~14~
Goodbyes were said—some more reluctant than others—and a peaceful calm descended upon the Lopez-Fitzgerald abode.
Outside, the sky promised snow, and Luis knew the wintry weather would delight his son.
Martin stoked the fire while Paloma arranged pillows and blankets in front of it.
Luis turned from the window when he heard his sister's surprised squeal just in time to see Marty's blond head peeking from the mountainous pile, his smile mischievous and bright.
"Marty!" Paloma held a hand over her racing heart. "You scared me."
Marty giggled at the good-natured tousling his aunt gave his hair.
"Come here," Paloma patted the place beside her, hugging the little boy close as he crawled near.
"Martin," Pilar's muffled voice was heard from the kitchen.
"Help your papa keep an eye on that fire for me," Martin instructed as he departed the room.
"Okay, Grandpa," Marty promised, disengaging himself from Paloma's side and standing watch over the fire as pledged.
"Don't let it go out," Paloma teased, scooting closer and helping Marty add small twigs to the crackling fire. Orange embers glowed in the dim lighting of the living room and the reflections of the flames danced in the boy's lively blue eyes.
Watching the two of them together made Luis's heart swell with affection, but his vigilant nature made him warn, "Don't get too close." His mother's softly exhaled "Dios Mio" behind him had Luis smiling.
"Hot chocolate, mi hijo," Pilar held out the sweet offering as an enticement. "Come," she indicated the sofa. "Sit. And be careful. It's hot," she cautioned as Marty scampered toward her, wrapping greedy little hands around the mug, his earlier tummy ache all but forgotten.
"For you," Martin stood in front of the fire once more, presenting Paloma with her own mug.
"Thank you, Papa," Paloma smiled, bringing the steaming mug to her lips and blowing across it gently.
"Luis," Sheridan appeared before him, a tentative smile on her lips as she held a matching mug out to him. "Hot chocolate?"
Luis looked into her blue eyes so much like their son's and gratefully accepted her gift, and the possibility that Hank may have been right as he felt his pulse quicken at her fleeting touch. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Sheridan murmured, her eyes searching his, wondering at the imperceptible difference in his eyes, his voice, his entire demeanor. "Luis?" she softly entreated.
"Mama!" Marty's excited exclamation dispelled the moment, garnering everyone's attention as they followed his pointed finger to the scene outside.
Luis watched the smile on Sheridan's face grow, traveling all the way to her bright blue eyes, and he was taken by the identical joy in the voices of the two people he held most dear to his heart.
"Look, Luis," Sheridan's hand unconsciously sought out Luis's larger hand and held on. "It's snowing. Isn't it beautiful?"
Luis eyes fell upon their entwined hands, and his voice dropped to a gentle whisper. "Yeah. Yeah, it is."
Marty's a cutie, huh?
And Luis is in total denial.
He should stop torturing himself and Sheridan, don't you think?
Stubborn man.
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