Ah, yes, another chapter appears.
I apologize, this chapter is much shorter then usual. There was originally supposed to be an additional two Shuis scenes and a Gwank moment, but they just weren't coming out right. And since it's been just over 2 months since my last update, I said screw it and decided to post it as is. I hope you enjoy it anyway. And don't worry, the missing scenes will show up in the next chapter. Read on!
Something To Believe In
Chapter Five
Written by Shay
"What the hell is going on here?" Luis demanded to know after being ushered into Eve's office. He was obviously still shaken from the heartbreaking sobs of Alyssa when Eve had brought her into Sheridan's room. The baby's tiny body had been shaking with her tears, her little face red as she gasped for air between wails.
He then caught sight of Julian, anger filling his dark eyes and he rushed towards him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. "What are you doing here? Did you do something to my daughter? I swear to God, if you harmed one hair on her head, I'll kill you, Crane!"
Eve laid a calming hand on Luis' arm and Julian managed to wrangle out of his grasp. "Luis, he didn't hurt her. It's not his fault."
Luis glanced between the two, distrust still apparent on his face. "Then what is he doing here? What happened to my daughter?"
"I merely wanted to see my niece," Julian said, tugging at his shirt. "I assure, I came in peace."
The younger man studied his brother-in-law for a moment, before nodding, finding nothing but truth in his eyes. Turning towards the doctor, he asked, "Eve what happened to Alyssa? What made her cry like that?"
Taking his hand, she stated, "Julian and I were outside the nursery when I saw a figure standing above her crib. He picked her up and was about to leave when Julian burst in to stop him. She wasn't hurt, Luis, just frightened."
Luis looked stunned as he absorbed this information. Someone had tried to take his child, his beautiful daughter. Why would someone want to kidnap her? His mind raced until he snapped out of father mode and into police mode. "Where is he now?"
Julian nodded towards the floor behind Eve's desk. Trying to keep his anger in check, Luis made his way over to the indicated spot, his hands clutched tightly in fists at his side. The lid on his fury, however, came flying off when he saw the man on the floor, his hands pinned behind his back. He had a self-righteous smirk on his face, despite his busted lip and the black ring forming around one eye. This bastard had tried to take his daughter from him, had almost tore his new family apart. The image of his beloved wife crying over the loss of their child made his blood boil and the sound of Alyssa's hysterical cries, still ringing in his ears, caused him to snap. Momentarily forgetting that he was a man of the law, Luis hauled the man to his feet and swung, taking satisfaction in the loud, sickening crack that followed.
"You son of a bitch!" He yelled, pushing the man, causing him to stumble backwards. "How dare you lay one finger on my daughter! Who the hell do you think you are? Who the hell put you up to this? WHO? Dammit, tell me!"
He would've continued had Eve not pleaded with him. "Luis, please, remember you're a cop."
Her words penetrated and he let the man go, turning his furious gaze to the other two people in the room. "Have you called the police yet?" He asked hoarsely.
"They're on their way," Julian replied, glancing at the man on he floor with disdain.
Luis gave a slight nod before shaking his head. "I just don't understand. Why would someone want to kidnap her? What kind of sick, twisted bastard would try to kidnap a baby from the Goddamn hospital nursery?"
Eve and Julian exchanged a look before Julian cleared his throat. "Ah, Luis... I know you have no reason whatsoever to trust me, but I believe this is my fathers doing."
With a guarded expression, Luis moved towards him. "Why do you say that?"
Julian glanced at Eve, who hesitantly nodded, wringing her hands together. "Because he's done it before."
******
"Shh, shh, it's okay, sweetheart, Mommy's got you," Sheridan whispered, cuddling the still crying baby closer to her. "My poor baby. You have no reason to be scared, Alyssa. Don't you know your Daddy and I will never let anything happen to you? We love you, yes we do. You're our precious gift from God."
Alyssa's sobs slowly ceased to quiet whimpers as her mother continued to murmur loving words. After rocking her a few minutes more, she smiled down at the now sleeping infant.
