thankful for that at least." "I am, but." "No buts," Abby warned. "There's something else I want to talk to you about." Luis's mouth hung open momentarily, but he closed it when he recognized the no- nonsense quality of her tone. "Yes, M'am." Abby rolled her eyes and clasped her hands together in her lap. "Why won't you allow your wife to come to these sessions? She can only help, Luis." Luis scowled darkly at her. "Oh.I see. More of this foolish pride stuff. Wake up and smell the coffee, Lo-Fitz," Abby threw her hands up in the air. "Your problems are never going to be solved this way."
Luis remained silent as she ranted some more. "Involve her. Reach out to her before you push her away for good. I know you've moved back home. And I'm thankful for that. Believe me. You're a little bit more pleasant to be around," she quirked an eyebrow at him. "But you're still keeping her at arms' length." "Are you finished now?" Luis growled. "As a matter of fact, Mister," Abby declared. Turning him around so fast it made his head spin. "I'm not, and we're not. I took the liberty of doing something you should have done," she whispered in his ear. "I called Sheridan." "Dammit, Abby." "Dr. Stone to you, Bozo," Abby teased as she walked on light feet to admit Sheridan. "Sheridan! Come in," she said warmly. Squeezing the taller woman's hand. "We were just talking about you." "Really," Sheridan pursed her lips. "That's why Luis is making that sour face. Dr. Stone.maybe I shouldn't be here." "Nonsense," Abby said in a lilting voice. "It's Abby by the way. Dr. Stone's so.formal." Pushing Sheridan forward. "Luis needs you. Don't you, Luis?" Luis looked up into his wife's glistening blue eyes. And he realized it was true."I do," he said softly. Sheridan rewarded him with just the hint of a smile. The first one in over a month. Since that day. Not to mention the first one he had been the direct recipient of.
"Over here, Sheridan," Abby instructed. "Luis.Sheridan's going to help you take your first steps without the bar. Think you can handle that, Sheridan?" Sheridan nodded her blond head slowly. "Great," Abby smiled widely. "I'll help you get this big lug of a man to his feet," she teased. "Ha ha," Luis mocked as she grabbed one of his arms. "Put your arm around his waist like this," Abby demonstrated. Luis sucked in a deep breath at her gentle touch, and his dark eyes bore into hers. This was the closest she'd been.she hadn't allowed him to touch her since his return home a couple weeks ago. Abby grinned to herself as she watched the pair stare into each other's eyes. "Ahem," she finally cleared her throat when the gaze went on a wee bit too long. "Ready? Remember.baby steps this time." Luis shuffled his feet forward. Concentrating all his might into that one simple action. Sheridan tightened her grip around him. "You can do it, Luis," she encouraged. He groaned and lifted his heavy limbs again. "Ali believes in you." Abby stood back and watched in amazement. Luis was performing above and beyond her expectations. "Cristian believes in you." Luis grit his teeth in determination. "I believe in you," she said softly. And his heart soared with hope as he took the remaining steps. "Luis!" Sheridan cried joyously. Forgetting all the past weeks of hurt momentarily and throwing her arms around him. "You did it! I'm so proud of you." Luis's brown eyes shined down at her, and he reached a shaky hand to her cheek. "We did it." "We ALL did it," Abby proclaimed. "What? You can't forget my utter brilliance," she joked. "Time for you to call it a day, Lo- Fitz," she smiled. Pointing to his chair. Sheridan stepped from Luis's embrace awkwardly. Watching as Abby helped him seat himself.
"See, Lo-Fitz," Abby whispered in his ear as she escorted them down the hall. "You're a pretty tough guy on your own. But you and Sheridan as a team.you can't be beat." "I'm sorry, Dr. Stone.Abby," Sheridan quickly corrected. "I didn't catch what you said." "Oh," Abby smiled at her with twinkling hazel eyes. "Nothing. Just goofing around before my next appointment. They're not all as gorgeous as your hunk of a husband, Sheridan," Abby grinned. Stepping back from Luis's wheelchair with a flourish and admiring the pink tint staining his cheeks. Sheridan laughed in embarrassment. "My next guy.don't tell him I said this Lo-Fitz or off with your head," she warned. "The old guy kinda looks like Popeye. I have the insane urge to inspect his teeth for spinach." Sheridan choked on her own laughter. "Gee, Abby," Luis grinned up at her. "You don't talk about people, do you?" "Only about the ones that give me a hard time," she told him. At his stricken look, she laughed. "Uh huh. See? You know you've been being Mr. Grumpy. But you're lucky, Lo-Fitz. I like you despite your bastard attitude. I can see the hints of a great guy peeking through every now and then." Abby took Sheridan off-guard by pulling her into an impromptu hug. "Dish it right back out, Honey," she advised in a whisper. "Be a hard-ass," she advised. "Um.naughty thoughts popping up in my brain. Oops!" she held a hand to her mouth. Breaking up when she saw Sheridan's scarlet complexion. "See you tomorrow, Luis. And you better bring HER with you."
Luis leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes with a sigh. If he'd been watching, he would have caught Sheridan watching him tenderly out of the corner of her eye as she steered them towards home. But when he opened his eyes again, those emotions were carefully masked. "You don't have to come tomorrow if you don't want to," he said quietly. She glanced at him distractedly as she flipped on her blinker and made the turn that would lead them to Ali and Cristian. "I.do you want me to come? I won't come if you don't want me to," she said quickly. He could hear the disappointing brimming in her voice. His fists clenched at his sides as he pushed down the temptation to reach out to her. Uncertainty holding him back. "I want you to come," he finally admitted. "Good," she half- smiled. Stretching out a hand to turn on the radio. "I'm glad. I want to be there, Luis. I want to help you." And it dawned on him.HE wanted her help. He NEEDED her to help. Damn. He just needed her period, and he was only just realizing truly how much. Their house loomed up ahead, and he smiled as he saw Jake chasing Ali to and fro in the front yard. Smiled as he heard the sweet notes of their song."Imagine".play over the radio waves. And he grasped her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Kissing the cool metal of her golden wedding band and brushing his lips gently across her palm. "Sheridan.I." he paused when she slipped her hand free from his. "Sheridan." He watched sadly as she met Gwen at the front door and scooped Cristian from her hold. He didn't have to dwell on the feeling of someone squeezing his heart. The dull ache. Before Ali threw open the passenger door. Shrieking for help as Jake gave hot pursuit. "Daddy!"
Chapter 45
Ali's blue eyes sparkled as they roamed the store's interior. Luis grinned. Chuckling to himself. And another shopper is born. "What's so funny?" Sheridan looked at him oddly. "Nothing," he swallowed hard. Things weren't the best between them lately, but they HAD been markedly improving. And he didn't want to do ANYTHING to jeopardize that. "Nothing," he repeated. Leaning heavily on the cane Abby had presented to him just yesterday. He felt like.more.with it. He couldn't explain it. "Daddy," Ali whispered in awe. "Look at all the pretty clothes." Sheridan's blue eyes smiled down at their daughter. "I'm sure they'll look even prettier ON you. Are you ready, Sweetie?" she asked. Extending her hand. "Yes, Mommy," Ali replied sweetly. Slipping her tiny hand in her mother's. "Luis.why don't you go on back to the dressing room?" He arched a dark brow at her. "Yes, Luis," she rolled her blue eyes. "See? You're not the only Dad here," she said. Nodding at the tall, owlish man wearing the most bored expression on his face Luis had seen to date. "You might as well stake out a seat. We're going to be here for a while." He resisted the urge to groan until he saw the happy smile on Ali's full pink lips. "Ali's going to be your model, aren't you, Baby?" Ali's response was giddy laughter. "Bye, Daddy," she waved as Sheridan tugged her forward. "Bye, AliCat," he waved with a grin.
