Chapter 6
"Hey," Luis said softly. Reaching over to squeeze her hand gently. "Why's my beautiful wife so quiet? I thought you were looking forward to this trip." Sheridan turned her blue eyes from the passenger window and smiled at her husband. "Can't you give me just one hint? Just one teeny, tiny hint?" she pleaded. Her blue eyes twinkling. "Sheridan," Luis laughed. Shaking his head before lifting her hand to his lips. Kissing the inside of her wrist. "We've been through this a million times. It wouldn't be a surprise if I gave you a hint. You're too good at solving puzzles." She pretended to be upset, but the pout on her lips only lasted seconds before she smiled again. Laughing. "You're a hard nut to crack, Officer." "Officer, huh?" Luis waggled his eyebrows at her. "It's been a while since I heard that name. The lady forgets.I'm a detective now." And maybe more, he thought to himself. But that'd come later.
"Seriously.why so quiet?" "Promise you won't laugh?" she asked. He grinned reflexively. "Luis," she huffed. "Okay. Sorry," he sobered. "I miss the kids," she sighed. "They're growing up too fast. And I don't want to spend too much time away from them 'cause I'm afraid I'll miss something. And Abby's not the most.sane.person I know." He couldn't help it. He chuckled at that one. But she was laughing right with him. "And I'm.I'm." she paused nervously. "Yeah," he prodded. Turning the wheel. Careful not to miss their turn. This one had to be good judging from the look on her face. "Well," she said awkwardly. "We're.I'm not as young as I used to be, Luis. I feel like I'm." "Sheridan," he interrupted. "I feel like a total frump." "SHERIDAN!" he shouted to get her attention. "Frump? Frump?" he asked incredulously. "YOU could NEVER be a frump. What exactly is a frump?" he asked. Quirking a dark brow at her. "Luis!" she swatted him playfully. "You are NOT a frump. Trust me," he said. Parking the car. And leaning forward to capture her lips in a heated kiss. "Now.would I kiss a frump like that?" he teased as they pulled apart. Gasping for air. "You're awful, Luis," she laughed. "But you love me anyway, don't you?" he grinned. Kissing her once more for good measure. "Is there any question?" she smiled.
"Luis!" she exclaimed. Blue eyes wide. "You stopped the car! Are we here? Oh my god! Luis! It's beautiful!" He laughed at her excitement as she practically leapt out of the car. To familiarize herself with their surroundings. The quaint little Bed and Breakfast had its own charm, he decided. He rather liked having the beach so near. Maybe they'd take a moonlit stroll after they 'settled' in. "You like?" he asked as he gathered their bags out of the back seat. "I love," she smiled brilliantly. Holding her arms out and twirling around giddily. "You wouldn't rather go to the city? Someplace more.exciting?" "Are you kidding? Come on," she said. Tugging him forward and toeing off her shoes. "Sheridan," he protested. "We need to check in first." "We can do that later," she reasoned. "Please," she pouted. "It'll be worth it," she promised. Leaning forward to whisper in his ear. Forget walking on the beach. He was dying to carry her up to their room like a caveman and lock her up for all 4 days! "Coming, Officer?" she crooked her index finger at him.
Okay.so it WAS worth it. The years melted away, and she was like a child again. Shrieking when the icy water surged forward. And her toes sank into the wet sand. Yeah.they had a beach in Harmony. Grace even ran her own Bed and Breakfast. It was the getting away part that made it so special. He loved Ali and Cristian to death. But it'd been so long since they'd had a moment to themselves. A get-away. Just him. Just her. He wanted to give her that. Hell. He wanted to give himself that. The woman at the desk simply smiled and handed them their key. Instructing them how to find the room. He turned the key in the lock, flung the door open, and her blue eyes lit up in appreciation. She gravitated toward the fireplace. "Dinner by firelight?" she suggested. "As long as you're not cooking," he teased as he set their bags down beside the bed. Her mouth dropped open, and she did a pretty good impersonation of a person being offended. But he knew better. "Just for that, Buster." she grumbled. Stripping her clothes off on the way to the bathroom. "Not so fast," he growled. Tearing his tee-shirt from his chest. "You are NOT going to enjoy yourself WITHOUT me," he vowed. Giving chase.
"What do you think you're doing?" he shook his head. "That's my job," he grinned as he slipped his arms around her waist and hauled her close. "Luis," she whined. "Look at that tub. It's huge. I want to take a bath. A nice, hot bubble bath. Now." "Okay," he said. Pretending to lose ALL interest. "Take your bath. Correction. Bubble bath. I'll be in the bedroom. I don't know.reading some brochures or something," he said turning to leave. Counting silently. 1...2... For a moment, he heard nothing but the sound of water running. Then."Luis," she huffed. "Get your fine ass in here," she muttered. Yanking him by the arm and kissing him roughly. So they got a little carried away.they jumped apart guiltily after she slammed him against the bathroom door, and a pretty little porcelain angel figurine crashed to the floor. "Oh Luis," she sighed. "We broke it." "Super glue," he shrugged his shoulders. His hands gravitating to the clasp of her bra. "But." "You're killing me here," he groaned. "I'm not Superman." "Really?" Spoken like a true smartass, he thought. Rolling his eyes. "Cause I kinda thought you and Superman were related. I mean, you've saved my life. Over and over and over again.LUIS!" she shrieked when he pushed her backwards. Right into the tub. "You could have at least let me get undressed," she grumbled as she removed the wet undergarments. They made a wet plop on the tile floor a second later. "If I left it up to YOU," he said as he stripped the rest of his clothing off and joined her, "we'd still be talking about super glue." "Super glue?" she asked in bewilderment. "How quickly the lady forgets," he chided. His arms hooking around her waist beneath the bubbles and pulling her closer.
She giggled lightheartedly as she scooped up a handful of bubbles. Smearing them all over his face. Giving him a bubble nose. "Sheridan," he whined. "What?" she asked innocently. "Playing is NOT what I had in mind." "And what did you have in mind?" she asked nonchalantly. "Something more like this?" she asked. Brushing her lips across his jawline teasingly. He groaned when she wrapped her arms around his neck. And the bubbles rippled as she straddled his lap. Pressing herself against him and raking her nails up and down his back lightly. She didn't protest when he kissed her. If the hum in the back of her throat was any indication, he thought, smiling against her parted lips, she rather enjoyed it. "Do you any idea how much I love you, you big tease?" he said semi- jokingly. "Enough to give me anything I want?" she grinned. Blue eyes twinkling. "I probably shouldn't be saying this," he told her. Smoothing her hair back from her face. Tracing her features with his fingertips. "But name it. I'll see what I can do," he said. Bracing himself for what came next. "Maybe you should just whisper it in my ear," he encouraged when she hesitated. Suddenly she looked nervous as hell. She leaned forward. ".what do you think? Luis?" she bit her lip self-consciously. "You hate the idea. Forget I said anything," she mumbled in embarrassment. Ducking her blond head and refusing to look at him. He pulled out the best weapon in his arsenal to get her attention and kissed her deeply, thoroughly, and as if his life depended on it. "I think you have your answer," he grinned as she blinked her blue eyes at him. "Sheridan!" he sputtered after she threw her arms around his neck excitedly and nearly drowned him. "Is that the kind of thanks I get?" "Shut up, Officer," she whispered. And this time she kissed him.
Chapter 7
Ali's blue eyes widened as Abby set the plate down in front of her. Cristian's mouth fell open. "What's.what's.THAT?" she pointed at the green mound in the center of the plate. "Mashed potatoes, silly," Abby grinned. "It looks like snot," Cristian said. "Cool!" he exclaimed. Shoveling spoonfuls into his mouth. "Cristian!" Ali gasped. "Ali," Abby laughed. Tousling Ali's long blond mane. "It really IS mashed potatoes. Try some. Won't hurt you," she promised with twinkling hazel eyes. "I should know. My big brother used to make them for me all the time." At least the chicken looked like chicken, Ali thought. Taking a tentative bite. Okay.to use one of Jake's favorite words.she hadn't CROAKED over yet. "See?" Abby said. Propping her elbows on the counter in front of them both. "Still alive and kicking." "They're good," Ali said politely. "Wow!" Abby teased. "Such high praise from Princess Ali." "I'm finished," Cristian announced. "High five," Abby held out her hand. "SMOKIN'," she hissed as Cristian obliged and slid from his perch atop the stool. "Can I go watch my video now?" "May I," Abby corrected after a second's hesitation. "Sure thing."
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Luis sighed happily. Laying back against the hastily arranged mound of pillows and holding his arms open for her. The orange flames of firelight danced in Sheridan's blue eyes as she smiled down at him. Her short blond curls in wild disarray. "Whatever happened to using the bed?" she teased. Her fingers curling around his waist as she draped herself across his chest. Tucking her blond head beneath his chin. Luis grinned as he trailed his fingers up and down her naked back. His hand lingering at the curve of her waist. Sheridan hummed contentedly at his gentle caress. Hooking one of her long legs around his. "Do you think it worked?" she murmured sleepily. Listening to the steady beat of his heart with a smile. Luis kissed the crown of her head. "Well." he raised a dark brow. Even though she couldn't see him. "You know what they say." "Luis." she groaned. ".if at first you don't succeed." "Luis, you're." ".try again. And again. And again. Sounds like a fantastic idea to me," he grinned. "You're shameless," she laughed softly. Kissing his tender lips one more time. Before cuddling back into his arms and shutting her eyes. Luis grasped the edge of the tangled sheet beside him. Covering them both. A smile on his lips as he joined his wife in sleep.
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Ali squealed as Cristian chased her around and around the living room. "Abby!" Ali shrieked. "Help me!" Abby smirked and popped another kernel of popcorn in her mouth. "Cristian! Ali!" she cried finally. Holding her head in her hands. "Oh my god! The room's spinning. I'm on the merry-go- round from hell." Ali's sweet mouth gaped as she slowed to a stop. Unfortunately, Cristian couldn't put on the brakes quite as fast. Abby sprung to her feet at Ali's high-pitched wail. Popcorn bowl flying in the air and scattering all over the floor. Cristian shrank away guiltily as Abby rushed to Ali's side. At the first sight of crimson trickling down Ali's lip from her nose, Abby panicked. "Oh $#*%! Oh no! Really gone and done it now, Abby. Damn it, damn it, damn it," she swore as she frantically grabbed the nearest object and held it to Ali's nose. Cringing as she realized her slip up. Where was a bleep machine when you needed one? Still.she couldn't stop herself. "Your ass is so fried," she muttered. Ali's blue eyes grew round. "Not yours, AliCat," Abby quickly amended. "MINE."