The baby in her arms still amazed her, even hours later. The thought that she and Luis had created this tiny life, it was a surreal thing. And she was the perfect combination of them both. Her skin was tan, like her fathers, while tiny wisps of blonde fuzz covered her head. Beneath her little eyelids were a pair of stunning eyes she just somehow knew would be the same intoxicating shade of brown as Luis'. Her nose was the miniature version of her own and she definitely took after her Aunt Theresa in the crying department.
"So beautiful, so perfect," Sheridan said quietly, tracing her features with her finger. This was her daughter, her permanent connection to Luis and in a lot of ways, her savior.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, she lifted her eyes towards heaven and whispered. "I hope you're proud of me, Mother."
******
Luis glanced back and forth between Julian and Eve, unsure of how to react. Eve had once been heavily involved with Julian Crane? Had bore his child? It was damn near inconceivable, though he knew it was true by the expressions they wore.
Eve looked physical and emotionally drained as Julian led her to a chair, helping her sit down. He watched curiously as a myriad of feelings were conveyed across Julian's face. Could it be? Could Julian still be in love with the doctor? Was it possible there was a heart under the cold exterior he wore?
Clearing his throat, Luis quietly told Eve, "I'm sorry for your loss."
She sniffled and nodded her thanks. "I'm just glad we were there to stop it from happening again. I would never wish such agony on anyone, least of all you and Sheridan."
The mention of his wife's name caused him to wonder how the hell he was going to explain this to her. To know their child had almost been kidnapped would devastate her and to learn her own father was the prime suspect in the act would rip her heart out. He knew that despite everything the Crane patriarch had done, she still wanted to believe the old man had a heart, that somewhere inside he cared about her. But, if this didn't prove otherwise, he wasn't sure what would.
The sound of voices broke his train of though, as Sam and Officer Adams entered the room. In a blur of activity, his boss and co-worker arrested the man and took him away, after getting statements from both eye witnesses. When they were gone, Eve was paged to the Emergency Room, leaving the two men alone.
Luis turned to Julian, his face unreadable. And to say Julian was shocked when he held out his hand, would be an understatement. Taking his proffered hand, the two seemed to find a middle ground.
"Thank you," Luis said sincerely. "I don't know what we would've done if you hadn't been there to stop this from happening."
Julian gave a quick nod. "Despite what you may think, I do care for my sister. I'm glad I could keep her from having to endure the pain Eve has."
"Me, too," He agreed, before turning to leave. Julian's voice made him pause, however.
"Oh, and Luis?"
Glancing back at him, he answered, "Yeah?"
With a genuine smile, the older man said. "Congratulations."
******
"Dios Mio," Pilar shook her head in disbelief the next day, after hearing the events of the previous night. "I always knew Alistair was cruel, but I never imagined..."
"My father is a monster," Sheridan sniffled, but managed a small smile when Luis squeezed her hand.
"I am so sorry, Mija. But you must give thanks to God that Julian and Eve were there to prevent this."
"I am, more than words can say," She agreed, glancing down lovingly at the sleeping bundle she held. "I never thought I would be thankful to have Julian, after everything he did to keep Luis and I apart, but now I don't know what I would've done had he not been there."
"Well, that's something we don't have to worry about," Luis said, his dark eyes never leaving the precious child in her arms. "She's never leaving our sight again."
Pilar smiled knowingly at her sons strong will to protect his daughter. He'd been so over protective with Theresa and Miguel, she could only imagine what he'd be like with his own children. And Lord help them all when she was old enough to date. "Did Eve say when you'll be able to come home?"
"Tomorrow," Sheridan sighed. "I can't wait. I've seen enough of hospitals in the past year to last the next five lifetimes."
Luis chuckled and planted a sweet kiss on the top of her head. "Well, you shouldn't have to see another one for awhile. At least not until number two."
Sheridan raised an eyebrow. "Number two? I just gave birth yesterday and you're already talking about number two?"
He merely grinned and shrugged. "Not right away, but yeah, I'm looking forward to baby number two."
She copied his look and seemed to be ready to begin ranting, but Pilar cut her off, as she stood to leave.
