DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING!

A/N: This is a sequel to my other fic "Everyone Needs a Second Chance." You probably ought to read that one to get a clear understanding of this one. This story's told from the main character's POV. And, as always, reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated.


Hola. It's me again, Luis Lopez.

I've been living with my girlfriend Sasha for about three months. We have a lot in common. Underneath her tough exterior, she's a very sweet person.
My son Gabriel celebrated his fourth birthday a few weeks ago. He's got the best of both worlds: Sasha's charm and my good looks.
To support my family, I got myself an honest job working as a bouncer/bartender/bus boy for C.D.'s Bar and Grill.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

I twirl a section of Sasha's hair around my finger. She's sleeping peacefully next to me. Suddenly, my hand is batted away.

"Lu, I need some sleep," she mumbles, rolling onto her stomach. "I've got a big night coming up."

"All right, baby." I say.

I kiss her cheek, then get out of bed.

Gabe is camped out on the living room rug watching the Looney Tunes DVDs a friend gave him as a birthday gift.

I give him a hug. "Morning, little man."

"Where's Mommy?" asks Gabe.

"Mommy's tired today." I reply.

"I want Frosted Flakes," Gabe says.

I get the cereal out of the cabinet. I pour a bowl for Gabe, a bowl for myself, and a bowl to leave on the nightstand for Sasha. The woman loves sugary cereal so much it's almost as though she's still a little girl. I just love that about her.

0-0-0-0-0-0

It's a beautiful spring night. I'm holding Gabe's hand as we walk through the county fairgrounds. Sasha is a champion barrel-racer, so we're at the local rodeo to watch her compete.

"Ponies!" Gabe squeals, practicially yanking my arm out of the socket.

We get in a line of about a dozen kids who want to ride the ponies in a tiny corral. Sasha gives me her steely gaze, reminding me to keep a good eye on Gabe. I'd never let anything happen to him.
I hoist Gabe onto the pony's back. He giggles, waving his cowboy hat in the air.

After Gabe's pony ride, we walk up to the bleachers. I sit him on my lap. I look at a short woman with flowing caramel-blond hair peeking from under a black Stetson. It's Sasha, wearing my purple plaid flannel shirt. She's leaning on the fence, joking around with some other competitors.

I point her. "There's Mommy, Gabe."

He waves, yelling loudly, "Hi, Mommy!"

Sasha smiles at us, tipping her hat. She climbs aboard her gray Appaloosa named Starburst. The gate opens; Starburst bolts out of the corral. Sasha flawlessly rounds every barrel. I jump to my feet when the buzzer sounds.

"That's my baby!" I holler. "That's my baby!"

She winks once at me.

I used to be a no-account drifter. It feels so good to have a purposeful life.

THE END