Cristian chewed on his bottom lip nervously. Tears of contrition welling up in his brown eyes. "I'm sorry, Ali. I didn't mean to." "Don't cry. Oh! You guys! Don't cry. Great. Just great. Not even 24 hours into the Great Babysitting Adventure, and I've reduced both angelic Lo-Fitz's to tears. Mother of the Year material you'll never be. Hold this, Sweetie," she instructed Ali. Cristian hugged his sister's waist as they waited for Abby's return. Ali winced, and more fat tears spilled down her cheeks when Abby pressed the cold cloth to her nose to stem the blood flow. "I'll do anything. Anything at all. If you promise not to tell.you can stay home from school tomorrow. We'll go to the zoo. I'll get you a puppy." she babbled. "A puppy?" Ali perked up. "Really?" she asked innocently. Blue eyes shining hopefully. "Sh.sure," Abby caught herself just in time. Miss Priss growled behind her. Her blue eyes glittering with what Abby could only describe as.HATRED. Pure and unadulterated hatred. "Any puppy we want?" Cristian asked. Abby groaned as she tucked her hair behind her ear. What the hell had she done? "Bedtime," she suddenly shouted. "Hurry.shoo.go, go," she prodded as she ushered them both down the hall to their separate rooms. "But Abby," Cristian protested. "No bath?" "In the morning.it's." she broke off. Pretending to yawn. "It's getting late," she snapped her fingers. "What are you waiting for?"
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The fire crackled and popped in the fireplace. The shadow of it's flames flickered on the walls. She smiled. Threading her fingers through Luis's black hair and placing a gentle kiss on his brow before carefully removing his protective arm from her waist and scooting out of the bed. The hardwood floor was cold beneath her bare feet, and she hurried across the room to the bathroom. She held her hands under the warm stream of water as she studied her reflection in the mirror. A few laugh lines. A face not as young . A face that had known tragedies along with moments of perfect happiness. Happiness, she thought with a smile. Her blue eyes sparkling as she cupped a protective hand around her belly. If her dream came true.another baby. Another little person to give her heart freely, she thought. Twisting the knobs off and grasping the brass handle to the door. "Sheridan," Luis called from the bed when he swept his arm across the mattress. Finding it empty. "Sheridan," he repeated. Sitting up in the bed. His dark eyes bright with worry. Until he saw her. Her blue eyes caught the shattered remains of the fallen angel, and she absently noted the need to attempt its repair. Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow, she promised as she sank into the welcome comfort of his embrace. Sighing as they kissed. Shifting. And he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
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Abby sighed as she tucked the blankets under Ali's arms. Tracing a delicate finger across her upper lip and saying a silent thanks that the blood had finally stopped. And it looked like Luis and Sheridan's precious AliCat was going to be okay. Not only would her ass be fried, she thought with a slight smirk. She'd never forgive HERSELF, she realized. Sobering as she studied the little girl's face in the pale yellow glow of nightlight. An angel in her white gown. Face sweet and relaxed in sleep. Fingers curled around her favorite stuffed animal. A gift from Aunt Theresa, Abby guessed. Miss Priss curled at her feet in protection mode. That damn cat was like a watch cat. Forget watch dog, she thought with a chuckle as she pulled the door closed with a softly whispered, "Goodnight, sweet Angel." Miss Priss stretched with a meow. "Goodnight, Pain in the Ass," Abby couldn't resist adding. "Goodnight, Me," she yawned sleepily as she trudged down the hall to the guest room. One day down. Three more to go.
Chapter 8
She shut the bathroom door carefully behind her. Running her hands through her short blond hair with a sigh. She couldn't understand. With Ali and Cristian.there'd been no problem. She and Luis made up their minds to make a baby, and voila! Well.Ali was actually more of an unexpected surprise. Not of the accident persuasion. But they weren't exactly trying either. She just.happened. And changed their lives for the better, she thought with a slight smile. To be perfectly honest, Cristian's conception wasn't deliberate. A rush of warmth flooded her cheeks as she thought back. Years back. She'd been pregnant without realizing it. Probably even in the very early stages before Ali's wish found a very loud, insistent voice. How embarrassed had she been when Gwen had to spell it all out for her? Now it was different. Over two months into Operation Make a Baby (as Luis jokingly teased) with no success. Nada. She wanted so much to cry. She had a feeling this latest test would turn out as it always did. Negative.
She DID cry when Miss Priss lumbered down the hallway, the newest member of the family nipping at her heels-a clumsy golden retriever pup with four left feet and an as-yet-undetermined name. What was it with her family and their inability to give pets or even children names? "Damn," she swore softly when the puppy yelped after receiving a characteristically vicious slap from Miss Pain in the Ass herself. "Miss Priss," she scolded. "You're going to be a mother soon. What if he were YOUR baby?" she said. Not able to resist the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth when the puppy wiggled excitedly in her arms. Licking every available inch of her face. "Thanks, Abby," she groaned as she wiped puppy slobber off her face with the sleeve of her shirt. "Thanks for everything," she rolled her eyes as she glanced at Miss Priss again before carrying her brand-new buddy down the hall. About time for the usual potty break, she realized as she eyed her wrist watch. Potty break. How appropriate for a household with babies on the brain lately.
She decided the dog would be perfectly fine exploring the back yard for several minutes while she finished gathering laundry for the wash. AND.it'd give her something else to occupy herself with until the buzzer went off, and the test was finished. She twisted the knob on Cristian's bedroom door. Blue eyes twinkling at the sight that met her. On the surface it was picture-perfect. Spotless. But she knew better. Since when was a four-year-old's room spotless? Even a well-behaved four-year- old such as her son? She shook her head with a helpless smile as she knelt on the floor and lifted the edge of Cristian's blue and white comforter up. Peering under the bottom bunk of the bunk beds and hitting paydirt! "I knew it," she laughed as she pulled the dirty clothes out from under the bed. Thinking back to this morning when Cristian had hugged her neck goodbye and averted his big brown eyes from her gaze when she gently asked if he'd cleaned his room. A condition he'd had to meet before he could go with Hank and the girls to a friend's Halloween party. He'd looked so cute in his little Zorro costume she'd let it slide. That and she was too busy wheezing from uncontrollable laughter upon seeing Sara and Emily dressed up as Tweedledee and Tweedledum. "Later, Little Man," she reminded Cristian's likeness on the hall wall.
When she nudged the door to Ali's bedroom open with her shoulder, she smiled. Ali, on the other hand.Her daughter was every bit as neat as she wasn't. Years under Luis's influence, she thought wistfully. Still.years and years after their reunion.she couldn't help the twinge of sadness she felt whenever she thought about those missed years. Those missed milestones. She sank against the mound of pillows at the head of Ali's bed and just lay there. Thinking. Remembering. She jumped. Startled when Miss Priss hopped on the bed and rubbed her head against her upturned palm. Purring up a storm. "Hungry?" Sheridan asked as the cat lavished affection on her. "You crazy cat." she laughed. "Too bad Luis never sees this side of you," she said with something akin to regret. "Then life really would be perfect." No, she thought silently. Perfection would be a plus sign on that silly wand. "You do know, don't you," she grinned at the cat as she scratched the white fur between its ears absently, "that you have some serious sucking up to do to convince Luis to room and board your illegitimate children?" The cat responded to her by rolling over on her back. Begging for her tubby tummy to be scratched. "Why I shouldn't even.you don't deserve it, Missy. Being so mean to the baby." The cat's paws waved in the air, and she meowed sweetly. Sweetly, Sheridan thought. Rolling her blue eyes. "Okay." she sighed in resignation. "But I really have to get back to work, and we both know I'm not the best with housework," she winked as she rubbed the cat's tummy. "And it's my day off," she added as she threw her leg back over the edge of the bed. Spotting a suspicious-looking mound of material partially hidden behind Ali's collection of stuffed animals. "What the." she murmured as she crouched in front of the array of toys and pulled the material out inch by inch. She fingered the crimson blotches along the fringe of Ali's old blankie. What was going on here? She didn't have time to ponder it further when the doorbell rang. At exactly the same instant she remembered the pregnancy test in the bathroom.
"Well.I always knew you ha.were less than pleased to find this ragamuffin curled up at the foot of Cristian's bed when you got home from your 'LOVE WEEKEND'," Abby shook her head. Desperately trying to avoid the puppy's cold, wet nose and happy, frantic licking. "But to leave the poor dear outside to fend for himself in this weather," she shivered. "It's positively inhumane. Wait," she babbled. "He's not human. In that case," she paused. Setting the puppy down at her feet and laughing as he scooted inside. Falling over his own feet as he scampered toward the fireplace in the living room. "Come on, Sheridan.he may be clumsy as hell, but he's pretty damn smart. Look at that," she nodded at the little dog as it curled up in front of the crackling fire. Whatsa matter? Cat got your tongue?" Sheridan burst into a fit of giggles. "Get in here," she said. Pulling on Abby's leather-encased arm. "It's pretty cold out there, and as irritated." "Don't you think that's too kind of a word?" Abby smirked. ".as irritated as Luis IS," Sheridan continued with a gleam in her blue eyes, "with you for not only buying our children's silence with a new puppy and letting our cat get impregnated by God knows who." "Don't you mean what?" Abby scrunched up her nose. "And I think Luis and I know.God has nothing to do with it." Hazel eyes alight with amusement. "Whatever," Sheridan groaned. "Get in," she shuddered at the sudden gust of cold air, "before we turn into popsicles."
"Make yourself at home," Sheridan laughed as Abby plopped down on the couch. The puppy's tail thumped on the floor as she singsonged threatening words in an overly cheery voice with an idiotic grin on her face. "Abby!" Sheridan cried. "What did he ever do to you?" "Nothing," Abby replied. "Just trying something. You know.babies are the same way," Abby grinned. "Really," she insisted. "As long as it's delivered with a smile in a silly voice like this," she demonstrated. Causing Sheridan to laugh anew. "They'll cackle their adorable heads off. On the subject of babies." Abby began. Tawny brows shooting to the top of her forehead when Sheridan raised a hand to her mouth and rushed out of the room. "Ooookkkkaayyy," Abby muttered. Getting up.and doing what else.following her. Straight to the closed bathroom door. "I assume you've already taken the test," Abby ventured. Earning a nod from Sheridan. "And a suitable amount of time has passed," she trailed off. Sheridan's blue eyes found a spot on the floor and stared. "Do you want me to check it?" Abby offered. "I mean.some people might think it's gross, but I.look," she stopped to take a breath. "I can look if you want me to. Check for a plus sign. Or a negative," she added under her breath. "Sheridan," Abby whined plaintively. "I'm literally getting gray here.just this morning I found my first gray hair. And I'm here to tell you.not ALL your firsts are happy and exciting. In fact.come to think of it.Gil Hill was no great shakes.with a name like that I should have suspected SOMETHING." "Abby!" Sheridan groaned. Very loudly. Clamping a hand over Abby's mile a minute mouth. Then very, very slowly removing it. Wrinkling her nose when Abby continued softly. "All I'm saying is 'first this, first that'.it's over-rated," she finished on a sigh. "What are you waiting for? Are you going to be a Mommy again or not? Pins and needles here," she rolled her hazel eyes with an infectious grin. "Go," she encouraged before shoving Sheridan through the now open door. Watching and waiting with bated breath as Sheridan picked up the stick with shaky hands. "So.if you haven't already guessed, I'm NOT a patient person. Spill it, Lo-Fitz Lover.Sheridan," she whined. "What does it say?" "It's a."