"I need to be going. Theresita is working today and I need to be there for Little Ethan."
Sheridan smiled when the other woman took her granddaughter into her arms, bidding the infant farewell. "Thank you for stopping by, Pilar."
Pilar pressed a soft kiss to Alyssa's forehead before handing her back to her mother. "No need to thank me, Mija, I'm grateful for every minute I can spend with my beautiful grandbaby."
Luis then offered to walk his mother out to her car, which she gladly accepted. After promising to return soon, the pair left the room. They walked in silence until they reached the parking lot.
Pilar turned to her son before unlocking the door, her features set at a grim line. "Mijo..." She began.
He, however, knew what she was going to say before she said it. "I know, Mama."
Touching his cheek lovingly, she spoke lowly. "You need to be careful, Mijo. Who knows how Alistair will retaliate now that his plan to kidnap Alyssa has been ruined. I worry he will do something far worse."
"Quit worrying," Luis interjected. "Mama, he can try whatever he wants, I'm not going to let anything happen to Sheridan or our daughter."
"Luis, Alistair Crane is a very powerful man..."
"Don't you think I know that? I've seen what he's capable of first hand. But he can have all the power in the world and it still can't hold a candle to the love Sheridan and I share. Mama, not even certain death could keep us apart, nothing he tries to do will work. We're married now, we're parents, I'm not going to let anything or anyone take that away from us. Least of Alistair Crane."
Sighing, she reluctantly nodded. "I hope you're right, Mijo. But please, try and steer clear of the Crane's. For my peace of mind."
Luis conceded, kissing his mothers cheek. "I'll do my best."
"That is all I can ask, I suppose," Pilar replied in resignation. "Now get back to you family, Luis. I will see you tomorrow."
He smiled brightly at her words and said good-bye, leaving her to watch him jog back towards the hospital, fear weighing heavily in her heart.
******
Antonio walked along the wharf, his hazel eyes staring out at the ocean, as dusk settled in around him. So many emotions ran through him, he wasn't quite sure what he was feeling.
The love of his life, the woman he'd adored since the moment he'd laid eyes on her, was married to his brother. The child she had been carrying for nine months, one he had once thought to be his own, turned out to be his niece. But try as he might, to muster up the appropriate amount of anger towards them, he could not. No sense of resentment or hatred. Only numbness.
Sighing, he came to a stop, leaning against the wooden railing that separated him from the water below. Lost in thought, he never heard the footsteps behind him until the sudden sound of a familiar voice rang through the air.
"Antonio?"
Turning, his mouth quirked up into a smile at the sight of his first love. "Liz, hey."
She smiled back at him, accepting the unspoken invitation to join him. "How are you?"
"I'm all right. How have you been? I haven't seen you in awhile."
Liz shrugged. "The same." SHe paused, tilting her head to look up at him. "I heard Sheridan had her baby."
Antonio answered with a nod. "Yeah, last night. A little girl."
"Are you okay? I imagine it can't be easy, all things considered."
He let out a soft sigh, but nodded. "Yeah. As weird as it was to look at her, knowing she's my niece and not my daughter, I'm okay with it. Luis and Sheridan are happy, that's all that matters."
Liz laid a hand on his arm, her eyes full of sincerity. "You deserve to be happy, too, Antonio. Don't sell yourself short."
Antonio glanced down at her, an unreadable expression on his face. "Considering my recent track records with love, I don't see that happening anytime soon."
The meaning behind his words was not lost on her, and she hung her head. "I'm sorry," She said almost inaudibly.
"No, I'm sorry," Antonio replied, turning to face her completely. "I shouldn't have said that."
Liz waved his apology away. "Why not, it's true. If only I had been able to give you everything, trusted you completely, we might've been the ones welcoming a child last night. It's my fault you became involved with Sheridan."
"That's not true," He admonished.
"Yes, it is. After all, had we still been together, so much of this wouldn't have happened."
"Maybe," Antonio began, "But if I hadn't gotten involved with Sheridan, I probably would have never came home. And my brother would've married a woman he doesn't love, thinking the one he does, was dead. So no matter how much it hurts, for those reasons alone, I'd do it all over again."