"Excuse me, Sir," the Owl Man said. Vacating his chair immediately when he saw him. "Have my seat." Luis resisted the urge to scowl. He was just being polite. But he hated others' pity. Because that was exactly what it was. He settled in the high-backed seat with a sigh. "Which one's yours?" the Owl Man asked. Startling him. "The most beautiful little girl in this store," Luis said proudly. The Owl Man scoffed good-naturedly. "Don't all Dads think that?" "That's my Jenny over there," he pointed. Jenny, Luis thought with a slight smile. Remembering. He followed Owl Man's line of vision. His dark eyes landing on a little girl with coal black hair and ice blue eyes. "You have a very pretty daughter, Mr.." "Mr. Stanley," the Owl Man offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr.." "Lopez-Fitzgerald," Luis supplied with a smile. "DADDY!" Ali squealed excitedly. Launching herself in his arms. "Look what Mommy picked for me." Mr. Stanley chuckled under his breath when Sheridan walked up to them. Arms piled high. "Sheridan," Luis uttered in amazement. "We haven't even been here 10 minutes." "So," Sheridan shrugged. Dumping some of the clothes in his lap. "What are you doing?" Luis asked in a fog of confusion. "You can't take ALL those back there," little "Miss Know It All" Jenny Stanley said with wide eyes. "Here, Dad," she said. Throwing an armful at HER father. Luis and Owl Man wallowed in total embarrassment together while the sales clerks giggled at their predicament. Luis swore he even heard the word "whipped" bandied about. And he ducked his head when one brash sales clerk in particular winked at him.
"Daddy?" Ali called from the deep, dark dungeon of debt Luis imagined the dressing room to be. "Are you ready?" He grinned at the excitement clear in her sweet voice. "Ready as I'll ever be, AliCat," he answered back. Sheridan stepped out first. An enormous smile gracing her features. "I present to you.Princess Ali," she said with a flourish. Ali pranced out. Dressed to the nines. "What do you think, Daddy?" she asked. Twirling around. Her blond hair swirling around her shoulders. From the tiny white Capris to the pale pink tank top.his daughter looked absolutely adorable if he said so himself. "Perfect, AliCat," he gave her a thumbs up when he could put logical syllables together. "You look beautiful, Baby." Ali bounced on her heels. "Thank you, Daddy," she smiled. Sheridan herded her back into the dressing room, and Mr. Stanley turned to him with a knowing smile. "You better look out ten years down the road. You're going to have to lock her in her room to keep the guys away. And it still won't work." "I don't know about that," Luis glanced at the man out of the corner of his eyes. "Being an officer of the law has its advantages," he told him.
"That's why you seem so familiar to me," Owl Man exclaimed. "Oh my.I remember it now. All of it. It was all over the papers. You're Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. And you're married to American royalty." Luis bristled at his description of Sheridan. "She's just an ordinary woman.well.extraordinary to me, but." "Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald.I beg to differ," Owl Man disagreed. "Not only is she exceedingly beautiful.she's worth billions." "My wife doesn't care about money, Mr. Stanley. Only in that there is a considerable trust in our children's names. That's it. She left it behind her a long time ago." "Still," Owl Man continued. "The lifestyle is born and bred in her. Surely she misses it." Does she, Luis wondered. Was she better-suited to a life such as the one she led before? "You're a very lucky man, Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald," Mr. Stanley added. "To get her back." Which one, Luis wanted to ask. Obviously this man beside him knew an inordinate amount of information about him and his family. So he wondered.which 'her' was he talking about? Sheridan? Or Ali? "Nice meeting you, Detective," he said in parting. Luis watched him wander to the front of the store with his wife and daughter. "Daddy!" Ali said. And Luis turned around to the lovely vision of his daughter. His precious baby girl. As she showed off her lavendar sundress, his eyes met with Sheridan's across the way. He could swear he saw.love.shining plainly in her blue eyes.
In the end, they hit every suitable store in the entire mall. Plus a few more before they turned for home. It was evening by the time they were headed home. And Ali didn't even last two minutes into the trip back. "Thank you," Luis whispered. Overcome with emotion as he reached a hand back and stroked her blond hair back from her little face. "For what?" Sheridan asked quizzically. Confusion in her blue eyes. "For giving me the greatest gift." he answered. "For giving me her." Tears welled up in Sheridan's blue eyes, and her voice was strangled as she gazed back at him. "I should be the one thanking you, Luis." Luis smiled back at their sleeping daughter one last time and leaned forward in his seat once more. His heart swelling with love and renewed hope within his chest as he felt her thread her fingers through his. For the first time in a long time.she was reaching out to him. And whether he deserved it or not.it felt good. So damn good. He squeezed her hand gently and brought it to his lips. Kissing it tenderly. This time she didn't pull away. This time she shot him a tearful smile. And he felt the cracks in his heart finally beginning to heal with that simple expression.
Mama met them at the door. With kisses and hugs. And Papa laughed softly at the bags and bags of clothes Miss Ali had acquired. Helping Sheridan carry them into the house. Cristian greeted them both with a sleepy, goofy smile. Just a few softly sang notes from Sheridan and he joined his sister in dreamland. Luis watched her lovingly tuck both their children snugly into their beds with a gentle smile on his lips. To think he had almost thrown THIS away. Without a second thought. What a fool he had been, he realized. What a fool. He shuffled off to their bedroom and undressed by the pale moonlight. Settling against the cool sheets with a sigh. Thinking of her. Curled up beside their daughter just down the hall. The ache to hold her in his arms again.just like every night for the last several weeks, over a month-was almost overwhelming. Hell. It WAS overwhelming. He clutched her pillow in his arms. Until sleep overtook him. Her whisper.like a dream. The warmth of her body next to his an unspoken wish for so long a reality. The gentle pressure of her lips on his cheek a sweet fantasy. "Not a day, Luis. I wouldn't change a thing. Never. THIS is my life," she whispered softly as she cuddled close in his arms. "Ali.Cristian.YOU. My life," she murmured against his warm skin. And Luis smiled in his sleep.