Chapter 9
Jake's nose twitched as he adjusted the devil's horns atop his brown head and shifted his candy pail to his right hand. "Hey!" he grumbled as.once again.SOMEBODY stepped on his demon's tail. "Why you keep doing that Ali?" he muttered. Yanking his tail out from under her white satin slipper-clad foot. "Aren't you watching where you're going? Huh, Ali?" he asked. Waving his red hands in front of her face. The gold halo resting on the top of Ali's flowing blond hair jostled as she finally realized he was talking to her and turned her full attention on him. "Something wrong, Ali?" Jake asked quietly. Jake followed Ali's concerned blue gaze back to Sheridan. Ali chewed on her bottom lip nervously as Jake questioned, "Your mom okay, Ali? She looks.sad or something."
"I don't know," Ali's chin quivered just the tiniest bit as she confided in Jake. "Nobody will tell me." "Aww, Ali. Don't cry," Jake pleaded. "Look.if it'll make you feel better.you can have all my candy bars. I'll just steal Emmy's. She won't care." A sweet smile blossomed on Ali's pink lips, and Jake couldn't help the bashful grin that broke out on his own face. "Thank you," Ali whispered. Slipping her hand in his. "Hey!" Jake protested. "We're not like dating or anything. That means NO HOLDING HANDS," he said emphatically. Shaking Ali's hand off. "But if I was into that icky stuff.you'd be one of the girls I'd pick," he hurriedly reassured Ali before her pretty face crumpled with tears again. "Hurry up.we can't let the babies get all the candy," he said. Racing forward and quickly overtaking Cristian and Sara.
"Wonder what that was all about, Babe?" Hank queried at the mini-drama that had just played out right before their very eyes. Emily buried her face in his neck sleepily. "I don't know," Gwen answered. "But how'd you like that glimpse into the future?" Hank grinned. "The Little Buddy could do much worse, right Luis?" "We're the ones getting the raw end of the deal, aren't we?" Luis smiled. Slipping an arm around Sheridan's waist and pulling her close. "Luis!" Gwen scoffed. Luis arched a black brow at her incredulous expression. Luis chuckled when she didn't bother to elaborate. Only winked at him and Sheridan. All four turned their heads when they heard a familiar voice. "Forget something?" They were prepared for a little characteristic Abby wackiness. But NOT.NOT.NOT.Gwen snorted helplessly, and Luis's cheeks burned a bright red. "Nice costume," Sheridan smirked. A slow smile taking over her face. Hank grinned goofily. Raking over Abby's petite form from head to toe. "TINKERBELL.where'd you get your degree, Lady? Clown U or Degrees-R-Us?" "Bennett," Gwen shook her head with an impatient roll of her brown eyes. "Go soft on me, Babe," Hank insisted. "It's been a long day. I'm seriously not feeling my funny bone here." "Funny, Hank," Abby said slyly. With questing hands. "DAMMIT!" Hank yelled as they found their target and squeezed. Causing every trick-or-treater within a 2-mile radius to zone in on the quirky interaction. "I feel it just fine," she teased. Crinkling up her nose as he swatted her hands away from his derriere, and Gwen, Sheridan, and Luis rolled with laughter. "Hands off the ass, Tink. Geez," he shuddered as he scooted ahead of them. "Go ahead and spoil my fun," Abby snickered. "Aren't you missing a couple members of the family?" she asked Luis. "Where's the demon seed?"
"Demon seed here and accounted for," Kay whispered into Abby's ear as she crept up behind her. "Hey!" Abby pretended to be hurt as MJ totally ignored her and all the other adults. Scampering ahead to join the other children. "Where's my kiss?" MJ responded by turning around and blowing a raspberry at her. "I love you, too," Abby waved. "What the hell is he supposed to be? A damn Ewok?" she wondered. "Oops! Did I actually say that out loud?" Kay grinned. "Don't look at me. Mom made their costumes. MJ's reaction was pretty much like yours. Only without the salty language," she laughed. "Oh.and after he figured out it was much warmer than the Ninja costume he really wanted to wear.he didn't care as much." Sheridan held her arms open for Joshua. Kissing his forehead when he nestled against her chest tiredly. "Cute," Gwen smiled as she touched the antennae sprouting from the top of Joshua's head. "A bumblebee."
"So." Kay said softly. Glancing at Sheridan's red-rimmed blue eyes and slightly pink nose. "I take it the test didn't go the way you wanted it." Sheridan met Luis's dark eyes when he glanced back at them. "Shoo," Abby hustled them forward. "Skedaddle. Girl talk," she huffed. Rolling her hazel eyes at them. She made a pinching motion in the air when Hank didn't follow her instructions. Her threat coming across loud and clear. "Okay," Kay giggled. "Did I miss something?" "Nope. Nada. NOTHING!" Abby bounced on the balls of her feet in a desperate attempt to ward off the night's chill. "Sheridan?" Kay asked again. "It was negative," she answered quietly. Tears pooling in the corners of her pained blue eyes. "Again," she sighed. Complete and utter disappointment evident in the sad expression stretched thin across her face. "Well." Gwen said. Slipping a consoling arm around Sheridan's waist on one side. Kay the other. "You know what that means, don't you?" "What?" Sheridan mumbled. "You guys just have to have more S-E-X. Doesn't sound too awful to me. I mean.look at him. It's Luis for God's sake," Gwen winked at Sheridan. Smirking when Hank whirled on his heel and glared at her. "Yeah," Abby put her two cents in. "Have your way with him. Eventually, he'll have no choice but to comply with your demands," she said. Hazel eyes gleaming wickedly when Luis shot "I heard that," over his shoulder. Sheridan burst into grateful laughter. Mood lightened. If only momentarily.
"Toothbrushes? Toothbrushes?" Jake grumbled as he trudged back to the group behind Ali. "What kind of.so boring. Not fun at all." "What do you expect from two dentists?" Hank quizzed his young son. "They're too cheap to get the good stuff, and they're giving out extra toothbrushes," Jake shrugged his shoulders. "You know.the ones they have left over." "They just don't want your teeth to rot," Luis supplied helpfully. "Aww, shucks," Hank scowled. "And Jake here wanted so bad to grow up to be exactly like Jethro, didn't you, Son?" "Huh?" Jake's brown eyes narrowed. "The Clampetts," Abby hooted. "Yeah," Hank teased. "Now I know who you remind me of.Ellie Mae Clampett." "They're not even cool toothbrushes," Sara snarled. Tossing hers into the decorative hedges surrounding the Dentists' dwelling. "Sara Bennett!" Gwen scolded. "Aww, Mom," Sara whined. "At least I." "Hey," MJ huffed. "MJ," Kay warned. "I didn't like their stupid toothbrush," he said. His jaw jutting out stubbornly. "So." "He threw it back at them," Cristian said with wide brown eyes. "I think he really scared the old lady. She looked like the old lady on t.v." "Yeah," Sara chattered excitedly. "She grabbed her heart like this," Sara demonstrated, "and she hollered to the old man." "I've fallen and I can't get up," Hank finished with a smirk sent his daughter's way. "Wow, Dad!" Sara's mouth formed an 'O'. "How'd you guess?" "Ha ha," Hank shook his head as he nudged Sara forward with his free hand. "Daddy," Emily murmured. "I wanna go home. It's cold."
Three or four houses later, ALL the ladies were echoing Emmy's sentiments. Hank most strongly. ; ) Jake and MJ led the way down the trick-or-treater crowded street. Sara shuffled her feet tiredly across the pavement. Clutching Gwen's hand. Ali was wrapped completely around Luis. Arms. Legs. Sparkly gold halo bouncing with each step he took. Angel's wings fluttering in the slight night breeze. Long blond hair spilling over Luis's shoulders. "Yuck," Abby laughed. Running an affectionate hand through Cristian's dark hair as he drooled on Kay's shoulder. "Want to switch?" Sheridan offered. "Are you kidding?" Kay shook her head. "Joshua's in heaven. Why mess that up? Cristian's fine." "The hidden message." Abby paused dramatically. "Hell, yes. You'll get my dry- cleaning bill first thing tomorrow morning," she said. Quirking a brow at Sheridan. Sheridan just laughed. "Can we speed things along here?" Abby squealed. Her teeth chattering from the cold. "Our beloved Tink is literally freezing her ass off. Look," she insisted. Wiggling her behind. "Is that.I think it is.friggin' icicles. Is this the end? I'll never achieve my dream of snagging Peter Pan from Wendy," she sighed woefully.
"Bye!" Gwen, Hank, and Kay waved as they shepherded five very grumpy, sleepy children to the Bennett family vehicle. Miss Priss meowed horrifically from somewhere in the interior of the house, and the puppy barked. Luis grinned in satisfaction. Anytime The Pain got her just desserts. "Lo-Fitz," Abby wagged her finger under his nose. "I saw that look. You never did thank me," she whispered as Sheridan shut the front door behind her and carried Cristian to the sofa to lay him down. "Aha!" Sheridan teased. "Proof that the Detective isn't above a little bribery," she smiled. Kissing him gently on the cheek. "Ready to put them to bed?" "But I don't wanna go to bed yet," Cristian mumbled. Half-asleep. "I wanna stay up. Candy," he said before drifting off. Again. "Poor kid," Abby said. "But I think AliCat's got him beat. Haven't heard a peep of her pretty little mouth for over an hour now," Abby said as she ran a hand over Ali's glossy golden head. "Mommy," Ali sighed in her sleep. Removing her face from the crook of Luis's neck. "What, Swee.oh my.Ali. Baby.What happened?" she asked worriedly as Ali blinked her blue eyes at her. Abby's hazel eyes widened, and panic squeezed Luis's heart in a vice as Sheridan's hand pulled back from Ali's face. Her fingers stained with Ali's blood.