With a small smile, Liz rested her head against his shoulder and murmured. "You're a good man, Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald. A very good man."
*******
The abrupt sound of a phone ringing nearly caused Julian to drop the glass of brandy he'd just poured. After the events of the previous night, he needed to lose himself in a drunken abyss for awhile.
But the caller seemed to have other ideas. Sighing loudly in the empty room, he settled in the leather chair at his desk.
"Julian Crane."
"Julian, you idiot!"
Those three words prompted another sigh, followed by a roll of his eyes. He'd been expecting this call.
"Hello, Father."
"Do you have any idea what you've done, Julian?" Alistair barked, his anger very much apparent.
"You mean other than sparing my dear sister a lifetime of pain and heartache? Do tell, Father."
"Since when do you give a seconds thought to your sister, Julian?"
"Unlike you, Father, I do have a heart and I do care for poor Sheridan. I wasn't about to stand by and let you do to her what you did to Eve."
"And just where was this heart of yours when you tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to have your sister and her latin-lover blown to smithereens? Or do I have to remind you of your roll in that travesty?"
The reminder caused his stomach to twist. "No, I'm well aware of my actions, Father. I was merely working on your orders."
Alistair chuckled on his end, the cold sound sending a chill down his spine. "Ah, yes. However, I doubt the lovely Dr. Russell would see it that way. How do you think she would react to the news that you nearly killed your own sister and Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?"
The implication made bile rise in the back of Julian's throat. "Is there a reason for your call, Father, or did you merely want to rehash the past?"
"You will fix what you ruined last night, Julian. I don't care how, but you will destroy your sisters marriage to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and rid this family of that half-breed brat. By any means necessary."
"I will do no such thing, Father. I will not hurt Sheridan any more than I already have."
"You will, Julian. Or you will suffer the dire consequences. And you damn well what consequences I mean. Are we clear?"
Julian closed his eyes for a moment, regret running rampant through his veins. He had no choice. "Yes, father, I understand."
******
To be continued...
I apologize, this chapter is much shorter then usual. There was originally supposed to be an additional two Shuis scenes and a Gwank moment, but they just weren't coming out right. And since it's been just over 2 months since my last update, I said screw it and decided to post it as is. I hope you enjoy it anyway. And don't worry, the missing scenes will show up in the next chapter. Read on!
Chapter Five
Written by Shay
"What the hell is going on here?" Luis demanded to know after being ushered into Eve's office. He was obviously still shaken from the heartbreaking sobs of Alyssa when Eve had brought her into Sheridan's room. The baby's tiny body had been shaking with her tears, her little face red as she gasped for air between wails.
He then caught sight of Julian, anger filling his dark eyes and he rushed towards him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. "What are you doing here? Did you do something to my daughter? I swear to God, if you harmed one hair on her head, I'll kill you, Crane!"
Eve laid a calming hand on Luis' arm and Julian managed to wrangle out of his grasp. "Luis, he didn't hurt her. It's not his fault."
Luis glanced between the two, distrust still apparent on his face. "Then what is he doing here? What happened to my daughter?"
"I merely wanted to see my niece," Julian said, tugging at his shirt. "I assure, I came in peace."
The younger man studied his brother-in-law for a moment, before nodding, finding nothing but truth in his eyes. Turning towards the doctor, he asked, "Eve what happened to Alyssa? What made her cry like that?"
Taking his hand, she stated, "Julian and I were outside the nursery when I saw a figure standing above her crib. He picked her up and was about to leave when Julian burst in to stop him. She wasn't hurt, Luis, just frightened."
Luis looked stunned as he absorbed this information. Someone had tried to take his child, his beautiful daughter. Why would someone want to kidnap her? His mind raced until he snapped out of father mode and into police mode. "Where is he now?"