"Are you sure you haven't seen him? No. I.I do believe you. If you hear anything.anything at all from him, call me. Bye Hank." "Still no word?" Theresa sighed. Sheridan looked at her with tearful blue eyes. "How could he do this to us? How could he?" Chad pulled her into his arms. "He'll come back to you. He just needed time to think. I know this sounds crazy, but Luis.the guy is scared as hell right now. Not knowing if he'll ever be the same. He's afraid of letting you and the kids down." Sheridan kissed him on the cheek and walked across the living room to the window. Staring outside. "Doesn't he realize? Leaving us is the ONLY way he could let us down." "Mommy?" a scared little voice made her turn around. "When's Daddy coming home?" Theresa's brown eyes were filled with sympathy. "Hey, AliCat," Chad grinned. Scooping her up in his arms. "Hi," Ali said despondently. "Mommy?" "Hey, Baby," she whispered. Opening her arms to her tiny daughter. "C'mere." Ali wrapped her arms tightly around her neck. "Daddy can't wait to get home and see you. I'm sure he'll be home soon. Don't you worry." "Really, Mommy?" Ali gazed up at her with innocent blue eyes. "Really," Sheridan answered in a tremulous voice. "Hey," she said brightly. As brightly as she could manage. "Aunt Theresa was just telling me how much she missed playing dress-up with you. What do you say? Sound like a good idea?" Ali's blue eyes sought Theresa out. "I can do your make-up, too," Theresa smiled. "Just like Mommy?" Ali said. Adoration plain in her voice. "Just like Mommy."
"You're making yourself sick, Mija," Pilar came up behind her. Hugging her shoulders. "Try not to worry so. Luis will come home. I know it." Sheridan smiled slightly at her. And rose to her feet to pace once more. "I love your son to death, Pilar. You know that. But he has too much damn pride!" Pilar ducked her head. What Sheridan said was true. Too true. Luis's pride was getting in the way of his happiness. "Sheridan?" Martin's voice startled her. "What is it? Have you heard any new news?" Martin shook his head sadly. "No. I'm sorry. That was your boss on the phone. He hasn't been able to find anybody to cover for you." Sheridan stopped in her tracks. "I can't go to work at a time like this. Not knowing where Luis is. Not knowing how Luis is." "Look," Chad lay a restraining hand on her arm. "Let me handle it. I've volunteered at the Youth Center before. I'll fill in for you today." "Thank you, Chad. You're a godsend." "What's family for?" he grinned back at her. "Tell Theresa." "Don't worry about it," Martin waved after him. Sheridan moved about the living room restlessly. "Where's Cristian?" she asked suddenly. After last night.she NEEDED to know her children were safe. Always.
"Kay and Miguel took him to the park with them and MJ, Mija." "Oh," Sheridan brought a hand up to her forehead. "I can't believe I forgot! I'm losing my mind here." Pilar watched her with a worried expression. All this stress lately.it certainly wasn't good for any of them. "Did you call Sam? Maybe he knows something." "Sheridan," Martin said gently. "Sam hasn't heard from him. He promised to call if he hears anything." "Where is he? SOMEONE has to know SOMETHING," she cried. Burying her weary face in her hands and collapsing on the sofa. "The car's still here. Dammit! I don't know what I'll do first when I see him. Kiss him senseless or slap the $#!% out of him." Martin hid his smile. There was that infamous temper! Sheridan groaned. How she wished Gwen were here! She was sure she'd know exactly what to say to make her feel better. Not as paranoid. Too bad she was on a business trip in New York. Traveling with Sara and Emily must be quite an adventure, she thought with a small laugh. Jake was home with Hank. She couldn't believe that Hank of all people hadn't heard from Luis. "Maybe I should try Hank's again."
Pilar handed her the phone, and Sheridan punched in the well-memorized digits. "Come on, Hank. Pick up. I know you're there." She sighed heavily when after fifteen rings Hank failed to answer and was about to hang up."Hello?" "Jake! Hi. This is Sheridan. Is your dad there?" Jake's voice sounded funny. High-pitched as he answered. "Sheridan.no. My dad isn't here." "Really?" Sheridan asked in confusion. "Jake? Are you there all by yourself?" That didn't make sense. Hank would NEVER leave Jake alone. Especially after what happened to Ali. "Yes. No! Yes. I mean.no," he finally settled on. "Which is it, Jake? Are you by yourself? Or is someone with you?" "Aww.man," she heard Jake mutter under his breath on the other end of the line, and she couldn't help but smile. Picturing the expression on his adorable face. "My dad's not here," he finally answered. "But I'm not by myself." Sheridan's heart filled with hope. Luis! "Jake.is Luis there with you?" Silence on the other end. "Jake.it makes me really sad when someone lies to me. You wouldn't lie to me. Would you Jake?" Okay. So she was basically blackmailing a 6 year-old. "Dad made me promise not to tell. He said he'd make me wear a dress to the first day of school. And lipstick," Jake whined. "Sheridan." "Dad won't make you do any of those things. I promise," she said quickly. "Listen, Jake. Don't say a word to Luis. I'll be right there."
"Mija?" Pilar questioned softly. Sheridan kissed Pilar's cheek hurriedly. "He's at Hank's. Wait 'til I see Hank. He owes me big time for letting me suffer like this all day." "Poor Hank," Martin chuckled as Sheridan's car pulled out of the driveway. "Not poor Hank," Pilar answered. "Poor Luis. He deserves every bit of it." Martin smiled and pulled his wife into his arms. "Do you think we send Hank some sort of warning? Get Jake out of there? I'm sure it isn't going to be pretty." "Give Sheridan time to get there first," Pilar sighed. "Are you hungry? I think I'll go make dinner. Sheridan has too much to worry about already." "Nana," Ali's sweet voice rang out. "Come see what I look like." "This should be interesting," Pilar laughed softly. "I'll get the camera," Martin offered. "Oh my.Ali.you're beautiful," Pilar smiled. Cupping Ali's silky cheeks in the palms of her hands. "You look just like your mommy." Ali blushed accordingly and threw her arms around her grandmother's neck. "She really does, doesn't she?" Theresa said in awe.
Sheridan slammed the car door behind her as she skidded to a stop in Hank's driveway. Her and Luis's old driveway. Hank grabbed Jake by the shoulders. "I'll talk to YOU later," Sheridan told him. "Wow! Dad!" Jake exclaimed in awe. "Sheridan's pissed." Hank's brown eyes bugged out of his head. "I'm not even going to ask where you heard that one. I don't ever want to hear that word come out of your mouth again," Hank warned. But he could hardly keep from laughing. They always talked about from the mouths of babes. But he bet they never meant anything like this. "Come on, Little Buddy. We need to beat it. Now," he urged. Opening the passenger side of the SUV. "Buckle up. We want to be a safe distance away once WWIII starts." Jake watched until his house disappeared behind him. Wondering if his house would still be standing when he and Dad got back.
Luis winced as the slam of the door reverberated in the cozy living room. "What the hell were you thinking?!?!" Her slim figure came into view, and his eyes traveled up her legs. All the way to her fury-filled blue eyes. "I never knew you were such a coward, Luis," she growled. Crossing her arms about her chest. Luis felt anger rise inside him. But he said nothing. He deserved it. Every word she spat at him. He deserved it and then some. Maybe she'd realize he wasn't worth the trouble. Not anymore. "Luis," she sighed heavily. Dropping to her knees before him. Her blue eyes beseeching him to look at her. Listen to her. And really hear. "Cristian's accident was just that. An accident. You're no more at fault than Ali was. Why can't you believe that? Just because.it wasn't your fault, dammit," she swore. Tears springing to her eyes. "You've had us worried sick, Luis," she cried. "When I woke up.and you weren't there.my heart stopped cold in my chest. I don't ever won't to feel that feeling again, Luis. Come home. Come home with me to Ali and Cristian. They miss you. I miss you."