Chapter 10
"Mommy," Ali pouted. "I don't want to see the doctor. I want to go to school. It's movie day." Sheridan carefully tucked a loose strand of Ali's long golden hair behind her ear as she answered her disappointed daughter. "I'm sorry, Ali. I really am," she insisted when Ali's face fell, and her blue eyes welled up with indignant tears. "But.but Mommy," Ali attempted to plead her case. One last time. "I can't believe it," Abby said from the doorway. "I really can't believe it. A kid who would actually rather be at school." Granted.this is an icky hospital. But AliCat," Abby sighed. "Abby," Sheridan said. Hugging Abby's neck. Gratitude evident in the timbre of her voice. "So glad you're here." "I HAD to come," Abby's hazel eyes twinkled as she tugged on Ali's socked foot. "Had to make sure you didn't get Dr. Grinchkin," she whispered. "There's this horrible, awful, terrible rumor going around that he." "What?" Ali asked with wide blue eyes when Abby paused. Hazel eyes darting to and from the slightly ajar door. "No, no. It's too terrible to say out loud." "No fair," Ali crossed her arms over her chest. Her chin jutting out stubbornly. Blue eyes blazing now. Abby's nose crinkled up at the amazing likeness between mother and daughter at that precise moment. "Not even a hint?" she asked softly. Leaning forward and hanging on Abby's every word. "Ever read 'Hansel & Gretel'?" All three ladies jumped at the sudden knock on the door, and Sheridan chewed on her lip nervously as a tall, wiry man with beady brown eyes, sparse but curly gray hair, and the dirtiest pair of sneakers she'd ever seen peeking beneath his scrubs appeared before them. How she wished Ali's regular pediatrician weren't out of town on vacation. "Hello," he said in a nasally voice. Extending his hand. "You must be the Mom, and this lovely little lady must be Ali. Am I right?" Ali smiled shyly as he took her little hand in his large one. "And you are.?" he asked. Turning to Abby. "Who wants to know?" Abby grinned. "Dr. Grin." "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"I can't believe you." Eve couldn't help but smile as she handed Abby the tiny styrofoam cup. Abby brought the cup to her lips and sipped absently. "Oh my." she shuddered. Spitting the lukewarm liquid across the small waiting area. "How old is that stuff?" she gagged. Marching over to the trash bin in the corner. "Seriously, though," she continued as she walked back. "How was I supposed to know there really was a Dr. Grinchkin working here? I mean.what are the odds? One in a million? Wonder what's taking them so long in there? I haven't said anything to Sheridan yet, Eve. But I'm worried. Really worried." Eve sighed. A grim expression on her face. "You're not the only one. There's something I don't understand." Comprehension dawned on Abby at Eve's quizzical look. "Luis?" She continued at Eve's slight nod. "He's supposed to be here soon. As soon as that slave driver of a boss he has lets him go," Abby said. Grinning at the amused chuckle that left Eve's lips. "I knew you couldn't hold out on me forever," Abby told her with twinkling hazel eyes. "The lady DOES laugh." Eve rolled her eyes at her. "Hey now," Abby warned. "On a more serious note.I need your advice about something. Think you can handle that?"
"Okay, Sweetheart," the soft-spoken young nurse wearing a name badge that identified her simply as Katie smiled. "Are you ready to see the doctor yet? I promise," she winked at her. "This doctor LOVES little girls as pretty as you. But NOT enough to eat." Sheridan smiled in thanks at the young woman as little by little she was able to calm Ali's fears. A fleeting glance at the clock on the far wall told her Luis was almost half an hour late, and she had to push back the sigh of disappointment. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves already. All she could see when she closed her eyes was Ali's blood on her fingers. The stark paleness of her skin last night as Luis held her in his arms. "Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" she heard Katie call. The sound hollow and seemingly far away. "Mommy?" a scared little voice questioned. Tugging on her shirt sleeve. Her blue eyes popped open, and she slid a comforting arm around Ali's tiny waist as she looked into intelligent, understanding green eyes. "Nice of you to finally join us, Mommy," the man joked in an attempt to break the ice. "So, Miss Ali." he said. Perching at the edge of the stool in front of the examining table. "Want a lollipop?" he grinned. Producing a cherry sucker from his pocket. Ali's blue eyes sparkled as she looked to Sheridan for permission. "On one condition, 'kay?" Ali waited with bated breath to hear the condition. "You answer ALL my questions first and be really, really brave for me. Deal?" Ali nodded her head slowly. Whispering "Thank you" as her little fingers closed around the candy.
Luis waited impatiently for the elevator to reach the right floor. How many people were they going to pick up anyway? The limit was 2000 lbs, right? Seemed like Hank was thinking the same thing he was. "I don't know about you, Buddy, but I think we already have 1,999 of that 2,000. Well.least we're in the hospital. You know.if something happens," he smirked. "Why don't you whip out that badge and throw your weight around? I think you're entitled. You ARE going to be the future ch." "Hank!" Luis hissed. "I haven't said anything to Sheridan yet. And besides.it's not official. Dammit," Luis muttered under his breath. "I'm already thirty minutes late. I promised." "Cool down, Buddy. She's not going to bite your head off." Off Luis's 'yeah right' look, he quickly amended his earlier statement. "Okay. She MIGHT bite your head off. But it couldn't be helped. Well, we could have taken the stairs. There IS that." "Hank," Luis said in a low voice. "You aren't helping." "Okay, okay. I'll can it." Luis exhaled in relief. A grimace on his face as they stopped at the next floor to let on even more people. Thank God, a few got off. An impossibility for him and Hank since they were pressed up against the back of the elevator. "Finally," he muttered as they made it to the correct floor. "Relax, Luis. She wouldn't kick your ass in the hospital. That would be TOO embarrassing," Hank grinned as Luis took off jogging down the hall.
Abby leaned back on her heels as she read through the announcement once more. She felt so.collegian. Actually, the last time she'd lived with ANYONE had been during college. And to her recollection.it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Of course, she got stuck with the campus's resident psycho. "This time it HAS to be different," she mumbled to herself as she read the advertisement for a 3rd time. Flyers on the lounge bulletin board a la Eve's tentative suggestion. She sighed. Her luck never had been great, but since meeting the Lopez-Fitzgeralds, that had begun to change. "Oh yeah, Abby," she muttered. "You're forgetting.YOU'RE the psycho chic. Who in their right mind would want to live with you?" She rolled her eyes. Standing on tiptoe and reaching for the advertisement. "Damn, damn, damn," she swore. OOOOOOKKKKAAAAAYYY. Exactly what she got for having Dr. O'Brien, the Irish white equivalent of Shaq, post it for her. She stretched her fingers. Wincing as her knuckles popped. "UGH! I'm not even 29 yet!" Good grief, Abby, the pesky voice in her head groaned. You are SO going to Hell. You can't even tell YOURSELF the truth. "For lying about my age?" she huffed. As if ANYONE wants to live with a wacko lady that argues with herself. You SO need your ass kicked. Either that or you need to get laid. "UGH!" she grunted again as she hopped up and down. Desperately trying to grasp the edge of the ad. And achieving success. Only to totally lose her balance and totter unsteadily on her feet. She closed her eyes. Bracing herself for the fall with one last thought.TIMBER!
"You're doing great, Sweetheart," Katie reassured Ali as she collected blood for the tests Dr. Dave ordered. Sheridan had long since forgiven Luis for being late. All that mattered was that he was here. With her. The memory of the faint purple bruises mottling her baby's skin staying with her and not letting go. "Are you sure you're not really a vampire in disguise?" Hank teased Katie as she carefully removed the needle from the inside of Ali's arm. Katie laughed, and Ali smiled weakly. "What kind of band-aid do you want? I have some glow-in-the-dark ones. Some Mickey Mouse. Lots of them. Take your pick, Baby Doll," she said. Gently wiping the remnants of Ali's crystal tears away with her fingertips. "Feeling a little dizzy?" she asked. When Ali didn't answer, she waved Sheridan over. "Need you, Mommy." Luis joined Sheridan at their daughter's side. Stroking Ali's golden hair with his big hands. "I'll go see what's keeping Dr. Dave. Yell if you need me," Katie told them as she swept through the door. "Mommy," Ali whispered. "I don't feel so good." Sheridan hopped up on the examining table with her and opened her arms. "Just close your eyes and hold on to me, Baby. It'll go away in a while. But until it does.hold on to me." Luis looked to Hank helplessly. "Coffee? Soda? I'll be right back. Hey.I'll bring you back some juice, Ali. Might make you feel better," Hank said softly. Heading toward the door. "Thanks, Hank," Luis called as he backed out the door.
Abby peeked up at the tall, handsome man beside beneath the fringe of her lashes. Her hazel eyes quickly darting away as they locked with the most amazing gray eyes. "I feel like I should pay you a reward or something," she finally said as they rounded the corner that lead to Ali's examining room. "I mean.you DID save me from imminent death," she babbled. Not being able to help herself as she felt the shameless FLIRT that resided within her petite body take over. Oh hell! Her eyelashes were batting a mile a minute. He probably thought she had something in her eyes. "So.since we now share an unbreakable bond," she laughed breezily. Or at least attempted breezily. Who was she kidding? She didn't do breezily. When she was really tickled, really happy, she couldn't help herself.she snorted. A fact that had proven to be the fatal flaw in a couple of relationships already. Gray eyes's lips twisted into a half-smile. "You're not mute, are you?" she asked suddenly. Causing him to laugh deeply. "No," he answered. She took in the identification card attached to his lapel. Turned around backwards and giving her NO clue whatsoever about his name. Hmm, she thought. Wearing a white lab coat. "Guess that rules out the possibility of you being a patient," she said. Pointing to his i.d. "You have to be new 'cause I'd sure as hell wouldn't forg.oh my.Sorry," she mumbled behind the hand covering her mouth. Her own hand. "Hey!" she dropped her hand from her mouth as they came to a stop in front of the nurses' desk in the pediatric wing. "What's going on here?" He whirled around to face her with an enigmatic grin. "Do you always ask so many questions?" Abby stared at him. Slack-jawed.
An older doctor with prematurely silver hair walked up to them. Abby's gaze fixated on the lollipops tucked away in his pocket as he shook Gray Eyes's hand. "I'm Dr. Matthews. I called for the consultation on a patient. You're the new replacement, right?" Gray Eyes nodded his head. Crossing his arms around his chest as he studied the man before him. "What can you tell me about the patient?" Gramps glanced at her momentarily before launching into his speech. "Eight years old. Parents brought her in this morning concerned about a nosebleed she suffered last night." Abby's hazel eyes widened. Ali. They were discussing Ali. "Apparently, it wasn't the first. She's been having them for months now. Poor little thing was scared to death and hid it from them. Bruising. Fatigue. There's more. Here's the blood work-up. What do you think?" Dr. Matthews trailed off. Gray Eyes rubbed a weary hand over his face, and there was so much sadness in his eyes.Abby's heart stopped in her chest. Any minute now.her legs were going to give out on her. She was going to be sick. ".it doesn't look good. Where are the parents? They need to be told as soon as possible so." Abby braced herself against the counter of the nurses' desk. Trying to slow the pounding of her heart and her breathing rate. "Tink?" a familiar voice, normally teeming with humor and sarcasm, asked in concern. "Hey Abby," Hank asked. Setting his loot down on the counter and taking her elbow. "You okay? What's wrong? Is it.No. Don't tell me. Ali.do these guys know what's wrong with her? Is it bad, Abby? Abby? Somebody tell me something." Abby blinked back sudden tears, and her vision was blurred as she raised her eyes to Hank's face. "Tell me something, dammit. That's my best friend's daughter in there. You break his heart, you break mine." Dr. Matthews looked at them sympathetically. Hank grabbed Gray Eyes roughly by the shoulder and turned him around. "If you know something.it's you. It's you," he whispered in shock. His hand dropping to his side. An irate voice made them ALL jump, and Hank hung his head as Luis stared at the man in front of him incredulously. "Nick Taylor.what the hell are you doing here?"