Julian nodded towards the floor behind Eve's desk. Trying to keep his anger in check, Luis made his way over to the indicated spot, his hands clutched tightly in fists at his side. The lid on his fury, however, came flying off when he saw the man on the floor, his hands pinned behind his back. He had a self-righteous smirk on his face, despite his busted lip and the black ring forming around one eye. This bastard had tried to take his daughter from him, had almost tore his new family apart. The image of his beloved wife crying over the loss of their child made his blood boil and the sound of Alyssa's hysterical cries, still ringing in his ears, caused him to snap. Momentarily forgetting that he was a man of the law, Luis hauled the man to his feet and swung, taking satisfaction in the loud, sickening crack that followed.
"You son of a bitch!" He yelled, pushing the man, causing him to stumble backwards. "How dare you lay one finger on my daughter! Who the hell do you think you are? Who the hell put you up to this? WHO? Dammit, tell me!"
He would've continued had Eve not pleaded with him. "Luis, please, remember you're a cop."
Her words penetrated and he let the man go, turning his furious gaze to the other two people in the room. "Have you called the police yet?" He asked hoarsely.
"They're on their way," Julian replied, glancing at the man on he floor with disdain.
Luis gave a slight nod before shaking his head. "I just don't understand. Why would someone want to kidnap her? What kind of sick, twisted bastard would try to kidnap a baby from the Goddamn hospital nursery?"
Eve and Julian exchanged a look before Julian cleared his throat. "Ah, Luis... I know you have no reason whatsoever to trust me, but I believe this is my fathers doing."
With a guarded expression, Luis moved towards him. "Why do you say that?"
Julian glanced at Eve, who hesitantly nodded, wringing her hands together. "Because he's done it before."
******
"Shh, shh, it's okay, sweetheart, Mommy's got you," Sheridan whispered, cuddling the still crying baby closer to her. "My poor baby. You have no reason to be scared, Alyssa. Don't you know your Daddy and I will never let anything happen to you? We love you, yes we do. You're our precious gift from God."
Alyssa's sobs slowly ceased to quiet whimpers as her mother continued to murmur loving words. After rocking her a few minutes more, she smiled down at the now sleeping infant.
The baby in her arms still amazed her, even hours later. The thought that she and Luis had created this tiny life, it was a surreal thing. And she was the perfect combination of them both. Her skin was tan, like her fathers, while tiny wisps of blonde fuzz covered her head. Beneath her little eyelids were a pair of stunning eyes she just somehow knew would be the same intoxicating shade of brown as Luis'. Her nose was the miniature version of her own and she definitely took after her Aunt Theresa in the crying department.
"So beautiful, so perfect," Sheridan said quietly, tracing her features with her finger. This was her daughter, her permanent connection to Luis and in a lot of ways, her savior.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, she lifted her eyes towards heaven and whispered. "I hope you're proud of me, Mother."
******
Luis glanced back and forth between Julian and Eve, unsure of how to react. Eve had once been heavily involved with Julian Crane? Had bore his child? It was damn near inconceivable, though he knew it was true by the expressions they wore.
Eve looked physical and emotionally drained as Julian led her to a chair, helping her sit down. He watched curiously as a myriad of feelings were conveyed across Julian's face. Could it be? Could Julian still be in love with the doctor? Was it possible there was a heart under the cold exterior he wore?
Clearing his throat, Luis quietly told Eve, "I'm sorry for your loss."
She sniffled and nodded her thanks. "I'm just glad we were there to stop it from happening again. I would never wish such agony on anyone, least of all you and Sheridan."
The mention of his wife's name caused him to wonder how the hell he was going to explain this to her. To know their child had almost been kidnapped would devastate her and to learn her own father was the prime suspect in the act would rip her heart out. He knew that despite everything the Crane patriarch had done, she still wanted to believe the old man had a heart, that somewhere inside he cared about her. But, if this didn't prove otherwise, he wasn't sure what would.
The sound of voices broke his train of though, as Sam and Officer Adams entered the room. In a blur of activity, his boss and co-worker arrested the man and took him away, after getting statements from both eye witnesses. When they were gone, Eve was paged to the Emergency Room, leaving the two men alone.
Luis turned to Julian, his face unreadable. And to say Julian was shocked when he held out his hand, would be an understatement. Taking his proffered hand, the two seemed to find a middle ground.