His jaw was set in stone. As much as her words appealed to him.he couldn't. Wouldn't give in. "I can't," he whispered harshly. "I won't," he said with more conviction. A whole lot more conviction than he felt. "W-W-What are you saying, Luis? This is silly. We love you," she cried. Framing his face with her hands. "I love you," she whispered. "Luis.I don't care if God saw fit that you never walked again. I love you too much to live my life without you. Please come home," she pleaded. "Please," she begged. Teasing his lips open with her own. He could taste her tears on his lips, he thought with regret as he closed his eyes to her pain. Her sadness. "Please." His hands gripped hers and pushed them away. Pushed HER away. He hardened his heart to the hurt in her blue eyes.
"Leave. Just leave. I'm not coming home with you, Sheridan." "You don't mean that," she shook her head. More tears slipping down her cheeks. Endless tears. He had to do this. He couldn't let her live her life like this. "What about Ali? Cristian? What about them, Luis? No. I'm not leaving." "I'll visit them," he told her. He knew his words offered NO consolation. He was ripping her heart out, and he hated himself for it. "No," she whispered in anguish. "You wouldn't do that to them. To us. You wouldn't." "I can, and I will," he said without looking at her. "They'll understand. I still love them. I just won't live with them anymore. Or you," he finished calmly. "It'll be hard at first, but they'll grow to understand." He took a deep breath. What he was about to say.was so awful."Lots of kids grow up in divorced homes." "D-D-D-ivorced homes?" she gasped. "Luis! Look at me! Stop trying to push me away 'cause it isn't going to work," she cried desperately. "GET OUT SHERIDAN! NOW! JUST LEAVE!" he shouted. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" Her heart broke into a million tiny pieces at his cruel tone. "You bastard," she choked. Grabbing her purse and running blindly. Luis waited 'til he was sure she was gone before he dared open his eyes. A single tear made its way down his unshaven cheek. "It worked," he said bitterly.
Chapter 42
"I don't care if he is your friend! Our friend! Sheridan is MY friend. Above and beyond Luis. And what he's doing to her and those kids." "Babe," Hank grabbed his wife by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Luis isn't himself right now. He's not thinking clearly, you know that." Gwen shrugged Hank's hands from her shoulders. "Maybe.a few weeks ago.I'd buy that. I'd still feel sorry for HIM. But Hank.it's been almost a month now. I don't feel.this doesn't feel right." "Gwen," Hank said in a low voice. Glancing over her shoulder out the window at his best friend and his son. In deep conversation. "What are you saying?" "Hank," she said. Crossing her arms about her middle. "You know I don't like fighting with you. But I can't support you on this. I want you to go out there and talk some damn sense into your best friend. Tell him to get his ass out of our house and back to Sheridan where he belongs, or." "Or what?" Hank questioned uncertainly. "Or I'm taking the kids to Mother's." Hank ducked his head and laughed. "Hank.this isn't a joke." "Uh," Hank cleared his throat. Trying his best to put on a straight face. "I know it isn't, Babe." Gwen rolled her eyes at him and brushed past him. "Gwen? Where you going?" Hank called after her. "To Bec's house? Nah. It won't happen," he assured himself. It looked like Luis and Jake could use some refreshment, he thought as he ambled into the kitchen.
"Luis?" Jake asked. Wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm. "Yeah," Luis grunted as he struggled to pull himself to his feet and seat himself at the picnic table under the old oak tree. Jake watched Luis's muscles flex and tense and wondered how someone so strong couldn't walk. His dad had explained it to him. Many times. But it was inconceivable that the strongest person he knew couldn't do something as easy as walk. "What is it, Jake?" Luis finally asked. A smile on his face as Jake tugged his shirt over his head and tied it around his waist as he had done earlier. "Don't you love Ali and Cristian anymore?" Luis's brown eyes narrowed. "Jake.why do you say that?" "Well." Jake began. Shuffling his feet back and forth. "You left them," he said matter-of-factly. "You don't live with them no more." "Jake," Luis explained patiently. "You don't have to live with someone to love them." Jake shook his head and a lock of brown hair fell into his eyes. "But." "Yeah, Jake?" "But why? Don't you want to live with them anymore?" Luis sighed heavily. "It's just better this way," he told him. "How?" Jake asked curiously. Climbing onto the top of the picnic table and letting his feet dangle from the sides. "It's grown- up stuff, Jake. You wouldn't understand." Jake scowled. He hated it when grown-ups said that.
"Is it because you can't walk?" Jake plied. "That's part of it," Luis answered honestly. "Well.what's the rest?" Luis chuckled. The kid was persistent. He had to hand him that. "Do you still love Sheridan?" "Little Buddy," Hank interrupted. Handing them each a tall glass of iced water. "Quit bugging Luis." "Dad." "I mean it. Give the questions a rest. Okay?" Jake slumped his shoulders. "Okay." "Man is it HOT out here," Hank groaned. Bracing himself against the tree. "Grandma says you better get used to it, Dad. Where you're going it's going to be a whole lot hotter." Luis forgot about Jake's question for a moment and howled with laughter. "You tell Grandma," Hank smirked, "that we'll be seeing a lot of each other then. Becs. You gotta love her," Hank chuckled. "I forgot to ask you, Luis. How'd the session go this morning?" The humor left Luis's brown eyes. "Dr. Stone says I'm right on track." "That's great," Hank congratulated. "Great? Hank.I still can't walk. I can barely stand for more than a few seconds." "But you ARE making progress, aren't you?" "If you can call it that," Luis muttered. "JAKE!" Gwen called from the back door. "Come inside and get cleaned up, Mister." "Aww," Jake grumbled. Jumping down from his perch. "Mom," he whined. "I want to stay with Dad and Luis. Where are we going anyway?" Gwen didn't answer as she pulled him inside the cool house. Only exchanged glances with Hank across the yard.
Hank and Luis sat in silence for the next several minutes. "I do still love her, Hank. I don't think I'll ever NOT love her," he said softly. Hank sat down across from him and studied him for a few seconds. "Then why are you doing this to her, Luis? Divorce? All because of your legs? Luis.Buddy. Do you have any idea how stupid of a reason that is? To push away the best thing that's ever happened to you because of your stupid pride?" Luis's jaw clenched. "You wouldn't understand, Hank." "No. Maybe I wouldn't," Hank admitted. "But Luis.Sheridan doesn't give a damn whether you can walk or not. She loves you for what's inside of you." Luis didn't dare look at him. "She deserves better than this," Luis growled. Motioning to his motionless legs. "Okay," Hank pretended to give his statement serious thought. "Here's food for thought. Suppose you DO go through with this." He could hardly bring himself to say it. Never in his wildest imagination would he have believed anything short of death would pull Sheridan and Luis apart. "Divorce," he cleared his throat. "How are you going to live with yourself when some man sweeps YOUR wife off her feet? How are you going to be able to watch this man help raise YOUR children?" Luis's eyes were black with anger at the just the thought of another man in Sheridan and Ali and Cristian's lives. "Sheridan's a beautiful woman, Luis. A living, breathing woman. You're the envy of just about every man in Harmony, Luis. Married to the love of your life. Two great kids. Don't think there's not someone out there that wouldn't kill to have your life. And you're throwing it away," he shook his head. "Think about how miserable you were when you thought she was dead." Luis buried his face in his hands. "Multiply that by a thousand. Do you really want to go through with it?" Luis watched Hank disappear inside and turned back around to stare at old tree in front of him. And he felt a lump form in his throat when he saw it. Their initials. He remembered the night he carved them. Not long after they moved into this house.