"Hey," Luis said softly. Reaching over to squeeze her hand gently. "Why's my beautiful wife so quiet? I thought you were looking forward to this trip." Sheridan turned her blue eyes from the passenger window and smiled at her husband. "Can't you give me just one hint? Just one teeny, tiny hint?" she pleaded. Her blue eyes twinkling. "Sheridan," Luis laughed. Shaking his head before lifting her hand to his lips. Kissing the inside of her wrist. "We've been through this a million times. It wouldn't be a surprise if I gave you a hint. You're too good at solving puzzles." She pretended to be upset, but the pout on her lips only lasted seconds before she smiled again. Laughing. "You're a hard nut to crack, Officer." "Officer, huh?" Luis waggled his eyebrows at her. "It's been a while since I heard that name. The lady forgets.I'm a detective now." And maybe more, he thought to himself. But that'd come later.
"Seriously.why so quiet?" "Promise you won't laugh?" she asked. He grinned reflexively. "Luis," she huffed. "Okay. Sorry," he sobered. "I miss the kids," she sighed. "They're growing up too fast. And I don't want to spend too much time away from them 'cause I'm afraid I'll miss something. And Abby's not the most.sane.person I know." He couldn't help it. He chuckled at that one. But she was laughing right with him. "And I'm.I'm." she paused nervously. "Yeah," he prodded. Turning the wheel. Careful not to miss their turn. This one had to be good judging from the look on her face. "Well," she said awkwardly. "We're.I'm not as young as I used to be, Luis. I feel like I'm." "Sheridan," he interrupted. "I feel like a total frump." "SHERIDAN!" he shouted to get her attention. "Frump? Frump?" he asked incredulously. "YOU could NEVER be a frump. What exactly is a frump?" he asked. Quirking a dark brow at her. "Luis!" she swatted him playfully. "You are NOT a frump. Trust me," he said. Parking the car. And leaning forward to capture her lips in a heated kiss. "Now.would I kiss a frump like that?" he teased as they pulled apart. Gasping for air. "You're awful, Luis," she laughed. "But you love me anyway, don't you?" he grinned. Kissing her once more for good measure. "Is there any question?" she smiled.
"Luis!" she exclaimed. Blue eyes wide. "You stopped the car! Are we here? Oh my god! Luis! It's beautiful!" He laughed at her excitement as she practically leapt out of the car. To familiarize herself with their surroundings. The quaint little Bed and Breakfast had its own charm, he decided. He rather liked having the beach so near. Maybe they'd take a moonlit stroll after they 'settled' in. "You like?" he asked as he gathered their bags out of the back seat. "I love," she smiled brilliantly. Holding her arms out and twirling around giddily. "You wouldn't rather go to the city? Someplace more.exciting?" "Are you kidding? Come on," she said. Tugging him forward and toeing off her shoes. "Sheridan," he protested. "We need to check in first." "We can do that later," she reasoned. "Please," she pouted. "It'll be worth it," she promised. Leaning forward to whisper in his ear. Forget walking on the beach. He was dying to carry her up to their room like a caveman and lock her up for all 4 days! "Coming, Officer?" she crooked her index finger at him.
Okay.so it WAS worth it. The years melted away, and she was like a child again. Shrieking when the icy water surged forward. And her toes sank into the wet sand. Yeah.they had a beach in Harmony. Grace even ran her own Bed and Breakfast. It was the getting away part that made it so special. He loved Ali and Cristian to death. But it'd been so long since they'd had a moment to themselves. A get-away. Just him. Just her. He wanted to give her that. Hell. He wanted to give himself that. The woman at the desk simply smiled and handed them their key. Instructing them how to find the room. He turned the key in the lock, flung the door open, and her blue eyes lit up in appreciation. She gravitated toward the fireplace. "Dinner by firelight?" she suggested. "As long as you're not cooking," he teased as he set their bags down beside the bed. Her mouth dropped open, and she did a pretty good impersonation of a person being offended. But he knew better. "Just for that, Buster." she grumbled. Stripping her clothes off on the way to the bathroom. "Not so fast," he growled. Tearing his tee-shirt from his chest. "You are NOT going to enjoy yourself WITHOUT me," he vowed. Giving chase.
"What do you think you're doing?" he shook his head. "That's my job," he grinned as he slipped his arms around her waist and hauled her close. "Luis," she whined. "Look at that tub. It's huge. I want to take a bath. A nice, hot bubble bath. Now." "Okay," he said. Pretending to lose ALL interest. "Take your bath. Correction. Bubble bath. I'll be in the bedroom. I don't know.reading some brochures or something," he said turning to leave. Counting silently. 1...2... For a moment, he heard nothing but the sound of water running. Then."Luis," she huffed. "Get your fine ass in here," she muttered. Yanking him by the arm and kissing him roughly. So they got a little carried away.they jumped apart guiltily after she slammed him against the bathroom door, and a pretty little porcelain angel figurine crashed to the floor. "Oh Luis," she sighed. "We broke it." "Super glue," he shrugged his shoulders. His hands gravitating to the clasp of her bra. "But." "You're killing me here," he groaned. "I'm not Superman." "Really?" Spoken like a true smartass, he thought. Rolling his eyes. "Cause I kinda thought you and Superman were related. I mean, you've saved my life. Over and over and over again.LUIS!" she shrieked when he pushed her backwards. Right into the tub. "You could have at least let me get undressed," she grumbled as she removed the wet undergarments. They made a wet plop on the tile floor a second later. "If I left it up to YOU," he said as he stripped the rest of his clothing off and joined her, "we'd still be talking about super glue." "Super glue?" she asked in bewilderment. "How quickly the lady forgets," he chided. His arms hooking around her waist beneath the bubbles and pulling her closer.
She giggled lightheartedly as she scooped up a handful of bubbles. Smearing them all over his face. Giving him a bubble nose. "Sheridan," he whined. "What?" she asked innocently. "Playing is NOT what I had in mind." "And what did you have in mind?" she asked nonchalantly. "Something more like this?" she asked. Brushing her lips across his jawline teasingly. He groaned when she wrapped her arms around his neck. And the bubbles rippled as she straddled his lap. Pressing herself against him and raking her nails up and down his back lightly. She didn't protest when he kissed her. If the hum in the back of her throat was any indication, he thought, smiling against her parted lips, she rather enjoyed it. "Do you any idea how much I love you, you big tease?" he said semi- jokingly. "Enough to give me anything I want?" she grinned. Blue eyes twinkling. "I probably shouldn't be saying this," he told her. Smoothing her hair back from her face. Tracing her features with his fingertips. "But name it. I'll see what I can do," he said. Bracing himself for what came next. "Maybe you should just whisper it in my ear," he encouraged when she hesitated. Suddenly she looked nervous as hell. She leaned forward. ".what do you think? Luis?" she bit her lip self-consciously. "You hate the idea. Forget I said anything," she mumbled in embarrassment. Ducking her blond head and refusing to look at him. He pulled out the best weapon in his arsenal to get her attention and kissed her deeply, thoroughly, and as if his life depended on it. "I think you have your answer," he grinned as she blinked her blue eyes at him. "Sheridan!" he sputtered after she threw her arms around his neck excitedly and nearly drowned him. "Is that the kind of thanks I get?" "Shut up, Officer," she whispered. And this time she kissed him.
Chapter 7
Ali's blue eyes widened as Abby set the plate down in front of her. Cristian's mouth fell open. "What's.what's.THAT?" she pointed at the green mound in the center of the plate. "Mashed potatoes, silly," Abby grinned. "It looks like snot," Cristian said. "Cool!" he exclaimed. Shoveling spoonfuls into his mouth. "Cristian!" Ali gasped. "Ali," Abby laughed. Tousling Ali's long blond mane. "It really IS mashed potatoes. Try some. Won't hurt you," she promised with twinkling hazel eyes. "I should know. My big brother used to make them for me all the time." At least the chicken looked like chicken, Ali thought. Taking a tentative bite. Okay.to use one of Jake's favorite words.she hadn't CROAKED over yet. "See?" Abby said. Propping her elbows on the counter in front of them both. "Still alive and kicking." "They're good," Ali said politely. "Wow!" Abby teased. "Such high praise from Princess Ali." "I'm finished," Cristian announced. "High five," Abby held out her hand. "SMOKIN'," she hissed as Cristian obliged and slid from his perch atop the stool. "Can I go watch my video now?" "May I," Abby corrected after a second's hesitation. "Sure thing."
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Luis sighed happily. Laying back against the hastily arranged mound of pillows and holding his arms open for her. The orange flames of firelight danced in Sheridan's blue eyes as she smiled down at him. Her short blond curls in wild disarray. "Whatever happened to using the bed?" she teased. Her fingers curling around his waist as she draped herself across his chest. Tucking her blond head beneath his chin. Luis grinned as he trailed his fingers up and down her naked back. His hand lingering at the curve of her waist. Sheridan hummed contentedly at his gentle caress. Hooking one of her long legs around his. "Do you think it worked?" she murmured sleepily. Listening to the steady beat of his heart with a smile. Luis kissed the crown of her head. "Well." he raised a dark brow. Even though she couldn't see him. "You know what they say." "Luis." she groaned. ".if at first you don't succeed." "Luis, you're." ".try again. And again. And again. Sounds like a fantastic idea to me," he grinned. "You're shameless," she laughed softly. Kissing his tender lips one more time. Before cuddling back into his arms and shutting her eyes. Luis grasped the edge of the tangled sheet beside him. Covering them both. A smile on his lips as he joined his wife in sleep.
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Ali squealed as Cristian chased her around and around the living room. "Abby!" Ali shrieked. "Help me!" Abby smirked and popped another kernel of popcorn in her mouth. "Cristian! Ali!" she cried finally. Holding her head in her hands. "Oh my god! The room's spinning. I'm on the merry-go- round from hell." Ali's sweet mouth gaped as she slowed to a stop. Unfortunately, Cristian couldn't put on the brakes quite as fast. Abby sprung to her feet at Ali's high-pitched wail. Popcorn bowl flying in the air and scattering all over the floor. Cristian shrank away guiltily as Abby rushed to Ali's side. At the first sight of crimson trickling down Ali's lip from her nose, Abby panicked. "Oh $#*%! Oh no! Really gone and done it now, Abby. Damn it, damn it, damn it," she swore as she frantically grabbed the nearest object and held it to Ali's nose. Cringing as she realized her slip up. Where was a bleep machine when you needed one? Still.she couldn't stop herself. "Your ass is so fried," she muttered. Ali's blue eyes grew round. "Not yours, AliCat," Abby quickly amended. "MINE."