"Thank you," Luis said sincerely. "I don't know what we would've done if you hadn't been there to stop this from happening."
Julian gave a quick nod. "Despite what you may think, I do care for my sister. I'm glad I could keep her from having to endure the pain Eve has."
"Me, too," He agreed, before turning to leave. Julian's voice made him pause, however.
"Oh, and Luis?"
Glancing back at him, he answered, "Yeah?"
With a genuine smile, the older man said. "Congratulations."
******
"Dios Mio," Pilar shook her head in disbelief the next day, after hearing the events of the previous night. "I always knew Alistair was cruel, but I never imagined..."
"My father is a monster," Sheridan sniffled, but managed a small smile when Luis squeezed her hand.
"I am so sorry, Mija. But you must give thanks to God that Julian and Eve were there to prevent this."
"I am, more than words can say," She agreed, glancing down lovingly at the sleeping bundle she held. "I never thought I would be thankful to have Julian, after everything he did to keep Luis and I apart, but now I don't know what I would've done had he not been there."
"Well, that's something we don't have to worry about," Luis said, his dark eyes never leaving the precious child in her arms. "She's never leaving our sight again."
Pilar smiled knowingly at her sons strong will to protect his daughter. He'd been so over protective with Theresa and Miguel, she could only imagine what he'd be like with his own children. And Lord help them all when she was old enough to date. "Did Eve say when you'll be able to come home?"
"Tomorrow," Sheridan sighed. "I can't wait. I've seen enough of hospitals in the past year to last the next five lifetimes."
Luis chuckled and planted a sweet kiss on the top of her head. "Well, you shouldn't have to see another one for awhile. At least not until number two."
Sheridan raised an eyebrow. "Number two? I just gave birth yesterday and you're already talking about number two?"
He merely grinned and shrugged. "Not right away, but yeah, I'm looking forward to baby number two."
She copied his look and seemed to be ready to begin ranting, but Pilar cut her off, as she stood to leave.
"I need to be going. Theresita is working today and I need to be there for Little Ethan."
Sheridan smiled when the other woman took her granddaughter into her arms, bidding the infant farewell. "Thank you for stopping by, Pilar."
Pilar pressed a soft kiss to Alyssa's forehead before handing her back to her mother. "No need to thank me, Mija, I'm grateful for every minute I can spend with my beautiful grandbaby."
Luis then offered to walk his mother out to her car, which she gladly accepted. After promising to return soon, the pair left the room. They walked in silence until they reached the parking lot.
Pilar turned to her son before unlocking the door, her features set at a grim line. "Mijo..." She began.
He, however, knew what she was going to say before she said it. "I know, Mama."
Touching his cheek lovingly, she spoke lowly. "You need to be careful, Mijo. Who knows how Alistair will retaliate now that his plan to kidnap Alyssa has been ruined. I worry he will do something far worse."
"Quit worrying," Luis interjected. "Mama, he can try whatever he wants, I'm not going to let anything happen to Sheridan or our daughter."
"Luis, Alistair Crane is a very powerful man..."
"Don't you think I know that? I've seen what he's capable of first hand. But he can have all the power in the world and it still can't hold a candle to the love Sheridan and I share. Mama, not even certain death could keep us apart, nothing he tries to do will work. We're married now, we're parents, I'm not going to let anything or anyone take that away from us. Least of Alistair Crane."
Sighing, she reluctantly nodded. "I hope you're right, Mijo. But please, try and steer clear of the Crane's. For my peace of mind."
Luis conceded, kissing his mothers cheek. "I'll do my best."
"That is all I can ask, I suppose," Pilar replied in resignation. "Now get back to you family, Luis. I will see you tomorrow."
He smiled brightly at her words and said good-bye, leaving her to watch him jog back towards the hospital, fear weighing heavily in her heart.
******
Antonio walked along the wharf, his hazel eyes staring out at the ocean, as dusk settled in around him. So many emotions ran through him, he wasn't quite sure what he was feeling.