~~~~~The stars twinkled in the midnight sky and someplace nearby crickets serenaded them with their song. She sat with her hands clasped around her knees. Her face lifted skyward. He studied her profile for a moment. A joyful smile on his face. His wife. Finally. She was his wife, and he couldn't be happier. "Luis," she laughed softly. Still staring at the heavens. "Stop staring. You're making me blush."
She made room for him on the blanket and sank back into his embrace with a contented sigh. "Pinch me." She shifted in his arms and turned around to face him sporting an amused smile. "Did you just say." "Pinch me," he repeated with a straight face. She giggled as she slid her hands along his arms. Then down his chest to his waist. "Sheridan." "Luis." she teased. Slipping her hands around to his back. He wiggled a brow at her when her hands slid lower. "Is that good enough?" she smiled.
He chuckled and crushed her to him. His fingers playing with the curls at the nape of her neck. "This is almost too good to be true," he told her. "So," she wrapped her arms around his neck. "That's why you had me pinch you?" she laughed. Brushing her lips against his teasingly. "I had to be sure it wasn't all a dream," he joked. His hands caressed the smooth skin of her back, and she shivered as he played with the strings that secured her top in place.
"Does this feel like a dream?" she asked. Kissing him. He groaned and deepened the kiss. Running his hands up and down her tanned legs. He paused at the hem of her shorts and tore his lips from hers. "Sheridan," he panted for breath. "Maybe we should take this inside." "Luis," she pretended to pout. Her blue eyes sparkling at him. "I want to stay here," she whispered. Her hot breath against his neck making HIM shiver. "But."
Her nails tickled his ribs as she tugged his shirt upward and over his head. "I hate it when you have to wear clothes," she teased. An impish smile playing on her lips as her hands went to the waistband of his jeans. "I want," the button popped free. "To stay," his eyes closed tight as she eased the zipper down. "Here," she mumbled against his lips. "I'm convinced," he grinned lazily at her. "In fact.making love with my WIFE under the stars is a favorite fantasy of mine," he told her. Trailing his lips across her bare shoulders.
"You've had the same fantasy?" she sighed at his ministrations. His fingers loosened the tie at her back as he lowered her to the blanket below. "Hmm," he swept her blond hair from her face. "Do I do this?" he asked. Slowly he peeled the shirt down and placed his lips on her soft skin. "And this?" he murmured against her taut stomach. She trembled under his touch. "Sounds like it to me," she said shakily. "But you forgot one thing." His brown eyes drank in her beauty. "Well." she blushed under his intense gaze. "You didn't tell me that you love me. That you'll love me always." He smiled tenderly at her. "I can do better than that," he whispered. Capturing her lips in a sweet kiss. "I'll love you forever."
Afterward.as they held each other.they talked about the future. All that they wanted out of life. And the past. "Luis," Sheridan confided. "Sometimes.this-being here with you-feels like a dream. A wonderful dream. And one day, I'm going to wake up and find out it isn't real. That you aren't real." "Sheridan." "I know it's silly. Believe me," she laughed softly. "It's incredibly silly. But I've never had this. I've never had someone like you. Someone that made me feel loved. Cherished. Safe." Luis stroked the curve of her waist absently. "Me neither." "Really?" she asked. Something lurking in those blue eyes. Something akin to jealousy, he realized with a smile. "Really," he assured her. Her nose crinkled up. "What? You don't believe me?"
She sat up. His tee-shirt hanging loosely about her frame. "What about all those girls?" "What girls?" he asked curiously. "Sheridan Lopez- Fitzgerald.are you jealous?" She ducked her head in embarrassment. "What girls?" he repeated. "I saw the tree, Luis." At his clueless expression, she clarified. "The one with your initials on it. I can't remember them exactly." He smiled. He could tell she was lying. She remembered all right. Right down to the very last detail. "You ARE jealous," he grinned. Propping his chin on her shoulder. "Am not," she muttered under her breath. "Are too," he teased. "Maybe just a little," she admitted grudgingly. "Sheridan," he took her chin in his hand and turned her to face him. "I've never had someone like you in my life. Those other girls.they pale in comparison," he said sincerely. She smiled brilliantly at him and leaned in for a gentle kiss. "I'm married to YOU. And it's always going to stay that way." She hugged him, and he kissed her temple.
"Come on," he urged. Standing on his feet and holding out his hand. She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. "Luis? What are you doing?" she asked as he brought her to a rest in front of the old oak tree that dominated their small backyard. "You'll see," he told her. Withdrawing his pocket knife from his jeans pocket. Tears of happiness sprang to her eyes as the letters took shape. She felt foolish crying over such a simple gesture. But it couldn't be helped. LLF LOVES SC. FOREVER. "Luis," she laughed. "You made a mistake." He arched a black brow at her. "Demanding, aren't we? What mistake? I don't see it." She traced her fingertips over the age-worn bark. The initials. "I'm not Sheridan Crane anymore." He shook his head with a smile and pulled her into his arms. "So I'm not perfect. But Sheridan Crane is the woman I fell in love with," he tucked her hair behind her ear. "And she's the woman I'm going to love forever."~~~~~
He raised a hand to wipe the moisture from his eyes, and the sun glinted off his golden wedding band. He promised her forever. And he broke his promise. He jerked his head around at the sound of a door being shut, and his eyes met Hank's. "Are you okay, Buddy?" Hank asked in a concerned voice. "No," Luis answered honestly. Hank took his reply in stride. "Where's Gwen?" Hank smiled at him sheepishly. "She took the kids to Becs'. She's.this situation.it's making her feel uncomfortable. Like she's being disloyal to Sheridan." Luis nodded his head. "I'm glad Sheridan has her as a friend. She really needs her." "She needs you. You, Luis. Gwen's a wonderful friend. I'll give her that. But she can't possibly make up for you not being there. Listen, Man. I hate to do this to you. But." "Don't apologize, Hank. I won't make you choose. I'll leave." "I can drive you home. You are going home, aren't you?" Hank asked hopefully. "Home," Luis rolled the word around on his tongue. "I don't know if home exists anymore." Hank stuffed his hands in his pockets and studied him thoughtfully. "I'll get your things ready." Luis stared at the initials carved on the tree. "Will YOU still be there?"