Cristian chewed on his bottom lip nervously. Tears of contrition welling up in his brown eyes. "I'm sorry, Ali. I didn't mean to." "Don't cry. Oh! You guys! Don't cry. Great. Just great. Not even 24 hours into the Great Babysitting Adventure, and I've reduced both angelic Lo-Fitz's to tears. Mother of the Year material you'll never be. Hold this, Sweetie," she instructed Ali. Cristian hugged his sister's waist as they waited for Abby's return. Ali winced, and more fat tears spilled down her cheeks when Abby pressed the cold cloth to her nose to stem the blood flow. "I'll do anything. Anything at all. If you promise not to tell.you can stay home from school tomorrow. We'll go to the zoo. I'll get you a puppy." she babbled. "A puppy?" Ali perked up. "Really?" she asked innocently. Blue eyes shining hopefully. "Sh.sure," Abby caught herself just in time. Miss Priss growled behind her. Her blue eyes glittering with what Abby could only describe as.HATRED. Pure and unadulterated hatred. "Any puppy we want?" Cristian asked. Abby groaned as she tucked her hair behind her ear. What the hell had she done? "Bedtime," she suddenly shouted. "Hurry.shoo.go, go," she prodded as she ushered them both down the hall to their separate rooms. "But Abby," Cristian protested. "No bath?" "In the morning.it's." she broke off. Pretending to yawn. "It's getting late," she snapped her fingers. "What are you waiting for?"
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The fire crackled and popped in the fireplace. The shadow of it's flames flickered on the walls. She smiled. Threading her fingers through Luis's black hair and placing a gentle kiss on his brow before carefully removing his protective arm from her waist and scooting out of the bed. The hardwood floor was cold beneath her bare feet, and she hurried across the room to the bathroom. She held her hands under the warm stream of water as she studied her reflection in the mirror. A few laugh lines. A face not as young . A face that had known tragedies along with moments of perfect happiness. Happiness, she thought with a smile. Her blue eyes sparkling as she cupped a protective hand around her belly. If her dream came true.another baby. Another little person to give her heart freely, she thought. Twisting the knobs off and grasping the brass handle to the door. "Sheridan," Luis called from the bed when he swept his arm across the mattress. Finding it empty. "Sheridan," he repeated. Sitting up in the bed. His dark eyes bright with worry. Until he saw her. Her blue eyes caught the shattered remains of the fallen angel, and she absently noted the need to attempt its repair. Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow, she promised as she sank into the welcome comfort of his embrace. Sighing as they kissed. Shifting. And he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
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Abby sighed as she tucked the blankets under Ali's arms. Tracing a delicate finger across her upper lip and saying a silent thanks that the blood had finally stopped. And it looked like Luis and Sheridan's precious AliCat was going to be okay. Not only would her ass be fried, she thought with a slight smirk. She'd never forgive HERSELF, she realized. Sobering as she studied the little girl's face in the pale yellow glow of nightlight. An angel in her white gown. Face sweet and relaxed in sleep. Fingers curled around her favorite stuffed animal. A gift from Aunt Theresa, Abby guessed. Miss Priss curled at her feet in protection mode. That damn cat was like a watch cat. Forget watch dog, she thought with a chuckle as she pulled the door closed with a softly whispered, "Goodnight, sweet Angel." Miss Priss stretched with a meow. "Goodnight, Pain in the Ass," Abby couldn't resist adding. "Goodnight, Me," she yawned sleepily as she trudged down the hall to the guest room. One day down. Three more to go.
Chapter 8
She shut the bathroom door carefully behind her. Running her hands through her short blond hair with a sigh. She couldn't understand. With Ali and Cristian.there'd been no problem. She and Luis made up their minds to make a baby, and voila! Well.Ali was actually more of an unexpected surprise. Not of the accident persuasion. But they weren't exactly trying either. She just.happened. And changed their lives for the better, she thought with a slight smile. To be perfectly honest, Cristian's conception wasn't deliberate. A rush of warmth flooded her cheeks as she thought back. Years back. She'd been pregnant without realizing it. Probably even in the very early stages before Ali's wish found a very loud, insistent voice. How embarrassed had she been when Gwen had to spell it all out for her? Now it was different. Over two months into Operation Make a Baby (as Luis jokingly teased) with no success. Nada. She wanted so much to cry. She had a feeling this latest test would turn out as it always did. Negative.
She DID cry when Miss Priss lumbered down the hallway, the newest member of the family nipping at her heels-a clumsy golden retriever pup with four left feet and an as-yet-undetermined name. What was it with her family and their inability to give pets or even children names? "Damn," she swore softly when the puppy yelped after receiving a characteristically vicious slap from Miss Pain in the Ass herself. "Miss Priss," she scolded. "You're going to be a mother soon. What if he were YOUR baby?" she said. Not able to resist the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth when the puppy wiggled excitedly in her arms. Licking every available inch of her face. "Thanks, Abby," she groaned as she wiped puppy slobber off her face with the sleeve of her shirt. "Thanks for everything," she rolled her eyes as she glanced at Miss Priss again before carrying her brand-new buddy down the hall. About time for the usual potty break, she realized as she eyed her wrist watch. Potty break. How appropriate for a household with babies on the brain lately.
She decided the dog would be perfectly fine exploring the back yard for several minutes while she finished gathering laundry for the wash. AND.it'd give her something else to occupy herself with until the buzzer went off, and the test was finished. She twisted the knob on Cristian's bedroom door. Blue eyes twinkling at the sight that met her. On the surface it was picture-perfect. Spotless. But she knew better. Since when was a four-year-old's room spotless? Even a well-behaved four-year- old such as her son? She shook her head with a helpless smile as she knelt on the floor and lifted the edge of Cristian's blue and white comforter up. Peering under the bottom bunk of the bunk beds and hitting paydirt! "I knew it," she laughed as she pulled the dirty clothes out from under the bed. Thinking back to this morning when Cristian had hugged her neck goodbye and averted his big brown eyes from her gaze when she gently asked if he'd cleaned his room. A condition he'd had to meet before he could go with Hank and the girls to a friend's Halloween party. He'd looked so cute in his little Zorro costume she'd let it slide. That and she was too busy wheezing from uncontrollable laughter upon seeing Sara and Emily dressed up as Tweedledee and Tweedledum. "Later, Little Man," she reminded Cristian's likeness on the hall wall.
When she nudged the door to Ali's bedroom open with her shoulder, she smiled. Ali, on the other hand.Her daughter was every bit as neat as she wasn't. Years under Luis's influence, she thought wistfully. Still.years and years after their reunion.she couldn't help the twinge of sadness she felt whenever she thought about those missed years. Those missed milestones. She sank against the mound of pillows at the head of Ali's bed and just lay there. Thinking. Remembering. She jumped. Startled when Miss Priss hopped on the bed and rubbed her head against her upturned palm. Purring up a storm. "Hungry?" Sheridan asked as the cat lavished affection on her. "You crazy cat." she laughed. "Too bad Luis never sees this side of you," she said with something akin to regret. "Then life really would be perfect." No, she thought silently. Perfection would be a plus sign on that silly wand. "You do know, don't you," she grinned at the cat as she scratched the white fur between its ears absently, "that you have some serious sucking up to do to convince Luis to room and board your illegitimate children?" The cat responded to her by rolling over on her back. Begging for her tubby tummy to be scratched. "Why I shouldn't even.you don't deserve it, Missy. Being so mean to the baby." The cat's paws waved in the air, and she meowed sweetly. Sweetly, Sheridan thought. Rolling her blue eyes. "Okay." she sighed in resignation. "But I really have to get back to work, and we both know I'm not the best with housework," she winked as she rubbed the cat's tummy. "And it's my day off," she added as she threw her leg back over the edge of the bed. Spotting a suspicious-looking mound of material partially hidden behind Ali's collection of stuffed animals. "What the." she murmured as she crouched in front of the array of toys and pulled the material out inch by inch. She fingered the crimson blotches along the fringe of Ali's old blankie. What was going on here? She didn't have time to ponder it further when the doorbell rang. At exactly the same instant she remembered the pregnancy test in the bathroom.
"Well.I always knew you ha.were less than pleased to find this ragamuffin curled up at the foot of Cristian's bed when you got home from your 'LOVE WEEKEND'," Abby shook her head. Desperately trying to avoid the puppy's cold, wet nose and happy, frantic licking. "But to leave the poor dear outside to fend for himself in this weather," she shivered. "It's positively inhumane. Wait," she babbled. "He's not human. In that case," she paused. Setting the puppy down at her feet and laughing as he scooted inside. Falling over his own feet as he scampered toward the fireplace in the living room. "Come on, Sheridan.he may be clumsy as hell, but he's pretty damn smart. Look at that," she nodded at the little dog as it curled up in front of the crackling fire. Whatsa matter? Cat got your tongue?" Sheridan burst into a fit of giggles. "Get in here," she said. Pulling on Abby's leather-encased arm. "It's pretty cold out there, and as irritated." "Don't you think that's too kind of a word?" Abby smirked. ".as irritated as Luis IS," Sheridan continued with a gleam in her blue eyes, "with you for not only buying our children's silence with a new puppy and letting our cat get impregnated by God knows who." "Don't you mean what?" Abby scrunched up her nose. "And I think Luis and I know.God has nothing to do with it." Hazel eyes alight with amusement. "Whatever," Sheridan groaned. "Get in," she shuddered at the sudden gust of cold air, "before we turn into popsicles."
"Make yourself at home," Sheridan laughed as Abby plopped down on the couch. The puppy's tail thumped on the floor as she singsonged threatening words in an overly cheery voice with an idiotic grin on her face. "Abby!" Sheridan cried. "What did he ever do to you?" "Nothing," Abby replied. "Just trying something. You know.babies are the same way," Abby grinned. "Really," she insisted. "As long as it's delivered with a smile in a silly voice like this," she demonstrated. Causing Sheridan to laugh anew. "They'll cackle their adorable heads off. On the subject of babies." Abby began. Tawny brows shooting to the top of her forehead when Sheridan raised a hand to her mouth and rushed out of the room. "Ooookkkkaayyy," Abby muttered. Getting up.and doing what else.following her. Straight to the closed bathroom door. "I assume you've already taken the test," Abby ventured. Earning a nod from Sheridan. "And a suitable amount of time has passed," she trailed off. Sheridan's blue eyes found a spot on the floor and stared. "Do you want me to check it?" Abby offered. "I mean.some people might think it's gross, but I.look," she stopped to take a breath. "I can look if you want me to. Check for a plus sign. Or a negative," she added under her breath. "Sheridan," Abby whined plaintively. "I'm literally getting gray here.just this morning I found my first gray hair. And I'm here to tell you.not ALL your firsts are happy and exciting. In fact.come to think of it.Gil Hill was no great shakes.with a name like that I should have suspected SOMETHING." "Abby!" Sheridan groaned. Very loudly. Clamping a hand over Abby's mile a minute mouth. Then very, very slowly removing it. Wrinkling her nose when Abby continued softly. "All I'm saying is 'first this, first that'.it's over-rated," she finished on a sigh. "What are you waiting for? Are you going to be a Mommy again or not? Pins and needles here," she rolled her hazel eyes with an infectious grin. "Go," she encouraged before shoving Sheridan through the now open door. Watching and waiting with bated breath as Sheridan picked up the stick with shaky hands. "So.if you haven't already guessed, I'm NOT a patient person. Spill it, Lo-Fitz Lover.Sheridan," she whined. "What does it say?" "It's a."