The love of his life, the woman he'd adored since the moment he'd laid eyes on her, was married to his brother. The child she had been carrying for nine months, one he had once thought to be his own, turned out to be his niece. But try as he might, to muster up the appropriate amount of anger towards them, he could not. No sense of resentment or hatred. Only numbness.
Sighing, he came to a stop, leaning against the wooden railing that separated him from the water below. Lost in thought, he never heard the footsteps behind him until the sudden sound of a familiar voice rang through the air.
"Antonio?"
Turning, his mouth quirked up into a smile at the sight of his first love. "Liz, hey."
She smiled back at him, accepting the unspoken invitation to join him. "How are you?"
"I'm all right. How have you been? I haven't seen you in awhile."
Liz shrugged. "The same." SHe paused, tilting her head to look up at him. "I heard Sheridan had her baby."
Antonio answered with a nod. "Yeah, last night. A little girl."
"Are you okay? I imagine it can't be easy, all things considered."
He let out a soft sigh, but nodded. "Yeah. As weird as it was to look at her, knowing she's my niece and not my daughter, I'm okay with it. Luis and Sheridan are happy, that's all that matters."
Liz laid a hand on his arm, her eyes full of sincerity. "You deserve to be happy, too, Antonio. Don't sell yourself short."
Antonio glanced down at her, an unreadable expression on his face. "Considering my recent track records with love, I don't see that happening anytime soon."
The meaning behind his words was not lost on her, and she hung her head. "I'm sorry," She said almost inaudibly.
"No, I'm sorry," Antonio replied, turning to face her completely. "I shouldn't have said that."
Liz waved his apology away. "Why not, it's true. If only I had been able to give you everything, trusted you completely, we might've been the ones welcoming a child last night. It's my fault you became involved with Sheridan."
"That's not true," He admonished.
"Yes, it is. After all, had we still been together, so much of this wouldn't have happened."
"Maybe," Antonio began, "But if I hadn't gotten involved with Sheridan, I probably would have never came home. And my brother would've married a woman he doesn't love, thinking the one he does, was dead. So no matter how much it hurts, for those reasons alone, I'd do it all over again."
With a small smile, Liz rested her head against his shoulder and murmured. "You're a good man, Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald. A very good man."
*******
The abrupt sound of a phone ringing nearly caused Julian to drop the glass of brandy he'd just poured. After the events of the previous night, he needed to lose himself in a drunken abyss for awhile.
But the caller seemed to have other ideas. Sighing loudly in the empty room, he settled in the leather chair at his desk.
"Julian Crane."
"Julian, you idiot!"
Those three words prompted another sigh, followed by a roll of his eyes. He'd been expecting this call.
"Hello, Father."
"Do you have any idea what you've done, Julian?" Alistair barked, his anger very much apparent.
"You mean other than sparing my dear sister a lifetime of pain and heartache? Do tell, Father."
"Since when do you give a seconds thought to your sister, Julian?"
"Unlike you, Father, I do have a heart and I do care for poor Sheridan. I wasn't about to stand by and let you do to her what you did to Eve."
"And just where was this heart of yours when you tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to have your sister and her latin-lover blown to smithereens? Or do I have to remind you of your roll in that travesty?"
The reminder caused his stomach to twist. "No, I'm well aware of my actions, Father. I was merely working on your orders."
Alistair chuckled on his end, the cold sound sending a chill down his spine. "Ah, yes. However, I doubt the lovely Dr. Russell would see it that way. How do you think she would react to the news that you nearly killed your own sister and Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?"
The implication made bile rise in the back of Julian's throat. "Is there a reason for your call, Father, or did you merely want to rehash the past?"
"You will fix what you ruined last night, Julian. I don't care how, but you will destroy your sisters marriage to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and rid this family of that half-breed brat. By any means necessary."
"I will do no such thing, Father. I will not hurt Sheridan any more than I already have."
"You will, Julian. Or you will suffer the dire consequences. And you damn well what consequences I mean. Are we clear?"
Julian closed his eyes for a moment, regret running rampant through his veins. He had no choice. "Yes, father, I understand."
******
To be continued...