Chapter 43
"Luis? Buddy? Are you sure you don't need me to." "Hank," Luis sighed. "Go home. Better yet.go get your wife and kids. Jake's going to give Rebecca a nervous breakdown." Hank chuckled. And gave Luis a brotherly slap on the shoulder. "Look.Luis.don't expect her to just take you back. Like nothing happened. Give her time." "I'll give her all the time it takes, Hank. But I'm never leaving her or those two kids in there again," Luis vowed. Hank smiled. This was the Luis he knew. Loved as a brother. "Good luck, Man." You're going to need it, he thought. But then.he didn't have to tell Luis that. "Thanks," Luis muttered. "I'll pack up the rest of your things and bring them over some other time." Luis nodded his head and raised a hand in goodbye. Hank's SUV rolled out of the driveway and out of sight before he turned around.and she was there.
She studied him with cautious blue eyes. "Luis." He wheeled the chair closer. Until he was a breath's distance away. "Sheridan.I." "DADDY!" Ali shouted joyously. Throwing herself into his arms and raining kisses on his face. "Oh Daddy! I missed you so much," she cried. "Please say you're home, Daddy. Please," she begged. Her big blue eyes hopeful. Luis combed his fingers through her silky blond mane and looked up at Sheridan once more. Sheridan lifted a shaky hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "I'm home," he said simply. Holding out his hand to her. "Oh Daddy," Ali sobbed. Clinging to his neck. "I love you." "I love you, too, AliCat." Sheridan wiped angrily at the tears that spilled from her own eyes and walked inside ahead of them. Luis's hand fell to his side. Time indeed. Hank certainly wasn't kidding.
"Where's Cris?" "He's asleep," Ali sniffled. "Daddy," she said. Removing her head from his shoulder and staring into his brown eyes. Her tiny hands framing his face. "Don't ever leave again. Promise?" she said solemnly. Luis kissed her palms gently. "Cross my heart and hope to die." "Ali." Sheridan interrupted softly. "Go wash your hands for dinner." "But Mommy," Ali protested. "Just let me hold Daddy. A little while longer. Please." she pleaded. "Okay," Sheridan smiled tenderly. "Just a little while longer," she conceded. Luis watched her disappear down the hallway to their son's room. Ali tucked her head under his chin. And held on.
Luis smiled at the way his son's sleepy brown eyes lit up when he stretched his arms wide to hold them both. Sheridan watched them from the doorway to the kitchen. A sad smile on her lips. Her blue eyes.usually so open, so expressive.revealing nothing to him. A timer went off in the kitchen, and she crossed her arms about her middle. "The breadsticks are done. Have you eaten, Luis?" she asked. Not waiting for an answer. "We're having scetti, Daddy. Mommy made it just for me." Luis's brown eyes twinkled. Ali was as smart as a whip. But she'd always had trouble saying 'spaghetti.' All that came out was 'scetti,' and it stuck. Just one of his little daughter's many endearing traits. Scetti was her favorite when she wasn't feeling well. "AliCat," he said in concern. "Are you sick, Sweetie?" "No," Ali shook her head vigorously. "Just sad. But I'm all better now," she smiled sweetly. Kissing his cheek softly and slipping from his lap.
"C'mere, Sweetie," Sheridan cooed. Taking Cristian from Luis's arms. Cristian fussed when she tried to ease him down in his high chair. "Ma- Ma.Ma-Ma." Luis's jaw fell open. "Sheridan? Did you hear that?" "Daddy," Ali giggled. "Duh," she rolled her blue eyes at him. "Cris's been saying that for a long time now. He can walk, too." "Ali." Sheridan chided. "Sheridan? Is it true?" Sheridan set a heaping plate of pasta down in front of him. "What Luis? The part about Cristian talking for weeks? Or walking?" she questioned. "Both," he said. "Actually.that's the clearest he's been in the last two weeks. He just started babbling one day, and we finally figured out what he was saying," she laughed softly. "And Ali's exaggerating.he's been trying to pull himself up using the furniture. See that faint little bruise right there?" Luis nodded. "He fell and hit his cheek on the coffee table," Ali piped up. "My little Cris," she smiled. Caressing his soft cheek with her thumb. "He's becoming quite the little daredevil." Luis's heart skipped a beat. Not 'our' Cris anymore. Hers.
The hope in Luis's heart dwindled more and more during their shared meal. Sure.Ali had welcomed him back with wide open arms, and a heart as full as the day he'd left. And he loved her all the more for it. Cristian had smiled and carried on. But Cristian was like that with everyone. He never met any strangers. Strangers.that's what they were like. Strangers sitting down at a dinner table. Only a month. And he had missed SO much. "Daddy," Ali crinkled up her button nose. "Guess what?" "What, AliCat?" he put on a happy face. "Mommy says I start school in a few more weeks. I'm going to go to the same school as Jake," she said proudly. "Mommy's going to take me shopping and buy me all kinds of pretty clothes. Can you come with us, Daddy?" "Ali.Baby, Daddy doesn't like to shop," Sheridan answered for him. Ali's little face fell, and Luis reached a gentle hand out to her chin. "For you, AliCat.I'll do anything." "Oh Daddy," she sighed blissfully. "I'm so happy," she said. Pushing her chair back from the table and hurrying to his side to give him yet another hug. She couldn't touch him enough it seemed.
Sheridan pushed her own chair back with a heavy sigh and started gathering up the dishes for the sink. "Sheridan.let me help you," he offered. "I can do it. Really." Her back stiffened, and she stayed still for several seconds. "It's no problem, Luis. I can do fine on my own." Her words struck deep, and he had a feeling she wasn't just talking about the dishes. "Why don't you go into the living room with Ali and Cris? Ali's got a new movie. Don't you think Daddy'll like it, Sweetie?" An adorable grin lit up Ali's pretty features, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Will you Daddy?" "Here," Sheridan said. Lifting Cristian out of his high chair and handing him over to Luis. She jerked her hand away awkwardly when it brushed against his. "The VCR's all set." "Aren't you coming, too, Mommy?" Ali asked. "Soon. I'll just finish these," she nodded at the soapy dishes in the sink. "And be right there. If you're extra good for Daddy.I might even make some popcorn," she whispered. Tickling Ali's tummy and making her giggle. "I'll be good. I promise," Ali smiled.
She never did come. Not that Ali noticed anyway. She fell asleep before the opening credits had finished scrolling across the screen. He watched her in peaceful slumber, and he realized with a pang, just how much he had missed her as he stroked her blond hair back from her precious face. Her and Cristian. His wife. Of course, he knew he missed them all. But he never fully realized how dead inside he was without them until he had them back. At least he hoped he had them back, he thought to himself as he watched the gentle rise and fall of Cristian's chest. His eyelids drooped heavily, and he fought to hang on. Not to waste another moment of this time together. Just before he gave in and closed his eyes, he saw her face. Her beautiful tear-stained face as she cradled their sleeping son to her chest and smoothed a hand over Ali's back. Cristian's dark head lolled against her shoulder as she leaned forward and brushed a feather-light kiss against his forehead. "Always, Luis."