Chapter 9
Jake's nose twitched as he adjusted the devil's horns atop his brown head and shifted his candy pail to his right hand. "Hey!" he grumbled as.once again.SOMEBODY stepped on his demon's tail. "Why you keep doing that Ali?" he muttered. Yanking his tail out from under her white satin slipper-clad foot. "Aren't you watching where you're going? Huh, Ali?" he asked. Waving his red hands in front of her face. The gold halo resting on the top of Ali's flowing blond hair jostled as she finally realized he was talking to her and turned her full attention on him. "Something wrong, Ali?" Jake asked quietly. Jake followed Ali's concerned blue gaze back to Sheridan. Ali chewed on her bottom lip nervously as Jake questioned, "Your mom okay, Ali? She looks.sad or something."
"I don't know," Ali's chin quivered just the tiniest bit as she confided in Jake. "Nobody will tell me." "Aww, Ali. Don't cry," Jake pleaded. "Look.if it'll make you feel better.you can have all my candy bars. I'll just steal Emmy's. She won't care." A sweet smile blossomed on Ali's pink lips, and Jake couldn't help the bashful grin that broke out on his own face. "Thank you," Ali whispered. Slipping her hand in his. "Hey!" Jake protested. "We're not like dating or anything. That means NO HOLDING HANDS," he said emphatically. Shaking Ali's hand off. "But if I was into that icky stuff.you'd be one of the girls I'd pick," he hurriedly reassured Ali before her pretty face crumpled with tears again. "Hurry up.we can't let the babies get all the candy," he said. Racing forward and quickly overtaking Cristian and Sara.
"Wonder what that was all about, Babe?" Hank queried at the mini-drama that had just played out right before their very eyes. Emily buried her face in his neck sleepily. "I don't know," Gwen answered. "But how'd you like that glimpse into the future?" Hank grinned. "The Little Buddy could do much worse, right Luis?" "We're the ones getting the raw end of the deal, aren't we?" Luis smiled. Slipping an arm around Sheridan's waist and pulling her close. "Luis!" Gwen scoffed. Luis arched a black brow at her incredulous expression. Luis chuckled when she didn't bother to elaborate. Only winked at him and Sheridan. All four turned their heads when they heard a familiar voice. "Forget something?" They were prepared for a little characteristic Abby wackiness. But NOT.NOT.NOT.Gwen snorted helplessly, and Luis's cheeks burned a bright red. "Nice costume," Sheridan smirked. A slow smile taking over her face. Hank grinned goofily. Raking over Abby's petite form from head to toe. "TINKERBELL.where'd you get your degree, Lady? Clown U or Degrees-R-Us?" "Bennett," Gwen shook her head with an impatient roll of her brown eyes. "Go soft on me, Babe," Hank insisted. "It's been a long day. I'm seriously not feeling my funny bone here." "Funny, Hank," Abby said slyly. With questing hands. "DAMMIT!" Hank yelled as they found their target and squeezed. Causing every trick-or-treater within a 2-mile radius to zone in on the quirky interaction. "I feel it just fine," she teased. Crinkling up her nose as he swatted her hands away from his derriere, and Gwen, Sheridan, and Luis rolled with laughter. "Hands off the ass, Tink. Geez," he shuddered as he scooted ahead of them. "Go ahead and spoil my fun," Abby snickered. "Aren't you missing a couple members of the family?" she asked Luis. "Where's the demon seed?"
"Demon seed here and accounted for," Kay whispered into Abby's ear as she crept up behind her. "Hey!" Abby pretended to be hurt as MJ totally ignored her and all the other adults. Scampering ahead to join the other children. "Where's my kiss?" MJ responded by turning around and blowing a raspberry at her. "I love you, too," Abby waved. "What the hell is he supposed to be? A damn Ewok?" she wondered. "Oops! Did I actually say that out loud?" Kay grinned. "Don't look at me. Mom made their costumes. MJ's reaction was pretty much like yours. Only without the salty language," she laughed. "Oh.and after he figured out it was much warmer than the Ninja costume he really wanted to wear.he didn't care as much." Sheridan held her arms open for Joshua. Kissing his forehead when he nestled against her chest tiredly. "Cute," Gwen smiled as she touched the antennae sprouting from the top of Joshua's head. "A bumblebee."
"So." Kay said softly. Glancing at Sheridan's red-rimmed blue eyes and slightly pink nose. "I take it the test didn't go the way you wanted it." Sheridan met Luis's dark eyes when he glanced back at them. "Shoo," Abby hustled them forward. "Skedaddle. Girl talk," she huffed. Rolling her hazel eyes at them. She made a pinching motion in the air when Hank didn't follow her instructions. Her threat coming across loud and clear. "Okay," Kay giggled. "Did I miss something?" "Nope. Nada. NOTHING!" Abby bounced on the balls of her feet in a desperate attempt to ward off the night's chill. "Sheridan?" Kay asked again. "It was negative," she answered quietly. Tears pooling in the corners of her pained blue eyes. "Again," she sighed. Complete and utter disappointment evident in the sad expression stretched thin across her face. "Well." Gwen said. Slipping a consoling arm around Sheridan's waist on one side. Kay the other. "You know what that means, don't you?" "What?" Sheridan mumbled. "You guys just have to have more S-E-X. Doesn't sound too awful to me. I mean.look at him. It's Luis for God's sake," Gwen winked at Sheridan. Smirking when Hank whirled on his heel and glared at her. "Yeah," Abby put her two cents in. "Have your way with him. Eventually, he'll have no choice but to comply with your demands," she said. Hazel eyes gleaming wickedly when Luis shot "I heard that," over his shoulder. Sheridan burst into grateful laughter. Mood lightened. If only momentarily.
"Toothbrushes? Toothbrushes?" Jake grumbled as he trudged back to the group behind Ali. "What kind of.so boring. Not fun at all." "What do you expect from two dentists?" Hank quizzed his young son. "They're too cheap to get the good stuff, and they're giving out extra toothbrushes," Jake shrugged his shoulders. "You know.the ones they have left over." "They just don't want your teeth to rot," Luis supplied helpfully. "Aww, shucks," Hank scowled. "And Jake here wanted so bad to grow up to be exactly like Jethro, didn't you, Son?" "Huh?" Jake's brown eyes narrowed. "The Clampetts," Abby hooted. "Yeah," Hank teased. "Now I know who you remind me of.Ellie Mae Clampett." "They're not even cool toothbrushes," Sara snarled. Tossing hers into the decorative hedges surrounding the Dentists' dwelling. "Sara Bennett!" Gwen scolded. "Aww, Mom," Sara whined. "At least I." "Hey," MJ huffed. "MJ," Kay warned. "I didn't like their stupid toothbrush," he said. His jaw jutting out stubbornly. "So." "He threw it back at them," Cristian said with wide brown eyes. "I think he really scared the old lady. She looked like the old lady on t.v." "Yeah," Sara chattered excitedly. "She grabbed her heart like this," Sara demonstrated, "and she hollered to the old man." "I've fallen and I can't get up," Hank finished with a smirk sent his daughter's way. "Wow, Dad!" Sara's mouth formed an 'O'. "How'd you guess?" "Ha ha," Hank shook his head as he nudged Sara forward with his free hand. "Daddy," Emily murmured. "I wanna go home. It's cold."
Three or four houses later, ALL the ladies were echoing Emmy's sentiments. Hank most strongly. ; ) Jake and MJ led the way down the trick-or-treater crowded street. Sara shuffled her feet tiredly across the pavement. Clutching Gwen's hand. Ali was wrapped completely around Luis. Arms. Legs. Sparkly gold halo bouncing with each step he took. Angel's wings fluttering in the slight night breeze. Long blond hair spilling over Luis's shoulders. "Yuck," Abby laughed. Running an affectionate hand through Cristian's dark hair as he drooled on Kay's shoulder. "Want to switch?" Sheridan offered. "Are you kidding?" Kay shook her head. "Joshua's in heaven. Why mess that up? Cristian's fine." "The hidden message." Abby paused dramatically. "Hell, yes. You'll get my dry- cleaning bill first thing tomorrow morning," she said. Quirking a brow at Sheridan. Sheridan just laughed. "Can we speed things along here?" Abby squealed. Her teeth chattering from the cold. "Our beloved Tink is literally freezing her ass off. Look," she insisted. Wiggling her behind. "Is that.I think it is.friggin' icicles. Is this the end? I'll never achieve my dream of snagging Peter Pan from Wendy," she sighed woefully.
"Bye!" Gwen, Hank, and Kay waved as they shepherded five very grumpy, sleepy children to the Bennett family vehicle. Miss Priss meowed horrifically from somewhere in the interior of the house, and the puppy barked. Luis grinned in satisfaction. Anytime The Pain got her just desserts. "Lo-Fitz," Abby wagged her finger under his nose. "I saw that look. You never did thank me," she whispered as Sheridan shut the front door behind her and carried Cristian to the sofa to lay him down. "Aha!" Sheridan teased. "Proof that the Detective isn't above a little bribery," she smiled. Kissing him gently on the cheek. "Ready to put them to bed?" "But I don't wanna go to bed yet," Cristian mumbled. Half-asleep. "I wanna stay up. Candy," he said before drifting off. Again. "Poor kid," Abby said. "But I think AliCat's got him beat. Haven't heard a peep of her pretty little mouth for over an hour now," Abby said as she ran a hand over Ali's glossy golden head. "Mommy," Ali sighed in her sleep. Removing her face from the crook of Luis's neck. "What, Swee.oh my.Ali. Baby.What happened?" she asked worriedly as Ali blinked her blue eyes at her. Abby's hazel eyes widened, and panic squeezed Luis's heart in a vice as Sheridan's hand pulled back from Ali's face. Her fingers stained with Ali's blood.