Chapter 44
"You're doing a great job, Luis. Just a few more steps. You can do it." Luis grunted with the effort it took to push his feet the last few inches forward. Abby reached up and wiped the sweat from his brow. Her hazel eyes twinkling. "Honestly, Luis. You're progressing wonderfully. Why the sad face?" she asked as she helped ease him back into his wheelchair. "It's taking too long," Luis grumbled. "While I'm stuck in this," he pointed to the hated chair, "my kids are growing up without me." "Oh now," Abby clucked. Tucking a tawny hair behind her ear. "You're there for it all, Luis. Be thankful for that at least." "I am, but." "No buts," Abby warned. "There's something else I want to talk to you about." Luis's mouth hung open momentarily, but he closed it when he recognized the no- nonsense quality of her tone. "Yes, M'am." Abby rolled her eyes and clasped her hands together in her lap. "Why won't you allow your wife to come to these sessions? She can only help, Luis." Luis scowled darkly at her. "Oh.I see. More of this foolish pride stuff. Wake up and smell the coffee, Lo-Fitz," Abby threw her hands up in the air. "Your problems are never going to be solved this way."
Luis remained silent as she ranted some more. "Involve her. Reach out to her before you push her away for good. I know you've moved back home. And I'm thankful for that. Believe me. You're a little bit more pleasant to be around," she quirked an eyebrow at him. "But you're still keeping her at arms' length." "Are you finished now?" Luis growled. "As a matter of fact, Mister," Abby declared. Turning him around so fast it made his head spin. "I'm not, and we're not. I took the liberty of doing something you should have done," she whispered in his ear. "I called Sheridan." "Dammit, Abby." "Dr. Stone to you, Bozo," Abby teased as she walked on light feet to admit Sheridan. "Sheridan! Come in," she said warmly. Squeezing the taller woman's hand. "We were just talking about you." "Really," Sheridan pursed her lips. "That's why Luis is making that sour face. Dr. Stone.maybe I shouldn't be here." "Nonsense," Abby said in a lilting voice. "It's Abby by the way. Dr. Stone's so.formal." Pushing Sheridan forward. "Luis needs you. Don't you, Luis?" Luis looked up into his wife's glistening blue eyes. And he realized it was true."I do," he said softly. Sheridan rewarded him with just the hint of a smile. The first one in over a month. Since that day. Not to mention the first one he had been the direct recipient of.
"Over here, Sheridan," Abby instructed. "Luis.Sheridan's going to help you take your first steps without the bar. Think you can handle that, Sheridan?" Sheridan nodded her blond head slowly. "Great," Abby smiled widely. "I'll help you get this big lug of a man to his feet," she teased. "Ha ha," Luis mocked as she grabbed one of his arms. "Put your arm around his waist like this," Abby demonstrated. Luis sucked in a deep breath at her gentle touch, and his dark eyes bore into hers. This was the closest she'd been.she hadn't allowed him to touch her since his return home a couple weeks ago. Abby grinned to herself as she watched the pair stare into each other's eyes. "Ahem," she finally cleared her throat when the gaze went on a wee bit too long. "Ready? Remember.baby steps this time." Luis shuffled his feet forward. Concentrating all his might into that one simple action. Sheridan tightened her grip around him. "You can do it, Luis," she encouraged. He groaned and lifted his heavy limbs again. "Ali believes in you." Abby stood back and watched in amazement. Luis was performing above and beyond her expectations. "Cristian believes in you." Luis grit his teeth in determination. "I believe in you," she said softly. And his heart soared with hope as he took the remaining steps. "Luis!" Sheridan cried joyously. Forgetting all the past weeks of hurt momentarily and throwing her arms around him. "You did it! I'm so proud of you." Luis's brown eyes shined down at her, and he reached a shaky hand to her cheek. "We did it." "We ALL did it," Abby proclaimed. "What? You can't forget my utter brilliance," she joked. "Time for you to call it a day, Lo- Fitz," she smiled. Pointing to his chair. Sheridan stepped from Luis's embrace awkwardly. Watching as Abby helped him seat himself.
"See, Lo-Fitz," Abby whispered in his ear as she escorted them down the hall. "You're a pretty tough guy on your own. But you and Sheridan as a team.you can't be beat." "I'm sorry, Dr. Stone.Abby," Sheridan quickly corrected. "I didn't catch what you said." "Oh," Abby smiled at her with twinkling hazel eyes. "Nothing. Just goofing around before my next appointment. They're not all as gorgeous as your hunk of a husband, Sheridan," Abby grinned. Stepping back from Luis's wheelchair with a flourish and admiring the pink tint staining his cheeks. Sheridan laughed in embarrassment. "My next guy.don't tell him I said this Lo-Fitz or off with your head," she warned. "The old guy kinda looks like Popeye. I have the insane urge to inspect his teeth for spinach." Sheridan choked on her own laughter. "Gee, Abby," Luis grinned up at her. "You don't talk about people, do you?" "Only about the ones that give me a hard time," she told him. At his stricken look, she laughed. "Uh huh. See? You know you've been being Mr. Grumpy. But you're lucky, Lo-Fitz. I like you despite your bastard attitude. I can see the hints of a great guy peeking through every now and then." Abby took Sheridan off-guard by pulling her into an impromptu hug. "Dish it right back out, Honey," she advised in a whisper. "Be a hard-ass," she advised. "Um.naughty thoughts popping up in my brain. Oops!" she held a hand to her mouth. Breaking up when she saw Sheridan's scarlet complexion. "See you tomorrow, Luis. And you better bring HER with you."
Luis leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes with a sigh. If he'd been watching, he would have caught Sheridan watching him tenderly out of the corner of her eye as she steered them towards home. But when he opened his eyes again, those emotions were carefully masked. "You don't have to come tomorrow if you don't want to," he said quietly. She glanced at him distractedly as she flipped on her blinker and made the turn that would lead them to Ali and Cristian. "I.do you want me to come? I won't come if you don't want me to," she said quickly. He could hear the disappointing brimming in her voice. His fists clenched at his sides as he pushed down the temptation to reach out to her. Uncertainty holding him back. "I want you to come," he finally admitted. "Good," she half- smiled. Stretching out a hand to turn on the radio. "I'm glad. I want to be there, Luis. I want to help you." And it dawned on him.HE wanted her help. He NEEDED her to help. Damn. He just needed her period, and he was only just realizing truly how much. Their house loomed up ahead, and he smiled as he saw Jake chasing Ali to and fro in the front yard. Smiled as he heard the sweet notes of their song."Imagine".play over the radio waves. And he grasped her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Kissing the cool metal of her golden wedding band and brushing his lips gently across her palm. "Sheridan.I." he paused when she slipped her hand free from his. "Sheridan." He watched sadly as she met Gwen at the front door and scooped Cristian from her hold. He didn't have to dwell on the feeling of someone squeezing his heart. The dull ache. Before Ali threw open the passenger door. Shrieking for help as Jake gave hot pursuit. "Daddy!"
Chapter 45
Ali's blue eyes sparkled as they roamed the store's interior. Luis grinned. Chuckling to himself. And another shopper is born. "What's so funny?" Sheridan looked at him oddly. "Nothing," he swallowed hard. Things weren't the best between them lately, but they HAD been markedly improving. And he didn't want to do ANYTHING to jeopardize that. "Nothing," he repeated. Leaning heavily on the cane Abby had presented to him just yesterday. He felt like.more.with it. He couldn't explain it. "Daddy," Ali whispered in awe. "Look at all the pretty clothes." Sheridan's blue eyes smiled down at their daughter. "I'm sure they'll look even prettier ON you. Are you ready, Sweetie?" she asked. Extending her hand. "Yes, Mommy," Ali replied sweetly. Slipping her tiny hand in her mother's. "Luis.why don't you go on back to the dressing room?" He arched a dark brow at her. "Yes, Luis," she rolled her blue eyes. "See? You're not the only Dad here," she said. Nodding at the tall, owlish man wearing the most bored expression on his face Luis had seen to date. "You might as well stake out a seat. We're going to be here for a while." He resisted the urge to groan until he saw the happy smile on Ali's full pink lips. "Ali's going to be your model, aren't you, Baby?" Ali's response was giddy laughter. "Bye, Daddy," she waved as Sheridan tugged her forward. "Bye, AliCat," he waved with a grin.
"Excuse me, Sir," the Owl Man said. Vacating his chair immediately when he saw him. "Have my seat." Luis resisted the urge to scowl. He was just being polite. But he hated others' pity. Because that was exactly what it was. He settled in the high-backed seat with a sigh. "Which one's yours?" the Owl Man asked. Startling him. "The most beautiful little girl in this store," Luis said proudly. The Owl Man scoffed good-naturedly. "Don't all Dads think that?" "That's my Jenny over there," he pointed. Jenny, Luis thought with a slight smile. Remembering. He followed Owl Man's line of vision. His dark eyes landing on a little girl with coal black hair and ice blue eyes. "You have a very pretty daughter, Mr.." "Mr. Stanley," the Owl Man offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr.." "Lopez-Fitzgerald," Luis supplied with a smile. "DADDY!" Ali squealed excitedly. Launching herself in his arms. "Look what Mommy picked for me." Mr. Stanley chuckled under his breath when Sheridan walked up to them. Arms piled high. "Sheridan," Luis uttered in amazement. "We haven't even been here 10 minutes." "So," Sheridan shrugged. Dumping some of the clothes in his lap. "What are you doing?" Luis asked in a fog of confusion. "You can't take ALL those back there," little "Miss Know It All" Jenny Stanley said with wide eyes. "Here, Dad," she said. Throwing an armful at HER father. Luis and Owl Man wallowed in total embarrassment together while the sales clerks giggled at their predicament. Luis swore he even heard the word "whipped" bandied about. And he ducked his head when one brash sales clerk in particular winked at him.
"Daddy?" Ali called from the deep, dark dungeon of debt Luis imagined the dressing room to be. "Are you ready?" He grinned at the excitement clear in her sweet voice. "Ready as I'll ever be, AliCat," he answered back. Sheridan stepped out first. An enormous smile gracing her features. "I present to you.Princess Ali," she said with a flourish. Ali pranced out. Dressed to the nines. "What do you think, Daddy?" she asked. Twirling around. Her blond hair swirling around her shoulders. From the tiny white Capris to the pale pink tank top.his daughter looked absolutely adorable if he said so himself. "Perfect, AliCat," he gave her a thumbs up when he could put logical syllables together. "You look beautiful, Baby." Ali bounced on her heels. "Thank you, Daddy," she smiled. Sheridan herded her back into the dressing room, and Mr. Stanley turned to him with a knowing smile. "You better look out ten years down the road. You're going to have to lock her in her room to keep the guys away. And it still won't work." "I don't know about that," Luis glanced at the man out of the corner of his eyes. "Being an officer of the law has its advantages," he told him.
"That's why you seem so familiar to me," Owl Man exclaimed. "Oh my.I remember it now. All of it. It was all over the papers. You're Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. And you're married to American royalty." Luis bristled at his description of Sheridan. "She's just an ordinary woman.well.extraordinary to me, but." "Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald.I beg to differ," Owl Man disagreed. "Not only is she exceedingly beautiful.she's worth billions." "My wife doesn't care about money, Mr. Stanley. Only in that there is a considerable trust in our children's names. That's it. She left it behind her a long time ago." "Still," Owl Man continued. "The lifestyle is born and bred in her. Surely she misses it." Does she, Luis wondered. Was she better-suited to a life such as the one she led before? "You're a very lucky man, Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald," Mr. Stanley added. "To get her back." Which one, Luis wanted to ask. Obviously this man beside him knew an inordinate amount of information about him and his family. So he wondered.which 'her' was he talking about? Sheridan? Or Ali? "Nice meeting you, Detective," he said in parting. Luis watched him wander to the front of the store with his wife and daughter. "Daddy!" Ali said. And Luis turned around to the lovely vision of his daughter. His precious baby girl. As she showed off her lavendar sundress, his eyes met with Sheridan's across the way. He could swear he saw.love.shining plainly in her blue eyes.
In the end, they hit every suitable store in the entire mall. Plus a few more before they turned for home. It was evening by the time they were headed home. And Ali didn't even last two minutes into the trip back. "Thank you," Luis whispered. Overcome with emotion as he reached a hand back and stroked her blond hair back from her little face. "For what?" Sheridan asked quizzically. Confusion in her blue eyes. "For giving me the greatest gift." he answered. "For giving me her." Tears welled up in Sheridan's blue eyes, and her voice was strangled as she gazed back at him. "I should be the one thanking you, Luis." Luis smiled back at their sleeping daughter one last time and leaned forward in his seat once more. His heart swelling with love and renewed hope within his chest as he felt her thread her fingers through his. For the first time in a long time.she was reaching out to him. And whether he deserved it or not.it felt good. So damn good. He squeezed her hand gently and brought it to his lips. Kissing it tenderly. This time she didn't pull away. This time she shot him a tearful smile. And he felt the cracks in his heart finally beginning to heal with that simple expression.
Mama met them at the door. With kisses and hugs. And Papa laughed softly at the bags and bags of clothes Miss Ali had acquired. Helping Sheridan carry them into the house. Cristian greeted them both with a sleepy, goofy smile. Just a few softly sang notes from Sheridan and he joined his sister in dreamland. Luis watched her lovingly tuck both their children snugly into their beds with a gentle smile on his lips. To think he had almost thrown THIS away. Without a second thought. What a fool he had been, he realized. What a fool. He shuffled off to their bedroom and undressed by the pale moonlight. Settling against the cool sheets with a sigh. Thinking of her. Curled up beside their daughter just down the hall. The ache to hold her in his arms again.just like every night for the last several weeks, over a month-was almost overwhelming. Hell. It WAS overwhelming. He clutched her pillow in his arms. Until sleep overtook him. Her whisper.like a dream. The warmth of her body next to his an unspoken wish for so long a reality. The gentle pressure of her lips on his cheek a sweet fantasy. "Not a day, Luis. I wouldn't change a thing. Never. THIS is my life," she whispered softly as she cuddled close in his arms. "Ali.Cristian.YOU. My life," she murmured against his warm skin. And Luis smiled in his sleep.