Chapter 10
"Mommy," Ali pouted. "I don't want to see the doctor. I want to go to school. It's movie day." Sheridan carefully tucked a loose strand of Ali's long golden hair behind her ear as she answered her disappointed daughter. "I'm sorry, Ali. I really am," she insisted when Ali's face fell, and her blue eyes welled up with indignant tears. "But.but Mommy," Ali attempted to plead her case. One last time. "I can't believe it," Abby said from the doorway. "I really can't believe it. A kid who would actually rather be at school." Granted.this is an icky hospital. But AliCat," Abby sighed. "Abby," Sheridan said. Hugging Abby's neck. Gratitude evident in the timbre of her voice. "So glad you're here." "I HAD to come," Abby's hazel eyes twinkled as she tugged on Ali's socked foot. "Had to make sure you didn't get Dr. Grinchkin," she whispered. "There's this horrible, awful, terrible rumor going around that he." "What?" Ali asked with wide blue eyes when Abby paused. Hazel eyes darting to and from the slightly ajar door. "No, no. It's too terrible to say out loud." "No fair," Ali crossed her arms over her chest. Her chin jutting out stubbornly. Blue eyes blazing now. Abby's nose crinkled up at the amazing likeness between mother and daughter at that precise moment. "Not even a hint?" she asked softly. Leaning forward and hanging on Abby's every word. "Ever read 'Hansel & Gretel'?" All three ladies jumped at the sudden knock on the door, and Sheridan chewed on her lip nervously as a tall, wiry man with beady brown eyes, sparse but curly gray hair, and the dirtiest pair of sneakers she'd ever seen peeking beneath his scrubs appeared before them. How she wished Ali's regular pediatrician weren't out of town on vacation. "Hello," he said in a nasally voice. Extending his hand. "You must be the Mom, and this lovely little lady must be Ali. Am I right?" Ali smiled shyly as he took her little hand in his large one. "And you are.?" he asked. Turning to Abby. "Who wants to know?" Abby grinned. "Dr. Grin." "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"I can't believe you." Eve couldn't help but smile as she handed Abby the tiny styrofoam cup. Abby brought the cup to her lips and sipped absently. "Oh my." she shuddered. Spitting the lukewarm liquid across the small waiting area. "How old is that stuff?" she gagged. Marching over to the trash bin in the corner. "Seriously, though," she continued as she walked back. "How was I supposed to know there really was a Dr. Grinchkin working here? I mean.what are the odds? One in a million? Wonder what's taking them so long in there? I haven't said anything to Sheridan yet, Eve. But I'm worried. Really worried." Eve sighed. A grim expression on her face. "You're not the only one. There's something I don't understand." Comprehension dawned on Abby at Eve's quizzical look. "Luis?" She continued at Eve's slight nod. "He's supposed to be here soon. As soon as that slave driver of a boss he has lets him go," Abby said. Grinning at the amused chuckle that left Eve's lips. "I knew you couldn't hold out on me forever," Abby told her with twinkling hazel eyes. "The lady DOES laugh." Eve rolled her eyes at her. "Hey now," Abby warned. "On a more serious note.I need your advice about something. Think you can handle that?"
"Okay, Sweetheart," the soft-spoken young nurse wearing a name badge that identified her simply as Katie smiled. "Are you ready to see the doctor yet? I promise," she winked at her. "This doctor LOVES little girls as pretty as you. But NOT enough to eat." Sheridan smiled in thanks at the young woman as little by little she was able to calm Ali's fears. A fleeting glance at the clock on the far wall told her Luis was almost half an hour late, and she had to push back the sigh of disappointment. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves already. All she could see when she closed her eyes was Ali's blood on her fingers. The stark paleness of her skin last night as Luis held her in his arms. "Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" she heard Katie call. The sound hollow and seemingly far away. "Mommy?" a scared little voice questioned. Tugging on her shirt sleeve. Her blue eyes popped open, and she slid a comforting arm around Ali's tiny waist as she looked into intelligent, understanding green eyes. "Nice of you to finally join us, Mommy," the man joked in an attempt to break the ice. "So, Miss Ali." he said. Perching at the edge of the stool in front of the examining table. "Want a lollipop?" he grinned. Producing a cherry sucker from his pocket. Ali's blue eyes sparkled as she looked to Sheridan for permission. "On one condition, 'kay?" Ali waited with bated breath to hear the condition. "You answer ALL my questions first and be really, really brave for me. Deal?" Ali nodded her head slowly. Whispering "Thank you" as her little fingers closed around the candy.
Luis waited impatiently for the elevator to reach the right floor. How many people were they going to pick up anyway? The limit was 2000 lbs, right? Seemed like Hank was thinking the same thing he was. "I don't know about you, Buddy, but I think we already have 1,999 of that 2,000. Well.least we're in the hospital. You know.if something happens," he smirked. "Why don't you whip out that badge and throw your weight around? I think you're entitled. You ARE going to be the future ch." "Hank!" Luis hissed. "I haven't said anything to Sheridan yet. And besides.it's not official. Dammit," Luis muttered under his breath. "I'm already thirty minutes late. I promised." "Cool down, Buddy. She's not going to bite your head off." Off Luis's 'yeah right' look, he quickly amended his earlier statement. "Okay. She MIGHT bite your head off. But it couldn't be helped. Well, we could have taken the stairs. There IS that." "Hank," Luis said in a low voice. "You aren't helping." "Okay, okay. I'll can it." Luis exhaled in relief. A grimace on his face as they stopped at the next floor to let on even more people. Thank God, a few got off. An impossibility for him and Hank since they were pressed up against the back of the elevator. "Finally," he muttered as they made it to the correct floor. "Relax, Luis. She wouldn't kick your ass in the hospital. That would be TOO embarrassing," Hank grinned as Luis took off jogging down the hall.
Abby leaned back on her heels as she read through the announcement once more. She felt so.collegian. Actually, the last time she'd lived with ANYONE had been during college. And to her recollection.it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Of course, she got stuck with the campus's resident psycho. "This time it HAS to be different," she mumbled to herself as she read the advertisement for a 3rd time. Flyers on the lounge bulletin board a la Eve's tentative suggestion. She sighed. Her luck never had been great, but since meeting the Lopez-Fitzgeralds, that had begun to change. "Oh yeah, Abby," she muttered. "You're forgetting.YOU'RE the psycho chic. Who in their right mind would want to live with you?" She rolled her eyes. Standing on tiptoe and reaching for the advertisement. "Damn, damn, damn," she swore. OOOOOOKKKKAAAAAYYY. Exactly what she got for having Dr. O'Brien, the Irish white equivalent of Shaq, post it for her. She stretched her fingers. Wincing as her knuckles popped. "UGH! I'm not even 29 yet!" Good grief, Abby, the pesky voice in her head groaned. You are SO going to Hell. You can't even tell YOURSELF the truth. "For lying about my age?" she huffed. As if ANYONE wants to live with a wacko lady that argues with herself. You SO need your ass kicked. Either that or you need to get laid. "UGH!" she grunted again as she hopped up and down. Desperately trying to grasp the edge of the ad. And achieving success. Only to totally lose her balance and totter unsteadily on her feet. She closed her eyes. Bracing herself for the fall with one last thought.TIMBER!
"You're doing great, Sweetheart," Katie reassured Ali as she collected blood for the tests Dr. Dave ordered. Sheridan had long since forgiven Luis for being late. All that mattered was that he was here. With her. The memory of the faint purple bruises mottling her baby's skin staying with her and not letting go. "Are you sure you're not really a vampire in disguise?" Hank teased Katie as she carefully removed the needle from the inside of Ali's arm. Katie laughed, and Ali smiled weakly. "What kind of band-aid do you want? I have some glow-in-the-dark ones. Some Mickey Mouse. Lots of them. Take your pick, Baby Doll," she said. Gently wiping the remnants of Ali's crystal tears away with her fingertips. "Feeling a little dizzy?" she asked. When Ali didn't answer, she waved Sheridan over. "Need you, Mommy." Luis joined Sheridan at their daughter's side. Stroking Ali's golden hair with his big hands. "I'll go see what's keeping Dr. Dave. Yell if you need me," Katie told them as she swept through the door. "Mommy," Ali whispered. "I don't feel so good." Sheridan hopped up on the examining table with her and opened her arms. "Just close your eyes and hold on to me, Baby. It'll go away in a while. But until it does.hold on to me." Luis looked to Hank helplessly. "Coffee? Soda? I'll be right back. Hey.I'll bring you back some juice, Ali. Might make you feel better," Hank said softly. Heading toward the door. "Thanks, Hank," Luis called as he backed out the door.
Abby peeked up at the tall, handsome man beside beneath the fringe of her lashes. Her hazel eyes quickly darting away as they locked with the most amazing gray eyes. "I feel like I should pay you a reward or something," she finally said as they rounded the corner that lead to Ali's examining room. "I mean.you DID save me from imminent death," she babbled. Not being able to help herself as she felt the shameless FLIRT that resided within her petite body take over. Oh hell! Her eyelashes were batting a mile a minute. He probably thought she had something in her eyes. "So.since we now share an unbreakable bond," she laughed breezily. Or at least attempted breezily. Who was she kidding? She didn't do breezily. When she was really tickled, really happy, she couldn't help herself.she snorted. A fact that had proven to be the fatal flaw in a couple of relationships already. Gray eyes's lips twisted into a half-smile. "You're not mute, are you?" she asked suddenly. Causing him to laugh deeply. "No," he answered. She took in the identification card attached to his lapel. Turned around backwards and giving her NO clue whatsoever about his name. Hmm, she thought. Wearing a white lab coat. "Guess that rules out the possibility of you being a patient," she said. Pointing to his i.d. "You have to be new 'cause I'd sure as hell wouldn't forg.oh my.Sorry," she mumbled behind the hand covering her mouth. Her own hand. "Hey!" she dropped her hand from her mouth as they came to a stop in front of the nurses' desk in the pediatric wing. "What's going on here?" He whirled around to face her with an enigmatic grin. "Do you always ask so many questions?" Abby stared at him. Slack-jawed.
An older doctor with prematurely silver hair walked up to them. Abby's gaze fixated on the lollipops tucked away in his pocket as he shook Gray Eyes's hand. "I'm Dr. Matthews. I called for the consultation on a patient. You're the new replacement, right?" Gray Eyes nodded his head. Crossing his arms around his chest as he studied the man before him. "What can you tell me about the patient?" Gramps glanced at her momentarily before launching into his speech. "Eight years old. Parents brought her in this morning concerned about a nosebleed she suffered last night." Abby's hazel eyes widened. Ali. They were discussing Ali. "Apparently, it wasn't the first. She's been having them for months now. Poor little thing was scared to death and hid it from them. Bruising. Fatigue. There's more. Here's the blood work-up. What do you think?" Dr. Matthews trailed off. Gray Eyes rubbed a weary hand over his face, and there was so much sadness in his eyes.Abby's heart stopped in her chest. Any minute now.her legs were going to give out on her. She was going to be sick. ".it doesn't look good. Where are the parents? They need to be told as soon as possible so." Abby braced herself against the counter of the nurses' desk. Trying to slow the pounding of her heart and her breathing rate. "Tink?" a familiar voice, normally teeming with humor and sarcasm, asked in concern. "Hey Abby," Hank asked. Setting his loot down on the counter and taking her elbow. "You okay? What's wrong? Is it.No. Don't tell me. Ali.do these guys know what's wrong with her? Is it bad, Abby? Abby? Somebody tell me something." Abby blinked back sudden tears, and her vision was blurred as she raised her eyes to Hank's face. "Tell me something, dammit. That's my best friend's daughter in there. You break his heart, you break mine." Dr. Matthews looked at them sympathetically. Hank grabbed Gray Eyes roughly by the shoulder and turned him around. "If you know something.it's you. It's you," he whispered in shock. His hand dropping to his side. An irate voice made them ALL jump, and Hank hung his head as Luis stared at the man in front of him incredulously. "Nick Taylor.what the hell are you doing here?"